America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2922 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” —Aldous Huxley
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Call Your Doctor Day!
On this day in history: 1732 – James Oglethorpe is granted a royal charter for the colony of the future U.S. state of Georgia.
Tip of the day
What you’ve been told about your RV’s anode rod is wrong
By Andrew Herrick
Here’s a nugget of conventional, albeit incorrect, wisdom about RV water heaters: “Steel tanks require an anode rod to protect against rust, but because aluminum doesn’t rust, aluminum tanks don’t require an anode rod.”
Unfortunately, that’s not quite accurate. Actually, both types of tanks require cathodic protection. But Dometic has cleverly integrated the protection into the tank lining itself. Suburban has chosen to rely on a separate, replaceable anode rod.
Not sure what an anode rod is? Well, you see, city water carries minerals and heavy metals that eat away common metals. Unchecked, these elements will corrode the walls of the metal water tank, which is pressurized under operation up to 80 psi. Abandoned, after enough time the water heater’s tank will corrode, pit, crack, and fail. Continue reading.
Article and video
RV tech shares the pros and cons of truck campers
By Cheri Sicard
Truck campers spark a lot of opinions in the RV world. Some wonder why anyone would pick this style of RV over a travel trailer or a big motorhome. Others swear by their versatility. Knowing the real pros and cons helps anyone thinking of a truck camper make the best decision for their travels. In today’s video, certified RV tech Jacob Rigor shares those pros and cons.
THE MORE YOU KNOW… Canada has the most lakes in the world. It is estimated to hold anywhere from 879,000 to more than 3 million lakes—meaning it contains more lakes than the rest of the world combined and accounts for roughly 60% of all lakes globally
Featured article
If you’re slamming your RV’s door, you’re doing it wrong!
By Gail Marsh
Bang! Bang! Was that a gunshot?! No, thank goodness! Bang! Is it hammering?! No, it’s not that either. Huh. It stopped. Good! Now I can go back to … Bang! I jump every time I hear it. Bang! Then, realization strikes: Please stop slamming your RV door! Here’s how.
Save money—don’t toss away good batteries!
Most RVers rely on battery-powered devices like flashlights, radios, lights, etc. But sometimes we can’t tell how much life a battery has LEFT, so we toss it. This inexpensive tester will alert you in an instant to a battery’s condition, saving you money from tossing ones with plenty of remaining life! Works on AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, and button-type batteries. Learn more or order.
Ask Dave
Are pollen and dust harmful to an RV? What to do about it
Reader poll
What color is your car?
Run your air conditioner with little power
Running an RV air conditioner on a 20-amp household outlet sounds impossible—unless you have a SoftStartRV™. This small device reduces startup current dramatically, helping many RVers cool their rig when they never could before. Learn more.
Quick tip
Safely plugging into shore power
When plugging your RV into the power pedestal at an RV park (or anywhere), make sure the breaker switch is in the “off” position. Switch it on after you have plugged in.
Website of the day
The 8 Best National Parks in Canada
We talk a lot about American national parks, but of course we can’t forget about our Canadian friends. News flash: Canada is GORGEOUS!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
This made us laugh out loud! As soon as you see it, you’ll know EVERY RVer needs this on their RV (yes, on it!). [We know some of you already have this.]
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers more than 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 34 percent have taken an ancestry DNA test like 23andMe or AncestryDNA.
• 7 percent have never ridden a horse.
• 59 percent have served in the military.
Recent poll: Have you ever encountered a bear while hiking or camping?
Trivia
Modern nail polish debuted in the mid-1920s. By 1931, 85 percent of American college women were wearing it. Classic red is the most popular nail polish color, followed by nude shades and vibrant blues (as of 2025).
Readers’ pets of the day
“Bella, Tucker, Jazzby (Boston Terriers and a Flat-Coated Retriever, ages 4, 14, 15). Here they are waiting for their bedtime snack. Tucker and Jazzby crossed the rainbow bridge within months of each other recently. These were the three best friends we could ask for, and they loved camping till the older two had trouble with the steps.” —Rick Woodring
HELP! WE’RE RUNNING LOW ON PHOTOS! Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your pet more than once. Thanks!
FREE IS GOOD! Discover Delaware—Explore the First State’s must-try dining spots, outdoor adventures, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable local experiences. Get the new Travel Guide online or by mail.
Stop RV Repair Bills from Ruining Your 2026 Travels
Say goodbye to rising RV repair costs when you protect your RV and your travel budget with Wholesale Warranties this new year. With 20+ years of experience, personalized coverage options, and 5-star customer support, we help RVers stay on the road. Save on costly repairs, enjoy flexible coverage including mobile mechanics, and travel worry-free all year long. Get your FREE personalized RV warranty quote today and enjoy peace of mind for every mile.
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
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RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
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