Issue 411 of RV Travel
Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter is funded through sales at RVbookstore.com, the World's Largest RV Bookstore specializing in books and DVDs about RVs and the RV lifestyle.

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JUST PUBLISHED.
2010 To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States
RVers who travel with a firearm may not know that what's legal in their home state may be a felony in another. This 2010 guide explains current, specific gun laws for every state. Don't cross a state line with a gun without knowing the laws! Only $13.95. Learn more or order.

*A few 2009 guides are still available for $6.95

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Editor's corner
By Chuck Woodbury

Dear reader,
Have you been following the news about the state of Arizona threatening to close its state parks? Well, our blogger Bob Difley has, and you can read his posts at our blog RV Arizona. If you have ever visited Arizona -- especially in the winter season -- you know the entire place is crawling with RV snowbirds. It's tough getting a campsite in any of its state parks without a reservation. Tourism officials are well aware of the millions of dollars the RVers bring into the state. So you wonder why all the talk about closing these very popular attractions.

In about a week, Arizona legislators will vote whether to keep the parks open or to close them. The state has already closed most of its rest areas, so don't be surprised if they close the parks. If they do, we think they are a bunch of nitwits, and from the comments we received when we brought up this subject last week, most of you do, too.

A request for your support
We've published this newsletter for more than nine years, for free. We have never asked for readers to pay for a subscription. Instead, we have paid its way from sales at RVbookstore.com. But, as we learned recently when comparing email addresses of bookstore customers with those of this newsletter, only a fraction of you have ever purchased something at our store: we thank those of you who have done so, for you have made it possible for my staff and me to bring you all this newsletter every Saturday morning.

Yes, we sell advertising, and that helps keep us going. But it's the book and DVD sales that pay most of the bills. And so. . . we have placed a small "volunteer subscription" button at the top left corner of this page. If you appreciate this newsletter and would like to help fund our efforts to publish it, would you please consider making a donation? One time or once a year, it doesn't matter -- whatever you can afford helps. Whether $5 or $10 -- it's appreciated: if you want to contribute more, then please know that every extra dollar helps. Of course, it is not necessary to pay even a penny to keep reading. But if you would like to lend some support, we would be most grateful.

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We have updated our list of upcoming RV Shows for 2010. Check it out to find out about a show coming to your town.
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Win cash with our Pot of Gold Contest.

Our popular RVtravel.com & RVbookstore.com Pot of Gold Contest continues on Monday. The cash prize is now up to $86. Each weekday we randomly select a Zip Code. If you live there and are the first to tell us, you win the money. The prize increases each day there's no winner. To participate, click here Monday through Friday (bookmark this page.)

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New battery technology will benefit RVers
A lot of research and money these days is going into improving batteries for electric vehicles. Already, one company has developed a high power battery that weights about a quarter of those used today yet furnishes four times more electricity! This is great news for all auto owners. Such technology will likely provide superior energy options for RVers as well. Read more.

Rash of RV fires raises space heater warnings
Two people have been killed, two injured, and at least six RVs destroyed in the last three weeks across the U.S. in incidents linked to the use of electric space heaters. The winter heating season has arrived, and fire officials say more caution needs to be exercised by those who would take off the chill with space heaters. Read more.

Is your RV prepared for quick trips?
One of the joys of RVing is taking spur-of-the-moment trips. Get off work for the week? Take a couple of days and just "get away from it all." But to do so, your RV needs to be ready when you are. Having the RV ready to roll down the road at a moments notice is largely a matter of having the various systems ready to roll.

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2010 Big Rigs Best Bets
Campground Directory
Do you drive an RV or RV/car combo over 30 feet? Then this directory is for you. Learn where you can stay where you'll fit in real comfy-like, and not like a sardine (or not at all because your rig is too long). Learn more or order.

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Airplane lands on roof of motorhome
We have told you about this video before, but it's worth another look -- an airplane landing right on the roof of a small motorhome as it travels down the landing strip. Please, do not try this when flying your own plane.

Camp hosting with your RV? Good idea!
Some fulltimers like hitching up and "moving on" every few days. That's great when you can afford it. But if you yearn to spend some time in a given venue, and want something productive to do with your time, camp hosting can be the ticket. Learn more.

Don't make a big mistake with your RV GPS unit
A GPS -- global positioning system -- can be great for finding your way to an unfamiliar location. But there is a downside to a GPS -- it can lead you into a trap, where you could end up in big trouble. Learn more.

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Wal-Mart Atlas & FREE Bonus
"No Overnight RV Parking" Directory
Order the popular Wal-Mart Atlas and receive the "No Overnight Parking" Directory for FREE --  only $21.95 for both. Retail cover price purchased separately $29.90! Most Wal-Marts permit a free overnight stay in RVs. The Wal-Mart Atlas provides driving directions to more than 4,000 Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs. It lists which stores sell diesel, have pharmacies, and the book provides store GPS coordinates. The "No Park" Directory lists more than 350 stores that DO NOT allow stays! Learn more or order. 

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New (or improved)
RVtravel.com blogs
RV California * Boondocking * RVing the East * Heathly RV Living * The RV Doctor* National Park Visitor* Florida RVer* RV Arizona * Texas RVer  * RV Short Stops *

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The greenest RV in the history of the World
Everybody today talks about "green" RVs -- those that are environmentally friendly. Well, we have found what is surely the "greenest" RV ever! There is no question about it. This RV not only looks terrific, it is definitely friendly to the Earth. We say this with absolute certainty. See if you agree.

Watch where you park your motorhome!
An RVing couple enjoys a motorhome outing -- smiling, happy, snapping pictures. That is, until... well, watch to see for yourself.

RV generator exercise tips and carbon monoxide warning
You should start and run an RV's gas generator with at least a half rated load for a minimum of two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load. Keep in mind that the carbon monoxide produced by a generator is deadly! Read more.

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FREE GUIDE TO ALASKA!
No doubt about it, many RVers yearn to travel to Alaska. If that's you, then send for the new, free North to Alaska Guide from Alaska Tourism. Order a printed guide to be delivered to your doorstep or view the online guide immediately so you can start planning your trip today! Click here.

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DID YOU MISS
LAST WEEK'S ISSUE? If so, read it here.

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NEW 2010 EDITIONS
National Park Service Camping Guide
& RV Camping in State Parks - SAVE!
Here are two great guidebooks -- both published for RVers and both just updated for 2010 -- to RV camping in State and National Parks, packaged together to save you $4.78 over purchasing them separately. Learn more or order.

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Get the latest RV news headlines at Twitter.

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NEW ARRIVALS
at RVbookstore.com
Check 'em out. Good stuff.

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DID YOU KNOW?
The year 2009 may have been dismal for the economy and a lot of people. But not so for RV Travel readers according to last week's reader survey. Close to half said their year was "pretty much normal" and the rest were almost evenly decided between "life was better" and "life was worse." See the actual survey results.

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RV Classified Ads
If you're looking to buy an RV, new or used, please check out the new RVtravel.com RV classified section. There are literally thousands of RVs of every size, price and model available. Search by location, price, brand or model RV, new or used to find your perfect rig!

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The truth about RV toilet paper
Among the many mysteries into which new RVers must be initiated are the not-so-sacred rights of the rolling biffy. It's tough enough for some to get the hang of having to step on a pedal to flush the pot, much less to learn that there are often two pedals: One to fill the bowl with water, the other to make it all go away. Then just complicate the process: "What kind of toilet paper do we buy?"

Check it out:
NASA's new lunar motorhome
Wow! This is one cool out-of-this-world RV. It's got sleeping accommodations for up to four (two comfortably) and. . . how about this? -- it can make 360 degree turns to go in any direction! No doubt about it, this is a swell RV! See a pic and read more.

Arizona hiker attacked by wild pig
You don't see javalinas very often in the Southwest. The wild pigs are normally shy and elusive. So it was totally unexpected when a hiker in Tucson was attacked by one recently. In December, another man was attacked by a bobcat near Oracle. Read more.

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Newest eBooks at RVbookstore.com
Order now and read within a few minutes

Snowbird Guide to Boondocking in the Southwest Deserts (by Bob Difley) $9.95
RVing Alaska: Insights and Observations (by Joe and Vicki Kieva). $9.95
Winterizing and Storing your RV (by Mark Polk) $12.95
The Snowbird's Guide to Quartzsite (by Russ and Tina De Maris) $11.95
Boondocking: Finding the Perfect Campsite on America's Public Lands (by Bob Difley) $9.95
RV Bookdocking in Southern Texas (by Marianne Edwards) $16.95
RV Boondocking In Arizona (by Marianne Edwards) $16.95
RV Boondocking in New Mexico (by Marianne Edwards) $16.95

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"What you need to know in as few words as possible."

Silvio DiSalvatore, winner of the Great American Road Trip, will speak at the Boston RV and Camping Expo on January 16.

A human skull was found January 2 in the Lake Merwin Camper's Hideway Campground in Amboy, Wash, perhaps a drowning victim from years ago.

Bob Newhart will perform at The Rally in Louisville, Kentucky, on opening night, July 22, 2010.

Winnebago has recalled 12 model year 2010 View and Itasca Navion motorhomes to fix a problem with a seat belt assembly. More recalls.

Idaho's Dworshak State Park may be closed because of financial shortfalls. Camping, boating and fishing are popular there.

In the worst economic decline in the nation since the big depression, camping visitation still increased in America's national parks. More.

Conservationists are worried a push by Parks Canada to attract more city slickers to its Rocky Mountain national parks will hurt the wildlife and ecosystems. New ideas include a new gondola in Banff, dogsled rides in Jasper and a teepee campground in Waterton.

The calories in your favorite fast food meal might be more than advertised. A study at Tufts University found that meals from 10 restaurant chains averaged 18 percent more calories than what the restaurants indicated.

Oregon offers a number of free travel guides either printed or online. Request one or more of them here.

Twiggy, the water-skiing squirrel, will perform during the Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport and RV Show Jan. 15 to 17 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma. Twiggy has performed for 27 years throughout the world. Twiggy's friend Ollie prefers to jet ski, but will not appear at the show.

At least 2,600 people in 1,300 RVs had showed up at the FMCA rally in Indio, Calif., by last Wednesday. The rally of motorhome owners ends Monday.

The Country Crossing casino in southeast Alabama will celebrate its grand opening Jan. 15-17. The sprawling complex includes a 78-space RV park. More information.

A new fog warning system in California's central valley will hopefully save motorists' lives.

A charity that provides shoes to the needy will kick off its 2010 RV tour today, Jan. 8, in New Orleans. Other cities to follow.

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Try digital treasure hunting at a Texas State Park
If you've heard about the high-tech treasure hunt called geocaching but haven't tried it, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has launched a pilot project to show people that they need not abandon computers to have fun outdoors. Learn more.

Michigan seeks camp hosts for its state parks and forests
The Michigan state Department of Natural Resources is offering free RV camping this summer for RVers who volunteer as campground hosts in Michigan state parks or state forests.

California is also looking for campground hosts.

Stocking up for a boondocking trip
Because we live in a culture with a supermarket on every corner, many of us find it difficult to plan too far ahead for trips to the stores to stock up on supplies. But when you are in the boonies, such a trip can become not only a project but an irritant. Read more.

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RV TOURS
Chosen by Discriminating RVers since 1975
Drive the Alcan to America's Last Frontier, envision yourself on Nova Scotia's miles of coastal drives. Cross the border to sunny Mexico. Celebrate Mardi Gras. Experience Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, Pacific NW, Great NW, Great Lakes, Old South, Oregon, California, Rose Parade, Branson, Calgary, Gaspe, S. Africa, New Zealand/Australia, England, Russia, Scandinavia, Turkey. All arrangements, including RV parks by TRACKS RV TOURS! **FREE Catalog** Tracks RV Tours.com, 800-351-6053.

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Livin' in her RV at Wal-mart
In this tongue-in-cheek music video, Maine singer and RVer Pat Pepin celebrates "livin' at Wal-mart" in her little RV. You'll enjoy the catchy tune. Make sure to tune up your speakers good and loud. This is lotsa fun! To buy this song and others at Pat's website, click here.
Dog Friendly's Campground and RV Park Guide
This is a jam-packed, well-researched directory of campgrounds, filled with detailed information, about where you can camp with a dog in the USA and Canada. Learn more or order.

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By Jim Twamley
Professor of RVing

RVers have sewer alternatives
Professor Jim came upon an RVing couple using a green garden-size hose to transport waste from their RV into the sewer. No, it was not from a macerator, but something that effectively mimics the same process. Read more.

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Stanley Mini Tripod LED Flashlight Keychain
This is totally cool! And for ONLY $1.99! Are we kidding? Nope, this is a special deal for readers of RVtravel.com. This Mini Tripod LED Flashlight Counter Top Display is ideal for purse or backpack storage. The innovative tripod design offers hands-free convenience. Its articulating head focuses light precisely where its needed. Three replaceable lithium button cell batteries (LR41) are included. ONE PER CUSTOMER AT THIS LOW PRICE. Learn more or order.

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Visit the world's tallest thermometer
Not only is it high, but the summer temp can be high, too -- into the 130s. So where is the world's tallest thermometer located? You'll have to click here to find out (and see a photo -- wow! It's big!).

Understand RV weight terms when buying and using an RV
Overloading an RV, whether a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer or other recreational vehicle, can spell big trouble. Here is advice from RV expert Mark Polk about how to understand basic RV weight terms. Make sure you understand these terms before buying an RV.

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Headed to Alaska?
Check out this books and DVDs
2009 Milepost Directory
DVD: RVing Alaska with Joe and Vicki Kieva
Traveler's Guide to Alaska Camping
Guide to the Alaska Highway
The World  Famous Alaska Highway
DVD:Alaska By RV
More Alaska Books & DVDs