Weekend of July 5, 2008
Issue 334 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 73,465 readers.
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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
 |
| My campsite |
I have found a little piece of RV heaven only 33 miles from the front door of my home near Seattle. That's where I am now, in a spacious, secluded county park campsite surrounded by towering cottonwoods, dense ferns, berry bushes and other lush vegetation. A small lake is a five-minute walk away. This morning I awoke to a stereophonic bird symphony. Listen to an audio recording I made -- an unedited 30 seconds of bird song excellence.
Later, during my morning walk, an angry squirrel scolded me for entering his domain. I approached to within about 12 feet, and he barked louder, his head pointed down, butt up -- tail wagging mad-crazy as he effortlessly gripped the trunk of a mossy tree. "Get lost!" he commanded in Squirrel talk. To which I said, I will, and walked away. No big deal.
My motorhome gets about 15 miles per gallon. So I figure it cost me no more than $20 to get here and return home -- a tiny investment for a trip to Camping Paradise. This goes to show you -- or at least it shows me -- that even though fuel for an RV costs an arm and a leg these days. . . okay, maybe two arms and two legs -- it can't keep an RVer like me, and probably you, from enjoying a meaningful experience with Mother Nature, and maybe some birds and squirrels, too. So here I am, writing with my laptop computer at my dinette table, snacking on cheese and crackers, sipping juice (to be replaced later by wine). A gentle breeze is blowing in one window and out another, caressing my bare back -- nature's back scratch.
Life is swell, although, to be brutally honest, it would be better if gas were $2 a gallon. P.S. Please don't write and ask me the name of the campground where I am staying. It's secret so I can come back again and find a vacancy sign.
New website:
Burning motorhomes!
This is the ugliest website you will ever see -- one video after another of motorhomes going up in flames. It's ugly. It's sad, and it's all at MotorhomesOnFire.com. But it's a huge reminder to all of us that our homes on wheels burn easily, and when they do, they burn fast. Return to this website often for a refresher dose of the importance of being fire safe. Buy a couple more fire extinguishers, service the ones you have every year, and have a family meeting about what you would do in the unlikely case that your RV should catch fire. Visit MotorhomesOnFire.com now.
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Stay free overnight at Wal-Mart
Save $3.35 by purchasing these popular directories together. Most Wal-Mart stores permit a free overnight stay in RVs. The thick 2008 Wal-Mart Atlas provides driving directions to more than 4,000 Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs. It lists which stores sell diesel, have pharmacies -- and provides store GPS coordinates. The "Wal-Mart No Park" Directory lists more than 350 stores that DO NOT allow stays! Learn more or order.
No more RV parks like this for veteran RVer
In his RV travels, blogger Jim Twamley has stayed in many types of RV parks: some big, some small, some set in trees, others out in the open, some situated in urban areas, some way out in the boonies. Although he's open-minded and flexible, there's one type of RV park Jim absolutely refuses to go back to. See which characteristic he detests. Click here.
First lady toured war zone in flying Airstream
As wacky as that sounds, it's true. When First Lady Laura Bush toured Afghanistan in June to visit troops, she traveled from place to place in comfort, even though she was aboard a bare bones troop carrier aircraft. A specially outfitted Airstream trailer was loaded onto the plane, making for comfy digs for the first lady. Learn more and see a pic of the trailer inside the aircraft.
Max and Paddy discover a stinky pig in their motorhome
It's been almost two years since we first showed you Max and Paddy as they traveled down the road in their motorhome and discovered a pig on board. What a hoot! You'll howl with laughter at these two British lads -- fun stuff! Watch the one minute video.
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 best CD-ROM RV park and campground directory. Retail price: $59.95. Now 38% off -- only $35.97. Learn more or order
Latest RV recalls issued by feds
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: May -- April -- March -- February -- January -- December -- November -- October -- September -- August
UPDATED!
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.
REBATES ON RVs
If you're searching for a new RV, it's a buyer's market. And you should see the whopper rebates you can get right now on the purchase of a new Coachmen motorhome or trailer -- up to $5,000. Check out the special Coachmenomic Stimulus Rebate and how you can pick up an amazing deal - and then get a big fat rebate check to boot! Learn more.
New RVers: Choose the rig that's right for you
If this is your first season as an RVer, it's a wonderful time to buy an RV because the troubled economy has resulted in lots of bargains, both new and used. But what kind of RV should you get? You'll see many types as you wander through RV dealers' lots. This article will help clarify the choices. Click here.
Oops! Popular Yellowstone sign in the wrong place
A popular "Kodak Moment" sign in Yellowstone National Park has been moved. Turns out, it was in the wrong place! Maybe you have a photo of yourself in front of this sign. Find out why the park service moved it.
Cell phone laws change in two Western states
Want to yack on the celly and drive the RV? Best be careful out West. Read more.
RV Travel editor meets a real doll
When RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury entered a western Washington antique store, he ran smack dab into a real doll. "Who is she? Who was she?" he asked himself. Confused? Read his short story.
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.
Do you really need all the items in this storage unit? Most RVers carry more -- way more -- than they really need for an enjoyable road trip. The extra weight, of course, causes higher fuel consumption and extra wear and tear on the rig. Practically every cabinet, drawer and storage hold has something that doesn't need to be there. If you want to lighten your load, here's a good place to start. Click here.
Cut expenses on your next RV outing with this approach
Here's an interesting idea on how to save money on your next RV trip. The only requirement is to know someone else who loves RVing and also wants to economize. Click here.
What you need to know about RV generators
RV generators are what make your RV fully self-contained. What a feature -- instant electricity at the push of a button! But they require care: lack of it is one of the biggest problems with generators. In gasoline generators the fuel breaks down and gums up causing hard starting and surging problems. Here are some tips to keep your generator running smoothly. Read all about it.
RV Travel readers plan to cut back travels this summer
It should come as no surprise that with fuel prices heading toward $5 a gallon many RV Travel readers plan to cut back on their RV travels this summer. According to the results of our reader survey of June 20, more than 42 percent of the 1,900 readers who responded will travel fewer miles this summer than last. See the survey results.
Books, DVDs and Directories about RVing in Alaska. Click here.
RV Performance
with Eric Davis
Since 1972 Eric Davis has addressed RV engine performance.
Eric is teaching at Life on Wheels this week. He will return next issue.
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.
This Week's Reader Survey
If you could only drink one of these beverages first thing in the morning, which would it be? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
In the last five years, how many times have you spent at least two months straight traveling with your RV? Read the answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
How to repair and maintain your RV
Visit RVbookstore.com's "Do-It-Yourself" Department for books and DVDs about how to care and repair your RV. Click here.
Casino capital of the South has other attractions, too
For RVers who like casino camping and gaming, Mississippi is a special treat. As the casino capital of the South, it offers lots of exciting options. Read these two articles and see why else Mississippi is a great RVing destination. Article 1. Article 2.
RV slideouts - the good and the bad
There are definitely down-sides to RV slideouts. But the "bad" may pale in comparison to all the good things about these popular RV space extenders for motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers. Read more.
Practice takes the stress out of RV driving
Prospective or first time RV owners may be intimidated by the thought of driving and parking vehicles substantially larger than the family sedan. Some new skills are required, but learning them does not have to be a stressful experience. Read more.
Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $153.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $108, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $45 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
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.
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.
Gary answers a reader's question about a suspicious coach plug and a generator-A/C issue.
Dear RV Doctor,
Since I purchased my 31-foot Southwind motorhome one of the 30-amp power cord prongs shows evidence of arcing. One prong is burnt looking with the rubber around it melted slightly. I replaced the male end but now the new plug is doing the same thing. Any idea on what is going on or what tests to run to find the problem? Also, I recently installed a PROsine 2.0 inverter and all seemed well with one large problem: I cannot run the air conditioner on the generator power. Shore power will run it fine. When the air conditioner is turned on all AC power in the motorhome shuts off with a time delay of one to two seconds before coming back on. There was no problem running the air conditioner on shore or generator power before the installation of the inverter. I do not think there is a shore power/generator power transfer switch involved here because I have a separate female receptacle in the rear compartment that the power cord must be plugged into in order to get generator power. -- Daniel Stone
Read Gary's response.
MyMobileHomeSpace.com
Check this out -- the meeting place for owners of RVs and mobile homes. Upload pic, read a blog, lookup a recipe, laugh a little, ask a question. Now, this is one very cool website! See for yourself.
Trivia
Some motorists believe that they can be ticketed for driving barefoot. Not true! No state regulates proper footwear for operating a motor vehicle except Alabama where it is prohibited to drive a motorcycle while barefoot. Several states, though, explicitly recommend, but do not mandate the use of shoes while driving.
ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive!Learn all about them here.
RV JOKE from RVjokes.com
A young, pregnant RVer named Sally was involved in a traffic accident, but because she was riding in a sturdy Winnebago, she survived, although she was left in a coma. When she awoke a few days later in the hospital she was no longer pregnant! She asked her doctor, "What happened?" He replied, "Sally, you had twins -- a boy and a girl. Your brother named them for you." "Oh, no!" shrieked Sally. "Not my brother! His elevator doesn't go to the top floor, if you know what I mean!" The doctor replied, "Well, Sally, your brother named your daughter Denise." "Whew, that's not so bad," she replied, looking very relieved. Then, hesitantly, she asked, "What's the boy's name?" "Denephew," he said.
Break down on the road? No problem!
Get Good Sam Club's Emergency Road Service. Don't settle for less: Get the best. Learn more or sign up.
Even non-birders will enjoy watching this guy
Attention, RV birders: Here's a character to watch for next winter along the Gulf Coast, the eastern seaboard and southern California. Hint -- this bird shares a certain hair characteristic with the males of our own species. Click here.
How to safely tow a fifth wheel trailer
One of the great things about a 5th wheel RV trailer is that it tows so easily it is easy to forget you have it behind you. Still, there is a lot to know to tow this type of RV safely. Click here.
Income isn't the only benefit of RV workamping
Thinking about looking for a workamping job? The extra income is only part of the reward. Here's another valuable benefit, one even many experienced workampers don't realize they're getting. Click here.
RVer doesn't let aches and pains dampen her spirit
Have you reached the age where aches and pains are a fairly regular part of your life? Do they detract a bit from your enjoyment of RVing? RV Romance blogger Bess McBride sympathizes with you and shows that it's possible to find humor in the situation. 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.
A delicious chicken casserole from the RV Kitchen
This week's RV Kitchen delight is a chicken casserole that's easy and quick to prepare and goes great with soup. Give it a try! The recipe.
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. Check them out.
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. 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 fascinating 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.
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 http://www.rvcookbooks.com
Largest selection of RV cookbooks anywhere.
RVs serve many functions
RVs aren't just for traveling to national parks and other traditional destinations. They also make many sports activities more enjoyable and convenient. Like this one. Click here.
Easily take video clips while you're RVing
You probably take photos on your RV trips, but like many people you may be leery of video making. It's true, creating video clips used to be complicated and time-consuming. But now new technology makes video a cinch. Clips add so much animation to an RV trip; maybe it's time you gave it a try. Click here.
Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find nearly 2,000 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV. Stretch your RVing budget by staying overnight at these freebie locations.
Boondocking Tip
Cool Down That Refrigerator
Hot summer days can really raise the load on your RV refrigerator. Several things can help keep the chill on your cooler. First, reduce the number of times you open and close the box. If possible, park your rig so the back side of the refrigerator is shaded. An inexpensive, 12-volt (as appropriate to your RV electrical system) "muffin fan" mounted under the condenser coils on the outside of the refrigerator will help to blast off heat from the coils, increasing the cooling ability. Find voltage for the fan from refrigerator wiring using your electronic mulitmeter.
Books and DVDs about camping on public lands and RV boondocking.
Beginners Guide to RVing
If you're getting started RVing or are a novice learning the ropes, then check out one the Web's premiere resources for information about the basics of RVs and RVing. Expert writers including many from RVtravel.com contribute to this information-packed resource. Check out NewRVer,com.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Converter and battery charge
I thought the battery is supposed to charge when you are plugged in at a site. But ours isn't. We just had a new converter installed yesterday and I thought that was supposed to solve that issue. (We were told that the converter was "fried.") Why isn't the battery showing a full charge? There is a switch on the dashboard with a picture of a battery that is set to "green" (on?) when I drive. Does this have anything to do with it? Should it be set to the opposite position? What does this switch do anyway?
Starcraft owner's manual
Wife and I purchased a used 2003 Starcraft 23SDS. However, it did not come with an owner's manual. I called Starcraft and they sent me this photocopied manual. You cannot even see the pictures. Starcraft said they do not have any 2003 manuals. Soooooo does anybody out in RV land have an owner's manual or know where I can get a hard copy one?
Out of business
It seems like I remember two manufacturers went out of business this year, but I can't find that info now. Does anyone remember this and what companies they were? As we look around for something a little bigger, we don't want to even look at those at all.
Where to buy?
We're in central Florida where all the used motorhomes are priced sky high. We want a Class A, don't mind an older model, with a diesel engine. There's a consignment place, PPL, in Texas. From the prices, it looks like it'd be worth it to fly out and look. Generally, do y'all think it's better to buy from a dealer who MIGHT give you a 30-day something, or buy from a consignment lot? We could have it checked out thoroughly even buying through PPL. Has anyone had any experience with them or know of consignment lots closer to Florida?
Electrical for a '96 Alfa Gold
My living room slideout is not working. I am not getting power to the slide motor. The wires to the slide motor are relatively heavy compared to the wires at the slide switch inside. That makes me think there is a relay that the switch activates. Where is that located? If that is not how it works, can you shed some light on what the problem might be?
RVbuyingTips.com. Get good advice here.
Bill's Hints
"If you smell ammonia, either inside or outside your motorhome, especially around the refrigerator, you may have developed a leak in the sealed cooling loop. Monitor your temperatures carefully."
-- From Motorhomes Made Easy
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Bumper Snicker Being
"Over the hill" is much better than being under it!
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
Worth Pondering
A man's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another drink.
-- W.C. Fields
RV Links. Learn about the best RV websites at RV-links.com.
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RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributing editors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Jim Twamley. Contributing writers: Jaimie Hall, Gerry Bruder. 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.
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