Will RV snowbirds fly south or stay home in 2008?

How will fuel prices and the uncertain economy effect the winter migration of RV snow birds this year? Some of my full-timer friends have already begun their journey from parts north headed toward the beautiful sunsets of southern California, Arizona, the Rio Grand Valley and Florida. Many of them live in park models or in their RV at a park model adult community. Not surprisingly, many of them left their RVs at their favorite park and drove their car or pick-up home at the end of last season.Southern destination adult parks are very popular and park models are becoming increasing popular options for senior adult living. These parks have everything you need including church services, swimming pools and spas, work-out rooms, craft and hobby shops, tennis, shuffle board, horse shoes, community sponsored dances, potlucks, bingo and all manner of entertainment. You can participate as much or as little as suits your lifestyle.

The Bureau of Land Management in California and Arizona normally sees thousands of migrating RVers spending the winter months boondocking in the desert. During the last few years Mexico has also experienced a greater number of RVers descending on it's beaches.

The Rio Grand Valley boasts over 350 adult "Winter Texan" parks and last year they were close to full. So were the parks in Florida and along the gulf coast. The big question is whether they will flock back to their winter roost or stay closer to home.Not all snowbirds exhibit the same habits during the migration period. For instance, many prefer to stay home until after the holidays to be with family then make a mad dash for the boarder. Others begin slowly making their way south sometime in October with the idea of being in place by mid November. Some decide not to go at all, but after the first snow fall change their minds.Quartzsite, Arizona is a good place to take the pulse of how the migration is moving since it is a kind of mecca for south western bound RVers. Last year attendance was significantly down at Quartzsite and many friends of mine who are vendors have told me they will not return in 2008. You can count on me reporting live from Quartzsite this year as the RV season hopefully kicks into high gear.It remails to be seen just how many RVers will stay home. I'm forecasting a significant drop in the numbers of RVers heading south in 2008. I anticipate a high park reservation cancellation rate (perhaps as much as 20% or more) even though current reservations look promising. So if you're not sure whether you'll head south this winter don't let the lack of a reservation stop you.

Senior adults who maku up the lion's share of the snowbird demographic have suffered losses to their retirement investments due to recent market turmoil which will dramatically affect RV travel plans this year.

Regardless of what happens with the economy there will be an RV snowbird migration this year. It may be smaller than previous years, but it will not be cancelled. Snowbirds are invested in the RV lifestyle and are also invested in long time friendships that are renewed each winter as the flock gathers in the southernmost regions of our nation. For a snowbird, winter is the best time of year! Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVs need to be properly rigged for a rainy day

The rainy season is soon approaching and I thought it would be a good time to review proper rigging for a rainy day. The most obvious task is to close the windows (unless you have window awnings deployed). You would think this is a "no-brainer" but I must confess I've gone off and left windows open when rain was forecast. It's a good thing I have a fake leather couch because water just beads up on it.

The Fantastic Vents close automatically when it begins to rain, but many standard bathroom vents don't usually have this feature so you need to remember to close them. In my 5th wheels I experienced the "rain seat" in the bathroom on more than one occasion. Speaking of 5th wheels, the overhang makes a great place to stow a few things to keep them somewhat dry.Hopefully you've checked your roof and made any necessary repairs including inspecting the caulking and seals around vents, antennas and AC units. Cleaning the RV gutters and perhaps adding a short gutter extension will help keep you high and dry.

A critical issue for rain rigging is the proper deployment of the awning. If you know there are going to be wind gusts, I suggest leaving your awning stowed. If, however, you are enduring a week of constant drizzle, then having the awning act as an umbrella is a good thing. Your awning will help keep your entry area dry and accessible. If you decide to deploy the awning be sure to lower one end so the rain will run off. A good friend was injured and lost his 5th wheel awning when he tried to lower one end after many gallons of rain water had collected in it. He laughs about it now, but it sure wasn't funny when it happened.

Be sure you're not camped in a flood zone. This past Spring a motorhome caught in a flood moved in next to us. Water had filled their storage compartments and they were desperately trying to dry everything out before the next storm hit.

Another consideration is the footing of your RV. If you are camped on grass I highly recommend putting down boards with a much larger footprint for your landing jacks and landing gear. One year we had to be towed out of a fairground campground because the rain soaked ground became too soft.

With a few precautions RVing in the rain can be a rewarding experience. Our family created many happy memories playing games, drinking hot chocolate and just hanging out in the comfort of our RV while the rain danced on the roof. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing