America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2826 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” —C.S. Lewis
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Spouses Day! And if you don’t have a spouse, maybe you can celebrate National Bubble Wrap Day instead?
On this day in history—100 years ago today: 1926 – The first demonstration of the television by John Logie Baird.
Tip of the day
Electric power: Learn to read the meter at your campsite
Spend any amount of time at all in a commercial RV park and you’re apt to get a power bill. Since power is expensive anywhere, it’s a bitter pill for RVers when they’re likely to be presented with a bill for rates higher than the locals pay. We’ve all heard the “cost of reading the meter,” “administrative overhead,” and “Huh?” excuses.
How do you know if you’re actually being billed for what you’ve used? In many parks, old-style clock-type electric meters are used, and many folks just don’t have a clue as to how to “read” them. Digital meters are a lot easier, but not nearly as common. Continue reading.
More tips from this weekend:
- What it was like using ChatGPT to plan my RV trip. Did it work?
- Key things to consider if you’re thinking about downsizing your RV
- How to pay the lowest price for a product on Amazon
- How performing a simple 90-day seal check helps with warranty claims
RV review
New manufacturer debuts fiberglass travel trailer — Goodbye, leaks
At the 2026 Florida RV SuperShow, Isaac from Where RV Going? walked through a brand-new trailer from a first-time manufacturer, Awaken RV. The MorningStar is a 23 ft. 11 in. travel trailer with a full fiberglass body and a bright, modern interior that doesn’t feel like a white box. For shoppers tired of leaks, rot, and wall issues, this one is meant to change the conversation. Check it out.
ADMIT IT: You’ve driven 20 miles for ice cream and called it “exploring”, right? (We have.)
Never let your coffee (or any hot drink) get cold again!
Cold coffee happens fast in an RV—this mug warmer fixes that. Keep your mug on it and it’ll never get cold! With three temperature settings, a large heating surface, and auto shut-off for safety, it keeps your coffee or tea warm while you read, work, or watch the view outside your window. Compact, spill-resistant, and easy to stash when it’s time to roll, it’s a small comfort RVers will use every single day. Plus, we love the wood design on this one. Learn more or order.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Be careful how you wash your rubber RV roof
A few months ago, we had a customer schedule an appointment for their 2015 Grand Design Solitude 305RE to have a roof coating completed. Upon inspection, we found that the roof membrane was sticky and tacky—we could rub the membrane with our finger and the membrane would simply wipe away… Continue reading.
Article and video
Paint your RV hitch for easy hitch-ups
This very short video from our favorite RV gearhead, Joshua from RV Gear & Far, has a brilliant little tip for hitching up your travel trailer or fifth wheel: Paint your RV hitch. When you paint your RV hitch, it allows you to see it easier in your backup camera or in the shadows of your nose cap, thereby allowing you to correctly line things up the first time, instead of going back and forth and approximating things. Learn more here.
The latest news for RVers
- Buc-ee’s to open its biggest location ever, and it’s not in Texas
- Ford’s first big 2026 recall targets older vehicles, not trucks
- Arizona considers removing daytime speed limits on select highways
- State fuel taxes inch higher in 2026
- Do some RV brands really hold their value better—or is it more complicated?
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Important 30-amp outlet voltage reminder
By Mike Sokol
Dear Readers,
It seems like the number of emails I get about licensed electricians accidentally wiring 30-amp RV outlets for 2-pole 240 volts instead of 1-pole 120 volts is rapidly accelerating. Some of this is likely because RV owners want to use their RV trailer at home for an “outside” office or visitor’s bedroom. In any event, installing a dedicated 30- or 50-amp pedestal outlet on your house is a great idea. Just make sure your electrician wires it correctly.
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.
Ask Dave
How to clean the electrical connection from travel trailer to tow vehicle
Reader poll
Did you buy your RV on impulse or plan ahead?
Quick tip
Generator in your truck bed?
Want to really alienate your neighbors? Mount a “contractor grade” generator in your pickup bed and run it. Truck beds are to generators like amplifiers are to guitars. If you really need to run your generator in your truck bed, consider adding an automotive-type exhaust system to the generator. Also, isolate the generator physically from the bed by using thick rubber matting under the generator-to-truck-bed contact points.
Website of the day
From Covered Wagon to Winnebago: The Evolution of the RV
This article from Cheapism walks you through the history of the RV. It’s easy to read and fascinating!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We already love this (seriously, it’s one of our favorites!), but we like this version even more. It’s like it was made for campers or something…
Trivia
The iconic Coca-Cola bottle is shaped to look like a cocoa pod. Even though the drink doesn’t have anything to do with cocoa pods, the bottle designers were fascinated by the symmetry, curves and ribs on the pods and used them as inspiration.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Sky and Whiskey (Long Hair Dachshunds) have been with us since the very beginning. 9 years of travel to every state and most of Canada. They love sitting in the window and watching everything!” —Dan Stovall
Help, Help, Help! We’re running very low on pet photos! Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos, and please do not submit your pet more than once. Thanks!
• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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In the article “in the RV shop with Dustin” he missed the real reason for the roof issue. The statement that it was not a manufacture defect is incorrect. We have the same RV and had the same problem. We never used chemicals in the cleaning process. Took it to Grand Design and they informed me it WAS a manufacturing defect and they replace the roof for me.
I love RV’s. Had them for over 50 years. What don’t I like? Anything but an aluminum roof. The manufacturers are just being cheap. Ask anyone if they would spend another grand on their 25-100,000 dollar RV if it had an aluminum roof. You know the answer.
1988 Winnebago with the best Aluminum roof! No problems in a zillion years. My only worry is out in the sticks watching the Shooting Stars, and having one bonk onto my roof.
Sky & Whiskey are gorgeous…but…how do you tell them apart?
Reference your article last week on the Flag being stolen in Roseville, CA. I understand the flag has been recovered but Police are being closed mouth on who had it and where it was recovered.
Thanks, Richard. Our updated story is scheduled to publish in about an hour. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Sky and Whiskey are beautiful and definitely well traveled. Keep on camping. So glad you have such great camping companions.
My web shield blocks your McDonald ad that continues to run all through your newsletter….any comments on why?
Sky & Whiskey are very cute! I just hope one of them doesn’t get out at night and you end up walking your neighborhood yelling, “Whiskey… Whiskey… Whiskey”. Your neighbors might think you have a drinking problem. Or, you might get a free drink.
🤣That’s funny, Matt. Thanks! Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Sky is actually named after Skyy vodka!
As to UNO Wilderness Card Game ? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ? when I click on the link and go to Amazon.ca it shows the cost to be $55.85. A little pricey for a deck of cards but wait. Shipping is free.
Good morning, Impavid. Down here it is only $14.98. I wonder why such a huge difference.🤔 Have a great day! Stay warm and safe.🤗 –Diane
Tariffs?
To assist in connecting to my trailer, I drilled and tapped a 3/8″hole in the Al tongue lock and fastened a spring loaded fiberglass snow wand to it. I take it out when needed.
You don’t need to paint your hitch, I use bright yellow happy face stickers, 2 to 2.5 inches across. Just stick it on the front of the hitch. They are very visible, no paint required, and I replaceo them if needed