RV Travel: Been stranded in "Nowhere-ville?"

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RV Travel: Been stranded in "Nowhere-ville?"

Issue 232 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.

This newsletter is posted every Saturday afternoon.

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

Stay free in Wal-Mart parking lots
Learn where to find Wal-Marts, most of which allow RVers to stay overnight for free in their parking lots. It's not "camping," but it's free. Get driving directions to every store in the USA. New in the 2006 edition: Stores that sell diesel fuel! Retail price $24.95. Order Now at our Everyday Low Price of only $19.83

Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury

Every day a new piece of technology debuts. Most of the time, we don't notice right away. And yet if we stop to recall how we lived our lives in the past and how we live them today, we will see startling changes caused by these incremental technological advances.

The days of a telephone operator asking "Number please?" are long past.

How many of us used a cellular phone ten years ago? When I was half my present age, I remember reading about futuristic telephones that would fit in our pocket or purses. It seemed so wonderful, and yet so impossible. Yet look at us now. Did you answer last week's survey about cellular phone usage? Look at the results. Nearly two-thirds of the 1,300 readers who responded said that they use a cell phone for at least half of their calls. A whopping 27 percent no longer even use a traditional phone. For RVers -- especially fulltimers -- the cellular phone has become perhaps the most lifestyle-liberating technology to debut since the RV itself. It enables us to travel where we wish and never lose touch with others. Along with the Internet and laptop computer, it allows many fulltimers to run a business from the road, untethered from a fixed-place life.

To grasp how technology has changed our lives in the last few decades, page through a current magazine and look at the ads. How many of the products were sold 30 years ago? Among those yet a dream or not even conceived of back then: Cell phones, personal computers, the Internet, DVDs and CDs, digital cameras, microwave ovens, Palm Pilots, GPS devices, camcorders, ATM cards and online banking, high definition TVs, eBooks, iPods -- etc., etc.

Compare RVs from the '70s to those of today. Do you see a single slideout in the older models?

To me, it's exciting. What new devices will become part of our lives in ten years that we cannot even imagine today?

And yet I am thankful that change comes so subtly -- one day at a time. Every morning I stare into my bathroom mirror to shave. I see the same guy as the day before. Oh, the horror if we changed not by the day but by the decade. The guy I would see in my mirror on January 1, 1996 would be a far cry from the same guy in the mirror on January 1, 2006. What pain to witness such startling evidence of the march of time! In May, my driver's license expired and a new one with a new photo was required. Several weeks later, the new license appeared in my mailbox. As I replaced the old with the new, I could not ignore the change in my appearance -- nearly a decade separating the two. What happened to that young man? Who is the geezer in the new pic?

Looking on the bright side, however, in eight years I'll need to pose again: the geezer photo of today will become the "young guy" photo of then. It's all relative, isn't it?

And speaking of "relative." I gassed up my car yesterday for $2.99 a gallon -- the lowest I've paid in the Seattle area for months. I thought to myself that I was getting a bargain! How stupid is that? Of course, that's what the gas companies want, isn't it?

Quick survey: Do you expect the price of gas to be up or down 60 days from now? Respond here.

"How to buy an RV" from the Better Business Bureau
New 50-minute DVD from the BBB explains how to buy an RV. Learn how to get the best deal, the best rig (for you) and how to avoid classic buying mistakes. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. Order now for only $19.95. Available in DVD and VHS.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Magazine
Hear Chuck Woodbury talk about the new printed RV Travel Magazine. Click here.

Change in newsletter posting date
This RV Travel newsletter is now being posted Saturday afternoon at about 2 p.m., Pacific time, instead of Sunday morning as it has been for several years.

Free stuff for RVers: Check out the new RVtravel.com feature where you'll learn about RV-related products and services you can get for free.

Back issues of this newsletter can be read here.

One stop shopping for inquiring RVer minds!
America’s #1 choice for RV reading and viewing material is at RVbookstore.com. Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate with The Next Exit. Save money with the Guide to Free Campgrounds. Stay overnight in casino RV parks. Many truck stops love RVers: find out which ones. Learn how to use and maintain your RV from Mark Polk. Get expert RV buying advice from the Better Business Bureau. If you drive a big RV, the Big Rig Best Bets Campground Directory is for you. Love RVing so much you plan to go full-time? Learn how here.

This Week's Reader Survey
What's the longest you and your RV have been stuck in "Nowhere-ville" with a mechanical problem? Answer here.

Last week's survey question
Out of all your phone calls, how many do you make with a cellular phone? Read the results.

Past reader surveys and results

Eliminate Odors from your RV Holding Tank
The Xtreme Vent is a revolutionary vent that is the solution to holding tank odor. It eliminates the need for pressure build up by continually vacuuming the odor and gases from your holding tanks leaving virtually no pressure build up to force odor into your living space. This is just one of many great products at RVtoyOutlet.

RV con artist strikes again
Yet another cyber crook has tried to rip off an online RV seller with a bogus offer to buy his rig. We wrote about this common scam in a recent issue of this newsletter. Read the exact letter received recently by a recent victim, who luckily recognized the ploy.

Interstate driving conditions
If you'll be driving an Interstate highway soon, check in here for the latest reports on road conditions.

Helpful resource: Consumer Reports
If you are a regular reader of Consumer Reports Magazine you already know what a great resource it is for unbiased reviews of products and services. And often the information is particularly relevant to RVers. The August issue, for example, includes reviews of portable GPS units, folding bicycles, and Honda's new, small "Fit" model (maybe a good dinghy candidate). Get subscription information at the Consumer Reports website. And don't miss the review of the tiny Smart Cars that we wrote about last week.

Wow! 4.99% financing at Poulsbo RV!
Get your dream RV from one of America's biggest RV dealers, Poulsbo RV. And through July 30, you'll get super-low 4.99 percent financing on every RV (some rules apply). No matter where you live, it's worth buying from Poulsbo RV where you always get a great price. Check out our website. Or call our Internet sales experts toll free at 1-888-538-9400.
Articles from the RV family of websites

The last thing you need when you're traveling is to receive aggravating "exclusive offers" along with your forwarded mail. So what do you do?

Buying a used RV is a bit like gambling at the race track: When you win, you could win big. But, there's always the chance you could lose! Fortunately, with a little homework and patience, you can dramatically increase the odds of winning. Learn how.

After owning six motorhomes and two travel trailers, these RVers have done a lot of stupid things. Here, they admit to some of their most embarrassing ones and offer advice about how other RVers can avoid a similar fate.

Dry camp longer: conserve freshwater usage plus decrease the amount of water going into your gray tank by taking more efficient showers. Often called a "Navy" shower, this is a technique the Navy uses to decrease the amount of shower water an individual uses. Learn more.

Get the new printed RV Travel Magazine
If you like this newsletter, you will love the new printed RV Travel Magazine. It's packed with great articles, columns and photos by some of the best known RV writers in America, and edited by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Money back if not satisfied (but you will be!). There is no other RV publication like this one! And only $9.95 for one full year! Learn more or subscribe.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions

An RVer's propane leak detector keeps going off, but where's the leak? Can you help?

A trucker responds to editor's comments on 18-wheeler's "new sport." What do you think?

Member writes, "My Prowler has been eating tires." Any ideas?

And in the FreeCampgrounds.com forum:
Members discuss casino campgrounds. See what they're saying.

Arthritis in your driving hands?
Get swift, soothing pain relief with Arctic Spray. No rubbing! No mess! Learn more.

Save 50% on RV park fees.
Save a bundle with Passport America. Don't throw away your money.

The ABCs of RVing
Check the wear pattern of the tread on each of your tires and if uneven have the RV alignment checked. Rotate the tires as required. Most tire makers no longer recommend dual tire rotation unless there is evidence of uneven wear.

This tip is one of more than 500 in All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing by Ronald Jones and Robert Lowe.

Traveling to Alaska by Ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway?
Visit the official website. Check out summer deals plus save 20% now on Snowbird Specials. Get prices, plan your trip and make a reservation. Click here.
Pay attention to your RV fridge to avoid problems
Before driving off to explore America this summer, RVers should take time to properly service and maintain their rig's refrigerator. Here's good advice from RV refrigerator manufacturer Norcold.

What would you do if your front tire blew?
We've written about Michelin Tires' website and the superb advice it offers about how to react when a front tire blows out. What a driver should do and what most of us would do instinctively are not the same making for a potentially deadly outcome. Study what's on the website and view the online "The Critical Factor" video. If you are unable to view the video, send for one in the mail (it's free). Be sure to visit this website!

Clearance Sale at Camping World
Save big on these items at super low prices. These deals are only available online! Click here.

Bill's Hint
If your automatic transmission fluid ever reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, it must be changed as soon as possible to prevent further transmission damage.
--From Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy.

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 over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.

Need an RV Loan?
Learn if you qualify in only seconds.
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify.

From the FulltimeRVer newsletter:

Geocaching: the newest "outdoor game"
Do you have a GPS receiver? Like to play games, with some real life adventure involved? Then maybe geocaching is for you! Learn more about it.
Bumper Snicker
Before giving anyone a piece of your mind be sure you have enough to spare.
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them .
Learn about where to camp for free
FreeCampgrounds.com lists 1,150 free and inexpensive campgrounds.

The following messages were posted to the RV Travel.com forum.

Are we nuts or what??
A gentleman writes, "My wife, who has a terminal illness, and I decided a couple of months ago to "get out of the house." There is nothing the doctors can do for her and all the rest I can." Comments?

Don't you just love this photo? We found it on the Michelin website. When's the last time you camped in a prime spot like this? And. . . whoa . . . you better not stay here if there's a sleepwalker in the RV household. Yes, the magic of Photoshop can put any object anywhere.

One more time! Class A vs. 5th Wheel
A couple is looking to retirement and wonders, "We know it's a personal choice for many, but what do YOU think?"

Good Stuff from the Good Sam Club
Join the Club: $19 a year . Save on camping fees plus free RV magazine.
Continuing Service Plan: No More Major Repair Bills! Get a Fast Quote
RV Emergency Road Service. Special Low Rate! Join Today.

Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tiña De Maris

Need to Keep Cool?
You can keep you and your rig cool without the expense of firing up your air conditioner even on fairly hot days. One secret is properly using your rig's awning, combined with a shade cloth screen. Orient your rig so that as little of the rig is "seen" by the sun during the hot part of the day. Run out your awning, and tilt it to provide as much shade as possible. Some RV suppliers sell "awning track eyelets" which are reinforced cloth gadgets that fit in your RV awning track. With these gizmos in place, hook one end of an "S" hook in the awning track, the other end to an eyelet in your shade cloth. Voila! Instant "Arizona Room," where you can retreat from the heat of the day. -- Russ and Tiña De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.

RVing to Mexico
Our Mexico RV experts discuss RVing on the Mexican Riviera and what to do in the Yucatan.

Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico .

2006 Next Exit Directory
Don't get lost! Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2006 Next Exit lists every exit along every Interstate and what's at each: campgrounds, fuel, truck stops, casinos, malls, rest areas, hospitals and more. Learn more or order.

Trivia
Jayco's first production facility was a chicken coop, where the company manufactured 1,100 tent trailers. Its 2005 production space totaled two million square feet in Indiana, Idaho and Australia, where it produced 41,000 RVs. None of the present space ever housed chickens.

Get better reception with your cell phone
Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.

Did you know?
•Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle-owning households own an RV.
•The typical RV owner is 49 years old, married, owns a home, and earns $68,000 a year.
•Also. . . most RVers prefer traveling with their RVs to sitting at home staring at their walls.

Lost Lake Resort
Secluded RV living in the Northwest. Beautiful lots. Private trout lake, athletic club, clubhouse, park models, indoor/outdoor pool plus easy drive to Tacoma and Seattle. See available lots and prices. Learn more.

RV Factory Tour
Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation, Lancaster, California
For 40 years Lance has designed and built "the original fully loaded SUV of RVs." See how they build their line of truck campers. Tours on Wednesdays, call for appointment: (661) 949-3322 x212. The factory is at 43120 Venture Street. Lancaster is north of Los Angeles on California Route 14.
K/M Resorts of America
Eight beautiful resort locations in Washington's favorite camping region. Truly great Northwestern getaways with all of the comforts of home. Learn more...
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
Poor Emissions
Poor emissions and/or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40% reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION! (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks .)

Free Used Vehicle Report from Carfax
Don't buy a used vehicle without checking its history. Get a free VIN report from Carfax. Click here.
RVing Resources. . .

Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss everything to do with RVing with other RVers.

Why We Need English Teachers
(as witnessed along the highways of America)

Upcoming RV Shows

RV-Links
Loads of links to great websites about RVing.

RV Buying Tips: Spend five minutes here and help ensure you don't make classic RV buying mistakes.

RVing With Dogs : Got a pooch onboard? You'll love this website.

Life On Wheels
"Go to school" to learn about RVing. Five annual conferences.

Investigate a company with the
Better Business Bureau before making a purchase.

Full Time RVing

RV Recalls

Workamping Information : Workamper News is THE best place to find jobs on the RV road.

Worth Pondering
"Many of life's failures are people who didn't realize how close they were to success when they gave up." -- Thomas Edison

SUPER BARGAINS REMAIN AT RV BOOKSTORE
We have sold out of hundreds of titles, but there are still dozens left at savings of up to 90% off retail. Click here.

Random RV Thought
Always keep a tiny flashlight on your keychain. You never know when it will come in handy. Sooner or later it will.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributing Editor: Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Mark Polk, Bill and Dot Bell. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Web Operations Director: Zoey Platt. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury.

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 2006 Life On Wheels Conferences. We are also darn good people.

RV Travel is copyright 2006 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.