America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2820 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“Everything must be made as simple as possible. But not simpler.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Fig Newton Day! Have you tried these? They’re our favorite!
On this day in history: 1909 – Ernest Shackleton’s expedition finds the magnetic South Pole.
Tip of the day
Getting sick, or worse, while RVing: Precautions to take
By Nanci Dixon
What are some ways to battle illness while on the road? Getting sick is bad enough when cuddled up in a warm bed in a sticks-and-bricks house, but it can be even worse while you’re traveling on the road. We full-timed for almost eight years. We have had our fair share of colds, minor and major surgeries, and a bout of COVID. So, what are some ways to battle getting sick while RVing?
Follow these steps and take these precautions in case of illness or medical issues while RVing
RV review
2026 Rockwood 2619FK Ultra Lite: compact, yet comfortable
By Gail Marsh
If you’re a couple who likes to camp comfortably without hauling a huge rig, the 2026 Rockwood 2619FK Ultra Lite is built with you in mind. This travel trailer is compact enough to tow easily, but it still feels thoughtfully planned out for multi-day trips or long weekends. In my mind, the layout and amenities make it best suited for a single RVer or a couple who like the small size but don’t want to give up any creature comforts. Check it out.
DO YOU FEEL SAFE STAYING OVERNIGHT IN A WAL-MART PARKING LOT? We asked RVtravel.com that very question. See how they responded. We were surprised at the number who reported they do not feel safe.
In the RV shop with Dustin
My RV water heater clicks multiple times but won’t light. Why?
Here is a sample from one of our past Talkin’ RV Tech shows where one of our viewers asked for help diagnosing their Suburban water heater. It’s a common problem: “My water heater clicks multiple times, but won’t light.” Here’s how to diagnose and fix it.
Article and video
16 tips to make driving a motorhome easy for anyone
No doubt the thought of driving a big old Class A motorhome can be intimidating. That’s why the team from Endless RVing produced a video on nine simple tips to make driving a motorhome easy for anyone. Our hosts, MJ and Izzy, say they get a lot of questions about driving a motorhome on their YouTube channel, and they wanted to help put some of those fears and anxieties to rest. Most of the tips will also apply if you are towing an RV. Click here to read and watch.
Fun! The Motor Mixer stirs your beverages
This is so funny! We love it! This little motorized stirrer is pure fun in a mug. Shaped like a tiny vintage outboard motor, it winds up by hand (no batteries!) and gently mixes coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while giving you a grin every time you use it. Check it out.
Featured article
3 RV accessories you just may love
By Gail Marsh
RVers are all about gadgets, right? We often get excited by the simplest ideas because they are so helpful! Check out these three items that I’ve recently come to love. I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!
Ask Dave
My RV water heater will run on LP most of the day then stops. Any ideas why?
Here are Dave’s thoughts on this.
**Be sure to catch Dave’s educational and entertaining seminars at the Ford Towing Bootcamp at the Florida RV SuperShow through January 18.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- Towing gone wild: Extreme towing, stacked rigs, and insane RV setups
- RVs and WD-40: Unusual combinations that work
- Are we becoming non-nomad RVers? Settling into a stationary RV lifestyle
- The Retro 126 Ruby: A small, stylish travel trailer with big features
- A look at the 2026 Lost Pines Hemlock destination trailer—RV or house?
- Are 12-volt refrigerators worth the hype?
- Zion National Park to prohibit large RVs from traveling through park
Reader poll
Do you tend to gain or lose weight when you RV?
Rust and/or corrosion affecting parts of your RV? This will help!
CorrosionX stops rust and corrosion with a unique coating that sticks to metal like a magnet to resist displacement by friction or pressure and lubricates under extreme loads and high temperatures—perfect for RVs. It penetrates fast and deep to break free rusted nuts, bolts and fittings, and is safe on electronics. Learn more or order.
Quick tip
Is your fire extinguisher rechargeable?
There are two types of fire extinguishers common in RVs: Rechargeable and those that are classed as “disposable.” What kind do you have? It makes a difference, as both need to be cared for properly in order to be relied on in times of emergency.
Rechargeable: The head of the extinguisher is metal and has a gauge that reads, “Charge/Recharge”. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires these devices be serviced every six years—or sooner, of course, if the gauge reads “recharge.”
Disposable: Equipped with a plastic head, the gauge of a disposable extinguisher reads “Full/Empty”. While these don’t require service, they should (according to the NFPA) be REPLACED every 12 years. Again, if the gauge reads anything but FULL, the device should be replaced immediately.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Why does converter take 5-10 minutes to begin to provide charge? How to test it
- Article & video: Using Facebook Marketplace to find amazing vintage RVs
- Featured article: Dine with ghosts at this haunted restaurant
Website of the day
Texas Parks & Wildlife: Camping
Howdy! If y’all are headed to Texas soon, check out this website that tells you just about every campsite in the state. Find every site with hookups, no hookups, water-only… You name it. Happy campin’!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This is not just for kids; this is something we adults would have fun with too! In fact, we may have already done this… Check it out, it’s pretty cool!
FINISHED READING THIS NEWSLETTER? Well, good thing there’s a brand-new issue of our Great RV Accessories newsletter hot off the press and ready for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!
Trivia
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House was deliberately built on the U.S.–Canada border. The library’s books and the opera stage are in Canada, while most of the reading room and theater seats are in the U.S.—earning it the nickname “the only U.S. library with no books” and “the only U.S. opera house with no stage.” The building has two entrances and two addresses, one in each country, and leaving through the opposite door requires reporting to customs.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Tango (Great Pyrenees, age 9) is a Gentle Giant. He loves to travel with us. He will be your friend forever if you pet him.” —Gary Lowe
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon and Walmart
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
GOOD DEAL! If you’re a member of Cracker Barrel Rewards™, receive a special treat on your birthday, along with earning Pegs toward free food, drinks and retail savings.
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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The Haskell free library and opera house has had new security restrictions put into place by the US government. I guess us Canadians are not trustworthy enough. Whatever.
Spin it anyway you want, but unfortunately we are not your trusted ally that we once were. It truly saddens me. I wish you all the best, and I will see you in three years.
Sorry~ things have not changed for the good for your southern neighbors and at least 60% of us agree with my statement
Most of the small fire extinguishers, even though they appear to be rechargeable, are not worth time and expense.
They need to be pressure tested and re-certified.
One big problem is how to dispose of them.
You cannot just throw them in the trash.
They need to be emptied and the top removed or bottom cut off.
Or taken to a hazardous waste facility.
I called our local fire dept. and that’s what I was told.
Thank you for the excellent info, Bob. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
CorrosionX is a great product and I used it to prevent rust on nuts, bolts. and screws that may be in occasional contact with moisture. I also use CorrosionX HD, which is a thicker, waxy spray that’s perfect for protecting battery connections, exposed chassis ground connections, or other rust/corrosion prone items exposed to the elements.
Tango is quite beautiful, I could use a dog like him on days when I need some herding of the hubbies for meal times when camping. And he could have all the pets he wanted. Keep on camping.
“Leave Here With a Laugh” – humorous, but it obviously winter, so why isn’t the bear hibernating or did the cyclist disturb him/her?
Bill
I checked with the guys who service and refill fire extinguishers in my area and found it to be cheaper to buy a new one than to refill the older one.