Issue 212
of the world's largest email RV newsletter: Learn about RV camping, RV
travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter is funded through sales
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WAL-MART LOCATOR
Use
this directory to plan free overnight stays. Get easy driving
directions to every Wal-Mart in America. Order Now.
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK |
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| A good game to play when on a road like this is to guess how far it is where the present view ends. Photo by C Woodbury |
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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
First, be sure to
answer this issue's reader survey question: We're asking a question
seldom asked: "Have you ever left a campground early in the morning
without paying?" The question is below. . .
What I enjoy most about this newsletter are our reader surveys.
Sometimes they are serious, but sometimes they are just for fun. Here
are a few things we've learned about you recently. We learned that 58
percent of you wear gloves while dumping your holding tanks. Still, many of you don't. A guy named Carl wrote that he's not afraid of germs. "Germs fear me," he said.
We learned that 31 percent of you live in the American West. Nine percent of you live in Canada. But seven percent of you are fulltimers, so you live wherever you bloody well please.
We have learned some private stuff. For example, we just happen to know that 60 percent of you snore at least half the time when you sleep. And about the guys in our reading crowd: a whopping 40 percent still have all their hair. Less than eight percent are "bald as a baby's behind." Last week we learned that 41 percent of you would not give up RVing no matter how much money someone paid you. Still, about seven percent of you would hang up your wheels for less than $50,000.
And we know how much space you like in your RV. More than 72 percent of our motorhome-readers travel in a rig 30 feet or longer, while only 57 percent of trailer/fifth wheel readers opt for RVs that long. We know, too, that 78 percent of you are satisfied or very satisfied with the workmanship in your RVs.
Last week, when I
wrote about the cheap $8 tires a manufacturer was installing on his
trailers, I asked the readers of this newsletter if, when buying a new
RV, examining the tires would be a high priority. Amazingly, almost one
quarter said they would either just assume the tires were fine or would
not even think about inspecting them. Wow -- that's a potentially
dangerous mistake! See the results of the survey and the many responses from readers -- some recounting horrible experiences.
Do you have a comment about this essay? Leave it here.
* * *
OWNERS OF LARGE RVs will be interested to learn that the 2006 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory has
finally arrived at RVbookstore.com. This is THE guide to campgrounds
and RV parks that not only accept large RVs, but that welcome them. For
the first time, authors Ken and Ellie Hammil cover all 48 contiguous
states. These full-timers roam the USA year round in their motorcoach
visiting one campground after another to determine which are big rig
friendly. In their thick guidebook they not only tell which campgrounds
accept big rigs, but name specific sites that are the roomiest or most
scenic. This year's edition also includes an extensive directory of
parks that offer Wireless Internet. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind directory or order.
If you haven't checked out our website Free Campgrounds of the West,
please take a look. We receive dozens of letters a month from readers
who tell us it's a huge help in planning stops on their travels, and
saving some money on campground fees in the process. More than 1,045
places are now listed in the ever-expanding directory.
Fulltime RVers and others who plan to go fulltime some day will enjoy Saturday's edition of the Full-time RVer newsletter. Russ and Tina De Maris packed it with a lot of useful and interesting information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Pot of Gold Zip Code contest prize is now $153. Check at RVbookstore.com
between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Pacific time). You could win the cash by
simply living in the day's Zip Code! The pot grows larger every weekday
until we have our next winner! Last week's randomly selected codes: 54495,
40422, 97256, 71660, 26348. If you live in one of these Zips and had
told us so, you would have been awarded the day's pot of cash!
Get breaking RV news from RV Travel: Stay
current with RVtravel.com's latest news and newsletters on your My
Yahoo, My MSN, My AOL, Google. . . or your other home page. Learn more or sign up.
Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
Learn about more than 1,045 free or inexpensive places to stay in your RV at FreeCampgrounds.com.
RV Toys and Accessories at Low Outlet Prices
You will find the neatest, coolest RV toys & accessories at discounted prices. Save over 60 percent! Check out RVtoyOutlet.com right now!
This Week's Reader Survey
Have you ever left a campsite early in the morning without paying? (Be honest!) Answer here.
Last week's survey question:
How much money would someone have to give you to give up RVing? Read the results here.
Past reader surveys and results
KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
Three quizzes today!
Win super swell prizes! See below...
Look for a pop quiz or two with terrific prizes many weeks at RVbookstore.com.
Sign up to receive an email alert of quiz start times.
2006 Next Exit Directory
Don't get lost! Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The 2006 Next Exit
lists every exit along every Interstate and what's at each:
campgrounds, fuel, truck stops, casinos, malls, rest areas, hospitals
and more. Learn more or order.
Overnight stays in parking lots okay again in Billings
The
Billings, Mont., City Council has revised its "pavement parking" policy
to allow travelers in RVs to spend up to 10 hours in public parking
lots without breaking the law. In January, the council had voted to
enforce an ordinance already on the books that made any extended stay
illegal. Essentially, this meant that RVers who parked overnight at the
two local Wal-Marts could be forced to leave or receive a violation.
Last Monday, the council was prepared to vote to allow RVers to stay up
to six-hours, but decided to extend the time limit to 10 hours to help
ensure sleepy drivers weren't forced to head back on the road.
Furthermore, the six-hour limit would have been virtually impossible to
enforce. The vote to allow a 10-hour stay was approved 9-1. Read more.
Makers of Chinook Vans desperately seeking buyer
Troubled Trail Wagons, Inc., of Yakima, Wash., is searching for a buyer, and it’s targeting its customer base according to the Yakima Herald.
The manufacturer of Chinook Camper Vans has been trying to sell its
business since January after falling on hard financial times. The
company once employed up to 162 people according to the Herald. If a buyer is not found soon, it's anticipated the company will shut down.
Popular KOA petting zoo gives way to progress
RVers
who have stayed at the KOA in Missoula, Mont., have enjoyed the petting
zoo there since 1970, when a goat named Herbert took up residence.
Through the years other animals joined Herbert -- A Sitka deer,
Barbados sheep, llamas, miniature horses, donkeys, ducks, chickens,
geese, peacocks, and turkeys. But now, as local big box super stores
and residential neighborhoods begin to get closer to the campground,
the farm animals are no longer welcome. And so, after 35 years, the
petting zoo is gone and a lot of local kids and campground visitors
left sad.
New Arrivals at RVbookstore.com
Wow! There are always lots of new books and DVDs at the world's largest RV bookstore. Check them out
Historic Highways
Jerry and faithful furry sidekick Timmy visit Wickenburg, Ariz., on U.S. 60, where the Old West still lives. Read the story.
"HOW TO BUY AN RV" from the Better Business Bureau
New
50-minute DVD from the BBB explains how to buy an RV. Learn how to get
the best deal, the best rig (for you) and how to avoid classic buying
mistakes. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. Introductory price: $19.95. Available in DVD and VHS.
RV Boondocking Tips
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Keep Safe with Your Generator
If
you must run your generator while sleeping, be sure to close any
windows near the generator exhaust pipe. Never run the generator when
there is any question as to sufficient ventilation.
Russ and Tina De Maris are authors of RV Boondocking Basics and Boondocking Tips for RVers: More Fun Without Hookups
Books and videos about Boondocking
DVD: Great American Scenic Railroads
Catch
an unforgettable glimpse into America’s storied past as you ride the
rails on these rolling museums of steam and steel. More than twelve
hours of rail riding adventure on six CDs. Only $29.99. Learn more or order.
ABCs of RVing:
For absolute beginners and RV novices only.
QUESTION: We
are planning a long trip with our children to National Parks and
Monuments, with stops at State Parks and other public areas. Our new
motorhome is 28 feet long. Will it fit into most public campgrounds, or
is it too long? ANSWER:
At 28 feet, you're walking the line between "will fit" and "won't fit".
We suspect you will fit into most of the popular parks, although you
might find many campsites off limits. We generally say that to fit in
most public campgrounds, around 24-feet will fit most everywhere.
Longer than 30 feet presents more of a challenge. Certainly, long
motorcoaches -- 35 to 45 feet will not fit in most of the public
facilities, and are best suited for commercial RV parks. What do readers think? At what length RV will you begin having significant challenges fitting into most public campgrounds? Answer here.
2006 Mapquest RV & Campsites Guide & Atlas
Finally, a road atlas especially for RVers! This 2006 Mapquest Road Atlas and Campground Directory is outstanding! Complete with U.S. state and Canadian province road maps, color photos and 3,700 campground listings. Read more or order.
Roadside History
The
U.S. Highway System was created by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1925
as a response to the confusion created by the 250 or so named highways,
such as the Lincoln Highway or the National Old Trails Highway. The
first was the Lincoln Highway and it revolutionized auto travel by
taking previously disjointed roads and combining them into a united
whole. It also introduced other innovations that formed the basis of
the U.S. Highway System such as sections of concrete roadbed, showing
the benefits of paved year-round highways. The named highways were
identified by motorists by their names and colored bands on telephone
poles. The new numbered system made identifying a particular highway
much easier.
2006 Traveler's Guide to the FIREARM LAWS of the 50 States
Don't
carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. What's
legal in one state may be a felony in another. Explains the specific
gun laws of every U.S. state. Many changes since last year. Still only
$12.95. Learn more or order.
New Additions to FreeCampgrounds.com
Free or inexpensive places to camp with your RV.
20th Street RV Park: San Leon, Texas
Between
Houston and Galveston off Highway 146, take 517 east to 20th Street and
take a right. Park is hard to see but is within the first block on the
right. 224 20th St., San Leon. Primitive but clean. Snowbirds come for
the winter and stay for the fun. No minimum or maximum: can stay by the
night, week or month. $10 or less.
Corn Springs Campground: Desert Center, California
Orofino City Park: Orofino, Idaho
Area
set aside by Orofino for loggers and other traveling workers to park
during transit. Exit Highway 12 via bridge (Michigan Avenue). Take
first left (Riverside Avenue), enter parking lot for hardware store,
proceed over railroad track and enter lot to your left. No facilities,
walking distance to downtown, relatively quiet, close to river. Free.
The information above was provided by visitors to FreeCampgrounds.com. The information has not been verified. Learn about more than 1,045 free and inexpensive campgrounds.
Good Stuff from the Good Sam Club
Join the Club:$19 a year. Save on camping fees plus free RV magazine.
Continuing Service Plan: No More Major Repair Bills! Get a Fast Quote
RV Emergency Road Service. Special Low Rate! Join Today.
SECRET RV SENTENCE: A pig fell into the mud and lost his shine.
Casino Camping
Casino Aztar RV Park, Caruthersville, Missouri
Casino
Aztar’s RV Park is a favorite stopping-off place for Snow Birds who use
I-55 to and from the Midwest. The modern RV Park has 27 full hookup
spaces, free Wireless Internet throughout, shower and laundry
facilities and 24-hour security. A pretty nature trail at the park
offers great Mississippi River views from dawn to dusk. Daily rate is
$20. The park is adjacent to the riverboat featuring a full array of
gaming including a poker room on the top deck. Wednesday is Senior Day
at the casino. Casino Aztar is about 5 miles from I-55 exit 19 (Hayti.)
From the exit go east on Hwy-84 for 4.4 miles, then continue straight
ahead on 3rd St. The best information source for casino camping is the book Casino Camping: 2006 Guide to RV-Friendly Campgrounds.
EXPLORER RV: Insurance to protect and 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.
Bumper Snicker
"Poor Gas Mileage for a Vehicle, Great for a Home" -- on the back of a motorhome.
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
DVD tells what it's like to be a full-time RVer
Anyone who is thinking of traveling full-time with an RV will have his or her questions answered in this wonderful 90-minute DVD. Interviews with dozens of fulltimers as well as experts on the lifestyle. Learn more or order.
RVing to Mexico
Mexico
RV experts Bill and Dot Bell answer questions about the best time to RV
on the Baja, gray whale watching, and their "almost free" caravan down
Baja's Pacific Coast. Read their column.
Guidebooks and DVDs about RVing in Mexico
NEED AN RV LOAN?
Learn if you qualify in only seconds
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify.
Short Stop
Love Valley, N.C.
If
you love horses and the old west but you're on the wrong side of the
Mississippi, this is the place for you. In 1948, Mayor Andy Barker
decided to start his own town in Iredell County's Brushy Mountains:
Love Valley, a horse and family oriented camping resort town. As you
approach, you'll think you are entering an authentic old western town,
complete with a dancehall and saloon, tack shop, general store and
blacksmith. Ride miles of trails varying in difficulty from wide dirt
roads to steep mountain hikes. There's a rental stable for those who
don't own or wish to bring their own horse, and guide services are
available. Several campgrounds offer amenities ranging from primitive
to deluxe. Cowboys and cowgirls who like to "kick up their heels" after
a long day in the saddle will enjoy the live music at the Silver Spur
on Friday and Saturday nights. Love Valley is a weekend town only: all
food and beverage establishments are closed Monday through Thursday.
It's 50 miles north of Charlotte, and 45 miles west of Winston-Salem.
For information call (704) 878-3480.
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.
Bill's Hint
Gusty winds and semi-trailers at highway speeds will be less bothersome if you have sway bars installed. -- From Trailers Made Easy
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
Weird, Wacky and/or Wonderful Festivals
Bloomin' Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival
Do
you like bluegrass music? Do you like barbecued food? Then here you go
. . .a little heaven on Earth comin' May 19 and 20 to historic downtown
Sevierville, Tennessee. It's part of the even bigger Smoky Mountain
Springfest, a whoopin' good time every year in these parts. The music
is mighty good and the barbecue . .. well, the state cook-off
championship is on the line, so you'll be tastin' the best darn
barbecue in Tennessee. And how about this? Admission to this very fun
event is absolutely free, even the musical performances, capped off
Sunday night with a performance by Ricky Skaggs. Toll-free visitor info
is at (888) 889-7415.
Casino Camping: 2006 Guide to RV-Friendly Campgrounds
JUST PUBLISHED! This
is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks
or offer free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino
benefits and freebies for RVers. Learn more or order
Celebrities buying up Airstream trailers
Word has it that Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong is about to hit the road in an Airstream trailer.
He hasn't bought one yet, but his buddies say he is looking. Other
show-biz types who travel in Airstreams include heart throb Matthew
McConaughey, who insists on traveling with his trailer even on press
tours, as well as Larry Hagman, Tom Hanks, Pamela Anderson, Sean Penn
and Adrien Brody. Expect more Hollywood types to join the ranks of
RVers, especially after the mass exposure RVing will get in Robin
Williams new comedy, "RV," coming to theaters next month. You might
even see Williams riding shotgun with Armstrong: the two are good
buddies.
. . . And speaking of Airstream: Airstream Inc. is phasing out its largest motorhomes
to focus resources on its popular travel trailers and a smaller
van-like class of motorhomes. Airstream will continue to service those
Class A's that already have been sold to customers as well as those
that are on dealers' lots. The company will continue to produce the
smaller Class B motorhome, which is often described as a van conversion
because it looks more like a pop-top camper.
Mystery product from RVbookstore. Dare you look?
Discounted so deeply it might just reach all the way down to China! See why.
Museum of the Week
The Gourd Museum: Angier, North Carolina
Marvin
Johnson, long-time president of the Gourd Village Garden Club, founded
the Gourd Museum in 1964. He and his wife collected so many gourd
crafts from around the world that they decided to build a museum to
display them. A master gourd grower, Johnson cultivated more than 200
different kinds of gourds, most of which he crafted and placed on
display. Visitors will find giant African gourds to gourds so tiny they
look like robins' eggs. For information: (919) 557-5946.
DVDs show how to operate your motorhome or trailer
Learn, step-by-step, how to use every system, how to set up, how to drive or pull your RV and more.
Class A motorhome • Class C motorhome • Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel • Pop Up Trailer
Trivia
The Continental Divide passes through three National Parks: Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone and Glacier.
Beautiful Northwest Campgrounds
Eight
beautiful resort locations in Washington's favorite camping region.
Truly great Northwestern getaways with all of the comforts of home. Learn more.
This issue's
Knowledge Quiz
Three QUIZZES TODAY
with fabulous prizes!
The prizes:
--A pair of Motorola Talkabout Walkie Talkies. Talk with your good buddies over the airwaves!
--The book "The Digital RV." Learn how to use digital devices on your RV trips.
--A totally fabulous RVbookstore.com coffee mug! Everyone says "I love my mug!"
Answer the Quizzes here on Sunday, March 19 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and Noon., Pacific Time.
Knowledge Quiz official rules
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.
Zany Business Slogan of the Week
"We Dry Harder" -- Utah concrete products company.
Beginners Guide to RVing: Articles and information for brand-new RVers. Learn the ropes.
Truck Stops Want RVers!
2006 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, ATMs, or other services. Learn more or order for only $12.95
DID YOU KNOW?
The
first European travelers in a hot air balloon were a sheep, a duck and
a rooster. Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier, the French brothers who
invented the hot air balloon, made this first successful launch and
eight-minute flight in 1783 in the presence of King Louis XVI and Queen
Marie Antoinette. All three animals survived.
THE DIGITAL RV
Learn
everything "digital" as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the
Internet, setting up a mini stereo system, managing digital photos,
mastering GPS and more. Order or get more info.
Free for the asking
Get free information and a planning guide to Kentucky here.
For information and a planning guide to visiting Idaho, check out this site.
For information and a travel guide to visiting Wisconsin, click here.
And don't miss this very informative article about RV tire safety.
RVing on a Shoestring:
Books to help you save money!
RV Tech Topics
RV generators are extremely dependable
and in many cases will out last the RV if they are properly maintained
and cared for. They do not require your constant attention, just some
basic maintenance. The first thing you need to understand about
maintaining your generator is that they need to be exercised on a
regular basis. This applies to gas and diesel generators. Gasoline
generators could have fuel related problems in as little as one month
of sitting idle. This is one of the biggest problems, but it can easily
be prevented if you get in a habit of exercising the generator on a
monthly basis.
-- Mark Polk (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks.)
Get a twice-a-month dose of great RV tech Tips from RV technician Chris Dougherty at RVtechTips.com
Books and DVDs about repairing and maintaining an RV
See the big selection of titles at RVbookstore.com
Information Source for Florida RVers
RVers who live or travel in Florida (or both) might enjoy an every-other month newsletter Roads 'n Toads -- RVing in Florida
published by Alan and Barbara Lidstone. The ad-supported, easy-reading
newsletter/magazine hybrid focuses mostly on topics of interest to
Sunshine State RVers. To receive the latest issue, send $2 to Roads 'n
Toads, PO Box 7431, North Port, FL 34287.
EASY RV RECIPES
A classic cookbook for RVers. Only $6.95
Raw information
The city council of DeWitt, Arkansas, pop. 3,500, has amended a city zoning regulation to allow stays in RVs for up to two weeks on
private property. "I think residents ought to be able to have Uncle Joe
visit and stay in his RV for up to two weeks," committee chair Debbie
Fox told the DeWitt-Era Enterprise. The RV owner or occupant
must pay a fee for a permit. * * * Visitors using the New Mexico State
Parks reservation system can now reserve a campsite with only one day's notice.
State Parks made the change in response to public input and to better
accommodate visitors traveling on short notice. * * * A trail to the
south rim of the crater of Mount St. Helens, closed since the
start of a domebuilding eruption in September, 2004, may reopen this
year. Conditional climbing reservations are now being accepted. * * *
RVers will have to dig a little deeper into their pocketbooks than they
did a week ago and considerably more than last year at this time.
Gasoline prices are now at their highest levels since last November 9, and up 33 cents a gallon since last year at this time. * * * Profits nosedived for Winnebago
in the company's second quarter with net income down nearly 39-percent
from its second quarter last year. Chairman and CEO Bruce Hertzke said
the market for motorhomes was hurt by buyer concerns over higher fuel
costs and rising interest rates. * * * The search has been called off
due to lack of investigative leads for a missing Ashland, Ore., family traveling in a 35-foot Dolphin motorhome
with Arizona plates. Marlo-Hill and Peter Stivers and their two
children, age 9 and 10, have been missing since March 4. Anyone with
information should call the Ashland, Ore., Police Department at
541-482-5211 or their local police department.
RVing Resources. . .
Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss
everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
Archives of early issues of RV Travel
Upcoming RV Shows
RV-Links
Loads of links to great websites about RVing.
Life On Wheels
"Go to school" to learn about RVing. Five annual conferences.
Next one: Bowling Green, Kentucky, May 12 - 15.
Headed to Canada?
See entry regulations.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information: Workamper News is THE best place to find jobs on the RV road.
Worth Pondering
If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. -- Yogi Berra
Products for $9.99 or less at RV Bookstore. Check them out.
Random RV Thought
When
using a public shower, like in a state park, always turn on the hot
water before getting undressed. Sometimes, there will be no hot water.
And if it's a cold morning or evening, you will feel pretty stupid
standing there naked with nowhere to go. Of course, if you are brave
and have the cold tolerance of a polar bear, jump right in. Brrrrrrr.
Good luck!
Everything in this
newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally
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 Pocatello Organization of Teachers Against Tatooed Oldtimers (POTATO)
Of all the websites known to man (and woman), only approximately 1.16 percent are more popular than RVtravel.com.
RVbookstore.com is a 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 move too fast to even see. Our motto
is "You need it so we speed it," and no truer words were ever spoken!
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tiña De Maris, Chris Dougherty, Mark Polk, Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown, Bill and Dot Bell. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Web Operations Director: Zoey Platt. Warehouse Administrator: Walter Cardwell. Phone Operations Supervisor: Martha Lamb. Clapper Loader: Emily Woodbury. Mascot: Georgie, the "give me food now or else!" Jack Russell terrier.
We are proud commercial members of the Escapees, the Family Motor Coaching Association, and a sponsor of the 2006 Life On Wheels Conferences.
RV Travel is copyright 2006
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.
*Pretty good
