Weekend of May 10, 2008
Issue 326 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 73,426 readers.
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Stay out of trouble when you cross a state line!
2008 Travelers 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 the specific gun laws of every state. Learn more or order for $12.95.
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
I have an assignment for you should you choose to accept it. Last issue, I wrote about how the airline industry, faced with record fuel prices, has reduced the weight on its planes, saving lots of money in the process. U.S. Airways, for example, replaced its heavy meal carts with models 12 pounds lighter, saving close to $2 million a year.
Of course, an airliner will burn more fuel taking off than most of us will burn in our vehicles in years. Still, there is no doubt that we can save on our own fuel bills by lightening our RV loads.
So here is my assignment: During the next week, go through your motorhome, trailer or other RV and remove items you don't need. How many coffee mugs do you now carry? Four? Five? Remove all but one or two. How many glasses? And how many place settings do you carry? Do you really need all those knives, forks and plates? How about removing a few? And how many kitchen knives could you leave at home? What about pots and pans? Do you really need a rolling pin or four spare blankets?
And your clothes? Can you get by with one heavy jacket instead of two or three? Maybe two pairs of shoes instead of five? Maybe fewer socks? Do you carry extra coat hangers?
Check your baggage compartments. How many tools don't you need? Do you carry golf clubs but hardly ever play? Leave them home.
Once you have removed all the things you really don't need, weigh what you removed on a bathroom scale. Total all the weight up. How much weight did you remove? When you have a total, click here and let me know much you unloaded. I'll report back next week.
You know. . . if a whole bunch of us did this, we could probably shave thousands of pounds of unnecessary baggage. And all together, we might save some fuel -- and some money, too.
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.
Plenty of RV recalls issued last month
April was a busy month for recalls on RVs and RV products. Refrigerator Dometic and Norcold recalled models. RV manufacturers issuing recalls included Fleetwood, Four Winds, Monaco, Host, Coachmen and others. See if your RV is involved in a recall at RV-recalls.com.
Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: March -- February -- January -- December -- November -- October -- September -- August
Get the latest news about RVing at RV News Service.
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 or order.
Get the best mileage out of your RV
As far as mileage goes, does it matter whether the fuel you put in your motorhome or tow vehicle is from a name brand or a lesser-known one? For the answer, and some general tips on squeezing every last inch of efficiency out of each gallon, click here.
Haul your fishing gear the easy way
RVers who enjoy fishing know that you've got to haul a bunch of stuff to the water: tackle box, ice chest, rods, a lawn chair, etc. This RVer fisherman found a way to make that chore easy. See if his solution would work for you. Click here.
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Just arrived!
Find Rest Areas, Welcome Centers & more
With the new 2008 Interstate Travel Guide you will quickly and easily locate rest areas, welcome centers, scenic turnouts, including a list of Flying J Travel Plaza locations popular with RVers. 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.
Live Your Road Trip Dream
Have you always dreamed of taking that long road trip but didn't know how to "get it all together" to make it happen? This how-to-guide will move you from the dreaming to the doing to live your idea of the perfect road trip dream. Learn more or order
Get your RV painted in Mexico:
Save a bunch of money!
Jim Twamley met an RVer who crossed the border to get his Class A motorhome painted. And, boy, did he save a lot of money! How much money? Find out in Jim's article (with lots of photos). Click here.
Add this useful attachment to your truck camper
Truck camper owners will be interested in reading about this handy attachment. You'll probably think of many uses for it, and the installation is a project you can handle yourself. Take a look.
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 $36.99. Learn more or order
Meet vegi-oil motorhomers at Seattle-area gathering
Does running a diesel-powered motorhome or tow vehicle on vegetable oil really save money? And how much hassle is it to collect and refine vegetable oil while traveling? You'll have a chance to find out at an informal gathering June 10 in western Washington state. A family who is traveling around the country in an RV powered by vegetable oil will be on hand to provide details and answer questions. The meeting, hosted by RVtravel.com, will also discuss saving money on the road, simplifying your RVing and green living. Don't miss this valuable, informative event. More info.
GE exits RV loan business
General Electric Co said on Monday it would stop offering loans for the purchase of consumer motorhomes and boats. GE had been the third largest source of finance for retail RV customers, with about 12 percent of the market. The company told boat and RV dealers that it would cease taking applications by July and cease underwriting new loans on Aug. 1, said Cristy Williams, a spokeswoman for GE Money, the company's consumer finance arm. The end result will be that many would-be RVers will find it more difficult to finance a new vehicle.
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.
RV Performance with Eric Davis
Since 1972 Eric Davis has addressed RV engine performance. This week he answers this question:
Wimpy gas engine. What to do?
Dear Eric,
I have a 1987, 460-powered 36-foot Foretravel Grandvilla pusher with an Allison 643 four speed. It's low on power. It has big headers, 2.5. inch exhaust on each side and an Edelbrock four barrel at least 750 cfm or more. Has anyone turbo charged a Ford 460 with good results? I'm thinking about adding small twin turbos at the far end of each header just before the muffler. The reason is there would be a little less heat. There is no room for an intercooler. What do you think? Read Eric's response at RVperformanceTips.com.
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.
Bug problem closing campgrounds in Rockies
RVers will have fewer places to camp this summer in Colorado and Wyoming thanks to bugs. The U.S. Forest Service has closed 21 popular campgrounds in the two states because trees killed by hungry bark beetles could case the trees to topple onto RVs and tents. Read more.
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!
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.
This Week's Reader Survey
Do you drive with your RV's refrigerator running on propane? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
Who will be the next president of the United States? Read the answer here.
Past reader surveys and results.
NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them out
Watch an RV being made
Maybe the nearest RV factory is too far from your home to visit, but you can at least take a virtual tour of the RV-manufacturing process in this fascinating video. After all, the more you know about how RVs are made, the wiser you'll be when it comes to buying or repairing an RV. Click here for the video.
Stop the Shaking!
with the
Steadyfast Trailer Stabilizing System
Performance, quality, and ease of use makes Steadyfast the most effective fifth wheel and travel trailer stabilizing system. Learn more here.
Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $139.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $73, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $66 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
Essential for Fulltimers!
2008 Selecting An RV Home Base
For would-be fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. Picking the wrong state can result in paying thousands of dollars extra each year in taxes or RV registration fees. Don't let that happen! This best selling guidebook is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.
Who pays warranty claims when the RV company closes?
It's an RV owner's nightmare. You recently bought an RV and now you need some repairs, but the manufacturer has shut down because of the economic decline. What about your rig's warranty? Is it still valid? Read this interesting article about such a situation.
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
Ask the RV Doctor
Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor is a well known RV author and the host of RV Roadtrips, the DIY Network cable television show. He is one of the RV industry's most sought after speakers and the host of the popular DVD Do It Yourself RV Care.
"Help, flashlight fell into black water tank!"
Dear Gary,
I dropped a plastic flashlight into the toilet and it went straight down the pipe to where I couldn't see it. I was using a flashlight to determine what might be causing a backup in my black water holding tank. Now I apparently have two problems. Do you have any ideas how I might be able to extricate a plastic flashlight which is probably lodged in a 45-degree turn going into the black water tank? Read Gary's response.
The Digital RV
Learn everything "digital" as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the internet, enjoying a stereo system that weighs ounces, managing digital photos and more.
Learn more or order.
Trivia
Every day, 21,600 cans of SPAM are opened.
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.
Write a great resume to get a road job
A resume is essential for RVers who combine their traveling with occasional work on the road. A good resume can help you land a job even if your qualifications are mediocre, while a poor one can result in a rejection regardless of superb qualifications. Read this post for some invaluable tips on preparing a resume. Click here.
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.
Fire Safety Tip from Mac McCoy
Spontaneous combustion can occur in damp charcoal. Buy charcoal fresh, keep it dry, and store it in a covered metal container. Rags soiled with auto wax or cleaners that contain petroleum products or other oil-based cleaning materials can also spontaneously combust if disposed of in a combustible container. Put dirty cleaning rags in a metal container with a lid.
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
Poor Emissions can cost you BIG!
Poor emissions and/or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40% reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION!
-- Mark Polk is the owner of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos, books and eBooks.
DVD: America's Great Road Trips & Scenic Drives
This six-DVD collection takes you down the roads less traveled to the splendor of America's most treasured national parks, the communities of the Heartland, and the distinctive charm that's uniquely American.
Learn more or order.
Inspect your RV for water damage before it's too late
Water is an insidious agent when it leaks into an RV because the damage can remain undiscovered for weeks or months. Here's how to inspect your RV for water damage so you can avoid costly repairs. Click here.
Is your RV dealer honest? Are you sure?
Most RV dealers are honest, but because a few are not, it's wise to be aware of the sort of shenanigans a dishonest dealer might pull. Best to be prepared, just in case. Read what this dealer did.
This issue's Knowledge Quiz
No Quizzes this week:
Next week:
WIN AN APPLE iPOD!
and other swell prizes
Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Rescuing Broken Solar Panels
If your solar panel takes a suicide wish and "jumps" off the roof, it may not be completely "done for." Even panels with shattered faces might be salvageable. First do an electrical check. Hook up your electrical multimeter and test for voltage in full sunlight: it should be at least 16 volts. If it is, then disconnect the meter and prepare to repair. A visit to the paint store is then in order. Pick up a pint or more of clear, exterior finish, such as might be used on boat decks. Don't go cheap and be sure you obtain a finish that will not yellow with age. Now repeatedly coat the face of the solar panel, allowing the recommended dry time between coats, and follow other instructions by the manufacturer. Put on at least three coats and put your panel back in service. It may not last forever, but you've probably "bought" a little more life from it.
--Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.
Casino Camping:
Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino benefits for RVers. Learn more and order.
Cakes are for breakfast or dinner
These cakes from the RV Kitchen have an exotic background, but they seems right at home in an RV galley. Serve them for breakfast or as a side dish with dinner. The recipe.
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.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Going to paint mural on my RV: Any hints? Tips? Paint type?
Since we first purchased our '03 Adventurer RV Class B last summer, I have been eager to paint a mural or such on the otherwise bleak exterior. Does anyone have any information on what paint to use that would be good for Canadian winters and the bits of summer we get? What kind of primer/sealer do I need? I am going to paint it with a brush, not an airbrush.
Satellite TV
I just got Dish service this winter and wanted to take my receiver camping this summer. I do not have an extra dish and the one I have is on the house, Dish 1000. I had an extra dish from DirecTV that is about 4 or 5 years old. My question is can I use this dish with my Dish receiver? I tried finding satellites with this set-up and I did get some channels; not all including locals. Is there something else I need to do to get my local channels and other channels or do I just need to get another Dish 1000? Or do I need to adjust better to get different satellites?
Diesel engine not starting after winter
I couldn't get the diesel engine to turn over. It sat in the yard for the winter. I didn't start it all winter but the batteries are fine. It sounds like it wants to start, i.e. strong batteries, but just won't. The coil light never came on either. Is it not getting heated up correctly or not getting fuel? Any suggestions out there? The RV is on 05, serviced and maintained each season. The batteries are new from last summer.
Advise Michigan to Yellowstone trip this summer
Looking to travel from Michigan to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons this summer. Anyone out there have advice for routes and places to stay? Or any advice in general?
Engine backfiring
We drive a Win Brave on a GMC chassis with gas engine. Lately the engine backfires when cold or on the slightest uphill; sometimes even a little bridge or slow speed. It does not backfire on even road or on higher speed. Does anybody know how serious of a problem this is? Maybe a tune-up can help?
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.
See more great titles about Alaska here.
Bill's Hints
"Driving high speed on a really hot day severely stresses tires. Slow down to reduce the stress, especially if you are fully loaded." --From Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy
Great books about RVing
These two books are superb -- so much terrific advice that all RVers, whether newbies or veterans, will benefit. There's tons of concise tips and advice that will make your RVing better. And a great gift (and a great little price!) These are best sellers year in and year out at RVbookstore.com.
Motorhomes Made Easy
Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy.
RVers in the South: the Bayou country awaits you
Here's an interesting outing for RVers camping in or passing through the bayou country of southern Louisiana this year. It's probably the best way to learn about this beautiful, lush area. Click here.
Riverboat casino beckons to RVers
If you enjoy gaming and are going to be RVing in the Midwest this summer, read the review of this interesting river-based casino in southern Illinois. The post also has a valuable tip about casino comps. Click here.
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
"Squirrels - nature's speed bumps."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
On sale for only $7.95. Save 50%
The ABCs of RVing
The editors of Beginners Guide to RVing (NewRV.com) answer more than 200 of the most-asked questions of beginning and novice RVers. If you are a new RVer, you will learn more in The ABCs of RVing than in six months of poking around the Internet or reading other long-winded books. Co-authored by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Learn more.
Follow this important campground rule
It's a campground safety issue most RVers don't think about but which could have dire consequences if ignored. Do you follow the rules, or are you one of the bad guys? Click here.
Worth Pondering
If it's sent by ship then it's a cargo, if it's sent by road then it's a shipment.
-- Dave 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 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.
