America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2829 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“Don’t try to be young. Just open your mind. Stay interested in stuff. There are so many things I won’t live long enough to find out about, but I’m still curious about them.” —Betty White
Need an excuse to celebrate? It’s National Puzzle Day! (This one is our current favorite.)
On this day in history: 1845 – “The Raven” is published in The Evening Mirror in New York, the first publication with the name of the author, Edgar Allan Poe.
Tip of the day
One simple trick for a happy generator
Today, let’s talk about a simple trick that can make for a happy generator.
Your RV may have a built-in electrical generator. Others buy a generator to take with them to power up in the field. Whether your generator is built-in or portable, both need the same thing: regular exercise. An exercised generator is a happy generator. A happy generator exercise program begins with knowing its power output rating. Continue reading.
Article and video
You won’t believe this Smart Car camper
By Cheri Sicard
Over the last few years of writing this column, I have been amazed at the vehicles that people have turned into campers and RVs. I have learned that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” But perhaps most surprising of all is Lorraine Forster’s Smart Car camper. I have seen some super small camping setups, but I do believe this Smart Car camper takes the cake!
Featured article
The RV crash danger no one talks about
By Chuck Woodbury
“You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit into the wind, you don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger … and you (we) don’t talk about this RV crash danger.” I have exposed myself and my family to this danger many times, knowing full well that a traffic accident could end tragically. Read more and see a video where this danger is documented.
Light up dark campsites with hitch-mounted reverse lights
Amp up your RV’s visibility with this hitch-mount bracket and LED pod setup that gives you bright, rugged backup and reverse lighting for dark campsites, rainy nights, or early-morning hookups. The universal tow-hitch mount makes installation simple, and the hardy aluminum LEDs shine wide and far so you can see—and be seen—when pulling in or backing up on gravel roads. Learn more or order.
BUMPER SNICKER: “We travel so our dog can judge more places.”
Ask Dave
Will a 200W solar panel keep a 230Ah lithium battery charged?
Reader poll
If you get “bad vibes” at an RV park, do you stay or leave?
Quick tip
How to tell a tire’s age
Every tire sold in the United States has a special set of letters and numbers, called the Tire Identification Number (sometimes called the tire’s TIN) on its sidewall. The TIN starts with the letters “DOT.” The last four numbers indicate the week and year when your tire was manufactured: the first two of these numbers stand for the week of manufacture (01 through 52 or 53), and the last two stand for what year your tire was made for any tire made in 2000 or later.
On this day last year…
- RV review: Jayco Eagle HT 230MLCS—Nicely done
- Ask Dave: What size and type generator do I need for my RV?
- Featured article: Why RVers are like kindergarteners
Clear your mirrors in seconds with this simple rain-wiping gadget
Keep your view clear, no matter what the road or weather throws at you. This retractable rearview mirror wiper wipes away rain, mud, or road spray with a simple slide, so you’re not squinting through a streaky mirror on rainy drives or dusty gravel roads. Don’t wait for the mirror defrost to kick in—this is faster! Easy to use and built for travel. Check it out.
Website of the day
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship: Connected Communities Project
As the site explains, “The Connected Communities Project aims to stimulate the economies of rural communities by improving trail access and connectivity and encouraging diverse user types to explore and recreate on public lands by linking 15 mountain towns by trails.”
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:
• 10 percent met their current spouse or partner online.
• 41 percent have had a mechanical problem with their RV’s slideout that required professional repair.
• 18 percent of couples say they get along better in their RV than they do at their traditional home.
Recent poll: Which do you prefer, a daytime temperature of 90 degrees F or 40 degrees F?
Trivia
Coffee was discovered by goats! According to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried them himself and experienced a similar burst of energy. Those berries were coffee beans, and this is how coffee was first discovered. Now you know!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Bailey (Boxer, age 3) loves to camp, especially when he can watch the beautiful view of the river from the couch in the trailer!” —Michele Hammer
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!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This is one of the world’s most popular items and is something that you probably carry daily, but this one is waterproof, which means it’s perfect for RVers!
FREE IS GOOD! Every Thursday at Buffalo Wild Wings, get an order of Boneless Wings free when you buy one order of Boneless Wings. (View terms at that link.)
Leave here with a laugh
A man asks a farmer, “Sorry, sir. Would you mind if I crossed your field instead of going around it? You see, I have to catch the 4:23 train.” The farmer says, “Sure, go right ahead. If my bull sees you, you’ll catch the 4:11 one.”
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.
Our RV days are behind us as my husband deals with health issues.
Once this bad weather breaks a very sweet outdoorsy couple will take ownership of our beloved Pleasure Way. They are close to our hearts and we’re happy to know our RV will continue to bring pleasure and adventures to them. Rvtravel.com has been shared to this fine couple.
What a great plan.
Kudos.
✌️😎
Thank you, Mac. I’m sure you and your husband have many wonderful memories of your RVing days, and now your friends can begin to build wonderful memories, too. Take care. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Bailey looks so comfortable watching the river flow on by.
Backup lights “No falls down”, that SHOCKED me.
Bailey appears to have found the ideal spot to watch the outdoors and be comfortable. Keep on camping. By the way can’t see too much of him but he appears to be gorgeous.
Thank you Mr. Kaldi!