America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2827 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“Maybe some people are just meant to be in the same story.” ―
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.
On this day in history: 1880 – Thomas Edison receives a patent for his incandescent lamp.
Tip of the day
12 ways to support your favorite campground
Do you have a favorite campground? Maybe it’s a state or national park. Or maybe it’s an RV park close to home that your family visits as often as possible. No matter what kind of campground (government-owned, franchised camp, church camp, or privately owned), you can make a positive difference. You can help ensure that your favorite park will survive to be appreciated years from now. Here are 12 ways you can support your favorite campground…
Article and video
Senior creates amazing RV van build in Nissan NV2500
In this video, the team from CheapRVLiving introduces us to Wilford and his incredible RV van build in his 2021 Nissan NV2500 van. Prepare to be amazed at what a DIY RV can be! This is an amazing accomplishment.
Are trees really exploding from the cold temperatures in the U.S.?
We tell you here if it’s real or if the videos you’re seeing are AI. Take a guess…
Cold, snowy, and icy? No problem!
Stock up on some snow melt and have it on hand when you need it. It’s only January (sorry to remind you). Kind Melt is the snow and ice melt we recommend because it’s safe for the environment and your furry friends. It works in seconds to melt snow and ice on driveways, sidewalks, roads, campsites… You get the point. There are many other safe brands, too.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: The best conversations happen under an awning.
Featured article
17 useful ways to use Velcro inside and outside your RV
By Gail Marsh
It all began with a walk in the park. Well, sort of… Back in the 1940s, a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral was hunting in Switzerland’s Jura Mountains. It didn’t take long for George to notice that both he and his dog were covered with cockleburs. Continue reading George’s Velcro-invention story, and then see all you can use it for around your RV.
For Lovers Only
Calling all romantics!
Is there a special someone in your life you’d like to surprise with a message of love from you on the world’s largest RV information website? It could be your wife, husband, partner, child, or a very special friend. We’ll publish your entries in our newsletters throughout February. Have fun with this! It’s even more fun if you use a special nickname, so someone special instantly knows it’s meant for them. Click here to submit your Valentine.
Ask Dave
My trailer hitch does not release easily. Can I use grease to lubricate it?
Reader poll
Have you ever been unable to leave a campground on time due to a mechanical issue?
HEALTH TIP: Cardiologists at the Duke University School of Medicine say cutting out about 300 calories a day can reduce your heart disease risk. The modest reduction was linked with lower blood pressure, reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Researchers said benefits may stem from calorie restriction itself, not just weight loss.
Quick tip
Grease your step?
“Two or three times a year, put a few drops of oil on the friction points on both sides of your RV’s step to keep it operating smoothly. Be careful not to get oil on the nonskid material on the step(s).” —From Bill’s Hints
Sore butt? Not anymore!
Admit it: When you stand up from a long stretch of driving, you “ugh” or “sigh” or “groan” and make a comment about your butt or your back, right? We know. Us, too. Crafted with premium high-density memory foam, this cushion contours to your body and holds its shape. It provides ergonomic support while reducing pressure on your hips, tailbone, and lower back. Thank us later! Find it here.
On this day last year…
- RV review: Vida Refuge 2120—capable Canadian cutie
- Ask Dave: Is one 300 Ah lithium or three 100 Ah batteries better? What size converter?
- Video: Is the 10-year rule finally changing?
- Featured article: Rhyolite, Nevada—An easy ghost town for RVers to visit
Website of the day
The 10 Best Websites to Play Free Jigsaw Puzzles Online
As RVers, we don’t have a lot of free space to do large puzzles. That’s where online puzzles come in handy! This list shows you the best websites to do free puzzles online.
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:
• The highest percentage of our readers, 27 percent, have a Bachelor’s Degree and an additional 19 percent have a Master’s degree. 5 percent have a PhD.
• 54 percent have never gone through a divorce.
• 15 percent consider themselves to be “an excellent cook.”
Recent poll: Do you share photos/updates of your RV trips on social media?
Trivia
The term “loophole” used to refer to what? Castle architecture. Loopholes, also called arrow slits, were narrow windows carved out of castle walls that allowed defenders to shoot attackers.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Ever done something that you probably shouldn’t have done? Well, that’s probably everyone reading this right now… But maybe you won’t get in trouble if you have this.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Shimmer, age 7, is the only one of our three cats who enjoys camping with us. Here she is in her idea of primitive camping on a fall trip to Kentucky Lake.” —John Lucke
HELP! WE’RE VERY, VERY LOW ON PET PHOTOS! Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
FREE IS GOOD! Free 2026 Iowa Travel Guide. So much to see and do, plus assistance planning your trip.
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
Shimmer is beautiful and appears to know how to get comfortable while camping. Keep on camping.
The quick tip is a good reminder but there is more to step maintenance than it suggests. Many RVs use Kwikee motorized steps that according to the label on the step, require lubrication every 30 days. I use the recommended product that goes on as a penetrant and “drys” to a grease. There are more than a dozen points that benefit from its application.
Manual steps are much more forgiving and require less maintenance.
One area where Fluid Film or Corrosion X works very well. Plus, they inhibit rust formation.
I lube all movable parts of my steps with T-10 as often as needed. More times they are used (retracted) the more often I lube them. I also have a small scissor jack that I place under the bottom step leaving about a 1/2 inch. I’m not a big guy, but I do have some friends that are and when they step on that bottom step, the jack keeps the steps from reacting to my fluffy friends. Coach is now 13 years old and the steps work like new.
My wife uses one of the foam cushions. Learned the hard way (literally) to bring it inside the trailer at night. Otherwise on cool mornings that cushion is about as comfortable as sitting on a patio block.
That’s one reason why memory foam is not ideal for seat pads. The other is that it compresses too much once it gets warm, providing little support. Pads like the Relaxo Bak work better for promoting good posture and reducing pain while driving.
Great picture of Shimmer enjoying primitive camping. Thanks for sharing
On today’s Readers’ Poll, the third choice should have been, “No, not yet.“
Ditto!
First and Last day of camping, Both times backpacking, first with friends in 1972 out for twelve days, second time with Venturing crew at Philmont Scout Ranch.