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Weekend of July 18, 2009
Issue 387 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.
The Next Exit: Learn what's at every Interstate exit.
RVers Friend: Directory of RV services at truck stops.
Corps of Engineers Camping: 600 campgrounds on 200 lakes
Casino Camping: Which ones have RV parks, offer free stays, etc.
Guide to Free Campgrounds: West Edition. Camp free or cheap.
National Park Service Camping Guide: Essential for RVers
Fifth Wheel Bible: Own a fifth wheel trailer or plan to?
Guide to Dog-Friendly campgrounds and RV parks: Learn more.
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Editor's corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Follow me on Twitter
Dear reader,
I have returned home after more than three weeks on the road, two of them with my daughter. I'm glad to be home, but I'm also not glad to be home. I have a feeling you understand.
Now, my home and its queen-sized bed seem huge after the RV. It's nice to see friends. My giant, speedy Mac computer with its 23-inch screen is a major luxury after my 12-inch laptop. But, really, I miss being "out there." If my motorhome could talk it would beg me to keep going, not abandon it in a corner of our RVbookstore.com warehouse.
My last night on the road. . . well, it was close to perfect. I stayed in a Forest Service campground near Government Camp, Ore., along U.S. 26 in the Cascades. My campsite was in a dense pine forest -- my nearest neighbor far away and hidden by trees. A small stream passed close by, serenading me through the night. My only frustration was not having an Oregon fishing license. I know there was a pan-sized brook trout waiting to be my breakfast.
I drove home in three days from Northern California mostly on U.S. 395, an isolated stretch of two-lane highway through eastern California and Oregon. In one stretch of 200 miles including along Goose Lake, I bet there were only a few dozen inhabitants. I drove one stretch of 120 miles without another car approaching me from behind, even though I wasn't even going the speed limit.
My first night I camped at Lower Sardine Lake along California route 49 in the Sierra after leaving my late-parents' home in Grass Valley (for sale if you want to buy it). Sardine Lake is one of my favorite beauty spots on Earth. Look at your map: it's near Sierra City. It's good road all the way there. If you have a chance, spend a night at the campground. It's a stunning, romantic location, and very popular with families.
The second night I holed up at an RV park in Lakeview, Ore., just a short walk from Oregon's only geyser, which, alas, is not erupting now (farmers are irrigating and the water table is too low). Just south of Lakeview (in California) is Stinger's Orchard Wild Plum Winery, the only winery in America that makes wild plum wine. I bought some for gifts.
After leaving Government Camp it was about a five hour drive home on mostly boring I-5 to my home near Seattle. Now, writing from home, my brain has not accepted that I'm no longer motoring down the highway. So I feel a bit like I'm spinning. Now I begin dreaming of my next trip.
* * *
Last week's
RV Travel newsletter
U.S. highway 95 through Nevada is a depressing yet invigorating, fascinating drive. It's the most direct route from Las Vegas to Reno through mile after mile of barren desert. Take away the sagebrush and you have Mars. I drove it in my motorhome a week ago and reported about it last issue. Read the issue here.
Wanted: Fulltime RVers to be
interviewed for a DVD by RVtravel.com on Full-time RVing. If you live
along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Sacramento, we can visit in
the next month or so. Email Chuck(at)RVtravel.com if interested.
Wal-Mart Atlas & Bonus
"No Overnight RV Parking" Directory
Order the popular Wal-Mart Atlas and receive the "No Overnight Parking" Directory for FREE. SAVE $9.90! 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 provides
store GPS coordinates. The "No Park" Directory lists more than 350 stores that DO NOT allow stays! Learn more or order.
Get the latest RV news headlines at Twitter.
LEARN HOW TO USE TWITTER. Get Twitter Power
Number of free & cheap campgrounds at FreeCampgrounds.com: 1,842
READ BACK ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER: Click here.
Motorhome rolls over steep
cliff at ocean while RVer walks dog
An
RVer stepped out of his motorhome at Depot Bay, Ore., last Sunday to
walk his dog and then watched helplessly as his 36-foot motorhome
rolled over a steep cliff along the Pacific Ocean. Read more and see bigger photo.
Black and gray water holding tank maintenance
Every RV owner should be concerned with maintaining his RV's wastewater tanks. Due to health concerns, many service facilities will not work on wastewater tanks and lines until the tanks have been completely emptied and sanitized. So, tanks should be kept relatively clean at all times. Read more.
CLOSEOUTS & SUPER BARGAINS
on RV books and DVDs
Hurry. Only one or two copies of some items.
Colorado police say no concrete leads on suspect in poop dump
Wheat
Ridge, Colorado police say they're still looking for someone they say
dumped blackwater down a storm drain at a local high school,
contaminating a retention pond to the tune of a quarter million
dollars. Read more.
Message from Professor of RVing, Jim Twamley
You
may wonder what has happened to our prolific blogger Jim Twamley who
disappeared off the radar screen a few months ago. In this update from
a few days ago, Jim reports what is happening now in his very changed life and he has a word of warning for other RVers.
These DVDs will make you a better RVer
Get these popular DVDs and others at RVbookstore.com
Better Business Bureau Guide to Buying an RV
Choosing an RV: A Logical Approach (with Joe & Vicki Kieva)
Do It Yourself RV Care (with the RV Doctor)
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro
Guide to Class A Motorhomes
Guide to Class C Motorhomes
Towing Behind Your Motorhome
Guide to Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels
Guide to Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing
Guide to Winterizing Your RV
Creating storage space in the RV of a fulltime RVer
It seems RV manufacturers (and for many of them, rest their souls) have a hard time getting it through their heads that fulltiming RVers need storage space. Sure they give us cabinets, but in many cases, these cabinets are simply big boxes with no shelves. If you've got something to store that's really tall, it's fine, but if you have a lot of smaller items, you've got problems. Read more.
Would Porky Pig like this little motorhome?
RVtravel.com blogger Russ De Maris wonders why he has a feeling that if he were to keep his eye on this little European motorhome, that Porky Pig would show up. Read more and see a bigger pic.
Block out unwanted noise with this device
Do you sometimes just want to block out sounds of the world -- especially annoying ones? Here's a great device that does just that. Our blogger Scott Koegler explains why this can be a good thing for the RV crowd.
Trailer Life RV Road Atlas
Besides showing highways and other roads, this large-format road atlas shows more than 10,000 campgrounds, plus RV service centers, tourist attractions and 1,600 state parks, plus a special Tech Tips section. Learn more or order for only $16.95. (Cover price, $29.95).
"What you need to know in as few words as possible."
The Midwest RV Super Show in Goshen, Ind., has cancelled its August event due to the bad economy. The show has been a major event in the "RV capital" for the last 54 years.
Admission to America's 391 national parks is free this weekend, July 18-19. This is the second of three free admission summer weekends. The final one is Aug. 15-16.
Canadian RV maker Glendale International Corp. has reported a net loss of $2.2 million for the second quarter ended May 29, compared with a net loss of $1.45 million for the second quarter of 2008. The company makes Travelaire motorhomes and trailers and Titanium Fifth Wheels.
This Sunday, July 19, visitors to Florida's state parks won't have to pay entrance fees, as the state celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month.
Utah wildlife officials say people have killed five black bears in the last two weeks, mostly bruins that wandered into campgrounds or were eating livestock. The number is unusually high, puzzling state biologists. The latest incidents were in southern Utah. An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 black bears live in the state.
Tracks Adventure Tours, a supporter of RVtravel.com, has announced up to $650 in discounts on its upcoming 33-day Atlantic Canada RV tour. Learn more.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has ruled that Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. can pay key executives $873,669 in incentives and bonuses and $571,508 worth of severance payments. Elden Smith, Fleetwood's CEO, agreed to cut his salary from $873,000 annually to $60,000 to cover some of the incentives.
Break down on the road?
No problem!
Get Good Sam Club's Emergency Road Service. Don't settle for less: Get the best. Learn more or sign up.
How to build a rack to hold your RV water hose and filter
Two RVers show you how they built a simple rack to hold their RV water hose and water filter. Read the story and see pics.
Going, going. . . gone.
RV burns quickly
In this one-minute video, a motorhome experiences its final moments. Hear and see the propane tanks burst. It appears the car being towed behind the RV was saved. As you can see once again, if an RV fire is not caught immediately there is little chance of saving the rig. Watch and weep.
Can you fulltime in a small RV?
Here, from the archives of Professor of RVing Jim Twamley, is a story about an RVing couple of who travels fulltime in a 24-foot RV. Most fulltimers would find this too small a space, but not these two. Read about how they do it.
Lock N Roll 5 Speed Folding Bike with 20" Wheels & Suspension Frame
This sturdy 20 inch steel frame bicycle folds to store in small spaces. To use it, simply unfold and tighten the locking mechanism. The bike features a 5-speed derailleur gear for tackling long roads. A rear shock absorber cushions for a smooth ride. Seat and handlebars adjust for your comfort. But the most important feature, the bike folds, so no need for a bike rack on your RV! Learn more and about our other specials for RVtravel.com readers only.
Ask the RV Doctor
Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor is a well known RV author and the host of RV Roadtrips, the DIY Network cable television show. He is one of the RV industry's most sought after speakers and the host of the popular DVD Do It Yourself RV Care.
RVer worries about "disappearing propane."
Dear Gary,
I had my propane tank filled last a couple of months ago while leaving a campground. Two weeks later I went on another camp out and noticed my propane level at a quarter tank on the inside gauge. I checked the tank gauge and had the same reading. I don't smell a leak nor did the alarm go off so I was wondering if I got ripped off for a fill up or what else could have happened. All other propane appliances work fine. --Jerome Townsend
Read Gary's response.
Read previous RV Doctor columns
Check with us on the Web for last minute bargains!
Send for FREE CATALOG
Have fun, make friends!
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, Pacific NW, Great Lakes, Branson, South Africa, Australia. All arrangements including RV parks by Tracks RV Tours. Click here for your free full-color magazine or call us toll free at 800-351-6053.
This Week's Reader Survey
Would you bend down to pick up a penny? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
How old are you? Read the answer here.
Past reader surveys and results.
DVD: Learn to drive a motorhome
Learn how to drive a motorhome the right way. Save 10% at RVbookstore.com. Learn more or order.
Some of our features. . .
--Photo of the Week
--The Good Ol' Days
--Tourist Attraction Spotlights
--A Woman's Perspective
--Working on the RV Road
. . . are taking a summer vacation break. They will return in the fall.
Bella Terra RV Resort
FREE Summer Stay Program
Bella Terra of Gulf Shores is kicking the season into high gear with a promotion you won't want to miss! Call NOW and ask about our FREE STAY Summer Vacation Program (certain restrictions apply). Also inquire about price incentives on the few remaining Phase One lots! Be sure to mention promo code - RV Travel !!! Call (866) 475-7746 or visit us at BellaTerraRVresort.com.
RV MANUFACTURERS that are in bankruptcy or out of business.
Save on Mountain Directories
East & West
Driving into the mountains with your RV? Be careful, there are some nasty grades. Here, in two volumes, are the premier guides to the mountain passes and steep grades of the American East and West -- more than 700 passes all together. You save $5 when buying both these guides together. Learn more or order for only $26.90 for both volumes.
RV Boondocking Tips
Check your fire extinguisher
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Nothing is scarier than the thought of your RV turning into a cinder from a small fire that gets out of hand. Most RVs come from the factory with a "Tinker Toy" fire extinguisher. An RVing fireman tells us he carries several larger powder-type extinguishers in his rig. But he cautions that it's important to maintain those red cylinders. Every month, take the extinguisher off the bracket, turn it upside down, and tap the bottom several times. This will prevent the fire fighting chemical powders from shaking down and solidifying in the bottom of the cylinder, which could nullify it in a time of need. Also make sure the pressure gauge reads in the proper zone; if not, get it serviced. And after you have used an extinguisher, even just a little, have it serviced immediately.
Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.
Books and DVDs about camping on public lands and RV boondocking.
ALASKA BOUND?
Check out these 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
The RV Kitchen
Janet Groene's Huggin' Molly's Georgia Cracker Salad
Abbeville, Alabama is worth a special camping trip. Have lunch at Huggin' Molly's. They credit their Georgia Cracker Salad recipe to Paula Dean, author of The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook. Get the recipe.
Cookbooks for RVers: Big selection at RVbookstore.com.
2009 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory
If you drive a king-sized RV, this directory is for you -- details on 1,100 RV parks throughout the USA and six Canadian Provinces that welcome long motorhomes and towable RVs. Learn more or order
Recent RV recalls
Frequently, we list the latest recalls of RVs at RV-Recalls.com. Here are the most recent ones: 2009: March-May -- January/February 2008: December -- November -- October -- September -- August -- July -- June -- May -- April -- March
Fulltimers:
Where to make your home base
For would-be fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. Picking the wrong state can result in paying thousands of dollars extra each year in taxes or RV registration fees. Don't let that happen to you! The best-selling Choosing Your RV Home Base, published in 2009, is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.
Tech Tips
with
Mark Polk
Two tips this week
Here's another look at two questions from past issues that were especially popular with readers.
Dear Mark,
We are considering buying a Winnebago Sightseer 35J with two roof air conditioners. But the coach only has 30-amp service with an Onan 5.5 KW generator. Can these two air conditioners run at the same time with only 30 amps?
How long will RV batteries last? It depends. Factors include how they're used, how well they're maintained, how they're discharged, how they're re-charged, and how they are stored. A battery cycle is one complete discharge from 100 percent down to about 50 percent and then re-charged back to 100 percent. Read more.
Learn more about RVing from Mark Polk
Find out about DVDs and eBooks by RV expert Mark Polk.
G
uide 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 2009 guide explains current, specific gun laws for every state. Don't cross a state line with a gun without knowing the laws! Learn more or order.
Check out these RV Travel Forum discussions
How old is "too old" in an RV?
My father has traveled in a motorhome for years-- or he did until the heater went on the fritz and burned the whole thing down. Now, he is traveling again and wants another RV. He's looking for a 30-33' foot trailer and doesn't want to spend more than $40K. The problem is that we can only find things that are right around 10 years old. Low mileage; great condition. But he is under the impression that RV parks won't let him in if his rig is over 10 years old and he is concerned that the fridge, stove, etc., will start breaking down. I think he's being overly concerned as the ones I've seen have warranties. He will most likely only use it for the next 2-3 years at the most. Any thoughts?
How to fix crack in shower stall
I have a crack in the shower stall of my motorhome about nine inches long. Is there any way to repair it? It's on the wall opposite the shower head.
Leak over cabover in Class C motorhome. What to do?
There is a leak around one of the side windows in the bunk over the cab and possibly one around one of the running lights. Open to any suggestions.
Are all slideouts standard size?
Trying to figure out storage space for a new fifth wheel. Are the slideouts the same size? This would be a living room on the left side in the back facing the hitch to keep it away from the electrical box outside.
Weight question on towing travel trailers
We lost our precious Driftwood motorhome to a fire over the 4th and are considering replacing her with a travel trailer. What is the downside to towing a TT that is near or over the weight limits of my truck?
Interesting Forum
Communicating on the Road:
How do you stay in touch with friends, family and business associates
while on the road with your RV? Here is a terrific place to share
information about cell phones, Internet access, PDA devices, laptop
computers, email programs, and anything else related to staying in
touch while traveling. Visit the forum.
How to Buy an RV the Smart Way! -- ONLY $11.95
This eBook is delivered instantly to your email address. Learn how to buy an RV from RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Learn which RV is right for you, how to negotiate the best deal, and more. Learn more or order and be reading in a few minutes.
Trivia
By middle age President George Washington had no teeth left. But he did have several sets of dentures. The painful, ill-fitting false teeth made Washington's mouth bulge out; he clamped his lips to hold them in. This contributed to the dour expression Washington revealed in some portraits. Painter Gilbert Stuart disliked Washington and accentuated the distortion in the most famous of all the President's portraits. By the way, Washington's false teeth were made of hippopotamus tusk.
Senior Citizen Discounts Guide
This 2008-2009 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. If you are over 50, this will save you big $$$. Learn more or order.
RV joke
Breakdown
A motorhome broke down along the freeway one day, so the driver eased
it over onto the shoulder of the busy road. He jumped out of his driver
side door, walked around his rig and opened the door to the coach
itself. Out popped two men in trench coats. The men stood behind the
motorhome and immediately opened up their coats, exposing themselves to
the passing traffic. The result was one of the worst pile-ups in the
road's history. Later, when questioned by an angry highway patrolman
why he put two deviates along the side of the road, the RVer replied,
"I was broken down, so I just used my emergency flashers!" From
RVjokes.com
DVDs about National Parks
and other popular scenic areas of North America.
Click here.
Random RV Thought
In the busy summer travel season, it is often a good idea to plan your itinerary to arrive at very popular campgrounds on Sunday evening or Monday, after the weekend crowds have left. On weekends, choose campgrounds that are off-the-beaten path or those that are not by lakes or other recreation areas. You will locate a space much easier than at the weekend hot spots.
Bill's Hints
"Draining your fresh water tank does NOT drain the water heater tank." -- From Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy.
eBooks: INSTANT READING!
With eBooks you don't have to wait to read your book. Just place your order and your eBook will be delivered almost instantly to your email inbox. These eBooks are written by RV experts and delivered instantly in PDF format.
I Have A Convection Oven in My RV. Now What?
The ABCs of Pop Up Campers
Boondocking Tips - More Fun Without Hookups
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing
A Collection of RV Tips
RV Awning Use and Care
RV Care and Maintenance
Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List
Bumper Snicker
"I child-proofed my house but they still get in."
RVs for sale
Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Truck Campers, Pop ups and much more. See the big selection at NewRVer.com. Click here
Worth Pondering
"To love and to be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." --Davis Viscott
Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
READ BACK ISSUES
of this newsletter: Click here.
Finance your RV at RVfinancing.com
RVfinancing.com is THE largest online RV financing company. Lowest rates nationwide. Visit its website or call 1-888-929-4424. Toll-free 24-hour recorded RV financing tips at 877-905-0060. Endorsed by RVtravel.com
About the editor
Chuck Woodbury has explored America by RV for nearly three decades. In the '90s he published a quirky travel newspaper about his adventures and was an "on the road" writer for the New York Times Syndicate. Nowadays, he lives near Seattle where he drinks massive amounts of coffee and travels often in his motorhome and sometimes by plane when vast expanses of saltwater would turn his RV into a leaky submarine. He is the host of the Better Business Bureau DVD "Buying a Recreational Vehicle," the definitive guide to purchasing an RV the right way.
FMCA:
The best club for motorhome owners
If
you drive a motorhome you should join the Family Motor Coaching
Association, the largest and best club exclusively for motorhome
owners. Many benefits including rallies, local chapters and thick
monthly magazine. Special new member price of $35. Click here to learn more or join.
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributing editors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Jim Twamley. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Clapper/Loader: Emily Woodbury.
Special low price!
2009 Trailer Life Campground Directory
This is the biggest selling directory of RV parks and campgrounds. If you travel by RV you need this! Check out our special low price. Order now
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We're just human! So don't go spending $10,000 on something we said was good just because we said so, or fixing something like we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. So be sure to check things out. At RVbookstore.com we strive for excellence in all we do and that's the honest truth (as opposed to the dishonest truth). Our customers receive really, really fast service. We move so fast in sending out a customer's order that sometimes we pass through the sound barrier, which really upsets our neighbors. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it," and no truer words were ever spoken!
RVbookstore.com and RVtravel.com are members of the Better Business Bureau. We are proud commercial members of the Escapees and the Family Motor Coaching Association. RV Travel is copyright 2009 by RVbookstore.com. Our International Headquarters: RVbookstore.com, 170 W. Dayton Street, Suite 103, Edmonds WA 98020, USA, Earth, Milky Way, Known Universe, Unknown Universe, Expanding Universe.
If you read this far, then "thanks a bunch!"
