Full Time RVer issue 48: Spring fever brings thoughts of special places
RELEASED: February 21, 2008
Published every two weeks. This issue’s email alert was sent to more than 25,000 RVers.
On sale now - 10% off the regular price!
2008 Selecting An RV Home Base
For fulltimers, which state to establish an official home base is critical. Among the most important issues for RVers are taxes and RV fees. Which states have the best income tax advantages? Which states offer the best rates on RV registration? This book is an essential planning tool. Learn more or order.
How many RV snowbirds in Texas this winter?
Maybe it’s high fuel prices or recession fears, but many RV snowbirds report less activity in the Bureau of Land Management’s long-term visitor areas (LTVAs) in southern Arizona and southern California this winter. What about other parts of the country? Texas, for example. Is the Lone Star state also experiencing a slowdown in full-time visitors? Read this report and see a related item elsewhere in this newsletter.
Spring fever brings thoughts of special places
Whether they’re workamping or snowbirding in the desert, most fulltimers start to get spring fever this time of year. Where would you like to go most once the snow and ice are gone? This fulltimer is daydreaming about a special place up north. Read her comments and feel the fever stirring in your soul.
Find Wal-Mart stores for FREE overnight stays
Let the 2007 Wal-Mart Locator be your guide to America’s favorite superstore. Hundreds of changes and updates, plus 100 new stores. This is the best resource for locating Wal-Mart stores (with driving directions), most of which allow free overnight RV stays in their parking lots. Our low price only $19.98. Learn more or order.
Finally, a watering system for larger RV batteries
Don’t you hate having to add distilled water to wet-cell batteries? If you’re like a lot of fulltimers, you have at least two, and perhaps four or more, deep-cycle batteries that need to be checked periodically. Often, the batteries are on sliding trays that don’t extend far enough for easy access and maintenance. Battery-watering systems make the chore easier for owners of six- and 12-volt batteries, but until recently such systems weren’t generally available for the larger batteries found on commercial-type trucks and many motorhomes. Now, finally, that’s changed. Read more and view the video.
Keep bugs out of your RV
The invasion is coming. Spring is getting closer and soon bugs will begin their annual harassment of RVers. Leave any opening unprotected and they’ll buzz in to pester and annoy. Especially vulnerable are large areas such as toy hauler rooms, which might not have manufacturer-supplied screens. That was this fulltimer’s problem. But he found a solution that may work for you, too, in various ways. Take a look.
Essential resource
2008 Guide to Dinghy Towing
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 more or order.
Use a portable generator? Better read this
If, like many fulltimers, you use a portable generator instead of an on-board one, you might be unaware of a major risk. Here’s the problem, and what to do about it. Click here.
Dress up for fun at this workamping opportunity
Some fulltimers who workamp get tired of the same old jobs doing maintenance at a campground, clerking in a resort store, and so on. Well, here’s something different, a short-term opportunity that should excite anyone interested in such subjects as acting, history and just plain fun. You might want a job here even if you don’t need the money. Details.
Relax, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Adventure Bound Camping resort in Gatlinburg is perfect for any kind of RVer. A well-known destination in the world of Gatlinburg RV parks, Pigeon Forge campgrounds, and RV parks in Tennessee in general, we often welcome guests back year after year. Super easy online reservations!
Can fulltimers really get away from it all these days?
As a fulltimer, you probably look forward, at least occasionally, to being in quiet, isolated places where you can really get away from civilization and commune with nature. Rvtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury enjoys those places, but he notices a problem there. Have you found the same glitch? Click here.
Latest RV recalls
Each month we list the latest recalls of RVs at RVtravel.com. Here are the most recent ones:
December — November — October — September – August — July — June
2008 Woodall’s RV Buyers Guide
This is your best source about virtually every 2008 RV on the market. More than 400 motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, folding camping trailers and other RVs are profiled. Learn more.
“Top Gun” fans: full-throttle to this exciting area
Rat-a-tat-tat! If you’re RVing close to the Barry M. Goldwater bombing range in southern Arizona, that sound might be something a lot more exciting than your rig’s tires going over a cattle guard. Here’s the fascinating story about activity on the range and how you can get a free tour. What a cool day trip! This report includes a video.
Northwest casino offers big changes for RVers
In the Northwest, fulltimers who enjoy gaming and casino camping will find big, exciting changes at a popular casino just off Interstate 5. The additions include an RV park. Read more.
Casino Camping:
Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos
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 for RVers.Learn more or order.
Take your fabric project to this custom shop
Here’s a secret. If you need new drapes, a tarp, fifth-wheel skirting, awning, Arizona room or anything else made of fabric, don’t bother with ready-made store-bought items that probably won’t be available in exactly the style, color and size you need. Instead, contact this vendor and have your project custom made. It’s a fulltimer’s dream. Click here.
Enjoy this treat all year long
This recipe for chocolate hot fudge from the RV Kitchen was intended especially for Valentine’s Day, which was Feb. 14. But we’re including it here because it sounds so darn delicious. After all, why restrict a treat like hot fudge (and romance) to just one day a year? Fulltimers can enjoy this one 365 days. The recipe.
Best book on the subject
The Complete Book of Boondock RVing
Yearn to camp in the wild beside a babbling mountain brook or with a remote panoramic vista? This is the complete guide to camping without hookups (aka “dry camping”).Learn more.
In the Forums
Do you ever miss the old foundation?
Do any of you full-time RV people miss having a foundation-based home to, well…go home to? I know a couple of RVers who’ve pretty much settled in an RV park, and I’ve been thinking of going full-time myself after buying an RV of my own. But I don’t know if I’ll be happy after I pull up my roots, though. I’ll be financially freer, generally speaking, but I dunno: the life of a nomad may not be the life for me and mine. Should I try taking to the road while having a timeshare or something to fall back on when my driving foot is tired?
Variable TV/cable reception between rooms
Just curious if there’s a better way to hook up my cable to the RV park’s cable. I have a TV in the living room (new in 07) and one in the bedroom (older). I have 2 cable outlets on the outside of the 5er. One of these outlets controls the living room and the other has the bedroom. I have coax going to both that is then connected to a single line with a splitter that then connects to the park’s cable outlet. My problem…One TV gets good reception and the other not so good. Other than buying a dish, is there anything I can do to equalize the reception in both TVs short of going out and switching the cable every time I want to get a clear picture?
Opinions on Holiday Rambler Vacationer
We just purchased our first Class A MH, a 1999 33′ Holiday Rambler Vacationer with a Ford chassis. It has 21,000 miles on it and has been always garaged. We have not taken it out yet due to snow and work obligations. Any opinions good or bad on this rig?
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.
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
ABCs of RVing
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing
RV Check-List
Let them do the RV insurance shopping for you!
RV Insurance Professionals represents the leading US providers of recreational vehicle insurance products for owners of motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheel vehicles for full timers and recreational users. You can also add your tow or companion vehicles to your motor home insurance policy. Complete a single insurance quote request form, and we bring you quotes from up to 5 of the leading specialty RV insurance underwriters. Get your quotes now.
Snowbird activity in Quartzsite: a report
The January RV show in Quartzsite, Arizona, attracted a lot of RVers in what had been a slow season for the area, but did the show boost business there to normal levels? And how is Quartzsite doing in winter activity compared with other retreats popular with snowbirds? Click here for a report and read the comments that follow.
Books and DVDs
of special interest to fulltimers
U.S. Military Campgrounds Directory on CD
Guide to Full-time RVing
DVD: Extended and Full-time RVing
Support Your RV Lifestyle
Fifth Wheel Bible
DVD: Fulltiming, The Documentary
FMCA: The best club for motorhome owners
If you drive a motorhome you should join the Family Motor Coaching Association, the largest and best club exclusively for motorhome owners. Many benefits including rallies, local chapters and thick monthly magazine. Special new member price of $35. Click here to learn more or join.
Need a workamping job? Park your rig here and ask
Workamping expert Jaimie Hall is always on the lookout for interesting employment opportunities for RVers. There is one you may not have considered in your travels. Click here.
Yours 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.
RV Travel Blogs: Good reading!
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 fascinating 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.
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.
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.
RVs in the News
“Concentrated RV news.” Practical, useful, and fun news on recreational vehicle issues. Always be up to date.
Casino RV Camping
Learn about casino RV parks, freebie camping, and great deals on gaming and dining for RVers who visit.
See the complete lineup of RV Travel blogs
FulltimeRVer.com staff
Editor and Publisher: Chuck Woodbury. Contributors: Russ and Tina De Maris, Gerry Bruder, Jim Twamley, Jaimie Hall. Forum Administrator: Adrienne Kristine. Office Manager: Jody Allcott. Fulfillment Manager: Erin Hanson. Web Operations Guru: Zoey Platt. Clapper/Loader: Emily Woodbury. Stress Relief: Mikey the slinky dog.
The best source for information about Workamping
Workamper News is far and away the very best resource for finding a job while living and/or traveling with an RV. No other service comes even close to Workamper News in helping RVers find jobs! Learn more.
Buy or sell at America’s largest RV consignment dealer
Buy or sell an RV from America’s largest consignment RV dealer — PPL Motorhomes . Read all about it.
Books and DVDs about Full-time RVing
Largest selection in the World.
Did you miss last issue’s edition of this newsletter?
. . . And be sure to read the current issue of the RVtravel.com newsletter .
