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RV Travel #133
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October 31, 2004
Email circulation of this issue: 83,604
CAMP ON PUBLIC LANDS FOR PENNIES A DAY
New home video "Boondocking On The Public Lands of
California and Arizona" takes you to all the popular RV
boondocking areas. Quartzsite, Slab City, Yuma, more.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITES
RV Bookstore
Beginners Guide to RVing
Free Campgrounds of the West
RV Tech Tips
Full Time RVer
PRIVACY STATEMENT
This newsletters email addresses are never sold, rented or shared.
We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau.
EDITOR'S CORNER
By Chuck Woodbury
editor, RV Travel
Dear Reader,
At the Seattle RV Show last week I was able to talk with
many RVers. Some would-be buyers were still struggling
to determine if they wanted a towable rig or a motorhome.
This is typically a big first decision: it was with me. I chose
a motorhome because I liked the idea of driving my house,
not pulling it. I like being able to stop along the road and
walk back a few steps to make a sandwich or enjoy a cup
of coffee.
My feeling is that a trailer or fifth wheel RV is best for
RVers who plan to stay put in one place for days or weeks
at a time. Once they arrive at their destination, they
need only unhook the trailer to free their tow vehicle
for sightseeing or errands. A motorhome, I feel, is best
for RVers who plan to travel a lot but who stay in one place
for only a day or two before moving on. If they want to stay
longer, but with extra mobility, then pulling a small car
behind their rig (a "toad") is an option, although that means
two engines to maintain.
As I have said before, I have never pulled a "toad"
behind my motorhome. Instead, I have carried along
a bicycle. For me, it provides both exercise and a way
to travel a few miles to town, a general store or
fishing hole (I carry a fold-up, backpacker-style
fishing pole). Bikes come in many shapes and sizes
including folding models that take very little space
to store. Electric models enable longer and less
strenuous excursions, and are great for RVers
with physical limitations.
On occasions when I stay in a big town and need to
get around without hassling public transportation,
I sometimes rent a small car. The last time I checked,
Enterprise car rentals would deliver a vehicle right
to your campsite. A small car can be rented for
as little as a hundred dollars a week in some cases,
making renting one for special occasions much more
economical than pulling one along and paying for its
maintenance and insurance.
RVers who own a pickup truck and who don't need
a large living space can opt for a truck camper.
Nowadays these RV models often include a slide-out,
making them surprisingly spacious. The camper part
can be removed from the truck at a campsite,
providing the same degree of freedom as with a
trailer or fifth wheel trailer.
A REMINDER ABOUT OUR NEW NEWSLETTERS
Don't forget to sign up for our two new email newsletters
that debut in mid-November. Northwest RVer will
include advice, information and travel tips for
RVers who live or travel in the Northwest.
RV Tech Tips will provide great information about
maintaining your RV as well as trouble-shooting
problems. And, as always, your email address
is never sold or shared with outsiders.
ALL THE STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RVing
If you are new to RVing and want to learn the ropes,
this new book is absolutely the best source. It covers
everything a beginner needs to know. Learn more or order
TRAVELING WITH A FIREARM?
Learn the firearm laws of all 50 states. Essential reference
for RVers who cross state borders. Stay out of trouble.
THIS WEEK'S READER SURVEY
If you were to able to live as you wish, would you prefer
to live in regular house or travel full-time with an RV?
Answer here.
PAST READER SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESULTS
BOOKS ABOUT EARNING AN INCOME ON THE RV ROAD
TRAILERING IN THE 1920s.
Here is a treat for you: A delightful story by folk music
legend Pete Seeger spoken in his own words about his
parents' home-made trailer and their trip south from
New York in 1921. Seeger tells of how his musician-parents
built the four-wheel trailer from maple wood, outfitted it
with a portable stage and pulled it (with mishaps along the
way) to entertain audiences wherever they could find one.
Take a few minutes to listen to this delightful story.
LEMON AID: HOW TO DEAL WITH A BAD RV
Is your RV a lemon? If so, there's a good chance
you can do something about it. In this article, learn
about lemon laws and how to take advantage of them.
RVers GUIDE TO DUMP STATIONS
New directory lists virtually every public dump in the USA
RV BOONDOCKING TIPS
By Russ and Tina Demaris
LP LIGHTING TIPS
If your RV is equipped with a gas light fixture, here
are some ideas to help you get the most of it. First,
keep your globe clean. It's amazing how much light can
be absorbed by a dirty glass. Make sure the light fixture
is cool before removing it, then carefully wash in
dishwater, thoroughly drying before reinstalling. If the
lamp has lost its brilliance, try changing the mantle --
they loose output with use. Periodically check the "bunsen"
or that L-shaped tube that the burner hangs on. A stream
of compressed air will remove dirt, cobwebs, and bugs
that can obstruct the flow of gas.
Russ and Tina Demaris are the authors of
RV Boondocking Basics.
LEARN TO OPERATE EVERYTHING ON YOUR RV
New, 72-minute DVD shows you step-by-step how to
operate everything on an RV. It's like getting a personal tour
from an RV technician. Winterizing tips, too.
BILL'S HINT
From Trailers Made Easy
"Your internal water system is rated for about 50 pounds
of water pressure. Unless you are certain that you have
a pressure regulator built-in, always add one to your hose
before connecting it to your pressure fitting. Install it on
the water source end of your hose."
RV MAGAZINES FOR RVers. SOME AT SPECIAL LOW RATES
Some of these magazines you may not have even heard of!
WOMEN RVers CORNER
By Peggi McDonald
AWNING CARE
Awnings provide shade on a warm day, but when the
climate turns foul they don't weather well. One end should
be lowered so rainwater can run off. If water collects in
the fabric, push up with a broom to remove it, otherwise
you'll damage the hardware. John and I roll up our awning
each evening simply because we dislike 3 a.m. awning calls
during unexpected high winds. Many attachments that help
stop wind from destroying awnings include 'stays' (ribs
placed at several intervals) or 'anti-flappers' or 'sunshades,'
attached with anchors. Window awnings keep an RV cooler.
When these awnings are extended they stand up better to
winds. Cleaning awnings takes little effort if you saturate
the top and bottom with a gentle water/soap solution (Dawn
dish soap works well), roll the awning up for five minutes,
then unroll and spray with a hose to remove the solution.
If it's not perfect, repeat. Avoid strong cleaners as they
can harm the waterproofing capabilities.
Peggi McDonald is the webhost of RVliving.net and author
of the book RV Living in the 21st Century.
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.
BUMPER SNICKER
"Sure wish my wife was as dirty as my truck is."
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker?
Email it to Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com .
Advertisements: Sales of these products and services
keeps this newsletter fueled. We charge nothing for a
subscription. Profits pay our mortages and allow us an
itty bitty profit.
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.
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.
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.
DON WRIGHT'S GUIDE TO FREE CAMPGROUNDS
Two editions, Eastern USA and Western USA. Lists all free
and under-$12 campgrounds.
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
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.
FULL TIME RVing: Learn how to do it from an expert
BARGAINS AND CLOSEOUTS AT RV BOOKSTORE
eBooks ABOUT RVing
Order online and be reading these "books" on your
computer only a few minutes later.
WHAT GLUE TO USE TO REPAIR YOUR RV?
Glue is glue. Right? Wrong. Different glues are needed
for different types of repairs. Here's a very short
explanation about which glue is right for the job.
DOMETIC PRODUCTS HELP
Do you own a Dometic refrigerator or toilet?
If so, here is where to get help or advice.
POP UP TRAILER OWNERS MEET HERE
If you own a pop up trailer or are thinking of getting
one, here is a discussion group where you can share
information about pop up camping with others.
This issue's Knowledge Quiz
This week's Quiz is live now. The question: The island
of Martha's Vineyard is located in which state?
The 104th person to answer correctly wins $100.
ANSWER THE QUIZ NOW
SEE THE RESULTS OF PREVIOUS QUIZZES
Last week's winner:
There was no quiz, therefore no winner (duh!)
RV TECH TIPS
By Tim Collard
THE MYSTERIOUS BUTTONS
Have you ever wondered what that electrical receptacle
is in the kitchen or, more likely, the bathroom? You know,
the one the kids (or even you) play with while sitting on
the throne, when you push one button the other one pops out?
It's called a 'Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt' or G.F.C.I. or G.F.I.
Its function is to save you and yours from being electrocuted
by serving as fast-acting circuit breaker designed to disconnect
the power to the outlets if it detects a sudden surge or loss of
power. One GFCI receptacle can control 2 or 3 other plugs on
your RV, so if you find you have no power, check your breakers
and the GFCI.
Tim Collard is a veteran RV technician and the editor of
RVtechTips.com and its twice-a-month email newsletter.
ALL THE STUFF YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RVing
If you are new to RVing and want to learn the ropes, this new
book is absolutely the best source. It covers everything a
beginner needs to know. Learn more or order.
RV REVIEW: See Ya! 316 fifth wheel trailer
Alfa Leisure’s 2005 fifth-wheel offers a picture window
plus new-from-the-ground-up design elements. Read more.
WHERE THE FISH ARE BITING
Do you like to fish? And do you like to actually catch
fish when you fish? If so, here is a great cyber-pond
of info: Anglers report where the fish are biting. Watch
out fishees!
RV INFORMATION & RESOURCES. . .
RV-LINKS
Loads of links to great websites about RVing
FULL TIME RVer
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR RVers
NORTHWEST RVer EMAIL NEWSLETTER
RV TECH TIPS eMAIL NEWSLETTER
RV RECALLS
WORKAMPING INFORMATION
RV COOKBOOKS Yum Yum!
WORTH PONDERING
"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
— George Eliot
RV PARKS WITH WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
RANDOM RV THOUGHT
For cheap entertainment on your RV travels, bring along
a kite. A basic model is cheap. On a windy day, go flying.
If you have kids or grandkids along, so much the better.
RV COOKBOOKS at RV Bookstore
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.
