America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2850 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“And that’s the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Polar Bear Day!
On this day in history: 1964 – The government of Italy asks for help to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from toppling over. (Guess it worked!)
Tip of the day
Flexible holding tank repair material easy to apply—and it works!
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Like many RVers, we suffered through holding tank leaks on a variety of RVs. One memorable occasion, when parked on a slanted post office parking lot, we found the top of our holding tank leaked. Our BLACK water holding tank. Embarrassing, to say the least; difficult to fix, an understatement.
We’ve tried all sorts of tank repair nostrums, to a variety of results, usually disappointing. Those that have worked (for our black tank disaster) were complicated and posed major safety issues. Others often just peeled off or didn’t hold. We’ve now tried a new flexible holding tank repair, and we’re really jazzed about it.
RV review
New-for-2026 Brinkley Model I 280: Compact luxury—yup
By Gail Marsh
Compact and luxurious? Seems like an oxymoron to me. However, if you’re looking for a new travel trailer, the brand-new 2026 Model I 280 from Brinkley RV deserves consideration. This Brinkley is best suited for couples who want residential comfort on the road and a roomy living area. This RV offers residential comforts (king bed, large pantry, theater seating) and has full-time-friendly features. Check it out. What do you think?
The magnetic flashlight that finds what your fingers and eyes can’t
Drop a screw or another small metal item in the gravel at your campsite? This extendable magnetic flashlight has your back. With bright LEDs, a flexible neck, and a telescoping magnet that reaches into tight spots, it grabs lost bolts, washers, and tools without crawling under the rig. Tough, compact, and perfect for RV repairs, roadside fixes, and late-night campground tinkering—you’ll be glad you packed it. Learn more or order.
In the RV shop with Dustin
How an RV furnace works and what we look at to diagnose issues
When you bring your RV into our repair shop, or any repair shop, here’s an example of things we are testing during a bench test and some of the components we’re looking at for RV furnace issues: checking current, voltage, resistance, DC and AC power, circuit board, relay, blower motor, sail switch, high limit switch, gas valve, igniter, flame sensor. Continue reading.
Article and video
Why RV water pressure regulators are essential
Here, the team from Sharing the Journey discusses an important topic that many newbie RVers (and some experienced ones, too) might be unaware of: the importance of RV water pressure regulators. Are RV water pressure regulators necessary? As one of the commenters on this video says, you won’t know until it’s too late. They are good, cheap insurance to have. Learn more here (and make sure you have one!).
Bumper snicker
Featured article
You’ve got to see this vintage trailer-turned-houseboat
By Paul Lacitinola
Bill and Laura McKee have always been drawn to the excitement of water skiing and boating, spending countless hours on the lakes of Northern California and Oregon. Their love for adventure took a unique turn in 2016 when they embarked on a journey to build a houseboat. However, they added a twist…
Ask Dave
RV’s propane supply lines have air. Is there a leak?
Read Dave’s troubleshooting tips.
Pocket microscope fun to see every tiny detail
This pocket microscope turns any RV stop into a mini science adventure. With 60x–120x magnification and built-in LED light, you can examine leaves, rocks, bugs, fabrics—anything you’re curious about—right at the picnic table. Small enough to toss in a drawer and fun for kids and curious adults alike, it’s an easy way to explore the little wonders hiding in plain sight.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- First look at the brand-new 2026 24′ Casita Discovery LC—finally, a larger Casita
- Simple RV gadgets that solve annoying camping problems
- Battle Born Battery failures leave RVer facing huge warranty issues
- RV damaged during service, dealer won’t pay. What if this happened to you?
- Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram issue ‘Do Not Drive’ recall—again
- Campspot names top 10 campgrounds for 2026
Reader poll
Sorry, folks, we’re having issues with our polling software right now. We’re working on it!
Quick tip
Shoe rack storage hack
Take a hanging closet shoe rack (similar to the one shown), cut it along each row, wire it with a heavy cord (thick string, bungee, you name it), and hang it around the bottom perimeter of your bed frame. This will work for other clothing organization, art supplies, toiletries, etc., too.
CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL PARKS? Thanks to Forbright® Bank, all donations to the National Park Foundation will be matched up to $100,000 to have 3X the impact on our national parks! The match offer is good until midnight on February 27 (tonight!).
On this day last year…
- Tip: An RVing must: Follow RV dump station etiquette
- Ask Dave: When sanitizing RV freshwater tank, will chlorine damage the water softener?
- Featured article: Reduce size and weight of RV laundry detergent by 95 percent!
Website of the day
Martha Stewart: Rescue & Revamp
This section of the Martha Stewart website is so much fun. It gives you tons (and tons and tons!) of ideas to revamp and revive everyday items. If you like to DIY, you’ll love this!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Use this on your next walk around the campground and watch everyone fly out of their RVs! You could scare a lot of people with this. It’d surely make you howl and snort with laughter! Oh, this is really fun…
Trivia
Oklahoma City has been hit by a staggering 100 tornadoes; the earliest recorded tornado there was in 1893. The most-hit city count can change based on how city limits are defined, but when considering a 20-mile radius around a city of 100,000 or more, Oklahoma City is in the lead, followed by Huntsville, Ala.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Reggie (Border Terrier/Pug mix, age 13) has been to 49 states and 7 Canadian provinces. He likes to keep track of where we’re going!” —Julie Custer
HELP! WE’RE RUNNING LOW ON PET PHOTOS! Please send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos and please do not submit your pet more than once. Thanks!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE… Make sure you read yesterday’s brand-new Great RV Accessories newsletter. It’s loaded with gadgets we think you’ll love.
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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Reggie is so cute and I’m glad he keeps track of where you’re headed because heaven knows where you might end up if he doesn’t. He’s a well traveled dog that’s for sure. Keep on camping.
I noticed the snow has been piling up on the Class C on the opening page all week.
Funny.
Tried to take your poll today, but it said I could not. I’m a yearly donator. Problem?
Keep up the great work.
Oh. I read your newsletter EVERY DAY!
Thanks for letting us know, Little John! We’re working to correct the issue. Have a great day! 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com