America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2854 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“Do you think that I count the days? There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cheese Doodle Day! (Emily says these are the best cheese doodles in the world, by the way.)
On this day in history: 1872 – George Westinghouse patents the air brake.
Tip of the day
Unusual and helpful ways RVers can use old water hoses
By Gail Marsh
I think almost every RVer has at least one old water hose. When we purchased our first (and only) new RV it came with a bucket of free goodies. While several items in the bucket were worthwhile, the water hose was not good. From day one, it kinked, leaked, tangled, and frustrated us every time we RVed. It didn’t take long for us to replace that cheap one, but we were left with a problem: what to do with it. That’s when we came up with these unusual and helpful ways RVers can use old water hoses.
Article and video
Thule Outset foldable hitch tent— a clever rooftop tent alternative
Many camping setups force a trade-off. Bring a trailer and deal with towing, or mount a rooftop tent and give up roof space (and sometimes the ability to quickly drive off). The Thule Outset takes a different route by mounting a foldable tent at the back of the vehicle on a hitch setup, not on the roof, and not as a trailer. That simple change opens up a few practical wins for campground life. This is pretty neat!
RV PHILOSOPHY: Adventure doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it’s just Tuesday in a new zip code.
Featured article
More power, more problems: Life on the road with just 100 watts
By Jeff Clemishaw
I’ve met a lot of people in my travels with massive solar setups—sometimes more than 2,000 watts. Every time I hear these astounding numbers, I can’t help but wonder if that level of solar power is truly necessary. This is the story of how we made our small, 100-watt suitcase-style solar panel work.
The coolest flashlight ever!
This might be advertised to kids, but we want one, too! This has to be the coolest flashlight we’ve ever seen, don’t you agree? You would look mighty cool walking around the campground with this at dusk. Plus, it comes with batteries! If you have young kids or grandkids, they’ll especially love this. Learn more or order.
Ask Dave
What is “puffing”? Is it illegal?
Dave tells you what you need to know.
Reader poll
Do you bring a musical instrument with you on your RV trips?
Quick tip
Shopping for a used RV? Keep repair costs in mind
Two things to keep in mind when allocating money for repairs. If the inside of an RV you’re looking at hasn’t been taken care of, it’s a good bet that the engine, brakes, belts, generator, etc., haven’t been taken care of or serviced regularly either. If the RV has been sitting for a while and has not been driven in a year or more, it will probably need some general (and maybe expensive) service. It could need belts, batteries, tires, brakes, etc. Of course, a camper that has been sitting unused will not need as much work as a motorhome, but more than likely, it will still need some work to make it road-worthy. —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.
TODAY’S DEALS AT AMAZON.COM. Hurry. These deals come and go fast.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: How to hook up a portable satellite feed in RV
- Article & video: Amazing U-Haul RV conversion for under $800
- Featured article: Is the RV industry’s new tactic to “Grind RVers down and wear them out”?
Website of the day
Reddit: RV Living
Have you ever explored Reddit? Well, today might be the day to start! This is the RV Living thread on Reddit, which means all “threads” (essentially mini forums) are RV-related, and we bet you’ll walk away learning something. Reddit is a great place to learn and teach!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
What if we told you that you’d want to drink out of this toilet bowl? Would you believe us? Heck, we’d drink out of this toilet bowl! See for yourself and you won’t think we’re so crazy!
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:
• 37 percent have a dash cam on their RV or tow vehicle.
• 19 percent buy their clothes based on price, not on quality. Only 10 percent buy their clothes based on quality, not price, and the remaining 71 percent say both are equally important when buying clothes.
• 81 percent enjoy visiting offbeat roadside attractions.
Recent poll: What type of RV do you own?
Trivia
The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield. She owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, a very popular restaurant that featured home cooking in the 1930s. Her cookbook, Toll House Tried and True Recipes, was first published in 1936 by M. Barrows & Company, New York. The Toll House Inn burned down in 1984, but a sign and plaque mark the site where the inn once stood.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Max (Beagle, age 14) loves to hang out with his pack camping.” —Robyn Rasset
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.
GOOD DEAL! Seniors 65+ get a 10% discount off a meal at Taco Bell when requested. Check the location to verify it participates in this promotion.
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.
Max is one handsome boy. Beagles are great travelers spreading happiness where ever they go. My two love the travels. Keep the wheels rolling and enjoy all your times together.
Max- you are one fine looking RV’er! I hope you and your people keep rolling to new adventures and memories. Don
Max is a cutie, Beagles are awesome dogs. I had one as a kid. Of course my brothers claimed him to hunt with, but he was awesome. Keep on camping.
I used a “Battery Tender” to keep the battery charged on my Aliner, but the Renogy suitcase kept the battery well charged. I regret I never mounted panels on the peak of my Aliner. Propane powered the refrigerator and the range, and the Fantastic fan kept the popup comfortable.
While I just plug into AC when available, I also have a 10w solar battery maintainer that will keep the battery charged (just start with a charged battery – the panel has been the only charger for several months at a time).
Leave here with a laugh: That’s a good one. 😄