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RV Travel: Latest RV recalls released by Feds


Weekend of April 12, 2008

Issue 322 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 73,710 readers.


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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 2007 edition: Stores that sell diesel fuel! Retail price $24.95. Order Now at our Everyday Low Price of only $19.98 -- the best price anywhere!

And pack along an inexpensive guide to Wal-Marts that do NOT allow you to stay overnight.  


Editor's Corner
By guest editor Jim Twamley

Round Up New Destinations in Your RV Chuck Wagon
Driving my RV through places I've never been is exhilarating. I feel wonder at the sight of the place, uncertainty about my surroundings and excitement at the potential of new discoveries. This experience brings my senses to attention as the visual panorama unfolding before me approaches sensory overload. Touring Del Rio, Texas and Acuna, Mexico this week brought these emotions to the surface. For me, the experience I'm describing is what RV travel is all about.

Once settled in a campground I like to explore by driving around. It's like making a new friend and letting the conversation find its own path. While driving around Del Rio I stumbled upon the Whitehead Memorial Museum. It's a great place to learn about Texas history, from dinosaurs to debutants, but one display made me stop and appreciate just how far RVs have come.

The chuck wagon display reminded me of my own "chuck wagon," but mine includes a refrigerator with ice maker, microwave and convection oven, range and electric coffee pot. I can prepare all our meals inside. But my RV is more than a chuck wagon; it's a hotel on wheels. The cowboys slept on the ground in the elements and I sleep in a comfortable bed in a climate-controlled environment. The cowboys took a bath whenever they made it to town while RVers can shower every day. I grew up watching episodes of "Wagon Train" where the chuck wagon was a central part of the story precisely because it extended the range of working cowboys. The modern RV "chuck wagon" plays the same role today providing a home base from which to explore. The technology has changed but the chuck wagon concept remains.

Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Read more of Jim's work at his blog "RV Now"


RV Travel Reader Wins $406!
RV Travel along with RVbookstore.com is sending reader Cathy Adler of Pierre, South Dakota a check for $406 as the winner of the most recent Pot of Gold contest. Ms. Adler won the cash simply by checking the RVtravel.com website and letting us know that she lived in the Zip Code 57501, which our computer randomly selected for that day. Each weekday the Zip Code changes. The first RVtravel.com subscriber to notify us the day his or her Zip Code is published wins the "Pot of Gold" (which increases each weekday that there is no winner!).


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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.


2008 RV Show Schedule
RECENTLY UPDATED: Learn about RV shows through the spring of 2008. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area.

Government issues RV recalls for March

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued its Recreational Vehicle Recall Report for March, 2008. Each recall includes a brief summary of vehicle safety defect and non-compliance notices received during the given month. This latest round of recalls are from Coachmen, Fleetwood, Country Coach, Winnebago, Keystone RV and others. See the rundown of recalls at RV-recalls.com.

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

Get the latest news about RVing at RV News Service.


Just arrived!
Interstate Travel Guide
Quickly and easily locate rest areas, welcome centers, scenic turnouts, including a list of Flying J Travel Plaza locations popular with RVers. Learn more.


Puget Sound RV Lifestyle School Coming Next Week!
The spring Puget Sound RV Lifestyle School will be held Sat., April 19 at Renton Technical College in Renton, Wash. Sponsored in part by RVtravel.com, the all-day seminar will feature classes taught by RVing experts. More information is available at www.RTC.edu/lifestyle (click on Current Quarter Offerings) or at 425-235-2352, ext. 5727. Free overnight RV dry camping is available.
On sale for HALF PRICE
DVD: Choosing An RV: A Logical Approach
Now just $9.98

If you plan to buy an RV, then you must see this! RV experts Joe and Vicki Kieva outline a game-plan that helps RV shoppers target an RV that's right for them.  "Steal" this DVD for half its retail price of $19.95 -- only $9.98! Learn more, see a short video or order.


RV Performance with Eric Davis
Motorhome owner asks how to get more power
Since 1972 Eric Davis has addressed RV engine performance. This week he answers this question:
Dear Eric: I have a 1996, 33-foot Holiday Rambler motorhome with a Ford F-53 chassis. It has always lacked good power and has overheating issues in warm weather -- the fan clutch runs a lot of the time. I have changed to a large muffler and K&N air filter and the engine is in good tune. What do you suggest for more performance? Read Eric's response.


A best seller
Fifth Wheel Bible

This is the first book devoted to fifth wheel travel trailers. It covers everything about these RVs: Buying, towing, operating and enjoying them. Learn more or order.

Popularity of WiFi at State Parks growing
America's state parks are offering wireless internet access (WiFi) at an ever increasing pace. California leads with 50 state parks now offering the service. All together, at least 28 states offer WiFi in at least one state park. Learn more.

Make your RV travels safe, efficient and pleasurable
There's an art to traveling in an RV, but before you can develop it you have to accumulate some experience. Blogger Jim Twamley is a veteran RVer who wants to share some of his traveling strategies with you. Here they are.

Reservations up at Vermont State Parks
Reservations at Vermont state campgrounds are up seven percent this year, higher than the normal three to five percent. Find out why.

Airstream trailer to be featured in popular PBS show
Look for an Airstream trailer to appear in the PBS TV show "History Detectives" this summer. What mystery regarding the trailer will the investigators research? Click here.

All about solar panels for RVing
Solar panels are one of the wisest investments an RVer can make because they recharge batteries absolutely free. You can't beat free. If you're thinking about getting a solar panel or two for your RVing, here's all the information you need. Click here.

RVer Cindy has another boring day on the road
Cindy is on the road in a motorhome, cruising down the highway toward Winters, Calif., which she says is "a boring drive." Next stop is Rio Vista, which Cindy says is six blocks long and "pretty much has nothing." But there are a lot of cows to look at. See Cindy�s two-minute video.

Look what you can find at RVbookstore.com!
Books and DVDs for beginning or aspiring RVers.
Books and DVDs about how to use everything on an RV.
Fulltime RVing: Living on the road books and DVDs.
DVDs and books about RV repair and maintenance.
Towing Guides: Books and DVDs that show you how to do it.
DVDs about RVing: See our huge selection!
RV Cookbooks: Wow! We have the biggest selection anywhere!

A sample of what RVers see in Alaska
Thinking about an RV trip to Alaska this summer? Here, via a link, are some spectacular photos of the 49th State to whet your appetite. The site also has a map showing the photographer's own Alaskan route a couple of years ago. Click here.

Squirrelman moves from treehouse to RV
A Seattle man who has lived in an elaborate but rickety 300 square-foot treehouse for two years is about to upgrade to a home on wheels -- a 22-foot aging Monaco motorhome donated to him by friends. Read more.

Fore! New RV resort features classy golf course
Posh facilities including a designer golf course are just part of the benefits of this new RV resort set in beautiful Montana. But you have to be in a certain class of RVers to qualify. More info. 
New Edition
RVers Guide to Dump Stations
This directory offers a comprehensive listing by state and highway of most known public dump stations in America. RVers should pack this along! Learn more.

This Week's Reader Survey
Do you plan to travel fewer miles this summer with your RV because of high gas prices? Answer here.

Last week's survey question
In most instances, where do you get your RV repaired or serviced? Read the results here.

Past reader surveys and results.


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

NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them out


Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $108.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $53, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $55 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.


RVer's Guide to
Corps of Engineers Campgrounds

This 2007 guide describes more than 600 Corps-managed campgrounds suitable for RVs on nearly 200 lakes around the USA. Learn more.


Make your RV stand out from the crowd
RV paint schemes are pretty standard, so if you want your rig to stand out you have to be a bit bold. Like this guy. Look.

Use the Internet to make money on the RV road
For RVers, the Internet is more than just a way to stay in touch, manage finances on the road and research travel information. It's also a valuable tool that makes money for you. See how these RVers are using the Internet to make a living.

Author writes romance novels
as she travels in her RV

Blogger/author Bess McBride travels in a RV. In her blog at RVromance.com follow her as she wanders the country. From the cool North to the sultry South, from the fast paced East Coast to the laid back West, follow her along the highways and biways as she wanders with an eye toward her next romance novel or maybe just another funny story.

Canadian RV dealers sweeten the pot
Canadian RVers who assume that the best deals on new RVs are in the United States might want to reconsider. RV dealers on your side of the border want your business and are offering incentives to counter the weak U.S. dollar. Read more.


Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies
Learn how to get connected on the road. Covers WiFi, choosing equipment and services, protecting data, managing your business and personal affairs, enjoying online entertainment and more. Learn more.
When you get bored with your Harley...
Here's an RV design that presumably yields pretty good fuel mileage. Weather problems while traveling might be a problem for the driver and passenger, though. The photo.

More than 750 pounds of marijuana found in motorhome
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers discovered more than 750 pounds of marijuana in an RV. Officers became suspicious of 38 year-old Angela Griego when she nervously answered questions at the Ysleta inspection point. The officers turned to "Jake," the drug-sniffing dog, who identified the compartment where the pot was located. Griego was arrested on importation of a controlled substance.

eBooks: INSTANT READING!
With eBooks you don't have to wait to read your book. Just place your order and your eBook will be delivered almost instantly to your email inbox. These eBooks are written by RV experts and delivered instantly in PDF format. 
Buying an RV the Smart Way
I Have A Convection Oven in My RV. Now What?
The ABCs of Pop Up Campers
Boondocking Tips - More Fun Without Hookups
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing
A Collection of RV Tips
RV Awning Use and Care
RV Care and Maintenance
Deep Cycle Battery Care and Maintenance
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List


Keep your family and rig safe from wildlife
Most RVers like to view wildlife on their trips, but sometimes the critters get a little too close for comfort. What sort of mischief can they do, and how can you keep your family and rig safe? Click here.

Buying an RV? Think differently!
Whether you plan to spend $5,000, $50,000 or $350,000 for that first or fifth motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer, you need to look at the RV "differently" before plopping down your cash. Learn more.

U.S. Military Campgrounds Directory on CD
Pack this along with you to get current information about Military Campgrounds across the USA. Updated monthly. No internet access needed for most of the information. Learn more here.



Trivia. . .

Every day, 18 acres of pizza are eaten in America.


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.


Avoid this common RVing mistake
One of the most dangerous mistakes RVers can make is also one of the easiest because of the very nature of RVs. As you get ready for traveling and camping this season, be sure to avoid this common practice. Read the article.

Easily carry a kayak on your small RV
Small RVs such as Class B motorhomes make great economical sense these days because they get better gas mileage than larger units. And you can still bring some of your toys with you. See how a kayak is transported on this Roadtrek. Click here.
Essential resource of RVers!
2008 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


Fire Safety Tip
from Mac McCoy
Get help. Adults and older children should know how to dial 911 or 0, and how to get emergency help on any CB, VHF, or ham radio available.


ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES

The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.


Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs

FEATURED BLOGS:

Celebrity RVer
More famous people are taking up the RV lifestyle. Read about the stars and their RVing lifestyles in this blog.

The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.

Eco RVing
Greener ways to hit the road.

RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.

Wheel Life
Veteran RV reporter Julianne Crane keeps you up-to-date with news and information about RVing, RVers and the RV lifestyle. Always entertaining!

Great RV Stuff
The latest neat RV stuff in this always fasincating blog. Gizmos and gadgets that might even make your RVing more enjoyable.

Working on the RV Road
Get up-to-date 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.

RV Short Stops
Our RVtravel.com blogger's favorite places to visit in their RVs -- Great suggestions for places to visit on your own travels.

RVing Quartzsite
"RV Snowbird Central" for the winter season, home of huge gem shows and flea markets and the land of free camping on government lands.

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


Looking for new recipes? Check out www.RVcookBooks.com
Largest selection of RV Cookbooks anywhere!
RV Tech Corner
with Mark Polk

Generator facts and figures
Generators are rated in kilowatts (KW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. So a 4 KW generator would be a 4,000-watt generator. RVs have either 30 amp or 50 amp electrical systems. If you have a 30 amp electrical system and you're plugged into a 30 amp, 120-volt electrical source, you can basically use 3,600 watts before you exceed the RV's electrical system. 30 amps X 120 volts = 3,600 watts. This is why a large majority of RVs with 30 amp electrical systems come equipped with 4,000-watt generators. This of course is also why RVs with 50 amp electrical systems come equipped with larger generators. 

 -- Mark Polk is the host of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos.


2008 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 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.

Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tina De Maris

Shopping for a Vac?
Everybody needs one - even boondockers need to clean the carpets now and then. But how do you find a suitable vacuum and stay within your "battery budget?" We've tried all sorts of things - 12-volt "car vacs" often prove too small to effectively clean the kind of areas most RVers deal with. "Rechargeable" vacs pose the same problem - they often "poop out" before the job is done. Bigger home vacs take too much power and storage space. We finally figured out how much power our inverter could crank out, then went shopping for the smallest amp-eater available, short of a "stick vac," which we found didn't get things clean. We ended up with a model that draws 6.5 amps and has two motors - one for suction, the other to turn the beater brush. We've had it for nearly three years. The first year was great, but after that, the "cheapness" of the machine's case proved to be a liability - only kept together with duct tape and glue. We'll soon go shopping for another, but at least for now we can keep the dust down.
 --Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.


Convection Oven Bible
Most new RVs have convection ovens, which cook faster but can frustrate users. This book features 225 recipes designed specifically for convection ovens and includes information on converting your own recipes, menu suggestions, and cookware recommendations. Learn more or order.
 

Website answers questions on formaldehyde in RVs
Formaldehyde in RVs has been in the news a lot lately. So what's the problem? Should you be worried if your RV contains just a little of the stuff? How much is too much? Here's where to go for facts and answers.

Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 1,900 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV.

Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions

Portable LP campfires
Anyone have one? I'm trying to determine how much fuel/hour they use on high. I'm particularly interested in a Fire Dancer, but I'm guessing that fuel consumption is about the same across brands.

Dumping when you can't move
Later this year about September, I'm going to be staying at a friend's house who has lots of property. I'll be having some surgery and will be out of commission for about 8 weeks. I can hook up to her house power and water, but how can I deal with my black and gray tanks? I imagine there must be companies that will contract to empty these, but can anyone give me an idea where to start looking? Second question is what do I need to do/get to handle the electric safely? What kind of extension cord should I get, or is there another way to handle this?

Baking in RV with gas oven
What type of bakeware do you have the best luck with in your RV gas ovens? I have had trouble with bake goods burning before they were baked. I have found small cookie sheets and a pizza pan but cannot find the airbake 11x7 cake pan or muffin tins. Anyone seen these pans in any store? I can find the 13x9 airbake cake pan - has anyone had success with that size in their gas RV oven? Is there another brand that you have success with?

Route from Zion National Park to Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite
As we can't go through Death Valley even at 5am (our insurance won't allow), we need to change our route. We could spend a night along the way or just go for it! Any ideas of places to stop along the way? We would like to keep our mileage down as we are travelling with children. We were thinking of cross country via Warm Springs and Tonopah?

Right truck?
I, with another woman, bought a 2008 Jayco Designer 5th wheel in August. I think it is 34 feet, but the manufacturer's page says it is 38'. We were not told when we bought it what kind of truck to buy. We bought a 2004 Ford Lariat diesel 2500 4x4. We had never been camping or in an RV when we bought this one. I was told there was an extra package on the back for towing to make it more like a one ton. Now with this information, since we are both older women, do you think we have the right thing? Ford told me I am on the edge as I think our RV is 16,000 fully loaded and the Ford truck has about a 15,800 pulling capacity. The guy at Ford said the truck can pull up to about 20,000 pounds, but it is the stopping that could be a problem.


Essential for Fulltimers!
2008 Selecting An RV 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! This best selling guidebook is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.

Terrific books & DVDs
from RVbookstore.com

Book: RVers Guide to Dump Stations
DVD: Working on the RV Road
Book: Fifth Wheel Bible
Book: RV Boondocking Basics
DVD: Towing Behind Your Motorhome
CD-rom: Military Campground Directory on CD Rom


Bill's Hints
"If your furnace won't start, remove the intake/exhaust cover, clean out the two tubes leading into the furnace and try again. If it still won't start, start the tow vehicle engine. If the furnace then starts okay, you have a low battery voltage problem, not a problem with the furnace itself."
--From
Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy


Just released
DVD: Do It Yourself RV Care

The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, shows you step-by-step how to maintain and care for your RV. This 63-minute DVD was produced in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Learn more or order at a discount price.


Kudos for RV manufacturer
This RV manufacturer was last year's top seller of both Class A motorhomes and camping trailers. To see which company earned that distinction, click here.

What RVing is like in Great Britain
Ever consider RVing elsewhere in the world? After all, North America isn't the only RVing stronghold. For instance, hitting the road in a home on wheels is also popular in Great Britain. But people there call the activity something else. Read on.

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
It's Lonely At The Top, But You Eat Better.
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.

As RV sales go down, this business profits
Sales of new RVs have stalled in the wake of soaring fuel prices, but you don't have to buy a new RV -- or a used one -- to go RVing. See which sector of the RVing industry is benefiting from the economic downturn. Click here.

Skip the chain restaurants when you're RVing
When you're on an RV trip and need to eat out, chain restaurants are familiar and convenient. There's a more satisfying alternative, though. See where blogger Jim Twamley likes to eat.

RV transporters hit big bump in the road
Transporting new RVs from the manufacturer to a dealer appeals to many RVers who need to make a living. After all, you're getting paid to be on the road with an RV. But these days there's a big catch to this job. Here's the problem.
Freewheeling Homes
79% off the retail price!
Shown with beautiful color photos, Freewheeling homes vary from converted trucks, buses and ambulances to old rail wagons and lovingly restored Airstream trailers. After the creative craftspeople tell their own heart-felt stories, learn how to custom-make your own wheeled home to your individual tastes. Now only $3.58 while supplies last. Learn more or order.
Worth Pondering
Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age. -- Jeanne Moreau
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. See them here.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Gerry Bruder, Jim Twamley, Jaimie Hall. 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.


Need RV Insurance?
Click here for a free quote from Good Sam VIP.

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.



© Copyright 2007 by RVbookstore.com