| From RVbookstore.com Archived Issues Weekend of May 24, 2008 Issue 328 of RV Travel 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  Retail price $29.95Save thru Monday ONLY $9.95 Complete Guide to Full-time RVing Thinking of becoming a full-time RVer? This is THE guide about how to do it. From dreaming about the lifestyle to living it, this fabulous resource has all the answers. This should be required reading for all aspiring full-timers or those who are new at it! RIGHT NOW SAVE $20! Learn more or order! Editor's Corner
Gas then was 75 cents a gallon -- something like that. Fast forward four decades: it's now $4. Nobody wants to pay that price just like nobody wanted to pay for a campsite in the '60s. My point: people will get used to $4 gas, even RVers, just like they did for paying to camp. RVers in Europe adjusted to high fuel prices decades ago. Check out the highways in France today on a summer weekend: they're bloody well jam packed with motorhomes and travel trailers. I believe that right now, a case can be made that for some RVers -- in particular new RV buyers -- RVing in 2008 even at our sky high fuel prices is cheaper than a couple of years ago. Here's why: It's a buyer's market on RVs right now. Price is always based in part on supply and demand -- low supply, high demand equals high prices. But high supply, low demand -- like right now -- translates into low prices. Today, people are holding off buying RVs. They're scared of high fuel prices. But ponder this: A motorhome that sold for $150,000 two years ago can probably be purchased at a cash-starved dealership for $120,000 or even less. Big rig RVs favored by full-timers that sold for $350,00 two years ago can likely be "stolen" for $280,000. In either case, consider the savings -- $30,000 on the first rig, $70,000 on the second. And guess what? That buys a whole buncha petrol. The RVer who saves $30,000 can use that savings to buy 7,500 gallons of fuel at $4 a gallon. At 10 miles per gallon. . . well, that RVer can drive 75,000 miles, paying for all the fuel in the money they saved on their purchase. The second RVer can buy 17,500 gallons of fuel: at 10 miles per gallon he or she can drive about eight times around the world. To put it another way, at 60 miles per hour that RVer can drive non-stop, 24 hours a day, for four months and still save money over buying the same rig back in the good ol' days when fuel was cheap. I believe that anyone using high gas prices as an excuse to not buy a rig should reconsider. Visit a dozen dealers. Make ridiculously low offers to each. I'll bet you a rubber chicken that one of those hungry dealers will bite -- and the savings to the buyer will be enormous. And, by the way, you may wish to check out a new rebate program at Coachmen that offers significant rebates after a buyer has made his or her best deal with a dealer. This is an example of how "good" the buyers market is right now (Coachmen is an advertiser at RVtravel.com). 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!
 RVers drop weight after RV Travel challenge Two weeks ago, RV Travel challenged its readers to lighten the load on their RVs to improve their rig's fuel economy. We asked them to weigh what they removed with a bathroom scale and then report back to us. More than 100 readers took us up on the challenge, and they literally unloaded tons of "stuff." About 22 percent only reduced their load by 25 pounds or less, but 13 percent were able to drop a whopping 300 pounds or more! "I went to paper plates and silverware, less pans, bedding and clothes," one reader commented. Another wrote: "This was real easy. I simply drained my water tank, and put in about 10 gallons instead of the 80 I was carrying when it was full. Carrying 70 gallons less at 8.3 pounds each saved 560 pounds."  RV Buyers Survival Guide RV sales manager Bob Randall explains how to buy an RV including how to negotiate with a dealer, the most important part of the best-selling book. Now in its third edition, this book is one of RVbookstore.com's top best sellers. Learn more or order. Recent RV recalls Get the latest news about RVing at RV News Service.  Super low price thru Monday -- only $5.95RV in your Retirement Anyone who is close to retirement or who recently retired and is planning to spend all or part of their time traveling with an RV will find much useful information "RV Retirement." Super low price now through Monday only $5.95. Learn more or order. Will fuel prices hit $8 a gallon next year?
RELATED STORY: Read Brent Peterson's article "Biodiesel 101 for RVers"  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. Learn more or order. Propane situation could pose danger to some RVers RVers use propane and so do drug dealers. The problem is drug dealers who manufacture methamphetamine, the popular illegal drug "crank" that rots your teeth, are using exchangeable propane bottles to store anhydrous ammonia during the manufacturing process. Learn why this practice could pose a serious threat -- even death -- to RVers who use the propane bottles. Read more. Truckers propose fuel-conservation plan A major trucking organization is calling for a nationwide fuel-conservation measure in the hope that it would ultimately lower the price of fuel. Do you think this is a good idea? Is it conservative enough? Click here. All about RV batteries Protect your bike from salt water corrosion Many RVers who camp near ocean beaches bring along a bike or motorcycle for exploring, errands and day trips. Unfortunately, the salty air there can corrode these machines if they're left exposed. Take a look at how one RVer protects his precious Harley in a beach environment. Click here.  Don't let bugs spoil your campground funBugs. How we RVers hate them. They can spoil an outdoor session at the campground as quickly as a sudden thunderstorm. We can't control the weather, but we can do something about the bugs. Here's the perfect product to keep those pesky critters at arm's length. Michigan helps RVers save fuel with new program RVers in Michigan have a chance to save a little fuel under an interesting new program announced by the state Department of Natural Resources. Let's hope this idea spreads to all states. Read about it.
 RV Performance with Eric DavisSince 1972 Eric Davis has addressed RV engine performance. This week he answers this question: Advice wanted on best extended warranty. Plus: "Why is my motorhome engine overheating?" Dear Eric, Read Eric's response at RVperformanceTips.com. Coachmen offering huge rebates! If you're in the market for a new RV, it's a buyer's market. And you should see the whopper rebates you can get right now on the purchase of a new Coachmen motorhome or trailer -- up to $5,000. Check out the special Coachmenomic Stimulus Rebate and how you can pick up an amazing deal - and then get a big fat rebate check to boot! Learn more. Tame your RV pantry inventory problem If you store kitchen cans and jars in your RV's slide-out pantry or drawers, you've probably noticed that the labels are often hidden from view, making it hard to tell at a glance just what you have in stock. These RVers found a simple, ingenious remedy for that problem. Click here.  Use solar power to charge your cell phones, cameras, computers Brent Peterson reports on a nifty device that RVers can use to charge up all the batteries they carry along -- those for cell phones, cameras, computers. . . and the power comes from the sun, not from an electric outlet. Read all about it.  2008 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory If you drive a king-sized RV, this directory is for you. The authors provide details about RV parks throughout the USA and six Canadian Provinces that welcome long RVs. A must for owners of large RVs. Learn more or order This Week's Reader Survey Last week's survey question Past reader surveys and results.  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. Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $103. Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $78, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $25 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.  How to cook with an RV's convection ovenIf you have a convection oven and would like to learn how to use it better -- and pick up some great new recipes, you will enjoy the eBook "I've Got A Convection Oven in My RV: Now What?" Pop-up RV perfect for short road trips Are you in the market for a small RV, something easy to drive and park and economical to operate? Here's a cute little pop-up model that seems just right for quick weekend outings. Read the review.  KOA and Aussie RV park chain form partnershipKampgrounds of America and Australia's 176-park BIG4 have signed a partnership that both parties believe will increase the quality of the camping experiences for guests. Aussie RVers headed to America and North Americans headed Down Under may soon see some familiar logos. Read more. eBooks: INSTANT READING!
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. Reader wants to know if dumping Dear RV Doctor,  The RV Kitchen: Fix It in Foil Trivia The Department of Labor estimates that 431,990 people in Los Angeles and Orange County work in food preparation and serving occupations. They can't estimate how many are actors.  RVers Guide to Corps of Engineers Campgrounds This best-selling 2007 guidebook describes more than 600 Corps-managed campgrounds suitable for RVs on nearly 200 lakes around the USA. Haven't camped at a Corps of Engineers' facility? Then you've missed out! Learn more or order. RV workampers: better skip this area Some areas are better for RV workamping than others. Here's one that's not so hot, even though it's an appealing RV destination in terms of history and scenery. This particular slow workamping market is an example of the importance of research. Details. Five reasons why high gas prices shouldn't cancel your summer fun Everyone seems to be complaining about the high cost of fuel causing them to cancel their summer vacation plans. Carol White, co-author of the book "Live Your Road Trip Dream," says, "I don't like the higher prices, but if you take a realistic look at it, it's something that most of us can deal with." Read more. Getting connected in a remote location Getting an Internet connection while on a road trip is often a problem for RVers, especially those who travel to remote areas, mountainous terrain and other places where services and signals are hard to find. Blogger Adrienne Kristine had such a problem at her new work location, but she found a solution. See if it would work for you. Click here. Explorer RV Insurance RV Kitchen cake is all you need for breakfast Want a quick, nutritious breakfast before hitting the road or setting out from the campground for that day trip? This special cake from the RV Kitchen makes a whole meal. Here's the recipe. 
Huge RV traffic jam! Watch this and weep as you witness a parade of hundreds of RVs of all shapes and sizes gridlocked on a two-lane highway after a busy weekend at Southern California's Borrego Springs area. Most of us have "been there, done that," but if you need a reminder of what it's like, this video should serve the purpose. Hear the RV song "It's Hard to Stay Home" Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs FEATURED BLOGS: Celebrity RVer The RV Kitchen Eco RVing RVs in the News Wheel Life Great RV Stuff Working on the RV Road Boondocking RV Short Stops RVing Quartzsite Casino RV Camping Fulltime RVer See the complete lineup of RV Travel blogs  Recently published!Find Rest Areas, Welcome Centers & more With the new 2008 Interstate Travel Guide you will quickly and easily locate rest areas, welcome centers, scenic turnouts, including a list of Flying J Travel Plaza locations popular with RVers. Learn more. Looking for new recipes? Check out www.RVcookBooks.com Largest selection of RV cookbooks anywhere!  Guide to FREE CampgroundsIn two volumes -- East and West! This is the most comprehensive guide to free and inexpensive campgrounds you will find -- a "must-have" directory for RVers who want to save money on camping. Learn more: Western edition -- Eastern edition. This issue's Knowledge Quiz The prizes: Answer the first quiz here on Saturday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m, Pacific Time. Answer the second quiz here on Saturday, May 24 at 12:30 p.m, Pacific Time.  Save 10% at most RV parks Boondocking Tip By Russ and Tina De Maris Harness the Wind to Help With Sewer Smells --Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of RV Boondocking Basics.  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. Save some money at the pump with this secret Like all RVers, blogger Bess McBride looks for the least expensive fuel when she's on the road. During a recent long trip, she discovered a secret that saves a little money at the pump. Apparently, it's not well known. Are you aware of this trick? Click here. RV refrigerator recall is extended Remember the recent Norcold RV refrigerator recall? The company has extended it. Read this post to see if your fridge is affected.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions Dead battery on 2004 Ford Explorer (toad) Rubber roof vs. hard roof Full hook-up, whaaaa Financing an RV? Get a quick quote! Financial Underwriters Network provides exceptional customer service and exceptional interest rates. Get a quick online quote and caring service. Sprinter diesel fuel concern I am a newbie to diesel so I have come upon something that I am struggling with. I now own an Itasca Navion on a Dodge Sprinter chassis with the Mercedes diesel. I know that I need to check for Ultra Low Sulfur fuel. However, I was unaware that there are two different size fill nozzles for diesel fuel. My Sprinter apparently has the smaller of the two receptacles and a friend told me I have to go to "auto diesel" pumps rather than "truck diesel" pumps to fuel. This is not as simple as it sounds. I tend to go to truck stops since they usually are easier to navigate and I have been in TA locations where the only pumps are in the truck area, and none seem to be designated "auto." Does anybody else experience my frustration and does anybody have any ideas on this topic? Hehr window help needed  is THE guide for heading to Alaska This is THE mile-by-mile guidebook for RV or auto travelers headed to Alaska, the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. If you only take one guidebook to Alaska, take this! Learn more or order at a discount price. See more great titles about Alaska. Bill's Hints
Check out this popular gathering Many RVers are drawn to this type of gathering. How about you? It's a place to mingle with other people, shop and maybe find a darn good deal. If you haven't checked out this event, you might be missing some valuable opportunities. 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." New casino has much to offer RVers RV casino camping fans have a great new casino to explore in Pennsylvania. This big establishment includes a racing facility and a choice or restaurants, and it's very RV friendly. Read more. State trooper thinks this RV practice is unsafe Boy, does this state trooper has an ax to grind! Maybe he just doesn't like RVers. On the other hand, perhaps he has a point about the safety of trailers. See what you think. Click here.
Bumper Snicker Just say NO to negativity Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.  Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly CasinosThis 2007 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.2008 RV Show Schedule Learn about RV shows through the spring of 2008. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area. Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing Lean times will affect RVs of the future The RV manufacturing industry has been hit hard by the economic slowdown, and we'll all see the ramifications in the sort of RVs that will be offered in the future. The good old days of huge motorhomes may be at an end. Read on. Worth Pondering I wasted time, and now doth time waste me. -- William Shakespeare 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 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! 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 |
and solar battery charging
FMCA: 
Pet E.R. Guide