Issue 245 of RV Travel. Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter is funded through sales at RVbookstore.com, the World's Largest RV Bookstore specializing in books and DVDs about RVs and the RV lifestyle.
Win cash and other prizes in Sunday's Knowledge Quiz.
Plus: Pot of Gold pot now $70 cash!
Details below.
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Hear the hit RV song "Waltzing Through Wal-Mart"
Have you ordered Cliff Boyd's hilarious CD collection of RV songs? What are you waiting for? Learn more about this best selling album and hear 30-seconds of Cliff's hit tune "Waltzing Through Wal-Mart."
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
Here's a recap of the most bizarre RV story of the week. A Rhode Island RVer recently crossed the USA with a motorhome powered by a very unusual fuel. Steve Adler bought a used RV in Portland, Ore., and had its diesel engine converted in Seattle to run on waste vegetable oil. "A diesel engine will run on just about any fluid you give it," Adler told the NBC TV station in Providence. "I happen to like vegetable oil because it's free and it smells good."
His method of obtaining his fuel is to suck it out of dumpsters at fast food joints, pump the oil through a filter and then into the engine after it's hot. A shot of regular diesel fuel is needed to get the engine started, but after that the veggie fuel takes over. "If you're behind me, you can smell French fries," he said.
Don't try this fuel in your own engine unless you have it properly converted.
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Are you planning to buy a used RV? If so, you might want to check out an entry in our RV Travel forum, where a member named Elaine offers some great advice about what to look for before making a purchase. If you have something to add, please do so.
Issue #2 of our RV Travel Printed Magazine is in the mail. Subscribers in the West should have it by now; others should see it within a week. Lots of good stuff in this one!
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A very happy barn! |
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Pot of Gold Contest
Check each weekday to see if you live in the day's randomly selected Zip Code. If you do, and you're the first to tell us, you win the cash prize, which increases every day there is not a winner up to a maximum prize of $1,000. The contest runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Pacific Time). The current pot is $70. Check the Pot of Gold here.
Last week's winning Zip Codes were 40801, 98368, 25140, 50680, and 13850. If you live in one of these locations and had told us so the day the Zip Code appeared, you would have won at least $60 cash.
Win $75 CASH in Sunday's Knowledge Quiz
Get the details and learn the start times below.
ABCs of RVing eBook now available.
The second edition of the best-selling eBook The ABCs of RVing is now available at RVbookstore.com for immediate reading. The book, delivered via email, is edited by Jerry Brown and Chuck Woodbury and includes more than 200 of the most asked questions beginning RVers ask about RVs and the lifestyle. Learn more or order for $11.95.
Finally, a book about how drive a motorhome!
Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro tells and shows you how to drive a motorhome. It's definitely not the same as driving a car! Written by a bus driver and trainer for Gray Line Tours. First book of its kind. Only $9.95! Learn more or order.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Read Chuck Woodbury's blog.
Read the most recent edition of the Full-Time RVer newsletter. Great information.
Did you miss last week's RV Travel newsletter? Read it here.
ROADTREK:
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.
This Week's Reader Survey
If money was not an issue, which of these places would you choose to camp for a long weekend? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
Will your next RV be longer or shorter than your present one? Read the results.
Past reader surveys and results
Loophole turns RV owners into tax dodgers
Much to the displeasure of California law enforcement officials, Montana has become a haven for motorhome owners who prefer not to pay the Golden State's sales tax when they buy their costly coaches. Montana has no sales tax, and RV aficionados are taking a break from their road maps and AAA Trip-Tiks to set up shell corporations in the state. Read more.
Stay free in Wal-Mart parking lots
Learn where to find Wal-Marts, most of which allow RVers to stay overnight for free in their parking lots. It's not "camping," but it's free. Get driving directions to every store in the USA. New in the 2006 edition: Stores that sell diesel fuel! Retail price $24.95. Order now at our Everyday Low Price of only $19.83 -- the best price anywhere!
And pack along an inexpensive guide to Wal-Marts that do NOT allow you to stay overnight.
Articles from the RV Travel family of websites
Good news for RVers: Fuel prices continue to drop
The nationwide average price of self-service regular gasoline has declined 37.8 cents per gallon since the middle of last month and is now $2.262 per gallon, according to AAA. Read more.
"Three-Day Rule" enriches camping experience
After rushing about on trips as a new RVer, Gerry Bruder learns the benefits of spending more time at each campground. Learn why.
What happens if your dog gets lost on the road?
How will people know how to take care of your dog if it's lost while you're traveling with your RV? Well, finally, there is an inexpensive, high-tech solution that can take some of the worry out of traveling with your pet. Read all about it.
How to get mail while on the road
On our FulltimeRVer.com website, Steven Fletcher discusses ways to get your mail while on the road.
Diesel RV Headquarters
Huge selection. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. No reasonable offer refused. Largest inventory in the Pacific Northwest. Let us help you find your dream RV. Browse our online showroom or call the Poulsbo RV Internet sales staff: (888) 538-9400.
Wonder what there is to do along Hwy 95 in Nevada?
Horseback Riding- Air Shows- Outdoor Boxing- POW WOWS- Craft Shows- Community Picnics- Chili Cook-Offs- National Parks- Desert Wildflower Arrays- Sand Dunes- Prospecting- Antelope-Meteorite Hunting- Off-Roading- Star Gazing- Bicycling- Wild Burros- Rural Celebrations- Fine Dining- Gaming- Museums- ...and much, much more. Find all your options here!
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Winterizing: Whaddya Think?
"Just got our first fiver and looking forward to next year for mini and maxi vacations. But first, what do I have to do to get it through the harsh winters of Illinois? I hear lots of generalities about winterizing but can't seem to get a straight answer (possibly because people do it differently from experience) on what needs to be done." Have a suggestion?
Preventing Theft While Stored
"My wife and I recently purchased a travel trailer. Unfortunately, as we have waited for an enclosed storage space, the trailer is uncovered, out in the open. Within the first few weeks, someone has already tried to pry the door open. Is there anything we can install to deter future possible thefts? Also, should we leave the mini-blinds open so that anyone can see there is nothing valuable inside (other than microwave, small CD player, etc), or should we keep them closed?" Do you have advice.
Outside Shades
"The heat of the sun beating on an RV is hard on the AC compressor and zooms up electric bills. I'm looking for ways to block that heat and not give it a chance to come inside. Has anyone made and attached outside fabric shades with commercial Velcro? How well do they hold with the Velcro and do they cut enough of the sun?" Offer advice
California to Eastern states: What should not be missed?
"My life dream is to see the Eastern coast states. I love historical sights and need to have advice about neat things to see besides the obvious: Smithsonian, Williamsburg, etc. Any suggestions on routes, time of year, or anything we can add to our itinerary? We have a 24-foot trailer now, and hope to get a 5th wheel and a 2500 GMC diesel." Do you have any suggestions?
And in the FreeCampgrounds.com forum:
A forum member asks this question: "Where would you never boondock again? Add your comment.
Lost Lake Resort
Secluded RV living in the Northwest. Beautiful lots. Private trout lake, athletic club, clubhouse, park models, indoor/outdoor pool plus easy drive to Tacoma and Seattle. See available lots and prices. Learn more.
On Sale Now!
From flexible sewer hoses to extra wide lounge chairs and everything in between. Over 200 products on sale now at Camping world. Check it out!
All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing
Advice for new and novice RVers
"Don't hook up your water tank in freezing weather. Onboard water tanks are heated when the furnace is running, so use the onboard water supply. Refill your tank as needed from the campground supply. Then disconnect, drain the hose, and stow it." This tip is one of more than 500 in All the Stuff You Need to Know About RVing by Ronald Jones and Robert Lowe.
Save $4 on dump station guide
Right now, the RVers Guide to Dump Stations, regularly $11.95, is only $7.95. Hurry! Our supply is limited and will probably sell out by sometime Sunday. Learn more or order now.
Bill's Hint
"Unless you are using your oven a lot, leave the pilot light turned off when you are not cooking. It uses a surprising amount of propane." From Motorhomes Made Easy.
Traveling to Alaska by Ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway?
Visit the official website. Check out great deals. Get prices, plan your trip and make a reservation.
RV Joke
Joe and Ed, both from Duluth, Minnesota, were standing in the shallow end of a swimming pool at the Fountain of Youth RV Park at California's Salton Sea, discussing how happy they were to be in sunny California rather than being back in frigid Minnesota. As they were talking, Ed noticed something funny about his friend's ear. "Joe," he said, "do you know you've got a suppository in your left ear?" Startled, Joe replied, "I have a suppository in my ear??"
"That's right," said Ed, "you have a suppository in your ear." Joe immediately pulled it out, then said, "Thanks, buddy. I'm glad you saw this thing. Now I know where I put my hearing aid." More RV jokes.
Flag Pole Buddy
A new innovative design in a ladder mounted flag bracket. Includes a 3x5 American flag. The new bracket allows you to raise and lower your flag in seconds. Includes a 12 foot aluminum pole that folds down to 6 feet & withstands the harshest desert winds. Check it out!
Bumper Snicker
"I used up all my sick days so today I'm calling in dead."
Read other funny bumper stickers or buy them.
Read the new RV Travel Magazine
If you like this newsletter, you will love the new printed RV Travel Magazine. It's packed with great articles, columns and photos, and edited by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Wonderful reading! Only $9.95 for one year! Hear the editor talk about the new magazine or subscribe
Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Refir madness
Boondockers use LP gas to run their refrigerator, and sometimes this creates a problem. If your RV refrigerator "acts up" and doesn't seem to be cooling, don't immediately condemn parts. Check the cooling system "burner" first. Scale can develop in the refrigerator chimney, that can come loose and drop down onto the burner, causing it to operate less efficiently, or go out altogether. Our next door neighbor pulled in and immediately had refrigerator problems. We checked the burner, and sure enough, scale had dropped onto it, which we immediately blew off. Problem resolved -- for a few days when the same thing happened all over again.-- Russ and Tina De Maris are the authors of the book RV Boondocking Basics and the eBook Boondocking Tips for RVers.
Good Stuff from the Good Sam Club
RV Emergency Road Service. Special Low Rate! Join Today.
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
Florida Keys KOA park to shut down
A development company has purchased the Fiesta Key KOA and plans to build high-end vacation homes. The KOA will operate through the 2007 season, then will close for good.
Prevost headquarters
RVers who owns a Prevost coach or another make built with a Prevost shell, will enjoy this website.
RVers Guide to Solar Battery Charging
RVers who yearn for independence from generators and RV park hookups will find this an essential guide to selecting, buying and using a solar electric system. Learn more or order.
Trivia
Every day in America we total enough cars to fill a football field.
Check out these great titles from RVbookstore.com
The Next Exit: Never take the wrong exit off an interstate highway.
Guide to Free Campgrounds: Get the scoop about where to stay for free or nearly free.
RVers Guide to Casino RV parks. Learn which ones offer free camping, RV parks and gaming bonuses.
RVers Friend: Find out what services truck stops provide to RVers: free camping, WiFi, RV repairs, diesel, etc.
This issue's
Knowledge Quiz
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Win $75 in this weekend's Quiz. Or win other swell prizes! |
Three Quizzes on Sunday
with fabulous prizes!
The prizes:
--A Benjamin Franklin Action Figure doll." Ben signed the Declaration of Independence. Now, he can be yours!
--A fabulous RVbookstore.com coffee mug! In the world of mugs, this is a superstar!
--$75 U.S. dollars (paid as a check from RVbookstore.com)
QUIZ QUESTIONS WILL NOT APPEAR until the actual start time of the Quiz.
Answer the first quiz here on Sunday, October 15 at 9:30 a.m, Pacific Time.
Answer the second quiz here on Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m., Pacific Time.
Answer the third quiz here on Sunday, October 15 at 11:30 a.m., Pacific Time.
Knowledge Quiz official rules
Buying an RV?
Don't plop down your hard-earned cash without reading RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury's new eBook, Buying an RV the Smart Way. For $9.95, you'll learn how to save money and avoid making buying mistakes that could cause big headaches later. The eBook is emailed to you immediately after ordering, and can be read online or printed out. Covers buying both new and used RVs.
RV Tech Tip by Mark Polk
Towing capacity and axle ratios
Whenever you are determining the towing capacity of a vehicle make sure you know the rear axle ratio. It is quite possible to have the same type and size of vehicle with the same engine and tow ratings vary by several thousand pounds. The axle ratio is a comparison of how many times the drive shaft rotates versus the rear wheels. A 4.10:1 axle ratio means the drive shaft rotates 4.10 times for each rotation of the rear wheels. The higher the numeric value the better the vehicle will tow (Learn about Mark Polk's RV "How-to" DVDs and eBooks .)
Books and DVDs about RV Technical Topics: Click here.
RVing Resources. . .
Visit the RV Travel Reader Forum to discuss everything to do with RVing with other RVers.
Upcoming RV Shows
RV-Links
Loads of links to great websites about RVing.
RV Buying Tips: Spend five minutes here and help ensure you don't make classic RV buying mistakes.
RVing With Dogs: Got a pooch onboard? You'll love this website.
Life On Wheels
"Go to school" to learn about RVing. Five annual conferences.
Investigate a company with the Better Business Bureau before making a purchase.
Full Time RVing
RV Recalls
Workamping Information: Workamper News is THE best place to find jobs on the RV road.
Worth Pondering
"To find out a girl's faults, praise her to her friends." -- Benjamin Franklin
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
Random RV Thought
In the old days when RVs were designed primarily for short camping trips, when a couple began pondering their retirement, they often dreamed of buying a little cabin somewhere — maybe in the mountains or by the sea. Today, there's another choice, and that's to buy a comfy RV, which can be transported from the mountains to the ocean shore in a day and then perhaps to the desert the next. It's even possible to easily move such a portable house to the edge of a cornfield, alongside a race track, by a Las Vegas casino, or maybe a short walk away from the first tee of a golf course. The idea of buying a cabin that stays in one place is boring by comparison, at least to some people.
New arrivals at RVbookstore.com.
Check them out
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Jerry (RiverGuy) Brown, Russ and Tina De Maris, Gail Bennett, Mark Polk, Bill and Dot Bell. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Web Operations Director: Zoey Platt. Clapper Loader Extraordinaire: Emily Woodbury.
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.
At RVbookstore.com we strive for excellence in all we do and that's the honest truth (as opposed to the dishonest truth). Our customers receive really, really fast service. We move so fast in sending out a customer's order that sometimes we pass through the sound barrier, which really upsets our neighbors. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it," and no truer words were ever spoken!
RVbookstore.com and RVtravel.com are members of the Better Business Bureau. We are proud commercial members of the Escapees, the Family Motor Coaching Association, and a sponsor of the 2006 Life On Wheels Conferences. We are also darn good people.
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.
