Weekend of August 18, 2007 Issue 289 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.To ensure you continue to receive email alerts for this newsletter, please place the following email address in your own email address book: rvtraveler@topica.email-publisher.com
"My RV laundry isn't wrinkled anymore!" How about yours? Does it come out a wrinkled mess? Learn
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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Which is a more affordable way to travel -- staying in budget motels or camping on a shoestring? That's the question a reader of the RVtravel.com forum posted recently and the one we spotlight below in our feature "Best of the RV Travel Forums."
The Wigwam Motel along old Route 66 in Arizona.
Our forum is composed of RVers, so it's understandable they would favor camping with an RV, where there is always a way to save a camping dollar if that's the goal. But many of the respondents believe that the question is apples and oranges (or as one person put it " apples to kumquats.") Even if a person could save money staying in motels, there are so many other factors to consider -- packing and unpacking one's bags every night vs packing one night for an entire trip, dining out meal after meal or in your own "dining room". . . and sleeping in your own RV bed rather than one in a motel where a stranger slept the night before.
A forum member identified only as YMMV probably summed everything up best:
"For me, cost was not the deciding factor in choosing an RV lifestyle over driving or flying/motels/restaurants. I want my own bed, my own kitchen, my own bathroom, and the freedom to use any and all of these while going and doing pretty much where and what I want to. I don't have to stay in dirty motels with who-knows-what kinds of substances on every surface (and I don't care how expensive or "fancy" the motel is, it's not my dirt!). I don't have to eat unhealthy, poorly-prepared, expensive food in restaurants. I don't have to use public restrooms. I don't have to suffer the ridiculous hassles that flying anywhere these days imposes on air travelers. I can take my dog and cat along on any and all trips. I wouldn't ever trade my RV lifestyle for "moteling" even if somebody else was paying the bills!"
Me? Having traveled both ways, I favor going by RV. Yeah. . . a fancy hotel once in awhile is fun, and staying in a novelty place like the Wigwam (pictured here) is fun. But the convenience and comfort of traveling by RV simply cannot be replicated night after night at a Motel 6 or other bargain hostelry. And who knows how much can be saved anyway, if anything?
Find Free RV Campgrounds "Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 1,600 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV.
World's smallest horse gets own bedroom in family RV!
This pint-sized VIP gets to travel in the motorhome's master bedroom, is the center of attention at public appearances and even has an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records. If you ever see the cute little girl, you'll pull out your camera -- guaranteed! Photo and more info.
How to cook with an RV's convection oven If you have a convection oven and would like to learn how to use it better -- and pick up some great new recipes, you will enjoy the eBook "I've Got A Convection: Now What Do I Do?"
This Week's Reader Survey How many states do you estimate you have visited with an RV? Answer here.
Last week's survey question If you bought your RV from a dealer, do you have it serviced and repaired there, too (except when traveling)? Read results.
Find Wal-Mart stores for FREE overnight stays The 2007 Wal-Mart Locator is hot off the press. Hundreds of changes and updates, plus 100 new stores. This is the best resource for locating Wal-Mart stores (with driving directions), most of which allow free overnight RV stays in their parking lots. Our low price only $19.96. Learn more or order.
RV Radio Moment. . . In this week's 90-second installment, our announcer answers the question "What's Pavement Camping?" Click the play button to listen.
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $493.00 Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $206, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now an impressive $287. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.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" -- Highway 50 in Nevada.
Is your RV toolbox complete? It's expensive and inconvenient to visit the RV repair shop every time a storage compartment latch breaks, a sliding door comes off its track, or another minor problem develops. That means we've got to do some repairs ourselves, whether we're on the Alaska Highway or in Miami. Which repair tools and equipment do you carry in your RV? Check yours against this list of recommended items.
Diesel motorhomes now outselling gasoline models. RVbusiness.com reported earlier this week that for the first time ever, sales of motorhomes with diesel engines outpaced those fueled by gasoline. The industry website quoted Tom Walworth, general manager of Statistical Surveys Inc., who reported that diesel surpassed gas for the first time at the end of 2006 -- 16,278 units to 15,433 units. And as of last May, diesel sales were still on top -- 6,726 to 6,358 units.
Paying too much for your RV Insurance? Click here for a free quote from Good Sam VIP.
Watch this couple on their first RV campout
This video follows an RV couple as they leave a dealership with a new motorhome and proceed to a campground, where they set up for the very first time. It's good-natured and humorous, and the music is entertaining. Check it out.
Learn what Truck Stops offer RVers Pack this best seller along your next RV trip. Learn what services more than 6,600 truck stops offer RVers -- diesel fuel, repair services, free overnight parking, propane, ATMs, Internet access and much more. New section lists locations by exit order. This is a best seller at RVbookstore.com. Learn more or order.
And you thought the Alaska Highway was a long RV drive! Heading
to Alaska before the end of the travel season there? You may think that
the 1,500-mile-long Alaska Highway (Dawson Creek to Fairbanks) will be
the longest portion of your trip. Guess again. For most RVers, there's an even longer leg.
RV TV Moment Life On Wheels: Where RVers go to learn Carol Dale, a representative with Blue Ox Towing, explains to RVtravel.com readers why the Life On Wheels program is a good thing for RVers. The affordable week-long conferences are held on college campuses across the USA. Click the video to play
See last week's RV TV Moment: Going full-time with an RV? What will people say?Click here.NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them outNew motorhome offers many exciting features This new coach caught the eye of RVtravel.com blogger and fulltimer Jim Twamley, who calls it "my favorite motorhome at the recent Redmond, Oregon, RV show" (the Rally). Jim poked his nose into every one of the hundreds of RVs that were on display at the event. So why did he like this one so much? Read his review.
New Mexico is a haven for casino camping New Mexico offers RVers a variety of casinos to visit for gaming and dry-camping. If you'll be RVing in this beautiful state, read our blog "Casino Camping" for several reports including a casino that's raffling off a brand-new motorhome.
Device lets RVers quickly check tire health Healthy tires are essential to safe RVing, and this product will help you maintain your tires. With it, you can quickly tell if the tires are over- or under-inflated. It also provides clues about alignment. In addition, it can check the health of your refrigerator, air-conditioner and other RV appliances. What a handy tool! Read more.
Fifth Wheel Bible This is the first book devoted to fifth wheel travel trailers. It covers everything about these RVs: Buying, towing, operating and enjoying them. Learn more or order.
Trivia. . . More than 96 percent of American households purchase bananas at least once each month. Motorhome fire has lessons for all RVers Fire! It's one of the most dreaded risks RVers face. It can happen to any of us, just as it happened to this unfortunate couple in their nearly new motorhome. Out of the catastrophe come several lessons. Read this account of the fire and be as prepared as possible in case the risk becomes a reality for you.
Turn your hobby into a money-making business What better way to earn money on the RV road than by converting a favorite hobby into a business? Photography, painting, woodworking -- many activities you do for fun can also produce revenue with the right approach and strategy. Work camping expert Jaimie Hall tells you how.
Do you know how much propane is left in the tank? Many RV propane tanks lack a quantity gauge, which complicates determining how much is left. This inexpensive product eliminates the guesswork. RV Owner's Manual Learn all the basics of how to use and maintain a motorhome, trailer or other RV, and much more. This is a fabulous book -- a very useful reference for all RVers! Our everyday super low price on this book is only $9.95! Learn more or order.See plants that dine on living, breathing things! There's a lot to see along the Oregon coast -- picture-postcard lighthouses, miles of ocean shore, sand dunes, sea lion caves -- and plants that trap and eat living, breathing things! You usually see such plants in horror movies, but by just driving a few yards off the highway, you can see them in person! Read more. RV handymen now have their own special club Are you an RV handyman? Do you enjoy fixing things and improvising around the RV? Then this club is for you. Joining is inexpensive and brings a number of benefits. Save 10% at most RV parks Join the Good Sam Club for only $19 a year. Plus many, many other great benefits including free subscription to Highways Magazine. Meet other RVers. National Rally. Much more.
Americans avoiding Canada in a big way Don't like crowds at the campgrounds? It might be a good time for solitude-seeking RV enthusiasts to head north to Canada in their motorhomes and travel trailers. Visits by Americans to Canada dropped 34 percent from 2000 to 2006. Read more. Eat up! Healthy food coming (slowly) to national parks RVers concerned about healthy eating on the road will appreciate some good news about dining spots at a couple of popular national parks. Enjoy! Good Sam Official RV Road Atlas-- Save BIG! Besides showing highways and other roads, this large-format road atlas shows more than 10,000 campgrounds, plus RV service centers, tourist attractions and 1,600 state parks, plus a special Tech Tips section. Retail price: $29.90. Our special low price now only $15.95. Learn more or order.Colorado bound? These birds await you RVers visiting Colorado will likely see lots of wildlife. You can recognize the state's big game, like black bear and elk. But can you identify its birds? By studying this list you'll be able to tell a few of the more interesting creatures that flap by your campsite. Click here.
RVers discover quick solution to invasion of gnats Bugs are the bane of boondockers who like to linger outside the RV on a summer's eve. In fact, sometimes a swarm is so thick RVers have to retreat inside. That's what happened to these fulltimers when zillions of gnats tormented them at their campsite by a Nevada lake. So many of the creatures followed them inside that they actually reduced the illumination at an overhead light. But the quick-thinking couple got rid of them pronto. See how.
Install your own dinghy tow-bar system Motorhome owners don't have to visit an RV service shop to have a tow-bar system installed for a dinghy. Why not save money and enjoy the pride of doing it yourself? Here's an article by a fulltimer who did just that. See if his experiences and comments inspire you to follow suit. Click here.
Buying an RV the Smart Way In this eBook learn how to buy an RV from RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Learn which RV is right for you, how to negotiate the best deal, and about money-saving flat-rate buying services. Order now and be reading in a few minutes! Only $9.95!Learn more or order.
Best of the RV Travel Forums Each week in this space we highlight what our editors' believe is one of the most interesting topics discussed during the previous week at the RVtravel.com forum.
Which is more affordable, budget motels or budget camping? This installment begins with a forum member living overseas who is about to head to America. His question: Is it cheaper to stay in campgrounds or budget motels? Others weigh in after his posting. If you would like to add a comment, please see the link at the end of this article. Here are highlights of how the discussion was going as we went to "cyber" press. RV Cookbooks. Wow! What a selection! See them here.
Want your very own blog?Then you need to visit RVscrapbook.comCheck out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Towing a Miata I have a 90 Miata that I am towing 4 wheels down. I am trying to get a braking system for my Miata. Any suggestion from anyone out there?
New RVer looking for the best deal I am in the market for a new RV. I have heard that fall is a better time to get some deals, especially if there is a 2007 available somewhere that needs moving. Can you get a better deal at an RV show? The salesmen say you can usually get a 1/4 to 1/2 point off financing, but I am skeptical about this as well. Last question. It seems that a good starting point in getting a great price is 30% off list.
Headlight adjusting Can anyone offer any tips on adjusting headlights on a Class A RV? Our 2001 Winnebago/Itasca Horizon diesel pusher has the worst lighting on the highway. I am thinking of changing the bulbs and would like any tips on adjusting our headlights after this is done.
Cleaning window blinds. Any tips? Does anyone have any easy way to clean the night and day window blinds?
RV port homes I have recently learned of RV port homes from a couple workamping in West Yellowstone. They have one in Florida. Apparently these homes are only found in Florida. It is a house (usually fairly small) with RV parking attached. We are considering a move to Dallas/Fort Worth area in a couple of years and wish to RV for much of the year, but want to have a stick house to return to occasionally. Does anyone know of another term for these dwellings?
Inflatable boats for RVers from SeaEagle.
Check your RV carbon monoxide alarm the easy way A carbon monoxide alarm system should be in every RV for health and safety. Is yours operating properly? There's a quick, easy way to make sure with this particular model. You don't even have to leave the couch or armchair. Read about it.
Change large RV tires without removing the wheel At last technology has come up with a way to change a large RV tire without removing the entire wheel. This clever invention saves RVers money because tire changes are faster, involving less labor. You won't be carrying it in your rig because of its size and weight, but you should know about it, and RV mobile service technicians should have one. More information.
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Bears visiting Reno, but not looking for slots Campers at the Keystone Park in Reno, Nev., got a surprise last week when a large black bear visited the RV park, where it climbed a tree. It later left under the supervision of animal control officers. South of Reno, in Minden, two bears were found a few days earlier, one near a saloon and the other near a dumpster. Before that, a 660-pound bear wandered into an Incline Village home. More of the animals are expected in urban areas because dry conditions and forest fire damage have limited their native foods. Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessoriesWorth Pondering The little road says, Go; The little house says, Stay; And oh, it's bonny here at home, But I must go away. --Josephine Preston Peabody2007 RV Show Schedule Learn about RV shows through the fall of 2007. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. See them here.RV Travel staff Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Gerry Bruder, Jim Twamley, Jaimie Hall. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Roving Outfielder & Audio Operations: Eric Brotman. Fulfillment Manager: Erin Hanson. Web Operations Guru: Zoey Platt. Clapper/Loader: Emily Woodbury. Stress Relief: Mikey the slinky dog.
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.
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"My RV laundry
RV Owner's Manual
Good Sam Official RV Road Atlas-- Save BIG! 
This installment begins with a forum member living overseas who is about to head to America. His question: Is it cheaper to stay in campgrounds or budget motels? Others weigh in after his posting. If you would like to add a comment, please see the link at the end of this article. Here are 
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