America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2901 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Eat What You Want Day! Say no more!
On this day in history: 868 – A copy of the Diamond Sūtra is published, the earliest dated and printed book known.
Tip of the day
Cleaning RV air vents: A simple, important task to breathe easy
By Gail Marsh
I don’t know about you, but I rarely look up when I’m inside our RV. That changed a few days ago. I happened to be contemplating very deep thoughts (read: relaxing) on the sofa when I noticed the intake air vent above me. Hmm… it looked dusty. Really dusty! “Is there a way to clean that?” I wondered. Because the vent was too high to reach, I went back to the bathroom where I could easily reach the vent. Wow! This one was dusty, too! Continue reading. (And then clean your vents!)
More tips from this weekend:
- On a roll: RV tires can do more than you think!
- 5 annual RV maintenance projects you should do once a year
- Navigating diverging diamond interchanges in your RV
THE MORE YOU KNOW… Saturday is the peak day for banana sales in grocery stores, with about 150% more bananas purchased on this day compared to typical weekdays.
RV review
Sprinter vs. Transit Van vs. Promaster: Which van is best for RVing?
More RV shoppers are moving away from big motorhomes and toward Class B, B+, and smaller Class C models. That shift brings one big choice with it, because many of these RVs are built on a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster. Each van has a clear personality. One leans premium, one balances cost and support, and one keeps the price down better than the others. Continue reading and see which one is best for which use.
A happy camper for Happy Campers black tank treatment
We have battled black tank odor off and on in our RV. We’ve tried just about everything! Not to mention, I can’t even count the number of different brands of black tank deodorant and tissue digester we’ve tried. Nothing seemed to work! Until now… Continue reading Nanci’s review.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Ways you can prevent RV fender skirt cracks
Prevent RV fender skirt cracks! Join Terry and me [Dustin] in the video below as we replace the fender skirts on this 2020 Grand Design Reflection. I’ll show you and explain why fender skirt cracking is so prevalent. The video shows you how we install fender skirts to prevent cracking.
A Permanent Address for RV Freedom — Full-time RVers trust America’s Mailbox for mail forwarding, residency help, and reliable support from the road.
Article and video
Genius RV storage hacks and tips
By Cheri Sicard
Keeping an RV organized can feel like a never-ending battle. Space is limited, and clutter seems to multiply overnight. Here, Ben and Charity from the Grateful Glamper share smart RV storage hacks that can transform your rig from chaotic to livable. I list their hacks in my article, too.
The latest news for RVers
- Gas prices rise again, up 25 cents a gallon on average
- Ford to debut $30,000 electric pickup, but maybe not right for RV towing
- Congress wants to make RV loan interest tax deductible—but how much would RVers really save?
- Quartzsite’s $180 winter camping secret just got a national spotlight
- Fatal New Jersey crash reveals little-known danger behind RVs
To read more recent news, click here.
Tired of your RV air conditioner tripping breakers or overwhelming your generator? SoftStartRV™ reduces the startup surge, helping many RVers run their A/C on smaller generators or limited campground power. Stay cooler with fewer hassles and see why RVtravel.com publisher Chuck Woodbury recommends this very affordable upgrade.
Featured article
Should you carry LP cylinders lying down?
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
The propane attendant readied to sling our seven-gallon cylinder in the back of the car. “Would you mind setting it upright, please?” we asked. He shrugged his shoulders, and said, “You know, it really doesn’t matter. It’s safe whether it’s standing up or lying down.” But he put it upright, as we asked. It begs the question: Is it safe to carry LP cylinders lying down? For that matter, is it legal? Find out here.
Ask Dave
What appliances should not be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
Reader poll
How would you describe the condition of America’s interstate highways?
Quick tip
Get rid of bug guts from your vehicle
From Roger Marble: “After a long trip from Ohio to Wyoming and back, I had a bunch of ‘dead bug guts’ plastered to my mirrors and front facing surfaces. A regular car wash did not remove all of them. Since Dawn is good at removing stuck-on food, and since bug bodies are dried protein, I decided to give Dawn HD Powerwash a try. Spray it on, give it a few minutes to dissolve the bug stuff, then spray off—almost no scrubbing required.” Thanks, Roger!
• For more great tips, check out 21 unusual but brilliant uses for Dawn dish soap in your RV.
Website of the day
Report Fraud
If you’ve been scammed, or know someone who has, use this website from the Federal Trade Commission as a resource and report it! Tell them what happened and help stop it from happening to someone else.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Wow, baby! This is diva-tastic! It might blind you when the sun hits it. (Seriously, is this safe??) But, hey. You’d be glamorous, that’s for sure!
Monday Motivation
“I have learned over the years that the higher the level of emotion, the lower the level of reasoning. For example, if your emotions are at the highest level of 10, your ability to reason is at a 0. If it’s a 9, then your reasoning is a 1. I am not suggesting that emotions don’t have their place, but taking actions based purely on emotions is dangerous and could cost you everything.” ―Eric Thomas, The Secret to Success
Trivia
Louisa May Alcott, the author of “Little Women,” was ambidextrous. When she tired of writing with one hand, she would switch to the other.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Marley (Boykin Spaniel, age 6) loves people, loves to travel, and play with his ball. He has been camping with us every trip we make. He walks me about five miles a day while camping. As long as he is with his humans, he is happy. Most loving dog we have ever had.” —Gary Garland
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
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Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
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RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
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Marley has a gorgeous coat. Many happy adventures together.
The secret ingredient of Dawn Powerwash is alcohol. Simple to make your own with rubbing alcohol.
Pure Hydrogen Peroxide can’t be beat. Cheap and effective.
This is an old motorcycle trick. We use it all the time. Spray it on. let it foam up and wash off with a damp rag. Doesn’t harm paint or plastic. Basically water on steroids.
I would not use Dawn on the outside of my tow vehicle or camper surfaces. That is the quickest way to strip any wax that you may have applied. I prefer an automotive spray detailer/wax.
I think someone’s perspective of Interstate Road Conditiions greatly depends on which state they reside. California, poor. Oregon, great.
Marley is just so gorgeous and who can blame him for being happy when he is with his humans, that’s where he’s supposed to be. Keep on camping.
Marley it’s such a precious, beautiful loving dog and that’s why we enjoy our being with our animals!🥰🐶
Right front stove burner
Marley is beautiful! Enjoy all your travels with him!
I would add “Test your TPM system” to your annual tasks, to be sure it “alarms” as soon as the pressure drops below the minimum needed to support your tire load and to confirm you can hear the alarm. Here is my blog post on this topic.