America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2911 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.” —Thomas Campbell
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Memorial Day—to remember and honor the fallen Americans who sacrificed their lives to protect our liberties.
On this day in history: 1953 – The first public television station in the United States officially begins broadcasting as KUHT from the campus of the University of Houston.
The “Forces’ Sweetheart”
Vera Lynn was beloved by British and American troops during World War II, mostly in Europe, where she had widespread radio exposure. Her signature tracks, “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover,” became anthems of resilience for the Allied war effort in Europe. If your father or grandfather fought in World War II in Europe, they almost certainly loved this woman and her inspirational songs. Here she is singing “We’ll Meet Again.”
A beautiful Memorial Day story
Did you miss Ernie Pyle’s most beloved newspaper column from World War II that we told readers about in yesterday’s RVtravel.com newsletter? You must read “The Death of Captain Waskow” this Memorial Day. Have a tissue ready.
Tip of the day
All the ways electrical outlet add-ons make RV life better
When you live in a small space, the little stuff matters. RV outlet add-ons can make RV life easier. The smartest picks are the ones that plug into an existing outlet, stay low-profile, and solve a real problem without taking up extra floor space. Here are some ways you can use RV outlets that you may have never thought of before.
More tips from this weekend you may have missed:
- The big mistake I made that ended with an RV rat infestation!
- Follow these important steps to protect your home while you’re gone RVing
- Why you should make an RV shakedown trip an annual event
- Why EternaBond tape may not be the solution for RV roof maintenance
FACTOID: Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other city in the U.S., more than 150,000! If you stayed in a different hotel room every night, it would take you more than 400 years to sleep in them all!
RV review
Scamp vs. Casita—Which fiberglass travel trailer is better?
By Cheri Sicard
A past video on the Travels & Travails channel about selling a Scamp and buying a Casita pulled in more than 700,000 views. A lot of the pushback was in the 17-foot Casita vs. 13-foot Scamp debate. So the team created the video in this post, which compares the full Scamp line and the Casita 17. Which trailer wins by category, and why? I break it down for you in the article, too.
The best patriotic RV gear, gadgets, and accessories
We rounded up the best gear to help you kick off summer on Memorial Day weekend, the 4th of July, and beyond. Check out the best patriotic-themed RV gear!
In the RV shop with Dustin
The importance of having an RV spare tire
Join me “In The RV Shop” as we discuss how carrying a spare tire for your RV is a smart and essential precaution, as it can provide a quick solution in case of a flat tire. Here are some important considerations regarding having a spare tire for your RV.
Article and video
Cowboy cooking trick turns budget steak into gourmet
A cheap steak doesn’t have to eat like one. In the video at the end of this post, Cowboy Kent Rollins takes a thick sirloin, one of the leaner and tougher cuts at the meat counter, and turns it into something far closer to a steakhouse plate with one simple move… Continue reading to find out.
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE TODAY!
The National Safety Council estimates that 393 people may die in motor vehicle crashes during the 2026 Memorial Day weekend. That is so sad. Be careful!!
The latest news for RVers
- Congress backs away from deep national park cuts
- Some of America’s best-rated campgrounds are still free. Why more RVers may be looking for them
- Feds warn of scammers demanding payments for traffic violations
- Campgrounds keep adding amenities. Are RVers getting more value—or just higher rates?
- Exploding bear spray cans spark growing safety problem near national parks
- One RV. Several snakes. A lighter. What could possibly go wrong?
To read more recent news, click here.
Photo of the day
Every RVer needs drain valve lubricant to protect their valves
Dustin Simpson writes, “Your RV’s dump valves play a critical role in managing the waste from your gray and black water tanks. These valves need to operate smoothly to ensure proper drainage and prevent leaks or clogs. Regular lubrication is essential.” Learn more in Dustin’s article or order some here.
Featured article
In honor of Memorial Day: Heartwarming old TV clip will bring tears to your eyes
Many of you probably remember the TV show M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital). The beloved show aired on CBS from 1972 to 1983. In honor of Memorial Day, we thought we’d share this heartwarming clip from the old TV show with you. In it, Harry Morgan, “Colonel Sherman T. Potter,” toasts to his old war buddies who have since passed. His words will bring tears to your eyes. Click here.
Ask Dave
Is it safe to use Super Glue on my RV?
Find the answer to that question plus many uses for Super Glue here.
Reader poll
Will you have a Memorial Day BBQ today?
Quick tip
Save power while reading at night
Inveterate bookworm but looking to conserve power? A “Kindle” or other e-reader device with backlight doesn’t need much ambient light to read at night. During the day, plug it in and recharge it while driving.
GET COOKIN’! Here are some of our favorite Memorial Day weekend recipes.
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
What if we told you we had a solution to saving space for one of your all-time favorite items? Maybe you could even *gasp* get more of these items? Check it out.
Website of the day
StoryCorps: Honor Military Voices for Memorial Day
If you’re unfamiliar with StoryCorps, spend some time on its website and make yourself familiar—it’s wonderful! And in the meantime, listen to the stories from veterans, service members and their loved ones. Maybe you can even record your own story.
Monday Motivation
“Years ago, in a motivational seminar by the master, Zig Ziglar, I heard a story about how mediocrity will sneak up on you. The story goes that if you drop a frog into boiling water, he will sense the pain and immediately jump out. However, if you put a frog in room-temperature water, he will swim around happily, and as you gradually turn the water up to boiling, the frog will not sense the change. The frog is lured to his death by gradual change. We can lose our health, our fitness, and our wealth gradually, one day at a time. It might be a cliché, but that’s because it is true.'” —Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
Trivia
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day. After the Civil War, Americans were mourning the deaths of more than 600,000 men who died during the war. Across the country, veterans would decorate graves with flowers. John Logan, a veteran of the war, established a Decoration Day on May 30th. On that day, people on both sides of the war were encouraged to place flowers on the graves of their relatives, friends or comrades who died during the war. Why May 30th? Logan chose a date at the end of the month because he believed all the flowers would be in full bloom by then.
Readers’ pets of the day
“This is Bama, Elvis, Dolly, 2, 6 months, and 6 months. They are great dogs.” —Marvin Purvis
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!
• Pet Food and all pet products at Amazon
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
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Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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On this day in History.
KDKA in Pittsburgh started broadcasting Jan. 11, 1949.
Their first color broadcast was in 1953.
Bama, Elvis, & Dolly look ready to hit the road and make a lot of memories! Don
Bama, Elvis, Dolly are gorgeous and a great crew, although as copilots they might argue about which way is the best route of travel. But I’m sure they are ready to make so many new memories. Keep on camping.
Please don’t ever stop publishing the Pyle story and Mash clip on Memorial Day. Both are great reminders of how much we have to be thankful for.
Do they make actors like Harry Morgan anymore? Great guy. May God bless our fallen.
Beautiful puppies!!!
Might there be room for one more dog on that comfy kitchen matt with Bama, Elvis, and Dolly? Haha! Thanks for sharing
Without brave veterans, we would be ruled by a King.
Good article about spare tires for RV’s. Did not notice anything about age of the tire. Old tires (over 6 years old) have a tendency to come apart at speed. Not good to change a tire on the road only to have that one go flat as well. Buy a new spare every four years or so and be safe.
We are at Gettysburg National Military Park today. Surprisingly, traffic is light, though many people may be attending the parade in town. Touring the battlefield is a sobering experience. So many young lives lost.
Just a note: Norton blocked The “Forces’ Sweetheart” website as dangerous and URL blocked.
The music of that area – Glenn Miller et al – was incredible and memorable – helped our country and allies and families get thru it all. I love them all and wish we had them now!