Archived Issues RV Travel: Are you burning bad fuel?
Weekend of May 19 & 20, 2007 Issue 276 of RV Travel. Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter is funded through sales at RVbookstore.com, the World's Largest RV Bookstore specializing in books and DVDs about RVs and the RV lifestyle.
To ensure you continue to receive email alerts for this newsletter, please place the following email address in your own email address book: rvtraveler@topica.email-publisher.com 2007 Wal-Mart Locator now available The new edition of the 2007 Wal-Mart Locator is hot off the press. Hundreds of changes and updates, plus 100 new stores. This is the best resource for locating Wal-Mart stores (with driving directions), most of which allow free overnight RV stays in their parking lots -- a convenient and money-saving deal for RVers. Our price only $19.96. Learn more or order.
Editor's Corner By Chuck Woodbury
Memorial Day is coming up and many of you will be off on an RV adventure. If you need a campground along your route, be sure to check into FreeCampgrounds.com before leaving home: you may find a free or inexpensive place to stay a night or two, and the savings will offset high fuel prices.
Speaking of fuel prices, last week's reader survey revealed that only 27 percent of RVtravel.com readers plan to travel more this summer than last. Seventy two-percent will either travel the same or less. See the actual survey results. This contradicts the RV travel industry's press release of a couple of weeks ago that stated that three-quarters of RVers plan to travel more. Based on our own survey and what we hear from readers, we're not buying that rosy forecast.
Our reader survey this issue is about your RV's fire extinguisher. This is a timely subject: last week, there were a half-dozen news reports of RV fires, some that resulted in fatalities. We associate our RVs with pleasure, but there's a potentially dark side too, and very often it involves fire. Make sure your fire extinguisher is ready to go. And if you only have one, add another. So equipped, if you should ever experience a fire, you will have an excellent chance of saving your vehicle and your life and others' as well.
Our RVtravel.com blogs get more popular every week. There aren't many RV-related subjects we don't cover. If you haven't checked out this fabulous resource of RV information, please take a minute and browse the different topics. We think you will be impressed.
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $238 Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $78, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now up to $160. You could be our next winner. Check in weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) on both contests to see if you're a winner. FREE SHIPPING at RV Bookstore To celebrate six years in business, we are offering free shipping on all orders over $49 through the end of May (USA addresses only). So stock up now on all the RV books and DVDs you need, at our already low prices -- and SAVE!
Are you putting bad gasoline in your RV? It's an RVing nightmare: putting tainted gasoline in the tank of your RV or tow vehicle. And it happens more often than you might think, because inferior gas can still meet EPA standards. Bad gas hurts both the engine and fuel economy. That's why several auto manufacturers have established higher standards for gas. But how can you tell which service stations sell this better quality fuel? Click here. The Greatest RV Rally in the World! It's the sheer fun of it. It's breathtaking scenery at The Rally site-Redmond, Oregon. It's learning new things. Fabulous entertainment, hilarious contests and an attempt to break a World Record - that's what The Rally 2007 is about - and a whole lot more! All Roads Lead to Redmond. Learn more.
Motorhomes held hostage? Some customers of a Las Vegas RV repair shop say their RVs are being held hostage. Without warning, Double Eagle RV Repair closed up shop and locked its gates last Monday. Customers have not been able to gain entry since, or even get in touch by phone. One couple, on their first RV trip, had their motorhome there for repairs after it broke down. "This was our last stop on our way back into North Carolina," stranded motorist James Perry told News 3 TV. A sign on the business' door said the shop was closed for an emergency. The return date of May 14 was scratched off and replaced with May 16. But at RVtravel.com press time, nobody had showed up except angry customers. The situation is bad for the Perrys, a retired couple who didn't budget for stays in a hotel, a rental car, or for buying extra food.
Dilemma: Keep a good job or travel in an RV?
Full-timer and RV blogger Adrienne Kristine faced a dilemma: keep working at an enjoyable job that allowed her to live in the San Francisco Bay area, or give up the job and hit the road in her RV for several months of travel. Debating the pros and cons of each option forced Adrienne to ask herself why she became a full-timer in the first place. Read her thoughts and imagine yourself in her situation. What would you do?
RV tires versus the Alaska Highway: The game plan
You may have heard horror stories about the Alaska Highway chewing up tires on RVs and other vehicles. Is that still valid? If you're planning to RV to Alaska, what precautions should you take regarding tires? RVing Alaska blogger Ron Dalby provides the lowdown.
RV Owner's Manual -- Only $9.95 This comprehensive reference features information on care and maintenance, LP-gas systems, appliances, the water system, generator, battery charging, safety, water drainage systems, winterization and storage, load distribution, tow equipment and more. What a deal! Learn more or order. RVers can make international calls inexpensively If you ever need to phone someone outside the U.S. during an RV trip, you know how expensive the call can be. Next time, try this online service; you'll save some bucks.
To level your RV, you might want to go homemade
Because many camping sites aren't level, a leveling device is often necessary. You can buy commercial leveling devices, or make your own. Read why this RVer uses a combination of store-bought and homemade levelers.
Beginners Guide to RVing Are you new to RVing? Are you about to buy an RV or did you just buy one and now need to learn how to use it? Visit RVtravel.com's sister website "Beginners Guide to RVing" at www.NewRVer.com.
How to back up a trailer
Every RVer occasionally gets into a situation that requires backing up -- whether to park in a non-pull-through camping site or retreat from some adverse traffic or road development. Although backing up is more challenging in an RV than in a car, it's a skill anyone can learn. Here are some pointers from RV expert Mark Polk.
Military RVers: Lots of gold near this campground!
One of the country's most important, highly guarded sites also has a great military RV campground, featuring some upgraded facilities and free Internet access. If you qualify as a military RVer, check it out.
Allstate Motor Club: Relax and Enjoy the Ride When you benefit from 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, exclusive club discounts and custom trip planning services, it's no wonder Allstate Motor Club members feel good hitting the road. Learn more.
DID YOU KNOW? Pizza takeout? One quarter of RVtravel.com readers have ordered a take-out pizza to be delivered to their campsite. See the complete results of our survey and comments from readers.
No matter how long you've been RVing, you can never know it all. A new skill, a better way of doing something, an introduction to improved technology--there's always something to learn. That's why this RV owners seminar, with more than 40 topics, is such a great investment. But hurry: the deadline for registration is just days away.
Gas at $4, RV in driveway? Energy analysts are arguing over whether or not gasoline will reach $4 a gallon this summer. The RV industry association says that most Americans who own RVs plan to take them out more often this summer than they did in 2006, no matter the cost. But others, including RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury, disagree. Read more.
Explorer RV Insurance Owners of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and medium duty tow vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their coverage from over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.
These RVers don't buy "you can't take it with you"
In this age of RV toys, some RVers have to be pretty innovative in the hauling arrangement. Take a look at these trailers and you'll realize that whatever you want to bring with you, there's a way.
Passengers in a towable: Legal or illegal?
Many RVers assume it's illegal to carry passengers in a fifth-wheel or travel trailer. They're right. And they're wrong. Blogger Russ De Maris explains the confusion.
Drive a new, easy-to-handle motorhome at a budget price
Interested in a 30-foot, highly maneuverable, entry-level motorhome but don't think you can afford it? Look again. This one can be yours for far less than you might think, under a popular program.
RVers might be gambling if they dry-camp at these casinos
Many RVers who enjoy gambling dry-camp for free in casino parking lots. While this practice is safe in most parts of the country, it's unwise in one major metropolitan concentration of casinos. Read where and why.
Did you miss last week's RV Travel newsletter?Read it here.
Flag Pole Buddy
A new innovative design in a ladder mounted flag bracket. Includes a 3x5 American flag. The new bracket allows you to raise and lower your flag in seconds. Includes a 12 foot aluminum pole that folds down to 6 feet & withstands the harshest desert winds. See a video demonstration. Learn more..
National RVers & Travelers Directory Closeout sale: Was $10.95. Now only $5.95. Supply limited. Learn more or order. This Week's Reader Survey How long has it been since you bought a new RV fire extinguisher or recharged your present one? Answer here.
Last week's survey question Do you plan to travel more, less or the same with your RV this summer compared to last? See results.
Bargains at RV Bookstore. Save up to 82%. Postcard of the Week Returns next issue.
Software service shows RVers where to camp for half price
How's this for a deal--a software service that guides you to RV campgrounds where you pay only half the normal camping fee! The Digital RVer blog editor Scott Koegler tells you all about it.
Hear a great RV tune! Hear a clip (Quicktime required) from Cliff Boyd's song "Roam Sweet Roam" If you like what you hear, order Cliff's CD "RV Songs For You" at RVbookstore.com for only $13.95.
Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs FEATURED BLOG: Working on the RV Road: Keep up-to-date about news and information about earning income while RVing. Author and work camping expert Jaimie Hall reveals what you need to know to gain employment or run your own business while traveling with a recreational vehicle. Read the blog.
And don't miss Casino RV Camping: Learn about RV-friendly casinos -- those with RV parks, free camping in parking lots, and ones that offer coupons and other freebies to RVers who stay.
RVs and trucks parking in the City Center of Eagle Mountain, Utah have created a hazard say officials. So from now on, RVs and trucks may only park on city streets for a maximum of two hours. See a short video news report.
Navigate to RVing destinations the easy way
GPS is a handy RVing tool for navigating to campgrounds, low-price fuel stations and other destinations. And you can use GPS with a common, everyday device you probably already own. Read all about it here.
Poulsbo RV: One week sale, May 18-26. Bargain prices! Only one week to save: $60 million in inventory! It's first come, first served on special deals. Payments start at only $99. Low 4.99 percent APR financing available. No payments until November, (Some rules and restrictions apply). Our customers come from all over the USA. Financing? We make it easy. Want to trade? Tell us! Visit the PoulsboRV.com online showroom or call us at 888-538-9400.
California gold rush park makes for a great visit
RVers interested in day trips in California's gold rush country will find that history, a lovely setting, walking tours and a museum are just some of the highlights at this fascinating California state historic park. Click here for more info.
Get the grime off your RV with this product
Now that spring cleaning season is here, you might be planning to spruce up your RV's exterior. Here's a powerful product that many RV detail shops use for the job.
RVers witness dramatic change of scene at Canadian destination
A verbal agreement and a handshake are often enough to assure that RV work campers receive what they expect. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous employers fail to deliver everything they promise. Work camping pro Jaimie Hall tells you how to protect yourself and make sure you don't get cheated.
In Tennessee, the stage is set for you! Let your interests be your guide to vacationing in Tennessee. Finalize your outings and hammer out all the driving details - all online. Once you have made your selections and built your vacation, forget your worries and stress. Come unwind in Tennessee.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Pre-departure checklist I am getting ready to hit the road full-time, and will be driving a class A motorhome and towing a dolly. Does anyone know where I can find a pre-departure check list? This old brain is afraid to forget something.
Do we have any single lady RVers? Single campers? Please post; the posts here are kind of old. I'm just joining this adventure this summer and I'm excited about what will happen. It should be fun.
Took the plunge I received my FIRST RV today! My wife and I are the proud owners of a Jayco 345 BHS! Thanks to this forum site, YOU ALL helped us through this purchase by sometimes answering the dumbest questions.
Cross that bridge BEFORE you get to it with CoPilot! CoPilot is the award-winning GPS navigation system trusted by thousands of RV owners on the road today. With a quick installation on your laptop, CoPilot�s great views and clearly spoken turn-by-turn directions provide worry-free route guidance to any destination nationwide. Learn more about CoPilot GPS systems here.
Get yourself into hot water on your next RV trip
Ah, to park your RV and sit in an outside tub of naturally heated water while gazing at beautiful scenery--can life get any better? Here's a hot tip on such a place, as well as a source of other hot springs.
Help! How to cook with an RV convection oven
Got a convection oven in your RV but don't quite know how to cook with it? Help is at hand. New edition just in! Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino benefits for RVers.Learn more or order.
In your RV travels you might never have seen an Amish family driving a buggy down a country road, but these fascinating people have a lot in common with RVers. Blogger Jim Twamley tells you what he observed on a recent trip in Amish country.
Keep your RV refrigerator nice and cool
RV refrigerators are supposed to keep food cool, but for various reasons they're sometimes a little lukewarm. Here are some pointers on making sure your "reefer" stays efficient.
RV your way to this low-key casino heaven
Like the excitement of casino RVing but hate the big-city atmosphere of Vegas? Jane Kenny, editor of our blog Casino Camping, knows where you can enjoy the gaming scene in a much lower key and still have plenty of amenities and RV services. Click here.
Wonder what there is to do along Hwy 95 in Nevada? Horseback Riding- Air Shows- Outdoor Boxing- POW WOWS- Craft Shows- Community Picnics- Chili Cook-Offs- National Parks- Desert Wildflower Arrays- Sand Dunes- Prospecting- Antelope-Meteorite Hunting- Off-Roading- Star Gazing- Bicycling- Wild Burros- Rural Celebrations- Fine Dining- Gaming- Museums- ...and much, much more. Find all your options here!
Worth Pondering "Why is our memory good enough to retain the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not good enough to recollect how often we have told it to the same person?" -- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
2007 RV Show Schedule Learn about RV shows through September, 2007. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area. Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
RV Travel staff Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Gerry Bruder, Jim Twamley, Jaimie Hall. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Fulfillment Manager: Erin Hanson. Web Operations Guru: Zoey Platt. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Stress Relief: Mikey the long, slender and low-riding office dog.
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 just because we said so, or fixing something like we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. So be sure to check things out.
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RV Travel is copyright 2007 by RVbookstore.com. Our International Headquarters: RVbookstore.com, 170 W. Dayton Street, Suite 103, Edmonds WA 98020, USA, Earth, Milky Way, Known Universe, Unknown Universe.