RV Daily Tips. Wednesday, May 13, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2903 • 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

“Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not. ” ―Pablo Picasso

Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Frog Jumping Day! (It’s also our publisher Chuck Woodbury’s birthday! Happy Birthday, Chuck!)

On this day in history: 1958 – Ben Carlin becomes the first (and only) person to circumnavigate the world by amphibious vehicle, having traveled more than 17,000 kilometers (11,000 miles) by sea and 62,000 kilometers (39,000 miles) by land during a ten-year journey.

Tip of the day
You’re using laundry detergent all wrong!

By Gail Marsh
“You’re doing it wrong!” I bristled at the words. After six decades of doing laundry, I know how to wash our clothes correctly!

Turns out, I was wrong. You’ve probably heard the saying “Too much of a good thing”? Well, that apparently applies to laundry detergent!

I mistakenly thought that if I used more detergent in the washer, my clothes would be cleaner (no spots or stains) and smell better (no leftover smoke smell from the campfire). My fellow RVer, who also happened to be a chemist before retiring, patiently set me straight.

RV review
Winnebago’s new ARKA overland RV looks ready for the wilderness—but how many owners will use it that way?

Winnebago Industries has unveiled the new ARKA adventure truck. The rugged-looking rig comes loaded with off-grid and off-road hardware, which can support up to two weeks away from hookups, with features including a large lithium battery system, hydronic heating, insulated tanks, aggressive tires, substantial ground clearance, and heavy-duty suspension components. The company is leaning hard into the booming “overland” lifestyle image that has become increasingly popular. What do you think? 

Boondockers love SoftStartRV™ because it helps many RV air conditioners run on smaller generators. That means quieter campsites, lower fuel costs, and more freedom to camp off-grid while staying cool. Read more.

In the RV shop with Dustin
How to keep hydraulic leveling jacks and slide-outs working

If you have hydraulic leveling jacks or a slide-out system, you want to periodically check the hydraulic fluid level in your reservoir. If everything is functioning properly, the fluid levels should stay consistent. However, if the fluid levels look low in the reservoir, this could indicate a potential issue or leak somewhere in the system.

Article and video
14 RV air fryer hacks and recipes

Do you carry an air fryer in your RV? Many of our readers do. When we did a survey a while back, we learned that many RVers use their air fryer for almost all their cooking needs. It is, indeed, a versatile kitchen tool. Here, the team from Making My Abode On the Road has compiled their favorite RV air fryer hacks. If you have an air fryer, you are bound to find something useful here.

BEAR-Y GOOD TO KNOW: One of the most searched campground questions every summer: “Can bears smell canned food?” (Short answer: Yes. Very much yes.)

Featured article
RV appliances: Readers share their “must-have” small RV appliances

By Cheri Sicard
Last week [when this was first published] we asked you about your favorite RV kitchen gadgets, and boy, did we get a TON of responses! We know that cooking in small spaces can present challenges. So we wanted to know what makes RV cooking easier for you and what is the one RV kitchen gadget or RV kitchen accessory you just cannot live without. Read what your favorite small RV appliances are here.

Ask Dave
Dealer told me RV’s solar panels could run almost everything. Is that true?

Read Dave’s answer.

Reader poll
Do you wear socks in bed at night?

Respond here.

Quick tip
“Reusing” a bumper sticker

Want to remove a bumper sticker and then use it again later? Use a heat gun to gently heat up the sticker, pull it loose, and “stick it” on a piece of wax paper. When you’re ready to reuse it, pull it off the paper and slap it back on the bumper.

Website of the day

EmergencyRV
“EmergencyRV provides fully equipped RVs to veterans, first responders, and families displaced by natural disasters, offering immediate shelter and stability while they rebuild their lives.”

? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You probably think you know your family, friends or partner well, but… do you? Put it to the test and find out!

Trivia

The longest road tunnel in the world that you can drive through is the Lærdal Tunnel (Lærdalstunnelen) in Norway. Stretching 24.51 kilometers (15.23 miles), it connects the towns of Lærdal and Aurland, providing a vital ferry-free route between Oslo and Bergen. The tunnel takes roughly 20–25 minutes to drive.

Readers’ pet of the day

“Petey (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, age 11) is the best traveler! As long as he’s with me/us, he’s happy. It doesn’t matter where. This year we’re doing our first RV trip. Last year, we went across the country in our minivan and stayed at hotels and campgrounds.” —Kathy Mandell

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!

AMAZON PET DAYS ARE ON! From May 11-15, expect big sales and deals on pet products. See what’s on sale here.

Leave here with a laugh

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RVtravel.com All-Star Staff

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