America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2824 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Polka Dot Day!
On this day in history: 1947 – KTLA, the first commercial television station west of the Mississippi River, begins operation in Hollywood.
Tip of the day
How to adjust trailer brake controllers
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
A regular RVtravel.com reader sent in this question: “I have a question about brake controllers and travel trailers. How do you adjust them? How do you know if they are too tight or not adjusted correctly?” These are great questions, and we can offer some suggestions.
THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT US?
Tell other RVers about us! If you love us and our newsletters, chances are other RVers will too! You could tell your campsite neighbors how great we are, you could post a newsletter or story you enjoyed on your Facebook, you could write us a love letter on the campground bulletin board… You get the picture. Spread the word—help us out! THANK YOU! (We’d never say no to a donation, either…😉)
Article and video
How to make the best steak ever in a cast iron skillet
Did you know you can make a steakhouse-quality steak at home or in your RV using your cast iron skillet? In this video, Ryan Maya, of the Ryan Maya Cooks YouTube channel, is here to show us how to make the best steak ever using this simple kitchen tool.
Featured article
The case for owning a king-sized RV
By Mike Sherman
A debate on RV size is almost a waste of time. It’s a question that’s been debated for years. Everyone has an opinion. Go BIG? Go small? Have you ever wondered when you’re parked next to a huge RV that you may never see the occupants unless they have a dog to walk? For many, that large RV is all they’ve got. Here’s my case for king-sized RVs.
Never run out of propane again with this simple phone-connected tank gauge
Running out of propane in the middle of a trip is the worst. This wireless tank gauge helps make sure it doesn’t happen. It magnetically attaches to your propane tank, connects to a free app, and lets you check fuel levels right from your phone, with alerts before things run low. Easy to install, accurate, and built for travel, it’s a stress-saving tool RVers love for keeping furnaces, fridges, grills, and hot water running without surprises. Learn more or order.
Ask Dave
How do I winterize RV’s lithium batteries?
Reader poll
How often do you use a swear word when talking?
Quick tip
Help prevent battery corrosion
George B. has a suggestion for keeping battery corrosion at bay: “Most side post batteries these days are quite good at eliminating corrosion buildup, unlike the top post type. If you are having issues with corrosion, which weakens the electrical conductivity, clean the posts then coat the entire post and clamp with grease. Axle grease works great. Bacon grease not so much. This will keep the air away from the posts and components and prevent corrosion buildup.” We’ll add that many swear by dielectric grease from an auto parts store or Amazon. Far less attractive to mice looking for breakfast than bacon grease.
On this day last year…
- RV review: Ember RV E-Series SPARK 19ETS—fabulously flexible
- Ask Dave: Should I upgrade RV house battery system to 48-volt for boondocking?
- Article & video: How to make hibachi fried rice on your griddle
- Featured article: The history of the diesel engine and why it’s “better” than gas
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Forget gifts of jewels and power tools and new smart devices and new games… This is all everyone ever wants! Seriously!
Website of the day
10 Fantastic U.S. Zoos With Free Admission
Lions and tigers and bears, oh, my! No, really! You can see all of them and many more at these free zoos across the country.
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 28 percent believe that reservations should be required to enter National Parks every day of the week, and another 28 percent believe reservations should be required but only on weekends.
• 43 percent have a sibling or siblings that they never speak to.
• 39 percent own an ATV or another off-road vehicle.
Recent poll: What was the nightly cost of the last RV park or campground where you stayed?
Trivia
If you had to guess what mammal had a fingerprint closest (almost identical) to a human’s fingerprint, what would you guess? Probably a gorilla or a chimpanzee, right? Nope! A koala bear has fingerprints almost identical to those of a human. In fact, even when studied with modern forensic tools, they’re extremely hard to tell apart!
Readers’ pets of the day
“Sadie and Lulu (Blue Heeler and Mini Sheltie, ages 10 and 8) love to RV. Say ‘camping,’ and the Heeler starts whining!!!!”
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
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Stop RV Repair Bills from Ruining Your 2026 Travels
Say goodbye to rising RV repair costs when you protect your RV and your travel budget with Wholesale Warranties this new year. With 20+ years of experience, personalized coverage options, and 5-star customer support, we help RVers stay on the road. Save on costly repairs, enjoy flexible coverage including mobile mechanics, and travel worry-free all year long. Get your FREE personalized RV warranty quote today and enjoy peace of mind for every mile.
FREE IS GOOD! Free South Dakota Vacation Guide for 2026. Several information packets to choose from. By mail or online.
Leave here with a laugh
Sylvester Stallone says he wants to make a movie about classical music. He says, “I’ll play Beethoven.” Jean-Claude Van Damme says, “Okay, I’ll be Mozart.” Arnold Schwarzenegger is asked to be in the film and he says, “I’ll be Bach.”
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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This newsletter’s recycled article on a case for big RVs (I replied a year ago), brings to mind a fact some people may not realize. Even the biggest RV has less than 400 square feet of ‘living space’. Hit that magic number and it is no longer a “Recreation Vehicle”.
We learned this during shopping for an RV tiny home to replace our stationary 3-slide traditional RV trailer. Our current park allows RV tiny homes. We like the park community but have grown weary with the on-going maintenance efforts & HVAC cost. ‘Living space’ does not include attached porches or lofts with less than 5′ high ceilings. Nor does it include those dropdown outdoor patios on say the toy haulers.
A question from yesterday.Is anyone having problems navigating the daily newsletter with an iPhone? I used to be able to click on a topic and go right back to the newsletter without starting over. I also have the issue of how slow it is to move on to the next article. This only occurs with rvtravel.com. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, in advance. Miles
Are you clicking the X or the < to get back. Clicking the < will take you back to the articles. The X will take you back out and then you have to go back in.
I have to reboot my iPhone after reading this newsletter because it slows to a stop. I think from all the video ads loading fills my old phones memory. This is the only site where this happens
Those 2 dogs must be great pals. I envy you sharing your days with them!
Sadie and Lulu are just gorgeous and look so comfortable. I’m sure they are great camping companions. Keep on camping.
One big reason battery terminals corrode is they are not clean and tight. Remove the clamp and use a terminal brush to polish the battery post and the inside of the clamp, and tighten firmly.
There are special battery terminal greases out there. They are specifically formulated to help stop corrosion.
And DO NOT put anything on the battery posts or inside the terminal.
These greases are dielectric, which means they do not conduct electricity.
Sadie and Lulu are sooooo absolutely precious and sweet! Thank you for sharing!🥰🐶
DW is scared there’s someone else that like the laugh of the day
I am guilty of “groaning” with you. I knew it was coming but still laughed.