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Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
 Most of you know that I bought a new motorhome a few months ago. Alas, until after the first of the year I will have little time to use it. Last weekend, however, I was able to slip away with it for an overnighter in Ellensburg, Wash., which is across the Cascade range from my home north of Seattle.
The motorhome is virtually ready to go all the time, stocked with basic food items, sundries and my favorite camping attire (clothes past "prime-time" for hometown wear, but perfect for the campground). And so at about noon Friday, I fired up my RV's engine and was on my way. After a supermarket stop for milk and a few other food items, and then a couple more pauses to snack and/or frequent the onboard comfort station, I arrived at my very chilly KOA campsite. It was nearly dark. The radio announcer said the overnight temperature would dip to 22.
I didn't hook up the sewer or water hose because I knew they would freeze. But I didn't waste any time plugging into power so I could crank up my small electric heater. For the next six hours I passed the evening in cozy comfort, reading, writing, and cruising the Web at broadband speed with my laptop computer and Verizon Air Card.
I awoke at daybreak, my head buzzing with thoughts about my 10 a.m. business meeting. This newsletter had just been posted, so, as always, I checked to see if everything was okay, and to look for emails that said, "Hey, Chuck, you made a big boo boo, buddy" . . . or something like that. But no such bad news awaited.
Outside, a surprise half inch of snow had fallen. Pine trees were draped in white and were gorgeous. But, burr -- was it cold! Soon, though, with my coach and electric heater performing perfectly, the RV was toasty warm, as was the water for my morning shower.
With a mug of hot coffee in hand, I wandered outdoors to the nearby Yakima River. How peaceful its waters passed by! But boy, it was too cold out there for me! So back I went to my wheeled warming hut.
My business associate showed up on time, we chatted, drank some coffee, and 20 minutes after she departed I was rolling home across the freshly snow-dusted mountains.
But do you know what? I didn't want to go home. I wanted to keep going. I wanted to go and go and go. Being at home seemed too boring! As I drove on, resigned to the reality that I could not continue on, I was reminded that of all the things I do in my life, I am consistently the happiest when I am on the road in my motorhome.
Somewhere on my family tree there's a gypsy.
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NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them out
Major RV maker shuts doors, lays off all workers
National RV Holdings, Inc., parent company of National RV, Inc., shut its doors Friday, Nov. 30 and laid off its entire workforce of 600. Layoff notices reported that "the layoff is expected to be permanent and the entire site will be closing." National is the manufacturer of many popular Class A gas and diesel motorhomes. Learn more.
RELATED STORY: U.S. RV makers will probably see their shipments fall in 2007 for the first time in six years, say forecasters. So far this year the stock performances for the five largest RV makers are all down: Fleetwood Industries (-33 percent), Coachmen Industries (-52 percent), Monaco Coach (-35 percent), Winnebago (-37 percent), and Thor (-23 percent).
 2008 Dinghy Towing Guide now available
If you plan to pull a vehicle behind your motorhome, the 2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing 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.
RVer gets nasty reception at northern California casino
Read out about the greeting a Washington RVer received when he tried to park his RV at a popular northern California casino. We can tell you this much -- it was not friendly! Learn more.
Stop that motorhome from swaying
If you drive a fairly long gas-powered motorhome, you're probably familiar with sway, that uncomfortable, unnerving sensation that the rear end of the coach is wandering. It often develops in a turn or when a large semi passes close by. Now a product is available to correct the problem. Information.
You've heard of Slideouts. How about Slide Ups?
It was bound to happen: If there's no more room to go out the side of your RV, somebody was bound to start thinking of going UP. Learn what we mean and see a pic.
RV breakdowns: not if, but when. . .
All RVers have one thing in common, besides a love of traveling with a home on wheels: sooner or later, everyone's going to have a mechanical breakdown. Here are a few comments on the subject of breakdowns, plus some practical advice on how to stay safe afterwards. Click here.
 Best Seller! 2008 Next Exit Directory
Be the first to get this hot-off-the-press directory. Learn what you will find at every Interstate highway exit: gas/diesel, campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, stores, malls, hospitals, factory outlet stores, parks and more. Learn more.
This Week's Reader Survey
Have you ever "lived" in your RV, even briefly, during a local power outage or other emergency? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
Have you ever tailgated with your RV at a professional or college sporting event? 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.
Give your RV slideout a long life
Most RVs these days have slideouts. Like any mechanical device, these wonderful moving rooms need some maintenance. What kind? How often? Here's how to maximize the life of your slideouts.
Many PGA pro golfers now travel with motorhomes
While most pro athletes travel in transportation provided by their employers, pro golfers make their own arrangements. Travel, in fact, is one of the biggest concerns for PGA Tour players. These days quite a few of the golfers bring their lodging with them in the form of motorhomes. Read more.
RV chefs, you'll drool over this kitchen
What! A custom RV kitchen so elaborate it costs more -- way more -- than most entire RVs? That's the case on this motorhome. Read about it.
 Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $656.00
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $305, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now an impressive $351. 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.
Winnebago to offer 22 mpg motorhome
With fuel price concerns worrying Americans, Winnebago Industries is set to roll out a motorhome that claims 22 miles per gallon. Read more.
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.
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)
RVer sues manufacturer under lemon law
Do state lemon laws apply to motorhomes? You'd certainly think so, but here's a case in which the manufacturer of a motorhome tried to weasel out of its responsibility when an angry owner, fed up with problems, went to court. Read the story.
For this RVer, the campground shower will do just fine
Why would an RVer with a perfectly good shower in his unit prefer to bathe in the RV campground's shower? Blogger Jim Twamley has a couple of good reasons, and he's got some tips on how to make the best use of the host facility. Click here.
 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.
Cabooses and RVs are on the same track
Are you old enough to remember the time when trains had a caboose? You may not have realized it then, but those charming end-of-the-train units had certain things in common with RVs. Read all about it.
Working at Camping World is an education
When you spend your days working behind the counter at a large RV supply and repair facility like Camping World, you learn a lot about RVers' personalities and and mistakes as well as how to help customers. Read blogger and now Camping World employee Adrienne Kristine's comments.
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
 Fix your RV toilet seat!
Blogger Jim Twamley admits he takes his RV toilet for granted. That is until something goes wrong -- and that includes the seat getting loose or wobbly. Learn how Jim deals with this situation, illustrated with lots o' photos.
When the power goes out, try this
Uh oh. The lights and receptacles in one part of your RV don't work. How come? And what now? Often, there's a very simple solution that not all RVers know about. Try this before you call the electrician. Click here.
SAVE $8 this weekend! Great Holiday Gift
DVD: Extended and Full-time RV Travel
RV experts Joe and Vicki Kieva show RVers who plan to travel much or all of the time how to sucessfully live a life on the RV road. Retail price $19.95. This weekend only $11.95. Learn more or order.
Trivia. . .
A typical lightning bolt is two to four inches wide and two miles long.
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
Even if the flame on your galley stove goes out, gas continues to flow and could result in an explosion. A stove should never be left unattended or used to heat your coach. Open propane flames release high levels of carbon monoxide.
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
Attraction draws daytrippers and boondockers
Slab City in California is a popular spot for boondockers. It's also the site of a famous inspirational creation, one that's been featured in magazines and the national news. This attraction is worth at least a day trip. Better yet, combine it with a few days of camping. Read the report and watch the video.
Let the sun power your RV
In this age of high fuel prices, who can argue with free energy? Solar panels make more sense than ever now. Veteran boondockers know all about free power from the sun, but if you're new to RVing, here's an overview of what it's all about. 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:
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.
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.
RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.
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.
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.
Workcamp on a bicycle
Wow! Get paid for riding a bicycle? It's true, there are some positions out there in which an RV workcamper can make money on a bicycle. It's not a job for everybody, but if you're interested, click here.
 Workhorse UFO Chassis
The hottest RV chassis going these days is the UFO from Workhorse. Poke around the company's website to learn about this chassis, and about everything else going on at Workhorse (which is a LOT). Don't miss the entertaining videos. Learn more.
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Class A question
I have owned 5th wheels for the past 11 years and am wanting to get a Class A. I am looking for a used unit in the 50 - 80k range. I have driven a Holiday Rambler Endeavour and a Winnebago. One was a Ford chassis and the other a Workhorse chassis. Both had a scary amount of sway and frame flex. Are there some stiffer units that I should be looking at?
Help with backup monitor brands
Shopping for a backup monitor camera and I know nothing about them. Can anyone give me reviews or info on Voyager color monitor systems or Obserview systems? Some Voyager systems are $750.00++, Obserview is $500.00; another is $395.00. Obviously I don't want to pay $750.00 if $400.00 is just as good, but is it? Help! What are the differences? I know the systems need to withstand the road wear and I do want a color system. Any reviews out there or suggestions?
Class A size and national parks
We are considering purchasing a 38-foot class A. We plan on visiting many state parks. Most state limits are 35 feet. Will we have a problem?
Dometic refrigerator freezes up
I have an unique problem with my Dometic auto temperature refrigerator. Normally there are lots of questions and issues with the fridge not cool enough, but I have a different problem: my fridge freezes everything! And I'm not talking freezer section. It does not matter if is running on LP gas or electric (120v) power. There is no thermostat setting inside. The above door panel has only four buttons: on/off, auto (it flips between LP gas or AC power; AC power has priority) and gas only operation button. Has anyone run into the same problem? Do I have to take in to the dealer? I'm pretty good in maintaining my own stuff, but haven't worked on this type of appliance. Any advice would be appreciated.
Need opinions on a Hurricane class A
Getting close to decision time and still very confused. Need opinion on the Hurricane 31 for 2006 through 2008.
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.
Balance those trailer tires -- or not?
Here's a question for you: do trailer tires need balancing? It's a controversial topic, one that could involve safety. Blogger Russ De Maris tells you what he thinks. Click here.
Can extra propane be added to truck campers?
Being small RVs, truck campers have a limited supply of propane. That can be a problem on an extended trip in the boondocks far from the nearest propane vender. Is it possible, then, to safely increase a camper's propane capacity? Read on.
 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
There are two types of pedestrians, the quick and the dead.
 GOOD SAM CLUB: Join the World's Largest RV Club
Save 10% discount at most RV parks. Join for $19 a year.
Every day is Thanksgiving Day for this recipe
This recipe from the RV Kitchen was intended for Thanksgiving, but it sounds so good to us we thought we'd pass it along anyway. After all, what tastes good on turkey day will taste good on every other day, too. Here it is.
Another reason to travel by RV
Ask people why they travel by RV and they'll mention convenience, privacy, economy and practicality. Here's another reason, one you don't often hear. Click here.
 Bella Terra means "Beautiful Land"
and that's exactly what this RV Resort is!
The Gulf Coast's first 5-star master planned RV Resort.Five minutes away from the beautiful sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, Bella Terra is poised to set the standard for outdoor RV resorts. See for yourself.
Worth Pondering
The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time. --Abraham Lincoln
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. See them here.
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