Issue 223 of RV Travel, voted the best RV newsletter in America*: 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.
This newsletter is posted early every Sunday morning.
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Closeout sale at RVbookstore -- SAVE UP TO 75%
We have marked down more than 100 books, DVDs and videos at RVbookstore.com. This is a rare opportunity to pick up huge bargains. Many just-published titles. Hurry! There are only one or two of many titles. Click here.
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
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| Watching the ferry come and go is a three-minute walk from our office and warehouse. |
If you live in Washington's Puget Sound area, please stop by next Saturday, May 13 for our first-ever RVbookstore.com Warehouse Open House. We'll have munchies and refreshments, hourly door prizes, and lots of books and DVDs to browse, many at special low prices just for the occasion. We're in Edmonds, a short drive north of Seattle along I-5, just a two-minute walk from the beach, the ferry terminal, a wildlife sanctuary, an antique mall, off-leash dog beach, fishing pier, and several coffee houses and restaurants. There's plenty of free car and RV parking, too (if you want to come by Amtrak or commuter rail, the station is 100 yards from our office). We'll be open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our address is 170 West Dayton St., Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020. Get driving directions here. My staff and I look forward to meeting you and "talkin' RV!"
Boy, did we stir up debate in Prince George, British Columbia when we reported last week that the City Council had proposed to change its bylaws to prohibit overnight RV stays in public parking lots! Check out the comments by the readers of this newsletter after hearing the news. In the last week I was interviewed twice by the Prince George newspaper and interviewed by its CBC radio station. The result is that the City Council -- now alerted to the PR nightmare its plan has created -- will discuss the issue in its meeting tomorrow (Monday) evening. Our guess is that the council will back down and continue to allow RVers to stay in public parking lots. Prince George is along the most popular route from the U.S. to Alaska and is battling to keep tourists. The recent sinking of a BC ferry cut ferry traffic to the town by half, a significant blow to the economy.
Judging from reader comments, my new editor's "voice message" that accompanied last week's newsletter went over well, although we had some technical glitches at first that caused some of you problems. We've been experimenting with adding audio and video to stories on our websites, and already include a handful of audio and video book reviews at RVbookstore.com. We plan to keep finding uses for communicating with you in ways other than the written word. If you do not have Quicktime loaded in your computer, you'll need it to hear and see our messages. Get it free for Mac or Windows.
Our new RV Travel print edition
We're now two weeks away from publishing our first-ever RV Travel printed edition. To receive the inaugural issue for free (no strings attached, as in NONE!) send your name and mailing address to RV Travel, 170 West Dayton St., Suite 103, Edmonds, WA 98020. For this first edition, we can only mail free to addresses with a U.S. Zip Code.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Pot of Gold Zip Code contest prize is now $258. Check at RVbookstore.com between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific time) Monday through Friday. You could win the cash by simply living in the day's Zip Code! The pot keeps growing every weekday that we don't have a winner! Last week's randomly selected codes: 58421, 55567, 20787, 17820, 46058. If you live in one of these Zips and were the first to tell us so, you would have won the cash!
Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
Free Overnight Parking at Truck Stops
2006 RVers Friend lists every Travel Center in the U.S. and Canada and the services each provides RVers. Best source for diesel locations. Learn which offer overnight stays, dump stations, Internet access, propane, ATMs, or other services. Hear an audio book review by editor Chuck Woodbury or order for only $12.95
This Week's Reader Survey
On average, in a month of travel, how many days will you stay at a KOA campground? Answer here.
Last week's survey question:
When you're on the road, approximately what's your monthly budget for campground fees? Read the results here.
Past reader surveys and results
Level your RV in any situation
Unique design lets you customize your levelers to the height you need. Just stack the interlocking blocks together to the desired height and drive your RV onto the levelers. On sale now at Camping World.
Articles from the RV family of websites
When a road assistance plan does not provide the right assistance
Like any insurance plan, Emergency Road Service is an investment that you hope you'll never need. But if you spend much time on the road, sooner or later you'll have a breakdown. Here's an example of what can happen if you have the "wrong" plan.
Don't take your fire extinguisher for granted
All RVs have a fire extinguisher near the door. One could assume that it is located there so you can grab it on your way out the door! However, what happens if you are in the bedroom when a fire breaks out? Find out.
How to install a roof mounting cellular antenna
Most everyone needs to "stay in touch," these days. To some, a cell phone is like an electronic leash — keeping us in touch with friends, family and even business associates. Alas, there are times when we are out of range of a cell phone connection. Here's advice about how to install an antenna to help you maintain a connection more often.
Hot off the press!
2006 Wal-Mart Locator
Hundreds of new stores. Use to plan free overnight stays. Get driving directions to every Wal-Mart in America. New in this edition: Stores that sell diesel fuel! Retail price $24.95.Order Now for our Everyday Low Price of only $19.95
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Can you pull a fifth wheel trailer with a half-ton truck? Members respond
Beginning RVers ask questions and veterans provide answers.
Who reads the RV Travel Forum?Members introduce themselves.
Thirty amp to 50 amp: Plenty of dialog on this subject.
And in the FreeCampgrounds.com forum:
Members discuss their favorite Casino Campgrounds.
And from FreeCampgrounds.com: Camping in a Nevada Ghost Town for $7 a night.
RV Suresteps: Motion Activated LED Lights for your RV Steps
The latest technology in light activated and motion sensor lighting is now available for your coach steps. When you approach or exit your vehicle at night the steps light up. A very cool safety feature that could save your life, is very usefull in general & looks really cool. Learn more or order at RVtoyOutlet.com.
The ABCs of RVing
Roger Wilco, over and out. . .
When using two-way radios, if you talk at the same time with another person you cancel out each other, missing what was said. Try this: Say the driver's name first when you speak (transmit). With many people using these handsets in busy RV locations, it is possible to hear someone else and do exactly the opposite of what the copilot wanted. Say "Over" when you finish speaking and let go of the button. Repeating the driver's name and finishing with "Over" lets that person know who you are speaking to, when you are finished speaking, and that the other person can now talk (transmit). Plus, when you say "Over," you will look really cool to anyone watching. This tip is one of more than 500 in All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing by Ronald Jones and Robert Lowe.
Lost Lake Resort
Secluded RV living in the Northwest. Beautiful lots. Private trout lake, athletic club, clubhouse, park models, indoor/outdoor pool plus easy drive to Tacoma and Seattle. See available lots and prices. Learn more.
RVing With Dogs
One of the most important things you need to think about for the safety of your dog while RVing is identification. Don't put it off until tomorrow. Get identification tags for your dog now. Here's how and where.
Do you know of an RV park or campground that loves dogs?
Tell other RVers about it.
Bill's Hint
"Special 'jack pads' are available to put down beneath jacks when parked on soft soil. They spread the load, but require that you get down on the ground to get them in position." -- From Motorhomes Made Easy.
EXPLORER RV Insurance
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.
Bumper Snicker
"Like a roll of toilet paper, life goes faster at the end."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
Best way to preserve your rubber roof!
No other product can match the durability of EPDM rubber. Learn more about Liquid Roof and Liquid Rubber.
RVing to Mexico
This week our Mexico RV experts Dot and Bill Bell answer questions on motorcycle/camping in Mexico, kids, tropical camping and caravan companies. Read their column.
Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico.
Don't pay high prices for campsites
With Passport America you pay half-price at more than 1,350 campgrounds. No contracts. Just $44 a year. Save on your first trip. Learn more.
Letter to the editor
Dear Chuck,
Thank you for raising the issue of overnight RV parking here in Prince George B.C. I have talked to a number of RV owners from in and out of Prince George and they do not like our current bylaw and do not want a no overnight parking bylaw at all even with 12 of 24 hour time limits. I know where they are coming from since some travelers might spend a couple nights in town and prefer to park at the same business at night. This issue is coming back to our city council within a week and I hope the section of the bylaw that deals with enforcement of no overnight RV parking is eliminated all together. I would like your readers to know that many people including myself appreciate RVers traveling through our part of the province and hope that their stay in Prince George B.C. is a good one. They might only stay only one night or even a day or two. Regardless, we appreciate their business and friendly smiles when dealing with our local merchants.
Brian Skakun
City Councillor,City of Prince George
Discover K/M Resorts -- Stay 3 days FREE!
Eight beautiful RV resort locations in Washington's favorite camping region. Best membership camping value in the industry. Come visit, relax and enjoy yourself for a truly great Northwestern getaway with all of the comforts of home. Free 3-day camping pass!Learn more
Motorized RV sales down, trailer sales up
With gas prices climbing, some RV buyers are opting for travel trailers instead of gas-hungry motor coaches. What about you? If you're in the market for an RV, what do you plan to buy, a towable or motorized RV? Answer here?
Motorhome in new movie "RV" not a Winnebago
Credits for the new Robin Williams movie "RV" don't mention what brand of motorhome was used, but it wasn't a Winnebago according to the Des Moines Register. The paper said that Winnebago was approached about having its product featured in the movie, but declined the offer. "The motor home is sometimes portrayed as breaking down and things like that," said Winnebago spokeswoman Sheila Davis. "We really didn't want our product to be portrayed negatively."
Oceanside, Calif., retirement community bans RVs on property
The 920-home retirement community of Peacock Hills has banned all vehicles from residents' property that will not fit into a garage. "I've lived here for almost 30 years and I have always had an RV parked on the side of my house," one resident said. "I've never had a complaint from anyone. If it was so bad, why didn't I get a complaint?" The homeowner's association didn't see it that way, and amended its covenants to prohibit storage of RVs and other large vehicles on homeowners' property.
Trivia
The first commercial microwave oven stood five and one-half feet tall. It was as big as a refrigerator and weighed more than 750 pounds. The precursor of the Radarange, it was manufactured in 1946 by the Raytheon Company and sold for about $5,000.
Get cell phone coverage where you couldn't get it before
Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.
This issue's
Knowledge Quiz
Two QUIZZES TODAY
with fabulous prizes!
The prizes:
--A Sew'n Magic AC/DC powered sewing machine. This compact device packs along easily in an RV.
--A package of a freeze-dried ready to eat astronaut's Ice Cream Sandwich. Enjoy this just like astronauts do!
Answer the Quizzes here on Sunday. Start times: 9:50 a.m., 11:35 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Knowledge Quiz official rules
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.
Updated in 2006
Learn which Wal-Marts DO NOT allow overnight RV stays
While most Wal-Mart stores allow RVers to spend a night in their parking lots for free, hundreds do not. RVbookstore.com has just updated its best-selling guide to these "No park" Wal-Marts. The concise book is $4.27. Learn more or order.
SECRET RV SENTENCE: He loved his trailer and it loved him, too.
Beginners Guide to RVing: Articles and information for brand-new RVers. Learn the ropes.
RV Factory Tour
Country Coach, Junction City, Oregon
The motto at Country Coach is "Built for people who care, by people who care." See how they build fine motorhomes from the chassis up at their Junction City, Oregon, factory. Tours are offered twice daily, Monday thru Thursday, at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Or you can book an appointment. Country Coach is located at 210 E. Sixth Avenue, Junction City, Ore., just off I-5 north of Eugene. Phone (800) 654-0223
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.
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
Be careful driving downhill: that's when accidents happen
Eighty percent of all towing related accidents happen when you're traveling downhill. It takes approximately three times longer to stop than if you were on a flat surface and the greater your speed the greater the stopping distance required. Here are a few tips for towing on downgrades.
Downshift on downgrades to lessen the braking action required. Reduce your speed. Remember that trailer sway is more likely to occur when descending inclines. On steep or long downgrades reduce gears and avoid prolonged brake use on the tow vehicle. The brakes can easily overheat and begin to fade. Use the vehicle brakes in intervals.
If the trailer becomes unstable when descending an incline and the trailer starts to sway, reduce your speed, avoid using the vehicle brakes, and manually activate the trailer brakes to regain control.
Do not travel above the posted speed limit on downgrades. Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
(Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks.)
"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.
Raw information
Nothing too exciting this week, so we'll be back next Sunday.
Good Stuff from the Good Sam Club
Join the Club: $19 a year. Save on camping fees plus free RV magazine.
Continuing Service Plan: No More Major Repair Bills! Get a Fast Quote
RV Emergency Road Service. Special Low Rate! Join Today.
RVing Resources. . .
Why We Need
English Teachers
(as witnessed along the highways of America) |
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Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
Upcoming RV Shows
RV-Links
Loads of links to great websites about RVing.
RVing With Dogs: Got a pooch onboard? You'll love this website.
Life On Wheels
"Go to school" to learn about RVing. Five annual conferences. Next one: Bowling Green, Kentucky, May 12 - 15.
How to get Internet access on the road
Full-time RVer Steven Fletcher has just released the second edition of his popular eBook, "RVers Guide to Internet Access On The Road." Learn everything you need to know about getting online on the road -- by cell phone, satellite, WiFi and more. Get info or order for instant delivery by email.
The Digital RV
Learn everything "digital" as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the Internet, setting up a mini stereo system, managing digital photos, mastering GPS and more. Order or get more info.
2006 Next Exit Directory
Don't get lost! Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2006 Next Exit lists every exit along every Interstate and what's at each: campgrounds, fuel, truck stops, casinos, malls, rest areas, hospitals and more. Learn more 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.
DVDs show how to operate your motorhome or trailer
Learn, step-by-step, how to use every system, how to set up, how to drive or pull your RV and more.
Class A motorhome • Class C motorhome • Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel • Pop Up Trailer
Campground directory for owners of big RVs!
Do you drive a long motorhome or trailer/tow vehicle combination? Then you know that not every RV park can accommodate you! Learn which ones can and even which campsites are best! The editors of the 2006 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory have visited every campground in their best-selling directory. Plus: extensive WiFi location directory. Learn more or order.
Headed to Alaska via the Alaska Highway?
The 2006 Milepost is hot off the press, and we've got them at RVbookstore.com. In its 58th year, this is THE guidebook that everyone who drives the Alaska Highway must have. Learn mile-by-mile what's along the road -- food, gas, attractions, campgrounds and much more. Learnmore or order.
Camp for Half Price at 1,000 RV Parks!
Join the Happy Camper Club for $49.95 and pay half-price at more than 1,000 RV parks. If you camp more than a few weeks a year, a membership can save you a bundle.
Worth Pondering
"If you've got it, flaunt it. If you do not, pretend." -- Wally Phillips
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories.
Random RV Thought
Attach a little keychain flashlight to your car and RV keys. It will come in handy at unexpected times.
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, 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. New Guy in the Office: Vince Fesalbon. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Mascot: Georgie, the food-crazed Jack Russell terrier.
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 Boston Engineers Engaged in Plumbing (BEEP)
Of all the known websites only approximately 1.06 percent are more popular than RVtravel.com.
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 move too fast to even see. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it," and no truer words were ever spoken!
RVbookstore.com and RVtravel.com are a members of the Better Business Bureau. We are proud commercial members of the Escapees, the Family Motor Coaching Association, and a sponsor of the 2006 Life On Wheels Conferences.
RV Travel is copyright 2006 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.
*By its staff and their families
**Pretty good
