Motor Home Jan-2009

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Heaven on Wheels JI Take your love of elegance, style and comfort with you wherever you go.

Your Newell gives you: The highest quality materials, engineering and craftsmanship. Easier handling than any other coach its size. Options that reflect your style, preferences and tastes. Infinite opportunities to customize your coach. More power and torque than any other motorcoach.



Take the good life with you. Explore www.newellcoach.com Manufacturing, Sales & Service 1(888)3NEWELL Miami, Oklahoma

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West Coast Sales & Service (541)912-7611 Coburg, Oregon

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M We'd like to know what you think We're glad you're receiving our Digital MotorHome magazine and we hope you are enjoying it. But we'd really like to know what you think about reading your magazine in this format. We'd like to know what you like about our Digital Edition of MotorHome and we'd like to know what you think we could do better.

Please click on the link to fill out a very short survey so we know how we can improve your Digital MotorHome Magazine.

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JANUARY 2009

DISTINCTIVE DIESEL DYNAMAX DYNAQUEST 360XL

PARADISE FOUND:

LUXURY RV SITE OWNERSHIP ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

READY, SET, RALLY! OFF-SEASON SAVINGS GOLFING IN MYRTLE BEACH

BOONDOCKING 101 ESSENTIAL TIPS & TRICKS

WWW.MOTORHOMEMAGAZINE.COM ______________________

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contents january2009

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VOLUME 46, NUMBER 1

F E AT U R E S 21 l Get Ready to Rally Explore Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the Land of Enchantment, as you plan your trip to The Rally 2009

24 l Winter Greens Motorhoming in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during the off-season provides an excellent opportunity to save money while indulging your passion for golf

28 l Another Day in Paradise Sunbelt park or RV resort? Splitting your time between vacation destinations might be more affordable than you think

34 l DynaQuest 360XL Dynamax’s powerful but elegant touring cruiser is built to take you anywhere, and look good while doing it, too

36 l Boondocking Basics Learning how to camp off the grid can help you spend less and enjoy RVing more

40 l Allegro Bus 36 QSP Tiffin introduces its first 36-footer with four slides

42 l Back to School

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After a few days of RV drivers’ training, you’ll be ready to hit the road with greater confidence

D E PA R T M E N T S 4 5 6 11 12 14 16

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20 46 49 50 52 58 60 66

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On Ramp Contact MotorHome P.O. Box Escapes Events Noteworthy Wheels & Gear / News Briefs Crossroads Quick Tips Hands-On Hot Line Coach & Chassis Reader Service Powertrain Off Ramp

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21 40

On The Cover: Enjoying the luxurious Rancho California RV Resort (see page 28) in Temecula, California, in the Dynamax DynaQuest 360XL, pictured here in the Russet Ridge full-body paint scheme (see page 34). Photo by Rich Cox Photography.

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onramp

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by BOB LIVINGSTON

EDITORIAL Publisher Bob Livingston

HEADING TO THE RALLY an you believe that it’s already 2009? Now that the holidays are behind us and the new year has arrived, it’s time to plan upcoming RV trips. I have a number of interesting destinations on my consideration list for the spring and summer, but the one trip I’m really looking forward to is The Rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this April (see page 21). You might ask, “Why in the world would I want to vacation with 12,000 other people?” The short answer is simple — “It’s fun!” We plan to caravan to The Rally site with our traveling buddies and meet up with a bunch of our other RVing friends and relatives once we arrive in Albuquerque. New Mexico is a wonderful place to visit. The feel of the Old West and the cultural connection New Mexico has with its Native American population makes this Southwest region of the U.S. particularly interesting, especially to history buffs. And if you like Mexican food, this is the place to be. What is it like to spend four days (and, for those who take advantage of early bird reservations, six days) at The Rally? Plan on being very busy and getting little sleep; there’s just too much to see and do. I’m especially fond of Opening Day because MotorHome co-sponsors Publications Day, and we get a chance to visit with our readers. Once again we have an exciting day planned this year. So let’s take a look at a typical Rally day. After a quick breakfast and goodmorning rituals with our neighbors, my wife, Lynne, and I will head over to the club building and check out the goingson (except for the first day, when we’ll spend most of the time hosting Publications Day). Chances are we’ll take in one of the more than 100 scheduled seminars during The Rally. Presented by real handson experts — many of whom “live the lifestyle” — seminar subjects include

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Editor Eileen Hubbard Managing Editor Denise Santoyo Assistant Editor Kaitlyn Voyce

cooking, technical programs to help with maintenance and repairs, great travel destinations, etc. You can literally spend your entire time attending classes, and it’s amazing how much you’ll learn in these seminars. I’ve been doing this for more than 35 years, and always manage to learn something new in The Rally seminars. We’ll then head for the exhibitor buildings to check out the latest gadgets, clothing, supplies and products that make motorhoming more pleasant and exciting. We like to spread out our time perusing the hundreds of booths during the course of The Rally because we want to make sure we have ample opportunity to explore the manufacturer exhibits of new coaches (for sale) that are displayed throughout the facilities. We’ll take a break from shopping and relax while being entertained at the day stage, and we’ll even be able to watch a dog show during The Rally — RVers are truly passionate about their four-legged traveling companions. A couple of times during the day, we’ll also check out how our designated couple is faring while “living green.” It’s all part of The Rally’s efforts to show the world how environmentally efficient RVs are when compared to living in a stationary abode or traveling by plane and staying in hotels. This special event is part of a “Go Green” contest that will reward RV owners who come up with the most creative ideas. Our day culminates in the evening with top-notch entertainment. This year, on opening night, Neil Sedaka brings back memories of the late ’50s and early ’60s by singing the songs that take many of us back to our teens. The entertainment continues each night of the event with new headliners. I guarantee you’ll remember The Rally for a long time — and make new friendships that will last forever. ◆

Midwest Bureau Chief Sherman Goldenberg Consulting Editors Chuck Campbell Wes Caughlan Ken Freund Jeff Johnston Contributors Gary Bohinc Ron Dalby Bert Gildart Preston Gratiot Fred Pausch E. Don Smith Richard & Ellen Thane

CREATIVE Art Director Susie Lieu Almazan

PRODUCTION Production Director Bob Dawson Senior Ad Production Manager Brenda Hutchinson

CIRCULATION Circulation Director Jill Anderson Consumer Marketing Manager Denise Mirabella Fulfillment Manager Melissa Vizzo World Wide Web site:

www.motorhomemagazine.com Part of the ___ Family

CUSTOMER SERVICE: www.motorhomemagazine.com, e-mail: ________ [email protected]; (800) 678-1201 (U.S.).

Subscription price United States and possessions: 1 year: $19.97, 2 years: $34.97, 3 years: $47.97. All other countries, including Canada and Mexico, add $12 per year. MotorHome is a registered trademark of Affinity Group Inc. Copyright 2009 by Affinity Group Inc. All rights reserved. MotorHome (ISSN #0744-074X) is published monthly by Affinity Media from editorial and business offices at 2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001. Printed in the United States. Periodical postage paid at Ventura, CA 93001 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send all change of address and subscription inquiries to: MotorHome, P.O. Box 445, Mt. Morris, IL 61054-0445. Publication Sales Agreement No. 1488163; Canadian Post Sales Agreement No. 40012332. Canadian return address: Affinity Group, Inc., 4960-2 Walker Road, Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J3. Authorized Subscription Agent – AGA.

January 2009 l

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CONTACT

P.O. BOX: Write to the Editorial Office address below, or e-mail ________________ letters@motorhomemagazine .com; include your full name, city and state or province. Selected letters and e-mails will be edited for style and content and published.

Spending time with your family. Enjoying yourself while RVing. Knowing you are protected and insured,

Priceless!

HOT LINE: Hot Line is a forum for the resolution of conflicts between consumers and RV dealers and manufacturers, accessories suppliers and service providers. After exhausting all other resources, send typed letters to MotorHome Hot Line (no phone calls, please) at the Editorial Office and enclose copies of appropriate bills and correspondence, plus a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. Selected letters will be edited and published unless otherwise requested. MotorHome does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading advertising — please notify Hot Line if you have a contrary experience with respect to any merchandise or service advertised herein.

Check out our new lower rates and our new website at www.GilbertRVInsurance.com

Lower Prices .... Better Coverages!

COACH & CHASSIS, POWERTRAIN: Questions of a technical nature may be sent to each column at our Editorial Office, or via e-mail to: __________ [email protected] (Coach & Chassis), or __ tech @motorhomemagazine.com ______________ (Powertrain); include your city and state or province. Selected letters will be answered in the magazine (or on our Web site), but time doesn’t permit individual replies.

RV

Insurance

REPRINTS, BACK ISSUES: Copies of articles are available for $3.95 each. Specify the article title and issue, and send a check or money order payable to Affinity Media, plus your name and address, to the Editorial Office. Back issues are available for $5.95 each; please follow above procedure. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts from published articles is considered upon request, when credit is given.

FREELANCE QUERIES: Writers’ guidelines are available upon request. Send queries to the Editorial Office. Manuscripts submitted for publication must include your Social Security or tax I.D. number and full return postage. Although every reasonable precaution is taken, MotorHome assumes no liability for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photography. PRIVACY PROMISE: We recognize that your privacy is important to you and we’re committed to helping you protect it. You should know that we will never intentionally share your name, address and other personal information with anyone for their use if you have asked us not to do so. When you subscribe to MotorHome, please tell us if you don’t want your name and address shared with other reputable companies or if you don’t want to receive our marketing offers. We’ll mark your account for a three-year period so that it will not be selected for product and/or service offers that you’ve told us you are not interested in receiving. If you change your mind, get in touch with us and ask that we include you in future offerings. You may ask to not be included in future offerings at any time and it’ll be taken care of promptly. Please contact us at MotorHome Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 445, Mt. Morris, IL 61054, or call us at (800) 678-1201. This policy does not apply to email marketing; we will not send you commercial e-mails unless you have authorized us to do so.

Gilbert RV Insurance is underwritten by specialty RV insurance companies that have earned a rating of "A" or better from the prestigious A.M. Best directory.

EDITORIAL OFFICE: MotorHome, 2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001. Fax: (805) 6674484. Web site: www.motorhomemagazine.com. ◆

Gilbert RV Insurance, Circle 118 on Reader Service Card

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p.o.box

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from OUR READERS

Chairman Stephen Adams President / CEO Mike Schneider Senior VP / CFO Tom Wolfe

“HIS LIFE ON WHEELS CONFERENCE WAS A BRILLIANT IDEA, ONE THAT SEEMED A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF GAYLORD’S DESIRE TO SHARE THE WONDERFUL LIFE ON WHEELS.”

Senior VP / Human Resources Laurie James Senior VP / Group Publisher Bob Livingston Senior VP / Affinity Clubs / Interactive and Multimedia Joe Daquino VP / RV Trade Publications Sherman Goldenberg VP / Controller Dale Hendrix VP / Executive Director / Good Sam Club Susan Bray Chairman Emeritus Art Rouse Publisher Emeritus Bill Estes

REMEMBERING GAYLORD Not long ago, in Hayden, Idaho, we had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with Gaylord Maxwell and his lovely wife Marjorie. We are members of the North Kootenai Good Sam Club and we asked the Maxwells if they would join us for a potluck dinner. To our delight Gaylord replied, “Sure, if it’s a bunch of RV people, and you’ve got food, I’ll be there.” As soon as we met we knew he was something special. RVers are special people, and, oh boy, was he an RVer. But Gaylord was more than that; he had a way of telling stories that made you want to soak it all in. I asked Gaylord how long he’d been writing an RV column. His reply was a shocking 37 years. He chuckled that he had only missed one deadline — when he had a fire in his motorhome. We learned about how he started his Life on Wheels seminars, and marveled at how the most important thing to him was to share his knowledge with others. Near the end of the potluck I asked how he and Marjorie had met. Turns out he was the high school football player, and she was the cheerleader. My goodness, after all these years I think they blushed a little. Pretty cute for a guy over 80. We asked if he would like to join our Good Sam group and Gaylord said he would be happy to join. Gaylord noticed that I was drinking a martini, and proudly told me he made the best martini and they would have us over some evening for a cocktail. A few days later Gaylord called with the invitation. We had to pass because of family commitments. Little did we know that that was our last chance to see him. Sadly, I never got that “perfect” martini. If you are an RVer you know how it is when you meet a couple out there on the road that you just hit it off with — the kind of people it seems like you have known for years after just a few days. The Maxwells are that kind of people. Gaylord Maxwell was that kind of guy. We will miss you, Gaylord, as will thousands of others who read and enjoyed your writings for so many years. See you down the road my friend. JOHN & RICKIE RITTERBACH l HAYDEN, IDAHO GAYLORD WILL BE GREATLY MISSED Count me among the many who are mourning the loss of MotorHome columnist Gaylord Maxwell. Gaylord was a funny, friendly gentleman. His decades of experience as an RV dealer, as well as his personal enthusiasm for the lifestyle, made him an expert on all things RV. Instead of simply retiring to enjoy a life of leisure, he found a way to share that expertise. He conceived and produced the Life on Wheels conferences, where novices could get the kind of education they needed to launch their RV adventures. It was a brilliant idea, one that seemed a logical extension of Gaylord’s desire to share the wonderful life on wheels. His passing leaves a big hole in the RV landscape. SHERRY MCBRIDE l WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA

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EDITORIAL / BUSINESS OFFICE 2575 Vista Del Mar Ventura, CA 93001 Tel (805) 667-4100 Fax (805) 667-4484

ADVERTISING VENTURA, CALIFORNIA VP National Sales Terry Thompson Regional Sales Manager (Southwest) Matt Hotchkiss RV Dealer Sales (Northwest) Pam Petersen RV Marketplace / Classified Manager Sue Panchenko Sales Angela Pezzullo, Debbie Valdez Business Manager Denielle Sternburg P.O. Box 8510 Ventura, CA 93002 Tel (805) 667-4100 Fax (805) 667-4379 ELKHART, INDIANA Midwest Sales Director Chuck Lasley National Advertising Sales Tacy Hendershot, Lou Cicirelli RV Dealer Sales (Northeast) Barry Jenkins RV Dealer Sales (Southeast) Matt Grimes 2300 Middlebury Street Elkhart, IN 46516 Tel (574) 295-7820 Fax (574) 522-0418 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON National Advertising Sales Scott Oakes, John Marciano 1818 Westlake Avenue, N. #420 Seattle, WA 98109 Tel (206) 283-9545 Fax (206) 283-9571 DETROIT, MICHIGAN Crompton Holdings Scott Crompton 2031 Fernway Drive Montgomery, AL 36111 Tel (334) 613-2040 Fax (334) 356-7740 [email protected] ___________

January 2009 l

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Longing for a shorter Class A diesel? – See the new Meridian 34Y at your nearest Itasca dealer today. –

© 2008 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Full-wall slide. King bed.Theatre Seating. Now you can have your cake and eat it too: The new Meridian 34Y packs the punch of a larger Class A diesel into a compact 34-foot coach. And it’s just one of 12 models and 36 floorplans you’ll find in our 2009 line-up. From the luxurious 40-foot Horizon to the smart, nimble Navion iQ, the right coach for you is as close as your nearest Itasca dealer.

Ellipse®

Horizon®

Suncruiser®

Spirit®

Impulse®

Featured Above

Meridian®

Latitude®

Sunova®

Sunstar®

Cambria®

Navion®

Navion® iQ

Learn more at GoItasca.com or call 1-800-643-4892. Itasca, Circle 101 on Reader Service Card

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P.O. BOX

FINE TUNING The October 2008 article “Stay Tuned …” regarding the need for nondigital TVs to use a digital converter box has at least one big omission and one big error. The coupons come with a three-month expiration date, which the article does not mention. Also, I did some research looking for important criteria, one of which was 12volt power. There are several that operate on 12 volt, which the article denies. The one I bought is an Artec T3A Pro. All I had to do was go to RadioShack to buy a cigarette lighter power cord and get the correct connector tip. It works great on 12 volt. STEVE HAMILTON GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MISSOURI

The Great Outdoors, Circle 111 on Reader Service Card

You are correct, Steve. The article mistakenly indicated that 12-volt DC-powered converter boxes were not available or eligible for purchase with the government coupon. In fact, Artec has at least two — the Artec T3AP and T3A Pro. Go to ___ www .artec.com.tw for product information.

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ONE MAN’S PEEVE IS ANOTHER MAN’S PLEASURE In the P.O. Box hit list of campground pet peeves (November 2008), several actually attract me to the RV lifestyle: people gathered around an outside entertainment system; kids running, playing and riding bikes; dogs interacting with people; and campfires. Camping without a fire, without the scent of wood and burgers, without the sounds of kids engineering their first s’mores, is nothing more than moving your house from one lot to another. RVing is a different life, not just a transposition of your ordinary one. BILL MCNEW l FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA

Question: What RVing experiences stand out for you? Write to us at _________ letters@motor homemagazine.com.

_________________

CORRECTION The specification information for the “Coachmen Freelander 2700RS” article (October 2008) mistakenly lists the motorhome’s horsepower as 362. The correct number is 305 HP. We apologize for any inconvenience. ◆

January 2009 l

MOTORHOME

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Got your eye on a new RV? Contact GEICO today to see how much you can save on RV insurance.

Call 1-877-434-2678 for a free rate quote.

® RV coverage is underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or companies. Government Employees Insurance Co. ¥ GEICO General Insurance Company ¥ GEICO Indemnity Company ¥ GEICO Casualty Company. These companies are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. GEICO Washington, DC 20076 © 2008 GEICO Geico, Circle 120 on Reader Service Card

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_____________________________

Outdoor Resorts, Circle 115 on Reader Service Card

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escapes by DENISE SANTOYO

EVENTS l NOTEWORTHY l WHEELS & GEAR l CROSSROADS

FANTASTIC TOUR

AMERICA’S ONLY RIDE-THROUGH CAVE Visitors to Fantastic Caverns in Missouri will find themselves driving through miles of scenic, rolling hills on the way to the caverns, as these unique cave formations are located beneath the Ozark hills just north of Springfield. Discovered in 1862, the caves are large enough for Jeep-drawn trams to explore their depths, and 50-minute tram tours are offered regularly. The trams are propelled by cleanburning propane and cover one mile of the caves’ interior. Wheelchairs are easily accommodated,

making the tour accessible to everyone. Visitors will learn about cave formations, including soda straws, flowstones, stalactites and stalagmites. They also learn about the history of the cave, which was once a natural theater for a weekly live country-music show. The caverns are open year-round, with the inside temperature of the cave always at a comfortable 60˚F. For more information, call (417) 833-2010, or visit www.fantasticcaverns.com. — Donna Ikenberry

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EVENTS

JANUARY 1 l Never get lost again with the Celestial Navigation Class in Fort Payne, Alabama. This class offers basic instruction on how to navigate using the stars, without a compass or GPS, as people have done for more than 6,000 years; (256) 997-9577, www.trueadventuresports.com. JANUARY 10 l Take a trip back to the past with Staking a Claim: Exploration and Discovery in the New World. Held at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in Charleston, South Carolina, this event will give you hands-on lessons on the past of the area; (843) 852-4200, www.southcarolinaparks.com. JANUARY 10-17 l Get outdoors at Wilderness Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Nearly 100 experts on nature will lead hikes, walks, seminars and lectures in the Great Smoky Mountains. The activities offered will range from easy strolls to multimile

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by KAITLYN VOYCE

hikes; (865) 429-7350, www.mypigeonforge.com/ winterfest-wilderness.asp. ______________ JANUARY 10-24 l See classic Camaros at the Tupelo Automobile Museum Presents Camaros. Held in Tupelo, Mississippi, the exhibit will also feature more than 100 cars from the 1880s to 1990s; (662) 842-4242, www.tupeloauto.com. JANUARY 16-18 l Enjoy the crisp winter weather by attending Bonfire on the Snow Tours in Bend, Oregon. These tours will take you, by snowshoe, to a bonfire in an amphitheater carved into the snow. Desserts and hot drinks are provided as guides share fun facts; (541) 389-8359, www.wanderlust tours.com. JANUARY 24 l Join the staff of Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan, Arkansas, for their Bluebird House Workshop. Park staff will help you build

JANUARY 2-4 Head down to Salem City, Virginia, for the Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo. Held at the Salem Civic Center, the IPRA-sanctioned rodeo will feature bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling and more; (540) 375-3004, www.salemciviccenter.com.

a nesting habitat for Eastern bluebirds to take home. Camping is available at the park; (870) 878-6595, www.arkansasstateparks.com. JANUARY 24 l Come for good wine and music at Winter, Wine and All That Jazz in Carson City, Nevada. Listen and dance to jazz music as you sample appetizers and wine offered by multiple wineries. This event is a fundraiser for Carson Advocates for Cancer Care, a group that provides

assistance to cancer patients; (775) 883-7477, www.visit carsoncity.com. JANUARY 24-25 l From Beethoven to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, Something Old, Something New will feature a wide range of performances by the Taos Chamber Music Group. This musical mélange accompanies the various collections at the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico; (575) 758-9826, www.harwoodmuseum.org.

RV SHOWS JANUARY 7-10 Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show Denver, Colo.; (303) 892-6800 JANUARY 7-11 Tacoma RV Show Tacoma, Wash.; (253) 756-2121 JANUARY 8-10 All Valley RV Show Mercedes, Texas; (756) 428-6434 JANUARY 8-11 San Antonio RV Show San Antonio, Texas; (361) 727-0423 JANUARY 8-11 Treasure Coast RV Show Fort Pierce, Fla.; (813) 741-0488 JANUARY 9-11 Mississippi Boat & RV Show Jackson, Miss.; (256) 509-3574 JANUARY 9-11 Mobile RV Super Show Mobile, Ala.; (256) 509-3574 JANUARY 9-11 North Carolina RV & Camping Show Greensboro, N.C.; (804) 425-6556

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JANUARY 9-11 Northeast RV & Camping Show Hartford, Conn.; (860) 529-2123 JANUARY 10-18 The Original Pittsburgh RV Show PIttsburgh, Pa.; (724) 396-8457 JANUARY 14-18 Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoor Show Chicago, Ill.; (800) 985-2401 JANUARY 14-18 Florida RV SuperShow Tampa, Fla.; (813) 741-0488 JANUARY 15-18 Grand Rapids Camper, Travel and RV Show Grand Rapids, Mich.; (616) 447-2860 JANUARY 15-18 Toronto RV & Extravaganza Show Toronto, Ontario, Canada; (905) 659-8800 JANUARY 16-18 Dayton RV Supershow Vandalia, Ohio; (941) 827-7144 JANUARY 16-18 New Jersey RV & Camping Show Edison, N.J.; (800) 332-3976 JANUARY 16-18 Quad City Boat, RV, and Vacation Show Davenport, Iowa; (319) 232-0218

JANUARY 16-18 Washington Camping RV Expo Chantilly, Virginia; (804) 425-6556 JANUARY 16-19 Boston RV & Outdoor Expo Boston, Mass.; (781) 383-6700 JANUARY 17-25 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show Quartzsite, Ariz.; (800) 969-5464 JANUARY 22-25 Atlanta Camping & RV Show Atlanta, Ga.; (770) 447-3334 JANUARY 22-25 Ft. Myers RV Show Ft. Myers, Fla.; (239) 482-6006 JANUARY 22-25 Inland Northwest RV Show & Sale Spokane, Wash.; (509) 466-4256 JANUARY 24-FEBRUARY 1 Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow Louisville, Ky.; (800) 985-2403 JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 1 Madison Camper & RV Show and Sale Madison, Wis.; (608) 222-1507 January 2009 l

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Banks Power, Circle 112 on Reader Service Card

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NOTEWORTHY THE TOP 50 DEALERS ARE:

RV BUSINESS NAMES TOP 50 DEALERS In September 2008, MotorHome’s industry-oriented sister publication, RV Business, presented its first-ever “RV Business Top 50 Dealer Awards.” The Top 50 Dealers, not ranked in order, set an example among their peers as they exhibit the “best practices’’ in the RV industry. “The program is unique in that it doesn’t focus solely on sales,’’ explained Sherman Goldenberg, publisher of RV Business. “We understand what makes a dealership truly great is not just what it does, but how it gets the job done. These dealers were selected for outstanding personal customer service, along with sound business practices and forward-thinking philosophies.’’ The Top 50 was announced at a celebration dinner held during the annual Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, where awards were presented to the Top 50, including the top five Blue Ribbon honorees: Alpin Haus, Amsterdam, New York; Guaranty RV, Junction City, Oregon; Lazydays RV Center, Seffner, Florida; Mike Thompson RV Center, Santa Fe Springs, California and Tom Johnson Camping Center, Marion, North Carolina. Tom Johnson Camping Center also received the Dave Altman Award, established in memory of the respected southern California dealer and industry activist who passed away in January 2008. “Among all the applications we received, these five stood out as being something really special,” Goldenberg said. “All of our winners were chosen because they deserve it, but our Blue Ribbon dealers just knocked our socks off.” The Top 50 program was launched last spring when RV manufacturers nominated their most worthy dealers for consideration. Dealers then completed extensive applications seeking answers to quantitative and qualitative questions regarding their dealerships. Those applications were submitted to a five-person panel of industry representatives for judging. In addition, several members of the RV industry lent their support in the form of the newly created Leadership Alliance. Members of the 2008 Leadership Alliance, which sponsored the awards along with RV Business, were Coach-Net, ADP Lightspeed, Assurant Solutions, Blue Ox, Cummins Onan, Freightliner, Key Bank, Protective Insurance and RV Trader.

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ABERDEEN RV CENTER, Aberdeen, Miss. ALOHA RV, Albuquerque, N.M. ALPIN HAUS, Amsterdam, N.Y. ALTMANS WINNEBAGO, Carson, Calif. APACHE VILLAGE RV CENTER, Hazelwood, Mo. BOAT-N-RV SUPERSTORES, Hamburg, Pa. CAMPERS INN, Kingston, N.H. CECIL CAUDILL TRAILER SALES, Franklin Furnace, Ohio COACHLIGHT RV SALES, Carthage, Mo. COLONIAL AIRSTREAM & ITASCA, Lakewood, N.J. CURTIS TRAILERS, Portland, Ore. DIXIE RV SUPERSTORE, Newport News, Va. ENDLESS SUMMER RVS, Frederick, Md. EXPLOREUSA, Plano, Texas GAUTHIERS’ RV CENTER, Scott, La. GEORGE M. SUTTON RV, Eugene, Ore. GIANT RV, Montclair, Calif. GUARANTY RV SUPER CENTERS, Junction City, Ore. JAMATT RV SALES, Poteau, Okla. KETELSEN CAMPERS OF COLORADO, Wheat Ridge, Colo. KINGS CAMPERS, Wausau, Wis. LA MESA RV CENTER, San Diego, Calif. LAZYDAYS, Seffner, Fla. LEO’S VACATION CENTER, Gambrills, Md. LITTLE DEALER LITTLE PRICES RV, Mesa, Ariz. MB THOMAS RV SALES, St. Louis, Mo. MIKE THOMPSON’S RV SUPER STORES, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. MODERN RV CENTER, Grand Rapids, Mich. MODERN TRAILER SALES, Anderson, Ind. MOUNT COMFORT RV, Greenfield, Ind. PLEASURELAND RV CENTER, St. Cloud, Minn. PONTIAC RV, Pontiac, Ill. POULSBO RV, Kent, Wash. PRINCESS CRAFT CAMPERS, Pflugerville, Texas REINES RV CENTER, Manassas, Va. RICHARDSON’S RV CENTERS, Riverside, Calif. RICK’S RV CENTER, Joliet, Ill. ROY ROBINSON RV CENTER, Marysville, Wash. RV AMERICA INC., Johnstown, Colo. SEVEN O’S, Kirkville, N.Y. STEVENS RV CENTER, Lafayette, La. STEWART’S RV CENTER, St. Clairsville, Ohio STIER’S RV/FREEDOMROADS, Bakersfield, Calif. TACOMA RV CENTER, Tacoma, Wash. TENNESSEE RV SALES & SERVICE, Knoxville, Tenn. TERRYTOWN TRAVEL CENTER, Grand Rapids, Mich. THOMPSON RV INC., Pendleton, Ore. TOM JOHNSON CAMPING CENTER, Marion, N.C. TRAFFORD’S RV, Center Conway, N.H. TURNING WHEEL RV CENTER, Ocala, Fla. January 2009 l

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Advan

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Perfect for RV’ers and Tow’ers Easily Installs in Minutes DIY - No professional installation required

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/VER"ILLION-ILES/F3AFETY%XPERIENCE Auxiliary braking for motorhomes towing a vehicle

"RAKE"UDDY® #LASSIC The original. The most trusted with more miles of braking experience than all others combined. Inertia-Full braking technology without built in time delays like others.

"RAKE"UDDY® 6ANTAGE3ELECT The ONLY portable auxiliary braking system with the option of Full or Proportional braking and on-the-fly adjustability. Only the Vantage Select gives you the power to choose. Learn more at www.brakebuddy.com

-OST4RUSTEDs%ASIESTTO5SEs"EST0ERFORMING Brake Buddy, Circle 132 on Reader Service Card

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WHEELS & GEAR NEWS BRIEFS

News Briefs

FOUR WINDS STEPS UP ITS SPRINTER LINE Four Winds International has expanded its current lineup on the Sprinter chassis with two new floorplans — the 24SB and 24SC. The ’09 models are available under the company’s Chateau Citation, Dutchmen Dorado and Four Winds Siesta brands. All of the rigs ride on the fuel-efficient Sprinter chassis powered by a 154-HP V-6 diesel, which boasts 16–19 MPG. Exterior and interior styling is Euro-inspired with contoured cabover side windows and curved cabinetry with hidden hinges. Notable features of the 24SB floorplan include a sofa/ booth dinette slideout, rear bathroom, cabover queen-size bed and 19-inch LCD TV. The 24SC sports bunk beads in the rear, a sofa bed slideout, 26-inch LCD TV and a Euro chair with ottoman. Both models have a base MSRP of $97,300. Four Winds International, (574) 266-1111, www.fourwinds-rv.com.

TRAVEL PLANNING MADE EASIER If you travel frequently in your motorhome, you probably bring a laptop for convenience. Now you can take along a comprehensive mapping system that plugs into your computer and gives you GPS guidance, locations of restaurants, national parks, ATMs and more. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 — Standard (MSRP $39.95) and with GPS Locator (MSRP $74.95) — combines the company’s travel and mapping software with a GPS receiver that plugs into a computer’s USB port. Streets & Trips is designed to help you find your location, calculate efficient routes of travel and search for nearby points of interest within a 50-mile radius. It also provides road construction information and creates alternate routes to bypass delays. New to the Standard edition are updated maps for Canada and the U.S., and the ability to send location information to a mobile device; with the GPS Locator edition, you also get spoken street names and turn-by-turn directional information. Microsoft, www.microsoft.com/streets.

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As a follow up to our July 2008 feature, “Castaways: Full-Time RVers in Tennessee Fight for their Right to Vote,” an agreement was reached between the Tennessee chapter of the ACLU and Bradley County Election Commission in time to allow full-time RV residents to vote in last November’s election. More than 250 fulltime RVers had been purged from the Tennessee voting rolls in 2006 based on a change in Tennessee law that prohibited people from using a commercial address to register to vote. After discussions with ACLU-TN, the Bradley County Election Commission agreed that the National Voter Registration Act allows full-timers to use the address of the parking lot of their mail-forwarding services when registering to vote. Last October, MotorHome’s parent company, Affinity Media, announced a new partnership with the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps (www.holeinthewall camps.org). ______ The global charity organization is the dream of late actor Paul Newman, and includes a network of camps that provide a traditional camp experience for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening con-

The Painted Turtle Camp

ditions. “Affinity’s publications and employees inspire youth and families to participate in outdoor recreational activities and to understand, appreciate and enjoy its benefits,” said Mike Schneider, president and CEO of Affinity. “Our relationship with Hole in the Wall Camps will allow children the opportunity to experience what we already know and love about the outdoors, and we couldn’t be more proud of the partnership.” Giant RV Center recently opened its sixth location in Southern California with a new sales and service center in Westminster. The site, located off Interstate 405, features separate 35,000-square-foot facilities for sales and service and a three-story service center with 25 bays. A retail parts department is also planned for the facility. Disneyland Resort is offering free admission to any one of its theme parks on your birthday in 2009. Preregistration is required, as is as a valid date-of-birth identification. For more details, go to www.disneyparks.com. January 2009 l

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Welcome To Vogt Country’s Super Holiday Sale SPECIAL PURCHASE, SPECIAL PRICING! YOUR CHOICE $88,988 stk# 81493 stk# 71257

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YOUR ULTIMATE LUXURY WINTER VACATION AWAITS YOU.

MOTORCOACH COUNTRY CLUB INDIO

LAS VEGAS MOTORCOACH RESORT

80-501 Avenue 48, Indio, CA 92201

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Luxury awaits you at the new spectacular Yacht Club – now open! Enjoy family gatherings, cookouts, evening cocktails, wonderful sunset cruises along the miles of waterways and much more. It’s all ready for you in beautiful Indio, where five mountain ranges, two miles of waterways and the most luxurious motorcoach country club facilities in California are all yours.

With the excitement of Las Vegas and the relaxation of your own private resort, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy golf, tennis, fi ve pools and health spas at your own resort paradise. While still close enough to the strip to enjoy world-class dining, shopping and entertainment. The perfect place to play a round and to play around.

Signature Motorcoach Country Club Indio,

Signature Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort,

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Naples Motorcoach Resort

Announcing the all new Naples Motorcoach Resort. Private preview tours of this luxurious motorcoach resort are available by reservation. Amenities include 184 Class A motorcoach sites, clubhouse with owner’s lounge, two satellite facilities with bathhouse, pool and spa, private theatre, game room and fitness center all with direct navigable access to the Gulf of Mexico.

13300 Tamiami Trail East • Naples, FL 34113 866.622.5142 • www.signaturervresorts.com Signature Naples Motorcoach Resort, Circle 108 on Reader Service Card

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CROSSROADS

HOSTEL ENVIRONMENT Just 25 miles south of San Francisco, California, Point Montara Lighthouse is unique in that not only is it a functioning lighthouse but it’s a hostel as well — one that welcomes all ages. The property has a secluded beach, landscaped native plant garden, free parking and an espresso bar. Point Montara was established in 1875 as a fog-signal station, and is still an operating aid to navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The current lighthouse was built in 1881 and erected at Wellfleet Harbor, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was decommissioned in 1925, moved to Montara and rebuilt in 1928 — the only U.S. lighthouse currently in existence to have stood watch over two oceans. The lighthouse was remodeled into a hostel in 1980, and is now open year-round. Visitors are welcome but should check in at the hostel office before visiting the grounds. For more information, contact Hostelling International at (650) 728-7177, or go to www.norcal hostels.org/montara.

RIDE THE RAILS If you love trains, you’re sure to enjoy the latest offering from the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR), in Garibaldi, Oregon — its official souvenir DVD. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Enjoy a Steam Train Ride Along the Spectacular Oregon Coast (MSRP $18) has a 42-minute running time, covering the trip from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back. A 1910-vintage Heisler steam locomotive hauls the train on its scenic route. Viewers will enjoy the classic scenes of Tillamook Bay, the Pacific Ocean, calm lakes and lush northwest greenery while the train gently rocks along en route from station to station. The DVD also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the OCSR shops where steam-era railroad equipment is restored, repaired and maintained for use on the tourist railroad. For more information, go online to www.trainvideosandparts.com or www.ocsr.net.

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METEOR CRATER Creating the bowl-shaped cavity found in Northern Arizona using picks and shovels would’ve taken awhile, but a meteorite made of iron and nickel blasting in from outer space accomplished the task in just seconds, forming the site that is now known as Meteor Crater. The meteorite, about 150 feet across, was traveling some 26,000 MPH when it struck the Arizona desert 50 millennia ago. The result was a crater, 4,000 feet across and 700 feet deep. Today — after an $800,000 facelift — Meteor Crater’s interpretive center, located on the crater’s rim, includes an interactive learning center, an 80-seat theater, an Astronaut Wall of Fame and four observation areas with telescopes. The monument is open daily and one-mile guided tours of the rim are available. Visiting is easy for RVers as Meteor Crater RV Park — with 71 landscaped pull-through sites — is nearby. For more information, call (800) 289-5898, or visit www.meteor crater.com. — Pamela Selbert ◆ January 2009 l

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by MARY ZALMANEK

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getaway

GET READY TO RALLY THIS YEAR’S GATHERING WILL FIND ENCHANTMENT IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

T PHOTOS: MARY ZALMANEK

he Rally, the largest RV event in the country, is a

time to renew old ties, live new experiences and gain richer knowledge of the RV lifestyle. Hosted annually by MotorHome’s parent company, Affinity Media, The Rally is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year by touching down in Albuquerque, New Mexico — a beautiful, scenic location that is rich in culture and history. New Mexico is often called the Land of Enchantment, and Albuquerque is arguably the heart of the state. Of course, the best way to explore the heart is to start at the beginning: Albuquerque’s Old Town. No trip to Albuquerque would be complete without paying a visit to Old Town, settled in 1706 near the banks of the Rio Grande. The San Felipe de Neri Above: Las Imágenes Visitors Center at Petroglyph National Monument houses interpretive exhibits and the park bookstore. Right: The world-renowned Cellicion Traditional Zuni Dancers perform the Eagle Dance at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

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ALBUQUERQUE

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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ingly crude firing method — using scrap metal, cedar kindling and dried cow chips — actually allows for better control than today’s modern kilns. This woman’s talent impressed everyone, particularly the four U.S. presidents who invited her to the White House. When you are ready to switch gears, cruise by the National Atomic Museum. The museum is getting a new name — the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History — and a new home, as it moves to a new, 30,000-square-foot facility this April, just in time to fascinate science and history buffs attending The Rally. A stroll through the facility educates visitors about the atom’s role in medicine, energy, war and peace. A Trident I fleet ballistic missile on display looms large at 34 feet long. When you think about it being launched from a 540-foot Ohio-class submarine, it’s mind-boggling. Additional exhibits explore the contributions of Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and other pioneers of science. Little Al’s Lab offers interactive activities for enquiring young minds. If you have the grandkids along, then you must visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, which traces

the state’s roots back 12 billion years to the Paleozoic period — before dinosaurs roamed the planet. The youngsters are sure to thrill at this chance to indulge their dinosaurmania. Two life-sized New Mexico dinosaurs cast in bronze, “Spike” the Pentaceratops and “Alberta” the Albertosaurus, greet visitors outside the museum’s entrance. Fast forward from when dinosaurs left tracks on Earth to when the Rover left tracks on Mars for those of you who prefer to explore the final frontier. Dr. Larry Crumpler, research curator at the museum, was selected as one of 23 scientists to work on the Mars Exploration Rover Mission. The finely detailed Rover replica is displayed in the museum’s planetarium, and is sure to inspire many a dreamer to reach for the stars. Speaking of reaching to the heavens, Albuquerque is rather well known for inspiring flights of fancy — balloon fancy, that is. The city is often referred to as the “Hot-Air Ballooning Capital of the World” because of its unique weather patterns. The influence of ballooning on the city is ever present, but never more so than in October when visitors from all over the January 2009 l

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Catholic church, built in 1793, is the oldest surviving building in Albuquerque. Distinctive, territorial-style architecture is evident in many of the authentic adobes around the plaza — some almost 300 years old. More than 150 boutiques, art galleries and souvenir stores entice serious shoppers and casual browsers alike. If you’re looking for more authentic, one-of-a-kind merchandise, check out the multicultural artists who have continued a long-standing tradition of selling their own crafts at the east end of the plaza. Cultural immersion is easy at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the official interpretive center for the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico. Each weekend Native American dancers perform in the plaza. The upscale gift shop features authentic handcrafted jewelry, pottery, baskets and flutes. Whether you are a long-time admirer of handmade Indian pottery or wonder what the fuss is about, you’ll have a better appreciation after watching the Center’s short movie about Maria Martinez. The film shows the famous potter of San Ildefonso Pueblo collecting desert sand, making clay, shaping and decorating pots, and firing them. The seem-

PHOTO: WWW.ITSATRIP.ORG

Top Left: The San Felipe de Neri Catholic church in Old Town, built in 1793, is the oldest surviving building in Albuquerque. Top Right: The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum attests to New Mexico’s favorite pastime. Below: Sandia Casino offers Las Vegas-style luxury, entertainment and fun.

ALBUQUERQUE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (800) 284-2282, www.itsatrip.org. ALBUQUERQUE KOA (800) 562-7781, www.albuquerquekoa.com. ISLETA CASINO AND RESORT RV PARK (505) 244-8102, www.isletaeagle.com/stay/rv_park.cfm. NEW MEXICO TOURISM (800) 733-6396, www.newmexico.org. Circle 210 on Reader Service Card. THE RALLY (877) 749-7122, www.therally.com.

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GET READY TO RALLY

world come to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest hot-air ballooning event. For those who are interested in the art, culture, science and history of ballooning, the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum features more than 50 gondolas, some with balloons. Many of the gondolas set records, such as the Double Eagle V, the first to cross the Pacific in 1981. Others have historic significance, like the World War I observation balloon. All of this might just inspire you to take a balloon ride of your own, and why not? Several companies offer year-round balloon rides. Many of them will pick you up for no extra charge, so you can leave the motorhome safely back at the RV park. If you do decide, however, to take the dinghy out and about, plan to stop at the 26th Gathering of Nations Powwow.

All are welcome, and more than 3,000 Native Americans from 500 tribes in the U.S. and Canada meet for the gathering each year. The powwow features native foods, ceremonial dances, dance and drum competitions, the Miss Indian World pageant, and the works of more than 800 artists on display and for sale at the Indian Traders Market. This year, the powwow meets from April 23 to 25, and will be held at the University of New Mexico Arena. Ever since Indian gaming was approved in 1988, New Mexico’s casinos have flourished. Five of the state’s 25 casinos are in the Albuquerque area. Two of the best are the Sandia and Isleta casinos. Both are complete resorts with large Las Vegas-style casinos, golf courses, spas and entertainment. If you’re feeling a little bit lucky, then be sure to squeeze in a short afternoon detour. If you’d like to visit longer, the Isleta Casino

GET YOUR KICKS AT THE RALLY 2009 Good times and family fun await you on historic Route 66 — and lead you straight to the 10th annual Rally, held this year in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hosted by MotorHome and Trailer Life magazines, Woodall’s, the Good Sam Club, Camping World President’s Club, Coast to Coast Resorts and Camp Club USA, the annual event takes place April 17-20, with early bird days April 15 and 16. Last year’s Rally was held in Perry, Georgia. This year, the biggest annual event for RV enthusiasts is slated to be even better, as we’ve chosen the ideal location in the multicultural Land of Enchantment that is New Mexico. Highlights of this year’s Rally schedule include more than 100 seminars, taught by industry experts and covering topics such as RV troubleshooting techniques, boondocking, green RVing, full-timing and much more; exhibits showcasing the latest products, services and developments for the RV community; new rigs from RV dealers around the country; entertainment featuring legendary singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka; a first-ever “Go Green” Ideas Contest and “Reality RV” event; an attempt to set a new Guinness World Neil Sedaka Record for Most People Wearing Balloon Hats and the ever-popular Rally Dog Show. This year, Rally attendees have the opportunity to participate in the Rio Grande Community Farm Volunteer Day. The Rio Grande Community Farm donates crops and produce to local schools and organizations while offering educational agricultural programs at the same time. The Rally’s Web site has more information and a sign-up form. In addition, several optional tours are available during The Rally and range from a white-water rafting excursion on the Rio Grande to a visit to Trinity Site — the location of the first atomic bomb test. Registration for two adults dry camping is $169; two adults with 30-amp electrical hookup is $349; four-day Rally Passport (full access, no camping) is $75 per person; early bird days are $15 per night dry camping for two adults, and $35 a night electrical hookups for two adults. — Denise Santoyo

also has an RV park with 50 full-hookup sites, and if gambling isn’t your thing, cast a line into one of the on-site, seasonally stocked lakes, where you can try your hand at catching rainbow trout or channel catfish. For those of you who love the great outdoors, the La Luz Trail will offer a challenge. Take the 2.7-mile Sandia Peak Tramway — the world’s longest aerial tramway — to the observation deck atop 10,378-foot Sandia Peak, where you’ll see the city of Albuquerque laid out in the Rio Grande Valley. Then, if you’re energetic and have sturdy knees, hike back down the trail, but be warned: This popular trail drops 3,775 feet over 8 miles. Be sure to check out the weather and trail conditions before you set out. If a less strenuous hike is more your style, the Rio Grande Nature Center has a selection of blissfully flat trails, and there are several other hikes of varying lengths in nearby Petroglyph National Monument. The park’s estimated 20,000 carved images will ensure a unique hiking experience. You’ll want to be sure to bring along your bicycles when you pack up the motorhome, as Albuquerque was named 2006’s “third-best place to bike in the U.S.” by Bicycling magazine. And a bicycle offers an excellent means of alternative transportation, especially when camping. Luckily you’ll never run out of scenery to enjoy while you pedal. The 15-mile Paseo del Bosque trail offers an easy ride though the forested area along the Rio Grande. Golf courses and wineries seem to go together naturally, and New Mexico is no exception. In fact, the oldest wine-producing region in the U.S. isn’t Napa or Sonoma valleys, it’s New Mexico. In the early 1500s, the first Spanish settlers planted their European grapes in the fertile Rio Grande Valley. Today there are around 20 wineries in the state, including those in or near Albuquerque. Last but not least, live theater is thriving in Albuquerque, with the Albuquerque Little Theatre, which maintains a full schedule throughout the year. Take a break from The Rally to catch a show; if you have the kids with you, treat them to a showing of “The Three Señorita Pigletitas Y el Diablo the Wolf.” This enchanting retelling of a classic fairy tale runs April 17 to May 3. With all there is to see and do, you may want to plan an extra-long stay this year when The Rally comes to Albuquerque. ◆

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Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, off-season for unfettered access to some of the finest links in the country by RON DALBY

few years ago my doctor said I needed to walk more, and suggested I consider golf. I scoffed at this and threw out a remark about golf being an utter waste of 150 acres of perfectly good pasture. A couple of weeks later my daughter, obviously in cahoots with the doctor, presented me with a set of golf clubs, and my wife, Jennifer, said I could play as much golf as I wanted, so long as I walked the course. Well, Jennifer and I became fulltimers, and my golf clubs became permanent fixtures in our motorhome. Our first winter on the road, we made our way to the RVers’ Mecca for golf — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Most people visit Myrtle Beach in the summer for the swimming, the beach and the spectacular golf. All those things are available in the winter, too. However, unless you’re a real glutton for punishment, the swimming is pretty much out — but the beach is deserted and suitable for long walks and virtually all of the golf courses are open … with no crowds. You can literally choose from more than 100 first-class golf courses starting near the North Carolina border a few miles north of town and running south for quite a few miles. Pick one, walk into the pro shop unannounced, pay a very reasonable green fee that usually includes a cart, and tee off a few minutes later. I calculated that we could play a

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different golf course every day for more than two months, all within a halfhour’s drive of where we were camped. The fellow in the rig next to us was doing exactly that; he was from Ontario, Canada, and came to Myrtle Beach every winter just to play golf. Besides the golf courses, there are more than 7,000 camping sites in the area and the RV parks and campgrounds are open year-round. Combine that with the fact that Myrtle Beach is not overwhelmed with snowbirds like places farther south, and finding space is not the problem it can be in the summer months. Winter weather ranges from a light frost on some clear mornings to daytime highs around 65˚F in January and February. Thus, it was one fine February day that found us riding over the Intracoastal Waterway in a cable car to Waterway Hills, the course closest to where we were camped at Briarcliffe RV Resort. This is a 27-hole beauty (with no road access) across the water from the Strand. For those who have never been to Myrtle Beach, the Strand is a sandbar many miles long with the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the west side. Most of the action in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach is on the Strand along U.S. Highway 17 — take 17 Business, not the bypass. I probably should have first spent some time on the driving range for a bit of a tune-up but, in the bright,

The Myrtle Beach area is renowned for its more than 50 miniature golf courses. January 2009 l

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We found River Hills Golf and Country Club in North Myrtle Beach to be both beautiful and affordable.

WINTER

PHOTOS: RON DALBY; MYRTLE BEACH CVB; COURTESY OF RIVER HILLS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

GREENS

Mild winter temperatures ensure a perfect day of golf at Robert Trent Jones-designed Waterway Hills.

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60-degree sunshine the golf bug could not be ignored. Despite some misbehaving golf balls, I had an enjoyable time on the course, and none of my clubs wound up in a water hazard. Campgrounds and RV parks are open year-round, making Myrtle Beach a perfect RVers’ destination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION BRIARCLIFFE RV RESORT (843) 272-2730, www.briarcliffervresort.com. MYRTLE BEACH CVB (800) 356-3016, www.myrtlebeachinfo.com. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (877) 332-2662, www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com. RIVER HILLS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB (800) 264-3810, www.riverhillsgolf.com. SOUTH CAROLINA TOURISM (866) 224-9339, www.discoversouthcarolina.com. Circle 211 on Reader Service Card. WATERWAY HILLS GOLF CLUB (843) 449-6488, www.mbn.com/courses/waterway-hills.

MYRTLE BEACH

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PUTTING PRACTICE “Drive for show, putt for dough,” is an age-old golf adage, and driving along Highway 17 Business, we found the perfect place to practice putting — dozens of them, in fact. There are more than 50 miniature golf courses, some of them quite elaborate, in the Myrtle Beach area, dotting the length of the Strand. About half of the courses are open in the winter months, though some are only open on weekends. You can putt through a pirate’s cove, a Hawaiian volcano, a medieval castle and even a jungle full of crashed airplanes, all with sound effects, waterfalls, and mountains belching smoke and fire. We started at Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf. Thanks to my superior play, including three deftly played holes-in-one, I was able to come in at one under par for the 18-hole course, while Jennifer had to be satisfied shooting two over par with but a single ace. Having gotten this one under our belts with fairly good scores, we decided we were ready for the big time and headed over to Hawaiian Rumble Golf, home of the Masters National Championship as sponsored every October by the U.S. ProMiniGolf Association. Pro mini-golfers from all over the world flock to Myrtle Beach every fall to participate in this tournament, though anyone can enter. All you have to do is pony up an entrance fee of $115 along with an extra $15 for the banquet at the end of the tournament. Your entrance fee gets you a baker’s dozen games of miniature golf on the Hawaiian Rumble course, including a couple of practice rounds. If you get there early, you can buy extra practice rounds, and practice you should.

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CHEAP GOLF Once we had improved our putting, it was time to tackle a real golf course again. This time we set out to play the least expensive course we could find, in this case the River Hills Golf and Country Club near North Myrtle Beach. There are lots of water hazards on this course, but the staff assured us that the alligators and snakes were still in hibernation and there was nothing to fear from the local wildlife. This 18-hole, beautifully manicured course illustrates how affordable winter golf can be in Myrtle Beach, and as a bonus, we had the whole place to ourselves. Of the 100 or so courses we considered, we found this one to be the most reasonably priced, though even the more expensive courses were affordable due to off-season pricing. Prices will be somewhat higher in the busy season and tee times are almost always required in advance during the summer. However, there are all kinds of ways to make golf more affordable any time of the year. Coupon books abound, usually offering from $1 to $5 off per person per round. Another way to cut costs is to join the Grand Strand Golf Association (www.grandstrand golfassociation.com) for $49 a year. Besides discounts on green fees, membership also provides local restaurant discounts. The local veterans’ organization also sells a golf coupon book offering discounts from one end of the Strand to the other. Just about any visitor brochure you pick up will have some kind of coupon or offer to help make golf a little more affordable. The discount coupon books also have coupons for many of the miniature golf courses. For face-to-face help in choosing a real golf course, visit one of the two or three major golf-equipment distributors along the Strand. These are huge stores easily spotted from the road. Inside the front doors are kiosks staffed by people whose job it is to get you on one of the golf courses at the best possible price. As a final note, if you want a witness for a hole-in-one on a real golf course, you’ll probably have to bring him or her along with you. There are so few people on these golf courses at this time of the year that an ace may not be noticed by anyone except the golfer who hit it. And we all know it doesn’t count unless you can produce a witness. ◆ January 2009 l

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Dynamax – We’re Performance Driven.

DynaQuest XL From 32’ to 38’

The obvious choice of the well informed. DynaQuest ST From 27’ to 30’

Enjoying the drive is as important as reaching the destination. Dynamax’s signature curved design handles cleanly, cutting cross winds for a smoother, more stable and aerodynamic ride. We start with a commercial grade chassis designed to exceed the comfort and safety demands of professional drivers. Engine access is just under the hood, outside the coach – so service is a breeze. Dynamax offers up to 5 feet of metal in front, providing a crush zone for added protection. The result...total engineering synergy from one end to the other, mile after mile, year after year. At the end of the day when the driving’s done, its time to unwind in first-class style. Dynamax’s elegant coach surrounds you in the lap of luxury with standout amenities that are second to none.

Isata E-Series

Isata F-Series

Grand Sport GT

Grand Sport Ultra

From 24’ to 28’

From 27’ to 31’

From 34’ to 45’

From 40’ to 45’

Call Dynamax today at 888.295.7859, to experience the drive for yourself, or visit us at: www.dynamaxcorp.com. Dynamax Corporation, Circle 117 on Reader Service Card

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Bella Terra Resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama

ANOTHER DAY IN

PARADISE The Great Outdoors RV Resort in Titusville, Florida

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MORE AND MORE RVERS ARE SPLITTING THEIR TIME BETWEEN SUN BELT PARKS AND RV RESORTS IN THE NORTHERN STATES by JEFF CRIDER

Signature Resort in Bay Harbor, Michigan

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ine years ago, Larry Johns bought a used 43-foot

Blue Bird motorhome and took what he thought would be a six-month hiatus from his job running an aircraft insurance agency while he toured the United States with his wife, Madge. “For five years, we never went back,” Johns told MotorHome. “We kept traveling.” Johns kept his job as chairman of Waterford, Michigan-based LL Johns & Associates, but he and his wife still spend most of their time traveling and visiting friends and family in their latest RV, a 45-foot Liberty Coach converted Prevost. They recently purchased a campsite at the Hearthside Grove, a new motor coach resort in Petoskey, Michigan, where they spent last summer. They also own a park model at the Petoskey KOA, which Johns uses as a satellite office, plus another RV site at Pelican Lake Motor Coach Resort in Naples, Florida, where they usually spend the winter. But while the Johns’ lifestyle may sound luxurious, given the locations where they own RV sites, the concept of splitting the year between RV resorts in vacation destinations is actually an affordable option for retirees and semiretirees alike. This is particularly true when one con-

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Desert Shores Motor Coach Resort, Indio, California

siders the property tax and insurance costs associated with owning a site-built home or condo, says Eduard Mayer, CEO of Salt Springs, Florida-based Elite Resorts of America, which has five own-your-site RV resorts in various stages of development in Florida. “Here in Florida,” Mayer explains, “condos have skyrocketing property taxes and insurance costs and maintenance fees. It’s not uncommon for condo owners in some areas to pay close to $1,000 a month in association fees. We charge $100 a month in association fees.” The cost of insuring an RV also pales in comparison to the cost of insuring a site-built home or condo, particularly in hurricane-prone areas. And many RVers are finding that it’s quite possible to spend their summers traveling or staying in RV resorts close to family and friends while they spend their winters basking in RV resorts in the Sun Belt. RV sites typically range from a starting price of $30,000 at Wilderness RV Park Estates in Silver Springs, Florida, to a range of $200,000 to $500,000 or more in the most upscale resorts, such as Pelican Lake Motor Coach Resort, Desert Shores Motor Coach Resort, and some of the newer resorts developed by Bermuda Dunes, Californiabased Outdoor Resorts of America Inc. While most upscale resorts, including those operated by Outdoor Resorts of America, limit their membership to owners of the larger Class A motorhomes, RV resorts that sell their sites are increasingly making them available to owners of every type of RV — including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and park models. Marion Steinbrenner, a retired teacher, sold her house on Cape Cod and used some of the proceeds to purchase

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PHOTO: RICH COX PHOTOGRAPHY

Petoskey KOA RV & Cabin Resort, Michigan

Outdoor Resorts of America Rancho California RV Resort

a park model at Peters Pond RV Resort in Sandwich, which is close to where she owned her home. She also bought an RV site in North Fort Myers, Florida, where she keeps an RV for use during the winter months. Splitting her time between RV resorts enables Steinbrenner to enjoy the company of family and friends in some of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. This approach also makes sense for her financially, she says, because it allows her to retain some of her equity for other uses during her retirement years while still enabling her to keep her living expenses to a minimum. Steinbrenner says lease fees for RV and park model sites at Peters Pond range from $3,000 to $6,000 per year, and include all utilities except for phone service and LPgas. Peters Pond is owned and operated by Queensbury, New York-based Morgan RV Resorts, which has more than 37 private resorts east of the Rocky Mountains. Of course, the relative affordability of RV resorts makes them enticing winter destinations for RVers who still own homes in the colder areas of North America. Gail and Bob Griffiths spend the summer months at their home in Wisconsin and winters at Sun-N-Fun RV Resort in Sarasota, Florida, where they spend $4,000 to $5,000 per season for a full-service RV site for their 40-foot Winnebago Adventurer. The $4,000 to $5,000 figure includes water, sewer and cable TV hookups, plus electrical charges, which amount to about $70 per month. The only other cost they have is for food and insurance. “It’s just the neatest place to be,” Griffiths says of the resort, adding that Sun-N-Fun has numerous activities and classes — including classes on computers, digital photogJanuary 2009 l

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raphy, painting, bridge, woodworking and other crafts. “We went to Florida thinking we would look for a condo or gated community,” Griffiths explains. “But friends told us that condos don’t have the activities that RV resorts do.” Activities are a key focus of many RV resorts that cater to retirees, including parks owned and operated by Chicago-based Equity LifeStyle Properties (ELS). “Nobody can humanly do all of the activities that we offer in a day,” comments Linda Loner, a regional vice president for ELS, which has a controlling interest in more than 300 resorts in 28 states, including the resorts used by the Thousand Trails membership camping club. ELS owns and operates several of the largest and bestknown Sun Belt resorts, including Voyager RV Resort in Tucson, Arizona, and Sunshine Key RV Resort in the Florida Keys, one of nearly 30 ELS parks in the Sunshine State. ELS also owns and operates eight parks in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley alone. “There’s something for everybody,” Loner says. “Computer clubs, dance areas, swimming, silversmithing, bird watching. Bird watching is huge in the Rio Grande Valley.” Loner adds, “If our customers owned a condo, they’d most likely pay more and they wouldn’t have all the activities offered at our resorts.” ELS parks, she continues, not only offer RVers sites for their rigs, but additional dwellings, such as park models (resort cottages) and manufactured homes. Other independent resorts also offer a wide range

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Cane Creek Motor Coach Resort, Cross Hill, South Carolina Hearthside Grove RV Resort, Petoskey, Michigan

_________ _________________

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ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

of options for RV enthusiasts who are seeking either temporary or permanent accommodations. The Great Outdoors RV Resort in Titusville, Florida, for example, offers everything from RV sites to park models and various types of permanent homes, including homes with built-in RV ports and garages. The RV sites start at $62,000, while the park models typically range from $120,000 to $130,000, including the sites, said Judy Willeke, director of sales for TGO Realty Inc., which markets sites at the resort. Vacation home sites start in the high $90,000s, with the homes themselves selling in the $200,000 and $300,000 range and higher, according to listings on The Great Outdoors Web site. But while there are many resorts that offer a broad range of RV, park model and vacation home options, developers also continue to build high-end resorts that cater exclusively to high-end motorcoach owners. Bella Terra, a new luxury RV resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama, opened in late 2008 as the first of a series of three to five upscale RV resorts that will be built in the next

Equity LifeStyle Properties’ Sunshine Key RV Resort in the Florida Keys

36 to 48 months, said Tripp Keber, executive vice president of Denver, Coloradobased Sagebrush Realty Development LLC, which is developing the Bella Terra chain. The 40-acre Gulf Shores resort, located roughly 25 miles west of Pensacola, Florida, includes 176 deeded oversize lots with concrete pads and built-in patios, which range from $85,000 to $150,000. All sites feature electric, water, sewer, cable TV and Internet access as well as several amenity upgrade options, including customized outdoor kitchens and barbecues, a storage house with restroom and laundry options

and built-in outdoor entertainment centers. Two upscale RV resorts developed by Monaco Coach Corporation’s Signature Resorts subsidiary also opened in late 2008: the 125-site Motorcoach Resort at Bay Harbor, Michigan, and the 184-site Naples Motorcoach Resort in Florida. RV sites at the Bay Harbor resort were being marketed at prices ranging from $129,000 to $219,000, while sites at the Naples park were listed at $200,000 to $350,000. Randall Henderson, Signature Resorts’ president, said the company is continuing to build upscale resorts because today’s

Dometic Corporation has voluntarily extended the two-door refrigerator recall started in August 2006 by recalling additional refrigerators as part of a continual commitment to maintaining a high level of satisfaction and excellence now and in the future.

Previous Recall Announcement This recall affects Dometic two-door refrigerators manufactured between April 1997 and May 2003.

Current Recall Announcement This recall affects Dometic two-door refrigerators manufactured between June 2003 and September 2006. The well-being of Dometic customers is of highest concern. A serious problem resulting in a fire may occur in an exceptionally small fraction of Dometic two-door refrigerators, but to address that potential risk, please contact us immediately for more information. RECALL O6E-076, 08E-032

www.Dometic.com/Recall Recall Hotline: 1-888-446-5157 32

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Since 1970

Your Class B Van Superstore ROADTREK 210 Wide-Body RS Adventurous w/Mercedes Benz Turbo Diesel

ROADTREK 170 & 190 Popular 190 Versatile

Van City RV Sales, Circle 103 on Reader Service Card

PLEASURE-WAY Ford Excel Wide-Body

PLEASURE-WAY Chevy Lexor

LEISU TRAVEL RE VAN

MERCEDES BENZ TURBO DIESEL Free Spirit by Leisure Travel Van Plateau by Pleasure-Way Vista Cruiser by Gulf Stream

22 MPG

1-800-467-3905 ST. LOUIS, MO WWW.VANCITYRV.COM ______________________

BELLA TERRA RESORT (866) 417-2416, www.bellaterrarvresort.com. Circle 212 on Reader Service Card. CANE CREEK MOTORCOACH RESORT (864) 992-3911, www.canecreekresort.com. Circle 213 on Reader Service Card. DESERT SHORES MOTOR COACH RESORT (760) 775-9808, www.desertshoresresort.com. Circle 214 on Reader Service Card. ELITE RESORTS OF AMERICA (800) 356-2460, www.eliteresorts.com. EQUITY LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES (800) 274-7314, www.mhchomes.com. Circle 215 on Reader Service Card. HEARTHSIDE GROVE RV RESORT (888) GROVE-88, www.hearthsidegrove.com. Circle 216 on Reader Service Card. MORGAN RV RESORTS (518) 615-0552, www.morganrvresorts.com. OUTDOOR RESORTS OF AMERICA (800) 541-2582, www.outdoor-resorts.com. Circle 217 on Reader Service Card. PELICAN LAKE MOTOR COACH RESORT (800) 835-4389, www.pelicanlake.com. Circle 218 on Reader Service Card. PETOSKEY KOA RV & CABIN RESORT (231) 347-0005, www.petoskeykoa.com. Circle 219 on Reader Service Card. SIGNATURE RESORTS (866) 897-9300, (888) 277-0789, www.signaturervresorts.com. Circle 220 on Reader Service Card. SUN-N-FUN RV RESORT (800) 843-2421, www.sunnfunfl.com. THE GREAT OUTDOORS (800) 621-2267, www.tgoresort.com. Circle 221 on Reader Service Card. VOYAGER RV RESORT (800) 424-9191, www.voyagerrv.com. Circle 222 on Reader Service Card.

Newell Coach

Country Coach

Dynamax Grand Sport

Renegade Motorhome & Toters

Dynamax DynaQuest

Holland Motorhomes, Circle 130 on Reader Service Card

RVers continue to demand higher quality parks. “The new owners are far more discerning, more demanding,” he said. “They want better accommodations, better amenities, better service, all of which we realize we’d better be prepared to provide.” Monaco Coach Corporation formed Nashville, Tennessee-based Signature Resorts in early 2008 to oversee development of upscale RV resorts across the country that both sell and rent RV sites. Signature’s other properties include the Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort and the Motorcoach Country Club in Indio, California. Meanwhile, Cane Creek Motorcoach Resort, a new 84-space RV resort in Cross Hill, South Carolina, is selling RV sites from $79,000 to $119,000, says Dan Greis, a full-time RV enthusiast and real estate agent for Cane Creek who splits his time between South Carolina and Frostproof, Florida, where he owns another RV site. Cane Creek charges a monthly maintenance fee of $135. “We’re seeing more people do this, splitting their time between resorts,” Greis remarks. “It’s a nice way to live.” ◆

Pleasure-Way

Airstream Interstate For the Best Value Call: 1-800-221-7197 - MI Website: www.holland-motorhomes.com Holland MI 49423

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walk-through

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by FRED PAUSCH

DYNAQUEST 360XL

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hinking of downsizing from a tag axle motorhome

or upgrading to your dream coach? Dynamax’s DynaQuest XL line offers five floorplans ranging from 32 to 39 feet in length, with the DQ360XL falling squarely in the middle of the pack. Built on the Freightliner M2 chassis, the 360XL offers all the comforts of home and the ability to bring along any toy, dinghy or rolling garage, thanks to a 15,000-pound towing capacity and the optional 20,000-pound hitch receiver. Grinding up long stretches of mountain passes will likely become a distant memory courtesy of the 1,000 LB-FT of torque supplied by the 330-HP clean burner Cummins that mates with the venerable Allison TRV six-speed push-button transmission for precise and predictable control. A well-appointed and intimate cockpit is comfortably accessed by a no-duck roof cutout protected by a hidden steel arch, making even the tallest driver appreciate the thoughtful touches that include tilt and telescoping steering and combined service monitors. Safety is also enhanced with conventional cab side doors and steps, providing three methods of access. The familiar front-tilt, sloped nose provides

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open and easy access to the diesel engine, which will be appreciated by your mechanic. Outstanding vision to the road is enhanced by the standard rear- and optional sidemounted cameras. These features in combination with the multiband AM/FM/CD/Weather Band and optional CB radio and navigation systems should make it a big hit among drivers looking forward to very comfortable driving stints in the swiveling, fully adjustable captain’s chairs that provide additional cabin seating. To further enhance your surroundings, Dynamax ignores convention by offering no less than five décor groupings — three woods and five exterior paint schemes — to choose from, allowing mix-and-match decorating from the offerings that will surely satisfy even the most demanding enthusiast. AV features include the use of the Bose surround-sound system for both sat-ready 19-inch and 26-inch LCD TVs and theater lighting ambience — courtesy of the Intellitec multiplex lighting system — that can be controlled from five convenient interior locations and also allows users to shut off all 12-volt DC use with one-button convenience. Dynamax places the dual-burner cooktop and aboverange convection/microwave in the large streetside hydraulic slide, shared by the leather sofa bed, allowing multiple chefs to take advantage of the extended width of the coach to serve the curbside booth-style dinette. Next to the dinette, a 12cubic-foot stainless-steel refrigerator and roll-out pantry complete the galley layout. Spills are no problem on the Corian countertops and beautiful ceramic tile floors (optional) throughout the food service and bath areas, and sculptured carpeting creates an invisible transition into the living and bedroom areas. Numerous large and small interior storage January 2009 l

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Dynamax’s dual-slide touring cruiser offers understated luxury in a smaller package

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S CHASSIS: FREIGHTLINER M2

cabinets have been designed into the DynaQuest’s floorplans, resulting in excellent fit and finish and very little wasted space to be found anywhere in this coach. This year, Dynamax has rotated the pedestal bed 90 degrees and placed it into the rear slide, with sidelights creating additional and convenient access to large double wardrobes, drawers and TV viewing. A third wardrobe in the bath area is plumbed for a washer/dryer combo. Attention to detail and craftsmanship are immediately evident throughout this coach with tight-seamed wood trim and robust cabinetry, eliminating the need for vinyl gimp piping or other seam-hiding materials. Breaking camp is as easy as retracting the semi-auto fourpoint hydraulic levelers and the powered hose and cord reels while loading remaining camp gear through the many newly redesigned exterior aluminumskinned doors. Thanks to the forward engine placement, a spacious full-width lighted rear “trunk” accommodates odd-size items. Dynamax has created a highend, easy-to-use, feature-rich coach with a shopping list of features that’s hard to beat. ◆

ENGINE: CUMMINS ISC 8.3-L, 330 HP WHEELBASE: 247" EXT LENGTH: 36' 1" EXT WIDTH: 8' 5"

FRESHWATER CAP: 90 GAL GRAY-WATER CAP: 44 GAL BLACK-WATER CAP: 44 GAL LP-GAS CAP: 20.3 GAL GVWR: 33,000 LBS MSRP: $301,500

EXT HEIGHT: 11' 11"

DYNAMAX CORPORATION, (888) 295-7859, WWW.DYNAMAXCORP.COM. ____________ CIRCLE 223 ON READER SERVICE CARD.

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Ponderosa pines and the whispering of their boughs in a soft afternoon breeze are among the sights, smells and sounds of my boondocking memories. They stay with me long after I have left, and serve as constant and pleasurable reminders of why I love the RV lifestyle — and boondocking on our nation’s public lands. What better way to explore the country’s open lands and scenic vistas; desert backroads and the forest primeval; and lake, river, and bay shorelines than in the comfort of a motorhome, complete with indoor plumbing, grid-free electricity, ample cooking facilities and a comfortable, dry bed?

LIVING OFF THE GRID Motorhome manufacturers have included all the systems, appliances, gizmos and doodads that enable us to vacation in style. But they also allow us to live off the grid and be self-sufficient in our RVs — to boondock. In a general sense, boondocking is simply camping without water, sewer and electrical hookups. It is also sometimes called dry camping. In more specific terms, boondocking usually refers to camping in a remote area, rather than in a no-hookup campground (such as a national park or forest) or in a Wal-Mart parking lot, Flying J truck stop, or rest area while traveling. Boondocking requires a dependence on your motorhome’s on-board systems. After you have learned how to maximize the fresh water, wastewater, and electrical systems, you will have conquered the barriers to boondocking. Success in mastering these systems will start a chain reaction of positive benefits. By reducing your water use, it takes longer to fill up your wastewater tanks. By turning off lights and limiting use of electrical appliances, the electrical power in your batteries will last longer. Overall, it’s a win-win scenario. Many of the following tips for achieving these goals are simply a matter of adapting or changing alreadyexisting habits. Once you give it a try, you might be surprised at how easy boondocking really is. DRINKING-WATER TIPS • Run the water faucet only when wetting or rinsing while washing dishes and hands, or when showering. • Wipe food from plates and utensils with a paper towel (post-consumer recycled towel, of course) before washing, reducing wash water and rinse water usage. • Carry drinking water and a back-up water supply in gallon jugs, jerry jugs, or collapsible bladders (available

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BOONDOCKING

he sight of grazing elk, the faint vanilla smell of

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at Camping World). Dump the back-up supply into your water tank as supply diminishes. WASTEWATER-TANK TIPS • Be miserly in your use of water so the waste tanks take longer to fill before requiring dumping. • While waiting for the shower water to get hot, save the cold water in a plastic dishpan and use for rinsing dishes. • If you partially fill the black and gray tanks en route to your destination, empty them at a public dump station before you reach camp. Top off the fresh water as well. • The black tank will take longer to fill than the graywater tank, so limiting filling of the gray-water tank takes precedence. • When your black tank fills up, the only option is to find a dump station if you’re not using a portable “blue” tank. Maximize your visit by filling up your freshwater tanks while you’re there, as long as the water is potable. ELECTRICAL TIPS • Turn off lights, TVs and radios when not in use. Follow the sun’s schedule for rising and sleeping to minimize the use of lights. • Use rechargeable battery-operated reading lights for reading in bed, and for flashlights and lanterns outside. Keep a supply of extra batteries on hand. • Read your house battery’s state-of-charge with a voltmeter from an auto supply store or RadioShack (12.6+ volts = fully charged, 11.6 volts = discharged. Recharge your batteries at or before reaching 80 percent discharged, or 11.8 volts, for better battery life). • Run your AC generator to operate high-amperage appliances (use only those that run for brief periods, such as a microwave and blender), and group their use when possible — i.e. microwave while showering, wash dishes while showering, use the coffeemaker while running the furnace on chilly mornings — to minimize electricity pulled from storage batteries and reduce AC generator run time. Reduce AC generator time by running the air-conditioner as little as possible. • An inverter is a device that changes DC (12-volt) battery power into AC (120-volt) power so that you can plug in small 120-volt AC appliances while operating on battery power. Remember that AC appliances pull 10 times as much power as DC out of your batteries, so use AC devices conservatively. • Install additional or upgraded (such as six-volt golf cart) house batteries to increase your storage capacity of electricity. January 2009 l

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PHOTOS: BOB DIFLEY

BASICS

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A beginner’s guide to camping on America’s public lands by BOB DIFLEY

There are lots of dry-camping sites along Highway 1 on the Northern California coast.

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Many non-hookup campgrounds in national parks have more space around them and are in more scenic locations, such as this one in Joshua Tree National Park in the California desert.

Solar panels installed on top of the motorhome can help to charge house batteries while boondocking.

• Install solar panels or a wind generator to recharge your house batteries with free electricity. Even on cloudy days solar panels will still charge your battery bank, though not at peak power when under direct sun. Because energy needs vary, contact a solar company with experience in RV installations, like AM Solar (www.amsolar.com), that can analyze your motorhome lifestyle and suggest a system to fit your needs.

ence, the next step is to look for what the NFS and BLM refer to as “dispersed” camping. These can be designated as dispersed camping areas, or they may simply be an open patch of space anywhere large enough for a campsite, set back from a paved or unpaved forest or desert road. You are permitted by law to camp anywhere in a national forest or on BLM land so long as you do not block any roads, there is an ample camping spot (don’t drive over existing foliage), and there are no signs prohibiting camping. These dispersed campsites are the hardest to find, and sometimes the most rewarding, and can be the essence of the boondocking experience. There won’t be any signs pointing to dispersed campsites and very few will be indicated on maps. In some cases, finding a great site is simply a matter of looking at a map and heading to a remote spot. The DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer state map series includes wonderfully detailed maps. Looking for the smaller roads that lead to remote lakefront spots, riverside locations and the like can also clue you in to some terrific campsites. Eventually you’ll accumulate your own collection of boondocking sites, but you have to begin somewhere. A good starting point is to visit the public lands office (NFS, BLM, etc.) in the area where you wish to camp. The office staff will be able to provide you with locations and maps to the district’s developed campgrounds and, if you get lucky, a couple of designated dispersed camping areas as well. If you get even luckier, a ranger who actually patrols the district will be available — this is the

GETTING STARTED The easiest transition into boondocking is to try dry-camping in a non-hookup (primitive) campground (such as in a national park or national forest), but one with a drinking water supply and dump station readily available. Then, if you underestimate your water usage or the rate at which your holding tanks fill up, you won’t have to drive far to dump and fill. And if you have any problems or questions, you will still have neighbors on whom you can rely. Once you adjust to using your on-board systems, it’s time to take the plunge and venture out into the world of boondocking. FINDING BOONDOCKING SPOTS There are far more primitive public lands campgrounds administered by federal agencies such as the National Forest Service (NFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), Bureau of Reclamation, Public Utilities, State Forests and the National Park Service (NPS) than you could possibly visit in your lifetime. You may find that many public lands-developed campgrounds are perfect for your personal boondocking en-

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Sun showers heat the water inside with direct sunlight and can be hung from a tree when showering at an isolated campsite, which saves energy and doesn’t fill up the holding tank. Shower enclosures are available for more privacy.

joyment, and you need not venture farther into the backcountry. Most of these campsites are spaced farther apart than they would be in private campgrounds, usually have some trees or bushes surrounding the sites for privacy and are less crowded than state parks or those with hookups. Though not free, as more remote, undesignated boondocking campsites usually are, rates are considerably lower than developed campgrounds, and they are often quite scenic and remote. If you are age 62 or older you are eligible to purchase a lifetime “America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass — Senior Pass,” which provides a 50 percent discount on camping fees on public lands. If, however, you want even more privacy, solitude and a remote nature experi-

January 2009 l

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KS, NO MORE LEA ING, LK NO MORE CAU …EVER! We are all aware of the expensive problems a leaky roof can cause. With over 20 years of experience in RV roof repair, we have the products to solve your roofing needs. Our High Density Acrylic Roof Coating will permanently bond to any surface - rubber, fiberglass, or metal - forming a totally seamless roof.

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BOONDOCKING BASICS

person you want to talk to. Rangers can answer specific questions, like “Can I get into this dispersed camping area with my motorhome?” and “Where can I find a private dispersed campsite without other campers?” as well as any other questions that define your camping requirements. With this information you can find a suitable developed campground or dispersed campsite to spend the night. Then go exploring. If you have a dinghy vehicle, drive a couple miles down the road searching for additional campsites. If you find one you like better, go back and retrieve your motorhome and move it to the new site. While driving back to your rig, check that you can return safely to the site with your coach: look for muffler-crunching rocks, low hanging branches and tight turns. If you don’t have a dinghy vehicle, be careful not to get yourself into a difficult situation. Scout unpaved roads and potential campsites to determine whether you can continue safely as well as turn around. Owning a large rig does limit the places you can fit into. As in life, be respectful of others’ privacy when boondocking by camping far enough away from others so that you don’t disturb their camping experience (camping too close when more distant, desirable spots are available is sometimes known as “clustering”). Also, limit your generator use to only when necessary and pick up all unnatural matter (trash) from your campsite before you leave — even if you didn’t deposit it there. As stated in the “boondocker’s motto,” Leave No Trace is always a good camping rule to follow. ◆

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Chargers for the RV industry Visit your local dealer or call 877-456-7901 www.batterytender.com

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html. (Click on Programs, then choose Recreation) DE LORME ATLAS & GAZETTEER (800) 561-5105, www.delorme.com. NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/ finder.shtml. ________ (Click on a forest, then choose Recreational Activities) U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/ visitors/visitors.cfm. _____________

Deltran, Circle 128 on Reader Service Card

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walk-through

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by JEFF JOHNSTON

ALLEGRO BUS 36 QSP

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t’s hard to picture a 36-foot Class A diesel-pusher

as being downsized, but that’s the case with the new 36 QSP Allegro Bus from Tiffin Motorhomes. The 2009 36 QSP, apart from being the smallest model in the Allegro Bus lineup, is also the company’s first quad-slide coach of this size. An experienced eye can tell this is a shorter-than-40-foot coach, and it’s impressive and has the usual Tiffin sense of style. Bold graphics and glossy paint plus tasteful details make this coach a real head-turner. Power awnings with sleek metal wrappers help keep the exterior clutter-free. The swingout access doors make it even easier to reach the capacious pass-through storage bay areas, one of which includes an optional slide-out tray ($700) that’s a real back saver. One compartment includes the optional exterior 32-inch LCD highdefinition TV ($1,540) for campsite entertainment. The company’s proprietary Powerglide chassis with full air suspension plus independent front suspension is standard for this motorhome, as are the Cummins 425-HP ISL engine, Allison transmission and ABS-equipped front disc and rear drum brakes. The interior space doesn’t reflect the unit’s smallestin-its-class size. Two spacious slideouts up front bring wideopen space to the forward living room, kitchen and dining area. To the rear, the bedroom’s pair of slideouts add walking and dressing space, and the bath with its streetside toilet and vanity enclosure opposing the curbside shower is conveniently close to the master suite. Clear instruments and well-planned controls should help

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the driver enjoy the ride. Adjustable pedals allow for leg and height variations. Visibility is terrific up front, and side-view cameras that help with safe lane changes augment the standard rear-view monitor. This coach’s little touches, like the control switches angled toward the driver for better visibility, make a difference. The optional power drop-down sunshades ($980) are a feature we’ve come to appreciate after time on the road with such equipment. Natural Cherry cabinets, tan ceramic-tiled floor, and grey-shaded upholstery of the Nile color scheme made up the interior décor for the coach we toured, shaping a visually harmonious interior that’s opulent but not extravagant. In addition to the cabinets being an interesting midtone color, the company added distinctive wood accents made of a lighter shade of the same lumber. That little detail really makes the woodwork visually stand out. Ultraleather fabric on the front buckets, the optional streetside sofa bed ($1,680) and the curbside sofa bed is both practical and elegant. The optional glazed hutch ($560) abuts the aft end of the big slideout. Finished in a black lacquer-like shade, the hutch also contains the main TV, and with its black-framed screen, it blends right in with the cabinets. We really appreciate the kitchen with its massive microwave/convention oven, gracefully curved-front solidsurface countertop with recessed stovetop and generous storage cabinets close by. The double-bowl stainless-steel sink with residential-type faucet adds to the kitchen’s practical side. Notable options that boost the comfort factor include January 2009 l

PHOTOS: JEFF JOHNSTON

It’s a smaller package that offers big features

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S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

the drawer-type dishwasher ($1,260) and residential refrigerator package that includes a 3kW inverter and two additional house batteries ($1,680). A sensibly sized dinette table that expands when needed is standard and its versatility is broadened with the optional computer workstation ($1,050). This is the floorplan for those who prefer a privatetoilet-enclosure style of bathroom. The space includes a nice-sized vanity sink and roomy cabinet storage. The busy curbside bedroom wall includes a small slideout with dresser below and 26-inch LCD TV and cabinet above, plus a corner sink and cabinet with mirror on the fixed wall portion. The floor space in the area makes this a good-looking dressing room. An optional queensize memory foam mattress ($280) adds comfort to an already gracious bedroom. Reading lamps and small nightstand surfaces provide bedside convenience. Tiffin has built a reputation as a manufacturer that cares about its clients and the quality of its motorhomes. With an excellent customer service reputation, many Tiffin customers keep coming back when it’s time to buy, and the new 36 QSP is a great option for both first-time buyers and those trading up to a new size and style. ◆

CHASSIS: POWERGLIDE

FRESHWATER CAP: 90 GAL

ENGINE: CUMMINS

BLACK-WATER CAP: 55 GAL

ISL 8.3-L, 425 HP WHEELBASE: 238" EXT LENGTH: 36' 11" EXT WIDTH: 8' 5"

GRAY-WATER CAP: 66 GAL LP-GAS CAP: 35 GAL GVWR: 36,600 LBS MSRP: $272,510 (BASE)

EXT HEIGHT: 12' 7"

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, (256) 356-8661, WWW.TIFFINMOTORHOMES.COM. _______________ CIRCLE 224 ON READER SERVICE CARD.

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BACK TO SCHOOL LEARN HOW TO DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME LIKE A PRO by RONALD JONES

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n the RVing and driving seminars that my wife,

Sandy, and I present, we are often asked about RV driving instruction for large motorhomes. Our opinion is that some type of driving course/seminar/instruction should be mandated as part of the purchase of an RV. There is so much information that needs to be learned, it just makes sense. Granted, we all have lots of miles of “other” driving experience, but many novice RVers get into a big motorhome and assume they know what to do. In reality, the only directly related experience is driving a school or municipal bus. The vast majority of buyers have no previous experience with diesel engines, exhaust brakes, backing using only mirrors, towing vehicles, turning a 30-40 foot vehicle, gearing on hills and the momentum created by 15-20 tons of RV mass traveling

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at 60 MPH. You can’t just float along like many of us do in our automobiles. I’ve been RVing since 1962 and in 2002 we purchased our thirteenth and largest RV — a 39-foot diesel-pusher. At that time we already had significant RV driving experience but not with a diesel or a motorhome of this size, so we decided to get professional RV driver training. I found The Dick Reed RV Driving School online, signed us up and off we went. Our joke was that we had to drive 1,400 miles to learn how to drive. We left Texas and took the instruction in California, where the instructor was located. DAY ONE On the first day, our instructor, John, introduced himself and talked with us to determine our level of experience. The first thing we learned was how to safety check the air system used for braking and parking (if your air-brake system is leaking, you really don’t want to drive). Then he explained how to set the mirrors and what visual area we should see in the flat and convex mirrors.

Traffic cones are used to teach drivers about backing up and rear clearance.

and drive to the next RV park or do you learn how to park your motorhome? The answer was clear, but it took a little practice to get comfortable.

Learning how to maneuver out of a tight space is essential for motorhome drivers.

PHOTOS: RONALD JONES

Instructors advise you to set your mirrors as part of a pretrip safety check routine.

After that, I drove and John sat in the copilot’s seat. We entered an industrial park with good, wide streets and virtually no traffic. Here we practiced making right, left and U-turns. John set up traffic cones and had us determine the amount of “overswing” (amount the rear corner of the motorhome swings out during a turn) for our coach. We learned we need at least 30 inches of side clearance — many people find this out the expensive way. We practiced backing (using outside mirrors only) and learned to judge where to stop by aligning the rear of the motorhome with a cone. We practiced backing into right-angle spaces using three-point turning techniques. As John noted, if no pullthrough sites are available, do you give up

He then taught us to get out of a tight space. Amazingly, we found that we only need 6 feet of clear space in front of our 39-foot motorhome. Day one ended at our campsite, parking (of course in a back-in space) and reviewing our accomplishments. DAY TWO John started off the second day with an explanation about using the exhaust brake (also called a Jake/Pac/compression/engine brake). On the diesel engine, this device saves wear and tear on your brakes by using the exhaust to help slow the engine. We learned to use the exhaust brake for town driving and to control our speed down hills during highway driving. You can’t “ride” your brake pedal in a vehicle this size. Next, we moved to the interstate and the topic was maintaining our lane position

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— very important when driving in narrow construction lanes or heavy traffic. John kept Sandy in the far-right lane to experience (and deal with) the numerous vehicles constantly moving on and off the highway. After the interstate practice, we headed for a two-lane road that John had selected because of its curvy, narrow and steep grades (6-7 percent). The first yellow warning sign indicated a right-angle turn at 30 MPH. He warned that we were also entering the first uphill grade and instructed Sandy to downshift (manually) into a lower gear. He wanted her to keep the tachometer reading between 1,800-2,100 RPM, so she needed to select the correct gear. This RPM range creates the best power combination so the engine will work efficiently during the climb. We climbed effortlessly but not fast. When she reached the top of the grade he asked her turn around and drive back down. The rule of thumb for going down is that you want to use the same gears as you did going up. So, with the exhaust brake engaged, she manually downshifted as needed to keep the tach reading within the 1,800-2,100 RPM range. The gearing and exhaust brake helped the motorhome maintain a reasonable speed without riding the brake pedal. At the bottom of the grade, she parked, we switched and I drove the same route up and down the mountain. I got my interstate practice going back to the RV park. Once we arrived at the campsite, John went over the day’s notes with us and told us that we had done well. We exchanged contact information and he encouraged us to call him with any questions. We were officially graduates of the RV Driving School. Was attending a driving school worth it? Absolutely! Positively! Without question. It was one of the best decisions we could have made. We learned much more in the two “school” days than we did in the 1,400 miles it took to get there. From that experience, we saw a need to share driver training information with others at rallies and RV shows. Because each motorhome handles a bit differently, we began presenting seminars on driving exercises that anyone (with a coach) can do in a parking lot.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

FINDING CLASSES When an RVer wants driving

Motor Homes

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38 Years & Going Strong - RV Sales & Service

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instruction, what options are available? Where do they go and what do they get? The following list includes some of the companies that offer RV driving instruction. THE DICK REED RV DRIVING SCHOOL l Started by Dick Reed in 1991, and presently owned and operated by Dennis and Carol Hill, the school offers instruction at several locations across the country. Attendees meet their instructor at a prearranged campground and training takes place in the students’ coach. Much of the two-day-long instruction is spent actually driving — with a tow car and without. Attendance requires advance registration and there is a fee. Sandy and I took the full two-day course, which was six hours each day; (530) 878-0111, www.rvschool.com. Circle 225 on Reader Service Card. FORETRAVEL l This manufacturer offers an extensive “Ladies Only” RV driver training that comprises nearly four days of instruction — classroom and actual driving; (800) 955-6226, www.foretravel.com. Circle 226 on Reader Service Card. JOHN BLEAKLEY MOTOR HOMES l The Douglasville, Georgia, location contracts with a local instructor, Jan Brown, for RV driver training; (888) 527-8287, www.bleakleyrv.com. Circle 227 on Reader Service Card. LAZYDAYS l This RV dealer in Seffner (Tampa), Florida, offers a “RV Driver Confidence Course” four days per week. It’s free to Lazydays and RallyPark (their large, on-site campground) customers, but others can attend for a cost of $99 per couple or $75 per individual. You must attend the classroom training (mornings) and one driving session (afternoons) to receive the course certificate. In the driving session, those who attend the morning classroom session can drive a diesel-pusher motorhome throughout the road course located in RallyPark. I recommend you call to put your name on the list as daily enrollment is limited and the class is nearly always full. The course is excellent, with a great instructor and valuable information for any RVer; (866) 703-3076, www.lazydays.com/rvdrivecourses.html. Circle 228 on Reader Service Card. MONACO COACH l This manufacturer offers a “Ladies Only” RV driver training as part of various owner’s rallies; (800) 634-0855, www.monacocoach.com. NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE l Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the college provides RV and truck driver training. You must bring your motorhome, complete the classroom portion in the morning and drive in the afternoon. At least two local dealers recommend this RV driver training as part of a motorhome purchase. Tina Frindt is the director of the program; (570) 839-2778, www.northampton.edu/prof_com/trans/rv.htm. RV SAFETY & EDUCATION FOUNDATION (RVSEF) l This company provides RV driver training via a six-hour block of classroom instruction offered primarily at rallies nationwide. RVSEF also offers a self-paced, nine-volume safety-training course that includes a section on “Safe Driving.” The program helps customers qualify for discounts with many major insurance companies. Walter Cannon is the company’s executive director; (321) 453-7673, www.rvsafety.com.

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THE BASICS Nearly all driving instruction covers much of the same content. The biggest difference is whether the driver training is done on the highway or in a parking lot.

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SELL YOUR RV HERE

RVTrader.com, Circle 119 on Reader Service Card

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(The Original RVTrader.com)

Utilizing the side mirrors can help avoid a potential accident when switching lanes.

In a parking-lot setting, you should learn how to set your mirrors; turn and corner left and right; judge height and width (overswing) as well as distance; and back into a campsite. If you have the opportunity to do some highway driving, you should learn how to negotiate freeway on and off ramps; how to go up and down hills; and how to use the engine, gears and brakes. WHY DO IT? Beyond the safety factor — you don’t want to hurt yourself, your family, your RV or anyone else — there’s the economic aspect. Whether you’re driving a $50,000 or a $500,000 RV, you have a large investment. Unless you have money to burn, you probably don’t want to spend it on fixing things like the rear corner of your coach because you had no clue what overswing was needed, replacement tires because you didn’t know how to plan your turn, burned-out service brakes because you were riding them down the long grades, scrapes along the side walls of your coach from overhanging tree limbs or replacing your air conditioner because you couldn’t judge your motorhome’s height clearance. Check into RV driving instruction, sit in on driving seminars at shows and rallies, and read — but go find that information. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know. ◆

Luxury Resort Living visit us on the web at

www.YumaPalmsRVResort.com Yuma Palms RV Resort, Circle 123 on Reader Service Card

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from OUR READERS

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quicktips

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FANTASTIC FUNNEL When dry camping, or adding sanitizing solution to my freshwater tank, I found an easy way to quickly fill my tank without fuss or worry about overflow. The design utilizes an oversize, flexible funnel with a tapered outlet and a cargo door clamp. I first cut a slight angle on the bottom end of the funnel to allow water to flow freely out of the funnel. I then placed it in the water fill hole and bent it up toward the side of the coach. Next, I opened the door latch and positioned it at a point where the latch is about two-thirds open, hooking it over the top edge of the funnel. With downward pressure on the funnel, I marked the location of the latch-mounting holes on the side wall of my rig, drilled holes into the wall, applied silicone sealant to the back of the cargo latch and screwed the latch into place. I applied additional sealant around the top and sides of the latch as needed. The spring loaded, hooked latch helps keep the funnel in place while I fill the tank, and my hands are free to hold water containers. It also keeps the funnel in place while making extra trips back to the campground water source, ready for your return load. CARLON SNYDER l GRANDVILLE, MICHIGAN

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

The placement of batteries in some motorhomes can make them difficult to service. I found an easy, fool-proof tool that works for any battery, regardless of location. Purchase a one-gallon or smaller garden pump sprayer. Remove the wand attachment, leaving the hose and trigger assembly. Add distilled water to the sprayer’s tank, pump a few times to add air pressure and squirt the water into each battery cell with no mess or overfill. DENNIS SCHAIBLE l BUMPASS, VIRGINIA

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It isn’t always easy to find a place to hang our bird feeder when we’re camped. An easy solution is to attach a shepherd’s hook, purchased at a garden center, to any convenient post or tree with several bungee cords. It’s quick to set up and quick to remove. RICHARD & BETTY HARDY LIVINGSTON, TEXAS ◆

January 2009 l

ILLUSTRATIONS: BILL TIPTON

WATER FILLER ▲

FOR THE ▲ BIRDS

Quick Tips, MotorHome’s monthly column of useful, handy and simple tips by fellow RVers, is looking for submissions. Please send your favorite do-it-yourself ideas to: MotorHome Quick Tips, 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura, Calif., 93001. Be sure to include any photos, illustrations or drawings, if necessary. If your tip is selected for publication, you’ll receive $35. A Social Security number is no longer required for payment.

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A Toast... To Your Taste.

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SOMETHING EXCITING FROM THE GOOD SAM CONTINUED SERVICE PLAN!

Ok, buying insurance is not exciting. But the Good Sam Club Continued Service Plan (CSP) can save you money! How so? Good Sam CSP owes its exceptionally low price to the clout of one million Good Sam Club members across North America. What can mechanical breakdown insurance do for you? Good Sam CSP protects your RV’s major systems whether it’s a refrigerator or an engine. With CSP we pick up the bill for covered repairs so you can keep your plans in check...instead of writing one for costly repairs. If saving thousands of dollars on repairs wasn’t enough... We’ll reimburse you up to $1,000 for 10 days towards meals and lodging, so you have a place to stay while your motorhome is in the shop. We’ll even throw in another $60 a day for a rental car so you can get around! So while buying mechanical breakdown insurance is maybe the LEAST thrilling part about owning an RV, you will be very happy if you ever need it. SEE, WE TOLD YOU IT WAS EXCITING!

Continued Service Plan, Circle 124 on Reader Service Card

Contact us today for your FREE, no obligation, CSP quote. Call us toll-free at 1-877-592-4170 to speak with an RV specialist or visit us at www.GoodSamCSP.com. CSP was created by and for the Good Sam Club by Affinity Brokerage, Inc. All program benefits are subject to the limitations set forth in the current Terms & Conditions.

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techsavvy HANDS-ON

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HOT LINE

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COACH & CHASSIS

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POWERTRAIN

HANDS-ON

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GO WITH THE FLOW Camco’s RhinoFLEX sewer hose helps neutralize the unpleasantness of emptying holding tanks Dumping the holding tanks on an RV is a fairly straightforward procedure: Most owners use a 3-inch hose with a bayonet fitting on one end and something on the other end that fits (or sort of fits) into the sewer opening. With few exceptions — namely the various macerator systems — the “tools of the trade” haven’t changed much since the inception of holding tanks and dump valves. In the past few years, though, suppliers have refined the sewer-hose concept by introducing better materials, fittings and couplers that are designed to make the job of dumping holding tanks less messy and aggravating. Camco’s RhinoFLEX RV Sewer Kit solves a number of inherent problems with traditional hoses and fittings, including storing hoses that have been stretched out, and struggling with difficult-to-connect fittings and bulky hose clamps. While a hose that collapses — and stays that way for storage — is not new, Camco’s iteration goes from just 45 inches to an extended length of 15 feet, and the ends are pre-attached. The fittings are threaded onto the hose using a counterclockwise motion. At one end is a heavy-duty bayonet fitting designed to connect to standard dump valves. This one has four stout

prongs that really grab the molded pins on the dump tube. And without the hose clamp to slice your hand, users can get a strong grip on the bayonet fitting for easy positioning. At the other end is a two-piece, detachable four-way adapter for making a secure connection into most sewer openings. The ramped fitting can screw into 3-, 31⁄2- or 4-inch threaded sewer openings, or slip into a non-threaded, 3-inch opening. Everything about this hose is heavy duty. The steelreinforced polyolefin material used to make the hose resists tears and holes, the hose can be extended in limitless increments up to the maximum length and it stays where you want it. This keeps the area tidy, and allows the holdingtank contents a straight shot into the sewer. A 5-foot extension is optionally available; it connects easily using a threaded coupler. Camco will also offer a version of this hose kit with swivel ends this month. The RhinoFLEX hose kit retails for around $34 (though the street price is closer to $25); the extension kits can be found for around $16. These hoses are available at most RV supply stores and Camping World. For more information, go to www.camco.net. Circle 229 on Reader Service Card.

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techsavvy

HOT LINE

Last January, at the RV show in Quartzsite, Arizona, we bought a new motorhome from La Mesa RV. We requested out-ofstate delivery of the unit, as we are residents of Victorville, California. We subsequently took possession of the rig in Laughlin, Nevada, a short time later. When we took delivery, there were some things on the coach that needed to be fixed. To have these issues addressed, we took the motorhome back to La Mesa’s Quartzsite location. We are currently traveling full time in the unit, and will be for the next three to five years. The service manager at La Mesa RV informed us that he had received a memo from La Mesa’s corporate office. In essence, the memo advised that La Mesa RV would not work on our motorhome because we had not paid any Arizona sales (use) tax on it. They said that, because of this issue, it was not legal for us to be in Arizona with the unit at any time. We called people within the La Mesa organization for more information, as well as a few departments within Arizona’s state government, including the Department of Revenue. Although we are unsure if we will get a response, we are asking Hot Line to look into this matter for us. CHARLES & KAREN MAY VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA

Although the Mays did not explain why they took delivery of their unit in Nevada, their story brings up some of the difficulties that can arise with sales tax-type laws. In the Mays’ home state of California, full- or part-time residents are allowed (by state law) to take possession of a vehicle out of state, and claim an

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Mesa RV to have the repair work done. Hot Line contacted La Mesa RV, and the State of Arizona’s Department of Revenue for further clarification on the Mays’ case. Both La Mesa RV and the State of Arizona responded to the Mays as follows:

Sales-Tax Turmoil DISMAYED AT BEING DENIED SERVICE BY THE DEALER THAT SOLD THEM THEIR MOTORHOME, TWO READERS ASKED HOT LINE TO HELP PROVIDE CLARIFICATION TO THEIR DILEMMA. THEY WROTE:

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La Mesa RV:

“WHEN PURCHASING A VEHICLE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME STATE, FIRST CHECK THE APPLICABLE LAWS IN YOUR HOME STATE, THOSE OF THE STATE WHERE YOU INTEND TO BUY THE UNIT AND THE STATE WHERE YOU WILL TAKE OFFICIAL DELIVERY.” exemption to paying sales or use tax under certain conditions. To do this, buyers must first take possession of a vehicle outside of California, and operate it out of state for more than 90 days before they can reenter the state. If they re-enter before 90 days, they are subject to sales tax. California’s exemption for its residents, however, does not excuse them from applicable tax laws in other states, as in the Mays’ misunderstanding with the State of Arizona. When contemplating the purchase of a motor vehicle anywhere outside one’s home state, it is wise to first check the applicable laws of your home state, those of the state where you intend to purchase the unit, and finally, the state where you will take official delivery. The Mays ran afoul of Arizona’s tax laws when they did not pay the state’s “transaction privilege tax,” and took delivery of their coach outside of Arizona. By doing this, they apparently excluded their motorhome from ever legally entering Arizona again (unless they pay the tax in question). Once the tax is paid, the Mays may take their coach to La

This is an issue that is better addressed by the State of Arizona. Suffice it to say that La Mesa RV Center is in strict compliance with the privilege tax laws and regulations of the State of Arizona. I hope you find this information useful. At this time, no further action on our part is warranted. JAVIER CASTRO CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER LA MESA RV SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA State of Arizona, Department of Revenue: The following information is provided in response to your question as to whether it is permissible to take the motorhome you purchased as a nonresident of Arizona back to the Quartzsite, Arizona, dealership [La Mesa RV] for subsequent repair work. The Quartzsite dealer has informed you that it is their company policy not to perform work on a motorhome that was purchased by a nonresident who took delivery out of state, without charging the purchaser Arizona’s transaction privilege tax that would have applied to the original sale. If your motorhome has been properly registered in your home state of California, and that state’s use tax has been paid to the taxing authority, there is nothing precluding you from returning to Arizona and to the dealership where you purchased your motorhome. Arizona’s transaction privilege tax differs from the sales tax imposed by most states. It is a tax on the privilege of conducting business in Arizona, and is imposed upon the seller, who is legally entitled to pass the economic burden of the tax on to the purchaser. Arizona’s exemption to the privilege tax is restrictive in that the purchase must be for use “outside the state of Arizona.” For further information on this January 2009 l

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subject, contact the Department of Revenue’s Web site at www.azdor.gov. PATRICK O’NEIL TAX ANALYST STATE OF ARIZONA, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PHOENIX, ARIZONA LEVELING EXPERIENCE Believing that essential equipment on his motorhome should have held up longer than it did, a reader asked Hot Line to get involved. He wrote: While preparing for a trip in my 2004 motorhome, I found that the HWH leveling system in the unit was malfunctioning. Since the unit was five months past any known warranty, I elected to take it to the nearest RV sales and service lot for repair. The technicians working on the system eventually repaired it (and performed other maintenance per my request) for a total cost of $1,953.49 for parts and freight, plus $1,440 for labor. When work was concluded, I sent two letters to HWH Corporation requesting reimbursement for the cost of the parts. I have not received a reply. I believe that my request for HWH to reimburse me is fair and reasonable, and am hopeful that Hot Line can help me obtain a response from the company. Thank you for your efforts. RON KRON l HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA

CIRCUIT SNAFU Having experienced electrical problems with his motorhome’s dash assembly from the time he initially bought the vehicle, a reader asked for Hot Line’s intervention after his warranty ended. He explained: Since I first purchased a new 2004 motorhome built on a Workhorse chassis, I’ve had ongoing electrical problems associated with the unit’s dashboard assembly. The entire dashboard was eventually replaced by Workhorse under warranty. Everything worked fine except the tachometer, which randomly gives incorrect readouts. After several attempts to repair the situation with no success, I was told by Workhorse that this phenomenon is normal. They say it’s the system’s computer resetting itself. I don’t know anyone else who has this problem, but I do wonder how it will affect the value of my unit should I ever decide to sell it. I would appreciate any help that Hot Line can offer. GARY HARTZE l HELENA, MONTANA

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Workhorse Custom Chassis responded to Hot Line’s inquiry as follows: Our Workhorse warranty covers the chassis for any defects related to materials and workmanship for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Generally, when a necessary repair is required outside of the terms of this warranty, the customer or the underwriter of his service contract are responsible for any work or parts replacement. However, Workhorse was able to assist Mr. Hartze in this matter, and has resolved the issue. We appreciate Hot Line contacting Workhorse Custom Chassis, and allowing us the opportunity to provide you with our position and information with regard to this claim. DEBRA ANDERSON WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS REIMBURSEMENT COORDINATOR TROY, MICHIGAN ◆ TO CONTRIBUTE TO HOT LINE, please refer to Contact MotorHome, page 5.

MCD American Duo Shades Dishwasher Installations

Hot Line contacted HWH Corporation on Kron’s behalf. After further evaluation of his case by the company, Kron received the following reply: After reviewing your information and discussing it with our head engineer in charge of such matters, we have decided to offer you $974.04 toward the cost of your repair. As you may be aware, you are technically well outside the warranty period for your coach. However, we agree that the components that failed should not have done so within the time frame that they did. Had this been within the warranty period, or much closer to it, we would have provided the parts as a goodwill repair. DAN BODDICKER HWH CORPORATION l MOSCOW, IOWA

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RexAir & Airbus Models by Rexhall & Workhorse

Factory Direct 1-800-765-7500

www.Rexhall.com Rexhall Industries, Inc., Circle 129 on Reader Service Card

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COACH & CHASSIS

Workhorse Windshield Wipers Regarding “Windshield Wiper Problem” in your November 2008 column, I have a 2005 National Sea Breeze LX on a Workhorse chassis and I’ve had the same trouble with intermittent wipers and not being able to turn them off. After having the wipers repaired at a major RV shop I still had a problem, so I tried to figure it out myself. When I reached up and pulled on the wiper motor I found that the mounting bolts that hold the motor in place were missing. I also noticed that the mounting bolts ground the wiper motor. I think the original bolts were self-tapping. I used 1 ⁄4-inch bolts with lock nuts and haven’t had any more trouble. JESS BEMBRY BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA

“WIRING DIAGRAMS ARE INVALUABLE TOOLS. EVERY MOTORHOME OWNER SHOULD CARRY ONE. MOTORHOME AND CHASSIS MANUFACTURERS HAVE WIRING DIAGRAMS AND CAN USUALLY SUPPLY THEM FOR A SMALL FEE.”

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I read about windshield wipers not shutting off after hitting a bump in the rain. I have a 2006 Allegro Bay on a Workhorse chassis, and had the same problem. I fixed it by disconnecting the first inline plug coming out of the wiper motor and spraying WD-40 into it (both ends). It was wet and the WD-40 did the trick. I plugged it in and didn’t have further problems for more than a year when during a heavy rain it happened again. I did the same thing and it worked fine. I taped the plug at both ends, to prevent water from getting in again, and around the seam in the middle of the plug. I haven’t had an issue with it since. STEVE SMITH l LUCAS, TEXAS I have a Dolphin with the same wiper problem discussed in your November 2008 column. While at the National RV service center in Florida getting other items repaired, there were two other Dolphins with the same wiper problem at the service center. National said most of the Dolphins have this problem of not being able to turn the wipers off in the rain. The cause is water getting into the wiper wiring connection plug located forward of the engine where you gain access to the engine from outside the coach. The cure is to disconnect the plug and fill it with dielectric grease and then put it back together. Problem solved! LARRY STURM CHIEFLAND, FLORIDA

The problem is obviously a poor ground or water in the plug connecting the wiring harness to the wiper motor, guys. I’m not wild about putting dielectric grease in the plug, because dielectric grease is an insulator, not a conductor. Make sure the wiper motor mounting bolts are installed and grounding the wiper motor. Then, open the plug connecting the wiper motor to the wiring harness. Let it dry out, and make sure it isn’t corroded from water intrusion. Reconnect the plug and seal it with electrical tape like Steve Smith. Alternatively, purchase a waterproof trailer wiring plug pigtail, and replace the original connector.

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by WES CAUGHLAN

TWO AIR CONDITIONERS I have a 1999 Daybreak motorhome. According to the instruction manual, when I run the AC generator, I should be able to run both air conditioners at the same time. I am the second owner and I really like the coach, but I’ve been unsuccessful getting both units on at the same time, no matter where I position the selector switches. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for your help. DAVE COX l ODON, INDIANA

It depends on how the air conditioners are wired, Dave. Your motorhome probably has a 30-amp shorepower cord, which limits roof air conditioner use to one unit when plugged in to shorepower. This cord feeds your main circuitbreaker box that has the breakers for all of your other 120-volt AC circuits. When you start your generator, the transfer switch (if equipped) switches from shorepower to generator power and feeds the same circuit-breaker box. It also feeds another circuit-breaker box that has the main and the circuit breaker for the other air conditioner. This box is often hidden away in the back of a cupboard or under a bed. Finding the second circuit-breaker box and simply turning on its main breaker or its one-and-only circuit breaker may quickly solve your problem. If you find both of these breakers turned on, your motorhome is probably equipped with a power management device that supplies 120-volt AC power to the air conditioners. Because you did not mention any controls other than those on the air conditioners, I suspect finding the second circuit-breaker box and turning the breakers on will solve your problem. If you have a power management device, and both AC circuit breakers are turned on, contact the power management device manufacturer for operating instructions or repairs. MODEL YEAR I bought a new 2007 Southwind and found that it was built on a 2006 F53 Ford chassis. The dealer did not disclose this and says it’s common. Is this normal? MICHAEL DEMMA l ROANOKE, TEXAS January 2009 l

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There was a big brouhaha on this issue a number of years ago, Michael. Motorhome manufacturers typically start changing model years in July, and automotive-based chassis manufacturers don’t change modelyear designators in their VIN numbers until September or later. The chassis VIN number becomes the motorhome VIN number. The brouhaha was resolved by requiring motorhome manufacturers to state the model year regardless of the model year designator contained within the chassis VIN number. This was a 50-state ruling that is based on the fact that the chassis is a part and not the vehicle. The chassis is sold to the motorhome manufacturer as an incomplete vehicle. Motorhome manufacturers disclose the model year in their paperwork, but motor vehicle departments sometimes make mistakes and title the motorhome with the model year in the chassis VIN number instead of the model year of the motorhome. Parts people at motorhome chassis service centers often get into the argument without

knowing that the motorhome manufacturer is legally responsible for stating the model year, not the chassis manufacturer. The problem went away when all states agreed that the motorhome manufacturer controlled the model year. When the chassis VIN has a different model year designator in its VIN number, this difference is usually mentioned in the motorhome manufacturer’s paperwork.

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ELECTRICAL OUTAGE II In reading your response to “Electrical Outage” in your October 2008 column, I thought of my own similar experience in my 2002 Gulfstream Sun Voyager. Intermittently I lost 12-volt DC power to several circuits including the power mirrors, the driver/passenger fans and the power step. Driving off without the power step being CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

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CASH FOR YOUR RV! 2002 Model Year and Newer Nationwide Pickup Call Toll-free 866-687-2274, ask for Jim Cash WWW.USEDRVPROS.COM ______________ LA MESA RV CENTER

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classifiedsjanuary2009 classified rates

SHOP THE RV MARKETPLACE There are lots of products to accessorize your RV and enhance your RV lifestyle! Turn to page 61!

COMMERCIAL Classifieds is open to firms or individuals advertising the sale or resale of a commercially produced item or service. $48 per line, four-line minimum, 40 characters per line. For photo ad, limited to RVs and real estate, add $65 (black-and-white or color print). Limit one photo per ad.

PRIVATE PARTY For individuals selling personally-owned item, such as an RV, truck, auto, campground membership resale. $23 per line, four-line minimum, 40 characters per line. No charge for phone number. For ad with picture, add $45 (black-and-white or color print acceptable, no Polaroids, negatives or slides). Limit one photo per ad.

We offer a 5% discount for 6 issues and a 10% discount for 12 issues to our commercial advertisers.

OPTIONS For your ad to appear in red type: Add $50 for Commercial ad. Add $25 for Private Party ad.

RV CLUBS For national or local RV owners and enthusiast clubs or chapters soliciting members. $33 per line, four-line minimum, 40 characters per line. EVENTS For national or regional RV rallies, trade shows, expositions and other events. $33 per line, four-line minimum, 40 characters per line. BOLDFACE TYPE Please note first line is boldface at no charge. Add $5 per line for additional boldface type.

HOW TO PLACE AN AD Use our form or your own stationery. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send with payment (check; money order; VISA, MC, AE, or Discover no., signature and expiration date) to: MotorHome Classifieds P.O. Box 8510 Ventura, CA 93002-9912 Credit card orders: Fax to (805) 667-4379, Email: [email protected]. ___________ Any questions, call Angela Pezzullo at (805) 667-4391.

MOTORHOME CLASSIFIED AD The April 2009 issue will close on December 29 (at subscribers on March 3); the May 2009 issue will close on January 26 (at subscribers on March 31). Mail to: MotorHome Classifieds • P.O. Box 8510 • Ventura, CA 93002-9912 Credit card orders may be faxed to (805) 667-4379 or emailed to ____________ [email protected]

Name: .................................................................................................................................................................. Address: ............................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................Phone: .................................................................... Check

Total $.........................................................................................Run for.................................issues

Credit card Number:....................................................................................Expiration:........................................ Signature:............................................................................................................................................................. Specify Category: ................................................................................................................................................. Use this form (or your own stationery) to submit your ad copy. Four-line minimum, 40 characters per line counting each letter, number, punctuation, and space. Please refer to CLASSIFIED RATES in this section for payment information.

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COACH & CHASSIS

RUN THIS AD

FOR ONLY $137! REACH THOUSANDS OF POTENTIAL BUYERS!

SAMPLE PHOTO AD 2006 MONACO DYNASTY 42' QUAD SLIDE. 400HP dsl, 10KW generator, 2800W inverter, A/C, TV, micro/conv, sleeper sofa, and much more. No smoke, no pets. Excellent condition. (805) 555-1234.

If you’re selling your own personal RV or home, you can take advantage of MotorHome’s low Private Party photo classified rate! For only $137 per issue (no charge for telephone number), you can create an eye-catching classified ad with a black-andwhite photo (one photo, please) and four lines of copy, 40 characters/spaces per line ... just like the sample ad shown above. For $25 more your ad can appear in red type. Fill out ad coupon, enclose a black-and-white or color print (not a negative or slide) and indicate method of payment. Please mail to:

MotorHome CLASSIFIEDS P.O. Box 8510 Ventura, CA 93002-9912 Or email to [email protected] _____________ COMMERCIAL ADVERTISERS: Please refer to CLASSIFIED RATES for photo ad requirements.

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FROM PAGE 53

withdrawn can have serious consequences! These circuits all were powered from the “ignition” fuse board, which is energized through a single pole starter-type relay. I improved the relay’s ground connection but the problem persisted. I eventually replaced the relay. That fixed the problem. JIM BASORE l EUGENE, OREGON Like the reader featured in “Electrical Outage,” I also have a 2002 Condor built on a Workhorse chassis with a GM engine, and I had a similar experience. I started out on a trip without running lights on the rear of the coach, though the brake lights and turn signals worked fine. I looked for a blown fuse and found I had power to the fuse panel but no power to each fuse that was in the circuit for the rear lights. By the end of the day the motorhome would not start. The starter motor would not run long enough for the teeth to engage the flywheel. I had it towed to a garage where the mechanic found that the ignition switch had melted. He said there was too much load on the accessory side. What the mechanic called the ignition switch is not what I think of when someone says “ignition switch.” What he showed me I would call a terminal block. It is mounted about two-thirds of the way down on the steering column, just below the dash. That switch is a Workhorse part, but the switch is available at any Workhorse or GM motorhome service center. After I got home I replaced the light switch and that solved the rear light problem. I always thought that current went from the battery, to a fuse, to a switch then to the light, motor, etc. It looks like R-Vision/ Workhorse puts the fuse after the switch. DICK TAIT l SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

Thanks for your notes, Jim and Dick. Mike Regina in Michigan commented similarly. A wiring diagram would have shown that the power to the fuse panel did not supply power to the fuses in question. Wiring diagrams are invaluable tools. Every motorhome owner should carry one for his or her use or the use of a technician. Motorhome manufacturers and chassis manufacturers have wiring diagrams and can supply them, usually on request for a small fee. The ignition switch on GM/Workhorse chassis has been a long terminal strip

mounted on the lower steering column for years. It is actuated with a rod that goes down the steering column from the ignition key assembly. A solenoid relay apparently supplies power to the ignition switch in question, but the ignition switch itself takes the load of everything that is added on and controlled by the switch. If the switch is melting down, accessories that don’t need to be keyed could be directly wired or changed to relay wiring to reduce the load on the ignition switch. ROOFING Last year I purchased my first motorhome. It’s a 2001 38-foot Newmar Dutch Star. I inspected the roof to see if it needed any repairs. It has a very smooth, shiny surface as if it’s painted. When I rap the material it sounds metallic (maybe aluminum). I called Newmar’s tech support for assistance. The representative said it is a rubber roof. To me, a rubber surface would have a dull appearance and feel somewhat spongy. I’m not sure if I should wax the roof (if it’s painted), or just keep an eye out for deterioration of the rubber (if it’s rubber). Any suggestions on how to verify what kind of material the roof is made out of would be appreciated. RODNEY NELSON EUREKA, CALIFORNIA

Call Newmar back with your VIN number, Rodney. I suspect you received general and not specific information. The roof could be aluminum, fiberglass or rubber. Rapping on the first two will produce a metallic sound. If it is painted aluminum or fiberglass, washing will be adequate care unless it is badly chalked. If it is gelcoat fiberglass, there are wax-like materials that will keep it from chalking, but painting is the best preventative. If it is rubber, there are a number of rubber-roof care products available at most RV stores. Newmar can tell you the material used to roof your motorhome, and how it was finished at the factory. If you disbelieve the information you are getting, scratch a spot near a roof opening that can be caulked. Rubber will cut. Fiberglass and aluminum will scratch and reveal their base material. ◆ TO CONTRIBUTE TO COACH & CHASSIS, please refer to Contact MotorHome, page 5.

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readerservice For additional information on products and services offered in this issue, circle the number on the attached card that corresponds to the number of the company that interests you, and mail. RS#

ADVERTISERS

PAGE #

114 Albany RV ..................................68 112 Banks Power................................13 Born Free MotorCoach ................CV2 132 BrakeBuddy ................................15 Classifieds..............................54-57 124 Continued Service Plan................48 116 Dave & LJ RV Interiors..................51 Dealers & Destinations ............64-65 128 Deltran........................................39 Dometic Corporation ....................32 117 Dynamax Corporation....................27 113 Fleetwood RV Inc. ......................CV3 120 Geico ............................................9 118 Gilbert RV Insurance ......................5 105 Good Sam VIP Provided by GMAC Insurance......................59 111 Great Outdoors Resort ....................8 121 Great West Vans ..........................53 110 Guaranty RV..............................47W 130 Holland Motor Homes ..................33 109 Holland Motorhomes ....................44 101 Itasca by Winnebago Industries ......7 Lazy Daze....................................31

NOW AVAILABLE

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131 nVision........................................15 Newell Coach ............................CV4 115 Outdoor Resorts ..........................10 122 RV Roofing Solutions....................39 RV Search ..................................53 119 RVTrader.com ..............................45 129 Rexhall Industries, Inc. ................51 106 Signature Motorcoach Country Club Indio ......................18 107 Signature Las Vegas Mororcoach Resort ......................18 108 Signature Naples Motorcoach Resort ......................19 125 The Rally ....................................58 The RV Marketplace ................61-63 103 Van City RV Sales ........................33 102 Vogt RV Center ............................17 104 Watersedge Motorcoach Resort ......................67 123 Yuma Palms RV Resort ................45 RS#

EDITORIAL PRODUCTS

213 Cane Creek MotorCoach Resort ......................28 214 Desert Shores Motor Coach Resort ......................28 225 Dick Reed RV Driving School ........42 223 Dynamax ....................................34 215 Equity LifeStyle Properties............28 226 Foretravel ....................................42 216 Hearthside Grove RV Resort ..........28 227 John Bleakley Motor Homes ..........42 228 Lazydays ....................................42 210 New Mexico ................................21 217 Outdoor Resorts of America ..........28 218 Pelican Lake Motor Coach Resort ......................28 219 Petoskey KOA ..............................28 220 Signature Resorts ........................28 211 South Carolina ............................24 221 The Great Outdoors ......................28 224 Tiffin Motorhomes ........................40 222 Voyager RV Resort ........................28

PAGE #

212 Bella Terra RV Resort ..................28 229 Camco ........................................49

While every effort is made to maintain accuracy and completeness, last-minute changes may occasionally result in omissions or errors.

TH AN N I V E R S AR Y

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*Until 2/23/09

The Rally, Circle 125 on Reader Service Card

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No matter how you dress it up, it’s still a dog. Big auto insurance companies want to sell RV coverage. Their solution? Take a standard car plan and dress it up a bit. But at the end of the day, it’s still just auto coverage on your RV. The Good Sam Vehicle Insurance Plan from GMAC Insurance is different. Our customers look to us to provide the highest level of quality, value and service — and we deliver.

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Don’t let your RV go to the dogs. Call Good Sam VIP today! *If your RV is totaled or stolen (and not recovered) in its first five model years, we’ll replace it with a comparable new RV, even if you’re not the original owner. After the first five model years, we’ll pay your full original purchase price — not a depreciated amount — toward the purchase of the replacement RV. Replacement Cost Coverage must be purchased during the RV’s model year or within the following four years. RVs with an original cost new of $500,000 or more will be insured only if all autos in household are also insured with GMAC Insurance. Underwriting approval required. Eligibility, benefits, discounts and coverages may vary. Underwritten by these member companies of the GMAC Insurance Group, Winston-Salem, NC: National General Ins. Co., National General Assur. Co., MIC General Ins. Corp. and GMAC Ins. Co. Online, Inc. Coverage not available in HI and MA. Coverage in NJ provided by High Point Property and Casualty Ins. Co. which is not affiliated with GMAC Ins. Some features may not be available.

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Underwritten by National General Ins. Co. in TX and WA. . © 2008 GMAC. All Rights Reserved. GMAC is a registered trademark. GMAC Insurance is a service mark. 0848-VB-AD-594-B

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techsavvy

POWERTRAIN

Drivebelt Distraction I have a 2002 Itasca on a Workhorse chassis. The coach has 23,000 miles on it and I’m on my seventh serpentine belt. After 1,000 miles or so, I get a pulley noise that gets worse over time. The noise will go away after the engine warms up. On my last visit to the dealer they refused to do anything, saying that’s just the way the motorhomes are built and it’s normal. I don’t hear any other coaches with this start-up noise. Do you have any suggestions as to what it might be? STEVE FOSTER PLACENTIA, CALIFORNIA

A Workhorse technical employee we contacted admitted they have had complaints on drivebelt noise and added that some noise when cold is normal and cannot be permanently eliminated. The system is a GM design that’s also used on the 8.1-L engine in various trucks. Noise in a motorhome can be more noticeable than in a truck, however. If the issue is noise only, it is not likely a belt/pulley alignment problem, although that should be checked. An alignment problem will normally damage or throw the belt. Excessive load on the belt from the alternator, power-steering pump and air-conditioning compressor can be a factor. If the air conditioner or defroster (which runs the compressor) are switched on right when the engine is started, the load from the compressor and alternator trying to replenish the battery at the same time can cause some belt squeal. If the batteries are significantly discharged, this will cause the alternator to charge at a high rate, which can cause additional belt squeal. Once the belt starts to slip, it can become glazed, which makes it more prone to ping. According to my factory source, the belt tensioner is not normally a problem and they seldom find a bad tensioner on returned warranty parts. However, if the

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pulleys are in good alignment, you’re not starting with deeply discharged batteries or the air conditioning compressor on, and the belt is squealing significantly, try changing out the tensioner. You might also try using spray-on belt dressing as a cheap solution. HYPE OR HELP? I don’t currently own an RV, but I may be getting one this year. The thing that concerns me is the increasing cost of fuel. I’ve seen ads for a device that separates oxygen and hydrogen from water and adds the resultant gases to the air intake of a vehicle. The ads tout that this will not void the vehicle warranty, will increase the fuel mileage and be cheap and easy to install. Two of the Web sites in particular are: www.runyourcarwith water.com and www.water4gas.com/2 books.htm. Is this modification worth_______ while, or is it a waste of time and money? Will it do what the ads profess it will do? HUGH AMOS l CARSON CITY, NEVADA

“BEFORE I BRING A VEHICLE IN FOR A SMOG TEST, I TAKE IT OUT ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY FOR A BRISK DRIVE, GOING FULL THROTTLE LONG ENOUGH TO CLEAN CARBON OFF THE SPARK PLUGS AND GET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GOOD AND HOT.”

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by KEN FREUND

With the recent spike in fuel prices, products claiming to save fuel are coming out of the woodwork. We have not tested these particular devices; however, if it were that easy, the engine manufacturers would incorporate these types of devices into vehicles from the factory. Separating water molecules by breaking the bonds into the elements hydrogen and water requires a lot of energy — energy that comes from your engine’s charging system. The conversion of energy from fuel in the engine to mechanical force is less than one-third efficient, and driving the alternator to generate electricity for electrolysis to make hydrogen and oxygen results in further losses. Also, the engine doesn’t burn the hydrogen efficiently because it isn’t designed to and doesn’t have the needed metering system. So, avoid piein-the-sky deals and save your money. BATTERY SAVIOR In reference to your article in the July 2008 issue, “Battery Killer,” may I suggest, as you did, a charger/maintainer? I purchased several over the years from Schumacher, model SE-112S, which is an on-board charger. It’s waterproof and can stay in your motorhome at all times. I’ve used them for years on my farm tractors, trucks and motorhome. It is a 1.5-amp charger that will get the job done without disconnecting anything. GEORGE MCELVY EDGAR SPRINGS, MISSOURI

Thanks for writing, George. I’d like to see more motorhome owners get battery maintenance chargers to keep their batteries from becoming sulfated and ruined during storage. The Battery Tender from Deltran is also a good battery maintainer. DINGHY BRAKE DIFFICULTY I had a problem after a couple of years with my portable dinghy brake unit. It would go into the “safe mode” after about 40 miles of towing. Since the battery was three years old, it was replaced, but the unit would go into the “safe mode” after 70 miles. I verified the 20amp fuse in the lighter circuit specified CONTINUED ON PAGE 63

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RVmarketplacejanuary2009

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For information on Mail-Order Advertising rates: The RV Marketplace, P.O. Box 8510, Ventura, CA 93002, or call (800) 667-4100 ext 391, 392, or 385

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Coach Mask

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RVmarketplacejanuary2009 Protect Your RV from Disaster!

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POWERTRAIN

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FROM PAGE 60

by the manufacturer and found that under load the voltage was low. Further investigation determined the 16-gauge wire used in the vehicle is probably OK for a cigarette lighter that draws about 15 amps for 10 seconds, but undersized for the steady 15 amps or so the brake compressor requires for the length of time to keep the tank pressure up. The wire was burning and had increased resistance. I replaced the wire with a 12-gauge wire that will carry 20 amps and it now works fine. This could happen to other users of add-on brake units. JAKE HEUGEL l PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS

That’s a good bit of detective work, Jake. Anyone who’s having a similar problem should follow those steps. Check the difference in voltage readings taken at the battery terminals and a reading taken at the brake unit when it’s operating. If it’s more than a volt or so, run a heavier gauge wire. BATTERY DISCONNECTS AND SMOG TESTS Regarding the use of a battery cut-off switch to keep batteries from discharging, there could be a downside. By disconnecting the battery, the OBDII computer forgets everything it ever knew and the vehicle will not pass a smog test until the engine parameters are reset. There are specific driving regimens required for resetting. Some owner’s manuals outline how to do this. Regular driving may or may not get the parameters reset in time to pass a smog test. I keep all my batteries charged with the use of a toggle switch in the wire from my 130-watt solar panel. One direction connects the panel to the coach batteries; the other direction connects the panel to the chassis battery. I switch it every Sunday. MARV MCGOWAN RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA

Thanks for noting this point, which applies to several states. Before I bring a vehicle in for a smog test, I take it out on the open highway for a brisk drive, going full throttle when merging and driving long enough to clean carbon off the spark plugs and get the catalytic converter good and hot. This regimen seems to give the OBDII system enough time to reset itself.

HARD STARTING AFTER STORAGE When the cost of fuel peaked, I parked my motorhome. Now I want to run it again, but it is very hard to start. I need to know the inline electric fuel pump model that has been recommended in the past to help the mechanical pump get started. FRANK OPSAHL EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

It is very likely that either the fuel is stale or the jets are plugged with gummed fuel, or both. Sniff the fuel, if it smells like old varnish, it needs to be drained and the carburetor cleaned out (I assume you have a carbureted engine). If you have fuel injection there is a pump in the tank already. Rather than go to the trouble and expense of adding an auxiliary electric fuel pump, I usually prime the engine with about an ounce of gasoline, poured down the carburetor throat from a tiny, clean container. Never bring a large fuel can into the coach, keep all sources of ignition, such as cigarettes, away and do not try to start the engine until the container is removed from the coach and the air cleaner is replaced. Alternatively, fill your lawn mower gas can with fresh gas and place it under the motorhome under the mechanical fuel pump on the engine. Disconnect the rubber hose feeding the fuel pump and connect a short piece of 3⁄8-inch fuel hose to the fuel pump inlet. Put the other end of the hose in the gas can, and block any return hose to the fuel tank. INTERMITTENT POWER LOSS I have a 2001 Class A motorhome on a Ford F53 chassis, and it seems to have two different modes of power. Sometimes it will run well, and other times it doesn’t seem to have any power at all — it won’t even stay in cruise control on a flat surface. The engine isn’t missing, it just doesn’t seem to have any power. Thanks for your help. LARRY PITTMAN l FENTON, MICHIGAN

You didn’t mention if the check-engine light comes on, or if it surges or bucks or runs rougher when it loses power, so I will assume these are not occurring. These models have a history of ingesting water into the air filter element when it rains. This can result in a loss of power. Similarly, if the honeycomb core (or substrate) inside CONTINUED ON PAGE 65

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dealers&destinationsjanuary2009 ARIZONA

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OUR MONACO PRICES ARE

in Montana! No Sales TaOx W ! Call N

SAVE BIG Our Prices are so low that manufacturers won’t allow us to advertise our discounted pricing anymore, so we want you to tell us what our price should be on YOUR NEW COACH!

Previous pricing on NEW DIESELS:

MONACO DIPLOMAT: ‘04 38’ 2 Slides:

RV R e s ort & M a r i n a on P er di d o K e y, F L

877-402-7873

MSRP:

$

175,358

MSRP:

$

BRETZ PRICE: $129,995* MONACO KNIGHT:

DISCOUNT: $45,363

BRETZ PRICE: $144,995*

DISCOUNT: $53,352

‘05 38’ 4 Slides:

198,347

* These units are no longer available. Call for pricing on 2008 Models!

Missoula Montana

www.PerdidoCove.com

CALL TODAY! 1-866-427-2344

Be sure to visit MOTORHOME’S Web site: www.motorhomemagazine.com in Montana! No Sales TaOx W ! Call N

INDIANA

INTERNATIONAL

RV WORLD us Call ou pay y e r h! befooo muc t

Located in Elkhart, Indiana.

ee’s r! r T e l le b Dou wn Dea them eTo Buy they’re m o re H whe built!

SAVE BIG

OUR NEWMAR PRICES ARE

TOO LOW TO PUBLISH!

Our Prices are so low that manufacturers won’t allow us to advertise our discounted pricing anymore, so we want you to tell us what our price should be on YOUR NEW COACH!

Previous pricing on NEW DIESELS:

NEWMAR KOUNTRY STAR: ‘04 3702 w/2 Power Slideouts:

BRETZ PRICE: $119,995* ‘05 3720 w/2Power Slideouts:

................... MSRP:

$

................... MSRP:

$

148,211

DISCOUNT: $28,216 178,857

BRETZ PRICE: $139,995* DISCOUNT: $38,862 * These units are no longer available. Call for pricing on 2008 Models!

Missoula Montana

CALL TODAY! 1-866-427-2344

Featuring:

_____________ _______________

• Mobile Suites, Elite Suites, Select Suites • Grand Junction • Cedar Creek • Cardinal • Work and Play (Toy Haulers) • Phoenix Cruiser B+ • Berkshire Class A • Georgetown Class A

800-697-7649 www.internationalrvworld.com

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POWERTRAIN

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FROM PAGE 63 _________________

NEW MEXICO

Connect with 340 days of sun, an affordable lifestyle, lots of volunteer opportunities, and a vibrant RV community in Deming, New Mexico. More people than ever are hooking up in Deming!

HAVE A NICE STAY! www.DemingChamber.com 1-800-848-4955

OKLAHOMA

WE WON’T BE

UNDERSOLD On Any Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer or Pop Up!

Build Your Dream RV on:

www.leesrv.com

Nobody Beats Our Price-Period! Oklahoma City I-44(Kilpatrick Turnpike) OKLAHOMA CITY& I-235 North of I-35 & I-40 Interchange

1-888-933-9300

the catalytic converter has become broken or loose, it can move around and block the exhaust intermittently, causing a power loss. This can usually be checked by simply banging the side of a fist on the cold catalytic converter case. Likewise, a piece of insulation or other material could be intermittently restricting the air intake. If the problem is still not found, I’d have a shop check for stored codes in the computer and perhaps have you drive with a “flight recorder” conected to the data port that can be triggered when the problem occurs. FUEL-GAUGE FIASCO I have a 1996 Pace Arrow motorhome by Fleetwood on a Ford F53 Super Duty chassis with a 7.5-L gas engine. The fuel gauge only registers with the ignition off, it will not register with the ignition switch on. I don’t know if there is a fuse, relay or loose ground somewhere that I’m overlooking. I had the in-tank fuel pump and filter replaced several years ago, but this is the first time I’ve had this problem. I hope you can provide some insight on what it might be before I have to take it in and get something fixed that I might be able to fix or replace myself. CLIFFORD BOYD l LACYGNE, KANSAS

There are no relays in the circuit. Naturally, all fuses should be checked first. Power for the gauge goes through an in-dash gauge voltage regulator (which also supplies the coolant-temperature gauge), then to the fuel gauge, and then to ground through the in-tank sending unit. If the wire from the gauge to the tank sending unit is open (broken, disconnected, faulty connection) the gauge should read full all the time. If the wire is shorted to ground it should read empty all the time when power is going to it. When power is shut off gauges tend to float to another position. This may explain why it seems to work only when you shut it off. If the temperature gauge reads wrong I’d suspect a faulty gauge voltage regulator. Otherwise, it could be a crack in the printed circuit on the back of the gauge cluster, or a wiring problem, but it needs to be tested. Dealerships have a gauge tester that makes it easy. ◆ TO CONTRIBUTE TO POWERTRAIN, please refer to Contact MotorHome on page 5.

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offramp

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TALES FROM THE TRAIL

DESCENDING INTO

HELL’S GATE

B

oston Bar, British Columbia, Canada — After buying two tickets for $16 each, I impressed the young woman collecting the money by mentioning that the last time I rode this tram the cost was $2. “Wow, that must have been a long time ago,” she said, eyes wide. Sizing her up carefully, all I could reply was, “Yes … many years before you were born.” Thus was my status as a pending senior citizen with a deflated ego defined. Yielding to many years of prodding

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from my wife, Jennifer, we parked the motorhome the evening before at Canyon Alpine RV Park and Campground just three miles north of Boston Bar in south-central British Columbia on Trans-Canada Highway 1. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in North America; each RV site has been cut as a terrace into the side of a heavily forested mountain above the Fraser River Canyon. Our reason for staying here was to ride the Hell’s Gate Airtram across the

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by RON DALBY

raging Fraser River a few miles south of town in the narrowest part of this scenic canyon. Ever since my solo 1972 trip, I had been promising Jennifer that she would get to ride it, too … someday. The Hell’s Gate tram travels more than 1,000 feet and, except for either end, the cable is unsupported for its entire length. You board the car from a building beside the highway and you go down — you really go down — swinging back and forth in the wind. The canyon wall on the road side of the river is so steep that engineers routed the railroad that otherwise runs along the river’s banks through a tunnel along here. Standing in the building waiting for the tram, directly above the tunnel, you can hear and feel the trains rumbling beneath you. Only when you disembark across the river do you realize why the trains cannot be seen. At the bottom, a sign noted the river’s depth as 153 feet; in 1972, the depth was 97 feet. The river at this point is only 110 feet across. The depth fluctuates wildly depending on snow melt, rainfall and other environmental factors. The deeper water, though, was not nearly as spectacular as the shallower water I remembered. The thunderous passage of water over boulders that I recalled from the past was lacking. Not that the river was docile; it was still roaring down the canyon. Interpretive signs and a sculpture show how First Nations people passed through this canyon centuries ago and offer additional facts about the canyon and why the fish ladders (usually invisible under the river’s surface) installed here were built. There are also common tourist draws like a fudge shop, restaurant, museum and gift shop at the bottom. If you don’t want to spend the money to ride the tram, it’s possible to hike down and cross a footbridge at the bottom. The hike back up, however, is steep. Rather than chance the challenging climb back up, we elected to spend most of our time enjoying the spectacular view. ◆ January 2009 l

PHOTO: RON DALBY

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Retreat. Relax. Recharge.

In the heart of central Florida, you’ll find magnificent Lake Okeechobee – that’s Seminole for “big water.” The 730 square mile lake links Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. And nestled in Lake O’s “sweet spot” is Water’s Edge Motorcoach Resort. Just 30 sites, this gated community is a oneof-a-kind Class A only resort. Peaceful and serene, all properties are waterfront or waterview. Every detail has been considered right down to our paver-brick foundations.

Our landscaping is lush and tropical yet meticulously maintained. We’re “in the middle of nowhere,” but five minutes from downtown Okeechobee...just a bit farther to either coast and fabulous restaurants, shopping and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The resort is surrounded by numerous outdoor activities. Come see for yourself what this exclusive piece of paradise can offer you. Visit our web site at www.watersedgemcr.com or call for further information.

Water’s Edge “The Very Best” Motorcoach Resort

954-425-8405 • www.watersedgemcr.com

Watersedge Motorcoach Resort, Circle 104 on Reader Service Card

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_______________

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Albany RV, Circle 114 on Reader Service Card

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SLOW DOWN. GOOD TIMES AHEAD. CLASS A GAS

THE 2009 BOUNDER

For more information visit www.fleetwoodrv.com or call

After all your years of hard work, it’s time to sit back and enjoy life. Bounder was made for you. It’s a high-value motor home loaded with the furnishings and features you need to travel, visit family and see friends. Highlights on the 2009 Bounder include a one-piece windshield, full-body paint, luxurious interior décors, deluxe cabinet doors, and tons of extra storage compartments. Bounder. It’s the motor home that makes your money go further.

1-800-344-1149. © 2008 Fleetwood Enterprises

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Fleetwood RV, Circle 113 on Reader Service Card

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Heaven on Wheels JI Take your love of elegance, style and comfort with you wherever you go.

Your Newell gives you: The highest quality materials, engineering and craftsmanship. Easier handling than any other coach its size. Options that reflect your style, preferences and tastes. Infinite opportunities to customize your coach. More power and torque than any other motorcoach.



Take the good life with you. Explore www.newellcoach.com Manufacturing, Sales & Service 1(888)3NEWELL Miami, Oklahoma

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West Coast Sales & Service (541)912-7611 Coburg, Oregon

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