Issue 192 of the world's largest email RV newsletter: Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more.
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Just off the press:
2006 Trailer Life Directory — Save 51% thru Monday!
Order before midnight Monday, Dec. 26, and "steal" this best-selling RV campground directory for only $12.23. Retail price, $24.95. Lowest price anywhere! Super fast shipping. Special offer ends 11:59 p.m., Monday. Hurry. Learn more or order.
Editor's Corner
|
Photo of the Week! |
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| Does something seem wrong here? Actually, the sign below is for an underpass at the city limits of "sunny" Douglas. |
By Chuck Woodbury
Merry Christmas! And to
those of you celebrating a different holiday, may yours also be filled
with joy, good health, good friends, family and the wonderful sharing
spirit of the season.
I've been busy the last few
days preparing for my family's Christmas celebration and have done
something nearly unheard of: I spent only minutes a day at the computer
last week instead of hours. So this issue of RV Travel is an
abbreviated one as next week's will be when I will be composing it from
Boston on my Powerbook laptop.
I have so much to be
thankful for — great friends, a supportive family, and a staff at our
Edmonds, Wash., office that shares my philosophy that work should not
only be productive, but creative and fun as well! It is a pleasure to
spend time with such a wonderful group of people.
When next week's issue
shows up in your emailbox, I'll be 35,000 feet in the air, flying home
to Seattle. As I pass over the vast territory between the coasts, I'll
be looking down wondering in which of all those homes someone is at
their computer reading this newsletter. There are more than 112,000
subscribers now and I am thankful for each of you. I love to write, and
even though I don't have much room to do it here in this brief
newsletter, when I write something that I am proud of, it's nice to
know that my thoughts are read by many people, and in many lands, too —
across the USA, in Canada, throughout Europe and Asia, and down under
in Australia and New Zealand.
Thanks for being there!
Do you have a comment about this essay? Leave it here.
Read the comments about the editor's essay last issue about how he enjoys visiting cemeteries.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
As you may have noticed above, our first shipment of the new 2006 Trailer Life Directory
has arrived. The thick annual campground guide retails for $24.95, but
we have it on sale for $12.23 at RVbookstore.com--but only through
Monday. That's the lowest price anywhere, and frankly, we don't believe
that anyone but RVbookstore.com is even shipping it yet. Click here to get more information or to order.
Read last week's issue of our Full-time RVer email newsletter from editors Russ and Tina DeMaris.
There was no winner in last week's Pot of Gold Zip Code contest. So the cash prize now stands at $123. Thus far, we have awarded $909. Check each weekday at RVbookstore.com between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific time) to see if you live in the day's randomly selected Zip Code. You could win!
Okay. . . on with the issue.
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 U.S. state and Canadian province road maps, color photos and 3,700 campground listings. Read more or order,
This Week's Reader Survey
How much of 2006 do you plan to spend in your RV? Answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
Last week's survey question:
"How much is the monthly loan payment on your RV?"
Learn how more than 1,500 readers responded.
New DVD: How to tow a dinghy behind a motorhome
Learn
how to tow a car, SUV or truck behind a motor home in a brand new
50-minute DVD by RV expert Mark Polk. Released in December, 2005.
Superb! Learn more or order.
KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
No Quizzes Today. But we'll be back in two weeks with more exciting quizzes and 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.
"How to Buy An RV" from the Better Business Bureau
New
50-minute DVD from the BBB explains how to buy an RV. Learn how to get
the best deal, the best rig (for you) and how to avoid classic buying
mistakes. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. Introductory price: $19.95. Available in DVD and VHS.
Historic Highways
The Butterfield Connection
Our wandering highways columnist follows the trail of a famous stage line across southern New Mexico.
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.
RV Boondocking Tips
By Russ and Tina Demaris
Generator Altitude Sickness
Just
as humans can be affected adversely by high altitudes, so too is your
RV generator. The higher you travel, the less dense the air is and
generators need air to operate efficiently. You may find your generator
won't support as heavy a load at a higher altitude than at a lower one.
Russ and Tina Demaris are authors of RV Boondocking Basics and Boondocking Tips for RVers: More Fun Without Hookups
Books and videos about Boondocking
Quartzsite, Arizona. See it on DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
ABCs of RVing:
For absolute beginners and RV novices only.
QUESTION: What is a Conversion Vehicle? ANSWER:
Simply put, conversion vehicles are luxury passenger vehicles designed
for travel and everyday use. They include vans, SUVs and pickup trucks.
Conversion vehicles are manufactured by an automaker, then modified for
added comfort and recreation use by a company specializing in
customized vehicles. These changes may include windows, carpeting,
paneling, seats, sofas and accessories. Ideal as RV tow vehicles,
conversion vehicles are sold by auto dealers rather than RV dealers.
Typically cost is roughly $30,000 to $60,000 new.
Beginners Guide to RVing: Articles and information for brand-new RVers. Learn the ropes.
NEED AN RV LOAN?
Learn if you qualify in only seconds
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify.
New Additions to FreeCampgrounds.com
Free or inexpensive places to camp with your RV.
Rector City Park: Rector/Jonesboro, Arkansas
Three sites in a small park with water, electric and sewer. Go to the water department at city hall to pay. $10 or less.
Cracker Barrel Restaurant: La Grange, Kentucky
Safe parking lot with a few spaces. Close to Louisville. Free.
Petro Travel Center: Bordentown, New Jersey
Large parking lot off Route 206 on Rising Sun Road with an Iron Skillet Restaurant. Restrooms. $10 or less.
The information above was provided by visitors to FreeCampgrounds.com. The information has not been verified. Learn about more than 920 free and inexpensive campgrounds.
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.
Bumper Snicker
"Men have the will; unfortunately women have the won't!"
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
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.
Short Stops, by Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown
Canyon de Chelly
Less
well known than Zion and the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced
de shay) is another red rock natural wonder. Located within the Navajo
Reservation in eastern Arizona, the canyon has been occupied by Native
Americans for thousands of years. Pictographs and ruins of early
pueblos remind us of their presence. The Navajo still farm the canyon
and consider it sacred. Except for hikers at White House trail,
visitors must be accompanied on hikes by an authorized Navajo guide.
Tours are available. Drives along both sides of the canyon provide
several overlooks providing views down hundreds of feet of the
meandering sculpted walls, the cottonwood-lined valley floor and the
Navajo farm lands. At the mouth of the canyon, the National Park
Service runs a visitor center and a free campground. Availability is
first-come, first-served, with a 40-foot limit. It’s dry camping only,
but restrooms are provided. Most of the sites are shaded by tall
cottonwoods.
Bill's Hint
"Inspect
the hydraulic systems of slideouts occasionally for any sign of
hydraulic fluid. There should never be any oily spots below the
mechanism. Repairs should be made at the first sign of a leak." From Fifth Wheels and Trailers Made Easy.
Truck Stops Love RVers!
The 2006 RVers Friend is HOT OFF THE PRESS.
It lists every Travel Center in the U.S. and Canada and the services
each provides RVers. Learn which offer overnight stays, dump stations,
Internet access, propane, ATMs, or other services. Learn more or order for only $12.95
Weird, Wacky and/or Wonderful Festivals
Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto: Portland, Oregon
Welcoming
more than 50,000 visitors annually, this ecumenical lighting and music
festival may be the largest Christmas choral festival of its kind in
the world. The festival features 140 holiday music concerts performed
in The Grotto's 600-seat chapel with more than 5,000 singers and
musicians giving their gift of music during the annual celebration.
5-9:30 p.m. every day through December 30. For information:
503-261-2400.
COOKBOOKS FOR RVers. You have never seen so many in one place.
Museum of the Week
International Museum of Carousel Art: Hood River, Oregon
Founded
in 1983, this museum has been the dream and passion of Oregon residents
Duane and Carol Perron. Starting in the mid 1970s with Carol's love of
animals and wish to have "just one carousel horse," the Perrons have
built a small private collection into the largest, most comprehensive
collection of carousels and carousel art in the world. Beginning with
the restoration and operation of a 1914 carousel in Portland, Oregon in
1978, they have restored and placed into operation seven antique
carousels at various locations around America. There are more than 110
carved animals on display as well as an operational Wurlitzer band
organ, chariots, carving exhibits and many other artifacts from the
golden age of carousels. Included in the museum are exhibits on
European animals, the major American carvers, armored horses and the
restoration process. For information: 541-387-4622.
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
Swim
fins were invented by Benjamin Franklin. They were wooden flippers he
wore on his feet when swimming. He had earlier devised lily pad-shaped
wooden palettes to wear on his hands while swimming.
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
NO QUIZZES TODAY
Look for new quizzes beginning in two weeks!
Knowledge Quiz official rules
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!
Zany Business Slogan of the Week
On the side of a plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
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.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sherlock Holmes, the beloved character
created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, never spoke the phrase, "Elementary,
my dear Watson." In the adventure "The Crooked Man," the famous
detective makes several deductions about his assistant Dr. Watson based
on Watson’s appearance. Watson exclaims, "Excellent," whereto Holmes
replies, "Elementary.
RV Tech Topics.
Care of Rubber Roofs
Rubber
roofs should be cleaned three to four times a year and depending on
where you park or store your RV, it may need to be cleaned more often.
Regardless of the type of rubber roof you have, NEVER use any cleaners
or conditioners that contain petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives or
citrus ingredients. These types of cleaners can cause permanent damage
to any rubber or vinyl surface. Most manufacturers of rubber roofs
recommend you use a medium bristle brush and a nonabrasive cleaner. For
light cleaning, you can use warm water and a mild detergent like Dawn
dishwashing liquid. Hard to clean areas like stubborn stains caused by
leaves, sap, mold or mildew may require a second treatment. Use caution
to prevent the cleaners from getting on the sides of the RV. ALWAYS
rinse the sides, front and back of your RV before rinsing the roof to
prevent streaking or damage to the finish on your RV. -- 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.
. . . On Vacation: will return in two weeks.
GET A FREE ISSUE OF TRAILER LIFE OR MOTORHOME MAGAZINE
RVing Resources. . .
Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss
everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
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.
Headed to Canada?
See entry regulations.
RV Travel Readers' Forum
Exchange ideas and information with other RVers.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information
Worth Pondering
"I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet." -- Rodney Dangerfield
Products for $9.99 or less at RV Bookstore. Check them out.
Random RV Thought
. . . On vacation: will return in two weeks.
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.
RV Travel is rated PG* by the Galveston United Liberators of Porcupines (GULP)
Of all the websites known to man (and woman), only 1.31 percent are more popular than RVtravel.com.
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 move
too fast to even see. 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 and meet our staff. We're a block from
the fishing pier near the passenger terminal of the Kingston Ferry,
gateway to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina Demaris, Chris Dougherty, Mark Polk, Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown, Bill and Dot Bell. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Web Operations Director: Zoey Platt. Warehouse Administrator: Walter Cardwell. Phone Operations Supervisor: Martha Lamb. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Mascot: Georgie, the "give me food now or else!" Jack Russell terrier.
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.
*Pretty good
