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Issue 24 of the best email newsletter for full-time RV enthusiasts and others who want to be. This newsletter is posted early every-other week.
Hot off the press! Retail price $24.95. Our price only $19.95.
2006 Wal-Mart Locator
First update in two
years. Hundreds of new stores. Use to plan free overnight stays. Get
driving directions to every Wal-Mart in America. New in this edition:
Stores that sell diesel fuel! Order Now for $19.95.
Editors at the Wheel
by Russ and Tina De Maris
Unless
you've been living under a rock, the overworked phrase, "Pain at the
pump" has probably hit you in the wallet. The unprecedented run-up in
fuel prices is making everybody take notice.
On
one RV discussion forum, the idea was introduced that drivers should
boycott two of the major oil companies’ stations, to "force a price
war." The planners figured that by united action, drivers could force
gasoline prices back down into the $1.30 range.
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| Dorthea Lang, courtesy US Department of Agriculture |
It didn't take long for a groundswell of response from other users to
come rolling in. "Wasted effort," said one reader. Others said, "Stop
buying so much gas." "Drill more and build new refineries," said
another. Everyone has an opinion. One Phoenix, Arizona TV news
commentator suggested a windfall profits tax on oil companies--helping
them to feel the pain like the consumer.
Whatever
the "solution" might be, there is one thing we do know: Prices of fuel
this summer are going to hurt. How much remains to be seen. Fulltimers
aren't immune to the effects of gas pains, but there are a few things
we can do to pull our knees back away from our bellies.
1. Put fuel economy practices to work. Check out our story on fuel efficient driving farther down in this newsletter.
2.
When you do find "less expensive" fuel, if you can, take advantage of
it. With fuel going up 24 cents in a couple of weeks, filling up a
50-gallon tank would’ve saved you $12. My cranky father-in-law used
to say, "It doesn't cost any more to keep the top half full than it
does the bottom half."
3.
Light for a bit. Instead of doing extensive traveling this summer, find
a "port of call" you like and do the "spoke and hub" method of
exploring. Park the RV in a good boondocking location, inexpensive
campground, or kin-folk's backyard and use the toad to explore nearby
venues. Pick one direction out from your hub and find out what there is
to see. Later, pick another direction.
4.
Combine trips. Even when using the less-expensive-to-fuel toad car, try
and cut back on unnecessary trips. Do the grocery shopping the same
time you hit the post office. Carpool where you can.
Hopefully,
with time, we'll all get through this mess. Surely, prices will never
go back to where they were in the "good old days of $1.50 a gallon"
fuel, but with time, things should level off and we'll see a drop in
fuel prices.
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| Copyright R & T De Maris |
BREAKING NEWS: Popular stopping point town along Alaska Highway plans to outlaw freebie stays in parking lots including Wal-Mart. Read more.
2006 Big Rigs Campground Directory! JUST PUBLISHED!
Do
you drive a long motorhome or trailer/tow vehicle combination? Then you
know that not every RV park can accommodate you! Learn which ones can
and even which campsites are best! Plus: Extensive directory of WiFi
parks. The editors of the 2006 Big Rigs Best Bets Campground Directory
have visited every campground in their best-selling directory. Learn more or order.
Carlisle Tire Class Action Lawsuit Move Flattened by Judge
Two
Michigan men requesting to take their lawsuit against Carlisle Tires to
the level of a class action matter have had their hopes popped. A U.S.
District Court judge ruled last week that there were "no common legal
issues," that would justify the action. The attorneys for the men feel
there are, citing over 100 similar complaints to federal regulators
regarding tire failure.
A
quick review of the website e-opinions shows plenty of unsatisfied
Carlisle trailer tire buyers. Describing them as "unreliable," "cheap,"
and "dangerous," 11 out of 12 reviewers recommended trailer tire buyers
shy away from purchasing this brand.
One
RVer told us he purchased a new travel trailer equipped with Carlisle
tires, and in rapid succession, three of the four tires blew. In each
case, the company sent him a replacement tire, some even after the
expiration of the tire warranty. After the fourth tire blew, our reader
told us he simply had lost confidence in them and switched brands.
SAVE 50% on campsites with Passport America!
Join
Passport America for half-price campsites at more than 1,300 RV parks
from coast-to-coast and in Canada. Founded 1992. Only $44 a year. Visit website or call (800) 681-6810.
Fulltime Feedback--Your Regular Survey
How long have you been a fulltimer?
Answer here.
The 2006 Milepost is here! -- THE guide for Alaska-bound RVers
The long-awaited 2006 Milepost is hot off the press, and we've got them at RVbookstore.com. In its 58th year, this is THE
guidebook that everyone who drives the Alaska Highway must have. Learn
mile-by-mile what's along the road -- food, gas, attractions,
campgrounds and much more. Learn more or order.
"Rita"-Damaged Texas Campgrounds Coming Back to Life
For
the first time since Hurricane Rita ripped through East Texas last
September, destroying much in its path and forcing several state parks
to shut down, one site is welcoming campers again, and another is
planning to open soon.
Martin
Dies, Jr. State Park, near Jasper, welcomed back hundreds of visitors
over the Easter holiday weekend, after being closed for repairs,
maintenance and cleanup for more than six months. A partial reopening
of Village Creek State Park near Lumberton, about 60 miles to the
south, is expected by summer.
Much
of the money for repairs at the Dies park have come from the sale of
timber salvaged from the park’s numerous old growth pines and hardwoods
felled by the hurricane-force winds and torrential rains. Estimates
suggest the state park lost about 30 percent of its timber and suffered
$500,000 worth of damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has
agreed to reimburse 75 percent of the cost to repair the park.
2006 Traveler's Guide to the FIREARM LAWS of the 50 States
Don't
carry a weapon across state lines without knowing the laws. What's
legal in one state may be a felony in another. Explains the specific
gun laws of every U.S. state. Many changes since last year. Still only
$11.95. Learn more or order.
FulltimeRVer Newsletter Mailbag
"Family Radio Service--Now You're Talking"
In
issue 23, we mentioned the usefulness of using two-way radios for
backing the rig into a difficult spot. One reader apparently thinks
we’re on the fringe of being sissies:
"I
have NEVER had someone guide me back into a parking spot. I get out at
the start see what it looks like, then back in. What is with these
people that cannot back into a parking spot? Every once in a while I go
to a large vacant parking lot and practice backing, turning, and
anything else I can think of. Keep up the writing I enjoy it." --S
We couldn't help but include S's e-mail tag line. For some reason, it reminds us of some folks we've known on the road:
"Forget
about world peace...Visualize using your turn signal! The journey of a
thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire."
Keep those cards, letters, and pictures coming. Write us at ftrveditor@icanrv.com.
DVD tells what it's like to be a full-time RVer
Anyone who is thinking of traveling full-time with an RV will have his or her questions answered in this wonderful 90-minute DVD. Interviews with dozens of fulltimers as well as experts on the lifestyle. Learn more or order.
Maine-e-ac Idea: Discover RVing In Maine Week
RVers
have known the joys of their lifestyle for decades. Now it seems even
the government has caught on. This week marks the first annual
"Discover RVing in Maine" Week. In an official declaration, "The Way
Life Should Be", Maine governor John Baldacci wants folks to come in
their RVs to find out what the state is all about.
If
the effort is successful, perhaps the unofficial state slogan, "Cheap
lawb-stuh," will actually be edged out by the official one. Nearby,
Rhode Island is keeping an eye on Maine's play. Perhaps next year
they'll have an official "Discover RVing in Rhode Island Week-End."
Casino Camping: 2006 Guide to RV-Friendly Campgrounds
JUST PUBLISHED! This is the best casino guide for RVers. Learn which casinos have RV parks or offer free overnight stays. Plus information about other casino benefits and freebies for RVers. Learn more or order.
Focus on Fulltiming
Since
fulltimers, by definition, live in their rigs year-round, it's no
surprise that they run into problems other RVers don't. One of them is
trying to keep the floors clean--carpets just don't seem to last as
long without looking like a herd of Ibex (is that Ibexes?) ran through
in search of a waterhole.
What's to do?
Several
ideas may help. First, try and keep the dirt outside. Some RVers have a
"no shoes" rule. Others equip their steps with track-off mats as a
first line of defense. A track-off mat inside the door is a good idea,
and if you use a cheap one, you won't feel bad tossing it out and
replacing it when it becomes too soiled for a resurrection.
Take
special care to wipe your Number Nines when parking in an area
frequented by fuel and lube spills--say truck stops and rest areas. In
areas like these, it may pay to take off your shoes prior to going in
the rig, as these high viscosity Klingons really do raise a ruckus with
a clean carpet.
Once the
carpets do reach the "can't take it anymore" stage, what's to do? If
there's sufficient room to move, you could rent a "steam cleaner" and
take after it. Obviously, sticking to the "hose and wand" type cleaner
will work better than trying to use an upright cleaner.
When
carpet replacement time comes, consider your choices carefully. Some
fulltimers have found that "commercial grade" carpet in a low profile
(non shag) works real well, both in ease of cleaning and in terms of
longevity. Subdued colors tend to hide the yuck longer, and make it
safer to invite in company that shows up unannounced.
When
vinyl flooring reaches the "end of the hunt," you might even consider
putting down a new floor with a laminate substance, like Pergo brand.
Not quite as lightweight as vinyl, it does stand up to traffic, broken
eggs, beach grit, and other indiscretions brought about by the male
gender. A quick "once over" with vinegar in warm water will bring back
the shine in no time flat and it looks great.
Fulltimers: Where should you select a home base?
Pick the wrong state and you may pay too much in licenses and taxes. Learn the best state for you.
Want to Caravan to Mexico? Group Promises Lower Rates
New
RV travelers to Mexico will now get a chance to drive with experienced
RV’ers south of the border without spending thousands of dollars on the
services of professional caravans. Bill and Dorothy Bell, who have
extensively traveled to over 400 RV and camping locations throughout
Old Mexico, will lead a caravan starting in late October of 2006 from
Nogales, Arizona to La Penita, Nayarit, Mexico.
"Many
first time road travelers to Mexico are a little nervous," says Dorothy
Bell, "but with this caravan, they will receive assistance on the
proper documentation needed to cross the border, plus they will receive
an extensive four-hour course on traveling in Mexico before they
start." The caravan links up on October 25 and heads out the following
day. After several days of travel, the group will reach La Peñita.
While
the caravan is free, there is a catch: Travelers will need to
agree to spend at least a month at the La Penita RV Park, which
overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The park is said to have a pool, Internet
wifi connections, pure drinking water, hot tubbing, and TV via
satellite or cable. Rates are $450 a month. In addition, a $100
registration fee is required with the caravan group, and includes the
four-hour course on Mexico traveling. Interested? Slots in the caravan
are limited. See the Bell's website at www.ontheroadin.com.
Best way to preserve your rubber roof!
No other product can match the durability of EPDM rubber. Learn more about Liquid Roof and Liquid Rubber.
Boondocking Bonus
Plenty
of RVers live away from the RV park scene. Some do it for a short time,
others practically full time "in the boonies." We'll share tips and
places to go. This time around...
Hot Ideas for Staying Cool
While
some boondockers have gensets to power up large appliances, it isn't
always necessary to bring up the "Onan Chorus" when the sun stands high
above the old RV. With the price of fuel like it is today, running the
A/C unit for a few hours a day could dwarf Imelda Marcos' shoe budget.
Check out the story on alternative cooling methods.
Do you know of an RV park or campground that loves dogs!
Tell other RVers about it.
Put Down That Hairbrush, Maude--Keep Yer Eyes on the Road
Question: Name the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents.
Answer:
It's not drunk drivers. In actuality, eight out of 10 road crashes are
related to distraction. So says a major study undertaken by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
One
hundred vehicles were equipped with video monitors and sensors, then
turned loose with 241 different drivers, who drove them nearly two
million miles. Results? 82 crashes and 761 near-misses. From the data,
researchers said that distractions are the biggest cause of traffic
accidents. Before you point the finger at the cellular phone, listen
up: While cell phones do appear to be a big problem, reading, putting
on makeup, and ‘dashboard dining’ all increased the likelihood of
stacking it up.
NEED AN RV LOAN?
Learn if you qualify in only seconds
Financial Underwriters Network (F.U.N.) provides exceptional service and low loan rates. Learn if you qualify.
Roadwork--Working While Living the RV Lifestyle
How
do you find a Workamping position in a specific location? If you want
to work in a certain area, be proactive and contact employers in the
area. Here are some resources:
--Workamper News. Ads are in zip-code order.
--Check your campground directory for RV parks and resorts.
--Contact
the chamber of commerce or the tourist information center for their
list of members and for a vacation planner (usually available online).
--Find the local newspaper online and look at the classifieds.
--Ask other Workampers and RV friends.
--Post questions on RV forums.
--Search for volunteer opportunities at www.volunteer.gov/gov
Jaimie Hall is the author of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider’s Guide to Working on the Road.
How to get Internet access on the road
Full-time RVer Steven Fletcher has just released the second edition of his popular eBook,
"RVers Guide to Internet Access On The Road." Learn everything you need
to know about getting online on the road -- by cell phone, satellite,
WiFi and more. Get info or order for instant delivery by email.
Fulltimers' Websites
Not
out there yet? Want to get a taste of the fulltime road? Plenty of
fulltimers have websites where they share experiences and insight. Each
edition, we'll focus on a website where you'll be able to learn more
about the fulltime lifestyle.
Does this sound familiar? "For years we harbored a dream of getting an RV and seeing America's fifty states someday. But someday never
came. Each passing year piled on more responsibilities, more demands,
more commitments, and pushed the dream farther out into Never-Never
Land. "
That's the story
for Pricilla and Ken Rhodes, stuck in the day-to-day drudge. But then
something happened. "Until our fifth wedding anniversary, Columbus Day,
1997, we decided it's now or never. We quit our jobs, sold our possessions, bought a truck and 30-foot RV (which we nicknamed Harvey the RV) and took off to Discover America."
To
make their three-year epic partially possible, the Rhodes become "The
Postcard People," who used their truck and fifth wheel trailer to carry
them around the country, making daily picture postcards available to
folks across the web. From school groups to retired folks, the Rhodes
"readers," were never disappointed. Although their "first tour" has
ended, there's a wealth of information and photos on the website,
Postcards From America (www.postcardsfrom.com).
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing. Big selection.
Rolling Tech
RVer's
have plenty of "home work" to keep up with. Caring for the rig demands
far different skills than those left "back home." "Rolling Tech" will
cover technical issues for the RV set.
In
light of the recent explosion in gasoline prices, we focus our
attention this time to ways to cut back on fuel usage. How can you see
more of the road, and less of the pump? Does the answer lie in those
Internet-marketed "fuel saving" devices or snake oil-for-your-tank
brews? You may be surprised -- there really are ways to go more miles on
your tankful. See our story, Get Past the Gas Pump--Reduce Fuel Consumption.
"How to Buy An RV" from the Better Business Bureau
New
50-minute DVD from the BBB explains how to buy an RV. Learn how to get
the best deal, the best rig (for you) and how to avoid classic buying
mistakes. Hosted by RV Travel editor Chuck Woodbury. Introductory price: $19.95. Available in DVD and VHS.
Free Attractions USA--Get Out and See It For Free
Places
to go, see, and experience at no cost. Mark these on your traveling
maps and prepare to experience something where you can leave your
wallet in your pocket. We'll give tips from every state in the union.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: If
fine art isn't quite your taste, how about an old car museum? His and
hers? Both are available at the Frick Art and Historical Center.
Really, this is a big complex of museums and historical buildings on a
five-acre chunk of landscape in the city's highbrow East End, based on
the home turf of the late Henry Clay Frick, an industrialist and art
collector. The art gallery, "car and carriage museum," and greenhouse
are all tourable at no charge; for a few dollars more, you can gain
access into Frick's home.
The
Frick Art & Historical Center, 7227 Reynolds Street, Pittsburgh, PA
15208. Phone (412) 371-0600 for general information and reservations
[TTY: (412) 697-0938]. On the web at www.frickart.org.
Los Alamos, New Mexico: Fine
arts and cars too much? Science more your taste in tea? Bring your
"glow in the dark" watch to Los Alamos and visit the Bradbury Science
Museum. The ticket is free, this one on Uncle Sam's nuclear research
laboratory. This is all part of the Los Alamos National Laboratory,
birthplace of the "Manhattan Project," or the original home of nuclear
weaponry.
Three galleries
make up the freebie tour here: The History area traces the story of the
development of nuclear weapons during the height of war. In the Defense
area, see displays of bombs, missiles, and other assorted "toys" of the
trade. Finally, the Research gallery follows modern day work at the
National Laboratory.
Open
Tuesday through Saturday, 10-5, Sunday and Monday 1-5 (except on the
big holidays). Located in downtown Los Alamos, phone for information at
(505) 667-4444 or visit www.lanl.gov/museum.
Truck Stops Love RVers!
The 2006 RVers Friend
lists every Travel Center in the U.S. and Canada and the services each
provides RVers. Learn which ones offer overnight stays, dump stations,
Internet access, propane, ATMs, or other services. Learn more or order for only $12.95.
Roadside Ruminations
"Always wait for the drink order to arrive before tasting the salsa" -- Rock et Man.
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| Copyright R & T De Maris |
That's it for this edition! Wherever
you go, may your travels bring you happiness. We'd love to hear from
you, kudos to komplaints, let us know. ftrveditor@icanrv.com
Good Stuff from the Good Sam Club
Join the Club: $19 a year. Save on camping fees plus free RV magazine.
Continuing Service Plan: No More Major Repair Bills! Get a Fast Quote
RV Emergency Road Service. Special Low Rate! Join Today.
FulltimeRVer is copyright 2006 by RVbookstore.com.
Our Headquarters: RVbookstore.com, 170 W. Dayton Street, Suite 103,
Edmonds WA 98020. The email addresses of subscribers of this newsletter
are never sold, rented or otherwise shared with outsiders. We are
members of the Better Business Bureau. We respect your privacy.
We
are sponsors of the 2006 Life on Wheels Conferences, and are proud to
be commercial members of the Escapees and Family Motor Coaching
Association.
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