Issue 231 of RV Travel. Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV
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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Here's a bit of news that you may have missed about a big birthday last week. Our Interstate highway system turned 50.
We can thank president Dwight Eisenhower for these speedy highways. As
a young military officer he had crossed the USA as part of a publicity
stunt to raise awareness for good roads. It was a long, difficult trip.
Later, when Ike was all grown up, after highway travel had improved
vastly, he still envisioned something better. He had seen the famous
Autobahn in Germany, where motorists drove as fast as some airplanes.
Ike figured America needed similar roads, not just to accommodate
people but troops in case of a national emergency.
 |
| In central California, Interstate 5 delivers a motorist though miles of nothing interesting. |
I am not old enough to remember life before Interstates, although I do
remember as a child traveling many more two-lane roads than I do today,
and not simply as an option to a faster road, but because the two-laners were
the ONLY roads. Let me be blunt: those narrow roads were a lot more
fun. They went right down main streets, causing the motorist to pause
occasionally when he spotted a particularly nice looking giant root
beer mug atop a cafe -- a good indicator that the beverage served inside
was tasty and cold. I also remember seeing many war surplus airplanes
permanently affixed atop gas stations like they had crashed there.
Most of those old-two laners still exist. Some RVers, myself included,
prefer to travel these old roads. Interstates are great if you like
getting somewhere fast or if you enjoy the new sport in which
18-wheeler trucks try to pin you between them so you can savor their
fumes and, in the case of an accident, become immortalized by ending
your life as a human sandwich. The late CBS-TV "on the road"
correspondent Charles Kuralt once said of our Interstates -- and he has
been quoted at least a zillion times since, that" Thanks
to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across
the country from coast to coast without seeing anything." I for one,
miss Charles.
Today, driving an Interstate highway is a great way to explore the
state of franchised food joints and cookie-cutter motels, now called
motor inns and motor lodges.
Motels that were called motels were better. The good ones had a
swimming pool right out front in the middle of the parking lot instead
of like today when they are squeezed into a fancy-smancy courtyard or indoors where the
experience is more bath-like than recreational. I am actually old
enough to remember Motel 6's when they cost six bucks. I bet there are many
people today in their 20s and 30s who don't even realize that's how the
company got its name.
The best buy ever in American roadside travel in the good ol' motel
days was the fabulous bedside Magic Fingers machine where for 25 cents
you could shake yourself up real good in what amounted to a poor man's
massage. I once hot-wired a Magic Fingers machine in North Carolina,
back when I was so poor that saving a quarter was important because I
could use it to buy almost a gallon of gas. But I warn you: never, ever
spend more than ten minutes on a Magic Fingers machine unless you wish
to befriend the room's toilet.
Anyway, happy birthday to our Interstates.
Hear Chuck Woodbury talk about the new printed RV Travel Magazine. Click here.
One stop shopping for inquiring RVer minds!
America’s #1 choice for RV reading and viewing material is at RVbookstore.com. Never take a wrong entrance off an Interstate with The Next Exit. Save money with the Guide to Free Campgrounds. Stay overnight in casino RV parks. Many RVers hole up free at Wal-Marts: learn where to find stores plus ones that won’t let you stay. Many truck stops love RVers: find out which ones. Learn how to use and maintain your RV from Mark Polk. Get expert RV buying advice from the Better Business Bureau. If you drive a big RV, the Big Rig Best Bets Campground Directory is for you. Love RVing so much you plan to go full-time? Learn how here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Win an Apple iPod! It's Pop Quiz Time. At exactly 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) on Sunday, July 2, click here to answer the multiple choice question. If you're the 17th person to answer correctly you win the iPod! How about that? To win, you must be subscribed to the RV Travel email alert as of June 30, 2006.
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Best place on the Web to learn about RVing
The RV Travel Forum is growing faster than bamboo. It's a great
place to exchange information with other RVers about everything to do
with RVing. Be sure to visit.
Diesel RV Headquarters
Huge selection. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. No reasonable offer refused. Largest inventory in the Pacific Northwest. Let us help you find your dream RV. Browse our online showroom or call the Poulsbo RV Internet sales staff: (888) 538-9400.
This Week's Reader Survey
Out of all your phone calls, how many do you make with a cellular phone? Answer here.Last week's survey question
In the last ten years, have you traveled internationally, beyond North America? Read the results.
Past reader surveys and results
Arthritis in your driving hands?
Get swift, soothing pain relief with Arctic Spray. No rubbing! No mess! Learn more.
Save 50% on RV park fees.
Save a bundle with Passport America. Don't throw away your money.
RVer gets mistaken for escaped murderer
A case of mistaken identify shook up an RVer headed home from Alaska.
The man stopped at a gas station in Lethbridge, Alberta, where he was
swarmed by police who took him to custody. An hour later the cops
concluded the RVer was not an escaped triple murderer and so they let
him go.
Not a boring day for that guy, eh?
Smart Cars are here
Keep your eyes open and you may see an odd little car rolling down the
highway. Two-seater Smart Cars, popular in Europe, have begun to show
up in the U.S. The eight-foot-long, three-cylinder cars are considered to be prime
candidates for use as dinghy vehicles behind motorhomes. The cars get
40 miles per gallon in city-highway driving, but up to 69 mph on the
highway.
Spa2Go
An inflatable spa that you can take with you to the RV parks. Holds 4 adults, yet deflates down to 2 small boxes. Watch the video at RVToyOutlet.com
Articles from the RV family of websites
Electrical adapter-bility
Not everyone has "alternative" power available. Being adaptable may mean the need to carry the appropriate electrical adapters. Read the article.
Learning the hard way: Don't make these mistakes
Experience is a great teacher, though sometimes hard on students. Take some notes from a new RVer's early days on the road. Learn more.
Don't forget pet health records before your next trip
Before
setting out on the road with your pet, visit your veterinarian. All
vaccinations must be updated. Medical records must contain all
information necessary in case of emergency. Make copies of these
records and leave one copy at home in a safe place and keep one with
you where you can find it when needed. Read on...
Cell phone won't work in out-of-the-way places?
Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
New RVer asks: "Can we use regular toilet paper or do you HAVE to buy the stuff the RV stores sell?" What's your experience?
Why are there no gas pusher motorhomes? Or are there?
RVer can't hook up the battery on his travel trailer without blowing the 30-amp breaker. Ideas?
And in the FreeCampgrounds.com forum:
"We don't like RVers in truck stops," writes a trucker! Learn why he feels that way.
MORE PRICE REDUCTIONS AT RV BOOKSTORE!
Huge Savings. Save up to 90%. Hurry. Dozens of items sold out last week. Dozens more great bargains will be gone in the next few days. Click here.
The ABCs of RVing
If
you occasionally use a pot too large for the kitchen sink -- wash it in
the bath tub. A plastic tub set into the bathtub works well without
filling the bathtub. This also prevents greasy residue in the bathtub.
This tip is one of more than 500 in All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing by Ronald Jones and Robert Lowe.
Stop Buying Soda... Make Fresh Soda in Seconds
Eliminate
bulky soda bottles and cans with a sleek, portable soda maker, from
Soda-Club. Great at home and on the road. Healthier than store-bought
soda and fresh tastes better. Order today.
Learn about where to camp for free
FreeCampgrounds.com lists 1,100 free and inexpensive campgrounds.
Free Used Vehicle Report from Carfax
Don't buy a used vehicle without checking its history. Get a free report from Carfax. Click here.
Revised parks policy stresses preservation
A
new draft plan for the National Parks has been released by Interior
Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. It reverses earlier proposals and stresses
that conserving natural and historic places will be the parks'
priority. Kempthorne stated that conservation is "the lifeblood of our
nation's commitment to care for these special places and provide for
their enjoyment." It also specifies that lands eligible for wilderness
designation should be free from snowmobiles, ATVs and other motorized
vehicles.
Camping World store solar powered
The
new Camping World store in Junction City, Ore., will generate more than
30% of its energy needs. Photovoltaic panels installed on the store's
roof are capable of generating 60,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a
year.
Monaco to debut Sport Utility RV (SURV)
The
new Safari Simba Class A toy hauler from Monaco Coach is based on a
front-engine diesel chassis with a hydraulic aluminum rear-mounted
liftgate for loading ATVs. The rear cargo area doubles as a separate
living area with twin bunk beds that raise and lower from the ceiling.
Super town drawing super crowds
Metropolis, Illinois, is a
hopping place these days thanks to buzz over the new Superman movie.
The town got lucky years ago when Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel gave
his comic book town the same name. Today, a statue of America’s most
famous superhero stands over Superman Square, and the annual Superman
Celebration is a big deal, especially its Superman Drama in which
the Man of Steel saves the day and triumphs over the villain. The local
newspaper is called the Planet, same as the one where Clark Kent
worked. RVers who want to spend time in Metropolis can hole up at Fort
Massac State Park.
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Bill's Hint
Jacks greatly facilitate the dumping of holding tanks. Just tilt the rig toward the sewer connection. -- From Motorhomes Made Easy.
Managing your RV's 12-volt power
Learn all about your RVs 12-volt electrical system including how to upgrade and operate it and troubleshoot problems. Click here
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.
From the FulltimeRVer newsletter:
How to avoid being a victim of a crime on the RV road
It's
unfortunate that we live in a day and age where we need to take added
security measures to protect ourselves. In some cases, RVers may be the
best targets for criminals. Mark Polk offers advice about how we can
use good common sense to minimize our chances of becoming a victim of
a crime. Protect yourself.
Bumper Snicker
"Change is inevitable, except from vending machines."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
"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 .
The following messages were posted to the RV Travel.com forum.
Convert a mini van to an RV
A wife wants her bed, a toilet and storage for clothes and a cookware suitcase in a mini van. Any suggestions?
Hydraulic leveler problems-Help please!
How are they repaired or is it something that needs to be done by an RV repair shop? Can you help?
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.
Boondocking Tip from Russ De Maris
Lower "cost" lighting
Since boondockers who rely on solar or wind power need to be cautious
about electricity consumption, we have some "enlightening" tips.
Fluorescent lighting produces the most light for the amount of
electrical power consumed. Consider replacing factory-equipped
incandescent fixtures with low-voltage fluorescent tube lights. Where
good work or reading light is needed, replace the old "pillow" style
incandescent fixtures with incandescent "spot" lights that shoot a
focussed beam of intense light right where you need it.
-- Russ De Maris is the editor of FulltimeRVer.com and the author of RV Boondocking Basics.
RVing to Mexico
Learn everything you need to know about RVing in Mexico from our Mexico RV experts Dot and Bill Bell.
Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico .
K/M Resorts of America
Eight
beautiful resort locations in Washington's favorite camping region.
Truly great Northwestern getaways with all of the comforts of home. Learn more...
The #1 Online source for RV Financing
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financing Rates Nationwide! Call Today: 1-888-929-4424 or visit our website.
Trivia
In Germany, beer in ice cream flavor can be purchased in popsicle form. Its alcohol content is lower than in regular beer.
Beginners Guide to RVing: Articles and information for brand-new RVers. Learn the ropes.
RV Factory Tour
New Horizons Inc., Junction City, Kansas
New
Horizons builds custom fifth wheel and travel trailers designed for
full time use. Sales are factory direct. The plant is at 2618 Mid
America Drive, west of Kansas City off I-70. Tours are Monday - Friday
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (800) 235-3140.
Visit Camping World
When you need something for your RV, big or small, make Camping World your first stop. Click here.
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
You
never know the condition or quality of potable water at various
campgrounds. Always use a water filtration system to filter the
drinking water in your RV, or take bottled water with you for drinking
water. (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks .)
Guns on the road
If you travel with a firearm across state lines, be darn sure you know the laws. If not, you could land in a heap o' trouble. The 2006 Travelers Guide to the Firearm Laws of the 50 States should be in your glovebox and in your planning. Learn more or order.
RVing Resources. . . Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
Why We Need English Teachers
(as witnessed along the highways of America) |
 |
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: July 9 to 14, Moscow, Idaho .
Investigate a company with the Better Business Bureau before making a purchase.
RV Buying Tips. Spend five minutes at RVbuyingTips.com for a quick, concise overview of how to buy an RV.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information: Workamper™ News is THE best place to find jobs on the RV road.
Worth Pondering
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." -- Albert Einstein
Explorer RV Insurance
Owners
of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and 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.
Random RV Thought
When
you pick a campsite for the night, pay attention to whether vehicles
arriving after dark will beam their headlights into your rig. Pick a
site where this will not happen unless you like sudden flashes of light.
Read last week's issue of RV Travel. Click here.
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributing Editor: Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Mark Polk, Bill and Dot Bell. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Web Operations Director: Zoey Platt. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury.
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
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Association, and a sponsor of the 2006 Life On Wheels Conferences. We are also darn good people.
RV Travel is
copyright 2006 by RVbookstore.com. Our International Headquarters:
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