Computer Tote-ing Travelers

We RVers like to have our laptop computers with us everywhere we go.  But, how to carry them?  I have watched people walk by on their way to the Wi-Fi hotspot just carrying their computer under their arms, with the power supply and cords dangling from the other hand.  Oooh I’d hate to see them trip. Business Computer bag or Beach Tote? I also know someone who uses a simple canvas beach bag to carry his laptop because he had a computer stolen before.  The one that was stolen was in an obvious, black, computer case.  His canvas bag with the pink beach umbrellas on it is much less likely to be a target for thieves, he says!  I would worry about the lack of padding in that beach bag. Laptop Sleeves I  used to carry my laptop in a sleeve – the simple padded case that fits the computer like a sock.  But then, I still had to deal with carrying the power supply and mouse somehow. Cool Computer Bag Recently, I was given the cool computer tote bag you see in the photo above.  I love it. It’s the best of all options.  It has padded compartments meant for the computer as well as accessories.  It’s very sturdy, yet doesn’t look like a computer bag.  And, the best part, for me, is how comfortable it is to carry.  The shoulder straps are just the right length for the bag to fit under my arm, and it doesn’t slip off my shoulder!  It is SO aggravating to have a shoulder bag that always feels in danger of slipping off.  This one does not do that, even when I have... Read more

Daily RV Deal: 2005 Fleetwood 31W SL

2005 Fleetwood 31W SL Previously $ 58,190 – Now $40,999 31 ft. Class C 2005 Fleetwood 31W SL that is capable of sleeping 4! Features include slide out, AC unit, full dinner sofa and much more! Offered by El Monte-Irvine in Irvine, CA. Email seller for details on this 2005 Fleetwood 31W SL! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

Daily RV Deal: 2010 Coachmen Freedom Express

2010 Coachmen Freedom Express Previously $ 30,266 – Now $23,995 28 ft. 2010 Coachmen Freedom Express travel trailer that is capable of sleeping 6! Features include LCD TV, large booth dinette, double-door refrigerator and much more! Offered by Mark’s RV & Boat Superstore in Churchville, NY. Email seller for details on this 2010 Coachmen Freedom Express Find more great RVs on  Read More →

LED Lighting and [the unmentionable]

By the Never-Bored RVers  First, “the unmentionable,” which is our RV toilet.   While some RV toilets apparently come equipped with a flushing mechanism that cleans the bowl, ours does not.  My solution, as pictured, is a high-pressure spray bottle, which is available in the garden section of hardware and general merchandise retailers. Instead of taking a chance on damaging the toilet using a brush, we use the sprayer.  Routine cleaning is still needed from time to time, but the daily odious task of cleaning “the unmentionable” after use is almost satisfying.   And, secondly, replacing original interior RV lights with LEDs.  We were perfectly satisfied with our inside RV lights until a new-found friend, Alan Wolfe, an engineer by profession, showed off the replacement LEDs in his Born Free.  Wow, what a difference! I went online to check out the brand he has and others, but decided to wait until we visited the RVIA show in Pomona a couple of weeks ago to talk to vendors, if there were any.  There was … and we bought a total of 11 LED replacement lights.  At $240, it was costly by our standards, but we think we can justify the expense. As for justifying that kind of financial outlay, “This better be good,” you’re saying.  “The main selling point,” according company owner Tom Long, “is battery savings.”    They use 10 times less battery power than incandescents. And that was our main interest.  We are planning to spend this winter boondocking... Read more

Gr8LakesCamper: Halloween Safety for your Pets

Disclaimer: This doesn’t have much to do with RVing, but consider the following a public service announcement. Plus, it gave me a chance to find this photo of this poor dog dressed up like a hula girl. While Halloween can be a good time for kids and grown-ups alike, the Humane Society of the United States is reminding all of us pet owners that this haunting holiday may be too scary for our pets. Dogs and cats and other companion animals simply aren’t used to all the ringing doorbells, costumed creatures and general hustle-and-bustle that come into our homes at this time of year. “For your pet’s comfort and safety, the best thing that you can do is to make sure that they have a stress-free holiday,” said Adam Goldfarb of the Humane Society. “The noises, smells and people can be overwhelming for many pets on Halloween, so create a safe haven in one room of your home where he or she can quietly relax.” To help keep pets safe and happy this Halloween, the Humane Society recommends the following tips: • Keep your pets safely indoors, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities. • Make sure that all of your pets are wearing tags with current ID. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities. • Keep candy out of your pets’ reach. Chocolate and other ingredients can be toxic to them. (Same goes for chocolate Easter bunnies in the spring; we found out the hard way.) • Most pets are happiest wearing nothing... Read more

Daily RV Deal: 2009 Fleetwood 35H

2009 Fleetwood 35H Previously $ 122,724 – Now $88,827 35 ft. Class A 2009 Fleetwood 35H capable of sleeping 6! Features include two flat screen TV’s, slide awning, back-up cam and much more! Offered by El Monte RV- Texas in McKinney, TX. Email seller for details on this 2009 Fleetwood 35H! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

How To Teach Your Dog Boundaries Inside Your RV

The technique for training this behavior is really cool. It’s the same approach we use to teach dogs to stay out of the street, or to not run out the door of your RV (which I’ve covered in more detail in my DVD: “Boundary, Perimeter and Property Training In No Time At All!” — which you can view online in our “video vault” at our dog training site, Dogproblems.com once you gain access– or available for purchase at Amazon.com. You can use this technique to teach your dog to: Stay off the sofa, stay off your bed, stay off the driver’s seat, not run out the door of your RV… pretty much any area that can be easily distinguished by the dog. First, your dog should be wearing a training collar and a tab (1 foot leash) any time you’re with your dog, in a situation where you may need to correct unwanted behavior– until your dog is 100%. And until then, your dog should be confined to an area where he cannot walk or jump on “the hot zone” without getting corrected. So, if you need to — get a dog crate or use a leash as a tie down. To start with, throw something (like a toy) on the hot zone, that will tempt your dog to walk on it. As soon as he puts his first paw on the hot zone, say, “No!” and tug the leash (loose-tight-loose) in the direction that is away from the hot zone. [If you feel like you're giving meaningless corrections, please upgrade to a "pinch collar". They're safe and humane... Read more

Daily RV Deal: 2011 Forest River Cardinal

2011 Forest River CARDINAL 3450RL Previously $ 87,593 – Now $64,100 40 ft. 2011 Forest River Cardinal 3450RL fifth wheel that is capable of sleeping 4! Features include a system controls and monitoring panel, water purifier, washer/dryer and much more! Offered by UNITED RV CENTER in FT Worth, TX. Email seller for details on this 2011 Forest River CARDINAL 3450RL! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

Central Florida: The southwestern deserts are not the only snowbird destination

By Bob Difley Though we western snowbirds tend to migrate in the winter months to the southwestern deserts, we should not forget that the migratory route for easterners is often to the Sunshine State of Florida, an entirely different climatic environment from the dry deserts. Western nature lovers will appreciate the great amount of biodiversity of plants found in Florida’s mix of subtropical and tropical climates, especially the subtropical climate around Orlando and central Florida. Unlike the endless sunny skies and arid terrain of the desert regions, Central Florida has a hot, often stormy climate, and instead of earthquakes, experiences many thunderstorms and some hurricanes. Central Florida’s low-lying area is littered with hundreds of lakes surrounded by marshland, which favors a wide variety of plant and animal species. Its abundant gardens, parks, and wildlife offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy nature up close, including these unique garden settings where camping is available: At Highlands Hammock State Park (photos) in Sebring white-tailed deer munch their way through the campsites, enjoying the scattering of acorns around the base of many oaks. Bobcat tracks are found each morning in the damp sands along the roadways, barred owls call as soon as the sun goes down, and alligators soak up the warm sun that follows the cool nighttime temperatures. Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales features living history demonstrations of the early Florida cowboy... Read more

Daily RV Deal: 2011 Forest River Forester 3171DS

2011 Forest River FORESTER 3171DS Previously $ 93,791 – Now $63,999 32 ft. Class C 2011 Forest River Forester 3171DS that is capable of sleeping 8! Features include a 4.0 Onan generator, water filtration system, deluxe wood grain dash and much more! Offered by Abel RV Center in Bartlett, IL. Email seller for details on this 2011 Forest River FORESTER 3171DS! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

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