Spring 2012 betterRVing

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SPRING 2012


When you RV... every night is a dream.

The RV lifestyle is perhaps the last true freedom on earth. If you don’t like the weather, drive a few hours south. If your neighbors are noisy, just mosey down the road a bit. You control your experiences and environment. One of the best things about RVing is stopping at the end of the day and winding down in the comfort of your own home. No hotel, coffee shop or restaurant needed. 2

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Come stay with us for a night or even longer if you wish. Our campgrounds in both Tampa and Tucson give you the fun you want and the relaxation you crave. Hope to see you soon!

TAMPA | TUCSON lazydays.com 3


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CONTENTS

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Two for the Road Lazydays’ dynamic duo takes the 2012 Entegra Coach Cornerstone for a spin.

Reinvent Your Ride Dreaming of an RV makeover? Discover the possibilities with the Lazydays Redesign Team.

Your Nose Knows: Rid Your RV of Odors What’s that smell? Clear the air after your RV’s winter hiatus.

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Practice Fire Safety Don’t let your RV dreams go up in flames; practice fire safety.

Expect the Unexpected Work camper Bill Whetstone overcomes unexpected hitches and glitches on the road.

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Florida RV SuperShow

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Destination: Southern Arizona

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the ultimate showcase for dreams on wheels.

Delight in the desert during a journey that spans Patagonia, Tubac and Old Tucson.

Great Gear Great products that make RV travel

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Troubleshootin’ With Ernie

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What’s Happening

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Don't Forget the Pantry

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RV Open House

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Partner Spotlight

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Technically Speaking: Ask Steve

Tough Girl, Little Guy

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Lessons in RVing: Watch Out for Wildlife

more clean, comfortable and fun.

Entegra Coach Finds It Easy Being Green

Judy Nadon takes on the wilds of Alaska and Canada with her Little Guy trailer.

The Shady Dell Discover the kitschy-cool highlight of high-spirited, historic Bisbee, Ariz.

A humor-laced lesson on little critters that wreak major havoc.

Quick Tips Veteran RVer Bob Difley shares his top tips for better RV living.

Learn about the new eco-conscious, environmental goals at Entegra.

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Ernie demonstrates how to eliminate battery corrosion.

Plan for local RV events.

Prepare your cupboards for spring travel and whip up a quick and tasty chowder.

Explore the 2012 Fleetwood RV Bounder, Entegra Coach Cornerstone and Thor Motor Coach Chateau.

Meet Kathy Bergeron, Service Cashier/Customer Service Representative at Lazydays Tuscon.

RVers’ toughest questions, answered.


S Monaco Coach and Lazydays have partnered for many years with one goal in mind: To provide our mutual customers with the highest-quality, most innovative recreational vehicles possible, along with unmatched service and support from product-trained technicians. Today, we continue to strive toward this goal as we introduce the Next Generation of RVs.

91320 Coburg Industrial Way, Coburg, OR 97408

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monacocoach.com

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877 252 4666


The best ingredients for an awesome journey can all be found at Lazydays. SELECTION We stock an incredible selection of RVs to take your family on the road. Our new inventory contains the most desirable brands in all shapes and sizes. Our pre-owned inventory is quite extensive and includes everything from small towables to luxury diesel motorhomes. lazydays.com SERVICE Whether you own a towable or motorized RV, we’ve got you covered. We also offer state-of-the-art luxury diesel service, with highly trained technicians and all the tools and equipment needed to do the job right. Trust our experts to take care of your chassis, body, paint, windshield, glass, interior and exterior. lazydaysservice.com FINANCE AND INSURANCE Our experts will assist with your RV financing, as well as help you obtain appropriate RV insurance from a top-rated insurance company. lazydays.com CAMPING Our campgrounds feature paved sites with full 30/50 amp hook-ups amidst beautiful landscaping. You can relax by the pool, play indoor and outdoor games or enjoy a visit with your friends at the restaurant and bar. Lazydays RV Campground has something for everyone, and we are very pet-friendly. lazydaysrvcampground.com EDUCATION RVs are complicated vehicles and each one is different. Our mission is to make our RVers as comfortable using their generator as they are using their convection oven. Each day we hold seminars at the dealerships and we have an RV driver confidence course so you feel in total control when you’re on the road. betterRVing.com

irits and Take 2 free sp derlust, a pinch of wan mix it up in a ls, house on whee hs, add lots of laug riences, first time expe d new friends an two. maybe a dog or life All this makes urney one awesome jo are. you’ll want to sh

STAYING POWER More than 35 years ago we started our business with two travel trailers in Tampa, Florida. Since then, RVers from all over the world have traveled to Lazydays to fulfill their RV dreams. We invite you to come in and get to know us. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how we do business. lazydays.com

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

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JOHN’S LETTER

The Spirit of an RVing Spring

N

ow that winter is behind us, it’s time to gear up for the open road and look forward to the next great RVing adventure. But before you and your loved ones head for America’s highways and country roads this spring, it’s a good idea to take the time to make sure your RV is ready for the journey. With that in mind, this issue of betterRVing.com is loaded with tips and ideas on getting your RV in shape and prepared for the fun that lies ahead. Much of the advice in this issue comes from passionate RVers like you who are eager to learn and share knowledge with fellow travelers. The balance of this issue’s wisdom is derived from certified RV technicians who have dedicated their lives to ensure that your RV stays on the road where it belongs. We invite you to explore betterRVing.com where you can find more information on getting the most from your RV lifestyle. The history of RVing is largely defined by spirited pioneers who relished the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and tinker with their RVs in preparation for the rigors of the road. Like their RVing ancestors, many of today’s RVers take pride in being prepared for the journey and wear the creed of do-it-yourself maintenance on their sleeves as a badge of honor. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first time RVer, we hope you learn something in this issue that helps you pursue your RV dream. Along with pointers on preventive RV maintenance, this issue of betterRVing.com introduces many of the latest RVs produced by our industry’s most respected manufacturers. If the time has come for you to discover your next great RV, we invite you to visit us at Lazydays in either Tampa, Florida or Tucson, Arizona where our family of experts will help you find the perfect RV and take great care of you. As you embark on your adventure this spring, we hope that this issue of betterRVing.com helps you enjoy the RV lifestyle in a safe manner. We also remind you that wherever your RV journey may lead, no matter what winding road you may travel down... you’re always welcome to come home to Lazydays. Enjoy the journey (and the issue).

John Horton Lazydays, Chief Executive Officer

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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 © 2012 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.


Make the journey worth it. The road that leads to your memories is just a little smoother when you have the comfortable luxury and impressive engineering of the Phaeton速. Lazydays is a proud dealer and partner of Tiffin Motorhomes. Visit lazydays.com to learn more.

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TWO FOR THE ROAD BY FRED SMITH

2013 Entegra Coach Cornerstone RBQ Floor Plan Dana Philp 28+ years RV sales experience, black belt in RV fun Barney Alexander Senior RV driving instructor, more than 43,000 students, fifth wheel owner

He’s taught more than 43,000 RVers how to drive a motorhome. She’s taught at least as many RVers how to have a good time. Here’s what happened when Lazydays’ senior driving instructor and the RV industry’s guru of fun took the 2013 Entegra Cornerstone for a spin.

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EXTERIOR Barney and Dana stop in front of the 2013 Cornerstone and admire Entegra Coach’s top-of-the-line luxury diesel motorhome. Barney: Entegra Coach’s parent company is Jayco,

a 40-year-old company that happens to be the world’s largest privately owned RV manufacturer. Dana: It’s a family-owned company headed by the Bontrager

brothers, Derald and Wilbur. I was at their factory in Indiana last November and can attest that they stand behind their product. I had an opportunity to meet with their Customer Services Director, Joyce Skinner. She actually calls each Entegra Coach owner to welcome them to the Entegra Coach Family. Entegra Coach offers the only two-year, bumper-to-bumper factory warranty in the RV industry. Barney: I love the look, especially the paint. Dana: Entegra sends their coaches to be painted by Precision

Paint in Bremen, Ind., They’re the premier painting company in the RV industry. Entegra Coach uses a gray gelcoat combined with Precision Paint’s proprietary sanding process that allows the paint to better affix to the exterior. It takes three weeks to paint an Entegra Coach, but the result is a beautiful “wet” look that lasts for years. Dana enters the coach. Barney stops at the threshold. Barney: The step wells are tiled. You don’t see that too often. Dana: Typically there is so much flex in the cockpit of an RV

that tile floors would pop. This coach is built on a Spartan® chassis that features Entegra Coach’s exclusive X-Bridge frame, which provides extra support and stability. We can have a residential look with beautiful, polished tile throughout the coach without ever worrying about the tiles popping. The power generator slide-out tray and optional power cargo trays are also a great touch. COCKPIT Dana buckles her seatbelt in the co-pilot’s seat while Barney looks frustrated behind the wheel. Barney: My feet don’t reach the pedals. Dana: There’s a little button on your left that will bring the

pedals closer to you. Barney smiles as he electronically adjusts the pedals. Barney: Well look at that. Now the driver seat is comfortable.

All the instrumentation is in a great place. I especially like that the parking brake is on the right side of the steering wheel. It’s within the co-pilot’s reach if there’s ever an emergency. God forbid, if I were to have a heart attack while driving, she could easily reach over and pull this handle to stop the coach.

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Dana: The dash is shorter, too, which should cut down

on the amount of front-end blind spots this coach has. With the cab-forward design we can enjoy our journey as well as the destination. Barney: This coach has a front-end blind spot of about 12 feet, while most Class As have a blind spot of 15 to 17 feet on average. The mirrors are out front and low, which I like since I can look over the top of them when I drive. All I have to do is glance down to check my mirrors. On most RVs, the mirrors are set high, which can give you a blind spot.

HIGHWAY The Cornerstone cruises on the open road. Barney: We’re going 65 mph, but the ride is smooth and quiet as can be. Dana: The Cornerstone is built on a K3 Spartan chassis,

the biggest made by Spartan, and comes standard with a 600 HP Cummins® engine. This coach comes with a five-year structural warranty and a three-year Platinum Roadside Assistance plan. We could spend all day listing the services they offer, but it all comes down to the fact that you are never alone if something goes wrong in your Entegra Coach. Barney brings the coach to a stop and masterfully backs into a campground spot. He and Dana explore the living space. LIVING AREA Dana: The moment you walk into this coach, it feels like a home. There is nothing about the Cornerstone that says “camper.” Barney: The cabinetry is made of hardwood maple and handcrafted by Amish workers. Dana: And the countertops are all made of granite, just

like you might have at home. I love the galley, with its hand-laid porcelain tiles and the details inside the cabinetry. Not only do we have tons of storage, but we have sliding racks that make everything easy to reach and keep items secure when we’re going down the road. MASTER BATHROOM Dana: I love the shower. Not only is it beautiful, but

you have a place to prop your leg, which makes shaving a lot easier. Without that ledge, you end up pushing your rear end against the wall and using your cheeks as a suction cup to keep your balance. ■ See more about Entegra Coach on page 30.

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Reinvent Your Ride BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

The remodeled coach of John Turner and Gary Fitzgerald.

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ou love RV living. You love the people you meet and the places you go. And you love your coach. Well, for the most part. But there’s that one little thing, certainly not a deal breaker. But now that you’ve camped a few times, that little thing is starting to become a major annoyance. Or maybe your coach could just use a little TLC, a fresh look. Updated flooring or lighting or electronics. Whatever your remodeling aspirations, Troy Brown and the Lazydays RV Redesign Team can help you make your coach a true reflection of your individual RV lifestyle. Troy explains, “Most of our redesign customers come to us, initially, for new flooring. So, I hear a lot of ‘I hate my carpet.’” But a new floor is only the beginning. Lazydays’ renovation experts can transform the entire interior of a coach from floor to ceiling, windshield to back wall. “We do custom woodworking, cabinetry, technology upgrades, plumbing, appliances, you name it. We’ve done quite a few pop-up TVs, washer-dryer installs, bed conversions and booth swaps. We have wallpaper and ceiling specialists, and certified techs that are experts in every RV system. With our team and resources, the potential is practically endless. And we’ll work on any brands, not just the ones Lazydays sells.” Imagining the Possibilities According to Troy, the most challenging aspect of the redesign

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process can be helping folks verbalize exactly what they are looking for. “To help with that, I encourage customers to look through our redesign archive, go through magazines and put sticky notes on ideas they like. That helps us get a handle on some general ideas.” Troy also invites his customers to tour Lazydays’ inventory, to spend the day getting ideas and photographing features they like. “And I recommend that motorhome owners check out the towables, and vice versa. Much of the time, what they put in a fifth wheel is different than what you can get in a motorcoach. Seeing the options presents possibilities folks may not ordinarily think about,” explains Troy. “We want to find the features that best fit your lifestyle. And, if we can’t find them, we’ll do our best to manufacture them.” There are very few limitations, or what Troy calls absolutes. “When you are working with a design, you have the door location, the slides, windows, that sort of thing. Otherwise, you just fill in the hole. The only other limitations are budget and imagination.” Details That Make the Difference Given all the joys of RV living, folks hate to complain. But, sometimes, that one little irritating feature can really get under your skin. Or, in the case of Jim and Colleen Tyler, be a real pain in the neck. The couple purchased their Itasca Ellipse back in March 2009, and they absolutely love it. “We travel up from Leesburg to North Carolina to see our grandkids and Colleen’s mother. And we enjoy traveling with a wonderful group of people called the Mid-South

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The remodeled coach of Jim and Colleen Tyler.

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Lazydays’ Renovation experts can transform the entire interior of a coach from floor to ceiling, windshield to back wall, through custom woodworking, cabinetry, technology upgrades, plumbing and appliances. Our projects include pop-up TVs, washer-dryer installs, bed conversions and booth swaps. We have wallpaper and ceiling specialists, and certified techs that are experts in every RV system. With our team and resources, the potential is practically endless. And we’ll work on any brands, not just the ones Lazydays sells.

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Roadrunners,” says Jim. “We love to see the country, to just go around and have a look; and we love the people we meet more than anything.” But … “In our coach, we had the typical midship TV; but the sofas faced each other, not the TV. To watch TV, you either had to lie down on the couch, or end up with a kink in your neck.” The pain prompted creativity in Jim. “I have an AutoCAD system at home, so I started drawing some things up.” The Tylers took Jim’s designs to Troy, and they worked out a plan. “We began with the idea of taking out one of the sofas and replacing it with a combination computer desk and entertainment center. Then we decided to turn the former midship TV into a china hutch.” After the plan was finalized, they took their finished designs to the cabinet shop at Lazydays. “I can’t say enough about how great those guys are. They were exceptional, very skilled and in tune with giving us exactly what we wanted,” enthused Jim. One particular custom detail stood out: “We had this diamond pattern on the original hutch that we wanted on the new cabinet, but we couldn’t find the trim or pattern anywhere. Mike in the cabinet shop custom-made the pattern for us. Installed, you can’t tell the difference from the originals.” Colleen says the custom cabinetry has sparked a lot of interest from neighbors, both in RV parks and at home. “Our friends and neighbors love it. Many have asked what model this is. Some are surprised to learn it’s a custom job, because it fits so well and looks so ‘right.’” And what does Jim think about how his designs were rendered? “It’s even better than I expected. Since we had the work done, we’ve been in the coach more often than not; and, though this seemed like a small change, it has made the RV so much more livable. We can sit on the sofa and look across at the TV, and we love the extra drawer space. Best thing we ever did with an RV.” Colleen adds, “This change has given us more open space in the coach, and, when we turn the chairs around, we still have plenty of seating. The whole process was a team effort, interacting and sharing ideas. It turned out to be everything we hoped for. I’m just thrilled!”

But the Yellowstone, though flawlessly functional, was just that — functional. “It worked, but it needed a lot of work. The previous owner had painted the walls. There was paint on the cabinets and paint on the floor. And that floor was not in great shape, and the ceiling was a mess.” Still, just happy to be RVing again, John and Gary started making a list of destinations to visit. At the top of the list was taking advantage of a free three-day stay at Lazydays RV Campground. While there, John and Gary learned about Lazydays’ RV Renovations and Remodeling seminar. “We knew the coach really needed remodeling. We just didn’t know what was available or where to start.” The seminar turned out to be a great place to get answers. “Troy was tremendous, and the seminars are worth their weight in gold. He walked us through the entire remodel process, showed us what was possible.” John and Gary also did a good deal of work on their own. “I selected the linens and the wallpaper and picked up a set of Prevost® light fixtures on eBay. They cost five bucks and look like a million,” relates John. “Gary is the carpenter. He took care of all the woodwork.” Now, with help from Troy, a little imagination and a lot of know-how, John and Gary have transformed their coach from a way to get away into a home-away-from-home. “It’s been a fun journey, and the coach came out 10 times better than I expected. You appreciate your RV a lot more when you put your personality into it. It looks brand new, and it’s us, our designs.” Whether, like John and Gary, you want to totally transform your coach, or, like Jim and Colleen, you are looking for a custom tweak to make your RV more livable, Lazydays’ Redesign Team can help you make that happen. You already know where your coach can take you, but what can it become? To find out, call the Lazydays Redesign Team today at 800.306.4002. ■ Author’s Note: Redesign Team services are currently available only at Lazydays’ Tampa location. tbrown@lazydays.com

A Place to Stay Becomes a Home John Turner and Gary Fitzgerald wanted a different RV, but a brand new model was out of their price range. “We love to RV, been doing it around 15 years, and it was time for a change. But we were not in a position to buy new,” says John. After shopping around, they were introduced to a previously loved Gulf Stream Yellowstone. The engine ran great and the exterior looked good, but John was not content. The interior of the coach was 15 years old — and looked it. “When we purchased the coach, we were happy because we got a solid RV at a good price. Dana, our sales expert, really came through for us.”

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Your Nose Knows BY CURTIS ROSS

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id Your RV of Odors The weather is getting warm and the days are

growing longer; all signs indicate it’s time to hit the road in your RV. If only your coach smelled as clean as the fresh spring air! • When you reacquaint yourself with your homeaway-from-home at the start of the season, you may notice it has built up some unpleasant aromas while sitting idle over the winter. • “It’ll tend to have a mildewy smell from sitting and being closed up,” says Joshua “Spoony” Welty. As a mobile manager at the Sundial located at Lazydays in Tampa, Spoony has dealt with just about any scent an RV can muster. Fortunately, he reports that most ordinary odors can be dealt with rather simply.

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Clear the Air The first step is fairly obvious: Air out your RV. “Open up the windows and turn on the exhaust fans,” Spoony advises. For refrigerator odors that linger long after your last trip, Spoony recommends using leftover coffee grounds. “Put a cup of coffee grounds in the refrigerator and let it sit for 24 hours. That will absorb the stagnant smell.” Tackle Tank Odors Cleaning out the gray-water and blackwater tanks before storing your RV can help avoid an unpleasant sewage odor. However, even a pre-storage cleaning may not eliminate all sources of stench. “Unless you get the tanks perfectly clean, you can still have some kind of residual odor,” notes Spoony. “The best thing is to turn on all the water taps in the shower and the sinks, then run the toilet for a minute to let fresh water get back down in there.” If the odors are persistent, flushing a bag of ice down the toilet and driving for six to 10 miles can help scrape black tanks clean. Otherwise, Spoony suggests pouring outdoor bleach down the commode to “eat up the hard stuff sitting on the bottom.” To proactively address odors throughout the camping season and before putting your RV in storage, use a product that is specially designed to keep tanks fresh and sewer odors under control. Try Chempace® Ultra PowrPak XTRM, which is available from the Lazydays Retail Parts Department.


Breathe Easy Following the simple tips outlined here will have your RV smelling fresh again. So, breathe easy — you’ll soon be back on the road for another season of RV adventures.

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Deep-Clean the Interior Some RVers — including pet owners and smokers — may find their coach’s odors are a bit more tenacious. “The first thing to do is thoroughly clean inside your RV. Vacuum the carpets, mop the tile floors, wipe down all hard surfaces and steam-clean all the fabric,” Spoony says. RVers who aren’t inclined to wield a steam cleaner themselves can leave the work to Spoony and the Lazydays team. In addition, Chempace’s Odor Absorb Supreme, also available from the Lazydays Retail Parts Department, can help eliminate many stubborn odors.

When it comes to keeping RVs smelling fresh, betterRVing.com readers have a variety of clever tips and tricks. We recently asked our Facebook friends, “What do you do to get the smells out of the RV after it has been sitting for a little while?” Dryer sheets proved to be the most popular recommendation. “When you store the RV, place dryer sheets in the cabinets and closets,” posted Iodine Johnson. “The dryer sheets also keep mice out of the RV.” Debby Pawlendzio concurs: “We use dryer sheets everywhere; vents, drawers, closets, cupboards. It not only keeps the RV smelling fresh, but mice don’t like the smell so they stay away.”

Check for Mold and Optimal Air Flow Even full-timers may encounter unseemly smells from time to time. Such was the case for Sam Matzen, who works in Lazydays’ IT department and is the proud owner of a 2009 Tiffin Allegro Bus that he purchased from Lazydays. A week after returning from a trip to Kansas, Sam noticed a moldy smell in his RV, which he traced to an air conditioning unit. “It’s got three air conditioners and the middle one had mold, so we started with that one.” While normal cleaning procedure calls for a half-and-half mixture of Clorox® bleach and water, Sam says, “We put it on pure.” He removed all his vents and used Clorox and a large sponge to clean them. “Even after that, you could still smell it for three or four weeks.” According to Sam, keeping the coach clean is the first step in combating odors. Next is keeping the air flowing. He advises caution, though. Sewer gas vents through the roof, so setting fans to pull the roof air into the coach will bring that sewer gas smell right back into the coach. The solution is to open windows on the side the breeze is blowing, and turn the roof vents on to blow the air out. Many odors can be prevented through common sense, Sam says. “Mostly, you just need to focus on keeping your RV clean and dry.” Following the simple tips outlined here will have your RV smelling fresh again. So, breathe easy — you’ll soon be back on the road for another season of RV adventures. ■ Find products to help you on page 66.

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Vanilla extract also got a thumbs-up from RVers. Flower Rae Elliott recommends pouring about an inch of vanilla extract in a spray bottle and filling it half full of water, then using the mixture as a natural air freshener. “Do not use artificial vanilla,” she cautions. “It doesn’t work. It must be real, pure vanilla.” Lois Craig recommends a Lampe Berger oil lamp. “A little pricey, but the only deodorizer you will ever need,” she writes. A few readers offered tongue-in-cheek responses as to what they use to combat unpleasant RV smells. “My husband” is Marge Walters’ answer, while Cheryl Potts’ solution is to “cook bacon.”


A Change of Plans BY CURTIS ROSS

J

ack Lively got a Valentine’s Day surprise he’d just as soon have missed. He was watching TV inside his 2006 Holiday Rambler Navigator when his wife, Jackie, called out. She had noticed a flame — a reflection of it, actually — on the bedroom slide on the RV’s driver’s side. The Huntington, W.Va., couple were staying at the Lazydays RV Campground in Tampa and were about to leave for breakfast when the fire broke out. At that hour, “She’s normally asleep and I’m out walking,� Jack says. If they had followed their usual routine that morning, Jackie may never have noticed the fire before it was too late. The Livelys quickly exited their RV and called the fire department. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the human occupants — but the Navigator was a total loss. Jack and Jackie still don’t know the source of the fire, and are waiting on an insurance company report. But RV fires can come from any number of sources. Following the tips on page 24 are

some of the ways you can practice ďŹ re safety.

WOULD W OULD YOU YOU LLIKE IKE TTO OS SPEND PEND LLESS ESS TTIME IME FFIGHTING IGHTING TTHE HE S STEERING TEERING W WHEEL HEEL AND A ND M MORE ORE TIME TIME ENJOYING ENJOYING TTHE HE R RIDE? IDE? Everyone wants their motorhome to drive more like their car. What if we said it could? Traveling in your motorhome should be about spending time with your loved ones, exploring the great outdoors, 8ÂŒY bŒ„Â?ĂŠ ÂŒt Âź|b Âą YbÂĄ Ă Âź 8†† ÂźÂ?Â? Â?nÂźbÂŒ ĂŠÂ?Ă ÂŽÂąb ot|Âź ÂŒt coarse crosswinds and road crown while worrying if you will be safe in the event of a tire blow out. Who would Ăˆ8ÂŒÂź Âź|8٤ 3b |8Çb ´Â?‰bÂź| ÂŒt Âź|8Âź Ăˆ †† oÉ Ÿ¥ We call it the TruCenter™. You’ll call it peace of mind.

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spring into summer

Practice Fire Safety BY CURTIS ROSS

Don’t Let Your Summer Trip Go Up in Flames

RV fires can come from a number of sources. Here are some tips from Vicky Yeakley, public education coordinator with Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue to help avoid fires and what to do in case one does break out.

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Stay with your stove Cooking fires are among the most common in RVs and often occur when someone begins preparing food on the stovetop and then walks away. “Stay in the kitchen if you’re cooking on the stove,” warns Vicky. Fires inside the oven are less common and also more easily contained. Keep the door closed and it will burn itself out.

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Know your location The Fire

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Have a plan Determine two escape

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Familiarize yourself with the fire extinguisher A fire extinguisher can

Don’t crowd space heaters

“Space heaters need at least three feet of clearance around them in any direction,” Vicky notes. “That’s not always easy in an RV.” Take care when smoking indoors

Unattended cigarettes can blaze quick and deadly in an RV. “Fires often are caused by smokers who are drowsy or drinking or on medication. They fall asleep with a cigarette lit,” Vicky says. “If you smoke in your RV, make sure you are awake and alert, sitting up and not drinking. Better yet, go outside.”

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Beware of electrical dangers

With more and more electronic devices making the trip, RVers are often tempted to maximize limited outlets. It’s a bad idea, though. “It’s best not to run more than two items from a two-plug outlet,” Vicky says. “Any more and you’re taking a risk.” Maintain smoke alarms “You need a smoke alarm near your sleeping area,” says Vicky. “Don’t assume the smell of smoke will wake you up. Poisonous gases in the smoke will actually cause you to sleep deeper.” Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and the batteries changed annually. Be sure you know the life of your alarm — most are 10 years, although some are five — and replace it when the time has expired.

routes from your RV and check them regularly to make sure they remain accessible. If you’re traveling with others, choose a place to meet in case of an emergency. Most importantly, talk about it with everyone who’s traveling.

be effective on small, contained fires, but it’s important to learn to use it before a fire breaks out. “The directions are on the side,” Vicky explains. “But it can be hard to understand directions when you’re under duress. During an emergency is not the time to learn how to operate it.”

Stash matches and lighters

Many fires are caused when curious children find matches or lighters, including the barbecue lighters RVers use to fire up grills. “Keep them on your person — not in a purse — or locked up,” recommends Vicky.

Department can find many locations with ease, but RVers who travel to more remote campgrounds should be able to provide directions to emergency responders. “Know how much cell phone coverage you have,” Vicky recommends. “If coverage is unreliable or unavailable at your campsite, you should know how to get to an area where you have coverage in case of an emergency.”

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Be a good neighbor “Report a fire

as soon as you see it,” says Vicky. “Even if the fire doesn’t spread, the heat can cause melting damage to nearby vehicles.” Avoid unauthorized or amateur wiring And lastly, from Eric Sponauer

of Lazydays, “If you have work done, make sure the technicians know what they’re doing.” He also recommends regular battery maintenance, following up on recall notices — particularly for refrigerators — and obeying product safety warnings. “They’re there for a reason,” he adds. ■

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4

spring into summer

Expect the Unexpected BY BILL WHETSTONE

A

s full-time RVers, my wife, Jolene, and I dread the thought of our coach breaking down. But let’s face it – we’re driving a house on wheels in a state of constant earthquakes. Things happen. After a full season of work camping in Yellowstone, we encountered an issue upon leaving the park. During the season, I would start the coach and let it run every so often to ensure the engine remained in working condition. I’d even take an occasional drive around the camp area, staying within the posted 10 to 15 mph speed limit. At no time did these brief excursions hint at the hidden issue that was getting ready to surprise me. After packing up and preparing to leave, I discovered that my warm-up runs were about the maximum speed we were capable of. We had to be towed. Are You Covered? Towing service can be covered in a number of ways, including Good Sam Roadside Assistance, Coach-Net® RV plans or your own vehicle insurance. When towing a motorhome, you’ll obviously need a well-qualified tow operator with the proper equipment and expertise. The nice thing about having RV tow coverage is that your provider will know which local tow companies can handle RVs. In my case, there was an experienced RV tow driver in the gateway town. He arrived without delay and hooked us up for a tow to Idaho Falls, Idaho. (You’ll often find that the nearest qualified repair facility won’t be around the corner, which is why it’s a good idea to maintain an emergency service plan with no tow mileage limits.) Seek Service From Certified RV Specialists Our breakdown turned out to be related to a fuel pump that was not delivering the necessary pressure. The repair shop in Idaho Falls was very professional; they allowed us to stay in the coach overnight and provided electricity. A new fuel pump was ordered and arrived the following morning. The mechanic had the tank dropped and the old pump pulled as soon as the new pump was delivered. We had a problem with a difference in the wiring harness – a mid-year

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012

spec change, but he was able to apply a small modification to make it work. Even with the slight setback, we were back on the road that same afternoon. In fact, the coach has been running better than it has in the last few trips. (The pump must have been getting tired. While it was still working on our previous journeys, it was not delivering the proper pressure.) Expect the Unexpected Despite the breakdown, we finished our trip on schedule, and only missed one of the stops we had planned. That brings me to another important point: The key to no-stress RV travel is flexibility! Always allow some padding in your travel plans; that way, you can spend a couple of extra days at a destination you particularly like, or account for repair time in the event of a malfunction. Finally, to reiterate my earlier point, be sure to have some type of RV-specific emergency service coverage, no matter what. Whether you encounter a flat or need towing, keep in mind that RVs are big and highly complex vehicles. Even something as seemingly simple as a flat tire is beyond most of us – whether due to lack of a spare or the proper tools – so it’s not something you’ll want to deal with on your own. When it comes to resolving roadside issues, you’re best off leaving it to the experts. ■ To learn more about RV protection options visit lazydays.com/financing-insurance.html


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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5

spring into summer

Quick Tips

(find more tips at betterRVing.com)

New Uses for a Multi-Purpose Problem-Solver: WD-40 If you’re like most RVers, you probably have a can of WD-40® in your toolbox. This familiar water-displacing spray is widely used for preventing rust and corrosion, loosening rusty screws and lubricating squeaky moving parts. But did you know that it also has a wide variety of household uses? A few of the many ways you can use WD-40 in your RV: ■

Clean limescale stains from sinks and toilet bowls.

Lift berry stains from countertops.

Remove ink and coffee stains from leather.

Clean sticker residue from glass.

Remove tree sap and bugs from windshields.

Keep rubber door gaskets soft and pliable.

Use a full can as a bookend, where it will always be handy.

Protect Your Coach from Storm Damage and UV Radiation Protect your coach interior from storm damage and UV radiation by installing security laminate on your RV windows. The thin, nearly invisible laminate is resistant to flying debris and strong winds and protects occupants from flying glass. If a break should occur, the laminate’s adhesive grip will hold the broken glass fragments together. Most brands of security laminate are also designed to protect against UV rays; look for films that reject up to 99 percent of UV radiation. This will help prevent fading of inside fabrics and curtains, reduce the sun’s glare and keep your interior cooler. Installing window security laminate is an easy, do-it-yourself project. Simply cut the laminate to fit your window, clean the window thoroughly, apply the film and squeegee the surface to remove air bubbles. ■

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012


.org s r e wn o d n

Heartland owners are proud of their RVs and enjoy the company of fellow Heartland l RV owners. Share in the good times with others like ea you, make new friends and create a lifetime of lasting memories together. Chapters of the Heartland Owners Club are forming all over the 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.

w.h w w

rt a

www.heartlandrvs.com 29


Entegra Coach

finds it easy being

green BY KATHY LUPA

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012


The Effects of Being Green Together, the three divisions of Jayco, Inc., achieved the following in 2011: Recycled 7,500 tons of metal, paper and wood

When it comes to being Green, Entegra Coach doesn’t seem to have the same troubles as Kermit the Frog. They’re happy to be Green and are forging ahead with even more sustainability efforts. As a matter of fact, Entegra Coach is very proud of their Green efforts. So much so, they took time to share their story with us.

Conserved 5.5 million gallons of water Saved 8 million kilowatt hours of electricity

It’s Not Just About Spring Cleaning During this time of year, many of us work to clear the clutter by doing a thorough spring-cleaning. Jayco, Inc., Entegra Coach’s parent company, took this annual event several steps further for all of their products, including Entegra Coach, Jayco and Starcraft RV. They decided to be more eco-friendly all year by working to keep their manufacturing and office waste out of landfills and by initiating many other sustainability efforts. Proud to Be Green Certified Recently, these efforts were recognized by TRA Certification, Inc., an internationally accredited certification organization. TRA acknowledged Jayco, along with their processes and products, as Green certified.” Jayco was the first major RV manufacturer to be 100 percent green certified for using Green manufacturing processes and materials when building their products. TRA’s Green ratings for RV manufacturers consist of four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Emerald. Entegra Coach achieved Gold ratings in four categories and Emerald in one. The Gold ratings are for energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and operation and maintenance, while the Emerald rating is for resource efficiency. For more information, see www.certifiedgreenrvs.com.

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how did Entegra Coach

go green?

What Entegra Coach's eco-friendly changes mean to the environment and communities: Preserved 41,000 trees Conserved enough

We had lots of questions about what Entegra Coach has been

water to meet the daily

doing; and Ashley Bontrager, Marketing Manager for Entegra

fresh water needs of

Coach and Starcraft RV, provided some insight into the company’s Green efforts and sustainability initiatives: BRV: When did Entegra Coach start these Green initiatives? Ashley: Beginning in the 1980s, Entegra Coach’s parent company, Jayco, became actively involved in major recycling programs and Green initiatives. The company first received the Indiana Governor’s Award for Recycling in 1991. BRV: Why did Entegra Coach start these initiatives? Ashley: To us, sustainability means meeting our current manufacturing and resource needs without compromising the ability for future generations to meet theirs. Since Entegra Coach and its affiliated companies, Jayco and Starcraft RV, are involved in building products that allow people to enjoy the great outdoors, we felt it was imperative to commit ourselves to being good stewards of the environment. BRV: How have these initiatives changed the way Entegra Coach’s products are

manufactured? Ashley: Our sustainability initiatives have streamlined product processes, improved product quality and reduced costs. BRV: What have been the major challenges with Entegra Coach’s Green and

sustainability initiatives? Ashley: The biggest challenges have been in changing the culture and mindset of all stakeholders, including employees and suppliers. Communication is the key to effective implementation of any program of this type. BRV: What are Entegra Coach’s long-term recycling and conservation goals? Ashley: Entegra Coach has an ambitious sustainability initiative, which includes the

following goals: ➊ Be landfill free by 2015. ➋ Reduce energy use by 40 percent by 2014. ➌ Work with suppliers to develop more sustainable components, and reduce or eliminate the need for packaging. ➍ Reduce fresh water usage in water-intense procedures, and reclaim rainwater for use in testing. ➎ Standardize production processes to reduce energy use and develop sustainable processes. ■

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012

74,000 people Freed up one year of landfill space for 31,000 people Saved the equivalent of one year of power use for 980 homes


over the last 40 years, our family has worked hard to establish and maintain a reputation for integrity and loyalty in the RV industry. Today, with Entegra Coach, our signature line of motor coaches, we’re following in the footsteps of our father, Lloyd, who taught us the importance of the Golden Rule.

With his principles in mind, we’ve built the company from the ground up, with a commitment to unfailing customer service and unmatched quality. That’s how a great partnership was created with Lazydays as an Entegra Coach exclusive retailer.

Each Entegra Coach is backed by our exclusive family promise to treat our customers fairly and to provide exceptional customer service—before, during and after the sale. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us.

Derald & Wilbur Bontrager Entegra Coach Founders

entegracoach.com

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012


tough girl,

little guy BY MARY D. SCOURTES, PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JUDY NADON

At an age when most people settle into retirement, Judy Nadon heeded her own personal call of the wild.

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J

udy traipses about the unpopulated, untrampled roads among the mightiest mountains of the Yukon, all by herself. How unusual is this? “It’s

Noah’s ark out there; everyone travels in pairs,” she says.

Judy is a field editor for The Milepost,® which details lodging, camping and roads through the peaks and deltas of Canada’s Northern Territories and Alaska. “I have the largest territory, probably because I’m willing to do it,” she says of the work she’s been doing for the past five years. With some two million travelers driving through Alaska every summer, Judy has made many friends, has experiences that others only dream about and is footloose to travel on a whim. She travels 300 to 400 miles a day, and sometimes won’t see another car for hours. But she doesn’t mind the solitude: “I love being alone; I don’t even have the radio on. Driving is so soothing.” At night, she unwinds in her trusty Little Guy teardrop trailer, towed behind her ’05 Pontiac Grand Am. “I park, open the door, climb in, lie down and giggle,” she says of her rolling abode. She paid $4,520 to a guy who was able to coax it around behind his Smart® car. Repairs have only cost about $450: she replaced two tires, added two spares and repacked the bearings. She puts 17,000 miles on it every year. “I take that thing where nothing should go. Those little wheels bounce around. It’s the perfect solution. I beat the crap out of it, and it forgives,” she laughs. Judy is skilled, practical and economical. She is a huge proponent of the Little Guy, which has wiring to plug in her coffeepot and a heater. She travels light: two dresses, one skirt and lots of tops. With a bed on wheels, “It’s a hell of

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012

Advice From an Avid Traveler Warm weather inspires lazy vacation days. Judy Nadon likes meeting fellow travelers and sharing stories and advice. She often counsels “tenters” to take up travel with a teardrop camper, which offers better protection from the elements. “I especially encourage women to consider this mode of staying on the road. It gives a girl privacy, safety and the freedom to keep on driving,” she says.

Other recommendations:

Travel smart; leave valuables behind. Keep safety in mind when parking. Let friends know where you are. Dress conservatively.


LiƩle Guy is proud to announce it’s newest partner, and western Florida’s exclusive LiƩle Guy dealer, Lazydays ● So light any car can tow ● Fun, fuel efficient, and cost effec ve ● Queen and king size beds ● Sinks, stoves, fridges, A/C, heat, TV, roof racks and more! The possibili es are endless!! ● Over a dozen models to choose from ● Made in an Amish factory with high quality materials

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Big Benefits in a Little Guy a savings.” She spent $2,000 on campground fees last year, sleeping in her little rig for 70 nights. She fills the car tank daily for $60. Thanks to its aerodynamic shape, the camper adds only about 50 pounds to its load, and doesn’t affect gas mileage. “Gotta love it, eh?” she adds. Her travels bring jaw-dropping vistas populated by prancing mountain goats, moose, buffalo and caribou. Her trailer protects her from the local wildlife, as well as rain and bugs. An avid explorer herself, Judy delights in chatting to others about their travels. She’s happy to show off her little “tree house on wheels,” as she affectionately calls her trailer. “I don’t think there’s anyone out there who uses it for such long periods at a time,” she says. One trip was for 40 continuous days. She doesn’t carry pots or pans, or do any cooking. She eats one meal out, usually a big breakfast. Otherwise, a typical meal consists of “deli chicken with some raw cauliflower, tomatoes and Triscuits.” Once a week, she treats herself to a big, juicy steak. However, she has been known to exhibit some rustic culinary skills. One time, she bought an onion, butter, potatoes and a white fish from a native fisherman in Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. She chopped the veggies, wrapped the ingredients in foil, grilled them over a camp fire and shared her dinner with a German couple. No need for plates; they ate off the foil. When Judy is not on the road, home is either a cabin without water or electricity in the Yukon or, during winter, an apartment in Vancouver. Travel is in her DNA: “My son, now 40, was only 6 weeks old when my own mother took me along to make sales calls for The Milepost. I know my way around, and this is the perfect job.” How long will she travel? “Until I find husband number three. And then, maybe still.” ■

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012

As fuel prices rise, teardrop trailers answer a need for economical vacations, says Chris Baum, COO of Little Guy Worldwide in Massillon, Ohio. He distributes the petite campers in 20 countries. They are easy to tow and offer numerous advantages: The trailers are Amish-built in Sugarcreek, Ohio, which ensures handcrafted quality. Popular among young families and widows, the campers offer safety and maneuverability. They can be towed behind 4-cylinder vehicles and have a negligible impact on fuel. Chris says Lazydays offers customers more than just a vehicle, delivering “the whole package” — an enjoyable purchase experience and a relationship for life. He hears from happy Lazydays buyers all the time. The company solicits feedback from owners to help make Little Guy trailers even better. “Our best innovations come from our customers; they offer us a zillion ideas.”


THE REDWOOD LINE can now be seen at

Lazydays Get started at Lazydays, a premier dealer of Redwood products

www.redwood-rv.com | 574-457-7800 | sales@redwood-rv.com39


FLORIDA

RV Super

show BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

the ultimate showcase for dreams on wheels

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t

he Florida RV SuperShow is the largest RV show in the country. Hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA), the event is held each January at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. For me, and for thousands of my extended RV family, the SuperShow offers a prime opportunity to explore the latest innovations and expand our RV dreams. January means a lot of things. Resolutions. A fresh start. January also means the Florida RV SuperShow. Every year, the FRVTA, statewide dealers and national vendors put everything they have into helping SuperShow attendees outfit their home on wheels or find their perfect-fit RV. This year was no exception. My first impression of the nation’s largest celebration of the RV lifestyle was that it seemed like a giant family reunion. I watched friends calling out to familiar faces, laughing and shaking hands. Though their ball caps and vented hats proudly proclaimed allegiances to other states from coast to coast, at the SuperShow those loyalties took


a backseat to membership in the friendliest fraternity on the planet — the extended RV family. We came to see the best and brightest campers, trailers and coaches that 2012 has to offer, and we were not disappointed. Row upon row of gleaming RVs stretched across the fairgrounds, beckoning us to come closer, climb inside. The exhibit halls were filled to bursting with places to go, prizes to win and gadgets to try. The press of people sometimes made it difficult to get anywhere quickly, but I was able to pass the time by eavesdropping on other RVers chatting about their favorite places to go and the best routes to get there. More than a few destinations ended up on my itinerary. But the SuperShow was not just a place for veterans to swap campfire tales. For rookies, dreamers and tire kickers, the SuperShow offered an organized crash course in RVing. Seminars ran all day, most every day. The topics ranged from basic maintenance and buying tips to full-timer advice. But, like most folks, I did not go to the SuperShow just to pick up a few pointers. I knew that somewhere out there,

my dream RV was waiting; my ideal vehicle of family fun, lifetime trips and timeless memories. And the SuperShow was the ultimate opportunity to sketch some more detail into my dream. At each display there were knowledgeable folks ready to answer all my questions about the newest features and upgrades. Inside and out, it was clear that manufacturers had been working hard and working smart to deliver welcome updates and innovative surprises that were both creative and specific. Of course, while changes spark interest, they also create debate. Ironically, the most heated discussion I overheard centered on the icebox. Which is more important, the convenient size of the new residential refrigerators or the dry-camping benefits of the gas-electric hybrids? During the deliberation, one gas fridge advocate grinned and admitted, “Truth is, you just can’t please all of us.” That may be true. But, from what I saw, the 2012 lineup will continue to produce excited conversation and happy campers all year long.

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For the land of the free.

For the home of the brave.

Forever Fleetwood.

We’re going further to help fulfill your dreams. Our full line of motor homes at Lazydays is backed by their unparalleled support and a commitment to our customers. Which means you can see the world, stick your hand out the window and wave your worries goodbye. In a Fleetwood RV, you’re ready for the road ahead. Begin your journey at FleetwoodRV.com.

Configure a coach the way YOU want! Colors • Floor Plans • Options • Décor www.FleetwoodRV.com

Providence | Discovery | Expedition | Southwind | Bounder | Terra | Storm | Tioga DSL | Jamboree DSL | Tiorga | Jamboree 42 betterRVing.com | Spring 2012


FLORIDA

RV Super

show

Heartland | Silverado by Bighorn

Fleetwood RV | Bounder 35K

This full-profile addition to Heartland’s Bighorn line offers a slew of high-end features at a relatively modest MSRP. The new floor plans include flat-floor slides, an electric fireplace and a front cap with a patent-pending 88-degreee turning radius.

The 35K floor plan of Fleetwood RV’s Bounder proved to be very popular with visitors to the Florida RV SuperShow. The Class A gas model boasts a Ford 6.8L Triton® V-10 engine that sits on a Power Platform® chassis.

The 37QB, a quad-bunk floor plan, comes with an additional half bath. The smaller 33RL floor plan offers a spacious living room, a freestanding dinette and a large bedroom in a coach with a dry weight under 11,000 pounds. Like the 37QB, the 33RL offers an optional outdoor kitchen, a terrific feature for family camping and tailgating. Ceiling heights are 6'5" in the slide rooms and 6'4" in the bedroom. With the Silverado, Heartland successfully claims its place as a perfect entrylevel coach for folks interested in a quality fiver at a very reasonable price point.

Dynamax | Trilogy

Winnebago | Tour 42QD

This Dynamax dynamo is a true game-changer. Luxury comes standard in the Trilogy, including hardwood furnishings, two-tone Ultraleather® upholstery, an electric fireplace, a 40-inch LCD TV and stainless steel appliances.

The 2012 Tour 42QD combines convenience, quality and interior updates that competitors are already beginning to imitate. Circling the coach’s exterior, it’s impossible to miss the 21-inch side-view mirrors, a feature that offers integrated cameras to eliminate blind spots. Under the hood, the Tour boasts a 450 HP Cummins® engine and a reliable Allison® transmission.

Step through the wide, 30-inch entry door and cozy up in front of the optional fireplace. Watch the 40-inch LCD HDTV or listen to music on the Sony® surround-sound home theater. Fleetwood RV has added a convenient half-bath just off the main kitchen in the 35K floor plan. The comfortable queen bed, dual wardrobe and 32-inch LCD TV in the bedroom create a luxurious retreat.

The exterior of the Trilogy is distinctive, featuring a contoured shape and seamless fiberglass radius roof that give the RV a sleek and aerodynamic look. The bright LED exterior lights emphasize safety as they trace the Trilogy’s curves. But this fifth wheel’s appeal is not just about beauty. Comfort and convenience considerations include the optional king bed and residential fridge, as well as 250 cubic feet of exterior storage.

In an effort to say, “thank you” to their loyal customers, Fleetwood RV offers an owner loyalty discount. During my visit to the 2012 Florida RV SuperShow, the discount caught the attention of several current Bounder owners.

Even some motorhome purists were sold on the Trilogy. “We’ve always had motorhomes — we’re on our third — and this unit is built like a motorhome: quality and strength everywhere. And, best of all, it feels like home in here.”

Corian® countertops and a full-size residential refrigerator grace the kitchen, which features an extendable island buffet. The living area is dominated by an interesting innovation — the L-shaped extendable sofa, which expands to offer extra seating when the slides are out and collapses easily for more room while traveling. Winnebago is also in on a popular 2012 trend: the additional midship half-bath. Another interior highlight is the Rest Easy® sleeper: a couch that transforms into a comfy bed at the touch of a button.

from the expert Matt Sibbick, a Lazydays Sales Expert with eight years of experience helping customers find their “perfect-fit” RV, loves the Florida RV SuperShow. “It is definitely a great place to fulfill your RV dreams,” says Matt. “At the show you can find any style of RV you can dream up, from travel trailers to high-end diesels. If you come next year, be sure to stop by the Lazydays exhibit and say, ‘Hello!’” The Heartland Silverado by Bighorn. I especially liked the SV 35RE floor plan. That’s the one with the big LCD TV that you can lower on the back wall. I love watching TV, but if I was backed up to the beach, I would rather lower the TV and take in the scenery. Did you know Heartland holds eight patents in the RV industry?

The Fleetwood RV Bounder is a well-appointed Class A motorhome that offers everything one could ask for: an L-shaped sofa, large LCD TVs, two bathrooms, even a fireplace. Fleetwood RV really hit their mark with the 35K floor plan. We sold every one we had and needed to order more.

The Dynamax Trilogy was a huge hit at the Florida RV SuperShow. This luxury fifth wheel offers the high-end feel of a top diesel-pusher with plenty of room to move. I especially liked the hardwoods used inside the coach. It feels more like a custom home than an RV.

The Winnebago Tour I saw at the show was the 42QD floor plan. “Wow” is all I can say. I walked in and felt like I was actually in a coach that had a separate living room, kitchen and bedroom. The L-shaped sofa and galley give you a sense of home. I can’t think of any of my past customers who have not loved their Winnebago. ■

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Southern

Arizona It’s the perfect spring day, and time to delight in the desert. BY MONICA SURFARO SPIGELMAN, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY & MONICA SURFARO SPIGELMAN

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T

wo charming towns bookend this backcountry adventure that’s packed with a bonanza of history, arts, nature and shopping. To vary the pace and spark your Florizona spirit, we’ve added a portfolio of enchanting detours that will keep you busy filling many more days. There are open spaces, wild west history and friendly faces for you to discover — and it’s all outside the doors of Lazydays Tucson. The sun lures us out to a desert brimming with activity and color. Spring has awakened the hills, now dazzling with Mexican gold poppies, desert lupines and crimson cacti. Spring in Southern Arizona is when Mother Nature kicks up the “wow” factor and gives us one heck of a show in the process! This is a place for all seasons and all reasons. There are mines, missions and movie sites, as well as cultural influences

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012

carved by Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo roots. There are quaint main streets, an internationally renowned birder’s paradise, world-class museums and artist colonies that satisfy both families and adult explorers in this region of flowing grasslands and high desert. For this trip, we’ll create a loop around the Santa Rita Mountains, part of the Coronado National Forest range that forms majestic sky islands throughout this region. Time your visit on a Thursday to take advantage of festivals and weekend entertainment. You’ll start by heading southeast on Interstate 10, following scenic Arizona Highway 83 as it meets equally lovely Arizona 82. From here you’ll drive south, eventually circling around Nogales, Ariz., to Interstate 19. The drive then begins its northern leg, making a few stops before returning to Lazydays Tucson. Side trips are shopper-


Clockwise from left to right: Scenery along the drive to Lake Patagonia, Free Range Cattle in Sonoita Creek, See inside the Chateau on page 78.

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friendly and entertaining for kids or grandparents. They extend to diverse outposts including a strategic aircraft boneyard, vineyards and heritage parks. So find a comfy chair and read on. There’s a little bit of everything for those of us who relish the journey. Dusty Tires in Mining Country: Patagonia, Ariz.

O

ur narrative begins about 60 miles southeast of Tucson, Ariz. in a small historic mining town that still holds claim to a huge treasure — the birding kind. At an elevation of over 4,000 feet between the Santa Rita Mountains and the Patagonia Mountains, you arrive in the town of Patagonia. Here, the South Pacific Railroad once hummed with cattle ranchers and prospectors who worked the nearby silver mine. Ranches still dot the hills, and historic ghost towns have replaced thriving mining outposts. Although the railroad tracks were abandoned by 1970, the depot is now restored and adjoins a park in the center of town. McKeown Avenue is Patagonia’s authentic but small main street, housing the local saloon and shops. Get home-cooked breakfast grub at Home Plate (located at the historic Stage Stop Inn, 303 McKeown Ave.; 520.394.2344) or a designer latte at Gathering Grounds (319 McKeown Ave.; 520.394.2009). Stop by the Mariposa Bookstore (317 McKeown Ave.; 520.394.9186), which doubles as the local Visitor’s Center and is also a great find for gifts and local crafts. Patagonia is home to several arts and multicultural festivals throughout the year and also has numerous galleries where you can browse local pottery and paintings as well as other contemporary and traditional arts. Chances are you’re here for Patagonia’s other side — the one that draws thousands of birders each year. Look closely, because this is the time of year when butterflies linger and about 300 bird species are congregating in Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy since 1966. You’re in luck: Now through September draws the greatest diversity of birds to what the Nature Conservancy dubs as “the richest of the remaining riparian (streamside) habitats in the region.” This 850-acre sanctuary is where a cottonwood-willow canopy follows the ribbon of gentle Sonoita Creek, which runs year-round. You can opt for a guided tour of the preserve, or you can head to the open-air ramada Visitor Center to study maps, peruse a list of the latest bird sightings and get suggestions from the ranger to shape your own visit. Happily, there’s something for everyone — activities ranging from the challenging to the easy-paced — that will let you catch a glimpse of a nesting hummingbird or, if you’re lucky, a gray hawk. No need for backbreaking effort to

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betterRVing.com | Spring 2012

Right: An artist is inspired by the landscape and paints the Arizona mountainside. Below left: A hawk watches its prey. Below right: A bridge beautifully arches over Lake Patagonia in the middle of the Arizona desert.


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reap rewards and see abundance of wildlife. Select the 2.5mile trail to meander past rare, 100-year old cottonwoods. Find visitor information and directions to the preserve or download the list of birds at my.nature.org/preserves. Located at 150 Salero Canyon Road. GPS: 31.528060, -110.775430. Call 520.394.2400 for information. o morning trip to Patagonia is complete without a brief stop at the Paton residence, located nearby the Preserve at 477 Pennsylvania Ave. A generous family has kept open a bird-friendly yard that attracts thousands of hummers (and other species) these months. If you’re a birder, you don’t want to miss sitting quietly in the garden, admiring the acrobatics of feeding birds. Please remember to leave a donation in the sugar fund and sign the guest register as you leave. Call 520.394.2340.

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Back in town, quaint Patagonia has a mix of fun restaurants to satisfy your eclectic lunchtime taste. A favorite is Velvet Elvis Pizza Company (www.velvetelvispizza.com), where you will be astounded by vibrant southwest flavors of artisan pizzas or comforted by soups and more standard fare. Sip a limonada as you admire the restaurant’s colorful, welcoming atmosphere mixed with shrines and arty pop culture. (Located at 292 Naugle Ave.; 520.394.2102.) But don’t dally, as Arizona Highway 82 beckons you to continue. Take this pretty road south, passing Patagonia Lake State Park, a small paradise for wildlife as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Fishermen and beachcombers (yes, there is a small beach and picnic area with mesquiteshaded tables here) enjoy a man-made lake more than two miles in length. At an elevation of 3,750 feet and near the cool Sonoita Creek Natural Area, the park becomes a


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summer haven with campsites and some hookups. Visit azstateparks.com/parks/pala or call 520.586.2283. Located at 400 Lake Patagonia Road. GPS: 31.488224, -110.853724. After the park, you’ll near Nogales (the Spanish word means walnuts). This Arizona borderland town is where the historic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (www.nps.gov/juba) begins. You’ll pass this border town and catch up with Interstate 19, where your journey heads north to another major staging point along the route traveled by Anza around 1776. You’re on your way to the quaint and compact artist town of Tubac, Ariz. for an afternoon adventure of history and shopping. Arts, Architecture, History: The Many Sides of Tubac ubac is the western bookend to Patagonia, nestled on the other side of the Santa Rita Mountains in a beautiful river valley. While the town is known for contemporary art, Tubac also happens to be the oldest European settlement in Arizona, established in 1752. In this arty enclave, wide open mountain vistas add western ambiance and frame a maze of adobes full of galleries, gift shops, bookstores, antique shops, restaurants and more. Start your saunter at the Welcome Center (www.tubacaz.com/welcomecenter.asp), where volunteers will offer suggestions and a village map. Located at 2 Tubac Road.; call 520.398.2704. You’ll want to visit the Tubac Center of the Arts (www.tubacarts.org), to learn more. Then take your time; browse through sun-baked tiled patios full of Talavera pottery, wind chimes and garden sculpture. Find embellished silver jewelry crafted by local Native American artisans or discover a beautifully illustrated first-edition Arizona minerals book. Shop for handmade toys, quilts and rock art. Pick up a souvenir, local soap or bottled salsa. Located at 9 Plaza Road.; call 520.398.2371. The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park (azstateparks.com/ parks/tupr), operated by the Tubac Historical Society, is also nearby. It includes a museum celebrating the town’s vivid Native American, Spanish explorer, mining and territorial history. You might catch a lecture about historic trade beads, or see a demonstration of the 1858 Washington Press used to print Arizona’s first newspaper. There are also tours of historic houses in the area and more displays about the indigenous folk life. There are many events throughout the year as Tubac showcases its arts and cultural traditions. Perhaps your visit will coincide with one of the seasonal celebrations of food and music heritage, or with Christmastime, when the town is aglow with street-lined luminarias (Mexican paper lanterns) and its most sparkling, vibrant holiday fiestas. Located at One Burruel St. GPS: 31.611544, -111.047788. Call 520.398.2252 for information.

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hey say Tubac is the town where art and history meet, but it’s also one of the best places in Arizona to enjoy one of our famous amethyst sunsets and a truly memorable meal. Try the Stables Ranch Grille at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (www.tubacgolfresort.com/ dining.php) for a flavorful steak or southwest-styled New American cuisine. (Located at 1 Avenue de Otero Road.; 520-398-2211.) Or drive down the road to the old Tumácacori mission, where family-run Wisdom’s Café (www.wisdomscafe. com) brings you fine traditional Mexican food and a tasty margarita or world-famous fruit burro if you’re willing! (Located at 1931 E. Frontage Road.; 520.398.2397.) Whatever your spirit for exploring, you’re in for a great ride in this special desert wonderland. We hope you’ve discovered some new desert favorites. Don’t forget your camera!

Fun Fact: In its entirety, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic trail covers 1,210 miles though the deserts, rivers and woodlands of California and Arizona. The trail commemorates and protects the route traveled by Anza from 1774 to 1776, when he brought more than 200 settlers to San Francisco to establish a presidio and mission. ■

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High-Spirited, Historic Bisbee: Shady Dell BY MONICA SURFARO SPIGELMAN, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

When the sun creeps lower over the Mule Mountains, the natural pinkish-purple glow you see may not be the sunset on nearby rocks. Chances are it’s the neon lighting at the Shady Dell — Bisbee’s funky outpost of vintage trailers that offers premier lodging for fun-seeking travelers to this area. Bisbee, Ariz. is a quirky mining-turned-arts town where you can relive the rowdy side of turn-of-the-century Brewery Gulch or don a hard hat to ride into the depths of the Queen Mine (www.queenminetour.com), the only underground copper mine tour of its kind in Arizona. (Located at 478 N. Dart Road.; call 520.432.2071) The Shady Dell (www.theshadydell.com) is located off a roundabout along historic State Route 80 on the outskirts of this unique town. Started as an overnight camp in 1927 for travelers along this highway that once stretched from Georgia to California, the Shady Dell is now a boutique motor court of fabulous trailers built in the 1940s and 1950s. The originality of this place goes beyond the meticulous restoration of the 10 trailers on property; owners Jennifer and Justin Luria are avid collectors who have created a classic 1950s Americana environment that offers an authentic, unconventional roadside experience for visitors. The trailers range from a 10-footer that was homemade from plans in a 1952 issue of Popular Mechanics to a 33-foot 1957 Airfloat park model, bedecked in maroon and brown tones and featuring secretary built-ins. Others include a sleek, aluminum Airstream and a beechwood-crafted Boles Aero. All are fully restored, spotless and authentically furnished, some with full baths. For a truly wacky experience, you can also stay in a 38-foot pleasure boat with loaded

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Check out the following websites for more information: Bisbee, AZ visitbisbee.org The Shady Dell theshadydell.com Queen Mine queenminetour.com

galley, or enjoy tiki time with your deco martini glasses in a 1947 Airporter bus complete with its own outrigger bar. Vintage enthusiasts Jennifer and Justin have carefully furnished their surprising collection with rare finds that take visitors back to mid-century kitsch. Period paraphernalia includes TV-lamps, retro home dishware and throwback furnishings. Magazines, yearbooks, board games and fun leopard fabrics representing the era are everywhere to entertain you. The Shady Dell’s own AM radio station pipes in 1950s commercials and music last heard in roadside juke joints. Blackand-white televisions show old cartoons and movies, while a stash of 50s albums is available to play on your phonograph. This season, the friendly owner-operators will set up a miniature drive-in movie theater adjacent to the authentic Dot’s Diner already on property. They’ll show vintage sci-fi and comedies while transforming Dot’s into a retro soda fountain shop serving appropriate sweets. Classic cars will

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lounge near the pink flamingos. A gazebo and outdoor family barbecue are available in the common area, which is full of bistro tables, hotel chairs and yesteryear artifacts fondly recalled from grandma’s house. If you’re in town just for the day, visit the Shady Dell office, a former ice cream shop, to photograph the motor court or view lots of cool old-time stuff as well as Shady Dell memorabilia. It’s the next best thing to cruising the highways in your own vintage Airstream. To book a stay at this slice of roadside Americana and experience the 50s as you never have before, visit www.theshadydell.com, email reservations@theshadydell.com or call 520.432.3567. Located at 1 Douglas Road. Open seasonally, Spring and Fall. For more information on Bisbee’s shops, attractions, world-class restaurants and other things to do in this wildly wonderful town, visit www.visitbisbee.org. ■


Our new 30T floorplan is big enough . for anything.. Enjoy the wide open spaces everywhere in our new 30T floorplan, now available on the 2012 Winnebago Vista® and Itasca Sunstar®. Thanks to its three slideouts, this affordable new coach lives much bigger than its trim size, with available features not commonly found in a 30-foot model, like a 42-inch LCD TV, buffet and extendable dining table, and Comfort Sofa Sleeper with mattress. Factor in increased exterior storage, dual bedroom wardrobes with chest of drawers and our reputation for quality and you’ll see why the new 30T delivers more for your money than anything else out there. So think efficient and live big: See the new 30T at your nearest Winnebago or Itasca dealer, or see our entire 2012 lineup online at WinnebagoInd.com.

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Fiberglass Roof

Our coaches feature a strong fiberglass roof, backed by a 10-year limited parts-and-labor roof skin warranty. Others use fiberglass only on high-end models — the rest get cheap rubber or plastic membrane roofs which are prone to chalk, fade, streak and leak.

Will it meet my needs?

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©2012 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

A Winnebago Industries Circle of Excellence dealer for over 25 years.

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Watch Out for Wildlife… It’s Watching You! 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.

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o say that Neil and Julie Harbig are experienced campers is an understatement. As veteran RVers, they possess a treasure trove of useful information acquired from years of camping and “roughing it.” But they will tell you, as every experienced camper knows, there is always one more lesson to be learned while on the road. There is always something unexpected to contend with; something furry, stinky, scary, molding, falling apart or otherwise unpleasant. When the Harbigs arrived at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Fla. they had already heard talk of its abundant wildlife. After all, isn’t that what you expect from a state park? Like many, the couple had envisioned sweet, fluffy little animals scampering to greet them. However, upon arriving at the park, their perspectives on wildlife quickly changed. They discovered that daylight will lull even the most experienced camper into a false sense of security, because many creatures wait until dark to make their move. As Neil and Julie set up their camp, enjoying the quiet serenity around them, they remained blissfully unaware of the little eyes that watched their every move. Little eyes that belonged to scheming critters with grabby paws and sharp little teeth; unseen presences who were just waiting for the sun to disappear off the horizon. (Creepy thought, isn’t it?)


Not long after sunset, the mammalian inhabitants of the park put the phrase “abundant wildlife” to shame. As you know, RVers take great pride in a comfortable, carefully set-up camp. But they’re not the only ones. Raccoons also happen to enjoy a good campsite, especially when it’s conveniently equipped with all the snacks, garbage and water that a fuzzy little troublemaker could want. Now, Neil and Julie were far too experienced to fall for the “rookie mistake” of leaving any type of food outside after dark. Unfortunately, the raccoons were not to be dissuaded. After all, just because you can’t see what you want, doesn’t mean that it’s not there … right? This was probably the logic behind chewing through the Harbigs’ brand new water hose and digging through their trash in search of something to snack on. Little did the raccoons know (or care), the aforementioned hose was the main water line into the camper, leaving the Harbigs high and dry until they were able to patch the perforations caused by their visitors’ razor-sharp teeth. Fortunately, as big believers in the power of duct tape, the Harbigs had a roll of this faithful old standby on hand. By wrapping the hose with a few spirals of duct tape, they were able to cover the holes and get things flowing again. As for the mess caused when the furry bandits rooted through their rubbish, Neil and Julie discovered that leaving their garbage bags in a basement storage compartment until right before trash pick-up will keep the little scoundrels out. Raccoons may be smart, but they can’t open those heavy doors.

The next day, with the raccoons at bay and the water line repaired, the Harbigs ventured out of their RV to enjoy a potluck lunch with some friends. Feeling relaxed and secure, they set about preparing the feast, oblivious to the fact they were once again being watched. Suddenly, with the grace and finesse of a, well, hawk … a giant red-tailed hawk swooped down and confiscated a large portion of their meal. One plate of juicy, just-cooked hamburgers — gone. That weekend, Julie recalls, was riddled with disappearing food, chewed-up RV parts and funny little footprints everywhere. The Harbigs learned a few very important lessons from the experience: always carry duct tape, stow your trash and keep a close watch over your food. And when scouting future camping destinations, Julie now tends to ask about the wildlife, and just how “abundant” it is. Oh, nature and its weird sense of humor! And so ends this tragic tale of a water hose and a hamburger plate, both of which met their untimely demise at the hands — or, rather, paws, teeth and talons — of “abundant wildlife.” The moral of the story: watch out for wildlife, because it’s watching you! ■

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BUNK BEDS TOW PACKAGE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 4-DOOR REFRIGERATOR CENTRAL VACUUM REAR-VISION CAMERA SCREEN ROOM 5.5 ONAN GENERATOR CORIAN COUNTERTOPS WORKHORSE CHASSIS WALK-ON ROOF MARBLE FLOORING AIR MATTRESS ELECTRIC AWNING FULL BODY PAINT LED LIGHTING HARDWOOD FLOORING HITCH + 4-POLE WIRING SOLAR PANELS DUAL GLAZED WINDOWS SIDE CAMERAS DOCKING STATION POWER SHADES WASHER / DRYER POP-UP 1200 WATT INVERTER HARDWOOD CABINETRY FIREPLACE ICE MAKER CROWN MOLDING CLASS C GAS SUV TOWABLE DUAL ROOF ACs GAS REFRIGERATOR PASS-THRU STORAGE FREE STANDING DINETTE CLASS A DIESEL MSRP RANGE SANI-CON TANK DRAINAGE HOME THEATER SOUND ELECTRIC JACK

ALUMINUM WHEELS SLIDE OUT TRAY IN BASEMENT ELECTRIC BRAKES 50 AMP SERVICE TRAVEL TRAILER RADIAL TIRES POWER SEATS FLUSH MOUNT WINDOWS TAG AXLE KING MATTRESS SPARTAN CHASSIS VINLON SUPREME TENTING FIFTH WHEEL REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM QUAD SLIDE AXLE RISER OUTSIDE SHOWER 1,000 WATT INVERTER HIDE-A-BED SOFA 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR KEYLESS ENTRY SATELLITE RADIO CLASS A GAS GPS BATH AND A HALF DEFROSTER FANS INSTA-HOT U-SHAPED DINETTE AUTOMATIC LEVELING LEATHER TOY HAULER GARAGE CEILING FAN GAS REFRIGERATOR POWER ASSIST PEDESTAL SEATING SATELLITE CLASS C DIESEL CONVECTION OVEN

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THE FINAL FEATURES GREAT GEAR

|

TROUBLESHOOTIN’

|

WHAT'S HAPPENING

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HOME COOKIN’

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RV OPEN HOUSE

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SPOTLIGHT

|

ASK STEVE

The U.S. National Park Service celebrates the diversity and beauty of our country’s national parks with free admission during this annual event. Page 70.

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GREAT GEAR To help with your spring-cleaning efforts — and to make your RV life better all year long — we’ve gathered a number of innovative and handy products to share with you. Find them at the Lazydays Retail Parts Department in Tampa or online as noted. Awning Mate Vinyl Liquid Patch Don’t

Chempace® Ultra PowrPak XTRM Keep stinky sewer odors away from your good times with a Chempace Ultra PowrPak. Easy to use, simple to store and formaldehyde-free, these powerful packets help keep black tanks fresh. Find your way to freshness with a 12-packet resealable container of raspberry-scented Chempace Ultra PowrPak XTRM. $12.99

B.E.S.T. Odor Eliminator Better Environmental Solutions Today (B.E.S.T.) This popular product can give you the best results when you need to get rid of those unfriendly odors. From pet odors and food smells to smoke and chemicals, B.E.S.T. Odor Eliminator can eliminate unpleasant aromas of all kinds. It’s not a perfume, so it doesn’t layer another scent on top of the stench; instead, B.E.S.T. Odor Eliminator actually freshens the air by removing odors at the source. $7.99

B.E.S.T. Mildew Stain Remover Get rid of those pesky mold and mildew stains with B.E.S.T. Mildew Stain Remover. Easily remove mold and mildew from tile, grout and shower stalls, as well as canvas popup campers, vinyl cushions, curtains, seats, chairs, canopies, awnings and more with B.E.S.T. Mildew Stain Remover. Made in the USA. $7.99

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let a small hole or tear be the end of your awning. Fill in the hole or repair the tear on any RV’s vinyl fabric awning with Awning Mate Vinyl Liquid Patch (VLP) by Carefree. Use it at home, in the car, on a boat, for clothing, or anywhere you need to repair vinyl or leather. Pick up a tube of this liquid magic to repair existing damage or to have on hand when needed. $14.99


Plexus® Cleaner, protectant & polish,

Spill-Proof Pet Bowl Your pet’s personal watering hole, no matter where you travel. Spill-proof, simple to clean and made in the USA, this perfect pet dish makes traveling better for everyone. The top not only keeps the water in the bowl, but also keeps long ears out. Easily remove the lid to turn it into an on-the-go feeding bowl or to give it a good cleaning. $12.99

Silipint This is the world’s first and only silicone pint glass. There are numerous uses for this unbreakable, reusable 16-ounce glass made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, which insulates hot and cold and is safe to use in the microwave, freezer and dishwasher. They can be personalized with a logo, family crest or other artwork. www.silipint.com. Discounts are available when purchasing four or more Silipints; prices start at $9.95 each.

Plexus does it all. Made in the USA, Plexus cleans, protects, and polishes clear and colored plastics. Plexus can make small scratches less visible and leaves a lustrous, smooth surface. Some RV owners even use it on window grooves for good slide control. Apply it and in mere seconds see the results in one simple step. $32.99

Mac Motion Cobblestone Leather Recliner After all of your hard spring-cleaning work, a Mac Motion recliner can melt the day away. This plush Euro-style chair swivels 360 degrees and has an adjustable headrest and one-handle adjustable reclining back. Plus, it comes with a matching contoured, angled ottoman for full-body personalized comfort. It’s therapeutic seating at its best. Get one (or a pair) for your RV. $699 each

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TROUBLESHOOTIN’ WITH ERNIE Ernie Herring – 35 Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician

eliminating

battery corrosion A BY FRED SMITH

wise RVer knows the value of preventive maintenance. The practice of tending to little things before they malfunction and cause big problems is one that Ernie wishes he had embraced long ago, since it might have kept him from making so many fashion faux pas back in the 70s and 80s. But Ernie lives and learns, which is why he knows that in preparation for any RVing odyssey, it’s a good idea to check your RV’s battery terminals for corrosion. Battery corrosion is caused by a mixture of acid and water that has secreted from the battery over time. A crusty paste that forms on the terminal (Fig. 2), corrosion acts as a resistor and slows down the flow of electrical current from the battery. This reduced flow creates an excessive load on the battery, forcing its cells to work harder to produce the energy needed in your RV. The battery becomes stressed and operates at a higher temperature, causing its voltage to drop and ultimately shortening its life. While he might not be able to go back in time and prevent the purchase of his infamous purple bell-bottom pants, Ernie knows that with a little preventive action now, he can provide a better future for his RV’s batteries by ridding them of harmful corrosion. The best way to eliminate battery corrosion is by spraying all your RV’s batteries with battery cleaner. Available at Walmart® and

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most auto parts retailers, battery cleaner is a foam product that uses a neutralizing agent to counteract the acid and water mix that causes corrosion. Ernie recommends liberally applying the cleaner over every part of each battery to ensure the cleaner works on potential problem areas that might not be visible (Fig. 4). After applying the cleaner to his batteries, Ernie is going to wait about 10 to 15 minutes to let the cleaner completely neutralize the acid and water mixture. Be sure to check your cleaner’s instructions for the proper wait time as specified by the manufacturer. Next, he’s going to remove the foam from his batteries by spraying them with water from a hose (Fig. 5). The result is a clean set of corrosion-free batteries ready for the next great RVing adventure … just as long as it doesn’t involve a pair of purple bell-bottoms. 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: Locate your RV’s batteries.

Fig. 2: Water and acid mixes to form corrosion on the battery terminal.

Figs. 3 and 4: Liberally spray battery cleaner on each of your RV’s batteries.

Fig. 5: Spray your batteries with a hose to remove the foam.

Fig. 6: Corrosion eliminated.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Old-Fashioned Fun Rally

Back to the((and50s 60s! )

April 11-13 & May 15-17, 2012 Where: Lazydays RV Campground, Tampa 6210 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584 Dust off your saddle shoes and bring out your black leather jacket or poodle skirt for some good old-fashioned fun at Lazydays. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 800.905.6627 or visit lazydaysevents.com.

National Park Week

April 21-29, 2012 Where: Nearly 400 National Parks The U.S. National Park Service celebrates the diversity and beauty of our country’s national parks with free admission during this annual event. Participating sites in Southern Arizona include Coronado, Fort Bowie, Chiricahua, Organ Pipe, Saguaro, Anza and Tumacácori. For more information visit nps.gov/npweek.

Florizona Day Celebration

August 31-September 02, 2012 Where: Tampa ShareThis Be a part of the festivities for Florizona Day, which combines the best of both worlds in commemoration of the two Lazydays locations. Our Tucson, Arizona location has been opened for a full year and we’ll be having a cross-country celebration all weekend long. Enjoy festive food, entertainment and more to celebrate your RV friends across the country. You’ll definitely want to be here for this grand Florizona-style event.

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WooHoo! Weekend May 25-27, 2012

Where: Lazydays RV Campground, Tampa 6210 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584

Summer vacation is here and the Tampa Lazydays RV Campground has lots of fun activities planned to be a regular part of your summer vacation schedule. During the day we will keep you and the kids entertained with pool time, water slides and lots of games. Then, end your day with a family-appropriate “dive-in” movie enjoyed under the stars on the pool deck. All of this entertainment and activity is packaged for a great get-away value; let the family RV happiness begin! May 25 - 27, June 15-17, 29 July 1


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 | 800.306.4069 Tampa, FL | 800.626.7800

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HOME COOKIN’

don’t forget the pantry! BY JANET GROENE

C

ooking and entertaining fit perfectly with the easy, breezy RV life. An ample supply of pantry foods is smart insurance: sometimes misfortune changes travel plans; however, spare meals come in handy for happy times too. You might meet old friends in a campground and want to invite them in for a meal, or you may check your e-mail to find you can stay a day or two longer than you’d planned. It’s always satisfying to know you have a clean, organized and varied supply of provisions on board. When it’s time for spring-cleaning, tackle one drawer, cupboard or pantry shelf at a time. Remove everything and note use-by dates on cans and packages. Older items can be donated to a food bank or simply worked into upcoming meals. It will be fun to restock with new foods; but you’re not there yet. Start with a thorough cleaning. Then check for any structural warning signs in latches, shelf supports, hinges, rails and suspension rollers. Take care of any necessary repairs or replacements. Then line shelves with rubbery, nonskid matting. Many styles and colors are sold in supermarkets and camping supply stores. They grip and protect the shelf’s finish and cut down on clatter. The next step is to apply your favorite bug treatment and let it dry thoroughly. Now, start fresh with all the cans and packages that go the distance in your personal RV travel style. As you prepare your shopping list of shelf-stable foods, here’s a recipe made with ingredients you can carry in the pantry for weeks and even months. It’s so good you’ll serve it often, not just for emergencies. About the Author Janet Groene holds the Distinguished Achievement in RV Journalism Award. Her books include “Cooking Aboard Your RV” and she blogs at CampAndRVCook.blogspot.com.

Visit betterRVing.com for more RV recipes.

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Corny Clam

Campground Chowder To prepare and serve, you’ll need only a can opener, one saucepan and a wooden spoon plus a cup for ladling this hearty chowder into soup bowls. Ingredients: 12-ounce to 14-ounce can ready-to-serve corn chowder 12-ounce to 14-ounce can ready-to-serve New-England-style clam chowder 1 jar, can or packet (about 3 ounces) real bacon bits 7-ounce can chopped or minced clams 1/2 cup half and half or canned table cream (e.g. Nestle®) Dried parsley flakes Freshly ground pepper Empty canned soups into a saucepan and stir in bacon bits. Add clams and their juice plus cream or half and half. Heat gently and ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle with parsley flakes just before serving. Pass the pepper grinder. Makes four dinner servings or six soup-course servings. Complete the meal with cornbread and honey butter, buttercrunch lettuce salad sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and lemon chiffon pie for dessert.

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RV OPEN HOUSE

2012 Fleetwood RV Bounder This new 34-foot Fleetwood RV Bounder is a Class A gas motorhome appointed with an auto-locating satellite dish, an electric fireplace and a laundry center. You’ll feel immediately at home, surrounded by the Bounder’s warm color palette and designer wood and stone finishes. Safety features like detectors/alarms for propane, fire and carbon monoxide and hydraulic, four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes give you peace of mind. Fleetwood RV’s patented Power Platform® chassis provides ample storage space and low-positioned holding tanks for added stability. Stop by Lazydays and see these exceptional features for yourself.

With a cockpit this comfortable, you’ll be just as eager to hit the road as you are to settle in and set up camp.

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RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Thor Motor Coach Palazzo You may visit some great places in your RV travels, but your favorite destination will always be your Palazzo: 34-and-a-half feet of comfort and luxury in a 300HP diesel pusher. Ingenious features such as the mudroom entry with inside storage for rain-soaked gear and the extra-tall, pass-through basement storage lined with white fiberglass for easy cleaning make it easy to keep each adventure outside, where it belongs. The co-pilot’s seat boasts a flip-up desktop with charging station, keeping your navigator connected and ready to find the next great stop along your journey.

Come experience the new Thor Motor Coach Palazzo at Lazydays now.

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RV OPEN HOUSE

2012 Thor Motor Coach Chateau You couldn’t ask for anything more in the 32-foot Class C Thor Motor Coach Chateau! The cool neutral palette, accented by cherry cabinetry throughout, creates a cheerful and relaxing atmosphere. Not only does this Chateau boast plenty of inside storage, it also has Thor Motor Coach’s renowned MEGA Storage™ compartment that will hold all of your gear and comes equipped with a folding table and a built-in cooler. Backing into tight spaces is a breeze with the back-up monitor, so feel free to have an adventure just about anywhere. Make a trip to Lazydays Tucson to see this incredible Class C in person.

It’s a perfect choice for the full-time couple or the family of weekend adventurers.

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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Kathy Bergeron Service Cashier/Customer Service Representative, Lazydays Tampa How long have you worked at Lazydays?

I started at Lazydays in 2008; I did seasonal work at the Lazydays RV Campground. In July 2011, this position opened up and I transferred from the campground. What is your favorite thing about working at Lazydays? I love it; I absolutely love it.

My favorite thing about Lazydays is the people I get to meet; spending time with them, getting to know them. The people I work with are the most fabulous group of people I have ever worked with in my life. Is there a particular customer experience that stands out? A woman was staying

at the campground in Tampa; she was a vendor at one of our functions. As we were talking, she mentioned her daughter was having a baby. At that time, my daughter was also pregnant. When she learned I was having a granddaughter — I had just found out — she made a beautiful bracelet to give to the baby. It literally brought tears to my eyes; it was so touching. My granddaughter, now 7 months old, wears that bracelet today. What have you learned working at Lazydays? How to work as a team

player. At Lazydays, we’re like a big family. It takes more than one person to make an impression and a customer for life. It takes the entire team as one. That is our goal here at Lazydays — to make a customer for life. What’s one thing about you that might surprise both customers and co-workers?

I’m a deeply religious person, and I read the Bible daily. People would probably be shocked to find that out about me. ■

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TECHNICALLY SPEAKING ASK STEVE Steve Roddy – 39 Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician

My 2007 Class C Winnebago Access has been giving me headaches when hooked to shore power. The engine battery goes dead after only a couple of days. This past summer, I hooked up a trickle charger that seemed to do the trick. What was happening? The chassis battery powers

some RV components, such as your carbon monoxide detector, radio and electric entry steps. An ammeter will help you identify which items run on chassis batteries and which run on house batteries. A battery that’s dead in two days means a power drain, which is not difficult to determine. It’s best to have a system that charges both the chassis and house batteries when on shore power. Several systems are available for your RV; the Lazydays Retail Parts Department can help you choose the best one. Also, make sure your battery is maintained well: check for proper water levels, clean and secure terminals, and conduct a thorough load test to rule out a weak battery. Can I get an A/C recharge kit for my RV, similar to the ones available for cars and trucks, or do I have to take it in for service? RV roof air conditioners are sealed

systems. They are not like automotive systems with O-rings and gaskets that can leak refrigerant. If your rooftop air conditioner needs charging, it may be due to a damaged line, which requires professional repair. To check performance, run the air for 30 minutes. Measure and record the temperature at the air inlet. Then measure and record the cold air at the closest airflow vent. If you notice a difference of 15 to 20 degrees, the air conditioner is working as designed. If not, examine the condenser and evaporator coils, as well as filters, for obstructions. The number one cause of A/C problems is electrical issues, followed by airflow impediments. Refrigerant is the least common source.

When driving my 43-foot motorhome, how much water should I carry in the holding tank? When it’s full, it adds a lot of weight. I’ve heard it’s best to only keep it about one-third full, but that too seems to cause sloshing. Any thoughts?

You should only carry enough water to make it to your next stop, assuming water will be available there. You’re right; there is no reason to carry the added weight of water you won’t be using during your travels. Most fresh water tanks have a baffle to prevent sloshing while driving. Often, they are mounted to distribute the load across the width of the RV. I have a 2012 Winnebago Sightseer 33C. When I try to connect the satellite receiver using factory cables, my TV keeps losing its signal, so I’m wondering if it’s a loose connection. Are there terminal blocks between the cabinet and TV where I can check the connections? Is the

cable between the receiver and TV running through any type of switch, such as a video selector box? Many times, an improperly installed fitting on the end of the coaxial cable wire can cause poor connections. Make sure the TV has satellite reception turned on, not antenna. You can check or change this with the TV remote in the menu screen. Also, make sure the antenna booster is off. I own a 2004 Wilderness Advantage AX6, and I recently noticed one piece of the roof was separating from the side. A repair shop told me that the wood underneath was not fastened properly. Have you seen this before? Yes, sometimes

staples will come loose under the rubber roof, allowing the Luan plywood panels to come loose. If the piece is located along the edge, it should not be a big job to repair this. First, loosen the molding and peel back the rubber material to install staples; then glue the roofing material back in place. Any predictions for the Tampa Bay Rays this season?

For the past few years, the Rays have come so darn close; but I believe that this season will be the one. My fingers are staying crossed! ■

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Mike Varga, Glass Shop Expert

It’s Spring!

TIME TO GET YOUR RV READY FOR THE ROAD.

Our service experts are ready to give your RV a thorough check-up because we know when the road calls, you want to be ready to go. We have all sorts of spring service special packages for you to choose from or we can inspect your RV and tell you what we find that we feel needs to be tended to. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today at 866.531.6820 to make an appointment or go to LazydaysService.com to schedule one. And by the way, your RV did not have to be purchased at Lazydays to take advantage of our RV expertise.

RV SERVICE

LazydaysService.com

A craftsman for every need

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5000-0412

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)


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