RV Travel 359: Big RV dealer selling new RVs for half price

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Weekend of January 3, 2009

Issue 359 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 71,204 readers.

Updated for 2009
Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
This 2009 directory is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer free overnight stays. Plus get tips and information about other casino benefits for RVers. Learn more or order.

To ensure you continue to receive email alerts for this newsletter, please place the following email address in your own email address book: rvtraveler@topica.email-publisher.com

Editor's corner

By Chuck Woodbury

EDITOR'S VIDEO COMMENT: No video comment this week

Dear reader,
Happy New Year! What a year it has been! I, for one, am very thankful that 2008 is gone.

So here comes 2009! Most economists agree that a return to prosperity isn't coming soon. . . maybe in 2010. RV sales were dismal in 2008 and they are expected to be even worse next year (read what our blogger Jim Twamley thinks). It is not a good time to be in the RV business.

That's the bad news. The good news is that the price of gas and diesel fuel is cheaper than it's been in years. So for those of us who already own RVs and still have money and time to travel, it's a superb time to hit the road. The other good news is that there's a glut of new RVs on dealer lots. Those RV dealers are hurtin' for business, so bargains are everywhere. You will likely never find a better time to buy an RV at a bargain price.

I'M HEADED OUT IN MY MOTORHOME in a couple of weeks for a relaxed roadtrip to the Southwest. I need to just get away and be in my tiny home on wheels. No matter how bad the state of the nation or the world, I feel comfort and a sense of peace in my RV. See that photo above? That's where I plan to be in three weeks -- rolling down a highway like that, daydreaming, sorting out all my worries and cares (the photo, by the way, was taken in Death Valley, Calif.).

I'll be writing in my blog as I travel and doing frequent updates on Twitter. If I'm in your neighborhood, let me know.

Follow me on Twitter

Twitter.com is a website where people write very short postings (usually about 20 words or less) about what they are doing right at that moment. To sign up to read my Twitter comments click here. It's free.

RV Show season moves into high gear
It's that time of year -- RV Show season. We've updated our RV Show schedule with all events through the end of summer. See which shows are coming to your area.

California RV dealer offers new RVs at half price
Altman's Winnebago, one of southern California's largest RV dealers, announced Thursday that it will sell new motorhomes, toy haulers, fifth wheels, and travel trailers at up to 50 percent off their original prices. For example, a brand new, fully equipped 30' Winnebago Class A motorhome, originally priced at $83,258 will be available for $41,629. Learn more.

2008 Wal-Mart Atlas & FREE Bonus
"No Overnight RV Parking" Directory
Order the best-selling Wal-Mart Atlas and receive the "No Overnight Parking" Directory for FREE. SAVE $9.90! Most Wal-Mart stores permit a free overnight stay in RVs. The 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 it provides store GPS coordinates. The "No Park" Directory lists more than 350 stores that DO NOT allow stays! Learn more or order.

Homer Simpson shops for an RV
Get ready to laugh. In this three-minute clip from the Simpson's TV show, Homer and the family visit an RV dealer in search of a new RV. Homer wants something big, but Marge is afraid it might cost too much! Wait until you see the RV salesman in action -- chances are you have run into a similar fellow! You should love this. Watch the video.

Dan Gamel RV closes . . . again!
Dan Gamel RV is closing all but one of its remaining dealerships, leaving 150 workers without a job. Several months ago the company made the same announcement, but then kept some dealerships open after working out a direct distribution deal with Coachmen. Only the dealership in Redding, Calif., will remain open. Dan Gamel says he'll sell RVs over the Internet or by appointment. The California-based company was once the fourth largest RV dealer in the country. Mr. Gamel said he plans to open stores in malls to attract buyers that may not come onto an RV dealer's lot.

November RV shipments plunge to 30-year low
RV shipments by U.S. manufacturers tumbled a whopping 72 percent in November, the lowest in 30 years. Deliveries to retailers plunged from 21,500 in November, 2007 to only 6,000 in November, 2008. "Credit tightening, both in retail and wholesale financing, has driven industry production totals dramatically lower," and even fewer deliveries may be recorded for December, said the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). RV shipments are expected to be even lower in 2009.

Diesel powered RVs favored by readers of this newsletter
According to a survey in the last issue of this newsletter, 55 percent of the more than 1,600 readers who responded would buy a diesel-powered motorhome or tow vehicle if they were buying an RV today. Forty-five percent would prefer a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Send for our FREE catalog!
Drive the Alcan to America's Last Frontier, envision yourself on Nova Scotia's miles of coastal drives, celebrate Mardi Gras, cross the border to sunny Mexico, form friendships you'll treasure the rest of your days. All arrangements, including RV parks, by Tracks RV Tours, est. 1975. Click here for your FREE full-color magazine of our many adventures or call 800-351-6053.

How to use under-utilized space in your RV
Jim Twamley shows you how to maximize the use of the space in your RV. In this installment, he shows you how to transform a motorhome's driver's area into a useful work area when the RV is parked.

Flying J files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Next to Wal-Mart, Flying J Truck stops are perhaps the most popular stopping places for fulltime and other avid RVers. And now, while RVers are celebrating the huge and sudden drop in gas and diesel prices, Flying J is claiming that those low prices have put the nation's largest chain of truck stops in big financial trouble. Last week the company filed for protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws. Flying J will keep its doors open while it works its way out of its current mess.

Rent an RV for $24 a night!

Cruise America has a deal for you if you're willing to travel from the Midwest to California or Nevada. The company will rent a limited number of brand new mini-motorhomes from their Midwest factories to either Los Angeles, San Francisco or Las Vegas. One way departures from South Bend, IN, start March 16 and from Franklin Park, IL, on March 23. A seven night minimum is required and costs $168, which includes 2,000 free miles. Many other special deals are also available. Learn more.

Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!

Online course teaches RVers how to get jobs on the RV road
Do you want to travel the country in your RV but don't have enough money to do it? There's a way -- by working as you travel. But how do you get a job? Get the answer at the upcoming online workshop, Workamping 101: Getting Your First Workamper Job. The six-session course begins Jan. 24. It will be held using Workamper.com's Webinar technology, so students can attend from wherever they are as long as they have a computer with Internet access. Learn more.

The Care and Feeding of RV Steps
Regardless of whether your rig has "manual" steps or fancy automatically extending motorized steps, either way, they need regular maintenance to stay happy and healthy. It's relatively easy, and inexpensive, and just about any RVer can do it.

Fulltimer Scammed Out of Life Savings
One day, a fulltime RVer thought she was well off, with plenty of savings to enjoy her fulltime lifestyle. Then, literally overnight, she learned she was broke, and could even lose her motorhome. Learn more.

Drive your big RV easier, safer
Drive your big rig RV anywhere without fear of hitting or scraping something -- on interstates, narrow roads and bridges and through scary construction zones with restrictive cement dividers. Relax about drifting into the wrong lane or side-swiping something. You'll wonder why Lane Seeker is not required equipment on all wide body vehicles. Retail $49.99. Our price only $19.99. Learn more or order.

Without new financing, RV maker Country Coach may close
RV maker Country Coach of Junction City, Ore., says it may shut down its factory in March unless it finds new financing. Read more.

How to maintain your RV generator
RV expert Mark Polk shows you how to maintain your RV's generator in this short video clip. Follow Mark's instructions and your generator will keep going and going and . . . Watch the video.

RVs FOR SALE
Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Truck Campers, Pop ups and much more. See the big selection at NewRVer.com. Click here

Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RV-Recalls.com. Here are the most recent ones: November -- October -- September -- August -- July -- June -- May -- April -- March -- February -- January

Best Selling Directory of RV Services at Truck Stops!

2009 RVer's Friend

This best-selling directory lists RV services at truck stops with free "camping," dumps, Internet, propane, repair services & more. Truck stops offer more to RVers than ever. Let this best selling book be your guide. Order the 2009 edition now! Learn more or order.

UPDATED
2009 Fall RV Show Schedule
Learn about RV shows through the winter of 2009. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area.

Get an email alert for upcoming issues of this newsletter. It only takes 20 seconds to sign up. Your email address is never sold or shared with outsiders. No exceptions.

READ BACK ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER: Click here.

Workhorse UFO Chassis

The hottest RV chassis going these days is the UFO from Workhorse. Poke around the company's website to learn about this chassis, and about everything else going on at Workhorse (which is a LOT). Don't miss the entertaining videos. Learn more.

Early travel trailer was made of fiberglass and had a slideout
Laminate siding, plastics, vinyl and fiberglass are all common materials used in RV construction today. Newer technologies like carbon fiber promise to make RVs stronger and much lighter in the future. RV manufacturing has come a long way in the last 50 years but you may be surprised to learn that some of these materials were being used long ago. Read about an early RV that was built with fiberglass.

NuWa to stop making RVs
Fifth wheel RV manufacturer NuWa Industries has announced that it will quit manufacturing RVs in late January. NuWa is the manufacturer of HitchHiker, SnowBird, and Stow-A-Wa fifth-wheels and is the oldest existing manufacturer of fifth wheel trailers. Read more.

Diesel fuel slips below $2 in Quartzsite, Arizona
In their blog The RV Travels of Earl and Linda, the couple reported on Dec. 27 that, "the last price we paid for diesel when we filled up early in the month was $2.099; however, we've noticed as we've driven around town that it's been as low as $1.919!" Meanwhile, GasBuddy.com shows that the best price for regular unleaded gasoline is at the Chevron station, where it is $1.59 a gallon.

Special low price of $14.97!
2009 Trailer Life Campground Directory
This is the biggest selling directory of RV parks and campgrounds. If you travel by RV you need this! Check out our special low price. Cover price $24.95. Our price right now only $14.97. Order now.

A Woman's Perspective
By Adrienne Kristine

Critter Control
If you boondock occasionally or stay in a forested area for a while, you might have problems with various unwelcome visitors: ants, spiders, wasps, hornets and mice are the most common. To prevent ants from traveling up the electrical cable, water or sewer hose, I use an old formula I learned years ago from an RVing friend. Take a half cup of petroleum jelly and stir in two heaping teaspoons of cayenne pepper. Smear the goop over every possible opening into your RV. The ants hate it because it sticks to their feet, ditto for spiders and mice can't stand the taste. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the ground around your tires and you'll keep most bugs away. For mud daubers or hornets, light a sage wand and use it as a smudge stick to disorient them while you knock down the nest.

RV Cookbooks: Big selection at RVbookstore.com

The RV Kitchen

Janet Groene's Texas Turkey
Use cooked turkey or chicken to make a meal for eight hungry, happy campers. If you're a smaller family, simply freeze it in two or four batches to bake hot, fresh and bubbly each time. This is yummy. Get the recipe.

Explorer RV Insurance
GET A FREE QUOTE
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.

This Week's Reader Survey
How likely is it that you will buy an RV in 2009? Answer here.

Last week's survey question
If you were to buy a new RV or tow vehicle today, would it be powered by gasoline or diesel fuel? Read the answer here.

Past reader surveys and results

See Sarah's beautiful state!
DVD: RVing Alaska
(with Joe and Vicki Kieva)
Learn everything you need to know about traveling by RV to and from Alaska via the Alaska Highway and the Alaska ferry. Essential viewing for Alaska-bound RVers. Learn more or order.

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.

Strong ammonia smell in fridge worries RVer

Dear RV Doctor,
This past weekend my fiance and I were preparing to load up the Winnebago to head home. All of a sudden we smelled the strong odor of ammonia. Five minutes before that I had restarted the refrigerator on propane. I opened the freezer and was almost knocked out by the overwhelming odor. My first guess would be a problem with the refrigerator (duh). Where should I start looking for the problem? What should I look for? I'm guessing the fridge is original equipment making it about 16 years old. It also didn't work very well on AC. Should I just start shopping for a new fridge? --Danny May

Read Gary's response.

Read previous RV Doctor columns

Bella Terra RV Resort
Now Open for Rental Occupancy!
Your dream of five-star, luxury RV living is becoming a reality. At Bella Terra of Gulf Shores, we pride ourselves on creating unique travel experiences for our guests. Make a RV lot reservation now. Call toll free 1-866-475-7746 or complete our reservation form online.

Take a 3-minute
video tour of Bella Terra.

RV Boondocking Tips

Three tips for boondockers
By Russ and Tina De Maris

Don't waste cold water: While running the hot water tap, don't waste the cold water that precedes the hot stuff. Save the tepid stuff in a pan for other uses like tooth brushing, washing, etc.

Save On Toilet Rinse Water: Sometimes running water into the toilet bowl is done to simply "evacuate" toilet paper. Under the right circumstances, you may be able to toss the tissue in the trash and save the otherwise wasted rinse water.

Clean Up with Cleaning Wipes: A byproduct of our germaphobe modern age, treated "cleanup" wipes may have their place in the RV. Instead of digging out cleaning rags, solutions, a bucket and precious fresh water, simply clean up smaller spills on counters and floors with the pre-treated toss-out wipes.

Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.

Are you a veteran boondocker?
Would you please share some of your tips and tricks at our RVtravel.com reader forum? We'll reprint some of your comments in this newsletter each week.

Books and DVDs about camping on public lands and RV boondocking.

Visit Arizona's
Finest RV Resorts
Leave the cold and enter the warmth and fun of sunny Arizona. Click here to view resorts

Mark Polk's RV Tech Tips

Carrying portable air compressor in your RV is good idea

Every RVer needs to understand the importance of tires and proper tire pressure. The problem that can sometimes occur is while on the road there is no available air support to check tire pressure. If you wait until you're on the road to check tire pressure, the tires are too hot for correct evaluation. And that's why you might want to consider a portable air compressor. Here are a few pointers about what compressor to purchase.

Find out about DVDs and eBooks by RV expert Mark Polk.

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.

Check out these RV Travel Forum discussions

Heat tape on RV water hoses
A forum member writes: Well, it's that time of year again and I'm sure that the question of heat tapes and water hoses will pop up as it always does when cold weather comes. Here is a post that I made a few years ago and placed on several RV forums to hopefully help folks with their questions on proper use of a heat tape. Maybe once again, it will help some of you.

Hauling bicycles on an RV
We recently purchased a Class A motorhome and are considering either a ladder-type attachment on which to place two bicycles on the rear roof ladder or, alternatively, using a carrier that fits into the square tow hitch on the back. Any suggestions as to which way is the most efficient in terms of retrieving the bikes and/or trying to keep road junk off the bikes? Seems to me they would be kept cleaner with the ladder approach. Any particular brand of attachment that you suggest?

Advice needed on new tires for tow vehicle
I'm a newbie towing a 25' pre-owned Airstream, weight 7000 lbs. I need new tires for my towing vehicle, a Ford Explorer V8, tire size 235-65R18. I'm not looking for off road tires but prefer a smoother, quiet ride for when not towing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, my present tires require no more than 44 psi and are currently set at 32 psi. What should they be set at when towing? My trailer weight would only be loaded with about 200 lbs of goods.

Confused about running RV on 12-volt power
I have been reading around the board and see that people run their TVs using 12v with a power inverter. I have outlets that have a 12v plug with the cable hookup. Why isn't the 110ac plug being utilized? I'm sure there is a good reason, but just don't know why. If it is so you can watch TV with no electrical hookups, how do you keep your battery from dying?

Interesting Forum:

Women RVers: If you're a woman and travel by RV or want to, then here's where you can ask a question, answer one from another forum member, or just share information that you think would be helpful to other women who travel by RV or who would like to someday.

Read other Forum discussions

Big Rigs Campground Directory CD-ROM
The hugely popular Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory is now available on CD-ROM. This is the premier guidebook to RV parks that cater to long RVs -- 32 feet and longer. Learn more.

Trivia
RVers of the early 20th century were often called tin can tourists, which was not a flattering term. But it wasn't related to the RVs, which were often made of wood, canvas or other non-metallic materials. The "tin can" was a reference to the way the campers ate. A proper meal in those days was prepared from scratch. The food commonly served at early campsites came from tin cans, not a respectable way to dine.

Watch a video slide show of tin can tourists and "trailerists."

New Low Price!
Greatest DVD on Quartzsite
Take an armchair visit to Quartzsite, Arizona, a hotspot for wintering RVers. See where to camp for free, tour RV parks, learn about local attractions and more. Was $24.95. Now only $19.95 - Learn more or order.

Random RV Thought
RVs are houses in miniature that contain everything a person needs to live well, but there's no yard to mow.

Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 1,700 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV. Stretch your RVing budget by staying overnight at these freebie locations.

Bill's Hints
"Draining your fresh water tank does NOT drain the water heater tank." --From Motorhomes Made Easy.

JUST RELEASED FOR 2009
2009 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 $36.99. Learn more or order