Weekend of August 2, 2008
Issue 338 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 73,776 readers.
DVD shows how to drive a motorhome
Learn how to drive a motorhome the right way -- and the safe way -- from RVer/tour bus driver Lorrin Walsh. In this 67-minute DVD, Walsh and host Mark Polk show you everything you need to know to confidently drive a motorhome. This should be essential viewing for novice motorhome drivers, but even experienced RVers will learn a great deal as well. Save 10% on this at RVbookstore.com. Learn more or order.
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Editor's corner
By Chuck Woodbury
With high gas prices and all other increasing costs of RVing, it's good to know there are some ways to save money without significantly sacrificing the quality of the RV experience.
I am thrilled to report that our website FreeCampgrounds.com has now topped 2,000 listings of free or inexpensive (less than $10) places to stay the night in an RV. Most are not official campgrounds, but they are all places where FreeCampgrounds.com readers have spent a night on the cheap. The website is reader-driven: one reader reports on a place that he or she stayed for free or for a bare-bones price, and then others who subsequently visit the location leave their own comments about what they encountered. Sometimes they report that the camping is no longer free, or the price has gone up, or perhaps the spot has disappeared entirely (stores that once welcomed RVs may close or change their freebie policies).
Some of the best deals are city parks in small towns -- most commonly in the Midwest. Many communities have set aside campgrounds in their city parks with designated campsites and sometimes even hookups. The price is often free, or if there is a charge it's either by donation or less than $10.
I invite you to visit FreeCampgrounds.com. Before you head off on your next trip, look ahead at where you are traveling and then check the website to see if there is a handy place to stop along the way where you can save some money! Saving $25 or $30 a night over a traditional campground can help offset high gas prices.
If you know of a camping location that is not already listed, please take a few minutes to input the information for other RVers. If the pace of postings continues as it has, there may be 3,000 listings by this time next year rolls around.
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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.
RV dealer won't sell RV to buyer claiming killer bee invasion
An RVer who bought a fifth wheel trailer on eBay for a "steal of a deal" was thrilled at the bargain. But the RV dealer who auctioned the RV wasn't happy selling the bargain rig at a loss. His excuse? He claimed "Killer Bees" had invaded the RV and the insecticides used to kill them made the fifth wheel trailer too dangerous to sell. The buyer didn't buy the excuse. Find out what happened.
This racing motorhome
is not going anywhere!
Somehow we think the guy at the wheel of this burned out motorhome won't need his helmet. This RV skeleton ain't goin' nowhere. Do we agree on that?
See a larger photo.
How to understand RV weight terms
Overloading an RV, whether a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer or other recreational vehicle, can spell big trouble. Here is advice from RV expert Mark Polk about how to understand basic RV weight terms. Make sure you understand these terms before buying an RV. Click here.
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 to 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.
Volunteer at a Corps of Engineers campground
More than 300 Corps lakes and projects nationwide need volunteers to serve as campground and park hosts, to staff visitor centers, conduct programs, restore fish and wildlife habitat, maintain park trails and facilities, etc. Learn how you can be a volunteer.
Motorhome burns at motel. Not funny!
A motel guest grabbed his video camera as a motorhome went up in flames across the way next to other motel rooms. Then another guy comes up and starts to laugh, like a burning motorhome is a funny thing! Geez, what a jerk. See the video.
See more burning motorhomes (and then check your RV's fire extinguisher to make sure it is in good working order.
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.
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.
Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: June -- May -- April -- March -- February -- January -- December -- November -- October
MORE RV RECALLS AT RV-RECALLS.COM
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.
SEE HOW COACHMEN CHECKS
ITS RVs FOR WATER LEAKS
How often should you sanitize your RV's water tank?
Some RVers believe it's not necessary to sanitize their RV's fresh-water tank on a regular basis because they use their unit often. Water doesn't sit in the tank for long periods, they reason, so it doesn't stagnate. Well, they're wrong. Find out why sanitizing is necessary even if you use your RV every day, how often you should do it and what procedure to use. Click here.
Your RV awning rod can do double duty
So you thought your RV awning rod was useful only for deploying and retracting your awning? This imaginative RVer found another labor-saving way to put the rod to work. Read what he does with it, and take a look at the comment section, too. Click here.
Make your RV trips simple and green
What could be more satisfying than an RV trip filled with simple, economical pleasures and strategies that help the environment? This post has some great ideas for "green" RVing that you might want to incorporate into your trips. Click here.
Quiz time: how many campers are also RVers?
According to one statistic, about one in five Americans regularly go camping. What percentage of the campers would you estimate make their outings in an RV? Check your answer here.
FMCA:
The best club for motorhome owners
If you drive a motorhome you should join the Family Motor Coaching Association, the largest and best club exclusively for motorhome owners. Many benefits including rallies, local chapters and thick monthly magazine. Special new member price of $35. Click here to learn more or join.
RV Performance with Eric Davis
Since 1972 Eric Davis has addressed RV engine performance.
ERIC WILL RETURN IN SEPTEMBER. Read previous columns.
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
Will your next family car be more fuel efficient than your present one? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
Do you buy organic foods for your consumption and/or your family's? Read the answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
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.
Michigan destination is tops for RV family fun
The best RV park in the state, one of the country's largest horse shows and the National Cherry Festival are just a few of the reasons to make this Michigan destination part of your next RV trip. You'll find few places with more to offer an RVing family. Read more and view a video.
Glacier's red historic buses have an RV connection
If you've taken an RV trip to Glacier National Park, you've seen those red historic buses used to transport passengers on scenic tours along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Perhaps you've ridden on one. Learn what most of the 55 drivers of the buses have in common with you -- and how to get a seasonal job as a driver yourself. Click here.
Protect your camera gear on that RV day trip
RVers who like to carry a camera and video equipment on their RV hikes and day trips know there are moments when it's inconvenient to have the gear in their hands or dangling from their neck. You might need your hands free, or perhaps the exposed gear is at risk of damage from the environment. You want an effective way to carry your equipment safely. Watch this video for a suggestion.
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 replacing aging motorhome's ceiling
Dear RV Doctor,
What do I need to do to replace the interior ceiling of the roof on a 1974 Dodge Tioga? It's suffering from mildew, neglect and dry rot and needs new support beams, insulation and plywood covering. Where do I find instructions on how to proceed?
Read Gary's response.
Trivia
The typical RV owner is 49, married, owns a home and has an annual household income of $68,000.
ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.
Follow this important tip in a workamping job interview
Here's a valuable little tip for RV workampers who plan to interview for a job. It'll make you sound professional and could save lots of time and hassle down the road. Read it here.
Hang your towels with this convenient holder
Still using standard, boring, old-fashioned towel rods in your RV? Here's an attractive alternative that's inexpensive and quickly installs wherever you want. Take a look.
The most famous bear!
Who's the most famous bear in the World? Smokey Bear, of course. Smokey Bear has been working for over 50 years to remind Americans of the importance of outdoor fire safety and wildfire prevention. Because of the huge potential of wildfires in our country, Smokey's fire prevention message is always important. To learn all about Smokey and wildfire prevention, check in to this website, which is very kid-friendly, too.
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.
Try this potato treat from the RV Kitchen
Like potatoes? Most RVers do, so you'll probably love the tasty Mexi-stuffed spuds dish chef Janet Groene has whipped up in the RV Kitchen this week. When you look at the recipe, you'll realize that the potato is only the beginning of this meal. The recipe.
Which RV floor plan is best for you?
When shopping for an RV, you'll quickly discover that many different floor plans are available. Some feature a rear kitchen, some a rear lounge. This one has a separate shower and toilet, that one a combined bathroom unit. Which floor plan is best for you? This article will help you decide. Click here.
Outstanding club for full-time and avid RVers
It's been awhile since we plugged our favorite club for RVers who either RV full-time or a lot. The Escapees, with its tens of thousands of members, is, hands down, the best club for avid RVers. Its quality members' magazine is as good or better than the big-time commerical mags. The club holds rallies, and includes dozens of special interest groups which often have get-togethers. You should check out the Escapees.
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.
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. Check them out.
Books, ebooks and DVDs about
HOW TO BUY AN RV
Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs
FEATURED BLOGS:
The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.
Motorhomes On Fire
See videos of motorhomes and other RVs on fire. You will be amazed at how fast they burn. MotorhomesOnFire.com serves as a reminder to be fire-safe with your own RV.
The Digital RVer
Keep up with "all things digital" as they relate to RVs and RV travel. Lots of useful information here.
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 2008 Trailer Life RV Road Atlas
Besides showing highways and other roads, this large-format road atlas shows more than 10,000 campgrounds, plus RV service centers, tourist attractions and 1,600 state parks, plus a special Tech Tips section. Learn more or order for only $15.87. (Cover price, $29.95)
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!
FEMA won't unload surplus Katrina travel trailers
The infamous FEMA trailers are back in the news. Each day, the Federal Emergency Management Agency spends more than $350,000 to store the 100,000 surplus travel trailers it acquired for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many people are interested in buying the trailers, including one man who wants 10,000. But FEMA isn't selling and continues to pay the high storage fee. How come? Here's the answer.
Organization is devoted to women RVers
Woman RVers: do you know that there's an organization just for you? It has a magazine, an Internet chat room, local chapters (including some in Canada) with organized activities, and lots of help for all your RV questions. Why not join and form new friendships with like-minded RVers? Learn more.
RVer finds special spot for entertainment system
This RVer needed a place to install his kitchen DVD entertainment center and came up with a solution that might work for you, too. It's a simple, clever innovation. Take a look.
Buying new tires for your car or RV? Be sure to register them
When buying new tires for your RV or automobile, don't forget to fill out a tire registration form and mail it back to the manufacturer. Otherwise, you may not be informed if the tires are recalled for a defect. Learn more.
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
Will my RV extended service plan cover me if I have a tire blowout?
Mark Says: Don't get an extended service plan confused with an emergency roadside assistance plan. Some service plans do offer additional coverage and protection like a towing service or tire repair service, but most do not. Many RV manufacturers include an emergency roadside plan for a certain time period when you purchase a new RV. If the RV you buy does not come with one, I recommend you look into and purchase a good roadside assistance plan. It can be the difference between a good vacation and a ruined vacation. This is something else you will want to shop around and compare prices on before you buy. RV clubs offer discounted rates to members and there are many plans to choose from.
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 discussions
Pulling my TT
I am about to purchase a 1999 Coachman Catalina. I'm not sure about the length but I know it is over 30 feet. DO I have to use a sway bar and all the other equipment to pull it or is all of the optional? I pretty much want to know what I absolutely need to pull this thing.
Water tank capacity
Anyone know what the fresh water tank capacity of a 15-foot 1989 Lynx Prowler is? I am looking at one and the towing capacity of my Pathfinder is 3500 lbs. The GVRW on the trailer is 3265 lbs. I am kind of new to the towing game but I love this little trailer, and I want to know if I can tow it without water and not kill my vehicle.
Refrigerator warms while driving
I have a 95 Airstream Classic 36' MOHO. Fridge works great while stopped on electric or gas. If we drive for more than a few hours, the temps will start to climb. Temps will reach 60 degrees in fridge on a hot day after driving for 6-8 hours. I have tried to run on gas and electric while driving with the same results either way. When we stop for the eve, all is well, and the fridge will recover in about 1-2 hours, and stays cold until we start driving the next day. Any ideas?
Broken cord in day-night accordion shade
I have a broken slide cord in my shade. I must use a wedge or something to hold it up, or it slides back down. I can't move the frame side to side (blocked by cabinet and wall). I'm afraid to remove the screws without knowing the next step, lest I damage something. The frame must be removed to get to the day-night accordion shade to replace the cord. I can't see any mounting parts on the top of the frame, but it is very secure and won't move. Does anyone know how this is done? I have good mechanical skills, but I'm stumped!
RV value
Does anyone know how to find out the value of an RV for insurance coverage?
RVbuyingTips.com. Get good advice here.
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
Bill's Hints
The biggest single load on the trailer battery is the gas furnace blower. Try to hook-up or run your generator if you are using the furnace heavily. Even then, the built-in charger may not keep up. --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
To err is human, to blame it on somebody else shows management potential.
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
If a turtle does not have a shell is he homeless or naked? -- Anon
RV Links. Learn about the best RV websites at RV-links.com.
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Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
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.
