Winter 2010 betterRVing by betterRVing.com

Rest easy. You’re at Lazydays.

You would expect Lazydays to have the best inventory, service and advice about your RV. What you might not expect is a fully equipped campground located onsite, with everything you need to enjoy what you love about RVing. Whether you come to Lazydays for service, shopping or pleasure, you can rest assured knowing that a peaceful night’s sleep is waiting for you at the end of the day.

866.531.6819 | lazydaysRVcampground.com

“Reverse is for motor homes. Not motor home companies.” — Bob Olson, Chairman, CEO and President, Winnebago Industries

It’s full speed ahead here in Forest City, Iowa. Although some big-name RV manufacturers have recently gone bankrupt, we’ve invested more in research and product development for our 2010 models than at any time in our history. And it shows: with exclusive new floorplans, features and styling choices, our new models are shaping up to be the best we’ve ever built.

But that’s only part of the story. We believe it’s more important than ever to consider not just the motor home, but the company that stands behind it. Too many RVers have been left standing by the side of the road when it comes to warranty coverage and service after the sale. So I’d like to invite you to take a look behind the scenes. See where we’re headed, preview our new models, get up to speed and get “In the Know” about Winnebago Industries by visiting www.InTheKnow2010.com.

17 6

The Greatest Show on Earth

RVing with Faith Todd

Troubleshootin’ with Ernie

Drivers Confidence Course: Special Edition

Visit Sarasota and you may just run away with the circus!

The Big Man & The Travel Trailer The tale of a travel trailer large enough for the Big Man.

We Tailgate 22 How A short stay can score some big fun. Showcase 25 RV Find the RV of your dreams! Art of Packing 38 The Packing your RV for a trip is a lot like painting a masterpiece. Read these tips to help you hone your skills.

Learn more about Winnebago Industries and our 2010 models at www.InTheKnow2010.com. BetterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

Chapter 3: Exploring the Black Hills and plush valleys. Read chapters 1 and 2 at BetterRVing.com.

Learn how to properly roll up your awning with Ernie the RV guy.

Size up your RV before you hit the road.

What Women Want

iRV2

Ask Andy

Review the new 2010 Winnebago Tour.

Cool RVing applications you gotta have for your Blackberry.

RV expert Andy Dietz answers your technical questions.

From John Gather Around Our Campfire... For as long as RVers have explored the open road, the campfire has been the place where stories of adventure have been shared and strangers become lifelong friends. It’s a place where RVers come together after the sun has set to swap experiences and learn from the entertaining tales of their fellow travelers. The campfire is the place where RVers become better RVers. Our mission at BetterRVing.com is to help RVers from around the world enhance their journey and get the most out of their RV experience. We’ve worked to create an online home where passionate RVers can come together and share their stories with one another as well as get tips from some of the most knowledgeable experts in the RV industry. Since our launch in the Summer of 2009, BetterRVing.com has offered videos, slide shows, travel journals, editorials and other media that engages RVers in a way we believe the RV industry has never before seen. The response has been wonderful as RVers from around the world have written us to express their gratitude and enthusiasm. As fun as our journey has been thus far, we felt there was something missing from the experience BetterRVing.com offers. Something fundamental to the RVer’s journey was absent from our online home. We needed a place where RVers gather to swap stories and

learn from the experiences of their fellow travelers. We needed a place where RVers could become better RVers. We needed a campfire. So we lit one that never burns out. BetterRVing.com now features a forum where RVers can share their thoughts, opinions and curiosities on just about everything related to the RV lifestyle. Open around the clock and every day of the year, BetterRVing.com’s forum is moderated not only by Lazydays’ most experienced experts, but also by several of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable RVers Lazydays has met through the years. So if you have something to say about being an RVer, visit BetterRVing.com’s brand new forum and tell us what’s on your mind. We like to think of it as our virtual campfire. It’s a place where RVers can come together online to become better RVers. But more importantly, it’s a place where experiences are shared and strangers become lifelong friends. Enjoy,

ask andy

John Horton Lazydays Chief Executive Officer

and william and carla and thom and joe and ken and darren Well you get the idea, now there’s an online forum where you can meet other RVers, have questions answered by certified technicians and product experts, and exchange ideas about what you love about RVing. It’s a “virtual rally” that takes place all the time. Just go to BetterRVing.com, click on “forums,” sign in and join the discussion. You’ll get answers, share opinions on how to get the most out of your RV life, and connect with people who share your passion.

ADVERTISING Advertising Director Liz Lema 866.317.4012

forums.

If you love RVing – this is home

For advertising inquires: advertising@BetterRVing.com

SUBSCRIPTION Coordinator Managing Editor and Art Director: Kara Kozimor All rights reserved © 2010 Lazydays® 6130 Lazy Days Boulevard, Seffner, FL 33584-2968 Better RVing 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.

raquel Black 866.531.6827

For customer service inquires: customerservice@BetterRVing.com

forums.BetterRVing.com

RV LIVING

Bordered on the west by a sugar sand paradise that is routinely rated as one of the best beaches in the United States and home to world renowned cultural venues, Sarasota, Florida will sing to your traveling soul. From the rustic to the refined, Sarasota has something to offer everyone, while also maintaining a particular cultural uniqueness that stands out among the Sunshine State’s abundant attractions. visitors are drawn back to sarasota again and again.

Before the turn of the 20th century, Sarasota was a transient place—little more than a wide spot on the road between Tampa and Fort Myers. Spanish explorers, Seminoles, cow hunters, orange farmers, ranchers, pioneers and pirates all held the land at one time or another, but none were able to tame it. Then, in the early 1900s Scottish noble John Gillespie, built the Desoto Hotel and America’s first golf course. Gillespie was elected the first mayor of Sarasota, and the town became a magnet for aristocrats and artisans. In 1910, Bertha Palmer, the widow of Chicago developer Potter Palmer, built vast gardens on her winter estate, which has become the historic Spanish Point. Bertha also purchased a 30,000-acre ranch in eastern Sarasota that is now one of the largest parks in the state, Myakka River State Park.

The

But you cannot speak of Sarasota’s history without confronting the elephant in the room —you know, the one standing on its hind legs with a sequined blonde on its back. Sarasota is the world headquarters for the “Greatest Show On Earth.” In fact, for many who frequent this diverse Gulf Coast vacation spot, Sarasota is as close as they will ever get to running away with the circus. (con’t on next page)

THE ON EARTH

by Adam Porter Photography by Jeff Fay on earth Written BetterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

But clowns, acrobats and fabled feats of the fantastic are not all that Sarasota has to offer. Artisans, patrons, and aficionados of visual and performing arts have been carving out a sizable piece of the landscape for themselves for a century. Incredibly, these two cultural extremes have blended together to create an environment that is an undeniable aesthetic feast. Who is the founding father of Sarasota’s extraordinarily eclectic tradition?

rV LIVInG

Sarasota became the winter refuge of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, a social-cultural heritage that is alive and well over eight decades later. The circus culture ran deep, giving birth to summer camps, communities and even a clown college. This last institution was no laughing matter. Some have said it was more difficult to get accepted to Ringling’s Clown College than to the Ivy League. The Clown College closed in 1997, but The Museum of the Circus allows you to relive “The Greatest Show On Earth” every day.

John Ringling. In 1927, Ringling literally brought the circus to town and forever changed the face of this waterside heaven on earth. The undisputed king of the big top revered all artistic expression, from the gaudy to the refined. While his shows of spectacle enthralled audiences all over the world, Ringling was developing a more refined taste as he collected countless works by some of Europe’s finest masters from his travels. He brought artists and performers across the Atlantic to introduce them to the burgeoning Gulf Coast town that he and wife, Mable, had made their home.

The Ringling Brothers Circus’ impact is seen throughout Sarasota. Pictured above is Spaghetti the Clown performing in St. Armand’s Circle.

But, John brought more than elephants to the Sunshine State. In 1924, he and Mable began building the palatial mansion, Cà d’Zan, Venetian for “House of John”, a local landmark that still draws thousands of visitors each year to tour its Venetian Gothic splendor. In 1927, intent on protecting and displaying his extensive personal collection of art, Ringling commissioned the development of what would become the famous Ringling Museum of Art. Now boasting the works of American, European and Asian masters, and a world-class visual arts college to train the next generations of artists, the Ringling community has expanded into an international artist Mecca.

...Ringling literally brought the circus to town and forever changed the face of this waterside heaven on earth. The John and Mable

ar s, enTerT arT erTainmen erT TainmenT & culTural heriTage T Tage Art is the soul of Sarasota. Galleries are scattered throughout the city. There always seems to be a festival going on somewhere and the grass roots effort to keep it going has created an endless supply of vibrant world-class creativity. As you plan your trip to Sarasota, surf on over to sarasotaarts.org to see what’s happening. Make sure you pick up a copy of The Arts Trail online. THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MuSEuM OF ART has become ubiquitous in Sarasota. John Ringling’s original gallery of personal artifacts is now a sprawling art complex covering 66

acres and including 21 galleries containing over 10,000 pieces of American and European art, as well as a library of 60,000 volumes exploring all periods of art. C CIRCuS MuSEuM AT RINGLING Established in 1948, the Ringling Museum of the E American Circus was the first museum of its kind to document the rich history of the circus. The museum has an outstanding collection including “the world’s largest miniature circus” replica, complete with eight main tents and original carved parade wagons. Learn more about both Ringling museums at ringling.org.

BetterRVing.com | Winter 2010

Ringling Mansion

CIRCuS SARASOTA Founders ounders of Circus Sarasota originally debuted with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Circus Sarasota presents exciting professional family entertainment in winter performances under the big-top and special events and classes throughout the year. For its winter performance schedule or more information, go to circussarasota.org. THE RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN has been training the next generation of artists for over seven decades. Founded in 1931, this private, well-known 4-year college offers degrees in fine art, computer animation, graphic communication, illustration, interior design and photography. Learn more at www.ringling.edu. ringling.edu.

BetterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

(cont’d)

RV living

arts, entertainment & cultural heritage Performing arts opportunities include the Asolo Theater Company, a professional theater group that performs at the Mertz Theater (asolo.org). For Broadway-style musicals, world-renowned symphony orchestras and dance troupes, visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The venue itself is an artistic feat—a purple, seashell-shaped building designed by prominent architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visit www.vanwezel.org. Locals and tourists alike delight in the variety and quality of the performances at

the Sarasota Opera House. Fully renovated in 2008, the Opera House opened in 1926 as a mixed-use facility, showing movies and vaudeville productions. In its early years, entertainers such as Will Rogers, Sally Rand, the Ziegfeld Follies, and Elvis Presley graced its stage. In a classic episode of life imitating art imitating life, Edwards Theater hosted the world premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s blockbuster movie, “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

Today, the Sarasota Opera House has returned to its roots as a mixed-use entertainment paragon. Guests can see anything from opera, symphonies, and classical ballet to film festivals, pop concerts, comedy shows—and clowns. This is Sarasota, after all. Check out sarasotaopera.org for shows and times. Fans of community theater should check out the Player’s Theater. This group has been going strong for seven decades offering musical theater, concerts, and specialized programs presented by

people who do it “because they love it.” Visit theplayers.org. for more information.

June to be showcased in a 3-week event known as the Sarasota Music Festival.

Every fall, music fans throng to Sarasota for the Sarasota Blues Festival. This annual event gives festival goers a chance to see blues legends such as Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy as well as up and coming new acts. Check out sarasotabluesfest.com.

Sarasota remembers its roots every year at the Sarasota Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Hosted by the Scottish Heritage Society of Sarasota, the festival is a fun time of kilted shenanigans including dancing, bagpipe bands, axe throwing, games for kids and even a Border Collie exhibition.

Of course, not everyone in Sarasota sings the blues. Musicians from America’s leading orchestras flock to Sarasota each

Another type of cultural heritage, one with far fewer shenanigans and much better

food, is celebrated daily at Yoder’s Amish Restaurant. The food is always fresh, the desserts homemade and everything on the menu is worth coming back for. Check out the menu at yodersrestaurant.com or call 941.955.7771. Yoder’s is just one Amish restaurant in a town with a thriving Mennonite community. The Pinecraft community in Sarasota has been around since the mid–20th century. Not only will you find plenty of incredible food, but you can also shop for quality Amish furniture and other superior handmade crafts.

The Beaches Sarasota only gets better as you head toward the water. Rated as the country’s No. 2 beach, Siesta Key is like walking into a postcard year-round: sugar sand; water that’s a shimmering shade of azure you won’t find in a Crayola box; so beautiful any description seems cliché; and scenic enough to hold you breathless and send you looking for the closest lounge chair— content to doze in the sea breeze all day. Of course, if you’d rather capture that breeze, there are plenty of folks willing to show you how to sail across the water or rise above it. Look for both sail and parasail rentals on Stickney Point Road. Prefer a rod and reel to line and yard? Stop by CB’s Saltwater Outfitters to secure a charter or just get some stylish duds and look the part of the expert angler.

Of course, you didn’t hear it from us, but the public beaches aren’t the only places to drop a chair in the sand and soak up the sun. From Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island through Longboat Key to Siesta Key in south Sarasota, the chain of Gulf Coast barrier keys is littered with quiet hideaways only the locals know. You won’t find them on the map and there won’t be any signs to mark the way, but they are down most any drive that ends on the sand. Devoid of the typical amenities most demand of a beach— showers, public restrooms and lifeguards —they are also free from the crowds and noise that can drown out the whisper of the sea breeze on the sand and the mesmerizing splash of the waves on the beach. Look for a corner without a condo, or an intersection with houses instead of hotels. Do a little exploring, and you just may be rewarded with a secret place all your own.

Rated as the country’s #2 beach, Siesta Key is like walking into a postcard year-round ... water that’s a shimmering shade of azure. BetterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

(cont’d)

RV living

Natural Wonders

St. Armand’s Key Lido Beach on St. Armand’s Key may not enjoy the renown of its celebrated sister, but it is a waterside jewel with a culture and attraction all its own. White sand, turquoise water, and elite amenities await travelers year round. Connected to the mainland by John Ringling, who used his circus elephants to build the bridge, visitors started coming to St. Armand’s Key in the late 1920s to absorb Florida Funshine and listen to the Ringling Circus Band.

ends watching the matchless Gulf Coast sunsets give way to wishing stars?

Today, the bandshell and other early attractions have faded into a bygone era, but much of Ringling’s original vision remains. The stately, palm-lined St. Armand’s Circle and statues from his personal collection decorate a thriving retail district and a ring of charming shops and gourmet restaurants.

You can fill a day making the Barrier Key Crawl from Anna Maria to Siesta and stop at unique shops, folksy galleries and elegant bistros. Or, feed your pirate side with the coldest beer and freshest seafood this side of heaven at salty little joints right on the water.

Window-shop as you stroll the exclusive and quirky retail district. Step in a gallery to get a look at work by world-class local artists.

Get cultured at world-renowned museums and catch a play by local actors with day jobs and a passion for their art that inescapably draws you in. Watch kilted Scots toss cabers and world-class singers belt out Verdi. Stop by Ringling Art College and share a cup of coffee with the next Rembrandt, Picasso or Ty Pennington. Spend the day boutique hopping at St. Armand’s.

And there’s more than just shopping to be done on St. Armand’s. Live jazz shows. Art exhibits. Craft festivals. Boat shows. Classic cars and hot rods. You can even turn the romantic in you loose and tour the Circle—and the rest of the island—by horsedrawn carriage. What better way to start a day that invariably

St. Armand’s Circle in the morning. The traffic on the circle gets pretty steady once things open.

Experience the magnetic draw of eclectic fun in the sun. In any weather and at any time of year, Sarasota will delight your senses and warm your heart. Stay for a day, a week or a season and you will never grow bored. Better yet, you will never wonder what to do—only what to do next!

Get back to nature and go back in time. In eastern Sarasota, a history of surpassing natural splendor and hardscrabble settlers is preserved at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center. Crowley vividly demonstrates what life was like for Sarasota’s first settlers in the late 19th century, offering a pictorial history of the cracker cow hunter, inviting boardwalks, and well kept nature trails. To step on these grounds is to fall back in time. For those looking to explore the modern Florida wilderness, look no further than one of the oldest and largest parks in the state, Myakka River State Park. Grab sandwiches and souvenirs at the park concession, and then stop for a bite at a covered picnic pavilion before setting out to explore. Hike a bit or take a leisurely tram or airboat ride. Do some fishing; watch a few birds. Kick back and relax.

What to do after all that? Grab a beach towel and your sunscreen—soak up some rays or drop a line in the water and do a little fishing.

Shop & eat

Sarasota: a rich social and cultural heritage, an active arts community, posh restaurants, stylish shops, quirky boutiques— and clowns—we must not forget the clowns. Just another reason why everyone who visits leaves with a smile. BRV

St. Armand’s offers a variety of stores: from the Giving Tree, a favorite for unique craft jewelry to The Stadium Gallery—for the sports fan—it’s a can’t miss. Try the styles at exotic boutiques like Binjara Traders and browse everything from costume jewelry to taxidermy at St. Armand’s Antiques & Gifts. Don’t forget to stop in Wet Noses to find a present for your furry friends.

If you have sarasota favorites of your own, we invite you to share them at betterRVing.com/sarasota

at St. Armand’s Circle

And when you get hungry, 15 South Ristorante Enoteca is Italian dining and live entertainment at its best. Café L’Eurpoe, Venezia and Hemingway’s are local favorites for fine dining, lunch or dinner. Start the day by creating your own omelet or indulge in a decadent Belgian waffle for breakfast at the Blue Dolphin Café. In the mood for fresh fish or pub grub? Take your pick of an almost endless array of places offering cold beer and succulent seafood.

BetterRVing.com | Winter 2010

Looking for a sweet treat? Step back in time at Scoop Daddy’s, a classic ice cream parlor and soda shop with a “Happy Days” feel.

Explore history, paleontology and archaeology at the South Florida Museum. This is the story of Florida, its land, animals, and people, from the pre-historic to the present. Established in 1947, the museum houses artifacts and items of culture that help fulfill its mission to have something of interest “for everyone.” One of the most unique features about this place is its scope. Not only are you treated to a cornucopia of world class history exhibitions, you can also explore the sea and reach for the stars. In typical Sarasota fashion, the South Florida Museum gives you way more than you expected! Adjacent to the South Florida Museum you will find the Bishop Planetarium. This amazing domed theater offers an immersive virtual journey to the far reaches of the universe. Opposite the

planetarium, on the other side of the museum, visitors will find the Parker Manatee Aquarium. This fun little aquatic zoo is home to three animals that are ubiquitous to the waters around Florida— manatees. Not too pretty, these docile “sea cows” are a great introduction to Florida coastal marine life. But don’t stop at manatees: no tour of the area would be complete without visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium. Learn about Mote’s extensive conservation efforts, including protecting the continental United States’ only living barrier reef, and see sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and more than 100 more species of marine life. Interactive exhibits and touch pools put visitors up close and personal with the good work being done at Mote Marine Laboratories. Learn more at mote.org or call 941.388.4441.

rV LIVInG

With most RV dealers, the sale ends when they hand you the keys. At Lazydays, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the beginning. You purchase a particular RV because of its features and functions. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be nice to understand all those and have your questions answered before heading out on the road? We encourage you to take your time, spend the night, and get to know your new vehicle in the friendly atmosphere of Lazydays, where our entire family of experts is standing by to answer questions, solve problems and help you get the most out of your new home.

BetterRVing.com | Winter 2010

lazydays.com

Written by Fred Smith PhotograPhy by JeFF Fay Styling by Charlotte JeSke

RV REVIEW

nce upon a time, at a place you’ve got to see to believe ... there roamed a man of great proportions in search of the perfect RV. To travel was his passion. To discover was his prize. But this man of eager wanderlust, was also a man of tremendous size.

No two RVs are alike, of that he would come to understand, as he searched far and wide for a travel trailer to satisfy the lifestyle of “The Big Man.” It must be this. It must have that... and every gadget that enthralls. Yet little of that seemed to matter to the Big Man at that moment when nature calls.

His business was concluded. The inconvenience would be soon forgotten. But as the Big Man stood and turned to exit, he bumped his big ol’ noggin.

It was there. It was then. The Big Man realized a great truth from this mishap. He needed an RV whose lavatory was big enough for him to take a... shower without having to bend at the knees. And so as he searched one RV after another, the Big Man’s patience began to melt. “Forget Goldilocks,” the Big Man bellowed, “this is how Paul Bunyan must’ve felt.”

An RV is a home on wheels, with all the creature comforts too. But as the Big Man would soon learn, if the bathroom is too small, the RV just won’t do.

As the sun began to set, so too did the Big Man’s hopes begin to fade. A travel trailer with a bathroom big enough for a full-grown man, maybe one was never made.

Struggled did the Big Man, for he was not comfortable one bit. His body contorted, to anger he resorted, as all he wanted to do was take a... moment of time to gather his thoughts and reflect on what mattered to him most.

And then a glimpse of hope he thought might be a mirage, For out of the light and into his sight came the 2010 Wildwood Lodge ...

His smile grew from ear to ear as the Big Man entered and took in his surroundings. The interior appeal with its residential feel was altogether astounding. Yet the first sight of the Lodge’s bathroom put the Big Man in a trance, Expansive countertops with a vanity sink and space left over to dance!

RV gear for the bathroom When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to know about these items.

ODORLOS HOLDiNG TANk TREATMENTS From $5.95- $26.99 Available at Camping World It’s a dirty job, but Odorlos’ line of holding tank treatments gets it done in an environmentally sound way and is safe for any septic tank system. The treatments are fragrance-free, formaldehyde- free, and break down waste and tissue while lubricating your RV’s plumbing valves to prevent clogging. What results is a natural speeding up of the composting process that prevents the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gases.

A shower for a giant, a design that screamed of class. But most importantly, the toilet was more than big enough for the Big Man’s... hopes and RV dreams. And so the Big Man’s respect and love, did this travel trailer earn. As he rode off into the sunset, the Big Man pondered what he had learned.

BETTER RViNG MAGAziNE SuNSCRiPTiON Free! Available at BetterRVing.com/Subscribe Scientifically proven to aid the relieving process. Not really, but what better source of incindiary material to read while you write your morning constitution in your RV? Inspire your lifestyle and kick start your adventure with a free subscription of the magazine dedicated to the passionate RVer. VALTERRA RV TOiLET TiSSuE Suggested price: $3.79 per pack (4 rolls) At camping stores nationwide You’ll be sorry if you squeeze the Charmin in your RV. Well, it’s not so much the squeezing as it is the flushing that’s bad for your RV’s septic system. And when it clogs, you’ll wish you had taken our advice and gone with a toilet tissue specifically designed for RVs. Valterra tissue may not be as smooth as a baby’s back side, but it’s not as explosive either.

Watch the Big Man video at BetterrVing.com To enjoy the open road, he realized, one’s RV potty can’t be shoddy. When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to know, that your RV’s bathroom can hold your entire body.

The End.

THETFORD SANi-CON MACERATOR SYSTEM Suggested retail price: $553.00 Available at Lazydays This macerator (which is plumber for soften with liquid) system features a patented grey water by-pass for worry-free grey water emptying without having to engage the pump. The result is a more efficient dump with less chance of clogging. The sewer hose is one inch thick (as oppose to a cumbersome three inches) and extends to 21–feet while retracting to a space-saving seven feet. The hose also features a universal nozzle which means you won’t need an adapter to hook up. Stay clean and pump your poo uphill while you’re at it. THETFORD ARiA DELuxE ii PERMANENT RV TOiLET Suggested retail price: $760 Available at Thetford.com Thetford has made a strong name in the RV industry by offering a full line of laboratory thrones for homes on wheels that range in style and price. The Aria Deluxe II is the top of the mountain. It combines the beauty of an elongated, residential size bowl with functionality exemplified by a high-pressure flush nozzle to deliver a powerful flush that uses about half the water of competing brands. But, what I want you to do right now is imagine the person whom you admire most in the world. Think of the person you’ve wanted to meet your entire life. Imagine their face. Imagine their presence. Now imagine your pride when they ask you to use your bathroom in your RV and you’ve got one of these gleaming babies waiting for them.

rV LIVInG

HOW WE

e t a g l Tai written by Paul Peluso

the aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers filled the air as fan after anxious fan walked past me donning their favorite jersey. quickly, i became just as excited for the night’s game as they were. But i wasn’t in the stadium yet—i was still in the parking lot—and the game between the south florida

university of South Florida, take on Florida State for the first time.

to pack enough tables and chairs for their crowd.

When I entered the RV lot, I walked past coach after coach occupied by tailgaters young and old. When I reached the Morettis’ shiny new Georgetown, I saw they had already started the festivities with several of their friends. I was eager to join in and learn a little more about the RV lifestyle.

Tailgating in an RV just doesn’t compare to tailgating out of a car or pickup truck or under a canopy. “We did it the other way for so long,” Joe said with a smile. “A lot of the college kids tell us that one day they hope to ‘graduate’ up to this.”

Bulls and the west virginia mountaineers wasn’t set to kickoff for another three hours. I was on my way to meet up with avid tailgaters, Joe and Donna Moretti, to find out a little more about the tailgating scene from a football loving RVers’ perspective. The Morettis drive their RV, a 2010 Forest River Georgetown, to the Bulls home games in Tampa and so far this year, haven’t missed a game. They even made the trip up to Tallahassee in September to see Joe’s alma mater,

Joe and I started talking and he told me about his personal love of the pregame tradition. “The great thing about tailgating is that it really gives us and our friends a chance to get together,” he said. “It’s the only time we really do.” The ’85 uSF alum and his wife had been shopping around for an RV for about three years and finally bit the bullet three months ago. “It was really the right place and right time,” he said. “It’s like a new world to us,” Joe said. Donna chimed in, saying, “This really is a lifestyle.” Right after they bought the RV, they started equipping it with gear for tailgating. A gas grill and grilling accessories, camping chairs, hanging lights for night games and tons of other items. Just days before the game, Joe hooked up a bracket to the outside of the coach to mount a flat-screen TV so he can watch other games before they head into the stadium. The key is buying things that fold to make storing them easier. Plus, it only takes Joe 10 to 15 minutes to pack up everything following a tailgate. The Georgetown makes it even easier for Joe and Donna because it has ample storage room. The storage compartments in the RV go straight through from one side to the other, allowing more space for the Morettis

“One of the great things about tailgating in an RV is that you still have your personal space,” says Joe. Donna then pointed over to the line at the nearby port-a-potties. For her, the best part about tailgating in an RV is having access to her own bathroom. Their coach has a bath and a half, which allows them to open the guest bathroom to their friends while keeping their master bathroom private. Their game day obsession led them to start planning other types of trips to campsites throughout the state. “We started out just tailgating—that’s the main reason we got it,” Joe said. “But it’s much more than just tailgating now.” Living in Florida, there are “literally hundreds of places to go,” Joe added. Most of the non-tailgating trips they’ve gone on were planned with RVers they befriended while tailgating. By the time I left their RV, the size of the crowd around it had tripled. The Morettis have shown that you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy your coach. For these new RVers, a short trip, a little money—$20 for parking—and good friends scores a lot of fun. Paul Peluso is a Tampa, Fla.-based journalist. He has covered topics ranging from travel, sports and entertainment to politics, law and public safety issues. BRV

BetterRVing.com | Winter 2010

The 2010 American Coach Luxury Line is Here. BRING YOUR DREAMS TO LIFE.

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REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE

BOLD. LUSH. EXHILIRATING.

RV SHOWCASE Turn the Page and Find Your Dream rV The next few pages contain just a sampling of the new 2010 RVs from travel trailers all the way to luxury diesel Class A motorhomes. If you see one you like, give us a call. If you’d like to see more, we’ve got you covered. Browse our collection of dream RVs online at Lazydays.com where we have more than 1,000 RVs available in just about every shape and size imaginable. Chances are, we have one that’s just right for you.

Please see our color coded index below. NEW 2010 Class A Diesel NEW 2010 Class A Gas 2 0 1 0 A me r i c A n H e r i tA ge

2010 AMERICAN EAGLE

NEW 2010 Class B & C NEW 2010 Fifth Wheels NEW 2010 Travel Trailers

The 2010 American Coach line of luxury motor homes have arrived at Lazydays - the nation’s top selling American Coach dealer. Come down today and see the first-ever 45-foot American Tradition, and the industry’s largest floor plans on American Heritage and American Eagle.

For more information, visit us at www.americancoach.com or call us at 800-854-1344.

NEW 2010 Toy Haulers n nEW Icon copy of here.... oEW ur -Catalog Toys

Comes to Life

If you see one of these icons, log on to Lazydays.com where you can see either additional photos or a 360 degree virtual tour of the RV. It’s like having your own private demonstration at a toy store you can visit any time you want.

photos

360 views

NEW 2010 Class A Diesel

2010 tiffin phaeton

2010 winneBago Journey express

Stock No. 1008936 Length: 40 ft. Fuel Type: Diesel Class: A Engine: 360HP Cummins Slides: Four Floor Plan: 40QTH Chassis: Freightliner Color: Maroon Coral

Stock No. 1009212 Length: 40 ft. Fuel Type: Diesel Class: A Engine: 340HP Cummins Slides: Three Floor Plan: 34Y Chassis: Freightliner Color: Walnut Grove

The ride, power, handling and mileage are more than we expected. —Bruce Nixon

starting at 247,709* msrp

It’s the perfect size for us, and we love the wide, open feel of the floor plan. —Gerald Burse, AR

starting at 218,603* msrp

2010 winneBago via

Stock No. 1009139 Length: 25 ft. Fuel Type: Diesel Class: A Engine: 3.0L Mercedes Slides: One Floor Plan: 25T Chassis: Dodge Color: Yellow Accent

starting at 139,035* msrp

2010 four winds serrano

2010 fleetwood discovery Stock No. 1009148 Length: 41 ft. Fuel Type: Diesel Class: A Engine: 350HP Cummins Slides: Three Floor Plan: 40X Chassis: Freightliner Color: Stone

starting at 239,319* msrp

Stock No. 1008670 Length: 32 ft. Fuel Type: Diesel Class: A Engine: 6.4L Maxxforce 7 Slides: One Floor Plan: 31Z Chassis: Workhorse Color: Stone Mirage

We chose the Via for the roomier cab and the great fuel mileage. —Harry Stevenson

photos

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it, at Lazydays.com

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more.

We really like it! This is a very comfortable midsize coach, and the front diesel is great on gas. —Kevin Wilson, CO

starting at 147,293* msrp

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Winnebago Via 25T

*Price shown is base MSRP and does not include accessories, options freight or taxes. Please call 888.626.7800 for exact pricing, which could exceed MSRP. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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NEW 2010 Class A Gas

2010 fleetwood Bounder Stock No. 1009141 Length: 36 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: A Engine: 8.1L Workhorse Slides: Two Floor Plan: 35H Chassis: Workhorse Color: Granite Pearl

2010 winneBago adventurer Stock No. 1009216 Length: 36 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: A Engine: V10 Ford Slides: Three Floor Plan: 35Z Chassis: Ford Color: Almond Pearl

starting at 139,250* msrp

4-Door Refrig/Freezer

2010 fleetwood terra

Pantry

Dinette 42" x 82" Rest Easy Sofa 75" x 60"

Pantry

Slideout w/StoreMore Refrig

Driver’s

Rest Easy Sofa 75" x 70" Wardrobe w/Built-in TV Cabinet Above

Nightstand

Sliding Door

Queen Bed 60" x 75"

Sliding Door Swing-out Table

Nightstand w/Drawers Above

Wardrobe w/Drawers

Lounge Chair

Location for Optional Washer/Dryer

32" TV

Stock No. 1009018 Length: 38 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: A Engine: V10 Ford Slides: Three Floor Plan: 36T Chassis: Ford Color: Mocha Java

starting at 119,048* msrp

Slideout Location for Optional Fireplace

Euro Chair w/Ottoman

Winnebago Adventurer 35Z

When we saw the Adventurer, we just fell in love with it. Everything about it is quality. The coach handles really nice, even though it was a step up in size for us. —John & Leona — Pennybacker, FL

starting at 161,586* msrp

2010 winneBago vista Stock No. 1009217 Length: 31 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: A Engine: V10 Ford Slides: Two Floor plan: 30W Chassis: Ford Color: Mojave

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more.

Fleetwood Terra 36T photos

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it, at Lazydays.com

starting at 109,439* msrp

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888.626.7800

NEW 2010 Class B & C

2010 winneBago aspect

2010 fleetwood tioga ranger Stock No. 1008975 Length: 31 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: C Engine: V10 Ford Slides: Two Floor Plan: 31N Chassis: Ford Color: Desert Sand

Stock No. 1009213 Length: 32 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: C Engine: V10 Ford Slides: Three Floor Plan: 30C Chassis: Ford Color: Garnet

starting at 114,142* msrp

photos

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it, at Lazydays.com

2010 winneBago view

Stock No. 1008694 Length: 25 ft. Fuel Type: Diesel Class: C Engine: 3.0L Mercedes Slides: One Floor Plan: 24DL Chassis: Dodge Color: Almond

The View is comfortable as you’re driving down the road and handles excellently. We have really enjoyed it! —Alan Schuster, IA

starting at 118,941* msrp

starting at $ 89,158* msrp

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more.

31N

2010 winneBago outlook

starting at $ 114,145* msrp

Stock No. 1009214 Length: 31 ft. Fuel Type: Gas Class: C Engine: V10 Ford Slides: Two Floor Plan: 31C Chassis: Ford Color: Crimson

24J10

24P10 Sofa/Bed w/Table 48" x 70" Slideout

Dinette 42" x 72"

Shower

Winnebago View

Wardrobe

Door

Bed 49" x 75"

Slideout

TV Location

Refrig Shower

Bunk Beds 30" x 83" Lounge Chair

Wardrobe

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more.

Step Well

TV Location

Step Well Optional Front Entertainment Center

Location fo Optional DVD/L Monitors

t nter

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NEW 2010 - Fifth Wheels

2010 keystone montana

NEW 2010 - Fifth Wheels

2010 forest river heritage glen Stock No. 1009227 Length: 29 ft. Class: FW Slides: Two Floor Plan: F246RLBS Color: Moss

photos

starting at 39,528* msrp

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it, at Lazydays.com

Stock No. 1009307 Length: 36 ft. Class: FW Slides: Four Floor Plan: 345DBQ Color: Woodland

2010 carriage carri-lite

The Montana was exactly what we were looking for. Everything was just right from the start—floor plan, décor, everything! —Ken & Nancy Place, FL

Stock No. 1009493 Length: 37 ft. Class: FW Slides: five Floor Plan: CL36XTRM5 Color: Godiva (Tan)

I really love the unit… Everything about it is beautiful. The living room set up is perfect, and I love my big screen! —Brad Hamlin, MI

starting at 109,476* msrp

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more.

2010 forest river wildwood x-lite

starting at 48,692* msrp

Stock No. 1009066 Length: 25 ft. Class: FW Floor Plan: F19EXL Color: Sport Interior Onyx

starting at 19,605* msrp

Carriage Carri-lite

*Price shown is base MSRP and does not include accessories, options, freight or taxes. Please call 888.626.7800 for exact pricing, which could exceed MSRP. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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888.626.7800

NEW 2010 - Travel Trailers

2010 kz coyote lite Stock No. 1008878 Length: 26 ft. Class: TT Slides: Two Floor Plan: 23CR Color: Passion

photos

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it, at Lazydays.com

starting at 26,321* msrp

2010 forest river r•pod

2010 keystone passport Stock No. 1008859 Length: 34 ft. Class: TT Slides: One Floor Plan: 286RB Color: Harvest

Stock No. 1008740 Length: 19 ft. Class: TT Floor Plan: RP-171 Color: Saffron Forest River outdid themselves. For a unit of its size, the R-Pod has a very nice kitchen and great storage space. Overall, it’s very well designed for a small unit. —Jan Barnett, FL

2010 forest river rockwood

starting at 24,699* msrp

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more.

Stock No. 1008981 Length: 19 ft. Class: PT Slides: One Floor Plan: HW256

292BH Fold-Down Sofa

Wardrobe TV Cabinet

Cabinet

Pass Thru Storage

Shower

Keystone Passport

starting at $ 18,331* msrp

We love the layout! As tall as my husband is, he still has plenty of headroom. Everyone else who has been on board has been just as impressed as we are. —Susan Wilson, FL

Double Bed Bunks

Queen Bed

Wardrobe

Queen Bed Dinette

Pass Thru

starting at 18,578* msrp

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Storage

Pass Thru Storage

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NEW 2010 - Toy Haulers

2010 kz mxt Stock No. 1008583 Length: 18 ft. Class: TT Floor Plan: MXT184 Color: Bedrock

starting at 24,162* msrp

2010 keystone raptor Stock No. 1008585 Length: 35 ft. Class: FW Slides: Two Floor Plan: 300MP Color: Onyx

starting at 52,906* msrp

It really is a great unit—lots of storage and plenty of walking around space in the kitchen and bedroom. Plus, the Raptor handles great towing behind my F-250. —Doug White, FL

sample floor plan – Visit Lazydays.com to see more. 300MP

2010 kz inferno Stock No. 1008530 Length: 40 ft. Fuel Type: Not Applicable Class: FW Slides: Three Floor Plan: 4005 Color: Inferno Graphics

starting at 80,290* msrp

The best thing about weathering a storm Is enjoying the rainbow at the end of it. Since the day Tiffin Motorhomes opened its doors, we’ve believed that if you can build the best product and then staunchly stand behind it, everything will take care of itself. So, it comes as no surprise to us that while the motor home industry continues to endure tough times, our company is doing quite well. Thanks to the hard work and diligence of everyone at Tiffin—from Bob, Tim,Van and Lex to all our dedicated employees and national network of dealers, especially Lazydays, our top-selling dealer of the year—we only see blue skies ahead for our company. And, as anyone who spends time on the road in an RV can tell you, blue skies are what it’s all about.

photos

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it, at Lazydays.com

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tiffinmotorhomes.com

the art of Packing

RV TIPS

written by Staci Backauskas illustrations by Cat Scott

Packing your RV for a trip is a lot like painting a masterpiece. Sometimes it’s best to start with a paint-by-numbers kit to learn the basics before venturing out on your own. Then, with practice, you can create your own work of art. Whether you’re new to RVing or an experienced traveler, the following tips will, we hope, make you a better “artist.” Culled from trial and error and more than a few “necessity-is-the-mother-ofinvention” experiences, we’re confident they’ll help you hone your packing skills.

Distribution of Weight This is the first and most critical component in the “art” of packing. When loading an RV, you want to place the heaviest weight in the center between the front and rear axles. Putting heavy objects in the lower compartments and the middle keeps a good center of gravity, which helps to conserve fuel. The amount of weight you’re hauling will affect gas mileage. In fact, mileage can be reduced by up to 1 percent for every 100 lbs. you carry, depending on the RV size. To keep the total weight at a minimum, take only the food and supplies you’ll need before you reach your first destination, and do the same with your water tanks—a gallon of water weighs eight pounds. Keep the levels of your sewage tanks just high enough to allow chemicals to work. Once you’re packed, but before heading off, take your coach to a public scale and weigh it to make sure you are not overloaded. This also provides an accurate weight for calculating tire inflation pressures.

Kitchen The best way to save space in the kitchen is to develop a meal plan before you leave so you only bring the staples and

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cooking equipment needed. Going through your kitchen at home and making notes of the items you use every day will make this much easier. To make the most out of your kitchen space, many RVers recommend using zip-top bags to store pantry items like cereal, pasta, and rice since they take up less room. Plastic grocery bags can be stored in empty paper towel cores that are then easily tucked inside cabinets. You can also use your microwave and oven to store bread and other small items. Make sure you pack your items tightly so nothing moves while you ramble on down the road. Use plastic storage containers and stack them on shelves to make efficient use of large cabinets. This also protects small items from shifting while on the road. To prevent breakage, use bubble wrap, ScootGuard, or paper plates in between good dishes to keep them from shifting. Cutting ScootGuard into squares and placing below individual stacks of dishes instead of lining the entire shelf helps keep things more stable. Most experienced RVers don’t pack much glass, and with the variety of attractive plastic

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40 rV TIPS

rV LIVInG

drink ware available, there’s no need to take the risk. For good measure, use rubber bands or bungee cords to keep cabinets closed while on the road.

Living Area The most innovative suggestion we encountered is to stuff homemade pillows with extra blankets or towels. What a great way to store extra linens! Few RVs have room for a filing cabinet, yet no matter how short the trip, you usually have to take some personal papers with you. An effective way to manage the “paper pile” is to categorize and store papers in page protectors that open at top. These easily slide into binders and keep everything neat and organized. Adding under-shelf baskets to the overhead cabinets creates room to store the binders, directories, and other books. A small fireproof safe in the bottom of the closet provides secure storage for important papers, extra cash, and jewelry.

Bathroom

Tools and Emergency Equipment Make a tool kit that includes all of the basics and be sure to include leveling blocks. Many home stores sell a pre-made kit that has everything you’ll need. Your emergency gear should include a jack, lug wrench, flashlight, flares, first aid kit, wheel blocks, and fire extinguisher. Keep everything in one easily accessible place and place an extra fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Take along maps, a CB radio (if possible), extra oil for your RV, a gas can, rags, a water hose, lanterns, wooden matches, plenty of batteries, a portable radio, and wood planks to prevent your RV from rolling when parked. When you are all done packing, if you want to find things easily on the road, draw a diagram of the RV once everything’s in place. We know you have lots of other tips and strategies for packing your RV, so go online at BetterRVing.com to the RVTips section and leave your strategies in the comment section under this article to share with your fellow RVers! BRV

A small box or plastic storage container holds items you need occasionally—like cleaners, a blow dryer, and toilet paper—and can be stored in the cabinet under the sink.

RVING with Faith Todd

CHAPTER 3: ExPLORING BLACK HILLS AND PLUSH VALLEyS written by Adam Porter, as told by Faith Todd

If your medicine cabinet is on the wall, you can cut apart cutlery trays to keep prescription bottles and other small items from moving while on the road. For corner cabinets, one RVer suggests cutting Plexiglas strips and taping them to the shelves to prevent everything from landing in the toilet after a trip.

recently retired and ready to spread their wings, len and faith todd wanted to do more with their time than Just wait for the grandkids to stack up. avid travelers, they purchased a toy hauler with the expressed purpose of doing some snowmoBiling in michigan’s upper peninsula.

Bedroom

But another motivation waited, unexpressed, in one of

A boon to shoe lovers is the new bed skirt shoe rack that attaches to the bottom of your bed, leaving more room in closets or under the bed. You’ll have a lot of extra room in your wardrobe if you use expandable hangers. Experienced RVers recommend taking only the clothes you need and limiting them to wash and wear and permanent press. Two sets of sheets and towels should be enough, and extras can be stored beneath the bed. Remember to pack an alarm clock!

their hearts: to tour alaska, the trip of a lifetime. they waited three years and then, in late June of 2009, the trip of a lifetime Began. here’s chapter 3 of their story… read more in this series online at betterrVing.com V Ving.com .

We rolled into the Black Hills on July 5 (day six of our adventure). Nearly a week, and I’ve only worn two of the 12 pairs of shoes I packed! Our three days discovering the Black Hills were a whirlwind of fabled western panoramas. What did we see? Well, to sum it up …

go online to share your packing tips with your fellow rver’s. go to Betterrving.com/packing

We saw lakes that could double as mirrors snaking through evergreen forests, striated hills spotted with scrub grass rolling toward the horizon, towering granite spires, and skyscraping pine trees. We saw skies that go on forever, bison, elk and bighorn sheep. This is the stuff calendars are made of, and we could reach out and touch all of it! (con’t on next page)

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42 rV TIPS Monday (day seven), we drove over to Badlands National Park. unbelievable! We hopped out of the truck and were greeted by a stiff breeze and a 20-degree rise in temperature; mid-90s in the shade. The wind was a lifesaver! Despite the heat—hey, it’s an adventure—we decided to hike up a trail that was rated, justifiably, as both “steep” and “difficult.” In the Badlands, you can’t rely on handholds to help you navigate a steep incline. The rock may look like stone, but it is a clay texture, very brittle. We learned quickly that, if you try to lean your weight into them, CRACK! Scary. But the view from the top was worth it. Incredible! The trip back to the campground was through Scenic, South Dakota. Scenic? … um, not so much. Someone must have a gift for irony. Speaking of misleading names—The Black Hills. Hills? I’m sorry, these are not hills. These are MOuNTAINS!!! After traveling 30 plus miles down an old dirt road from (not so very) Scenic, we found ourselves at Custer State Park—and in the path of a HuGE wandering buffalo. Yes, I know it’s really a called a bison. Don’t be picky; he didn’t know the difference. He only knew that there were humans invading his road. He looked at us and we looked at him. Even “MacGyver” (Len) was not about to step out of the truck to move this one along. Fortunately, the impromptu game of chicken ended quickly, and we were back on our way. If you are ever driving in this country, I strongly suggest you watch the lead foot. You never know when you might come around a corner and run into (not literally, we hope), a creature that can stare through your windshield and look you in the eye.

If their size isn’t enough to give you pause, here’s a statement about bison from the Custer State Park web site:

full effect. From Custer, it was on to the laser show at the Crazy Horse Monument. Very cool.

A WORD OF CAuTiON Bison can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s safest to view them from inside a car.

On day eight we finally stopped to catch our breath. We spent most of the day getting acclimated to the new campground, Sheridan Lake. I did a (very) little bit of hiking, and Len gave the dirt bike a workout. While he was out tooling around, Len ran across another herd of bighorn sheep and chased them around for a while. I think he was letting off some steam from the last avalanche of bighorns that didn’t want to get out of the road (see Chapter 2 for more on that).

Hmmm. Do tell. Shortly after the encounter with tall, dark and hairy we found this amazingly beautiful lakeside restaurant, Legion Lake Lodge, where we had dinner on the patio. The food was great, but even better, wait for it, THEY HAD Wi-Fi! We took advantage of this unexpected encounter with technology to blog a little and send out some e-mails. Wi-Fi in the wilderness often comes at a premium, but it’s worth it to stay connected with folks back home while you’re out on your adventure. Back at camp, we slept the sleep of the recreationally exhausted and woke up Tuesday ready and raring to hike the Centennial Trail. Not all 111 miles of it, mind you, but we did cover a considerable distance in two hours. Centennial Trail was named in celebration of South Dakota’s 100th year of statehood. Along the trail you can see remnants of a six-foot-wide trough that once ran nearly the entire length of the trail. Miners used the trough to route water—gold-laden water—down out of the hills.

While Len was shepherding the bighorns, I was exploring the gorgeous wildflowers—beautiful in ways I have never seen before. The captured wilderness of this “little” section of the American West is truly intoxicating. I did not want to leave the Black Hills of South Dakota. They are magical, mystical, and downright awe-inspiring!! We will definitely visit again, but there are other enchanted destinations yet to come on this trip. So, after a well-deserved day of rest, we headed off into the setting sun toward our next adventure. BRV

After a long morning of hiking in the, ahem, hills, the sign advertising the tasting room at the Prairie Berry Winery was a welcome site. Their specialty is the award-winning Red Ass Rhubarb. Not bad, actually, and a welcome way to wet our whistle and clean all that trail dust from our palates.

FOLLOW FAITH’S JOURNEY

TO ALASkA read chapters one and two at betterrVing.com. look for new chapters every two weeks.

Refreshed, it was back on Needles Highway and into Custer State Park. This place was incredible. I have never seen such amazing rock formations! If you are reading this, stop right now and put Custer State Park on your MuST SEE list. Seriously. It’s impossible, in words, to do anything but touch on its grandeur. This is definitely something you have to experience to get the

Len ran across another herd of bighorn sheep. OH, THE PLACES yOU’LL GO! haPPY hoLIDaY CamPGrounD Billed as one of the highest rated parks in the Black Hills, the Happy Holiday Resort has tons of amenities discriminating RVers look for. Len and Faith Todd stayed there for three days on their way to Alaska. Happy Holiday welcomes all RVs, even the big rigs, and offers full hookup sites with satellite TV, water, electricity and, if you’ve been reading “RVing with Faith Todd” you know this is important, Wi-Fi! They also offer tables, covered patios, and BBQ grills. If you plan on staying a few days like

the Todds, take advantage of the heated pool and spa, basketball courts, game room and convenience store. Happy Holiday Resort is the perfect home base for your exploration of the wonders of the Black Hills. Nearby attractions include Mount Rushmore, Bear Country, Sitting Bull Caverns and the Flying T Chuckwagon. For more information or to make reservations, call 1.888.342.7365 or 605.342.7365

ShErIDan LakE CamPGrounD Situated at an elevation of 4,600 feet, the campground is adjacent to the nearly 400-acre Sheridan Lake and surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines. Len and Faith settled there for four days during their adventure stop in South Dakota. The campground offers rustic pleasures such as biking and hiking trails, boat launches (you can rent watercrafts on site), a public marina, swimming and communal fire rings that allow you to make some s’mores and meet your neighbors.

Located 18 miles west of Rapid City on Sheridan Lake Road and with rustic charm sure to please, Sheridan Lake can accommodate RVs of all sizes. Call 877.444.6777 for reservations and additional information. CuSTEr STaTE Park Home of the largest bison herd in the united States, Custer State Park is a wonderland for nature lovers. The web site warns you that these and other animals can be viewed on the “scenic drive,” but

there’s nothing quite like rounding a corner to find one of these imposing beasts standing in the road looking you in the eye. Just ask Len and Faith! Of course, Custer State Park offers much more than the occasional Bison Crossing. This is 71,000-plus acres of natural spectacle, abundant wildlife—antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, deer and others are prevalent—and adventure. Cruise the Needles Highway (SD 87) like Len and Faith did to discover towering rock spires and intriguing tunnels. Hike up 7,200-foot Harney

Peak, go mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, or fishing. Walk in the footsteps of Custer and explore French Creek, where his expedition first discovered gold in 1874. Artistic folks can catch a theater performance at the Black Hills Playhouse or visit the log cabin that was home to South Dakota’s first poet laureate. Now, that’s a full day of adventure! Contact 888.875.0001 for park information and reservations. (con’t on next page)

rV LIVInG OH, THE PLACES yOU’LL GO! LEGIon LakE LoDGE (Custer State Park) Looking for a down to earth place to sate your appetite before or after an adventurous day of hiking in Custer State Park? Look no further than Legion Lake Lodge. Hearty breakfasts set the plate for homecooking all day long. Whether you’re in the mood for a fresh deli sandwich or a burger fresh off the grill, this is the place. If you are eating healthy, you can grab a salad, but if you want to indulge your sweet tooth—don’t worry, you’ll hike it off—dive into a delicious slice of fresh baked pie. You can choose from apple, cherry, blueberry, peach, or pumpkin. Looking for a more exotic option? Try the buffalo burger. Faith Todd gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up for both taste and irony. Legion Lake Lodge is located in Custer State Park Resort, 13389 U.S. Highway 16A, Custer, South Dakota, 57730. Call 605.255.4772 for more information.

Richard Rainey

Glass Guru, Scuba Diver, and New Grampa

Got a clear view of the road? Lazydays windshield and glass shop uses a proprietary process to eliminate fog and condensation inside windows at a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. Most repairs are done the same day. With dedicated glass experts and specially designed service bays, we can get you back on the road and seeing clearly in no time at all.

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PraIrIE BErrY WInErY Their web site invites you to taste the difference five generations can make. Do tell! Faith Todd was surprised but delighted to find this treasure and sample their famous “Red Ass Rhubarb” selection. Celebrated for the “prairie berry” wines the family has been making since the 1800s, the winemakers at Prairie Berry Winery still craft wine the “old country” way, the same way their GreatGreat Grandma Anna did. Sandi Vojta is the current family wine expert, a 5th generation crafter who consistently wins awards for her “new world” wines made from “old world” recipes. Prairie Berry still uses local fruits, grapes and honey to craft 30 different varieties of vino. As Faith and Len discovered, Prairie Berry is a great way to wet your whistle after a day of adventure in the Black Hills. Discover Prairie Berry Winery at prairieberry.com or give them a call at 605.574.3898 for directions or other information.

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(con’t)

LonGhorn SaLoon The Longhorn Saloon in Scenic, South Dakota, is an honest-to-goodness, sawdust on the floor, cowboy bar. There is nothing better—or more South Dakota— than stopping by and hopping up on a stool after an exciting day of hiking, trail riding or ATVing. Or, as Len and Faith did, dodging bison and bighorn sheep. The Longhorn doesn’t stand on pretense, offering sandwiches, beer and snacks. The Longhorn Saloon is located at 101 Main Street in Scenic, South Dakota. Call 605.993.6135 for more information. BaDLanDS naTIonaL Park Skyscraping granite spires and rich fossil beds offer adventure for today and endless historical glimpses of species that have passed this way long before. Len and Faith hiked the Badlands, exploring the incredible buttes, striated pinnacles and crumbling history firsthand. But the marks of yesterday’s animals carved into the stone are not the only wildlife you can experience. Bison, bighorn sheep, endangered ferrets and fox are among the animals that share the peaks and valleys in the Badlands. If you plan to hike the Badlands, take it from Faith, bring plenty of water and your favorite pair of sturdy, but comfortable shoes. The climb is challenging but the reward at the top is worth every step. There are two ways to reach the Badlands by RV. Come up I-90, which is located directly north of the park, and take exit 131 south to Badlands Loop Road. If you’re headed east on I-90, get off at exit 110 and just follow the signs. For more scenic access, take state highway 44 to the town of Interior and pick up highway 377 north from there. CrazY horSE monumEnT Len and Faith were absolutely awed by the monument to Crazy Horse, and you will be too. Still a work in progress, it was begun in the mid 1900s by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Once finished, the monument will stand an amazing 150 meters high and 200 meters long, larger than

life, but in keeping with the legend of this Native American hero. The visitor center on the site showcases over 20,000 examples of Native American arts and crafts. The Crazy Horse monument and memorial is about eight miles from Mount Rushmore and well worth the trip. Where else can you visit what will be, upon completion, the world’s largest sculpture? there is much more to do in the Black hills than you could ever do in a week. here are two places the todds did not get to; places that are giving len and faith reasons to return to the Black hills and destinations that may just be the centerpiece of your exploration of the scenic american west. JEWEL CaVE naTIonaL monumEnT In 2008, Jewel Cave celebrated a century of offering awe-inducing natural wonder. Over 147 miles of caverns have been explored and spelunkers are still discovering uncharted wonders of this protected national monument. Celebrated for its sparkling calcite formations, Jewel Cave has something for cavers of all ages, from guided tours for everyone to Junior Ranger activities for kids. Call 605.673.8300 for more information. DEaDWooD Want to try your luck in the Wild West? Visit the historic frontier town of Deadwood to let your inner outlaw come out and play. Settled in the late 1800s, Deadwood was a rough and tumble gold camp. Today, even though it’s now a National Historic Landmark, this is still a gambling town. In 2009, residents and visitors celebrated two decades of gaming and good old-fashioned Old West ruckus. Slot machines, black jack, poker and Texas hold-em beckon, and when you visit, Deadwood delivers with the finest food and a sizzling nightlife. No town in the Black Hills is more alive than Deadwood. Call 1.800.999.1876 for more information.

46 rV TIPS

TrouBLEShooTIn’ WITh ErnIE: properly r lling up

Your aWnInG

Fig. 3: Discover the culprit … Fig. 4: ... an awning strap …

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5. “And I thought we were friends.” Fig. 6: Grab your awing rod. Fig. 5

imagine you’re ramBlin’ down the open road in your rv and singin’ along to the timeless sounds of woody guthrie. ol’ woody is strummin’ away on “this land is your land,” when all of a sudden you hear a strange pounding sound like something’s smacking the side of your coach. So you safely pull your coach into a rest area and do a little detective work. upon a close examination of your driver side exterior you discover the culprit that dared to disrupt Woody. It looks like an awning strap is to blame. Not only is this particular strap interrupting an RVer’s experience of one of the great singer/songwriters of American culture, but it’s also doing a number on said RVer’s paint job by smacking around like that. The problem is that the awning isn’t quite rolled up properly. Instead of being partially rolled up with the awning itself and safely tucked away, too much of the strap is dangling and hanging free. When you get on the highway (which is where Woody sounds best) the excess strap can fly around in the wind and smack against your coach.

Fig. 1: A smacking sound on the side of the coach brings the trip’s fun to a screeching halt.

Ernie Herring Lazydays Technical Support RVIA Master Certified 35 years experience

The best way to fix this problem is to grab your awning rod and hook the strap (Fig. 6, 7). Pull the awning all the way out to its most extended position (Fig. 8). Now roll the awning back up. As the awning curls into place, pull to the right or left with your awning rod (Fig. 9) and slowly watch as the strap ends up partially tucked within the awning (Fig. 10). It may take a little practice. If you find that too much strap is showing after your first attempt, unroll the awning and give it another shot. Once the awning strap is safely tucked away, you’re ready to get back on the road. Now where were we? From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters, ….

Fig. 6

Fig. 7: Hook the strap and pull. Fig. 8: Extend the awning and slowly let it retract. Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9: Pull to the side as the awning retracts and rolls into place. Fig. 10: The strap rolls into the awning with only a small portion hanging. Fig 9

Watch this ’ Troubleshootin and with Ernie video at other episodes m BetterrVing.co

Fig 10

Fig 11: Problem solved. Keep on rockin’ in the free world …

Fig. 2: Examine the coach.

BetterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

Fig 1

Fig 2

TYRON DRIVES SAFETY HOME. To an RVer, there’s nothing quite as frightening as a blowout. When a tire deflates, air pressure can no longer keep it in place on the wheel and it can cause serious damage and loss of control and braking. When you have Tyron blowout protection fitted to your wheels, deflated tires are supported and kept in place, preventing them from slipping and flailing. Stability, steering and braking are dramatically improved, which can help you avoid damage and disaster. Call 877-329-5124 to talk to a Lazydays sales professional about Tyron.

TYRON

Head out on the road with confidence.

“You can do this!” That’s the promise of Barney Alexander, Lazydays RV Driver Confidence Course creator and instructor. Barney can help you get every mile of enjoyment out of your RV by making you confident behind the wheel. Whether you’ve been driving for years or are brand new to piloting your motorhome, you will learn something useful and new. Let Barney help you hit the road with confidence.

866.261.8211 | Lazydays.com/Barney

50 rV rEVIEWS

help prevent damage because low clearance signs for bridges, tunnels, overpasses, and service station canopies will let you know whether you can safely proceed. Even though many low clearance spots are marked, you still need to be on the lookout for low tree limbs, light poles and the roof of your house when you back in to the driveway. The easiest way to manage the height of your coach is to take truck routes when you come to small towns; if the trucks can go there, you’re okay because trucks are typically 13'6" tall and RVs are usually less than that. When you come to a tunnel that’s arched, stay as close to the center as possible to avoid side swiping the entrance, and on roads with a large crown remember to watch for poles and trees near the road’s edge.

size up

your rV DRIVERS CONFIDENCE COuRSE SPECIAL EDITION

with Barney

i once heard aBout a proud new rv owner who went to a friend’s house to show him his Brand new coach. as he Backed into the driveway, he pulled down all the wires to his friend’s house and made a mess. you can Bet he was sorry he didn’t know the dimensions of his rv as he wrote a check for the damage. For your safety and peace of mind, you must know the dimensions of your coach before hitting the road. All you need is a measuring tape and another person to figure out the width, length, and height. Once you know, get a label maker or card and post it in the upper left corner of your windshield or on the dash. Make sure to calculate in meters as well because Canada and Mexico use the metric system.

moving. For example, when you come to a tollbooth, use the far right lane, which is usually the widest. Bridges also can present a problem, so when you come to a sign that warns of a narrow bridge ahead, wait to cross until no one is coming in the opposite direction. It’s important to know the length of your coach because most campgrounds will need to know it in order to place you in a correctly sized site. Some older parks won’t even let you in if you are too long, and there are length restrictions in most state and national park campgrounds. There are also states where it’s illegal to drive a vehicle over a certain length. You won’t know you’re in violation if you don’t know how long your coach is, but that won’t prevent you from getting cited.

Just knowing the measurements doesn’t always equate to understanding what it feels like. To get a rough idea of how wide your RV is, sit in your car and stick your arm out the driver’s window. The width of your coach is approximately from your fingertips to the passenger window or about two and a half feet wider then your car.

Without knowing the height of your RV, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of trouble. Be sure to measure the height of the coach plus the height of the air conditioner, or satellite dome, whichever is taller. One day we had a customer come in for an A/C repair; he said it just quit working. When the tech went up on the roof to see what was going on, he found the A/C unit was gone. The customer had no idea where it was or even that it was missing.

Once you become used to the extra width, you’ll find it easier to gauge where you can fit and learn the tricks that keep you

You could ignore low clearance signs when you were driving a car, but in an RV you can’t. Identifying the height of your RV will

BetterRVing.com | Winter 2010

You also need to know how much your RV weighs when it’s fully loaded. Some small towns have bridges with weight limits. You don’t want to overload your coach for many reasons, including reduced fuel mileage. Find a certified scale to weigh your coach; most truck stops have scales or check the Yellow Pages under “scales, public.” If possible, weigh each tire position or axle end individually, to see if your weight is evenly distributed. In addition to knowing the weight, it’s important to check your tires for proper inflation. use your manufacturer’s tire pressure chart and be sure to check tire sidewalls for cracking. Finally, before heading off, make sure your windshield is clean, inside and out. It’s exhausting trying to see clearly through a dirty windshield, which can produce glare from oncoming traffic. Double check that all your lights are working, including the clearance lights up top, brake lights, and turn signals. It requires a little time and energy, but you’ll enjoy yourself so much more knowing you’ve done all you can to guarantee a safe trip for you and your loved ones. BRV

Give yourself an advantage by carrying the Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas with you. Containing all of the detailed maps found in the regular atlas, it includes a list of low clearances throughout the u.S. It also has pertinent information on weight and size restrictions. You can purchase it at most truck stops—you’ll find it along side the regular atlas—or you can get one at www.RandMcNally.com.

SEnIor DrIVInG InSTruCTor BarnEY aLExanDEr haS Ta T uGhT morE Than 35,000 STuDEnTS. ThE CourSE IS FrEE To aLL LazYDaY a S CuSTomErS aS WELL aS aY LazYDaY a S rV CamPGrounD moTorhomE aY GuESTS. ThE CLaSS IS FILLED WITh TIPS ThaT a EmPoWEr You To BE morE SELFaT aSSurED anD knoWLEDGEaBLE BEhInD ThE WhEEL. For morE InFormaT rma Ion, rmaT ConTa T CT LazYDaY Ta a S aT aY a 866.261.8211 or Go To LazYDaY a S.Com/Barn aY rnEY.

Watch the Driver Con fidence Course vid eos at BetterrVin g.com

Cloudy or yellow headlights prevent you from seeing clearly at night. Thanks to Brite Eyes, you no longer have to wait until you can make a service stop. This simple-to-use kit allows you remove yellowing or cloudiness and restore your headlights to almost new. Pick up a kit for $26.99 at the Lazydays parts store or call 866-261-1547.

52 rV rEVIEWS

2010 Winnebago Tour Photography by Jeff Fay Styling by Charlotte Jeske Floorplan: 42AD

the 2010 Winnebago tour

t a h W men Wo t n a W

An RV is a home on wheels. When it comes to the inside of the home, women call the shots.

with Diane Beeber

BetterRVing.com | Winter 2010

The 2010 Tour is Winnebago Industries’ top-of-the-line, high line coach because everywhere you look you see details that create a residential feeling. Well, women will notice the details. Details are sort of a crapshoot with husbands. When a man walks into the 2010 Winnebago Tour, he may see just another place to kick his feet up and watch football. But women, on the other hand, will see the Ritz Carlton on wheels. One of the major features of the Tour is the full wall slide that opens up the entire living area and eliminates the narrow hallway that runs though the middle of a lot of coaches. Whether you’re in the 42– or 40–foot floor plan, the full wall slide brings the living space to life and gives the coach a spacious feel beyond what traditional slides can give. Many luxury coaches may have “the look,” but they compromise on the amount of storage they offer. The Tour has the elegance that women love and

BetterRVing.com | 888.626.7800

the storage that we need. The driver’s side interior wall is lined with solid wood cabinets. They look great and offer a wealth of storage so everything can have its place. Not that our husbands will ever be able to find it. The kitchen has scratch-resistant and easy to clean Corian countertops with plenty of cabinet space for even more storage. One great feature of these cabinets is that a woman doesn’t need a stepladder to access anything inside. Most importantly, we don’t have to wait until the next commercial break for our husbands to fetch something we can’t reach. The floor has 18-inch tiles like you might find in an expensive home. unlike carpet, which is becoming less and less popular in luxury coaches, the tile offers an elegant design and is easy to sweep or mop when your husband and his friends inevitably track in dirt. The soft-touch, leather furniture is also easy to clean—thanks

Diane Beeber 4+ years RV sales experience 12+ years of husband experience

to a protective spray that Winnebago applies—that, again, defends your furniture against your husband’s clumsiness. The dual recliners on the driver side are unique to the 2010 Tour. They recline individually, yet also form a bed that’s so comfortable it won’t wreck your husband’s back when he falls asleep on it.

Women may be more organized and cleaner than men, but keeping the motorhome tidy isn’t the only reason we got into the RV lifestyle. RVing is a great way to get away with the man you love and rediscover each other. The Tour’s interior features rope lighting above the cabinetry that sets a cozy mood perfect for just the two of you to relax with a bottle of wine. And when your husband spills his glass, you’re covered because everything in the coach is so easy to clean.

/10

Automatic locking snap up bracket means no pins or clips to lose.

SwayPro™

Grease is “captured” inside the spring bar head socket. No noise!

Weight Distributing Hitches

The bedroom has ‘his’ and ‘her’ wardrobe closets, but if you play your cards right you can convince your husband to only use the underbed storage. After all, it is a king size

Easy adjustment of head angle for weight distribution. ®

2010 Winnebago Tour Photography by Jeff Fay Styling by Charlotte Jeske Floorplan: 42AD

bed. Great for cuddling. Great for sleeping. Another nice touch to the bedroom is the TV that rises up from inside the cabinetry when it’s in use and disappears back into the cabinetry when it’s not, leaving a lot of valuable surface area.

maintained and clean. When guests pop in, you don’t have to worry that your house is a mess, since there’s so much storage to keep your things hidden. We could talk about the Tour’s hydraulic leveling jacks, side view cameras, Freightliner chassis, 6-speed Allison transmission, fiberglass front and rear cap, and full body paint with gel coat, but women don’t really care about that stuff. If it’s ‘under the hood’ or outside stuff, that’s for the men. The inside … that’s for us. And, we all know who does a better job of keeping their half of the RV in order. BRV

Men love TVs, and the Tour has 3 of them: one in the bedroom, one in the living room and, best of all, one outside in the outdoor entertainment center. That means he and his friends can watch the game outside while you and your friends can watch “Grey’s Anatomy” inside. It’s a win-win.

The Tour has the elegance that women love and the storage that we need.

The Tour is a coach that’s always ready for fun. It offers all the comforts of home, with plenty of luxury, while not being overwhelming, and it’s easy to keep

Strong As An Ox™ Equalizes load on towing vehicle for improved handling, improves towing vehicle and trailer braking.

Pull-Out Table Pull-Out Table

Euro Chairs w/Ottomans

Recliners

42AD Rest Easy Theater Seating 26 (2)

Retractable 26" LCD TV

Home Theater Lounge 30" x 75" (2)

Slideout Wardrobe

Location for Optional Washer/Dryer

Slideout

Wardrobe " LCD TV

Entry

Slideout

LCD TV

†

Storage Double Sliding Door

Door

Sliding Door

40" LCD TV Location for Optional Fireplace

Pull-Out Table

32" LCD TV

Pantry

Storage

Nightstand

Door

King Bed 72" x 80"

Nightstand

Sliding Door

™

Location For Optional Washer/Dryer

†

Storage

Wardrobe

For more information about the SwayPro weight distributing hitch from Blue Ox, check online at www.BlueOx.com or call toll free at 800-228-9289.

40CD

Storage

Adjustable friction sway control built into the hitch with no additional installation required.

Nightstand

Automatic locking spring bars snap into head sockets and cannot fall out.

360 views

See more info on this coach and more like it at Lazydays.com

Nightstand

Built in sway control reduces potential loss of control. Disconnection not necessary when backing up

SAMPLE FLOOR PLANS – See more at Lazydays.com. photos

End Table

TL RATING 10/10

Another crucial feature of the 2010 Tour is the floor plan, which gives you a full bath in the rear of the coach and a half bath in the middle. The half bath is perfect for guests and husbands. The full bath is the woman’s domain. We’ve earned it. It has a great vanity with plenty of surface area for all our “stuff.” And let’s face it, women have more stuff than men. The cabinet has all sorts of storage, and there’s even a closet with a hanging rod for extra wardrobe space. The extra large shower has a skylight, detachable showerhead, and a bench. Most men like to sit on the bench and waste water, but for women, it’s great for shaving our legs. The bathroom on the 2010 Tour also comes standard with a full washer and dryer. A lot of RVs have stackable or combo washer and dryer units, but the Tour has a residential styled set that can hold a similar capacity to what we’re used to at home.

Chest of Drawers Slideout

Slideout

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DIES DIESEL

Sip. With the new Winnebago Via, it’s hard to say which is more attractive: the scenery outside your window, or your fuel gauge as it ... just ... sits ... there. Based on the proven Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Via’s sleek lines leave no doubt this 25-foot Class A coach was designed to sip fuel, delivering an estimated 15 to 18 mpg, depending on load and driving conditions. Yet its 6-cylinder turbodiesel provides plenty of hauling power, and two floorplans – each with slideout and a host of innovative features – offer all the comforts and amenities of a much larger coach. The remarkable Via is just one of many innovative new models you’ll find at your nearby Winnebago dealer. With an abundance of exclusive new floorplans, new features and redesigned exteriors, our 2010 lineup is the most exciting in our 51-year history. TM

To learn more about the Via or any of our new models, visit your Winnebago dealer or call 1-800-643-4892.

GoWinnebago.com

iRV2.

pany meeting. She told me she needed someone like me to get stuff done over here. So I came, and I’ve been here ever since doing a little bit of everything.

PA rT N e r SPOTLIGHT marIa CarDEnaS Lazydays RV Campground Rally Assistant “Señora Everything” How long have you worked at Lazydays? It’s been eight years. My sister Gracie worked at Lazydays in the sales department. She convinced me to come on board, so I did. I started in the café and worked there for about two years doing whatever needed to be done. How did you come to work at Lazydays RV Campground? I met Miss Kathy (Norris, RV Campground Director) at a com-

rV TIPS

by Fred Smith

Applications for the Blackberry

What is the most important thing you have learned while working at the Lazydays RV Campground? It’s important to have fun and be ready for anything. It’s a lot like being a mother. Every day is a new challenge with new rewards if you have the right attitude.

ThE BLaCkBErrY ThaT mILLIonS oF PEoPLE arE WaLkInG arounD WITh ToDaY haS morE ComPuTInG PoWEr Than ThE FrEEDom 7 ThaT aLan ShEParD PILoTED WhEn

What do you personally do to make the customers experience better at Lazydays? I really try and listen to the customer when they have a concern. We try to make their time here as enjoyable as possible. But if they have a problem, I try to listen closely and see if I can help turn their day around.

BEComInG ThE FIrST amErICan To TraVEL InTo SPaCE on maY 5, 1961. ForTunaTELY For ToDaY’S rVEr, ThE BLaCkBErrY haS a LoaD oF GrEaT aPPS To hELP ThEm naVIGaTE ThEIr oWn PErSonaL FronTIEr. hErE arE SomE ThaT WE ThouGhT mIGhT BE oF uSE To an rVEr. WE’LL LET

What experience in your life prepared you most for your job? Being raised by my mother was the greatest experience to me. I owe so much to her. I have nine brothers and sisters and my mother taught all of us about the value of hard work and staying positive when things are tough. She sacrificed so much for our family and I love her for it. What’s more challenging raising three boys to adulthood or dealing with a group of hungry RVers at a rally? I can handle them both. Believe me, I’ve got plenty of experience. BRV

You DECIDE IF ThEY haVE ThE rIGhT STuFF.

SitOrSquat Created by Densebrain Inc. Price: FREE This app claims to use a virtual GPS system to find bathrooms anywhere in the world. RV users may ask “Why would I need such an app when I have a bathroom in my RV?” Don’t worry. You’ll thank us the next time you’re desperate at a festival and the line is 10 deep at all the port-apotties. One online reviewer posted approval of this app saying it has saved his pregnant wife and him twice. He also claimed he “wished the distance was more accurate.” But isn’t that always the case?

DriveSafely Created by: iSpeech.org Price: FREE DriveSafely reads your text messages and e-mails aloud so you can concentrate on the road. iSpeech offers human sounding voices to read your messages so it does not feel like you’re having a virtual conversation with a computer. If BetterRVing had an award for safety through common sense in an app, this would win. We only wish you could choose your own voice from a selection of pre-recorded options. I’d pick Kathleen Turner or Kermit the Frog. Image courtesy of Blackberry®

Where Created by uLocate Communications, Inc. Price: FREE This location-based app will help you find things like restaurants, cheap gas, and places of interest around you. The app also offers updates on news, traffic, and weather. Even more, you can also connect and communicate with other Where users on the Where wall. Borrowing a page from Facebook, the Where wall is designed to help friends connect. The price makes this the kind of high-potential app that’s worth picking up and seeing how it evolves.

MileageMeter Created by Mariko Nozaka Price: $3.99 MileageMeter keeps track of your fuel economy for up to 20 vehicles. Each time you fill up, just enter the odometer reading, the amount of fuel purchased and the price per gallon. The app then calculates your gas mileage and other stats like price per mile, average distance driven per day and when you’re approximate next refill should take place. The compiled data can be exported into your favorite spreadsheet program for your records. You can’t put a price on fun, but if you want to keep track of how much gas it takes, this is the app for you.

The Weather Channel Created by: The Weather Channel Price: FREE Get detailed conditions and forecasts, local and national severe-weather alerts, airport delays and more delivered when and where you need it the most. The price is right, but many RVers may gripe that the app does NOT feature an animated regional radar to indicate the weather that lies ahead on the road. Still, this app is handy if you’re out for the day and wonder if it’s going to hail later in the afternoon.

BlackBerry® Wireless Headset HS-500 Find these aps and more at appworld.blackberry.com/webstore. To find iPhone applications from the last issue of BetterRVing go to BetterRVing.com/iPhone.

Ask Andy Every road is there for the taking.

RV expert Andy Dietz shares his 25 years of technical expertise as he tends to your questions.

My coach has AGM batteries in it and they are in need of replacement due to age and use. AGM batteries are quite expensive to replace. Can I replace them with less expensive lead acid batteries or gel batteries?

AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) batteries are usually used in coaches where access for maintenance, like adding water and ventilation of the compartment, are issues that the manufacturer didn’t allow for. Or, the manufacturer chose to use AGMs to save space. AGM batteries are maintenance free and do not vent caustic or explosive gases. If your battery compartment is accessible for maintenance and is well vented for gases, you should be able to use the less expensive batteries. If not, or you’re not sure, I wouldn’t recommend changing battery type without consulting or having a dealer check it over first.

When you buy a new RV, what is the main difference between a house refrigerator and a gas refrigerator?

Lately, some manufacturers are trying household refrigerators in coaches because of features, capacity, and styles that consumers like. The drawback of the household refrigerator is that they are compressor or Freon type refrigerators and will only operate from one power source—110-volt A/C— which means to have refrigeration you must either be plugged in, have a generator running, or have a substantial bank of batteries and a good inverter to run the refrigerator. A heat absorption refrigerator which is more common in RVs has no Freon but instead uses an ammonia based cooling unit and heat to absorb the heat from the refrigerator box and creating cooling through heat which can be done either through a gas flame or an electric 110-volt A/C element. This allows you to use the

refrigerator either by generator, shore power, or gas flame so you can have the fridge on while going down the road without your generator running and you don’t have to have the inverter running it either. A minor draw back of the gas refrigerator is it requires 12-volt power for the controller that operates it.

Whenever I drive my coach for a distance, I get a strong septic odor inside, yet when I’m parked it goes away. I thought the vents on the roof were there to draft the air out of my coach; however, they don’t appear to be doing so. Am I doing something wrong?

There are a few things you can check. First, when you travel you should have only a little bit of water and chemical enzyme deodorant in your holding tanks. If your coach has a washer/dryer, check the washer drain pipe for water in the p-trap. Also, fill your toilet vents with water to prevent odor when they dry out. If you once had a washing machine in it but no longer do, block off or seal the drain pipe. This open pipe can allow odor from the tank to be pulled into the coach through a vacuum that is created while driving. If after doing these things you are still having

Let’s drive.

problems, you can purchase and install tubes that go on the roof and rotate to the direction you’re driving to create more air draft to pull odor out of the tanks. If this doesn’t solve your problem, then you more than likely have an open vent or drain line somewhere in the coach.

Q A

What is an Aqua Hot and what does it do?

Aqua Hot is a hydronic heating system used in many larger RVs and by some truckers to heat water for both showering and dishes. It is also used as a hot water supply for pre-heating diesel engines to create a source of heat that maintains the comfort inside a coach. It uses a diesel-fired furnace to heat drinkable water and then a coolant to move warm or hot air into the coach. In short, it uses available diesel fuel to heat coolant to heat water and provide room heat as well. Go to aqua-hot.com for more info.

Q A

How can I get the quickest response to my questions?

We have technical experts that will respond to your questions around the clock at Forums.BetterRVing.com, an online forum designed to get the most out of your RV life. Or, send your tech questions to insider@BetterRVing.com. BRV

Andy Dietz has committed the last 25 years of his professional life to Lazydays and to the RV industry. From morning to night, weekdays and weekends, you will find Andy hard at work making “customers for life” with every one that he meets. He has worked in virtually all phases of RV service operations including delivery, wood working and chassis. Andy is a RVIA/RVDA Master Certified technician, but more importantly, he is a master problem solver. Known to many as a “go-to-guy,” Andy is especially relied upon for situations that aren’t clearly defined or documented.

While driving your motorhome, confidence is everything. With our independent front suspension and industryleading wheel cut, every road is yours to drive.

freightlinerchassis.com | 1.800.545.8831 Call Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation at (800) 545-8831, or visit us on the Web at freightlinerchassis.com. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004. Copyright © 2009 Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All rights reserved. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company.

6130 Lazy Days Blvd. Seffner, FL 33584-2968

PRESORT STANDARD U.S. Postage PAID LAZY DAYS

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