America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2864 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“And she said, ‘Don’t hate. Hate is like a poison you make for your enemy that you end up swallowing yourself.’” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Poultry Day! Whether you celebrate the animal or the meat today… we’ll let you decide.
On this day in history: 1918 – The U.S. Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.
Tip of the day
Important safety tips when leaving your RV behind
By Nanci Dixon
If you are leaving the RV for a couple of days in a campground, make sure to take a few precautions. We have left our motorhome at campgrounds due to family emergencies, and, for the most part, everything has been fine. But there are a few things that I have learned to help keep our RV secure and put my mind at ease while away.
Article and video
How to make an easy DIY sink
By Cheri Sicard
While this video was apparently made in Japan, its ingenious DIY sink idea can definitely be used for van/RV life here in the U.S. Van life gets old fast when basic cleanup turns into a hassle. Someone who cooks often in a vehicle needs a simple way to wash hands, rinse produce, and keep dishes from piling up. Check out this brilliant, easy sink idea.
Featured article
RV engineer answers: “Is silicone sealant the worst thing ever for your RV?”
If you like poking bears, stirring up hornets, and awakening sleeping dogs, then you’ll love the question, “Should I use silicone sealant on my RV?” Many RV owners would rather swallow a live June bug than spread silicone caulk over their rigs. “Silicone is the worst possible product you could use,” they warn. “It will peel, and nothing will ever stick to it again!” Should you believe these fireside horror stories of silicone gone awry? Find out here.
Balance for seniors: Easy-to-perform fall prevention exercises
Keep your balance sharp and your independence strong. This easy, step-by-step program shows you simple exercises to improve stability, coordination and confidence. Learn gentle, practical moves to help reduce fall risk and keep moving well. This might save your life!
LEARN SOMETHING NEW: A terrific place on your travels is a library. Search for local or regional magazines—they may provide ideas of things to see and do. The same goes for the local newspaper, which will not only provide clues about local news and events but also about the residents and their culture. Most libraries have a section devoted to regional history. You will learn things about the area that you would never learn otherwise.
“WHY DO I ALWAYS MISS OUT?” That’s what you’ll say if you miss a super-great bargain today only on something you really want! CHECK HERE!
Ask Dave
My windshield wipers never seem to clean. Any tips?
Read Dave’s helpful tips here.
Reader poll
How often do you drink soda/pop?
Quick tip
A tiny thing can make a difference
A tiny rubber washer can stop an annoying water leak at the campground spigot or your own hose connection. Keep several extras handy in your water-hose compartment. They take up virtually no space, yet they can save frustration, prevent wasted water, and keep your campsite from becoming a muddy mess. And they can prevent a “drip, drip, drip” that can drive you crazy!
COFFEE TIME? Well, yes, it’s time to stock up on pods for your Keurig machine! All popular brands.
On this day last year…
- Tip: How I plan, pack, and book for six months on the road
- Ask Dave: Will my RV’s charger be sufficient for new lithium batteries?
- Featured article: Dublin Gulch, California—Cave dwellers of the 20th century
Website of the day
Over The Fire Cooking
Now that it’s spring (tomorrow!) and nice (well, nicer) weather has arrived, we can finally start cooking outside again! Check out this website for tons of recipes and cooking ideas for the campfire.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Okay, waiiiiiiit… these are actually kinda nice. No, they’re really nice! Might be the coolest ones of these we’ve ever seen. Just don’t lose them on the picnic table because you’ll never find them!
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:
• 19 percent do not carry a 30-amp or 50-amp extension cord in their RV.
• 17 percent do not eat breakfast every day.
• 16 percent currently rent a storage unit somewhere.
Recent poll: Has a sewer valve or hose ever broken or malfunctioned while you were dumping?
Trivia
The world’s oldest bottle of wine dates back to around 325 A.D. Discovered in 1867, this ancient bottle was found in a Roman sarcophagus near the town of Speyer in Germany. Known as the Speyer wine bottle or the Römerwein, it is now in the Historical Museum of the Palatinate in Speyer. The bottle still contains liquid, though it’s more of a brownish vinegar due to centuries of oxidation.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Daisy (Daush, Doux, WEENIE DOG!, age 3) is in your face, a smart aleck, and fun!” —Larry Pyle
• If you have a dachshund (wiener dog) or just love them, click here. Funny!!
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!
FREE IS GOOD! Start planning your dream trip to Montana using one of their inspiration guidebooks. So many to choose from! Get them online or by mail.
Leave here with a laugh
Q: When a fly hits a windshield, what’s the last thing that goes through its head?
A: Its butt.
[groan]
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Daisy is just adorable and it seems, quite the sense of humor too. Glad to see you’re having fun while camping, that’s the unwritten rule. Keep on camping.
“Website of the day” is fantastic. We have used and modified his recipes to what we have on hand, and look forward to grilling something interesting next time.
The tip to carry extra garden hose washers is good. I recommend also carrying two silicon O-ring grease containers – one for potable water supply and the other for waste hose gaskets. They are inexpensive and can stop small drip leaks from garden hose connections to sink faucet cartridges.
Many times when I go to use my hoses someone-thing has swiped those washers. I purchase a package with many extras stuck together on one plastic sheet.
Daisy is a real charmer. Thanks for sharing
Another “groaner” for ‘Leave With a Laugh’. What did the bug say after it hit the windshield? “If I had the guts, I’d do it again.”
🤣 Thanks, Bill. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Regarding removing silicone caulking, the article still left me with the question: What is best to use to clean the damn stuff off so I can recaulk? Did I miss something?
I’ve used mineral spirits, followed by denatured alcohol, and that seems to work well, though I’ve read that hexane is actually the solvent of choice. Finding it is another matter.