RV Daily Tips. Tuesday, July 14, 2026

America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2947 • New issue every weekday


Today’s thought

“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.” ―Paulo Coelho


Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Tape Measure Day! Wow! That’s exciting!😉

On this day in history: 1881 – American outlaw Billy the Kid is shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in the Maxwell House at Fort Sumner, New Mexico.


Tip of the day
The worst tip ever for preventing RV theft!

By Dave Helgeson
A recent tip on a social media site recommended pulling the breakaway switch to prevent RV theft. The author likens it to setting the parking brake on a car and pulling the key out of the ignition, preventing a thief from hooking up and towing it away. Thankfully, since this is the worst tip I have ever read, the post was removed shortly after I read it. This was most likely the worst tip ever for preventing RV theft.

I will explain why it was a bad idea. But first, let’s review the function of a breakaway switch for those who may not fully understand. Continue reading.


Article and video
Heli-Home: The 1970s flying camper that captivated America

In September 1977, a bold illustration graced the cover of Popular Mechanics featuring a flying camper with the headline “Flying Campers: Go Where You’ve Never Been Before.” The image promised pure freedom—a fully equipped kitchen for cooking your latest catch, a TV for evening relaxation, and a cozy living space sailing through the skies. While Popular Mechanics was known for wild ideas, this time the dream was real.


Today is the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Here is a short video that explains the origin of the song “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”, and then an old recording.


Featured article
Plan now to attend the World’s Longest Yard Sale

By Gail Marsh
If you love shopping for bargains or have some things to sell, you need to plan now to participate in the World’s Longest Yard Sale. My husband and I just happened upon this amazing venture when traveling through Tennessee. What is it? Find out here.


“WHY DO I ALWAYS MISS OUT?” That’s what you’ll say if you miss a super-great bargain today only on something you really want! CHECK HERE!


Ask Dave
How does an RV black tank flush system work? Does it clean the entire tank?

Read Dave’s answer.


Reader poll
In general, how often do you do laundry?

Respond here.


Quick tip
Where to store tires if not installed on vehicle

Always store your tires (whether mounted on a rim or not) in a clean, dry, cool, well-ventilated place to prevent damage due to heat, sunlight or chemicals. Don’t store them in exposed outdoor areas or areas that are dirty, wet, poorly ventilated, or subject to extremely hot or cold temperatures or direct sunlight. The compounds in tires can also be damaged by exposure to petroleum-based products (such as gasoline or oil), or other volatile or corrosive solvents/substances, and shouldn’t be kept in the same area as electric motors, battery chargers, generators, welding equipment, or other ozone-generating sources. —Tire Manufacturers Association


Website of the day

CharityWatch.org
Want to know if a charity is legit? How are they using your money? This is the website for that!


? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
You can get the newer version of this and pay more, but it’s pretty much the same thing and this one is a great price! ALL RVers love this! If you already have one, we know you love it!


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:

• When asked if their RV kitchen is too big, too small, or just right, 70 percent answered “just right.” Nobody said “too big.”
• 71 percent say their propane furnace heats up their RV very fast.
• 8 percent never use curse words.

Recent poll: Have you ever asked ChatGPT or another AI an RV-related question?


Trivia

The Curved Dash Oldsmobile. Photo Credit: Lars-Göran Lindgren, Wikimedia

Even though Henry Ford takes the credit for inventing the first assembly line in the U.S., the title actually goes to Ransom E. Olds. Olds’ car, the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, first manufactured at the turn of the century, was the first to be completed by assembly line. The only difference was that Olds’ assembly line worked when the workers moved down the line, not the car, and Ford’s worked when the car moved down the line, not the workers.


Readers’ pets of the day

20260217 203132 0c837e664eb4dae4c3dcfa62d0701340“Milli is a 5-year-old Aussie Shepherd, and Buster is a 3-year-old Yorkshire Terrier.” —Greg Gilbert

Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! 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.


Camping Fan Rvdt 2947

GOOD DEAL! Remote control, portable, camping fan with light. 20000mAh rechargeable battery and dual USB ports. 40% off at Amazon. Now $30. (It’s Amazon’s Choice in this category.)


Leave here with a laugh

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Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY

Current National Radar Weather Map
National Interagency Fire Center (national wildfire activity)
InciWeb (major fire information)
AirNow (smoke and air quality)


Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Oh, and if you missed the Latest News for RVers, make sure to catch up here.


If you shop at Amazon.com we’d appreciate you using this link. We get an itty bitty commission if you buy something, but they add up and help us pay our bills (most importantly our hard-working writers!). 


RVtravel.com All-Star Staff

Click here for information about our staff and how to contact us.

WHY WE ASK FOR DONATIONS INSTEAD OF SELLING SUBSCRIPTIONS.

Our policy on using artificial intelligence.

Our most popular articles this week:


Our top trending Amazon products right now—what you’re loving most

  1. The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Cleaner. We know why this is selling so well—it cleans everything! Rugs and carpet, furniture, car seats… everything!
  2. The Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook. Handwrite in the notebook, watch it appear on your phone. It’s that easy!
  3. The Kingsford Extra Tough Grilling Bags. Like to grill? These are great!
  4. We weren’t expecting this one, but apparently, you’re loving this Table Top Mini Bowling Game Set!
  5. It is grilling season, so we’re not surprised you’re also loving this 23-piece heavy-duty grilling set. It has everything!

HEY! COULD YOU DO US A FAVOR? Would you mind forwarding this newsletter or article to another RVer? If you enjoy it (and if you learn from it), chances are they will too! Thanks so much, we really appreciate it!

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