Issue 388 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.
RVs FOR SALE Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Truck Campers, Pop ups and much more. NEW & USED. See the big selection at NewRVer.com. Click here
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Dear reader, A fascinating thing has happened on the Gulf Coast of Texas involving the victims of Hurricane Ike. Many of the people who lost their homes returned in RVs for temporary shelter. But some have now decided to continue living in their RVs and not rebuild. When the next storm comes, they can simply drive away to avoid it.
Joyce Kennedy, 76, moved in with her children in Houston after her house was washed away by Ike. In April she rented an RV from a friend to park on her property while her home was being rebuilt. The transition to such cramped quarters was "earthshaking" at first, she told the Wall Street Journal. But now she finds her beachfront RV comfortable. "I'd rather be here in a trailer than in a mansion in the city," she said.
Others like Kennedy, the Journal reports, have given up plans to build homes in favor of living in RVs.
I have a feeling that a lot of people will make the same decision -- not for the same reasons as the hurricane victims -- but they will figure out that living in an RV is darn near as comfortable as living in a traditional home with a lot more freedom.
My generation -- the baby boomers -- will not earn many gold watches for years of service to one employer -- not like the generation before. Our roots are shallower: moving from place to place is not a big deal. Friends are everywhere -- not just next door or up the street -- but across the country and around the world -- in part because of having lived in different places, but also because of new technology: A buddy of mine told me recently he has more friends now than ever -- all over the place -- thanks to the Internet and the ability to stay so easily in touch with them.
When the time comes for these people to retire, I believe the ease and comfort of RVing will lure many of them to the road, with no loss of friends or community, or feeling of isolation.
I RECALL THAT WHEN I FIRST TRAVELED with a motorhome how alone and even lonely I felt at times -- no cell phone, no internet, not even dependable TV reception. Now, with my cell phone and Verizon Air Card I almost always have phone and internet service. If I want TV, a satellite dish will hook me up.
What do you bet that in the years ahead, a lot more restless, curious, adventurous people -- old, middle aged and even young -- will sell their homes, chuck their possessions (most of it junk) and hit the road? It's a life that appeals to me, and I suspect many others.
* * * Join me right here on this page as I come to you via a live video feed on Saturday, July 25 (today) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Pacific). IF YOU MISSED THIS, VIEW THE ARCHIVE HERE. Email me your questions at chuck(at)rvtravel.com and I will answer them while you watch. Next week, at the same time, join RV Doctor Gary Bunzer to answer your questions about RV maintenance and repair: He's the expert! * * * Wanted: Fulltime RVers to be interviewed for a DVD by RVtravel.com on Full-time RVing. If you live along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Sacramento, we can visit in the next month or so. Email Chuck(at)RVtravel.com if interested. Wal-Mart Atlas & Bonus "No Overnight RV Parking" Directory Order the popular Wal-Mart Atlas and receive the "No Overnight Parking" Directory for FREE. SAVE $9.90! Most Wal-Marts permit a free overnight stay in RVs. The 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 "No Park" Directory lists more than 350 stores that DO NOT allow stays! Learn more or order.
Get the latest RV news headlines at Twitter. LEARN HOW TO USE TWITTER. Get Twitter Power
Number of free & cheap campgrounds at FreeCampgrounds.com: 1,848 READ BACK ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER: Click here. RV maker Winnebago unveils 2010 motorhomes Winnebago Industries, Inc., unveiled its 2010 lineup at the company's recent Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club Grand National Rally. The lineup is highlighted by fuel efficient vehicles, a stronger diesel presence and new floorplans. Read more.
Sales of Spartan Chassis take huge drop in RV market Spartan Chassis' sales to the Class A diesel motorhome market declined 92.3 percent year-over-year in the current quarter, while backlog for RV chassis decreased 46.2 percent year-over-year to $6.7 million as of June 30. Read more.
Demystifying RV battery capacity A frequent question appearing on RV forums, "What is the formula to convert CCA (cold cranking amps) to amp-hours?" It's a good question, because sadly, many battery manufacturers don't provide information useful to RVers. It's important to have a handle on battery capacity -- how much juice you can take out of a battery -- as you'll need a sufficient amount of battery power "in the bank" when you're away from shore power. Read more.
The Next Exit: Learn what's at every Interstate exit. RVers Friend: Directory of RV services at truck stops. Corps of Engineers Camping: 600 campgrounds on 200 lakes Casino Camping: Which ones have RV parks, offer free stays, etc. Guide to Free Campgrounds: West Edition. Camp free or cheap. National Park Service Camping Guide:Essential for RVers Fifth Wheel Bible: Own a fifth wheel trailer or plan to? Guide to Dog-Friendly campgrounds and RV parks:Learn more. RV air conditioning is different from your AC at home! For many new RVers, air conditioning ought to work like back home: Turn it on, forget it. To some degree that may be true, because RV air conditioners are fairly simple appliances. But there are a few things that set them apart from "sticks and bricks" units, and knowing and working with these differences can make the difference between a comfortable trip or a miserable experience. Read all about it. Arizona's Karchner Caverns a great summer cool spot Traveling through the Arizona hot country? Its seemingly endless desert landscape can tire the patience of even the most sainted RVer. Will this hot stuff ever end? It does under the ground, and we aren't talking about taking a "dirt nap." Just off south east Arizona's Interstate 10 you'll find a cool place to visit, along with some spectacular underground scenery like you've never seen before at Karchner Caverns. Read more.
Movie newsreel marvels at RVs of 1937 Here is a fascinating newsreel clip from 1937 that marvels at the RV lifestyle. Back then RVers were called trailerists. See these RVers on the road and in trailer camps, some of which even included general stores on wheels and, as shown here, a mobile barber shop. And how about the price of a week' stay in an RV park? You won't believe it! Watch the video. Make Money while RVing Support Your RV Lifestyle by Jaimie Hall is THE guide to finding work while RVing. "Workamping" is more popular than ever. Jobs are plentiful. But it's not always easy finding one or getting the best pay. If you want to earn a part-time or even full-time income while you travel with your RV, you need this best selling book. Learn more or order. Got a big RV to back up? Get multiple view backup cameras If you've invested a quarter million in your BIG RV, it only makes sense that you don't want to accidentally back into a post and put a BIG ding in it. Big rigs generally roll out with one backup camera set up for viewing. But wouldn't it be great if you could have more than one viewing angle? Well, you can. . . and it's not expensive. Learn more.
Animal rights group proposes fishy way to save California state park With California in a big financial pickle, many proposals have come forth to rescue it from financial ruin. None are more bizarre than the proposal from PETA -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA would be willing to help keep Pescadero State Beach open if state officials would simply change its name to Sea Kitten State Beach. Learn more.
Shore power adapters keep you running There's nothing like arriving at a campground late on a hot day, craving the use of your air conditioning. You open the site electrical panel, and hey! You find out your RV plug doesn't mate up to the receptacle in the box. It happened to Russ and Tina DeMaris not long ago. Sadly, they were ill-prepared for the problem, and instead of having a free spot with electricity, they wound up locating a commercial RV park and paying to stay in an "out of level" site. Insult to injury! How do you prepare for such eventualities? Find out. National Park Service Camping Guide This book is a helpful resource for anyone who enjoys camping in a National Park. Learn about nearly 450 campgrounds in 121 National Park Service areas -- home to more than 25,000 campsites. Learn more or order.
"What you need to know in as few words as possible."
The new Fleetwood RV, Inc. expects to build 2,500 Class A and C motorhomes within the next year, resulting in about $275 million in sales while "returning the company to its roots" with an emphasis on value-priced motorhomes, according to John Draheim, president of the new company that bought some of the assets of bankrupt Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. SOURCE: RVbusiness.com
A bull bison at Yellowstone National Park gored a 55-year-old tourist Wednesday as he photographed the animal in a campground from 10 feet away. The park requires visitors to stay at least 75 feet from the animals which can weigh up to a ton and run 30 miles per hour.
RVTV will debut on the Versus cable TV network next Wednesday and Thursday (July 29 and 30) at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). The half hour show about RVing is hosted by Rob Engman. For the past five years it has appeared on the smaller Outdoor Channel. Repeats of the program will begin soon for better air times for West Coast viewers. For now, set your recorders if you can't watch live.
The Logan.Hocking Hills, Ohio KOA Kampground has been named one of the top 300 campgrounds in the United States by the Trailer Life Directory. More than 12,000 campgrounds are rated.
Seven hundred Fleetwood workers laid off in Indiana and California as a result of the purchase by a new company have been invited to apply for 650 new jobs, but at a 10 percent pay cut.
Gasoline prices are increasing around the country even though U.S. supplies have swelled for six weeks in a row. Pump prices rose the final three days this week, including a half cent Friday, to a new national average of $2.47 a gallon. It is still more than 20 cents a gallon cheaper than it was a month ago, and far less than a year ago when it was above $4.02.
All okay after motorhome crash Miraculously, nobody died in this terrible motorhome accident on Highway 28 in Anderson County, South Carolina on Friday evening. The road was expected to be closed all night for cleanup. The driver and his wife were hospitalized, but their injuries not life-threatening. Three dogs also survived. The driver was cited for going too fast for conditions.
Signature Resorts, the luxury RV division of the bankrupt Monaco Coach Corp., has been acquired by Morgan RV Resorts, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Sunland RV Resorts of La Jolla, Calif.
Police in Colorado now believe an RV collision between a motorhome and motorcycle was caused by an RVer named Mr. Cheese. A Hummer driver was being sought. Road rage may have been involved.
Where do you go if you get sick in Quartzsite? RV snowbird capital Quartzsite, Arizona sits on a crossroads. Interstate 10 and Highway 95 more or less bisect the town, and force the age old decision: If I get really sick do I go west on I-10 to Blythe or north on U.S. 95 to Parker? Find out.
Dearly departed RVers took their RV with them. . . When this RVing couple passed on to the great RV park in the sky, they took their RV right along with them. Well, sort of. See a pic and you'll understand what we're trying to say. Drinking Water Pump! Only $2.99 Now this is really cool! And for only $2.99? Yup, you read that right -- but only for RVtravel.com readers. This device uses an innovative vacuum action for easy operation. It fits most standard water bottles sizes and is easy to use. No motor. No battery. Economical. How can you go wrong for only $2.99? You can't! List price is $29.99. ONLY ONE PER PERSON AT THIS PRICE! Wow! Learn more and about our other specials for RVtravel.com readers only.
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.
Join Gary on this page next Saturday, Aug. 1, 10-11 a.m. Pacific time via a video hookup. He'll be here live to take your questions and answer them.
RVer has question about installing new toilet in RV Dear RV Doctor, How would I install a new toilet in my RV? I'd like to install a bigger one. Is the RV toilet the same as a toilet in a home with the two bolts and the wax ring? Or is it an entirely different hook up? --Armin Meyer
Read previous RV Doctor columns Check with us on the Web for last minute bargains! Send for FREE CATALOG Have fun, make friends! Drive the Alcan to America's Last Frontier, envision yourself on Nova Scotia's miles of coastal drives, cross the border to sunny Mexico, celebrate Mardi Gras, experience Grand Canyon, Glacier, Pacific NW, Great Lakes, Branson, South Africa, Australia. All arrangements including RV parks by Tracks RV Tours. Click here for your free full-color magazine or call us toll free at 800-351-6053.
This Week's Reader Survey Which of these best describes your very favorite location to stay in your RV? Answer here.
Last week's survey question Would you bend down to pick up a penny? Read the answer here.
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.Some of our features. . . --Photo of the Week --The Good Ol' Days --Tourist Attraction Spotlights --A Woman's Perspective --Working on the RV Road . . . are taking a summer vacation break. They will return in the fall. Bella Terra RV Resort FREE Summer Stay Program Bella Terra of Gulf Shores is kicking the season into high gear with a promotion you won't want to miss! Call NOW and ask about our FREE STAY Summer Vacation Program (certain restrictions apply). Also inquire about price incentives on the few remaining Phase One lots! Be sure to mention promo code - RV Travel !!! Call (866) 475-7746 or visit us at BellaTerraRVresort.com.
The 2008-2009 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 $16.95. (Cover price, $29.95)
RV Boondocking Tips
Some tips to save water 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 germophobe 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.
Janet Groene's Quick Getaway Cake On mornings when you want to get on the road to be first at a "first come, first served" campground this hearty, wholesome, fiber-rich cake makes a full breakfast. Cut cake in squares, wrap individually, and grab coffee or juice boxes and you're on your way. Bake it the day before and cool before cutting. Get the recipe.
2009 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory If you drive a king-sized RV, this directory is for you -- details on 1,100 RV parks throughout the USA and six Canadian Provinces that welcome long motorhomes and towable RVs. Learn more or order
Fulltimers: Where to make your home base For would-be fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. Picking the wrong state can result in paying thousands of dollars extra each year in taxes or RV registration fees. Don't let that happen to you! The best-selling Choosing Your RV Home Base, published in 2009, is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.
Tech Tips with Mark Polk
RVer wonders why his travel trailer tires keep blowing out
Dear Mark, We just returned from a trip and experienced two blowouts on our travel trailer within three days of each other. Weights are well within limits and tire pressure is on the money. Tire covers have been used during idle times. Last year I experienced one blowout. All three were in different locations (dual axles).
The common denominator seems to be original factory tires all with a date stamp of mid 2004. The trailer is a 2005. Last year I did 5,000 miles out West with the heat and harsh conditions to go along with it. This year I went to Maine/New Hampshire and experienced just awful road conditions. I am told that regardless of tread depth and a tires' appearance, that trailer tires begin to deteriorate from the inside and it becomes unsafe around the four to five year mark. All the tires seem to be made in China and a C rating is the best I can find for 14" tires. Here are my questions: 1) Is the deterioration thing accurate? 2) Under the conditions stated should I consider myself lucky?
Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States RVers who travel with a firearm may not know that what's legal in their home state may be a felony in another. This 2009 guide explains current, specific gun laws for every state. Don't cross a state line with a gun without knowing the laws! Learn more or order.
Question about painting inside of a travel trailer Newbie question here. Can you paint the inside walls of a travel trailer? We have a 96 Aerolite TT. We have a limited budget for decorating. Also, how do you attach pictures and things to the walls? Seems like nothing with any weight could be hung without doing damage. Comments?
Refrigerator temperature problem When I try to run the fridge on 110v, it trips the breaker. When I run on LP, the freezer gets 18 degrees F and the refridge only gets to 50 degrees F. Help!
Changing Trim on Cabinets I'm working on redecorating our camper and the cabinets are a challenge. The wood tone is fine, but there's gold trim on every one as well as the knobs. I will be changing the knobs but the gold trim is hideous to me since I'm a "silver/stainless/pewter" girl (anything but gold). Has anyone tried to paint just the trim? It would be tedious but I thought of taping around the trim and maybe spray painting or brush painting. I've seen great options in spray paint for outdoor furniture and things. If I won the lottery, I'd just get new cabinets but that's not an option.
Towing a travel trailer with a van instead of a truck? I am working up the plan for using a 1 ton G3500 van for my tow instead of a truck. While I have not done any RVing, I have done quite a bit of tent camping. I have found that carrying camping gear out of a van is much easier than a truck and so far I see no reason that living out of a RV would be any different. So does anyone out there tow with a van? Pros or cons to towing with a truck? This van is quite tall. I am thinking my van will be almost as tall as the trailer I will end up pulling. Any comments would be a great help.
Interesting Forum RVing with Children Do you travel with children on your RV trips? If so, here is where to share information about how to do it, or how to do it better. If you're full-timing with children, discuss homeschooling. And if you bring your grandkids with you, this is a good place to discuss any issues about that. This is a terrific resource. How to Buy an RV the Smart Way!-- ONLY $11.95 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 more. Learn more or order and be reading in a few minutes. Trivia Have you ever wondered how a bird finds a worm underground? Here's how: When a bird stands on the ground near a worm that is crawling underneath, it can feel the earth's vibrations with its very sensitive feet. It will also position its head to put into operation the low frequency apparatus of its ears. Then, when it zeroes in on the worm, it pierces the earth with a sudden stab of its beak, grabs the tasty morsel and gobbles it up.
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 $16.95. (Cover price, $29.95).
Random RV Thought When you're camping but away from your RV -- perhaps hiking or just taking a walk -- and all of a sudden a cold wind starts a blowin,' and then the sky opens up with rain. . . well, after you race back to your RV, open that door and step inside. . . that is one of the finest feelings in the world. Ten minutes later, after you've dried yourself off and put on dry clothes, you can relax and listen to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof, and be very happy that you are comfy as can be in your little mini-house. DVDs about National Parks and other popular scenic areas of North America. Click here. Bill's Hints "Protect your holding tank drain hose by supporting it. Don't drag it over rough surfaces. Even then, it will not last forever. At the first sign of brittleness or pinhole leaks, replace it. It is not a pretty picture when the hose ruptures while you are dumping a full black water holding tank!" --From Motorhomes Made Easy.
Bumper Snicker "If you can read this I can hit my brakes and sue you."
DVD: Learn to drive a motorhome Learn how to drive a motorhome the right way. Save 10% at RVbookstore.com. Learn more or order.
Worth Pondering "An intellectual snob is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture and not think of The Lone Ranger." --Dan Rather
READ BACK ISSUES of this newsletter: Click here. Finance your RV at RVfinancing.com RVfinancing.com is THE largest online RV financing company. Lowest rates nationwide. Visit its website or call 1-888-929-4424. Toll-free 24-hour recorded RV financing tips at 877-905-0060. Endorsed by RVtravel.com About the editor Chuck Woodbury has explored America by RV for nearly three decades. In the '90s he published a quirky travel newspaper about his adventures and was an "on the road" writer for the New York Times Syndicate. Nowadays, he lives near Seattle where he drinks massive amounts of coffee and travels often in his motorhome and sometimes by plane when vast expanses of saltwater would turn his RV into a leaky submarine. He is the host of the Better Business Bureau DVD "Buying a Recreational Vehicle," the definitive guide to purchasing an RV the right way. 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 Travel staff Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributing editors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Jim Twamley. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Clapper/Loader: Emily Woodbury. Special low price! 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. Order now
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 and the Family Motor Coaching Association. RV Travel is copyright 2009 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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RVs FOR SALE
Joyce Kennedy, 76, moved in with her children in Houston after her house was washed away by Ike. In April she rented an RV from a friend to park on her property while her home was being rebuilt. The transition to such cramped quarters was "earthshaking" at first, she told the 
What do you bet that in the years ahead, a lot more restless, curious, adventurous people -- old, middle aged and even young -- will sell their homes, chuck their possessions (most of it junk) and hit the road? It's a life that appeals to me, and I suspect many others.
RV maker Winnebago unveils 2010 motorhomes
RV air conditioning is different 
Animal rights group proposes fishy way to save California state park
RVTV
All okay after motorhome crash
Ask the RV Doctor 
The 2008-2009 Trailer Life RV Road Atlas 
2009 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory 
RVing with Children
DVDs about National Parks 
About the editor
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. 
