Have You Made Your RV Resolutions For 2008

Once again it's the end of another great RV year and time to bring on the next exciting chapters in your RV adventures. I want to share a few thoughts about your resolutions or lack of them. We know from experience that most people who make resolutions on New Year's Eve have difficulty achieving them (especially those involving weight loss). We also know that you can't be successful at anything in life unless you have a plan. Planning is essential to achieving success whether it's taking a trip, running a business or altering your lifestyle. If you don't have a plan, chances are you'll not be satisfied with the end result. During my working years I would lay out a plan for the new year and post my goals in my day planner. My goals were in several categories, financial, physical fitness, intellectual pursuits, spiritual development and family. I would not just write out what my goals were, I would also write out steps I would take to achieve my goals then I would check up on my progress monthly. RV goals were always included. What were my RV goals? They usually included upgrades to the RV and plans for family trips. We usually took one extended trip and several weekend trips with the family in the RV. It never occurred to me that I would one day become a "full-time RVer" until I began meeting full-timers more frequently on our trips. Once our last child went off to college, I began to seriously think about becoming a full time RVer. Becoming a "full-timer" or even a "half-timer" requires some serious planning. The transition from a stick house to wheel-estate is a big step. If you're thinking about putting more RV into your lifestyle, then I encourage you to write out your goals and then take the necessary steps to achieve them. There are so many things to consider before you hit the RV trail you can't afford to stumble along without a plan. Even at the pinnacle of our retirement years we make plans and set goals. There are so many things to see and do on the RV trail that you need a plan (a simple and flexible plan) to assist you in the pursuit of your dreams. I'm not suggesting that full-time RVers need a hard driving set of goals, rather have a simple plan that will keep you moving and experiencing new things. The mere fact of increased fuel costs mandates a more practical approach to our trip planning. So, get out pencil and paper and rough out where you want to go and where you want to be this time next year. Happy New Year! Helping you look down the road and over the horizon - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Fishermen, Keep Your Poles Safe in Your RV

On more than one occasion I’ve had my fishing rods damaged or broken because another piece of cargo crushed them. I stored them in a canvas bag in my 5th wheel, but it wasn't sufficient. Here's a solution for protecting your valuable fishing poles. The “AirLiner 4588” is a telescoping fishing rod case that looks more like it holds a bazooka.The three piece design extends from 48 to 88 inches (the next model up will extend out to 112 inches). It has a molded handle for easy carrying and is lockable. Constructed from heavy duty blown plastic this unit is tough and ready for the rigors of RV travel. With a five inch diameter it’ll hold eight fishing rods (without the reels) up to seven feet long. It costs around $40.00 dollars. This unit is well worth the price since it will save them from being crushed while stored in your RV compartments. Made by Plano (famous for tackle boxes) it’ll protect your expensive poles and help you stay organized. You can purchase these at Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart.com, and the Sport Chalet. Read more about it at Plano. Covering all the angles - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Enjoy Eggceptionally Cooked Eggs

Eggs are a big part of the RV lifestyle, how do I know? I asked you and sure enough, you like eggs. You like them cooked dozens of ways. My brother-in-law has been using these Eggsact Eggtimers for a couple years with great success, so I decided to get one to use in our RV. It’s very simple to use, just put it in a pot of warm water along with your eggs and cook. The timer begins to change color as the eggs cook. The color ring starts at the outside and works its way into the middle. The indicator has several degrees of “doneness” to let you know when your eggs are just how you like them. Here it shows they are completely hard cooked. Once it cools down it changes back to its red color and it’s ready to use again. You can pick these up at Amazon.com, ACE Hardware or practically any cooking store. Use it with any quantity of eggs and at any altitude. You could just use the microwave clock timer, but if you’re like me, you’ve ruined many eggs because you forgot to set the timer. It's made from a hard resin and will take the rough and tumble ride in your RV’s utensil drawer. Serving it up how you like it - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

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Sliding Trays Make RVing Much Easier

If you don’t have sliding trays in your RV you don’t know what you’re missing. With sliding trays you can easily access your stuff without having to take everything out. I have two half bay sliding trays in one compartment of my coach and I love them. The rest of my bays don’t have them and are filled with plastic tubs which work but require you to reshuffle everything when you need to get to that special item in the middle. This person is much more organized than I am. Some coaches have “pass through” sliding trays that can slide out on either side of the RV. These are nice because you may be parked too close to a pole or some other obstacle in a campground and being able to access the slide out tray from either side is a real plus. These sliding trays are not only for motorhomes, they work equally as well for 5th wheel basements. Here is an example of a slide out tray in a Mobile Suites 5er by Doubletree RV. The tray slides all the way up to the opposing door and locks in place to prevent shifting while towing. Some of the newer motorhomes like this Alpine are using full extension half bay sliding trays to get past the overhead slides. As you can see it would be difficult to access your stuff underneath the motorhome slides, so the Alpine was designed to compensate with full extension trays. These sort of remind me of drawers. Notice in this photo how far the tray is extended. The average RVer isn’t in much danger of overloading these storage trays, but you do need to use them in accordance with the manufacturer's weight limits. After market sliding storage/cargo trays are available for your RV. Most RV shows will have several vendors who carry them. Here is an online source for these after market trays. Helping make your RV life easier - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Speeding Bird Feeder Makes RVer Think Twice About Checklists

When I first started RVing I used an RV pre-flight checklist for both inside and outside. As a Navigator on the KC-135 I was required to use a checklist for everything - we called it our “plastic brains.” For a quick rundown on my military career I was first an Army Medic stationed at SHAPE Belgium where I worked in the ER and also drove an ambulance. I finished my Army tour and went to college (BA degree) then to seminary (MDiv). I attended Air Force ROTC while in my last two years of seminary and received my commission and went to Navigator school at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. When I finished my hitch as an Air Force Officer, I was certified by my church to become a chaplain. I became a Navy chaplain and finished my career retiring from the Navy. During my time in the Navy I graduated from law school with a Juris Doctor degree. Moving around is in my blood and being a full time RVer helps satisfy that drive. The reason I tell you this is because my military career is full of interesting stories from which I draw from time to time to illustrate my articles. So, back to the checklist, I previously used them with military discipline until it became second nature and I felt comfortable not relying on them. Fortunately, I’ve only had minor blunders, but sooner or later Murphy will catch up to me and I’ll pay the price for not using a checklist. Here's a humorous example of what can go wrong when you don’t use one. Christmas Eve day we were driving to see our kids. We traveled about twenty miles when Mrs. Professor noticed that I had forgotten to retrieve the hummingbird feeder off the side window. “Those hummingbirds have to fly pretty fast to eat at this feeder.” she said. Amazingly the feeder remained attached even though it’s only held in position by one suction cup. So, if the feeder can stay put at 65 miles per hour, you know it’ll stay safely attached when you’re stationary. I pulled over, took some pictures and removed it for safe keeping. I’ll definitely use this feeder again! Using checklists and other reminders to help you prepare your RV for travel is good practice. I’m getting to the point where I think I’ll start using them again. Laughing at myself - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Prevent Your RV From Causing A Headache By Installing Some Edge Cushion

Our kids are not RVers (yet) but while visiting with them on Christmas I picked up a good tip for RVers. Our kids have a one year old and also have several pieces of furniture with sharp edges. To protect our precious grand-baby, my son purchased and installed “Kids’ Edge” on the hard edges of the furnature. These edge guards are easy to apply and will protect you from bumps and scratches caused by protruding edges in your RV. I’m thinking about putting some of this around my TV cabinet because I’m always bumping my head on it when I enter the coach. Kids’ Edge is made by Cardinal Gates Company and they have two types. One is metal backed designed for a brick hearth around a fireplace but would work well in RV applications. The other has adhesive on the back and adheres to wood, plastic and countertop surfaces. The self adhesive type comes in 12 foot rolls and will wrap around a straight or curved surface. To go around 90 degree corners you’ll need to order the pre-made corners. My son said he used Super Glue to attach the corners to the straight lengths. The edging and corners come in five colors, light brown, yellow, grey, white and charcoal. You can purchase these from many vendors on the internet. For more information on these products go here Cardinal Gates. On the edge of new technology - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Things that Help Keep RV Travel MERRY

We're on the road today headed south to spend Christmas with the kids. Here are some thoughts about things that bring cheer to RVers:

M map
E energy drink
R rest stops
R radio
Y your family

C cruise control
H hot coffee
R restaurants
I insurance
S spare key
T tourist information
M mirrors
A automatic transmission
S sunshine

Have a blessed and very Merry Christmas! Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

I’m Dreaming of the Desert in My RV

I’ve been making a desk for our motorhome using a relative’s workshop near Placerville, California. They also have full hook-us which makes it nice for us full-timers to be able to stay a few weeks and get some remodeling done. A nice thing about this lifestyle is it allows you to visit relatives and friends scattered all over the country. California is notorious for good weather, but Placerville is not San Diego and it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here. It was below freezing last night and I’ve been dreaming of the desert. We’ll be heading that direction after Christmas because it’s wonderful. Some folks don’t understand what’s so nice about the desert, it's a desolate place. The desert of the great South Western United States is teaming with life. I’ve seen huge bucks in this desert, birds galore and more than my share of cacti. If you go outside on a cloudless night you’ll be treated to the best light show in the universe. When I lived in snow country, I longed for warmer weather and dreamed of the desert. I didn’t mind playing in the snow (I enjoy snowboarding) but I certainly don’t want to live in it. So, when I retired, we headed straight for the desert and found it to be refreshingly warm and relaxing. Many of my readers are already in warmer climates and the rest of us are wishing we were there. For me, part of the fun of traveling is thinking about the next place you’ll be. I derive enjoyment just “pondering” what lies on the road ahead, even if I’ve been there a dozen times. Sometimes when I’m driving down a road I haven’t been on for quite some time, I suddenly realize that I’ve visualized the place just a few weeks prior. Sometimes I know I’ll see a certain landmark around the next corner even though I haven’t been there for years. Traveling is pleasurable, and seeing it in your mind before you get there is half the fun. Thinking warm thoughts - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Amusing Kids View of Florida Snobirds

I received this story from a friend and have no idea where it came from or whether it's even true, it doesn't matter, because it's amusing in and of itself. Enjoy - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following:

"We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now, they do exercises there, but they don't do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on.

At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night --- early birds. Some of
the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren."

Pros and Cons of Different RV Awnings

The RV lifestyle embraces outdoor living. Awnings are a big part of enjoying outside activities because they provide shade on hot days and keep things dry when it rains. RVers have a variety of awnings and colors to choose from. If you buy an RV off the lot or from a private party, chances are it already has a factory installed awning. You’re not stuck with the awning if you don’t like it, but plan on doling out some dough to replace it. If you’re purchasing a new RV, you can usually opt for a few different models of awnings. Your basic choices are manual, electric and electric with a wind sensor that closes the awning automatically when a big wind hits. The automatic awnings really do work. I was standing with a friend under his awning in Arizona when a huge dust devil came towards the campground. Before he could get inside to retract the awning, the sensor was already on the job. It was almost completely closed when the wind hit. The wind ravaged the awning of the RV parked next to him, breaking a pole and ripping the fabric. So, yes these awnings work well, but are not cheap. I don’t particularly care for these awnings when they have to extend over a slide because they come straight out at a 90 degree angle. I prefer the manual type because you have more flexibility for setting the angle. If you leave your awning out when it’s raining always tip one side down to prevent the water from pooling. Some weather sensor awnings will automatically dump pooled rain water or air conditioning run-off. Manufacturers of awnings like Carefree, A&E and ZipDee make very good products and are sure to have an awning to suit your specific recreational needs. You can also add sun shades, and screen rooms to some awnings.Many RVers use their awnings to hang festive lights, wind chimes and various other decorations. Our current motorhome also has window awnings which are terrific. I wasn’t sure I would like them at first, but they are very nice to have when sleeping with the windows open. If it rains, I don’t worry about getting out of bed to close the windows, because the shades keep the rain out. If you’re not sure whether to buy the window awning option, do it anyway, you’ll be glad you did. I’ve got you covered - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Take Navy Showers to Conserve Water

Water conservation and RVing go hand in hand. Americans use 80 to 100 gallons of water per person every day. Conversely, RVers use much less water than residential homes. We use less water in the bathroom, less water to do dishes and less water to shower. When boondocking for long periods RVers become even more water conscious. This is where a Navy Shower comes in. For those of you who didn't have the privilege of serving in the U.S. Navy let me explain how we arrived at the term “Navy Shower.” Ships and submarines at sea use desalination plants to convert salty sea-water into potable water. Sometimes (too frequently if you ask me) these desalination plants would malfunction and the engineering department (Snipes) would tear it all apart, fix it, then reassemble it. This usually took a couple days (if we were lucky). In the meantime the crew was required to ration water which meant we could only use enough water to soap-up and rinse off. The procedure was to turn on the water, get wet then immediately turn it off (no luxury of waiting for hot water). Next you would soap-up your body and lather up your hair. Then you did a quick rinse and you were done. This way the ship’s company was able to conserve enough water for essentials like cooking and washing dishes. Hence the term “Navy shower” came into English usage. Like the Navy, RVers use this technique to ration fresh water. The shower-head pictured above is the typical RV shower-head. More efficient water saving shower-heads are available. Some “hard core” boondockers even recycle their shower water to flush the toilet. With the use of solar and wind power, water conservation practices and low impact camping, the RV lifestyle can be much friendlier to the environment than a typical residential home. Wishing you fair winds and following seas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Microwave Lemon Magic in Your RV

Do you have “splatter matter” in your RV microwave? Crud build-up can be tough to remove especially if you’ve “cooked it” into your microwave/convection oven. The Professor found this tip at wikiHow to pass on to you. Cut a lemon in half. Squeeze the juice into a microwave safe container along with one cup of water. Put it in the microwave and cook it on max power for 10 minutes. Allow the steam to fill the microwave and enjoy the fresh lemon aroma while it cooks. Carefully open the door being careful not to burn yourself with the steam and remove the hot container (I recommend using a hot pad or oven mitt). I know this sounds elementary, but some bonehead may just reach in, take it out, burn themselves then complain about it or blame me for not giving them complete directions. Wipe down the inside microwave surfaces with a wet towel or sponge. Easy! To prevent small food explosions from splattering in your microwave keep your food covered or use a splatter guard like this.Helping citrus farmers stay gainfully employed - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Loose Those Awful Vegas Motel RV Mirrors

The RV industry uses mirrors extensively in RVs because they can make small spaces appear larger (smoke and mirrors). Unfortunately, they often go overboard in their application of mirrors and you may want to remove them. Most mirrors are affixed to the wall and wallpaper with an epoxy type glue. Removing these mirrors is a delicate task requiring a generous amount of patience which they don’t sell at the hardware store. One method is to use a solvent to dissolve the glue such as GooGone, WD-40, Goof-Off or other such products. These solvents when used in conjunction with a heat gun or blow dryer (set on high) will do the trick. You will also need a thin putty knife to help you pry off the mirror. Since you are working with glass there is a possibility you may break it. As a safety precaution I advise putting duct tape all over the mirror to contain the breakage should it occur. With any luck you’ll be able to remove the whole thing without breaking it. You may also want to use leather gloves to prevent cutting yourself. After you’ve removed the mirror you’ll have to decide on a wall treatment. You could use wallpaper, wood paneling, fabric, paint or be creative and glue up some art like that tire tread you found that looks like Elvis. Helping you RV in style - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Be Prepared for the RV Clubhouse Bathroom

I would just like to say “Thank You” to all the folks who left comments on the question of whether you prefer to shower in your RV or at the clubhouse. I enjoyed reading your take on this issue. For those of you who do use the public shower facilities, let me offer yet another idea. Toss one or two of these plastic hooks in your ditty bag because not all bathrooms have a hook. They are light weight and work great over the shower door or even on the shower curtain rod. I can’t even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to go into a shower facility with no hooks. It’s almost as bad as going into a bathroom with no TP. I mean seriously, how hard would it be to put some hooks up? Well, since the world of RVing is not perfect just be prepared and bring your own hooks. Those of you who use your own RV shower might want to throw a couple of these over the shower door for extra towels. Helping you with your hang-ups - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

PB2 Perfect Companion for the RV Galley

Bell Plantation’s PB2 peanut butter is a revolutionary product that RVers will thoroughly enjoy. It’s light weight (only 6.5 ounces per jar) and has 75% less fat and 75% fewer calories than traditional full fat peanut butter. This product is great for RVers because it comes in powered form and stores without refrigeration for one year. There are many recipes on the website (here) where you can also order PB2 and Extra Virgin Roasted Peanut Oil. A nice complement for apple slices by simply dipping them in PB2 powder. You can Easily reconstitute PB2 by adding a small amount of water then make a PB&J sandwich or spread it on crackers. Change the consistency from thick to thin by varying the amount of water. Backpackers, hunters and our soldiers in Iraq use PB2 because of it’s light weight, long shelf life and great taste. If you’re on a diet you’ll really appreciate PB2’s 54 calories per 2 tablespoons. PB2 is also a great way to add a rich nutty flavor to smoothies, salads, hot cereal and deserts. PB2 a healthy product for a healthy RV lifestyle. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Safe Fire Starter For RVers

Storing lighter fluid in your RV storage compartments can be dangerous and stinky if it spills. I use charcoal when I BBQ because I like the taste (of the meat not the charcoal), but I don’t like to use lighter fluid. I usually buy the self lighting stuff, but it's hard to light when it's a little windy. RVers also enjoy a warm friendly campfire and this time of year in southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California RVers are still making campfires. So here’s an idea to help get your BBQ or campfire started off in the right direction. You can purchase StarterLoggs at WalMart for 47 cents apiece. You lay your wood or charcoal around one of these and then light both ends of the StarterLogg. You can make fire starters yourself out of sawdust, paraffin and a paper egg carton, but for only 47 cents, why bother? These are light weight and easy to store. Pick up a few and keep them on hand. You can even use them to start a fire in your fireplace at your stick house. Getting you fired-up on RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Use Your Multi-Meter to Check that RV 50 Amp Receptacle

Not all RV hook-ups are created equal. Make it a habit to check your electric connections BEFORE you plug in your RV power cord. You will save yourself a pile of money and you will be confident your RV site is providing you good electric current. I’ve actually found faulty 50 amp receptacles. The problem could be corrosion, a loose wire or faulty installation. This guy drove off with his power cord still connected to the pedestal and damaged the the receptacle. So, you never know what you’re going to find even at the finest RV parks. In the video at the end of this article I demonstrate how to use your multi-meter to check a typical 50 amp service. Multi-meters are inexpensive and should be in every RVer's toolbox. This is what the inside of a 50 amp receptacle looks like. The “train tunnel” shaped hole is the ground wire (if the cover were on it would be located at the bottom of pattern - it’s the bare copper wire). The white wire is the “common” and feeds under the plastic to the top blade holder in this picture. The black wire on the right and the red wire on the left both carry 120 volts. When you push your 50 amp plug into the receptacle the left blade (red wire) gets 120 volts and the other blade (black wire) also gets 120 volts for a total of 240 volts. To thoroughly check your 50 amp service do the following. 1. Set up your multi-meter (black wire in the “COM” hole on the multi-meter and the red wire in the “AC/DC” hole). Place the wafer switch to 200 on the AC side. 2. Place the pointy end of the red multi-meter cable into the “train tunnel” shaped hole and the pointy end of the black multi-meter cable into the opposite hole. You should read zero which means your ground and common are working properly. 2. Leave the black wire where it is at and move the red wire to one of the side blade holes. The meter should read 120. Move the red wire to the opposite side and the meter should read 120. 3. Leave the red wire where it is and move the black wire to the “train tunnel” shaped hole and read 120. Next move the red wire back to the opposite side and read 120. 4. Leave the red wire where it is and move the wafer switch on the multi-meter to AC 600 and move the black lead to the opposite side from the red wire and read 240. You may get slightly different readings but as long as they are within three or four points from the 120 and 240 readings it shouldn't be a problem. If your readings are weak on one or both sides, your electric system will not appreciate it. You should bring it to the attention of management and move to a different space. However, I would check the alternate space before I moved my RV because it could be a park-wide problem. Caution, electric shock hazards may be present so be very careful when working with electric test equipment. Read and follow the directions and precautions of the multi-meter manual. Keeping you plugged into the grid - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Slow Down and Enjoy Life

We enjoy the RV lifestyle for many reasons. Travel and experiencing new adventures is at the top of the list. Seeing old friends and being able to spend time with family members scattered all over the map is also a huge benefit. Being where the weather is nice is also a plus. Another great aspect of this lifestyle is I can live slow. I ran in the fast lane so long that slowing down and savoring life was not easy. I still haven’t mastered it, but I’m beginning to catch the vision. Yesterday we went out to Chinese food with relatives and at the end of the meal here comes the fortune cookie. This is what mine said: "Do not rush through life. Pause and enjoy it" Now if you want to have fun with fortune cookies, always add the words “in bed” at the end. Playing this little game has made us laugh and laugh over the years. Try it next time you eat Chinese. Laughter is a good thing making your heart merry. We could use more laughter in the world today. So I’ll pass on this funny thought from my adventures at the warehouse store Costco. I was wandering the isles like a zombie when I happened on this display. I'm thinking, "Are these the leftover ends from short people?"I was speechless at the thought of buying a casket at Costco. Not a bad idea really, and the prices are great, so I snapped a picture and wandered on quickly forgetting about it as I munched on samples handed out by a delightful lady with some kind of small fishnet on her head. As we went through the checkout register the cashier asked me, “Would you like a box?” Not just yet… Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Saddle Up in Comfort

RVs and bicycles go together like a ham sandwich and potato chips. Isn’t it amazing that once you learn you never forget how to ride a bike? Bicycles are just plain fun and RVers everywhere enjoy them. We sometimes even go to extremes to bring them along with us. Some RVers carry bikes on the front of their rigs while most carry them somewhere on the back. I see bicycles in every campground without exception. In fact, I would like to see more RVers out riding their bikes because it’s great exercise. Unfortunately many folks don’t care much for the seats that are available. Some people have gone to great lengths to make their bicycles more comfortable. I ran across this seat the other day while shopping at Target. I have no idea how comfortable it is, but it does offer an alternative. Schwinn makes this seat and claims it “limits pressure point contact.” It’s made from high density foam and costs around $20 bucks. If you’re one of those who doesn’t like the traditional bicycle seat you may want to try this on for size. Helping you stay in the saddle - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Follow These Fuel Saving Tips All the Way to the Bank

RVers are feeling the pinch at the fuel pump these days and it doesn’t seem likely the pain will vanish anytime soon. So, for the prudent RVers out there I have a few fuel saving tips I’d like to pass on. There really isn’t much you can do in the area of aerodynamics because that decision has mostly been made for you in advance by the manufacturer. Computational Fluid Dynamics and wind tunnel testing prove a deflector shield can give meaningful fuel savings if it is close to the towed trailer (the closer the better). A big fuel saver is proper tire inflation which also improves steering, stopping, traction, and load carrying capability. Tire rolling resistance accounts for one-third of your RV fuel consumption so make sure your tires are properly inflated. Advanced technology such as a good tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a good GPS will more than pay for themselves in fuel cost savings. Another fuel saving tip is to plan your trip through high traffic areas when traffic is less congested. Stop and go driving seriously eats into your fuel economy. Driver habits are another area where you can achieve fuel savings. Don’t drive with your foot on the brake pedal (enough said). Drum roll please…. Reduce your freeway speed and eliminate all non-essential stops. A general rule of thumb is that every one mile per hour over 50 cuts fuel mileage by 0.1 miles per gallon. Slow down a bit and enjoy the scenery more. Proper vehicle maintenance is also very important to overall fuel economy. Keeping your tires properly aligned, replacing air and fuel filters, servicing your transmission and changing your oil at manufacturer recommended intervals all contribute to your fuel efficiency. To prevent getting dirty fuel try to purchase fuel (especially diesel) from vendors that sell high volumes of fuel such as busy truck stops and high volume gas stations. If you have more ideas that will help us squeeze more mileage out of our dollars please click on the “comments” section below and tell us. Helping you get more bang for your buck - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Combo RV Meal Reduces Chill

RVers enjoy warm hearty meals after a day of exploring. Crock-pot cooking is the way to go if you want a hot meal already prepared when you finally return to the RV. However, when you didn’t plan for dinner, and you don’t want to go out to eat here's an alternative. Chili dogs are an American favorite and this is a way to cook both the chili and the dogs at the same time. This is the RV way because it only uses one pan for easier cleanup. Just make your chili however you like it and throw in the dogs until they are both done. Pile on cheese and onions and you're in business. Perfect fare for a cold autumn night. If you have any combo-meal ideas like this please share them with us by double clicking on the “comments” section below. Helping you keep it simple - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Stop Worrying About Your RV Tires While You Drive

Last year I saw an RVer pulling a 5th wheel down Interstate 10 at freeway speed with two blown tires on the same side of the trailer. He continued driving oblivious to the smoke contrail and tire shrapnel billowing out behind him. Have you ever seen what a blown tire can do to an RV? Here is an example of a tread separation and what it can do. I have often been temporarily robbed of my RV driving pleasure due to a nagging feeling my tires might be compromised. I always visually check my tires and air pressure before I travel and frequently along the way. Nails, screws, and other debris can puncture your tires and you won’t even know about it until it’s too late. I was preparing for a six hour drive as I pulled into an RV dump and while I was emptying my tanks I did a visual inspection of my 5th wheel tires only to find three large nails firmly imbedded in the tread. In the middle of nowhere South Dakota I had a tread separation and a guy in a pick-up pulled up next to me to waiving me over. That’s all behind me now because I’m using the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) from Mobile Awareness. As I was using this system on my motorhome going over the mountain passes of Southern Oregon an audible alarm went off and a high pressure warning came up on the LED display. I pulled over immediately and adjusted the pressure on my tires. Had I not been using this system I most likely would have had a tire failure. Now I drive with complete relief knowing my tires are constantly monitored. TPMS is a great product (much better than comparable products) because you don’t have to take the sensors off to add air. The sensors have a built in valve stem so you won’t accidentally lose or damage a sensor. The sensors are waterproof and stay put on your existing valve stems. For dual tires the system is shipped with valve extensions called “tracheas” that allow you to mount the sensors in a convenient location. The sensors have a built-in battery that will give you years of service. They continuously send a signal to a receiver that I installed under my motorhome consul. The receiver has an external antenna mounted under the coach. This antenna helps pick up the signal from the rear tires that are located some 35 feet behind the front of the coach. The receiver is connected to the LED display I mounted on my instrument cluster under the back-up camera monitor. The way this system works is to immediately tell you if there is a serious under-inflation or over-inflation problem. It also monitors the tire temperature and will alert you to dangerous temperature conditions. This is important because you could have a tread separation and not have a change in tire pressure that will not be noticed by other tire pressure monitoring systems on the market. TPMS on the other hand, will give you an alarm when the temperature elevates above normal operating ranges. When your tires are running in the normal range for air pressure and temperature the unit will display a green light and periodically light up and run through a visual display of the exact tire pressure and temperature of each tire and then go blank until the next display cycle. You can push the button and get a readout anytime. When there is a problem the system alerts you with an audible alarm and the indicator lamp flashes red. You can manually set the warning parameters for your specific needs. I talked with the president of Mobile Awareness, Gary Rothstein, who told me the story of his company and his passion for keeping truckers, RVers and Emergency Vehicle operators safe on our highways. His company, Mobile Awareness, is on the cutting edge of safety providing great safety products and is also involved with ongoing safety education and work with safety organizations serving the trucking industry. You can find more information on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System here (TPMS). I’ve prepared a informative video on this great product for your viewing pleasure. I still do the visual checks and physically ensure correct tire pressure with my air pressure gauge but having this system allows me to relax and concentrate on my driving and enjoy the scenery. This system is well worth the money and I highly recommend it to all RVers! Keeping you and your RV safe - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVs Require Constant Care And Repairs

RVs are like pets, don’t buy one unless you have the time and inclination to take care of the beast. A few months ago I opened our motorhome pantry and found this. The staples had worked loose and I had to fix yet another problem on our Country Coach motorhome. You may be thinking I abuse my coach, but if you knew me, you would know I take excellent care of my equipment and besides the coach only has 21,000 miles on it. Staples are heavily used in RV construction because they are fast and cheap. They are fired into the wood with a pneumatic staple gun at a rapid clip. You would think a high end coach would use screws and quality glues to put cabinets together, but alas, gone are the days of quality craftsmanship. In fact, I just replaced the carpet in my rig (didn’t like the color) and I had to remove about a thousand staples from the wood floor because Country Coach didn’t use the traditional tack-strip, just staples….lots of staples. If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself or hire a qualified conscientious professional (very difficult nowadays). I took the pantry rack down, removed the staples and replaced it with screws and gorilla glue and I haven’t had a problem since. Speaking of craftsmanship, let me show you how the drawers in my coach were made. Yes, they were slapped together with staples and particle board. Here’s how I make drawers. So what's the difference? I have the time to do it right and I don’t cut corners, I “dovetail” corners. It’s only a matter of time until my coach drawers fall apart (I’ve already had to repair some of them). So, it’s a good idea to carry enough tools to take care of RV problems when they crop up. Least you think I’m picking on Country Coach, I’m not, it’s just the nature of RV manufacturing. They have to produce and sell products and shortcuts in production help get the product to market faster and improve the profits for the company. Staples are cheap and fast and if they fail under warranty the dealerships will “fix” the problems by putting in more staples. My 2005 Hitchhiker 5th wheel also fell apart like this, so it’s not one manufacturer, it’s the entire RV industry. RVs could be made with Japanese automobile precision, but that would require an RV industry revolution not likely to happen in my lifetime. So, for the time being, carry enough tools to fix most problems and don’t expect perfection out of your RV or you’ll be gravely disappointed. My advise is to be pro-active and fix small problems before they become larger problems. Don’t ignore leaks, broken drawers, plugged drains and that funny sound in the engine. The old saying, “a stitch in time saves nine” is especially applicable in RV maintenance and repair. Keeping you in stitches - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Hard To Get RV Clothes Dryer Rack

This aluminum clothes dryer rack is made in Germany by the ArtWeger company. It holds 55 pounds of laundry and attaches just about anywhere you can mount the brackets. Here is one attached to the side of an RV. The rack is easily removable and folds up for easy storage. You can pick them up on the German Ebay for anywhere from $20.00 to $40.00 plus shipping. I could not find a USA supplier. So, perhaps one of you enterprising types might consider purchasing these wholesale and and re-selling them at a booth in Quartzsite this winter. You can read more about this product here. There is an alternative plastic version made by another company, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the quality and capacity of this unit. If you know where we can purchase these in the USA help us harness the power of the internet by telling us in the “comments” section below. We are after all a community of RVers. Always looking for new ideas from near or far - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV Rolling Billboards What Do You Think

Is it just me, or have you noticed more RVs sporting commercial advertising? I’m not really sure what to make of these. Some are very well done and can pass for art, while others are blatant, hurt your eyes, tacky advertising. I sure wouldn’t want one of these parked next to me in a mountain wilderness campground. I imagine driving around in one of these is like piloting the GoodYear blimp. Everyone will look at you, there is no blending in with the crowd. Maybe Wall Drug could buy a couple of these with a digital display that changes each mile telling you how far to the famous drug store. Hey, it’s a free country, and speaking of “free” did you know that Wall Drug still hands out free ice water? Maybe I should have “RV Now” painted on one side of my motorhome and “RVbookstore.com” painted on the other side. I could top it off with one of those tacky Calvin decals on my bumper. It’s the American way I guess, anybody know where I can pick up some Burma-Shave?

Where Does Your Cell Phone Live in the RV

Back when Sheldon Rockholt, my grandfather, was a full time RVer he had to use a pay phone. My grandmother kept a roll of dimes and quarters for this purpose. Fast forward 30 years and most RVers now rely on cell phones to conduct their business. Conveniences have a cost because now you have to carry around the phone and when you're in the RV you've got to find a convenient place to keep it and someplace for a recharging station. If you're like me you have to keep the recharger in the same place otherwise you can't remember where you put it. So where do you put your cell phones? Double click on the "comments" section below and tell us what you do. In the meantime, here's an idea from RVing friend John Culver. He mounted cell phones on the front console of his motorhome. You can use a cell phone holder and hook and latch tape or a permanently mounted snap or a big wad of gum. He ran the recharging wires through his cup holder back behind the console where you can connect them to 12 volts or 110 volts depending on which recharger you intend to use. I still haven't found a suitable place for our cell phones, perhaps one of your ideas will inspire me. I'm calling on you for help - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

Where Do You Put an Alarm Clock in Your RV

What in the world would a full time RVer like me possibly want with an alarm clock? Well, when I don’t have to get up early for a doctor’s appointment or go fishing, I want to know for sure I’ve slept in for an appropriate amount of time. It wouldn’t do to get up too early when I don’t have to. So, where does one put an alarm clock in an RV bedroom? I don’t like a plug-in alarm clock on the night stand because I can’t read it without leaning up on my elbow and you have to fool with a cord. I also like to use my limited night stand space for more important things like junk. Many RVs have cabinets that hang over the headboard or an over head space from a slide-out and this is the perfect place for an alarm clock. I like the Timex Indiglo battery operated digital alarm. When it’s dark, just reach up and touch the button and the display lights up for a few seconds. I used 3M Command Strips which function like a hook and latch tape only much stronger. In fact, I use 3M Strips to hang pictures in my coach. The clock is flat and thin which works out great for this application. I removed two small screws holding the fold-up plastic cover, took the cover off and threw it away. I put the screws back in and prepared the back surface of the clock by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol (this helps the adhesive stick better). I attached a 3M Strip to the back of the clock. Repeat this same procedure for the space under your bedroom cabinets. Press the clock against the 3M strip and it locks into place. You can remove and replace this clock as many times as you like because 3M Command strips won’t wear out. Our 5th wheel had fuzzy fabric on the ceiling over the bed slide-out so I used the "hook" part of some hook and latch tape on the clock and stuck it to the ceiling. Helping you have a great time in your RV - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV Industry In Financial Crisis

The lead story in today’s RVtravel.com newsletter is about the demise of National RV. National RV makes the motorhome brands Surfside, Pacifica, Tropi-Cal, Dolphin, Sea Breeze and Tradewinds. Friday they threw in the towel and called it quits laying off 600 workers. This is just the tip of the iceberg because all RV manufacturers with publicly traded stock showed serious declines for 2007. Boat manufacturing is suffering with huge sales losses, Harley Davidson motorcycles just laid off hundreds of workers last week. Behemoth boat maker Brunswick makers of Bayliner boats and Mercury marine engines is cutting jobs based on a year and a half of profit loses. Chairman and CEO Dustan McCoy told Bloomberg reporters that this year is ``shaping up'' to be the weakest for the U.S. marine industry since 1965. This is significant because the recreational vehicle industry which in the broad spectrum includes boats, RVs, motorcycles, and camping equipment manufacturers is suffering. Historically, when boat manufacturing declines it is a signal that the overall economy is headed for the skids. The Consumer Confidence Index has been in a nose dive since summer (usually a good sales time for RVs and boats) and shows no sign of changing. The U.S. consumer has a negative savings rate and his credit cards are tapped out. Oil is near $100 dollars a barrel (read higher prices at the pump) and real inflation is on the rise (regardless of what unreliable government statistics say). All this spells DANGER for the RV industry. Expect to see more RV manufactures lay off employees, shut down plants and go out of business this next year. The question is who will be the next to go?On the bright side, this means you should be able to negotiate a good deal on an RV during the coming year. With my fingers on the pulse of the RV industry - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

All RVers Should Pick Up A Water Thief

Years ago I parked our RV in a state campground forgetting to fill the fresh water tank. I thought, "No problem, I'll just run a hose from the water faucet and fill it up." I unrolled the hose, put the fill nozzle on the male end, crammed it in the fill hole and marched off to the faucet with the female end. When I reached down to screw in the hose connector, the threads were missing. Apparently state and federal parks believe it's not a good idea to have threads on their campground water faucets. Not knowing what to do I just held the hose over the end of the faucet and forced water to trickle into my holding tank while half of it showered me in the process. Later I discovered a simple invention that would have saved me a lot of frustration, it's called the "Water Thief" and is available at your local RV parts store. When you need to use an unthreaded faucet you stick the Water Thief on the end of the faucet and tighten down the hose clamp to hold it in place. When I use high pressure I place a hose clamp on the male adapter end and at the faucet end to hold it tightly in place. Thread you hose onto the Water Thief and you're in business. If you're not using a lot of water pressure the Water Thief will usually stay snugly in place on the faucet without using the hose clamp.I've used my Water Thief many times in campgrounds and especially at dump stations where I want to attach a clean-out hose to my sewer flushing system. Many dump stations have water wash-out hoses with a brass tube at the business end making it impossible to attach a regular hose unless you have the Water Thief. You can pick these up for less than six bucks and at that price it's a steal! Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

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