Winter 2013 betterRVing

WINTER 2013

knowledge is power: the rep rap see them in action at the SuperShow Florida RV SuperShow Map Strolling Through Cigar City: Ybor

Go outside and play all day, then get cozy ‘round the campfire.

Can you feel it yet? There’s a change in the light...a change in the air.

It’s the perfect time to enjoy RVing.

For over 35 years we’ve been making dreams come true for RVers all over the world. We are proud to say that at Lazydays we have an RV for everyone.

To find the RV that suits the way your family plays, log on to our website or stop by and pay us a visit – we’d love to show you around.

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TAMPA | TUCSON lazydays.com

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CONTENTS

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Two for the Road Lazydays experts Dana and Snow take the 2013 Born Free 23-foot front lounge for a spin.

Meet the Manufacturer Reps Get to know the resident brand gurus on call for Lazydays customers.

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Florida RV SuperShow Map

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Catching Up With CrossRoads RV Regional sales manager Steve Shively offers his insights on this burgeoning brand.

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Destination: Ybor City, Florida Stroll through history at Florida's "Cigar City," just a short drive from Lazydays Tampa.

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RV Quick Tips Helpful hints to enhance your RV lifestyle.

Traveling Tunes Road-trip playlists guaranteed to get your foot tapping — on the gas pedal.

Lessons in RVing One couple gets a humorous reminder to watch out for the small things — and the big ones, too.

The Final Features

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Home Cookin’: Jammin’ Joe’s Barbecue Meatballs

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Ed Said: What's New, What Rocks

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Grateful Gear Troubleshootin’ With Ernie: Resetting Your Furnace

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RV Open House

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Technically Speaking: Ask Steve

RV Classifieds Partner Spotlight: Marie Schultz

LANCECAMPER.COM

Go Anywhere | Go Any Time | Go Now

Find Your Perfect Fit | Lazydays 6 betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

IN THE SPIRIT T OF THE WINTER SEASON WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY & SUNSHINE! Come camp with us!

Our campgrounds feature paved sites with full 30/50-amp hookups amidst beautiful landscaping. You can relax by the pool, play indoor and outdoor games, or enjoy a visit with your friends at our restaurants and bars. If you travel with man’s best friend you’ll be pleased to know we have a fenced-in doggie park right inside our campgrounds. Give us a call or go online to make a reservation; we can’t wait to see you!

lazydaysRVcampground.com Tucson, AZ | 800.306.4069 Tampa, FL | 800.626.7800

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Better RVers, Welcome to another issue of betterRVing.com. We are glad you’re here!

Aren’t superheroes amazing? I think most of us grew up dreaming about meeting a superhero or pretending to be a superhero — running through the house with homemade capes, waving magic wands or fashioning tin foil to funnel special powers.

This issue of betterRVing.com is dedicated to our RV superheroes; find the supersection on page 15. Every day our RV manufacturer reps walk the hallways, imaginary cape flapping behind them, sharing their knowledge and problem-solving capabilities with everyone.

Lazydays was built from the inside out to honor your needs — sometimes, before you even know you have a need. One way we meet those needs is through our superhero manufacturer reps. We provide them with office space and they, in turn, offer you answers, insights and tips. There’s no need to call an 800 number; they are right here on site! Have fun getting to know these dedicated individuals and their super-powers, and feel free to email them with your questions.

As we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year, the road ahead is fresh and full of adventure. Where will the RV go this year? How many new friends will be made? What destinations will be discovered? And what obstacles will be overcome?

The promise of a new year is both exciting and invigorating. It is important to develop that new energy into a plan, and then into an email. An email to me! Tell me and show me what you did, where you went, what you saw.

I look forward to hearing your stories!

Happy travels,

Ann Cosentino ann@betterRVing.com

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Advertising Director Liz Lema 866.317.4012 For advertising inquires: advertising@betterRVing.com Inquiries Subscription and customer service information: info@betterRVing.com Managing Editor Ann Cosentino ann@betterRVing.com All rights reserved © 2013 Lazydays® 6130 Lazy Days Boulevard, Seffner, FL 33584-2968 betterRVing.com is published four times per year by Lazydays. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs, which must be accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with return postage.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

LIFE’S ULTIMATE MERIT BADGE.

Whether on the road or at rest, an American Coach from Lazydays commands respect. Life’s achievements aren’t always easily won, and we believe that your motorcoach should be an exuberant declaration of success.

Our reputation is something we work hard to maintain. Year after year, American Coach owners rely upon our industry-leading customer support, and innovative engineering and construction.

That’s why we’re proud to have the most satisfied repeat customers in the industry.

The honor is all ours. But the glory can be yours.

More than a motorcoach manufacturer, we’re a partner in the pursuit of your passion. Call 800-854-1344 or visit AmericanCoach.com to build a customized American Coach that’s all your own.

DRIVING YOUR PASSION AMERICAN HERITAGE | AMERICAN EAGLE | AMERICAN TRADITION | AMERICAN REVOLUTION Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/americancoach

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TWO FOR THE ROAD

BY FRED SMITH

2013 Born Free 23-Foot Front Lounge Class C Dana Philp 29+ years RV sales experience; Black Belt in RV fun Snow Chamberlain 33+ years professional RV experience; more than 500,000 miles driven

He’s logged more than half a million miles on the open road. She’s taught more RVers how to have a good time than she can remember.

Here’s what happened when Lazydays’ road warrior and the RV industry’s guru of fun took the 2013 Born Free 23-foot front lounge Class C motorhome for a spin.

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INTERIOR Dana and Snow step across the threshold into the living area.

Dana: I love the oak finish in this coach. We have solid hardwood throughout the interior. It’s great to come home to after a day of playing.

Snow: Check out the dovetail work on these cabinets. That is classy stuff. Look at the drawers.

Dana: Look at your own drawers, Snow.

Snow: Guess I walked right into that one! But there is a ton of high-quality storage in here.

Dana: Well, you've gotta have someplace to keep your wine.

Look at this hand-laid tile in the kitchen and solid-surface countertop. Both are standard features. And at the rear of the coach, we have a laundry chute where you can throw your dirty clothes and snatch them from the outside when you’re ready to do laundry.

Snow: I’m never ready to do laundry.

Dana: Well, you can still just throw away your dirty clothes, Snow. But with this coach, you don’t have to carry them through the interior on your way to the garbage.

COCKPIT Snow sits in the driver's seat and snaps on his seat belt while Dana gets comfortable on the curbside sofa.

Snow: Holy refractor beams, Dana. This coach has a touchscreen control for the in-dash stereo.

Dana: And it’s also a full-color, rear-view monitor.

Snow: What does this button do?

Dana: That turns off your air bag.

Snow: Hey, leave my mother-in-law out of it. Air bag ... mother-in-law. Get it?

Dana: I get it. Speaking of family, Born Free Motorcoach has been a family-owned and operated company for 44 years. Until this year, they’ve always sold their coaches directly from their factory in Humboldt, Iowa. Now Lazydays has become the only dealership in America where customers can purchase one of these. We’re excited about it. With the Born Free and Lazydays partnership, our customers get the best of both worlds.

Snow: That means the price is set by the factory?

Dana: Right. It also means there’s no haggling, which makes for an easy buying experience.

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TWO FOR THE ROAD

Snow fires up the engine and pulls away. Minutes later, the Born Free is ready to merge onto the highway.

Snow: Great acceleration and the maneuverability of an SUV. This is a Class C motorhome that drives like a Cadillac.® All the controls are easily in reach. It’s comfortable to drive this coach.

Dana: Born Free has one of the best warranties in the industry. Not only the chassis, but the whole coach has a threeyear, 36,000-mile warranty. Tip to toe. It’s also one of the safest coaches in the industry. There has never been a fatality in a Born Free coach in the 44 years they’ve been in business.

Snow: Well, I just started driving ’em.

Dana: Don’t say that. Old girls, when we get scared ... we tinkle. It’s amazing how quiet this coach is even though we’re driving on the highway.

Snow: It’s a vehicle you can drive every day. This really is the Cadillac® of Class Cs. Dana: These have been big sellers this year, especially at some of the shows we’ve had. Today’s RVers are showing up having already done their research. They know what they want. When you complete your research, then your answer is Born Free. ■ MSRP: $110,075 Go to lazydays.com to find out more.

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Our popular Phaeton® is engineered for years of reliability. So you can arrive in time for the show. And since we’re every bit as particular about your buying and service experience, we are proud to partner with Lazydays. Visit tiffinmorhomes.com.

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.org s r e wn ndo

Heartland owners are proud of their RVs and enjoy the company of fellow Heartland a l t RV owners.

Share in the good times with others like r a e you, make new friends and create a lifetime of lasting memories h w. together. Chapters of the Heartland Owners Club are forming all over the w w United States and Canada. Owners are meeting for rallies several times each year at great destinations sharing experiences, making friends and making memories.

Get started at Lazydays, a premier dealer of Heartland products.

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www.heartlandrvs.com

M A N U FA

CTURER’S

F

aster than a speedy PleasureWay, more powerful than an

Entegra turbocharged engine, able to leap innovative Tiffins in a single bound … the manufacturer representatives at Lazydays are always ready and armed with valuable product knowledge to help customers before and after they take the wheel. In the next few pages, you’ll learn why these valiant men and women are so determined to give you the best motorhome experience on the planet. Z

BY JENNIFER RUYLE, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

George Grimm He’s a compelling storyteller. An empathetic listener. And a manufacturer rep who genuinely thrives on happy endings.

Six questions. That’s how George Grimm begins his conversations with each RV customer. George believes that “if you don’t know the who, what, where, when, why and how, then you can’t help your customers make the right decision about their RV.” After 34 years in the automotive and RV industries, he knows how to cultivate a real conversation. “First, I let my customers tell me their stories, and I just listen,” says George. “Then, it’s my turn to tell the incredible story of our products.” An avid RVer himself — and with two sons and a daughter-in-law in the same business — George has a passion for coaches, and takes pride in addressing his customers’ every need to make their RV experience perfect. His office at Lazydays is always open. Stop by, sit down and start talking. ggrimm@tmcrv.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Matt Ellinger Meet the manufacturer rep who gets excited — very excited — about his RVs. Matt Ellinger, manufacturer rep for Outlaw and Thor Motor Coach, takes a decidedly fun approach to helping Lazydays customers understand the ins and outs of their RVs. At the same time, he takes his role very seriously.

“We are first and foremost a resource for our customers,” says Matt. “And that means knowing each and every inch of the motorhome.” Supporting the expert Lazydays sales team, Matt is accessible and often on-site to answer any questions customers may have, whether pre- or post-sale. Having such a knowledgeable resource on hand gives Lazydays customers a level of comfort and expertise rarely available elsewhere.

Call on Matt and watch his RPMs kick into gear for you. mellinger@tmcrv.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Chuck Kellogg “Matchmaker, Matchmaker ...” Like the famous song, he’ll make you a match, find you a find, catch you a catch.

Pleasure-Way’s manufacturer rep, Chuck Kellogg, finds his greatest pleasure in making the right match between a customer and an RV. “My biggest strength is being able to understand a person’s intended lifestyle,” says Chuck.

With many years of on-the-floor retail experience behind him, he has learned to start every conversation with a simple — yet very effective — question: “Tell me, how did you arrive at this moment of wanting an RV?” Once customers open up about exactly who they are and how they plan to use their motorhome, Chuck kicks into matchmaking gear.

Day or night, he’s ready to answer questions, provide information and make the purchase experience as pleasurable as the RV itself. “My biggest reward is hearing how my product changed a customer’s life,” he adds.

So if you’re looking for “the one,” Chuck will be happy to introduce you. ckpway@msn.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Tiffin Team

Relentless. Passionate. Caring. Tiffin’s Fab Four work together seamlessly to provide superhero customer support.

James “Jumping-Through-Hoops-for-Customers” Bush As a customer

relations and tech support leader for Tiffin, James Bush is on-site at Lazydays, ready to handle any tech-related customer needs. “I should have a sign on my door that says, ‘Open for business 24 hours’,” he chuckles. James averages 45 calls a day and won’t hesitate to find a solution, even if it means going beyond the call of duty. “I want to get my customers on the road as quickly as possible, so they can continue to make and enjoy memories of RVing.” tiffintech@tampabay.rr.com Beverly “Best-Parts-Solver” Budd When Tiffin owners need a new part, a

replacement part or a part that may not even exist yet, Beverly Budd is happy to assist. “I’m a relentless puzzle-solver when it comes to parts,” she explains.

“I’m ready to help customers with any part inside or outside their coach.”

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Working on-site and full-time at Lazydays, Beverly’s mission is to get her customers what they need, fast. “James, Tom, Anson and I are an extension of Tiffin, ready to support you at all times.” tmh.bevbudd@gmail.com Anson “Always-on-It” Adams When you know Tiffin’s engineers on a first-

name basis, as Anson Adams does, you know your coach. “Any technical questions or aspects of a Tiffin, I can find the answer,” he asserts. Whether it’s a product specs query or warranty information request, Anson is on the job.

“I treat every customer’s situation as dire, because that’s how it feels to them,” says Anson. “My joy is when I hear that ‘thank you’ from a customer. That’s the best part of my job.” anson.adams@tiffinmotorhomes.com Tom “Turbo-Leader” Webber A 30-year veteran in the RV business, Tom Webber

serves as a direct liaison and customer resource, and keeps Tiffin’s Lazydays dealer support team running at full throttle. He emphasizes that customer service is at the very core of Tiffin: “We want to be accessible to every customer. Even Bob Tiffin, our CEO, takes an average of 60 customer phone calls a day.” From training sales teams to helping with service, inventory and warranty information, Tom works tirelessly to meet customers’ needs. tiffinmh@tampabay.rr.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Horst Kramer He’s the international man of manufacturing, the 007 of RVs, the connoisseur of exporting motorhomes to customers all over the globe.

Spending more than half the year on-site at Lazydays in Florida, Horst Kramer has been jet-setting from his home base in Frankfurt, Germany, for the last 17 years. His mission? Helping RVers select and ready their dream vehicles for adventures in and outside the United States. From his early years selling Mercedes to the likes of Sophia Loren and George Kennedy, to his latest RV endeavors, such as transporting Class As overseas to Arabian royalty, Horst brings extensive product and shipping knowledge to customers.

He ensures each RV is transitioned to European or other international vehicle standards and that it arrives safely to the new owner. An avid RVer himself, Horst truly understands the many languages of RV love. hkramer@lazydays.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Roger Neaman Loyal to his products.

Loyal to his customers.

Loyal to making RV dreams come true for more than two decades.

Winnebago motorhome buyers and owners can count on this manufacturer’s rep to be there at every turn. Upholding Winnebago’s solid 55-year reputation for exceptional customer service, Roger Neaman has been helping customers find their fun and live out their dreams for the past 25 years. “If customers have questions about the product, I know the answer or I can find the answer,” he insists. “There’s nothing too trivial or too small when it comes to what they want.”

Often on-site at Lazydays working alongside the Winnebago sales team, Roger offers direct knowledge of the entire product line. (Some even say he’s better than Google.®) He’s ready for your call, email, text or handshake.

Call 888.626.7800 and ask for Roger

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Jayne Fairley From eyeing floor ducts to explaining Class A diesels, this savvy rep is the Jack-and-Jill-ofall-trades with a unique perspective.

Right out of college, Jayne Fairley secured a job with Fleetwood RV, thinking she’d move on after a few years. Nineteen years later, she’s definitely moved on, and up — representing 12 different Fleetwood RV and American Coach motorhomes at Lazydays. As one of the rare female reps in the country, she offers a valuable perspective beyond her extensive product knowledge. “I put myself in the customer’s position. I’m a mom, so I can look at something differently,” explains Jayne. For example, she tells RVers with small children to avoid floor-mounted heat ducts, where crayons and small toys can fall in. “No matter what, my job is to listen and help fulfill dreams every day,” says Jayne. Customers appreciate her insights and ability to intuitively understand what each person wants in an RV. And that makes for a happier home on the road.

Jayne.Fairley@fleetwoodrv.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Bob Richardson Deeply dedicated to his work and his Lazydays family, Bob takes customers’ calls anytime and anywhere.

Bob Richardson recalls being phoned by a new RVer who needed help with the coffeemaker in the wee hours of the morning. He responded by quickly calling a Lazydays tech to find the solution. The customer was happily sipping a cappuccino within minutes.

That’s Bob — always accessible with answers, always there to help his Forest River customers. Lazydays is one of the only RV dealers in the nation offering access to full-time, on-site manufacturer’s reps. The benefit of this, according to Bob, is like “having the factory right around the corner.”

Customers have the opportunity to connect with Bob anytime, pre- or postpurchase. “I never turn my phone off; I’m always available,” he notes, adding, “I love selling RVs. It’s fun selling fun!” brichardson@forestriverinc.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Joe Snyder A unique background gives this chassis expert the framework to make a special connection with customers.

With a background as an English teacher in Vietnam, a strong appreciation of ’50s television and more than a decade of retail experience, Joe Snyder leverages his experiences and interests to connect with Lazydays’ customers as he inspires and educates them about the ride of their lives.

“I’m here to build the experience of Freightliner,” he notes. “We want customers to enjoy the drive and the journey of getting to their destination.”

Joe helps customers understand the suite of services available to them, such as Camp Freightliner, a two-day seminar at the factory; 24/7 direct customer phone assistance; and more than 450 service locations across the country.

Always happy to assist, Joe adds, “Even if my customer has a question about how to set the clock in their coach, they can pick up the phone and call me.” joe.snyder@daimler.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

William Hill Meet an adventurer who has a relentless passion for his product.

After all, he lives the lifestyle himself.

William Hill lives and breathes his job.

That’s because this fun-loving Lance representative is also a customer himself, taking family trips with his Lance 992.

“I’m a camping guy,” enthuses William.

“I live the lifestyle. And I love sharing those experiences with my customers.”

William’s passion began about a decade ago, when he and his wife would take their four daughters on family adventures. His love for the lifestyle was so strong that he left a 20-year-old family business to enter the RV industry.

“I get excited to tell my own stories about the product. We are in a Class ‘V,’ for versatility,” he asserts. As the East Coast regional sales manager for Lance, William is accessible via email, phone or often in person to help Lazydays customers with questions. And if he doesn’t know the answer, he’ll seek it out. “My greatest joy is getting customers on the road to find their own joy.” williamh@lancecamper.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Chuck Lasley Focused on customers’ desires, this rep supports Entegra Coach’s core mission to fulfill each RVer’s lifelong dream.

For Chuck Lasley, a 20-year veteran in the RV industry, getting customers engaged in an honest conversation comes naturally — and often with a nice sirloin. Beyond the showroom, Chuck often attends rallies where he helps host dinners for Entegra Coach owners and future owners to gain insights about his product. “We host these personal events so that our RVers can share stories, and tell us what they like or want more of in our coaches,” he explains. “We are always looking to evolve our products, and that’s why we seek this face-toface feedback.” Lazydays’ customers benefit from Chuck’s extensive factory knowledge and accessibility pre- and post-sale, anytime they need an answer.

“We want people to feel like they are becoming a part of the Entegra family.”

Like most reps, Chuck loves to talk product; but what he relishes even more is his customers’ every word. chuck_lasley@jayco.com

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M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Rex Willett He calls himself “The Godfather of Truck Campers”; but he really has a heart of gold.

In 1955, Rex Willett’s grandfather founded Northstar in Waterloo, Iowa.

Rex and brother Rory now run the family business, which has since expanded worldwide. As a young child, Rex learned the ins and outs of truck campers and, most importantly, how to treat customers. “Our family has a passion. We like to teach our customers everything there is to know about our product,” says Rex, who offers his extensive knowledge to Lazydays customers anytime they need an answer.

“There’s not a question or problem that can’t be answered or solved.”

He notes that customer education is a priority because “the more you know about a product, the more you like it. It’s human nature.” As a result, Northstar has many loyal customers, who share glowing feedback like, “This is the single best thing I’ve ever purchased.” That keeps the Godfather of Truck Campers very, very happy. rex@northstarcampers.com

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY LEW EVERLING

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Riverside RV

Forest River

Cruiser RV

Holiday Rambler

Lifestyle

RR

Open Range RV

Winnebago

Forest River

DRV

Monaco

Tiffin Motorhomes

Aire by Newmar

Star by Newmar KZ

Forks RV

Open Range

Entegra Coach

Jayco

Starcraft Thor Motor Coach Dutchmen Razorback

M A N U FA

CTURER’S

Itasca

Gulf Stream

How to Find the Best RV Manufacturers & Products in the Business

Great West Forest River

Forest River

Fleetwood EverGreen RV

Keystone RV

Forest River

Forest River

Forest River

Leisure Travel

Heartland Keystone RV Lance Pleasure-Way Razorback Thor Motor Coach Tiffin Motorhomes Winnebago

Pleasure-Way

Orient Road

Fleetwood RV

American Coach Born Free Motorcoach Clipper CrossRoads RV/Redwood RV Entegra Coach Fleetwood RV Forest River Grand Design RV

Clipper

Forest River

Phoenix USA Thor Motor Coach

Suppliers Bldg. A

CrossRoads RV

Space Craft

Cruiser

Keystone RV KZ RV

RR

Special Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

SuperShow Map Tin Can Tourists RR

Expo Hall Heartland

Prevost

Lake Newell Coach

Classy RV

ShowHauler

Thor Motor Coach

Coach House

EverGreen

Prevost

Renegade Thor Motor Coach

Spartan Chassis

Haulmark

Lake

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Jacobsen Homes

Nexus RV

Excel by Chariot Eagle Peterson

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Heartland

Freightliner Custom Chassis

Lazydays

Lifestyle Seminars

Advanced RV

Palm Harbor RV

Homette

Heartland

Dutchmen

RR

ALiner

Boomer, Bents & Bikes

Heartland

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Suppliers Bldg. B

US Highway 301

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Prevost

Foretraval

Lance

Roadtrek

Winnebago Towables

Airstream

RR

RR

Cummins

Carefree of Colorado

Born Free Motor Coach

Keystone RV

Event Center

We are so glad you are here at the best RV event in the nation! Use these pages to help you navigate the RVs, seminars and RV products.

You can find Lazydays and betterRVing inside the Expo Hall at the new betterRVing.com store or outside partnering with many of the best RV manufacturers in the business.

RV Terminology Taught by Lazydays Expert Steve Roddy Wed., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 4:30 p.m. in the RV Lifestyles Seminars If you miss the seminar, ask Steve your tough RV question at the betterRVing.com booth inside the Expo Hall.

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without compromise

LISTEN.

Do you hear the roar of an engine, the churning

of tires? What about the sudden stir of wind as you open up the throttle?

YOU DON’T HEAR IT?

Well, good. When you drive an Entegra Coach, you should expect the quietest-riding, best-handling motor coach. Period.

THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE STARTS WITH OUR CAB-FORWARD DESIGN. hear it for yourself.

visit lazydays, our exclusive retailer, for your next joy ride.

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013 Sharing in our commitment of unfailing customer service and unmatched quality.

Catching up with

CrossRoads UALITY, SERVICE, VALUE & COMFORT are the driving principles behind CrossRoads RV, and have contributed significantly to the brand’s growing popularity in the towables market. The Indianabased company debuted its first RVs in 1996, and today offers a range of solidly built travel trailers and fifth wheels, including the family-friendly Zinger, ultra lite Cruiser Aire and adventure-loving Elevation toy hauler, among others.

We recently sat down with Steve Shively, East Coast regional sales manager for CrossRoads RV, and asked him to share his insights on this burgeoning brand. ➤

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Where did the name CrossRoads RV come from?

It was the name given to the company by its founder, Freeman “Fritz” Helmuth. Most people don’t know this, but Indiana is known as the “Crossroads of America.” What a great lead into the RV market!

What is something people probably don’t know about CrossRoads RV? That we are international; we sell our products overseas. We currently have products in China and Australia. It’s a testament to how well our products are built.

What advice would you give to a beginning RVer? Great question. I have been a manufacturer’s rep for 12 years and have seen a lot over that time. The best advice I could give a customer is: “If it feels like home, then it probably is.” RV shows are great, but they can also cloud the mind with all there is to see. I can’t tell you how many times a customer will walk into one of our RVs and say, “This is it — this is the one,” only to go check out the competition and end up coming back confused and frustrated, saying, “We should have just bought this one to begin with.”

You seem to have a great relationship with the “live hard, play hard” crowd. How do you nurture and grow that relationship?

[Action sport collective] Nitro Circus® put our Elevation line through real-world testing — Nitro style. They used our toy hauler for a year before it went to market so we could see how it worked for those who like to bring their toys. We were able to make several significant product improvements based on their feedback. The average RVer trades about every three years; it is important to us to make sure they love their unit, so they'll upgrade to another CrossRoads product.

CrossRoads RV and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ have partnered together on Operation Appreciation, offering U.S. military families a free stay at an Indiana lake resort in a Hampton destination trailer.

How long has this initiative been going on? Have you gotten a good response from it?

The program has been in place for two years. This has been nothing but positive; the feedback has been phenomenal. Not only were the units rented out over the weekends, there were occasions where more than one family would go to camp together.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the CrossRoads RV family?

You said it — we are a family; and at CrossRoads, your ideas matter.

It’s cool to be a part of something that is exploding. CrossRoads hasn’t even come close to hitting its true potential yet. With the best dealers and the best customers to support us, expect great things moving forward. ■

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

Nitro Circus put our Elevation line through real-world testing, 速

Nitro style.

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NVENIDO A E I B

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YBOR STROLLING THROUGH CIGAR CITY

BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

C

igar baron Vicente Martinez Ybor arrived in Tampa in 1885. At the time, the city had a weak economy and a population hovering around 1,000 — but it also had a secure port and a new rail line. Ybor purchased 40 acres two miles north of the port and set about turning the mosquito-infested no-man’s land of palmetto-dotted swamp into a company town.

He leveled the sandy soil and laid streets in a precise grid pattern. At the center of town, he built a factory with a tower view of the harbor. On the north side, he constructed hundreds of small, shotgun-style houses, or casitas, to entice cigar workers to come to Tampa. They came by the hundreds and thousands — from Key West, Fla., Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany.

The work was painstaking and the hours long, but cigar workers in Ybor City enjoyed a level of autonomy and personal freedom a step above other industrial workers of the time. They did not depend on the company for sustenance; and

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for a minimal investment, they could own a company-built home without fear of loss.

THE RISE & FALL OF YBOR CITY By 1927, more than 200 factories employed 12,000 people. Workers spent their days in the factories and their evenings at ethnically segregated social clubs. It was on the steps of the Cuban Social Club that José Martí delivered a speech helping to spark the cause of Cuban freedom. José Martí Park pays homage to the Cuban hero on a small plot of land that is, legally and literally, Cuban soil. The property was donated to the Cuban government back in the 1950s, and the garden was planted using soil imported from various regions in Cuba.

Two short years after cigar production peaked, the Great Depression landed the first of two deathblows to Ybor City. Workers in a devastated national economy did not want expensive, hand-rolled cigars.

Mechanically rolled cigars flooded the market, and the advent of cigarettes all but destroyed demand for Ybor

City's handcrafted cigars. Costs were cut, factories closed and workers left town in search of more lucrative opportunities. By the end of World War II, Ybor City was practically a ghost town.

Some would say the area literally became a ghost town. The Don Vicente Inn (www.donvicenteinn.com) was built in 1895 and was regarded as a posh destination hotel in its heyday.

At the turn of the century, it became a community hospital. Today it is once again a boutique inn, fully restored to its former grandeur. It is also reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in the United States. But the Don Vicente is far from the only spot in Ybor rumored to be occupied from beyond the grave. The best way to see all of these places, and perhaps have a ghostly encounter yourself, is to book an Ybor City ghost tour at www.yborghosttour.com.

STROLL THROUGH HISTORY Lonnie Herman’s historic walking tours (www.yborwalkingtours.com) are top-notch. Eyes shaded by a

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straw hat, the born storyteller weaves an entertaining, interesting narrative.

Discover the roots of the cigar industry.

Explore Tampa’s connection to Cuban independence. Walk on the only Cubanowned soil in the United States. Peek into haunted hotels and stroll beside cultural touchstones like the Cherokee Club, shotgun casitas and curbs with enough granite to cover all the countertops in town.

The walking tour ends at the Tourist Information Center, which doubles as a small museum and gift shop. Get maps, books and souvenirs and watch a short,

T

HE AIR IS RICH WITH THE AROMA OF BAKING BREAD AND FRESHBREWED COFFEE.

informative movie detailing Ybor City’s history. You'll find the visitor center at the Eighth Avenue entrance to Centro Ybor. (www.ybor.org) For more local history, head over to the Ybor City Museum at 1818 Ninth Ave. Here you can peruse the exhibits, meander through the lush garden and peek inside a recreated casita. (www.ybormuseum.org) Ybor City’s history and culture also lives on in La Gaceta, the nation’s only tri-lingual newspaper. Founded in 1922, La Gaceta is published weekly in English, Spanish and Italian.

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YBOR TODAY Since the 1960s, various developers have made attempts to renovate and revitalize Ybor City. Urban renewal failed. While a burgeoning nightlife scene emerged in the late '80s and early '90s, the party district began to lose its luster in the mid-'90s. In the early 2000s, Ybor City evolved once again.

High-dollar investment in academics and professional offices — as 50

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well as the addition of more familyfriendly entertainment — changed the fabric of Ybor while preserving the historic thread.

The days here are quiet, the peace broken only by the occasional chime of the streetcar bell or tires thumping along cobbled brick streets. Students chatter as they head for classes at Hillsborough Community College.

The air is rich with the aroma of

baking bread and fresh-brewed coffee.

At lunchtime, tourists and local professionals gather in the courtyard of what was once Vicente Ybor’s cigar factory for al fresco meals and conversation. After work, people gather at the New World Brewery beer garden or hang out at James Joyce Irish Pub to sip beer and swap blarney.

Once night falls, all up and down Seventh Avenue, the party begins.

CENTRO YBOR Anchored by Muvico Theaters (www.muvico.com/ centro-ybor-20) and the Improv Comedy Club (www.improvtampa. com), the Centro Ybor entertainment complex (www.centroybor.com) is a collection of restaurants, bars, shops and more in the heart of Ybor City.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company (www. tampabaybrewingcompany.com) offers a tempting array of locally crafted beers, as well as American-style menu items that pair perfectly with their signature brews. GameTime (www. gametimeplayers.com) offers fun and games in an environment for grown folks. Drink, dine and enjoy arcade classics and modern games.

Parking is plentiful in Ybor City, though between the narrow lanes and one-way streets, it is much easier to navigate in a tow vehicle than an RV. Find an inexpensive parking garage at the corner of 16th Street and Fifth Avenue, or pull into one of several parking lots available along Eighth and Ninth avenues.

STROLL IN FOR A BITE Ybor City has a delicious culinary history. Some of Tampa’s finest restaurants were born here. If you enjoy classic Cuban dishes and rich, Mediterranean-influenced food, you are in the right place.

a

GREAT PLACE TO REST WHILE YOU ENJOY A BREW-LOVER’S DREAM COLLECTION OF DOMESTIC, CRAFT, IMPORTED, MICRO AND SEASONAL BEERS.

The Columbia is the undisputed don of dining in Tampa Bay. Founded

by Casimiro Hernandez Sr. in 1905, the Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world; and for four generations, it has been one of the best.

Located at 2117 E. Seventh Ave. (www.columbiarestaurant.com) Carmine’s is an Ybor City institution, offering a pub ambiance with a CubanItalian flair. You can get burgers or other typical bar food, but it is the devil crab that keeps people coming back.

Bring cash. No credit cards accepted here. Located at 1802 E. Seventh Ave. La Segunda Central Bakery has been baking authentic Cuban bread for nearly a century. From the signature recipe to the folded palmetto leaf tucked into each loaf, the bread is perfect for snacking on as you stroll, for picnic sandwiches in the park or as toast with your morning café con leche. Located at 2512 N. 15th St. (www.lasegundabakery.com) Spaghetti Warehouse may be a chain, but the Ybor location rarely disappoints. Straightforward, inexpensive and family-friendly Italian cuisine with an attentive staff in a historic location. Find it at 19811 N. 13th St. (www.40meatballs.com)

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GIVE YOUR FEET A REST The TECO Line Streetcar system is a 2.7mile track that connects Ybor City with Channelside, Tampa’s waterfront entertainment district. For more information, including the closest attractions to each of the four Ybor City trolley stops, check out www. tecolinestreetcar.org.

The New World Brewery beer garden (www.newworldbrewery.net) is a beautiful spot to stop and put your feet up. Nearly hidden in a small brick courtyard, this is a great place to rest while you enjoy a brew-lover’s dream collection of domestic, craft, micro, imported and seasonal beers. Located at 1313 E. Eighth Ave.

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YBOR AFTER DARK: STROLL IN FOR THE PARTY In Ybor’s golden era, wealthy factory owners and other influential members of society partied at the Cherokee Club. Today, the party in Ybor is a bit more egalitarian. The James Joyce (www.jamesjoyceybor.com; 1724 E. Eighth Ave.) is a traditional Irish pub with better-than-average pub grub, 50 beers on tap and a huge selection of Irish whiskey and premium Scotch behind the bar. Double Decker (www.doubledeckertampa.com; 1721 E. Seventh Ave.) bills itself as “Ybor City’s only German bar.” Though it does boast a beer garden, it is much more a party spot than a place to relax.

If you are here for the party, there are clubs to fit nearly any taste.

Prana (www.clubprana.com; 1619 E. Seventh Ave.) offers five levels of fun, including a rooftop patio. Czar (www.czarnation.com; 1420 E. Seventh Ave.) is a massive Russian-themed vodka bar that rivals similar themed clubs in NYC. Club Skye (www. skyetampa.com; 1509 E. Eighth Ave.) has two levels and a VIP balcony area. The Castle (www.castleybor.com; 2004 N. 16th St.) is known as a goth/ industrial hangout. Gaspar’s Grotto (www.gasparsgrotto.com; 1805 E. Seventh Ave.) embraces Tampa’s pirate heritage in a way that can get a little crazy but rarely out of hand. ■

WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN TOWING. We have a family of products and we support you in every avenue of recreational travel.

7HETHER IT S IN AN 26 TRAVEL TRAILER OR kFTH WHEEL TRAILER

WE VE GOT YOU COVERED !ND WHEN YOU PURCHASE A "LUE /XŽ PRODUCT YOU RE NOT JUST A CUSTOMER YOU BECOME PART OF OUR FAMILY My name is Joan Beckman, and I’ve been assmbeling our vast line of products for over 30 years. Blue OxŽ has supported my family in the small town of Pender, Nebraska and holds the same values I do: honesty, dedication, and loyalty.

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RV Quick Tips (find more tips at betterRVing.com)

3 tips to Save Energy & Reduce Your Propane Costs

BY BOB DIFLEY

To help conserve your RV’s propane supply and save money this winter, follow these three tips:

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

1

Find the optimal temperature for your RV by turning your thermostat down one degree and leaving it for a day.

If you still feel warm, turn it down another degree. Continue each day until it feels a bit too cool, and then turn it back up one degree.

2 3

Turn the thermostat down before you get into bed at night, and put on an extra blanket. In the morning, turn the heat on and jump back in bed until your coach warms up.

Leave your propane-fueled water heater off until 10 minutes before you need hot water. It will remain hot enough for most uses even when off. â–

Are you looking for a smarter and more relaxing way to travel? Meet the Li le Guy teardrop camper trailer. Each trailer comes equipped with a ma ress, overhead cabinetry, interior ligh ng and a galley. You can choose to also have 12 volt and 110 power, A/C and Heat, Sink, Stoves, DVD/Radio, bike and roof racks or custom fi ed screen room tents.

With most models weighing less than 1,000 lbs, whether you drive a VW, Mini Cooper, SUV, Pick-up, Subaru, Smart Car or Trike, there is a Li le Guy for you.

Meet the new T@B travel trailer. We offer fully loaded packages that include Heat/AC, 19” TV Entertainment System, Sink, Stove, Fridge, Hot Water Heater and more.

With the T@B weighing in at under 1,700 pounds you can enjoy all the ameni es of a larger travel trailer without the weight. A variety of colors are available to suit any persons taste, or to match the tow vehicle. We offer five floor plans, including a floor plan with an interior bathroom/shower combo. We also offer custom made awnings and screen rooms which will create the perfect amount of outside space.

View the LiƩle Guy’s and the T@B’s at Lazydays

877-545-4897 | www.goliƩleguy.com | www.tab-RV.com 55

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Songs guaranteed to get your

FOOT TAPPING on the

gas pedal

BY CURTIS ROSS

Your bags are packed, the oil and tires are checked, the tank is full and the windshield is spotless. You’re pulling out of Lazydays for another RV adventure. But, wait — something essential is missing. A soundtrack. Musical accompaniment. In short, traveling tunes.

The right musical mix can make your journey even more special, helping the miles fly by on highways and byways and providing a memory jog for the highlights of your trip.

To get you started, we've prepared a pair of road-ready playlists.

Your mix, of course, will reflect your own tastes and personality, since music preferences are as individual as each member of our Lazydays family. However, you can use these tracks as a guide to building your own perfect playlist.

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Our first mix is titled “On the Road Again.” We start off with some easy-going tunes, pick up the pace with a bit of R&B, hit our stride with classic rock, cool down with some country and end the journey with a ballad from the legendary Smokey Robinson:

On the Road Again 1. “A BEAUTIFUL MORNING” BY THE RASCALS 2. “VENTURA HIGHWAY” BY AMERICA 3. “ON THE ROAD AGAIN” BY WILLIE NELSON 4. “LET’S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL” BY FRANK SINATRA 5. “HIT THE ROAD JACK” BY RAY CHARLES 6. “(GET YOUR KICKS ON) ROUTE 66” BY NAT KING COLE 7. “ROCKET 88” BY JACKIE BRENSTON & HIS DELTA CATS 8. “ROCKIN’ DOWN THE HIGHWAY” BY THE DOOBIE BROTHERS 9. “RADAR LOVE” BY GOLDEN EARRING 10. “RIDE ON JOSEPHINE” BY GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS 11. “ON THE ROAD AGAIN” BY CANNED HEAT 12. “HIGHWAY PATROL” BY JUNIOR BROWN 13. “EIGHTEEN WHEELS AND A DOZEN ROSES” BY KATHY MATTEA 14. “LONG MAY YOU RUN” BY STEPHEN STILLS AND NEIL YOUNG 15. “CRUISIN’” BY SMOKEY ROBINSON

Perhaps you’re looking for a mix that sets a faster pace from the get-go?

We’ve got a second drive-track option that may be just your speed. This playlist is called “Pedal, Meet Metal”:

Pedal, Meet Metal 1. “BARE HANDS BARE FEET” BY THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR 2. “GOLD ON THE CEILING” BY THE BLACK KEYS 3. “SLIGHT FIGURE OF SPEECH” BY THE AVETT BROTHERS 4. “TROUBLE IN YOUR MIND” BY CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS 5. “LITTLE LION MAN” BY MUMFORD & SONS 6. “HOWL” BY FLORENCE + THE MACHINE 7. “EYES WIDE OPEN” BY GOTYE 8. “MONEYGRABBER” BY FITZ & THE TANTRUMS 9. “GOLDEN DUNES” BY THE BUDOS BAND 10. “HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW?” BY THE HEAVY 11. “COMPLIMENTS” BY BAND OF HORSES 12. “MOLLY’S CHAMBERS” BY KINGS OF LEON 13. “DON’T OWE YOU A THANG” BY GARY CLARK JR. 14. “FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL” BY THE WHITE STRIPES 15. “TIMEBOMB” BY OLD 97’S

There you have it. By now, you’ve probably got some great ideas for your own RV travel mix. When it comes to being on the road, music makes the trip even better. So, tell us — what are the tunes that get you moving down the road? ■

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

Turning a Lazy Day

Into Summer Fun.

At Forest River, we know your dreams of life on the road are about sharing adventures, discovering new places and enjoying the relaxing day with friends and family. Forest River’s full lineup gives you the opportunity to EXPLORE.

So what are you waiting for? Visit lazydays.com and get lost in a Forest today!

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awnings

Aweigh

BY CHRISTIAN MUFFOLETTO

Christian, daughter of Sales Manager Jim Lazzarino, is currently a college student who has been RVing since she was born. She has seen plenty of RVing gone right and plenty gone funny. Become a better RVer by learning a few humorous lessons.

L8TR T

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A

nyone who has ever RVed for longer than two hours knows that it isn’t as easy as it looks.

When you browse through RV brochures, the occupants of each coach seem blissfully at ease and never worried about whether or not they left the stove on at home, forgot one of the children or can’t figure out how to turn on their generator. But the reality is that travel, of any sort, typically comes with its fair share of mistakes and lessons. Seasoned RVers Sam and Sheryl Matzen will be the first couple to tell you that RV travel isn’t always “picture perfect.” Instead, they’ll share the lessons they learned, the hilarious ways that they learned them and how to avoid having to learn the same lessons the hard way.

The Matzens have owned several different RVs, both motorized and towable. This particular lesson relates to a journey in their 2005 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. At the time, Sam and Sheryl traveled frequently, with jobs and vacations taking them from Kansas all the way to Texas and Florida. Living in an RV, and managing all of the extra checklists that come with it, was fairly typical for Sam and Sheryl. Once you’ve been in a “home away from home” long enough, you get used to

thinking in travel mode. Your normal campsite departure routine includes checking to see if you packed your front door mat, pulled in your slide and unhooked from the water and electricity lines. Without a doubt, there is a lot to remember. So much that even the most experienced RVer, like Sam, occasionally forgets something really important.

All citizens of the fair state of Texas (go ahead, sit back down) can be proud of their state’s rugged beauty. In a state so big, there are miles and miles of unused, unscarred, unlit land. Sam and Sheryl were traveling through such a place when they found a nice RV campground next to a small lake in the middle of nowhere.

On their way to Kansas, they were exhausted from hours of driving … so they quickly secured a site, hooked up to the utilities and settled in for the night. As they were relaxing in their motorhome, the sun was just setting. And while sunsets are pretty, they can also be blinding if you stare too long; so the Matzens unfurled the big awning on the passenger side of their coach to block the glare. After a quiet evening, the couple got some much-needed sleep.

Now, anyone who has ever traveled on a schedule knows that wake-up time often comes far too early. This was the case that fateful day in Texas for the Matzens. Still tired from the day before, they roused themselves early and rushed to get on the road.

Sam hurriedly disconnected the utilities, jumped in the RV and began heading toward the campground exit.

Sam had driven about a half-mile when he noticed one of the campground attendants

approaching from the rear on a golf cart, frantically waving for him to stop. He had a vague feeling that he had forgotten something; he just wasn’t sure what yet. Sam halted the vehicle and stepped out of the coach to greet the attendant … then immediately saw the problem. The large awning was fully extended and flapping happily in the breeze.

Sometimes, when you’re in a rush, even big things go unnoticed.

Sam had driven about a half-mile when he noticed one of the campground attendants approaching from the rear on a golf cart, frantically waving for him to stop.

Fortunately, there was no damage done to the RV, the awning or the campground, and the Matzens were soon back on their way. Sam, laughing and shaking his head, tells me this story in disbelief that he forgot something so crucial. But that’s the way it goes in the world of RVing … sometimes, things get forgotten and lessons are learned the hard way. And it’s not always just the small stuff that gets missed. So learn this one well, dear reader, and do your awning a favor: Always complete one final walkaround BEFORE leaving your campsite. ■

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NOTHING SIGNALS YOU’VE ARRIVED LIKE A MONACO COACH.

2014 DYNASTY

Monaco knows the only direction you want to move is forward. For more than 40 years, we’ve been defining the luxury RV experience, and we’ve done it again with the introduction of the all-new 2014 Dynasty. With high-end appointments and an exciting LED-accented front cap, this deluxe Class A Diesel Pusher shows that you’ve truly arrived.

To find out more about the Monaco Dynasty coming soon to a showroom near you, visit monacocoach.com or call 877-252-4666 to locate your closest authorized dealer.

www.monacocoach.com 63

Lazydays’ Tour New Orleans Mardi Gras Rally

February 5 - 13, 2013

Join us for the inaugural Lazydays Touring Ra Rally at Mardi Gras in New Orleans!

Spend 9 days soaking up the carnival atmosphere, opulent costumes, outrageous floats, delicious Cajun cuisine and sultry French Quarter jazz with our exclusive RVing group. And of course all venues have class A seating and admissions.

Call 800.388.9338 today to make your reservations.

The New Orleans Tour and Mardi Gras Rally costs only $3,495 for 2 people with one RV.* GRAND TOURING 800.388.9338

2013 SCHEDULE OF LAZYDAYS’ TOURS & RALLYS Tour New Orleans Mardi Gras Rally February 5 - 13, 2013

Tour Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Rally April 3 - 9, 2013

Tour Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Rally October 3 - 10, 2013

Tour Calgary Stampede Rally July 3 - 10, 2013

* Extra person: $1,795; Solo price: $2,395. Includes 8 nights RV camping with 50 amp service, 8 meals, 26 events and tours 64 betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

THE FINAL FEATURES HOME COOKIN’

|

ED SAID

|

GRATEFUL GEAR

|

TROUBLESHOOTIN’

|

RV OPEN HOUSE

|

RV CLASSIFIED

|

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

|

ASK STEVE

RV Open House Page 74-79 65

HOME COOKIN’ Maximo Perez, supervisor chef of Exit 10 and Catering, has over 10 years of experience cooking professionally. Visit Exit 10 in Tampa for his latest specialties.

A

convection and microwave oven combo is standard equipment in the typical RV kitchen. If you haven’t used one before, you may wonder, “What is convectionmicrowave oven cooking, and where can I find convection recipes?” With a convection and microwave oven, you get the best of both worlds in a single appliance

Meatballs Who doesn’t love meatballs? These horseradish-spiked meatballs get the royal treatment when bathed in raspberry jam, chili sauce, allspice and red pepper sauce. Serve over rice or pasta for dinner or serve as an appetizer when unexpected company stops by the campground.

Ingredients 1 pound lean ground beef 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons milk 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper Jammin’ Joe’s Barbecue Sauce (recipe below) chopped scallions for garnish In a bowl, lightly combine the ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, egg, milk, horseradish, salt and pepper.

Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking dish.

Microwave 15 to 18 minutes at high (100%), or until done.

Drain grease on paper towels. Pour barbecue sauce (below) over meatballs and stir until well coated. Sprinkle with chopped scallions for garnish.

Makes 5 to 6 servings.

Jammin’ Joe’s Barbecue Sauce In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine 1 cup sweet chili sauce, 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam, 1/4 teaspoon allspice and 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce. Place measuring cup on glass tray. Microwave at high (100%) for 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until hot. Pour sauce over meatballs and stir until well coated. ■

Visit betterRVing.com for more convection recipes.

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

— a micro-wave for faster cooking times, and a convection oven for browning and baking. For your convenience, we’ve gathered a collection of easy convection and microwave recipes developed by Chef Maximo Perez, a culinary whiz and valued member of the Lazydays family of experts. So get cooking with the tasty dish below, or check betterRVing. com for other RV-kitchen friendly convection recipes.

Era®

FREE MERCEDES-BENZ WITH EVERY PURCHASE. No, not a car. But every motorhome we build on the Mercedes-Benz®

Via®

Sprinter chassis — and we build more of them than anyone else — comes with the heart and soul of that Mercedes-Benz.

Of course, that’s just the start. We take that proven chassis and powerful six-cylinder turbo-diesel and turn them into something almost

View®

magical: incredibly fuel-efficient motorhomes that are easy to drive, easy to live in and a joy to own.

With up to two slideouts, plenty of storage inside and out, R

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W

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W I N

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and a host of innovative features that makes each one much

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larger than its surprisingly compact size.

So stop by Lazydays® and pick one up — and put a Mercedes-Benz in your driveway in the process.

SEE THEM AT LAZYDAYS , VISIT WINNEBAGOIND.COM OR CALL 800-643-4892. ©2013 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

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ED SAID Ed Crowell – 18 Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician, Service Manager Lazydays Tucson

There are lots of great products to grab our attention in 2013. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a multipurpose camper/trailer or a full-timer in search of a new on-road luxury estate, Ed shares his top three picks from among the latest innovations gracing our showrooms.

what’s new, what rocks

BY MONICA SURFARO SPIGELMAN

There are lots of great products to grab our attention in 2013. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a multipurpose camper/trailer or a full-timer in search of a new on-road luxury estate, Ed shares three of his top picks from among the latest innovations gracing our showrooms. See more of Ed's picks at betterRVing.com

Factory-Direct Partnership

Cool Camping

Shiny Americana

Born Free Motorcoach

SylvanSport GO

Airstream Sport 16

www.bornfreemotorcoach.com

www.sylvansport.com

www.airstream.com

The Born Free motorcoach has always been synonymous with upscale touring, and to me that claim is hard to dispute. Just this past summer, Born Free and Lazydays entered into a Factory-Direct Plus partnership, which makes us the only RV dealership in the country where customers can purchase these motorcoaches outside of the Born Free factory. Our two first-class companies share a similar philosophy regarding quality and service, so the partnership is a natural fit.

Born Free is a standout when it comes to award-winning, molded fiberglass construction. That innovation makes the coach structurally aerodynamic and efficient.

For off-road family fun, I am impressed with the SylvanSport GO. It’s a smaller tent camper/trailer that’s nicely equipped and easy to set up. It has a roomy interior and is elevated off the ground, so it's perfect for those who enjoy tent camping even in rough weather. The GO has useful benefits, including sturdy construction and an amazing rack system to carry your ATV, boats, bikes and other toys. It’s made of aluminum and is extremely lightweight (just 840 pounds), so it can be hauled even by smaller SUVs or cars.

We all have a favorite, awesome trail to ride. The GO will help you get there with ease, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and tackle any terrain.

Those unmistakable looks are uniquely Airstream. As a technician, I love the superior craftsmanship of these classic travel trailers. Airstream is part of American culture, and its new Sport model is a lightweight structure that really takes eyeball appeal to the max for me. There are many attention-grabbers in the smart floor plan, from its good-looking dinette to substantial storage. And there’s the aerodynamic, rounded shape and aluminum skin that give Airstream stability and great fuel efficiency. Airstream has traversed America’s highways since the 1930s, and I always smile when I see one in a campground. They’re a great addition to our showroom. ■

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A big deal - we are authorized to administer not only our warranty but the warranty of our vendors too. Having this in-house will allow us to deliver quicker service times, happier dealers and more satisfied retail owners.

# 2 - QUICK ASSIST:

An industry first - we provide each coach with two hours of service time to quickly diagnose and fix issues without prior pre-authorization. This dramatically shortens the time it takes our owners to get back on the road.

# 3 - 24 HOUR FACTORY SUPPORT:

We provide access to a CrossRoads employee, 24 hours a day for timely, knowledgeable responses.

# 4 - 1 HOUR WORK AUTHORIZATIONS:

Our pledge to our dealers is to quickly and efficiently turn around authorization times within one hour of the dealer request.

# 5 - EMERGENCY PARTS LIST:

By providing our dealers a list of parts that 1: would render the coach unusable or 2: are frequently used, we can better ensure our dealers are prepared for potential issues and can get our owners back on the road without lengthy delays.

# 6 - DEALER STOCK ( OUR CLAIM, THEIR PART )

Making it easy and efficient is what NGV is all about.

Allowing our dealers to quickly diagnose using Quick Assist, then allowing them to submit a claim and use their in-house parts to fix the issue is designed to be quick and easy for everyone.

# 7 - DEDICATED SUPPLIER REPS:

For added piece of mind, CrossRoads has partnered with the industries largest supplier to provide unparalleled support by having two dedicated CrossRoads reps on staff to quickly resolve issues.

# 8 - NGV OWNERSHIP DELIVERY PROCESS:

We Care - our NGV delivery process ensures our owners are not only comfortable with their purchase but they understand how to use, maintain and fully enjoy it.

# 9 - NGV OWNERS CARE KIT:

Generated by Retail Warranty Registrations, and Owners Care Kit gets mailed out to every new CrossRoads owner. The kits include items like caulk, roof sealant, soap, wax, a tire pressure gauge and other items to help maintain a healthy coach.

# 10 - SIX MONTH OWNERSHIP SATISFACTION CERTIFICATE: Peace of Mind - Owners can bring their new purchase back to the selling dealer for a six month check-up on CrossRoads’ dime to further enhance the ownership experience.

# 11 - SHOW ROOM READY INVENTORY:

To help ensure CrossRoads product makes a GREAT first impression, all CrossRoads sales staff and the newly formed DSC will inspect dealer inventory during visits to ensure our product is SHOW ROOM ready.

# 12 - COACH-NET 24HR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE:

Each CrossRoads product comes standard with one year of Coach-Net for additional peace of mind while our customers are traveling.

For more details on construction, features & benefits visit our website, call or check out our exclusive retailer, Lazydays Tampa and Lazydays Tucson.

crossroadsrv.com w PH 260 593-3850

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©2012 CrossRoads RV

# 1 - CROSSROADS DIRECT:

GRATEFUL GEAR Opinions on RV essentials are as numerous and diverse as the coaches themselves. We recently asked our Facebook community of betterRVing.com readers to complete the phrase, “I am most thankful that my RV has a __________________ !” Our most popular answers were no surprise — RVers love heat and generators!

# 1: heat Frances Davis: Mitchum Heater !!

Denise Nelson Newmark: dependable heating source David Dunster: Furnace Nanci Hinman: Fireplace Kyle Clevenger: Fireplace Karen Keiser Robertson: yep – furnace for me too.

Geri Holmes Galloway: Heat & a bed Carroll Anderson: Fireplace in bed room!

Paula Lynch McCurry: Fireplace in living room

Annie Macomber: Yup, a generator for sure!!

John Williams: Good generator for these crazy storms Myrna Bowman: Built in generator

# 2: generators 70

betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

King size bed!!!!

Lots of room My husband and two dogs in it with me :-) Soul mate!

Comforts of home any where I go!

Great Service Techs that take pride in what they do.

Washer & dryer

The always convenient bathroom and the a/c for Florida and us of course!

Microwave

Recliner

Engine

Slide-out New windshield!

Hitch Fuel

Composting toilet!

Wheels Propane appliances!

Steering wheel, motor, tires... oh the list goes on.

In the middle of the night I am most thankful my bed does not have a ladder & that it has a bathroom.

Family vacationing in it - MINE!

Other well-loved items range from spouses to clean clothes. Go to Facebook.com/betterRVing and join the best camper conversation.

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TROUBLESHOOTIN’ WITH ERNIE Ernie “The RV Guy” Herring – 35+ Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician

resetting your furnace

BY FRED SMITH

A

wise RVer is always in touch with his primal self (Fig. 1). What gets in the way of Ernie’s finding nirvana are the frigid temperatures in his coach that result from a furnace that isn’t working properly (Fig. 2).

In looking at his wall thermostat control, Ernie can see that his coach’s temperature is set to a comfortable level.

However, his living room is as frigid as a pop can in the bottom of a cooler on race day, which means his furnace is not doing its job. In this situation, Ernie knows there is a good chance that his furnace’s electrode hasn’t lit the gas, as a result of there not being any gas to light in his gas line.

This is a fairly common issue that can occur when air enters the gas line from something as simple as removing the propane tank to refill it. The solution is to reset the system, which will bleed the unwanted air out while pushing gas through the line so it can be lit by the electrode and allow the furnace to properly heat the coach.

The first thing Ernie is going to do is turn his furnace off at the thermostat wall control (Fig. 3). Next, he’s going to turn the unit back on and set the temperature to his desired level of comfort. By turning his furnace off and then on again, Ernie has sent a signal to the board on his furnace that essentially says, “Hey, furnace — time to wake up and send some heat.” The board will turn the fan on, which will move air through the ducts and turn on the combustion air fan, which will move air through the furnace. This “purge cycle” lasts about 16 seconds and is a safety measure that ensures there is not an excessive amount of gas in the burner chamber when the electrode ignites.

Next, an “ignition cycle” will start, during which the gas valve will open to allow gas to flow into the burner tube for ignition. An electrode at the burner tube will throw a

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

continuous spark to the ground at the ignition point. If gas is present, it will ignite and send heat to the furnace. The ignition cycle will last about eight seconds. In many cases, the gas simply has not yet traveled from the propane tank through the line to the ignition point. After approximately eight seconds, the ignition cycle will end. The valve will close and the electrode will cease to spark.

If the electrode does not light the gas after the initial ignition cycle, another purge cycle will commence followed by another ignition cycle. If the furnace’s electrode does not light after a second ignition cycle, the purge and ignition process will repeat for a third time. If the electrode does not light the gas after a third attempt, the board will shut the system down. At this point, Ernie recommends turning your unit off at the wall control, then turning it on again to allow your system to engage in another three rounds of purge and ignition cycles. If your coach’s furnace does not engage after reaching the shut-down point a second time, you should seek professional service to help fix the problem.

In Ernie’s case, the electrode successfully lit the gas and his furnace is now producing heat, which he can immediately feel when he places his hand near his floorboard vent (Fig. 5). Now that his coach is comfortably warm, Ernie can get back to doing what he does best (Fig. 6). And folks, if you find out what that is, let us know — because we sure as heck can’t figure it out.

Be sure to visit betterRVing.com to see videos of Ernie troubleshootin’ all kinds of RV-related problems. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual or a certified RV technician before attempting to work on your RV. No RV technicians were harmed during the writing of this article. ■ Watch Ernie’s video on betterRVing.com

Fig. 1: Ernie gets in touch with his primal self.

Fig. 2: Cold ruins Ernie’s legendary sense of rhythm.

Fig. 3: Turn the thermostat off, then on; set to a comfortable temperature.

Fig. 4: Wait for the gas to be lit by the furnace’s electrode.

Fig. 5: Feel for warm air from the vent in the floor.

Fig. 6: Resume nirvana-seeking.

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RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Winnebago Access Premier

Warm maple cabinetry and gray geometric textiles make the 2013 Access Premier a very modern, yet cozy, home on the road. The lowered entrance step offers a sturdy ascent into the coach and creates a more home-like entry than traditional metal auxiliary steps. RV Radio® is a first-ofits-kind feature that serves as a radio/CD/MP3 entertainment hub and also doubles as a rearview monitor. Winnebago’s BenchMark® dinette provides multi-use seating, sleeping and storage space with comfortable innerspring cushions.

The Access Premier sleeps up to six, so it’s perfect for family vacations or for full-timers with occasional guests. Check out these great features (and more) on the lot at Lazydays.

MSRP (31-foot): $108,356 Stk. #1014179

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75

RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Tiffin Motorhomes Allegro Bus

Who would want to lug suitcases in and out of hotels when you could have 5-star luxury all the time? The elegant details of the 2013 Allegro Bus make this coach a stunning retreat from the road. It features a double-sink vanity in the bath; a stacked washer/dryer combo; a full-size, stainlesssteel, residential refrigerator; a fireplace; and a drawer-style dishwasher to make traveling as easy and relaxing as a penthouse condo. The ceilings are adorned with decorative molding that matches the beautifully crafted wood cabinetry lining the walls. There are too many extra touches in this beautiful motorhome to list here; you’ll just have to stop by Lazydays and experience them for yourself.

Search more Allegro models at lazydays.com.

MSRP $352,296 Stk. #1015736

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

77

RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw

The new 2013 Outlaw Class A toy hauler is ready for action! This coach has a private loft bedroom over a garage that holds your ATV, golf cart, dirt bikes or other toys! While camping, set up the railings to instantly convert your garage ramp to a perfect party porch. With four televisions and enough space to sleep up to eight, the Outlaw can keep the whole family entertained and comfortable at “away” sporting events or active vacations.

The sturdy Ford® chassis and Triton® 6.8-liter V10 engine provide the safety and power you need when hauling the extra weight of your toys. Visit Lazydays to see how the 2013 Outlaw can enhance your family adventures. Meet our Outlaw rep on page 18.

MSRP: $158,775 Stk. #1015646

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79

Get all the stuff you need to enjoy RVing to the fullest, right here at Lazydays!

We’ve opened a brand new store at Lazydays that caters to every special parts need an RVer may have, plus fills all the whimsical wants an RVer can dream of.

Come by and see us – you’ll love the experience!

6130 Lazy Days Blvd. | Seffner, FL | I-4 at Exit 10 | 800.282.7800

RV CLASSIFIED

Classifieds

RV CLASSIFIED IN TAMPA, CALL 888.626.7800

2013 Entegra Aspire Location: Tampa, FL Stock: 1014298 New, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, floor plan 42DEQ MSRP: $355,929/ Request Price

• IN TUCSON, CALL 888.426.5481

2013 American Coach American Heritage Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015261 New, 45 ft., 3 slides, diesel, floor plan 45N MSRP: $867,238/ Request Price

2013 Entegra Anthem Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015410 New, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, floor plan 42DEQ MSRP: $444,191/ Request Price

2013 Fleetwood Bounder

2013 Fleetwood Discovery

2013 Forest River Georgetown XL

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015440 New, 36 ft., 2 slides, gas, floor plan 35K MSRP: $148,427/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1014194 New, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, floor plan 42A MSRP: $329,210/ Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1014987 New, 36 ft., 3 slides, gas, floor plan 250XL MSRP: $140,893/ Request Price

2013 Thor Motor Coach Palazzo

2013 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany XTE

2013 Tiffin Allegro Bus

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015369 New, 34 ft., 2 slides, diesel, floor plan 33.2 MSRP: $201,495/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1014292 New, 40 ft., 3 slides, diesel, floor plan 40EX MSRP: $278,730/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015453 New, 44 ft., 4 slides, diesel, floor plan 43QGP MSRP: $417,963/ Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

2013 Winnebago Vista Rally

2013 DRV Mobile Suite

2013 Dynamax Trilogy

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015141 New, 26 ft., 1 slide, gas, floor plan 26HE MSRP: $88,380/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015306 New, 38 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 38TKSB3 MSRP: $139,654/ Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015521 New, 38 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 365ORE MSRP: $110,624/ Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club

2013 Redwood RV

2012 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw

2005 Newmar Kountry Star

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1015620 New, 42 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 40KB MSRP: $119,663/ Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: WU42642 Pre-owned, 37 ft., 1 slide, gas, 8,398 miles, floor plan 3611 Sugg. Retail: $122,814/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: U131984 Pre-owned, 37 ft., 2 slides, gas, 30,733 mi., floor plan 3778 Sugg. Retail: $64,538/ Request Price

2006 Holiday Rambler Admiral SE

2007 Winnebago Adventurer

2007 Tiffin Phaeton

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: WU42746 Pre-owned, 37 ft., 3 slides, gas, 12,946 mi., floor plan 37PCT Sugg. Retail: $79,535/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: WU42703 Pre-owned, 39 ft., 3 slides, gas, 10,311 mi., floor plan 38J Sugg. Retail: $107,963/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: U131422 Pre-owned, 40 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 38,059 mi., floor plan 40QDH Sugg. Retail: $132,559/ Request Price

83

RV CLASSIFIED IN TAMPA, CALL 888.626.7800

• IN TUCSON, CALL 888.426.5481

2012 Fleetwood Discovery

2012 Winnebago Tour

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U131804 Pre-owned, 38 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 9,423 mi., floor plan 40X Sugg. Retail: $230,962/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: U130542 Pre-owned, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 6,007 mi., floor plan 42AD Sugg. Retail: $321,897/ Request Price

2011 Fleetwood Discovery

2006 Beaver Patriot Thunder

2010 Jayco Eagle

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: WU60079 Pre-owned, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 10,761 mi., floor plan 42A Sugg. Retail: $229,843/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: WU42665 Pre-owned, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 37,628 mi., floor plan VICKSBURG IV Sugg. Retail: $217,917/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: U131365 Pre-owned, 35 ft., 2 slides, floor plan 313RKS Sugg. Retail: $35,831/ Request Price

2005 Newmar Kountry Star

2013 Forest River Berkshire

2013 Holiday Rambler Ambassador

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: U131066 Pre-owned, 37 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 35LKLSA Sugg. Retail: $31,864/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015302 New, 38 ft., 4 slides, diesel, floor plan 360QL MSRP: $259,492/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1014503 New, 41 ft., 3 slides, diesel, floor plan 40DFT MSRP: $301,084/ Request Price

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betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

2007 American Coach American Tradition Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U131253 Pre-owned, 40 ft., 3 slides, diesel, 27,716 mi., floor plan 40J Sugg. Retail: $197,832/ Request Price

2013 Holiday Rambler Endeavor

2013 Thor Motor Coach ACE

2013 Thor Motor Coach Palazzo

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1014502 New, 44 ft., 3 slides, diesel, floor plan 43DFT MSRP: $356,000/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1014872 New, 31 ft., 2 slides, gas, floor plan EVO30.1 MSRP: $114,614/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015264 New, 34 ft., 2 slides, diesel, floor plan 33.2 MSRP: $202,245/ Request Price

2013 Airstream Interstate

2012 Born Free

2013 CrossRoads RV Cruiser

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015613 New, 23 ft., diesel, floor plan Lounge Extended MSRP: $141,458/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015702 New, 22 ft., gas, floor plan Built For Two MSRP: $102,100/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015038 New, 29 ft., 1 slide, floor plan CF27RLX MSRP: $44,308/ Request Price

2013 CrossRoads RV Cruiser Patriot

2013 CrossRoads RV Zinger

2013 Prime Time Crusader

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015044 New, 34 ft., 3 slides, floor plan CF245RF MSRP: $63,503/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1014741 New, 28 ft., 1 slide, floor plan ZF25BH MSRP: $35,846/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1014583 New, 32 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 290RLT MSRP: $47,451/ Request Price

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RV CLASSIFIED IN TAMPA, CALL 888.626.7800

• IN TUCSON, CALL 888.426.5481

2013 Prime Time Sanibel

2013 Redwood RV

2005 Itasca Sunova

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1014590 New, 39 ft., 4 slides, floor plan 3400 MSRP: $86,938/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: 1015239 New, 40 ft., 5 slides, floor plan 36FL MSRP: $115,905/ Request Price Included Benefits: Lazydays Gold

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U132120 Pre-owned, 31 ft., 1 slide, gas, 40,157 mi., floor plan 30B Sugg. Retail: $37,375/ Request Price

2012 Fleetwood Bounder

2013 Newmar Bay Star

2012 Fleetwood Bounder Classic

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U130844 Pre-owned, 34 ft., 2 slides, gas, 12,908 mi., floor plan 33C Sugg. Retail: $121,287/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U131831 Pre-owned, 30 ft., 2 slides, gas, 9,805 mi., floor plan 3012 Sugg. Retail: $118,168/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U130745 Pre-owned, 36 ft., 3 slides, gas, floor plan 34B Sugg. Retail: $107,354/ Request Price

2006 Winnebago Journey

2007 Fleetwood RV Expedition

2013 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U131531 Pre-owned, 34 ft., 2 slides, diesel, 34,880 mi., floor plan 34H Sugg. Retail: $104,608/ Request Price

Location: Tucson, AZ Stock#: U132133 Pre-owned, 38 ft., 2 slides, diesel, 32,140 mi., floor plan 38V Sugg. Retail: $109,986/ Request Price

Location: Tampa, FL Stock#: 1014653 New, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, floor plan 42RQ MSRP: $355,860 / Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club

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87

ZZZ SOHDVXUHZD\ FRP ‡ ‡ 3RUWDJH $YHQXH ‡ 6DVNDWRRQ ‡ 6DVNDWFKHZDQ

Pursue your RV dreams in the new P leasure-Way Pursuit B P lus Motorhome Built on the Ford E350 dual rear wheel cutaway chassis, the Pursuit is easy to drive and achieves great fuel economy.

The Pursuit is unique due to many of its special features, but primarily because it is 22 feet long. This new B Plus motorhome is constructed with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety that Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd. is known for.

View our models at www.pleasureway.com or visit them at Lazydays, one of our premium dealers.

$OO QHZ 3OHDVXUH :D\

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Marie Schultz Sales Support, Lazydays Tampa

How did you start your career at Lazydays?

I started off at Lazydays 25 years ago, first by cleaning the buildings. I used to come in at 3 o’clock in the morning, when it was dark outside, and I would clean the inside of the offices. After about six months of that, I moved to working on the outside of the buildings and the units. Now, thank goodness, I strictly clean coach interiors. Cleaning the outside was a lot of work.

What do you like most about working at Lazydays? I used to work at an all-you-

can-eat restaurant and would never, ever get weekends or holidays off. I had a friend who worked at Lazydays; she said that I should come over — I would get paid holidays and weekends off. However, she said, “You can’t work at Lazydays unless you are a hard worker.” Well, I decided to come to work here and I love it!

You write a special message on each coach you clean. One time it even helped make a sale. How did that happen? With the work I

do, it’s kind of quiet around here. I wanted to interact a little more with the customer and get a response. So, about 18 years ago, I had an idea. I got on my hands and knees and started writing “Have a nice day, Marie” on the plastic we put on the floor of the coaches.

It was a little thing, and it was about three or four months before someone started noticing it.

One day, a woman came by — she had just bought a coach — and said how much she liked the way I keep the coaches clean. She also mentioned her friend was thinking of buying one. The next day, the friend came to Lazydays and started walking through all the coaches. She began to get very excited.

Unknown to me, her name was also Marie — same as me! She said, “Oh, my gosh! My girlfriend really wants me to buy a coach … she signed my name to every one!” That Marie was so happy, she bought a coach that same day!

Later that day, the two ladies met with me and we all had a good laugh!

What’s one thing about you that might surprise both customers and co-workers? I volunteer

at the animal shelter near where I live.

My daughter and I like to walk the dogs.

Sometimes we buy 25 pound bags of dog food and donate them to the shelter. ■

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TECHNICALLY SPEAKING ASK STEVE Steve Roddy – 40+ Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician

I just purchased a new 35-foot Allegro gas motorhome.

I was wondering what your thoughts were on steering stabilizers. Do you recommend them? When used properly,

steering stabilizer components are a terrific idea. They are designed to maintain straight-ahead steering; control rapid, unnecessary or unexpected steering movements; and absorb the full impact of a front-tire blowout. Steering stabilizers also help minimize effort while steering and reduce driver fatigue.

However, steering stabilizers should never be used to correct mechanical or alignment problems. Steering systems should only be used to enhance steering. The best ones can be centered from the driver's seat. Some of the better brands are Steer Safe® and Blue Ox® TruCenter®.

My mobile home gets full western light when it is parked.

We use it often, so it is seldom parked more than one month at a time. I am able to switch sides exposed to the sun. Do I still need tire covers? It is always a good idea

to protect tires from sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Tire covers are an inexpensive way to prevent them from cracking due to sun damage. Frequent exposure to sunlight and heat can take the flexibility out of the rubber compounds.

Sun-baked tires could fail once you get up to highway speeds, even if there is no visible damage starting out. It could lead to an extremely dangerous situation on the road.

Continual sunny days — especially in the Southwest United States — produce the UV rays and heat that damage tires the most.

I have a 2009 Tiffin Phaeton with an 8-kilowatt Cummins Onan® generator. It runs OK for 10 to 12 hours and then shuts off. I can manually start it up again. There were no fault codes, and both the oil levels and coolant are fine.

Can you help with the problem? First, disconnect the

remote wiring connector to the interior start/stop switches.

This connector can be found at the generator, usually on the passenger side if the generator is mounted at the front.

Unplug and check connections for corrosion. Start the generator at the switch mounted on the generator. Run it for a short time with the remote switches unplugged. If it stops while unplugged, then it is something inside the generator. Fuel, incorrect output and overheating would all show a fault.

I have a question about hot water heaters on fifth wheels.

Some have a plastic drain plug, while others have metal plugs with a sacrificial anode. Would you recommend an anode for all hot water heaters? Often, customers see an

anode rod on other hot water heaters and think their tank should also have one. Not every hot water heater needs an anode rod. It depends on the manufacturer. For example, Suburban® water heaters have steel porcelain-lined tanks requiring anode rods.

On the other hand, Atwood® uses aluminum tanks, which do not need an anode rod. Atwood tanks have a plastic drain plug, which should only be replaced with a plastic plug recommended by the manufacturer. Never install add-on electric heating elements, drain petcocks or anode rods.

Steel or brass threads may become difficult to remove from an aluminum tank, even after a short period of time. ■

Check out our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/ betterRVing, for more helpful Steve Roddy videos.

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? r o f g in it a w u o y W h at a r e

www.keystonerv.com

There has never been a better time to enjoy the outdoors in your new Keystone toy hauler, travel trailer or fifth wheel. Lazydays offers you a full inventory of the #1 selling Keystone RVs. Everything from the amazing Raptor toy hauler to the luxurious Montana fifth wheel.

Plus easy to tow models like the Passport Ultra Lite and family friendly Sprinter travel trailer and fifth wheel.

Time’s a wasting. Visit L azydays now for a ne w Ke ystone RV and ge t your we e ke nd on.

SCAN HERE Scan this tag with your smart phone and learn more about which Keystone RV brand will start your weekend.

91

5000-0113

YOUR RV ISN’T A CAR. DON’T INSURE IT LIKE ONE. Progressive covers your RV in ways auto policies don’t. So if you ever get in an accident and need to leave your RV at the shop for repairs, we’ll cover the cost of your hotel. Keeping family trips on the road, now that’s Progressive.

866-317-4014 /

LAZYDAYS.COM/INSURANCE

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Emergency Expense coverage is subject to policy terms. 11A00896.D01 (03/12)