America’s Original RV Newsletter. Since 2001
Issue 2955 • New issue every weekday
Today’s thought
“Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” —Ambrose Bierce
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is National Drive-Thru Day! Ever wonder how the drive-through was invented? Well, you can thank the military when you find out!
On this day in history: 1847 – Richard March Hoe, American inventor, patented the rotary-type printing press.
Tip of the day
Easy ways to make your RV’s entry steps safer
By Gail Marsh
A fellow camper recently fell and broke her arm. It happened on her RV entry steps at night. She simply tripped over the bottom step and the next thing you know, she’s on her way to the local ER. The incident got me thinking about tips for safe RV entry steps.
No matter what type of step system your RV has, you may be able to make them safer—for you, your family, and pets. Many of the tips I’ll share cost very little, especially compared to what an ER visit may set you back. Continue reading.
RV review
2027 Cherokee Wolf Pup 17JW—a small trailer with… lots of beds?
By Gail Marsh
How small can you comfortably go? That question was on my mind during a recent dealership visit with a friend who travels solo. My friend is looking for an easy-to-tow travel trailer that won’t bust her budget. A sales gal met us in the RV lot. She presented an overview of the camper: “The 2027 Cherokee Wolf Pup 17JW is designed for families who want a compact, lightweight travel trailer without giving up sleeping capacity or modern conveniences.” What do you think?
Keep your Blackstone/griddle good-as-new
This simple griddle cleaning kit helps RVers keep their flat-top grills in great shape trip after trip. With scrapers, scouring pads, and a pumice grill stone, it quickly removes grease, burnt bits, and buildup without scratching the surface. Clean before and after cooking, and your griddle will last longer—and be ready for the next campsite breakfast. Learn more about cleaning your Blackstone in Gail Marsh’s article here, or buy this griddle kit here.
Article and video
Take a “Breaking Bad” tour of Albuquerque
By Cheri Sicard
If you were a fan of the hit TV show Breaking Bad, you will want to check out this video from Traveling Robert. In it, Robert takes us on a Breaking Bad tour of Albuquerque, NM, in his own unique style. Actually, Breaking Bad is just one component of Robert’s explorations of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city. Therefore, it’s a good video to watch for anyone planning an Albuquerque visit, regardless of your affinity for the show. If you don’t want to watch the video, I break it all down for you in the article, too.
Featured article
Incredible campground, sightseeing and history in Monument Valley
By Nanci Dixon
As we meandered our way up north, we had an amazing short stop at Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation, Utah. I was awed well beyond my expectations. While the drive on US 160 from Flagstaff, Arizona, was winding and a little bumpy, it was so worth it. For years I have seen spectacular, otherworldly photos and postcards of Monument Valley and longed to go in person. Read more, see the incredible campground she stayed at, and check out Nanci’s beautiful pictures!
Song of the week (Replay from last Sunday’s issue)
“I Was Born In A Campground To A Gypsy Mama”
A SWEET REMINDER: Take lots of videos with your parents and significant others. One day, when they’re gone, you’ll be glad you have all those recordings of them.
Ask Dave
Tech says lithium batteries need an “annual absorption cycle.” Who knew?
Reader poll
Which of these fast food chain restaurants is your favorite?
DO YOU USE A KEURIG COFFEE MAKER? If you do, you’ll want to take a look at this. We think it’s the best way to organize Keurig pods. Brilliant!
Quick tip
Fuel up before reaching your destination
Don’t wait until you’re near the end of your travel day to buy fuel. Stations near popular parks and tourist areas are often crowded, expensive, and difficult to navigate with an RV. Fill up 20 to 30 miles before you arrive at your destination at a station that is easier to enter and exit. If you do, you’ll settle into your campsite less stressed and ready to enjoy your evening.
Funny t-shirt of the day
Our most popular articles this week:
- New-for-2027 Winnebago Elora 19DC—Class C meets Class B with nice, space-saving features
- Exploring in style: A look at the new 2027 Thor Eddie Bauer EB26 Class A
- Subaru recalls 541,000 vehicles: Is yours on the list?
- Poll: Walmart ‘campers’: Do you ask permission at the store if it’s okay to stay the night?
- Beyond the headlines with Tony Barthel: A new RV company, Go RVing teams up with content creators, the World’s largest RV show, and, yep, Lance is back
- A new, thorough look at RV slide-outs: The pros, cons, and common problems
Website of the day
RVupgrades.com
Once you’re on this site, click on “Menu” at the top of the page. Did you just gasp? Yeah, so did we. This online store has everything (eeeeeverything) you need to repair or upgrade your RV. You may be able to find these products somewhere else for less money, but here they’re all in one place to see and compare. Happy shopping!
? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ?
If you knew something might save your life someday, you’d want it, right? Well… you may want to keep this handy.
Trivia
When you think of camels, you probably envision them in a Middle Eastern desert, right? Well, surprisingly, Australia has the largest population of feral camels in the world. Between 1860 and 1907, about 10,000 camels were imported to Australia from India, North Africa, China and Mongolia—they were much better suited to life in the outback than horses. That original group of 10,000 has grown to approximately 1,000,000 over the years. Now Australia exports camels to the Middle East, mostly Saudi Arabia, to help the countries keep up with the demand for camels and camel meat.
Readers’ pet of the day
“This is Miss Bailey (Cocker Spaniel, age 12). She is always jumping up into my chair as soon as I get up. So we made her a chair of her own.” —Richard Cunningham
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!
DOES YOUR PUP NEED ITS OWN CAMPING CHAIR? We like this one.
Leave here with a laugh
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RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
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I love that Miss Bailey has her own chair. She looks like a sweetheart.
Fuel up before you stop for the night, and when you return home.
With prices changing daily, it may save you a little cash.
Your poll question did not include the only fast food place I would go to these days, In ‘n Out…
A&W
The drive in theaters started in 1933 and no I have not driven into one in years. But I am still surprised it still exists. The pandemic did see an upsurge in this. In 7 years last May the drive thru theater will 100. Some day may see me at one but for now I prefer my private place in my home watching movies on my television. As for fast food? Nope. I prefer to frequent small businesses. Mom and pop shops which I already frequent if I am in the mood for that ethnic food. Otherwise I make everything homemade. Cheaper and no health issues.
Miss Bailey is so cute. Love the Cocker Spaniels.
Good job Bailey, getting your own chair!!