SUMMER 2013
RVing Your Way to
Bliss Three Must-Have Photo Apps Discovering “Old Florida” Charm in Cedar Key
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Movin’ on up! Now who doesn’t like moving day? Not a soul we know! It’s exciting to move into your new RV – all the while imagining the journeys to come. When you purchase your RV at Lazydays we make moving day a delightful experience. You’re given a double-wide delivery site with your old coach pointing in and your new coach nose to the road. That way the entry doors and storage compartments are side-by-side and it’s easier to make the transition. While you’re here you’re given a thorough walk-through so you get familiar with the workings of your new coach. Plus we invite you to spend the night just in case some usage questions might arise. Come morning we’re right there with answers. Then when you’re comfortable and ready to go, just climb into the drivers’ seat and vroom, vroom, you’re off down the road. Come experience Lazydays.
TAMPA | 866.456.7004 TUCSON | 888.521.0209 lazydays.com
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DRIVEN FURTHER.
2014 AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Our dedication doesn’t stop when a customer drives off the lot. It’s the pivotal force that sets us apart through dealer partners like Lazydays, unparalleled customer support, and industry-leading engineering and construction. After all your hard work, many will see your motorcoach as the ultimate sign of success. At American Coach, we measure our success through the satisfaction of the most loyal customers in the industry. We’re more than a motorcoach manufacturer. We’re a partner in the pursuit of your passion. Begin at Lazydays 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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CONTENTS
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Two for the Road Lazydays experts Dana and Snow take the 2014 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K for a spin.
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Introducing Athens Park Homes
The Final Features
Intrigued by destination camping? Get an inside look at some of America's leading park models.
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Home Cookin’: Hula Flatbread
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What’s Happening at Lazydays
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Great Gear
RVing to Happiness Discover ways to boost your RV happiness, from the planning and packing stages to the journey and the destination.
Enhance Your Photos With Smartphone & Tablet Apps Take your travel photos to the next level with three great apps for your smartphone or tablet.
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RV Quick Tips Keep biting bugs from spoiling summer fun, extend your RV tire life and try an alternative to National Park campgrounds.
Destination: Cedar Key, Florida The charms of "Old Florida" are alive and thriving in the Gulf Coast community of Cedar Key.
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Keep Your Pets Cool Ensure the comfort of your furry companions when you're away from your RV.
Hurricane & Storm Preparedness Stay safe in the face of summer storms by following practical advice from Lazydays expert Andy Dietz.
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RV Open House RV Classifieds Customer Spotlight: Renny & Phyllis Goyert Ask a Pro: Q&A
With a Pleasure-Way Class B motorhome in your corner, your RV’ing adventures are guaranteed to be knockouts! With excellent fuel economy and all the luxuries of a larger motorhome, Pleasure-Way offers a comfort and convenience on the road like no other. Visit us at www.pleasureway.com to view our various models or stop by and visit one at Lazydays, one of our premium dealers.
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When you camp with us cooking is optional and having fun is a given. Our beautifully landscaped campgrounds feature paved sites with full 30/50 amp hook-ups. You can relax by the pool, soak in the hot tub or play a game of pool. Best of all, each of our campgrounds has an incredibly cool restaurant and full-service bar for you to enjoy. Tampa sports the Exit 10 Restaurant & Pub, a custom designed 68’ RV that sits smack inside RallyCenter. Exit 10 has become the favorite gathering place of our Tampa campers for lunch and dinner. In Tucson, the Florizona Grille is where our guests meet for food, music and fun with a southwestern feel. Dine inside or al fresco on our covered patio for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Come camp with us and plan on fun instead of dirty dishes. lazydaysRVcampground.com Tucson, AZ | 888.521.0214 Tampa, FL | 877.406.8904
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TIM’S LETTER
Hello!
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llow me to introduce myself. My name is Tim Sheehan, and I am the new President and CEO of Lazydays. I’m excited to join a great team of folks committed to delivering the most complete RV experience anywhere. As our customers and readers, you are very important to us — and I want to thank you for your continued support and interest in betterRVing.com. I’ve quickly come to appreciate the passion that so many of you share for the RV experience. In my 30 years of retail, I’ve never seen anything like it. To hear your stories about exploring North America is quite amazing, indeed. What’s really impressive is the bond that’s formed between you, the open road and your RV dealership. It’s clear to me that in order to get the most out of your RV experience, you need a trusted partner to be there for you. I have heard countless stories of Lazydays customers and sales consultants staying connected for years; and in some cases, decades. Working together through multiple purchases and trades, all in an effort to make sure you have the right RV to fit your changing needs, is what our company is all about. There’s another trait that I have come to respect about you — your honesty and straightforwardness, especially when things don’t go right. I have asked for and received very helpful feedback on how we can improve for you here at Lazydays. A number of you have been very open in sharing your experiences — both the good and the bad — in a constructive manner. This has enabled us to pinpoint opportunities for improvement, like our online experience and the need for better shopping tools. In addition, you’ve given us helpful feedback on how we can improve our service department experience all the way around. To summarize what I’ve heard, you would like a simpler shopping, buying and support experience from Lazdays. Message received, loud and clear! My leadership team and I are focused on making these necessary improvements for you. We’re excited to connect with you, whether it’s online, at the dealership or over the phone. We truly value your business. There is a saying here at Lazydays: “We make customers for life.” We mean it, and that’s why we encourage you to reach out and let us know how we’re doing — anytime. I look forward to hearing from you!
Tim Sheehan
P.S. – Send your stories and feedback to storykeeper@lazydays.com.
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Advertising Director Liz Lema 866.317.4012 For advertising inquiries: 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.
Lazydays units and list prices are subject to change and based on availability.
A GREAT DEAL ON THE REAL DEAL. Introducing the all-new Winnebago Minnie Winnie. Although it’s priced amazingly low, the new Minnie Winnie can make you and your family feel like a million bucks. With three new floorplans (including the double-slideout, bunk bed-equipped 31H), it’s the perfect getaway vehicle for adventures that your family will remember for a lifetime. Startingg at
$6 64,9 4,,9 4, 4,95 9D57 95 57
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The fully equipped galley makes it easy to feed the troops, while the available HDTV and DVD player offer a great way to unwind after outdoor fun. And the private back bedroom provides a peaceful retreat when day is done.
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TWO FOR THE ROAD BY FRED SMITH
2014 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K 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 2014 Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C motorhome for a spin. 10
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EXTERIOR Dana and Snow admire the 2014 Minnie Winnie as though they’re seeing an old friend after a spell. Dana: The Minnie Winnie is back in Winnebago’s lineup. Snow: It’s a classic, but I don’t remember it looking this cool and being this functional. With the Smart Storage system, it’s got more exterior storage than ever. Dana: It’s like having a big trunk for your junk. Snow: I need that. Dana: Yes, you do. Don’t forget that the Minnie Winnie is built with Winnebago’s SuperStructure. They use a laser alignment system to mount the cab to the chassis for a sturdy foundation that lasts for years. Snow: And here I thought technology peaked with microwavable popcorn. INTERIOR With the driver-side slide open, Dana and Snow take a stroll through the Minnie Winnie’s expansive interior.
Snow: Look at all the space — there’s nothing “mini” about it. Dana: We’ve got 6-foot, 10-inch ceilings throughout the
interior for a truly spacious feel. I’m really impressed with the amount of counter space in the kitchen. And with the U-shaped dinette, you can cook up a storm and serve it up to the whole team. Snow: This is a great coach for families. Not only is the Forest Cherry wood finish nice to look at, but we’ve got an HDTV with DVD player, and the heat registers are on the sidewalls — which means you don’t get debris in your furnace. Dana: That’s a thoughtful feature Winnebago included in this coach. It comes in handy if you have kids and they leave things like crayons on the floor. When crayons roll into floor-mounted registers, you turn on the heat and then your whole coach smells like Crayola®. Snow: There’s unbelievable storage in this coach. Look at all this space we have in the compartments under the dinette’s flip-up seats.
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Dana: Winnebago’s SmartSpace system makes efficient use of all the interior space to give you maximum storage options. Snow: Holy mackerel, Agnes! The cabover area has a queen-size bed. Dana: The windows in that cabover area open up to let the breeze through. I’d love to be at the beach and taking a nap up there. Snow: Speaking of sleeping, this coach also has a queen bed in the master suite. Altogether, the Minnie Winnie will sleep eight comfortably. Dana: Any coach I’m traveling in is built to serve drinks for eight and dinner for four ... but no matter how big it is, it only sleeps two. Let’s take Minnie for a drive.
COCKPIT Snow sits behind the wheel, drives out of the lot and merges the Minnie Winnie onto the interstate with ease. Snow: Great power in the engine. This coach’s interstate entrance is phenomenal. Because of the 31-foot length, we have a long wheelbase — which means this coach won’t bob and weave as you go down the road. It’s actually more stable than a truck or a van. Anyone transitioning from driving a car will feel very comfortable in this. Dana: We’re cruising at about 65 miles per hour, and we’re going straight as an arrow. Snow: It’s real comfortable. The visibility is great. All the instrumentation is in the right place and easy to reach. Dana: At this price point, you get a lot of value. The 2014 Minnie Winnie is great for tailgaters, first-timers or anyone looking to have fun in an RV. Especially families, who will love all the features and the sleeping flexibility. So, are we ready to go cross-country? Snow: Well, maybe ready to go across the parking lot — I’m hungry! Let’s eat before we head for the sunset. ■
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s an RVer, you understand the thrill of being on the road toward an adventure, with only the future and the open road in front of you. This passion for the road, for new experiences and for all that travel has to offer leads to satisfaction, happiness and fulfillment. And as someone who is passionate about the RV lifestyle, you know exactly what I mean. RV travel is a means to achieving pure joy. You are RVing your way to happiness. From dreaming about and planning your RV trip, to wading through the packing and preparation phase, to embarking on your journey, to reaching the longed-for destination itself — at every step along the way, there are ample opportunities to increase your happiness. No matter what phase of RV travel you find yourself in, happiness is right in front of you ... if you just take the time to look. BY DEBORAH WHEELER, PHD, MBA ILLUSTRATIONS BY DON MORRIS
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Plan
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Think about your last trip and ask yourself: What was the best part? W What was the worst part? W What do I really want out W of my next RV vacation?
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Planning Your Trip The Call of the Open Road RVing is a state of mind, as well as a planned adventure. The planning stage encompasses a host of questions: Where are we going? Where will we stay? What sights will we see? How long will we travel? What route will we take? These questions can pose their own challenges, far beyond a simple day trip by car. If you enjoy the steps involved in planning your adventure, you are well on your way to RV happiness. But if you find these decisions frustrating or overwhelming, take a step back and try a new approach — you’ll soon discover that the planning phase can be a big part of the fun. As you begin discussing ideas and itineraries for your next trip, heed the advice of happiness researchers and travel experts to make for a smoother, lessstressful planning period: Give yourself plenty of time to plan.
Hasty last-minute decisions can limit your options and result in missed opportunities. Once you’ve chosen a destination, explore your camping options and make reservations in advance. This will simplify matters and give you peace of mind. After securing a spot at your first-choice campground, you can then let the winds carry you there! Remain flexible. The key to enjoying your trip even before you leave the driveway is to avoid over-planning. Attempting to plan out every hour of every day can create as much stress as just “winging it.” Instead, prioritize a few must-do activities and attractions, while allowing time for unexpected detours and discoveries along the way. This can help make your planning as enjoyable as the trip itself and help you find greater contentment in your journeys. Evaluate takeaways from your past travels. Think about your last trip and
ask yourself: What was the best part? What was the worst part? What do I really want out of my next RV vacation? This can help you determine what to add and what to avoid as you plan your adventure.
Focus on what truly makes you happy.
While your vacation may have an overall theme based on your destination — for example, history, culture, theme parks, wilderness or relaxation — encourage each of your traveling companions to add an activity they love to the itinerary. It might be hiking or fishing, shopping or fine dining. When each person has something specific to look forward to, everyone can be assured of an enjoyable vacation and happy memories to follow. Take quality and value into consideration. You don’t have to spend
a lot of money to have a great vacation; a little advance research can help you determine where to scrimp and where to splurge. Consider the quality and overall value of each element of your trip. Sometimes, the lowest-priced option isn’t necessarily the best value. Search for discount offers and two-for-one deals at your destination and stops along the way, using sites like Google Offers, Groupon or Living Social. You may find that activities or restaurants you ruled out as too pricey are actually within your budget. Plan trips that build relationships.
As you plan your next adventure, don’t overlook the importance of relationships and the joy they bring. Choose destinations and activities that allow you to connect with your travel companions. Plan a few pit stops to visit with old friends or family members you don’t see very often. And don’t miss out on opportunities to meet new people. That local shop owner, tour guide or campground neighbor could very well prove to be your new best friend. If you follow these tips — and regard the planning phase as part of the RV fun — you’ll discover the path to happiness begins long before you hit the road. What tips and tricks do you use to make planning less stressful and more fun? Share your suggestions at facebook.com/ betterRVing.
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Once you’ve made your checklists, start collecting the necessary items at least a few weeks ahead of your trip, and store them all in one place.
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Packing & Preparation Saving Your Sanity There are times when the packing and preparation for an RV trip may seem far from fun and more like a full tactical assault. Between sorting through the household items, clothing, equipment, food and supplies you’ll need for your trip and ensuring your RV is road-ready before you go, it can feel like the packing and preparations are threatening to consume you. To simplify the packing and preparation process and minimize stress, follow these steps before each trip: Get an early start. Work and daily life
keep us very busy, and lead many people to leave packing and preparation until the last minute. Avoid the consequences of procrastination — like finding out your top-choice campgrounds are fully booked, or forgetting to pack important items like prescription medicine or chargers — by planning ahead and setting aside a little time each week to complete travelpreparation tasks before you go. Prepare a master checklist. It’s easy to forget items when packing if you don’t have everything written down. To simplify matters, take the time to create a comprehensive checklist of all the items you’ll need on every RV trip. Group your listings by category, such as clothing, footwear and outerwear; food and drinks; dishes, cutlery and cookware; personal care items; cleaning supplies; books, games and toys; and mobile devices, cameras and chargers. Create destination- and activityspecific checklists. While your master
checklist will likely remain the same for every trip, consider making secondary checklists that are specific to destinations or activities. If you’ve purchased guidebooks or park passes, be sure to include those on your destinationspecific checklist. Set aside one area to collect items to be packed. Once you’ve made your
those items into your coach little by little and check them off the list once they’re on board. If your rig is in off-site storage, having those items in one area will make it simpler to load the RV than running all over the house to collect everything. Split up duties with others, when possible — it’ll make the process go even faster. Collect trip-related information in a binder and/or mobile device. Keep
all of your trip-related documentation — campground reservation confirmations, maps, dining and attraction coupons, itineraries, etc. — in one place. You can insert hard copies in a binder, create a trip folder in your email account or desktop, and/or create a collection of bookmarks in your browser. Complete routine RV maintenance before your trip. There’s nothing worse
than hitting the road for your longawaited vacation and realizing that you’ve got a flat or your “check engine” light is on. Make an appointment at your local RV service center to complete any necessary maintenance and have a technician perform a pre-trip inspection before you go. Be sure to allow sufficient time for any repairs that may be necessary, so that you won’t have to delay the start of your trip. If you follow the above steps, you should be able to eliminate a lot of the stress and headaches from the packing and preparation phase. And by sharing the packing and preparation duties with others, you can avoid shouldering the entire burden yourself. (Remember, you are supposed to be RVing toward happiness ... not a mental breakdown!) Even if you end up forgetting something, you can likely pick it up on the road. With proper planning and a little help from your fellow travelers, you can save your physical health and mental wellbeing in the process — and find more joy along the way.
checklists, start collecting the necessary items at least a few weeks ahead of your trip, and store them all in one place. If your RV is parked at home, you can move
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Take time to smell the wild roses, pick a remote trail to explore, discover a small town’s charms or seek out the world’s largest paper cup, just because it’s on the way to your destination.
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The Journey Are We There Yet? While the journey is usually half the fun of RVing, the road often has its ups and downs. When you encounter trying times on your travels — perhaps roads are closed, the RV needs unexpected maintenance or you find yourself in a hurry to get to the destination — try to stay in a positive frame of mind. Don’t let the occasional obstacle make you unhappy or distract you from the joys of RVing. All road trips have challenges. When they arise, consider the good that can come from change; maybe your detour will lead to an exciting new discovery, or perhaps you'll have an opportunity to make new friends. Challenges may try our patience, but they can also be a big part of learning how to RV to happiness. Consider yourself fortunate to be on the road, headed to a great destination.
the shortest distance between two points, it’s not necessarily the most fun. To find more happiness on your next trip, try the following tips: Slow down and savor the journey.
Why spend the entire journey at highway speeds? Seek out non-freeway routes on your GPS device once in a while and explore America’s scenic byways. There are some wonderful discoveries waiting to be made. Keep your itinerary flexible. Don’t miss
out on unexpected joys because you’ve got your itinerary planned to the second. Take time to smell the wild roses, pick a remote trail to explore, discover a small town’s charms or seek out the world’s largest paper cup, just because it’s on the way to your destination.
Happiness: Luck or Intention? Many people attribute their happiness to good luck. Whatever its origin, we want more of it. But you might be surprised to learn that some researchers believe our actions determine much of our happiness. In The How of Happiness (see thehowofhappiness.com), psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests that 40 percent of our happiness is within our own control. The next time you find yourself stressing over bumps in the road, remember that you have the power to create your own happiness. You might accomplish this by engaging in pleasant activities (like meditation or reading), cultivating positive states (try practicing stress management) and fostering positive relationships (for example, connecting with your fellow travelers or participating in RV communities).
Enjoy the Ride As the saying goes, “It’s the journey, not the destination.” And RVing, more than any other type of travel, is as much about the journey as the destination. All the time spent between your driveway and your vacation spot is a journey worth savoring. When you’re excited about your destination, you may find yourself with a foot on the gas pedal headed to meet the floor. And while a straight line is certainly
Remember to take frequent breaks.
Your travels won’t be as much fun if the journey consists solely of long stretches of highway broken only by the occasional gas station pit stop. Schedule regular breaks by setting a timer on your smartphone, picking a song in your music rotation to signal a stopping point or pulling over whenever you spot a scenic lookout. Focus on important relationships.
The journey tends to pass more quickly when you share enjoyable conversations with your travel companions. Use the time to get to know them better. Perhaps you can also plan a few detours along the way to connect with family and friends you don’t see very often. Post happiness symbols throughout your RV. Decorate your coach with items
that make you smile and recall happy memories. Display photos of loved ones, pin up images from some of your favorite trips and integrate fun souvenirs as part of your decor. They’ll serve as constant happy reminders of the things and people you love, and all the fun that lies ahead. When you make the most of your journey, you’ll find more joy in your travels.
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Goal
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The joy of the open road, unwinding at a campsite, cooking meals together, sleeping in a new locale — these are the ultimate bliss for RVers.
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The Destination You Are Here Ultimately, RVers choose destinations in anticipation of finding happiness there. Your idea of fun might involve visiting historical sites or theme parks, exploring a new state or city, hiking mountains, relaxing by the lake, visiting family members or seeking adventures along paths previously untraveled. There are many ways to find happiness in RVing. The joy of the open road, unwinding at a campsite, cooking meals together, sleeping in a new locale — these are the ultimate bliss for RVers. When your destination meets or exceeds expectations, and when any surprises are pleasant ones, there’s nothing better. However, sometimes you may find your destination isn’t all that you thought it would be, or all that it was advertised to be. Perhaps the weather doesn’t cooperate with your best-laid plans, or the attractions you planned to see are closed, or you discover too late that RV access is limited at your destination. While these issues may temporarily diminish your enthusiasm and dampen the joy you felt in anticipation of your destination, they should not derail you from your path to RV happiness. To get the most enjoyment out of your RV destination, follow the advice of happiness researchers and travel experts: Choose destinations that make you happy. This one is a given, though bear
in mind your fellow travelers may have different ideas of happiness. Try to select destinations that offer something for everyone, so each of your traveling companions will have something to look forward to. And avoid picking destinations or activities solely because some website or magazine deems them must-see or must-do; instead, talk through your options with your travel posse and choose places that suit your own interests and priorities.
some flexibility into your schedule. Group your activities by type, so you can enjoy outdoor outings when the weather is nice and save indoor attractions for days when the forecast looks less promising. Plan ahead for alternative travel options. Sometimes, even the most
carefully planned trips go awry — perhaps a hurricane foils your beach getaway, or a forest fire shuts down the campground you had reserved, or the attraction you had longed to see is closed for maintenance. The best way to salvage your vacation plans is to arrive with alternative options in hand. Prepare a list of other nearby attractions and destinations you’d like to see, so you’ll have alternate plans ready to go. Seek out new social connections at your destination. You’ll get a lot more
enjoyment out of your travels if you embrace the opportunity to meet new people along the way. Get to know the locals at your destination, and you may find yourself privy to hidden gems other travelers never discover. Or strike up a conversation with your campground neighbors — you never know when you might meet a new best friend. Keep one day free at the end of each trip. Leave the last day of every trip
unscheduled, with no set plans. This will allow time for you take in any attractions you may have missed or revisit a place you particularly enjoyed. If you’ve done and seen everything you had hoped to, you can save the last day to explore some attractions recommended by locals or your fellow campers. Or, you can simply savor one quiet, relaxing, do-nothing day before the drive home. With a positive outlook and backup plans in hand, you can ensure you’ll always find happiness at your destination, along your journey and in life.
Remain flexible and willing to adjust to change. If you travel with a detailed
day-by-day itinerary, you may find your stress levels rising when weather, closures or other unforeseen circumstances interfere with your plans. Instead, build
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While much of the planning Whi
Buds
and preparation often falls
to one on person, it’s important tto get everyone involved
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in choosing activities and a destination.
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Relationships Creating Connections Why do we find travel so appealing? What creates that sense of joy inherent in RVing? Research suggests that our happiness is determined by a combination of genetics, lifestyle and our own efforts to do the things that make us happy. For all of you who are RVing your way to happiness, there are lessons to be learned along the way. Relationships are a key part of the RV lifestyle. Whether you are bonding with family members, catching up with old friends or making new acquaintances, RVing offers many ways to foster those relationships. When you spend quality time with your travel companions on the road, you are likely to find your deepest relationships are strengthened. And when you visit different campgrounds and attractions, you’ll have many opportunities to connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for traveling and the RV lifestyle. To foster better relationships and greater harmony in your RV travels, try the following suggestions: Involve your travel companions in trip planning. While much of the planning
and preparation often falls to one person, it’s important to get everyone involved in choosing a destination and activities. Have a brainstorming meeting to kick around destination ideas, and reach a consensus together. If some of your fellow travelers are less than enthusiastic about the destination, encourage them to choose some activities they’ll enjoy either at the destination or along the way. When everyone has a say in the travel plans, you’ll all have a better trip. Focus on people, not just destinations.
Sometimes, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in your trip that you spend more time focusing on activities and places rather than people. Make time to check in with your fellow travelers throughout the day to ensure everyone is happy, healthy and having fun, and set aside time each night to review the day’s highlights and discuss ways to make your trip even better. Schedule the occasional detour to meet up with family and friends along
your travel route. If you’re traveling solo or simply looking to make new friends, invite your campground neighbors over for dinner or drinks, check out the activities offered at your RV resort, join a group tour or organize your own group outing and invite others to join. New and renewed relationships will bring you happiness long after your journey ends. Emphasize the importance of wellbeing. Encourage all of your travel
companions to speak up if they’re feeling tired, sick, bored or unhappy. You don’t want them to associate RV travel with being dragged from place to place they really don’t want to be, and they shouldn’t be expected to suffer in silence if they’re feeling exhausted or unwell but your schedule doesn’t allow time for rest. When you and your fellow travelers are healthy, well-rested and in tune with one another, it will result in greater happiness and well-being for all. Spend your time and money on sharing experiences with those you love. In the
grand scheme of things, possessions are far less important than people. So instead of missing out on opportunities because you’re saving up for the latest technology, a flashy new car or trinkets that will soon be set aside and forgotten, invest in the kinds of experiences you and your family will cherish for a lifetime. Forgo another evening of fast-food takeout in favor of a waterfront restaurant, enjoying the freshest catch of the day as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Splurge on an insider’s tour and marvel together at sights that other travelers don’t get to see. Make your travels and your time together count as something truly special. By heeding the importance of relationships and actively working to foster connections with family, friends and new acquaintances, you’ll find greater happiness in your RV journeys.
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An RV is much more than a mere vehicle or rolling hotel; it is a means to explore, experience and enjoy the world around us.
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RVing to Bliss The Pursuit of Happiness Americans inherently feel a certain connectedness to the “pursuit of happiness.” However, all people are not equally happy — some of us are just happier than others. While happiness studies indicate that a comfortable amount of money to meet basic living requirements is a key factor in happiness, it is certainly not the most important factor. Once basic needs are met, more money does not necessarily make individuals happier. And more money certainly does not “cause” happiness to occur in individuals.
Happiness by the Numbers Happiness researcher Ed Diener (diener.socialpsychology.org), also known as “Dr. Happy,” found in his research that a third of Americans responded that they were “very happy” and the majority of individuals identified themselves as “pretty happy.” Similar findings have been found in other developed countries. He also found that individuals who faced horrible or extreme situations only had their happiness temporarily disrupted and returned to their prior states of happiness. Dr. Diener noted that social environments and external factors often had relatively little to do with an individual’s happiness. For example, socioeconomic conditions and religion accounted for no more than 3 percent difference in levels of happiness. On the other hand, in a study of twins over a decade, 50 to 80 percent difference was associated with genetic variation and some heritability of happiness. But does this mean that we can’t impact our happiness at all? Hardly. Research has shown that happiness is heavily influenced by life events such as work promotions and relationship problems, as well as general psychological traits such as self-esteem, optimism, a sense of belonging and the capacity to love. Many of these things are outside the reach of scientific measure, or even outside an individual’s control. As a result, they are difficult to measure and study scientifically. Consider your own
life and personality for insights into the challenges involved in studying the infinite variety of happiness factors and how they might influence individuals. But also think about the things you do and see every day that make you smile, laugh or experience true feelings of joy.
Find Your Path to Happiness When all is said and done, there are many ways we can influence or create our own happiness. RVing to happiness is about the relationships we develop and strengthen while RVing, the joy we find in planning and anticipating our next trip, and the delight we experience in the journey and the destination. An RV is much more than a mere vehicle or rolling hotel; it is a means to explore, experience and enjoy the world around us. It is a medium for finding joy, creating memories and forming bonds. It is a vessel that will carry us along the neverending path to happiness. As a psychologist and traveler, my personal philosophy is this — you can be happy anywhere, but especially in your RV. What does RVing mean to you, and how has it increased your happiness? Visit us at facebook.com/betterRVing and share your thoughts on RVing and happiness, as well as your tips for reducing stress and boosting happiness at every stage of your RV journey.
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Facts
Happiness is not about eliminating bad moods or maintaining a cheery facade.
Instead, it is about contentment,
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living with grace, lifelong learning and feeling satisďŹ ed.
N
Research Roundup The Science of Happiness Now that we’ve explored the many ways to find and enhance happiness through RVing — from planning to packing and preparation, from the journey to the destination, from fostering relationships to pursuing joy — you might be interested in learning more about research on the subject of happiness.
Happiness and Well-Being
While research on how to increase positivity and develop happiness has increased lately, there is much more to be learned. As we all know from personal experience, not everyone is born happy. Philosophers and researchers have found that a sense of contentment — feeling happy, fulfilled and satisfied — is critical to our well-being. But happiness doesn’t always come from the things or attributes you’d expect. Researchers have found that prosperity, health and physical attractiveness often have very little to do with overall happiness. Dr. Martin Seligman, founder of the positive psychology movement, has been a key leader in furthering our understanding of happiness. In a presentation to the Royal Society of Arts, Dr. Seligman outlined five endeavors that can help individuals attain happiness and well-being, and documented them under the acronym of PERMA: Positive emotion Acknowledge positive
experiences in your daily life, and end each evening by identifying three good things that happened that day. Engagement Recognize your strengths,
and use them to overcome challenges. Relationships In interactions with others,
take an active and constructive approach; show interest and provide positive input.
Where Do We Find Happiness? In a Psychology Today article titled “The Pursuit of Happiness,” Carlin Flora noted that we are currently in the midst of a “happiness frenzy,” with some 4,000 books on the topic published in 2008, compared to just 50 books in 2000. She explains that happiness is not about eliminating bad moods or maintaining a cheery facade. Instead, it is about contentment, living with grace, lifelong learning and feeling satisfied. Here are the “golden nuggets” from Flora’s analysis of happiness: ■
Some people are born happy.
■
Getting what you want doesn’t bring lasting happiness.
■
Pain is a part of happiness.
■
Mindfulness brings happiness.
■
Happiness lies in the chase.
■
Money buys happiness — at least some money and some happiness.
■
Happiness is relative.
■
Happiness is other people.
■
Happiness hinges on your time frame.
■
You’re wrong about what will make you happy and you’re wrong about what made you happy.
■
Happiness is embracing your natural coping style.
■
Happiness is living your values.
Ultimately, happiness is complex. Therefore, Flora concludes happiness is all of these things … and so much more. As she succinctly states, “The state of happiness is not really a state at all. It’s an ongoing personal experiment.” Flora’s complete article can be found at psychologytoday.com/articles/200812/ the-pursuit-happiness ■
Meaning Seek out your purpose in life; it’s important to feel that you belong to and serve something bigger than yourself. Accomplishment If you’re committed to a goal, you can achieve it; grit counts for more than IQ in attaining success. To view Dr. Seligman’s PERMA presentation in its entirety, see thersa.org/events/video/archive/ martin-seligman
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FIND THE PERFECT SET OF WHEELS TO CARRY YOUR TOYS AND TOOLS.
We are proud to be partners with the legendary MX Sports Team! Come meet us at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee July 26 - August 3, 2013. We’re bringing some great RVs to the event and you can talk to our experts in motorhomes and motorsports who spend their free time on the track tuning and tweaking both perfect rides. Go to mxsports.com for more information on the race and RV camping at the Ranch.
We love racing as much as we love RVing! 866.703.3085 |
RECEIVE A
lazydays.com
Shopping Spree AT
THE BETTER RVING STORE WORTH UP TO
$1,500
Call Tampa: 866.456.7010
Tucson: 888.247.2938
WHEN YOU PURCHASE AND TAKE DELIVERY FROM US BETWEEN 7/1/13 AND 9/30/13.*
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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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Introducing the all new 2014 Born Free Triumph. This is The Premier Class C with all the luxury and comforts of a Class A. For real. You’ve never seen such beautiful gleaming woodwork, intelligent design and thoughtful lighting in an RV of this size. If you’re just getting into RVing or are looking to downsize from a luxury Class A, look no further than the Born Free at Lazydays. HERE’S A FEW OF THE 2014 NEW HIGHLIGHTS • Full-body paint • iPad controlled lighting, shades and electronics • Heated floors • Exclusive Liquid Spring Suspension • Residential-sized kitchen appliances
MOTORCOACH bornfreerv.com | 800-247-1835
Born Free Motorcoaches are available exclusively at Tampa, Fl 800.626.7800
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|
lazydays.com
|
Tucson, AZ 800.306.4069
Enhance Your Photographs With Smartphone & Tablet Apps BY DAVE WATKINS
A
s RVers, we take many photographs of our travels and traveling companions. Smartphones and tablets have revolutionized the way we capture pictures, replacing costly and time-consuming film development with instant digital images and enabling us to immediately share them with friends and family via email or social media. In many cases, that's the full extent of our interaction with digital photographs — capture, share, done.
However, smartphones and tablets have the capability to do so much more. Perhaps you'd like to improve a dark, shadowy picture? How about creating a photo collage? Or maybe you want to scrub an individual or object from a photograph? Start exploring the possibilities with the three apps on the following pages. The apps are available for both Apple® and Android™ smartphones and tablets (unless otherwise noted). Give them a try, and take your photos to a whole new level.
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TouchRetouch
®
TouchRetouch is a handy application that lets you remove unwanted objects or people from your photos using just your finger and an Android or Apple smartphone or tablet. Simply use the "Lasso" or "Brush" to select the item you want taken out of the snapshot, hit the "Go" button and watch the unwanted object disappear. Once you've made the change, you can save the picture to your library, send it in an email, post it on Facebook® and so on. The original photo also remains in your photo library. TouchRetouch is available in a free version (which adds a watermark to edited photos) and as a 99-cent paid app.
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With a swipe and a tap, you can remove anyone and anything from your photos.
PicCollage
速
The PicCollage app allows you to select pictures from your photo library (or anywhere on the Web) and create custom collages that are perfect for sharing with friends and family and posting on social media sites. You can arrange the photos in any pattern you like, or choose one of the available frames to organize two or more different photos. You can even add text and stickers, change the background, and edit or enhance the photos. PicCollage is a free app available for both Apple and Android devices.
Tap to select and add photos, drag the images to arrange and organize, then add stickers, text and other enhancements.
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Wish you were here!
Photogene & Photogene2 The Photogene for iPad® and Photogene2 for iPhone® apps offer a full suite of photo-editing tools. You can crop, straighten, retouch, resize, adjust color, add special effects and perform other image enhancements.
Lighten and
For example, if you capture a
brighten dark
nice photo with less-than-
photos, and add
optimal lighting, you can
custom text.
adjust the exposure to lighten and brighten dark areas. You can also insert text, create collages, export multiple photos and more. The apps are currently only available for Apple devices, with Photogene2 for iPhone priced at 99 cents and Photogene for iPad at $2.99. ■
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betterRVing.com betterRVing.com betterRVing.com |||Summer Spring Summer 2013 2013 2013| 888.626.7800
Your cool place in the desert.
AIRSTREAM FACTORY CERTIFIED • Vintage & New Repairs • Warranty Work • Insurance Claims • Renovations • Grey Tanks Installed • Plasticoating & Painting • Metal Damage Repairs • Parts Shipped To You
We know Airstreamers only like to stop at cool, outdoorsy places. So here’s a new spot to put on your silver bucket list! Lazydays is your oasis in the Arizona desert if you need service, restoration or you’re looking for a new silver cutie. For over 35 years, we’ve been helping folks enjoy the great outdoors in campers of all shapes and sizes, and we’re eager to welcome you into our family.
Airstream Sales | Airstream Service | Friendly Campground Sales 888.521.0209 | Service 888.521.0212 | 3200 E. Irvington Road | Tucson, AZ 85714 Lazydays.com
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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. 38
betterRVing.com | Summer 2013 | 888.626.7800 Sharing in our commitment of unfailing
customer service and unmatched quality.
THE 3RD ANNUAL
We would like to thank our major sponsors: Tournament Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
Greenberg Traurig Platinum Sponsors Auto Body Express
US Foods
Crowe Horwath
Gold Sponsors AETNA Bajo, Cuva, Cohen & Turkel Bank of the West Cintas
Digital Hands Horizon Transport Sullivan Benefits Toshiba
Silver Sponsors Ally Financial AMC/Cornerstone United Austin Outdoor Coast Distribution Excalibur Financial Group Fleetwood RV Grand Design RV Heartland RV Jeffrey Allen, Inc. Merrill Lynch Michelin North America
Roberts Printing Sayyah’s Cleaning, Inc. SMC Diversified Services Stag-Parkway Tiffin Motorhomes Tribridge Valvoline Heavy Duty Lubricants Verizon Wade RV Winegard Company
Through the generosity from all our sponsors, supporters and players, the Foundation raised over $101,000 for at-risk youth! For more information, please visit us at LazydaysEmployeeFoundation.org, or like us on facebook.com/LazydaysEmployeeFoundation.
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RODUCIN T G IN
ATHENS PARK HOMES
_
H
ere’s a novel idea — an RV that does not move. And no, we’re not referring to the longforgotten trailer on grandma’s property that is currently being taken over by kudzu. We’re talking about customized bits of heaven that require no hitching, towing or backing in. Intrigued? As the overall RV industry continues to expand, one category that is seeing particularly rapid growth is destination or seasonal camping. RVers are buying park models, or stay-in-place RVs, in record numbers and placing them in their favorite campgrounds and resorts for weekend getaways and extended seasonal stays. Lazydays recently added a few park models to their RV lineup to meet the growing demand for destination trailers. Athens Park Homes is one of the top producers of park models in the country. The brand’s parent company, Champion Home Builders, is one of the largest U.S. and Canadian producers of manufactured homes, modular homes and commercial structures — including hotels! The next time you stay at a LaQuinta, it’s quite possible the hotel may have been built in a factory by Champion. If the idea of retiring the towing and hitching aspect of RVing piques your interest, the solid construction of park models may seal the deal. These homes are constructed with fiber-cement siding and high vaulted ceilings, and finished with tape and textured walls. The Cottage line of homes features entry- to mid-level floor plans with a variety of looks, including a rustic-style home that feels like a swanky
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_ backwoods cabin, with pine ceilings and accents. The Royal series offers built-ins that create a cozy, homey feel, with welcome details like soffits over the cabinets and our favorite part — the built-in coffee nook. Most of the floor plans offer optional clerestory dormers, which allow loads of sunlight to flood the main living area, while front or rear porches expand the home’s outdoor living space. Perhaps the most impressive feature of Athens Park Homes is the ability to customize your floor plan. Add a coffee nook to the woody cottage layout to create your perfect park model. “Our company is designed to offer the customer what they want in a second or seasonal home,” notes Dick Grymonprez, Champion’s National Director of Park Model Sales. “We have all of the most popular floor plans in the industry; but if somebody wants something more customized to their needs, we are happy to draw it up for them. We just want our customers to be proud of their purchase. And because we have on-staff draftsmen at each plant, we can offer this service.” Athens Park Homes is a member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Come tour the park models at Lazydays today, and experience the destination camping lifestyle. Champion builds Athens Park Homes models at its manufacturing facilities located in Athens, Texas; Chandler, Ariz.; Lake City, Fla.; Lindsay, Calif.; Salisbury, N.C.; Sangerfield, N.Y.; Weiser, Idaho; and York, Neb.■
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TYRON DRIVES SAFETY HOME. To an RVer, there’s nothing quite as frightening as a blowout. When a tire deflates, air pressure can no longer keep it in place on the wheel and it can cause serious damage and loss of control and braking. When you have Tyron blowout protection fitted to your wheels, deflated tires are supported and kept in place, preventing them from slipping and flailing. Stability, steering and braking are dramatically improved, which can help you avoid damage and disaster. Call 866.531.6818 to talk to a Lazydays sales professional about Tyron.
TYRON 42
betterRVing.com | Summer 2013 | 888.626.7800
TAKE CARE OF THE ONE YOU LOVE. It was special from the first time you set eyes on it...love at first sight. And now that you’ve been together a while it’s time to make sure you’ll keep that lovin’ feeling. Failing brakes, no AC or no hot water will tax the relationship you have with your RV. Bring it in to us for a yearly check-up to make sure everything is in proper working order. In addition to servicing your slides and jacks every 3 to 4 months, most RVs require several components to be serviced every 12 months such as: Brake & Axle (trailers), Aqua-Hot® (diesel), Rooftop/Basement AC , Engine Air Dryer (diesel), Appliances, Generator, Brakes and Lube (motorhomes). Make an appointment with one of our RVIA/RVDA certified techs today and keep your RV love running strong.
RV SERVICE
A craftsman for every need TAMPA | 866.456.7014 TUCSON | 888.521.0212 LazydaysService.com
un! CAMPING GEAR RV PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND fFUN
Comep! sho Lazydays Main Bldg. | 6130 Lazydays Blvd., Seffner, FL 33584 | 866.531.6818 Monday - Friday 8am - 5.30pm | Saturday 8am - 5pm | Sunday Noon - 5pm
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RV Quick Tips
(find more tips at betterRVing.com)
BY BOB DIFLEY
Extend Your RV Tire Life
Don’t Let Mosquitoes Spoil Outdoor Fun Love the outdoors, but hate mosquitoes? These tips can help prevent their itchy, annoying bites: ❈
Take precautions if you’ll be outside at dawn, dusk or after dark, when mosquitoes are most active.
❈
Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks to cover as much skin as possible, and apply bug repellant on any exposed skin.
❈
Dress in white or light-colored clothing, since mosquitoes appear to be attracted to dark colors.
❈
Use clothing, shoes and gear treated with permethrin, which lasts through multiple washings and effectively repels both mosquitoes and ticks.
❈
Avoid scented products like perfumes, fabric softeners and hairspray, which can draw mosquitoes.
❈
Use a mosquito coil, bug zapper and/or ThermaCELL® device to protect your campsite.
Visit betterRVing.com for more information on how to control summer bugs.
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You can extend your RV tire life and achieve better mileage by always maintaining the manufacturer’s suggested tire pressure. It is important to check this reading before every trip, and each morning during extended travels. Checking the pressure should be easy and convenient, or you’re more likely to skip it. On some wheels, especially inner duals, the valve stem may be difficult to access. Solve this problem by installing stainlesssteel braided valve extender hoses, which are available at your local RV parts supplier or tire store. Install a secure holder on your outer dual hubcap to attach the outer end of the extension, which will hold it in place at highway speeds and ensure it is easily accessible when checking pressure.
National Park Campground Full? Try a National Forest Campground Finding a campsite at a national park in the busy summer months often requires a combination of strategy and patience. Campgrounds that take reservations generally fill early. For those that don’t, you have to arrive early in the day and take your chances. A smart alternative is to seek out one of the less congested national forest campgrounds that are adjacent to many national parks. You’ll have a much better chance of finding a spot, especially if you arrive early and on a weekday. Visit the U.S. Forest Service website (www.fs.fed.us) for maps and listings, check out the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide (www.forestcamping.com) or reserve your campsite online at www.recreation.gov.â–
Weight Distribution Comes Out of the Stone Age.
SwayPro
Steel-on-steel friction is 50 years old. Finally, intelligent engineering gives you a much better way to prevent sway and smooth your ride.
TM
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Discover “Old Florida” Charm in Cedar Key BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY
Other places advertise a quiet, relaxing “Old Florida” atmosphere. Cedar Key delivers. Well off the considerably beaten Florida path and rich with historic character, Cedar Key feels local, like hometown USA … if your hometown boasts incredible sunsets, waterfront views and spectacular fishing. The town treats franchises like IRS auditors, so don’t expect a Starbucks® on any corner. What you will find is fresh seafood, friendly people and plenty of reasons for a return trip.
M
ost of the time Cedar Key — actually an archipelago of 17 barrier islands — is a sleepy fishing community, cherished by returning guests and locals who have lived here for generations. However, we visited during the annual Old Florida Celebration of the Arts (cedarkeyartsfestival.com). Hundreds of artists and artisans working in diverse media set up shop in Cedar Key’s historic downtown, drawing thousands of browsers, window-shoppers and dedicated art patrons. With four campgrounds nearby, the RV community was very well represented, as were the weekend-warrior motorcycle clubs. But this is hardly a Bike Week crowd. Even with all the hustle and bustle, the event still manages to give off a welcoming, laid-back island vibe. Maybe it was the unbeatable weather, or the waterfront view, or the kids weaving through the crowd hawking smoked mullet, or the Celtic band playing evocative tunes at the city park — whatever the reason, we strolled around with perpetually wide smiles, soaking up the atmosphere and marveling at the seamless collage of artistic and natural beauty.
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What to Do at Cedar Key
B
rowse the downtown shops and galleries on Second Street then stroll a block past the waterside park for dinner and a gorgeous sunset view. Be sure to visit the Dilly Dally Gally (dillydallygally.com) to find the perfect Cedar Key souvenir. Terrific service, great prices and classic island fashion. Located at 390 Dock St. Call 352.543.9146. Get a little Grouper Therapy (groupertherapy.net) with Captain Gregory Smith on his Gulf fishing charters. Call 352.363.0244 to book. You can also book fishing charters at Robinson Seafood (robinson.outdoorupdate.com). Carl Robinson is a fourth-generation fisherman who has been on the water in Cedar Key for over three decades. Visit 6991 SW State Road 24 or call 352.543.5051 to book. Visit Cedar Key Museum State Park (floridastateparks.org/ cedarkeymuseum) to explore the history of Cedar Key’s thriving 19thcentury port and railroad heyday. Check out native artifacts collected by Cedar Key’s first curator, Saint Clair Whitman, and hike the nature trail. Located at 12231 SW 166th Court. Call 352.543.5350. Rent a kayak from Kayak Cedar Keys (kayakcedarkeys.com) next to the City Park at First and A streets and explore the countless tidal creeks, channels and bayous that spiderweb in and around Cedar Key’s many islands. Call 352.543.9447. Peer through the binoculars or lenses at hundreds of native and migratory birds at Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/cedarkeys). Accessible only by boat; you can rent one or hire a guide at the boat ramp at the terminus of State Road 24. Call 352.493.0238.
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Where to Eat at Cedar Key AdaBlue Café (cedarkeyrv.com/adablue.html) This quaint restaurant in the Sunset Isle RV Park serves a superb, no-frills breakfast, lunch and dinner. Save room for ice cream and fudge. Convenient, tasty and very reasonably priced. Located at 11850 State Road 24. Call 352.543.5375. Annie’s Cafe Reputedly the locals’ choice for breakfast on Cedar
Key. And, yes, you can get mullet with your eggs. Friendly dogs can dine with you on the outdoor patio. Located at the corner of State Road 24 and Sixth Street. Call 352.543.6141. Island Hotel & Restaurant (islandhotel-cedarkey.com) The ambiance is antique and the recipes are seafood classics passed down generations. The menu features local ingredients and house dressings that are actually made in-house. Choose between upscale casual dining or the more affordable bar menu. Located at 373 Second St. (at the corner of B Street). Call 352.543.5111. Island Pizzeria (islandpizzeria.net) Enjoy pizza, subs or salads via convenient takeout or delivery. All the pies you expect, and a tip of the hat to the local favorite: Oyster Rockefeller pizza. Located at 12720 State Road 24. Call 352.543.5999. Tony’s Seafood Restaurant (tonyschowder.com) Renowned for “World Champion” clam chowder, Tony’s specializes in fresh local seafood … and impressive presentation. Diners have been known to whip out their cameras when the food arrives. Located at 597 Second St. Call 352.543.0022.
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Where to Stay at Cedar Key Cedar Key RV Resort (cedarkeyrvresort.com) Just a few years old, Cedar Key RV Resort still looks sparkling new. The campsites are spacious and well tended, and the clubhouse is clean and comfortable. The resort caters primarily to coaches and fivers. For reservations, call 352.543.5097 or inquire online. Located just off State Road 24 at 11980 SW Shiloh Rd., Cedar Key, FL 32625. GPS: 29.217693, -82.969707 Low-Key Hideaway Motel & RV Resort (lowkeyhideaway.com)
This slice of paradise is operated by folks who spent nearly four years RVing full time, so you can bet they know exactly how to keep you happy. The funky little waterfront tiki bar opens each day around 4 p.m. Call 352.543.0700 for reservations. Located at 12050 State Road 24, Cedar Key, FL 32625. GPS: 29.152614, -83.031062 Rainbow Country RV Campground (rainbowcampground.com) Rustic and homey, Rainbow Country RV Campground is located adjacent to the Cedar Key RV Resort (see above) and is visibly popular among those with smaller rigs, campers and travel trailers. Call 352.543.6268 for reservations. Located at 11951 SW Shiloh Rd., Cedar Key, FL 32625. GPS: 29.21815, -82.967911 Sunset Isle RV Park & Motel (cedarkeyrv.com) The charming Sunset Isle RV Park & Motel boasts a nice little cafe on site; do not pass up the incredible fudge. This rustic setting has smallish sites but fantastic ambiance with an “Old Florida” feel. Call 352.543.5375 for reservations. Located at 11850 State Road 24, Cedar Key, FL 32625. GPS: 29.154813, -83.030887 ■
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What happens if the campground has a brown-out and shore power is lost? Can I really afford to run the generator the entire time we are gone?
keep pets cool
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O
ne of the primary concerns pet-owning RVers have is keeping their pets comfortable and safe when they must leave them behind in the RV. What happens if the campground has a brown-out and shore power is lost? Can I really afford to run the generator the entire time we are gone? These are just a few of the scenarios that weigh heavily on one’s mind when traveling with pets. Today, there are a variety of Cummins Onan® Energy Command™ (EC) control products available that put our minds and our pocketbooks at ease. The first is called the EC30. This control is linked to the air conditioner thermostat so if the interior temperature of the RV goes above a pre-set level, the thermostat sends a signal to the EC-30 telling it to auto-start the generator. The EC-30 will first check for shore power, and, if none is present, it will direct the generator to run for 15 minutes, or as long as necessary to maintain the pre-set temperature. Many RVs have the Cummins Onan EC-30 control built in at the factory. For those that do not come equipped with the EC-30 or a similar auto-start system, a new option is the wireless EC30W. This control functions similarly to the EC-30 except it has its own built-in thermostat, so there is no need to link it to the air conditioner thermostat. This
makes for easy installation that anyone can perform in around 10 minutes. To operate the EC-30W, you simply select “Auto” on the control, set the desired temperature and plug the control into an outlet so it can monitor shore power. The EC-30W is compatible with all current-generation Cummins Onan RV generators, with the exception of the QD3200 model. No need to worry about wasting fuel by unnecessarily running the generator … these auto-start systems monitor shore power and will only tell the generator to start when another power source is not present. Because of this intelligent functionality, the autostart control can even be left “on” when the RV is plugged in at a campground. These same auto-start features are also built into the revolutionary Hybrid Quiet Diesel power system, which also provides ease of use and fuel savings. For more information on these products, visit cumminsonan.com/rv or come to The Better RVing Store and ask for a parts expert.■
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hurricane & storm
preparedness BY MONICA SURFARO SPIGELMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY
Hurricanes can pack wind speeds of over 160 miles an hour and unleash more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day; so if your summer travel plans include spots that are vulnerable to this kind of weather, it’s important to know how to prepare yourself and your RV. We interviewed Lazydays shop foreman Andy Dietz to get the best advice on the three stages of hurricane preparation.
Before you arrive at your destination
When the storm is approaching
1. Plan an evacuation route.
1. Prepare an emergency kit with potable water, non-perishable foods and other personal items you may need, like prescription medications.
2. Select an elevated campsite away from large trees. 3. Videotape or photograph everything in your RV. 4. Purchase waterproof document holders for your important papers. 5. Check your insurance to make sure you’re covered for hurricanes. 6. Identify where you’ll store your RV if you need to evacuate, and make sure it’s not in a lowlying area prone to flooding.
2. Fill containers with water for hygiene needs like brushing your teeth and flushing the toilet. If you have a bathtub, fill it as well. 3. Purchase batteries, garbage bags, tarps (which come in handy for patching the roof), a batteryoperated radio, an oil lamp and oil, and even a small window air conditioner, which can run off your generator and allow you to sleep better. 4. Fill the fuel tank and check your fluids. Inspect the tires and windshield wipers. If you have a grill, make sure you have enough propane. 5. Place valuable papers in waterproof containers or plastic zipped bags. 6. Consider boarding up the windows with Plylox®, which allows you to easily attach plywood and can be purchased at a local home store. 7. Make sure your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries installed. 8. Perform a safety check of the entire vehicle. Make sure you know where the transfer switch is for the generator, so you can isolate the electricity from the rest of the power grid to prevent electrical shocks.
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If you’re advised to evacuate 1. Avoid driving through water. It may stall your engine and cause irreparable engine damage. Moving water can sweep away your vehicle, and roads covered by standing water are prone to collapse. 2. Remove any nearby tree branches or other items that may become airborne. 3. Empty holding tanks, turn off propane cylinders and cover the regulator. 4. Cover your vents and the air conditioning unit, and tie down travel trailers. 5. Secure all items located outside your RV, including lawn chairs, tables, grills, etc. Even a dustpan can be a lethal weapon in 100-mile-anhour winds. Andy emphasizes that it’s not worth staying to ride out a hurricane. If you’re advised to evacuate, do so quickly. Hurricanes can be frightening, but following these easy steps will ensure you’re prepared to protect yourself and your RV. ■
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isn’t always ATTHE
FAR END World. of the
Sometimes IT’S JUST
yond THE NEXT
Corner.
Visit lazydays.com and be one with nature.
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betterRVing.com | Summer 2013 | 888.626.7800
THE FINAL FEATURES HOME COOKIN’
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
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GREAT GEAR
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RV OPEN HOUSE
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RV CLASSIFIED
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SPOTLIGHT
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TECH Q&A
Summer of Fun Page 63
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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.
Hula Flatbread BY MARY D. SCOURTES AND CHEF MAXIMO PEREZ
Flatbreads have great appeal because they are not laden with too much cheese, so you don’t feel weighted down. This thin, crispy dough sports less topping than a pizza. Dress up flatbread with Hawaiian favorites, such as diced pineapple, ham and mushrooms. Or, select various toppings to surprise and delight your family. Look for flatbread in the deli department of your supermarket. 1 7"x7" flatbread square or pita disc 1 to 2 teaspoons tomato paste 1 clove garlic, finely chopped Pinch of black pepper 1 small onion, cut into thin strips 1/2 small bell pepper, sliced 2 or 3 button mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup diced ham, or 1 to 2 slices ham, chopped 1/2 cup (4 ounces) diced pineapple 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves Preheat convection oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread one side of bread with tomato paste. Arrange garlic, pepper, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, ham and pineapple on top, finishing with cheese and dried oregano. Place on high rack and convection cook 8 to 10 minutes on high (100%). Makes 1 serving.
Visit betterRVing.com for more RV convection recipes..
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betterRVing.com | Summer 2013 | 888.626.7800
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 convection-microwave 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 — a microwave 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 shown here, or check betterRVing.com for other RV-kitchen-friendly convection recipes.
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redwood rv keeps growing. contact a sales representative to become a part of the family tree
62 6 2
baby-boomer residential vehicles
lightweight high-end toy hauler
redwoodrv.com
now built by redwood
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
When Tampa: June 1 until August 31 Tucson: August 9, 10 & 11 Where Lazydays Tampa: 6130 Lazy Days Blvd., Seffner, FL 33584 and Lazydays Tucson: 5151 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85706 What to Expect RVs and summer fun. Call 866.531.6821 Tampa or 888.429.2394 Tucson for more information.
OLD-FASHIONED FUN RALLY Join us for a traditional Lazydays Old-Fashioned Fun Rally. We offer this rally in the middle of the week to make it simple for full-time, retired and easy-breezy RVers to be a part of the fun. The nights are filled with entertainment, while the days are reserved for complete relaxation around the pool, taking a walk or window-shopping on the beautiful grounds, or sitting in on an informative seminar. Make your reservation now for only $179, plus tax. Visit lazydaysrvcampground.com/reservations.aspx to see our complete schedule
Important preventative maintenance tip: Your RV refrigerator, water heater and furnace have exterior burn chambers with burner tubes. In these areas, dirt, spider webs, insect nests, rust and other debris often develop and collect. Not only does this buildup pose a fire hazard, but it also bogs down your RV systems — eventually causing component failure. To prevent these issues, it is recommended that all burn chambers and burner tubes be thoroughly cleaned out and your RV systems tested every 12 months. Go to lazydaysrvservice.com for the latest service packages to keep your RV running smoothly and safely.
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GREAT GEAR from our store
➲
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GREAT GEAR Just because you’re on the road, it doesn’t mean you have to “rough it.” Our latest Great Gear selections provide some of the finest in outdoor comforts, ensuring your journey is both relaxing and fun. You can find all of these products at Lazydays Tampa in The Better RVing Store — your one-stop shop offering everything you need for the ideal RV lifestyle. Zippo® Outdoor Utility Lighter Need a reliable flame for camping? The Zippo Outdoor Utility Lighter is rugged enough to withstand the elements, with wind-resistant, dual-flame construction and an adjustable dial. The ergonomic design features a rubber grip, metal case and protective cap. Refill the lighter with butane fuel for years of campfire fun. $19.99
What-A-Light!® This compact, rechargeable 24-inch lamp provides instant illumination. A powerful internal battery means the What-A-Light! lasts up to four hours without a dedicated power source. The 20-watt fluorescent bulb and pull-out handle offer on-the-go brightness that’s perfect for camping, boat trips or even walking the dog. $34.99
Toothpick Holder by Florida Craftsmen Why just take a toothpick when you can reach for a work of art? These multi-hued solid buckeye and colorwood toothpick holders from Florida Craftsmen — a nonprofit fine crafts organization based in St. Petersburg, Fla. — are handmade by local wood artists. The humble toothpick never looked so chic! $20
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betterRVing.com | Summer 2013 | 888.626.7800
Green Light Fire Bag Create campfire memories without struggling with wet wood and kindling. Featuring kiln-dried firewood, the Green Light Fire Bag uses recycled livestock feed sacks sac without chemicals or accelerants. Each bag contains everything you need for your campfi cam re — even the matches! Just open the bag and light. $12.29
Zippo® Cedar Fire Starters No paper or kindling? No problem! Made from compressed cedar sawdust and wax, Zippo Cedar Fire Starters light quickly, even when wet. Each disc is scored to break into quarters, so you can easily kindle four campfires with a lighter or match. The convenient storage tin contains eight discs. $19.99
Unbreakable Martini Glasses Let the good times roll with these unbreakable 10-ounce martini glasses. Made of shatterproof polycarbonate, they have the look and feel of real glass. These strong, durable and dishwasher-safe martini glasses will add style to your next RV cocktail party or campfire gathering. Cheers! $14.99
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RV OPEN HOUSE
2014 Forest River Georgetown XL
Big dreams of gathering family, friends and pets and heading out on the road for an exciting adventure? Forest River has created the perfect coach for your road trip — the 2014 Georgetown XL. From the panoramic views afforded by the new front-cap design to the open-concept layout, the comfortable interior allows everyone to move about easily and enjoy their own space. Not only is there room for the whole gang, but also plenty of storage for their stuff, too. Pack in all their clothes, favorite stuffed animals and sports equipment and hit the highway. Stress-free travels await you, and it all begins at Lazydays. MSRP: $159,140 Stock #1016927
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RV OPEN HOUSE
2014 Fleetwood Discovery
Imagine starting each work week in a new town! With the ability to stay connected on the go, more and more professionals and hobbyists are taking their work and lives on the road. If you're considering full-time RVing, do it in style with the 2014 Fleetwood Discovery. It sports everything you need for extended trips or full-time travel, with 415 cubic feet of storage space, a stackable washer and dryer, a Sony® entertainment system, a Winegard® In-Motion satellite dish and a kingsize bed. Find the Fleetwood Discovery — and your ticket to freedom — today at Lazydays. MSRP: $287,682 Stock #1016427
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RV OPEN HOUSE
2014 Fleetwood Bounder
Show your kids the wonders of our great nation from the 2014 Fleetwood Bounder 35K, which boasts style and comfort for the whole family. With all the conveniences of home, including a full-size fridge that ďŹ ts enough food for even the hungriest teens and a laundry center equipped with a washer/dryer combo, this spacious coach lets you focus on fun and adventure. Enjoy topnotch amenities, plus a bath and a half. If this sounds almost too good to be true, come see it for yourself — bring the family to Lazydays and tour the Bounder together. It's the perfect start to a memorable journey that never has to end. MSRP: $149,918 Stock #1016305
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#1 IN RETAIL SALES IN NORTH AMERICA!
your weekend starts now! w w w. k e y s t o n e r v. c o m
w hat are you waiting for?
There has never been a better time to enjoy the outdoors in your new Keystone fifth wheel, travel trailer or toy hauler. Lazydays offers you a full inventory of the #1 selling Keystone RVs. Everything from the luxurious Montana fifth wheel to the amazing Raptor toy hauler. Plus easy to tow models like the Passport Ultra Lite.
Time’s a wasting. Visit L azydays now for a ne w Ke ystone RV and ge t your we e ke nd on. 74
betterRVing.com | Summer 2013 | 888.626.7800
SCAN HERE Scan this tag with your smart phone and learn more about which Keystone RV brand will start your weekend.
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RV CLASSIFIEDS IN TAMPA, CALL 888.626.7800
• IN TUCSON, CALL 888.426.5481
2013 American Coach Tradition
2013 Entegra Cornerstone
2014 Fleetwood Bounder
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1015486 New, Class A, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 450HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 42G MSRP: $479,640 / $359,975 Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1014335 New, Class A, 45 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 600HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 45K MSRP: $584,648 / $438,485 Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016331 New, Class A, 36 ft., 2 slides, gas, V10 Ford® engine, floor plan 35K MSRP: $148,987 / Request Price
2013 Fleetwood Storm
2013 Forest River Berkshire
2013 Thor Palazzo
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1015494 New, Class A, 31 ft., 2 slides, gas, V10 Ford® engine, floor plan 32BH MSRP: $105,013 / Request Price
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1014923 New, Class A, 40 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 360HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 390FL MSRP: $262,614 / $179,878
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1015011 New, Class A, 34 ft., 2 slides, diesel, 300HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 33.1 MSRP: $198,052 / $139,887
2013 Thor Tuscany
2013 Winnebago Journey
2014 Fleetwood Tioga Montara
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1014653 New, Class A, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 450HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 42RQ MSRP: $355,860 / $242,663 Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016719 New, Class A, 35 ft., 3 slides, diesel, 340HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 34B MSRP: $258,741 / $208,347 Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016313 New, Class C, 24 ft., gas, V8 Ford® engine, floor plan 23B MSRP: $68,877 / $58,545
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2014 Grand Design Solitude
2013 Heartland Bighorn
2013 Keystone Montana
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016716 New, fifth wheel, 38 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 368RD MSRP: $72,333 / Request Price
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1014702 New, fifth wheel, 40 ft., 4 slides, floor plan 3455RL MSRP: $72,907 / $49,556
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1015816 New, fifth wheel, 34 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 3150RL MSRP: $72,984 / $46,788
2013 Redwood
2013 Forest River Rockwood Freedom
2014 CrossRoads Sunset Trail
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1015949 New, fifth wheel, 40 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 38BR MSRP: $116,745 / $70,886 Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1014810 New, popup camper, 20 ft., floor plan 1980 MSRP: $11,598 / $8,997
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016294 New, travel trailer, 34 ft., 1 slide, floor plan 30RE MSRP: $38,952 / Request Price
2013 Keystone Passport Elite
2014 Keystone Passport GT
2013 Heartland Bighorn
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016406 New, travel trailer, 23 ft., 1 slide, floor plan 23RB MSRP: $26,364 / Request Price
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016678 New, travel trailer, 35 ft., 2 slides, floor plan 3220BH MSRP: $31,627 / Request Price
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1015781 New, fifth wheel, 40 ft., 4 slides, floor plan 3610RE MSRP: $77,257 / $51,963
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RV CLASSIFIEDS IN TAMPA, CALL 888.626.7800
• IN TUCSON, CALL 888.426.5481
2014 Tiffin Phaeton
2013 Entegra Aspire
2013 Forest River Berkshire
Location: Tampa, FL Stock #: 1016750 New, Class A, 42 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 450HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 42LH MSRP: $364,634 / Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1014322 New, Class A, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 450HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 42DEQ MSRP: $359,678 / Request Price Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1014772 New, Class A, 40 ft., 4 slides, diesel, 340HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 390FL MSRP: $243,386 / $154,395
2013 Forest River Georgetown XL
2013 Holiday Rambler Ambassador
2014 Thor ACE
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1015744 New, Class A, 38 ft., 3 slides, gas, V10 Ford® engine, floor plan 378XL MSRP: $156,199 / Request Price
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1014503 New, Class A, 41 ft., 3 slides, diesel, 350HP MaxxForce® engine, floor plan 40DFT MSRP: $301,084 / $209,795 Included Benefits: Crown Club
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1015690 New, Class A, 30 ft., 1 slide, gas, V10 Ford® engine, floor plan EVO29.2 MSRP: $101,422 / Request Price
2013 Thor Palazzo
2013 Airstream Interstate
2014 Pleasure-Way Ascent
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1015276 New, Class A, 34 ft., 2 slides, diesel, 300HP Cummins® engine, floor plan 33.2 MSRP: $200,895 / Request Price
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1015613 New, Class B, 23 ft., diesel, 3.0L Mercedes-Benz® engine, floor plan Lounge Extended MSRP: $141,017 / Request Price
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1017042 New, Class B, 21 ft., diesel, 3.0L Mercedes-Benz® engine, floor plan Ascent MSRP: $109,200 / Request Price
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2013 Born Free
2013 Thor Four Winds
2013 CrossRoads Cruiser Patriot
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1016094 New, Class C, 29 ft., gas, V10 Ford® engine, floor plan 29' Rear Island Price: $125,225
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1014874 New, Class C, 30 ft., 1 slide, gas, V10 Ford® engine, floor plan 28Z MSRP: $93,336 / $69,795
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1015041 New, fifth wheel, 33 ft., 3 slides, floor plan CF305SK MSRP: $56,901 / Request Price
2013 Dutchmen Voltage
2014 Forest River Cedar Creek Silverback
2014 Forest River Surveyor
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1016095 New, fifth wheel, 43 ft., 3 slides, floor plan V3895 MSRP: $116,746 / Request Price
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1016362 New, fifth wheel, 35 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 29RE MSRP: $63,222 / Request Price
2014 Grand Design Solitude
2013 Lance Shortbed Truck Camper
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1016711 New, fifth wheel, 38 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 369RL MSRP: $68,198 / Request Price
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1014850 New, truck camper, 16 ft., 1 slide, floor plan 855S MSRP: $37,976 / Request Price
Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1016343 New, fifth wheel, 33 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 293RL MSRP: $51,886 / Request Price
2013 Airstream International Signature Location: Tucson, AZ Stock #: 1015612 New, travel trailer, 19 ft., floor plan 19CNB MSRP: $59,811 / Request Price
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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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betterRVing.com bett etterR erR rR RVin Ving.c Ving.c g.co com om | Su om S Summer umme mmeer 2013 2013 | 8 888.626.7800 88.626 88. 626 26.78 .7800 00
www.heartlandrvs.com
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
The Hidden
Railway BY ANN COSENTINO
H Renny & Phyllis Goyert Own: 2008 Country Coach Allure 470 Passion: Model trains and rescuing cats Pets: Count Ringo and Scarlett O’Hare Train Gauge: N scale (used in RV)
ave you ever thought about optimizing your RV’s basement storage? It’s a large space; so what is the best way to use that area and make your RV trips as amazing as possible? For Renny and Phyllis Goyert, the answer was simple — put a train there. That’s correct; the couple installed a fully operational train set that easily slides in and out, impressing and delighting their fellow RVers as it runs smoothly around its track. These college sweethearts started camping with a travel trailer in the 1970s. Eventually, their busy lives and careers — as an architect and a nurse — took over, and camping faded into the background. Over time, a different focus emerged in the foreground as Renny’s passion for train models grew into a full-time business in Texas. This new line of work required travel to different train shows throughout the country, setting the stage for a return to the RV lifestyle.
After many successful years, the Goyerts closed Trainsource Texas and prepared to kick their retirement into full gear. Traveling to train shows still figured prominently into this new chapter in their lives; only this time, it would be leisurely trips for pleasure rather than work. Joining the ranks of RVers was the logical next step; it would make travel simple and comfortable, and allow an opportunity to see the sights along the way. Once the Goyerts purchased their motorhome, a new idea was born — a model train would set up beautifully in the basement, with plenty of room to add and change the topographical layout to Renny’s liking. The next time you pull out your basement storage drawer, ask yourself, “Am I using this space in the best way I can?” The answer may come in the form of a train set, or a compost bin, or any collection of sorts. Use your imagination, follow your passion and see where the journey takes you! ■
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ASK A PRO Q&A Join us on betterRVing.com in the “Ask A Pro” Section
RV
ers get answers from our Lazydays experts on tough RV questions every
day. Below are a few Q&As that may help you, as well as details on where to submit your own questions. We’d love to hear from you, and we're always excited to get you back on the road! When you're passing another vehicle while driving a coach with a tow vehicle, how can you tell when it is safe to get back into the lane? — Gilles Asselin via Facebook
After your rig is completely hooked up, take a water bottle and walk to the right rear corner of your tow vehicle. Place the water bottle on the ground. Return to the front passenger seat and find the water bottle in your lower convex mirror. Next, place a small dot sticker on the mirror to mark where the top of the water bottle appears. The next time you are passing someone on the highway, wait until the reflection of their vehicle appears where the sticker is, and then count 1, 2, 3. At that point, it is safe to merge back into the lane. I have a 2008 Country Coach Affinity quad slide in Arizona, and I am currently in California. I have been notified that a bedroom slide has come out 2 or 3 inches. We left the coach at an RV park approximately five weeks ago, with all slides closed and the air conditioners set at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Any idea why the slide might have opened up? What should we do to make sure it doesn’t open on the road? — Richard from Casa Grande, Arizona
The most likely reason for the slide to creep out is a small amount of debris in the slide room’s retract solenoid. Sometimes this can be cleared by just running the slide in and out several times and then rechecking. However, if the room still continues to creep out, I would recommend you replace both the retract and extend solenoid for that room.
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I’d like some advice on alterations to level my RV. I have 6 inches of clearance at the hitch, with less at the back of the bed. The rear needs to raise approximately 5 or 6 inches to be level. The existing holes would be about 3 inches raised (at the axles). — Richard from Nova Scotia
What I would recommend is to find a good welding shop in your area and ask them if they could do the following for you: Remove the axle hangers from the frame; add a piece of box steel to the frame, from the point where the front hanger started to the spot where the rear hanger stopped; and then weld the hangers back onto the newly installed box steel. This would give you the lift that you need. Be sure to confirm the welding company has done this type of work before and is comfortable with what you are trying to do. When making these types of alterations, it’s important to know what the height of your trailer will be when done. If you’re raising it 6 inches, keep in mind that this will impact your clearances. Finally, I would advise against doing this type of work to a new trailer because it will void your frame warranty and will most likely lower your tradein value. I hope this helps. Have a question you'd like to ask the Lazydays experts? Visit our “Ask a Pro” page at betterRVing.com/ask-a-pro or post your inquiry on facebook.com/betterRVing.■
Post your questions at facebook.com/betterRVing. Note: Questions may be edited for length or clarity.
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5000-0713
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 /
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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Emergency Expense coverage is subject to policy terms. 11A00896.D01 (03/12)