America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2846 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“Be kind, have a sense of humor, fall in love, enjoy strawberries.” —Alan Turing
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Banana Bread Day! Here’s Emily’s favorite banana bread recipe. It’s goooood.
On this day in history: 1927 – U.S. President Calvin Coolidge signs a bill by Congress establishing the Federal Radio Commission (later replaced by the Federal Communications Commission), which was to regulate the use of radio frequencies in the United States.
Tip of the day
Military campgrounds offer a great opportunity for many RVers
U.S. military campgrounds can be an awesome option for those who qualify. In the video below, Steve Turtle explains what these campgrounds are, who can use them, and how to find them. Military campgrounds (MWRs: Morale, Welfare and Recreation) are secure and close to all the post’s amenities. So, who can stay at U.S. military campgrounds and RV parks? Continue reading.
More tips from this weekend:
- A reminder to perform these basic RV maintenances often overlooked
- Do this when you discover an RV rain leak
RV review
2026 Grand Design Imagine XLS 25RLE: A light, practical, and thoughtful build
The 2026 Grand Design Imagine XLS 25RLE is aimed at solo travelers or couples who prioritize low tow weight and simple living space. This travel trailer is compact enough for weekend runs and long road trips without sacrificing the basics. It features a single slide that opens the interior for a very comfortable feel. Check it out and see what you think.
Tiny, portable air purifier is RV-sized
If your RV ever smells a little too much like last night’s dinner or the campground fire pit, this compact air purifier is a quiet hero. It uses a true HEPA filter to trap dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and odors, runs whisper-quiet in sleep mode, and is small enough for an RV, car, or bedside table. It’s an easy way to keep the air fresh and breathable wherever you park. Check it out.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Cool Tools: The AWBLIN Automotive Test Light
Dave Solberg and I [Dustin] used to meet for a weekly livestream called “Talkin’ RV Tech.” We not only answered technical questions, but we also shared what we like to call “cool tools.” These are tools and gadgets that we actually use! We also believe they will be helpful to you. This clip shares one of our favorite tools, the AWBLIN Automotive Test Light.
Tanner Toons
with Tanner Woods
Article and video
How to clean a Blackstone griddle
By Gail Marsh
Our Blackstone griddle has seen a lot! From the Rocky Mountains to the Florida shores, we’ve cooked countless breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on our trusty Blackstone. The bad news? Our favorite cooktop has accumulated some rust. The good news? Blackstone provides a straightforward fix, designed to get your flat-top back to work without guesswork.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: You think you’re organized. Then travel day proves you wrong.
The latest news for RVers
- Camp hosted before? You may already qualify for a Forest Service job
- Michigan lawmakers consider lifting campground stay limits amid housing shortage
- Campspot names top 10 campgrounds for 2026
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: Lippert is having a good year; and y’all are happy RVers
- Nation’s largest hands-on motorhome training event opens to all coaches in 2026
To read more recent news, click here.
Fix roof leaks and extend your RV roof another 18-20 years with the ONLY liquid butyl rubber in the world
RV Roof Magic’s unique solvent-based drying process allows for a chemical bond not found in other RV sealants. That is why it never needs a primer and only one coat. We offer a 10-year warranty. Apply RV Roof Magic to all roofs except silicone and PVC. Over 30 years of history of success. Visit our site for our monthly special!
Featured article
Why are tire ply rating and load range different?
Tire expert Roger Marble received a message from a reader regarding his confusion on a tire’s “load range,” “load capacity,” and “ply rating.” In this post, Roger explains the differences.
Ask Dave
No power from RV house battery. Could it be bad battery disconnect switch?
Read Dave’s troubleshooting tips here.
Reader poll
Would you rather park next to barking dogs or noisy children?
Quick tip
Help with floor vents
Jon G. responded to a previous tip that suggested putting tape over floor registers to keep undesirable objects out. “We have been adding screen material to our vents. We cut the screen material larger than the hole, screw down the vent and then trim away the access. It keeps out the things toddlers try to put down, mice, and larger dirt particles. If the screen gets torn or dirty, we replace it.” Thanks, Jon!
Website of the day
Pinterest: Unusual RVs
Only click on the link if you have some time to spare because you’re going to want to be exploring this unusual RV Pinterest page for a loooong time.
Monday Motivation
“Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become it. Do it enough until you actually become it and internalize it. The tiny tweaks can lead to big changes.” —From Amy Cuddy’s TED talk, Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
If you’re not into this kind of stuff, you’re not going to like this. But if you ARE into this kind of stuff, you’re going to LOVE this! (We LOVE it!) Check it out and see.
Trivia
Metal lunch boxes were the ultimate school accessory of the 1950s with sturdy construction and colorful designs featuring cowboys, astronauts or TV heroes. Aladdin Industries popularized the trend in 1950 with a Hopalong Cassidy lunch box, producing 600,000 units that year at $2.39 each. Thermos soon followed with a Roy Rogers lunch box. An industry was born—120 million lunch boxes were sold between 1950 and 1970. Most came with a matching Thermos.
Readers’ pet of the day
“This is our 9.5-year-old house hippo, Loki (Pit Bull)! He’s been traveling full-time with us for just over two years and loves nothing more than being chased by waves on the beach, curling up beside his daddies for cuddles, or exploring new campgrounds.” —Tim & Jamie Buckley
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!
Leave here with a laugh
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Tim and Jamie, I love your bully! More and more people are discovering that they are the best pets. We rescued one last year and are looking for another to be his friend. They are nothing but pure love. Enjoy your adventures together
I agree that pit bulls can make very sweet pets. Depends on their breeding and socialization. In my experience, pit bulls as a whole (not individually) even when they love people, are less tolerant of other dogs. As our dog is a golden retriever with a ‘everybody is a friend until proven otherwise’ attitude (and he hides behind me if proven otherwise), I will remain cautious around pit bulls. Don’t take it personally.
The potential issue with owning and traveling with breeds such as the pit bull is the possibility that they are not allowed in a particular RV park. I’ve been in several parks that restrict “problem” breeds. Good luck in you travels and stay well everyone.
Not only Pitbulls. Akita’s, Doberman’s, Rottweiler’s, Malamute’s, Husky’s and even German Shepherd’s plus few other are also on the list in a lot of places.
We had a friend that had a female Pit and she was one of the the gentlest dogs I’ve known.
There are also a lot of small breed lapdogs that are very protective and aggressive.
My parents had a Chihuahua that would attack strangers in a second.
Tim and Jamie, I love the look on Loki’s face. He is looking at you with loving eyes anticipating your next command. I cracked up at the definition “house hippo.” May you have many more wonderful travels.
“House Hippo”…. LOL, So funny. 🤣
I think it’s more likely he’s anticipating his next treat, but thanks for the kind words! He’s definitely a loved (if slightly spoiled) member of the family! ❤️
O do I remember those lunch boxes very well. Every year I would beg for a new one but sometimes I ended up with the same one. Wish I kept one of them. They are worth money now. They still make them but not like back in the day. Memories.
Regarding “Help with floor vents” I bought these screens from Amazon a couple years ago and they work great!
https://amzn.to/3OyswL4
Hi Jim: I just bought new floor vents which I can close during the off season. I also put a note on the thermostat indicating that all must be open if using the furnace. Much easier to clean than the duct work!
Thanks Jim. Took a little looking and found some that fit our 2×10 vents. Ordering tonight.
I have driven all night a time or two because of barking dogs and undisciplined children. Neither belongs in a campground unless someone has control over them, especially after bedtime, but they often don’t.
Loki is a happy RV Family Doggie!🥰🐶
Loki is just gorgeous, I’m so glad he loves being chased by waves. He looks like a real cuddle bug. Keep on camping.
I always wanted a lunch box when I was in grade school. Never got one. It was always brown paper bags for me. At age 79, maybe I’ll ask for one next Christmas!
Loki is an awesome dog. pit bulls are the best!
I had a lot of those metal lunch boxes growing up in the 70s. My father worked at the Ohio Art Company where many were made. What memories!