Issue 185 of the world's largest email RV newsletter: Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more.
An alert for this issue was emailed to 110,000 RVers
To ensure you continue to receive email alerts for this newsletter,
please place the email address below in your own email address book:
rvtraveler@topica.email-publisher.com
Save 50% on Boondocking Video!
Visit the most popular RV boondocking hotspots of Ariz. and Calif., including Quartzsite, Slab City, the Salton Sea and the Long Term Visitor Areas where RVers can stay for up to seven months for pennies a day. VHS video. Retail price: $19.95. Now only $9.98. Hurry! Supply limited.
Editor's Corner
 |
| While the world worries about various types of flu, one common type seldom reported by the media is the dreaded "road flu," as evidenced by this sign along one stretch of sick highway. |
By Chuck Woodbury
Our RV Travel Readers Forum has grown to more than 4,300 members since we announced it last April. When we began, we never imagined it would grow so large and so fast. Because of that we made a mistake: we set up the whole darn thing cockeyed. And so as the forum grew, it became difficult to navigate and locate the thousands of messages.
So we are beginning again from scratch, but this time we are doing it right ("live and learn"). In addition, we are adding many new features including the ability for members to post photos.
The old forum with its wealth of information will remain, but it's no longer possible to post a message there. The new forum officially begins today (Sunday, Nov. 6), and that's where we hope you will now migrate to continue with the fascinating dialogue.
A minor downside to the change is that members must register again in order to post. But it's a very simple process that only takes seconds.
To those of you who are members, I apologize for the inconvenience of having to reregister and change your bookmarks. But I believe you will appreciate the better organization and added features of the new and improved forum, which you will find here. It's a free service, of course.
Changing the subject, we blew through our initial shipment of the new Better Business Bureau DVD I host, "Buying An RV", that we announced here last week. But more will be available in a week. You can request to be notified by email when they arrive by clicking here. This is the best advice about buying an RV available today.
Want to be on TV? The producers of the Better Business Bureau DVD "Buying an RV" would like to interview a few RVers in the Seattle area who have had a bad RV buying experience. Maybe you bought the wrong type of rig for your needs or got "upside down" on a loan, or perhaps bought a used rig without checking it thoroughly for hidden damage. If you have such a story to tell, would you please email me and explain your situation? Your experience may help other RV buyers make a wiser buying decision by knowing what you learned the hard way.
Adjusting to winter: I hope you are settling in well for the long winter. Here in Seattle, the short gray days of the season have begun. It's a lousy time for sun-bathing, but a good time for working, catching up on reading and drinking coffee -- popular pasttimes in the Northwest. I have several "escapes" scheduled in the weeks and months ahead: to the East, Midwest and to the sunny climes of Arizona. I hope to be piloting a new motorhome beginning early next year. I've begun my search, but as I advise viewers of the BBB video to do, I'm taking my time and doing my homework.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pot of Gold Contest News
The cash pot is now $365. Check each weekday at RVbookstore.com between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific time) to see if you live in the Zip Code of the Day. Our last winner pocketed a cool $380!
Last week's reader survey: We asked if you think the people you meet look older/younger or the same as you. You might enjoy seeing the results and the comments left by RVtravel.com readers. Very interesting!
2006 Mapquest RV & Campsites Guide & Atlas
Finally, a road atlas especially for RVers! This 2006 Mapquest Road Atlas and Campground Directory is outstanding! Complete with US state and Canadian province road maps, color photos and 3,700 campground listings. Read more or order,
This Week's Reader Survey
How many years ago did you buy your first RV? Answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
How did RV Travel readers respond to this question:
"If you were to able to live as you wish, would you prefer to live in a regular house or travel full-time with an RV?"
Learn how more than 2,100 readers responded.
GET A FREE ISSUE OF TRAILER LIFE OR MOTORHOME MAGAZINE
KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
Three Quizzes Today. Win swell prizes!
Look for a pop quiz or two with terrific prizes many weeks at RVbookstore.com.
Sign up to receive an email alert of quiz start times.
Locate Wal-Mart stores
Use this directory to plan free overnight stays.
Get easy driving directions to every Wal-Mart in America.
Learn more about the Wal-Mart Locator or order. 20% Off.
Enforcement of "no overnight parking" at Wal-mart in Billings:
Angry RVers have reacted like a hive of stirred up bees
Over the past year, complaints about RVs parking overnight in Billings, Montana store parking lots (Wal-Mart in particular) prompted city code officers to enforce a 40-year-old ordinance that limits "camping" to licensed campgrounds. Word spread quickly in the RV community and Billings officials were flooded with angry e-mail from RVers. "We'll never visit your town again," many of them wrote, often in nasty ways. Now, frustrated by the huge, unexpected and negative response, the town has formed a committee to reevaluate its enforcement policy with the goal of arriving at a happy medium that both the local RV park owners and visiting RVers can live with. Among the ideas: allowing RVers to stay for up to 24 hours where the property owners policy allows. Do you have a comment? Post it at our new RVtravel.com forum.
Top five RV insurance claims and how to avoid them
RV expert and TV commentator expert Mark Polk reviews the top five claims received by RV insurance companies and what an RVer can do to avoid the problems. Some of these claims may surprise you. This should be essential reading for all RVers, whether beginners or veterans. Read the story.
Free issue of Country Discoveries Magazine
Treat yourself to a FREE Issue of Country Discoveries! It's bursting with the best-kept travel secrets, moneysaving tips and unique locations RV enthusiasts like you want to know about! Explore scenic backroads, charming towns and off-the-beaten-path destinations in this one-of-a-kind AD-FREE travel magazine. Click here to claim your FREE Issue!
RV Boondocking Tips
By Russ and Tina Demaris
Be careful with your fresh water hose
Keep your hoses and your health safe. Never allow anything other than potable water in your fresh water tank. NEVER EVER use the hose at the dump station to refill your water tank -- borrowing from the song, "Nobody knows the trouble it's seen," or the bacteria count it carries. Keep your own fresh water hose carefully isolated from anything that could contaminate it. We keep ours wrapped up carefully in plastic, separated from sewer hoses. And if purchasing a fresh water hose, make sure it's made for drinking water. Get 'em at your nearby RV supplier.
Russ and Tina Demaris are authors of RV Boondocking Basics and Boondocking Tips for RVers: More Fun Without Hookups
Books and videos about Boondocking
Want to travel full-time with an RV?
Anyone who is thinking of traveling full-time with an RV will have his or her questions answered in this wonderful 90-minute DVD. Interviews with dozens of fulltimers as well as experts on the lifestyle. Learn more or order.
ABCs of RVing:
For absolute beginners and RV novices only.
QUESTION: I will be pulling a long travel trailer behind my van. Will I have a problem finding places to park along the road for stops at cafes, gas stations, etc.? ANSWER: You'll definitely have a tougher time parking than with the van alone. Our advice is to think "ahead" before parking. Consider the ease at which you can get out. Make sure there is plenty of space ahead and no chance of getting blocked while you are there (could a car pull in and block the path?). The same goes with back roads. Be sure you know what you're in for. You could end up in tight spots or even a dead end with no room to turn around.
The basics of RV insurance and of RV financing.
Beginners Guide to RVing: Articles and information for brand-new RVers. Learn the ropes.
New Additions to FreeCampgrounds.com
Books & DVDs at RVbookstore.com
|
2005 Big Rig Best Bets Campground Directory:
Drive a king-sized RV? This directory is for you. Buy or get info.
RV Boondocking Basics
Learn how to RV without hookups in the best-selling book "RV Boondocking Basics." Live well without plugging in and hooking up, and save money in the process. Covers solar, wind power and more. Get more information or order
Manage Your RV's 12 Volt System
Learn all about your RVs 12-volt electrical system including how to upgrade and operate it and troubleshoot problems.
RVers Guide to Solar Battery Charging
Learn everything an RVer needs to know to enjoy the comforts of household power through the power of the sun.
RVing the Alaska Highway
Join Bob and Judy Howen as they drive the Alaska Highway in their motorhome. See the road through their front window. Visit campgrounds and other RVer attractions.
Quartzsite, Arizona. See it on DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
2005 Campground Directories
. . . from Trailer Life, Woodall's and Frommer's.
Headed to Alaska? The Milepost is the #1 guide to getting there.
DVDs show how to operate your RV
Learn how to use every system, how to set up, how to drive or pull your RV and more. Class A motorhome • Class C motorhome • Pop Up • Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel
Camp at Casino RV Parks. . . (Sometimes for FREE)
Learn which casinos have RV parks and which ones offer free overnight stays in their parking lots. Learn more.
Next Exit Directory. . . Don't get lost!
Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2005 Next Exit lists every exit along every Interstate and what's at each: campgrounds, fuel, truck stops, casinos, malls, rest areas, hospitals and more. A bargain at only $12.95.
Camping and RVing with Dogs
Get expert advice on traveling with a dog and learn about dog-friendly campgrounds and RV parks Learn more or order
2005 Guide to Free Campgrounds of the West
Tired of paying too much for campgrounds. How about staying for free (or nearly free). Learn more or order.
Traveler's Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States
Don't carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. Explains the specific gun laws of every U.S. state.
All The Stuff You Need To Know About RVing
The best book for beginning RVers. Order or get more information.
Books and DVDs about how to buy an RV
Books about earning an income on the road
RV books for less than $9.99
|
|
Super fast delivery. Nine out of ten orders (Mon.-Sat.) ship within 6 hours. "You need it, so we speed it!" |
Free or inexpensive places to camp with your RV.
City Park: Waterville/Manhattan, Kansas
City-owned and maintained campground with water, electric hookups and a dump station located in Waterville. Open year round. $10 or less.
Government Wash on Lake Mead: Las Vegas, Nevada
Large gravel area 20 miles east of Las Vegas. Weekends are busy with sport boating but it's quiet during the week. Fourteen days free camping.
White Oak Creek: Eufaula, Alabama
Corps of Engineers 130-site park with water, 30-amp electric hookups and a dump station located 10 miles south of Eufaula off US-95. Nine dollars with Golden Age or Access pass.
The information above was provided by visitors to FreeCampgrounds.com. The information has not been verified. Learn about more than 850 free and inexpensive campgrounds.
Bumper Snicker
"Sometimes I wake up grumpy; Other times I let her sleep."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
RVing to Mexico
Mexico RVing experts Dot and Bill Bell answer questions about travel in Mexico. Read their articles.
Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico
Scary moment for RVer as rig goes up in flames
A motorhome owner had some scary moments last Tuesday on Interstate 95 in Cumberland County, North Carolina, when his RV burst into flames. The owner of the rig reported he had just filled his propane tank and as he headed down the road, he noticed the tank leaking and saw a small flame coming from it. He and another motorist tried to put the fire out, but with no luck. The incident backed up traffic on I-95 for about a mile.
RV fire safety facts that could save your life
At best, a fire in your RV can delay or ruin a vacation. At worst, it can mean injury, financial loss and even death. Unfortunately, RV fires are one of the largest causes of motor coach loss in America today. These tips can help you recognize the most common fire hazards and protect you from the damage and injury fires can cause.
Join the Good Sam Club. Only $19 a year. Save on campground fees.
Short Tip from Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown
Sitting on your wallet: Not good!
Do you carry your wallet in your back pocket? RVers tend to spend long hours sitting behind the wheel from time to time. Sitting on that wallet can be bad for your spine. It causes one side of your body to sit higher than the other, introducing spinal strain. Try driving with your wallet in a front pocket instead. You'll probably notice a difference.
Lost Lake RV Resort
Own a deeded lot in Western Washington's Lost Lake RV Resort. National Park-like setting in the pines with beautiful trout lake. Sunny bluff sites feature Mt. Rainier view. All amenities. Park models, too. Perfect summer home. Close to Tacoma and Seattle. Learn more.
Bill's Hint
"Keep either disposable or reusable waterproof gloves handy to wear while dumping. Even though you seldom come in contact with wastewater, the hose is often dirty and wet after dumping." From Motorhomes Made Easy
Fractional RV Ownership
CoachShare is a better way to own a luxury motorcoach!
Do you dream of owning a luxurious motorcoach, but don't want the year-round expense and hassles of private ownership? Why not "share" a luxury coach with CoachShare? Pay only for the time you need and save up to 80 percent over full-time ownership. Learn more.
Weird, Wacky and/or Wonderful Festivals
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival: Hartford, Connecticut
Artisans will display their work including metal, fine art, jewelry, clothing, pottery and photography at the Connecticut Expo Center Nov. 11-13. There will be live entertainment, craft demonstrations; specialty foods such as Scottish shortbread, German almonds, fruit salsas and chocolate pretzels; and children's entertainment with costume storytelling by the actors and the audience. Admission is $7 for all three days. For discount coupons and information: (800) 210-9900.
Do you camp in a Pop Up Trailer?
Then you will enjoy Pop Up Times, America’s only magazine devoted to camping with a pop up. Learn more.
Museum of the Week
Queens County Farm Museum: Floral Park, New York
The museum's history dates back to 1697. It occupies New York City's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland and is the only working historical farm in the City. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State and includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden. The museum is open year-round Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (outdoor visiting only), and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when tours of the historic farmhouse and hayrides (April through November, weather permitting) are available. General admission is free (except on special event days and for all group visits at all times). For information: (718) 347-3276.
Do you drive a really BIG RV?
RVers with big rigs will love the 2006 Rand McNally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas. Designed for truckers, this atlas shows where to travel to avoid low overpasses and narrow roads where a big RV could get into trouble. NEW! Learn more or order.
Trivia
In October 2000, Mark Hogg gobbled up 94 live worms during the Regis Philbin Show, earning him the world's record. Hogg's worm-eating abilities were strengthened during U.S. Army training in the Panama jungle where he lived on earthworms, grubs and wild vegetation.
Buying an RV? Get online prices
from dealers in your area & SAVE!
In less than 60 seconds, request quotes on new or used RVs from up to three dealers in your area. Compare quotes to find your best deal! No charge, no obligation. Learn more or get quotes.
This issue's
Knowledge Quiz
THREE QUIZZES TODAY
with swell prizes!
The prizes:
--$50 in good ol' American cash! Spend it anyway you want!
--The fabulous guidebook RVers Guide to Dump Stations. When an RV has got to go, it's got to go. But where? With this handy book along, you can always find a place to lighten your load.
--An RVbookstore.com coffee mug. Your favorite beverage tastes better in this mug.
Answer the Quizzes here on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Pacific Time.
Knowledge Quiz official rules
Zany Business Slogan of the Week
"Invite us to your next blowout." — Wisconsin tire shop
Seen a good one? Email it to the editor.
Locating RV-friendly roadside businesses to get easier
RVers will soon will find life on the road a bit easier. The Federal Highway Administration recently granted interim approval for states to display the RV Friendly logo on the nation's gas/food/lodging highway exit signs. The approval clears the way for states to allow retailers to affix the RV Friendly logo to their own logos on highway exit signs. A bright yellow circle with the letters RV alerts motorists of highway-side facilities catering to the needs of RVs at specific exits. When the RV logos are included with the logos of qualified establishments, motorists will know that those businesses will provide parking facilities that accommodate RVs. Under the FHWA rule, if state or local agencies choose to participate in the RV Friendly highway sign program, they must have a policy for selecting eligible businesses and facilities. Among the criteria are high canopies, pull-throughs and an adequate turning radius. Four states -- Louisiana, Tennessee, Washington and Oregon -- are already using or preparing to use the RV Friendly symbol on highway signs. (SOURCE: THE BATON ROUGE ADVOCATE)
Radio station broadcasts to cats and dogs from RV
"Hound Dog" and "Who Let the Dogs Out" are atop the playlist of DogCatRadio.com, a radio station for pets. Dog owner and DJ Jane Harris offers advice to her furry listeners such as "Remember, be kind to your mailman. He only wants to deliver the mail," the New York Times reported last week. The internet-only station operates out of a recreational vehicle. The station's founder, Adrian Martinez, gives credit to her cat Snickers for inspiring the station. One day, Snickers was pacing the floor restlessly and meowing, he told the Times. "I said, 'What do you want?' I turned up the music and she was fine."
New Arrivals at RVbookstore.com
Wow! There are always lots of new books and DVDs at the world's largest RV bookstore. Check them out.
Women RVers
If you're a woman and you RV alone (or want to), then there is much good information for you here.
DID YOU KNOW?
The heaviest animal ever transported by air was Keiko the whale -- the five-ton star of the Free Willy films. Keiko was flown from Newport, Oregon, to Iceland in a cargo jet in 1998. All told, the weight of Keiko and the custom-made, watertight box in which he was transported came to more than 20 tons.
RV Tech Topics
RV Solar - practical energy independence
For the ultimate in RV energy independence, solar energy can’t be beat. As long as the sun is shining, solar panels silently capture the sun's abundant energy. This article introduces the basic components of an RV solar power system.
Be careful using electrical adapters
Electrical adapters are a necessity for RVers. Eventually you will be in a situation where you have to use some type of electrical adapter to make a connection at a campground. It may be an outdated campground or isolated area that only provides 15- or 20-amp electrical service. There are adapters that will go from your RV-type plug and size down to household-type outlets, and adapters that go from household- type outlets to campground RV connections. It's nice to have these adapters on hand when you need them, but you must exercise caution when you use them. If your RV is a 30-amp or 50-amp system and you use an adapter to plug the RV into a 15- or 20-amp outlet, this severely limits what you can operate in the RV. The roof air alone will draw up to 15 amps when it initially starts. If you place too much of a demand on electrical adapters or use them for extended periods of time, they can overheat and melt, resulting in damage to the RV power cord or electrical system. — Mark Polk (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks.)
EXPLORER RV: Insurance to protect and save
Owners of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels & medium-duty tow vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their coverage from over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.
Raw information
The popular Emerald Desert RV and Golf Park in Palm Desert, Calif., may soon be replaced with a residential development aimed at providing "attainable" housing for people working at or near the University of California, Riverside. The 80-acre park would be rebuilt as Spanish Walk, with townhouses and single-family homes priced between $300,000 and $400,000. • • • Gas prices are falling. The national average for a gallon of unleaded is now $2.44 a gallon, about 12 cents lower than a week ago.
RVing Resources. . .
Archives of early issues of RV Travel
Upcoming RV Shows
RV-Links
Loads of links to great websites about RVing
Investigate a company with the
Better Business Bureau before making a purchase.
RV Travel Forum
Exchange ideas and information with other RVers.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information
Worth Pondering
"To accept ourselves as we are means to value our imperfections as much as our perfections." — Sandra Bierig
Products for $9.99 or less at RV Bookstore. Check them out.
Random RV Thought
To people who live in one place and seldom travel, the view out their window is much the same every day. Seasons change, the weather changes, but the scene remains mostly constant. RVers and other travelers who move often from place to place thrive on the change of scenery, waking up one day in one place and then the next day in another. For avid travelers, a change of view is necessary and addictive. For many RVers, "today" is typically not as important as the anticipation of tomorrow and the surprises it may bring.
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we may 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.
RV Travel is rated PG* by the Oregon Organization of Pediatric Surgeons. (OOPS)
Of all the websites known to man (and woman), only 1.3 percent are more popular than RVtravel.com.
RV Travel is copyright 2005 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.
RVbookstore.com is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. We strive for excellence in all we do and that's the absolutely, 100 percent and honest truth. Our customers receive really, really fast service. We move so fast in sending out a customer's order that sometimes we look like big ol' human blurs. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it," and no truer words were ever spoken! If you're in Edmonds, Wash., stop by to tour our offices and warehouse. We're a block from the fishing pier near the traffic holding area for the Kingston Ferry, gateway to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.
*Pretty good
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina Demaris, Chris Dougherty, Mark Polk, Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown, Bill and Dot Bell. Proofreader: Adrienne Kristine. Website Administrator: Zoey Platt. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Warehouse Manager: Walter Cardwell. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Mascot: Captain Jack Platt -- the Energizer Doggie.
