America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2865 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is the first day of spring, and we think that deserves a huge celebration! We made it!
On this day in history: 1985 – Libby Riddles becomes the first woman to win the 1,135-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. (Want to learn more about the Iditarod? We recommend this book.)
Tip of the day
Smart ways RVers use suction grab bars in their RVs
You may already keep removable suction-cup grab bars in your RV shower for safety. Suction grab bars are very practical for RVers. They’re portable and no-drill, so you can move them to where you need help, and then easily store them in a cupboard. These handy bars can be used in other helpful ways, too. See for yourself.
RV review
2026 Forest River Ibex 16MRJ—A no-slide, mini camper that doesn’t compromise on space
A lot of small travel trailers feel like a compromise, but the 2026 Forest River Ibex 16MRJ is different. It’s a single-axle, no-slide camper that stays under 20 feet tip-to-tail, but it still squeezes in a true queen bed, real theater-seat recliners, a surprisingly capable kitchen, and a bathroom that outclasses plenty of larger rigs. Check this out—it’s impressive!
PRO TIP: This weekend, take five minutes to check your tire pressure before your next trip. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent a bad day.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Why retaining an RV expert witness is essential to RV legal matters
Retaining an RV expert witness can be essential in legal matters where specialized knowledge about RVs is required. An RV expert witness is typically someone with extensive experience and expertise in various aspects of RVs, including design, construction, maintenance, safety, and industry standards. Continue reading to learn more.
Think there’s no moisture in your RV? Think again!
If you think your RV is dry, you’re probably wrong. DampRid will prove it! DampRid attracts and removes excess moisture, creating fresher, cleaner, mold-free air. Additionally, just one 18-oz. container removes all odors within 300 square feet. Learn more or order.
Article and video
No-move RV water fill secret for tight spots
By Cheri Sicard
After straight weeks off-grid boondocking, dust ends up on everything, water starts running low, and even a basic refill can feel like more work than it should. That’s why this no-move refill method matters; it helps an RVer grab water fast and avoid the messy mistake that turns a quick stop into a problem later. Here, John explains all. To my mind, this tip is rarely needed, but there have been times when it would have come in handy. You probably carry the necessary gear, so it’s good to know and keep in your RV trick bag.
RV TRAVEL READERS’ FAVORITE PRODUCTS for RV repair and maintenance.
Featured article
Don’t stop at “making” memories in an RV
By Nina Soltwedel
Owning an RV means, for many of us, taking extended trips. Many may recall having taken a many-thousand-mile trip in their RV—a trip that took them to far-off places to see vistas they’d not seen before, to meet new people, to discover hidden treasures such as a magnificent vista just around a corner, or a place to camp on the edge of a peaceful lake with just the hoot of an owl. However, did you document that trip so that, years from now, you can open a notebook and relive the trip all over again? Continue reading.
Ask Dave
When sanitizing RV freshwater tank, will chlorine damage the water softener?
**If you’re near Pomona, CA, be sure to see Dave Solberg at the Ford Towing Bootcamp at the California RV Super Show today through Sunday, March 22.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- RV humor: 9 signs you are in a bad RV park
- 2026 Coachmen Remote 14R—A small, off-grid trailer with big rig features
- Buc-ee’s receives ‘F’ rating from Better Business Bureau
- Starlink shuts down cheap internet workaround used by RVers
- RVers say these are the two biggest factors when choosing a campsite
- Unwritten rules for RVers at truck stops
Keep your brain sharp and have a little fun!
Long drives, rainy afternoons, or relaxing at the campsite—these crossword and variety puzzle books are an easy way to unwind, have fun, and keep your mind sharp. These books are packed with great puzzle games and are fun, too!
Reader poll
Do you have a favorite RV trip of all time?
Quick tip
Avoid the cooking “danger zone”
Stay out of the “Danger Zone” by cooking your foods to a safe minimal temperature. And remember, color is never a reliable indicator of safety and doneness.
• Cook raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops and roasts to 145°F. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.
• Cook raw ground beef, pork, lamb and veal to 160°F.
• Cook egg dishes to 160°F.
• Cook fish to 145°F.
• Cook raw poultry to 165°F.
SOURCE: USDA
On this day last year…
- Tip: Why you should always carry painter’s tape in your RV
- Ask Dave: LED lights in RV are too intense. Is there an incandescent bulb adapter?
- Article & video: Before and after: Amazing 1991 Class C transformation
- Featured article: Tire bulge: Is it a defect or was the tire damaged?
Website of the day
All 50 States, Ranked by Their Beauty
If your state isn’t number one, or even number 32, you may have something to say about this list. Just remember, it’s only one person’s opinion. But it’s still fun to see where your state falls on the list.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We were looking for something different but we came across this and love it WAY too much not to share. It’s an RVer’s mantra, isn’t it? Trust us, you’ll love this.
Trivia
The famous cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C., are iconic today, but the original 1910 shipment from Japan had to be destroyed due to disease and pests. It wasn’t until 1912 that a second shipment—more than 3,000 healthy trees—successfully arrived. Today’s massive spring bloom, which draws millions of visitors each year, exists only because of that second attempt.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Chunk and Cookie (Newfoundlands, ages 7 and 4) are great campers. Have been all over the U.S. and some of Canada. They are so good that they leave us about 2-3 more feet of floor space. Walking to the bathroom keeps us limber and helps us practice balancing.” —Pat Lamwers
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
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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Chunk and Cookie look so fluffy and gorgeous. And such good travelers that have been all over the US and Canada. Keep on camping.
We will! Thank you
Chunk and Cookie are so cute with one using the other as a pillow. Newfoundlands are huge dogs. I’m happy for you that you are limber enough to get around them.
She does that a lot. When chunk gets too hot he moves.
To avoid the cooking danger zone, I highly recommend getting a digital food thermometer similar to this one I use. It beeps when the right temperature is reached so that my food is not under cooked and my chicken breasts are not dried out from being over cooked.
#50?????
As a wanderer who landed in Iowa 16 years ago, I wholeheartedly disagree with our “50th” rating. I’ve lived in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Iowa. It’s not just the Mississippi River and fields of dreams – the people are a huge part of what is beautiful.
Ditto to Jack D. Dave from Iowa…
But the article wasn’t about people…..
I have been in all 50 states and found the list of most beautiful states to be totally wrong in my opinion. California should be ranked near the bottom with Florida. Get off the freeways and see the real state and you can find beauty in every state but I think the ranking are very wrong in my opinion.
Apparently you have never been off the road in California. There’s things that politicians can’t ruin. The Pacific coast, the Sierra mountains, the numerous deserts, I can go on and on. No other state has anything close.
TWO newfies in ONE RV? And to think we sometimes gently grumble about moving around inside our small RV with only one golden retriever! 🙂
Never met a newfie I didn’t like!
I have 2 goldens, it’s a little tight at times,but, they love being outdoors
Hopscotch, that’s how we get around to the bathroom at night. But they are so gentle and warm when it is cold outside!
RE: Keeping travel journal
Several years ago I scanned all my photos and saved them to thumb drives. I also have an online journal where I describe my trips and post some photos (Adventures with Miss Daisy). Occasionally, I relive those trips by reading my journals and looking at my photos. It’s so much easier than rummaging through boxes!