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Everything the new or aspiring RVer needs to know about RVing
Quality RV Rentals
Luxury Class C and Class A motorhome rentals in major U.S. and Canada cities. Unlimited mileage option for 14 days or more. Models are 2 years old or less in excellent condition. Finest rental units available.
Beginners Guide to RVing
Advice and information for beginning RVers and others thinking of taking up the recreational vehicle lifestyle.
Magazine is dedicated to RV travel in the West
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KOA Kampgrounds: Get a KOA value card. Save 10% off your stay and get a free campground directory.
Exciting Jobs for RVers!
Workamper® News has helped more than 60,000 people find great jobs in great places since 1987.
Free RV Camping in the West
FreeCampgrounds.com is a directory of free RV campgrounds in the American West. These are often in small town city parks. Plus information on camping at casinos, truck stops, Wal-Mart and on U.S. public lands.
Pop Up Trailer Enthusiasts: Pop Up Times is the only magazine serving owners and would-be owners of folding camping trailers. Subscribe today for only $11.98. And check out our new "Pop Up 101" home video".
Good Sam Club: The largest RV club in America. Benefits include a superb monthly magazine, hundreds of local chapters and special interest groups, regional and national rallies, and discounts at campgrounds.
Inflatable Boats for RVers
Sea Eagle manufacturers easily storable inflatable boats perfect for RVers. When you need the boat, pump 'er up, climb aboard, and off you go.
Magazines for RVers
Get Trailer Life and Motorhome at the lowest prices. Plus, learn about other RV magazines — RV Companion, RV Journal, Pop Up Times, Gypsy Journal, RV Traveler and more.
Campground directory for owners of large motorhomes and fifth wheels
This wonderful directory lists RV parks where big rig motorhomes and towables can stay. Know ahead of time that the park where you are headed can accommodate your rig.
Dummies Guide to Buying a Used RV
Buying a used RV? Order this downloadable book. Written by a veteran RV service technician. Learn what to look for in a used RV. Read it and help avoid huge repair bills later! "Essential!
Best RV Club for Fulltimers!
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Half Price Camping for RVers: The Happy Camper Club offers its members half-price camping at more than 700 RV parks in the US and Canada. A one year membership is $49.95, and there are no contracts or hidden fees. Read more
Save On Camping Fees!
Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds is hot off the press for 2002 — now in two editions, Western USA and Eastern USA. Includes free campsites plus those that cost $12 a night or less. Thousands of listings! Read more!
Websites about RVing
Learn about other popular websites about RVing.
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RV Traveler #43
January 26, 2003
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Please help this newsletter grow by telling your friends about it.
2003 Trailer Life Campgrounds and RV Park Directory
Only $13.95. Save 50%. More than 12,000 campgrounds listed!
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http://www.newrver.com/gs.html
FROM CHUCK WOODBURY
editor, http://www.RVtraveler.com
Welcome to Issue 43 of the RV Traveler Newsletter, your
number one source for news about RVs and the RV lifestyle.
An item in the news caught my attention last week, and I bet
you will find it interesting. It was about an RVing couple who
ended up destroying their RV in a most unique and bizarre way. As
Florida State Park volunteers Susan and Paul Brennnan pulled their
$180,000 motorhome into the park-provided campsite,
something very strange happened. "I felt the ground tremble," Susan
told the Tallahassee Democrat. "You could hear the metal twisting.
I told him (Paul) 'Get out; you're going to tip over.'" Soon, the RV's
windows and windshield cracked, the roof buckled and the rear axle and
steel frame bent. "It sounded like the movie Titantic," explained Susan.
Little could they have known that their campsite was directly over an
unmarked septic tank! Apparently, its topside concrete slabs had failed,
allowing the RV to literally sink into the last place on earth an RVer
would ever expect to visit. A park service ranger later commented
there was no evidence that any other RV had ever sunk into such a
place, perhaps earning the Brennan's a place in RV history as the only
RVers to ever sink a recreational vehicle into a sewage system. The
(somewhat) happy ending to this story is that the state of Florida has
agreed to reimburse the Brennan's for their RV, which was totalled.
On a more serious note, the state of Montana has tabled both Senate
and House bills that would have effectively ended legal overnight
RV parking within the state except in official campgrounds. The
Escapees RV Club has received requests from state senators and
representatives to stop flooding them with emails about the bills.
After I wrote about the bills last issue, many of you emailed
Montana legislators with your objections. My guess is that it was
these letters and those from other RVers that forced the lawmakers
to reconsider the wisdom of pursuing the legislation.
INTERSTATE EXIT GUIDE HOT OFF THE PRESS
One of the most popular annual directories among RVers is
"The Next Exit," which lists every business and service at every
exit of every U.S. interstate highway. The 2003 edition was just
published and we have it at our RV Bookstore for only $12.95.
Read more or order.
RV FINANCING. GET A QUICK QUOTE
Financial Underwriters Network provides exceptional customer service
and exceptional interest rates. Get a quick online quote and caring service.
RV TRAVEL FORUM OFF TO GOOD START
More than 250 of you have signed up for the newly created
Yahoo discussion group, RV Travel, where members can exchange
information about "all things RV" and/or comment about what they
read in this newsletter. Read the current messages and/or sign up.
TRAILER LIFE MAGAZINE. ONE YEAR $12.97. SAVE 73%
If you only subscribe to one RV magazine, this should be it!
CHANGES IN WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES 2003 MODELS
Here's a brief rundown of the changes and/or improvements in all
Winnebago, Itasca, Rialta and Ultimate motorhome models for 2003.
HOME VIDEOS ABOUT RVing IN ALASKA AND CANADA
Alaska By RV, Western Canada By RV, Eastern Canada By RV:
http://www.RVbookstore.com/howens.html
RV BANDIT SENT TO THE SLAMMER
George Curtis, 75, had a novel way of financing an RV: rob a bank!
And that's what he did, using the money to buy a motorhome to drive
his girlfriend and her family to Mount Rushmore. Alas, crime does
not pay, and the freedom that most RVs afford their owners brought
Mr. Curtis just the opposite — five years behind bars! Read more.
QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA. SEE IT ON DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
GET YOUR TIRES READY FOR SPRING TRIPS
Owners of RVs are cautioned that heading off on a trip without
preparing their tires can be bad news. "The enjoyment of getting a
roadtrip off to an early start is lost when you're stranded on the
highway," said Donald B. Shea, chairman of the Tire Industry Safety
Council. "The time to think about tire care is before the trip begins."
The council reminds RV owners that the most critical factors involved
in their tire's care are proper inflation pressures for the load carried
and the need to observe maximum load and inflation limits. "One of the
toughest battles your tires face on long trips is heat build-up caused by
driving on under inflated or overloaded tires," said Shea. "Extreme heat
reduces tire strength and increases the risk of premature tire failure.
In addition, under inflation may cause faster and/or uneven tread wear
and can result in severe trailer-sway, fishtailing and loss of control.
Read more.
SUBSCRIBE TO THESE RV MAGAZINES. Best prices:
Motorhome, Trailer Life, RV Journal, RV Companion, Gypsy Journal
and Pop Up Times: http://www.NewRVer.com/rvmags.html
NEW RESOURCE MAY HELP REDUCE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS
Because many RVers are of retirement age, they often depend
upon a prescription drug or two (or more) to maintain their well-
being. And so a new Internet-based program may be of interest.
It's designed to help older Americans more easily identify
programs that will save them money on prescription drugs. The
program is a project of the National Council of Aging and can
be accessed online.
HAZARDOUS WASTE TEAM RESPONDS TO RV SEWAGE SPILL
You probably never considered that your RV may be transporting
hazardous waste. But in Key West, Florida, RVs apparently do just
that. A RV sewage spill last Monday night sent an estimated
50 to 75 gallons of human waste and water into a parking lot,
prompting the Key West Fire Department to treat the incident as a
hazardous material spill. The incident occurred during a period when
KeyWesters are hotly debating the overnight presence of RVs in beach
and shopping-center parking lots. Read more.
HOME VIDEOS HELP NEW RV OWNERS LEARN TO USE THEIR RIGS
RV Education 101 presents home videos on how to operate everything
on an RV. The VHS videos are very useful to anyone new to RVing.
Read more, view a Quicktime video clip, or order at:
Class A motorhome video
Class C motorhome video
Trailer/5th wheel video
Pop Up Trailer Video
BUMPER SNICKER
On a little Suzuki behind a big motorhome. "I’m sick and tired
of getting jerked around." Submitted by Larry Bullard. Have you
seen one? Email it to Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com
POP UP TRAILER BASICS
Learn the ABCs of pop up trailers -- one of the most affordable
RV options for summer camping trips:
AIRSTREAM TRAILER SERVES AS SMOKERS' SANCTUARY
In a district of Tokyo where outdoor smoking is illegal, a smoking
lounge has opened in an Airstream trailer. Up to a couple dozen
smokers at a time can puff inside SmoCar to their heart's content.
Best-selling books and videos about RVing
THE RVers BIBLE
Superb, bestseller reference, from buying an RV to using it.
2003 RVer's FRIEND
Learn what services America's truck stops offer RVers. Best Seller!
2003 GUIDE TO REST AREAS
Plus exits for Wal-Mart, Flying J, etc. Only $9.95
HOW TO GET PAID $50,000 A YEAR TO DELIVER MOTORHOMES
SUPPORT YOUR RV LIFESTYLE:
AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO WORKING ON THE ROAD
A superb guide about find work as your travel by RV
VIDEO: TOP 40 RV CAMPING TIPS
RV experts Joe and Vicki Kieva reveal some very clever
ideas to save RVers time, money and hassles.
DON WRIGHT'S GUIDE TO FREE CAMPGROUNDS
Don Wright's long-awaited 2002 Free Campgrounds Directory is hot off
the press, this time in two editions, Eastern USA and Western USA. Lists all
free and inexpensive campgrounds including those far off the beaten path.
YOUR HOME ON WHEELS
A wonderful book for new or aspiring full-time RVers:
THE MILEPOST
The best guidebook to driving to and in Alaska.
MOUNTAIN PASS GUIDE, WEST AND EAST EDITIONS
Ever get surprised by a steep or narrow road on a mountain pass?
Don't be surprised again. These guides tell you everything you need to
know about driving over 700 mountain passes in the USA.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION LAKES GUIDE.
Learn what to see and do at 250 lakes in the West and Midwest.
Most of these areas have low-cost campgrounds. Only $9.95
HOW TO LIVE FULL-TIME IN A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (ebook)
2003 TRAILER LIFE CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY. 50% OFF
RVs AND CAMPERS: 1900-2000, An Illustrated History:
A wonderful book with wonderful, historic photos of early RVs.
The perfect gift for the RVer.
MORE BOOKS, VIDEOS AND OTHER RV GOODIES
WORKAMPER NEWS REVAMPS ITS WEBSITE
Most RVers who combine work with their travels rely on
Workamper News as a source of both information and jobs.
The Workamper News website is filled with useful information,
and now sports a new look. See for yourself.
WORKAMPER HOTLINE: Find a job.
HALF-PRICE CAMPING AT RV PARKS
Save 50% at more than 700 RV parks:
http://www.newrver.com/happycamper.html
WD-40 FAN CLUB
One of the handiest items at home or in an RV is WD-40, the canned
lubricating spray that no one should be without. At the WD-40
Fan Club website, readers are helping build a "2000 Uses List."
Check it out
FREE CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDE
You can get a free copy of the 2003 California Visitor's Guide and Travel
Planner for the asking.
BREAKING NEWS
ARIZONA SNOWBIRDS ABANDONING RV PARKS
FLORIDA RV DEALER'S SALES APPROACHING $700 MILLION
SMALL SPACE HEATER CATCHES FIRE IN TRAILER, KILLS MAN
GMC MOTORHOMES WERE AHEAD OF THEIR TIME
NISSAN TO DEBUT FULL SIZE TRUCK
NAPA, CALIF. TO TACKLE RV PARKING RULES
COUPLE MOVE INTO RV WHEN ADULT KIDS MOVE HOME
JAYCO/NORCOLD ISSUE RECALL
PROPANE FUEL CELL ADVANCE REPORTED
TODDLER KILLED, SISTER ATTACKED IN NEVADA RV PARK
COACHMEN EARNED NEARLY $10 MILLION IN 2002
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM CAUSES FIRE, TOTALS RV
These articles were available when this email newsletter was issued.
RV TECH TIP. By Mark Polk
If you plan to pull a trailer through mountainous regions caution
needs to be exercised. A gas engine will lose three to four percent
of its available power for every 1,000 feet above sea level. Ford
Motor Company recommends a reduction in gross vehicle weights and
gross combined weights of two percent for every 1,000 feet above
sea level to maintain performance. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
is the maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle when fully loaded
for travel. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum
permissible weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and the fully loaded trailer
together. Let’s say for example we have a tow vehicle with a GCWR of
14,000 lbs. and a GVWR of 8,800 lbs. If the vehicle were loaded to its
GVWR this means we can tow 5,200 lbs. before we exceed our GCWR. At
10,000 feet above sea level we would have to reduce these ratings by 20
percent to maintain performance. That would mean our GCWR is 11,200 lbs.
and the GVWR is 7,040 lbs., limiting what we can safely tow to 4,160 lbs.
A simple rule of thumb you can use to add a built-in margin of safety is
referred to as the 75 percent rule. Multiply the GVWR and GCWR by
75 percent. Subtract the GVWR from the GCWR and this is the amount you
can tow. In our case it would be 3,900 lbs., which is below the
4,160 lbs. we could safely tow if we were 10,000 feet above sea level.
Mark Polk is the producer of the video series RV Education 101.
BILL'S HINT:
"Never consider using an RV's leveling jack to lift a wheel off the ground
to change a flat tire. They are not strong enough for that purpose." (From
Motorhomes Made Easy)
RV INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
RV CLASSIFIEDS
RV JOKES, HUMOR AND FUNNY PHOTOS
INFLATABLE BOATS FOR RVers:
Don't tow a boat. Pump one up! Easy storage in your RV!
http://www.newrver.com/boats.html
GUIDE TO RV CLUBS: http://www.newrver.com/clubs.html
RV RECALLS
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/Index.cfm
LIVE RENT-FREE AS A CARETAKER
http://www.outwestnewspaper.com/caretaker.html
STATE TOURISM WEBSITES
http://www.recreation.gov/statelinks.cfm
UPCOMING RV SHOWS, RALLIES, SEMINARS
Chicago RV, Camping & Van Show, Jan. 29-Feb 2, Rosemont, IL
Edmonton RV Expositing and Sale, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Edmonton, AB
Battle Creek (MI) Camper and RV Show, Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Fort Wayne (IN) RV and Camping Show, Jan. 30-Feb. 2
Valley Forge RV Show, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, King of Prussia, PA
Salem RV Show, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Salem, OR
Ocala RV Show, Jan. 30-Feb. 2,Ocala, FL
North Carolina RV and Camping Show, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Charlotte
South Jersey RV and Camping Show, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Pennsauken
Tennessee RV Supershow, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Nashville
Central Gulf Coast Boat/Sport/RV Show, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Lake Charles, LA
Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show, Feb. 5-9, Portland, OR
Houston Camper and RV Show, Feb. 5-9, Houston, TX
Flint Camper and RV Show, , Feb. 5-9, Flint, MI
Jacksonville RV Supershow, Feb. 6-9, Jacksonville, FL
Seattle RV and Outdoor Recreation Show, Feb. 6-9
Columbus (OH) Dispatch Sports/Vacation/Boat Show, Feb. 6-9
Calgary RV Exposition and Sale, Feb. 6-9, Calgary, AB
Richmond Camping and RV Expo, Feb. 7-9, Richmond, VA
Evergreen RV and Home Shows, Feb. 7-9, Monroe, WA
Eastern Sports/Boat/Camping/Travel/Outdoor Show, Feb. 8-16, Harrisburg, PA
Quincy RV and Camping Show, Feb. 8-9, Quincy, IL
FMCA International Convention, March 21-23, Pomona, Calif.
Canada RV Shows
WORTH PONDERING: "Life can only be understood backwards.
But it must be lived forward." — Soren Kierkegaard
RANDOM RV THOUGHT
"An RV is the best 'house' that a lot of people ever own."
Do you have a Random RV Thought? Email it to
Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com.
The RV Traveler 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.
PRIVACY STATEMENT:
This list's email addresses are never sold or otherwise made public.
This newsletter is copyrighted 2003 by Chuck Woodbury. You may
forward it to as many people as you like, but re-publication for
commercial purposes brings out the worst in our lawyers.
Advertise in this newsletter. Reach 43,000 RVers next Sunday.
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