How Many ROAD Scholars Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb

I know you've been putting off changing those exterior light bulbs on your RV. The Professor of RVing shows you how to it's done in this enlightening video.

Join the Professor as He Explores the World’s Largest RV Bookstore

I recently visited world renowned RV Travel.Com co-located on the same campus as RV Bookstore.com. I had never been there before, so I wasn’t sure what I’d find. That’s part of the joy of visiting new places, mulling through your mind what it should be like. I wasn’t disappointed. As I toured the campus, it occurred to me that you too would appreciate a peek inside this busy hive of RVdom. like all news organizations RV Travel.com is a hub of activity. There are all manner of RV journals, magazines, books and periodicals scattered about on the break room table where employees of RV Travel and RV Bookstore drink coffee and discuss the news. I felt right at home. It reminded me of my grandfather’s workshop, friendly yet intriguing always with a lingering hint of coffee grounds and newsprint. Erin Hanson is RV Bookstore’s Fulfillment Manager. She’s the one who writes you a thank you note and includes it in your order. Fast and efficient, she keeps the books and DVDs flying out of here so you’ll have your order in no time at all. Office Manager Jody Allcott tries to keep us all in line and that’s a never ending job. She makes sure we have plenty of books and DVDs in stock to support our RV habit and she also pays the bills. Kristin Boag is in charge of advertising and sales. She's working on an automated system so our smaller advertisers will have full and instant access to RV Travel’s monster advertising machine. The renowned voice of RV Travel is none other than Eric Brotman who you hear on our “RV Radio Moment”. Zoey Platt is our computer expert and keeps all the plates spinning behind the scenes. Mikey the Office Dog is in charge of K-9 relations. Here he’s schmoozing with the boss, Chuck Woodbury trying to negotiate a dog biscuit increase. Besides the office staff, there are many writers who contribute to RV Travel and are on the payroll. Most of them, like Russ and Tina De Maris, Adrienne Kristine and others are out in the RV community covering the beat. You may have met Adrienne at the recent Good Sam Rally in Redmond, Oregon. Go out to the back lot at RV Travel.com and you’ll discover a wildlife preserve. Walk out the front door and down the street and you’re at Puget Sound and the 2006 best marina of the year. This is Edmonds, Washington a quiet little town with a ferry terminal but more importantly it harbors the largest RV Bookstore in the universe. As far as RV books are concerned, If we don’t have it, it doesn’t exist and if it doesn’t exist we can create it. Take a look at our bookshelf and order a few titles today. Taking you places you’ve never been before - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing and ROAD Scholar.

Airstream Rolls into the RV Van Conversion Market

This RV is powered by a turbo charged Mercedes Benz diesel engine. Is a RV van conversion what you've been looking for? It’s compact, fits anywhere and gets great fuel economy. Take the video tour:

RV Association Failing Fast Soon to be on Life Support

Today I received my Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) plates in the mail. You see these plates displayed on motorhomes all the time. I don’t get it. Why would you want to put a cheap piece of plastic on your multi-thousand dollar motorhome? Many members put it between the ladder rungs which gets in the way of using the ladder. FMCA is declining in membership. The recent Redmond, Oregon FMCA rally saw a declining attendance from previous years. When I ask people why they belong they usually say something like, “we like the magazine.” So, let me get this straight, you put this ugly piece of junk on your nice motorhome because you like a magazine? Are we really that hard up that we need to display our club affiliations on our stuff? I’m a member of COSTCO but I don’t have an oversized replica of my membership card strapped to my bumper. The only reason I joined this failing club is because I saved a few bucks on insurance. However, I’ve since discovered that there are better rates available through other vendors. So why is FMCA failing? I’ll tell you why, because they have stopped being relevant. Their RV rallies have little or nothing for the younger generation. How many people under 40 do you see at FMCA events? Do you bring your grandkids? No, because there’s no carnival, no vendors with stuff they are interested in - it’s a bust as far as kids are concerned. It’s also a bust as far as people under 40 are concerned. Look around at FMCA events and you will see a sea of white hair moving around on golf carts and scooters. The grandkids would probably come if they could drive the golf carts, but that’s frowned on at these events. But how about all the perks? What perks? FMCA doesn’t offer anything that isn’t available in a multitude of other places. But what about the chapters? What about them? Can chapter functions continue when FMCA dies? Yes! Will RVers have less fun, enjoyment and fulfillment when FMCA is gone? No! I predict that FMCA will be on life support within the next ten years if something isn’t done. As for my plates, well, they’re in the recycling bin. I’m not impressed with FMCA - are you? Keeping it honest and helping you keep your thinking cap squarely on your head - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing and Road Scholar.

Department of Transportation Tries to Bump Me Off!

I’m enjoying the drive in my motorhome today when a huge pothole appears out of nowhere like a grade “B” science fiction movie and “slam - bam” my tires drop in jarring my dog’s eyes around like a cartoon. That can’t be good for my tires or my alignment. My dog just wandered back to get a drink. My wife woke up and gave me one of those looks like, “We in heaven yet?” Bumps in the road are just part of RVing, but what’s the deal with the “Bump” signs? The bright orange signs that simply say, “Bump.” Now, I’m all for warning people that they are about to drive off a miniature cliff, but half the time we drive by these signs at 65 mph on the interstate and you’re already over the bump by the time you read the sign. Most of the time I don’t even feel the “Bump” they advertise. How about putting those signs about 1/2 mile in front of that pothole? Hey, now there’s an idea DOT people! The sign could read, “Meteor Crater Ahead, Small Cars Not Advised.” While I’m on the subject, how come toll roads have more potholes than non-toll roads? Aren’t they supposed to use all that toll money for repairs? Apparently not! Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing and Road Scholar.

Own Your Own Piece of an Upscale RV Park!

Like most RVers, I enjoy RV parks in forested areas. However, I don’t like being so close to my neighbors that I can’t put my awning out - I need my space! Lost Lake Resort offers plenty of space and is surrounded by lots of trees. My wife, Marilyn, says it reminds her of camping in the forest when she was a kid. Lost Lake Resort is a secluded resort just south of Tacoma, Washington off of I-5 near the Fort Lewis Army Base. This RV community is different because you purchase your own lot and develop it however you want (within the covenants of the association of course). Lots start around $29,000 and the association fees are $750 a year. It’s a gated community with great amenities as you’ll see in the video. This is an upscale RV community and your RV must be 15 years old or newer in order to keep it here. Also, to prevent this from becoming a trashy park and to protect your investment, you can only live here a maximum of six months out of each year. That’s not a problem for “snowbirds” as they will move to their park model in Arizona or Florida during winter and then come back here for the spring and summer. There are also some nice park models available and though many of the existing lots have already been developed and sold, they are continuing to develop a few new lot sites. About the lake, it isn’t really lost, in fact it’s an 11 acre spring-fed lake stocked with rainbow trout. Check out this video for a more detailed look at this style of living.


For more information, contact Lost Lake Resort, 1546 Reservation Road SE, Olympia, WA 98513. Phone (888) 220-5253 or visit Lost Lake RV Resort. Informative, entertaining and always fun - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing, Dr. of RVology and Road Scholar.

RVers Show Up In Droves at Local and State Fairgrounds

We parked our RV for seven days at the Grant County Fairgrounds last week. We were quite content with 50 amps and water (no sewer). The Grant County Fair in Moses Lake, Washington was in full swing and the place was buzzing with RV's and horse trailers, folks getting displays ready, riding horses, herding pigs and sheep and leading cows around like it was an everyday occurrence. Why was the Professor of RVing there? Well, we were the chuck-wagon for our grandkids who were riding horses in gaming events (that's granddaughter Brittany Silva above). If you’ve never been to a local fair before you should go. When you walk through the livestock exhibits remember that the kids who brought these animals to show worked very hard to get them here. Besides all the time they spend raising the animals, they spend several days before the show bathing, shaving, training, trimming, shoeing and who knows what else getting all these animals “show ready.” These will be the cleanest pigs you’ll ever see (they don’t occur like this in nature). Here my grandson John Silva is showing his pig. My grandkids raised and showed hogs and they are good at it! It's not uncommon for our grandkids to win Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in their competitions. Here is my grandson Jake with a ribbon. If you’re like me, you can’t help thinking about bacon when you walk through the pig exhibits, chicken tenders when you’re in the rabbit and foul exhibit and leg of lamb in the sheep exhibit. So, I just wonder off down to the corn-dog hut and satisfy that feeling of hunger and finish it off with an elephant ear (a hunk of deep fried dough baptized in butter, cinnamon and sugar). It’s a good thing the fair only lasts one week, otherwise I’d be in competition with the best of the pigs. Please indulge me as I brag on my grandkids; Here is some footage of them in action:A fair wouldn’t be compete without a carnival, a rodeo, tractor pull, a demolition derby, horse racing or other big ticket events that bring a crowd together, but there's much more to a fair than these events.The RV part of this story is that hundreds of families who have kids participating in 4-H or Future Farmers of America bring their RV’s to fair. It’s a hoot because these hard working families hang out together, swap gossip, fellowship around the campfire and have a good ol’ time. It’s a celebration, a festival, a contest, a family reunion and a carnival all rolled into one and RV’s make it possible. By the way, most fairgrounds have RV hook-ups and are great places to stay (usually inexpensive as well). We’ve stayed at many fairgrounds across the country and find them more than adequate for our needs. Keeping you informed about the multitude of uses for RV's and living high on the hog - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

An Old School BBQ With a New Twist

I love to BBQ as much as you do, but I haven't found a BBQ I like until now. My problem is cleaning it for storage. My portable porpane Webber is almost impossible to get clean because you can't get all the BBQ drippings off. The heat element is in the way and you can't get a brush or anything else in there to clean off all the plaque. I deep sixed it (that's Navy lingo which means I threw it overboard). Check out this new BBQ called Pit-2-Go.
You can get more information here: Pit-2-Go

Keeping you abreast of hot RVing ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing, Doctor of RVology!

Prevent RV Sewer Spills With This New Device

As an RVer you've struggled with sewer hoses, fought with sewer caps that seemed like they were glued on and have engineered a miniature Great Wall of China in order to get a sewer hose to drain into a sewer receptacle that was too tall. How many times have you had your sewer elbow come out of the sewer receptacle? Sometimes this happens because your sewer hose doesn’t quite reach and it pulls out of it’s own accord. Other times it’s because the rock outcropping you formed over the elbow fell down. Sometimes back pressure from the RV Park sewage system causes the elbow to jump out of the receptacle. Meet the Sewer Saddle: This new invention allows you to stabilize your sewer elbow by essentially adding a weighted collar to the elbow. This is amazngly simple to use and it’s very light weight. For only $9.95 (including shipping and handling) you can’t go wrong. You can read more about it here:
RV Saddle
Watch this video I prepared to see just how easy it is to use and how effective it is at stabilizing your sewer hose elbow.
Keeping you informed AND entertained - Jim Twamley, Dr. of RVololy

You’re Driving Your RV, Suddenly a Tire Blows.... What Should You Do?

Alright RVers, class is in session. The thing that all RVers dread is a rapid tire deflation while driving (otherwise known as a “blow out”). Today I'm giving a pop quiz - a passing grade means you get to keep your life and your RV: Here's the question, Your RV has a blow out in the right front tire - What do you do?

a. Slam on the brake
b. Step on the accelerator
c. Lightly apply brake pressure
d. Downshift and put on the exhaust brake if you have one
e. Shout, “We’re All Gonna Die!”

Well, if you answered “Step on the accelerator” you are correct. Don’t believe me? Take it from the Professor, this information will save your life. I STRONGLY recommend that all RVers (regardless of the type of RV you own) go to the Michelin website and view this short documentary called “RV The Critical Factor” here:
RV Tire Blow Out Video If this link doesn't work (We've been having trouble with Google's Blogger Links) you can cut and paste this link and click on "view" under the heading "RV the Critical Factor": http://www.michelinrvtires.com/michelinrv/toolbox/videos-demos.jsp
Keeping you safe on our highways and byways - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Michelin Introduces a Single Replacement for RV Duals

RVers have been seeing single tires that replace the duals on trucks for some time. However, this technology has not been available to RVers until now. Michelin has introduced the new X One XRV that replaces your rear duals with a single tire. This new tire promises increased fuel efficiency for your RV. Michelin has incorporated it’s new technology called “infini-coil” that helps eliminate casing growth and stabilizes the pavement contact area on the tire for longer tread life and even wear across the tread. To give you an idea of how big these tires are here is a picture of the Dr. of RVology kneeling next to one. There is 1/4 mile of steel wire in each of these tires. This tire will run on pressures of 75 psi to 120 psi depending on your load. It has a special wheel that replaces your dual wheel assembly. Just think about this, once these babies are on your coach, you’ll only have four valve stems to deal with. Keeping you rolling down the road - Jim Twamley, Professor of Rving.

Take a Virtual Tour of a Handicap Accessible RV

How do folks with disabilities go RVing? The answer is the same as everybody else with a few modifications to make life easier. Skip Johnson lost the use of his legs many years ago but that didn’t stop him from becoming a full time RVer. Skip and his wife Barbara decided to become full time RVers so they could see this great country up close and personal. The Johnson’s purchased this Allegro Bus used from another person with disabilities so it was ready to go. Many RV manufacturers already have plans for handicapped modified RV’s and they can also custom make features that will accommodate you. Getting in and out of the RV is important and there are several ways to accomplish this. There are complete hydraulic lifts that tuck neatly away under the coach. Another popular type is the exterior mounted transfer seat that uses a worm drive to move the seat up and down a pole then swings the person into the RV. Skip uses the “Strong Arm Lift” that attaches inside the coach next to the door. This lift uses a hydraulic arm that drops down allowing the person to attach chains to the center pivot point of the chair and then lifts the chair up into the coach.
Skip uses a hand-held control to operate this lift. Using this type of lift requires the door to be wider to allow the chair to easily pass into the RV. It also requires that the entry/exit steps be modified at the top to hold up the wheels of the chair. In order for the chair to be lifted into the coach the electric steps must be retracted and he rigged up a special handle to operate the toggle switch to extend the steps once he is back inside. This is important because Barbara might try to step out of the coach and forget that the steps were retracted - ouch! Once inside the coach you need to be able to maneuver your scooter or powered chair freely around the RV. This may require moving some walls and making the entry doors to the bedroom wider. Powered scooters and chairs have a tendency to scratch the furniture and that’s why Barbara likes the lighter colored oak because it doesn’t show scratches as bad as darker woods and a little scratch cover fixes it right up. The table is a wall mount so it’s easy to get the chair up to the table. The bed was moved six inches over to one side so Skip can get in and out of bed easier. A trapeze is useful for turning over in bed. The bathroom has been modified to include a floor drain shower. Skip gets in his shower chair and rolls onto the stainless steel shower pan, pulls the shower curtain around him and and sings his favorite tune. The toilet is angled at 45 degrees into the open bathroom for ease of access. The lavatory sink is a cutaway so Skip can get his chair under the sink. In the kitchen the microwave is lowered and the drawers all have 100% roll out arms. Skip is quite comfortable in this coach and tells me that set-up and take-down is easy enough to accomplish using his power chair. How about driving? Skip does all the driving and they tow a handicap modified van that has a hydraulic chair lift installed. So how does Skip operate this 40 foot motorhome using only his hands? The cockpit is equipped with hand controls. The brakes are applied by pushing down on the lever below the steering wheel. You pull this same control toward the knees for acceleration and since this is equipped with a push-button automatic transmission driving is a breeze. Watch this video for a virtual tour of this coach.
Opening new doors to the amazing and completely accessible world of RVing - Jim Twamley Professor of RVing.

A New Propane Tank is Safer, Lighter, Smarter!

RVers use a lot of propane and I’m no exception. I lost count a long time ago of how many times I’ve lugged those heavy tanks to a charging station, so any invention that makes this job easier is welcome. My friend and Associate Professor of RVing, Richard Schramm put me onto this new product. Lite Cylinder Company has developed and is now selling LP tanks that are made out of composite material. The material is made from translucent fiberglass with a protective outer casing which allows you to actually view the propane level in the tank. Not only that, but it’s 30% lighter than standard metal tanks. Fire tests reveal that this bottle slowly releases its contents and then burns to empty in about 16 hours with no explosion. These tanks will not corrode like a conventional steel tank and therefore will last much longer. They sell for around $86.00 for a 7 gallon 20 pound tank. Use these tanks just like conventional tanks, only these tanks will probably outlast your equipment. Check it out here:
New LP Tank

Keeping you apprised of new RV developments - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

RVers Can Repair UV Damage With this Simple Tip

Look around the RV park and you'll see examples of UV radiation damage. Window frames, vents and corner pieces that have yellowed are abundant. These items are still serviceable, but they will eventually become brittle and crack allowing moisture into your RV. You can purchase new frames and vents (they are inexpensive parts) or you can remove them give them a good cleaning then spray paint them. They will look as good as new. You should also clean off the old caulking and reapply fresh caulking at this time. If you choose to replace them with new parts, I would still paint them with a high quality paint before replacing them. Paint will stand up better to UV radiation than the PVC type material these are made from. Bringing you great RV ideas every day - Jim Twamley the RV Guy.

Cowboy RVers Ride the Range in Their Combo Trailer Conversions

In the old days, cowboys road down the trail with a bedroll strapped behind their saddle and slept under the stars or rain. Now they travel in comfort with these combo/conversion trailers. These trailers combine a horse trailer in the rear with a bed and breakfast in the front. Notice the amenities begin with a large cab-over type bed. They typically have a comfortable dinette/bed or a couch/bed that also doubles as a dinette. The standard cooking facilities, refrigerator, sink and microwave oven are standard. There is an entertainment center with indoor and outdoor speakers. The bathroom is not large, but more than adequate with a nice shower and plenty of room to rest. One problem with these trailers is that they do not come standard with entry steps because many cowboys like to use a portable step or just hop off their horse into their living quarters. The rear of the trailer has enough room for three horses with padded dividers and a new easy open divider latch. Since these rigs carry heavy loads, the axles are very beefy.
A side entrance tack room is roomy enough for all your saddles and gear. Lighting for the outside and the horse trailer is controlled by these convenient external switches. Since I’m at the rodeo this week, I’ve seen many of these types of trailers set up near the arena campground area. Rodeo clown, Keith Isley, lives in one of these trailers and works the rodeo circuit living in the comfort of his combo trailer. These trailers come both in a bumper pull and a 5th wheel gooseneck style. Notice that these trailers have only one central landing gear You can attach a hay rack on top and you’re ready for a RVing horseback riding adventure. You can check out the floor plans of these combo trailer conversions here Cherokee Trailers

Watch this video I put together to see these trailers in action.
Taking you places you’ve never been before - Jim Twamley the RV Guy

Long RVs Must be Careful When Entering and Exiting Parking Lot Driveways

RV operators don’t like it when they pull into a gas station and they hear a dragging/grinding sound. Study this video I shot and you'll better understand the dynamics associated with transitioning from a street into a parking lot. I always look for deep grooves in the pavement next to the parking lot and if I see them, I'll take a different route if I can. Always approach these kinds of situations slowly. Sometimes it helps If you come at the driveway from an angle. If you do drag a sidewalk, then it's a good idea to stop and inspect under the coach to make sure you didn't tear up any hoses like a gas or hydraulic line. So, be careful, take it slow and keep an eye out for these kinds of hazards. Jim Twamley the RV Guy

Here is One Solution for Eliminating Holding Tank Odor in your RV

Rotating holding tank vent caps are a welcome addition for RVers. These vent caps were introduced to the market about five years ago and have been a big hit. They work by using natural wind currents to draw off the fumes from the holding tank. Because they have aerodynamic fins the nose always points in the direction of the wind so the fumes are not blown down the vent pipe. If you have a motorhome, this is especially good, because when you’re driving down the road and someone flushes, it doesn’t come back into the coach. If you’ve ever done this, you know what I’m talking about, and it isn’t pretty. Fire up this video I prepared and watch how easy it is to install. I did it in less than fifteen minutes.

Jim Twamley the RV Guy

RVers Now Have an Easy Way to Monitor Tire Temperature

Avid RVers keep a close eye on their tires because healthy tires will keep you safely rolling down the road to all those great RV destinations. Sick tires can leave you stranded on the side of the road. So what can you do to make sure your tires are healthy? Well, lots of things, but one easy thing you can do is to take their temperature. Just like a sick person has an elevated temperature, a sick tire will also have an elevated temperature. But how can you take a tires temperature since there is no place to stick a thermometer? Meet Mastercool 52224, the handy device that solves this problem. Designed with a pistol grip and trigger, you just point and shoot (it has a red laser pointer for accuracy) and the large LED readout gives you the instant temperature.
Dennis Brown, Owner/Operator of "A Tire Man", mobile tire sales and service of San Diego states, "When the center reading of a tire is hotter than the shoulder reading, the tire is over-inflated.  When the shoulder is hotter than the center, this indicates under-inflation.  When checking steering tires, ideally the tread face should read the same shoulder-to-shoulder when properly inflated.  In some cases, alignment can come into play, and that's another situation.  When reading properly inflated steering tire temperatures, a reading that is warmer on the outside or inside shoulder may possibly indicate an alignment problem."Mastercool is also great for checking for leaks around your refrigerator gaskets. You can also use it for checking your air conditioner and heater. Some folks even use it for checking surface cooking temperatures. This is a useful tool to have around home and RV and sells for $60.00 plus $5.00 S/H. You can read more about it here. Mastercool Also, Tom is selling these at the vendor booths at the FMCA show in Redmond, Oregon this week, so you could pick one up there without having to pay for shipping. Keeping you informed on what’s hot - Jim Twamley

Now Large RVs Can Have Their Tires Changed Without Removing The Wheels

I have a 40 foot motorhome and do not carry a spare tire. I don’t know many people with motorhomes who do carry a spare. When we get a flat, we call the towing company and they either repair the tire or change it out. Before the TireSpyder came along, the tire repairman had to completely remove the wheel and take it back to the shop or fix it at the roadside if he had a tire machine mounted on his rig. Now he can just jack up the vehicle and use the TireSpyder to completly remove the tire off of the wheel without taking it off the vehicle. Hopefully your towing service uses this new machine because it’s much faster and will have you back on the road sooner. The repairman doesn’t have to lift the heavy tire because the TireSpyder does the work for him (which makes for a happier repairman). Visit their website and watch a video of how this new machine will make RV roadside tire replacement much less of a hassle.TireSpyderKeeping you posted on the latest RV related technology - Jim Twamley

RV Fire, It Can Happen To You!

RVers Allen and Linda Pabget purchased a brand new 2007 Alfa motorhome and lived in it 10 months when disaster struck.

They were staying at an RV park in Oak Grove, Missouri last March when a cold snap caused them to run their forced air heater. Nothing unusual about that, most RVers do use the heater that came installed in their unit. They had two friends over and were perparing to go out for dinner when they began to smell smoke. They inspected the interior of the RV but found nothing. Their grandson went outside and saw grey smoke coming out from where the heater was installed. They quickly evacuated the unit, grabbing Dusty, their 2 year old Yorkie on the way out. Allen turned off the RV propane tank and someone in the RV park called the fire department. They moved their jeep that was parked behind the coach otherwise it would have burned. Linda recalls being numb and thinking “this is surreal” as she sat in a neighbors car and watched the event unfold. The smoke alarm didn’t sound off until the fire had engulfed the unit. Allen says that if this would have occurred while they were asleep they would be dead. They lost numerous things that they couldn't replace including photos. I suggest that you scan all your photos and save them on CDs and keep at least one copy at a relatives house, that way you will still have your pictures if this should happen to you. Allen says that you should carry at least 20 to 30 thousand dollars of contents insurance as $10,000 was not enough to cover the cost of replacing all their possessions. The adjoining RV's were also severly damaged. They had GMAC insurance and Allen reports that they did a good job covering the coach and were fair with them.So what do you do if this should happen to you? The first thing you should do is GET OUT! And please DO NOT go back into the RV unless it is to get another human being out. Call the fire department and alert your neighbors. Move vehicles so fire trucks have full access to the area. Have a plan to meet each other other somewhere outside so you can account for everyone’s safety. Also consider purchasing additional smoke alarms and putting them in several places inside your RV. Helping to keep you safe - Jim Twamley

Noah's RV? Check Out This Zoo on Wheels

RV’s Two Massive Slideout Rooms Make This Coach Stand Out

With two expansive slides and a curved wall walk through bathroom, this Itasca Horizon 40TD was my favorite motorhome at the recent Redmond, Oregon RV show. This coach design is simply amazing! The Freightliner XCL Maxum chassis is, well…. different. It has a low slung support that not only allows room for the massive slides, but it also increases the basement storage capacity. This cube, where Yours Truly is standing is the actual size of the underbelly storage of this beast. The slide out trays and the exterior entertainment system are excellent. I love the interior, because it has the TV where you can actually watch it without getting a cramp in your neck. It also allows for a full view out of the front window without the TV getting in the way. The front kitchen brings the refrigerator closer to the driver (which I really like) and opens up the living area considerably. When the coach slides are closed you can still get to the bedroom through the unique and elegant curved wall bathroom. The bedroom is very nice and well appointed. The cockpit is comfortable and spacious designed for hours of driving fun pushed by the Cummins 425 horse power diesel engine. As far as design and comfort, it doesn’t get much better than this. The coach is priced at $309,000 (but don't EVER pay full price for a new coach). I fully expect other coach manufacturers to copy Winnebago Industry’s unique design in future models. Keeping you on top of RV industry news – Jim Twamley

New RV Club Connects Members With Technical Experts

The RV Handyman Club “RVHC” is perfect for the do-it-yourself RVer. This club is building a network of partners to provide members with discounts on products and services. Some of the partners that give a 10% discount are JC Whitney, CarQuest, Goodyear and others. Members receive a newsletter, have access to free stuff through products testing, and most important the “How-To” emergency hotline where you will be put in touch with a technician who will help you solve your RV problems. Chelsea Waiton told me about this club at the RVHC booth at the recent Good Sam rally in Redmond, Oregon. Chelsea says the cost of membership is $24.95 and you can join by calling (866) 544-7842 or by visiting the website here: RVHC
As an RV handyman myself, I can tell you that having access to a second opinion is a good thing. Helping you stay on the RV road – Jim Twamley

Motorhome RVers Can Install Their Own Tow Bar System

I’ve been RVing many years but this is my first experience with towing a vehicle behind my motorhome because it’s my first motorhome. I experienced a little angst at the prospect of ordering the equipment and installing it myself. You can get all the parts you need from your local RV dealer, or order online from an RV distributor that carries Demco products. I ordered a towing base plate for my 2000 Honda CRV, a tow bar, bulb kit and a six wire light cable. FedEx delivered the equipment right to our RV site a few days later and I couldn’t wait to unpack the boxes. Here’s what I ordered. Each towable vehicle make and model will have a different base plate and therefore a different installation procedure. I will describe what I did to successfully install mine. When I began this project I thought that it would take me a couple hours to install the base plate and maybe an hour and a half to install the bulb kit. As it turns out, it took me abut 30 minutes to install the base plate and an hour or two to install the bulb kit. The reason it took me so long to install the bulb kit was because I couldn’t decide where to run the electric wire. I played around with running it through the body panels and other ideas, but once I figured it out, it didn’t take long to install. All the newer model cars have a base plate that is "hidden" in the grill; however my installation on my 2000 CRV is on the outside of the grill. The base plate installation is straight forward. First you remove the bottom plastic splash cover and the tie down hooks. Next you attach the brackets using the existing holes, making sure you apply “Lock-tite” (supplied) to help secure the bolts in place. I didn't tighten the bolts completely until I inserted the cross-bar and loosely connected it. I tightened all the bolts, and reattached most of the plastic splash cover (don't button up the portion where the female receptacle will be installed). Next I puttered around trying to figure out how I would run the wire from the front the tail lights to the front receptacle. I was able to run the wire through an existing hole in the taillight section inside the sidewall panel and out another existing hole by the rear license plate. Next I ran the wire back out under the bumper and used wire ties to fasten it under the vehicle and brought it back up through the engine compartment (being careful not to locate the wire near the exhaust system or moving parts). I made sure that the ground was connected to each bulb all the way to the front receptacle (if you don’t this it probably won’t work!). I drilled a hole into the back side of the existing tail-light housings and inserted the bulbs.Use a hole saw to make an opening large enough to insert the female wire light cable receptacle in a “hollow” spot on your front bumper. Run the wire out, connect the receptacle, screw it into the bumper and button up the splash guard and you're in business. Now you’re ready to hitch-up and hit the road with your toad. Demco products can be purchased at your local RV store or you can contact Demco for a store location near you: Demco
If I can do this by myself without adult supervision, and you can use a wrench, then chances are you can do this too. The more stuff I can install myself, the better, because if something goes wrong, I can usually fix it myself. Helping you keep on top of your RV game – Jim Twamley

Membership Warehouse Stores are Great Places to Find RV Supplies

RV stores and rallies aren’t the only places to find products that enhance your RV lifestyle. In fact, Costco had a booth at the recent Good Sam rally in Redmond, Oregon. Warehouse stores like Sam’s Club and Costco are great places to find RV stuff. For instance, I like to use microfiber towels when I wash and dry my RV. They cost a small fortune at the hardware store and $10 bucks for five at most RV rallies, but you can buy a 36 pack of micro fiber towels for $13.89 at Costco. These towels are high quality and are not only great for washing, waxing and drying your RV, but they're good in the kitchen and many other house cleaning chores. Here's another example, you can buy these puck lights at a rally for $50 or you can pick them up at Costco for $13.29.They come with batteries and are wireless, so you just stick them up wherever you need extra light. I’ve been a satisfied member of Costco off and on over the years (I had to switch to Sam’s Club when we moved to Texas because they didn’t have a Costco there at the time). It currently costs $50 bucks to join, but you will save money. I saved 34 cents a gallon over the local 76 station when I filled up at the Costco gas station yesterday. I’ll be highlighting more RV related items at the “Great RV Gear” blog at RV travel here: Great RV Gear
Helping to save you money and steer you to great products – Jim Twamley

RV and Boat Enthusiasts, Meet the Newest RV Compatible Water Toy

Many RVers enjoy boating and some go to great lengths to bring their watercraft along. The most popular are the inflatables and the fold-up porta-bote. You see a few kayaks strapped on top of a towed vehicle but you have to paddle those. Now you can enjoy the power of a jet boat as the Mokai moves you at a top speed of 15 miles per hour. Below is the jet nozzle and the intake. This propulsion configuration allows you to move through very shallow water, shoot rapids and do a host of things that conventional propuslion will not accomplish. I encourage you boat lover