Issue 921 • June 20, 2018
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QUICK TIPS
No more ‘fly away’ picnic table cloths
“To secure table cloths to picnic tables there are clip-on weights and spring clips that don’t fit the thickness of all tables and easily get misplaced. Simple solution: after laying down the table cloth use a friction tie down strap [aka cargo tie downs] around each end and give a pull. Fits all tables. The table will blow away before the table cloth.” Thanks to Joe Kleinsmith, SFC U.S. Army Retired
Mark Polk on emergency kits
Be sure to carry an emergency supply kit that is easily accessible. Suggested items your kit should contain: flashlights, batteries, rain ponchos, bug spray, a portable weather radio, first aid kit, non-perishable packaged or canned food, a manual can opener, blankets, prescription and non-prescription drugs, pet supplies (to include a photo of your pet if it should get separated from you), bottled water, and any special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members. Customize the kit to your specific needs. Learn more about Mark Polk’s online video and e-book courses.
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Easily clean those stubborn bugs off your RV
The Microfiber Mesh Bug and Tar Sponge has millions of tiny fibers embedded in the microfiber cloth that grabs and holds the dust and dirt. It is so effective it even cleans without chemicals, saving both time and money. The secret of this sponge lies in its unique, double-layer microfiber mesh. Older nylon bug sponges can harm your clear coat, but this one is completely paint safe. Learn more or order
MORE QUICK TIPS
Much ado about holding tank poo
“We’ve tried all kinds of different ‘holding tank sensor’ cleaning products and none of them seems to be able to ‘clean’ the sensors. None work – to any satisfactory degree. We even tried some stuff a guy was hawking at an RV rally two years ago where he claimed that his ‘struvites’ would gobble up all the nasties in our black tank and bring our sensors back to life. There IS no “back to life” because they never HAVE worked. We have just learned to estimate (with great precision, I might add) when we need to find a dump site.” Our “tanks” to Tommy Molnar – and don’t feed that stuff from the RV rally to your dog—struvites are bad news for bow-wows.
Cleaning a big cooking pot
If you occasionally cook with a pot too large to wash in the kitchen sink, wash it in the bathtub. A plastic tub set in there works well without filling the bathtub. This also prevents greasy residue in the bathtub.
Help your water last
When boondocking (camping without utility hookups), use a pan to catch the initial water you must run while waiting for the hot water to come through the faucet. This goes for your kitchen sink or shower. Use this for doing the dishes later. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave. From All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing.
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WEBSITES OF THE DAY
Must-visit national parks in Canada
Visiting Canada soon? Consult this list first and plan your trip around these jaw-dropping national parks!
WiFi Free Spot
This very helpful website gives you lists, pages and pages long, of places that offer free WiFi. Never be without Internet access again!
Check out the long list of great RVing-related websites from RVtravel.com.
Secrets of RVing on Social Security
Author Jerry Minchey takes you on a journey that lets you discover how you can travel around the country and live the fascinating RV lifestyle for far less than it costs to live in your sticks-and-bricks home. Among other things, he shows you step-by-step how to enjoy the RVing lifestyle while traveling and living on just your Social Security income. Learn more or order.
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RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Associate editor: Deanna Tolliver. Staff writer: Emily Woodbury. Contributing writers: Russ De Maris, Bob Difley, Gary Bunzer, Roger Marble, Mike Sokol, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising coordinator: Gail Meyring.
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Bathtub???
RV black/gray tank chemicals are a total waste (pun intended) of $$. Over many years of rv’ing, I have found that a cup of simple liquid laundry detergent (I use Oxy-Clean) mixed with about 5 gallons of water in each tank during travel days, will keep both the tanks operating as designed and sensors will work perfectly. Occasionally, when I have found it, I will also put in a cap full of liquid Calgon water softener. And FWIW, I also use normal 2-ply toilet paper.
I would suggest adding road cones and blinking lights to the emergency kit. We found some that collapse at Harbor freight. We also got reflective vests for the kit too. Found a red tote bag at a thrift store with plenty of space to store it all.
WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO FIX THE LINK FOR PAYING A DONATION WITH A CREDIT CARD?
Last fall we stayed until Thanksgiving at our Son’s home in Maine. I added RV antifreeze to the black and grey tanks. The sensors worked like new. I also notice the on-board black tank flush will clean them if I run it long enough. But, as mentioned in the tip, I usually dump on a schedule based on time frame (black) or number of showers (gray). I really don’t trust the sensors.
The list of free WiFi spots may be ok but when I looked for our town Manchester, TN it wasn’t even in the index, so if you stop here don’t bother to look for a WiFi hot spot at any of the businesses because we don’t exist. However as I drive thru town my iPad and phone are constantly listing WiFi hot spots. I guess that listing is only for the people who only visit major metropolitan areas. Lol