RVbasics.com News

The Cutest Trailer You Ever Saw

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:08:00 +0000

Heres a link to photos of cute little home-built teardrop trailer.

You might also be interested in seeing RVs from the Fletcher family photo album including trailers built by my great uncle Roy Fletcher.
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Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year for the Cost of Staying Home Have you always dreamed of taking an extended long trip but didn’t know how to make it happen? Have you thought “if only I knew where to start” the planning process? “Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a year for the cost of staying home” (Second Edition) will take you from “dreaming” to “living" your perfect road trip dream.

Push to send FEMA trailers to Haiti stirs backlash

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:59:00 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS—The trailer industry and lawmakers are pressing the government to send Haiti thousands of potentially formaldehyde-laced trailers left over from Hurricane Katrina—an idea denounced by some as a crass and self-serving attempt to dump inferior American products on the poor.

"Just go ahead and sign their death certificate," said Paul Nelson of Coden, Ala., who contends his mother died because of formaldehyde fumes in a FEMA trailer.

The 100,000 trailers became a symbol of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's bungled response to Katrina. The government had bought the trailers to house victims of the 2005 storm, but after people began falling ill, high levels of formaldehyde, a chemical that is used in building materials and can cause breathing problems and perhaps cancer, were found inside. Many of the trailers have sat idle for years, and many are damaged.

The U.S. Agency for International Development, which is coordinating American assistance in Haiti, has expressed no interest in sending the trailers to the earthquake-stricken country. FEMA spokesman Clark Stevens declined to comment on the idea.

Haitian Culture and Communications Minister Marie Laurence Jocelyn Lassegue said Thursday she had not heard of the proposal but added: "I don't think we would use them. I don't think we would accept them."

In a Jan. 15 letter to FEMA, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said the trailers could be used as temporary shelter or emergency clinics.

"While I continue to believe that these units should not be used for human habitation, I do believe that they could be of some benefit on a short-term, limited basis if the appropriate safeguards are provided," he wrote.
Full Story...
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2009 model Magna 3000 (2600 Watt) Portable Inverter Generator
Magna generators are state-of-the-art power generators. They are small, efficient and quiet operation. The Magna 3000 Watt digital inverter generator is very similar to the Honda EU2000i but with more power.

It has a built-in 30 AMP (TT-30R) standard RV receptacle. You don't need any adapter or loss of power for RV connection. Pure sinewave output makes it safe for sensitive electronics like personal computers, TVs and other electronics.

The Magna 3000 Watt can handle many of the newer high efficiency 13,500 BTU rooftop RV AC units. Has more reserve power to start the RV air conditioner without overload. Most RV AC need 4000 Watts for 2 seconds at cool start and this Magna 3000 can handle it. Rated frequency (Hz) 60, Rated voltage (V) 120 only, Rated current (A) 22.5, Rated speed 900 RPM to 5000 RPM, Rated output power 2,500 Watts, Max output power 2,600 Watts

Fuel tank capacity 1.75 gallons Variable engine speed with Econo Throttle, High quality 150 cc EPA certified engine. 1 year warranty.

Battle Creek RV Show this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:32:00 +0000

Recreational vehicles will never go out of style, but some travelers have had to change the way they use them in recent years.

An economic recession and high gas prices caused RV sales to plummet in 2009. But according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, shipments to retailers increased 2 percent in December and are up a whopping 150 percent compared with a year ago.

And this weekend, hundreds of motor homes, mini-homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers and tent campers are on display at the 2010 Battle Creek RV Show at Kellogg Arena.
Full Story...
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Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year for the Cost of Staying Home Have you always dreamed of taking an extended long trip but didn’t know how to make it happen? Have you thought “if only I knew where to start” the planning process? “Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a year for the cost of staying home” (Second Edition) will take you from “dreaming” to “living" your perfect road trip dream.

Canadians can win a trvel trailer from Earlybird RV Show & Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:19:00 +0000

To be eligible for this Contest, an individual must:

a. be a legal resident of Canada
b. be of the age of majority in his/her province of residence or older at time of entry;

There is no purchase necessary to enter the Contest. To enter e-mail Global Television at RVShow@GlobalTVBC.com with you name, complete mailing address and telephone number. To enter by mail, clearly print your name, complete mailing address and telephone number on a plain piece of paper and mail it to the attention of Win An RV Contest c/o Global Television at 7850 Enterprise Street, Burnaby, B.C. V7A 1V7. No Entries will be accepted by any other means.

See Contest Rules for all details.
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Work begins on new campground at Winnipeg Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:09:00 +0000

Winnipeg, MB Canada — The province announced work on a new $5-million, 120-site family campground at Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park is underway.

The first phase of construction at the south end of the park is the installation of underground services to provide water, sewer and electrical connections to the accessible campsites.

There will be three washroom/shower buildings, a campground office and an expanded boardwalk. Future development will include a children’s play area and a multi-purpose pavilion on the site of the former Water Tower Inn.

Plans are for the campground to open in mid-summer 2011.
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"RV Electrical Systems: A Basic Guide to Troubleshooting, Repairing and Improvement" covers both AC and DC electrical systems and is another must have. Excellent 12 volt coverage and the best source on 120 volt AC systems. If it's not covered in this book, you can probably get along without it. The authors go into extraordinary detail without getting into engineering "lingo" and they tell you things nobody else does, and those things many authors assume you already know -- that you don't. RV Electrical Systems is available at Amazon.

Fleetwood Motorhome Owners Schedule Rally

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:51:00 +0000

DECATUR, Ind., Jan. 28 -- Fleetwood RV, Inc., a leading producer of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles, today announced that event registration for the Fleetwood MotorHome Association (FMA) "Drive Your Toys To Illinois" national rally in DuQuoin, Ill. June 26-30, 2010 is now available online at www.fleetwoodrv.com/mhevent.

All Fleetwood motor home owners, regardless of brand, are welcome to attend the event, which will include the latest line up of motor homes, factory service support, informative seminars by key industry suppliers, kids activities, and a variety of family-friendly entertainment.

"We are looking forward to this year's "Drive Your Toys to Illinois" national rally," said John Draheim, president and COO of Fleetwood RV, Inc. "Not only is it an excellent opportunity for us to thank our motor home owners for their loyalty and support, but it is also a chance for us to gather their valuable feedback about all of our product features and innovations."

Registration fees listed below include four nights of camping, four breakfasts, three dinners and two evenings of entertainment:

1 coach / 1 person: $209
1 coach / 2 people: $249
Kids (ages 12 ? 17): $39
Kids (under 12): Free
Additional people (ages 18 and over) - $59 per person

Event highlights include:

Golf tournament (additional fees apply) on Friday, June 25, 2010
Musical entertainment from Blue Suede Crew (an Elvis / Johnny Cash tribute band) on Sunday, June 27, 2010
Musical entertainment from New Odyssey (three musicians playing 30 instruments) on Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Daily driving seminars conducted by Gary Lewis from RV Basic Training, LLC (additional fees apply)

For more information about the "Drive Your Toys to Illinois," national rally, including how to register, please visit, www.fleetwoodrv.com/mhevent.

About Fleetwood RV, Inc.

Fleetwood RV, Inc. ("Fleetwood RV" or the "Company") is a leading manufacturer of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles. The Company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry and boasts some of the industry's most recognized and iconic brand names such as American Coach and Bounder. Fleetwood RV is headquartered in Decatur, Ind., which is also its principal manufacturing location. The Company also owns Goldshield Fiberglass, Inc., an industry leader in custom molded composite products across a variety of industries including heavy truck and RV.
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"RV Electrical Systems: A Basic Guide to Troubleshooting, Repairing and Improvement" covers both AC and DC electrical systems and is another must have. Excellent 12 volt coverage and the best source on 120 volt AC systems. If it's not covered in this book, you can probably get along without it. The authors go into extraordinary detail without getting into engineering "lingo" and they tell you things nobody else does, and those things many authors assume you already know -- that you don't. RV Electrical Systems is available at Amazon.

Country Coach to Auction Motorhomes & Equipment

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Luxury motor coach manufacturer Country Coach has employed auction experts Hilco Industrial, LLC, http://www.hilcoind.com, to offer for sale the inventory, intellectual property, machinery and equipment from their Junction City, Oregon plant. Hilco will host a worldwide webcast auction February 4 and 5, 2010 at which buyers will have the opportunity to purchase completed 2009 and incomplete 2010 recreational vehicles, among many other items from the complete motor coach assembly plant.

Country Coach is well-known nationwide as a manufacturer of premiere quality motor homes featuring the Veranda, a design element that opens the motor home up to the outside world for a unique "inside-out" experience for motor home travelers.

This unprecedented auction event will feature ten 2009 new finished Country Coach motor coaches from the Magna, Inspire, Veranda and Infinity product lines. Eight coaches in various stages of completion, from frames to nearly road-ready, are also available.

The company's intellectual property will also be offered, including drawings, blueprints, logos, website, customer lists, molds and other intangible assets.

Huge quantities of inventory will be sold, including engines, transmissions, power generators, axle assemblies, chassis, body and interior components.

Machinery and equipment used in the manufacture of the vehicles, such as metal fabrication, woodworking, material handling, and auto assembly equipment, will be offered, along with the company's fleet vehicles and office furniture and equipment.

The auction will comprise nearly 2000 lots in all, and will attract bidders from many industries both locally and nationally. Buyers will be able to bid using the phone and internet at www.hilcoind.com, or attend in person and bid on site at the manufacturing facility located at 135 East First Avenue, Junction City, Oregon, 97448.

For more information on the Country Coach Worldwide Webcast Auction, to register or view the lot catalogue, visit: http://tinyurl.com/CountryCoachAuction
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Flojet Macerator Pump Draining your RV waste tanks just got easier! Eliminates the need for a 3" sewer hose. Waste pump connects directly to your RV's waste outlet. Enables you to dump at longer distances -- and you can drain your holding tanks at home! Includes a garden hose discharge port, remote on/off switch with 6' wire harness and rugged portable case for easy storage.

Beaudry RV To Hold Q&A Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:35:00 +0000

Beaudry RV - Tucson, AZ, Along with featured manufacturing partners Forest River and Monaco will be hosting 30-minute sessions with follow-up Q&A, in a hands-on engaging setting. "It is important that our customers have adequate information before considering a major purchase in the RV lifestyle. We intend to provide the right product, at the right price, backed by our extraordinary service capabilities," states Beaudry RV's Vice President of Operations, Dundee Kelbel.

Q&A Sessions: January 29-31, 2010 and February 4-6, 2010
Times: 11a - 3p - 30 minute session, every 45 minutes
Where: Beaudry RV - 3200 E. Irvington Rd, Tucson, AZ 85714
Cost: FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING
What: Q and A session, new product features, and hands-on walk through. Detailed schedules to be provided at the gate and the BeaudryRV.com website.
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Centerville, Ohio: new law for keeping RV at home

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:23:00 +0000

The last few hundred Centerville residents who park recreational vehicles on their property under old city rules have until July 15 to meet new standards passed in 2008.

The city has been gradually updating its rules on RV storage for 20 years, but existing owners had been grandfathered in under old rules, a practice that will end this year, according to Jennifer Wilder, assistant to the city manager.

The primary rules in effect for all owners July 15 are that all types of RVs stored outdoors must be parked on a paved surface, must meet size limitations, must be located in a side yard and be screened from neighboring properties by fencing or trees.

The policy affects all types of recreational vehicles, from motor homes, travel trailers and campers, to boats and personal watercraft, to horse trailers or any other utility trailer.
Full Story...
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Theme park & campground needs 2,200 seasonal workers

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:58:00 +0000

SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — More than 2,200 seasonal jobs are up for grabs here as Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and two adjacent attractions, the Lake Rudolph RV Campground & Resort and the Santa Claus Christmas Store, begin taking applications in about a week.

Most of the jobs will be at the theme park which is expecting a record number of applicants for its 2,100 positions, according to Brandon Berg, director of human resources.

Holiday World plans job fairs Feb. 6-7, Feb. 11 and Feb. 13.

Meanwhile, Lake Rudolph and the town’s Christmas Store are planning a separate job fair Feb. 6 for 120 positions ranging from retail and welcome staff to lifeguards, security, shuttle drivers, housekeeping, maintenance and grounds crew. It will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at the American Legion on Indiana 245 and some of those jobs may require applicants older than 16.

Berg said applying at Holiday World will be a two-step process this year: “The first step is to submit an online application via our Web site (www.HolidayWorld.com/Jobs) and the second step is to attend one of our job fairs.”
Full Story...
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Lost Campers USA to Offer Campervan Rentals in L.A.

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:49:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO CA - Lost Campers USA, a San Francisco-based campervan rental company, has successfully served budget-conscious, outdoor enthusiast travelers for two years, and is now opening a satellite location in Los Angeles near LAX. Founded on a philosophy of providing easy-to-drive, cheap campervans for hire, Lost Campers is the leader in providing quality California camper van rental experiences.

Company owners Nick and Emma Thomson are native Australians who saw the potential in the U.S. market for campervans, a smaller, mini-van-sized camper with a low carbon footprint popular down under and in Europe. While very successful in the Bay Area, Lost Campers has been missing the market of Europeans and other world travelers who fly inexpensively and directly into Los Angeles. Comments Nick Thomson, "Up until now, travelers wishing to explore southern California could only rent a campervan in Los Angeles for an additional pick-up fee. And customers beginning in San Francisco could only drop in L.A. with a drop-off charge. Heeding our customers’ wishes and market demand, Lost Campers is opening a Los Angeles venue by March 1, 2010.” The location is to be announced, but will be proximate to LAX, (within a five-minute drive from the airport), and feature all of the amenities expected in Lost Campers’ multi-functional vans.

Lost Campers’ fleet consists of 50 American mini-vans retrofitted to contain a platform bed with storage below, curtains and are outfitted with all the necessities for camping and cooking. Camper vans are designed to seat and sleep* from 1-5 people. (*2-3 persons can sleep in the vehicle.) Additional equipment is available to rent, including sleeping bags, towels, bike racks, roof racks, electrical heaters, GPS navigation systems, tents, and more.

Lost Campers’ daily campervan rental rates are $29.99 off-peak (3-day rental requirement) to $59.99 during peak season, June 1 - September 21 (minimum 5-day rental). The San Francisco facility is located at 2955 Third St., between 25th and 26th streets, and is close to public transportation. For information and reservations (recommended), visit www.lostcampersusa.com or call 415-386-2693 or 888-LOST-VAN (567-8826).
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Arizona Lost Dutchman State Park to close in June

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:12:00 +0000

In mid-January, the Arizona State Parks Board voted to approve the phased series of closures starting Feb. 22, culminating with the June 3 closure of Lost Dutchman, which attracted nearly 100,000 paid visitors last year. The closures were announced after the state swept $8.6 million to grapple with severe budget woes.

Ellen Bilbrey, spokeswoman for Arizona State Parks Department, said the closures were based on the economic performance of parks and not targeted according to locations or other considerations.

"It's a fiscal problem and it calls for a fiscal solution," Bilbrey said. She said although 99,000 visitors paid to enter Lost Dutchman in 2009, it cost $276,000 to keep the park opened, and revenue fell short by $9,000 last year. By comparison, Cattail Cove State Park at Lake Havasu, which will remain open, saw 85,000 visitors but is operating in the black, with more than $10,000 left over after costs.
Full Story...
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Fee hikes proposed for Fairfax County, VA parks

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:18:00 +0000

The Fairfax County Park Authority is proposing fee increases at popular campgrounds, as well as pools, horse stalls and a bevy of other recreational outlets to help ease a projected $316 million budget shortfall.

Under the plan, campers would pay higher fees at both Reston's Lake Fairfax Park and Fairfax Station's Burke Lake Park, which have become fixes for getaways on the cheap, park leaders say.

Fees would rise $3 per night -- to $37 for those needing electricity and $28 without -- but park officials called the proposed changes nominal, saying they would not deter campers.

More than $4 million was cut from county parks in the current budget.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/More-fees-proposed-for-Fairfax-parks-82719422.html#ixzz0dn6dE7oa
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Americans' love affair with motorhomes

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:09:00 +0000

By Kevin Connolly
BBC News, Elkhart, Indiana

It was the Germans who invented the motor car and steered us all towards the boundless possibilities and endless problems of the age of internal combustion.

But it took the genius of America to recognise that with a little extra hammering and spannering the motor car could readily be converted into the motor home.

I am told it was a matter of days - weeks at most - before someone had converted the first horseless buggy into the first recreational vehicle (RV).

It was a clumsy-looking behemoth whose passengers rode - very slowly - high above the road surface on what was essentially a four-wheeled roof garden, complete with balcony.

But practicality was not the point. The point was Americans had brought their restless love of the open road and their romantic affinity for far horizons into the motor age.
Full Story...
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Troubleshooting & Repairing RV Refrigerator Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:40:00 +0000

Benton, KY – January 18, 2010 – In an attempt to make consumers’ lives easier, authors Roger D. and Onna Lee Ford, owners of Ford RV Refrigeration, collaborate to bring a comprehensive 241 page manual. Published through Xlibris, Average Joe’s RV Refrigerator: Troubleshooting & Repair Guide is an easy-to-follow guide in dealing with basic problems of any RV refrigerator.

Most consumers may not be aware of it, but anybody can actually be capable of comprehending and determining troubles with an RV refrigerator. In this practical manual, the authors provide profound discussions in troubleshooting. True to its name, Average Joe’s RV Refrigerator: Troubleshooting & Repair Guide aims to help any person in making minor repairs by himself/herself. It also supplies information that helps one know whether or not his/her service tech is qualified to make an educated analysis of the problems and is able to do the repairs successfully with the least amount of cost available to the consumer.

Geared to assist any individual anytime, anywhere, Average Joe’s RV Refrigerator: Troubleshooting & Repair Guide is a handy book that will be of use for both personal and business needs. For more information on this book, log on to www.Xlibris.com.
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25th RV show canceled for lack of vendors

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:34:00 +0000

BANGOR, Maine — The 25th annual Bangor Camping and RV Show scheduled for this weekend at the Bangor Civic Center has been canceled due to lack of interest from vendors, according to Bass Park Director Mike Dyer.

The event, which is organized by Bass Park and Civic Center staff, has been held every year since 1986. Dyer explained, however, that in order to fill the space at the Civic Center, at least three large vendors are needed. This year, only two had committed.

“It actually goes back to last year when dealers lost some of their co-op money [from RV manufacturers] to participate in the show,” Dyer said. “Last year, we cut the amount of rental space in half with the thought that something was better than nothing. This year, we were going to proceed that same way, but it didn’t happen.”

Full Story...
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COACHMEN MOTORHOME RECALL

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:18:00 +0000

COACHMEN / SPORTSCOACH LEGEND		2008
Manufacturer: COACHMEN INDUSTRIES, INC.		Mfr's Report Date: JAN 13, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V013000		N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Potential Number of Units Affected: 50

Summary:
COACHMEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 MOTORHOMES BUILT BETWEEN OCTOBER 2007 AND OCTOBER 2008 ON FREIGHTLINER XC MOTORHOME CHASSIS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 6, 2007 AND DECEMBER 11, 2009 WITH KONGSBERG POWER PRODUCTS SYSTEMS ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDALS. THE DRIVE PIN WHICH SECURES THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM TO THE BALANCE OF THE ASSEMBLY MAY BECOME DISENGAGED, THIS MAY CAUSE A REDUCTION IN VEHICLE BRAKING AND/OR CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION AND INTERFERE WITH THROTTLE PEDAL FUNCTION.

Consequence:
A REDUCTION IN BRAKING OR INTERFERENCE WITH THE THROTTLE PEDAL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy:
DAIMLER TRUCKS, THE PARENT COMPANY OF FREIGHTLINER, HAS INDICATED THAT THEY ARE CONDUCTING THE OWNERS' NOTIFICATION AND WILL BE ADMINISTERING THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN PLEASE SEE DAIMLER'S DEFECT REPORT 09V-461. DEALERS WILL RECEIVE KITS AND WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A C-CLAMP ON THE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLER TRUCKS WARRANTY CLAIMS DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-547-0712.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
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Workers make camp, settle in for N.D. winter

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:27:00 +0000

With an investment in propane and a bit of skirting to keep the heat under the trailer, a recreational camper can make a fine winter home.

At least it's suiting some folks in northwestern North Dakota, where tight housing from a booming oil industry has led a number of people to consider camping out over winter.

"They are hardy people," said Alice Olson, who operates White Buffalo RV Park and Campgrounds at Watford City. "It's the tough people still here."

Some of those "tough" ones are southerners from places like Florida and New Mexico, who are proving they can handle the North Dakota cold.

"They are kind of taking it as a challenge," Olson said.

Kathy Mita, manager of Sand Creek Estates at Tioga, said there are a number of people camping the winter in Tioga, although the cold in early January thinned the ranks a little. Sand Creek Estates has had two campers abandon ship and get homes and another declared during the January frigid spell that this is his last year.
Full Story...
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RVers- How do they live like that?
Full-time RVing is not dropping off the face of the earth. It is not an endless vacation. Judy Farrow and Lou Stoetzer in RVers — How do the live like that? have shown what RV life is like, styles of RVing and what to expect as a full-timer. Sprinkled with actual cases, it makes for fascinating reading and gave voice to things RVers experience but may not put into words. It is an excellent book for those thinking about the RV lifestyle and to give to relatives of RVers to get insight in the lifestyle. Current RVers will enjoy the book and find it helpful, particularly at transition points in their lives.

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Bates Motorhome Rental Affiliates with Equity LifeStyle

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:22:00 +0000

Sandra Bate, president and CEO of Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems Inc., announced Thursday (Jan. 21) that Bates International has affiliated with Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc. (ELS), a company that owns and operates a portfolio of resort communities in the United States and British Columbia, including Thousand Trails, to offer the “Ready Camp Go” program to all of its RV rental customers.

“Bates International is excited to join forces with Equity LifeStyle Properties Inc. and Thousand Trails to offer exclusive resorts, featuring impressive amenities with premium rental accommodations, including RV sites, all at incredible savings at popular vacation destinations through the Ready Camp Go! Program,” Bate said in a news release.

“The program provides Bates International and its franchise locations throughout North America to offer added value to our customers,” added Bate. “In addition to gaining access to the ELS and Thousand Trails portfolio of more than 150-plus properties and 67,000 public and membership sites, our customers will enjoy a wide variety of quality services and amenities at significantly discounted rates.”

The new “Ready Camp Go!” Program makes RV camping easier and more affordable than ever by offering four money-saving programs.

“Ready Camp Go!” will be featured at all Bates franchises throughout the United States and Canada.

The Bates brand was named in 2007 and 2008 by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 500 franchises in the United States and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, on CNN News and in numerous RV industry publications.

For more information, call Bates toll free at (800) 732-2283 or visit www.batesintl.com.
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Wagan 400-Watt Power Dome EX Jumpstarter with Built-In Air Compressor Power Dome EX is a multi-purpose portable & rechargeable emergency power source. It can be used as a power source for 110volt AC or 12volt DC applications such as computers, TVs, fax machines, audio, fans, electrical tools, etc. It can also start your car engine in an emergency situation.

Renegade Enters RV Market with New Ikon Motorcoach

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:39:00 +0000

Bristol, IN – 01/22/10 - Renegade, the race industry leader in luxury motorcoaches, has expanded its motorcoach product line to include a new model targeting the RV market. The IKON by Renegade exemplifies luxury coach living and it’s built with legendary Renegade quality and fit and finish.

The new IKON has unique, quality crafted baggage and compartment doors for easier operation and larger carrying capacity. Multiple air conditioning units, precise power leveling jacks, standard under- coating and other top features as standard equipment. IKON construction is the biggest advantage. The IKON’s aerodynamic exterior design means better fuel economy and the interior designs are functional and luxurious. The IKON is very customizable for those wanting a coach with individuality and it is built on a commercial duty truck chassis for years of service.
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Economy, cold couldn't keep RV snowbirds from Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:59:00 +0000

SEBRING - For Leon Bluhm, there was never a question of whether he would come here again.

"We just came." The Bluhms winter in a double-wide at Leisure Acres, a 400-unit mobile home and RV park in south Sebring. Before they return to Illinois in April, each of the three children and their families will visit, Bluhm (sounds like "bloom") will make religious symbols on his scroll saw, and he'll both work and volunteer on fix-it projects.

Highlands County has about 20,000 seasonal residents. They show up as early as November - when the Rust Belt weather turns frigid - and go home in the spring.

Last year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tanked at 6,600, their portfolios were cut in half, and snowbirds wondered if they could afford to come back to Florida again.

What a difference a year makes. The Dow is up 4,000 points, the Bluhms had a good year farming and - here's the deciding factor - the Canadian cold fronts have been pitiless.

A week ago, when the temperature dropped to 20 degrees here, it was -19 in Flint, Mich. Yesterday, Flint's expected high was 27. It's in the 80s here.
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Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas Deluxe Edition

Government Loans Available for RV Park Owners

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:52:00 +0000

A little known loan program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture may provide funding for qualified park operators or other RV businesses located in rural areas who haven’t been able to secure financing for improvements and expansions during the recession.

The USDA’s Rural Business Guaranteed Loan Program typically provides up to $10 million in funding for rural businesses that need loans for a variety of reasons, including refinancing, repairs, modernizations, development and expansions. A fact sheet detailing the USDA loan program for the Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan program can be obtained at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&I_gar.htm.

“Local federally insured and regulated financial institutions are still making these loans,” Bill Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA), told park operators attending Cal-ARVC’s Education Day Jan. 13 at Newport Dunes Waterfront RV Resort and Marina.

“This program is good for a campground or any other rural business that is financially sound, can meet the program’s collateral requirements and has a justifiable need for the loan to make some good things happen in rural America. You can also use this kind of funding to purchase recreational park trailers for placement into a rental program. Another use might be to refinance the whole park and reduce your monthly cost of operations as a way to bring a profit back to your balance sheet. USDA is particularly interested in projects that could provide additional jobs and would conserve water or power.”
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Cowboy Cooking for RVers
Jim Foreman is a well-known and popular member of several RV email groups and forums so you may already know that he loves to cook cowboy style.

As an avid RVer, Jim found that his cowboy recipes and style of cooking adapted well to the confines of his RV kitchen and his cookbook is a combination of cowboy, tex-mex, Baja Califonia and just good food influenced by many years and miles of RV travel. Get More Info

More visitors at Theodore Roosevelt NP in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:04:00 +0000

Despite a weak economy, 2009 brought more visitors to national parks across the country, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, ND.

“In a lot of cases, park visitation tends to go up when the economy is bad,” said Eileen Andes, chief of interpretation and public affairs at TRNP. “That could have to do with value. People are looking for value these days and national parks really are a good value.”

In 2008, about 516,800 visitors stopped at TRNP and though 2009 numbers will not be finalized until the end of February, about 579,000 were reported to have visited the park.

The U.S. has 58 national parks and of those, TRNP ranks 31st for visitation numbers.
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DOJ Settles HIV Suit Against Alabama Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:40:00 +0000

The Justice Department announced the settlement of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) discrimination lawsuit against Wales West LLC, owner and operator of Wales West RV Resort and Train and Garden Lovers Family Park in Silverhill, Ala. The settlement, embodied in a consent decree, was approved today by Judge Callie V.S. Granade in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama.

In its complaint, the Justice Department alleged that Wales West LLC violated Title III of the ADA when it unlawfully denied full and equal services to a child and his family because the child has HIV. Specifically, the complaint alleged that Wales West LLC, upon learning that a guest family’s two-year-old child has HIV, banned the family from using the common areas of the RV resort, such as the swimming pool and showers. The child’s parents had planned a month-long stay at the family-themed RV resort while the father commuted to nearby Mobile, Ala., for ongoing cancer treatment. After Wales West LLC denied them full use of the facilities, the family left early the next morning.
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RVers- How do they live like that?
Full-time RVing is not dropping off the face of the earth. It is not an endless vacation. Judy Farrow and Lou Stoetzer in RVers — How do the live like that? have shown what RV life is like, styles of RVing and what to expect as a full-timer. Sprinkled with actual cases, it makes for fascinating reading and gave voice to things RVers experience but may not put into words. It is an excellent book for those thinking about the RV lifestyle and to give to relatives of RVers to get insight in the lifestyle. Current RVers will enjoy the book and find it helpful, particularly at transition points in their lives.

This book is for you if:

You know/love someone who is an RVer
You own (or are shopping for) an RV
You are facing retirement
You want to run your own life/career
You want to be more than a tourist
You want to improve your relationships
You want your family and friends to support your choices
You want to age with grace and wisdom

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Park Models Not Full-Time Residences

noreply@blogger.com (Steven Fletcher) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:45:00 +0000

Park operators must not allow their recreational park trailers or ”park models” to be used as full-time residences. And they should also beware of the low-cost FEMA trailers, many of which have damage and mold problems in addition to failing to comply with established building codes.

Those were the two primary warnings issued Jan. 13 by Bill Garpow, executive director of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association (RPTIA), during CalARVC’s Education Day at Newport Dunes Waterfront RV Resort and Marina.
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