America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2938 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Canada Day! Happy Canada Day (158 years!) to our readers and friends up north, as well as the almost-one million Canadians living in the U.S.!
On this day in history: 1874 – The Sholes and Glidden typewriter, the first commercially successful typewriter, goes on sale.
Tip of the day
RV gray tank smells worse than black tank? What to do
By Nanci Dixon
Who knew I could get so excited about flushing the gray and black water tanks? Okay, I know it is a bit odd, but as the designated tank flusher I am happy when the “gunk” comes out. While I am diligent about flushing out the black water with the built-in flush system, there was no built-in system for the gray water. When I complained to our RV tech about the smell when driving, he said that the gray water can smell worse than the black. Why? Well, continue reading.
RV review
Hiatus campers: Hard-sided pop-up campers for off-roading
Most truck campers ask owners to give up bed space, cold-weather comfort, or easy setup, but Hiatus Campers tries to keep all three. Tyler and Aaron built a lightweight hard-sided pop-up camper that goes up in under 15 seconds and still keeps the truck useful. That balance shapes the whole design. The camper is built for rough roads, four-season travel, and custom layouts that match how each truck gets used. Check them out.
In the RV shop with Dustin
RV air conditioners: Maintenance tips and what to inspect
There are several steps for inspecting RV air conditioners, some of which are best undertaken by a technician. You (or that technician) always want to make sure to inspect the RV roof air conditioner unit for debris and damage, wash inner coils (including the condenser and evaporator), clean drain tubes, replace gaskets and filters, perform amp-draw tests and so much more! Watch the video, and I’ll walk you through it all.
Telescoping magnetic grabber saves money and my day
Drop a screw where your fingers can’t reach? A magnetic grabber tool can pull it out in seconds. It’s a simple, inexpensive tool you’ll be thankful you have. I (Emily) dropped a screw deep into my car’s engine bay while changing the battery, and this little magnetic grabber tool saved the day. It pulled the screw right out. Keep one of these handy. Trust me.
Article and video
Check out 30 incredible teardrops from the 2026 DIY Teardrop Campers Community meetup
More than 30 home-built campers showed up at David Crockett State Park, and that alone says a lot about this corner of camping. The 2026 DIY Teardrop Campers Community meetup felt equal parts campground, workshop, and reunion. Camp and Camera spent the weekend walking the loop, meeting builders, and finding the small ideas that make these tiny trailers work so well on real trips. These are so fun (and cute!).
Featured article
An important guide to getting medical help while on the road
By Gail Marsh
One thing many RVers don’t plan for is getting sick while traveling and/or needing medical help on the road. So, what happens if you or a travel buddy need medical care while on the road? How can you find a good doctor or get the quality medical help you need? Check out these potentially lifesaving tips.
Ask Dave
I was attacked by a caterpillar. Beware!
Read about Dave’s uncomfortable encounter with a caterpillar here.
Reader poll
Do you ever use your RV as a “guest room” for visitors to your home?
FACTOID: In 1930, the Galvin Corporation introduced one of the first commercial car radios, the Motorola model 5T71, which sold for between $110 and $130 and could be installed in most popular automobiles.
What’s the best black tank treatment? This!
Recently, Dave Solberg was asked what he thinks the best black tank treatment on the market is. His answer? “RV Digest-It Plus is the best product, as the proteins help the aerobic bacteria break down the sewage.” You can read more in Dave’s article here, and find RV Digest-It Plus on Amazon here.
Quick tip
Drafty motorhome? Check this
Motorhome got a cold draft you can’t account for? After eliminating an open window or roof vent, check your dashboard environmental controls. Vacuum-operated intakes left in the open position when the engine is shut down may well stay open, allowing cold air to infiltrate. Turn the engine on, close the vents, shut the engine off. No more cold draft.
On this day last year…
- Tip: Why RVers should get hooked on self-stick RV hooks
- Ask Dave: What are white ‘beads’ on RV bathroom floor?
- Article & video: Adults-only Wisconsin Dells RV resort for those 21+
- Featured article: A step-by-step look at RV windshield rock chip repair
Website of the day
Mesa Verde National Park Itinerary
We love Mesa Verde, so we liked the idea of featuring this perfect 3-day itinerary for the park and surrounding areas. Even if you don’t follow it exactly, it still has great info and not-to-miss sights. If you’ve never been, plan a visit!
Trivia
Americans drove an average of 13,482 miles in 2022. The annual average over the previous decade was 13,930 miles, and the average annual mileage has been between 13,000 and 15,000 since 1993. The pandemic caused a dip in 2020 to 12,397 average annual miles—the lowest since 1987—as Americans switched to remote work and limited travel. —Federal Highway Administration
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
The future is here. We repeat: The future IS HERE! This is way cool. Make sure you read the description so you understand all this can do! Amazing!
Readers’ pet of the day
“Chancy (a “Tortie” with extra toes, age 3) loves camping. So much to explore! So many things to sniff! Exhausting, requiring long naps. Rides well, too, if she has one of her two humans close.” —Emily Thomas
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
Have you ever noticed that bread is a lot like the sun? It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist.
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
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RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
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