RV Country Blog

If you're wondering where all our awesome blog posts are, we've moved! But not too far. We thought it would be easier for all our friends to read our stories and information on our blog if it were right on our website. So now you can find all of our great information in one place! Here is the link to our blog http://www.rvcountry.com/blog/
We can't wait to see all of you there!

RV Country in Quartzsite, Arizona 2012

For over 35 years now, there has been a group of people traveling to a once barren area known as Quartzsite, Arizona. These seekers come by the thousands and are often referred to as "gypsies of the modern world".  Entering the grounds of Quartzsite is like entering another world... Back to the good old days in many ways. Though now, this place is no longer barren, but has a plethora of state of the art facilities. 

Once a year, for one week in January,  these RV gypsies pack into Quartzsite for one of the largest RV shows in America. According to the Arizona Highway Department, as many as 750,000 to 1,000,000 people converge on this sleepy little desert town, located just 20 miles east of the California border on Interstate 10.  It is host to the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show and the rock, gem and mineral shows, craft show, plus numerous flea markets. Admission and parking are both FREE. 

There is a 69,000 sq. ft. fully carpeted indoor exhibit area, an outside midway, free live entertainment, and tons to do and see! Paul Evert's RV Country is very proud to remain the exclusive RV dealer of the event, and as in years past, you can find us right next to the big white tent. The festivities begin January 21st, but we’ll be there in early January. We’ve got a lot more information to share with you as the event gets closer, so be sure to check back with us often!

See you soon in Quartzsite, Arizona!

Thomas & Deborah - Luxury RV Features & Monaco International RV Club fun!

Monday August 1

After a comfortable and safe drive, we pulled in to the Monaco Pre-rally Sunday evening. Two items to note regarding the home we’ve enjoyed for five nights: the Aladdin system that I mentioned earlier, in addition to all the cool information it brings you, also accesses any cameras the coach is equipped with. “Ok,” you say, “that’s cool.” But wait, there’s more! Typically, a small LCD screen is also mounted near the bed with an Aladdin controller. This means, that while lying in bed, one can navigate through all the cameras, checking the back and each side like a built in security system! And finally, typically the driver’s seat is a big fluffy recliner that can be swiveled to become part of the livingroom furniture. Nice, but such seats do not necessarily make for the best driving position. Of the many Monacos I’ve driven, the driver’s seat in this one is by far the best. It’s the Hi-Tech Kustom Fit, and it adjusts every way possible, including lumbar, and the lower seating cushion actually retracts to morph from a fluffy piece of furniture into a more typical vehicle seat. Very cool.

After doing some final shopping Sunday (always fun to pull a 44' Executive and trailer into a parking lot), we were ready for the Customer Appreciation Banquet held Monday evening. The place mats were pages of the U.S. Road Atlas, and the center pieces were all-American as was the dinner. Deborah checked everyone in, about 85 people, and Thomas served the tri-tip expertly prepared by Jorge, one of the sales staff. We LOVED the Monaco crowd; what a neat bunch of people.

A constant stream of coaches continued to arrive, and soon the Expo center was transfomed from a fairgrounds into a little city of motorhomes. The organizers expected nearly 200 Monacos. Electrical is run for plug-ins, entertainment planned, and lots of socializing. It's really something to see.

Off on the bike Tuesday morning with a fond farewell to the Monaco Owners and our good friends at Paul Evert's RV Country.

Monaco RV Pre-Rally dinner in Manitowoc Wisconsin A BLAST!

August 1, 2011

Tomorrow (2 pm) is opening day for the Monaco Pre-Rally in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and things are off to a great start.

A few of us even found some time to do some sightseeing at Lambeau Field!

Green Bay, Wisconsin is mere 35 miles from Manitowoc and offers one heck of a stadium tour!

You may be following our Guest Bloggers Thomas & Deborah as they prepped, packed, and journeyed towards Wisconsin... Well, we had a little prepping and packing to do ourselves!

Over the years we have hosted many pre-rally dinners for our loyal Monaco customers friends. From luau's in Lancaster to Georgia peaches, we've had lots of fun with you all! Usually, we have a little help in the catering department, but this year we decided to do the cooking ourselves! Our tie dye loving crew is no stranger to the BBQ, so we packed up our grills, tongs, and aprons and headed the 1,100 miles to Wisconsin.

On the menu was something us Californians are pretty proud of - Tri Tip! The popular beef cut originated on the Central Coast of California in the 1950's, and has since become a national envy and an undeniable California tradition. Of course, we also had rolls, salad, beans, and barbequed chicken.

Did we mention we did all the food preparations IN A MOTORHOME kitchen!?

Over 100 people ate, drank, and won prizes! It was perfect and we wouldn't change a thing - well, except that we're sad it's over! We hope to see you around in the Monaco display and look forward to meeting up with even more of you at the FMCA rally in Madison, Wisconsin next week!

 

Angel Bus in RV Country

Angels... They touch all of our lives at some point. Some come in the form of a friend, sister, brother, mother, or father, but for some their angel pulls up... Wait for it... in an RV.  Those are the volunteers that work with Angel Bus. These angels provide compassionate, non-emergency, long-distance ground transportation to patients in need.  Angel Bus was founded by William (Bill) L. Connor in May 2000 when Bill’s son, Jaran was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Sadly, Jaran passed away in 2004 and 20 days after his death, Bill was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia.  He battled his illness for the ensuing four years. His goal was to reach age 50 and he did achieve that goal. 

Currently, Angel Bus has 79 drivers and they have completed 1,154 missions in just one fiscal year! Angel Bus has many volunteers in all regions of the U.S. and are always looking for more. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, you can fill out the form on their website. What an amazing way to serve!  Their mission is truly inspiring, and has helped so many families.  Many of these patients are in terrible pain and have to travel great distances in very small vehicles. Being allowed the gift of comfort of traveling in an RV where they are able to lie down and rest is an immeasurable luxury, and one that most cannot afford. Many patients don't have the means to travel at all to receive the treatment they need, and that's where Angel Bus steps in.  They truly are Angels on Wheels. 

The Angel Bus stated mission is "To ensure that no financially-stressed patient is denied access to distant specialized medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment for lack of a means of long-distance transportation."

Angel Bus is in need of more Angels and if you would like to help out, please contact them by visiting their webiste, blog, or Facebook page. 

Remember everyone has an angel, who’s angel will you be?

Thor Diesel Club for RV Lifestyle

Have you heard about the Thor Diesel Club? It's the ONLY recognized and financially supported club of Thor Motor Coach.  The Thor Diesel Club was formed in October of 2010.

The story of how this unique club came to be is an interesting story, and one you'll surely want to take the time to read about. You can find them this October at the Thor Diesel Club International Rally. This rally takes place October 3-7, 2011 at the Let's all "Meet in the Middle" in Amish Country where they gather for good fellowship, good food, and good times!

Thor technicians will be on hand to help assist you with any questions or issues you may have regarding your coach.  An application to take advantage of that service will soon be available online for you to download, fill out and mail back to Thor. There will also be services available from many different vendors... Expect everything from getting your oil changed, to properly cleaning your RV inside and out.

You'll want to check the official website for these forms. You can also visit their website for more information on how you can join the Thor Diesel Club.

Happy RVing!

HGTV Special for the RV Lifestyle

Here's something super fun! HGTV's popular cable show "House Hunters" is now casting recently purchased or potential RV buyers for a special themed episode! According to RV Daily report, producers of the show are looking for people who have a fun and intriguing story to tell about their attraction to owning, and traveling in an RV.  They're looking for people who are ready to pursue their dream of traveling across this great land of ours, people that may be planning an outrageous family vacation, or even someone looking to live life full time on the road.  When each person is selected, the House Hunters team will spend three days on-site filming. They'll spend one day at the persons current home, one day on the RV lot, and one day on the road in the new RV.

Anyone interested in being considered for this show, or with suggestions for the producers, should contact Pie Town Productions at  818.205.0600 or e-mail lori_hirsch@pietown.tv or anne_nemer@pietown.tv.

Remember, if you're selected, be sure to send us pictures and drop us a line! We'd love to hear the stories that will go along with this adventure!

RV Country Road Trippers, This is For You!

Hello fellow road trippers!  We all love to get out and hit the open road, see the sights, explore, and go where we have never gone before... Below you will find 7 different road trips mapped out for you with all the pertinent highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions, according to CNN Travel.  It's just about time to head out for your summer adventures, and we wish you all happy and safe travels!


Pacific Northwest to Montana
This big loop is all about National Parks, National Forests and some of the most unique terrain and wildlife anywhere in the world. Taking anywhere from 2 to 4 + weeks, you can go from the coastal rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula all the way to the alpine montane, geysers, and hot springs of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
*STARTING POINT: Seattle, Washington or Portland, Oregon
*Follow Highway 101 to the Olympic Peninsula
*Try camping along the Wild Coast
*Special stops: La Push, Washington (for good camping, hotels and a classic Washington surf spot), Hoh Rainforest
*Take the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds, Washington, and back to Seattle
*From Seattle, take I-90 East to the Missoula, Montana area (7 hours) with good camping along Clark Fork River near Alberton
*Go from Missoula to Yellowstone National Park via Livingston ( Highway 89)*On the return trip, head back from Yellowstone via 287 along the Madison River
Matador: Road trip planning -- staying sane, well-fed and entertained

Nova Scotia Loop
This trip is a great choice for people who don't like long driving days. All the stops are close to one another, and the loop features local towns and roads as opposed to interstates.
Nova Scotia is "Canada's ocean playground" -- a land of salty old towns, friendly locals and stretches of wilderness coastline along the North Atlantic.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Halifax
*Take Coastal Highway 3 to Peggy's Cove
*Stop in Mahone Bay. Check out the LaHave Bakery, which also doubles as a hostel in peak season
*Visit the port town ofLunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Outstanding folk art galleries and veggie-friendly cafes are scattered between the seafood restaurants and tiny B&Bs.
*From Lunenburg, cut inland via Bridgewater to Kejimkujik National Park for world-class canoeing and camping
*Follow Highway 8 north from Keji to Annapolis Royal
*Detour west along the Annapolis Basin to Bear River
*Head east on Highway 1 to Kentville and then north to Cape Split for a classic day hike
*Highway 1 will take you back east and south to Halifax
Notes: This loop could be extended by following Highway 3 west from Lunenburg all the way to Yarmouth, on the western tip of the peninsula, where it connects to Highway 1.
Tourism Nova Scotia offers further detail about both routes -- check out The Lighthouse Route (south shore) and The Evangeline Trail (Fundy shore).

Southern Appalachia to the Sea
The south starts warming up nicely come May. You can also find sweet tea and chefs that know how to cook collard greens and black eyed peas. This loop has a good mix of local towns / culture as well as varied terrain and wilderness from the coast to the sea.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Atlanta, Georgia
*Special restaurant mention: Greenwoods in Roswell. Fuel up for your trip at this Southern eatery
*Take 85 N to 316 to Athens
*Follow 441N from Athens through Clayton, Georgia to Franklin, North Carolina
*The Nantahala National Forest offers excellent camping options
*Continue to Asheville via 74 / US 40 (Special brewery mention in Asheville: Pisgah Brewing)
*Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville
*Stop at Linville Falls (there's outstanding backpacking in Linville Gorge)*Continue North via Skyline Drive into Shenandoah National Park or take I-64 East to Charlottesville, Virginia
*Head back south through Richmond to Raleigh. The coastal North Carolina city of Wilmington is just a couple of hours from Raleigh on I-40.
*For another coastal drive, head south to Charleston, South Carolina
Notes: For an alternative loop that leaves out Athens but takes you through Nashville, Tennessee, and moves faster, take I-75 North from Atlanta through Chattanooga to Nashville, then reconnect to Asheville via I-40.

Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada's wild western frontier offers some of the most intense but still accessible wilderness on the planet. It's also among the coolest road trips, temperature-wise, during the summertime.
From the innumerable coves off the coast, to the high peaks of the coastal range, a summer BC road trip is all about exploring the pacific northwestern terrain.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Vancouver
*Take Highway 99 to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, then hop a ferry to Vancouver Island
*Head west until you reach the coast, then head up Hwy 4 until you hit the surf town of Tofino. Spend a day on the waves (bring your wetsuit)
*Horseshoe Bay. Head east to the ferry terminal and ride it back to Vancouver
*Whistler. Drive north again on Hwy 99 until you hit Whistler, home to some of the best trails in the world for mountain biking, hiking and camping
*Head north from Whistler on Hwy 97
*The mountains will give way to gold miner's country in Cache Creek, followed by Kamloops (the tournament capital of Canada)
*Stop in Kelowna, the center of Okanagan wine country. Special Mention: tour of Summerhill Pyramid Winery. Props if you can spot the mysterious Ogopogo, BC's version of the Loch Ness monster, said to live in Lake Okanagan
*From Kelowna, head west. Don't miss Hell's Gate for a tram ride over the abyss
*Continue until you join up with Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada) and make your way back to Vancouver
Matador: Top 20 microbreweries in America

Front Range to Montana
The high passes of the Rockies fill up during the summer with RVs, motorcycles and everyone else enjoying the mountains, rivers and open stretches of highway.
This loop features two major National Parks and true cowboy towns.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Denver metro area (including Boulder, Ft. Collins)*Take 287 N. through Wyoming (Chief Joseph Highway)
*Check out some truly off the beaten path exploration options (backpacking) in Wind River range
*Near Lander, Wyoming, Sinks Canyon is an excellent campground / first night's place to stop if making a big push to Yellowstone or the Tetons
*Continue on 287 N to Tetons *Special Mention: Dubois -- a true cowboy town. See if you can spot a local who isn't driving a pickup truck
*Teton National Park
*Yellowstone National Park
*Drive Bear Tooth Scenic Highway -- Hwy 212 winds its way over the spine of the Rocky Mountains at 10,970 feet, linking Red Lodge to Cooke City at Yellowstone National Park's Northeast Entrance
*Stop at Little Bighorn Battlefield for a reenactment of Custer's last stand
Notes: Additionally, Jackson, Wyoming (known by non-locals as "Jackson Hole") -- is less than an hour south of Teton National Park, and totally worth the detour.
Jackson is one of the most unique towns in America, and has some of the most hardcore communities of skiers, snowboarders and adventure athletes in the world. Check the local terrain and you'll know why.

Best of the Southwest
This road trip is one of the hottest on the map, but visitors will be surprised how much the temperatures cool off in the desert southwest, especially at high elevation. Bring layers.
More than any other loop, the Best of the Southwest has a high concentration of National Parks. Give yourself several extra days for camping / local options around the Grand Canyon. This loop could easily be extended for an entire month or more.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Phoenix, Arizona
*Head north on I-17 through Flagstaff on to the Grand Canyon
*Follow 89 N to the North Rim and Marble Canyon
*Various loops are possible using 89 and 191 to visit Glen Canyon, Canyonlands, Archesnational parks and recreation areas
*To visit Mesa Verdetake 491 South to 160 East into southern Colorado via Durango
*Stop at Pagosa Springs for an excellent family hot springs experience
*Head south into New Mexico via Chama, to Santa Fe
*Drive south on 285 through Roswell to Carlsbad Caverns
*Head south into Texas through Guadalupe Mountains National Park and farther south to Big Bend National Park
*Then go northwest through El Paso to White Sands National Monument
*To get back, head west on 10 to Tucson, then back up to Phoenix

Northern New England Loop
The Northern New England Loop is all about cooler temps, short driving days on winding country roads and local hiking in the Appalachians. This is a great choice for families with young kids or those looking for an easier road trip.
*STARTING/ENDING POINT: Burlington, VT (or surrounding area)
*Take 89 south through Waterbury, Vermont
*Take Route 100, a great winding country road, south past Warren Falls swimming hole
*Go east on 4 through Woodstock and cross into New Hampshire at Hanover, where Dartmouth College is located
*Drive east to New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee and continue to Portland, Maine
*Follow Route 1 along the coast past beaches and art towns, through Camden, to Acadia National Park
*Then head north through Bangor and up to Baxter State Park
*Turn west through nowhere-land to the Moosehead Lake Region
*Cross back into New Hampshire after Grafton Notch State Park
*Continue into Northeast Kingdom, Vermont and back to Burlington via Stowe

Teams Selected for Best of the Road Contest

The five teams have been selected for the Best of the Road contest sponsored by USA Today and Rand McNally. On June 23rd, the teams will take off from New York and head out to explore six towns each. They'll be armed with suggestions for dining, recreation, and notable attractions.
The towns that will visit were selected by popular vote in five different categories: most beautiful, most patriotic, friendliest, most fun and best for food. Each team will visit towns in a themed category, but they won't know which one until they're about to depart. To learn about the teams, track their progress, read the team blogs, and view photos of their adventures, click here!

Keystone Give away For Three RV's!

Keystone RV Company is giving away 3 RV's at various RV shows for their 2010-2011 sweepstakes!

The units they'll be giving away are:

• Keystone Bullet Ultra Lite travel trailer, model 246RBS, MSRP $23,771.00
• Keystone Passport Ultra Lite travel trailer, model 2650BH, MSRP $23,692.00
• Keystone Hideout travel trailer, model 27DBS, MSRP $18,739.00

They will select one winner by random drawing at each the following events:

• The Rally, July 14-17, 2011, Redmond, Oregon
• 21st Annual Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show, January 11-14, 2012, Denver, Colorado
• New Mexico RV and Travel Show, March 23-25, 2012, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Click here to view the complete contest rules and enter to win!

Nationwide Competition Begins for "Best of the Road"

Have you heard about the Best of the Road Contest sponsored by USA TODAY and Rand McNally? Here's the scoop: Over 600 cities were submitted to compete for the nationwide "Best of the Road" competition in categories including "Most Beautiful" "Friendliest", "Most Patriotic" "Most Fun" and "Best for Food".  They have now whittled it down to 30 locales, and on June 23rd, Five teams of travelers will set to the road from NYC, landing in LA on July 15th. Along the way, each team will visit six towns in an assigned category as well as points of interest along their route. At the end, each team will decide on which town ranked number one in their respective categories and the winners will be announced on July 22nd.

The towns will be highlighted on the Rand McNally website and also in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Atlas, as well as on the USA TODAY travel site. The winning team will take home $10,000 in prize money! If you want to follow the teams' three week adventure, you can catch videos, photos, and updates at www.bestoftheroad.com

Here are the top cities in each category:

Most Beautiful

Pacifica, Calif. "…a great combination of surf and hills."
Coral Gables, Fla. "…One of the best places in South Florida. World class restaurants, shopping, historic sites, and homes."
Baker City, Ore. "We have a great historic district and a setting that is nestled in the Blue Mountains."
Marco Island, Fla. "…enjoy warm breezes, spectacular sunsets and white sand beaches, all set in a location that is easily accessible."
Franklin, Tenn. "…parks with walking trails and good biking access, rolling hills, historic homes and architecture, Civil War sites, free festivals, great restaurants and friendly locals."
Sandpoint, Idaho "…surrounded by natural beauty no matter which direction you look … breathtaking."

Most Patriotic 

Clarksville, Tenn. "Everywhere you look, there are flags flying and signs posted welcoming our soldiers home (to Fort Campbell) and thanking them for their service."
Emporia, Kansas "…the city that started Veterans Day, (has) many parades and veterans' activities."
Peachtree City, Ga. "Great schools, numerous lakes, tons of green space, excellent facilities for every sport, miles of golf cart paths, and the best Fourth of July celebration around."
Williamsburg, Va. "… the most beautiful, historical and patriotic town that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Fife and drums, fireworks, reenactments…"
Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "…with one of the country's largest military training posts nearby, it's hard not to see patriotism. Many local business use patriotic colors and symbols…"
Rapid City, S. Dak. "There's a lot to see in the Rapid City area, from Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial to Harney Peak and tourist attractions."

Friendliest 

Walla Walla, Wash. "You'll have a pleasant conversation with everyone you encounter… People are just nice in Walla Walla and the quality of life is wonderful."
Valdosta, Ga. "Whether you've met them or not, if you're in Valdosta you have friends! People here do not hesitate to jump in and help if you have a need."
Mount Airy, N.C. "People here don't seem to be in a big hurry…(they) talk to you like you're part of their family."
Lake Havasu City, Ariz. "… has a small town feel and with that comes very friendly people!"
Woodward, Okla. "… folks still extend small courtesies toward each other whether they know each other or not."
Nacogdoches, Texas "… a wonderful place to visit and to live."

Most Fun

Vacaville, Calif. "From Merriment On Main in December, Fiesta Days over Memorial Day weekend, the Summer Creekwalk Concert Series ... and this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of fun in Vacaville!"
Myrtle Beach, S.C. "Plenty of family-friendly places to go and eat. Great seafood restaurants, museums, shopping. Never a dull moment."
Santa Claus, Ind. "For small-town atmosphere with a ton of things to see and do this town has it all!"
Yellow Springs, Ohio "No chain stores and (many) independent restaurants. Always something going on, on a sunny day you find street musicians or artists."
Glenwood Springs, Colo. "So much natural beauty, so many activities (to) enjoy year-round, plenty of restaurants with great food, and the friendliest locals around."
Sioux City, Iowa "Summer months are filled with lots of outdoor music venues, the Farmer's Market, time on the river and great community festivals …"

Best for Food 

Gulfport, Fla. "Fantastic eating establishments … great atmosphere (with) very friendly people!"
Visalia, Calif. "If you are traveling in this area be sure to stop in for a casual or fine-dining experience. You won't be disappointed!"
Burnsville, Minn. "The food is absolutely to die for! So many options to choose from."
Costa Mesa, Calif. "… one of the easiest towns to use as a base to entertain clients and guests, or just to have foodie fun!"
Addison, W.Va. "From the scenery to the businesses to the people, this is the best small town…"
Lafayette, La. "… the degree of culinary talent mixed with down-home deliciousness is second to none."

Safety First in RV Country

Before you set out on your next adventure, be sure to keep a few things in mind. It may seem obvious to some, but to others the height of an RV often goes overlooked. Some drivers accidentally drive under an overpass without enough clearance because they forget about the height of the vehicle. Keeping your RV's height handy is a good idea, as well as knowing the clearance to the upcoming bridges and tunnels along your way. An atlas can sometimes help with this, as can some GPS units. While there is currently no phone app for this, we were able to find a website that does list low clearance bridge heights that may be helpful to you.

Another item to keep in mind is maintenance. Yes, it's sometimes a pain to get your RV into the shop for its maintenance check, but an RV that's well maintained is less likely to give you problems along the way. You can even start by doing a small check on your own, such as checking headlights, brake lights and turn signals and making sure your tires have the correct air pressure and sufficient tread depth. Our service department can do a more in depth checkup, such as inspecting your belts, brakes, and engine.

You'll also want to make sure you have a plan in case you do break down. Always carry a cell phone, and it's a good idea to leave your travel plans with someone back home. Have plenty of food and drink on hand in case you're stuck on the side of the road for awhile. A good roadside assistance program is good to consider as well.

Stay safe out there RVers, and happy traveling!

RV Scavenger Hunt - Create Your Own Fun!

How long has it been since you went on a scavenger hunt?  A scavenger hunt is one surefire way to have a blast and make everyone feel like a kid again. Who doesn't love to get a little competitive and show off their skills?  Here's an idea... When you're camped out at your favorite RV park with fellow RV'ing friends, or maybe with your fellow RV'ing neighbors in the campground, organize a small scavenger hunt in the evening. The kids will have a fantastic time and the grownups will too. It's a great way to get to know each other and who knows, you just may make new lifelong friends!

You set the time limit and you chose the prize for the winner... It could be dinner, dessert, a cocktail, or everyone could throw $5 in a pot to go to the victor - it's up to you! Use your imagination.

Here is a list of possible scavenger hunt items to help get you started:

* Red duct Tape
* Ad for Cabela's,
* Receipt from an RV Park
* Post card
* Business card (not their own)
* Golf tee
* Fire starter
* Scarf
* Ear plug
* Stocking cap
* Menu from a restaurant
* Nail polish remover
* Fishing pole
* Extension cord
* Fire Extinguisher
* Toy
* Musical instrument
* Whistle
* Camping World Catalog

Have a great time, and happy hunting!

RV Country Honors Bob Tiffin; An RV Industry Icon

Tiffin motorhome owners love Bob Tiffin, and we understand why. Bob started his company with two things in mind; Quality products and superb customer service.  Tiffin Motorhomes is a family owned business, but it isn’t just his family that makes this business unique. His employees believe in the product and the high standards that he has set, and they are extremely loyal. So loyal in fact, that even multiple generations of employees are known to have worked there.

Bob founded Tiffin Motorhomes in 1972.  Over the years he has been joined by his three sons: Tim- General Manager, Van- R&D Manager, and Lex- the Quality & Assistance Plant Manager. Also joining the ranks was his wife, Judy Tiffin. Judy gives her amazing insight to the interior and exterior design of Tiffin products.  She also gets credit for naming the original product line: Allegro. Judy has retired, but she still travels with Bob to RV shows and we’re always happy to see her.

Tiffin Motorhomes is known quite well for its innovations over the years. From ¼” glass windows to a full basement for storage, the Tiffin product credits being a leader in innovations to one thing; Listening to their customers. 

Ask any Tiffin owner about the customer service experience and you won’t hear a complaint.  At an Allegro Club rally, Bob and a group of plant technicians knocked on every coach door offering to make whatever minor repairs time and parts allow. At an RV show, RVers (no matter what brand of RV they drive) line up to shake Bob's hand and have a quick visit.

The Allegro Club is a membership organization of Tiffin Motorhome owners. If you're a new Tiffin owner, your first year of membership is free and you can submit your application on-line. There are also other Tiffin clubs you can join as well. The iRV2 Club has a Tiffin group and you can find some great information on the Tiffin RV Network website.

One thing is for sure, if you own a Tiffin or you’re thinking of owning a Tiffin, you know you’ll own a superior product and you’ll be well taken care of.

-------------------------------------------------------
Bob Tiffin will be here at Paul Evert's RV Country for two days this May. Stop in during the Manufacturer RV Show & Sale May 20th and 21st to say hi!

Have GPS Units Made Maps and Atlases Obsolete?

It used to be true that anyone who was venturing off on a road trip would have to take a paper printed map to find their route. Then came the digital age and we had the option to go online to a mapping site, enter our destination and print out a route, or even a step by step set of instructions complete with distances from one point to the next. Now it seems that the most common choice for travel assistance are those handy portable GPS units.

GPS units, or Global Positioning Units, were originally created for use by the military, but are now widely used by the general public. With prices starting at less than $100, they have become very affordable and offer so much more to their users than just a road map.  In addition to providing current road maps, they can also help direct you to the nearest emergency services, food, gas, or lodging, as well as help you to adjust your route to avoid roadwork, accidents, and traffic jams. It is also helpful to have a pleasant voice directing you on what move to make next, rather than trying to read a map while driving, or relying on your co-pilot to feed you step by step instructions while they wrestle with a giant folding map the size of your vehicle's interior. Plus, have you ever tried to properly re-fold those maps? That's always good for a laugh!

Rand McNally has even announced that this June they'll be coming out with a GPS unit specifically designed for RV'ers!  It's called The TripMaker® RVND™ 5510.  In addition to the usual information, this unit goes beyond to give you height/weight restrictions, RV campgrounds, festivals and more, all designed for the specific type of RV you are using.  Click on the link above to learn more and pre-order.

So, if your vehicle didn't come with a built in GPS system, and you haven't yet made the leap from the paper map or atlas, now may be the time to check one out. No one wants to waste time getting lost... That's valuable time that you could be spending playing at your destination! Also, no printing on paper makes GPS units a more eco-friendly option.

Oregon's Scenic Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is famous for it's collection of stunning waterfalls... 77 on the Oregon side alone! From the majestic tourist attraction of Multnomah Falls (which is the second highest year round waterfall in the U.S., cascading a full 620 feet - see the gorgeous picture), to lesser known little falls (such as Punchbowl Falls, still beautiful at only 15 feet) that must be hiked to. All of these waterfalls reside within only about a 15 mile span, and can be reached by a nice, slow drive down the Historic Columbia River Highway. This scenic old route winds through some of the most awesome beauty in Oregon, and with so many waterfalls packed into such a small area, you can plan on spending at least a full afternoon here.

There are waysides, rest areas, picnic areas and parks throughout, but there is no RV camping available on this highway. However, should you mosey just a bit further through the Gorge on Interstate 84, about 14 miles from Multnomah Falls, you will come to the cozy little town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. Cascade Locks is situated along the beautiful Columbia River. This small town is deceptive, as there is so much to do! You can hike the Pacific Crest Trail, visit the newly unveiled bronze statues of Sacajawea and Seaman the dog and learn the history of this noted stop on Lewis & Clark's trail. You can stop by the Eastwind Drive-In for the best burgers and shakes, and the Port of Cascade Locks RV and Tent Campground will provide you with all the amenities you need, plus the most stunning view of the river and gorge you could hope for.

It is also located right next door to the local historical museum, as well as a huge, beautiful, park full of acres of green grass and a giant playground for the kids. Book a dinner cruise on the historic Sternwheeler, or take a stroll across the foot bridge to Thunder Island and let your kids and dogs run free and explore... There you will find the most beautiful view of the Bridge of The Gods and a new appreciation for all of natures glory.

Amusement Parks Unveil Many New Attractions for 2011

With nationwide gas prices on the rise, you may expect that tourism to family theme parks will drop, but the theme parks aren't sweating it. After a disappointing season in 2009, they saw revenues on the upswing in 2010 and are anticipating that the upswing will continue as we head on into summer this year.


"We don't anticipate rising gas prices will have a significant impact on attendance," says David Mandt of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. "Most Americans live within a one-tank trip of a major regional park, so patterns won't change."

With the cost of admission generally around the $35 to $50 range, amusement parks are regarded as "recession-proof". However, that was not the case when in 2008 and 2009 when many saw attendance and revenues stay flat or take a significant drop.  In an effort to lure in repeat as well as new guests, them parks are always coming up with new and exciting attractions. Here are just a few of the new roller coasters, character themes and even a whole new park coming in 2011. Here, we've broken it down for you geographically:

CALIFORNIA
Debuting May 27 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is Mickey's Soundsational Parade featuring live musicians and dancers boogieing down Main Street to Disney tunes and "jamming like never before."

Premiering June 3: The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure , part of an ambitious, multi-year expansion at Disney California Adventure park. The dark ride spotlights characters from the movie in a simulated underwater journey.

Also opening on June 3: Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, in Tomorrowland, a re-engineered version of a ride that opened in 1989, with Star Wars characters rendered in 3D. (The attraction débuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20.)

Comedian/talk show host Jimmy Fallon signs on as the new video host of Universal Studios Hollywood's Studio Tour. He'll debut in June via the ride's hi-definition monitors, supplementing live commentary by tour guides. Last summer, the studio tour unleashed King Kong 360 3-D, created by Peter Jackson and billed as "the world's largest, most intense 3-D experience." This ride alone is worth the price of admission.

At Legoland California in San Diego County, the new Star Wars Miniland, created with 1.5 million Lego bricks, includes life-size models of Chewbacca and Darth Vader and interactive animated scenes.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has adding three new coasters, bringing the total to 18. The DC Comics superhero-themed Green Lantern: First Flight is a spinning coaster with a vertical zigzag-pattern track and 360-degree head-over-heel spins. Superman: Escape from Krypton, an enhancement of an earlier ride, propels riders backward up a tower at 100 mph. A third coaster will offer a tamer experience targeted for children. (Green Lantern also opens May 25 at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J.)

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park will unveil WindSeeker, a ride with two-person gondolas that spin around 30 stories off the ground.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo opens SkyScreamer, a 150-foot tower ride that spins at top speeds of 43 mph. (A similar ride is opening at Six Flags St. Louis.)

FLORIDA
Opening this October in Winter Haven, about 40 miles from Walt DisneyWorld, is the all-new Legoland Florida. Targeted at the age 2 to 12 set, this is the largest of the five Legolands to date. Its 10 "lands" will house 50 rides, shows and attractions on the site of Cypress Gardens, the state's first theme park.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the two-decade-old Star Tours ride gets an upgrade with new footage shot in George Lucas' studio and more than 50 ride variations. Coming to Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios is Disney Junior – Live on Stage! featuring entertainment for the pre-school set.

At Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, the new Cheetah Hunt coaster runs over simulated Serengeti terrain with a stop-and-start rhythm that goes from 0 to 60 mph several times during the ride. A new habitat area, "Cheetah Run," features real cheetahs
.
MIDWEST
Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wis., adds the 2,500-foot-long roller coaster "Zippin Pippin" with drops of up to 70 feet at speeds of up to 40 mph.
The new WindSeeker ride at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, spins and dangles riders 30 stories above the Lake Erie shore in two-person swings. (A similar ride debuts at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio.)

NEW ENGLAND
The Wooden Warrior, a 1,200-foot-long wooden roller coaster, debuts at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn. The three-car train reaches a top speed of 35 mph and takes riders down a 40-foot drop.

Six Flags New England near Springfield, Mass., adds a 10th coaster, Gotham City: Gauntlet Escape from Arkham Asylum. The four-person cars climb five stories then twist through a maze of 17 hairpin turns and dips.

THE SOUTH
The swing ride, Barnstormer, opened recently at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. It reaches heights of 81 feet and speeds of 45 mph and is surrounded by a barnyard-themed play area.

The coaster Dare Devil Dive opens May 28 at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Ga. The ride reaches 10 stories and speeds of 52 mph, putting riders through diving loops and zero gravity.

THE WEST
Lagoon Park in Farmington, Utah, adds a ninth coaster, Bombora, billed as a family-friendly ride.

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas, marks its 50th anniversary with a revamped Texas Giant. The classic wooden coaster is faster and steeper, thanks to a a $10 million makeover that includes a new track.

RV Country Cooks up Some Simple Cowboy Beans

Here’s a rootin’ tootin’ simple new recipe we came across, and we just had to share it with our fellow RVers. It’s called ‘Cowboy Beans’ and what dinner out on the trail would be complete without these fibrous legumes? Young and old cow-poke alike are sure to enjoy this tasty side dish and it’ll give both age groups a reason to sing the old rhyme “Beans, beans, the musical fruit…” Errrr,  on second thought let’s just get to that delicious recipe, shall we?

 Ingredients

1 Pound Hamburger

1 Pound Bacon

2 Cans of Large Bush’s Baked Beans

1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar

1/4 Cup of Ketchup

1 Onion Chopped and Caramelized
1/2 Green Pepper
Salt & Black Pepper

Directions

Brown Hamburger.

Cook Bacon.

Combine Hamburger with Bacon and Beans along with Brown Sugar and Ketchup.

Caramelize the onion and green pepper and then add to the meat and beans.

Season to your liking.

Simmer for ½ hour.

ENJOY!

RV Lifestyle: Gas is up For Spring Break

As gas prices continue to rise, we have to wonder, how will this affect your travel plans for spring break? Many families take this time to see family for the Easter holiday. Some families take this time to reward the kids and themselves for surviving the harsh winter, the demands of school and work, and to remind them that summer is almost here.

As RVers, we probably have a slight advantage. We get to take our second home with us. We have the luxury of combining, travel, lodging, and dining into one comfortable package. Gas prices may be up, (Just take a look at this news story http://ow.ly/4FkOX) but that just means we need to get creative in how we save money in other areas.  Maybe we cook on the fire more and eat out less. Maybe we skip that round of putt-putt golf and throw a frisbee, or sit around gazing at the stars, and telling ghost stories instead.  One thing is for sure, we definitely have the advantage by living the RV lifestyle.

Fulltime Families live the RV Lifestyle

Are you a fulltime family? A what you ask? Well if you were to look on the official website http://fulltimefamilies.com/ a fulltime family is described as:

full-time fam•i•ly
[foo l-tahym fam-uh-lee, fam-lee]

1. basic social unit consisting of parent/s and their child/ren, who sell everything they own, pack up themselves and what’s left into something slightly bigger than a breadbox and head out onto the open road!

2. basic social unit consisting of parent/s and their child/ren, who enjoying spending large amounts of quantity time with each other, exploring their world together – no matter what they call home!

3. group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, meet up on the road and/or travel together.

Usage in a sentence – We are a Fulltime Family!

Kimberly and Chris started Fulltime Families magazine to help families with the same type of questions they were facing themselves when they first started life as a fulltime family on the road.  Their newly launched website is jam packed with valuable information such as frequently asked questions, their mission statement (which is great!), all the different blogs written by the different families, where to find family friendly campgrounds, how to sign up for their magazine, how to become a member, the list goes on and on! If you have ever tossed around the idea of leaving behind life as you know it and heading for the open road, you should head over to the website and poke around a bit, you may decide this is the life for your family. As lovers of the RV Lifestyle, we think Fulltime Families is a great resource for all RVers!