RV Lifestyle: Keystone Recall (Axles installed backwards)

RV Daily Report shares a Keystone recall.

Keystone is recalling certain Model Year 2011 Cougar and Laredo travel trailers. The axles are installed backwards causing a slight reduction in braking torque and shortened brake lining service life. The concern is over time diminished braking capacity could lead to an increased risk of property damage and/or personal injury.

Dealers will inspect the axles to verify the brake wires are on the off-door side. If they are not, the axles will be removed and reversed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expecting to begin during February 2011.

Owners may contact keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369.

Owners may also contact Paul Evert’s RV Country service department to make an appointment.  Please call us at (800) 959-6485 or click here to schedule your appointment on line.

RV Buddies review the Monaco Vesta

We here at Paul Evert's RV Country were not the only ones excited to see the new Monaco Vesta arrive, it turns out the folks at RV Buddies sure were too!  A full review, photos, and video of the Monaco RV Vesta 32 PBS are now live on RV Buddies website.

"After reading this review and watching this video you will see why we named it one of the best RVs of the year," said Mark Summers, Executive Producer of the show.

The Monaco RV Vesta is the result of extensive research and development. It was developed with wind tunnel testing and features many aerodynamic design features, including flush bus-style windows to assist in reducing drag.

Monaco Coach describes this state of the art RV as being designed for today's RV Lifestyle.  It is perfect for everything from football tailgate parties to sightseeing across America.  The cockpit makes it easier to see, the nimble chassis makes it easier to navigate and park, and the engine is easier on fuel AND the environment, compared to traditional motorhomes. 

RV Buddies is an RV adventure-lifestyle show featuring reviews of RVs, accessories and gear, featuring hosts Mark Summers, Elise Baughman and Robert Wittenberg.  The program is distributed as an Internet television production on its own website, on Apple iTunes and through other distribution channels including iPad and phone friendly versions for iPhone, Blackberry and Android.

Why wait for summer to enjoy the beach? Here are the 6 best beach destinations of the NW

Visiting the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Northwest is probably not quite like you imagine a "day at the beach" to be.  These areas offer cozy coastal towns, jagged, rocky coastlines teeming with sea life, and often temperamental and cooler weather, but don't be fooled... You don't need to have a sunburn and a bikini to enjoy the beach!  Of course, like most coastal towns, in the warmer months these beaches and downtown streets are crawling with visitors who've come to build sandcastles, surf, eat saltwater taffy, and fly kites, but if you slip on over in the off-season, an entirely different experience awaits you. Here are six of the best beach vacation destinations to explore and appreciate all the wonders the Pacific Northwest has to offer any time.

1. Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, Oregon

Located off of Hwy 101 – from the north take the first Cannon Beach exit; from the south take the last Cannon Beach exit. Signs to Ecola State Park are clearly marked. The narrow road will wind uphill for about two miles through dense forests.

Best beach vacation spot for: Outdoor enthusiasts.

Why it's great: Even on dark and stormy days, Indian Beach is dramatically beautiful and wonderfully relaxing.

Don't miss: "Terrible Tilly" or Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Whale spotting from this viewing spot is excellent during migration – bring your binoculars. Spend the night in the park's new cabin (very small and primitive) on Tillamook Head, a 1½-mile hike from Indian Beach.

2. Alki Beach, West Seattle, Washington

Located about 15 miles west of downtown Seattle, this two-and-a-half mile stretch of sand runs from Alki Point to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay. It is easily reached by car via the West Seattle Bridge.

Best beach vacation spot for: Beachcombers.

Why it's great: A lot of Seattle-area beaches are covered in rocks and shells, but this beauty is covered in powdery sand with seawalls for walking and people watching. You'll love the stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Olympic and Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound.

Don't miss: During busy summer months, avoid parking problems and take Seattle Metro's water taxi, which leaves from between Piers 55 and 56.

3. Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island B.C., Canada

Getting to Long Beach can be tricky, but the trek is well worth it. Sound Flight offers regular flights from Seattle. It is also possible to take a ferry from Washington State to Victoria and then drive five hours across Vancouver Island to reach the tip of the Esowista Peninsula.

Best beach vacation spot for: Surfers.

Why it's great: With 35 kilometers of perfect beach break, Long Beach is somewhat of a cult surfing destination. It's popular year round – in summer for surfing and water sports, in winter for windswept storm-watching.

Don't miss: Participate in a grey whale observation tour led by a park naturalist. Start at the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre – the entrance is adjacent to Hwy 4 at the end of Long Beach Rd.


4. South Beach, San Juan Islands, Washington

Located on American Camp on the south side of San Juan Island, this driftwood haven is reached via a short flight from Seattle or a 90 minute drive to Anacortes terminal and then a scenic ferry ride.

Best beach vacation spot for: Anyone seeking a slow paced "time out."

Why it's great: It's the longest stretch of public beach in the San Juan Islands and locals are especially outgoing in sharing their beachfront beauty.

Don't miss: Work off the effects of a beach barbecue with a short hike along the bluff trails to the Hudson's Bay Farm site above Grandma's Cove.

5. Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Known by locals simply as "Kits Beach," this popular Westside destination and one of Western Canada's best beach vacation spots is located off Cornwall Ave., between Yew St. and Arbutus.

Best beach vacation spot for: Four-legged friends.

Why it's great: During the summer months (April-Oct), dogs are not allowed on the main stretch of the beach, but there is a designated "Dog Beach" area that is open all year round for playing and swimming. The views of English Bay and downtown Vancouver are spectacular.

Don't miss: The beach is home to the longest outdoor swimming pool in Canada, the salt-water Kitsilano Pool is open during the summer months.

6. Lincoln City, Oregon

Seven miles of pristine white sandy beaches have long served as an artist's Mecca. Approximately two hours from Portland, this resort town is an easy and scenic drive through the beautiful Coastal Mountain Range.

Best beach vacation spot for: Families.

Why it's great: There are tons of activities to keep the kids busy from tide pooling and surfing to flying kites and fishing.

Don't miss: Voted "Kite Capital of the World," Lincoln City hosts three fun-filled kite festivals annually on its beaches. Stay at Surftides, where vintage old-school charm collides with contemporary style and activities for all ages abound.

RV Community News: Best Parks in America Seeking Volunteers for Advisory Group

The President of Best Parks in America, David Gorin, recently announced the creation of the Best Parks RVer Advisory Group to provide advice and counsel on how to best meet the needs of today's RVer's visiting Best Parks affiliates. Best Parks is looking for willing and experienced RVers to volunteer for the advisory group.

“We are embarking upon a nationwide search to find three to five experienced RVers who represent the diversity of the RVing consumer to serve on the group,” said Gorin. “The advisory group will be comprised of RVers of different ages and experience levels from different geographic regions".

Gorin goes on to say, that the group will most likely meet with Best Parks in America management and a corresponding group of Best Parks in America park owners via conference call, or web based conference two times per year.

If you are an experienced RVer and are interested in serving on the Best Parks RVer Advisory Group, Gorin invites you to contact him at David@BestParksinAmerica.com.

Your letter of interest should include background information highlighting your RV experience, a brief summary of why you are interested in serving on the Best Parks RVer Advisory Group, and of course, be sure to provide all of your pertinent contact information. It should be noted that here is no financial compensation offered for serving on the advisory group, but there will also not be any expenses incurred if you are selected.

"Best Parks in America is a nationwide network of highly-rated RV parks and campgrounds. With 75 affiliated parks in 29 states, the Best Parks brand is rapidly gaining RVer recognition as the place to go when they are looking for the best RVing and camping experiences" said Gorin.

RV Lifestyle turns purple, gold, and green

In Mobile, Alabama campers have started rolling in to form what Mobilians call RV city. For about 2 weeks, 195 RV’s will fill this make-shift city to take part in one of the biggest street parties in America….Mardi Gras!

 Mobile is not only recognized as celebrating the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 (yes, even before New Orleans), but also as home to the "America's Family Mardi Gras" delighting both young and old from around town and across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts for over two and a half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent.

For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and of course overflowing crowds of parade goers. The floats are glowing phenomenon’s  manned by masked riders festooned in satin and sequins, and armed with crowd-pleasing "throws" such as beads, moon pies, doubloons and candy. Mardi Gras must be experienced to be fully understood and Mobile is the perfect place.

For a more in depth look at the history of Mardi Gras visit here.

RV Lifestyle: Winnebago Recall. (Wrong label on tires)

RV Daily Report shares Winnebago recall.

Winnebago is recalling certain Model Year 2010-2011 Tour and Itasca Ellipse motorhomes manufactured from Aug. 7, 2009 through Feb. 7, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Part 567, "certification." The vehicles are equipped with labels indicating the wrong type of load range tires.

These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of Part 567 certification.
Owners will be provided with new tire information labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can perform the installation for them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before Feb. 25, 2011.

Owners may contact Winnebago at 641-585-6939, regarding Winnebago Safety Recall No. 121.

Owners may also contact Paul Evert's RV Country at  (800) 959-6485 or go on-line to schedule a service appointment.

Getting Connected: Becoming a Part of The Online RV Community

You did it! After copious amounts of time spent researching and laying all the groundwork to find the perfect RV for you and your family, you have found it.

Now... What to do? How do you know the best, most affordable places to go? How do you find the tips and tricks to make the most of your RV experience? Where do you meet other people who share your interest in the RV Lifestyle? The answer of course, is online!

Social networking is the latest and greatest way to meet other people, share stories, tips, tricks, and get helpful advice and find answers to all your burning questions. There are any number of ways to get connected. You may find a group of RV owners in your area, or maybe you will chose to get connected on Facebook or Twitter. You can start by clicking here, and exploring all the ways in which you can find the information that will help you get off to a roaring start in exploring the open road!