Issue 942 • July 26, 2018
This newsletter is brought to you Monday through Thursday by RVtravel.com and is funded primarily through voluntary subscription contributions from our readers. Thank you!
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QUICK TIPS
Sticky vent lid
Is it hard to open your roof vent lid? There may be a couple of reasons for this. First, try to open it. If it won’t open, the seal may be stuck. Go up on the roof (or have someone do it for you) and pry up the edges of the vent lid. Careful! The lid may be brittle from UV exposure and break, in which case it will need to be replaced. Once the edges feel free, go down and crank the vent up, or have a helper do it, so you can see under and around the vent lid. If the mechanism is heavily corroded, a spray lubricant may be in order to free it up. If it’s just a little sticky, a regular silicone-type lube will work just fine in the mechanism. If the seal is sticky, apply a seal lubricant and treatment like you would use for your slideout seals. You can use any lubricant or treatment for rubber, but it has to say it’s safe for rubber. Always use any of these products sparingly.
A trick to expand your shower
Feeling “closed in” in the shower? If your shower is equipped with a shower curtain, get a curtain tension rod, mount it a few inches outside the existing shower rod. Run the curtain over the top of the new rod, then back into the shower stall. Gives a few extra inches of space for your shoulders. Dr. Who fans, simply think of this as a Tardis in your RV!
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Camco vent insulator keeps you warm…and cool!
Is your RV too hot in the summer? Too cold in the winter? Camco’s vent insulator and skylight cover features a thick layer of foam which helps stop heat transfer, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Installation is easy – simply push the fitted foam into your skylight, reflective side up. The reflective surface blocks sunlight, preventing it from heating your RV in the hot months. The insulator is designed to fit standard 14″x14″ RV vents. Learn more or order here.Â
Answer to today’s email alert brain teaser: Are you asleep?
MORE QUICK TIPS
Bumper bug-out
Don’t let bees buzz you: Put a layer of window screen over the vent holes on your bumper plugs. Still lets the drain hose air out, but keeps the bugs away.
Be prepared to manually retract slideouts
Find out the exact procedures for emergency manual retraction of your slideouts before you need to use them. Write them out in language that you can understand and keep them where you can find them. You probably will never use them, but Boy Scouts have a good motto: Be Prepared! —From Trailers & Fifth Wheels Made Easy
Do you have a tip? Send it to Russ (at) rvtravel.com
The largest, tiniest blanket for all your outdoor needs
Pack your beach bags and park picnics, it’s summer! What’s one thing we always need for a relaxing day outdoors? A blanket! This tiny, super lightweight travel blanket is great for RVers, campers, hikers, concert-goers and travelers. When folded up in its drawstring pouch, it fits in the palm of your hand. When unfolded, it’s a waterproof 55″x70″ two-person blanket. Be right back, we’re buying it here!
WEBSITES OF THE DAY
Indie Bound
While we do love Amazon (we can’t deny it), we do also love supporting small, locally owned bookstores while traveling. This site shows you every independent bookstore near your current location. Shop local!
Scam Alerts
Here’s the official website for all current scams. Good to keep on hand and check now and again. Online scams are scary; make yourself aware so you aren’t a victim.Â
Check out the long list of great RVing-related websites from RVtravel.com.
Heavy duty grill mats master the BBQ!
Been looking for perfect grill mats? Here you go! These mats are the ideal thickness, still allowing that chicken to get those beautiful grill marks, but thick enough to provide durability and heat resistance. Never worry about cleaning your grill again and never worry about veggies falling through those dang cracks. Hassle-free grilling every time. Works with any type of grill or BBQ. Learn more or order here.Â
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LEAVE HERE WITH A LAUGH
My wife and I decided that we don’t want to have children anymore. So anybody who wants one can leave us their phone number and address and we will bring you one.
Today’s Daily Deals at Amazon.com
Best-selling RV products and Accessories at Amazon.com. UPDATED HOURLY.
RV Daily Tips Staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Managing editor: Diane McGovern. Staff writer: Emily Woodbury. Contributing writers: Russ De Maris, Bob Difley, Gary Bunzer, Roger Marble, Mike Sokol, Greg Illes, J.M. Montigel and Andrew Robinson. Advertising coordinator: Gail Meyring. Marketing director: Jessica Sarvis.
ADVERTISE on RVtravel.com and/or in this newsletter. Contact Gail Meyring at Gail(at)RVtravel.com .
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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Chuck & Gail do all Rv’ers a great service and definitely earn every penny they earn. They save all of us much more than we would spend on any subscription including WSJ.
Thanks for the great work.
Ron Tardiff to you..I would be willing to bet that if Gail is on the payroll she certainly earns her wages..They work as a team so get over it..I don’t really care as long as the publication continues to open the ugly doors of the RV manufacturing nonsense of building mostly junk..Looking forward until you have a $1500 repair as I had due to lousy workmanship that cause severe water damage and only 2 years old..Enjoy the efforts as of a few to keep you informed so loosen up and enjoy ..I think I read that Gail is involved in the publication ..It would be interesting if you even donated a cent..Take a NAP !!!
Another question that cannot be answered yes…
Does yes mean no?
Or … Does no mean yes? Thanks, Martine. (This is starting to hurt my brain!) 😀 —Diane at RVtravelcom
re: Bumper plug that is wasp resistant
I have two of these for both ends of my aft hose storage bumper. Drains just fine and keeps the buggers out….
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40311-Magnetic-Bumper-Fitting/dp/B071L8YSM5/ref=sr_1_29_sspa?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1532619310&sr=1-29-spons&keywords=rv+bumper+plug&psc=1
I work at an Gas Station and convenience store, It always amazes me how many people will pull out a credit card to pay for a .99 cent drink.
It doesn’t matter if you pay the entire balance when it comes due.
Many ppl don’t carry cash, when traveling, so a debit card/credit card is convenient. Why should you care as long as you’re getting paid?
Vent holes on my bumper plugs????? Is this in another language??? I have no idea from where you speak.
The majority of bumper plugs I’ve seen have a square hole in the center. I’ve also had mice get inside my bumper. Siliconing a piece of screen on the inside to cover the hole took care of the problem
Some rear bumpers on an RV (trailers, mostly) are fitted so people can carry their sewer hoses in them . There is usually a square hole in each end and this is what they’re speaking about.
Leon… obviously you’ve never owned a travel trailer.
In my previous life, we had a travel trailer and when I stored my dump hose in the bumper, the constant vibration during travel would wear small pin holes in the ribs of the hose, making it worthless.
Really?
Becoming more disenchanted with the direction of your publications. Who wants to be distracted by wiggling ads and constant pleading for money. Is Chucks partner (Gail) on the payroll?
You do know you have options such as unsubscribing?
Could lead to that. Not sure of your need to point out the obvious.
Most lubricant you spray on vent cranks etc attracts dust so keep that mind. Sometimes cleaning it free of everything doesn’t attract anything and works just as good. Use a degreaser on a cloth to clean the rubber seal, let dry completely and then wipe talcum powder on to prevent lid from sticking.
Ron, what direction would you want us to go? And what does it matter if Gail is on the payroll (she is and she earns every penny)? And you may have noticed in my comments, we took away the wiggling ad after we heard from a few readers about them. So, Ron, let’s assume this website and newsletter is yours: what direction would you take it? Please email me at chuck@rvtravel.com .
You get two thumbs up from me.Keep it going Chuck.