America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2852 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“The greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they’re loved and capable of loving.” —Fred “Mister” Rogers
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Pancake Day. (More on that below!)
On this day in history: 1891 – Shoshone National Forest is established as the first national forest in the U.S. and world.
Tip of the day
Water pump noises could mean leaks in your RV’s water system
RV water pumps can be aurally disturbing. The little motor that fires up when you open a tap or flush the toilet can make plenty of noise. But when there’s no “demand” for water, your RV water pump should be the soul of quietude. Water pump noises when there’s no demand for water could mean you have a water system leak. That’s a real issue, not only from wasting water, but because leaks can quickly do serious damage to your rig. Continue reading.
Article and video
7 tips for camping with a cat
By Cheri Sicard
In this article and video, we join Ashley, aka The Tennessee Wanderer, for some handy tips about camping with a cat. Ashley and her cat, Rupert, (and a dog too) travel in a tiny restored fiberglass U-Haul trailer. If she can make camping with a cat work in that tiny space, I think anyone can.
HA HA… Why don’t RVers ever get lost? (Answer below.)
Featured article
Medicare coverage tips for RVers
By Gail Marsh
As a retired RVer, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing the right healthcare coverage—specifically Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage). If you plan to travel out of your home state in the coming year, it’s essential to carefully review and consider your many options. Here are some Medicare Part C tips for RVers like you and me.
An easy way to open all medicine bottles
This easy-grip medicine bottle opener is a simple daily helper for RVing seniors and caregivers. Designed for weak hands or arthritis, it adds extra leverage, includes a non-slip mat for one-handed use, and even has a built-in magnifier with LED light to read tiny labels. Small enough for the RV medicine cabinet, it makes managing prescriptions on the road a whole lot easier and less frustrating. Learn more or order.
Ask Dave
“Is Winnebago going out of business?” Who can you trust?
Reader poll
Do you like being near the campground bathhouse or far from it?
RV PARTS & ACCESSORIES. You need it? Amazon has it.
Quick tip
Basic RV buying advice
When you set out to buy an RV, never buy the first one you like, at least right away. Take your time. Do plenty of research. Just because it’s pretty doesn’t mean it’s good—or good for you. Never buy a rig without thinking about a salesman’s offer overnight. And for tall people, never buy an RV without stepping into the shower to make sure you fit while standing straight up. And for everyone, never buy an RV without sitting on the toilet and making sure the bathroom door will close. In rare instances it may not. Never assume that all RV designers are geniuses. (Understatement?)
Website of the day
The Best Delis Across America
Okay, sandwich lovers! This list from Cheapism was practically written for you! Warning: You will get hungry!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
It “vants” to suck your… well, you’ll see. We’re embarrassed to admit we own this (see, we fall for our own ads all the time!) and have given it as a gift many times. It’s just THAT cool and it really does work well!
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:
• 44 percent of dog owners say they would pay up to 20 percent more for a fenced campsite where their dog could run free.
• When asked what bonus amenity they’d like to see at a campground, the highest percentage of voters said they’d like a restaurant at the campground. After a restaurant came a fishing lake with free boat usage, and after that was a dog park.
• 71 percent of readers would choose more space between campsites over good, reliable WiFi.
HA HA… Because even when they miss the turn, they call it “taking the scenic route.” (Sound familiar?)
Trivia
Over the last 50 years, the marriage rate in the U.S. has dropped by nearly 60%. What’s happening: Taxes and some other legal structures still give an advantage to married couples, but the formal benefits of marriage are diminishing, said Andrew Cherlin, a sociologist at Johns Hopkins. And the societal pressure to marry has eroded dramatically.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Murphy (German Shorthair Pointer mix, age 3.5) is a rescue and my exploration companion. Here he is visiting Murphys, California, in Fall ’25.” —Terry Cuyler
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! 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.
FREE IS GOOD! Get a free short stack of pancakes at all IHOP locations today. Offer is valid for dine-in guests only, and no other purchase is required.
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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The seasonal site I stay at in Maine does have a restaurant and now that I think about it I am craving a few items from there. Yes I do appreciate having a restaurant on site. Their food is really good if you ask me. As for a fenced in yard? I do it myself and they do have a dog run. So yes it is a great idea they had.
Bonus amenity to me might be to offer affordable daily E-Bike rentals to putter on the trails, around the park and to nearby local attractions. Geofenced of course…..
That would be nice, However there is a liability issue.
Thinking there are liability waiver forms for that.
The pic of Murphy in front of the Murphys, CA sign is wonderful.
I thought the answer to Why don’t RVers ever get lost? was it’s hard to get lost when you’re in a bed! 😂
Dave’s question and answer in today’s issue was one of the best I have seen lately. He is absolutely correct, who do you believe in today’s era of AI experts and mis-information.
A campground with a restaurant or even a snack shack is a plus. After a long day on the road, it’s nice to be able to grab something to eat.
We stayed at one in South Carolina that had pizza, burgers and salads. PLUS, a wine and beer bar.
It was crowded every evening.
Murphy is just gorgeous and thank you for rescuing. He looks like a well traveled dog ready to take on the next adventure head on. Keep on camping. Adopt don’t shop.
RVs with a kitchen in them want a restaurant when they stop????
Trivia update: And divorces are expensive!