Weekend of March 1, 2008
Issue 316 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 73,439 readers.
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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 $16.95. (Cover price, $29.95)
Editor's Corner
By guest editor Jim Twamley
Getting The Most Out Of Your RV
I intend to RV till I die. I don't want to drive my RV across the finish line in showroom mint condition; rather, I want people to see a well-loved RV with the battle scars of adventure.
To get the most out of RVing you need to ask yourself an important question. What are the things you enjoy doing most? If it's off-road pursuits, then you'll want to consider a toyhauler for packing gear to your favorite destinations. If it's hunting and fishing, perhaps a truck camper loaded on a four-wheel drive to get into those out-of-the-way places. With these interests, you can't be the type to worry about scratches and dirt; besides, a little mud tells me you've been having fun!
If you enjoy sightseeing at state and national parks, a smaller motorhome might be the way to go, providing access to many beautiful locations with campsites too short to accommodate larger rigs. If water sports, hiking and biking are your hobbies, you may want to carry a kayak on your towed vehicle and a bike on your motorhome ladder. Who cares what you look like going down the road? When I see rigs like this I say to myself, "Now these folks know how to squeeze enjoyment out of life."
I properly maintain my RV but I don't allow it to interfere with my primary purpose which is to travel and explore. So you won't find me out washing and waxing every week. Instead, look for me on the hiking trail, the museum or the wildlife viewing area. An RV is a great deal of fun all by itself, and at its best when it takes you where you most want to go.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Read more of Jim's work at his blog "RV Now"
RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury will return soon.
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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.
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.
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 2007 edition: Stores that sell diesel fuel! Retail price $24.95. Order Now at our Everyday Low Price of only $19.98 -- the best price anywhere!
And pack along an inexpensive guide to Wal-Marts that do NOT allow you to stay overnight.
Is There A Downsized RV In Your Future
Fifteen-year RV veterans Phil and Jo Ann Tullar recently downsized from a 40-foot Newmar motorhome to a much smaller motorhome by Leisure Travel. Curious, I asked what was the biggest factor in their decision to downsize and Phil said, "We just got burned out getting our other motorhomes fixed all the time." They also cited the price of fuel as a factor. "There are a lot of SUVs that don't get half the mileage as this," Phil said. His new RV gives him 22 miles per gallon with a little Mercedes diesel. They purchased the new rig in March 2007, traveled until October, then took a break from traveling at their Tucson condo. Now they're off again, exploring America.
Their biggest adjustment? Read the rest of the story.
Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: January -- December -- November -- October -- September--August -- July -- June
GET YOURS NOW. . .
2008 Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Navigator CD-ROM
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. This is the only CD-ROM in the world created just for RVers. Retail price: $59.95. Now only $32.97. Learn more or order
Get rid of the crud on your RV's windows
With the cold and winds of winter, who wants to spend time outside cleaning RV windows? Many RVers just wait till spring for that chore. Then they discover that over the weeks and months, some kind of mineral crud has built up on the windows and now standard glass cleaners aren't totally effective. What to do? Try this handy product.
Turn your RV photos into artsy creations
Most of us carry a camera on our RV trips, and usually the shots we take end up stored electronically in our files or sent as e-mail attachments. Nothing wrong with either disposition, but what if you could do really cool things with your photos? Check out this neat print service and let your imagination soar.
Buying an RV?
Don't plop down your hard-earned cash without reading RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury's new eBook, Buying an RV the Smart Way. For $9.95, you'll learn how to save money and avoid making buying mistakes that could cause big headaches later. The eBook is emailed to you immediately after ordering, and can be read online or printed out. Covers buying both new and used RVs. Learn more and buy.
RVing couple create homemade kitty litter
RVers who travel with cats have to solve the problem of litter containment and disposal. See what clever arrangement these RVers devised. Will this solution work for you? Click here.
2008 RVers Friend -- Fully updated!
This best-selling directory lists RV services at truck stops free "camping," dumps, Internet, propane, repair services & more. Truck stops offer more to RVers than ever. Let this best selling book be your guide. Learn more or order.
Military famcamp deserves a top grade
Ask a military RVer to describe the perfect famcamp and he or she would mention nice facilities, plenty of recreational activities, a commissary and exchange within walking distance of the campground, a reasonable price and a free museum. Well, here it is! Read the specifics and watch the video.
Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com.Check them out
This will save you tons of money!
Senior Citizen Discounts Guide 2008-2009
This annual directory will save you a ton of money. Learn about thousands of senior discounts throughout the USA. Most are not publicized elsewhere. National and local businesses are listed. You will get your money back many times over with this directory. Learn more or order.
Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $453.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $382, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $71 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
2008 Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States
RVers who travel with a firearm may not know that what's legal in their home state may be a felony in another. This guide explains current, specific gun laws for every state. Don't cross a state line with a gun without knowing the laws! Learn more or order.
Coachmen Lightens Up With Spirit of America Line
As fuel prices rise, RVers are looking to "lighten up" the load on their gas company credit cards by going lighter behind the tow vehicle. One way RV manufacturers can build a lighter rig is to "get the wood out," that is, move from conventional wood framing with metal siding to aluminum framing with laminated sidewalls. The problem in getting away from "wood and tin" construction is that the "new" comes with a higher price tag. Enter Coachmen's Spirit of America travel trailer line. Read more here.
High cost of RVing got you down?
Save on camping with these resources
--DVD: Working On The RV Road. -- Book: The Complete Guide to Boondock RVing. -- Book: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos. -- Book: "Wal-Mart "No Overnight Parking" Stores. -- Book: Guide to Free Campgrounds:West edition. East edition
And don't forget to check out RV BOOKS FOR LESS THAN $9.99
Stop your trailer from shaking when you use the steps
Using the entry steps of many travel trailers and fifth wheels causes the whole rig to shake a little. Wouldn't it be nice to add enough stability to the trailer to prevent that annoying tendency? Here's how.
Better than a tent, less complicated than a truck camper
If you don't need the amenities of a full-scale truck camper but want something more elaborate than a tent for your camping trips, maybe this concept is the perfect compromise. Take a look.
Workamping jobs are all over
For an RVer who needs to workamp a bit, the first step is to realize that part-time and seasonal job opportunities are practically everywhere. Many RVers have found a job simply by presenting themselves to a business operator and asking if help was needed. This RV couple work at several interesting jobs to support their life on the road. Take a look.
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
Prepare sumptuous meals in your RV kitchen
Preparing meals in an RV can be challenging for a relatively new RVer who's accustomed to cooking in a house or condo. Less counter and storage space, smaller refrigerator and freezer, limited variety in local grocery stores and in some situations no electricity mean the RVer has to plan ahead before hitting the road. This article contains lots of tips and advice for the RV chef.
2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing - How to do it right
If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing from Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource about how to do it -- and do it right. Learn more and buy yours.
Trivia. . .
Despite the large rat population in New York City, rats bite only 311 people in an average year. But 1,519 residents are bitten annually by other New Yorkers.
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.
Three cheers for this report
Wow! Here's some great news for every RVer, regardless of what kind of RV you drive or whether you're an occasional weekend camper or a fulltimer. Let's just hope this report is true. Click here.
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.
Fire Safety Tip
from Mac McCoy
During your monthly inspection, check the fire extinguisher gauge to determine if there is pressure in the extinguisher. If the gauge indicates empty or needs charging, replace or recharge the extinguisher immediately. To test non-gauged extinguishers, push the plunger indicator (usually green or black) down. If it does not come back up, the extinguisher has no pressure to expel its contents. If you need help testing your fire extinguishers, check with your local fire department.
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 Fulltime RVing
Largest selection in the World.
RELATED PRODUCT: DVD: Extended & Full-time RV Travel
Looking for new recipes? Check out www.RVcookBooks.com
Largest selection of RV Cookbooks anywhere!
RV Tech Corner
with Mark Polk
RV Refrigerators: "They're different!"
RV refrigerators are much different than the one in your house. They don't have compressors and they work off the principle of absorption. You should turn the RV refrigerator on several hours before putting food in it. It is best to leave it on overnight and put your food in it just prior to leaving. Always keep a small thermometer in your RV refrigerator so you can monitor the temperature. Food can begin to go bad at about 40 degrees.
-- Mark Polk is the host of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos.
Bella Terra means "Beautiful Land"
and that's exactly what this RV Resort is! The Gulf Coast's first 5-star master planned RV Resort. Five minutes away from the beautiful sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, Bella Terra is poised to set the standard for outdoor RV resorts. See for yourself.
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 Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.
Relax, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Adventure Bound Camping resort in Gatlinburg is perfect for any kind of RVer. A well-known destination in the world of Gatlinburg RV parks, Pigeon Forge campgrounds, and RV parks in Tennessee in general, often welcome guests back year after year. Learn more.
Desperate RV owners fall prey to shady businesses
Careful -- among the many honest, trustworthy RV services out there lurk a few bad guys. This article illustrates the importance of doing a little checking before taking the bait when an ad sounds too good to be true. Click here.
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.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Bed extension
I bought a year-old 35-foot Zeppelin by Keystone trailer last year. I love it except that the "queen-sized" bed is quite short. I am 6' 3'' and my feet hang over the end by approximately 12 inches. Has anyone heard of any kind of bed extension available anywhere?
Replacing the duals with the new extra wide Michelin!
I'm trying to get info on the new extra wide tire from Michelin that replaces the dual tires with one. Does anyone have any input about stability or such? It's supposed to add mileage and reduce weight of the rig.
If you had forty grand burning a hole in your pocket
and you wanted an RV, what would you do? So I'm looking for an RV to take my wife to the race track. It's not the usual deal where I have to get something nice for her to lounge around in while I ride. It is in fact for me to lounge around in while she rides, so I don't have to convince her of anything, so I'm off to a good start!
Dash mats
Does anybody know where I can buy a dash mat for my 99 Holiday Rambler? Thanks in advance.
Death Valley in March
We would like to travel through Death Valley east to west sometime about the 2nd week of March. What are the roads like for pulling a 5th wheel? Best routes? Other advice?
Save on Camping Fees!
Join the Good Sam Club and save 10% on camping fees at thousands of RV parks. Plus many other benefits including a free subscription to Highways magazine. Good Sam is the World's largest RV club. Only $19 a year .
Egg dish comes straight from heaven
In the RV Kitchen this week, master chef Janet Groene shows us how to prepare a "devilish egg" casserole. If you like eggs, you'll definitely want to give this dish a taste. The recipe.
A shower any new RV owner will welcome
Do you have a friend or relative who's just bought or is in the process of buying a new RV? Here's a thoughtful way to congratulate that person. Don't you wish someone had done this for you after your last RV purchase? Click here.
Terrific books & DVDs
from RVbookstore.com
Book: RVers Guide to Dump Stations
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
"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
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.
Equip your RV with a sewer hose storage tube
A sewer hose storage tube mounted on an RV is a great convenience when dumping the black-and gray-water holding tanks. If your RV lacks such a tube, you can add one. Details.
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
All Men Are Animals, Some Just Make Better Pets
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.
Northwest casinos to offer expanded facilities
Casinos in Washington and Oregon have either expanded their facilities or will do so soon. The improvements include hotels, and of course, RV parking is okay. For details, click here.
FMCA: The best club for motorhome owners
If you drive a motorhome you should join the Family Motor Coaching Association, the largest and best club exclusively for motorhome owners. Many benefits including rallies, local chapters and thick monthly magazine. Special new member price of $35. Click here to learn more or join.
Put your talent to work on the road
Do you have a talent such as carving wooden figurines or taking unusual photos? Perhaps you can put your talent to work while you're on the road to make some extra bucks. See how this talented RVer is generating money with his talent. Click here.
Ten questions to ask before renting an RV
Many families get into RVing by renting rather than buying an RV (usually a motorhome). Renting is an easy, convenient way to get a taste of the RVing lifestyle or to save money on a vacation. If you're thinking about renting, here are 10 questions you should ask and answer before proceeding. Click here.
Headed to Alaska?
Check out RVbookstore.com's selection of books and DVDs about travel to and in Alaska. Click here.
Worth Pondering
Eighty percent of success is showing up. -- Woody Allen
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. See them here.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
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 2008 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.
