By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Here’s a question that some new-to-RVing wonder about: “I’ve never had an RV before, and I’ll be traveling alone with my dog. I’m intimidated by big vehicles, and I want fuel efficiency but comfort, too. What do you think about a Class B motorhome?” Here are a few things to think about.
Depending on your circumstances, a van-conversion RV may be just the ticket to getting into the RV lifestyle. It’s small enough you can park it in your garage, but still has the comforts of a kitchen and bathroom. It looks so much like a large van, why, it couldn’t be all that difficult to drive, could it?
All these things are true, and it may be a Class B is, as Goldilocks said, “Just right.” But before you plunk down your money, let’s explore a few areas. First, the concern about being ‘intimidated by large vehicles.’ Experienced motorhome drivers will tell you that there’s not a whole lot of difference between driving a car and driving a big motorhome. It’s largely a matter of practice – they don’t drive a whole lot differently, there’s just a couple of things to catch onto, and you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Driving a smaller Class C motorhome (a van chassis with a motorhome built onto it), is a breeze. But what about fuel economy? Class B motorhomes aren’t really that much better in terms of fuel economy than a Class C motorhome. That’s because you’ve still got plenty of weight tied up in the conversion stuff, and with the ‘bumped up’ roof, aerodynamics aren’t all that great. Still, you may like that part of parking your rig in the garage.
Where the real differences between a Class B van conversion and a Class C motorhome come into play are in the living space. Class B rigs, are by necessity, very compact. You probably won’t have the luxury of sticking your legs out and relaxing while “sitting on the throne.” When it’s time to fix a meal, you’d best keep it REAL simple, as the typical amount of counter space is a bit like a postage stamp. Storage space is at a premium, so don’t expect to bring much “stuff” with you. Holding tanks, too, are much smaller, and so you can count on more frequent trips to the waste dump station.
If you’re into quick weekend trips where you’ll be out and around, away from the RV, that’s one thing. If your plans take you into longer trips and you’ll be spending time in the RV, the tightness of the space could begin to wear on you. If claustrophobia is an issue, be sure to step into the shower space of any Class B you’re looking at buying – it could be a real eye-opener.
Here’s what may be the best suggestion: Rent a Class B unit and take it out on a trip. Do your cooking, showering, and sleeping. Then rent a Class C unit and do the same. It’s a whole lot less expensive than picking one or the other and buying it, only to find you’ve made the wrong choice.
I came across this story years ago. It’s about a man named Joe Stinks.
The story is thought to have originated in the book “The Heart of Crow Country” by Joseph Medicine Crow, a tribal historian. In the chapter about Crow humor he tells about a modern day tribe member named Joe Stinks. It seems Joe Stinks was a good enough rodeo rider but his name wasn’t doing much for his career. He was an easy victim for wise-cracking rodeo announcers and hecklers from the crowd.
One day, Joe Stinks’ buddies took up a collection so he could go to the courthouse and pay to have his name changed.
When he returned, his friends were eager to learn his new name, but appalled when they found out. Joe Stinks had changed his name to Joe Stinks No More.
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Want to open a can of worms? Next time you’re sitting around the RV community campfire, ask your friends how to define a “full-time RVer.”
R & T De Maris photo
It’s a subject of great debate. Some say a full-time RVer is one who lives in their RV 365 days a year, and has no other home. The purists among them declare that those who are worthy of the title are those who have no home base, either. They simply move from place to place on a whim (or maybe with some plan), but don’t have anything other than perhaps a mailbox service to identify their roots.
Others aren’t quite so stringent with the title. To them, a full-time RVer is one who, indeed, lives in an RV year-round. But maybe they have a lot or chunk of ground that they return to with some regularity. Perhaps they winter in Arizona, and they park their rig at the kid’s place in Montana when the heat gets to be too much.
How about how you view yourself? Without getting jumped all over, we might be considered by some to be full-time RVers. We have a small travel trailer we tug around the country whenever the hot Arizona heat comes on; and when it cools down, we return to our large trailer (40′) parked on a friend’s lot and winter over. Of course, we get out in the “little trailer” plenty during the cooler portion of the year as well.
Regardless of exactly how much time you spend in your RV, or just where (and for how long) you park it, if you consider yourself a full-time RVer, you know it’s a peculiar lifestyle. A lifestyle that has plenty of rewards, and one that comes with its own set of challenges. And that’s where we come in.
This week we launch the new biweekly series, Full-time RV Travels, a spot here on the Internet dedicated to full-time RVers (however you happen to be defined) and to those who want to join the ranks. Here you’ll find tips and suggestions on how to deal with the challenges of full-time living, from taking care of your home on wheels, to the sometimes touchy aspects of living in close quarters with your significant other. Since many newcomers to the lifestyle are still employed, we’ll also talk about how to make your RV a workable traveling office. Got issues with “where to put it all”? Come on over.
For a start though, let’s talk to folks who aren’t full-timers and wonder if the lifestyle would work for them. If you’re like a lot of folks contemplating full-time, you’ve probably been an RVer for some time already. Have you come away from the end of an RV trip with a sour taste in your mouth? Don’t gauge the full-time experience on a short trip. There’s a lot in play here.
First off, the occasional RV short trip isn’t much like full-timing. If you’re like a lot of “weekender” RVers, you probably hurried to toss everything in the rig and get out on the road. You then spent plenty of your vacation time struggling to find what you needed – with lots of resulting frustration. And of the stuff that was already packed in the rig, did you find some of it either didn’t work right – or not work at all – that, when you finally remembered where you packed it away? Argh – we hate that! And of course, you probably found there were plenty of things you needed that you forgot to bring, and you either had to struggle along without them, or spend time running around to get them.
Weekend and vacation RVing can have rewards, but too often, we come away with the hassles that were involved. That’s because vacation RVing isn’t your normal way of life. Fulltime RVers have the advantage of having established places for the stuff they need, and they know where it is. Because they use it regularly, it’s kept up and operating. Like living at home, when something starts to run short, you pick it up the next time you’re at the store.
Here’s a comparison. Think back to when you moved into the home you’re living in now. You brought in all your furniture, personal belongings, etc., and tried to put them away. The first month or two of living in the new house probably drove you nuts. But eventually, when you established regular places for your stuff, and regular routines for yourself, it got easier.
The same is true for the full-time RVer. When your RV is your home, you have established places for your stuff and established routines for your life. Your ability to enjoy the daily adventures of changing scenery and locations is greatly enhanced. It’s like taking the fun of a vacation RV trip and multiplying it, and shrinking down much of the associated frustration.
When it comes to the full-time RV lifestyle, there’s plenty to be talked about, and we’d like to hear from you. We’d like to hear your questions. We want to share your suggestions. Got a brilliant idea on how to make the full-time lifestyle more enjoyable? Tell us about it. What’s made it possible for you to enter the full-time RVing ranks? Please send us your thoughts by email: Write us at Russ (at sign) rvtravel.com.
Looking forward to seeing you back here in two weeks.
FOREST CITY, IOWA, October 3, 2016 – Winnebago Industries, Inc., announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Grand Design Recreational Vehicle Company, a manufacturer of towable RVs for approximately $500 million in cash and newly issued Winnebago shares.
Founded in 2012 by Don Clark, Ron Fenech and Bill Fenech, a management team with more than 80 years of combined leadership experience in the RV industry, Grand Design is a fast-growing manufacturer in the towables segment with rapidly expanding market share. The company generated $428 million in revenue over the last twelve months ending August of 2016, representing a compound annual growth rate of over 80 percent since 2013. The transaction is expected to close by the end of Winnebago’s first fiscal quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
“The addition of Grand Design will accelerate our expansion in the towables business, creating a broader and more balanced portfolio well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities across the RV market and to drive improved profitability and long-term value for stakeholders,” said Michael Happe, Winnebago’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
By Russ and Tiña De Maris Many U.S. boondockers are familiar enough with some of the alternative sources of finding boondocking sites in the Lower 48. Forest Service maps and BLM-provided information can yield a wealth of spots to check out. But if you’re traveling north of the border and into Canada, things can get a little sketchy.
Free campsite at Burns Lake
If your travel planning includes a visit to Canada’s western-most province, British Columbia, here’s a great site to help you find “alternatives” to costly and over-populated provincial campgrounds. The Ministry of Forests is roughly analogous to the U.S. Forest Service, and is broken down by provinces. So, along comes a website from B.C.’s Ministry of Forests that helps you “drill down,” and find a camping site on the lands they manage throughout the province. Called Recreation Sites and Trails BC, you’ll find it a valuable resource.
Using a selectable menu, we asked to see available camping in the province on these forest lands and immediately got back a list of over 200 campgrounds. We did a random sample of over 20 sites and found that half of them were free, and the most expensive per-night charge was $13. Mind you, that was a sample – if you find some higher, please don’t send me pitchforks in the mail!
Another good feature about the site is the ability to pick and choose features you’d like to have where you go. For example, if you’re into kayaking, there’s a click-box for that feature that narrows down those 200 and some odd sites to only those that are suitable for paddling your own canoe.
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
When shopping for an RV, everyone has their own ideas of what’s “important.” Be it the floor plan, the electronics gear, the comfort of the bed — tastes matter. Here’s something that we should ALL be concerned about – weight. No, not whether you’ll fall through the floor, but the weight of your rig.
For rigs manufactured since 1996, the RV industry requires the manufacturer to post an information sheet inside a cabinet in every coach. Here’s a rundown on terms you need to know – and pay attention to.
GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
This is the maximum total weight a motorhome or trailer and its contents as allowed by the design specifications of the manufacturer. For personal safety of yourself and others on the road, it’s critical not to exceed this weight.
GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating
Here’s the maximum total combined weight of your tow vehicle plus anything you’re towing, once again based on the design specifications of the manufacturer. It’s also a gauge of how well the vehicle will tow in terms of muscle. The closer your total weight gets to this number, the tougher towing performance can become. Add on a steep upgrade or a nasty headwind and things can get even worse.
GAWR – Gross Axle Weight Rating
The maximum weight that can be carried by the axle, including tires and wheels.
UVW – Unloaded Vehicle Weight
Also known as “dry weight,” this is the claimed weight of a motorhome or trailer as it rolls off the manufacturer’s line. What’s added after that, say for instance by the dealer or a previous owner, can truly affect that weight. This is a good reason to actually weigh your rig – you’ll then really know where you stand.
NCC – Net Carrying Capacity
Theoretically, the amount of weight you can toss on your rig in terms of gear, food, water, sewage, even passengers. Here, too, is where the weight of those add-on options matter. NCC has been replaced recently by a couple of other terms, which follow.
SCWR – Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating
The manufacturer’s designated number of sleeping positions multiplied by 154 pounds (70 kilograms). Ah, to be able to meet that specification!
CCC – Cargo Carrying Capacity
Here the manufacturer simply takes the GVWR and subtracts the UVW, full fresh (potable) water weight (including water heater), full LP-gas weight, and SCWR. Is this a bit of hocus-pocus? It means you, as a consumer, get to figure out your own CCC based on a personal calculation of actual passengers carried, the amount of fresh water onboard, and the amount of LP-gas carried.
Some radio and TV stations’ call letters are easy to remember. In Oakhurst, Calif., just think about cats and kittens. Two radio stations there are KAAT-FM and KTNS-AM.
“When we started the FM stations in 1982 we had to submit call letters to the FCC,” the then-radio station manager told me years ago. “We thought about it and thought about it and finally came up with the idea of a mountain cat. That’s how it became KAAT. Then, in 1988, when we started the smaller AM station, it was pretty obvious to call it ‘kittens.’ ”
Way up north, in Seattle, Wash., the NBC affiliate, channel 5, is KING. It’s sister station, channel 6, is KONG. Together: King Kong. —Chuck Woodbury
By Russ and Tiña De Maris
The old joke about, “Did you get your driver’s license at Walmart?” has a new variation as far as we’re concerned: “Did you buy your engineering license through Craigslist?” As RVers, you’ve probably had an experience like ours that leads to such a question. Here’s the scenario:
The cost of dumping is going up.
The days of free dump stations are getting pretty scarce. If you have to pay to dump, you’d think the charges would lead to better dump stations. We rolled into a TA Travel Center in Corning, California, a while ago. The outfit boasts of “free RV dump with fuel fill up.” Well, we crunched the numbers and determined that the higher cost of fuel was offset by the free dump. In the end, we’re not sure if numbers on a calculator take into account the whole picture.
After filling up the truck, we drove around to the dump station, set up parallel to the fuel islands. A big yellow curb, probably 10″ high or so, surrounded the dump station. The set up was laid out in such a fashion that the only approach to the dump station puts your RV on a slant — the downhill side of which is to the passenger side of the rig. Since your dump port is more than likely on the driver’s side of the rig, you’re automatically at a disadvantage, as gravity will mandate at least some of your holding tank contents will stubbornly refuse to evacuate your tanks.
So the chief sanitary engineer in our traveling circus hooked up the dump hose to the rig, grumbling about the slant, and then encountered the next trick: Run the hose up the curb, across a slab, and then up yet another curb that surrounded the dump station’s port. In total, the tanks contents had to go uphill, then downhill.
Grabbing the black water handle, all went well for a few minutes, until the last of the black water contents refused to make the uphill climb to clear the hose. Grabbing the hose to “milk” it out, the hapless skipper suddenly discovered a previously unknown maintenance issue: The dump hose had chaffed and worn where it attached to the fitting at the RV end. That nasty old black water came splooshing out of the hose and making a hideous mess on the parking lot pavement.
Thank heavens, at least the “engineer” had thought to include a hosepipe at the station. Grabbing the rinse hose, your intrepid reporter began to wash the gross-and-grotty mess off the pavement. But to where? Down the slanted pavement to — not a pavement grate — there wasn’t one — just yards and yards of concrete. Can you say, “Crawl under your RV and hide?”
Cleaning up as best as able under the circumstances, the thought hit: What is it with engineers these days? It seems they all need to keep the old plumbers’ adage in mind: “Water don’t run uphill, and don’t lick your fingers.”
I received this in an email from RV Travel reader Robert Adams. I don’t know if it’s true, but the message is inspiring:
The last wishes of Alexander the Great
On his death bed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate wishes:
1. The best doctors should carry his coffin.
2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery.
3. His hands should be let loose, so they hang outside the coffin for all to see.
One of his generals who was surprised by these unusual requests asked Alexander to explain. Here is what Alexander the Great had to say:
1. “I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal.”
2. “I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth, will stay on earth.”
3. “I want my hands to swing in the wind, so that people understand that we come to this world empty handed and we leave this world empty handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted, and that is … TIME.”
WE DO NOT TAKE TO OUR GRAVE any material wealth. TIME is our most precious treasure because it is LIMITED. We can produce more wealth, but we cannot produce more time. When we give someone our time, we actually give a portion of our life that we will never take back. Our time is our life! The best present that you can give to your family and friends is your TIME.
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Issue 762 • Week of Oct. 1–7, 2016
Editor’s corner With Chuck Woodbury Chuck (at) RVtravel.com
I’ve written a lot lately about the poor quality of today’s RVs. Many of you have weighed in with your horror stories. What I’d like to know is, “Are there also plenty of new RVs rolling off the production lines that are well built, with relatively few problems?”
A record crowd turned out for the recent Heshey RV Show. Are the RVs they’re buying up to par?
At the huge Hershey RV show two weeks ago, I met up with a half dozen of the most influential RVers in the industry — writers for the major RV magazines, and editors and publishers of highly respected online publications. All agreed that the quality of RVs being rushed out of the factories today are too often not acceptable. And yet they all said …
“So what’s new? We’ve been complaining about RV quality for 25 years!”
And, when I think about it, that’s true. But it seems to me the subject is coming up more often these days.
UNHAPPY RVers
The number of RV Travel readers who have left comments recently about their RVs has grown to about 240. Most paint a poor picture of the RV industry. They complained about three things: the quality of their new RVs, service after the sale, plus the increasing problem of finding a desirable campsite without a reservation (a subject for another time). I urge you to read the comments. (Feel free to add your own.)
GOOD RVs?
Now, I’d like to ask a favor. Would you leave a comment if your experiences with a new RV were good, not bad?Did you buy one in the last few years that has been largely problem free? How about service? Have you had satisfactory or even superb service? Please take a minute to leave a comment. Feel free to offer praise where due to the manufacturer of your RV as well as the dealer where you bought it, including any details about “service after the sale.” Take this opportunity to tell the world (or at least a bunch of other RVers) about the companies that did a good job for you.
Please help restore some of my confidence — and I’m sure that of many readers — that not all is doom and gloom in the RV industry.
And … last week, with tongue in cheek, I predicted a two-story trailer would roll off the production lines soon. I was wrong: It already has, although not exactly how I envisioned it. Read more.
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See this week’s greetings near the bottom of this newsletter.
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Law firm seeks RVers with warranty troubles The law firm of Savage Villoch Law, PLLC, wants to interview RV owners who have experienced problems getting their RVs fixed under warranty, according to RV Daily Report. The firm has launched an investigation after being approached by RV owners who have had warranty service claims denied or who could not get appointments to have covered items repaired, lawyer Bert Savage explained. Read more.
Reduce air drag and boost fuel efficiency — Airtab® your RV! Just peel and stick Airtabs™ to the rear sides and the rear roof of your RV coach or trailer to create swirls of air that reduce aerodynamic drag, save fuel and improve stability. Airtabs™ dramatically reduce trailer ‘fish tailing’ and crosswinds pressure to RVs from passing trucks, while improving fuel efficiency 2% – 5%! Click on the video.
What RV do you drive or tow? Send us a photo of your RV (and tow vehicle) with a 150-200 word description of where and how often you travel with it, and what you like or don’t like about it. Include your name(s) and hometown. We’ll post them to RVtravel.com. Send to assistant editor Diane McGovern at Diane (at) RVtravel.com .
CLICK HERE to see last week’s RV Travel Reader RVs.
America’s Largest RV Consignment Dealer Buy or sell your used motorhome, diesel pusher, fifth wheel or travel trailer hassle free at PPL Motor Homes. And check our huge selection of parts! PPL is the largest RV consignment dealer in the USA, selling more than 24,000 consigned RVs since 1972. Visit the PPL website.
August saw wholesale shipments of RVs in the U.S. jump ahead, when compared with August 2015. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, towables surged ahead by 33 percent, with fifth wheels leading the pack at nearly 38 percent. Motorized rigs had a good month as well, showing a near 23 percent increase, with Class C rigs racing ahead at 50 percent more than the prior August. That sector was held down a bit by losses suffered in Class A movements — down 2 percent.
In a story reflecting on RV dealers’ and manufacturers’ attitudes toward the past recession, the Elkhart Truth finds some “truths” that should be evident to all RV manufacturers. Among them, a comment from Don Clark, president of Grand Design, an RV manufacturer. Said Clark, “Customers want a bang for their buck. They don’t just want a great price, they also expect high quality and low maintenance, because they don’t have a lot of free time and they want to spend it using the RV, not working on it.” Bang for their buck? How about an honest dollar’s worth of value for every buck they spend?
Looking to see the total solar eclipse next August 21? Reservations are now open for Illinois state parks in the August 14 through August 27 window.
Columbus Day weekend camping spots in Vermont just got a bit tighter. Moosalamoo Campground in the Green Mountain National Forest closed September 26, two weeks earlier than usual. The Forest Service shut down the campground due to camper safety concerns as a nearby timber logging operation is setting up.
Another one of the Alabama state parks which was closed under the sharp edge of the budget cutting ax has reopened. Roland Cooper State Park, near Camden, Ala., reopened after being shut down for nearly a year. An Arizona firm, Recreational Resource Management Company, has now taken over park management.
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, joins the list of localities that limit visits by RVing friends and family. The village council voted that local residents could allow occupied RVs on their property — but for no more than four days, and no more than four times a year. Additionally, they’d need to obtain a permit, which includes a mandated inspection of the RV and property by the local fire department.
Mississippi
Snowbirds mean big money: With October marking the start of the RV snowbird season, South Mississippi RV park owners are warming to the idea of the cash influx. For the state, the RV industry has a $269 million annual economic impact.
Sidie Hollow campground is credited with being one of Vernon County, Wisconsin’s most frequently flooded spots. When Chad and Tracy Thelen heard that the water of the nearby river was rising in mid-month, they didn’t hesitate, but quickly moved their RV to higher ground. At least a half-dozen other campers demurred, and now their rigs have been turned into unwanted boats floating in six feet of water.
A Henryville, Pa., man, 35-year-old Chris Chmielnicki, has been honored by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for an extraordinary heroic act. Chmielnicki was in an office in Mount Pocono, Pa., on Sept. 18, 2015, waiting for his fiancee, when alerted to an RV on fire nearby. He rushed into the RV and rescued an unconscious woman, Brenda Jelley, 50, shortly before the RV was engulfed in flames. Both were treated for smoke inhalation. Source: Pocono Record.
Unique RV overnight stops at wineries and farms With membership in Harvest Hosts® you can stay overnight at 500 wineries, farms and attractions across North America. Harvest Hosts offers an exciting alternative to traditional overnight stops where you can meet interesting people and learn about their lifestyle. Learn more at the Harvest Hosts website, or watch an interview with the founders by RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury.
More News
They don’t call it “the can opener” for nothing! Otherwise known as Longview, Texas’ Green Street bridge, the clearance is 11’ 6”, and apparently not everyone pays attention to the flashing lights on the warning signs as they approach. Recently, a motorhome driver towing a Hummer tried to run the gauntlet and lost — security cam footage shows his roof air conditioner flying away after impact. Oddly enough, the driver just blissfully and/or obliviously drove on.
Jayco has just inked a contract with Goodyear to place that company’s USA-manufactured tires on all rigs rolling off its assembly lines. Jayco says it’s the first U.S. rig builder to make such an offer. This may be an interesting order for Goodyear — in a 2014 tire test by Consumer Reports, of the Goodyear-branded tires checked, some were made in Canada, Chile, and Germany — in addition to genuine USA manufacture.
It wasn’t raining in St. George, Utah, but some RVers had to be evacuated from a local RV park due to flooding, nonetheless. A 14-inch water main serving nearby water storage tanks broke loose in the middle of the night on September 23, causing plenty of flooding and mud flows through the Hillside Palms RV and Mobile Home Park. No word on why the main felt such pain, but nobody was hurt.
The Tiny House movement seems to borrow much from the RVing community. While accurate definition hasn’t yet been floated for a tiny house, one general acceptance is a movable house of less than 500 square feet. That’s pretty, well, tiny. To give a bit more room, Tiny Idahomes, a tiny house builder, has just rolled out a new rig with the first commercially produced slideout rooms — one each for the bedroom, lounge and dining room — giving the rig 250 square feet of space for a suggested $68,899.
Can you identify this machine? Hint: it was designed for American soldiers but eventually used in stores — until the 1950s when it was banned. A link below reveals the answer.
Tailgating at a recent Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns game in Cleveland, Ohio, might have gotten a little carried away. One fan, driving a Class A motorhome decked out in paint supporting the Eagles, attempted to clear a concrete protection post at a guard booth but missed, hanging the rig up. For whatever reason, the RV’s occupants fled the scene on foot — and other fans “helped themselves” to the rig’s contents.
Earlier this year we reported on the gruesome discovery of a body stored under a pile of debris in an RV in Lake County, Mont. What made the situation creepier is that the couple charged with hiding the body in the shower continued to live in the rig for several months. Now Kassandra Seese has pleaded guilty to a share in the negligent homicide of her nephew, 18-year-old Richard Warner. It’s alleged that Seese’s husband, Stephen, whacked Warner in the head with a hammer back in February.
Police in Port Angeles, Wash., finally got their man — but only after a car and motorcycle were clobbered by his fifth wheel trailer, a chase at high rates of speed through a residential area and resultant property and tree damage. On catching up with the rig police found it a bit worse for wear. The suspect’s fifth wheel, according to media reports, was found with “the back window broken out, the left headlight was falling out, pieces of bushes were sticking from the front of the truck and the trailer was covered in dents.” Perhaps the arraigning judge described the case best this way: “This does seem to be more than your garden-variety DUI.” And the accused driver’s name? Richard Speedy of Yakima, Wash.
Keep up with RV Industry news throughout the week at RVbusiness.com.
RV Armor has tough skin! RV Armor’s tough skin was featured recently in Trailer Life. Read the full story here. RV Armor offers a unique, liquid applied roof system that is Guaranteed for the Life of the RV! No more maintenance, seams, or headaches. Nationwide mobile service. We come to you. To learn more, call 1-855-782-7667 or click here. Click the video to see our 2-day process in 6 minutes!
RV Quick Tips
Extra safety when traveling Concerned about safety when camping? If yes, consider adding a “peephole” viewer on your entry door. Even if your door has a “re-lite” glass in it, you can install the viewer to the side of or below the glass.
How to tell if the black tank is almost full
Just before the black tank gets to the full stage, the toilet will start to sound a little different and a small burp or bubble of air will happen. This means the waste level is above the vent pipe and it’s time to dump! Thanks to Ray Burr at RV Happy Hour.
Another tip to reduce slideout marks — and a bonus!
Here’s a great tip we received from Paula and Nelson DiGennaro regarding the tip in the Sept. 24 RV Travel Newslettertitled Slideout marks on floor or carpet? “We tried the commercial Teflon slides mentioned in the article for our main slide in our 2006 Itasca Meridian and found they were too thick to allow the slide to come in. However, we improvised by going to Staples/Office Depot and buying one of their clear desk floor mats with teeth. We cut two 6”-wide strips long enough to cover the carpet area of concern. We slide them under the slide’s lip when bringing it in and all is well. Likewise, we remove and store the slide mats when the slide is out. Perfect! The mat cost around $25 and sometimes there are coupons available. We took the leftover mat piece and cut it so it sits on the carpet under my computer table and chair. Two jobs done for the price of one. Sweet!” Thanks, Paula and Nelson!
Do you have a Quick Tip? Send it to Diane (at) RVtravel.com and you might see it here!
Remove ugly black streaks
from your RV! Camco’s Pro-Strength Black Streak Remover is a specially formulated cleaner & degreaser that removes stubborn black streaks caused by window & door sealants & roof coatings. Also powers through bugs & built-up tar, grease, oil & dirt, helping to restore a like-new appearance. 32-ounces. Learn more or order.
RV show shopping tips
Looking to buy an RV – or just get a feel for what’s out there? Making a trip to an RV show can broaden your horizons. It can also be an exercise in frustration because there is so much to see. Here are a few thoughts from Russ and Tiña De Maris on making your RV show sojourn a bit more useful. Learn more.
A downside to full-time RVing While most people think about the adventure of full-time RVing, there is another side to full-timing that is most often not talked about and ignored — the disconnection you may feel from family, friends and a community; it can be tough to take for some RVers. Watch this video from David Bott of Outside Our Bubble, with an accompanying article by his wife, Brenda.
Four places to see fall colors in California
Every autumn, diminishing daylight hours and cooler temperatures send a message to California’s broadleaf trees: Unfurl those colors — it’s showtime! Fall’s show is fleeting, so timing matters. Wind along California’s roads and trails to the sampling of leaf-viewing sites listed in this article.
How to kill lingering RV refrigerator odors
Perhaps you’ve had the dubious honor of trying to clean up after finding rotten food in your RV fridge when the power was unknowingly out for awhile. Or (perish the thought) such a task may yet lie ahead in your RVing future. Clip and save this story — maybe under a refrigerator door magnet — just in case!
Why RV tires fail
Walter Cannon, of the RV Safety and Education Foundation, explains the number one cause of RV tire failure. Watch the brief video.
Even the simple things — giant rollable trivet and pot holder
Rich “The Wanderman” loves to cook — especially in the RV. But he hates to clean lots of pots and pans so he’s been cooking single-container meals in his convection or microwave oven. He needed something large to put these really hot dishes on and he found just the ticket — an inexpensive, multi-purpose giant trivet/pot holder that’s easy to store! Read more.
Tiffin recalls motorhomes over potential weight problem
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., is recalling certain model year 2015–2017 Allegro motorhomes manufactured April 1, 2015, to September 16, 2016. The affected vehicles have a tow hitch with a weight capacity sticker that may indicate an incorrect weight capacity. Approximately 1,660 vehicles are affected. Learn more.
Comprehensive list of RV-related recalls for September
The latest recalls on RVs and other vehicles and/or products of interest to RVers have been released by U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The list includes models from Forest River, Keystone, Outdoors RV, Tiffin, Winnebago and others — plus cars and trucks commonly used by RVers, as well as some tires, and Haul Master Trailers from Harbor Freight. Is your RV or other vehicle or equipment on the list? Read more.
Avoid moisture damage to your RV
DampRid FG50T Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber, 4-Pound Tub eliminates musty odors in RVs and other spaces, protecting them from moisture damage for up to 60 days in areas up to 1000-square feet, and up to 6 months in a 250-square foot area. Don’t let your rig get damaged from moisture this winter. Learn more or order.
FMCA to return to Indy next summer Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), an international organization of motorhome owners, has announced it will return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis for its 96th International Convention, July 12 through 15, 2017. Read more. No Shock Zone, Part Two
In this episode, learn about measuring electrical current using multimeters, and the different types of electrical connections and outlets. The information in this 12-part series has saved lives. It’s very important. Take the time to read. If you missed last week’s episode with the introduction to electricity and some quick tips to stay safe, read it here.
Mystery of the smokin’ shore power connection
When Chris Dougherty, certified RV technician, was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor, he received a question from a reader regarding a smoking power plug. The reader had been watching his ammeters closely to make sure he wasn’t exceeding the electrical usage limit, but even below the maximum allowable usage the power plug outside was smoking and melting. Chris explains the probable cause.
How old is too old (for RV tires)?
Roger Marble, RV tire expert, has been following an RV forum thread on tire age and has tried to explain why there is no strict guideline for exactly when a tire should be replaced. In this article he sums up why there is no precise answer to this question. Learn more.
See the heavens up close at this RV park
For those who want to get “up close and personal” with stars but lack a spaceship — here’s one way: Check out your favorites from an observatory in the desert Southwest. But even better than driving to and from an observatory in the middle of the night, how about just stepping out of your rig, walking a few feet and peering through a large university-grade telescope? Find out where here.
Camping on Arizona state trust lands
For active boondockers, the state of Arizona has it all: sunshine, multiple climate zones, thousands of places to explore, almost unlimited land on which to boondock and enjoy the solitude. But while boondocking on most of the lands controlled by the BLM and the USFS is free, once you get to the state-managed “trust lands” of Arizona, the rules change a bit, as described in this article by veteran boondocker Dave Helgeson.
Scuba diving into Washington state’s
abandoned Titan missile silo Once upon a time this missile silo in rural Eastern Washington state stood ready to deliver a nuclear blowout to the nasty commies in Russia. Nowadays, the missile is long gone and what remains is largely submerged in ground water. In this photo-packed article, four divers leave their RV to submerge deep down into the silo to see what’s there. Fascinating!
Microwave cover collapses for easy storage When heating your food you don’t want to spend 10 minutes later cleaning the splatters inside the microwave. Here’s the solution — and perfect for RVers: it pops down flat for easy storage. Lid perforations allow steam to escape to keep food moist. Doubles as a strainer, too! Learn more or order at Amazon.com
This week in history Week of Oct. 1–7 Compiled by Dell Bert
1890 – Yosemite National Park established.
Vintage postcard
1927 – Work begins on Mount Rushmore.
1947 – First presidential speech on TV (Harry Truman).
1957 – Soviet Union launches Sputnik. (Do you remember seeing it in orbit?)
1960 – CBS broadcasts the premiere episode of “Route 66.”
1962 – Johnny Carson makes debut as “Tonight Show” host.
1967 – Writer, singer and folk icon Woody Guthrie dies.
1985 – Hollywood icon Rock Hudson dies.
1990 – East and West Germany reunite after 45 years.
ON SALE. ONLY $17.95 No-touch dispenser automatically dispenses soap
Just put your hands beneath the dispenser, and presto, just the right amount of soap is dispensed. Never pump again! Hayden’s soap dispenser uses Infrared Technology to automatically detect your hand fast. Uses 3 AAA batteries. Learn more or order.
RV Club of the Week
Here is an RV club we like. We hope you do, too!
Newmar Kountry Klub
An exclusive club for owners of Newmar recreational vehicles with members all over the U.S. and Canada. It offers many advantages and benefits for its members, including rallies all over North America, special events and caravans.
Boondocking? Wash your hair without water! If you’re trying to stretch your water supply but need to wash your hair, then here’s your easy solution: dry shampoo. The innovative “no water needed” formulation targets excess oil & grease, helping to eliminate it at the roots. A few quick sprays leaves hair feeling instantly clean, fresh & full of body & texture. So save your water! Learn more or order.
Bumper sticker of the week Exercise is such a dirty word that I have to wash my mouth out with chocolate.
Funny/clever business slogan
“Once A Pawn A Time” —Seen on a pawnshop.
Have you seen a funny bumper sticker or business slogan? Send it to Diane (at) RVtravel.com
Endorsed by Roger Marble of RVtireSafety.com! An excellent tire pressure gauge The Accutire MS-4021B digital tire pressure gauge has an easy-to-read LCD display that provides pressure readings from 5-150 PSI. It’s ergonomically designed with an angled head and a rubber-coated easy-grip handle. If you forget to turn off the gauge, don’t worry, it will automatically shut off. The included lithium battery never needs to be recharged or replaced. And all this for about $12! Learn more or order.
Upcoming RV Shows See the list of upcoming RV shows for 2016 and 2017.
Keep rodents out of your RV when stored this winter!
This is the only plant-based rodent repellent registered for inside use by the EPA. It effectively repels rodents up to 100 days with a “woodsy” scent that’s pleasant to humans but offensive to rodents. It’s safe around kids and pets. 98% biodegradable. Tested and endorsed by the Good Sam Club. Learn more or order.
Good reading from RV123.com
• Discover Timberland Acres RV Park on the coast of Maine.
• Don’t get caught without a power adapter for your camper.
• The Coverage? App provides you with a full map of all mobile coverage in the United States.
Collapsible laundry hamper perfect for RVers Trips to the laundry are a part of life for many RVers. This collapsible travel hamper is terrific! It measures 14” x 22” full-size but collapses flat for easy storage. Carry detergents in handy side pocket. Two handles make carrying easy. The last we looked, the price was less $10. Learn more or order.
Ask the RV Shrink
RV and dump station design dilemma Dear RV Shrink:
We just looked at a travel trailer with a floor plan that satisfies my wife and myself. My hangup with it is the dump and freshwater filling arrangements. The way the thing is designed would make it necessary for me to dump on one side and fill water on the other. This doesn’t seem to bother my wife, but it is a deal breaker for me. She says we can deal with it, but I say we are going to have years of headaches every time we need to visit the dump station. Am I being overly concerned with this issue? We can’t seem to come to a compromise on this one aspect of RV design. —Dump Detail in Denver
Essential for big RVs! 2017 Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas If you drive a big RV — extra long or extra tall — then this truck driver’s road atlas will be a huge help in knowing where you can drive without encountering a low bridge or getting stuck hanging over a cliff. This is an essential aid even if you have a GPS! Coverage: United States, Canada, and Mexico. Learn more or order.
RV Tech Tips from Mark Polk
Poor emissions = poor fuel economy
Poor emissions and/or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40 percent reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40 percent reduction!
Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101, the premiere source of educational DVDs about buying, maintaining and using an RV. Learn more.
Latest fuel prices Here are the latest U.S. average prices per gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel: Regular unleaded gasoline: $2.22 (on Sept. 26). Change from week before: None; Change from year before: Down 10 cents. Diesel: $2.38 (on Sept. 26). Change from week before: Down 1 cent; Change from year before: Down 9 cents.
Fix it In Foil! Tasty Recipes. Easy cleanup! Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition, quick clean-up! “Fix It In Foil” includes 51 fantastic recipes to make in foil — plus instructions for cooking in an oven, on an outdoor grill, or on a campfire. Fix it in foil and forget about scrubbing pots and pans. And, with plenty of substitution suggestions, enjoy a whole new list of recipe possibilities! Great for RVing! Learn more or order.
RV Travel Reader Pets
Do you travel with a pet? We’d love to introduce your pet(s) to fellow readers. Send a photo or two of Fido or Boots and a 150-200 word description of your furry friend(s), along with your name(s) and hometown to Diane(at)RVtravel.com .
Click here to see this week’s issue of RV Travel Reader Pets. A couple of our readers are asking for advice from fellow pet-owning RVers. Please leave a comment on the Reader Pets page if you can help them out. Thanks!
Space heater uses only 200 watts! It’s hard to believe that an electric space heater could use a mere 200 watts — the same as a couple of light bulbs —a fraction of other space heaters. And this one really works! It’s meant to heat a nearby person, not a room (although it will keep the chill away in a small bathroom). Put it on your desk or at your feet. Perfect for the RVer who’s “always cold.” For about $17, this is a winner. Learn more or order at Amazon.com.
The RV Kitchen with Janet Groene
Snowflakes and Sand Make a “snow job” dessert.
The filling is the snow, graham crackers are the sand and “presto” is the timing for this mystery dessert. It’s quick to mix but it does need time in the refrigerator. It’s oh, so satisfying to pull this out of the refrigerator to serve with a tah-DAH after a long day’s RV travel and a simple supper. Get the recipe.
Credit Card size magnifiers help you see the tiny type Is your close-up vision getting worse as you age? Glasses help, but sometimes you need a little more. These thin, inexpensive magnifying lenses are the size of a credit card and multiply 3x. Put one in your wallet (and elsewhere) for those times when you need help with the tiny type. Ten pack. Learn more or order for about 70 cents each.
App of the Week
Remember where you’ve been … using Google Maps
Chris and Jim Guld, Geeks on Tour, are in the San Francisco Bay area and decided to call some friends to see if they could visit. When they found out they could, the friends asked if they needed directions to get there. Nope — they had them on their phone on Google Maps, from when they had visited three years prior. To find out how to effortlessly “retrace your steps” to any location, read this easy explanation from Chris Guld.
The special offer for RV Travel readers is back!
Become a member of Geeks on Tour and get a 20% discount. Click here.
Help stabilize and keep your RV steps safe The RV Save-A-Step Brace is designed to be placed under RV entry steps for safety. It stabilizes the RV steps and helps keep the coach from rocking — preventing sag and wear. The brace is made of heavy-gauge steel with a 3/4″ solid metal screw thread, 1000-pound load rating and 7-5/8″ to 14″ adjustment range. Learn more or order at Amazon.com.
Ask the RV Doctor The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, answers your questions
How to adjust a Lippert slideout
Dear RV Doctor:
Can you explain the adjustment sequence on how far the slides go in and out with my Lippert slideout? The manual just says to adjust the jam nuts, but not which way. —Paul B.
Easily brew a single cup of coffee This is great for RVers! Brew a single cup of coffee without the high cost of an expensive coffee maker with the MyJo Single Cup Coffee Maker! Just fill reservoir with hot water from tea kettle, or heat water in a microwave. Assemble, place K-Cup pack in base, attach the water reservoir and pump. Watch the video for a short demonstration or learn more or order at a big discount.
Boondocking tips with Bob Difley
Turn off the water heater at night
Campsite etiquette is not only important in campgrounds where your neighbors are within hearing distance of the noise you create, but also when boondocking in crowded places like Quartzsite or at RV rallies. A good neighbor will turn off his water heater at night so it doesn’t recycle on and off, annoying nearby campers not accustomed to the sound. It will also save propane. Relight the water heater in the morning. It only takes about ten minutes to bring the temperature back up.
Lightweight vacuum perfect for RVs This Dirt evil Simpli-Stick Lightweight Bagless Stick Vacuum is compact and it works great. Plus it converts to a hand vacuum in a snap! It’s the vacuum of choice in the RV Travel motorhome. Weighs less than 4 pounds. Learn more or order for about $20.
Gadgets and Gizmos
Level the easy way with Camco’s T Level Camco’s T Level makes it easier and faster to level your RV when setting up camp. Much easier than checking separate levels — a front-to-back and a right-to-left. With this level, you have just one place to look to satisfy your leveling prowess — such as on the tongue of a trailer or in a motorhome’s cockpit. Learn more.
Best guide to using the Internet on the road This comprehensive guide to mobile internet covers cellular data, public WiFi, satellite, ham, cable/DSL, enhancing signals, installation, managing bandwidth, traveling to Canada & Mexico, entertainment options, cellular phone plans and much more. If you’re on the road a lot and need the Internet, this is the best guidebook by far about to how to use it & get the most from it. Learn more or order.
Upcoming RV Shows
• Great American RV Show, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Colorado Springs, CO • Panhandle RV Show, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, Ft. Walton Beach, FL • Washington State Evergreen Fall RV Show, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Monroe, WA • Detroit Fall Camper & RV Show, Oct. 5-9, Novi, MI • St. John’s Fall RV Show, Oct. 6-9, Elkton, FL • Tacoma Fall RV Show, Oct. 6-9, Tacoma, WA • North Carolina RV Dealers Association RV Show, Oct. 7-9, Greensboro, NC • California RV Show, Oct. 7-16, Pomona, CA • Oregon State Salem Fall RV Show, Oct. 13-16, Salem, OR • Fall RV Show & Bargain Expo, Oct. 13-16, Oklahoma City, OK • Toronto Fall RV Show & Sales, Oct. 14-16, Mississauga, ON, Canada • Austin RV Super Sale, Oct. 14-16, Round Rock, TX
See the list of all upcoming RV shows.
Walmart Locator:
Find stores for shopping and overnight stays
This is an invaluable aid for RVers who occasionally spend a night in a Walmart parking lot. State maps identify where the stores are located in the USA. Detailed information includes city or town where each store is located, type of store (Walmart or Supercenter), availability of gas and diesel fuel, distance from Interstate if within 10 miles, and more. Published 2016. Learn more or order.
Naive Statements of Yesteryear
“I’m just glad it’ll be Clark Gable who’s falling on his face and not Gary Cooper.” —Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in “Gone With the Wind.”
Stay warm, save money with a space heater Most RVers carry a portable electric space heater. They save money, and the space heater provides a nice, steady heat compared to the often off-and-on pattern of a built-in propane system. If you aren’t carrying a portable space heater you’re just tossing away money on propane at RV parks when the electricity is free. Learn more or order from Amazon.com.
So what is it? Did you guess the purpose of the machine we showed you above? Click here to find out.
Videos you’ll like
Buying an RV? Pay attention to its height! It matters!
RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury explains how a tall RV can impact an RVer’s travel. Watch the video.
How to help your RV water heater run better
The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, shows a simple, easy way to improve the performance of your RV water heater. Watch the video.
Random RV Thought One of the very best things about traveling in a motorhome is that a restroom is always just a few steps away.
Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos Discover hundreds of RV-friendly casinos throughout America. Learn which ones have an RV park and which ones allow free overnight stays. RV parks at casinos are popular because they offer modern, upscale facilities at reasonable rates (and often free!). Boondockers seek casinos for a quiet, safe place to park. Learn more or order.
Trivia
Each year, on average, drivers in the United States put more than 2,969 billion miles on their tires. They are involved in nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes resulting in almost 200 deaths.
SUPER HANDY! Add an outdoor water faucet to your RV! This lead-free outdoor faucet is really handy. If you don’t have one, here’s a super inexpensive way to add one. No tools required and it installs in a minute (just screw it on). Brass T included with the plastic faucet, just as it’s shown in the product photo. Learn more or order.
Worth Pondering “If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” —Les Brown
Camco Wheel Chocks. Two Pack Wheel chocks are one of those “must have” basic items for all RVers. Hey, who wants to go rolling outta their campsite at 3 a.m.? For trailer owners, the chocks are designed to keep your RV in place so that you can re-hitch with confidence. The chalks are constructed of durable hard plastic with UV inhibitors and are easy to use. Learn more or order.
Readers’ Birthday and Anniversary Greetings
Happy Birthday! • October 1: To Lorraine from Daniel. Happy birthday to the best wandering companion a guy could have. I look forward to many more miles with you.
• October 1: To Mary & Frank from Frankieb. Love is grand when you share your birthday with your best friend and, oh yeah, spouse !
• October 3: To Kathy G from Johnny O. Happy Birthday to my wonderful full timer gal! Poppy and Mimi love you very much!
Happy (belated) Birthday!
• September 30: To Sharon from Glyn Finch. Happy to my lovely wife of 52 years. You are the light of my life.
Happy Anniversary!
• October 5: To Mary Patricia from Clarkw. You are an amazing person and without you I don’t know where I would be. Having you in my life completes and fulfills every part of me.
RV Travel staff Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Assistant editor: Diane McGovern. Contributing editor: Russ De Maris. Contributing writers: Greg Illes, Bob Difley, Richard Miller, Richard Mallery, Janet Groene, Roger Marble and Julianne Crane.
ADVERTISE on RVtravel.com and/or in this newsletter. Contact Chuck Woodbury at Chuck(at)RVtravel.com.
About the RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury has explored America by RV for nearly three decades. In the ’90s he published the quirky travel newspaper Out West, and was an “on the road” writer for the New York Times Syndicate. His book, “The Best from Out West” is available at Amazon.com. Woodbury’s RVing adventures have been profiled on ABC News, CNN, NBC’s Today Show, and in People Magazine, USA Today and in hundreds of newspapers. Nowadays, he lives near Seattle, where he drinks massive amounts of coffee and travels often in his motorhome and sometimes by plane when vast expanses of saltwater would turn his RV into a leaky submarine. He is the host of the Better Business Bureau DVD “Buying a Recreational Vehicle,” the definitive guide to purchasing an RV the right way.
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 simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake.Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
Our offices are located at 610 5th Ave. S, Suite F, Edmonds, WA 98020.
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This newsletter is copyright 2016 by RVtravel.com
TODAY’S DEALS ON RV PARTS & ACCESSORIES AT AMAZON.COM. Click.
By Chuck Woodbury, editor A week ago I wrote about how it wouldn’t be long until a two-story RV debuted. I mean, it had to happen. Well, I have since learned that looking into my crystal ball toward the future was wrong: I should have looked back.
In 2009, a two-story trailer did, in fact, roll off the production line. It was a toy hauler built by Keystone, called the Outback Loft.
I don’t think it went over well because I can’t find any reference to a 2010 model. As you can see from the photos, it featured a two-story pop up at the back of the RV, sort of like a tent trailer, except the pop up goes up, not sideways.
You could say this was an innovative product, but if it didn’t stick around for another model year or two, then I suppose that innovation was wasted. RV makers are always trying to come up with something new. This was likely not one of their brightest ideas.
As you can see from the photo, the second story is no good for looking out the windows, which appear to be plastic. It would be worthless at a NASCAR race, for example. The upstairs is pretty much just a couch that wraps along two sides, and would double as twin beds. Kids would probably like sleeping up there.
Anyway, I was glad to learn that my idea for an RV of the future, was in fact an RV of the past. But I am pretty sure we’re not done with this idea. The next time, the windows need to be better and I think hard sides would be good, too.
WASHINGTON: Here is our monthly summary of RV recalls for September 2016 and related equipment we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles and related equipment recalled.
UNITED STATES RECALLS
RECREATION VEHICLES
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Coachmen Viking recreational trailers manufactured May 31, 2016, to August 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may be missing a wire clip that retains the gas lift roof struts to the mounting bracket. Without the wire retaining clip, the roof lifting strut could detach from the mounting bracket, allowing one side of the roof to drop down quickly, increasing the risk of injury. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a wire clip to secure the strut, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 31, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-269-467-8281. Forest River’s number for this recall is 120-08302016-0240.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Surveyor recreational trailers, model SVT226RLDS, manufactured October 9, 2015, to March 16, 2016. These vehicles may be equipped with tires and rims that do not match the information listed on the Federal Placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” The operator may over-inflate the tires based on the information printed on the Federal Placard, possibly resulting in sudden tire failure, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and will provide them with a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-3119 extension 205. Forest River’s number for this recall is 37-09082016-0242.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cherokee recreational trailers, modelsCCKT16BHS, CCKT16FQ and CCKT17CJ, manufactured April 15, 2016, to July 28, 2016. The affected vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the bottom of the trailer and the top of the tire and, during use, the tire may make contact, possibly damaging the tire. A damaged tire may unexpectedly deflate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a bolt on lift kit, free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-260-593-4005. Forest River’s number for this recall is 17C-07292016-0234.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Bullet and Passport recreational trailers. The affected vehicles are equipped with an air conditioner LCD thermostat that may not be properly wired. If the thermostat is wired improperly, any damage to the thermostat wiring may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will correct the wiring at the air conditioner control box, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in September 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 16-261.
Keystone RV Company (Keystone) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cougar recreational trailers, models CG28SGS17, CG28RDB17, CG28RKS17, CG29RES17, CG29RLI17 and CG28DBI17, manufactured July 15, 2016, to August 3, 2016. The affected trailers have a Federal Identification Tag and Tire and Loading Information Label with incorrect information. Additionally, tires with the wrong load range may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” If tires of an incorrect load range are installed, tire failure may result, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control, and increasing the risk of a crash. Keystone has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tires and/or Federal Identification Tag if it is incorrect, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2016. Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. Keystone’s number for this recall is 16-262.
Outdoors RV Manufacturing (ORV) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Glacier Peak fifth-wheel travel trailers. The affected trailers have a pin box that may flex resulting in metal fatigue and possibly the separation of the fifth-wheel trailer from the tow vehicle. If the fifth-wheel separates from the tow vehicle there would be an increased risk of a crash. ORV has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the pin box, reinforcing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 26, 2016. Owners may contact ORV customer service at 1-541-962-1866 extension 222. ORV’s number for this recall is 2016-001.
Pleasant Valley Teardrop Trailers LLC (Pleasant Valley) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 T@B travel trailers manufactured October 1, 2015, through August 31, 2016, and equipped with a 3-way refrigerator. The affected vehicles have a rubber gas hose in the refrigerator compartment that can rub against the refrigerator fins, causing the hose to wear and possibly leak propane. A propane leak increases the risk of a fire. Pleasant Valley will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, secure and replace the damaged gas hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Pleasant Valley customer service at 1-330-852-4811.
JUST PUBLISHED! Essential for big RVs! 2017 Rand McNally Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas If you drive a big RV — extra long or extra tall — then this truck driver’s road atlas will be a huge help in knowing where you can drive without encountering a low bridge or getting stuck hanging over a cliff. This is an essential aid even if you have a GPS! Coverage: United States, Canada, and Mexico. Learn more or order.
Tiffin Motorhomes (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2017 Allegro Open Roads vehicles manufactured June 7, 2016, to August 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have a driver-side wiper arm that may sweep off of the edge of the windshield, and when trying to return, the wiper arm may break. A broken windshield wiper may reduce the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side wiper pivot shaft and extending linkage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256-356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is TIF-102.
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. (Tiffin) is recalling certain model year 2017 Allegro Bus motorhomes manufactured April 12, 2016, to June 21, 2016. Due to insufficient holding power of the mirror arm swivel mechanism, the passenger side mirror could move while the vehicle is in motion. If the mirror does not stay in position, it can reduce the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Tiffin will notify owners, and dealers will install a retrofit kit to secure the passenger mirror swivel arm mechanism, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tiffin customer service at 1-256- 356-8661. Tiffin’s number for this recall is TIF-103.
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Triple E Recreational Vehicles (Triple E) is recalling certain model year 2016 Unity motorhomes, model U24X, manufactured October 15, 2015, to June 16, 2016. The affected vehicles have a showerhead that can be lowered into the shower pan or sink basin. In the event of a waste water backup, a submerged showerhead may syphon the waste water, possibly contaminating the fresh water supply, increasing the risk of injury. Triple E will notify owners, and dealers will install two guide rings to prevent the shower head from lowering into the shower pan or sink basin, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2016. Owners may contact Triple E customer service at 1-877-992-9906. Triple E’s number for this recall is CA #8368-1.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Itasca Cambria, 2015-2017 Winnebago ERA, Travato, Fuse, Aspect, and Vista recreational vehicles, and 2015-2017 Itasca Sunstar recreational vehicles manufactured May 6, 2014, to April 22, 2016. The affected vehicles may have an electrical connection to the automatic transfer switch (ATS) that may not be properly tightened. A loose power connection may cause a buildup of heat at the connection, increasing the risk of a fire. Winnebago will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the electrical connection, replacing the ATS box and switch, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-800-537-1885.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash. If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S61.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016, Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall. If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software to prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral due to a faulty crimp, free of charge. The remedy is currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on August 24, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available in September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S55.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification. Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall S63.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Due to a limited parts supply, each owner will be sent an interim notification beginning October 3, 2016, and will receive a second notice when parts are available in the second quarter of 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S30.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, “Power-Operated Window Systems.” If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury. Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16C12.
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General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 16007.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly. Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 149.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly. If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury. Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. Mazda will send interim notifications to owners beginning November 1, 2016 and will mail a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 9916H.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016, and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to August 19, 2016, and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid vehicles manufactured August 22, 2014, to July 19, 2016. The affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board. A brake fluid leak onto the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ABS Actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle. Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury. SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET’s number for this recall is SET16D.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp. If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach, possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTE-66.
OTHER EQUIPMENT AND TIRES
Harbor Freight Tools (Harbor Freight) is recalling certain model year 2006-2016 Haul Master trailers, model numbers 90154, 42708, 90153, 66771, 42709, 94564 trailers, and 2013-2016 Haul Master trailers, model numbers 62170, 62209, 61730, and 69897. The affected trailers may be equipped with incorrectly positioned rear lamp brackets that may not illuminate the license plate. The lights fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” The trailers may be less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Harbor Freight will notify owners and will provide them with a new tail light package, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Harbor Freight customer service at 1-805-388-1000.
Tireco Inc. (Tireco) is recalling certain Milestar BS623 tires, size 225/70R 19.5 G/14, manufactured June 23, 2013, to January 24, 2015. The affected tires have incorrect markings on the sidewall, indicating both ratings as “DUAL” when the first rating should be identified as “SINGLE.” As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 119, “New Pneumatic Tires-Other Than Passenger Cars.” Incorrectly identifying the ratings on the tires may result in the operator inadvertently overloading the tires, possibly causing their failure, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Tireco will notify owners, and provide owners with a full refund of the entire purchase price. The recall is expected to begin October 10, 2016. Owners may contact Tireco customer service at 1-800-937-9433.
Please note: This is only a list of recalls we feel may be of interest to the RVing community. There may be other recalls which may affect you — please make it a point to visit appropriate government sources for more information.
What is a recall? When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall? If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America’s roadways.
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Driving a smaller Class C motorhome (a van chassis with a motorhome built onto it), is a breeze. But what about fuel economy? Class B motorhomes aren’t really that much better in terms of fuel economy than a Class C motorhome. That’s because you’ve still got plenty of weight tied up in the conversion stuff, and with the ‘bumped up’ roof, aerodynamics aren’t all that great. Still, you may like that part of parking your rig in the garage.
Where the real differences between a Class B van conversion and a Class C motorhome come into play are in the living space. Class B rigs, are by necessity, very compact. You probably won’t have the luxury of sticking your legs out and relaxing while “sitting on the throne.” When it’s time to fix a meal, you’d best keep it REAL simple, as the typical amount of counter space is a bit like a postage stamp. Storage space is at a premium, so don’t expect to bring much “stuff” with you. Holding tanks, too, are much smaller, and so you can count on more frequent trips to the waste dump station.
The story is thought to have originated in the book “The Heart of Crow Country” by Joseph Medicine Crow, a tribal historian. In the chapter about Crow humor he tells about a modern day tribe member named Joe Stinks. It seems Joe Stinks was a good enough rodeo rider but his name wasn’t doing much for his career. He was an easy victim for wise-cracking rodeo announcers and hecklers from the crowd.
For rigs manufactured since 1996, the RV industry requires the manufacturer to post an information sheet inside a cabinet in every coach. Here’s a rundown on terms you need to know – and pay attention to.
Some radio and TV stations’ call letters are easy to remember. In Oakhurst, Calif., just think about cats and kittens. Two radio stations there are KAAT-FM and KTNS-AM.
So the chief sanitary engineer in our traveling circus hooked up the dump hose to the rig, grumbling about the slant, and then encountered the next trick: Run the hose up the curb, across a slab, and then up yet another curb that surrounded the dump station’s port. In total, the tanks contents had to go uphill, then downhill.
On his death bed, Alexander summoned his army generals and told them his three ultimate wishes:
P.S. Please watch my latest video, “
America’s Largest
August saw wholesale shipments of RVs in the U.S. jump ahead, when compared with August 2015. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, towables surged ahead by 33 percent, with fifth wheels leading the pack at nearly 38 percent. Motorized rigs had a good month as well, showing a near 23 percent increase, with Class C rigs racing ahead at 50 percent more than the prior August. That sector was held down a bit by losses suffered in Class A movements — down 2 percent.
Unique RV overnight stops at wineries and farms
Jayco has just inked a contract with Goodyear to place that company’s USA-manufactured tires on all rigs rolling off its assembly lines. Jayco says it’s the first U.S. rig builder to make such an offer. This may be an interesting order for Goodyear — in a 2014 tire test by Consumer Reports, of the Goodyear-branded tires checked, some were made in Canada, Chile, and Germany — in addition to genuine USA manufacture.
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Camco’s Pro-Strength Black Streak Remover is a specially formulated cleaner & degreaser that removes stubborn black streaks caused by window & door sealants & roof coatings. Also powers through bugs & built-up tar, grease, oil & dirt, helping to restore a like-new appearance. 32-ounces. 
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Microwave cover collapses for easy storage
When heating your food you don’t want to spend 10 minutes later cleaning the splatters inside the microwave. Here’s the solution — and perfect for RVers: it pops down flat for easy storage. Lid perforations allow steam to escape to keep food moist. Doubles as a strainer, too! 
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Boondocking?
Endorsed by Roger Marble of RVtireSafety.com!
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Collapsible laundry hamper perfect for RVers
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It’s hard to believe that an electric space heater could use a mere 200 watts — the same as a couple of light bulbs —a fraction of other space heaters. And this one really works! It’s meant to heat a nearby person, not a room (although it will keep the chill away in a small bathroom). Put it on your desk or at your feet. Perfect for the RVer who’s “always cold.” For about $17, this is a winner. 
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So what is it?
By Chuck Woodbury, editor
don’t think it went over well because I can’t find any reference to a 2010 model. As you can see from the photos, it featured a two-story pop up at the back of the RV, sort of like a tent trailer, except the pop up goes up, not sideways.
As you can see from the photo, the second story is no good for looking out the windows, which appear to be plastic. It would be worthless at a NASCAR race, for example. The upstairs is pretty much just a couch that wraps along two sides, and would double as twin beds. Kids would probably like sleeping up there.