America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2839 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“When you like a flower, you pluck it. But when you love a flower, you water it daily. One who understands this understands life.” —Buddha
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Plum Pudding Day!
On this day in history: 1963 – Construction begins on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
Remember: You don’t need to receive an email alert from us to read our newsletters. Just click any time of day directly to RVtravel.com. The latest issues will be right there for you.
Tip of the day
An RV tech’s 7 tips to diagnose RV furnace vibration
By Andrew Herrick
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, road salting, jeez-it’s-not-even-March-yet?, and RV furnace vibration. If your furnace sounds like a toddler throwing a tantrum inside of a toolbox, it’s time to peek under the proverbial hood. A noisy furnace is calling for help.
You might need a professional RV technician, like me, to fix the problem—or you might not! Many causes of a vibrating or shaking RV furnace can be solved with a little DIY sleuthing and basic hand tools.
Article and video
The most common travel trailer buyer mistakes
In this video, Randi of Randi’s Adventures outlines the most common travel trailer buying mistakes consumers make. If you’re currently on the hunt for a new or used travel trailer, watching the video could save you money and aggravation.
Featured article
Top 8 dog trainer tips for RVing with dogs
Endless RVing’s MJ happens to also be a certified professional dog trainer. Here, she shares her top 8 tips for RVing with dogs. As a professional dog trainer, MJ works with dogs every day. She frequently sees things going on with dogs at campgrounds that she wishes were different. So she produced this video to help make camping and RV trips better and easier for both dogs and owners.
Clear your mirrors in seconds with this simple gadget
Keep your view clear, no matter what the road or weather. This retractable rearview mirror wiper wipes away rain, mud or road spray with a simple slide. Don’t wait for the mirror defrost to kick in—this is faster! Easy to use and built for travel. Check it out.
Ask Dave
Why does RV furnace light on second attempt but not first?
Read Dave’s troubleshooting tips here.
NOW YOU KNOW: The first two counties in what is now Washington state, which were created in 1845 in the then-Oregon Territory, are named Lewis and Clark, after the explorers.
Reader poll
In good weather, do you sleep with your RV’s window(s) open or closed?
Quick tip
Successful RVing explained in 69 words
Wise advice to RVers: Slow down. Buy less RV than you think you need, travel fewer miles than you think you should, and leave wiggle room in your budget and schedule than seems necessary. Successful RVing rewards patience, not speed. Learn your systems, inspect often, fix small problems early, and never rush a drive day. The best RV experiences come from flexibility, not from sticking to a tight plan.
Website of the day
50 Romantic Valentine’s Day Recipes for the Perfect Romantic Meal
Okay, lovebirds. Listen up. Valentine’s Day is just a few meals away, so it’s the perfect time to stock up on ingredients you may need to make that special someone a very special meal!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
The most accurate, most hilarious, card we’ve ever seen. If this doesn’t speak volumes…
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 majority of readers, 53 percent, spend the night in commercial (or membership) RV parks most often.
• The highest percentage of voters, 32 percent, shop at Home Depot more than any other hardware store.
• 68 percent say they don’t care about celebrating their birthday—it’s just another day.
Recent poll: Do you listen to music while you drive?
Trivia
Nearly half (49%) of Americans say they plan to drink less alcohol in 2026, continuing a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2023, just 34% planned to cut back, rising to 41% in 2024 and nearly half in 2025, according to NCSolutions. The shift is being led by younger adults, with Gen Z and Millennials far more likely than older generations to say they’re drinking less, reflecting broader changes tied to health awareness and lifestyle choices.
For Lovers Only
TO: RB
FROM: Schookems
“Happy Valentine’s Day!!!! 2025 was a rough year with my back surgery, but I APPRECIATE all the love and support you gave me. I know it wasn’t easy. I love you very much.”
TO: Jerry
FROM: Kerry
“ILYTIABx2!”
Readers’ pet of the day
“We adopted Chico (Chihuahua, age 12) from the local animal shelter several months after our pug, Phoebe, died. They didn’t know how old he was or what happened to him before. He was so traumatized from his past life that he didn’t bark for two days and he had to be hand fed for awhile. Fortunately, all of that is in the past and he has been the best traveling companion over the last 11 1/2 years. Here he is enjoying the gulf beach at Port Aransas, Texas, during spring break 2025.” —Lisa Balty
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.
FREE IS GOOD! Visit Target for its Valentine’s Day Mix & Match Event. “Discover sweet extras for anyone on your list & enjoy giveaways.” February 14, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. While supplies last.
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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A Chihuahua that didn’t bark for two days, has to be a record!
A Chihuahua that didn’t bark for two days is dead.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
When buying a rv most important is to sit on the toilet! See if you can move your arms and can close the door! Last one we tried my feet were outside of the door next to the kitchen not good.
Funny, I close it before sitting down 🙂
I’m having a great deal of trouble reading the entire post. I keep getting all sorts of various messages and I have to restart from the very beginning, then scroll down to whatever I was reading. This has become an issue since you switched over to a new system, and it seems like it’s getting worse. I even have trouble trying to post comments. .
That used to irritate me too until I learned to copy the link and paste it in DuckDuckGo. That blocks most of the pop up ads.
I haven’t had any problems at all, so it doesn’t appear to be a website problem.
I have to read it in Firefox for that same reason. It blocks the pop up ads.
Quick tip;
Bang on! I do sometimes rush my wife on travel days; oh wait I meant to say on ALL days! lol.
FYI, some of the links are not working. (Today and yesterday). Today’s 7 tips for diagnosing heater vibration does not get there.
my link worked…
It worked for me.
Same here. Even tried opening in a private window.
That 69-word thing is the best advice ever.
A Chihuahua that does not bark is plotting. Seriously. If they are too quiet? Be prepared. I have had Chihuahuas that make sure once in my house? You know who is boss.
Chico is adorable, thank you for rescuing. I’m so glad that he loves camping and he has made it to a loving home. Keep on camping.
Those lights were designed so you can test your fire extinguisher know how.
Thanks MJ! Great advice for introducing my new rescue pup to traveling with me!