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Labor Day celebrates hard work and industrious employees, but it also announces the end of summer vacations and their accompanying crowded roads. Now is the time for RVers to gaze at their maps, fill up their tanks, and head for adventure. Central California promises not only adventure, but also unique formations and unusual flora and fauna at Mono Lake. Discover white-water rafting in Kernville, a helpful travel book, tempting recipes, numerous products, helpful hints, new RVs and more in this edition of the eNewsletter. |
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| Out and About |
 Great Getaways
Mono Lake and Environs
They rise from the water like dimpled stalagmites, reminiscent of dollops of wet sand one upon the other dropped by a child playing at the seashore. These eerie tufa towers, which create a setting both beautiful and mysterious here at Mono Lake, in Central California, are actually formed by layers upon layers of minerals as the underground freshwater streams bubble up through the alkaline waters of the lake. The porous structures dot the glistening water of the lake, which is actually an ancient inland sea 695 square miles in size, and one of the oldest bodies of water in the Western Hemisphere. RVers will be mesmerized by the haunting lake, and whether they choose to sit and meditate at its shore or sample the calm and soothing water via a canoe or kayak, they should reserve a few days to appreciate not only Mono Lake but the surrounding attractions, historic venues and variety of campgrounds in this stunning area of the Eastern Sierra.
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 Featured RV Parks
Twin Oaks RV Park, Perry, Georgia
Enjoy Historical Central Georgia at Twin Oaks RV Park, located in the city of Perry. Twin Oaks offers a convenient home base for many area attractions, including the Warner Robins Air Museum, Andersonville Civil War Site & Museum, the home of Jimmy Carter, the Georgia Sports & Music Hall of Fame and much more.
RVers can also enjoy a wide variety of amenities at Twin Oaks RV Park, from taking a dip in the hot tub complete with private deck and Gazebo, to using the on-location LP-gas service with lowest prices in area, to playing a game of horseshoes in the recreation area, and much more.
For more information on this park, visit http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/travel/campgroundsandrvparks/GeneralInfo.aspx?cgid=970000180
To Search for more great RV Parks and campgrounds, visit www.trailerlifedirectory.com.
Parks and Resorts
Rivernook Campground
Three fishing creeks, the challenging Kern River and the lovely Lake Isabella tempt water enthusiasts of every ilk to this area north of Bakersfield and south of Sequoia National Forest in California. Situated in the midst of all this beauty and adventure, Rivernook Campground offers the perfect spot to park your RV, with easy access to fishing, waterskiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, windsurfing, off-roading, rock climbing, golfing and old-fashioned sightseeing. The park features 285 sites on 65 acres with an assortment of shady, sunny and riverfront campsites. Amenities include cable TV, firewood, both full or water/electric hookups and hiking paths on the premises. The campground is open year-round, with snow skiing and snowboarding nearby. The town of Kernville is minutes away and provides plenty of eating establishments and shopping opportunities.
For more information or to make reservations, call (760) 376-2705.
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The 57th Annual California RV Show, October 16-25, 2009
 RVing is all about having fun. The fun really begins at the 57th Annual California RV Show, October 16-25 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. This show displays all the newest and greenest in RVs and RV products. Now is the time to begin building RVing memories that last a lifetime for your family.
This one-stop shopping show makes comparing various RV models and brands easy. To make it even easier to purchase a new RV, you can drive your car, truck, motorcycle or RV trade-ins to the show for a free appraisal. On-the-spot financing and aggressive discounts make buying easy.
In addition to the big RV show, admission on October 17 includes a Classic Car Show with some of the best street rods and classics in the West. On Sunday, October 18, the Discovery Center and FSEA present Land Yacht Racing, in which family teams build a simple toy car at the show and race the wind-powered car. There is no cost to enter and no tools to bring. Just come and have fun.
Tickets are only available at the gate. Prices are $6, $5 for seniors, 18 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Discount coupons good for $2 off on Friday-Sunday are available at www.CARVShow.com. Monday through Thursday, adults and seniors are admitted for just $1. No coupon is needed and no discounts apply on Dollar Days. Active Duty Military with Government ID admission is free. Parking is $9 for cars or $12 for RVs and is located off White Avenue, right outside the show gate.
For More Information contact: Penny Nicolai (818) 881-6458 or pennynicolai@aol.com
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| RV Trends |
Motorhomes and Trailers
Newmar Bay Star
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With an enviable heritage of more than 40 years in the RV industry, Newmar Corporation of Nappanee, Indiana, manufactures such familiar names as Kountry Aire, Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, Cypress Fifth-Wheel, All Star and Ventana. Begun in 1968 by Marvin Newcomer and Marvin Miller, the company today employs almost 1,000 employees and added a new 144,000-square-foot chassis, weld and assembly building a few years ago. For 2010, Newmar has introduced numerous models, among them the Bay Star, featuring quality and comfort at a reasonable price. This Class A gas-powered motorhome should be especially appealing to first-time RVers. The Bay Star is available in six floorplans, all featuring an outstanding list of standard amenities such as Full-Paint Masterpiece Finish with Front Protective Film.
The Bay Star 2702 sits on a Ford F-53 18,000-pound chassis, and is equipped with electric leveling jacks, cruise control, a 4.0-kW Cummins Onan generator, two 12-volt house batteries and a 45-amp converter, plus an abundance of other high-tech features. Newmar is proud of its quality construction, some of which includes BriteTEK roof with 9-mm decking, gelcoated fiberglass exterior sides, aluminum-frame side walls and roof construction, and a 16 R-value rating for the roof.
Comfort and luxury are provided by a well-appointed interior, expanded by two slideouts. The streetside slide supports an ample, convertible dinette, a 68-inch sofa bed and overhead storage; the rear curbside slide makes room for the 60 x 80-inch queen bed with tufted mattress, quilted bedspread and colorful pillows. The chef will discover everything necessary in the well-furnished galley, including an 8-cubic-foot Norcold refrigerator, microwave oven, three-burner range and plenty of storage for pots and pans. Adjacent to the curbside galley, the more-than-ample bathroom features a 32 x 32-inch shower, sink and Thetford Aqua Magic toilet with spray attachment.
For more information, go to www.newmarcorp.com.
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Nash From Northwood
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Nestled amid the beauty of Oregon's greenery with neighbors such as Umatilla and Wallowa Whitman national forests, Northwood Manufacturing has been producing sturdy and exciting trailers and truck campers since 1994. "Practical, Comfortable and Off Road Tough," describes the company's line of products with precision. The smaller rigs, in particular, are aimed at the adventurer who wants safety and comfort without the frills. The 17C Nash travel trailer provides such a vehicle. Weighing in dry at 3,740 pounds and measuring 18 feet 9 inches (with hitch), the trailer can be towed by a variety of mid-size trucks and larger SUVs. RVers heading to the desert with the 17C will find comfort and convenience with the 46-gallon freshwater tank, 27-gallon black-water tank and 25-gallon gray-water tank, dual 30-pound LP-gas cylinders and the 6-gallon DSI gas/electric water heater. The hardwall-filon construction can be upgraded with optional storm windows or thermal pane windows. Also optional on this Nash are a 12V power jack, stabilizer jacks and TV antenna. Interior standard equipment delivers livability without sacrifice; the galley comes equipped with a 6-cubic-foot refrigerator, range, microwave and sink, while the bath contains all the necessities for life on the road. The convertible booth dinette is standard as is the forward bunk bed; storage is adequate in both the overhead space and in the rear wardrobe closet. For more information on the Nash 17C and the company's other trailers, campers and toy haulers, go to www.northwoodmfg.com.
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Trucks & SUVs
2009 Dodge Ram 3500
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The 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 lineup offers a powerful engine plus a comfortable ride and interior, making it a solid choice for heavy-duty towing. For 2009, the Dodge Ram 3500 gets bigger brakes, while the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel offers top-notch towing and hauling ability. Rated 350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, the diesel comes with a choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
Ram 3500s are available with two- or four-wheel drive. The Cummins diesel features an exhaust brake, an unusual feature for a stock pickup, which provides additional braking when towing heavy trailers. Properly equipped, the Ram 3500 can tow up to 16,350 pounds.
The '09 Dodge Ram 3500 is available in regular, Quad Cab (crew cab) and Mega Cab styles. The regular cabs come with a long bed only, while the Quad Cab has either a short or long cargo bed. The Mega Cab has the same wheelbase as the Quad Cab long bed but combines a bigger cabin with the short bed. However, Mega Cab's short bed could limit fifth-wheel towing applications.
Major options include a sunroof, remote start (diesel engine), power-adjustable pedals, bucket seats, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system, satellite radio, an upgraded stereo and rear-seat entertainment system. The luxurious Laramie comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a power driver seat, upgraded speakers and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. If you like to get dirty, Dodge offers the Ram Power Wagon, which comes with electrically locking front and rear differentials, an electrically disconnected front sway bar, 33-inch off-road tires, a 12,000-pound winch, special suspension tuning and full skid plates. Base prices start at about $35,985 and climb quickly from there.
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 What's New?
Indelicate Situation
RVs, even the largest and the lushest, provide little space for true privacy, and in moments of a delicate nature, almost no privacy at all. Enter Just a Drop from Magellan's. Packaged in individual "Singles," Just a Drop should be placed inside the toilet bowl immediately before using and, according to the manufacturer, this tiny packet with a fresh eucalyptus scent will trap odors before they have a chance to enter the air. Available through Magellan's, two 10-packs per order sell for $11.85, plus shipping and handling. For more information, go to www.magellans.com.
 Windshield Wonder
Put away the various glass cleaners, open the glove compartment and remove the new and very handy Windshield Wonder. Pop on the detachable handle, and it's ready to go. No more chemicals, no more stretching and struggling to reach the top of the windshield (or window or mirror), with the new micro-pad and pivoting head, cleaning glass has just become easier and less expensive. Fill the spray bottle with regular tap water, apply to glass and use the pivoting head with the wonder bonnet to wipe away dirt and grime. The Windshield Wonder comes with a 16-inch detachable handle, two micro-fiber bonnets (washable) and a spray bottle. Available at As Seen on TV, CVS and other retail outlets, and at www.telebrands.com.
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| Around the Rig |
Helpful Hints
Mark Your Calendars
October 1-31
Ohio State Parks rival New England when it comes to fall color and leaf-peeping expeditions. The state boasts 125 species of hardwood trees, including black cherry, dogwood, birch, beech, hickory, red maple and sweet gum, which show off their mantles of yellow, orange and red leaves.
For more information, go to www.atapark.com.
October 16-30
Ghost Tours of Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina, promises a hair-raising experience whether walking or riding in a carriage through moss-lined streets filled with ghostly homes.
Check with www.discoversouthcarolina.com for more information.
October 17-18
Colonial Times "A Day to Remember" in Augusta, South Carolina, takes you back to the 1700s, the days of blacksmithing, goldsmithing, spinning and musket firing.
Protect Your Skin
Several companies now offer clothing that boasts built-in sun protection, but the prices of the garments are often prohibitive. If you rely on sunscreen ointments and lotions, choose carefully. Some manufacturers now tout brands with 100 SPF (sun protection factor), while the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) questions the reliability of anything over SPF 55. Two ointments that come highly recommended by dermatologists are Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with SPF 55 and Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion, also with SPF 55. Read the labels, do your homework and keep in mind that cloud cover does not protect against harmful rays. Avoid the sun from 10 am to 2 pm, if possible, and stay hydrated — especially if you're walking, hiking or biking.
Trailer Backing
With conventionally hitched trailers, ease of backing increases with trailer length, which is the opposite of what most novices often assume. A utility trailer is much more difficult to back; its short ball-to-axle distance causes it to react swiftly to tow-vehicle steering input, while a longer trailer will react gradually. Plus, techniques for backing fifth-wheels differ widely from conventional trailers.
Here are some general guidelines for backing all types of trailers…
http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/RvResources/ContentDetails.aspx?articleid=2260081 |
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 Maintenance Madness Solved
Never Out of Touch
Radio reception in mountainous area campgrounds is often very poor or altogether nonexistent. However, with a little bit of wire and two alligator clips, no one need be out of touch.
I used 70 feet of No. 16 automotive wire for my antenna design. I wound the wire into an 8-inch-diameter coil with about 30 wraps, secured in this configuration with electrical tape. About 3 inches of wire was left hanging loose outside the coil on each end to allow for easy installation of the alligator clips.
- To use the antenna, I string approximately…
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To see more tips from RVers, visit www.trailerlifedirectory.com/RvResources/TechMaintenance.aspx
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| Good Reads |
 Travel Therapy; Where Do You Need To Go?
This charming and helpful book by Emmy-Award winning author Karen Schaler offers a hands-on, straightforward look at your life, where you are in it and where you should go to improve whatever ails you. Yes, travel does cure many ills, and Schaler reports — in a clever and entertaining style — how to overcome many emotional problems through discovery and adventure. There's a trip out there for better health, for a broken heart, for reconnecting with family and friends, for unwinding and for growing. Chapters are succinct, suggestions are direct, photos are magnificent and sources are clearly listed. Schaler was a television news reporter at ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, and was embedded with a combat helicopter unit in Afghanistan in 2007; her travels and her stressful journeys have taught her how to unstress through travel. Published by Seal Press, copyright 2009, Travel Therapy is available at better bookstores everywhere, or at www.sealpress.com.
Off the Bookshelf
2009 Trailer Life Directory Campground Navigator 2 CD-Set
 The 2009 RV Parks & Campground Navigator is the only trip-planning CD created especially for RVers. It includes all the information found in the printed Trailer Life RV Parks, Campgrounds & Services Directory, but adds features that help modernize your travels, such as the trip-routing tool, which allows you to use interactive maps to create, personalize, scale and print your own custom maps. Another great feature is the Budgeting Tool, which helps quickly figure gas costs and meal budgets for your trip. Use the Personal Photo Journal to add your photos to the maps along with a brief caption to save your RV trip memories. Instant searches show you virtually everything, including park ratings, hook-ups, tourist attractions, service centers, park features and more!
Click here to order the 2009 RV Parks & Campground Navigator.
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| From the Galley |
Recipe Notebook
Healthy Home Cooking September 2009
By Healthy Exchanges
How many cups do you need for your daily intake of fruits and veggies? The amount is going to depend on your caloric needs, which are determined by age, gender and activity level. Eating the recommended amount is easier than you think. Eating more fruits and vegetables helps your family be at their best!
As you cruise the grocery aisles, pick up fruits and veggies throughout the store. It's OK to grab canned and frozen. Try dried as well. When selecting juices, always go for the 100-percent-juice variety. It's easier to use …
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Kitchen Tidbit
Cabinet Lock-Up
Many owners complain about securing the drawers and cabinets in fifth-wheels with rear kitchens. For cabinets, consider using a brass hasp that's available at hardware stores for $3 to $4. Before we installed the hasps on our cabinets, one door was pushed open by stored items inside and was damaged by the slideout room while it was moving to the open position. Now that problem is solved, drawers require a different …
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To view even more helpful hints from RVers, visit http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/RvResources/TechMaintenance.aspx
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Good Eats
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Broccoli Bonanza
Everyone knows that broccoli is one of the very best vegetables for you, but not everyone appreciates the taste of broccoli. In this yummy concoction, the green veggie combines with other tasty treats to make it more palatable to some. Though it takes a little time to create this casserole, the result is well worth it. Serve it as a main dish with a side salad, or as an accompaniment to chicken or fish.
2 medium-size bunches of broccoli, steamed until fork tender, cut up into 1-inch bits
1 egg, beaten
½ cup mayonnaise
1 medium-size white or yellow onion, chopped
1 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3 tbsp melted butter or margarine
½ pkg Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing
Combine first six ingredients in large bowl. Spread into slightly greased oven-proof casserole. Mix melted butter and stuffing together. Spoon lightly over broccoli mixture. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Enjoy.
Wilma Smithson
Little Rock, Arkansas
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 Wine Tip of the Month
Variety Is the Spice of Wine Drinking
Although California Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot are still by far the most popular varietal wines in the United States, comprising more than half of all California table wine sold in the U.S last year, recent data shows that the state's winegrowers and vintners are increasingly catering to wine enthusiasts' thirst for varietal diversity.
From winegrape acreage to the annual crush, a new crop of "emerging" varietals such as …
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| Special Offer |
 Ultimate Camp Cooking 2
If you think that hot dogs and freeze-dried pouches of powder are your only options to dine on while traveling on the road, think again. The Ultimate Camp Cooking DVD is the perfect solution for you to eat like a king while you camp. The dynamic comedy duo of Pat Mac and Mike Faverman trade in the hot dogs for some of the best cuts of meats and freshest vegetables, while adding their comedic flare to showing you how to cook it. Enjoy 18 new recipes that are not only easy on your pockets but also easy to make.
To order, visit www.trailerlifedirectory.com/TravelStore/ProductDetails.aspx?productid=26L1&effortID=806 |
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rvSearch.com's Top RVs eNewsletter
Before putting your RV on the market, find out what the current market value is for your rig. That way, you'll be sure to get a fair price on a sale and you won't risk pricing your RV out of the market. Go to the NADA website and find out your RV's resale value today!
Once you've settled on an asking price, you'll be ready to sell your RV. List it online at rvSearch.com to reach thousands of buyers across North America.
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