Weekend of March 8, 2008
Issue 317 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 73,237 readers.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS. . . THE guide for Alaska-bound RVers!
The 2008 (Alaska) Milepost
has arrived at RV Bookstore!
This is THE mile-by-mile guidebook for RV or auto travelers headed to Alaska, the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. If you only take one guidebook to Alaska, take this! Learn more or order at a discount price.
Editor's Corner
By guest editor Jim Twamley
Where do you find yourself on the RV spectrum of adventure? Are you testing the RV waters for the first time or are you an RV veteran? What will be your next step in the world of RVing? More importantly, what stands in the way of fulfilling your move to the next level? Let me tell you about some RVers I've met who've overcome their "obstacles" . . .
A man whose wife is wheelchair bound. He built a ramp and lifts to accommodate the chair and they're off and traveling. A man in a wheelchair who drives his motorhome with hand controls. He and his wife travel with two talking parrots. Speaking of animals, how about traveling in a motorhome with three dogs? Or my favorite, the couple with a dog, a cat, a bird and an iguana!
People are using RVs to help them with work and family life. I know an insurance adjuster who has a 5th wheel and often takes his wife and two little boys with him on extended assignments. How about the computer whiz whose wife home-schools three daughters in their 5th wheel so they can travel with Dad when he's working away from home? There's the traveling nurse and her husband living in a motorhome while they tour the country one job at a time.
I know a widow in her 60s who RVs and carries a kayak on top of her tow vehicle. I meet people every day on the RV road who have overcome serious "obstacles" to do what they love.
If folks in wheelchairs, families with young children, a couple with an iguana and a 60 year-old widow are all RVing, then perhaps your "obstacles" can be overcome as well.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Read more of Jim's work at his blog "RV Now"
RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury will return soon.
New blog debuts with Julianne Crane
RVtravel.com is proud to announce that veteran newspaper reporter Julianne Crane is now part of the RV Travel blog community. Her column RV Wheel Life appeared weekly for years in the Spokane Spokesman Review newspaper and on its website. It was the only weekly column about RVing in any major newspaper in America. Please visit Julianne at her new cyber-home at www.RVwheelLife.com and be sure to bookmark the site so you can return again and again.
Attention Puget Sound RVers
The spring Puget Sound RV Lifestyle School will be held Saturday, April 19 at Renton Technical College in Renton, Wash. Sponsored in part by RVtravel.com, the all-day seminar will feature classes taught by RVing experts. To learn more or to sign up call 425-235-2352, ext. 5727. More information is also available at the college's website at www.RTC.edu/lifestyle and then clicking on Current Quarter Offerings. Free overnight RV dry camping is available.
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2008 Big Rig Best Bests Campground Directory
If you drive a king-sized RV, this directory is for you. The authors provide details about RV parks throughout the USA and six Canadian Provinces where RVs 32 feet and longer are welcome. Learn which campsites are best, local attractions and if WiFi Internet access is available. A must for owners of large RVs. Learn more or order.
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.
Feds issue RV recalls for February
The federal government has issued its latest round of recalls on motorhomes, travel trailers and other RVs. This round of recalls includes many RVs made by popular manufacturers. Check to see if your own RV is on the list and, if so, what needs to be done to fix a problem. Click here.
Find where to get diesel fuel
across the USA and Canada! Only $4.95!
Use this mini directory, the 2008 Fuel Finder Pocket Edition, to learn the location of 6,500 diesel fuel locations in the USA and Canada.And only $4.95. 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: January -- December -- November -- October -- September -- August -- July
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
Life on Wheels to move its Idaho home
Since its beginnings years ago, the popular Life on Wheels RV conference has been held on the campus of the University of Idaho at Moscow. But LOW will soon announce that its next Idaho conference, set for July, will be in Lewiston, Idaho instead. We will tell you more as soon as the information becomes available. In other LOW news, the May conference in Des Moines, Iowa has been canceled. Life on Wheels is sponsored in part by RVbookstore.com. Learn more about LOW.
Can your RV handle the mountains?
Ever go hiking in a high-elevation destination, such as the North Rim of the Grand Canyon? You might have noticed that you got tired sooner and breathed harder than you did in the lower elevations. That's because air becomes thinner as you go up. In fact, keep climbing and eventually you'll pass out from lack of oxygen. So what does all this have to do with RVing? Read this report.
A name that's practically synonymous with RVs
Despite a rough economic road at present for many RV manufacturers, this company still manages to produce about 10,000 motorhomes a year. And it's been in business for more than half a century. Can you guess which builder we're talking about? Click here.
Radio Station Directory -- only $2.99
The terrific directory Radio On the Road lists more than 15,000 AM and FM stations in the U.S by state, city, and broadcast format, plus a complete listing of National Public Radio stations. Retail price: $16.95. Our special price is only $2.99. Order now.
No need to wait your turn for an Internet connection
RVing couples necessarily have to do some sharing. After all, two people can't use the bathroom at the same time, and in smaller RVs even the kitchen is limited to one chef. The same goes for using the RV's Internet connection, doesn't it? Actually, with this relatively inexpensive device both RVers can get on line with separate computers simultaneously. Information.
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
How many TVs do you travel with in your RV? Answer here.
Last posted survey question
What would you do if, in the early evening, an RV with noisy, rude good ol' boys pulled into the campsite next to you? Read the results here.
Past reader surveys and results.
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 $463.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $387, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $76 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.
Inadequate screens on your RV? No problem, no bugs
Except for thoughtfully designed custom-built vehicles, no RV is perfect straight from the factory. This van conversion lacked screens on the windows and doors, but the owner found a solution. If your RV is deficient in screens or you want to upgrade the existing ones, you can do what he did.
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
FEMA knows what to do with future travel trailers
The Federal Emergency Management Agency endured embarrassment, expense and hassle while dealing with the controversy surrounding excessive formaldehyde levels in the travel trailers it purchased for the Hurricane Katrina victims. Now the FEMA has made a major decision about trailers for future disaster victims. Read about it here.
Single? Friends and activities await you on the RV road
Just because most RVers are couples doesn't mean singles can't enjoy RVing. Several organizations cater to solo RVers, and boredom and loneliness aren't in this individual's vocabulary. Read her profile.
Emergency medical insurance makes sense for RVers
Would your expenses be covered if you have a medical emergency while RVing far from your regular doctors and health-care facilities? If your spouse can't drive the RV and you are disabled on a trip, how will the rig be returned to your home base? For information on one insurance plan addressing such questions -- or workamping for the company providing the service -- click here.
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
Keep your RV water supply fresh and clean
You've probably read the section in your RV owner's manual that describes keeping your water supply fresh and clean. You've probably also read an article or two on the subject in a magazine or this newsletter. Maybe you've even attended a lecture on the topic. Nonetheless, a healthy water system is important enough to warrant an occasional reminder. So take a few minutes and brush up on the proper techniques and considerations. Click here.
Get rid of that irritating bounce on the highway
The "freeway hop." It's an annoying, tiring phenomenon that plagues many fifth-wheels and travel trailers on the road. What causes the problem and what can you do about it? Click here.
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. . .
The "huddle" in football was conceived because of a deaf football player who used sign language to communicate. The team didn't want the opposition to see his signals and in turn huddled around him.
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.
This toy hauler is cleared for takeoff
Most owners of RV toy haulers lug motorcycles or off-road vehicles. But that big garage in back will hold a lot of other things, too. See what this RVer carries in his toy hauler and start dreaming about how a toy hauler can help you pursue your hobbies on the road.
Protect your RV trip against lost keys
Every year, RV trips around the country are interrupted because of lost ignition or entry keys. It's only common sense to have some spares available just in case. Here are some thoughts on the subject.
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
Do not pull the pin and expel the contents to test your powder extinguisher. If you use a portion of the powder extinguisher, have it refilled or replaced immediately. When you have a fire extinguisher refilled, ask to shoot off the charge first (most refill stations have a special place where this can be done safely). This lets you see how far it shoots and how long a charge lasts.
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.
Eco RVing
Greener ways to hit the road.
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
De-Winterizing Tip
Depending on how your unit was winterized, it will need to be de-winterized. If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze, you need to run fresh water through the entire system until the antifreeze is gone. To remove it from the 12-volt water pump, add water to the fresh water-holding tank, turn the pump on and open all water faucets. When antifreeze is out of the system, turn the pump off and take the water heater out of the bypass mode (if applicable). Re-install any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.
-- 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
Solar Power Alternatives
More and more RVers are turning to another source of "green" energy: Wind power. Costs for wind generators, or "turbines," suitable for use on RVs are now less than $500. After the initial purchase price, wind power is free, relatively quiet, and nearly free of maintenance worries. Wind power is especially useful if you camp in areas with frequent wind such as the desert, near the ocean, or in plains areas. Combining wind and solar power is a surefire bet of nearly always having free alternative power available when boondocking.
--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.
Spelling doesn't count in the RV Kitchen
There's a conventional way and a funny way to spell this dish, but only one word describes the taste: delicious! It's the recipe of the week from the RV Kitchen, and here it is.
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
Pulling off the road
Being new to RVing, I was wondering if it is relatively safe to pull well off the road and spend the night? I have mostly been traveling Oregon, Nevada, Calif. and Ariz., and a lot of times there are places off the road, away from the road noise to do just that. Maybe going down a less traveled road to a spot? How many others do that while traveling? My DW doesn't think it's a good idea, but I have never liked crowds.
Traveling with cats
We are going to be traveling in an F250 pickup truck towing a 5th wheel from DE to MS - taking 3 days to get there. We are taking our 2 cats with us and will be in the truck approximately 6 hours per day. We plan on stopping every 1 to 2 hours and walking them on their leashes. Are there any kind of pet barriers available that will give the kitties full access to the backseat of the truck and at the same time prevent them from wandering into the front seat?
Fire extinguishers
How many fire extinguishers do you carry, what size, and where do you install or carry them? If you carry dry chemical, are you aware the powder settles in the extinguisher and must be shaken up every so often to be able to spray when needed? Is there something better than dry chemical? I thought Halon was going to be it, but apparently it displaces oxygen, or something like that, so people can't survive long in it.
Michigan campground: can you tell quality from their website
I have recently begun experiencing the life of a camper and I am still learning about what makes a quality campground. As I perform my due diligence on the internet, I am trying to compare the campgrounds that I discover to find out if they will meet my needs. I found this website and I just wanted to hear from other campers in Michigan or anywhere if this campground will be a good choice for next season. I searched and the following site came up: http://lakehuroncampground.com/ As a beginner, I am unsure if this campground is good. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Driver side mirror
Had an encounter with another truck in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel! The mirror shattered; all else is fine with the housing. Anyone know where I can order the mirror from without going to the stealership?
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 .
Follow these tips when shopping for an RV
Buying an RV, whether new or used, is an expensive proposition, and to make sure you get what you really want and need you must think differently. Just what does that mean? RVing expert Ron Jones explains.
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
"If you are not getting the cooling that you expect from your refrigerator, check the vent at roof line for birds nests or other obstructions."
--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.
RVs and alligators and jets, oh my!
RVing attracts people from all walks of life. Here's a profile of a charming family with a special mission, one you'll approve of. It's neat to see how RVs can help the folks who are serving us. Click here.
Add adventure to your RVing
Looking for some exciting activities on your next RV trip? See what's at the top of this RVer's to-do list, and why she's already done it twice. Hold on tight!
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 stressed out and nobody to choke!
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.
Grab your binoculars, RV birding fans
Many RVers enjoy birding. If you're in that category, take a look at this rare species sighted on an Arizona golf course. It might still be there if you hurry. 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.
World's cheapest car to debut soon
This probably won't be the vehicle of choice for towing behind an RV, but it sure would fit most RVers' budgets -- charge this one on your Visa card and have plenty of balance left. Wow! What a deal! 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
My wife was afraid of the dark...then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light. --Rodney Dangerfield
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 2008 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.
