 Shop for the Holidays
at RVbookstore.com
Don't shop for your favorite RVer at the Mall. It's mostly just boring stuff. Who needs a new tie anyway? Head on over to RVbookstore.com where you will find the world's largest selection of books and DVDs for RVers. Check out our special Holiday Gift Ideas Department. And remember. . . our service is speedy and our prices low. FREE postage, too, on orders over $49!
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
I'm on the road for a few days in my new View motorhome now, this time across the Cascades from my Seattle-area home to Ellensburg, where I am meeting with a friend and colleague.
I'd like to take this annual opportunity to plug a two things, one related to the holidays and the other to this newsletter. The first is to request that you visit RVbookstore.com to see if there is something there that your favorite RVer might appreciate as a holiday gift. No other store -- real world or cyber world -- comes close to providing the selection of books and DVDs tailored specifically to RVers. Our store is open 24 hours a day, and you don't have to fight traffic to get there.
My second request is that you take a minute or two to tell your favorite RVer or RVers about this newsletter and to urge them to sign up for its weekly email alert. There are two ways to do this: click the "Email this Article" link near the top right corner of this page (it may not work with some email programs), or simply email your friend(s) and suggest they check out the RVtravel.com website and sign up for the newsletter alert once there. It's always a challenge for us to find new readers we would appreciate your help in getting the word out. Thanks.
NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them out
One in six RVtravel.com readers report vandalism to their RV
Earlier this month, when the editors of this newsletter asked their readers if their RV had ever been vandalized, they never expected that nearly one in six of the more than 2,300 respondents would answer "yes." Read all about it including comments from readers about their experiences.
 2008 Dinghy Towing Guide now available
If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing from Motorhome Magazine should be an essential resource about how to do it -- and do it right. Learn about every vehicle that is approved to be towed behind a motorhome. Learn more or order.
Recent RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones: October -- September -- August -- July -- June
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
Why cooking outside the RV is so satisfying
When you're on an RVing trip, are you really camping if you have your meals inside the RV? Some people say yes, some say no. But you can have it both ways with a portable propane stove. Blogger Jim Twamley discusses the various types of these stoves and tells you why cooking outside with them is so satisfying. Click here.
Stretch that truck camper for more space
Not enough room in a truck camper, you say? Then why not stretch it for more space? This RVer did. Take a look.
 GOOD SAM CLUB: Join the World's Largest RV Club
Great benefits including a 10% discount at most RV parks. Plus a free subscription to Highways Magazine and a coupon for one free night of camping. Much more. Join for only $19 a year.
This Week's Reader Survey
Have you ever tailgated with your RV at a professional or college sporting event? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
How much did you pay for your current RV? Read the results here.
Past reader surveys and results.
 Find Wal-Mart stores for FREE overnight stays
The 2007 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 $19.96. Learn more or order.
Cut RVing expenses by saving on camping fees
High gas prices have increased the cost of RVing in recent times, forcing many RVers to find ways to save and dollar here and there. One way to save is obvious: cut down campground fees. Here are some ways to do it. Read more.
Get to know a recreational vehicle with an RV factory tour
The best way to "get to know" a new RV you are interested in buying is not by seeing it on a dealer's sales lot, but by watching the model being built at its factory. Read more.
 Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $646.00
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $300, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now an impressive $346. Check weekdays between 8-2 (Pacific time) to see if you're a winner.
 Heaven on Earth - Enjoy nature in Tennessee
If you prefer a breath of fresh air without actually getting your heart rate up, Tennessee is your kind of sightseeing tour. Come unwind in Tennessee, a state known for its abundance of natural resources in eye candy. Learn more.
Own a fifth-wheel with a rear kitchen? Comment requested
If you have a fifth-wheel trailer with a rear kitchen, you may be among a group of owners who have noticed a certain problem with this configuration. Read this post and leave a comment if you have information that might help others in the group. Click here.
In wacky auto race the racers tow travel trailers!
Watch this one-minute video and then you can (almost) truthfully answer, "Yes, I HAVE seen everything!" In this case, it's an auto race on a circular track with a twist: the race cars are pulling travel trailers! Who thinks up this kind of stuff? Watch the video at RVvideos.com.
Keystone to introduce new line of super light trailers
Later this month, Keystone will debut a new line of trailers called the Laredo Super Lite. The RVs are designed to be towed by full-sized SUVs and half-ton trucks and will be available in floorplans from 27 to 33-feet. Learn more.
All about RV batteries
 and solar battery charging
These products will make you an expert!
Managing 12 volts (book)
RVers Guide to Solar Battery Charging (book)
Deep Cycle Batteries (DVD)
The RVers Solar Primer (book)
Make your RV dipsticks more readable
It's not something RVers think about very often, but the engine dipsticks in your motorhome, tow vehicle or dinghy may not be very easy to read because of wear or stains. Misreading a dipstick and thus adding too much or too little fluid could damage your vehicle. Here's how to rehabilitate those dipsticks.
 RV rail tours through Copper Canyon discontinued
Tracks to Adventure no longer offers its railroad tours into Mexico's Copper Canyon after the Mexican government decided to prohibit the practice of allowing RVers to stay in their motorhomes or trailers that rode atop flat cars while traveling through the picturesque canyon. Learn more
 Cross that bridge BEFORE you get to it with CoPilot!
CoPilot is the award-winning GPS navigation system trusted by thousands of RV owners on the road today. With a quick installation on your laptop, CoPilot's great views and clearly spoken turn-by-turn directions provide worry-free route guidance to any destination nationwide. Learn more about CoPilot GPS systems here.
New to RVing? This article's for you
Most readers of this newsletter have some experience with RVing, but others may be brand-new and wondering how to get started in this wonderful, exciting activity. So here's an article just for newcomers.
 Not all RV salesmen are created equal:
Watch out for the bad guys
A bad salesman cares little about you and your needs. He is looking for a commission plain and simple. He'll say whatever it takes to part you with your hard earned cash. Watch out for this fellow. Read more.
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. You can be reading it moments later. All 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?
The ABCs of Pop Up Campers
Boondocking Tips - More Fun Without Hookups
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing
A Collection of RV Tips
Advice for RVers thinking about buying a generator
Are you thinking about adding a generator to your RV? RVing expert Russ De Maris has some recommendations for you. And if you already have a generator, here's your chance to offer advice to the shoppers. Click here.
Three excellent RV magazines you won't find on newsstands
RV magazines are slim pickins' on most news racks. On larger ones you'll typically find Trailer Life and Motorhome, both quality publications, but that's about it. Here are three RV magazines you won't find on newsstands, but each is well worth reading. Read more
 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 eyes of insects and birds are attuned to wavelengths of light outside the visible range that humans see in. Birds that appear drab to us are often radiant in colors we don't even have names for when seen in near-ultraviolet light.
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.
 Fire Safety Tip from Mac McCoy
Gasoline and propane can pose an immediate, explosive danger. Though diesel fuel is less volatile, it dissipates more slowly, so it remains a danger longer. Deal at once with any leaks or spills, and use all fuels in adequately vented areas.
The RV Kitchen: Fix It in Foil
Easy prep, great taste, good nutrition and quick clean-up - what more could you want from a meal? This cookbook combines the best of all worlds! Featuring 51 fantastic recipes that each include instructions for cooking in an oven, over a campfire, or on an outdoor grill. Learn more or order
News updates for casino campers
RV fans of gaming and casino camping: here is some news about developments at casinos in several states. Click here.
What memorable sights will you see on the road today?
Few RVers have as much talent for enjoying an RV drive as blogger Jim Twamley, who always has his eyes open for the interesting and the unusual. See what he noticed at a rest stop on a recent outing. Click here.
 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.
Great RV Stuff
The latest neat RV stuff in this always fasincating blog. Gizmos and gadgets that might even make your RVing more enjoyable.
RV Tech Tips with Mark Polk
A veteran RV technician, gives useful tips and advice.
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.
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
 Buying an RV the Smart Way
In this eBook learn how to buy an RV from RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. Learn which RV is right for you, how to negotiate the best deal, and about money-saving flat-rate buying services. Order now and be reading in a few minutes! Only $11.95! Learn more or order.
You'll like this grasshopper recipe
Grasshoppers? For dessert? Before you say "Yuck," consider that this grasshopper recipe comes from Janet Groene's RV Kitchen, so you know it's good and tasty. And of course we're not talking about insects. See the recipe.
How to save space and weight in your RV
Adrienne Kristine offers 10 tips about how to use the space in your RV more efficiently and how to get rid of unnecessary weight.
 Traveling to or
from Alaska by Ferry?
Visit the official website of the Alaska Marine Highway. Check out our specials at ferryalaska.com
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Saving on sales tax
Just bought my first class A 10/4/07. I live in the Buffalo, NY area and bought used from a local private party. Financed the motorhome, however, through an Arizona company via the internet because they had the best terms available. The MH is now titled from Arizona and would like to be able to save on New York state sales tax if I can. We are taxed at 8.75% and on $30,000 that adds up. Any ideas or suggestions on states that I could register my motorhome (possibly via the internet) as a non-resident?
Anybody own a Hurricane?
I was hoping to trade info with anyone who owned a Hurricane made by Thor/Four Winds, Ford chassis, Class A. This entry-level coach has served me well but as most coaches go, I'm always maintaining something on it. Recently the passenger side cab wall separated from the floor by about one inch or more. You see, there are no vertical supports in the cab section of the coach. Now, the top of the slide on the driver's side which is the galley and couch is off in the traveling position by about one and one-half inch at the ceiling. In other words, if you look at the top of the slide inside the coach, it is about 2 inches from the ceiling at one end and is touching the ceiling on the other end. Has anybody had this problem?
Sex and the motorhome!
I was wondering, what sex is your camper? Do you call your MH a gal, girl, lady, boy, man, he or she? I most often refer it mine as her. "Let's get her on the road."
Winnebago Adventurer
I have a chance to buy a used 2003 Winnebago Adventurer 35U from my father-in-law. The rig has 40,000+ miles on it and has been well maintained. He wants us to take over the payments which he owes about $60,000 on which is a 2.9% loan. Is this a good deal? This rig has the Chevy 8.1L vortex engine. The rig is in nice condition. We were looking for a DH pusher, but this looks too good to pass up. This will be our first MH and are looking to full-time in several years. How do people feel about the Winnebago Adventurers? Any info/advice would be appreciated.
Campgrounds and showers
Have you ever had to pay for showers in a campground? I realize that a lot of people use the showers in their rigs, but for those of you who don't, are you ever charged for shower use or charged for shower keys?
Terrific books & DVDs
 from RVbookstore.com
Book: RV Retirement
DVD Working on the RV Road
Book: Fifth Wheel Bible
Book: RV Boondocking Basics
DVD: Towing Behind Your Motorhome
Book: 2007 Big Rig Best Bets Campground Directory
CD-rom: Military Campground Directory on CD Rom.
Don't make these RVing mistakes
RVing is like life in that everyone makes mistakes. Experienced RVers typically make fewer, smaller mistakes than new RVers, but the old-timers make their share of the serious ones. So even if you've been RVing for years, read this article for some reminders about what not to do.
How to prepare your RV for winter storage
RV tech expert Mark Polk explains how to prepare your coach and its chassis for the winter season. Click here.
 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
I don't have a beer gut, I have a protective covering for my rock hard abs.
Financing an RV? Get a quick quote!
Financial Underwriters Network provides exceptional customer service and exceptional interest rates. Get a quick online quote and caring service.
Have a meal in Parker, Arizona!
RVing in the Quartzsite area this winter? Spend a little time in nearby Parker, the country seat. Blogger Russ De Maris goes there often for a meal, and he's eager to share the inside scoop on the best places to dine. Click here.
Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories
Worth Pondering
I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake.
The great affair is to move. --Robert Louis Stevenson
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.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. See them here.
|
