Weekend of January 5, 2008
Issue 308 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. Email alerts for this issue were sent to 73,043 readers.
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JUST ARRIVED. GET YOURS NOW. . .
CD-ROM: 2008 Trailer Life
RV Parks & Campground Navigator
America's most popular RV campground directory is now on 2 CD-ROM disks. The user friendly interface provides the ultimate RV travel planning software for the U.S. and Canada. Save big over retail price! Learn more or order.
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Judging by the results of last week's reader survey, most of you are feeling a significant pinch to your pocketbooks as fuel prices climb, and those high prices will apparently affect your decision to buy an RV in the coming year. At the end of 2006, we asked the readers of this website if they planned to buy a new RV in the upcoming year. About 20 percent said they would either definitely or probably buy. In last week's survey, asking the same question, only about seven percent of the 1,500 RVers who participated said they were likely to buy in 2008 -- nearly two-thirds less than the year before. I wouldn't be too happy about that if I were an RV dealer.
I suppose the good news in this is that if you are looking to buy an RV, this might be a good time. Based on the laws of supply and demand, it looks like a buyer's market to me.
The high price of fuel may at last be causing a drop in visits to winter RV migration destinations. The following comment was posted Thursday on our RVing Quartzsite blog. Quartzsite, Ariz., if you don't know, is a huge RVer winter destination. The comment read:
"Come on out to Quartzsite. We have been here since November. None of the parks are full, most have lots of empty spaces. The BLM is really empty. We are wondering were everyone is, it is usually much busier by this time."
Could it be that the price of fuel is now simply too high for RVers to make what for many is a long trek to the desert oasis? That's my guess.
RVtravel.com contest winner takes home $382 in cash.
We had a winner last week in our Your Name is Money contest. George Kalafatich of Thompson Falls, Mont., won the cash by simply checking the web page where each day we publish seven random selected letters of the alphabet. If an RVtravel.com reader's first and last name include all seven letters, they win the day's prize (if they are the first that day to tell us). In Mr. Kalafatch's case, the day's letters fghkort are all included in this name. His check for $382 is on the way to him. Congratulations, George!
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Are you a full-time RVer or plan to be? Then be sure to read the most recent issue of the FulltimeRVer.com newsletter, published Dec. 27.
Learn how to buy an RV
from the Better Business Bureau
Join host Chuck Woodbury as he explains how to buy an RV. This DVD is sponsored by the Better Business Bureau and RVtravel.com. Learn to choose the right RV at the right price and avoid making costly mistakes. VIEW THIS BEFORE YOU BUY AN RV! Learn more or order.
Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: November -- October -- September -- August -- July -- June
2008 RV Show Schedule
Learn about RV shows through the spring of 2008. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area.
Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies
Learn how to get connected on the road. Covers WiFi, choosing equipment and services, protecting data, managing your business and personal affairs, enjoying online entertainment and more. Learn more or order.
RV Kitchen
RV Cooking Show - Roasted Pork Arista and a stop in Desert Hot Springs
In this episode of the RV Cooking Show full-time RVer Evanne Schmarder shows you how to make an "occasion" recipe. All the preparation on the tasty roasted pork arista is done the day before so all you have to do is pop it in the oven and enjoy the special day...and your meal! Watch the video.
Best Seller! 2008 Next Exit Directory
Be the first to get this hot-off-the-press directory. Learn what you will find at every Interstate highway exit: gas/diesel, campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, stores, malls, hospitals, factory outlet stores, parks and more. Learn more.
This Week's Reader Survey
Approximately what fuel mileage do you get while driving or towing your RV? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
How likely is it that you will buy an RV in 2008? Read the results here.
Past reader surveys and results.
Find Wal-Mart stores for FREE overnight stays
The 2007 Wal-Mart Locator is the best resource for locating Wal-Mart stores (with driving directions), most of which allow free overnight RV stays in their parking lots. This 2007 edition includes hundreds of updates from the previous edition. Our low price only $19.98. Learn more or order.
Does your RV have you covered?
Shopping for an RV? "If you're not sure whether to buy the window awning option, do it anyway, you'll be glad you did." So says blogger Jim Twamley, a real fan of RV awnings. In this post, he tells why he likes them and describes the various types. Click here.
They're here: diesel pump price estimates for early 2008
Wondering what you'll pay at the pump for diesel fuel over the next several months? Here are estimates from the Department of Energy. Click here.
Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them out
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $382.00
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $330, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $52. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
Heaven on Earth . . .
Enjoy nature in Tennessee
If you prefer a breath of fresh air without actually getting your heart rate up, Tennessee is your kind of sightseeing tour. Come unwind in Tennessee, a state known for its abundance of natural resources in eye candy. Learn more.
Clean your RV microwave the easy way
Any RVer who uses a microwave knows that the downside of this handy, convenient device is crud from cooked food. To clean a microwave, you can spend a few dollars for a commercial cleanser, or you can use this inexpensive folk remedy that works just as well.
High cost of RVing got you down?
Save on camping with these resources
-- Book: Guide to Free Campgrounds: West edition. East edition
-- Book: 2008 RVers Friend. Learn locations of RV-friendly truck stops (some allow free overnight stays).
--DVD: Working On The RV Road. Can't afford to RV without extra income? Learn how to get work on the road.
--Book: The Complete Guide to Boondock RVing. Learn how to camp without hookups, often for free!
--Book: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos. Many casinos allow free stays in their parking lots.
--Book: "Wal-Mart "No Overnight Parking" Stores. Some Wal-Marts do not allow free stays in RVs. Learn which ones.
Load your truck camper safely
The biggest worry new truck camper owners have is loading and unloading the camper. There is some justification to that worry, because damage and injury can result if the job is done incorrectly. Read this post for a link to a camper jack manufacturer's site with important guidelines about how to do it right.
New RVers: furnishing an RV is easier than you think
If you're new to RVing and are thinking about buying your first trailer or motorhome, you might be wondering how long it will take to furnish the rig. After all, a house for sale typically is empty and must be supplied with furniture and some appliances. Well, read the good news.
Cross that bridge BEFORE you get to it with CoPilot!
CoPilot is the award-winning GPS navigation system trusted by thousands of RV owners on the road today. With a quick installation on your laptop, CoPilot's great views and clearly spoken turn-by-turn directions provide worry-free route guidance to any destination nationwide. Learn more about CoPilot GPS systems here.
How to be a sailor in your RV
In one respect, RVers would feel right at home on board a Navy ship. By the same token, Navy sailors would feel at home in an RV. Click here to find out why.
No fun driving this RV through tight corners
We don't believe this vintage RV was designed for city driving. What do you think? Check it out.
eBooks: INSTANT READING!
With eBooks you don't have to wait to read your book. Just place your order and your eBook will be delivered almost instantly to your email inbox. These eBooks are written by RV experts and delivered instantly in PDF format.
ABCs of RVing
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List
Buying an RV the Smart Way
I Have A Convection Oven in My RV. Now What?
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing
Take the stress out of backing up a trailer
For new RVers who travel with a towable, backing up can be a daunting challenge. Even many experienced trailer owners still bite their lips when they have to back up. But backing up really isn't that difficult if you follow the advice in this article.
Hot off the Press! SAVE $10.00!
The 2008 Trailer Life RV Road Atlas
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. Learn more or order for only $19.95. (Cover price, $29.95)
Trivia. . .
Nevada has an estimated 314 mountain ranges, all of which have a northeast-southwest orientation. The tallest peak is 13,141-foot Boundary Peak on the Nevada-California border. Other principal peaks include 13,061 Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park east of Ely; 11,915-foot Mount Charleston, west of Las Vegas; and 11,890-foot North Schell Peak, north of Ely. All together, there are 51 peaks in the state above 9,000. And you thought Nevada was all flat desert!
Your's free: Alaska Vacation Planner
Send for the Alaska Vacation Planner, available free from the state of Alaska. Learn where to go, what to see, where to stay including where to camp with your RV. This is the official state vacation planner. Get yours now.
What to do before you call the RV repair facility
Do you know what you should do before calling an RV repair shop to ask about some malfunctioning appliance? This advice comes straight from an employee in the parts and service department at Camping World. Click here.
How grandma and grandpa got "retarded" in an RV
TV Host Art Linkletter used to tell his audiences that "kids say the darnedest things." It's so true. Read this youngster's charming account of his grandparents' "retardment" in an RV.
Fire Safety Tip
from Mac McCoy
Review with everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" rule so they know what to do when clothing is on fire.
ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive!
Learn all about them here.
Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs
FEATURED BLOGS:
RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.
The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.
Great RV Stuff
The latest neat RV stuff in this always fasincating blog. Gizmos and gadgets that might even make your RVing more enjoyable.
Working on the RV Road
Get up-to-date about news and information about earning income while RVing.
Boondocking
Do you use your RV away from utilities? Here you'll pick up tips on how to do it, and learn about some great places to boondock.
RV Short Stops
Our RVtravel.com blogger's favorite places to visit in their RVs -- Great suggestions for places to visit on your own travels.
RVing Quartzsite
"RV Snowbird Central" for the winter season, home of huge gem shows and flea markets and the land of free camping on government lands.
Casino RV Camping
Learn about casino RV parks, freebie camping, and great deals on gaming and dining for RVers who visit.
Fulltime RVer
If you're a fulltime RVer or plan to be someday, then stop by for the latest news and information about fulltiming.
See the complete lineup of RV Travel blogs
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
RELATED PRODUCT: DVD: Extended & Full-time RV Travel
RV Tech Corner
with Mark Polk
Water weight: It adds up
Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon. A 40-gallon fresh water holding tank full of water adds 332 pounds to your RV. The added weight and the movement of the water may be a concern when you're traveling. You should only take the amount of water that you'll need to get to your destination and refill as required. And pay attention to your gray and black water tanks. Try not to travel with them full.
Mark Polk is the host of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos.
Need RV Emergency Road Service? Check out the plan that savvy RVers choose, from the Good Sam Club.
Boondocking Tip
with Russ and Tina Demaris
How Much Power Does Your Inverter Use?
Inverters are great devices, allowing you to operate "shore power" equipment from the 12-volt RV system. But they come with a "cost." Inverters aren't the most efficient devices and can eat up an amazing amount of battery power. Here are a couple of formulas to help you calculate use: If you know how many amps the shore power equipment uses, here's how many amp hours you use: Battery amp hours consumed = (Shore Power Amps x 10) x 1.2 x hours of use. The 1.2 multiplier is for inverter inefficiency. If you know how many watts the shore power equipment uses, then: Battery amp hours consumed = (Shore Power Watts divided by 12) x 1.2 x hours of use. Remember to never allow your batteries to get below 50 percent of their amp-hour capacity before recharging. This will keep them alive much longer.
Russ and Tina Demaris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics
Shopping for an Extended Warranty?
Good Sam Club's Continued Service Plan covers your coach, engine, appliances and accessories in your new or used motorhome, trailer and even tow vehicle! Get an online quote.
A quiet sanctuary from the madness in Quartzsite
In the winter, Quartzsite, Arizona, is a famous, bustling, colorful place that every RVer should experience. But if the crowds and traffic there get you down, here's the perfect escape.
Time to reconsider an RV trip to Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia has gotten some bad publicity lately for its attitude towards RVers, so should you write off this province on a trip to Canada? That might be a mistake. Read why.
The RV Kitchen: Fix It in Foil
Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition and quick clean-up - what more could you want from a meal? This cookbook combines the best of all worlds! Featuring 51 fantastic recipes that each include instructions for cooking in an oven, over a campfire, or on an outdoor grill. Learn more or order
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Replacing couch with two recliners
Has anyone ever replaced their couch in their class C with 2 recliners? If so, how hard was it and did you secure the chairs?
De winterizing
Planning a trip in February down through Washington, Oregon and California via I-5. Destination: Arizona. I have a PleasureWay, which I just bought, and it's winterized. Any ideas on how and WHEN to DE winterize? Before we leave? When we get to California?
Sealing rubber roof?
I just bought a 1993 class C motorhome with a rubber roof. The roof looks OK but it is showing signs of weathering. What should I put on it to protect it and seal it?
First-timer: what to look for in buying a class B
I plan on buying a used class B to spend about 6 months in touring the country. I've begun researching various options, but I feel like there are so many variables and I don't even know if I know all the questions I need to consider before making my selection. Is there a very detailed buying guide that someone can point me to? If anyone can answer some or all of my questions (or probably more importantly suggest other information I haven't even considered), I'd be very appreciative.
Wind deflectors on your tow truck: do they save fuel?
With fuel prices so high, I was thinking about getting a wind deflector for my truck. Do they save enough fuel to make it worth the investment?
Terrific books & DVDs
from RVbookstore.com
Book: RV Retirement
DVD Working on the RV Road
Book: Fifth Wheel Bible
Book: RV Boondocking Basics
DVD: Towing Behind Your Motorhome
CD-rom: Military Campground Directory on CD Rom.
Bill's Hints
From Trailers Made Easy
"Observe the movement of a slideout carefully while it is being extended or retracted. The mechanism should be smooth and relatively quiet in operation. Stop the room motion if it is jerky or making unusual noises."
Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 1,800 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV.
A chance to rant or rave about slideouts
If your RV has slideouts, blogger Russ De Maris would like to hear from you. Russ and his wife currently live in a fifth-wheel that lacks slides, and he has some questions for you. Click here.
Warm up with the iceberg meltdown from the RV Kitchen
When it's too chilly to serve a cold salad course in the RV, use that head of lettuce to make a crisp-tender side dish to go with hot meat and potatoes from the grill. In other words, try the iceberg meltdown from the RV Kitchen. The recipe.
FREE SHIPPING
at RVbookstore.com
Order $49 or more and choose to pay absolutely no postage or handling fees (USA addresses only). Nearly ALL orders ship same day. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it." RVbookstore.com.
Bumper Snicker
Squirrel...it's what's for dinner.
Shopping for an Extended Warranty?
Good Sam Club's Continued Service Plan covers your coach, engine, appliances and accessories in your new or used motorhome, trailer and even tow vehicle! Get an online quote.
At least in one way, the desert is a great equalizer
You'll see all sorts of RVs and RVers boondocking on Bureau of Land Management land in the desert this time of year. Besides a love of RVing and a distaste for cold and snow, what do you think everyone has in common? Click here.
RV Joke
Joe and Jenny drove for miles in silence in their new motorhome after a terrible argument in which neither would budge. After many miles had passed, a frustrated Joe pointed to a mule in a nearby pasture. "A relative of yours?" he asked Jenny. "Yes," she replied. "By marriage."
For more laughs like this visit RVjokes.com.
Headed to Alaska?
Check out RVbookstore.com's selection of books and DVDs about travel to and in Alaska. Click here.
Worth Pondering
The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. -- John Milton
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 more than a dozen options. Get a quote now.
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. 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.
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 2007 Life On Wheels Conferences.
RV Travel is copyright 2007 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, Expanding Universe.
