| From RVbookstore.com Archived Issues Weekend of October 25, 2008
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 I drove from northern California to Seattle earlier this week. It's a 12-hour drive, which leaves a lot of time for observation and reflection. I love to drive because it gives me time to think about everything going on in my life. It also allows time to simply look out the window and watch what's going by. There were two surprises on this week's drive: first, the price of gasoline had dropped about 50 cents a gallon from the week before when I drove south. In Oregon, I paid $2.79 a gallon for regular unleaded gas. That was the first time in a very long while that I had paid less than $3. Filling up my car's 10-gallon tank for $27 compared to $43 just a few months ago was a very nice experience. I'm sure RVers with their much larger tanks would appreciate the savings even more. But what surprised me the most was the parade of RVs heading south. They were all snowbirds in fifth wheel trailers and big motorhomes towing dinghies. These were not campers out for a weekend, but folks headed south for the winter -- on their way to the warm climes of Southern California and Arizona. In recent years, I can't remember ever seeing so many RVs on the road at one time except maybe in Yellowstone in the summer. What this says to me is that this year's RV snowbird season will not be a wash out as some camping industry experts have feared. And what I saw that did not encourage me Along I-5 from northern California to northern Washington, you drive by dozens of RV dealers. From the highway you see thousands upon thousands of RVs. And on this trip, what struck me as unusual was how packed the lots were with RVs of all kinds from huge big rigs to small pop ups. As I passed one dealer after another, I began to conclude that it would take a long, long time for all these RVs to sell, based on the dismal pace of RV sales these days. And until these 2008 model RVs get cleared off the lot, you wonder how many 2009 model RVs will roll off the production line -- nowhere near normal, I suspect. The upside to this news is that if you are thinking about buying an RV, it must be an incredibly good buyers market right now. Check out your local RV dealer. If you see something you like, make a ridiculously low offer -- so low it's not even in what you would consider the ballpark. I bet a lot of such offers will get accepted by some very hungry RV dealers. Read my blog. Updated often.  RVs for saleMotorhomes, Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Truck Campers, Pop ups and much more. See the big selection at NewRVer.com. Click here
Notices RVbookstore receives highest rating from Better Business Bureau RVtravel.com's sister website RVbookstore.com has received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. The BBB has adopted a new rating system, and now recognizes its highest quality members with the A+ rating. Businesses with a history of problems receive lesser grades.  This
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RV recalls for September, 2008
Recent RV recalls Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RV-Recalls.com. Here are the most recent ones: August -- July -- June -- May -- April -- March -- February -- January  HUGE FALL CLEARANCE -- PRICES SLASHED!Save big on RV books and DVDs We're clearing the shelves at RVbookstore.com to make room for 2009 products. Get incredible bargains on more than 250 RV-related books and DVDs, some discounted more than 80%! Hurry! Only one copy left of some items! Click here. Keep an eye on your rooftop load Do you carry something on the top of your car? Maybe a kayak or canoe? Russ De Maris has discovered a lot of RVers lately with something on top of their vehicle. And now, he has found a way to actually be able to see, while driving, that your precious cargo is still riding along, secured as it should be. U.S. issues travel alert for Mexico The U.S. State Department has updated its cautionary information to American citizens who plan to travel in Mexico. Earlier this month, the department posted new information on areas where it feels travelers should exercise particular caution when traveling. Learn more. RV Travel readers like their coffee  Two thirds of the readers of this newsletter choose coffee as their first beverage in the morning. That's according to a recent survey in which more than 2,800 readers responded. The second favorite first drink of the day was juice (17%) then tea (7%). Six percent favored soda pop. Almost one percent prefer to kick start their day with a beer. See the survey results and read the comments here.Attendance way down at big California RV show If you attended the big California RV Show in Pomona, Calif. (near Los Angeles), you may have noticed a little more breathing room than at previous shows. Yup, the crowds were leaner. Attendance at the 10-day show that ended October 19 was 21,123, a drop of 37% from the 33,656 visitors last year.
UPDATED  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. 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.  A best sellerFifth 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. The Rally 2009 will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Albuquerque, NM, April 17th to 20th, with the nation's largest RV rally featuring the latest in RVs and accessories as well as live entertainment, family-friendly activities and educational seminars. More than 1,000 new RV models will be displayed and available for test drives. Nightly musical entertainment will include rock and roll legend Neil Sedaka. Attendees can participate in optional tours from Indian ruins to whitewater rafting, and a dog show and golf tournament. RV camping for the duration of the event ranges from $169 to $349 a rig with two people. Arizona RV dealer loses Fleetwood line Beaudry RV is no longer a Fleetwood RV dealer. More than 100 Fleetwood RVs were taken from Beaudry RV's lot in Tucson, Ariz., and locked up nearby at a site operated by the company that financed the vehicles. Learn more.
 Firemen too late to savethis burning motorhome By the time the fire department arrived at this burning motorhome, it was a big torch lighting up the night sky -- a total loss. Sadly, nobody will camp again with this RV. Watch the one minute video at MotorhomesOnFire.com.
 Find Services at Interstate ExitsNever take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2008 Next Exit lists every exit along every Interstate and details exactly what you will find at each: gas stations (including which brands and if they offer diesel), campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, laundries, retail stores, drug stores, hospitals, rest areas, and more!
RV generators provide 120 volts of alternating current (AC power) and are powered by gasoline, propane or diesel. Since generators are crucial to the RV lifestyle it is important to maintain them properly. Here are some tips from the Professor of RVing about how to maintain your generator yourself and save money in the process. Be sure to watch the video that accompanies this story. Workamping with pets. Can it be done? Want to combine your RV lifestyle and employment? Many RVers do just that. They're called "Workampers." But what if you have pets? Will your furry friends put a kibosh on your Workamping future? Get the answer. Lance Campers expands from truck campers only Until now if you saw an RV with a Lance Camper logo rolling down the highway, it was a truck camper. But no more. The company has expanded its line to include lightweight travel trailers. Learn more.
 directories of Free campgrounds The most comprehensive guides to free and inexpensive campgrounds in the East and West -- "must-haves" for budget-minded RVers. Save $5 by buying both East and West editions together. Learn more or order.
Does an onboard washer/dryer make sense? Some RVers these days, especially full-timers, have a built-in washing machine and dryer. In some cases, they make sense. But in others, they do not. Russ and Tina De Maris weigh the pros and cons of equipping an RV with a washing machine and dryer. Very interesting.
 Watch out NASCAR. Here comes trailer racingYou've never seen a race like this -- race cars pulling travel trailers! The result is part racing and part destruction derby. We can't imagine anyone not howling with laughter at this two-minute video shot at an oval-track course in Europe. Get ready for fun. Federal passes can save you money If you enjoy visiting and/or camping in National Parks, National Forests and in other federally operated campgrounds, then you may want to take advantage of several money-saving passes. Some are only available to Americans older than 61, but others are available for everyone. Here is a rundown of the various passes. Steal an RV deal at Weekend Warrior auction? As you may know, Weekend Warrior Trailers has gone out of business. An auction sale for all manufacturing assets and more than 60 brand new trailers, 5th wheels, and coaches will be held on October 29, 30 and November 1. Log onto www.greatamerican.com to view the auction brochure and photos of RVs to be auctioned at both of the company's Southern California locations.
Visit Arizona's Finest RV Resorts Leave the cold and enter the warmth and fun of sunny Arizona. Click here to view resorts Famous RVer of the past One of the most famous Americans ever was an RVer, although few people ever knew. For decades, he was one of the best-known men in the world. With his RV, he and his wife could escape from the masses and find solitude. The man was famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. In the 1940s, Henry Ford learned that Lindbergh was looking for a travel trailer. Although Lindbergh wanted to buy one, Ford insisted he take one he had bought for a museum. It has since been described as a "huge brown elephant" on wheels. A week later taking delivery, Lindbergh hooked up the trailer to his car and drove off. He and his wife Anne traveled in it off-and-on for the next 15 years, a place where they could live and write in peace. Today, the trailer is on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  Explorer RV InsuranceGET 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 Last week's survey question Past reader surveys and results  ROADTREKMOTORHOMES The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.
 The 2008 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 at a huge discount. Trivia What do athletes drink when thirsty? Gatorade. Did you ever wonder how the product got its name? Well, it was invented in Florida for one of its best known college football teams. Practicing under the hot sun often left the players hot and dehydrated. The new drink provided great aid for the University of Florida Gators!  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.
video tour of Bella Terra. RV Boondocking Tips Trick helps slow a gray water tank from filling so fast A reader named JJ (pictured in photo) left this tip in the RVtravel.com reader forum:  If you are boondocking, you have to be careful that you don't fill up your holding tanks too fast. I don't know how it works with couples, but I'm a solo RVer and it takes longer to fill up a black tank (about a week) than a gray tank (two days). So what I do is when I am boondocking, I wash dishes in a Rubbermaid tub, and then dump the waste water down the toilet. This helps dilute the black tank to empty better, plus lots of soap to add to the mix, and keeps me from filling the gray tank. Please check out my blog on RV'ing without a tow car.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.
 Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos This 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.  RV Tech Tip by Mark PolkHelp control musty orders in closed up RVs Learn how to winterize your RV with Mark's best-selling DVD. Find out about DVDs and eBooks by RV expert Mark Polk. FMCA: Check out these RV Travel Forum discussions Trailer rock & roll I have a 36-foot travel trailer. When I set up the trailer, it moves a lot. I have noticed that the stabilizers have a lot of flex in them. I am looking at the power twin stabilizers. Has anybody used them? RV insurance recommendation? Not sure what is the best insurance company for my RV Class C 30'. Would like to hear from you all about this concern. Newbie: need help trailering I have the opportunity to buy a 1992 Sierra 30 foot trailer in very good condition. My dilemma is whether or not I have enough truck to do the job. I have a 1993 GMC Suburban K1500. I've looked all over the internet and all the talk about GVWR, GVW, GCWR, formulas, yadda, yadda, yadda has me totally confused. My questions are pretty simple: Will my Suburban do the job? Does anyone have any experience towing this size trailer with my size vehicle? RV Capital Wholesalers Has anyone bought from RV Capital Wholesalers? They used to be known as RV Direct Wholesalers. I have seen posts on other forums from people who have bought from other internet "factory direct" dealers, but never this particular one. Motorbikes on van I have a 2005 Pleasureway van. I'm thinking about hauling a motorbike of some kind, and so asking if anybody has done this. What kind of bike or scooter does one use, and is it better on the back or front? Glass cracked on Dometic freezer door. Help! I have a Dometic Designer Series RM2807. The panels on the front of the freezer door and the main door are a very nice smoked glass with beveled edges. I left the door unlatched and it swung around and cracked the glass. Does anyone know where I can get these glass "inserts" or if not, where I can buy some "inserts" to replace both of them that match? I have tried Dometic. Read other Forum discussions  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 RELEASED THIS YEAR BY FILMMAKER JOHN HOLOD  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. Bumper Snicker  LOW, LOW PRICE! RV 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 in "RV Retirement." SPECIAL LOW PRICE. Learn more or order. Worth Pondering "A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew." --Herb Caen RV Links. Learn about the best RV websites at RV-links.com. RVbuyingTips.com. Get good advice here. Books and DVDs about Fulltime RVing READ BACK ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER: Click here.  Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories About the editor Chuck Woodbury has been roaming America by RV off and on for nearly three decades. In the '90s he published a quirky travel newspaper about his adventures, and for six years was an "on the road" writer for the New York Times Syndicate. Nowadays, he lives near Seattle where he drinks massive amounts of coffee (required by law) and travels when he can in his motorhome and sometimes by plane when vast expanses of saltwater would turn his RV into a leaky submarine. RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. Check them out. 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. Web Operations Guru: 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 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. If you read this far, then "thanks a bunch!" © Copyright 2007 by RVbookstore.com |
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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.