America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2900 • New issue every weekday
This free edition is made possible by 6% of our readers who support RV Travel with a voluntary subscription. Advertising helps, but that alone is not sufficient.
Today’s thought
“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” —Babe Ruth
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Coconut Cream Pie Day!
On this day in history: 1886 – Pharmacist John Pemberton first sells a carbonated beverage named “Coca-Cola” as a patent medicine.
Tip of the day
#1 tip on how to maximize the life of RV batteries
No matter if you are a new or experienced RVer, you probably have encountered times when it just seemed like your RV battery did not last that long. Josh the RV Nerd at Bish’s RV regularly sees RVers who are changing their batteries every year or two!
If you have had that experience, Josh wants to share why that’s happening and what you can do to avoid it and thereby get a better return on investment from your RV batteries. Continue reading the article, then watch Josh’s video.
RV review
2026 Forest River Cedar Creek Cottage 40CMK—a could-be year-round home
By Gail Marsh
The 2026 Forest River Cedar Creek Cottage 40CMK has a comfortable floor plan with a residential feel. I think this would make a nice destination RV for a single or a couple. Bonus: It has room for an occasional guest, as well. Forest River builds the Cedar Creek Cottage product line with residential intention. You’ll find 3M-bonded sidewalls with a 3-inch wall featuring R11 insulation. Windows are double-paned for buffering weather and noise. Continue reading.
STAY COOL THIS SUMMER: Run your RV’s air conditioner when you otherwise cannot! Learn why our publisher Chuck Woodbury raves about this. (Plus, a special RVtravel.com reader discount!)
In the RV shop with Dustin
How to prevent damage to your RV furniture
Why is my RV furniture cracking, peeling or looking terrible?! Most RV furniture isn’t necessarily known for its durable, long-lasting construction. In fact, it carries quite the reputation for flaking, peeling, and tearing—even after minimal use. My shop sees around 25-35 units a week. It doesn’t matter the year, make or model, most of them have damaged or blemished furniture after time and use. Continue reading.
Article and video
Clever van life upgrade with a cheap toy hauler
After years on the road in her van, Carrie wanted less driving, more room to work, and a real shower. That led her to a used toy hauler that gave her extra space without giving up the van setup she already liked. In this article and video, she shares her story. Very clever, indeed!
Featured article
Life expectancy calculator gives me sobering number: 16.9 years left to live. What to do with that precious time?
By Nanci Dixon
Back in 2021, I wrote an article about using a tape measure as a metaphor for measuring my life. It examines how much time I have spent living and the statistics about how much time is left. Using the Social Security Life Expectancy Calculator, it looks like I have 16.9 years left. That is pretty sobering. What do I do with these precious years?
FUNNY RV THOUGHT: The older an RVer gets, the more exciting weather radar becomes.
Ask Dave
How can I make my RV’s roof air conditioner quieter?
Fresh, flavorful diabetic diet meals for RVers over 60
Eating well on the road doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. This diabetic cookbook for people over 60 is packed with quick, practical recipes designed to support steady blood sugar and boost daily energy, all with simple ingredients. With clear nutrition info and a built-in 4-week meal plan, it takes the guesswork out of healthy cooking so you can focus on feeling good and enjoying the journey. Learn more or order.
You may have missed these recent popular stories…
- 2026 Coachmen Northern Spirit Bijou 18RBB—under 3,000 lbs., no compromises necessary
- Senior RVing: Why I am not giving up RV life at 74
- Truck camper review: 2026 Northern Lite 10-2EX LE—a ‘right-sized’ option
- Reader says you’ve been shopping for gas all wrong, shares money-saving tip
- Fatal New Jersey crash reveals little-known danger behind RVs
- 21 unusual but brilliant uses for Dawn dish soap in your RV
- These items might be illegal when crossing state lines
Reader poll
Are you in your RV right now?
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
We SO want to tell you that this is a silly, stupid invention… but there’s just no way we can deny that they might actually come in handy. Flip through the pictures to see how it works.
Quick tip
RVing and carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a real danger for RVers because it comes from fuel-burning sources common in RVing—generators, engines, heaters and stoves. The gas is colorless and odorless, so you won’t detect it without an alarm. Early symptoms often feel like the flu: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and shortness of breath. In an RV, that can be easy to miss—especially when multiple people feel “off” at the same time. Symptoms can progress to confusion, chest pain, loss of consciousness, and even death. Risk increases when running generators near the RV, idling engines, or using fuel heaters in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. If symptoms appear, get outside to fresh air immediately and call for help.
If you have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure you check and change the batteries. And if you don’t have one, you need one. It could save your life.
Website of the day
The Best Historic Town to Visit in Each State
Love history? Love exploring new and scenic towns? This list from Sherman’s Travel will point you in the direction of the best historic towns in each state across the U.S. Have fun!
Trivia
Bison consumption in the U.S. is minimal compared to beef, with Americans consuming roughly 0.07 lbs. of bison annually, according to the National Bison Association. In contrast, Americans will eat an average of about 55 pounds of beef in that same year.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Zola (Basenji/Lab mix, age 5) is new to camping and loves being outdoors. She’s been on one campout to a local state park and did well, so we plan on doing more with her in the future. This is her thinking she’s a lap dog; she jumped right over the back of the chair and landed right on my lap.” —Lori Richards
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!
DO YOU HAVE A SPOILED DOG? Do they need their own camping chair? (The answer is yes.) This one is quiiiiiiite luxurious.
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.
NOT SIGNED UP TO OUR SUNDAY RV TRAVEL NEWSLETTER?
Trusted by millions for 25 years.
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.
I have to giggle at todays cartoon. As soon as we got to the RV campsite and set up my mother would whip out a bottle of wine and usually cheese and crackers. Sit in a chair and go ah that was fun. That was the set up. Gone now are the days of old and when I get to the RV in 2 weeks by myself with two dogs yup I will be doing the same thing watching everyone else getting set up. So no not yet in the RV for the summer in Maine again.
Zola isn’t going to let someone else steal her camping chair, even if someone is in it. May you have many wonderful adventures together with your “lap dog.”
Zola is gorgeous and it looks like she has camping figured out, especially when it comes to camping chairs. I hope she really enjoys it. Keep on camping.
Bison meat is so good, better than beef. We used to buy half a bison every year from a local that raised them. He sold out so we lost our source. It’s too expensive in stores but we sure did enjoy it. Best roast ever!
Great lap dog!!! At145 ours tries but puts your legs to sleep