Issue 990 • October 18, 2018
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QUICK TIPS
Dirty contacts? DeoxIT!
Several readers picked up on a discussion of cleaning shore power connectors. This led to a product that could have a number of uses for RV do-it-yourselfers. Called DeoxIT, here are comments from our electrical specialist, Mike Sokol: “I’ve used DeoxIT for decades on my pro-sound gear. We use it on speaker connectors, power connectors such as cam-lok and twist-lock plugs (just like RV power), volume controls, gold-plated circuit boards (like in RV refrigerator control boards), etc. There are several different versions of DeoxIT depending on if you want built-in lubricant for potentiometers, or gold contact refurbishing or simply oxidation removal.” Thanks, Mike, for the lead. Learn more or order.
Correct RV tire pressure saves them
Keeping RV tires at the right inflation saves them. Too much pressure – uneven tread wear. Too little pressure – risk ruining the tires from overheating, plus uneven wear. Tires give off air even without actual “leaks,” so check them before you start out on a trip, and at least weekly on the road.
Did you miss the latest RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
The EASY way to buy window shades
Carefree‘s Simply Shade Window Awning is the first cash and carry complete window awning system that can be bought off of dealer shelves and installed the same day! Simply Shade Awnings fit windows up to 36″ tall. Click here to learn more.
Today’s brain teaser (answer below): I am a man without bones, without blood, without life. My flesh is white, cold and shrinking. What am I?
The best book on RV electricity, hands down!
RV Travel contributor Mike Sokol is America’s leading expert on RV electricity. Mike has taken his 40+ years of experience to write this book about RV electricity that nearly anyone can understand. He covers the basics of Voltage, Amperage, Wattage and Grounding, with additional chapters on RV Hot-Skin testing, GFCI operation, portable generator hookups and troubleshooting RV electrical systems. This should be essential reading for all RVers. Learn more or order
MORE QUICK TIPS
Fire extinguisher? Keep your powder dry loose
Every month turn your RV “powder type” fire extinguisher upside down and shake it hard, even tap the bottom of it with a screwdriver handle. The constant shaking and rattling of going down the road can compact the dry chemical in the device, and you need to loosen it up to ensure it comes out when you need it.
Selling your RV? Watch out for odors
from Don Bobbitt
Two of the worst things that damage a potential RV sale, whether by yourself or a dealer, are the smells that will eventually get into the RV carpet, curtains, ceiling material, and upholstery. The top two sale-killing odors to find in an RV are the smell of pets and the smell of cigarette smoke. To date, I don’t know of a cleanser used to hide these odors that doesn’t smell worse than the original problem. So, these odors can, and do, drive a lot of potential buyers away. From “The Ultimate RV Owners Reference.“
Do you have a tip? Send it to Russ (at) rvtravel.com
Goodbye Holding Tank Odors and Clogs, Hello Convenience!
The best just got better. Now you can get the unsurpassed strength of RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment in a convenient, easy to use drop-in pod. RV Digest-It has long been known as the premier all-around tank treatment for those looking for the best in both odor elimination and waste digestion – now you can add convenience to that list. Learn more here.
WEBSITES OF THE DAY
The top 100 camping blogs
Have endless hours to explore the Internet? Start here. These 100 blogs have everything (literally everything) you need to know about camping all around the world.
The best Halloween celebrations in America
It’s time to get spooky! If you’re traveling near any of these festivals, we suggest you check them out.
Check out the long list of great RVing-related websites from RVtravel.com.
PRODUCT OF THE DAY: The book every RVer with wanderlust should own. Click here.
Answer to today’s brain teaser: Snowman
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LEAVE HERE WITH A LAUGH
These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
- “A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
- “Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.”
- “Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”
- “Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.”
- “Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.”
- “Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”
- “The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.”
- “A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.”
- “The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”
- “Too many rocks in the mountains.”
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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This newsletter is copyright 2018 by RVtravel.com
Most cleaning restoration companies can do a fogging with disinfectant that will neutralize smoke odor. Or you can use enzymes as they will break down both nicotine and pet odors. Thorough cleaning of all surfaces required. Natures Miracle is readily available in pet stores. Or any janitorial store for full strength.
On the subject of odors if you cut an apple into wedges and place them around inside the unit it will absorb the odors, when they dry up simply throw it away. Repeat as necessary, you can use the cheapest ones.
I LOVE the comments left by some “obviously-city-folk” campers. I am blessed to have lived in the country my whole life. If these people stay camping, they, too, will learn what’s REALLY importent in life.
An easier way to keep your fire extinguisher loose is to buy two identical ones and mount one in the kitchen in a vertical orientation and one in the bedroom horizontally. Once a month, switch them. While your at it, check the pressure and make sure you haven’t leaked.
Awesome advice!
checking email – depends on WIFI access, which can be sketchy. Email is a wonderful service but an unforgiving draw and distraction if you allow. Very nice to be away from it for lengths of time. Need to contact me – call. If you email = it can wait and I’ll get back to you, as necessary, sooner than later. Pay bills online = keep to a regular schedule and get it done. Those that have jobs linked to their RV life must access email daily/often (this is a given) but for the those who are exploring the world, it can be a huge distraction from relaxing, focusing on ‘why’ you are RVing, enjoying the environment, time with companion/spouse/friends, etc.