RVing magic at Mackinac Island, Michigan

The benefit of being an RVer is your ability to move about this great country. We recently drove our motorhome to Mackinac City, Michigan and caught a passenger ferry to a place of charm and beauty. Mackinac Island, Michigan where life slows down to the pace of a horse drawn carriage. Transportation is provided by horse and bicycle on this beautiful island. Majestic houses adorn the shoreline while a historical fortress casts a steady eye across the channel. Steeped in history and tradition this island paradise offers relaxation and fun.

Mackinac Island is famous for it’s fudge making. They have every kind of fudge imaginable and you can watch them make it, then pour it out on slabs of marble to cool as they form it into long loaves of fudge. There are many restaurants and snacks available here.

The old Grand Hotel is the largest wooden structure in the U.S.A. and tours are available. You can rent bicycles or bring your own across on the ferry for a small fee. It costs $25 each for the ferry trip and carriage taxi service is available. You can also rent a horse and buggy to drive around the island by yourself. Most people bicycle or walk since most of the attractions are close at hand.

Approximately 500 people live on the island year round and they have a K-12 school, churches and stores. There are many shops, restaurants, galleries and you might even find a working artist. Plan on spending the day as you leisurely explore this wonderland island. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

A Traveler's Guide America's Living History
This is a new kind of history-oriented U.S. travel guide, one that not only showcases premier destinations, but also uses their histories to tell the story of early America. Learn more...

Collapsible RV clothesline is perfect for RV living

Veteran RVers and avid RV Now readers Bob and Gail Ring are from Martinsville, New Jersey. I met them at the Coachmen factory RV campground prior to a Coachmen rally. Bob put together this innovative clothesline made from ½ inch PVC pipe and fittings.This clothesline is designed to hang from the RV ladder. Here you can see how the hangers are designed. A few key pieces are glued while removable bolts with wing nuts are used to fasten and hold the PVC pieces together. The line is strung between the hoop ends through holes drilled into the end pieces.This mobile clothesline is perfect for towels and small loads of laundry. Inexpensive and space efficient this design will work on any RV with a ladder. Hanging out with RV enthusiasts all across the U.S.A. - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

DVD: RV Awning Use, Care & Accessories
RV Expert Mark Polk walks you through the step-by-step process of using, caring for and accessorizing an RV awning. Polk explains the different types of RV awnings and awning fabrics, and how to properly clean and inspect the awning fabric & hardware. Learn more or order.

Easy open screen door latch makes RVing easier

RVers frequently ask me how to make a screen door opener. I direct them to this previous article found in the archives section located at the side bar on the right, but sometimes they have difficulty locating it, so I decided to reprint it once again for your convenience. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVingWhat do you do with an old bicycle wheel? Make an easy-open RV screen door latch that’s what! You need the spokes to be 10 ½ inches long. In fact, take out all the spokes and save them because you can easily install these in your neighbors units and they will think you're a genius! The spokes are easy to remove, just get a screwdriver and loosen the retaining nut then thread the spoke out of the spindle hole. You can also purchase them at bicycle shops. Once you get the spokes off you need to get out your drill and a bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of your spoke. Drill one hole in the latch handle being careful to allow room for the retaining latch to be able to grab the release handle, then drill another hole at the top of the plastic door slide stop/handle. (Note: do not drill a hole in the sliding cover, but the cover stop/handle as pictured below).Choose where you will drill the holes before you do it. There are two considerations here. First you must make sure the spoke will not interfere with the retaining latch on the main door. My first hole on the latch caused the spoke to interfere with the retaining latch, so I had to drill another hole. Aren’t you glad I make all the mistakes for you? Second, drill a hole in the top of the plastic door slide stop/handle at the same angel that your spoke will travel. I put my spoke at about a 3 ½ degree angle (just kidding I really didn’t measure it).

Insert the spoke so the button will be facing the outside of the coach. You will have to flex the spoke a little in order to feed the threaded end up through the hole in the plastic door slide stop/handle. The better way to do it is to remove the stop/handle (only three retaining screws) and feed the spoke up through the hole and then replace the handle. This way you don't permanently bend the spoke out of shape.Screw the retaining nut back on the spoke and now you can open your screen door without having to slide the plastic door back. Just push down on the retaining nut and the door opens. The spring action of the latch keeps the spoke in place. Since the spokes are stainless steel, they resist rust and look good. No more sliding that plastic door out of the way just so you can reach the latch - one finger is all you need.

Note: The above application was done on a thin latch handle. For thicker latch handles, you can either bend the spoke to fit or you can countersink the drill hole, either way you achieve the same effect. I made a countersink by wrapping a piece of duct tape around a drill bit. Some of these thicker latches may require a firmer spoke to work properly. A thinner spoke may bend too easily. I suggest you test the firmness of the spoke before you start drilling holes. Just put the spoke on top of where you would drill your hole and push it down while holding it in place. If it bends too easily, get a firmer spoke.

Like many ideas, I borrowed this one from a fellow camper who had used a metal rod and a bolt in the latch to do the same thing. He used a stronger material than a spoke, but I prefer the spoke (my idea) over this type of application just because it's cleaner and less intrusive.

---

DVD: Do It Yourself RV Care
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, shows you how to maintain and care for your RV. This 63-minute DVD was produced in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Learn more or order.

Grandfather and Grandson RV and bike together

RVing is a great way to bring families together. I went RVing with both my grandfathers and it left a lasting impression on me. Grandfathers are special people who have a great deal of influence with their grandkids when they can capture their attention for a while. Getting the kids away from computer games, cell phones and iPods is difficult, but I watched a skilled grandpa do it with ease at a Coachmen RV rally.Grandpa Kurt Beck from Camdon, Michigan spent the week with grandson Keenan Krall from Harrisonburg, Virginia in a Coachmen Cruise Master motorhome. I kept my eye on them during the week as they played board games together, attended the attractions and events of the rally and rode bicycles together. They both had a great time and when I asked Keenan if he intended to become an RVer someday he responded, “Yes!”

I caught up with them as they were packing up to head home. Loading their bikes on the ladder rack I noticed Kurt using a pop-can insulator as a protective device on the handlebars. He says it prevents the coach from being scratched and it’s been from Michigan to Florida and back several times without falling off.

With ideas like this, grandson Keenan is sure to become a successful RV owner himself someday. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Keep dirt out of your RV with adhesive mats

I met Gary & Sandra Campbell while camping in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. As veteran RVers they’ve enjoyed coming here over the years and parking their motorhome facing the water. Huge ore hauling ships pass back and forth in front of their RV day and night heading to the nearby locks.Gary enjoys sitting out in front of the RV watching the activity on the water at the Soo Locks Campground. I took this photo of Gary from the deck of a “Soo Locks Boat Tours” boat as we passed by our campground.When I visited them in their motorhome it was like entering a clean room. In fact, the entryway steps were covered with a an adhesive mat. These mats were designed for clean rooms to remove all the dirt and debris from the bottom of your shoes prior to entry. The sticky film effectively cleans the bottoms of your shoes by trapping the dirt on the surface of the mat. It’s a kind of lint roller for your feet.

Gary says he changes it out every week by pulling up the top layer. The pull tabs in the corner allow you to pull one thin sheet off at a time. These adhesive mats come with 30 or 60 sheets and can be purchased at janitorial supply stores or on the internet by browsing “adhesive mats.” If you order them from the internet you get four sets in a case and they run about 13 cents per sheet.Gary told me he cut the pad of adhesive sheets down in order to fit neatly in his motorhome entryway. He folded them so they fit his steps then peeled of the backing on the adhesive bottom pad and pressed it into place over his stairs. The adhesive holds the mat pad firmly in place as you step through the entry.

No more sweeping the entryway stairs and considerably less dirt tracked into the RV. Keeping it clean - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Check your RV lighting system using hand signals

Bob and Cindy Byrne from St. Louis, Missouri have been RVing eight years. Before they travel Cindy steps to the front of the motorhome and gives Bob hand signals while he runs a light check. Next she goes to the rear of the coach making sure she is in view of Bob’s side mirror and gives him signals as he checks the aft lights. This is an efficient way to ensure your light system is working properly. In addition to checking the lights, Cindy also checks the towed vehicle lights and ensures the vehicle is securely attached to the mother ship. You may want to consider developing a hand signal system like this for yourself. Radios are nice, but hand signals are faster and don’t get garbled. The U.S. Navy uses hand signals even today when maneuvering multi-million dollar aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Watch the video below to see how they do it. Giving the thumbs up to go RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro
Learn how to drive a motorhome from RVer and former Gray Line Bus driver and trainer Lorrin Walsh -- essential reading for new or novice motorhome drivers and co-pilots. Learn more or order.

RVing brings a new "fest" every weekend

Summertime is party-time in towns and villages all across America allowing RVers many opportunities to join in. I recently reported on the National Cherry Festival and last week we attended the “Alpenfest” in Gaylord, Michigan. The Chamber Maids (as in Chamber of Commerce) Karen Lamb (left) and Gail Skerratt (right) welcome visitors to the Alpenfest.The town of Gaylord is already decorated like an authentic alpine village but when they close off main street and set up the tents it turns into pure Michigan fun.

They celebrate all week with live entertainment. The outdoor restaurant features great German food with a live band playing authentic German music.The carnival anchors one end of town while young and old alike enjoy the festivities. A variety of German/Austrian food along with the standard carnival fair is offered on a side street.Vendors sell their wares as bands entertain on the museum lawn.Fun events for kids and adults are scheduled every day of the event. There is never a dull moment during Alpenfest.

Roaming the country RVers have the unique opportunity to enjoy many of these events in their travels. To find out about these festivals stop at the various State Information and Welcome Centers along the highways of America. They’ll provide you with maps and brochures on upcoming events, RV parks and area attractions.

Discovering the United States of America one village at a time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

Watch It Made In The USA
See your favorite products made in their factories. RVers who love to “stop along the way” will find this classic guidebook a superb reference for both roadside learning and entertainment. Learn more or order.

Personalized RV signs say alot about the RV community

RVers are perhaps the friendliest people you'll encounter on this planet. The entire RV lifestyle invites hospitality and friendly discourse. When you arrive at an RV destination people walk by and greet you and frequently stop and chat. They will invite you to their RV for refreshments, offer you a chair and shoot the breeze. It doesn't take long before you become acquainted with all your neighbors. This social phenomena doesn't happen at hotels and motels across America. At hotels people enter their rooms and shut the door never to be seen again unless they emerge for ice or to go out to dinner.

Artist Heidi Breidenstein helps RVers display their hospitality by painting customized RV signs. Here is an example of a 5th wheel sign. These signs are made of vinyl so they'll stand up to weather. You can have a motorhome sign displaying any message. Your name or home town and state can be in the little sign by the campfire. Most RV parks allow you to walk close enough to your neighbor's RV that you can easily read these signs.
Heidi will paint anything you want on these RV signs. You can hang these on the RV or you can purchase a display stand. The signs are $32 plus $6.95 shipping and handling. You can order a sign by calling 1 (800) 508-8380. You can get more information here: Canterbury Creations.
Heidi will personalize the signs by painting the stripe on the RV the same color as the stripe on your rig. She says she'll do, "any wording on any sign in any color". You may have seen Heidi in action at the Tampa, Florida or Hershey, Pennsylvania RV shows.

Sign up for one today - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

Flea Market U.S.A.
Learn where to find more than 1,000 flea markets and swap meets in all fifty states of the USA. Get locations of where the markets are, when they are held and get a phone number to call for more information. Learn more or order.

RVing the National Cherry Festival in Michigan

RVing America would not be complete without a tour of Michigan in the summer. This is our first time in Michigan and we’re having a blast! The National Cherry Festival held in Traverse City is definitely a “must see” RV tourist destination.The 2009 Cherry Festival runs from July 4th - 11th. The Blue angels perform at the festival every two years so their next appearance will be in 2010.

Mike Perreault chows down on an American favorite “the elephant ear”.Six year old Macy, whose favorite things about the festival are the Air Dog Competetion and the parade, poses by the cherry booth with her Parrents Matt & Jennifer.Cindy Goodale from Traverse City enjoys coming to the festival every year. She enjoys the atmosphere and likes hanging out and having fun. Her favorite things are the entertainment (especially the 1964 Beatles act) and she says Gibby Fries are “the thing” people stand in line for at the festival. Here folks patiently wait for this festival treat.Lynn Postma from Grand Rapids, Michigan with her air dog Bamba (a Spanish Water Dog).The Ultimate Air Dog competition is a favorite of kids and adults alike. The competition has several categories from novice to advanced. They compete to see who can jump the farthest off the dock into the water splashing the crowd and having fun. Jack King from King Orchards washes cherries for samples at the festival.
A street magician entertains the kids and adults - any volunteers from the crowd?There is a state campground near the beach, but it’s crowded, smoke filled and doesn’t have hook-ups for water or sewer. I strongly recommend staying at Timber Ridge RV Resort when you visit Traverse City. Owner Kristin Levesque and her friendly staff will assist you. The sites are spacious and clean and they have full hook-ups, cable and wifi. You can find more information here: Timber Ridge.

For more information on the festival click here: National Cherry Festival. Keeping you informed about cherry RV destinations - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Space saving ideas for RV entertainment gear

Don and Carol Huck have been RVing for more than 30 years and know how to renovate an RV to suit their needs. Don needed a place to install this kitchen DVD entertainment center and came up with the idea to put it between the cabinets. The space was there so he built a shelf, attached the entertainment unit and hung it between the existing cabinets.

Another of Don's innovations is a folding DVD shelf. The flat screen TV is out of the way of the slide, but they couldn't add a permanent DVD shelf because it would interfere with the slide-out. A folding bracket was the answer so now when they bring in the slide the DVD is removed and the shelf folds neatly down for travel.

You can find these folding brackets at hardware stores and cabinet shops. They also work well for counter and desk extensions. Folding more ideas into the mix every day - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

DVD: Do It Yourself RV Care
This DVD is written and presented at the RV owner level and shows those systems and components that need regular attention. As Gary states, “Today’s RVer understands the necessity for annual preventive maintenance; they just need guidance in how to actually perform many of those tasks themselves.” This production walks the RVer through the proper procedures that are easily handled by the astute RV handyperson. Learn more or order.

Live better at Timber Ridge Resort Traverse City, Michigan

RVers should seriously consider visiting Michigan as a tourist destination. Traverse City is an outstanding place to visit and play. The National Cherry Festival is simply fabulous hosting the Blue Angels every two years, carnival, bands, fireworks and of course cherries galore. Beginning on the July 4th weekend and lasting a week you’ll want to get reservations early at the best campground in Michigan - Timber Ridge Resort. Traverse City is also home to one of the largest and longest horse shows in America "Horse Show on the Bay".

Kristin Levesque and her business partner Gordon Waggoner own and operate this great family RV park. You can have a serious good time without even leaving the RV park at this fabulous RV resort. Scheduled activities for the kids and adults, bike trails, swimming, miniature golf, and more make this a perfect family destination.This is a large park and all the RV sites have full hook-ups. They also have a number of long pull-through sites with 50 amp service. Most Michigan campgrounds close during the winter months but Timber Ridge has a number of warm cottages and park models available for winter sports enthusiasts. You can stay here and participate in or just watch the cross country skiing “Vasa Race”. The bath house is spacious and the park has wifi for internet surfers.Winter Texans will be interested in the availability of park model sites in this resort park. You will find more information on this wonderful campground here: Timber Ridge
or you can call them at (800) 909-2327 Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

Michigan's Best Campgrounds
Michigan has more public campgrounds than any other state. Learn about 150 of the best in this guide by award winning author Jim DuFresne. The author profiles each campground providing fee information, recreation opportunities hiking trails, facilities including types of RV hookups, and includes driving directions to each park. Learn more or order.

Your RV awning rod is a multi use tool

Long time RVer Dave Willis from Hudsonville, Michigan uses his awning rod to raise and lower his awning and he also uses it as a retrieving tool. Dave uses wooden blocks to help level his coach. By drilling a hole in the blocks he is able to retrieve them without getting on his hands and knees. He installed handles in his tire ramps and uses his awning rod to retrieve them as well. Simple ideas like this will save you time and save your knees and back. Keeping fresh RV ideas within reach - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

DVD: RV Awning Use, Care & Accessories
RV Expert Mark Polk walks you through the step-by-step process of using, caring for and accessorizing an RV awning. Polk explains the different types of RV awnings and awning fabrics, and how to properly clean and inspect the awning fabric & hardware. Learn more or order.

It's curtains for this RV

RVers Bob and Cindy Byrne from St. Louis Missouri enjoy their Coachmen motorhome. To help make it more like home they installed a closet rod across the front of the coach to hang a privacy curtain. Cindy made curtains for each season of the year and it's an inexpensive way to change the hue of color inside the rig. They can see what's going on in the campground over the top of the curtains yet they provide adequate privacy during the day. They used an existing retaining screw to attach the closet rod holders over the dash. They also installed a standard curtain rod over the entry door with a short curtain. They found this side curtain much easier to use than the full front privacy curtains. Making simple changes like this to your RV will make your RVing experience more enjoyable. Taking a curtain call - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Sanitize your RV fresh water tank before it's too late

SUREflo is a name RVers are familiar with because they make water pumps. I was talking with SUREflo rep Wendell Sheldon at an RV rally about the issue of sanitizing fresh water tanks. He shared the following photos showing how bacteria will contaminate a fresh water system when not sanitized on a regular basis.Failure to sanitize your fresh water system will result in bacteria contamination with a rotten egg or sulfur like oder. If you drink it you're jeopardizing your health and compromising your water pump components. If you keep your fresh water tank, lines and faucets sanitized on a regular basis you'll extend the life of your water pump.

SUREflo recommends sanitizing your fresh water system prior to storage and before using the RV again after a long period of storage. If you're a full-timer I recommend every six months. Before you start this procedure I recommend removing any filters and cleaning the water pump catch screen.

The procedure for sanitizing is as follows:
1. Multiply gallons of tank capacity by 0.13 (liters of tank capacity by 1.0); the result is the ounces (milliliters) of bleach needed to sanitize the tank.
2. Mix into solution the proper amount of bleach within a container of water.
3. Disconnect from city water and pour the solution into the fresh water tank (using a funnel with a flexible hose attached) and fill the tank with potable water. Note: wear old clothes as bleach has a tendency to ruin new clothing.
4. Open all faucets (hot and cold - including the exterior shower) allowing the water to run until the distinct odor of chlorine is detected. Close the faucets and allow the solution to remain in the pipes.
5. The standard solution must have four (4) hours of contact time to disinfect completely. Doubling the solution concentration allows for contact time of one (1) hour.
6. When the contact time is completed, drain the tank. Refill with potable water and purge the plumbing of all sanitizing solution by opening all faucets until you do not detect the smell of chlorine.

This procedure is approved by RVIA ANSI A119.2 and the U.S. Public Health Service and by Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

Contaminated water pump photos courtesy of SHREflo.

---

Trailer Life's RV Repair & Maintenance Manual
This book features step-by-step procedures for maintaining and repairing RVs, presented in easy-to-understand layman's terms and simple-to-follow instructions. Packed with valuable information, checklists, photos, and charts, the RV Repair and Maintenance Manual includes topics on electrical systems, LP-gas systems, water systems, sanitation systems, AC generators, batteries, heating systems, air-conditioning systems...and more!

RV towel holder grabs your attention

Towel racks are nothing new in an RV, but where they are located is frequently a nuisance. The Carolina Cane Company makes a great towel holder that installs without tools and looks and works great. The secret to this invention is the marble that holds the towel as gravity pulls it down.To remove the towel you pull it sideways. You can’t pull it down because the friction of the marble against the towel holds it secure. We purchased a plain holder that matches our wood, but they come with a variety of laser art engravings.

To install it simply clean the surface where you want to place it with rubbing alcohol, allow it to dry then peel the film off the adhesive patch on the back and press it into place. Simple, effective and space efficient these towel hangers sell for $6.50. You can order them here: Carolina Cane Company. Helping you with your RV hang-ups - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

DVD: EZ RV Upgrades
This is a must have DVD for every RVer. Now that you have purchased your RV, let RV expert Mark Polk help you discover what products are available to help protect you, your investment, and improve the efficiency of your RV. Learn what water filter will most efficiently protect your drinking water from harmful bacteria and much more...

RVing to Amish Shipshewana, Indiana

Our RV adventure in Shipshewana, Indiana began with a drive through the beautiful countryside where we encountered white Amish farmhouses and barns, gardens with blooming flowers, colorful laundry hung out to dry and Amish horse drawn buggies.Once in town you will find plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Don’t miss the good sized flea market which has several Amish vendors selling clothing, furniture and crafts. The auction is held inside the auction house and has six or more auctioneers hawking merchandise all at once. It’s a noisy cacophony that will stimulate your interest and curiosity. If you like antiques you can pick up some nice things at this auction.

After a morning looking around the flea market we went to lunch at the Blue Gate where authentic Amish food is served. You can eat family style on the lower level where it’s “all you can eat” or you can eat on the main level where you choose your selections off a menu. I ordered the “Amish Sampler” and couldn’t finish it all. I particularly enjoyed the Amish peanut butter and apple butter which are provided as condiments at each table.

There are several RV parks in the area and a newly completed park is located next to the flea market and currently charges $25 per night for full hook-ups. Watch the video to get a sense of what you will experience in Amish Shipshewana, Indiana. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV surplus stores deliver discount prices

Elkhart, Indiana is the undisputed capitol of RV manufacturing. In this area you will find several RV surplus stores that carry the surplus items from these manufacturing sources. Bontrager’s Surplus may have a hard to find part you need. You can find them here: Bontrager’s Surplus. They have windows and doors galore. Everything that goes into making an RV is there. In fact, you could probably make an RV from scratch from the parts they have. You will find them online here: Bontrager's Surplus

RV Surplus Inc. is another discount store that offers a wide variety of items and has a great selection of furniture. They also have many plastic holding tanks. You don’t have to visit their store in person as you can order parts online from their store. You will find them here: RV Surplus Inc.

Campers Discount Center is part of the Hart City RV dealership. They sell Gulf Stream products and have a RV parts store similar to Camping World. They also have a huge selection of surplus parts at surplus prices. You will find them here: Campers Discount Center.

If you need to replace a dinette or an air conditioner you’ll find what you need at the many surplus stores in the Elkhart, Indiana area. Piecing it all together - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing.

---

Senior Citizen Discounts Guide 2008-2009
This annual directory will save you a ton of money. Learn about thousands of senior discounts throughout the USA. Most are not publicized elsewhere. National and local businesses are listed. Learn more or order.

Prevent slide out streaks on your RV carpet

Slide out rooms make RVs larger inside but they can sometimes leave streaks on the carpet. The streaks come from the rollers and and the weight of the slide out on the carpet surface. You can prevent streaking by using "Slide-Out Slicker" by Lippert Components. These carpet protectors have teeth to hold them in place on the carpet while the slide moves over the smooth top surface. Once the slide out room is extended you can pick them up and store them under the sofa until you need them again. You can find more information on this product here: Lippert Components. Replacing the carpet can get expensive while the Slide-Out Slicker is an inexpensive safeguard at around $20. Keeping my eye out for slick new RV products. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

The RV Care & Maintenance DVD addresses issues like: information on the proper care and maintenance for the interior of your RV, the exterior of your RV, RV appliances, LP gas system, water system, electrical system, RV generators, RV batteries, chassis & frame, and RV tires. RV tech pro Mark Polk helps you thoroughly understand how to take care of your RV. Learn more or order.

A brilliant RV idea illuminates the night

What do you do with that external outdoor electric plug on your RV? RVer Tom Lowary from Chatham, Illinois got together with his buddy Bill Moritz and came up with a new twist on outdoor lighting. They used a white five gallon bucket to make a durable all weather light. Tom says this is a multipurpose implement because he also uses the bucket to wash his rig. Since it’s lightweight and subject to blowing over, you can use rocks inside the bucket to weight it down.

You can use the parts from an old lamp or pick up the light fixture from a hardware store. Tom drilled a hole in the center of the bucket lid and used washers to help hold the fixture in place when he tightened the retaining bolt. He applied silicone to the top where the cord extends out of the lid. The 60 watt bulb floods your RV patio area with warm light making your nighttime activities more enjoyable and safe.If you are an artist you can use translucent colors (like permanent markers) to make designs on the bucket giving it a personal touch. Lighting up your world with great RV ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, shows you how to maintain and care for your RV. This 63-minute DVD was produced in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. This production walks the RVer through the proper procedures that are easily handled by the astute RV handyperson. Learn more or order.

Coachmen makes RV history - Shasta is back!

Longtime RV manufacturer Coachmen headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana is bringing back the Shasta brand after a five year hiatus. The first new travel trailer to debut is the Shasta Airflyte 12 with the distinctive classic exterior look and a modern European styled interior. Compare this new model with this 1954 15 foot Shasta travel trailer. The old trailer doesn’t have the characteristic wings because they would have covered the upper bunk vent on the street side.
This 12 footer is much lighter and more spacious than it’s 1954 relative. Weighing in at 2,482 pounds this unit is perfect for towing by a small SUV.

Tank capacities are 36 gallons fresh water, 32 gallons gray, 11 gallons black and a 6 gallon hot water heater. More than ample to enjoy a hot shower in the combo bathroom.

The galley design represents a new concept in space utilization. It uses a counter top electric grill that stows away after use. The sink has a fold down faucet with a permanent cover making more available countertop space when not in use.The European design is a far cry from the 1954 interior. In this old model you could fit four skinny people around the dinette. The Airflyte on the other hand will comfortably seat a family of six or more. The unit comes with a surround sound entertainment package. Halogen lighting fills the interior with ample light and the translucent sliding cabinet doors make it easy to find your stuff.

I like the crank-up skylight that has a roll-up screen and retractable shutter. The tinted windows open out so it sheds rain and allows you to enjoy fresh air during a shower.The most striking innovation is the absence of propane. The Airflyte uses no propane appliances and strictly runs on electricity. It doesn't have a roof-top air conditioner or a conventional heater. Instead it has an innovative 11,000 BTU heat pump which does the job of both. It really works cooling the rig down to a comfortable temperature on hot days and heating up to toasty for those cold mornings.

The absence of propane bottles, central heater and roof-top air conditioner significantly reduces the weight of this RV.

WIth crank-down jacks at four corners, pass through rear storage, sewer hose storage compartment, awning and those nifty chrome moon hubcaps this RV is a crowd pleaser.As fuel prices rise so will the popularity of the new Shasta Airflyte because of it’s light towing weight.This travel trailer is truly revolutionary and just in time for fuel conscious campers. You can find more information on this great RV here: Coachmen. Be sure to watch the video for a closer look at this innovative new RV. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

DVD: EZ RV Upgrades
RV technician Mark Polk shows you products that will help make your RV more efficient -- how to install and use them, and more.

Get a handle on your RV screen door

RVer and tinkerer Jens Pedersen decided he needed a better way to open his Coachmen motorhome screen door. Like most motorhome screen doors, there is a plastic piece that slides back and forth giving you access to the door handle. When the door is open and you don’t want bugs invading your RV space, you simply slide the plastic cover shut.

Sometimes this is easier said than done because the current “handle” on these covers is a small ridge about a quarter of an inch high. Jens, from Wade, Mississippi needs his screen door to work correctly and efficiently so he added a simple cabinet handle to make it easier to open and close. He cut the handle screws so they would be the proper depth to hold the handle snugly in place. He drilled two holes, inserted the screws and fastened the handle onto the plastic screen door cover.Thanks Jens for a simple but excellent RV improvement idea. Putting doable ideas in your grasp - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

---

This comb-bound publication is published by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s Standards and Education Department. Until now, it was only available to RV technicians. It examines what services to perform for preventive maintenance, including checking LP gas systems; servicing and adjusting appliances; testing G.F.Is; winterizing and de-winterizing coach; checking safety items...and more.

Who are the Amish who build RVs?

Northern Indiana is the undisputed capitol of RV manufacturing. It is also the home to many Mennonite and Amish communities who first migrated to Indiana in 1841. The Mennonites have incorporated themselves into the modern world while the Amish have been slower to change. In Amish country you frequently see horse drawn buggies sharing the road with modern automobiles. You also see men with beards but no mustache wearing black pants with suspenders. They are always seen in public wearing black or straw hats as has been their custom since the beginning of their movement. Women in modest dresses without buttons use straight pins to hold it all together. Their white and black caps cover their heads in obedience to Scripture. Not allowed to use electric power from power lines they have adapted by learning to use pneumatic powered appliances, generators and propane.The Amish are not Protestant, Catholic or Orthodox but are Christ followers given the name “Anabaptist” which means “to rebaptize.” They received this name in 16th-century Europe based on their teaching that only consenting adults should be administered the rite of water baptism. There are over 60 different Anabaptist groups each with it’s own distinctive character and rules for living making it difficult to generalize about them as a group. The Amish are undisputed craftsmen who make some of the finest furniture in the world. Times have changed and it is no longer feasible to make a living from small family farms alone so many of the Amish have taken jobs in the RV manufacturing industry.

If you want to learn more about their way of life a visit to Menno Hof in Shipshewana, Indiana will be time well spent. Here you will see and hear the Amish - Mennonite story. You will have all your questions answered and leave with a new appreciation for their way of life. Visit their website here: Menno Hof.

You may also want to visit a new attraction in Amish country called the “Quilt Gardens Tour.” It’s free (except for your expenditure for fuel) and it packs 60,000 blooms into 12 gigantic gardens creating super-sized quilt-like murals. Find more information about this tour here: Quilt Gardens Tour.

Northern Indiana is filled with beautiful Amish homes and gardens. We stopped at a bakery and candy shop and watched them making nut-brittle using pneumatic powered conveyor belts and mixers. This is great stuff sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Many Amish homes are also businesses selling Amish made goods from furniture, baskets and quilts to recipe books and more. As a group I found them to be very friendly and happy to answer any questions about their lifestyle.While you’re in the neighborhood take advantage of the many RV plant tours available to the public. Out meeting our diverse and colorful American people one state at a time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

This RVer uses more horsepower than most

RVer and prize winning Arabian horse trainer Keith Krichke loves his Renegade RV. These high end class C RVs pack a lot of comfort and haul a lot of horses. His 51 foot horse trailer makes this rig longer than most commercial rigs on the road today. He doesn’t need a commercial license to drive it and it works out great for his horse business. His wife and two kids are much more comfortable on the long rides from their farm in Vicksburg, Michigan to the ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.

His trailer carries up to eight horses to shows all over the country. These shows are at fairgrounds where there are usually RV hook-ups. At the end of a busy day of training demonstrations, showing, grooming and general horse maintenance, he can relax with his family in the comfort of a home away from home.Horse enthusiasts often use the combination horse trailer/RV for this purpose, but they don’t have the room of one of these Class C haulers. When it’s time to grill Keith opens one of his side compartments and rolls out his propane BBQ. He loves this rig and the level of comfort it provides while he’s working on the road. Always horsing around - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Easily check the road lights on your RV with this new product

Before you charge out for the 4th of July weekend, be sure your RV driving lights are in good working order. Checking the lights on your travel trailer or 5th wheel is a hassle and takes two people to do the job. Now you can check your lights easily by plugging in “Lightcheck” by Coil n’ Wrap. The plug takes the standard 7 pin trailer light plug. This tool is about the size of a tennis ball can and is packed with trouble shooting information should one of your lights be on the fritz. Besides checking the lights you can use this as an emergency beacon should you need to leave your RV on the side of the road. It continuously flashes your tail lights and the Lightcheck has a flashing amber light so traffic can see your rig from both lanes. Coil n’ Wrap has a good selection of innovative RV products like these and you can visit their website by clicking here: Coil n’ Wrap. Every travel trailer and 5th wheel owner should have a Lightcheck. For all our U.S. readers have a happy and safe 4th of July! - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing