America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2870 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” —T.S. Elliot
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Paella Day!
On this day in history: 1794 – The United States Government establishes a permanent navy and authorizes the building of six frigates.
Tip of the day
The best magnetic gadgets for your RV
By Gail Marsh
Stick ‘em up! No, this isn’t a robbery tutorial. Instead, here are several great RV tips that use magnets to make life on the road easier.
A couple of years ago, I wrote about magnets in a previous article. Since that time, I’ve collected even more tips for these popular RV helpers.
I like to use magnets because it often eliminates the need for nails or screws. Magnets are easily repositioned and are inexpensive and lightweight, as well. Continue reading for these great tips and gadgets.
RV review
The nüCamp 2026 Haven 220 travel trailer—Big-ticket comfort
The nüCamp 2026 Haven 220 travel trailer looks like a clear step up for couples who want more room than a teardrop without jumping to a huge trailer. Shown at the 2026 Florida RV SuperShow, it mixes nüCamp’s usual fit and finish with big-ticket comfort features, including roof solar, standard lithium, a walk-around queen bed, and a true dry bath. Check it out and take a tour.
MAKE YOUR “OLD” RV FEEL LUXURIOUS AGAIN! One simple change can make all the difference. And if you haven’t replaced the one in your RV in a while, this will make you feel like you’re living in luxury! No, really, this is dangerously luxurious…
In the RV shop with Dustin
FlexArmor roofs—RV expert’s concerns
While we don’t install FlexArmor on RVs at our repair shop, we do see them from time to time. Check out the video below for an inspection of a FlexArmor roof in the shop. There are certainly some benefits to this upgrade, but as an RV repair shop owner and former technician, I do have some concerns regarding the application.
Article and video
How to build an RV pad on a sloped lot
“A level RV is a happy RV,” set the tone for this project, and Lauren and Sam of A Little Bit Unhitched took that seriously. At their home base in South Carolina, the lot had too much slope, gravel kept getting tracked into the trailer, and parking on grass for long stretches brought extra wear on the tires and gave insects an easier path inside. So they built a level gravel parking pad themselves, and they did it for far less than the price of hiring it out. Here’s how they did it, and what you should know.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: Some people worry about safety when it comes to RV living—but think about it. In a space that small, you’d likely know right away if something wasn’t right. Meanwhile, homes get broken into all the time without anyone noticing until morning. An RV? Not exactly a burglar’s first choice—especially when they don’t know who (or what) might be inside.
Featured article
Around the Campfire: The meanings and origins of many fun camping idioms
By Gail Marsh
A recent weekend brought several families to the campground. Folks of all ages joined us around the campfire. After brief introductions were made, a young child asked an RVer this question: “Can I see ‘your neck of the woods’?” The RVer had mentioned this phrase during the conversation. The little boy thought it meant a tattoo! A lively conversation followed—all about camping idioms or folk-isms—their meanings and origins. Learn about them here.
Ask Dave
Lug nuts on trailer seize up. Lubricate them or use anti-seize?
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- We asked RVers to rate Buc-ee’s. Here’s how they responded
- Check out the amazing, rare 1963 Del Rey Sky Lounge truck camper… and it’s for sale!
- Road-ready gadgets that make RV life easier, especially for seniors
- 2026 Forest River Ibex 16MRJ—A no-slide, mini camper that doesn’t compromise on space
- Five more fantastic tips from RVers
- These are RVtravel.com readers’ favorite municipal campgrounds in the U.S.
- Full-time RVing: What’s the best state to register your RV?
The best window shade for your RV’s door
Block the light without blocking your view. This RV door window shade gives you full blackout when you want it—but, unlike most shades, it folds up so you can enjoy the scenery when you want, too. Easy to install in minutes with no drilling, it helps keep your rig cooler, adds privacy, and lets you switch from “sleep mode” to “view mode” instantly. A simple, smart upgrade for better comfort on the road. Check it out.
Reader poll
Have you ever seen a ghost?
Quick tip
Don’t pass the gas—valve!
Loyal reader Jeff considers a critical safety factor in RVing is traveling with the LP gas valves closed. To help him remember, he’s had a special “red flag” tag designed, which he hangs in his rig’s electrical power center. Thanks, Jeff!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Tips to brighten up your RV’s bathroom
- Ask Dave: Follow-up on RV rodent problem with unique fix
- Article & video: 9 ways to prevent travel trailer theft
- Featured article: Bucket List Destinations: An RVer’s experience at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Website of the day
festivalnet®: Find Festivals In the USA & Canada 2026-2027
This website is great! Click on your state, or a state you’re headed to, and you’ll see all the fairs and festivals coming up. You’ll find so many fun things to do.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Ladies, you’re just a girl who loves… what? We bet it’s this. No, we know it’s this. We are this girl! *Raises hand* Yes, men, don’t worry. You love this too, but you can’t have it!
Trivia
The first commercially successful bottled water in the United States was called “Hunyadi Janos” and was introduced in 1869. This Hungarian mineral water gained popularity for its purported health benefits and was sold in distinctive green glass bottles. The success of Hunyadi Janos helped pave the way for the bottled water industry that we see today.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Ursa (Staffy mix, age 5), the leader of our pack, took to camping easily and loves to be involved in everything. This was taken during our third trip. She was helping us play Uno!” —Gretchen Lange
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!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Leave here with a laugh

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We ordered the fire blankets for the house and motorhome. Thanks for the info.
In the article titled “Lug nuts on trailer seize up. Lubricate them or use anti-seize?” the question is asked “What is the best jack to raise a trailer?” I bought the Tall Boy that was featured some time ago in RV Travel. It is the best jack I have ever used, no additional blocks required to increase the height of the jack. Well worth the money!
https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-gear-power-mountain-tallboy-jack-2800/
Like many RV trailers, the control panel and the thermostat are near the entry door in our RV. Solar gain makes the furnace cut off too soon and the A/C to run too long. We 1st thought it was a bad thermostat. We now make sure the window in our entry door is covered with the window shade in this newsletter edition when the sun is starting to reach that side.
I saw a Youtube video on Chinese hybrid Class 3 RVs. They appear to be technologically advanced, quite well made and some even off-road rugged. Actual arrival in the US is not expected for another year or two, but introductory demos are being provided for RV shows. Prices are expected to be significantly lower. Can we get an article or two on this?
Regarding “Don’t pass the gas—valve!”, the controversy continues. I’d like to see a poll on who does and who does not travel with their propane on.
I only turned mine off when I winterized it.
RVs made by Chinese??????
What could possibly go wrong?
We already deal with the many failures of imported China components. The Chinese fortune cookie says “Wong”
RVs made in Indiana? What could possibly go wrong?
Ursa sounds like the perfect traveling companion. Who wouldn’t love a card playing dog! Thanks for sharing
Ursa is a real team player! Happy travels with your happy pup!