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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 #147
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February 13, 2005
Email circulation of issue #147 of RV Travel: 90,776
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.
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,
I came across a book recently about "Running Away
With the Circus." But what it was really about was running
away from one's present life and to a new one. Quitting
an executive job to take up pottery-making would
be an example. Retiring early to go full-time RVing
would be another.
When you were young did you ever dream of joining
the circus? I did. Oh, I was never serious about it, but
I did ponder the idea of drifting from place to place
gypsy-style. I have never understood my need
to be a drifter. Some people need to plant roots firmly
and then stay planted. I never desired deep roots, but
shallow ones that could be easily replanted elsewhere.
I know people who love one place. They may try living
in different towns, but never feel quite at home until they
arrive in a special town where, for the first time, they feel
complete. "This is it," they say, and that is where they
remain forever.
I have never found such a place. My place has always
been somewhere different from the place before. And
my house — my very favorite house — has always been
my motor-house, the one that allows me to live as a
gypsy without being so conspicuous that people think
me odd. I like waking up often in a different place, but
I especially like it when I awake in such a place in my
very own RV's bed. I believe this is like having your cake
and eating it, too.
For three days now I have worked at our
RVbookstore.com booth at the Seattle RV Show.
I have met many wonderful people, and among them
have been dozens who are about to embark on a
full-time life on the road. Most are not of traditional
retirement age, but younger. I did not ask them if, when
they were young, they dreamed of joining the circus,
where they could drift about the land. But I have
a feeling some of them would have said yes.
Right now, writing this, I'm feeling a bit of what I felt
as a young man when I dreamed of joining the circus
— of seeing new places and having new experiences.
Those people at the RV show — the soon-to-be
full-timers — they got me thinking about my persistent
restlessness. Have you ever stood at the airport and
watched a friend's plane take off to a place far away?
Did you want to go? Did you feel envy? Did you feel
left behind?
That's the way I feel right now.
• • •
EASIER SEARCH
Just a quick note to announce that we have added a
terrific search tool at our RV Bookstore. Finding a book,
DVD or video on a particular subject is now much easier.
Give it a try. The search box is at the top of the page.
THIS WEEK'S READER SURVEY
Do you carry a cellular phone with you on your RV trips?
Answer here.
PAST READER SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESULTS
2005 CAMPGROUND DIRECTORIES
. . . from Trailer Life, Woodall's and Frommer's.
COMPLIMENTARY CAMPING AT KOA
How about this for a deal? Camp for free at KOA on
May 13. There are no strings attached. Just make
a reservation. Learn more, including which KOAs
are participating.
TIPS ON DRIVING A MOTORHOME
Here is a wealth of how-to information about driving
a motorhome.
PART POP UP,
PART TRADITIONAL TRAVEL TRAILER
TrailManor travel trailers are ideal for people who
want to step up from a tent trailer but don't want the
increased challenge of towing of a conventional
travel trailer.
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
WIND TURBINE TOWERS
We're frequently asked about how to build a suitable
tower for a wind turbine. The best advice: ALWAYS
follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tower
sizing and tie downs. A fellow in the desert set up his
brand new wind turbine on a free standing tower. All went
well for the first few days, but then an unexpected wind
came up. His new tower and turbine met up with the laws
of gravity. He rebuilt, using heavier materials and plenty
of guy wires. Now his system easily withstands the
heaviest blows. Don't even think about using thin
aluminum conduit. Always use thick walled stuff that
meets or exceeds manufacturer specs.
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.
FIND AN RV MANUFACTURER
Looking for a particular RV manufacturing company?
Find it here
RV SAFETY TIPS FROM
THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL
Here is good advice and information from the men
and women who patrol the Golden State's highways.
POSTCARDS FROM AMERICA
Discover America though postcards. You will love
this website.
ATTENTION FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCK OWNERS
Here's a website with good information about your truck.
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
"Carry a 'polarity tester,' available in RV stores. Use
it before plugging in at an unfamiliar campground. It's
small, inexpensive, and displays two green or amber
lights when plugged into a properly wired outlet. Using
one of your adapters, you can test the campground outlet
before you plug in."
From Motorhomes 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
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
football teams. Practicing under the hot sun
often left the players hot and dehydrated. The
new drink provided great aid for the team — the
University of Florida Gators!
2005 RVers FRIEND — Just published
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
This is rerun of an article we first published a year ago.
By Peggi McDonald
TRUCK STOPS AND REST AREAS
Many RVers like the freedom to roam and stop on a whim.
Wal-Mart is a favorite stopping spot for an extended rest
— many are open 24 hours. The management knows that
most of us purchase more in the store than we would pay
for a campground. Always ask first — some areas have
ordinances that prohibit RVers from overnight stops.
Special tip: Park with your main door facing the cars,
the people and the security cameras.
Another choice free stopping spot is at truck stops and/or
travel centers. Many of these areas include separate RV
parking, RV islands for gas, fuel, air, water dump, etc.,
gas/fuel/propane discounts, restaurants, vehicle service,
showers and much more. Flying J is the best known but
others such as Rip Griffin centers and TA (Truck Stops of
America) encourage RVers to stop for the night. Look for
a spot slightly away from big rig trucks with noisy
reefers to enjoy a good, safe night's sleep.
One 'DON'T' is to never stop overnight at highway rest
areas. These places are not secure and frequently there
are only a few vehicles in the area at any one time. Being
safe is the name of the game.
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 want to die in my sleep just like Grandpa did, not
yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car."
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker?
Email it to Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com .
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT AN RV CHASSIS
People tend to ignore what they don't understand,
and your RV's chassis is a prime example of this
kind of neglect. When looking for a new or used vehicle,
our attention is easily diverted to floor plans, amenities
and the color scheme; but unfortunately, the most
telling part, the chassis, is often left to chance. Learn
about it here from someone who's seen the underside
(as well as the dark side) of more than a few motorhomes
in his day.
A MOTORHOME PRIMER
Motorhomes are classified as type A, type B, type C
or bus conversions. All types enable travelers to go
where they want, when they want without giving up the
comforts of home. And, they offer a variety of features
to suit different budgets and lifestyles. But which one
is right for you? Find out.
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
FORD DIESEL TRUCK INFORMATION
TheDieselStop is a good source of information,
discussion, and help pertaining to the full line of Ford
trucks, SUVs, and vans with International diesels.
CLUB FOR AMERICAN COACH OWNERS
American Coach Association serves owners of
American Heritage, American Eagle, American Dream,
American Tradition & Limited motorcoaches. Its website
has a lot of good information for both current and
prospective owners.
BOOK & VIDEOS FROM TRAILER LIFE. Great prices!
This issue's Knowledge Quiz
No quiz this week.
Last week's winner:
Dennis McConkey, who won a shortwave radio
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
Submitted by reader Chuck Hume.
Seen on the marquis of a dry cleaning establishment:
"Drop your pants here and you will get prompt attention."
Seen a good one? Email it to the editor.
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
"Many of our fears are tissue paper-thin, and a single
courageous step would carry us clear through them."
—Brendan Francis
RV PARKS WITH WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
RANDOM RV THOUGHT
Never leave your dog or cat leashed outside at night
while in the wilds. Coyotes love to dine on poodles
and other small pets. Little Fifi makes for a good snack
for a hungry coyote.
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."
