Issue 236 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.
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Check out these great titles from RVbookstore.com
The Next Exit: Never take the wrong exit off an interstate highway.
Wal-Mart Locator: Learn where to plan free overnight stays in Wal-Mart parking lots.
Guide to Free Campgrounds: Get the scoop about where to stay for free or nearly free .
RVers Guide to Casino RV parks. Learn which ones offer free camping, RV parks and gaming bonuses.
RVers Friend: Find out what services truck stops provide to RVers: free camping, WiFi, RV repairs, diesel, etc.
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
I was in Yellowstone
National Park last week. My daughter had some free time in her summer
schedule and so did I, so we drove to the park in my car. I learned a
lot from this trip that reinforced exactly why I prefer to travel by
RV.
 |
| Have you ever seen a fuel tanker truck like this rolling down your favorite Interstate? Not likely. . . unless you live in a place where sighting such a vehicle is no big deal. Curious where that might be? Click here. |
For
readers who have not known me long, let me say that for 24 of the last
25 years I have owned a motorhome. I bought my first one in my early
30s, when virtually off my peers were still tenting or backpacking. For
the last year, I have not owned an RV. I sold my most recent motorhome
last summer and have yet to figure out what to buy next. I have been
taking my time, for sure. But I can't wait much longer to make a
decision: I desperately miss being on the road with an RV.
Before leaving on our car
trip, I told my friends how my teenage daughther and I were looking
forward to getting far from the city so we could once again revel in
the beauty of the rural night sky and its countless stars. In the city
where I live, the stars are drowned out by the lights of civilization.
And so when we returned
home from Yellowstone, Emily and I got to talking about our trip. And
we realized that we had seen no more stars than we see at home. Staying
at hotels, what you typically see when you step outside are the lights
of other hotels, restaurants, gas stations and fast food joints. The
night sky in such places is every bit as ordinary as back at home.
Being in Yellowstone and
not camping made me feel sad. It was hard to pass by park service
campgrounds (many of which had campsites available even in the peak of
the tourist season) and not stop for the night. Back at our hotel in
West Yellowstone, campfires in the parking lot were not exactly
welcomed, which was a downright lousy deal for my daughter and me who
consider chatting by the fire after dark one of the most pleasing and
relaxing activities known to mankind. For "Dad" and daughter it is a
special treat — together and away from the busy lives we both normally
live.
But I have much, much more to say about the trip, but not enough space this week. I'll write more later.
***
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| European travel expert Rick Steves |
European travel guru learns about RVing.
Many
of you know Rick Steves from reading his guidebooks about traveling in
Europe, or through his Public TV series "Europe Though the Back Door."
Yesterday (Saturday, Aug. 4), I was Rick's guest on his National Public
Radio Program, "Travels With Rick Steves," which airs on many NPR stations around the country
on both Saturday and Sunday. I had looked forward to chatting with
America's best known European travel expert (and my neighbor here in
Edmonds, Wash.), hoping to enlighten him on a way of traveling that I
suspected he knew little about. As it turned out, he was curious about
RVing and why it's so popular. And so we had a very cordial
conversation in which I believe I opened Rick's eyes to the many
reasons why so many people choose to explore North America by RV. If
you would like to listen the program but can't catch the show when it
airs in your area, you can hear it online by clicking here beginning Sunday. (May not work on Macs).
* * *
New DVD explains how to find work on the RV road
If
you are thinking about fulltime RVing, and those thoughts include
working along the way to earn some income, then you may find our new
DVD "Working on the RV Road" by Jaimie Hall of interest. Jaimie is the
author of Support Your RV Lifestyle and a contributing editor to Workamper News.
The new DVD was videotaped before a live audience at a RVtravel.com
seminar last June. I provide the introduction and Jaimie then devotes
more than an hour explaining what a would-be RV workamper needs to know
about earning an income while traveling with an RV. You can learn more or order the DVD here.
Good Stuff from the Good Sam Club
RV Emergency Road Service. Special Low Rate! Join Today.
Join the Club: $19a year . Save on camping fees plus free RV magazine.
Continuing Service Plan: No More Major Repair Bills! Get a Fast Quote
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Did you miss last week's RV Travel newsletter? Read it here.
Travel America's Loneliest Highway
Get your free Hwy 50 Survival Guide and discover nearly 300 miles of history, adventure and intrigue along "America's loneliest road."
This Week's Reader Survey
When not working, what time of day do you prefer to rise and shine? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
What is the ideal daytime temperature for you? Read the results.
Past reader surveys and results
Explorer RV
Owners
of motor homes, 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.
Nevada boomtown says okay to overnight stays in parking lots
The
Southern Nevada Health District has passed a new section of regulations
for dry camping facilities that will enable RV “boondockers” to stay in
local parking lots or other designated freebie areas in the Colorado
River gaming community of Laughlin. The regulations require that
facilities provide services such as a well-drained site, backup
restrooms, potable water supply and solid waste containers. The latest
regulations come after the health district ordered local casinos and
hotels last January to evict RVers from parking lots for "sanitary
reasons." In March, the district observed a temporary moratorium on
enforcement of the ban because of howls from RVers who threatened to
spend their snowbird seasons elsewhere. Historically, RVers have helped
build Laughlin’s economy with literally tens of thousands holing up in
local casino parking lots each winter season in their RVs.
Aussie RVers struggling with high gas prices
Australian
RVers are struggling with high prices along with their North American
counterparts. Aussie RVer Gail Bennett explains what RVers Down Under
are paying and how they are coping. Read all about it.
Big Bang Theory not what RVer wanted
Fire
destroyed a motorhome parked between two Maine homes on Thursday. The
heat was so intense that it melted siding on one home about 30 feet
away. The owner of the 1972 Winnebago was trying to start the RV for
the first time this season by turning the key with one hand and priming
the carburetor with gasoline from a gas can. Not a good idea to begin
with, and in this case really not a good idea when the engine
backfired. The "big bang" started the fire. Moral of story: Use
traditional methods to start your RV.
Buying an RV?
Learn what you need to know from these excellent books and DVDs.
Buying a Recreational Vehicle DVD. Advice from the Better Business Bureau hosted by RV travel's Chuck Woodbury.
2006 RV Buying Guide from Trailer Life. Most 2006 RVs profiled.
How to Buy an RV Before You Buy it.eBook. Instant download to your computer. Read it in minutes.
How to Buy an RV and Save Thousands. Valuable advice for a bargain price.
All The Stuff You Need To Know About RVing. Covers all the bases.
Articles from the RV Travel family of websites
Consider bringing older parents along on RV trips.
Are
you part of the sandwich generation? You’ve got grown kids--and maybe
grandchildren--and older parents, both generations of which need your
help? Is it called the "sandwich" generation because your're always
feeling like you're in a jam? RVing can prove a respite from some of
the day-to-day pressures of being caregivers. But maybe it can also
provide a respite, too, for those you care for. Here is one couple's story about taking their elderly mothers along on an RV trip and why it was a wonderful idea.
RV Kitchen Helpers--Widgits and Gadgets for Small Spaces
RV
living is replete with its own set of adjustments. Smaller interiors
require giving up some things--or do they? Okay, maybe you can't bring
the giant flat plasma screen TV. Still the galley crew doesn't always
have to give up everything just because the galley is more "pint sized"
than the one at the base camp. We bring you a few widgets and gadgets
that can make that diminutive kitchen feel a lot bigger. Read more.
Fire marshall offers fire safety tips for RVers
Oregon
State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr recently advised RVers in her state about
how to best protect themselves from fire this summer when using their
RVs. To reduce the chance of fire, Orr issued these safety tips.
Stay free in Wal-Mart parking lots
Learn
where to find Wal-Marts, most of which allow RVers to stay overnight
for free in their parking lots. It's not "camping," but it's free. Get
driving directions to every store in the USA. New in the 2006 edition:
Stores that sell diesel fuel! Retail price $24.95.Order Now at our Everyday Low Price of only $19.83 -- the price anywhere!
And pack along an inexpensive guide to Wal-Marts that do NOT allow you to stay overnight.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
How do RVers deal with chronic illness while on the road? Have any ideas or experience?
To buy or not to buy a Thousand Trails membership, that is the question. What do you think?
Square dancing RVers want to make a connection. If you love to square dance, stop by and say hello.
Do you own a truck camper? Want to? Then check in here to visit with like-minded folks.
And in the FreeCampgrounds.com forum:
Forum members discuss "camping" at Wal-Mart. Plenty of discussion going on here.
Fragrance without the Flame
There's
a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is
also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard. The RV Safety candle
gives you that beauty and the fragrance you love - without the danger! Learn more and get yours today.
Arthritis in your driving hands?
Get swift, soothing pain relief with Arctic Spray. No rubbing! No mess! Learn more.
All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing
Advice for new and novice RVers
If
you over fill the grey water, it will simply back up into the bathtub
(or shower drain) as it is the lowest drain in the coach. There will be
some odor but this will go away when you dump. 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 noisy, damaging awning flapping
With the Awning De-Flapper Max.
Give your patio awning maximum protection from rips and tears with the
secure holding power of the straps. Soft pads grip without marring,
staining, sticking or slipping. No holes, notches or rivets or tools
required to assemble. On Sale Now!
Bill's Hint
"When
operating at altitudes above 5,000 feet, it may be necessary to make an
adjustment to the automatic choke on your generator's engine. Learn how
to do this before you need to do it." -- from Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy.
Poulsbo RV: Serving RVers Across America
Before
you buy your next RV, be sure to check for your favorite rig at Poulsbo
RV, one of America's largest RV dealers with a dedicated Internet sales
staff. No matter where you live, Poulsbo RV has an RV for you and at the right price!
Save on electric steps for your RV
Double Electric Step: Features
stainless steel bushings and drive tube, non-slip step surface with
reflective stripe, step light, powder coat finish, wiring pigtail and
installation instructions. Learn more or buy here.
Bumper Snicker
"Confused parent of strange children."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
Want to be a full-time RVer?
You will find the best guides and DVDs about the full time lifestyle at RVbookstore.com. Browse the titles.
WD-40 fan club. Wow! This is fun!
One of the handiest
items at home or in an RV is WD-40, the canned lubricating spray that
no one should be without. At the WD-40 Fan Club website, you will find,
among other things, a list of 2,000 ways to use the product. And many
of those can come in might handy while RVing." Check it out.
Family takes rented RV for spin. "We like it."
To
test the RV lifestyle, a family takes five-day loop through Virginia's
Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains in a rented 25-foot RV,
staying at KOA campgrounds along the way. Learn what they liked and disliked about the experience (hint: they mostly liked it!).
Ford issues recall on more than one million trucks
The
Ford Motor company is recalling more than one million trucks, vans and
SUVs amid concerns about potential engine fires. Ford says it's
possible that the vehicles' speed control deactivation switch system
could corrode over time, overheat and ignite. The recall involves
vehicles fueled by gasoline or natural gas and equipped with the speed
control. It includes: The 1994-2002 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550
F-super duty trucks, 2000-2002 Excursion SUVs, 1994-1996 Econoline vans
and 1996-2002 E-450 vans, plus 1998 Explorers and Mountaineers. The
recall does not involve similar vehicles fueled by diesel.
Read the new RV Travel Magazine
If you like this newsletter, you will love the new printed RV Travel Magazine. It's packed with great articles, columns and photos, and edited by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Wonderful reading! Only $9.95 for one year! Hear the editor talk about the new magazine or subscribe
Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Portable Fire Pit
New
things make for a memorable night in the boonies as a campfire. To make
your fire safer, don't just build a "pit" with stones and dirt. "Bowl"
style metal barbecues make great portable fire pits. Saw the legs down
to a pleasing above-ground height and remove the grill. You'll find
that a metal drum lid is just the right size for a "lid" for some
barbecue/fire pits, allowing you to instantly put your fire out when
bed time rolls around. -- Russ and Tiña De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.
The Digital RV
Learn
everything 'digital' as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the
internet, enjoying a stereo system that weighs ounces, managing digital
photos and more. Additional information.
RVing to Mexico
Headed south of the border with your RV? Here is a wealth of information for Mexico RVing experts Dot and Bill Bell.
Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico .
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.
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.
Trivia
Chimpanzees
are closer genetically to humans than to gorillas. The lifespan of
free-living chimpanzees can be up to 53 years. Chimpanzees are not
weaned until about age five. Until then, they are almost completely
dependent upon their mothers. Males between eight and 12 increasingly
spend more time with adult males. Females between eight and 10 continue
to remain close to the mother and do so through adolescence. Females
mature at about age 11, although they remain sterile until age 13 or
14.
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.
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
Our biggest RV error
What
is the most critical, but least maintained component of your RV? The
tires! In almost all cases, tire failure can be attributed to improper
tire maintenance. The leading causes for tire failure are overloading
and under inflation. Tires are rated for a maximum load capacity, but
they can only support that capacity if they are inflated to the proper
air pressure. The COLD PSI rating, on the sidewall of the tire, means
if you inflate the tire to the recommended PSI when the tire is COLD
(before traveling) it can support the maximum load capacity the tire is
rated for. Less air pressure equals lower load capacity. When you weigh
your LOADED RV you should weigh each individual tire, or set of tires.
If you weigh it by each axle, as opposed to each tire, it may not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) but can exceed a tire rating
without you knowing it!. (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks .)
RVing Resources. . .
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.
RV Buying Tips: Spend five minutes here and help ensure you don't make classic RV buying mistakes.
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.
Investigate a company with the Better Business Bureau before making a purchase.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information: Workamper News is THE best place to find jobs on the RV road.
Worth Pondering
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." -- Albert Einstein
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
Random RV Thought
Unless
you live in a very rural area, you will never see as many as stars as
when you are camped somewhere far from city lights. It's a spectacular
sight. Years ago, during a New York City power blackout, a young woman
in the inner city who had never traveled far from her neighborhood was
asked by a news reporter what she would remember about the dark night.
"The stars," she answered. "I had no idea there were so many."
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown, 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 commercial members of the Escapees, the Family Motor Coaching
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
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