America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2841 • New issue every weekday
If you find this newsletter helpful, please consider supporting our staff’s work producing it 260 days of the year with a donation of your choice.
Remember: You don’t need to receive an email alert from us to read our newsletters. Just click any time of day directly to www.RVtravel.com. The latest issues will be right there for you.
Today’s thought
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Presidents Day!
On this day in history: 1968 – In Haleyville, Alabama, the first 9-1-1 emergency telephone system goes into service.
Tip of the day
Hey, RVers! Do you know about these microwave tricks?
RV microwave ovens are more versatile than you might think! Beyond reheating leftovers, your trusty microwave can be a game-changer in your RV kitchen.
No matter where you roam, these practical tips will help you make the most out of your RV microwave oven. Let’s dive into some surprising ways to simplify meal prep, save time and money, and whip up delicious goodies in minutes.
Even more tips from this past weekend:
- The most important points to consider when buying an RV lot
- Even more easy DIY RV tips from smart RVers, part two
- When it’s not OK to use cruise control
- The six critical photos you need to keep on your phone
RV review
2026 Transcend One 131DL—Grand Design’s smallest and lightest RV
Grand Design’s 2026 Transcend One 131DL is tiny by travel trailer standards, and that’s the point. Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV calls it the smallest thing Grand Design has ever made. This trailer tries to shrink a 20-foot camper’s “basic comforts” into a 15-foot 10-inch long box. That means easier parking, easier towing, and a lower price point. It also means fewer big features and less built-in storage. Some of you will love it, others may not. See what you think.
Sewer fitting grip help! Gadget to the rescue!
If you find the bayonet mounts for your sewer hose connections are getting a bit hard to twist off and on (hate to say it, but it sometimes comes with age), here’s a tool that might help. An adjustable oil filter wrench, made to get a grip around automotive oil filters, can also provide a handy grip and plenty of leverage on the bayonet fitting of your sewer hose, and the termination cap as well. Here’s one we recommend.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Small components, big RV safety role: Checking your RV axle dust caps
Embarking on an RV adventure involves more than just hitting the open road. Ensuring that your RV is in top condition is crucial for a safe and trouble-free journey. One often-overlooked but critical aspect is checking the axle dust caps. These small components play a big role in protecting your RV’s wheel bearings, and their loss during travel can lead to potential damage. Continue reading.
Article and video
Tips for solo RVers to feel safe while RVing
From our friends in Canada at Snowbirds & RV Travelers Magazine comes a video filled with useful tips for solo RVers. Yes, many things about RVing are different when you are doing it alone. For one thing, there is twice the work! The video highlights Jennifer, who travels alone in her RV. Jennifer loves the nomadic lifestyle and the freedom it offers. However, she says the most common questions she gets are about safety and security. So this video was produced to help other solo RVers feel safe and secure.
The latest news for RVers
- Nevada boondocking area reopens after long closure from camper abuse
- A leadership change at Tiffin raises questions for luxury RV buyers
- Truck weigh station changes could benefit RVers
- Survey finds most RV owners happy with build quality
- Quartzsite’s secret weapon? It’s affordable, unconventional, and proud of it
To read more recent news, click here.
Featured article
Why you need an electric bike
By Dave Helgeson
Electric bike (aka e-bike) sales have soared over the last few years due to their rise in popularity. Undoubtedly you have seen RVers cruising around the campground this past summer. Here’s why they’re so popular and what makes them so great.
Ask Dave
As I get older, RV toilet has gotten ‘shorter.’ What are options for quality tall toilet?
Reinforce your RV’s screen door in seconds
Give your RV screen door a little extra love. This lightweight aluminum grab bar reinforces and protects your door, helps prevent everyday damage, and adds a comfortable, secure grip. Fully pre-assembled and adjustable to fit most RVs, it installs fast and makes every in-and-out smoother and safer. Learn more or order.
Reader poll
Do you shower/bathe every day?
Quick tip
Cut food costs when “cooking in”
Don’t waste food by putting leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days and then tossing them out. Food is one of the biggest expenses in your budget so it offers one of the best opportunities to save money. One of the best ways is to not waste food by throwing it out. Plan most meals by looking at your leftovers and how they might be used to make a meal.
By all means, don’t just put leftovers in the back of the refrigerator and forget about them. RV refrigerators are small and it doesn’t take many half-empty bowls to fill the space. Look at it this way: the more leftovers you eat, the more money left in your budget to dine out. From — Secrets of RVing on Social Security: How to Enjoy the Motorhome and RV Lifestyle While Living on Your Social Security Income. Available on Amazon.
Website of the day
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2026
Travel + Leisure has released their list of the best, most trending places to travel this year. Are any of your destinations on the list?
New! Monday Motivation
“Life will knock you down. That’s a guarantee. Nobody goes through life without getting hit, disappointed, or hurt. But it’s not about what happens to you — it’s about how you respond. When you get knocked down, you have a choice: you can stay there, or you can get back up. And if you can look up, you can get up. It’s not over when you lose. It’s over when you quit.” —Les Brown
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
In honor of someone we loved and lost recently, we think this should be a part of your Monday night plans. Or save it for this weekend. It’s a favorite.
Trivia
Presidents Day is still officially called Washington’s Birthday, and Congress never renamed it. Even funnier: George Washington’s actual birthday is February 22, and Presidents Day never falls on that date—it’s always the third Monday in February.
So we celebrate Washington… on the wrong day, under the wrong name. Riiiiight…
Readers’ pet of the day
“We adopted Zander (Maltese/Chihuahua, age 7) from a rescue this past October after his previous owner passed away. He took his first ride in our motorhome a week later as we headed south for winter. He has been traveling well and loves getting out to explore the campgrounds we have stayed in.” —Kristine Steiner
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.
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.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.
If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!).
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
You must also change your password every 3 days.
Why?
Some businesses require a frequent password change. I worked at a place where we had to do that every month or we couldn’t log in. So frustrating.
Why every three days?
He’s joking.
Same reason you have to have a drop of Unicorn’s blood.
You change your password every three months because……. Just – because.
Part of the Leave Here With a Laugh post.
He’s joking. The Laugh of the Day was satirizing the absurdity of password creation policies and Tom contributed with one of his own.
I guess some people have a hard time understanding the “Laugh of the Day”. Jeez.
New rules just came out, all passwords must be upside down and sideways. Per the internet swamy
Why? 😄
and we don’t tell you that. We tell you “your password is wrong” so you type it in again a time or two before we lock you out.
I changed all my passwords to “Incorrect.” When I forget one, a message pops up telling what it s.
The microwave tips link did not work for me.
just remember to use the popcorn button!
My microwave is broken. I put a potato in and pushed the pizza button and it still came out potato.
🤣 Thanks, Jim. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Hasn’t worked for me the last several days
For the last week, every day there is a link or two that don’t work.
It works for me. It seems like everyday someone complains about a link not working, but it always works for me. I don’t know what’s going on. Maybe intermittent server problems?
Have you changed your password ?
Seems like every day, the TIP OF THE DAY article link is broken. I get the Well, this is embarrassing…message.
Zander is a trooper! So glad you adopted him. Lucky guy!
Today’s tip didn’t open for me. I got the “Well, this is embarrassing…” message. It happens quite often. I do notice that my browser, duck duck go is blocking 6 trackers when it tries to open.
1st and foremost thank you for rescuing! Zander is a beautiful or should I say a dapper pooch. I am so glad he enjoys traveling and camping so much. Keep on camping. And Always Adopt don’t shop!
Love the rvtravel newsletter…so many great tips and ideas. However, the amount of pop up ads and loss of connection is making me reconsider my subscription. I dislike in the middle of reading an article or video, having the connection lost and/or popup ads:(
We are hopeful that the issues above will be looked into…
Get Duck Duck Go or Firefox – with Ad Blocker. No more ads!
Couldn’t comment on. E-bike site. Guess it got tired of everyone hating them. I have had 3 different friends who have broken bone from riding them. As an avid hiker have had too many close calls to count with them. If you want a bike ..pedal one. If not don’t become a hazard to the rest of us.
I ride a regular bike and I to hate the all electric so called bikes. the pedal assist is another story as it just helps you and does nothing when you stop peddling. What I find with people buying an all electric is they have more than likely have not been on a bike in many years and have no concept of bike etiquette as there has been several times I have been run off the road by people of all ages. The sign that is shown in the article about no motorized vehicles allowed applies to all type of motors gas or electric period!
My password needed 8 characters. I used “Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Huey, Daffy, Yosemite Sam, Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Gyro Gearloose”. Only oldies like me will remember Gyro. He was my favorite. The inventor, a cartoon character, an anthropomorphic chicken, created for Disney comics in 1952 by Carl Barks.
Unable to get the microwave tips today. Notice this is getting to be a daily thing on some links. Using Firefox on Windows 11 laptop.
The “featured article” is a reprint from over a year ago. Featured retread of an ad for e-bikes.
More Electric Bike accidents are injuring seniors, as a simple fall can lead to life affecting results! If you think you are 20 years old still, you won’t if if have an Electric Bike accidents are injuring! Get a 3 wheel one if you really have to!
Quick tip on leftovers. It is difficult to cook for just two. So we often deliberately cook for four and have another meal. We either have microwaved leftovers the next day or freeze them. Still, with limited space, we have grown used to having leftovers ‘soon’ after the 1st meal.
That’s what we do, too. We call them Second Blessings. I seldom cook for just one meal. Saves time and energy.
I love leftovers! So nice to just heat up a meal rather than cook the entire thing from scratch.
Passwords are really getting crazy. I have to pue them into memory to remember them all!
“The Laugh of the Day is these Comments”
😂😂😂
Trivia is incorrect. Abraham Lincolns birthday is 12 February and Washington’s birthday is 22 February. They used to be celebrated individually every year until congress combined them into 1 holiday. The 3rd Monday in February. In-between the 2 birthday’s.