RV Traveler Email Newsletter #51

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Campground Guide for King-Sized RVs
2003 edition is hot off the press

RV Traveler #51
March 23, 2003

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THIS ISSUE'S EMAIL CIRCULATION: 47,223

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FROM CHUCK WOODBURY
editor, http://www.RVtraveler.com

Welcome to Issue 51 of the RV Traveler Newsletter. I'm back in
Seattle after a month on the road. It's good to be home with
family and friends, but it will take me a few more days to adjust to
home life after the stimulation of living on the road.

I know that a lot of us are distracted now from our favorite subject
of RVing by the war in Iraq. Like millions of other Americans,
I have spent a lot of time in front of my TV the last few days,
absorbed with the news and startling images of the conflict.

There is little I can add to what has already been said and written about
the war. But what I would like to say is that my prayers and those of
my family are for a swift conclusion to the conflict and a safe return
of the U.S., British and Australian troops. Our thoughts are also with
the civilians of Iraq, that they will be spared harm, and can soon enjoy
a better life in a new and democratic society.

On a related note, with the ever-present danger of a terrorist attack
here in on U.S. soil, my family and I take comfort in the fact that
our motorhome is fully loaded with gasoline, propane and fresh
water in the unlikely event that we would need it in an emergency.
The fact is, we have always kept it stocked and ready for use in
the event of any emergency. In Washington state, an earthquake is
possible at any time, and our RV could certainly come in handy
if our home were damaged during such an occurrence.

Years ago, I visited Coalinga, Calif., as a reporter in the aftermath of
a devastating earthquake there. Buildings had toppled and homes had been
shaken off their foundations, rendered uninhabitable. In one neighborhood
after another, residents were living in motorhomes and travel trailers in
their front yards. Despite losing their homes, residents were able to go on
with their lives while keeping tabs on their property and possessions.

We almost always associate our RVs with freedom and adventure, but
there are those rare times when they can serve as temporary housing
in times of trouble.

Changing the subject, thanks to those of you who emailed me your fuel-
saving tips. I will post the best tips on the RVtraveler.com website in the
next few days and provide the web address in next week's issue.

And I'll write more about my trip next time.

NEW IN OUR RV BOOKSTORE
"Quartzsite: Flight of the Snowbirds" is a terrific VHS home
video that really shows what the Southwest's RV "Bookdocking
Capital of the World" is really like. Read all about this video.
.
2003 DIRECTORY OF CAMPSITES FOR BIG RIGS NOW AVAILABLE
The hot-off-the-press 2003 edition of the Big Rig Best Bets
Campground Directory is now in and ready for shipping. If you
drive or tow a long RV, this campground guide is essential.

FOR RV NEWBIES:
WHICH IS BEST, MOTORHOME OR TOWABLE RV?
For many RV buyers, the first big decision is whether to buy a
motorized or non-motorized rig. The two most popular types
are the travel trailer and the motorhome with variations
including the folding camping trailer, truck camper and
fifth wheel trailer. There are many considerations to make
when deciding which is best, but they boil down to two things:
budget and how the RV will be used. Learn more:

SAVE MONEY WITH FEDERAL RECREATION PASSES
With the cost of fuel for our rigs at all-time highs, it's
important for most RVers to shave some other costs. One easy
way is to take advantage of a number of federal recreation
passes that enable those who hold them to save on camping,
day visits, and other recreational services. Learn about
the many passes available, what they cost and their benefits.

2003 Trailer Life Campgrounds and RV Park Directory
Only $13.95. Save 50%. More than 12,000 campgrounds listed!

MORE STATES MAY TRY TO TAX RVers
A wide-reaching coalition of RV clubs and trade organizations
contributed to the recent defeat of a Washington state bill aimed
at raising funds for cash-strapped state parks through a new RV
excise tax. But Sue Bray, executive directory of the Good Sam Club
recently stated that some members of the RV industry are concerned
that other states might target RV owners for new taxes to close their
budget deficits. "We're going to be watching," Bray told RV Business
Magazine, noting that she hopes the defeat of the Washington state
tax will discourage other states from launching similar proposals.
Read more.

ESSENTIAL READING ABOUT RVing IN ALASKA AND CANADA
Alaska By RV, Western Canada By RV, Eastern Canada By RV:
http://www.RVbookstore.com/howens.html. And don't forget the
2003 ALASKA MILEPOST DIRECTORY. If you are headed to Alaska,
Yukon Territory, BC, Alberta or NW Territories, this 55th edition
guidebook is essential. Get info or order.

HOW TO TOW AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CAR 4-WHEELS DOWN
Certain automatic-transmission vehicles that are are not
manufacturer-approved for towing four wheels down can be towed
safely with the addition of aftermarket equipment. Read all about 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

DOES YOUR TRAILER HAVE THE CORRECT TIRES?
Towable RVs have some special tire requirements. With today's
large trailers and fifth wheels, it is possible to have a catastrophic
tire failure on your rig and not even know it. Often, you may be so
unaware of a problem that it will take a passing motorist to inform
you by waving frantically as he or she passes. When a tire self-
destructs, it often does significant damage to the rig and may also
result in loss of control. The best way to avoid this is to use the
correct type of tire for your unit and take good care of them. More.

FREE WESTERN TRAVEL BROCHURES
Here are a few dozen brochures you can receive for free, simply
for the asking.

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
Spotted on a motorhome in Fairbanks, Alaska:
"Honk if parts fall off." Have you seen a good one? Email it to
Chuck Woodbury at outwest@seanet.com .

RV SALES BOOMING
A confluence of changing demographics, low interest rates and
new attitudes toward camping have led to a spike in RV sales,
from 227,000 units sold in 1993 to a projected 323,000 in 2003.
A University of Michigan study from 2001 found RVs in one out of
12 U.S. households that owned vehicles. One reason for the RV mania:
The vehicle has changed. Higher-end models now have creature comforts
such as wide-screen TVs, Jacuzzi tubs and surround-sound entertainment
systems. And the RV owner has changed as well. Once an older, budget-
minded traveler, a typical owner today is 49 years old, married, with a
household income of $56,000, according to the Michigan study. More.

Best-selling books and videos about RVing

RV TRAVELING TALES:
WOMEN'S JOURNEYS ON THE OPEN ROAD
Women who travel by RV tell about their lives. Superb!

THE NEXT EXIT 2003
Learn what stores and services are located at every Interstate exit.

2003 BIG RIGS BEST BETS CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY
A directory of campgrounds that accommodate large RVs.

'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 locations of 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.

DVD ABOUT QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD.

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

RV BUYERS SURVIVAL GUIDE (Also available as an instant ebook)
Buying an RV? You must read this first. Written by an ex-RV
sales manager who reveals all. Read this and save big money!

MOTORHOME ERUPTS IN FLAMES DURING HOME REPAIR
A man and his son's effort to get their Winnebago motorhome
running nearly met with disaster when the RV erupted in flames
and nearly trapped the son. "I had never seen something burn
so fast," said Carl Goodman. "I kicked open the door and jumped
through the flames to get out." Read exactly what Goodman and his
father did wrong to cause their motorhome to light up like a torch.

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 48,000 RVers next Sunday.