Weekend of July 19, 2008
Issue 336 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 73,667 readers.
Be careful with fire this summer!
Don't start a forest fire!
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Editor's corner
By Chuck Woodbury
I lost my mother last week. Ruth Woodbury was 85. Five months ago my father died at age 87.
My father died suddenly, and his death may have been caused by sloppy medical procedures, which made his passing especially sad. My mother died of natural causes. Her frail little body gave up on her, despite a mind that was as sharp, curious and fun-loving as a college girl's.
She moved in with me five months ago after my father died. In the last decade I had seen her only two or three times a year, usually for a few days at a time. Eight hundred miles separated us.
Her last five months with me were among the most wonderful, meaningful times of my life. What fun we had! We laughed often. We watched baseball games together. On sunny days, I drove her to the shore of Puget Sound where we would sit on a park bench, my arm over her shoulder, and watch the world float by.
Every night, I would tuck her into bed, hooking her up to oxygen to ease her breathing. She smoked for 30 years and paid a cruel price for it. When I attached the oxygen tube to her nose, she looked at me like a helpless child. She would stare into my eyes as I would hers. I will forever cherish that image.
I realized about a month ago that I had quit thinking of her as Mother or Mom, but as Ruthie. Frail and weak, she needed my help just as a child needs that of a parent. She was my little Ruthie.
I will miss that sweet girl very much. But I have found myself celebrating her life more than mourning her passing. Our final months together were her special gift to me -- an opportunity for me know her all over again, and to give back a bit to the woman who gave me life. While I accept that she is gone, I feel she's riding on my shoulder and will be there the rest of my days. I still hear her laugh, and it makes me smile and feel good all over.
Goodbye my sweet and beautiful Ruthie. You were the very best.
The photo: My mother at about age 20. My father carried this photo in his wallet every day the 61 years they were married.
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RV in your Retirement
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 "RV Retirement." ON SALE NOW. Learn more or order.
RV Recalls for June issued by Feds
The list of recalls of recreational vehicles in June includes those of some major manufacturers -- Winnebago, Fleetwood, Monaco, Dutchmen, Coachmen and Forest River. And there are more. See if your RV is in need of a fix. Click here.
Recent RV recalls
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
How to Buy an RV the Smart Way! -- ONLY $9.98
This eBook is delivered
instantly to your email address. Learn how to buy an RV from
RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Learn which RV is right for you,
how negotiate the best deal, and about money-saving flat-rate buying
services. Learn more about "Buying An RV the Smart Way," or order for $9.98 and be reading it in a few minutes. Works on Mac or PC.
Watch out: Gas pumps can cheat you!
RVtravel.com contributing editor Russ De Maris got a surprise recently when he learned that the meter of the gas pump he was using was charging him for fuel not being delivered. After some investigation, Russ learned that the practice is fairly common. Read all about it.
Yet another motorhome goes up in flames
A short video at our new website MotorhomesOnFire.com shows yet another motorhome turning to toast. It's amazing how fast RVs burn once they catch fire. Watch the video and then check your RV's fire extinguisher to make sure it works. Or better yet, buy another extinguisher -- one isn't enough.
Books, ebooks and DVDs about
HOW TO BUY AN RV
What price do you put on your RVing?
Sure, it hurts these days to pull into a service station with your RV, but when you put things in perspective, it hurts a lot less. Read this great little essay by blogger Adrienne Kristine, and you'll probably agree with her that some values are worth any price. Click here.
Fifth wheel trailer crashes into bank. Bad news!
Watch this fifth wheel trailer hit a bank. And we think you may weep! The video is only a few seconds long. If you own this trailer we say to you: "We are sincerely sorry for your loss." And we also say, "Boy are you stupid!" Watch the very short video.
Now look who's doing the pulling
The covered wagons of the 19th century, in a sense the forerunners of RVs, were pulled by horses or oxen. The poor beasts had to slog through mud, rain, heat, chuck holes and steep terrain as they hauled the wagons across the country. But today their descendants can relax while the modern versions of wagons do the pulling. Read more.
Michigan RV manufacturer's plant burns to ground
The factory of RV toyhauler maker American Freedom Trailers was destroyed by fire last week. "The roof completely toppled on everything so everything is under the roof," said White Pigeon Fire Chief Troy Andrews. It took crews almost four hours to contain the fire and another four hours to fight the hot spots at the Michiana, Michigan RV plant. No word yet on what caused the blaze.
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.
UPDATED!
2008 RV Show Schedule
Learn about RV shows through the fall 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.
Forget Vegas; this state has more casino camping
RVers who enjoy casino camping and gaming will find themselves in paradise in this state, which offers more casinos than in any other state. Virtually all are RV-friendly, too. Read these two reports and see if a trip to this great state fits into your RVing plans. Article 1.Article 2.
Technology complicates simplicity of ice cream truck
While staying at a campground recently, RVtravel editor Chuck Woodbury heard an ice cream truck pass by. He absent-mindedly reached for something (not his wallet). What do you think it was? Has this ever happened to you? Click here.
Yipes! Huge travel trailer!
Now here's an RV with room to roam, not just on the roads but inside the RV! RVtravel.com reader Jim Warren spotted this huge travel trailer in Washington state. See a larger photo.
RV backflow can ruin your day
Holding tanks. We all have them, and occasionally we've got to clean them. Black water tanks especially can make your life miserable when the little demons of built up crud need to be removed. We've seen plenty of occasions at the dump station when some poor shlep has pulled in with a holding tank that just doesn't want to "let loose," and they've resorted to running a water hose in and out of their black water port, churning and stirring all that evil muck. Yuck! Read all about it.
New to RVing? Don't forget lubrication
One aspect of maintenance to new RVers is keeping up with lubrication. It's important for safety and peace of mind. Read more.
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.
Amish drive buggies but accept RVs into their world
Because of their religious beliefs, the Amish of northern Indiana shun much of modern life. For instance, they drive horse-drawn buggies instead of cars and decline the use of electricity from power lines. You wouldn't think such culturally different people would have anything to do with RVs. Yet, RVs are very much a part of their world. Read why and watch an interesting video.
Make a good impression as a pet-owning workamper
RV workampers who have pets naturally want to take them along to the job site. Some employers frown on pets, though, because of previous bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners. Here are some tips on how to erase those frowns and keep your neighbors in the campground happy. Click here.
Organize your gadgets for your RV day trip
Are you the type of RVer who loves to walk around at the campground or day-trip attraction with lots of gadgets? You can cram that still camera, camcorder, cell phone, GPS, spare batteries, sunglasses and other stuff into a back pack, but then you have to take the pack off each time you need something. Here's a better idea.
Guides to Free Campgrounds
East & West - Save!
The most comprehensive guides to free and inexpensive campgrounds in the East and West, "must-haves" for RVers on a budget. Save by buying both books.
RV Performance
with Eric Davis
Since 1972 Eric Davis has addressed RV engine performance.
How can I improve the handling of my motorhome?
Dear Eric,
I am disappointed in how well my new motorhome handles: it just doesn't handle as well as I believe it should. One problem is that it wanders on a road with ruts, and it leans, and rock and rolls. I am also disappointed in the shocks. The RV has a Kodak C5500 chassis, Duramax diesel engine and an Allison transmission. Do you have any suggestions? --Ron
Read Eric's response.
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
Do you work full-time, part-time or are you unemployed or retired? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
If gas/diesel prices hit $7 a gallon will you still travel with your RV?
Read the answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
Learn 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.
Attendance down at national motorhome owners association rally
The Family Motor Coaching Association's 80th International Convention in Minnesota drew 2,400 rigs this year, down from a peak of more than 7,000 in 2000. Membership in the motorhome owners RV club stands at 114,000, down from a high of 130,000 a few years ago. FMCA leads the list of RVtravel.com's recommended clubs for motorhome enthusiasts.
Overheated RV brakes
blamed in 10 vehicle pileup
What started out as a semi-truck rollover making for a good "gawkers' gap" turned into a 10-vehicle smashup on a pretty downgrade outside of Cedar City, Utah, when a motorhome with overheated brakes got into the mix. Read more.
Sausage stomp: another winner from the RV Kitchen
A dish called the "sausage stomp" sounds pretty tasty, and when you look at the ingredients, you'll see why. It's from the RV Kitchen, which has, according to the feedback we get, a perfect track record in coming up with tasty dishes for the RVing world. The recipe.
RV tire inflation affects safety and fuel economy
You've got a lot riding on your RV's tires. Keep them inflated correctly for safety, fuel economy, and longevity. Read more.
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.
RVer seeks advice about problem switching from 12-volt to shore power.
Dear RV Doctor,
When on shore power our 12-volt lights and 120-volt items will work. I've had two new deep cycle batteries installed. A short time after disconnecting the shore power nothing will work. Could this be the converter or the battery isolator? -- Everet Eslinger
Read Gary's response.
Trivia
The Library of Congress accommodates nearly 128 million items on about 530 miles of bookshelves.
ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.
Fleetwood launches Power Bridge chassis at FMCA rally
Fleetwood Enterprises' RV Group has announced the launch of its Power Bridge Chassis, a new diesel chassis platform. The motorhome chassis is an integration of Fleetwood's bridge-beam framing technology and Freightliner's chassis construction. Highlights include 242 cubic feet of basement storage space, more functional features; and what the company says is an "industry-leading ride." Read more.
Dead batteries? Maybe you've got parasites!
Had the old RV in storage for a while, and now it's time to get over a case of "hitch itch" and hit the road? Give yourself time enough to get ready to go -- you may encounter something a lot of RVers find when they're ready to rock and roll, but the rig isn't: Dead batteries. There are mysterious causes of battery failure. We're not talking about UFOs landing on your RV roof and taking a jump-start for their warp drive. We're talking parasites. Read more.
What is boondocking?
The terms boondocking and dry camping can mean different things to different RVers, sometimes resulting in confusion. What we really need is a new term for casino and Wal-Mart parking lot stays. Read more.
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.
Drive your RV safely
Driving a motorhome or trailer rig is more challenging than driving a conventional car, so before you head out for that RV vacation this summer -- especially if you're a new RVer -- refresh your knowledge of these essential points. Click here.
Monaco to relocate Indiana operations, lay off 1,400
Motorhome manufacturer Monaco says to be strong, it needs to cut back. Find out how it plans to do that. Click here.
No rocking chair for this RVer
Having fun is what RVing is all about, and here's a senior RVer who definitely has the right attitude. Read a profile of this interesting person and learn why she has two RVs. Click here.
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
The Convection Oven Bible
Convection ovens cook faster but can frustrate users. This book is the solution, featuring 225 recipes designed specifically for convection ovens and includes information on converting your own recipes, menu suggestions, and cookware recommendations. Learn more or order.
Looking for new recipes?
Check out http://www.rvcookbooks.com
Largest selection of RV cookbooks anywhere.
Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
Poor RV sales? Not here
The weak U.S. economy has hurt RV sales in most places, but in at least one area the economic situation has actually created a market for RVs. You might want to avoid this area if you're shopping for an RV and hope to command a strong bargaining position. Read on.
Check your trailer lights without a walk-around
Here's a handy product that lets owners of a travel trailer or fifth-wheel check their RV lights without having to walk around and inspect each one individually. A video shows you how easy this product is to use. Click here.
PGA golfers opt for RV travel
These days, staying in a hotel isn't where many PGA golfers hole up while they are on the PGA golf tour. The new "hotel" is often a luxury RV. Learn more about the golfers who choose accommodations on wheels instead of fixed foundations.
Make sure your workamping resume has these elements
A workamping job resume is more than just a formality. A good one can make the difference between being hired and having to look elsewhere. So do the resumes you send out have these important elements? Employers look for them. Read on.
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.
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
Checking battery condition
When you check the condition of your battery using the monitor panel make sure the RV is not plugged into shore power. If so, you will get a false reading (fully charged). To get a more accurate reading of the battery's condition, check the monitor panel when the unit is not plugged in and turn on a couple of overhead lights to place a small load on the battery.
Learn about DVDs and eBooks by RV expert Mark Polk.
Guide to Dog-Friendly campgrounds and RV parks
Dog Friendly's Campground and RV Park Guide is a jam-packed, well-researched directory of campgrounds, filled with detailed information, about where you can camp with a dog in the USA and Canada. Learn more or order.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussionsThinking of a purchase; need some advice
My parents are thinking of purchasing a 2007 Georgetown 359 TS. This comes with a 340 hp Workhorse gas pusher. My father is a bit reluctant on the Georgetown with this particular engine due to some rumors about the engine overheating, especially since he is thinking of pulling a Durango with it. Is the engine overheating a rumor or does this actually happen? I am wondering if anyone either knows of someone or owns one themselves, and their experience with this particular model. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Also the sale price is $89,900.00 Canadian, so roughly these days $80,000.00 US. Is that an OK deal? The RV is new, not used.
1997 30' Rexhall motorhome with 460 Ford V8
Just was wondering if anyone had or knows anything about the manufacturer Rexhall motorhomes? My neighbor has a 1997 with 12,000 original miles and a Ford 460 V8 engine. How are these engines compared to the Chevy and GMC 454s?
Buying new original fabric
Does anyone know how to buy matching fabric for a motorhome? We had a little incident that where the fabric needs to be replaced and only need a few yards of original fabric to cure the problem. Has anyone had a similar situation and located the original pattern?
Refrigerator cooling question
Okay, so I have a 1995 National RV with a Dometic RM2611 refrigerator. I changed the motherboard out with a Dinosaur Electronics Micro P-711 which solved my check light problem and the fridge worked nicely. I took the MH up to Canada for 3 weeks, and the freezer kept things frozen, and the refrigerator kept things nice and cold. I just got back from a weekend trip and the freezer only got cold enough to keep things cool, and the refrigerator did not even get cold. What can I do to fix this problem?
RV storage question
Should I have my jacks down for RV storage to take the weight off the tires?
RVbuyingTips.com. Get good advice here.
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
Bill's Hints
"There are many products that can be used to minimize odors in your black water tank. Most of them help clean the tank as you drive. The gray water tank occasionally needs a deodorant." --From Motorhomes Made Easy
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 Being
If you can read this, I've lost the trailer!
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
2008 Big Rigs Best Bets 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 that welcome long RVs. A must for owners of large RVs. Learn more or order
Worth Pondering
In politics, if you want anything said ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman. -- Margaret Thatcher
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.
If you read this far, then we thank you very, very, very much.
