Weekend of April 5, 2008
Issue 321 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 73,621 readers.
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Big Rigs Campground Directory
now available on CD-ROM
The hugely popular Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory is now available on CD-ROM. This is the premier guidebook to RV parks that cater to long RVs -- 32 feet and longer. Previously only available in printed form, the publishers have just released the information in a searchable CD-ROM. Learn more.
Editor's Corner
By guest editor Jim Twamley
Out-of-the-way National Park is worth the drive
National parks attract RVs like ants on a gumdrop. One of the least visited yet worthwhile parks in the system is Big Bend National Park in Texas. You have to want to go to Big Bend because it's not conveniently located. It's also not temperature friendly in the summer when kids are out of school, so families are more likely to opt for Yellowstone, Glacier or Yosemite. If you prefer full hook-ups, I suggest staying at the Big Bend Motor Inn and RV Campground just outside the west entrance to the park. From there you can visit all the sights in the park at your leisure.
When I think about Texas, the word "big" comes to mind because it takes a long time and a lot of fuel to move through this massive state. The many times I've driven across Texas, I had never seen what I would consider a mountain. Entering the park for the first time, I was delighted to see the "Chisos Mountains" meet the Texas sky at around 8,000 feet. The park receives its name from the Rio Grande River, as it cuts a big bend on the map dividing Mexico and Texas. A driving tour will reward you with great scenery, and there are many opportunities for hiking in this 800,000 acre park.
Big Bend National Park and the surrounding area is worth the effort. Visit the ghost town of Terlingua, take a guided canoe trip down the big river or rent a Jeep for some off-road adventure. This year "biggie size" your national park adventure at Big Bend National Park.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Read more of Jim's work at his blog "RV Now"
OPEN HOUSE April 12
at RVbookstore.com and RVtravel.com
You're invited to stop by our offices and warehouses near the ferry dock in Edmonds, Wash., on Saturday, April 12, 11am to 1pm. Join the staff of RVtravel.com and RVbookstore.com. We'll have refreshments and plenty of time to talk about RVing. Meet editor Chuck Woodbury. Arrive early and grab some freebie books. Visit the nature preserve out back for great bird watching. Find driving directions here.
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Guide to FREE Campgrounds
In two volumes -- East and West! This is the most comprehensive guide to free and inexpensive campgrounds you will find -- a "must-have" directory for RVers who want to save money on camping. Learn more: Western edition -- Eastern edition.
2008 RV Show Schedule
UPDATED THIS MONTH: 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.
Puget Sound RV Lifestyle School Coming Soon
The spring Puget Sound RV Lifestyle School will be held Sat., 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. More information is available at www.RTC.edu/lifestyle (click on Current Quarter Offerings) or at 425-235-2352, ext. 5727. Free overnight RV dry camping is available.
Hilarious! The newest sport? Motorhome racing
If you have seven minutes to spare, check out this program from the BBC about racing motorhomes. It's a giant spoof. . . but what a total hoot! You will laugh hard at this one, we guarantee. Watch it all the way through -- the best part is in the last two minutes. See it RVvideos.com.
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. 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
RV Retirement
Special LOW price!
Anyone who is close to retirement or who recently retired and is planning to spend all or part of their time traveling with an RV will find much useful information here.
Learn more or order for only $8.95.
Most RV Travel readers believe cheap gas will never return!
Did you see the results of last week's RVtravel.com reader survey, when we asked readers if they thought the price of gas would ever again drop as low as $2? Wow! The response was an overwhelming "No." See the results.
Why you should continue RVing despite fuel costs
Here's a great, feel-good article that really puts the high price of fuel in perspective. If the cost of gas or diesel is giving you second thoughts about RVing,
read this before you mothball your rig.
A windy day, a long drive, a repair bill
Uh oh. This RVer discovered that driving in high winds can result in some surprises. Take a look at her photos. On the other hand, maybe the wind was coincidental. Maybe this damage would have occurred even in a zero wind, just from the normal driving. What do you think?
Read her account.
Look what you can find at RVbookstore.com!
Books and DVDs for beginning or aspiring RVers.
Books and DVDs about how to use everything on an RV.
Fulltime RVing: Living on the road books and DVDs.
DVDs and books about RV repair and maintenance.
Towing Guides: Books and DVDs that show you how to do it.
DVDs about RVing: See our huge selection!
RV Cookbooks: Wow! We have the biggest selection anywhere!
How to avoid a bad RV salespersonWhen you're shopping for a new RV, an RV salesperson can be an invaluable advisor or a devious gold digger. How can you tell which type of sales rep you're dealing with the next time you visit a dealer's lot or RV show?
Don't miss this article.Bring your four-wheeler RVing without a toy haulerYou don't need to buy a big toy hauler to bring your four-wheeler with you on your RVing trips. If you have a travel trailer,
here's another option.
DVD: Do It Yourself RV Care -- NEW!
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, shows you how to maintain and care for your RV. This 63-minute DVD was produced in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
Learn more or order at a discount price.
This Week's Reader Survey
In most instances, where do you get your RV repaired or serviced?
Answer here.
Last week's survey question
Do you believe that the price of gasoline will ever again drop to $2 a gallon? 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
Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $459.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $407, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $52 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
Best Seller!
2008 Next Exit Directory
Essential guide! 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.
Casino campers: largest reservation to open first casino
Many Native American tribes operate casinos. Now the country's largest Indian nation, located in prime RVing country, is finally getting into the casino business. Will the reservation's new casino be RV friendly? Info.
RV makers face new challenge in Katrina trailers case
The saga continues. And the latest development in the case of the formaldehyde-tainted Katrina trailers is bad news for RV manufacturers. At a time when they're already struggling with economic woes, this is the last thing they need. Read about it here.
New RV service available to motorsport event fans
RVers who enjoy attending motorsport events such as NASCAR races might be interested in a new technical and information service. If you subscribe to this service and you drive or tow your RV to an event, you'll have an impressive range of benefits at your fingertips. Details.
Best seller. . .
National Park Service Camping Guide
This book is a wonderful resource for anyone who enjoys camping in a National Park. Learn about nearly 450 campgrounds in 121 National Park Service areas -- home to more than 25,000 campsites. Learn more or order.
Wanted: RVers who help others
Do you use your RV in some way that benefits people? If so, RV writer Julianne Crane wants to hear from you. Here's why.
California park is paradise for off-road boondockers
Here's a wonderful destination for boondockers and off-road recreation fans. It's got 80,000 acres to explore, including lots of sand dunes. And the dry-camping is free. Information.
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.
Buying an RV the Smart Way
I Have A Convection Oven in My RV. Now What?
The ABCs of Pop Up Campers
Boondocking Tips - More Fun Without Hookups
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing
A Collection of RV Tips
RV Awning Use and Care
RV Care and Maintenance
Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List
The danger that might be lurking at your next RV park
RV parks are so convenient. Just pull into one at the end of a day of traveling, insert the power plug in the receptacle at your site and presto! Power for the microwave, the air-conditioner, the TV and whatever other electrical need you have. But be careful; sometimes that power is harmful or downright dangerous. Here's why, and what you can do to protect yourself and your rig. 
2008 Rand McNally
Motor Carriers' Road Atlas
RVers who drive big RVs can travel with peace of mind with this truckers' road atlas as their guide by avoiding low overpasses and roads where a big rig could get in a pickle. Learn more.
Trivia. . .
Charles Lindbergh took only four sandwiches with him on his famous solo transatlantic flight.
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.
Consider this timely use of your old RV
Some RVers who return to the Bureau of Land Management's long-term visitor areas in southern California and Arizona year after year use an old trailer as a storage unit. If you have an old RV you no longer need, here's an even better use for it. Watch the video.
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. Learn more or order.
Check out all these great books about "RVing On A Shoestring
Fire Safety Tip
from Mac McCoy
The first rule of RV firefighting is to save lives first and property second. Get yourself and your family to safety before attempting to extinguish a fire. Only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others should you use firefighting aids on hand.
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:
Celebrity RVer
More famous people are taking up the RV lifestyle. Read about the stars and their RVing lifestyles in this blog.
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.
RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.
Wheel Life
Veteran RV reporter Julianne Crane keeps you up-to-date with news and information about RVing, RVers and the RV lifestyle. Always entertaining!
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
Looking for new recipes? Check out www.RVcookBooks.com
Largest selection of RV Cookbooks anywhere!
RV Tech Corner
with Mark Polk
Be safe with your generator
Safety first! Always keep in mind when you use a generator there is carbon monoxide. You should always inspect the exhaust system on the generator set before using it. Do not operate a generator with a damaged exhaust system. If you're using a portable generator set, make sure the exhaust is directed away from the camping area. Test your carbon monoxide detector for proper operation prior to using the generator. Never run a generator when you or anyone else is sleeping. Observe campground etiquette. Do not run your generator after quiet hours.
-- Mark Polk is the host of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos.
Best book on the subject
The Complete Book of Boondock RVing
Yearn to camp in the wild beside a babbling mountain brook or with a remote panoramic vista? This is the complete guide to camping without hookups (aka "dry camping"). Learn more or order.
Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Need to Keep Cool?
You can keep you and your rig cool without the expense of firing up your air conditioner even on fairly hot days. One secret is properly using your rig's awning, combined with a shade cloth screen. Orient your rig so that as little of the rig is "seen" by the sun during the hot part of the day. Run out your awning, and tilt it to provide as much shade as possible. Some RV suppliers sell "awning track eyelets" which are reinforced cloth gadgets that fit in your RV awning track. With these gizmos in place, hook one end of an "S" hook in the awning track, the other end to an eyelet in your shade cloth. Voila! Instant "Arizona Room," where you can retreat from the heat of the day.
--Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.
Best seller. . .
RV Camping In State Parks
Learn about over 1,650 state parks and recreation areas in 49 states that have camping facilities suitable for RVs. A great resource.
Learn more or order.
A "melting pot" casserole for a gathering of RVers
Who says you can't please everybody? This is an economical, easy-to-prepare casserole that's just right for a mixed crowd at an RV potluck. The recipe.
Build your own motorhome
People build their own furniture, boats and cabins; why not an RV? This man bought an old school bus for $2,000 and converted it into a motorhome. In a blog with photos, he describes how he did it. For a link to the blog, click here.
The 2008 Milepost
is THE guide for heading to Alaska
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.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Charging 6 volt golf cart batteries
I have a 12v automatic battery charger that says for 12 volt batteries only. I use two 6v golf cart batteries connected in series for my rig. Does anyone know if I can charge these with a 12v charger, as long as the two 6v batteries are connected in series while charging?
Making the Banks plunge
I'm on the verge of ordering the complete Banks system for the old beater. Am I really going to be able to get the old exhaust manifold bolts out without breaking them? And after I break them off in the head, then what?
Scot 1972 travel trailer
Does anyone know how I can find out information on a Scot 1972 travel trailer? Have any of you ever heard of it? I have one and can't seem to locate information on it.
Plexiglass door
We have seen this done on a few campers and need some advice. They have put plexiglass on the door. This would be a great idea so that we can have the air on, but be able to see out also. We had tried to do this, but sometimes the glass "warps." So my question is, how do you keep the "glass" in place? Does anyone out there have any advice?
Buying an RV the Smart Way -- ONLY $9.95
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.
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
"Holding tanks can freeze, particularly while driving in subzero weather. Dumping valves can (and will) freeze and become unusable until thawed. A hair dryer is most useful for this."
--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.
Is there a Wal-Mart supercenter in Quartzsite's future?
A Wal-Mart supercenter is an RVer's favorite store for variety and economy. That's why many of the thousands of snowbirds who spend each winter at Quartzsite, Arizona, drive all the way to Yuma or Lake Havasu City to shop at the nearest Wal-Mart. How they'd love to have a closer supercenter. Hey, wasn't Wal-Mart planning to build a new supercenter at Blythe, just down the road from Quartzsite? What happened? The story.
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
I Need Someone Really Bad. Are You Really Bad?
Easy RV Recipes
This is an oldie but goodie, packed with yummy recipes plus advice about stocking in the RV kitchen, pre-trip food planning and great recipes for cooking over the campfire when you're "roughing it." Learn more.
Don't miss this attraction in Yuma
Besides sunny skies and warm temperatures, Yuma, Arizona, offers many interesting attractions to winter snowbirds. Here's one you'll enjoy visiting but will be glad you don't reside in. Click here.
View some snowbirds. No, not THOSE snowbirds
There are snowbirds, and then there are snowbirds. Down in the desert country, of course, you can see lots of RV snowbirds. Blogger Jim Twamley has found some of the winged variety, too. Take a look.
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.
The perfect RVing travel guide
As you get ready for the upcoming RVing season, are you wondering where to go, where to stay, what to see and do? Here's the perfect travel book for you, one written specifically for RVers. This could be the most valuable book in any RVer's library. Take a look.
Headed to Alaska?
Check out RVbookstore.com's selection of books and DVDs about travel to and in Alaska. Click here.
Worth Pondering
Life is tough, and if you have the ability to laugh at it you have the ability to enjoy it. -- Salma Hayek
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.
Need RV Insurance?
Click here for a free quote from Good Sam VIP.
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.
