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Essential reading for fulltime RVers or those who aspire to be.

RV Traveler #67 July 13, 2003

SIEMENS/SHELL RV SOLAR PANEL KIT SALE
75 watt solar panel + charge control + RV flush mounts, $369
to 7/16/03, Reg. $480 -- 2 panel kits for $699. Up to
14 kwh/month of free electricity. Call 800-222-0017 or click here.

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This newsletter brought to you by
Beginners Guide to RVing
Free Campgrounds of the West
RV Bookstore
RV Links
RV Jokes

Sponsors
Camping World
Explorer RV Insurance
RV Trader. Buy or sell an RV

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This issue's email circulation: 56,512

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

I would like to tell you of a fear of mine that involves both my
childhood and my current life as an avid RVer. When I was a child
my biggest fear was that there was an alligator lurking under my
bed. No matter how much my mother reassured me that there
were no alligators in suburban Los Angeles, I knew she was
wrong, and that, indeed, alligators -- very mean and hungry
ones -- had chosen my bedroom as their second home.

For several years of my childhood I was preoccupied with this
fear. So I spent a lot of time hiding underneath my blankets --
a convenient fortress. Alligators and other monsters, I
reasoned, could not attack people who were hidden by blankets.
It was a good tactic for I was never attacked by an alligator or
other monster during my childhood or since.

Today, I am convinced that there are no monsters under my
bed. Now, they are outside my motorhome, and like the
alligators of my youth, they appear at night.

Mostly, they come when I am traveling by myself and alone
in a remote campground. But these are not alligators or
other monsters, but bad men -- very bad drug-crazed men
who will kick in my door and shoot me, then rob my limp
and lifeless body of the big wad of cash I withdrew the day
before at an ATM.

On a dark night, camped far from another human, I can have
this irrational fear, especially when a howling wind makes
many strange and eerie sounds outside my flimsy fortress.
The fear is worst when a car appears in the campground at
3 a.m. Why is it there? Who is inside? Who would come here
at such an hour? Until the car leaves, it's alligators under
the bed all over again.

Even though I am a grown man, and well aware that evil
people rarely lurk in campgrounds, I still worry. You can
call me a wimp if you wish and I will not be offended.

I guess what makes this fear even worse than the one of
my childhood is that nowadays I know full-well that hiding
under my blankets is a lousy defense. . .

.. . But enough about me. It's now time for this week's
exciting, information-packed newsletter.

Oh, I forgot. . . There is a now a Letters To The Editor
section of this newsletter. Check it out.

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NEW IN OUR BOOKSTORE
MOVING' ON: LIVING AND TRAVELING FULL TIME IN AN RV
This 370-page book should be essential reading for anyone
contemplating full-time RVing. It's basic enough for those who
want to learn about the full-time lifestyle yet sophisticated
enough for those who want to maximize their full-time
experience. The authors began full-time RVing in 1989 and
are now regarded as experts on full timing in an RV.

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GOOD SAM EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE
Protects you, your spouse, AND all children age 25 or younger
(living at home or attending college), your RV, AND all household
cars, SUVs, minivans, and pick-ups! Only $79.95!

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COUNTRY COACH INTRODUCES ENTRY LEVEL DIESEL PUSHER
To most of us, the idea of spending more than $220,000 for an
entry level motorhome would seem far-fetched. But Country
Coach, manufacturer of high end luxury motorcoaches, is
dubbing its recently introduced model, the 40-foot Inspire,
as just that — an entry level coach. Read more.

COACH REVIEW: GULF STREAM'S B TOURING CRUISER
This diminutive motorhome is long on fuel economy, ease of
handling, and potential uses for an active family. More.

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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

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RVing WITH A WESTY
If a full-size motorhome is too big you, but you want some
creature comforts as you travel, perhaps a Westy fits the bill.
Read about one man's experience with his rig.

ADVICE ABOUT METAL ROOFS, BATTERIES AND GENERATORS
Read what the RV Doctor has to say on these topics.

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

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FORD DIESEL TRUCK INFORMATION
TheDieselStop.Com is a source of information, discussion, and
help pertaining to the full line of Ford trucks, SUVs, and vans
with International diesels. The website covers everything from
the original F-250s with 6.9L diesels all the way up to the newest
2003 Super-Duty trucks with the new 6.0L Power Stroke engine.

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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.

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THE RV NIGHTMARE HOLIDAY
As most of us know, RVing is a joy -- generally the most
hassle-free way to travel. But once in awhile we hear a
horror story about a trip where things went terribly wrong.
Here is one such tale. Read it and weep, and be glad that it
wasn't your RV that was involved in this episode.

and speaking of bad experiences. . .

BAD NEIGHBORS IN CAMPGROUND
The story in the San Diego Union begins: "The guys pulled
into their campsite, hauled out large stereo speakers and
mounted them in a tree. Then they cranked up the music,
turning heaven into hell for campers all around them. Neighbors
complained. The music got turned down for a little while. The
cycle repeated again and again. Finally, when the guys went
swimming, one of the other campers walked over and cut the
speaker wires. Neighbors cheered."

Most veterans RVers know about campers like this, and fear
them worse than a windstorm. Fortunately 99.9 percent of
campers are well-behaved and would never be so rude. Even
though that description likely fits you, here's a good reminder
of how to be an "ethical camper."

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WOMEN RVers: RVing isn't just for guys. Read more.

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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.

WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS IN RV PARKS. . . AND LAUNDRIES!
If you travel much in your RV, there's a good chance you stay in
touch by email. Well, wireless Internet access is popping up
all over the place these days. Starbucks led the way, but now
McDonald's is hot on the trail, as are many RV parks, hotels,
marinas and even laundromats. Read more.

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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
Winterizing Your RV

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AVOID IDENTIFY THEFT
Some of you probably received an email recently that
appeared to be from PayPal. The email message requested
your personal information in order to avoid losing your
account. The email was bogus -- an attempt by thieves to
obtain your credit card information, social security number
and other personal information. Once they get it, all kinds
of damage can come your way. Here is a government website
that is well worth visiting, with solid information about how
to avoid becoming a victim of identify theft.

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DO YOU RV IN FLORIDA?
Sign up for the free Florida RVer email newsletter.

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Best-selling books and videos about RVing

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
Documentary film interviews RVers 'camping' at Wal-Mart

THE RVers BIBLE
Superb, bestseller reference, from buying an RV to using it.

SURVIVAL OF THE RV SNOWBIRDS
A classic guide about "boondocking" (RVing on the cheap)

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!

CAMPING WITH THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Describes more than 900 campgrounds across the USA managed by the
Corps of Engineers. A fabulous resource! Seniors camp for half-price.

FREE CAMPGROUNDS OF THE WEST (Also available as an instant ebook)
2002 edition: How and where to camp in an RV in the West for free.
Includes official campgrounds and "unofficial" places to stay.

DON WRIGHT'S GUIDE TO FREE CAMPGROUNDS
Two editions, Eastern USA and Western USA. Lists all free and under
$12 campgrounds including those far off the beaten path.

MOTORHOMES MADE EASY, TRAILERS MADE EASY
These two books explain how to use everything on a motorhome
or trailer (or 5th wheel). And what a bargain at only $8.95 each!

VIDEO: DELIVERING MOTORHOMES TO RV DEALERS FOR PROFIT

THE ABCs OF RVing (Also available as an instant ebook)
A primer for new RVers written by Chuck Woodbury. Lots of info!

GUIDE TO NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CAMPGROUNDS
An awesome directory of campgrounds in National Parks

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.

RV WATCH DOG
Don't get taken on an RV repair job. Learn the scams that shady
repair shops pull. Plus tons of great advice about RV repair.

VIDEO: TOP 40 RV CAMPING TIPS
RV experts Joe and Vicki Kieva reveal some very clever
ideas to save RVers time, money and hassles.

ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR RVers II
Covers everything the RVer needs to know from A to Z

QUARTZSITE HOME VIDEO AND DVD
Take an armchair visit to the RV Boondocking Capital of the West
on VHS home video or DVD