Issue 2443
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Today’s thought
“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” ―
Need an excuse to celebrate? Today is Purple Heart Day. (More in the trivia below.) And a huge “Thank you” to all of our Purple Heart readers. We honor you today and every day for your service and sacrifice to protect our freedom.
On this day in history: 1944 – IBM dedicates the first program-controlled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator (known best as the Harvard Mark I).
Tip of the day
Tips from the experts: Get the most from your air conditioner and heat pump
By Nanci Dixon
I recently had the opportunity to speak with techs from Coleman about RV rooftop air conditioners and heat pumps. They had some great suggestions to get the most out of these units.
The first thing I learned was, not surprisingly, they have supply chain issues too. They, like everyone else in the RV business, are having lots of problems getting parts and new air conditioner units. While things are improving, delays are still happening.
Ask Dave
RV air conditioner switches to inverter on gen power – Update
Hi Dave,
I thought I would give you an update on my last question to you regarding my air conditioner unit always going to battery when turned on and not plugged in to a post….
Read Steve’s update and questions from Dave
RV review
Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43—The largest RV I’ve ever seen!
Today’s RV review might be of the largest RV I’ve ever seen—the 2025 Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43. This is a category-busting model that does fit in with some other classifications of RV. But it’s so different, in some ways, that it’s absolutely worth a look.
In the RV shop with Dustin
Be smart: Have your RV inspected before selling it
Having an RV seller’s inspection before listing your RV for sale is a proactive and smart approach. Conducting an inspection will help you identify any potential issues or maintenance needs that could affect the sale or price of your RV.
Here are some reasons why getting a seller’s inspection is beneficial…
Video of the day
RV trash: Where and how to get rid of it
By Cheri Sicard
In the video below we join Sean and Kristy of the Long Long Honeymoon, one of the winners of our 2024 RV video awards, for a campfire discussion of dealing with trash while RVing.
Certainly, most problems disposing of trash while RVing is going to affect boondockers. Otherwise, you can use receptacles at the RV park or campground where you are staying. But boondockers will need to come up with other plans, or else cart the trash home with them and dispose of it there.
Featured article
Ghost Town Trails: Don’t be spooked when camping near the ghosts of the Yankee Fork
By Dave Helgeson
Ghosts of the Yankee Fork include the remains of Custer and Bonanza, Idaho, along with the historical Yankee Fork Dredge. All three await your visit and are easily reached. Camping abounds, making the area perfect for adventurous RVers. There’s lots to see and do in this area.
Reader poll
Are you right- or left-handed?
Helpful resources
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION
• ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ACROSS THE NATION
• WEATHER ALERTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
• LATEST RV RECALLS
• DIRECTORY OF RV PARKS WITH STORM SHELTERS
• THE BEST RV TRIP PLANNER APPS AND TOOLS
• CURRENT WILDFIRE REPORT
• CURRENT SMOKE REPORT
Did you buy a lemon RV? Here’s more about RV lemons and lawyers who will represent you if you need help.
Quick tip
Preventing slide-out marks on floor
“We have found that cheap plastic place mats from a Dollar store work well to prevent marks or wear from slides. They are easily stashed on top of the washing machine, if you have one, or any other flat surface.” Thanks to Goldie for sliding this tip our way!
On this day last year…
- Tip: Many RV uses for dry erase boards
- Ask Dave: Why does my RV’s generator stop running while driving?
- RV review: Full review of the 2024 Chinook Bayside RV, a Class B RV with a dry bath
- Video: The future of solar? The pros and cons of solar awnings
- Featured article: Around the campfire: How fast do you drive when towing your RV?
Website of the day
Best RV Parks Near Disneyland
You’re never too old for Disneyland! These campgrounds and RV parks are just outside the park and are the perfect place to stay when you visit the happiest place on earth. The kids and grandkids will be SO excited to stay at these.
?? MYSTERY PRODUCT OF THE DAY ??
Oh, something about this just seems so wrong! Does it seem wrong to you or have you ever tried it? This is too weird for us!
Recipe of the day
Shrimp Cakes
by Lisa Johnson from Macon, GA
We have had a lot of crab cakes and tuna croquettes in our lives, but had never thought about chopping up shrimp and using that in a shrimp cake. We love the crunchiness that Panko gives to this dish! If you want to kick the heat up a notch, add cayenne pepper or even chopped jalapenos. This is a super easy and delicious dish to try at your next dinner!
Trivia
Purple Heart Day, August 7th, commemorates the oldest American military decoration for military merit. It was created during the American Revolutionary War. General George Washington introduced the Badge of Merit in 1782 to honor soldiers for exceptional actions. The badge had a heart-shaped purple silk piece with “Merit” embroidered in silver. The designer remains unknown.
Though an accurate list no longer exists, National Geographic estimated nearly 1.9 million service members earned Purple Hearts. It remains the oldest U.S. military honor, but since 1944, it’s only been awarded to those wounded or killed in combat.
Readers’ pets of the day
“Thelma (Golden Retriever) can slide open the screen door cover and announce to us if we are outside that she wants to join us or is ready for a walk. Jake, her older brother, is already getting his harness on and leash in the background with my wife, Polly.” —Richard Callahan
Send us a photo of your pet with a short description. We publish one each weekday in RV Daily Tips and in our Sunday RV Travel newsletter. No blurry photos, please! Please do not submit your photo more than once. Thanks!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
Leave here with a laugh
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Todays pet of the day Thelma has such a look, how could anyone say no?
Snoopy
We have used thin cutting boards for years under our slide out but they need to be replaced when they start getting dirty as sand and grit will get embedded in them and you have to keep your floor clean as well.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! 😉 I am right-handed, but as a pre-teen youngster one of my favorite things was to pretend I was a left-handed pitcher. I would put my glove on my right hand an throw a tennis ball against one of our out buildings on which I had marked a strike zone. Kids! They do the darndest things. 🤔😯 Thelma is adorable, Richard! 🙂 I hope that she is at least half as sweet as she looks! 🙂 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Mystery Product: It is Oh So Wrong! It says you can “Use it to BIND (different things) to your popcorn”?? How do I get the popcorn off my fingers, and then it get stuck in my throat? How do I pry my fingers apart? Do I use WD-40 to wash up? The reviews are dumber than the product. One Review uses it to keep calories down. I have spent WAY too much brain time on this tonight. I am afraid to look at future Mystery Products.
For some reason your comment made something pop into my head from decades ago. A salesman came into our small law firm and tried to sell me/us a postal meter (when you still had to lick stamps). One of his sales pitches was, “Just think of all the calories you’d save by not having to lick stamps!”🤣 –Diane
You must have been his one and only shot at a sale that day. Good Night Irene.
Could be, Kelly. I think it was tongue-in-cheek, and when all else had failed. Nope, even that didn’t work, but it got a chuckle out of a couple of us. 😀 –Diane