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Learn the gun laws of every U.S. state. RVers who travel with a firearm should read this to stay out of trouble. Learn more or order.
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RV Travel #128
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September 26, 2004
Email circulation of this issue: 82,533
CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY FOR OWNERS OF BIG RVs
Do you drive a long RV? If so, the 2004 "Big Rig Best Bets
Campground Directory" is for you. Learn which RV parks
cater to big rigs. Info on the best sites, nearby attractions,
driving directions, costs, Internet access and more.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITES
RV Bookstore
Beginners Guide to RVing
Free Campgrounds of the West
Full Time RVer
PRIVACY STATEMENT:
This newsletters email addresses are never sold, rented or shared.
EDITOR'S CORNER
By Chuck Woodbury
editor, RV Travel
Dear reader,
I'm writing this Thursday afternoon. My daughter and I
will head off to Canada tomorrow to attend a big RV
show in Abbotsford, BC, which is about an hour's drive
east of Vancouver. I've never attended an RV show outside
the States before so I'm looking forward to this one.
I was reminded of the show by Tim and Sherry
Collard, who host a new DVD titled "RV Walk-Thru."
Tim is an experienced RV technician, and in the new
DVD he explains virtually everything about a
motorhome that a new or novice RVer should know
about operating all its systems. The hour-plus DVD is
very well done, and we have added it our offerings
at RVbookstore.com. Tim and Sherry have a booth
at the show, so we'll stop and say hi.
My daughter Emily, now 13, has been RVing since she
was three weeks old. She's as happy on the road
in our RV as she is in her bedroom at home, and is
always ready to head out on another adventure.
One of the activities we especially enjoy is visiting
RV shows and checking out the new models. I think she's
become a bit jaded through the years, though, because
she doesn't get impressed with anything under $150,000.
Actually, that can happen at RV shows if you spend any
time exploring the high end rigs and then step into a small
Class C that's designed for short camping trips. On its own,
the small motorhome would be impressive. But in an RV show,
where its neighbors are often mansions on wheels, it can look
a bit cramped and bare bones. Still, for most of us, the
affordable price tag of the Class C motorhome has a way of
bringing us back to reality.
For those of you who plan to attend an RV show
in the States in the next few weeks, be sure to
check our list of one's that are upcoming.
To get information about the RV show my daughter
and I will be attending near Vancouver, click here.
And a reminder to full-timers or wanna-bees: Be sure
to get the current issue of Trailer Life magazine with
its special section devoted to the subject of Snowbirding
in Texas. It's available on most major newsstands.
Don't forget to participate in this week's Knowledge Quiz.
The prize is $100. The Quiz goes live the minute
this newsletter is delivered at 8:45 a.m., Sunday.
The link is toward the bottom of this issue.
And now, as the father of our country said before
embarking on his historic boat ride across the
Delaware River: "Onward."
NEED TO FINANCE OR REFINANCE AN RV?
See if you qualify in 60 seconds
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional
service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify in 60 seconds.
THIS WEEK'S READER SURVEY
What is your work status?
PAST READER SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESULTS
LEARN ABOUT RVing FIRST HAND FROM EXPERTS
Each year, "Life on Wheels" sponsors RV conferences
around the USA. The program began in 1995 in Moscow,
Idaho. Today, students select from more than 100
college-style courses designed to make life on the
RV road more enjoyable, trouble-free and secure.
All classes are taught by RV experts -- a virtual
"Who's Who" of RVing. Get information about upcoming
conferences.
SAVE MONEY ON RV INSURANCE
WHEN YOUR RV ISN'T BEING USED
If your motorhome, tow vehicle or truck camper is
stored on private property for long periods of time,
you may be able to save money by canceling the liability,
collision, medical and uninsured portions of the policy
until you head back on the road (provided your insurance
carrier allows this practice). But keep the comprehensive
coverage active. If you allow this coverage to lapse and
your rig is financed, your lending institution will likely send
you a nasty note and then tack on its own expensive
coverage to your monthly payment.
BUYING A CAR OR RV?
Order a free CARFAX vehicle report. Don't buy a vehicle
with a history of problems. Get the facts immediately
WOMEN RVers CORNER
By Peggi McDonald
CRAFT CLASSES
It's fun to nestle into a posh campground in the sunny south
for the winter. Many RVers new to this lifestyle wonder
how they'll keep busy so far from home. Rest assured, you
can be as busy as you want. Recently we were in a park
where I joined other ladies to applique adornments on a
t-shirt. The teacher had a variety of prints to choose from;
when outlined in sparkle paint, my basic 'T' transformed
into an impressive creation. Several years ago I fabricated
an entire wardrobe using this medium, but this summer I
off-loaded heavy extras including my paints. So it was fun
to be creative, make new friends and enjoy a short time
away from my computer. My latest creation is a decoration
to hang in a window. Best of all, class supplies were included
for a low $2 to $3 fee. When RV parks fill up, activities
increase. So no RVer should worry about being alone or
lonely away from the family. Craft classes are only one
of many activities for RVers.
Peggi McDonald is the webhost of RVliving.net and author
of the book RV Living in the 21st Century.
RV MAGAZINES FOR RVers. SOME AT SPECIAL LOW RATES
Some of these magazines you may not have even heard of!
BILL'S HINT
From Trailers Made Easy
"Without trailer brakes, if you brake hard in an
emergency you can expect to jack-knife, with
a strong probability of overturning. Wet or frozen
pavement almost guarantees it."
LEARN WHAT RV SERVICES
ARE AVAILABLE AT TRUCK STOPS
Discover what services are offered RVers at American
and Canadian truck stops with the 2004 "RVers Friend."
Learn which offer overnight stays, dump stations, repair
service, Internet access, propane, ATMs and much more.
RV SAFETY: THE PROPER USE OF YOUR RV's MIRRORS
Way back on his inaugural RV trip, the editor of this
newsletter nearly ran over a Reno cop. The problem:
he failed to properly adjust his RV mirrors. "I was in
the lane next to you when you pulled over and nearly
knocked me over," the motorcycle policeman said as
he wrote his ticket. Learn how you can avoid a
similar situation.
HEADED TO FLORIDA FOR THE WINTER?
If you plan to visit Florida State Parks, then you can
save a bundle of money by ordering an annual pass.
Get more information or order a pass online.
. . . or if you'd like to do more than just visit the parks by
working as a volunteer, then here is where to learn how.
BARGAINS AND CLOSEOUTS AT RV BOOKSTORE
RV BOONDOCKING TIPS
(this is a reprint from a past issue of RV Travel)
By Russ and Tina Demaris
SEWER MOVER?
Getting sewage out of your rig's holding tanks doesn't
necessarily mean moving the rig to the dump station.
Portable waste storage tanks or "blue boys," can tote
that 'old black water' to the dump station in jig time.
If your rig is parked just out of range of a suitable
sewage receiver you can use a macerator pump to
grind and pump sewage greater distances through
a garden hose or small diameter plastic pipe. Some
macerators operate on 12-volt power, others on
water pressure alone. Some boondockers combine
macerator pumps with portable waste tanks to move
their sewage while saving their backs from heavy
tank lifting.
Russ and Tina Demaris are the authors of
RV Boondocking Basics.
JOIN THE WORLD'S LARGEST RV CLUB. SAVE $6
Join the GOOD SAM Club. Save 10% on campground fees, receive
a free subscription to Highways Magazine, and much more!
Only $19 a year.
HEADED OUT ON A TRIP? CHECK THE WEATHER
The U.S. government maintains up-to-the-minute warnings
about severe weather in the USA. Check this page before
heading off into the unknown: http://weather.gov
. . . and check out ROAD CONDITIONS AND CLOSURES
around the states.
AC POWER LINE PROBLEMS, A MYSTIFYING MENACE
You've heard the stories; a roof top air conditioner
bogs down and trips the breaker; a television set image
is suddenly reduced to a much smaller viewing area; your
neighbor plugs his coach into the campground and your
microwave oven quits in mid-cycle; reports of a
lightning storm in the next county are followed by the
lights inside your coach all of a sudden becoming very
bright. The fact is, there are many electrical problems
equally available to all RVers. Collectively known as
"power line problems," individually they create a palette
of dilemmas. Learn more.
DO IT YOURSELF HELP
FOR RV SIDEWALL OR FIBERGLASS REPAIR
Gene Beaudry hosts a home video where he shows you
how to repair a coach's damaged sidewall or
fiberglass. It's $49.95. Get information.
BUMPER SNICKER
Spotted in Canada by a reader named Aaron
"Driver carries no cash. He is married".
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker?
Email it to Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com .
DID YOU KNOW?
Songwriter Donald Yetter Gardner, who wrote the
children's favorite "All I Want for Christmas Is My
Two Front Teeth," died Sept. 15 at age 91.
Advertisements: Sales of these
products and services keeps this newsletter fueled.
We charge nothing for a subscription, so these profits
pay our rent and put food on our table.
WAL-MART STORE LOCATOR
The 2004 "Wal-Mart Locator" lists every Wal-Mart in
48 states with driving directions to each. Great for planning
overnight stays.
GOOD SAM EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE
Protects you, your spouse, AND all children age 25 or younger
(living at home or attending college), your RV, AND all household
cars, SUVs, minivans, and pick-ups! Only $79.95.
TRAVELING WITH A FIREARM?
Learn the firearm laws of all 50 states. Essential reference
for RVers who cross state borders. Stay out of trouble.
RVers GUIDE TO DUMP STATIONS
New directory lists virtually every public dump in the USA
OFFSET HIGH GAS PRICES
WITH HALF-PRICE RV CAMPING
Join the Happy Camper Club and pay half-price at more
than 1,000 RV parks. If you camp more than a few weeks
a year, a membership can save you a bundle.
SHOPPING FOR AN RV EXTENDED WARRANTY?
The Good Sam Club's Continued Service Plan covers your coach,
engine, appliances and accessories in your new or used
motorhome, trailer and even tow vehicle. Get an online quote.
THREE HOME VIDEOS about RVing IN ALASKA AND CANADA
Alaska By RV, Western Canada By RV, Eastern Canada By RV.
QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA. SEE IT ON DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
GUIDEBOOK TO MILITARY RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
CAMP AT CASINO RV PARKS. . . (SOMETIMES FOR FREE)
Learn which casinos have RV parks and which ones offer
free overnight stays in their parking lots in new guidebook.
Plus info about other casino benefits for RVers who stay.
BUYING AN RV? Don't buy one before reading
The RV Buyers Survival Guide. Ex-RV sales manager
Bob Randall reveals how to get the best deal from an
RV dealer. Don't pay too much. Available as printed book
or instant eBook.
This week's Knowledge Quiz
QUIZ IS LIVE RIGHT NOW
The winner grabs $100. Wow! Now that's worth
winning. Some people might think this week's subject
is dirty. But we don't. The 287th person to answer
correctly takes the stash of cash. Answer here.
SEE THE RESULTS OF PREVIOUS QUIZZES
Last week's winner
Michelle Bauer, who won a whopping $200.
LEARN WHAT'S ALONG THE INTERSTATES
Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again.
The 2004 "Next Exit" lists every exit along every Interstate
and what's at each: fuel, campgrounds, truck stops, casinos,
malls, rest areas, hospitals and more. Only $12.95.
RV INFORMATION & RESOURCES. . .
RV-LINKS
Loads of links to great websites about RVing
FULL TIME RVer
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR RVers
RV RECALLS
WORKAMPING INFORMATION
WORTH PONDERING
"Make my day." -- Clint Eastwood
RV PARKS WITH WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
RANDOM RV THOUGHT
"There is no such thing as the perfect RV. There is always
something you wish was a little different. Maybe it's a
bigger bathroom, or a softer chair, or more cupboards.
Maybe you'd prefer a different color on the exterior,
or of the carpet. Maybe it's a motorhome that needs a
bigger engine. Maybe the bed is positioned so it's hard
to make. About the best you can hope for in an RV is about
90 percent of what you would consider the perfect rig.
If you do better than that, you are very fortunate."
VISIT WITH THE RV TRAVEL
EDITOR IN SEATTLE OCT. 21-24
. . . at the annual Seattle RV Show. Visit him
in the RVbookstore.com booth (#69). Get show
information and a $2 off admission discount ticket.
The RV Travel newsletter contains links to sites on the
Internet that are owned and operated by third parties. It is
not responsible for the availability of, or the content located
on or through any such third-party site.
RV Travel is copyrighted 2004 by Chuck Woodbury.
Our World Headquarters: Out West Publishing,
110 W. Dayton St., Suite 104, Edmonds WA 98020
PRIVACY STATEMENT:
We never sell or share any information about our readers or customers with any outside party.
