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2005 Selecting
An RV Home Base
Full-Timers: Don't establish home-base in the wrong state. It could cost you big!
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RV Travel #146
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February 6, 2005
Email circulation of issue #146 of RV Travel: 90,578
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PRIVACY STATEMENT
This newsletters email addresses are never sold, rented or shared.
We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau.
THIS NEWSLETTER IS
MADE POSSIBLE BY RV BOOKSTORE
Please stop by. You'll find the world's largest selection
of books, videos, DVDs and magazines about RVs,
RV travel and the RV lifestyle.
EDITOR'S CORNER
By Chuck Woodbury
editor, RV Travel
Dear reader,
It's been a busy and historic week for me.
Ever since I began publishing on the Web, I have
worked from a home office or from my motorhome
while on the road. From Day One my goal has been
to engineer the growth of my business so that I could
continue to travel both by RV and otherwise. That
goal remains. This week, however, I moved out of
my house and into a real office, where I welcomed
two full-time employees. It's a big change, but
necessary: a person can only work so many 14-hour
days before dropping from exhaustion.
About three years ago I opened RVbookstore.com
(http://www.RVbookstore.com) with the idea that if
I were going to earn my income on the Web,
a bookstore would be a fascinating way to do it.
I have always loved books and spent a thousand
hours in bookstores. At the time, there was no
comprehensive RV bookstore on the Web or anywhere
else. Today, RVbookstore.com is the largest store
on Earth specializing in books, videos, DVDs and
magazines about RVing and the RV lifestyle.
In the early days, my daughter and I handled orders.
At 5 p.m. I'd run to the post office with a half-dozen
parcels. Nowadays, four people work full-time at
our warehouse, taking phone orders and shipping
thousands of books, videos and DVDs a month across
America and throughout the world. Weekday
orders that arrive by 2 p.m. are shipped the same
day, a policy we vow to continue forever.
Now, with my two employees in our administrative
office and those at our warehouse, the "Little
Bookstore That Could" supports eight people
and their families. And it has already spawned
lifelong friendships.
I love how technology has enabled me to build
a unique business that I can manage from anywhere
in the world with my laptop computer. The call of the
road comes often to me, and when it does, it's hard
not to respond. I feel a bit freer to do so now with
my new helpers. So welcome to Jody and Zoey and
a big "thanks" to the crew at the warehouse — Walt,
Joe, Phil, Amy and Jacob — for all their hard work.
And thanks to all of our customers, who make the
bookstore — and this newsletter — possible.
MEET US AT THE SEATTLE RV SHOW
Please stop by our RVbookstore.com booth at this
week's Seattle RV Show, Feb. 10-13, at Qwest Event
Center (next to Safeco Field). And make sure to
print out a $2-off admission coupon.
2005 WAL-MART LOCATOR HAS ARRIVED
The 2005 Wal-Mart Locator is hot off the press and
is now shipping. Many RVers use this directory to plan
a visit to Wal-Mart stores along their routes, whether
to shop or for a freebie overnight stay in a store's
parking lot. Get more information or order now.
THIS WEEK'S READER SURVEY
Where are you reading this newsletter at this
very moment? Answer here.
PAST READER SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESULTS
2005 CAMPGROUND DIRECTORIES
. . . from Trailer Life, Woodall's and Frommer's.
DAUGHTER OFF IN RV WITH 91-YEAR-OLD MUM
Myrna Oakley, 68, and her mother, Doris Murdock,
91, recently hit the road in a 27-foot motorhome named
Thelma. "Some people think we're completely nuts," said
Oakley. "But Mum wanted to, and if we ever were to do it,
it should be now." Read more.
DEATH VALLEY BLANKETED WITH WILDFLOWERS
California's Death Valley National Park is abloom
with wildflowers and more are on the way. The park,
180 miles west of Las Vegas, is normally the driest
spot in North America but has experienced 4.5 inches
of rainfall since summer, four times normal. Park officials
expect a spectacular blooming of wildflowers into early
March. The heavy rainfall washed out large sections of
Highway 190 between Death Valley Junction and
Furnace Creek, but the park is easily accessible via
other routes.
FOR WOULD-BE RVers ONLY
Are you thinking of buying a recreational vehicle and
taking up the RV lifestyle? If so, be absolutely sure
to send for a free video or CD Rom from the Recreation
Vehicle Industry Association that will introduce you to
RVing and entertain you in the process.
2005 ANNUAL DIRECTORIES HOT OFF THE PRESS
2005 NEXT EXIT DIRECTORY
Learn what's at every exit along every Interstate.
2005 TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO STATE FIREARM LAWS
Keep legal when you cross state laws with a firearm.
2005 WOODALL'S CAMPGROUND DIRECTORIES
2005 TRAILER LIFE CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY
2005 GUIDE TO MILITARY CAMPGROUNDS
RV BOONDOCKING TIPS
By Russ and Tina Demaris
GAS PAINS AND BATTERIES
Boondockers are rightly concerned about having enough
battery power. But with batteries come dangers — some
not easily recognized. Charging batteries produce hydrogen
gas, a highly explosive byproduct. Hydrogen is not
something to fear, but respect. To keep safe:
•Always have plenty of ventilation in the battery
compartment. Make sure that hydrogen gas can easily
vent to the outside atmosphere.
•Never operate RV batteries inside the coach.
The living quarters of the rig is no place for an
explosive atmosphere.
•Don't set up equipment in the battery compartment
that could spark. That includes power inverters.
Russ and Tina Demaris are the authors of
RV Boondocking Basics.
VISIT SOUTHWEST BOONDOCKING MECCAS ON VIDEO
New home video "Boondocking On The Public Lands of
California and Arizona" shows you all the popular RV
boondocking areas. Quartzsite, Slab City, Yuma, more.
TOWING LAWS OF EVERY STATE
If you tow a trailer or a toad behind your RV, then you
will find the information at this website valuable — a
state-by-state guide to towing rules and regulations.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT
CAN YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER TIRES HANDLE?
Don't ask your tires to carry too great a load or they
may be very unkind to you and your pocketbook.
NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS
There are 25,700 campsites in 548 campgrounds
at 77 areas of the U.S. National Park system. Here's
a broad overview of these campgrounds that answers
most of the questions anyone who has never camped
in a National Park might ask, plus a link to the NPS
campground reservation system.
BY THE WAY. . . The average maximum length
of an RV permitted in a National Park campground
is 27 feet, but some campsites can accommodate
RVs up to 40 feet.
RVing THE ALASKA HIGHWAY
Join Bob and Judy Howen as they drive the Alaska
Highway in their motorhome. See the road through their
front window. Visit campgrounds and other RVer attractions.
BILL'S HINT
About hooking up to electricity in a campground:
"If you use extension cords (always of the proper
rating), make all connections to the RV before finally
plugging into the campground power. Then you won't
expose yourself to 'hot' connectors."
From Trailers Made Easy
EXPLORER RV: INSURANCE TO PROTECT & SAVE
Owners of motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels
& 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.
TRIVIA
When French fashion designer Gabrielle Chanel
introduced her new perfume in 1921, she did so on
the fifth day of the month because she considered
the number 5 to be lucky. To honor the day the
perfume was introduced she named it Chanel No. 5
even though there were not four versions before it.
2005 RVers FRIEND — Hot off the press
Lists every Truck Stop in the U.S. and Canada and the services
each provides to RVers. Learn which offer overnight stays,
dump stations, Internet access, propane or other services.
WOMEN RVers CORNER
By Peggi McDonald
LOCK YOUR DOORS
Always lock RV doors when you're away. It's easy to let
your guard down in a comfortable campground. You only
plan to step out for a short visit or to the clubhouse. You're
certain your new friends would not intrude on your property.
However, there may be a visitor (or a stranger) in the park
who doesn't respect the property of others. And, remember,
the only secure lock on your RV door is the dead bolt. The
lock in the door handle is frequently opened and closed with
a master key — many RV manufacturers use this same lock
in a variety models. My storage department lock will open
the locks of most other RV storage doors. Keeping valuables
in these areas is not wise without upgrading the locks.
Peggi McDonald is the webhost of RVliving.net and author
of the book RV Living in the 21st Century.
RV TRAVELING TALES:
WOMEN'S JOURNEYS ON THE OPEN ROAD
Women who travel by RV tell about their lives. Superb!
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.
MAGAZINES FOR RVers. SOME AT SPECIAL LOW RATES
Some of these magazines you may never have heard of!
BUMPER SNICKER
"I'm the man of this house and I have my
wife's permission to say so."
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker?
Email it to Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com .
BE CAREFUL WITH SIDE MIRRORS
A 69-year-old North Carolina man was hospitalized
last week after being smacked against his head at
his mailbox by a passing RV. The RVer stopped to
assist the man, who, luckily, was not seriously
injured. Let this be a reminder: Pass pedestrians
with care, and give them plenty of room.
BARTH OWNERS GATHER HERE
If you own a Barth Custom Coach here is where you
can meet fellow owners and learn "all things Barth."
FREE WI-FI IN LAS VEGAS
If you'd like to surf the web for free while in Las Vegas,
head to McCarren International Airport, where the WiFi
surfing won't cost you a penny.
VOLUNTEER AT A NATIONAL PARK
Looking for somewhere to hang out this summer and
be productive while you do? Volunteer at a
National Park. Learn more.
BEST SELLERS AT RVbookstore.com
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR RV's 12-VOLT SYSTEM
Popular book explains everything you need to know.
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 RV technician Tim Collard. Winterizing tips, too.
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.
RVers GUIDE TO DUMP STATIONS
New directory lists virtually every public dump in the USA.
QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA. SEE IT ON DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
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.
CAMP FOR HALF-PRICE
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.
BOOKS ABOUT EARNING AN INCOME ON THE RV ROAD
FULL TIME RVing: Learn how to do it from an expert.
RV BOOKS FOR LESS THAN $9.99
BARGAINS AND CLOSEOUTS AT RV BOOKSTORE
RV TECH TIPS
By Tim Collard
FURNACE VENTS: KEEP 'EM OPEN
On cold nights, some RVers believe that if they
cover up or shut the vents except the one in
the bedroom that they will save propane and be
warmer. Bad idea. When you do this, the furnace can
overheat, and it will trip the high limit safety switch.
If this happens too often, eventually the limit switch
will burn out and the furnace will shut down. The rule
of thumb is to always leave no fewer than three vents
open at all times.
Tim Collard is a veteran RV technician and the editor
of RVtechTips.com and its twice-a-month email newsletter.
BOOK & VIDEOS FROM TRAILER LIFE. Great prices!
MAN PUTS MOTORHOME ON
CRUISE CONTROL TO MAKE COFFEE
The following "urban legend" has been floating
around for a few years. Fact is, it's a bunch of baloney.
It goes like this: "In November 2000, Mr. Grazinski
purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On
his first trip home, having joined the freeway, he set
the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the
drivers seat to go into the back to make himself
a cup of coffee. Not surprisingly, the RV left the
freeway, crashed and overturned. Mr. Grazinski sued
Winnebago for not advising him in the handbook that
he could not actually do this. He was awarded
$1,750,000 plus a new Winnebago."
(Are you laughing? — editor)
This issue's Knowledge Quiz
THE PRIZE
A Grundig AM/FM Shortwave World Radio.
Take today's Knowledge Quiz beginning
at 9:15 a.m. today (Pacific Time). The multiple
choice question will challenge your knowledge
of geography.
Take the Quiz.
Last week's winners:
Keith Dupont and Ed Good
SEE THE RESULTS OF PREVIOUS QUIZZES
Knowledge Quiz official rules
NEED AN RV LOAN? SEE IF YOU QUALIFY IN 60 SECONDS
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional
service and low loan rates. Learn in a minute if you qualify.
FUNNY BUSINESS SLOGAN OF THE WEEK
In the window of a laundry:
"Put Your Duds In Our Suds."
Seen a good one? Email it to the editor.
OWN A PICKUP TRUCK?
A FIFTH WHEEL MAY BE FOR YOU
If you own a pickup truck and yearn to hit the
road, a fifth-wheel trailer may be for you. With all
the amenities of home, they provide a resting spot
from which to explore. Read more.
RV SHOWS IN FEBRUARY
February is a busy month for RV shows around
the USA and Canada. Here is a comprehensive
guide to the many shows scheduled.
RV INFORMATION & RESOURCES. . .
Sign up for NORTHWEST RVer email newsletter.
Sign up for RV TECH TIPS email newsletter.
RV-LINKS
Loads of links to great websites about RVing
FULL TIME RVer
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR RVers
RV RECALLS
WORKAMPING INFORMATION
SHOP FOR AN RV EXTENDED WARRANTY
GET YOUR RV KICKS ON ROUTE 66
EASY RV RECIPES
A classic cookbook for RVers. Only $6.95
WORTH PONDERING
"In the long run, the pessimist may be proved right,
but the optimist has a better time on the trip."
— Daniel L. Reardon
RV PARKS WITH WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
RANDOM RV THOUGHT
When you encounter high cross winds while on the
road with your RV, pull over and wait until the winds
subside. Don't risk getting blown off the road or into
an oncoming lane — ouch!
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITES
Beginners Guide to RVing
Free Campgrounds of the West
RV Tech Tips
Northwest RVer
Full Time RVer
Florida RVer
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.
This newsletter does not contain any trans-fats or
artificial sweeteners and is rated PG* by the National
Organization of Publishers and Editors (NOPE).
RV Travel is copyrighted 2005 by RVbookstore.com.
Our World Headquarters: Out West/RVbookstore.com,
110 W. Dayton St., Suite 104, Edmonds WA 98020
*Pretty Good
PRIVACY STATEMENT:
We never sell or share any information about our readers or customers with any outside party. We believe in the Golden Rule:"Do unto others as you would want done unto you."
