America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2949 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” —Harold Wilson
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Cherry Day!
On this day in history: 1935 – The world’s first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Tip of the day
Tips for staying safe when RVing alone
By Gail Marsh
A while ago, we ran a survey asking readers: “Couples: Would you likely keep traveling with an RV if your partner died?” The majority, 67 percent, answered, “Yes, I believe I would.” Many men seemed not worried in the least.
That got me to thinking. What would it take for me to feel comfortable (read: “safe”) when solo camping as a woman? After a bit of research to see what other women do (or have done), this is what I found…
Article and video
The truth about running RV A/C on solar power
Most RV owners hear “solar-powered air conditioning” and picture quiet off-grid cooling. The hard part is not turning the A/C on, it’s keeping it running long enough to make a difference. An RV air conditioner pulls power like a microwave, but for hours instead of minutes. That changes the battery, solar, and inverter math fast. It can be done, and here, you’ll learn what it takes.
Featured article
Can campground swimming pools make you sick?
By Gail Marsh
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in the pool after a long, hot day of RV travel, setting up your rig, and preparing dinner. But, I wondered, can campground swimming pools make you sick? Find out here (if you dare, that is).
THINKING ABOUT CAMPING ON BLM LAND THIS YEAR? You need this!
Ask Dave
Why is newly applied Dicor self-leveling sealant bubbling?
Reader poll
Do you ever get carsick?
GRATITUDE CHECK: Somewhere, someone would love to be taking the trip you’re planning next. Never lose sight of how fortunate travel can be.
Quick tip
Try these handy leveling tools
Got levels? Having bubble levels on the side and front or rear of your rig makes it easier to level up when you’re setting up. Or use a small “torpedo” level. With your rig known to be level, see if your storage bay trim or windows are also level. If they are, you can use a torpedo level lined up on the trim anywhere it’s convenient.
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: Why is RV ‘leveling jacks down’ light on with jacks retracted when driving?
- Article & video: Using a horse stall mat as budget truck bed flooring
- Featured article: Can I use my CPAP machine when I boondock? Yes, here’s how
HEALTH TIP: Embracing activities that bring joy and laughter to your day can improve cardiovascular health, especially when combined with other good habits like eating right and avoiding tobacco. Finding joy in even one activity—from taking a scenic walk to meeting friends for game night—can have health benefits. If you enjoy entertainment (such as TV, movies, or music), then pick shows or songs that make you laugh, or at least smile, instead of violent or intense ones that elicit negative emotions. —Columbia University Irving Medical Center
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
Ever wish you could just fix your brain? Tell it to fix its memory, its sleeping habits, its productivity, its overall smartness? Well, now you can fix your brain! Yes, really!
Website of the day
delish: Grilling recipes
This is not just one page of recipes. Nope. This is a link to delish’s entire catalog of grilling recipes. You’ll find everything from foil pack recipes to burgers and hot dogs to fish burgers to grilled tofu and pineapple to cedar plank salmon and shrimp and… oh, dear. Now we’re hungry.
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:
• Most voters, 57 percent, mostly drink water throughout the day. 25 percent drink the most amount of coffee or tea during the day, and 7 percent drink mostly soft drinks.
• 33 percent have flown in a small, private jet.
• 71 percent would pick 90 degrees F over 40 degrees F.
Recent poll: Have you ever asked ChatGPT or another AI an RV-related question?
Trivia
The common dog, scientifically classified as Canis lupus familiaris, shares about 84 percent of its genetic code with humans. That does not suggest that humans are 84 percent canine. The percentage of DNA that the two species share is influenced in part because they shared a common ancestor about 90 to 100 million years ago. And, for the record, fruit flies share about 60 percent of their DNA with humans.
Readers’ pet of the day
“Piper (Standard Poodle, age 7) is my washout service dog and is my heart dog. She is loyal, quirky, and quite the diva. She loves traveling, loves camping, and all the walks and attention she attracts!” —Julie Bolduc
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!
IS YOUR LITTLE LADY A DIVA LIKE PIPER? Well, a few things here might be in order…
FREE IS GOOD! Join Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday. You don’t need to be enrolled in Baskin-Robbins Rewards for that yummy treat. Just sign up for an account in the BR app or online.
Leave here with a laugh
We were going to use this as today’s mystery product, but we thought it fit here better. Amen! Want one for yourself? Click here.
Join RVtravel.com on Facebook. Here are our most popular groups:
- RV Maintenance Tips
- RVing with Dogs
- Free Campgrounds
- Outstanding but affordable RV parks
- …see all our Facebook groups here.
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.
RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
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