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The RV Doctor
Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, has answers to your questions about RV maintenance and repair.

Boondocking
Learn where to stay and what to do without utility hookups.

RV Videos
Do you like TV? Do you like RVing? Then check in here for the latest and greatest online videos.

RV Doctor Videos
Learn how to maintain and repair your RV by watching this short, free online videos from Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor.

Fulltime RVer
Articles, information and advice about RVing full-time.

The RV Shrink
Get advice to make your life better, especially as it applies to RVing, from our resident RV psychologist.

RV Arizona: News, information and travel tips for RVers who travel in Arizona.

RV Tech Tips: Our RVtravel.com bloggers provide helpful advice to make your RV and its systems perform better.

RVing California
News, information and travel tips for RVers who travel in California.

RV Short Stops
Learn about great places to visit with your RV.

RV Now with Jim Twamley
A tremendous amount of helpful information about RVs and the RV lifestyle.

Great RV Accessories
Accessories and other goodies for your RV.

The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.

RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and breaking news on RV issues.

Motorhomes on Fire: See videos of motorhomes burning -- reminders to keep your RV in good repair to avoid having yours burn, too.

RVing Quartzsite, Arizona
Keep up-to-date with what's happening in the winter snowbird capital.

Weird RVs
If it's an RV and it's weird, wacky or oddly wonderful, you'll find it here.

RVing Florida
If you travel in Florida with an RV, check in here.

Truck Camper news
News, information and advice for owners of truck campers.

Chuck Woodbury's Roadside Journal
Sometimes serious, sometimes silly, Chuck Woodbury has developed a unique style and what the Washington Post once called a "cult following."

RVing Alaska
Keep up with the latest news of interest about RVing in the Last Frontier.

RV Wheel Life
Veteran RV reporter Julianne Crane keeps you up-to-date with news and information about RVing, RVers and the RV lifestyle. Always entertaining!

RV Tech Tips with Mark Polk
A veteran RV technician, gives useful tips and advice.


RV Travel Home 
 
  RVtravel Newsletter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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FREE SHIPPING on RV Books and DVDs
Order $49 or more & choose to pay absolutely no postage or handling fees (USA addresses only) at RVbookstore.com. Nearly ALL orders ship same day. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it." RVbookstore.com.  


Why We Need English Teachers
CLICK HERE

ARTICLES YOU
MIGHT ENJOY


Should health issues keep you off the RV road?


Shrink wrap your RV this winter season

RVing and food canning: Yes you can

Buying your first  truck camper? Check out the leg room!

How to upgrade your RV's television

Video: RV air conditioner gets sliced off by low bridge

Good idea to replace 12-volt deep cycle batteries with two six-volts?

Free Yourself From A Dribbling RV Shower

Lemon Pledge Good For Wood And The RV Toilet
 
Propane situation could pose danger to some RVers
 
Casino Camping: What's Your Style?
 
Charging Your Fifth Wheel Battery With Your Truck Alternator
 
Portable Clothes Washers--Do They Really Deliver?
 
The Lazy Man's Way to Back up a Trailer
 
RVer asks RV Doctor how to reseal a leak in slide out.

Parking your RV for the winter? Beware of "flat-spotting"

How do full-timers keep "busy?"

Using RV generator at home could pose risks, study shows

Dealing with formaldehyde in a new RV

Quartzsite, Arizona: A boondocker's Nirvana

How to install motorized visors

RV generator seems to run fine, but does not generate power


RV News & Newsletter : RVtravel Newsletter


RV Travel: Loaded guns okay in National Parks starting Feb. 22


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Weekend of Feb. 13, 2010

Issue 416 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.


Two great RV Directories. Special Deal!
Get the 2010 Next Exit
& 2010 RVers Friend & Save!

Here are two best selling annual directories -- the 2010 Next Exit, which tells what businesses and services are along every Interstate exit -- and the 2010 RVers Friend, which lists services for RVers at Truck Stops including those that allow RVers to spend a night in their parking lots. Save $3.00 over purchasing separately. Learn more or order both for only $26.90.


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Editor's corner
By Chuck Woodbury


Hello again!
Welcome to the 416th weekly issue of the RVtravel.com newsletter. It was a busy week for me, so I had to rush this issue a bit. So nothing too special here in my opening statements.

Send birthday, anniversary greetings
Please look to the right and you will see some greetings to RVers from readers of this newsletter. We invite you to submit a greeting to someone you know who's about to celebrate a special occasion. We'll post it at the appropriate time. There is no charge, and it only takes a few minutes to submit your message. Click here to learn more or submit your greeting.

Do you use Paypal?
We are considering adding Paypal as a payment option at RVbookstore.com. Would you please take a few seconds to answer a one-question survey about whether paying with PayPal is important to you when you shop online? Thank you.

* * *
Where do you yearn to visit with an RV?
Last week we asked you where you yearned to travel most with your RV? Check out the responses.

* * *
Did you miss them last week? The latest RV recalls.

VOLUNTARY
SUBSCRIPTION
:

If you enjoy this newsletter, please consider making a voluntary subscription pledge, no matter how small. Your support will help us improve, and will be much appreciated. Learn more or donate.

Do you get an email alert every Saturday morning notifying you of a new issue of this newsletter? If not, sign up here. It takes about 10 seconds.

Win cash with our Pot of Gold Contest.
Our RVtravel.com & RVbookstore.com Pot of Gold Contest continues on Monday. The cash prize is now $111. Each weekday we randomly select a Zip Code. If you live there and are the first to tell us, you win the money which increases every day there's no winner. To participate, click here Monday through Friday (bookmark this page.)

LAST WEEK'S ZIP CODES:
65020, 64658, 33050, 78214 and 99185. If your official residence is in any of these Zip Codes, you likely would have won between $106 and $110 if you had checked the contest web page on the day your Zip Code was published.

Next week, loaded guns
allowed in National Parks

On February 22, it will be legal to bring a loaded firearm into most national parks, even concealed guns in some cases.
A last-minute rule adopted by the Bush administration forced states to allow loaded, concealed weapons in national park lands within their borders even if the states specifically prohibit the practice in their own state parks. This is a significant departure from long-established gun regulations that allowed national park visitors to possess guns in parks only if they were stowed out of reach and unloaded. Read more.


Wal-Mart Atlas & FREE Bonus
"No Overnight RV Parking" Directory

Order the popular Wal-Mart Atlas and receive the "No Overnight Parking" Directory for FREE -- only $21.95 for both. Retail cover price purchased separately $29.90! Most Wal-Marts permit a free overnight stay in RVs. The Wal-Mart Atlas provides driving directions to more than 4,000 Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs. It lists which stores sell diesel, have pharmacies, and the book provides store GPS coordinates. The "No Park" Directory lists more than 350 stores that DO NOT allow
stays! Learn more or order.

Share your favorite boondocking location
Do you have a special place where you enjoy boondocking with your RV? If so -- and if you are willing to share the spot with others -- please visit the Boondocking News blog where you can tell about your favorite place and read about those of others.


External RV antenna
boosts cell phone, broadband range

As technology takes on a role of greater importance to RVers, so the loss of the same can create havoc in our lifestyle. Use your cell phone to stay in touch with loved ones? Run a broadband card to keep the Internet live on your RV computer? Get out of range of the cell site and life can get difficult. Putting up a high gain external cell antenna can make a big difference, and it’s not a difficult proposition. Learn more.

How to save money on fuel for your RV
Many RV folks are some of the most frugal people we've ever met. Of course, if you're on a limited or fixed income, if you want to stay in the RV lifestyle, you've got to be. One of the largest expenses in the lifestyle has to be that of fuel. So keeping an eye on the price of it can make a big difference in how far your RV dreams will take you.
Here are ways you can save on your fuel bills.

Get your FREE guide to Alaska
No doubt about it, many RVers yearn to travel to Alaska. If that's you, then send for the new, free North to Alaska Guide from Alaska Tourism. Order a printed guide to be delivered to your doorstep or view the online guide immediately so you can start planning your trip today!
Click here.


New (or improved)
RVtravel.com blogs

RV California
* Boondocking * RVing the East * Healthy RV Living * The RV Doctor* National Park Visitor* Florida RVer* RV Arizona * RV Short Stops * RV Route 66 *
RV Accessory Reviews * Pop Up Trailer Videos *

More website resources for RV job seekers
Thousands of RVers are working on the road, doing things that they may never have dreamed of. There are resources to help these folks and other aspiring "workampers." Here are some great Internet resources that can help you find work on the road.

ATV enthusiasts and RVers are often one-in-the same
For some RVers, after arriving at their destination it's time to head out to play or explore with an ATV. Russ De Maris has news about a product these folks might want to add to their ATV tires to add traction and stability. Read all about it.

Learn how to reset an RV window
In this four-minute video, learn how to reset a window in an RV so water does not seep in and rot the wood frame. The process is easy -- remove the window, replace the old molding and then reinsert the window. Doing it yourself can save you lots of money. Minimal tools are necessary. Watch the video.


All about RV batteries
and solar battery charging
Managing 12 volts (book)
RVers Guide to Solar Battery Charging (book)
Deep Cycle Batteries (DVD)
The RVers Solar Primer (book)


DID YOU MISS
LAST WEEK'S ISSUE?

If so,
read it here.


On sale thru Sunday
2010 Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States
RVers who travel with a firearm may not know that what's legal in their home state may be a felony in another. This 2010 guide explains current, specific gun laws for every state. Don't cross a state line with a gun without knowing the laws!   Learn more or order
. Reg. $13.95. This weekend only $12.56


READ BACK ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER: Click here.

Get the latest RV news headlines at
Twitter.
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.


Seven tips to improve your motorhome driving skills
RV expert provides seven tips that will help you improve your motorhome driving skills.

Top military campgrounds and RV parks named
Readers of the U.S. Military Campgrounds and RV Parks website have named its best military campground for 2009. Eagle Hammock RV Park at Kings Bay Navy Submarine Base was named the best in the East. Agave Gulch FamCamp, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., was voted best in the West for the third straight year. Read more


"What you need to know in as few words as possible."

A middle-aged couple died in their RV last week of carbon monoxide poisoning at the Gator Run RV Park near Longview, Texas. Police said the RV's heater was probably to blame.

To help finance Utah State Parks, lawmakers are moving along with a proposal to stage a big game hunt for bighorn sheep and trophy mule deer on Antelope Island to raise about $500,000.

Grand Teton National Park's four-year campaign to curb road kills is not helping. Each year, on average, motor vehicles kill 38 elk, seven moose, ten bison, two bears and 33 deer.

Thieves have been breaking in the Bentsen RV Park in Mission, Texas  recently. Items stolen have included old coins, jewelry, guns and electronics.

The Alberta, Canada, government will test a new system that will allow provincial park campers to pay an extra $3 fee to reserve a prime lake or riverfront campsite.


Mount Rainier National Park has job openings for teachers to work as interpretive/teaching rangers this summer. Application deadline is Feb. 18. Learn more.

A husband and wife, pulled over in their RV by police near Flagstaff, Ariz., for an illegal lane change, were arrested for possession of 110 pounds of high grade marijuana with an estimated $800,000 street value.

Three of the four campgrounds at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will open April 2. Cape Point Campground is scheduled to open May 28.

Winnebago has been recognized for the ninth consecutive year as the nation's top-selling motorhome manufacturer according to Statistical Surveys. Read more. Meanwhile, Fleetwood was recognized as the number one seller of Class A motorhomes.

Bob Lee, founder and former CEO of Country Coach, Inc., and his brother Ron, may start a new motorhome-building company. But according to RVbusiness.com, it will likely not carry the Country Coach brand.

Monaco RV is shutting down a motorhome production line for one week this month at its Coburn, Ore., plant because of lagging demand.

In March, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will close the campground at the Williams Dam Public Fishing Area along the East Fork of the White River near Bedford. Campground fees have not covered operating expenses.

The San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA has added a 4,000–square–foot doggie park with agility equipment and shaded benches where owners can relax.


2010 Trailer Life RV Parks &
Campground Navigator CD-ROM

America's most popular RV campground directory is now on 2 CD-ROM disks. The user friendly interface provides the ultimate RV travel planning software for the U.S. and Canada. This is the best CD-ROM RV park and campground directory. Retail price: $59.95.
Our price only $36.96. Learn more or order 


Passerby felt helpless
as motorhome burned

This motorhome had just caught fire in its engine compartment when a passerby with a video camera stopped across the highway, where he described the situation along the highway near Wickieup, Arizona. Watch the two-minute video.


RV TOURS
Chosen by Discriminating RVers since 1975

Drive the Alcan to America's Last Frontier, envision yourself on Nova Scotia's miles of coastal drives. Cross the border to sunny Mexico. Celebrate Mardi Gras. Experience Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, Pacific NW, Great NW, Great Lakes, Old South, Oregon, California, Rose Parade, Branson, Calgary, Gaspe, S. Africa, New Zealand/Australia, Russia, Turkey. All arrangements, including RV parks by TRACKS RV TOURS! **FREE Catalog** Tracks RV Tours.com, 800-351-6053.




RVing. . . in the old days
RV living was easy 73 years ago
. . . and the price was right!

Here is a fascinating newsreel clip from 1937 that marvels at the RV lifestyle. Back then RVers were called trailerists. In this video, which we first told you about a couple of years ago, shows these RVers on the road and in trailer camps, some of which even included general stores on wheels and, as shown here, a mobile barber shop. And how about the price of a week's stay in an RV park. You won't believe the price!

Books & DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World
.


By Jim Twamley
Professor of RVing

Modern RV toilets found at ancient ruins
Jim and his wife Marilyn headed off on a distant trip without their RV, and then, while visiting some ancient runs found an RV with a whole buncha bathrooms. Read more.

Biggest threat to RV camping
Jim writes: One of the biggest threats to RV camping in the U.S.A. are politicians. It's no secret state capitols everywhere are looking high and low for ways to balance their budgets. Several, including California and New York are looking at closing state parks and campgrounds to shave a few dollars off the negative side of their balance sheets. Read more.




Save Big
on RV covers!

Don't toss away your hard earned money on an RV cover. Our covers are high quality -- the best you will find -- and our prices are 25% less than our competitors. Constructed from polypropylene fabric, these weather resistant covers are water repellent, yet breathe to reduce mold and mildew. The fabric is also UV resistant to add additional protection from the harsh sun rays. You won't find a better value anywhere else. Learn more. Learn more or order.

Free and cheap
camping in your RV

Here are two locations submitted by the readers of FreeCampgrounds.com  about places to spend a night in your RV for free or nearly free.

Osage Plains

Near
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Campground and boat ramp. Northwestern Copan Lake.

Butte View Campground
Near
Bowman, North Dakota
46.17724N 103.37649W $10.00 non-electric, $15.00 electric 20,30, and 50 amp service (limited sites for 50) Excellent shower and bathroom
.

Great Accessories
for your RV

RV accessories & other goodies you might like:

--Folding shovel is perfect for the RV. Don't leave home without it!
--This
12-volt heated fleece blanket will keep you warm on a cold night. Your pet will love it, too.
--Football season is over, but this portable grill shaped like a football will still be a big hit.
--Learn exactly how much energy each device in your RV (or home) is using. This can help monitor your electrical usage.
--This inexpensive device will help your RV refrigerator perform much better.
--Light up your campsite with a solar powered lantern/spotlight.


Headed to Alaska?
Check out these books and DVDs

2009 Milepost Directory
DVD: RVing Alaska with Joe and Vicki Kieva
Traveler's Guide to Alaska Camping
Guide to the Alaska Highway
eBook: Alaska: Insights & Observations.
DVD: RV Adventure of a Lifetime
The WorldFamous Alaska Highway
DVD: Alaska's Inside Passage
More Alaska Books & DVDs

Ask the Doctor

The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions.

--One RV holding tank drains fast, the other slow. What to do? Gary offers a solution.

--Mechanically savvy RVer wonders how to remove the engine from his motorhome. Gary has an answer. . . sort of.

--A reader asks Gary if he knows why there is a check valve in RV water heaters. Once removed, he didn't seem to need it. Gary responds.

Do you have a question for Gary? Ask it here.



To the right:
Gary answers a question from an RVtravel.com reader about how to determine how much propane is left in its tank. Length: Approximately four minutes.


Sign up to receive Gary's free email newsletter. You'll receive great tech tips once a month. Your privacy is assured -- never any spam, just the informative newsletter. Gary's website The RV Doctor offers a wealth of information.

WEBCAST: Watch Gary's encore webcast from Jan. 23, 2010.

2010 Big Rigs Best Bets
Campground Directory

Do you drive an RV or RV/car combo over 30 feet? Then this directory is for you. Learn where you can stay where you'll fit in comfort, and not like a sardine. The authors have personally visited every park in this comprehensive directory. Learn more or order.


News from Quartzsite, Ariz.,
the Southwest Boondocking Capital

No news reported this week. Read all the latest postings here.

Trailer Life RV Road Atlas
Besides showing highways and other roads, this large-format road atlas shows more than 10,000 campgrounds, plus RV service centers, tourist attractions and 1,600 state parks, plus a special Tech Tips section. Learn more or order for only $15.96. (Cover price, $29.95)


This Week's Reader Survey
Do you believe that the economy has grown stronger in the past year? Answer here.

Last week's survey question
Approximately what was your family income in 2009? Read the answer here.

Past reader surveys and results



Loony Driving Laws
Real driving laws, still on the books, as reported in The Little Book of Loony Driving Laws.

In Arkansas: After 9 p.m. it is illegal for a person to sound the horn on a vehicle in any location where sandwiches or cold drinks are served.

Video tours of new model RVs
2010 Sportsmen S272B Travel Trailer.
2011 Heartland Landmark Augusta Fifth Wheel Trailer.
2011 Heartland Bighorn 3670 Fifth Wheel RV.
2010 Arista 324SBD Bunkhouse Class A Motorhome.