RV Weekly Round-Up (Oct. 31 – Nov. 6, 2009)

Check out these highlights of RV-related news, events and video from this past week. 1. Carbon Monoxide Reminder: Mark Polk reminds us about the dangers of carbon monoxide gas. Whether in your home or your RV, when you fire up the furnace and bring out the portable heaters to help stay warm, there is the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide gas is invisible, odorless, and deadly! Take a moment to review Mark’s cautionary tips, and don’t forget to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector! 2. DVDs: ‘On the Road With Charles Kuralt: Set 1′: The Los Angeles Times reviews a new DVD set of the classic CBS TV series “On the Road with Charles Kuralt,” in which CBS reporter Kuralt set off in an RV to nowhere in particular “to see what was happening there.” He went off-the-beaten-path to find everyday people from all walks of life, which makes the show endlessly watchable even 40 years later. 3. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces America’s Byways ® Designations for 2009: If you’re looking for fresh scenic roads to travel during your RV adventures, check the list of 42 roads newly designated to the America’s Byways collection. These stretches of highway are found in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South... Read more

RV Weekly Round-Up (Oct. 24-30, 2009)

Check out these highlights of RV-related news, events and video from this past week. 1. Canadian RV dealer picks Riverside for first U.S. shop: Undeterred by a recession that has battered the RV industry and its presence in the Inland region, a multimillion-dollar Canadian RV dealer will open its first U.S. dealership in Riverside, CA, to be closer to a travel trailer manufacturer whose models have sold well in Canada. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports that Bruce Urban of Western RV Country Group of Companies in Alberta has big plans for the vacant American All-Star RV dealership. 2. Innovative Class B+ Models Gaining in Popularity: Phoenix USA RV has emerged as one of the most popular manufacturers in recent months, as the RV market shifts toward smaller and more efficient models. The company’s Class B+ models are slightly larger than Class B campers, but include the major amenities typically only found in larger rigs, such as a slideout and a full dry bath with shower. The result is a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver motorhome with a surprisingly spacious interior. Take an online photo tour of all the Phoenix USA RV models to see for yourself. 3. At last, RVing is for the dogs: Los Angeles Times reporter Rosemary McClure recounts her camping trip to Northern California with a friend and their two dogs. She describes the canine facilities at each campground stop of the trip, demonstrating that many campgrounds have gone above and beyond to cater to the large percentage of... Read more

Does “Making It Fun” Change Behavior?

Okay, you’ve got me. This has nothing specifically to do with RVing. But it’s interesting and entertaining. And, of course, the concept could be stretched to apply to certain RVing tasks. Just think… what if someone could come up with a way to make dumping RV tanks fun? (In the video below the creators wanted to see if more people would take the stairs instead of the escalator if the act of using the stairs was made “fun”.)  Read More →

A Halloween Camp Fire Tale

With a change in pace, and in honor of Halloween, this week’s read will be a little different.  One of the things that many campers do, from tenters to million dollar coaches, is share a camp fire in the darkness of night.  Around the dancing flames many tales are told.   This camp fire story will take you to a lonely highway on a rain soaked night.  So sit back and enjoy this Halloween tale.     The music of the Warsaw Concerto echoed through the car as I drove south from Sudbury on a dark rainy night.  The frequent flashes of lightning seemed to eerily coincide with the music that cloaked the sound of the driving rain.  A shiny ribbon of black road surface twisting through the rolling hills was revealed with each flash.  The storm appeared to be worsening or perhaps I was getting closer to the center of it.  I slowed down as the visibility reduced in a heavy downfall.  The wipers were slapping wildly yet unable to move the water fast enough to provide adequate forward vision.  After about five minutes the rain eased somewhat, again allowing a glimpse of the harsh landscape during each lightning flash.  As I rounded a left hand curve I was startled by a dark rain soaked figure that was silhouetted in a distant flash.  The car lights soon caught the view of a rain drenched shadow.  It was a man in a dark coat.  He appeared in need of help, perhaps a ride.  I lightly applied the brakes on the slick surface of the highway and managed to come to a stop some... Read more

RV Weekly Round-Up (Oct. 17-23, 2009)

1. Tax deduction for ‘09 vehicle purchases: The Internal Revenue Service wants to remind you that buying a new motorhome this year may make you eligible for a state-level tax deduction. State and local sales & excise taxes on new vehicles may be reduced for taxpayers whose incomes meet a designated range. Watch the IRS tax break video for details. Read more  Read More →

The RV Trivia Challenge 7

The Lug_Nut RV Trivia Challenge 7 is a mixed bag of RV trivia. Some may have no idea as to the answer, but remember, it is RV trivia.  So, let’s see how you can handle a diversified topic field.   Get a pencil and paper so that you can record your answers as you go through it.  You will then be able to check your answers against those displayed at the very bottom.  Be sure to share your score and any other comments you may have in the comments section following the answers. Read more  Read More →

Start the Day Right: Eat Breakfast

“I don’t have the time or inclination to eat breakfast first thing in the morning. I’d rather get my walk in and some miles down the road before I eat. I figure it’s just that fewer calories I’ll eat in the day,” said a student in answer to my question, what did you eat for breakfast?” If you agree, and make a habit of skipping the first meal of the day I want you to reconsider and take into account the following. Read more  Read More →

Boondocking Podcast with Brian Brawdy & Bob Difley

by Brian Brawdy In my opening 18 months as an RVer, I have learned that the attraction, at least for me, is one of self reliance and nomadicism. The places that I have explored and the people I have encountered have only reinforced the sense of independence one cultivates while bringing the far away to their own front door. Early on I began to feel, not that I was learning this philosophy, but that I was remembering it. That adventure and exploration are latent in the human being. To that end, I started a blog called Buried Logic. Today it is my great pleasure to share with you an hour long podcast with author and fellow RVer Bob Difley. Read more  Read More →

RV Weekly Round-Up (Oct. 10-16, 2009)

Check out these highlights of RV-related news, events and video from this past week. 1. Tribute to early RVers: my parents: Chris Guld of Geeks on Tour shares an example of a narrated slideshow movie she put together using old family photos from RV camping with her parents in the 1960s. You may find yourself inspired to create your own narrated movies after seeing this example! 2. Arizona County Eyes RV Sector in Housing Matters: The Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission in Prescott, Ariz., considered two actions this week affecting the use of RVs in their county. The commission voted unanimously to recommend allowing residents to camp temporarily in RVs and travel trailers on private parcels of 10 acres or more. 3. Nickel-Lithium: The Next Battery Break Through?: Blogger Bob Difley discusses the possible benefits of the new nickel-lithium generation battery, which may expand the practicality of the electric vehicle for both everyday drivers and long-haul drivers. 4. Boost Your Energy in Less Than 5 Minutes: Health blogger Lynn Difley shares a few simple exercises you can use on the road to refresh your body and keep fatigue at bay. Long stretches of driving can wear you down in a hurry, so try these tips next time you begin to feel drowsy behind the wheel.  Read More →

RV Weekly Round-Up (Oct. 3-9, 2009)

Check out these highlights of RV-related news, events and video from this past week. 1. Former FEMA trailer park in Convent, LA, is filling a key housing need: Mark Anderson is converting a former FEMA trailer park in Convent, LA, into the Sugar Hill RV Resort. A recreational vehicle resort that was originally aimed at luring RV enthusiasts is instead providing much-needed housing to industrial workers in the River Parishes. Residents include employees at the local refineries and plants, as well as an influx of construction workers hired to expand the Marathon refinery in Garyville. Read more  Read More →

Next Page »