Issue 2704
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. Here are their tips on staying cool, keeping warm, and why your RV should use a SoftStartRV™. Click here to read.
Ask Dave
What is two-wheel gadget attached to tow vehicle in ‘The Long, Long Trailer’?
Dear Dave,
I just watched the movie “The Long, Long Trailer”. The hitch installer sold them a small two-wheeled gadget that attached to the car hitch and the trailer was hooked up to this. This must be old technology but it seems very interesting to me. What exactly was this and why don’t we see these still? Thanks. —Rick, 2025 Wildwood 25ICE Read Dave’s answer.
Article and video
Why RVers need to take railroad crossings more seriously
By Cheri Sicard
Crisscrossing the U.S. in an RV means adventure, wide-open highways, and, sometimes, those unexpected railroad crossings. Many people drive or tow across tracks without a second thought, but the statistics are hard to ignore. Every three hours, a vehicle or person is hit by a train in America. More than 2,300 people are injured or killed on railroad tracks each year. Read and watch these tips to stay safe!
RANDOM RV THOUGHT: People who are “homebodies” often prefer to be at home more than anywhere else; they may not like to stray far from home. Sometimes an RV is good for a person like this because they can combine being at “home” in their RV with traveling to other places.
Featured article
How to rodent-proof an RV—What really works and what doesn’t!
By Cheri Sicard
Since January, I had been watching various campground neighbors leave their hoods open at night and keep lights on under their RVs (kind of annoying) in an effort to avoid desert rodents. But I had been lucky. No critters in the RV besides myself and the occasional visiting friend or two. But after RVing in the New Mexico desert, it finally happened in mid-May. Mice in my RV. Here are all the methods that worked, and the ones that didn’t, in my attempt to get rid of the mice.
Reader poll
Have you ever been transported by ambulance for a medical emergency?
Quick tip
How hot are your wheel bearings?
Your axle wheel bearings will need occasional attention. Feel with your hand at the hub to check for one that may be running hotter than the rest. Note: If the bearing is adjusted too tight or is running without grease it can get VERY hot! You must pay immediate attention to a hot bearing. They will either need more grease or adjustment, but replacement may be necessary. This is an excellent application for an infrared thermometer, that will indicate the temperature of wherever it is pointed. —From “So, you want to be an RVer? And Enjoy the RV Lifestyle? [Revised]“ Available on Amazon
On this day last year…
- Ask Dave: RV air conditioner switches to inverter on gen power – Update
- RV review: Wildwood Heritage Glen ROOST43—The largest RV I’ve ever seen!
- Video: RV trash: Where and how to get rid of it
- Featured article: Ghost Town Trails: Don’t be spooked when camping near the ghosts of the Yankee Fork
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!
And the survey says…
We’ve polled RVtravel.com readers close to 5,000 times in recent years. Here are a few things we’ve learned about them:
• 64 percent believe that there is intelligent life on other planets.
• 43 percent watch a local TV station’s evening news program every night or almost every night.
• 28 percent say that as an adult they have been so poor it has been a challenge to feed themselves or their family.
Recent poll: How many RVs have you owned in your life?
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
“These are our traveling companions, Shih Tzus and a Labradoodle. Left to right, Sasha, Remi, Gidget (at the Rainbow Bridge now), Lizzie and the center pic, Kimber!” —Donna Ziegler
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!
• RVing with Dogs group on Facebook. You’ll love it.
2025 Rand McNally Road Atlas & National Park Guide
This comprehensive guide is a must-have for RVers and nature lovers, offering stunning visuals, essential visitor information, and invaluable travel tips for all 63 of America’s national parks. The guide also includes a complete 2025 Rand McNally Road Atlas, ensuring seamless navigation for travelers across the country. Learn more or order.
Leave here with a laugh
Today’s weather forecast across the nation
THIS MAP UPDATES TWICE A DAY
Visit Current National Radar Weather Map
Current fire and smoke map from AirNow
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Donna – that is quite the gang of RV traveling companions! A lot of fun and great memories to be made…but you do realize you are out numbered! Don
Don, you are not wrong! lol! 😂
Donna – what an adorable collage of your fur babies.
Thank you!
How hot is too hot? great question but still NO answer. Yes! get the thermometer but HOW HOT IS TOO HOT?
Basically, compare the temp of the other wheels/tires. One which is a ways out of line – is immediately suspect and should get further inspection. This could be a bearing or a stuck brake caliper.
Moisture in the brake system can cause the interior of rubber brake lines to swell and cause the caliper to not release after application of the brakes. Ask me how I know this….
Too hot for wheel bearings is when one wheel shows an unaccountable temperature difference from others. Also if your rig has hub covers, Check the temp on the wheel next to the hub, not on the hub. The wheel touches the brake drum next to the actual hub and conducts more heat than the decorative hub cover.
If your towable has wheel hub covers over the bearing hub…I highly suggest taking them off since they are mostly for looks. They cause the bearings to heat up more.
Wheel covers maybe, but the actual hub cap is needed to keep dirt out of the bearing.
Say again?
I think he means the axle or bearing cap. ?
Purple Heart award is now given to combat veterans that have TBI issue from severe explosions. The approval for this comes from the doctors at hospital that recommend/state veteran is trauma from. This decision was approved last year thru V A
Seems like a positive change for many deserving of recognition. Thanks for the comment.
Wheel bearings – Do this – At each rest area when I stop, I feel the sidewall of each tire and feel the wheel bearing. They always are hotter than ambient. What’s important is this:” You get a sense of what’s a normal temp for the tires and bearings. If one feels excessively hot, you’ll immediately know it and can fix the problem before it becomes a big problem. JMHO.
Cheers!
Regarding: Leave here with a laugh, I haven’t had chocolate for so long I can no longer hear out of my left eye.
“We take for granted the very people that most deserve our gratitude and respect.” DW/ND
I use one of these to check hub temps. Store in drivers door.
thermal Laser gun.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-battery-powered-digital-temperature-reader-0574554p.html
In your “And the survey says” it states that “64 percent believe that there is intelligent life on other planets.” It can be demonstrated that life on other planets has to be intelligent. How you ask? Simply, They are smart enough to NOT come to this planet. LOL.
Speaking of haunted I cannot remember the name of the campground but it was near the heart of Gettysburg and I was told that the grounds we were camping on were haunted. Especially near the woods. And the experiences we had were out of this world. Especially during the nite and one time we got in late. I loved it.
Good advice on mice prevention! Been there, done that – don’t want to do it again! Yuck!
Hot wheel bearing. An alternative measuring device is a railroad conductor temp stick, a formulated wax stick designed to melt at 200°F. Apply to bottom of bearing housing, wait a few minutes. If it melts your bearings are in danger of failure. Available online.
Thank you, Emily and Diane! I must not be a fan of popcorn because the mystery product held no interest for me. Have a great weekend and safe travels!