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Issue 307 of RV Travel
Learn about RV camping, RV travel, RV news and much more. This newsletter is funded through sales at RVbookstore.com, the World's Largest RV Bookstore specializing in books and DVDs about RVs and the RV lifestyle. Email alerts for this issue were sent to 72,877 readers.
To ensure you continue to receive email alerts for this newsletter, please place the following email address in your own email address book: rvtraveler@topica.email-publisher.com
Hot off the Press! SAVE $10.00!
The 2008 Trailer Life RV Road Atlas
Besides showing highways and other roads, this large-format road atlas shows more than 10,000 campgrounds, plus RV service centers, tourist attractions and 1,600 state parks, plus a special Tech Tips section. Learn more or order for only $19.95. (Cover price, $29.95)
Editor's Corner
By Chuck Woodbury
 The latest news about gas prices is discouraging. Americans will enter 2008 paying about 65 cents more a gallon than they did in January 2007, according to oil industry forecasts, and by April self-serve regular could sell nationally for $3.50 to $3.75 a gallon. The L.A. Times predicts that average prices in California will top $4 within a few months. In many parts of the state, $4 a gallon fuel is already the norm.
I n last week's RVtravel.com reader survey, about eight percent of the more than 3,300 respondents indicated they would stop RVing if gas prices hit $4 a gallon. Most others said they would cut back. Only 14 percent reported that high fuel prices -- no matter how high -- would not change their travel plans.
One way RVers will cope is to cut back on camping, at least if what we've evidenced at RVbookstore.com is an indicator. We've noticed a significant increase in the sale of books and DVDs about budget RVing. Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds and the Wal-mart Locator (lists driving directions to stores, most of which allow free overnight stays), are selling briskly. Books about boondocking, where the camping is typically free or nearly free, are up. And the RVers Friend, which lists amenities at RV friendly truck stops, is selling fast: more than a third of RVtravel.com readers have spent a night in their RV at a truck stop (see our survey).
If, like me, you have plans to travel with your RV in the upcoming weeks or months, I urge you to visit our sister website FreeCampgrounds.com to see if there are any free or low-cost camping spots along your way. Taking advantage of a freebie stay here and there can help offset high fuel bills. Of course, driving slower in a properly tuned vehicle with properly inflated tires can also help fuel go further.
Could any of us have predicted $4 a gallon fuel a couple of years ago? Where will it end? Do you think it will hit $5 a gallon by 2009?
Our Forums
There are many ways to find information about RVing -- ask a fellow RVer, read a book or view a video, search the Web, read magazines, read this newsletter. . . or seek out advice or information on an online RVer forum. Our own RVtravel.com forum is one of the largest with more than 6,600 members. They answer each other's questions, post those of their own, and submit information they think would be helpful to other RVers. If you are not a member of this group, please check it out. You can read its thousands of postings without registering, but if you want to participate you'll need to become a member -- a simple process that takes a minute. Visit the forum.
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Are you a full-time RVer or plan to be? Then be sure to read the most recent issue of the FulltimeRVer.com newsletter, published Dec. 27.
Learn how to buy an RV
from the Better Business Bureau
Join host Chuck Woodbury as he explains how to buy an RV. This DVD is sponsored by the Better Business Bureau and RVtravel.com. Learn to choose the right RV at the right price and avoid making costly mistakes. VIEW THIS BEFORE YOU BUY AN RV! 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: November -- October -- September -- August -- July -- June
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.
Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies
Learn how to get connected on the road. Covers WiFi, choosing equipment and services, protecting data, managing your business and personal affairs, enjoying online entertainment and more. Learn more or order.
Will you have to sue your RV dealer?
You may not have bought an RV from this California dealer, but if you're considering the purchase of an RV in any part of the country, you should read this item about unhappy customers.
Use this easy, safe way to get that campfire roaring
Even in desert campgrounds, it's chilly now in the evenings. What better way to warm up than with the cozy ambiance of a campfire? But first you have to get the fire going -- not an easy task if the wind is blowing. No need to rub sticks; try this fire starter.
Tire monitoring device can save the day
Professor of RVing Jim Twamley demonstrates a tire monitoring system that he says provides great peace of mind when rolling down the highway. He shows how to install the device and points out how it saved the day when its control monitor showed an over-inflated tire as his coach rolled down the highway. Watch the video.
 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
How likely is it that you will buy an RV in 2008? Answer here.
Last week's survey question
What type of telephone service(s) do you use? 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 $19.98. Learn more or order.
Lightweight camper is designed for short-bed trucks
You don't need a big long-bed truck to have fun with a truck camper. This high-quality camper is light enough for half-ton short-bed trucks. Read this review.
A holiday recipe for vegetarian RVers
Want a neat vegetarian recipe for the holidays while you're out RVing? Give this one a try.
 Bargains at RVbookstore.com
Low, low prices. Save up to 80% and even more!
NEW ARRIVALS at RVbookstore.com. Check them out
Contest updates: Cash prizes now total $696.00
Our Pot of Gold Contest cash prize is now $325, and the pot at our Your Name is Money contest is now an impressive $371. 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.
Get to your destination fast with this tow vehicle
Tired of slow slogs with your trailer through bad weather, traffic, construction zones and other obstacles? Try this tow vehicle.
Exercise your RV generator for good health
Learn why exercise is not just good for people but for RV generators, too.
 High cost of RVing got you down?
Save on camping with these resources
 -- Book: Guide to Free Campgrounds: West edition. East edition
-- Book: 2008 RVers Friend. Learn locations of RV-friendly truck stops (some allow free overnight stays).
--DVD: Working On The RV Road. Can't afford to RV without extra income? Learn how to get work on the road.
--Book: The Complete Guide to Boondock RVing. Learn how to camp without hookups, often for free!
--Book: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos. Many casinos allow free stays in their parking lots.
--Book: "Wal-Mart "No Overnight Parking" Stores. Some Wal-Marts do not allow free stays in RVs. Learn which ones.
Why a hand-held GPS can enhance your RVing
You know that a GPS mounted on the windshield or glare-shield of a motorhome or tow vehicle can help RVers find their way. But a hand-held GPS is also a useful device for RVing. With it you can electronically mark your favorite camping areas, landmarks, dump stations and other sites. You can also use it for an exciting new sport that's catching on fast in the RVing world. Read more.
. . . And see a video review of the Garmin Nuvi 660 handheld GPS system.
Make that bike ride easier on your backside
Many RVers bring bicycles on their outings for exercise and for getting around the campground and local roads. Too bad bike seats tend to be hard and uncomfortable. But there's something you can do about that. 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.
The basics of RV power inverters
An RV equipped with a power inverter -- whether built-in or a $25 portable device -- can work magic, converting 12-volt RV power into household current. What are power inverters? How do they work? Mark Polk has the answers.
Why RVers are not always campers and vice versa
After a visit to Wyoming's Independence Rock, getting back into his comfy motorhome, RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury pondered why RVers are not always campers, just as campers are not always RVers. Huh? Read his theory
eBooks: INSTANT READING!
With eBooks you don't have to wait to read your book. Just place your order and your eBook will be delivered almost instantly to your email inbox. These eBooks are written by RV experts and delivered instantly in PDF format.
ABCs of RVing
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List
Buying an RV the Smart Way
I Have A Convection Oven in My RV. Now What?
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing
The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing
Small printer is well-suited for RVing
Want to make prints of your digital photos right in your RV rather than at a store? You'll need a printer. Here's one that's small, powerful and versatile. Click here.
Narrow your focus in Texas with this travel guide
Heading to Texas in your RV this winter? It's a big state, too big to see it all on one trip. This free travel planner describes the different regions of Texas to help you decide where to go and what to concentrate on. Click here.
 FREE CD-Rom Campground Directory
This year's thick 2008 Woodall's North American Campground Directory includes a free bonus CD-rom directory (PC & Mac). This year's directory includes 284,000 updates. Besides comprehensive info on campgrounds and RV parks, learn which offer Internet access and/or welcome pets! Only $22.95 (Cover price $25.95).
Trivia. . .
In the 1870s, William Russell Frisbie opened the Frisbie Pie Company bakery in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His lightweight pie tins were embossed with the Frisbie family name. College students started tossing and catching the empty tins as a pastime. Today, in the USA, more Frisbee discs are sold each year than baseballs, basketballs and footballs combined.
 Your's free: Alaska Vacation Planner
Send for the Alaska Vacation Planner, available free from the state of Alaska. Learn where to go, what to see, where to stay including where to camp with your RV. This is the official state vacation planner. Get yours now.
Life on Wheels announces 2008 schedule
It's never too late to increase your knowledge about RVs and RVing, and there's no better place to do that than at a Life on Wheels conference. Here's the conference schedule for 2008.
Take this handy item with you to the campground shower
Some RVers prefer to use the campground's shower facility rather than the one in their RV to conserve the water supply and avoid adding to the holding tank. Good reasons. Just don't forget this handy device.
What kicks a casino off the RV-friendly list?
About 75 percent of the casinos in the United States are RV-friendly. Many of the other 25 percent also welcome RVs but are excluded from the list because they have difficult parking situations. What are those situations? Click here.
 Fire Safety Tip from Mac McCoy
Have at least two escape routes-one in the front and one in the rear of the coach. As soon as they're old enough, teach children to open hatches and emergency exits.
 ROADTREK
MOTORHOMES
The Fuel Efficient Motorhomes You'll Love to Drive!
Learn all about them here.
Great Reading in our RV Travel Blogs
FEATURED BLOGS:
RVs in the News
"Concentrated RV news." Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.
The RV Kitchen
Recipes, tips and techniques to help you prepare healthy meals within the confines of a small space.
Great RV Stuff
The latest neat RV stuff in this always fasincating blog. Gizmos and gadgets that might even make your RVing more enjoyable.
Working on the RV Road
Get up-to-date about news and information about earning income while RVing.
Boondocking
Do you use your RV away from utilities? Here you'll pick up tips on how to do it, and learn about some great places to boondock.
RV Short Stops
Our RVtravel.com blogger's favorite places to visit in their RVs -- Great suggestions for places to visit on your own travels.
RVing Quartzsite
"RV Snowbird Central" for the winter season, home of huge gem shows and flea markets and the land of free camping on government lands.
Casino RV Camping
Learn about casino RV parks, freebie camping, and great deals on gaming and dining for RVers who visit.
Fulltime RVer
If you're a fulltime RVer or plan to be someday, then stop by for the latest news and information about fulltiming.
See the complete lineup of RV Travel blogs
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
RELATED PRODUCT: DVD: Extended & Full-time RV Travel
RV Tech Corner
with Mark Polk
How to determine true trailer weight
When you're shopping for a trailer, never go by the weights in the brochure. These weights are usually for the base model trailer and don't include dealer ordered options. Look inside the RV itself and find the weight label. It is usually located on the back of a closet or cabinet door. This weight label will reflect the actual weight of the RV when it left the factory. Brochure weights and actual weights can vary by several hundred pounds. This can make a big difference if you are close to your maximum tow rating.
Mark Polk is the host of the RV Education 101 series of RV "how to" videos.
Need RV Emergency Road Service? Check out the plan that savvy RVers choose, from the Good Sam Club.
For Beginning RVers. . .
Is a truck camper right for you?
If you own a pickup truck and want to get into RVing, you already have a head start. Put a truck camper on the bed of that truck and off you go. Truck campers are not the most popular RVs, but they offer a lot at a modest price. Learn more.
 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
Check out our RV Travel Forum discussions
Park model in Arizona
We just returned from a five-week trip in south Arizona where we toured a few nice big resorts in Havasu and Yuma. We saw some park models and realized to us these were the answer, so when we returned home we sold our truck and 5th. We are still not full winter snowbirds and can just get away for a few weeks. Are there pages or agents that book/arrange RENT for these units? or is there a forum that allows people like us to go shopping?
AM tuner reception problem
I have a factory installed AM/FM/CD player in my travel trailer. While FM reception is very strong and I can pull in a strong signal far from home, recently I have "lost" the AM signal. Zero...nada....the tuner just keeps searching for AM - even in my driveway! Radio manufacturer tells me there is a problem with my unit's antenna; however, this does not really make sense as FM works fine. Are there two antennae in a typical unit? I feel the problem is with the radio itself and not my unit's antenna! Any thoughts/suggestions before I yank radio out?
Traveling to Mexico, want advice
My hubby and I are considering traveling to Mexico (San Carlos) in mid-February for two weeks. We'll be traveling caravan style with four other Class A motorhomes. We have to admit to being a bit nervous about crossing the border and also understand we will have to buy extra insurance for both our motorhome and toad. Has anyone out there ever been to this area or can anyone offer comments or suggestions?
State parks that honor Golden Age and Golden Access
What states give half off camping by honoring Golden Age and Golden Access besides Louisiana?
Newbie question re: older Rockwood tandem motorhome
I am considering buying (at a premium price) from the original owner a 1986 34-foot Rockwood (body by Fisher) w/gas carburetor 454 cu, tandem wheels and 25,000 miles. The unit is impeccable and has been garage parked all its life, but has original, yet perfect looking tires. I assume they will all need replacing due to age. One question is tandem vs. dually wheels. Any drawback? Any known problems with this make/model?
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
CD-rom: Military Campground Directory on CD Rom.
Bill's Hints
From Motorhomes Made Easy
"If the sewer connection is on the wrong side of your campsite or is too far to reach, check to see if the campground has a dump station to use as you depart. Or drive through an empty campsite when you leave, pausing long enough to dump your tanks in an accessible sewer pipe."
Find Free RV Campgrounds
"Don't pay to stay!" Visit FreeCampgrounds.com and find more than 1,800 free and inexpensive places to stay in the USA in an RV.
RV workcampers: Where to look for a job in January
If you're a workcamper looking for a job to support your RVing and plan to be in Arizona or Florida in January, don't miss out on the opportunity reported in this posting. A ticket just might be the wisest investment you make this year.
Should you switch to golf-cart batteries?
Virtually all RVs come from the factory with conventional 12-volt deep-cycle batteries. Why do some RVers switch to six-volt golf-cart bateries? This post explains the pros and cons of golf-cart batteries.
 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
Support bacteria! It's the only culture some people have.
 Shopping for an Extended Warranty?
Good Sam Club's Continued Service Plan covers your coach, engine, appliances and accessories in your new or used motorhome, trailer and even tow vehicle! Get an online quote.
Follow these guidelines to keep your RVing safe
RVing is basically a safe activity; that's why so many Rvers take the whole family on an outing. Nonetheless, because an RV is larger, heavier and more complicated than the common car, it needs extra attention. Here are 10 items to look after to keep your trips as safe and incident-free as possible. Click here.
Headed to Alaska?
Check out RVbookstore.com's selection of books and DVDs about travel to and in Alaska. Click here.
Worth Pondering
As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two... --Sir Norman Wisdom
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.
Read back issues of the RV Travel newsletter. Click here.
RVs for sale at NewRVer.com. See them here.
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