America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2898 • New issue every weekday
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Today’s thought
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” —Jackie Robinson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is International No Diet Day. So go ahead, order a double cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake.
On this day in history: 1915 – Babe Ruth, then a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, hits his first major league home run.
Tip of the day
How do I tell my partner that RVing isn’t for me?
By Gail Marsh
Jodi came to the campfire alone. Her husband was watching baseball back in their RV, but Jodi needed to vent. She also wanted advice. Here’s what she told those of us gathered around the fire:
“I like having my own bed, shower, and my own things no matter where we go. But I can’t figure out if RVing is really my thing. My husband is content to sit around for days at a time just looking at the woods or the water. We could have done that at home! Well, before we sold it, that is. We’re new to RVing and have been on the road for six months. I’m tired of cooking in the Barbie-size kitchen and digging to find shoes in our overstuffed closet. I’ve given full-time RVing a good try, but I’m not sure I like this lifestyle!” Continue reading.
RV review
2025 Scamp fiberglass travel trailers—tow-friendly comfort
Small campers often ask for a compromise, but Scamp’s 2025 lineup doesn’t feel that way. At the Northwest Sports Show in Minneapolis, Dayton from Scamp Trailers walked through the company’s small fiberglass campers and explained why they still have such a loyal following. The big draw is because of their low weight, lots of layout choices, and a design that has barely needed changing because it still works. Learn all about them here.
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: The phrase “quick stop” means something very different when you’re traveling with an RV.
Don’t forget a Mother’s Day card! We love this one!
This Mother’s Day card might be our favorite. It says, “Here’s to the moms who follow their dreams and inspire us to do the same.” We love that! And it’s camping-themed—even better! Find it here.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Upgrade your entry door window with Lippert’s Thin Shade
Let’s face it, RV entry door windows can be a point of contention when you’re on the road. Too much sun, not enough privacy, and unreliable snap-on panels can put a damper on anybody’s day at the campsite. Not with the Lippert Thin Shade!
Article and video
Avoiding common RV show mistakes that will cost you money
An RV show can feel like the fastest way to find the right rig. Buyers can walk through dozens of models in a single day, compare layouts side by side, and hear plenty of sales talk. That mix of choice, noise, and pressure leads many people into expensive RV show mistakes. RV shows are great for learning, but they are not always the best place to buy.
Featured article
Why you should not tailgate. Oh, dear!
Have you noticed that a lot of drivers tailgate the vehicle ahead of them these days? You might wonder how they can be even remotely comfortable traveling right on the tail of the motorist ahead of them. Well, here’s a good reminder of what can happen when you are so close to the driver ahead that if he or she suddenly stops, you’re in a heap of trouble—there is simply no time to hit your own brakes to avoid slamming into the stopped car. Watch this dramatic video.
Ask Dave
Update on Audi with bad fuel; additive recommendation from RVtravel.com reader
Reader poll
Generally, would you rather camp by the ocean or in the mountains?
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Quick tip
The 11 most common causes of RV accidents
According to the website Fifth Wheel Street, the 11 most common causes of RV accidents are:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Speeding
- High winds
- Overtired drivers
- Overloading the RV with too much weight
- Runaway trailers
- Rollover caused by the higher center of gravity
- Poorly calculated turns
- Miscalculated stopping distances (heavy vehicles require longer stopping distances)
- Poorly balanced loads
- Failing to see another vehicle in the lane beside the RV due to a blind spot
On this day last year…
- Tip: Real RVers share real good tips
- Ask Dave: Dealer told me RV’s solar panels could run almost everything. Is that true?
- Article & video: Budget European travel in a camper van
- Featured article: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: An RV destination and campground for animal lovers
Website of the day
The Most Iconic Food in All 50 States
There you have it! This list from the Food Network is pretty spot on (in our opinion). Visiting a new state? See what you just have to try!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
What if you could chew your favorite drink? Well, now you can! Nope, not lying. We’re serious!
Trivia
Dalton, Georgia, with more than 150 carpet manufacturing plants, is often referred to as the “Carpet Capital of the World”. More than 90% of the functional carpet produced in the world today is made within 65 miles of the city.
Readers’ pet of the day
“We rescued Willow (she rescued us), a short-haired Border Collie, age 7. She is the love of our lives. Very loyal and sweet. She is a very smart little girl and knows it.” —Donna and Michael W.
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 Staff
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The new Lippert shade. It looks like you can’t close it from the inside, as the screen door blocks access
True, but it’s easy to just open the door, separate the screen door from the door. Open or close the shade and then you are fine. It looks good, keeps the heat and light out when needed or allows you to look out when you want.
OK, but it’s a lot easier to have a shade on the screen door, which is what’s in our rig. It works when the outer door is open, too.
You can replace the top section of your screen door screen with one that has a zippered opening.
Ours broke within the first year – plastic attachments on the frame break so entire replacement needed. And, you have to open the doors, step out and down the steps, close the screen door, climb back up and adjust the shade, climb down, open the screen door, climb back in. Gee wiz! Yes a screen door with a top half that opens separately to reach the shade would solve the problem but then the shade is going to break anyway…
Willow looks so regal in that picture. I agree that our rescue dogs rescue us while we think we rescue them. May you have many wonderful travels together.
Tailgating is highly dangerous. Human reaction at high speeds is not fast enough. Our adaptive cruise controls, in all vehicles, really does the trick on following too close.
Now, to make a “you are too close” warning system for the joy of the tailgaters.
With real time and location video recording. Sounds like a Raspberry Pi project.
My wife’s new car has adaptive cruise . The first time it engaged, I thought something went wrong with the car. BTW, it senses your speed and slows down accordingly to keep a safe distance.
Only problem is, when it it slows you down, it gives another vehicle an opening to get in front of you so then it kicks in again.
As far as the “too close” warning, it would be nice to the brake lights start to flash if you are going at or above the speed limit.
One other thing car makers should do is to add dash and rear facing cameras that record as standard equipment. They have them as a safety item for backing up.
My dash cam records speed, time, direction and GPS location.
Actually Dalton is called “the tufted textile capital of the world “
Willow is a cutie for sure and I always heard they are very smart dogs. Thanks you for rescuing, as always adopt don’t shop. I am sure you are making so many great memories and having so much fun with her. Keep on camping.
Dogs have a way of saving their owners in many ways. Good job Willow
My fear is I tow at sixty, some of the RV rigs blow past me at seventy to eighty. Imagine getting rear ended or side swiped by another RV, or seeing their wreck down the road.
Have used the shade for 3 years. Friction for keeping it open failed in the first year and it continually vibrated to 2/3 closed. Put thin door magnets on it and it’s good