Weekend of February 23, 2008
Issue 315 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. Email alerts for this issue were sent to 73,439 readers.
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Classic cookbook for RVers
Easy RV Recipes
This is an oldie but goodie, packed with yummy recipes plus advice about stocking in the RV kitchen, pre-trip food planning and great recipes for cooking over the campfire when you're in a "roughing it" mood. Order now.
Editor's Corner
By guest editor Jim Twamley
Is RVing Just Another Hobby?
Most RVers I meet are enthusiastic about RVing. We come from all walks of life and have one thing in common... we love RVing. Some outsiders would classify us as "RV hobbyists" but what they don't know is RVing is a lifestyle and spills over the boundaries of hobby-land. In 1940 Ernie Pyle wrote, "A hobby has a way of running out. You play it for a long time, and then its power to beguile you begins to fade, and finally you have to pretend to play, so as not to be ashamed of the thing to which you once threw your passions."
Veteran RVers don't look at their RV and say, "That's my hobby." Rather, they see their RV as a magic carpet taking them to new destinations, a mother ship providing opportunities to visit and explore diverse landscapes, a time machine opening a window on the vistas of history. You can't do that staying in the neighborhood, where life demands a more predictable routine.
In the RV lifestyle every day is an opportunity to visit a place previously unknown, a chance to witness things yet unseen, to embrace the adventure around the next corner. Along the way you make new friends and create an encyclopedia of memories.
Vivian Grybko is a widow from Kansas who began traveling as a full-time RVer after her husband died. I asked her how many close friends she has in the RV community and she said, "More than I ever had when I was living in one place for many years." It never ceases to amaze me when RVers pull into a campground they have an instant kinship that allows them to get to know each other right away.
Throughout our years of RVing my wife and I have made many wonderful friends who share our enjoyment of travel. Whether you RV two weeks a year or all year long, you know RVing is much more than a hobby, it's an ongoing life enhancing experience.
Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Read more of Jim's work at his blog "RV Now"
RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury will return soon.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
2008 Guide To The Firearm Laws of the 50 States
RVers who travel with a firearm may not know that what's legal in their home state may be a felony in another. This guide explains current, specific gun laws for every state. Don't cross a state line with a gun without knowing the laws! Learn more or order.
2008 RV Show Schedule
Learn about RV shows through the spring of 2008. Check in here to learn when shows will be held in your area.
Just published!
2008 Woodall's RV Buyers Guide
This is your best source about virtually every 2008 RV on the market. More than 400 motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, folding camping trailers and other RVs are profiled. Learn more or order.
Will Your RV Analog TV Still Work This Time Next Year?
Sitting in the comfort of your RV watching TV this time next year, you could get a surprise when your TV goes blank. Congress passed a law that sets February 17, 2009 as the last day television stations can broadcast analog channels.
Today TV stations are broadcasting in both digital and analog formats. The newer TVs (made after March 2007) receive their channels in digital format. If your RV TV is older than this, you will not be able to receive TV channels without the aid of additional equipment or a newer model TV. The good news is that your current RV TV antenna should be adequate to pick up the digital signal.
If you're subscribing to one of the satellite TV providers, you probably already have a digital converter box hooked into your old analog TV and you'll be able to keep watching satellite TV without a problem.
Why all this hubbub? Money. By throwing analog overboard it will free up more bandwidth for the Feds to auction off to the highest bidder. As a trade-off for throwing our old sets into landfills across America, we'll get better picture quality and sound.
If you don't want to fork out the bucks for a new digital TV, you'll be glad to know the government is offering two $40 coupons to purchase two digital-to-analog converter boxes. Visit the National Telecommunications and Information Administration website for details about this program. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon
What would happen if we all decided to stop watching TV and instead we read more books, played board games and spent more time outdoors? Is it just me or does it seem like there isn't much worth watching on TV anymore? -- Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: January -- December -- November -- October -- September--August -- July -- June
GET YOURS NOW. . .
2008 Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Navigator CD-ROM
America's most popular RV campground directory is now on 2 CD-ROM disks. The user friendly interface provides the ultimate RV travel planning software for the U.S. and Canada. Retail price: $59.95. Now only $32.97. Learn more or order
An RVer's Dream Job
RVers love to travel--just about anywhere. Now imagine taking your urge to roll out the rig--and have somebody pay you to do it! Ed Lonsbary lives the dream--when his phone rings it could well mean he'll soon be "slipping the moorings" on his Prevost XL motorcoach to take a client off on an adventure. Read more...
Terrific resource for all RVers for less than $10!
RV Owners Manual
Dollar for dollar this is an incredible bargain. Learn the basics of how to use and maintain a motorhome, travel trailer or other RV. . . and much more. Only $9.95! Learn more or order.
No more sales tricks, RV builder tells dealers
As we all know, some -- let's hope the word shouldn't be most -- RV dealers play unscrupulous tricks when negotiating with buyers over the selling price of a new rig. Now at least one manufacturer has had the courage and integrity to order its dealers to be more honest. Will other manufacturers follow? Read more.
Best book on the subject
The Complete Book of Boondock RVing
Yearn to camp in the wild beside a babbling mountain brook or with a remote panoramic vista? This is the complete guide to camping without hookups (aka "dry camping"). Learn more or order.
Follow these safety tips on driving a motorhome
If you're fairly new to RVing or thinking about buying your first motorhome or trailer, you might be a bit intimidated by the thought of driving or towing such a large vehicle. No need to be. Just take your time, practice and follow these tips. The video shows what the world looks like from the cockpit of a motorhome. Click here.
Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com.Check them out
Wrinkle Free RV Laundry
Learn how to use your RV's Splendid washer to not only clean your clothes but dry them without wrinkles. If you have a washer-dryer on board your RV, you need this book! Learn more or order.
Contest updates: Cash prizes now totals $436.
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $370, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now $66 after yet another cash winner. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
Find Wal-Mart stores for FREE overnight stays
The Wal-Mart Locator is the best resource for locating Wal-Mart stores (with driving directions), most of which allow free overnight RV stays in their parking lots. This 2007 edition includes hundreds of updates from the previous edition. Our low price only $19.98.
Learn more or order.
Enjoy this treat all year long
This recipe for chocolate hot fudge from the RV Kitchen was intended especially for Valentine's Day, which was Feb. 14. But we're including it here because it sounds so darn delicious. After all, why restrict a treat like hot fudge (and romance) to just one day a year? Fulltimers can enjoy this one 365 days. The recipe.
Spruce up the interior of your RV
This RVer didn't like the drab, factory appearance of the inside of her 18-foot trailer, so she decided to make a few improvements. Take a look at what she did. Her efforts show what a little imagination and creativity can do without breaking your budget. Click here.
High cost of RVing got you down?
Save on camping with these resources
--DVD: Working On The RV Road. -- Book: The Complete Guide to Boondock RVing. -- Book: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos. -- Book: "Wal-Mart "No Overnight Parking" Stores. -- Book: Guide to Free Campgrounds:West edition. East edition
And don't forget to check out RV BOOKS FOR LESS THAN $9.99
Add a slide-out to your van or Class B motorhome
Who says you can't add a slide-out to a conversion van or Class B motorhome? The owners of this rig did. But is a custom slide-out on such a small RV worth the trouble and extra weight? Take a look.
Yours free: Alaska Vacation Planner
Get your Alaska Vacation Planner, available free from the state of Alaska. Learn where to go, what to see, where to stay including where to camp with your RV. This is the official state vacation planner. Request your's now.
Nevada museum aims at munitions
Small-town museums don't get much publicity, but many are fascinating repositories of history and information where an RVer pokes his or her nose in out of curiosity and ends up spending hours exploring. This museum in Hawthorne, Nevada, is such a place. It'll appeal especially to RVers who served in or are interested in the military and defense of our country. It's free, and guided tours are available. More info.
Best Seller!
RVers Guide to Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
This best-selling 2007 guidebook describes more than 600 Corps-managed campgrounds suitable for RVs on nearly 200 lakes around the USA. Haven't camped at a Corps of Engineers' facility? Then you've missed out! Learn more or order.
Is this the best truck for your camper?
If you're shopping for a pickup to haul your camper, you know that the truck's suspension is a major consideration. One truck manufacturer is offering an interesting new approach to suspension that you can read about here. This post also has a link to general information on choosing the right truck for your camper.
eBooks: INSTANT READING!
With eBooks you don't have to wait to read your book. Just place your order and your eBook will be delivered almost instantly to your email inbox. These eBooks are written by RV experts and delivered instantly in PDF format.
ABCs of RVing
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List
Buying an RV the Smart Way
I Have A Convection Oven in My RV. Now What?
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
Make RV meal preparation easier with this item
Listen up, RV chefs. If you don't have this handy kitchen aid, you might be spending more time at meal preparation and clean up than necessary. If you're like us, you'll definitely want one of these items after reading this review. Click here.
Best Seller!
2008 Next Exit Directory
Be the first to get this hot-off-the-press directory. Learn what you will find at every Interstate highway exit: gas/diesel, campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, stores, malls, hospitals, factory outlet stores, parks and more. Learn more.
Trivia. . .
The two steps at the top and the two at the bottom are the four most dangerous steps in a staircase.
Explorer RV Insurance
Owners of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and medium duty tow vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their coverage from more than a dozen options. Get a quote now.
Time to graduate from tent camping to a pop-up trailer
Are you and your family ready to move up from tent camping to something a little more sophisticated? You don't have to go directly to a big fifth wheel or motorhome. Someday you might well want a large RV, but in the meanwhile consider the merits of a pop-up trailer. It'll give you and your family a lot more flexibility and comfort than a tent, yet it's relatively inexpensive and easy to tow. Read more.
Low RV show turnout has lessons for workampers
Attendance was down at this year's RV show in Quartzsite, Arizona, and the situation has some important lessons for RV workampers. Read post-show thoughts and comments by workamping expert Jaimie Hall. Click here.
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.
Fire Safety Tip
from Mac McCoy
You should have five fire extinguishers for your coach--one by the front door, one in the kitchen, one in the bedroom, one outside of the coach in an unlocked compartment, and one in your tow vehicle. Make sure family members know how to use the extinguishers and understand which extinguishers are effective on various fires.
ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive! Learn all about them here.
Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs
FEATURED BLOGS:
RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.
The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.
Great RV Stuff
The latest neat RV stuff in this always fasincating blog. Gizmos and gadgets that might even make your RVing more enjoyable.
Working on the RV Road
Get up-to-date about news and information about earning income while RVing.
Boondocking
Do you use your RV away from utilities? Here you'll pick up tips on how to do it, and learn about some great places to boondock.
RV Short Stops
Our RVtravel.com blogger's favorite places to visit in their RVs -- Great suggestions for places to visit on your own travels.
RVing Quartzsite
"RV Snowbird Central" for the winter season, home of huge gem shows and flea markets and the land of free camping on government lands.
Casino RV Camping
Learn about casino RV parks, freebie camping, and great deals on gaming and dining for RVers who visit.
Fulltime RVer
If you're a fulltime RVer or plan to be someday, then stop by for the latest news and information about fulltiming.
See the complete lineup of RV Travel blogs
Books and DVDs about Fulltime RVing
Largest selection in the World.
RELATED PRODUCT:DVD: Extended & Full-time RV Travel
Looking for new recipes? Check out www.RVcookBooks.com
Largest selection of RV Cookbooks anywhere!
RV Tech Corner
with Mark Polk
Our biggest RV error
What is the most critical, but least maintained component of your RV? The tires! In almost all cases, tire failure can be attributed to improper tire maintenance. The leading causes for tire failure are overloading and under inflation. Tires are rated for a maximum load capacity, but they can only support that capacity if they are inflated to the proper air pressure. The COLD PSI rating, on the sidewall of the tire, means if you inflate the tire to the recommended PSI when the tire is COLD (before traveling) it can support the maximum load capacity the tire is rated for. Less air pressure equals lower load capacity. When you weigh your LOADED RV you should weigh each individual tire, or set of tires. If you weigh it by each axle, as opposed to each tire, it may not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) but can exceed a tire rating without you knowing it!
-- Mark Polk is the host of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos.
Bella Terra means "Beautiful Land"
and that's exactly what this RV Resort is! The Gulf Coast's first 5-star master planned RV Resort. Five minutes away from the beautiful sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, Bella Terra is poised to set the standard for outdoor RV resorts. See for yourself.
Boondocking Tip
By Russ and Tina De Maris
Refer 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 RV Boondocking Basics.
Relax, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Adventure Bound Camping resort in Gatlinburg is perfect for any kind of RVer. A well-known destination in the world of Gatlinburg RV parks, Pigeon Forge campgrounds, and RV parks in Tennessee in general, often welcome guests back year after year. Learn more.
Florida casinos add a touch of Vegas
Good news for gaming enthusiasts who RV in Florida. Certain casinos there will soon offer more excitement. Read about it here.
Where not to camp in Barstow
Military RVers looking for a campground in the Barstow, California, area have several options. One of them is the Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base. But you probably won't want to stay there after reading this review. Better cross this one off your list.
Essential for Fulltimers!
2008 Selecting An RV Home Base
For would-be fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. Picking the wrong state can result in paying thousands of dollars extra each year in taxes or RV registration fees. Don't let that happen! This best selling guidebook is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Black and gray water tank flushing
We are new RVers: we bought an '04 Coachman RoadMaster last September. I have rinsed the black tank several times but it still registers 1/3 full. I don't really want to drag a hose inside and use a cleaning wand down the "throne." My question is has anyone had experience with either the "Camco Tornado Rotary Tank Rinser" which is a permanent fixture (my first choice) or the "Camco Dual Flush Pro"?
Cleveland to Florida
We will be taking our first RV trip to Disney this March. We are new to RVing and just bought a 40' Fleetwood Revolution. Wondering if anyone has any tips on routes to take, clearance advice, etc. I'm kind of concerned about mountains, tunnels, and whatever else may pop up. We will be traveling with three children to Fort Wilderness.
To Gettysburg, PA
We are going down there in the spring. I note that the Good Sam routing says I must make several turns or travel short distances on highway numbers I can't really see on the maps. It looks like a fairly straight run from the Lewiston Bridge to Gettysburg. Am I missing something or not reading the maps right?
What type of GPS?
A recent post requested information about how to program/deprogram interstates. My question is what type of GPS do you use? I would like pros and cons of your model. I realize I can go the Amazon and get reviews, but that I think is possibly will contain some b.s. What I would like to know is: GPS worth the money? Do you really use it? Pro/Con of your brand? Ease of re-route?
Inverter controller
I have a Xantrex RC2000 Controller that is used with my inverter. My problem is that the controller is now giving me problems and it is the only controller that will work with my inverter. So my question is, "Does anyone know where I can replace it or does anyone have one for sale?" Xantrex no longer manufactures them or repairs them.
Instant Boating Adventure, Just Add Air!
Sea Eagle inflatable boats, the simple, reliable, no nonsense and MAINTENANCE FREE way to get out on the water for under $700. Check out all the models.
Travel trailer versus fifth wheel: the pros and cons
It's one of the eternal debates in RVing: travel trailer versus fifth wheel trailer. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and in the end which is best depends strictly on you -- your needs and preferences. If you're in the market for a trailer, this article will help you decide which way to go.
Terrific books & DVDs
from RVbookstore.com
Book: RVers Guide to Dump Stations
DVD: Working on the RV Road
Book: Fifth Wheel Bible
Book: RV Boondocking Basics
DVD: Towing Behind Your Motorhome
CD-rom: Military Campground Directory on CD Rom
Bill's Hints
"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 Trailers and Fifth Wheels Made Easy
Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 1,800 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV.
How low can your editor go and other Death Valley oddities
Far from the dull, lifeless wasteland some people imagine, California's Death Valley is one of the most interesting national parks in the country. Here are just a few of the fascinating tidbits that make it worth a visit.
Enjoy delicious muffins while you're RVing
Like muffins? Who doesn't! Here from the RV Kitchen is an easy recipe for muffins you can prepare in your RV while you're on the road. The recipe.
FREE SHIPPING
at RVbookstore.com
Order $49 or more and choose to pay absolutely no postage or handling fees (USA addresses only). Nearly ALL orders ship same day. Our motto is "You need it so we speed it." RVbookstore.com.
Bumper Snicker
Confucius say "Man who stands on toilet is high on pot."
Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies
Learn how to get connected on the road. Covers WiFi, choosing equipment and services, protecting data, managing your business and personal affairs, enjoying online entertainment and more. Learn more or order.
Passport option okay for border crossers
Despite the confusion lately over just what proof of citizenship an RVer should present to cross the border between the United States and Mexico or Canada, a passport has been the recommended document. If you balk at the expense of a traditional passport, you'll want to read about this alternative. Click here.
FMCA: The best club for motorhome owners
If you drive a motorhome you should join the Family Motor Coaching Association, the largest and best club exclusively for motorhome owners. Many benefits including rallies, local chapters and thick monthly magazine. Special new member price of $35. Click here to learn more or join.
Ten ways to make your RVing safer
Safety is the key word in just about everything we do, and that's certainly the case in RVing. Being safe in RVing is easy; it's mostly a matter of checklists, patience and common sense. Here are 10 specific ways you can make your RVing safer.
Headed to Alaska?
Check out RVbookstore.com's selection of books and DVDs about travel to and in Alaska. Click here.
Worth Pondering
The frontiers are not east or west, north or south, but wherever a man fronts a fact. -- Henry David Thoreau
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com.See them here.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
RV Travel staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Gerry Bruder, Jim Twamley, Jaimie Hall. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Fulfillment Manager: Erin Hanson. Web Operations Guru: Zoey Platt. Clapper/Loader: Emily Woodbury. Stress Relief: Mikey the slinky dog.
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!
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RV Travel is copyright 2008 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, Expanding Universe.
