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Learn What Services Truck Stops Offer RVers
The 2003 RVer's Friend directory reveals the services more than 6,500 truck stops offer RVers --types of fuel and repair service, ATMs, Internet access, and even free overnight parking. Only $11.95
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Camping World - 3,100 RV Products Online!
Camping World is the world's largest supplier of RV parts and accessories. We have online shopping, mail order catalogs and 30 retail locations nationwide. Sign up for your free catalog subscription today!
Buy or Sell Used Motorhomes or other RVs
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Everything the new or aspiring RVer needs to know about RVing
Quality RV Rentals
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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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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".
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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 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!
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RV Traveler #46
February 16, 2003
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THIS NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Beginners Guide to RVing
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RV Jokes
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THIS ISSUE'S EMAIL CIRCULATION: 44,249
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.
FROM CHUCK WOODBURY
editor, http://www.RVtraveler.com
Welcome to Issue 46 of the RV Traveler Newsletter, the very
best RV email newsletter ever published, and the only one in
the world that is published by a restless RV explorer who is
reasonably sure that in a previous life he was Marco Polo or
at the very least his right hand man
As you read this I am likely zooming down a highway somewhere,
headed from the soggy Northwest to the Southwest in search
of sunshine, giant cactus, superb Mexican food, dirt that is not
mud, and swift lizards. I departed my World Headquarters near
Seattle on Saturday, and pointed my trusty motorized mini-house
south along I-5 to quickly escape the vast metropolis where I live,
seeking, instead, small towns, wide open spaces and relief from
monotony caused by a boring existence of sitting in front of a computer
way too much. Before setting off on what will surely be a grand
adventure, I arranged for this issue of RV Traveler to blast off to
you on autopilot. So I cannot report now exactly where I am. But I
will have a full report next week of my whereabouts, and perhaps
for two or three weeks after that unless I am called to active
military duty to defend our country. But that is unlikely based on
my advanced age, where basic training would not serve to strengthen
my body and character, only to kill me in which case I would have no
character at all.
WOMEN RVers TELL THEIR TALES
I am proud to announce a brand new book "RV Traveling Tales,
Women's Journeys On The Open Road." This is a truly outstanding,
incredibly well-written book in which 52 women answer the
question "What is it like to be a female nomad on the open road,
leaving family, community, and possessions to head into the
unknown in an RV?" The women, age 14-85, each tell their own
stories, which are, without exception, fascinating. Any woman
who is on the road or who wants to be will love this book, and
will find the contributors' tales inspiring. Read more
2003 Trailer Life Campgrounds and RV Park Directory
Only $13.95. Save 50%. More than 12,000 campgrounds listed!
RV MAINTENANCE, SERVICE AND REPAIR ADVICE
Virtually all coach manufacturers agree that to receive the most
out of your RV investment, adequate maintenance must be
performed. In fact, a typical motorhome with a generator and two
roof air conditioners has a minimum of sixteen retail hours of
mandated maintenance that needs to be performed each year. At a
labor rate of $50 per hour, that's more than $800 per year for just
trying to avoid a major problem. Learn more about RV maintenance:
NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads
as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their
archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic
qualities. There are 95 such designated byways in 39 states, a
distinctive collection of American roads. Read more about each.
RV TRAVEL FORUM
Join the RV Travel Group at Yahoo. Ask questions, read other
RVers tips, etc., about "all things RVing."
MANY CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS ALREADY BOOKED FOR SUMMER
The most popular California State Park campgrounds are already
booked for the summer, according to the California Department of
Parks and Recreation. With the premier destinations filled,
campers are expected to turn to parks in the distant reaches of
Northern California, as well as 800 lesser-known sites operated
by the U.S. National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, PG&E and
regional and county park districts.
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
HOW TO FULL TIME ON A DIME
Well, not exactly a dime -- but on a tight budget. Here's how one
Canadian RV couple did it, complete with a chart of expenses.
HOW TO SET UP AN EQUALIZING HITCH
Two of the great mysteries for trailer enthusiasts, whether they
have towed for years or are just starting out, is how their equalizing
hitch works and how to adjust it properly. Here's some advice.
QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA. SEE IT ON DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
USED CAR AND TRUCK BUYERS GUIDE
The editors of Popular Mechanics have put together a handy guide
that can be a big help to buyers. One part of the guide contains
consumer information that can take you step by step through the
entire process of buying and selling used cars. Learn how to spot
that gem of a car in a field of lemons, how to get the best financing
and how to find and buy a vehicle through the Internet. Plus there's
advice about how to prep your present vehicle to get top dollar for it.
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
HOW WINTER COLD TEMPS AFFECT BATTERIES
When you turn the ignition key to start your RV or car, getting
going depends on the battery, that lowly rectangle of black plastic
and metal plates hidden somewhere in your vehicle's engine
compartment. Batteries don't have to work hard in the summer,
but in the winter they are very prone to failure. Read more
DIESEL PRICE SOARING
According to figures released by the Energy Department Feb. 10,
the national average cost of diesel fuel per gallon rose 12 cents
to $1.662 from the previous week's average of $1.542. Although
the average national price of diesel began to level off in late 2002,
actually declining from $1.46 per gallon in October to $1.40 in late
December, international concerns have pushed prices higher again.
Contributing factors include Venezuela's oil strike, the looming
prospect of war with Iraq, high crude oil prices and fears of
continued terrorist activity at pipelines in Colombia.
GAS PRICES are increasing, too. According to CNN, the Lundberg
Survey reports that gas prices jumped 11 cents a gallon in the
last two weeks to a national average of $1.60 for self-serve
regular, the highest level since June 2001. To see latest prices
in your area and all around the USA and Canada, click here.
HOLDING TANK CHEMICALS. THE BASICS
There are many brands and kinds of holding tank chemicals, all
claiming to control odor and dissolve solids. So what's best?
Here's one fulltime RVers advice.
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
Seen in Columbus Ohio on a conversion van. "I do what the little
voices in my head tell me to do." Submitted by F. Wald. Have
you seen a good one? Email it to Chuck Woodbury, outwest@seanet.com
Best-selling books and videos about RVing
THE NEXT EXIT 2003
Learn what stores and services are located at every Interstate exit.
'CAMPING' AT WAL-MART HOME VIDEO AND DVD
hDocumentary film interviews RVers 'camping' at Wal-Mart
THE RVers BIBLE
Superb, bestseller reference, from buying an RV to using it.
HOW TO GET PAID $50,000 A YEAR TO DELIVER MOTORHOMES
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
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 $7.95
MORE BOOKS, VIDEOS AND OTHER RV GOODIES
RV VIRTUAL TOURS
Ready to explore the nooks and crannies of an actual RV? Click here to see
all the cool features inside a variety of RVs from pop up campers to Class A
motorhomes. Whether spacious living rooms or comfy bedrooms, you'll
have a front row seat.
RV JOKE: POOR MR. FOLGERS
Few people know that the late Mr. Folgers, founder of Folgers
Coffee, was a veteran skydiver and RVer. Near his hometown,
it was common to find Mr. Folgers at the airport in his Avion
Fifth Wheel, relaxing and visiting with his many friends as he
waited for his next jump. One fateful day, however, something
went terribly wrong, and his parachute failed to open. His
friends and employees were horrified, to stay the least, at the
demise of this very kind and gentle man. And so when it came to
preparing his epitaph, they had no problem finding the words:
"Mr. Folgers, good to the last drop."
From RVjokes.com
TRAILER LIFE MAGAZINE. ONE YEAR $16.00. SAVE 67%
If you only subscribe to one RV magazine, this should be it!
TRAILERS POP UP, BUT AREN'T 'POP UPS'
Appearing in some ways similar to popup camping trailers,
Hi-Lo Trailer Company's Classic and Towlite telescoping hard-sided
travel trailers are much more than that. The trailer's inventor
engineered Hi-Lo's basic design because he wanted a popup-like
trailer that was safer to tow and had hard sides so it could be
used in the winter. Read more about this unique RV.
BREAKING NEWS
GREAT NORTH AMERICAN RALLY SIGNUPS ALREADY AT 4,000
SOUTH DAKOTA BILL LIMITS DISCOUNTS ON GAS
KEY WESTERS WRITE ABOUT RV SQUATTERS, ILLEGAL DUMPING
And more. . .
IN QUARTZSITE, ARIZ., RVers ARE ON A ROLL
HUNDREDS OF RACOONS INVADE RV PARK
WINNEBAGO LEADS IN 2002 IN MOTORHOME SALES
MONTANA STANDS BEHIND RVers
MAYOR CITED FOR ILLEGAL RV PARKING IN HIS OWN TOWN
These articles were available when this email newsletter was issued.
HALF-PRICE CAMPING AT RV PARKS
Save 50% at more than 700 RV parks:
http://www.newrver.com/happycamper.html
BILL'S HINT:
From Trailers Made Easy: "Towing with the tongue high
(or low) can overload one of your trailer axles. Set your ball
height to level the trailer when attached to the tow vehicle."
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
STATE TOURISM WEBSITES
http://www.recreation.gov/statelinks.cfm
UPCOMING RV SHOWS, RALLIES, SEMINARS
Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Feb. 14-23
Kansas Sports, Boat & Travel Show, Feb. 19-23, Wichita
Big Valley RV & Boat Show, Feb. 20-23, Stockton, CA
Dallas County RV Show, Feb. 20-23
Central Florida RV Show, Feb. 20-23, Deland, FL
West Tennessee RV Showcase, Feb. 20-23, Jackson, TN
Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show, Feb. 21-23, Rockford,IL
Cincinnati RV Supershow, Feb. 21-23, Mason, OH
Greater Siouxland Boat, Sports & Travel Show, Feb. 21-23, Sioux City, IA
Ford Field Camper, Travel & RV Show, Feb. 26-Mar. 2, Detroit
Ft. Washington RV & Camping Show, Feb. 27-Mar. 2, Ft. Washington , PA
Central NY RV & Camping Show & Sale, Feb. 27-Mar. 2, Syracuse , NY
Oregon RV Show & Sale, Feb. 27-Mar. 2, Eugene , OR
Sportsmen's Boat, Camping & Vacation Show, Feb. 27-Mar. 2, Fargo , ND
FMCA International Convention, March 21-23, Pomona, Calif.
More information about these and other shows
Canada RV Shows
WORTH PONDERING:
"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I've ever known."
Walt Disney
RANDOM RV THOUGHT
"Being on an RV trip is great, but the week before you go is even
better -- thoughts race around your head about where you are headed
and the roads you'll take, and the sense of freedom you'll feel when
you turn the ignition key, hear the engine roar, and roll out your
driveway." 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 44,000 RVers next Sunday.
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