Weekend of August 16, 2008
Issue 340 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 73,887 readers.
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Editor's corner
By Chuck Woodbury
I wrote this essay five years ago and published it in this newsletter. Many readers responded. I thought maybe it was time to run it again. I believe everything I wrote then is the same today.
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| Is this camping? |
What is the meaning of the word "camping?" Reading RV magazines like Trailer Life, Motorhome and other slick RV periodicals, you could get the feeling that everyone is traveling around in $150,000 RVs with multiple slideouts, plasma TVs, entertainment centers, microwave ovens and queen-sized beds. Attend an RV show and you'll find RVs with sun decks on the roof, propane fireplaces, washing machines, his and her bathrooms, and wiring to accommodate satellite TV systems and broadband Internet access.
So whatever happened to packing up the family in the Chevy with a tent in the trunk or a 15-foot travel trailer behind, and heading off for a weekend of fishing and marshmallow roasting?
Is that all over? No. Not at all. Anyone who camped recently in a national forest or state park likely saw many modest RVs, tents, and serious roasting of marshmallows by the campfire. But there is no doubt that the meaning of "camping" has changed in recent times. Today, I think some people "camp" and others "RV."
"Camping" is NOT holing up in an RV the size of a Blue Whale, cooking with a microwave and watching a movie on a home entertainment system. Yet that's what many of us see when we go to a campground today. For non-RVers, especially younger ones who consider a backpack heavy equipment, a mammoth recreational vehicle is often perceived as a pockmark on the landscape.
What these people don't understand is that many of the inhabitants of the big rigs aren't out for a weekend to escape their daily hustle-bustle lives of work and child-rearing. They live in their RVs full time or at least a lot of the time. In the olden days, before RVs became so comfortable, these folks might have bought a mountain cabin for their retreat. Or maybe they would have simply stayed home and joined the country club. I'm referring here mostly to retirees.
But as each year passes, more and more younger people -- not yet retired-- are selling their homes and hitting the road. Many still work. With cell phones, laptop computers and email, it's possible to travel wherever one wants and live and work pretty much like at home. I, for one, have spent many months running my business from all parts of the globe. While exploring New Zealand by camper van, I returned voice mail messages from phone booths for a dime a minute and tended to internet business at cyber cafes. I seldom told anyone I was half a world away.
ON MY RV TRIPS IN THE USA do I always camp? No. Most of the time I attend to my business (writing and publishing), mixing in some sightseeing, hiking, and sampling of the local cafe fare. On some nights, as a reward for a productive day's work, I might treat myself to a glass of wine by a soothing campfire, temporarily resembling an honest-to-goodness "camper."
My point is this: there are still many people who camp in traditional ways. But there are more and more people who occupy campgrounds who may not participate in traditional camping activities on a day-to-day basis.
What these people do is "RV" rather than "camp." When you are on the road 365 days a year, there is plenty of time for hiking, fishing, swimming and other traditional camping activities. But for vacationers out for a week or a weekend, there's no time to waste and camping is typically the order of the day.
So do you camp or RV? If you are a member of our forum, please leave a comment. If you are not a member, then read the comments of others.
THE FUTURE OF RVing
Right now, as you read this I am traveling in a foreign land -- far away from my home near Seattle. And in this land I have seen the future of RVing. So please return next week for my comments.
DID YOU MISS THIS?
If you missed last week's cover story about a startling news report from ABC news that explains how your RV tires may be old and dangerous even if they look new, then please take the time to watch the video. This information could save your life or the life of your loved ones.
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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.
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
2008 Trailer Life Campground Directory
The 2008 Trailer Life Directory is the most comprehensive, accurate, and reliable source for campground information available, with full descriptions and details for more than 11,786 private and public campgrounds, RV service centers, LP gas locations, and tourist attractions. Learn more or order.
Compensate for fuel prices by saving in other areas
Maybe you can't do anything about high fuel prices, but you can help compensate for the extra cost by cutting back a bit in other areas. A little saved here, a little saved there can add up to more than you might think. Check out these cost-saving ideas.
Yipes! Guys blow up a trailer for fun!
Here is yet another stupid RV trick, captured in 53 mostly boring seconds. Watch a couple of guys run out of an old trailer. Then watch for 40 seconds while absolutely nothing happens, and then "boom" the trailer gets blown into a thousand pieces, maybe even ten thousand! Yup, this is a stupid RV trick all right. Don't try it unless you are stupid. Although, if you are into exploding RVs, then maybe seeing this will provide a cheap thrill. Watch the video.
DVD shows how to drive a motorhome
Learn how to drive a motorhome the right way from RV driving pro Lorrin Walsh. In this 67-minute DVD, Walsh shows you everything you need to know. 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.
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.
SEE HOW COACHMEN CHECKS
ITS RVs FOR WATER LEAKS
Fix your torn RV screen door or window
RV screen doors and windows are pretty low-maintenance, but if a hole or tear develops in one, you want to fix it right away or the local bugs will stage an invasion. Here are a couple of easy ways to do the job.
Midwest island makes a great day trip for RVers
Steeped in history and tradition, this beautiful island resort in the upper Midwest makes a wonderful destination for RVers. Life slows down here to a horse-and-buggy pace. In fact, most folks get around by foot or bicycle -- and you can actually rent a horse and buggy. Come visit the quaint shops and galleries, and sample the island's fudge. Watch the video.
Annoyance in the RV interferes with writer's work
RV romance writer/blogger Bess McBride has a problem. Something is interfering with her writing in her RV, and she wants to know if the same thing in your RV gets in the way of your work or hobby. How to do you handle the situation? Read on.
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
Do you believe that shopping with a credit card at an Internet store is as safe as at a traditional store? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
How often do you get your teeth professionally cleaned? Read the answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks and which ones offer free overnight stays in their parking lots. The fact is, more casinos all the time are soliciting the business of RVers, and many either offer attractive, bargain-priced campgrounds or a parking lot where RVers are invited to stay for free....learn more.
Messy RV chores call for this precaution
Dumping the holding tanks, hitching and unhitching, washing and waxing the unit, leveling, cleaning the barbecue grill, recaulking the roof... These are some common RV tasks, and they have one thing in common: they can get your hands dirty. So, when you tackle them, do you follow this common-sense practice?
Coachmen extends RV rebate program
Coachmen RV Group has extended its successful Coachmenomic Rebate program, according to a company press release. Consumers will now have until Sept. 30, 2008 to take advantage of hefty rebates on new Coachmen travel trailers and motorhomes. Read more.
Drive neat vehicles in this RV workamping job
Have you ever dreamed of driving a Porsche, BMW, Hummer or other exciting vehicle? Here's a job idea that will make it possible. You won't actually own what you drive, but you'll make money doing it. More info.
New casino in Iowa has many pluses and one minus
This 35,000-square-foot casino in Waterloo, Iowa, is so new many RVers don't know it exists. Its amenities make a visit worthwhile, but there's one drawback that might turn you off. Read on.
Get your FREE
Nevada Visitors Guide
Nevada is nature's breathtaking playground - with 314 mountain ranges, 24 stat parks and one of the bluest lakes in the world. Get your free visitors guide and start planning your trip today.
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.
RVs exterior striping is peeling. RVer seeks help.
Dear RV Doctor ,
The brown striping is peeling from around the outside of my 1994 Fleetwood Class C motorhome. Any suggestions for making it look better?
Read Gary's response .
National Park Service Camping Guide & RV Camping in State Parks - Save!
Here are two great guides to RV Camping in State and National Parks packaged together to save you $4.48 over purchasing them separately. Learn more or order.
Trivia
Yellowstone National Park is the world's oldest national park, having been created by congress in 1872 when Ulysses S. Grant was president. It covers 2,221,773 acres in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, but mostly Wyoming.
ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.
Article describes extent of RV industry's sales woes
Just how depressed are RV sales, and when was the last time the RV industry went through a period of such sluggish business? Here's a link to an interesting article on the matter. Click here.
Make a portable clothesline to dry your RV laundry
Many RVers like to air-dry their laundered clothes to save a few bucks. But where to hang the clothes? If your RV has a ladder, you can do what this RVing couple did and fashion a portable clothesline from PVC pipe and fittings. Read more.
The world's most unusual truck camper?
Is this contraption a truck camper? Well, sort of, but the term doesn't seem to fit completely. What would you call it? Take a look.
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.
Follow these tips for a safe RV trip
RVing is fun for the whole family, but for the driver it presents more challenges than driving a car. Whether you're a new RVer about to make your first outing or a long-time RVer, take a few moments to review the safe-driving tips in this article. Click here.
Wake up rested and refreshed in your RV
RVing wouldn't be much fun without a good night's sleep, and to achieve that a comfortable mattress is essential. Contributing editor Russ De Maris and his wife discovered that there's an art to choosing the right mattress. Read more.
RVers needed to help vets get to war memorial
Your help is needed. About 7,000 military veterans want to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., but can't afford to travel there on their own. An organization that's trying to help the vets is asking RVers to step up and volunteer. Continue.
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:
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.
The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.
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
RVer's Guide to Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 12 million acres of land and water. RVer’s Guide to Corps of Engineers Campgrounds describes over 600 Corps-managed campgrounds on nearly 200 lakes around the country. All the featured lakes have campgrounds with developed sites suitable for RVs. Learn more.
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!
Foreign visitors love RVing in America
During your RVing, you've probably seen a fair amount of rental RVs in campgrounds and on the highway. Many of them are operated by foreign visitors who figure an RV is the best way to explore our big country. Read contributing editor Jim Twamley's profile of one foreign family who rented an RV for their vacation, and be ready to extend a hearty welcome to any overseas RVers you might encounter in your travels. Click here.
Winnebago RVs in Australian road test
Winnebago has sent six RVs to Australia for a road test intended to dispel a common assumption about RVing and fuel economy. If the test makes the desired point, it could boost RV sales. Details.
Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 2,000 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV. Stretch your RVing dollars by staying overnight at these freebie locations.
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
A good way to flush and clean your RV holding tanks
Flushing and cleaning your RV holding tanks is one of those jobs like cutting the grass. You don't want to do it but every time you turn around it needs to be done. One big problem is you can't flush out the gray tank like you can the black tank. Over time grease and residue build up in the gray tank and it causes a foul odor not to mention how it is affecting the tank and valve assembly.
A company called Flush King sent me their product to test. It is a reverse flush valve that connects directly to your sewer outlet and rinses and cleans both holding tanks in one very simple operation. It works extremely well and makes a job we don't want to do much easier. When you use a wand to clean the black tank you really don't know how clean it is. The Flush King valve has a see through barrel so you know when the tanks are really clean. The company also recommends adding some Simple Green or your favorite grease cutting dish detergent down the drain to help lift residue and freshen the gray tank.
Learn about DVDs and eBooks by RV expert Mark Polk.
Fix it in Foil
Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition and quick clean-up - 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.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Broken shock mount: weld or replace?
I just had a shock absorber bracket (small plate mounted to bottom of Hayes axle) break where the shock fastens. Looks like an easy weld but I am concerned about the strength after welding. Should I have the bracket welded OR replaced? The trailer is a 1995 Alpenlite 31'. My Hayes owner's manual does not show the bracket. I would imagine this was provided by Western RV which is now closed.
4 door Dometic refer in a 2008 Select Suite
We purchased this 5th wheel coach 6 months ago and love it, BUT the refer is temperamental. I may move the coach from one location to another and might be without power or LP on for up to 8 hours. Holds temp but when it needs to refrigerate, it doesn't seem to come on whether on gas or electric. We are level, and do not change temp gauge or anything between shutting off and re-establishing power. We suspect the seal around the doors. We lock the doors each time we open and close the doors, and even push on the doors to make sure they are closed, but it will still go up to 58-59 degrees. When the doors are shut, there seems to be a little play in the seal. Is there an adjustment on the doors to make a better seal or do I have to replace the seal or do you think it may be another problem that is associated with this model of Dometic refer?
Onan Microquiet 4000 generator SPEED SENSE FAULT CODE NO 45
My generator will not stay running. It is an Onan Microquiet 4000 model 4KY FA26100J. The generator starts and then stalls out as if the fuel tank is too low. I receive error code of 45. It even stalls if I hold down the starter button. So far I replaced the fuel filter, and air filters and changed the oil (needed them for maintenance anyway). Can anyone give me insight on other troubleshooting steps?
Registering in another state
We are in the process of buying a new 38' Landmark. My question is this: we are residents of Arizona. We are buying the rig in Reno, Nevada. We are NOT ever going to tow it. We will be keeping the rig in an RV park in California and using it 5 months of the year. We do have a PO box mailing address in California where the rig is kept. Do we have to register it in Arizona? (I think we do). But to register it, do we have to take it to Arizona? Anyone been in this situation before? We are more than willing to pay sales tax and registration in AZ where our home address is, but are they going to make us take it there?
Cover of older RV: is it worth it?
My wife and I just bought a 1991 Fleetwood Tioga Montana (Class C) with only 28,000 miles. Added new roof and tires and is now in great shape. Should we invest in a cover for it? A Dupont Tyvek cover with zipper access is on sale for $309.99 at JC Whitney right now. Is a cover going to be worth the investment? I should add that we have to park it under pine trees and we have Maine winters here. While I'm at it, same question for wheel covers?
2008 Selecting An RV Home Base
For would-be fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. This book is an essential planning tool. The fact is, picking the wrong state to establish an official residence could result in spending thousands of dollars a year that could be saved by establishing a home base elsewhere. Learn more....
RVbuyingTips.com. Get good advice here.
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
Bill's Hints
"Do not stop your generator with the air conditioner running. Doing so can damage the air conditioners' motors." --From Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy
FREE SHIPPING
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Order $49 or more and choose to pay absolutely no postage or handling fees (USA addresses only). Nearly ALL orders ship same day. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it." RVbookstore.com.
Bumper Snicker
I'm not gaining weight, I'm retaining food!
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
2008 Woodall's RV Buyers Guide
Whether you're dreaming about buying a new RV or are actively shopping, Woodall's 2008 RV Buyer's Guide is your best source for learning what you need to know about virtually every new RV on the market. More than 400 RVs are profiled — motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, folding camping trailers, truck campers.....learn more or order.
Worth Pondering
To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. -- Robert M. Pirsig
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!
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