Weekend of May 26 & 27, 2007
Issue 277 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.
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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Have you been following the story about two confused humpback whales that took a wrong turn on their northern migration off the West coast and swam up the Sacramento River? I have.
Back in 1985 while in my 30s and single, I had recently sold a small community newspaper, bought my first motorhome and was getting ready to go full-time with my RV as a freelance magazine writer. One of my semi-frequent assignments was reporting news for USA Today. Perhaps my favorite one was following Humphrey the Whale, the first modern-day humpback to get lost in the Sacramento River. Every day for a week I filed a story, and when Humphrey swam out to sea under the Golden Gate Bridge my bylined article appeared on the front page of the national newspaper.
I was reflecting on that assignment the other day with a friend, and I recalled that back then I had just purchased my first laptop computer. It had an eight-line screen, no storage beyond a few short articles, and a worthless modem. But it changed my life as a writer. Suddenly, writing was a pleasure, not drudgery as it had been with a typewriter. In the next few years, I would use it to write dozens of articles which earned me enough money to pay my bills as a roving reporter in my "motorhome newsroom."
At the end of each day that I followed Humphrey, I would need to find a phone booth to dictate my story to an editor at USA Today. Like magic (to me) the next morning it would be in the issue. Now, it would be so easy -- just connect my laptop to my cell phone and transmit my story in seconds.
Every once in awhile an incident like this reminds me of how much our lives have been changed by new technology. Today, many RVers are reporters for their own "publications" -- personal websites and blogs. These days, though, the process is done with ease and the stories appear to the world instantly.
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $256.00
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $88, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now at $168. You could be our next winner. Check in weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) on both contests to see if you're a winner.
BREAKING NEWS: Watch an RV dealership go up in flames. A huge fire destroyed dozens of RVs on Friday and stopped traffic on an adjacent freeway.
 FREE SHIPPING at RV Bookstore
To celebrate six years in business, we are offering free shipping on all orders over $49 through the end of May (USA addresses only). So stock up now on all the RV books and DVDs you need, at our already low prices -- and SAVE!
Health hazard suspected in some Katrina-related RV trailersDid you c atch the news report about the potentially serious health hazard discovered in the RV trailers the Federal Emergency Management Agency provided for Hurricane Katrina evacuees? Is the same hazard present in an inexpensive trailer an RVer might buy? Click here.
The Greatest RV Rally in the World!
It's the sheer fun of it. It's breathtaking scenery at The Rally site-Redmond, Oregon. It's learning new things. Fabulous entertainment, hilarious contests and an attempt to break a World Record - that's what The Rally 2007 is about - and a whole lot more! All Roads Lead to Redmond. Learn more.
Buy used RV parts and save!
So you need to replace something that broke or wore out in your RV. Do you have to buy a brand-new part? You can save a lot of money by picking up a used part, instead. Here's a website with a great inventory of used RV parts. RVer gets no help for serious defect You'd be pretty upset if you crawled under your RV and discovered the frame to be seriously damaged, even though you hadn't had an accident or abused the unit. You'd be even angrier if the manufacturer tried to avoid responsibility for the apparent defect. That's the situation this RVer is in. Read about the situation herein our forum. Fifth wheels charged more than other RVs on one toll roadLearn why travelers pulling fifth wheel trailers pay more than those with travel trailers or motorhomes on one New York State Thruway -- even when the RVs are the same length!
 2007 Wal-Mart Locator now available
The new Wal-Mart Locator is hot off the press. Hundreds of changes and updates, plus 100 new stores. This is the best resource for locating Wal-Mart stores (with driving directions), most of which allow free overnight RV stays in their parking lots. Our price only $19.96. Learn more or order.
Boondockers: have you considered these areas? Although RVers usually associate boondocking with deserts and other wide-open spaces, a surprising number of boondocking opportunities can be found in certain less-open areas you might initially ignore. Take a look. Software helps RVers keep track of vehicle expenses Traveling is expensive these days, and RVers should find this software helpful in keeping track of vehicle maintenance expenses. It's got lots of features, it can be customized and it can be downloaded into a convenient everyday tool. Click for details.
Beginners Guide to RVing
Are you new to RVing? Are you about to buy an RV or did you just buy one and now need to learn how to use it? Visit RVtravel.com's sister website "Beginners Guide to RVing" at www.NewRVer.com.
RV holding tanks full? Empty them this easy way RVers who stay at a campground awhile often find that their RV holding tanks fill up before they're ready to leave. You don't necessarily have to move the RV or employ a blue boy to empty the tanks. Here's an easier way you may not be aware of.Watch out Starbucks! KOA to offer its own coffee!KOA is luring consumers to its campground stores with its own brand of coffee. A recent survey indicated to KOA that 76 percent of its campers start their day with coffee. Two of KOA’s blends will be "Glowing Embers" and "Sunset Trails Decaf," both of which will be sold in bags or by the cup. Read more.
Allstate Motor Club: Relax and Enjoy the Ride
When you benefit from 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, exclusive club discounts and custom trip planning services, it's no wonder Allstate Motor Club members feel good hitting the road. Learn more.
DID YOU KNOW?
The price of NOT RVing? In a survey of RVtravel.com readers, more than 27 percent said they would stop RVing only if offered more than $1 million to do so. More than 40 percent would not give up RVing for any amount of money. But some would toss their RVs for a whole lot less -- read the actual survey results.
Keep your RV safe in a thunderstorm From a distance, thunderstorms give RVers a spectacular show with their lightning, dramatic clouds and rainbows. Up close, though, such storms can cause serious damage to RVs. Blogger Jim Twamley has some tips on how to keep your rig--and yourself-- safe in a storm. RVer asks where the blame really lies for high fuel prices Like virtually all RVers, rvtravel.com blogger Russ De Maris is concerned about record-high fuel prices, which prompt him to raise some interesting questions for the managers of U.S. oil refineries. Read his comments.
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.
Interesting jobs await RV work campers Work camping expert Jaimie Hall reminds us that RVers who want to work on the road can find some pretty interesting jobs out there. Here are two examples: 1. For hermits only! 2. In this position, you get to spend the day driving around a beautiful national park. RV antenna up before leaving camp? Here's how to make sure You'd never pull out of a campsite with your RV antenna still raised, would you? Nah. There's a near-foolproof way to make sure it doesn't happen -- or doesn't happen again. Click here.
Did you miss last week's RV Travel newsletter? Read it here.
RV Sure Step: Motion Activated Lighted Step The new RVSureStep, which mounts on top of your existing RV step in minutes, illuminates your step at night protecting you and your guest from dangerous accidents when entering and exiting the motorhome. Learn more..
Yuck! Bugs in the RV. Keep them out This is the season when openings in RVs attract creepy, crawly trespassers, which can build nests where they might clog the operation of our appliances. Here's one way to keep them out. Program lets RVers camp for half-price If you're fairly new to RVing, you may not be familiar with an easy, popular way to cut your commercial campground fees in half. Now at least one state has joined the program and is offering 50 percent off campsites at its state parks. Don't miss out on this cost-saving opportunity.
She's a Wal-Mart Woman!
This has absolutely nothing do with RVing, but because so many RVers enjoy shopping at Wal-Mart, we'll pass along this hilarious music video titled "Wal-Mart Woman." Get ready to laugh!
Break down on the road? No problem!
Get Good Sam Club's Emergency Road Service. Don't settle for less: Get the best. Learn more or sign up.
This Week's Reader Survey
Describe your typical breakfast-eating habits. Answer here.
Last week's survey question
How long has it been since you bought a new RV fire extinguisher or recharged your present one? See results.
Past reader surveys and results
Why pay to camp?
Before you head off on your next RV trip, check out FreeCampgrounds.com, where you will find an online directory of more than 1,500 free and inexpensive places to stay in an RV.
Postcard of the Week
Oscar and his wife have a different idea of the "pretty calves" in this old postcard. See it here.
 Join the Good Sam Club
The biggest and best club for RVers. More than one million members. Join now at the special price of only $19.
Do your RV solar panels have this important middleman?Solar panels are a godsend to RV boondockers because of the free power they provide for dry-camping. But there's more to setting up a solar system than slapping a panel or two on the roof of your RV and connecting the wires to the batteries. You need to include this important device in the system, too. Ever stub your toe in your RV? Maybe this idea will help RVers are such clever, innovative folks who are always coming up with solutions to problems big and small. Here's an idea you might want to try in your RV.
Hear the RV song "It's Hard to Stay Home"
Hear a clip (Quicktime required) from Cliff Boyd's song "It's Hard to Stay Home." If you like what you hear, order Cliff's CD "RV Songs For You" at RVbookstore.com for only $13.95.
Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs
FEATURED BLOG: 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.Read the blog.
And don't miss Great RV Stuff: Get the scoop on the latest neat RV stuff -- gizmos and gadgets that might make your RVing more enjoyable.
See the complete lineup of RV Travel blogs
Tour a classic Airstream trailer
Take a tour of a 1963 Flying Cloud Airstream trailer as Frank Sinatra sings "Come Fly With Me." There's no narration, just a tour of the coach inside and out. But the end result is a fascinating three-minute look at this classic coach.
Poulsbo RV: America's RV dealer!
If you're planning to buy an RV, be sure to check out Poulsbo RV, no matter where you live. We're one of America's top ten largest RV dealers, and our customers come from all over the USA. See why. Visit the PoulsboRV.com online showroom or call us at 888-538-9400.
Attraction is worth a side trip for RVers in Alaska Side trips are much of the fun of an RV road trip to Alaska (or anywhere else!). For RVers heading to the 49th state, here's an attraction you won't find mentioned in many guidebooks, but it's worth visiting. Get a better WiFi signal on the RV road with this device Collections and displays keep RVers busy for hours RVers traveling in the upper Midwest this summer should plan a lot of time to tour this fascinating museum-like home. If you like collections and displays of all sorts of interesting things, don't miss this destination. Turn your motorhome's driver area into useful space The driver's area of a motorhome doesn't have to lie unused while you're parked. Here are some ideas on how to easily convert the area into useful space.
In Tennessee, the stage is set for you!
Let your interests be your guide to vacationing in Tennessee. Finalize your outings and hammer out all the driving details - all online. Once you have made your selections and built your vacation, forget your worries and stress. Come unwind in Tennessee.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussionsAnybody got a giant steamroller?
I'm about one week away from my trek to Denver from Florida--nice flat land!--but I'm already getting nervous about my plan to go to Alaska next summer. How "hilly" are the mountains in California, Oregon and Washington? Museum wax: how do you use it?
Museum Wax, Quake Wax (California), Museum Gel, all similar no-mar adhesives have almost unlimited uses in your RV and at the campsite. Let's hear of all the ways you use it. Maiden voyage
I'm writing as a single, retired, RV full-timer. Finally decided, against all odds, that I would fulfill a dream I've hidden in my heart for ages: to drive this vast country and admire its beauty. Storing your RV along the way
I would like to save on some gas this summer by storing my RV mid-route. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, advice on choosing a reliable storage facility that will ensure my RV will still be there and intact when I come back for it? Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
My husband and I plan to make a brief stop in Gettysburg, PA at the end of June. I have three campgrounds that we're looking at, but I would appreciate hearing anyone's experiences/recommendations.
Visit the FreeCampgrounds.com forum
Cross that bridge BEFORE you get to it with CoPilot!
CoPilot is the award-winning GPS navigation system trusted by thousands of RV owners on the road today. With a quick installation on your laptop, CoPilot’s great views and clearly spoken turn-by-turn directions provide worry-free route guidance to any destination nationwide. Learn more about CoPilot GPS systems here.
Oregon-bound RVers will love this resource Planning to RV in Oregon this season to escape the summer heat farther south? Here's a wonderful, slightly off-beat resource that will help you plan your visit. It's well worth a look. Is this motorhome a keeper? A few weeks ago, RVtravel.com blogger Adrienne Kristine was disappointed when a used motorhome she hoped to buy turned out to be a lemon. Now she's won another motorhome on Ebay, and this one seems like a winner. See photos and share her excitement.
New edition just in!
Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino benefits for RVers. Learn more or order.
Bumper Snicker
So you're a feminist...Isn't that cute.
Plan to make a pay phone call in Canada? Read this RVers traveling in Canada this summer should be aware that a big change regarding pay phones goes into effect June 1. Click here. Florida's casinos up the ante for RVers RVers on the road in Florida who enjoy dry-camping in casino parking lots now have one more reason to visit the state's casinos. Read why.
Wonder what there is to do along Hwy 95 in Nevada?
Horseback Riding- Air Shows- Outdoor Boxing- POW WOWS- Craft Shows- Community Picnics- Chili Cook-Offs- National Parks- Desert Wildflower Arrays- Sand Dunes- Prospecting- Antelope-Meteorite Hunting- Off-Roading- Star Gazing- Bicycling- Wild Burros- Rural Celebrations- Fine Dining- Gaming- Museums- ...and much, much more. Find all your options here!
Worth Pondering
"Get your facts first and then you can distort them as much as you please." --Mark Twain
2007 RV Show Schedule
Learn about RV shows through September, 2007. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com.See them here.
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 long, slender and low-riding office dog.
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.
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RV Travel is copyright 2007 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.
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