Issue 180.
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 "Free Gas Fridays"
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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Dear fellow RVer,
Most of you, it appears,
are willing to endure high gas prices to continue your RVing. Take a
look at our survey from last week's issue. Less than six percent of the
1,269 respondents say they will stop RVing if the price of gas reaches
$3.50. The rest will keep on going, although most will decrease the
miles they travel.
There are the simple ways
to stretch your RVing dollars and maybe it's worth a short refresher
course here. The most obvious way is to drive slower. Stay in the right
hand lane and take your time. You could pick up the equivalent of an
extra mile for each gallon of fuel by simply slowing down. When you
leave a stop sign, go easy on the pedal as you pick up speed.
Check your tires to be sure
they are properly inflated. The simple act of rolling along on fully
inflated tires will stretch your mileage, providing you with perhaps a
couple of "free" gallons of fuel per tank.
Make sure your motorhome or tow vehicle's engine is tuned up. Check the air filter: A dirty one will decrease your mileage.
Don't travel with a full
fresh water tank. It adds a lot of weight. Just take what you need and
fill up when you reach your destination. Dump holding tanks before
leaving your campground instead of carrying the weight with you.
Avoid driving into
headwinds. Wait a few hours or maybe even a day for the winds to calm.
On days with a good breeze at your back, drive extra miles to take
advantage of nature's "push."
At RV parks, opt for the
no-hookup option if you don't need major power — you'll save a few
dollars a night. And be sure to consult FreeCampgrounds.com
for a big directory of places along the road where you can stay for
free or less than $10. There are perhaps 100 small town city parks that
will allow a free stay for a day or two, many with hookups included.
Some RVers overnight at a Wal-Mart on occasion, saving the $25 or more
that they would have paid for a campsite. Flying J Truck Stops offer a
free night's stay for RVers who need a rest stop along their route.
RVers who travel to the Southwest each winter can save a bundle by
"boondocking" on Bureau of Land Management's Long Term Visitor Areas
(LTVAs) for up to seven months for less than a dollar a day!
Stay put in a reasonably
priced campground an extra day or two: you're not burning any gas when
you're not on the road. And instead of staying at a park for five days,
stay seven to qualify for a money-saving weekly rate.
For several years our RVbookstore.com has sold memberships to the Happy Camper Club
where an RVer can stay for half price at more than 1,000 RV parks, no
strings attached. As far as I'm concerned, any avid RVer who doesn't
take advantage of this inexpensive money-saving opportunity is throwing
his or her money away.
Good Sam Club
members save 10 percent at most commercial campgrounds, making a
membership pretty much required for RVers who stay at RV parks. The Escapees Club
has its own parks throughout the country where members can boondock for
free or hook up to utilities for peanuts. The club also published an
annual directory of hundreds of RV parks that will offer a substantial
discount to Escapee members. Of course, senior citizens — typically 60
or 65 years — can camp for a discount at many state and federal
facilities.
If you're in the market for
a new RV or tow vehicle, give priority to one that provides good gas
mileage. And consider buying a preowned RV rather than a new one.
You'll save big on the purchase price and those savings will buy a lot
of gas!
The price of gas will come
down. But it will likely never be as cheap as it was before. Still, for
those of us who RV, there are ways to balance our budgets even with
higher cost of fuel. It just takes some creativity.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Free Gas Fridays: Be sure to check in this Friday at RVbookstore.com
for a chance to win free gasoline (or diesel). Check our Contest page
for details. Return each Friday morning for that day's start time!
Pot of Gold Contest News
No winner last week. The pot is now $240 cash. Check each weekday at RVbookstore.com between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific time) to see if you live in the Zip Code of the Day. Our last winner pocketed a cool $380!
We have now raised more than $800 to aid RVers
in the Louisiana/Mississippi areas stranded because of Hurricane
Katrina. For September, all sales from our eBooks "The ABCs of Pop Up
Campers" and "Your Home on Wheels" were provided to these now homeless
people. Thanks for authors Dave Newhouse and Carol Ray for their
support of these people in need.
This Week's Reader Survey
What day of the week do you spend the most time on the Internet? Answer here.
Past reader surveys and results
How did RV Travel readers respond to this question:
"What's the farthest distance you have ever traveled from home with an RV?"
Learn how nearly 2,300 readers responded.
GET A FREE ISSUE OF TRAILER LIFEOR MOTORHOME
KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
Three Quizzes Today. Win great prizes!
Look for a pop quiz or two with terrific prizes most weeks at RVbookstore.com.
Sign up to receive an email alert of quiz start times.
"Time share" a luxury motorcoach!
Do
you dream of owning a luxurious motorcoach! But don't want the
year-round expense? Why not "share" a luxury coach? Pay only when you
use it and save up to 80 percent over full-time ownership. Learn more about Coach Share.
RV Boondocking Tips
By Russ and Tina Demaris
Truck Bed Generator Operation?
Want
to really alienate your neighbors? Mount a "contractor grade" generator
in your pickup bed and run it. Truck beds are to generators like
amplifiers to guitars. If you really need to run your generator in your
truck bed, consider adding an automotive type exhaust system to the
generator, and isolating the generator physically from the bed by using
thick rubber matting under the generator to bed contact points.
Russ and Tiña Demaris are authors of RV Boondocking Basics and Boondocking Tips for RVers: More Fun Without Hookups
Books and videos about Boondocking
Locate Wal-Mart stores
Use this directory to plan free overnight stays.
Get easy driving directions to every Wal-Mart in America.
Learn more about the Wal-Mart Locator or order. 20% Off.
Billings, Montana gets tough on freebie overnighters
For
years, RVers have been welcomed to spend a night in the Billings,
Mont., Wal-Mart parking lot. But apparently that's not so anymore. Read a letter from an RVer who received a violation notice before even settling in for the night.
RV bed not too comfy? Try sleeping on air!
Does your RV bed leave you waking up sore or stiff? If your answer is yes, then you might want to consider sleeping on air — on an air bed, that is.
Yum, yum. Your favorite RVing recipes
Readers
at the RV Travel Forum have posted many of their favorite "on the road"
RV recipes. Looking for something new to cook up in the rig? Check in here.
ABCs of RVing:
For absolute beginners and RV novices only.
QUESTION: What does "dry camping" mean? ANSWER:
It's another word for "boondocking" or "primitive camping." Dry camping
means camping without hooking up an RV to utilities like electricity,
water and sewer, but instead relying on onboard systems.
The basics of RV insurance and of RV financing.
Beginners Guide to RVing: Articles and information for brand new RVers. Learn the ropes.
New Additions to FreeCampgrounds.com
Free or inexpensive places to camp with your RV
Armour City Park:Armour, South Dakota
Lion's Park on east side of US 281 in town. Paved; no amenities. Donations accepted.
Petro Truck Stop:Seneca Falls, New York
Boondocking at the truck stop with a restaurant and store at Waterloo exit 41. Water and showers available. Free.
Ash Springs Rest Area:Ash Springs, Nevada
About
five miles north of Ash Springs at the Y junction of NV 318 and NV 375
(about one-half mile west of the junction of US 93 and NV 318),
there is a group of large trees to park under. NV 318 is a
little-traveled highway except for the trucks that come out at night
near Area 51 (famous as the site of UFO activity!) Free.
The information above was provided by visitors to FreeCampgrounds.com. The information has not been verified.
Learn about 800 free and inexpensive campgrounds at FreeCampgrounds.com
Bumper Snicker
"Honk if parts fall off."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
NEED AN RV LOAN?
LEARN IF YOU QUALIFY IN 60 SECONDS
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn in a minute if you qualify.
RVing to Mexico
Mexico RVing experts Dot and Bill Bell answer questions about pet food, RV park reservations and gas shortages in Mexico. Read the article.
. . . RVing south of Mexico to Guatemala.
Books & DVDs at RVbookstore.com
|
2005 Big Rig Best Bets Campground Directory
Drive a king-sized RV? This directory is for you. Buy or get info.
Manage Your RV's 12 Volt System
Learn all about your RVs 12-volt electrical system including how to upgrade and operate it and troubleshoot problems.
Truck Stops love RVers! Directory tells what they offer!
The 2005 RVers Friend lists
every Travel Center in the U.S. and Canada and the services each
provides RVers. Learn which offer overnight stays, dump stations,
Internet access, propane or other services. Learn more or order for only $12.95
RVers Guide to Solar Battery Charging
Learn everything an RVer needs to know to enjoy the comforts of household power through the power of the sun.
Buying an RV?
Don't buy one before reading The RV Buyers Survival Guide.
Ex-RV sales manager Bob Randall reveals how to get the best deal from
an RV dealer. Don't pay too much. Available as printed book or instant
eBook.
RVing the Alaska Highway
Join Bob and Judy Howen as they drive the Alaska Highway in their motorhome. See the road through their front window. Visit campgrounds and other RVer attractions.
Quartzsite, Arizona. See it on DVD!
Visit the Boondocking Capital of the West on DVD. Like being there!
2005 Campground Directories
. . . from Trailer Life, Woodall's and Frommer's.
Headed to Alaska? The Milepost is the #1 guide to getting there.
DVDs show how to operate your RV
Learn how to use every system, how to set up, how to drive or pull your RV and more. Class A motorhome • Class C motorhome • Pop Up • Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel
Camp at Casino RV Parks. . . (Sometimes for FREE)
Learn which casinos have RV parks and which ones offer free overnight stays in their parking lots. Learn more.
Next Exit Directory. . . Don't get lost!
Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2005 Next Exit
lists every exit along every Interstate and what's at each:
campgrounds, fuel, truck stops, casinos, malls, rest areas, hospitals
and more. A bargain at only $12.95.
Camping and RVing with Dogs
Get expert advice on traveling with a dog and learn about dog-friendly campgrounds and RV parks Learn more or order
2005 Guide to Free Campgrounds of the West
Tired of paying too much for campgrounds. How about staying for free (or nearly free). Learn more or order.
Traveler's Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States
Don't carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. Explains the specific gun laws of every U.S. state.
All The Stuff You Need To Know About RVing
The best book for beginning RVers. Order or get more information.
Books and DVDs about how to buy an RV
Books about earning an income on the road
RV books for less than $9.99
|
|
Super fast delivery. Nine out of ten orders (Mon.-Sat.) ship within 6 hours. "You need it, so we speed it!" |
Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico
EXPLORER RV: INSURANCE TO PROTECT & SAVE
Owners
of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels & medium-duty tow
vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their
coverage from over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.
Bill's Hint
"About
hooking up to electricity in a campground: "If you use extension cords
(always of the proper rating), make all connections to the RV before
finally plugging into the campground power. Then you won't expose
yourself to 'hot' connectors." From Trailers Made Easy
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
Women on the RV Road
Everyday,
another dozen women around America hit the road alone. For some, it's a
lifetime dream. For others, it's a new beginning after the loss of a
spouse. Whatever the case, most of these women can learn the ropes
about the lifestyle and gain comfort in their new life by interacting
with others also living the lifestyle. Perhaps the best resource for
women RVers is the popular club RVing Women. Also, the Women RVers forum at RVtravel.com is a good place to gather to exchange information and make friends.
Little woman: big motorhome!
How can a little woman drive a big motor home? Sometimes bigger IS better. Read what writer Malia Lane has to say about this.
Book: RV Traveling Tales:
WOMEN'S JOURNEYS ON THE OPEN ROAD
Women who travel by RV tell about their lives. Superb!
Weird, Wacky and/or Wonderful Festivals
Oak Harbor Apple Festival:Oak Harbor, Ohio
The
27th annual Oak Harbor Apple Festival is coming to downtown Oak Harbor
on October 8 and 9. Festivities get underway Saturday with
entertainment, contests, rides, delicious food, apples, apple treats,
crafters and contests. Saturday’s Grand Parade (100+ entrants) begins
at 2 p.m. Saturday night it's dance time under the big tent. Sunday’s
car show, apple run, live entertainment and family fun cap off the
activities. Admission is free. Information: (419) 898-0479.
Do you camp in a Pop Up Trailer?
Then you will enjoy Pop Up Times, America’s only magazine devoted to camping with a pop up. Learn more.
Museum of the Week
Devil's Rope Museum: McLean, Texas
See
thousands of wire specimens both common and rare contributed by
collectors from the U.S., Australia and Canada. Other exhibits feature
tools and devices used in fence construction and maintenance. Military
collectors enjoy the Warwire Exhibit showing the vicious wires,
military issue tools, and rare photographs taken from the history of
entanglement wire used in warfare. Everyone enjoys seeing the "making a
barbed wire" demonstration. Also included is information about Texas
Route 66, the City of McLean and other nearby areas. See the a restored
Phillips Service Station in Texas, learn all about the McLean Prisoner
of War Camp built during WWII, stay in a vintage Route 66 motel and eat
at the world famous Red River Steak House. For information: (806)
779-2225.
Buying an RV? Get online prices
from dealers in your area & SAVE!
In
less than 60 seconds, request quotes on new or used RVs from up to
three dealers in your area. Compare quotes to find your best deal! No
charge, no obligation. Learn more or get quotes.
Trivia
What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers have in common? See below. You'll be surprised!
This issue's Knowledge Quiz
THREE QUIZZES TODAY
Prizes:
•$50 cash, an FM Audio Scan Radio and a totally cool Uncle Milton Mini Ant Farm.
Answer the Quizzes here at 11 a.m., Noon and 1 p.m., Pacific Time.
Knowledge Quiz official rules
Join the Good Sam Club.Only $19 a year. Save on campground fees.
Zany Business Slogan of the Week
"Gary's Repair for Auto Despair." —Gary's (Auto) Repair, Colorado
Seen a good one? Email it to the editor.
DID YOU KNOW?
Daredevil
Evel Knievel coined the phrase, "Kids, don't try this at home." One of
his most famous feats was a 151-foot jump across the fountains in front
of Caesar’s Palace resulting in a 30-day coma. After completing his
stunts on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, Knievel would utter the popular phrase during interviews.
Do you tow dinghy behind your motorhome?
Then you need Protect-a-Tow to protect it from flying debris. Also protects hitch, wiring, safety cables & more. Get information.
RV Tech Topics
The best TV satellite system
Members
of the RV Travel Forum have a lively discussion going about the best
satellite system for RVers. If you're looking for some insights into
this subject, check out the postings.
Storing your RV: pay attention to the tires
It's
the time of year when some RVers store their RVs until the spring. One
important thing to remember is to level your rig to prevent overloading
one or more tires with extra weight. Be sure to cover the tires so they
avoid sun exposure, which can cause the rubber to crack prematurely,
especially in the sidewall area.
Necessary items: Electrical adapters
By Mark Polk
Electrical
adapters are a necessity for RVers. Eventually you will be in a
situation where you have to use some type of electrical adapter to make
a connection at a campground. It may be an outdated campground or
isolated area that only provides 15 or 20-amp electrical service. There
are adapters that will go from your RV type plug and size down to
household type outlets and adapters that go from household type outlets
to campground RV connections. It’s nice to have these adapters on hand
when you need them, but you must exercise caution when you use them. If
your RV is a 30-amp or 50-amp system and you use an adapter to plug the
RV into a 15 or 20-amp outlet, this severely limits what you can
operate in the RV. The roof air alone will draw up to 15-amps when it
initially starts. If you place too much of a demand on electrical
adapters or use them for extended periods of time, they can overheat
and melt, resulting in damage to the RV power cord or electrical system. Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks.
Just for laughs
Sherlock
Holmes and Dr.Watson went on a camping trip, set up their tent and fell
asleep. An hour later, Holmes woke up his faithful friend. "Watson,
look up at the sky and tell me what you see." Watson replied, "I see
millions of stars".
"What does that tell you?" asked Holmes.
Watson pondered a minute. "Astronomically speaking, it tells me that
there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it
appears to be approximately a quarter past one. Theologically, it's
evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.
Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What
does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a moment, and then spoke. "Watson, you idiot, someone has stolen our tent."
From RVjokes.com.
Advertise in this newsletter
or on one of our many RV websites. More than a 800,000 RVers turn to us
for news and information every month. Interested? Call Kristin at
425-744-0415 or email her at kristin@rvtravel.com.
Raw RV information
An explosion inside an RV
sent three Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta visitors to the hospital Thursday
night. The fiesta goers were in an older model Toyota RV and were
preparing dinner when the propane stove exploded. • • • Region Six of
the Airstream RV Club donated more than $4,000 of nonperishable food and other items last week to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. • • • Beaudry RV
has announced that it will move from Mesa, Arizona to a larger location
just south of the Santan Freeway in west Chandler on the Gila River
Reservation. • • • Northwood Manufacturing Inc., has introduced
an entry-level Northwind travel trailer series. The wood-and-aluminum
RVs are 20 to 33 feet and most have bunkbeds. • • • Off-season rates
have gone into effect at Oregon State Parks with campsites now $4 off summer rates for full hookup, electrical hookup, tent and primitive sites.
RVing Resources. . .
Archives of early issues of RV Travel
Upcoming RV Shows
RV-Links
Loads of links to great websites about RVing
Investigate a company with the
Better Business Bureau before making a purchase.
RV Travel Forum
Exchange ideas and information with other RVers.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information
Worth Pondering
"Change means the unknown." — Eleanor Roosevelt
Random RV Thought
Noises
that can wake you up while you are sleeping in your RV include birds
walking on the roof, the guy in the diesel truck next door warming up
his engine before leaving his campsite (and spewing exhaust in your
bedroom window), pine cones falling on your roof, branches scraping
against your rig in a windstorm, and garbage trucks showing up at
daybreak to empty dumpsters.
Donate to the American Red Cross: Hurricane victims desperately need your help!
Everything in this
newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we may get
something wrong. We're just human! So don't go spending $10,000 on
something we said was good just because we said so, or fixing something
like we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made
a mistake. So be sure to check things out.
RV Travel is rated PG* by the Greater Orlando Organization of Business Entrepreneurs and Researchers. (GOOBER)
RV Travel is copyright 2005 by RVbookstore.com.
Our International Headquarters: RVbookstore.com, 170 W. Dayton Street,
Suite 103, Edmonds WA 98020, USA, Earth, Milky Way, Known Universe,
Unknown Universe.
RVbookstore.com
is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. We strive for
excellence in all we do and that's the absolutely, 100 percent and
honest truth. Our customers receive really, really fast service. We
move so fast in sending out a customer's order that sometimes we look
like big ol' human blurs. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it,"™
and no truer words were ever spoken! If you're in Edmonds, Wash., stop
by to tour our offices and warehouse. We're a block from the fishing
pier near the traffic holding area for the Kingston Ferry, gateway to
the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas.
*Pretty good
Trivia answer: They were all invented by women.
RV Travel staff
Editor: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tiña Demaris, Malia Lane, Chris Dougherty, Mark Polk, Bill and Dot Bell. Proofreader: Adrienne Kristine. Website Administrator: Zoey Platt. Office Manager: Jody Allcot. Warehouse Manager: Walter Cardwell. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Mascot: Captain Jack Platt — the Energizer Doggie.
