2014 St. Louis RV, Vacation & Travel Show Guide by Traveler Publishing Co.

Going Places

OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE The St. Louis RV Vacation & Travel Show is one of the largest public RV shows in the country, featuring over 300 units, including Motorhomes, Sport Trailers, 5th Wheel Trailers, Travel Trailers, Folding Camping Trailers and more

JAN. 9-12, 2014 AMERICA’S CENTER Special presentations by travel videographer John Holod & others

River Hills Traveler INSIDE: Floorplan • Dealer Product Listing • RV owner stories

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

37th annual RV show returns to STL’s America’s Center Jan. 9-12

he Midwest Gateway RV Dealers Association, serving the St. Louis region, is proud to bring you the 37th annual St. Louis RV Vacation & Travel Show, one of the largest public RV shows in the nation, featuring over 300 RV units including motorhomes, sport trailers, 5th wheel trailers, travel trailers, folddown campers and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to compare brands and models all in one location and get the latest information from the region’s experts in the RV industry. Theme for this year’s show is “Going Places.” ‘Free seminars will feature RV expert J.D. Overstreet, travel videographer John Holod, and St. Louis area writers Don Corrigan, Ross Malone and Jo Schaper. The show venue is America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, downtown St. Louis. Access via Washington Avenue off Interstate 70, just north of the Arch. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9, $4 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under. Senior citizens (60 and up) will be admitted for $6 on Friday.

River Hills Traveler ADVERTISER INDEX

3R RV Service.................................11 47 West Trailer Sales.......................8 Akers Ferry Canoe Rental...............7 Apache Village...............................15 Bourbon RV Center..........................2 Bill Thomas Camper Sales.............2 Byerly RV Center..............................6 City of Lebanon.................................4 Complete Auto Body & Truck Repair....................................14 Colman’s Country Campers..........13 JQ RV Rental...................................10 Jacks Fork Campground.................7 Mattress Concepts........................13 Middleton’s RV................................16 Midwest RV Center..........................3 MB Thomas...................................... 7 Progressive Insurance................. 12 River Hills Traveler........................ 14 Riverview Ranch........................... 10 Shady Lane Cabins....................... 10 The Rafting Co................................11 Traveler Bookshop...........................5 Van City RV............................4, 11, 12

MAP & STORY INDEX

Dealer locator map......................... 8 Dealer Brand Listing........................9 RV Owner Stories..........4,6, 7, 11-14 RV Show Floorplan......................... 9 Seminar Schedule.......................... 5 Presenter Biographies................... 5

An entrance to the show on the west side of the building (9th Street) will be open each day, as well.

SHOW PARKING TIPS: Numerous parking garages and surface lots are around the convention center. Prices will vary. Garages and surface lots that are best located for entry are on the east (Convention Plaza or Broadway) side of the building, or the south side (Washington Avenue). An entrance to the show on the west side of the building (9th Street) will be open each day, as well.

River Hills Traveler

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

COACHMEN CATALINA COACHMEN CATALINA

213BH

We stock all of the best selling recreational vehicles available!! We stock all of the

223FB

best selling recreational vehicles available!!

223FB Ducted 13,500 BTU A/C, 6 Gal Gas DSI Water Heater, Radial Tires, Super Lube Axles, Filled Dual 20 LB LP Bottles w/ Cover, Double Door Refer, Multi-Media Sound System CD Player w/ MP3 or iPod Input Jack, Cable, Microwave, Power Awning/Jack, Aluminum Fender Skirts, Stabilizer Jacks Ducted 13,500 BTU A/C, 6 Gal Gas DSI Water Heater, Radial Tires, Super Lube Axles, Filled Dual (4), Spare tire/wheel, Interstate Battery, Starter kit, Midwest RV Priority Service and more!

20 LB LP Bottles w/ Cover, Double Door Refer, Multi-Media Sound System CD Player w/ MP3 or iPod Input Jack, Cable, Microwave, Power Awning/Jack, Aluminum Fender Skirts, Stabilizer Jacks (4), Spare tire/wheel, Interstate Battery, Starter kit, Midwest RV Priority Service and more!

Only

$139.35 Only

per month

$139.35

per month

PRIORITY SERVICE PROGRAM!!

EVERY MIDWEST RV CUSTOMER COMES FIRST BEFORE ANY NON CUSTOMER SERVICE APPOINTMENTS. EVERY MIDWEST RV CUSTOMER COMES FIRST BEFORE ANY NON CUSTOMER SERVICE APPOINTMENTS. EVERY FRIDAY YOU CAN DRIVE BY FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE REPIARS BEFORE GOING OUTYOU FORCAN THEDRIVE WEEKEND. EVERY FRIDAY BY FOR THOSE LAST MINUTE REPIARS BEFORE GOING OUT FOR THE WEEKEND.

RECEIVE ALL THE BENEFITS OF THE RTE 66 NATIONWIDE RV NET-

13,500 BTU Roof Mount Air Conditioner , Spare tire, 20K BTU Furnace, 6 Gallon RECEIVE ALL THE BENEFITS OF THE RTE 66 NATIONWIDE RV NETRoof MountJacks, Air Conditioner , Spare tire, 20K BTU Furnace, WORK! 6 Gallon DSI Water Heater, (4)13,500 CrankBTU Down Scissor AM/FM/MP3/USB Stereo, ExteriWORK! DSI Water Heater, (4) Crank Down Scissor Jacks, AM/FM/MP3/USB Stereo, Exteri-NEW UNIT COMES WITH FULL PROPANE, COMPLETE SYSTEM EVERY or Speakers, Electric Brakes, 3.5 Cu. Ft Refrigerator, Lighted Range Hood, Mini EVERY NEW UNIT COMES WITH FULL PROPANE, COMPLETE SYSTEM or Speakers, Electric Brakes, 3.5 Cu. Ft Refrigerator, Lighted Range Hood, Mini ANALYSIS, COMPLETE ORIENTAION, INTERSTATE DEEP CYCLY Blinds, Microwave, Power Bath Fan, 1 PC Rubber Roof and more!! ANALYSIS, COMPLETE ORIENTAION, INTERSTATE DEEP CYCLY Blinds, Microwave, Power Bath Fan, 1 PC Rubber Roof and more!! BATTERY/BATTERY BOX, STARTER KIT AND MORE! NO ADBATTERY/BATTERY BOX, STARTER KIT AND MORE! NO ADDITIONAL DITIONAL CHARGE! CHARGE! Only per month Only per month

$99.95$99.95

6200 Heimos Industrial Park Dr

6200 Heimos Industrial St. Park Louis,DrMO 63129 St. Louis, MO 63129

I– 55 at exit 193 Meramec Bottom Rd

Just 2 miles south of I-255 / I –270 Just 2 miles south I-255 / I –270 Email:ofsales@mwrvcenter.com Email: sales@mwrvcenter.com TEXT “RV” to 223344 to Receive additional Show SPECIALS 314-487-8000 www.mwrvcenter.com TEXT “RV” to 223344 to Receive additional Show SPECIALS .

314-487-8000

www.mwrvcenter.com

Questions or comments? E -mail us at sales@mwrvcenter.com or call 314-487-8000

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

Illinois leisure van RVers enjoy travel with pet

“H

By BARBARA GIBBS OSTMANN ave wheels, will travel” is a good motto for Don and Jean Breiner of Springfield, Ill. The couple bought their first RV in 2007 -- and they haven’t stopped rolling. “We put 63,000 miles on our first RV, a Class B Roadtrek 210 Popular, with a van-type wheelbase,” says Don. “We thoroughly enjoyed it, but we decided we needed something with a bit more elbow room.” The next step was a 24.5-foot Class C 2013 Leisure Travel Van on a Mercedes sprinter chassis turbo diesel, which they bought in June at Van City. It’s easy to drive. Both Don and Jean take a turn at the wheel, sharing the driving duties. “We sleep in our own bed every night POPULAR SPOT — Don and Jean Breiner and use visited the Full Throttle Saloon on the RV our own travels. “This is a big hang out during Sturbathroom gis Week with lots of shows,” said Don. every day,” says Don. “A really nice thing about this van is that it has a stand-alone shower.” They also like the fact that the twin beds are made up all the time, handy for a nap. In the previous RV, they had to pull down the king-size bed and make it up every night. Having a refrigerator means they can pull over anytime for a rest stop and a snack. The best thing about their home on wheels is that their two-year-old golden retriever, Carly, can travel with them wherever they go. She doesn’t have to stay in a kennel while they’re on the road.

Enjoying retirement overnight in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. “They’re Jean worked for the state of Illinois and retired in receptive to motor homes,” says Don. “We eat 1999. Don was a sales representative for Unisource dinner and breakfast there and park on the lot.” Worldwide, At other times, a wholesale they tend to stay printing paper in state parks and packaging or commercial company, and he campgrounds. retired in 2006. A Other blended family, destinations have they have five included the West children and nine Coast, the Grand grandchildren Canyon and several between them. southwestern They’ve states. “I was explored the stationed at San country in their Diego when I was two RVs. The first in the Navy,” says week they got Don, “so it is nice the new Leisure to go back to San Travel Van, they Diego and see how headed to Holiday it has changed.” World in Santa Claus, Ind., with QUALITY TIME — Don and Carly enjoy one of many relaxing moGals’ Getaway ments in their RV lifestyle. The Breiners enjoy having a stand-alone their kids and Jean and her grandkids. On the shower and being able to use their own bathroom every day and their daughter are own beds every night. They also like not having to leave their golden planning a trip return trip, they spent the night in retriever in a kennel. Photos courtesy Don and Jean Breiner. to the Kentucky Stephen Foster Derby in May. State Park in Bardstown, Ky. They have their Derby tickets and the campground The manufacturer of the Leisure Travel Van is reservations and are looking forward to a weekend Triple EEE, which is based in Winkler, Manitoba, just for the two of them. Jean not only drives the RV, Canada. The Breiners attended a four-day rally there but she also knows how to connect and disconnect in September. On the way home, they stopped at Mt. all the hoses. Rushmore and the Corn Palace in South Dakota. Don and Jean love the simplicity of their new They go to Branson for a week every fall, usually leisure van, and the fact that they don’t need to in October, just to relax. In February, they will head tow another vehicle. “If we want to leave the to Winter Haven, Fla., to escape the Illinois weather campground and go for breakfast or sightseeing, it for awhile. “We have lots of RV friends who stay takes us five minutes or less to unhook and we’re on down there in the winter,” he says. our way,” he says. On the drive down to Florida, they usually

Introducing the All New 2014 Pleasure Way Pursuit B+. Electric Sofa that converts to a Queen Bed. Overhead Bunk Available

3100 Telegraph Road St. Louis, MO 63125 800-467-3905 314-894-3905 www.vancityrv.com

River Hills Traveler

RV ADVENTURE VIDEOS by John Holod

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE # ! "

Free presentations include RV product tips, adventure videos, talks by writers on interesting destinations

Attendees at the St. Louis RV, Vacation and Travel Show can not only shop for RVs and parts, they can enjoy free presentations by a variety of experts on RV products, and travel destinations near and far. Returning this year is videographer John Holod who will show videos from his RV adventures from Alaska to the Northeast and Newfoundland to the Gulf Coast. J.D. Overstreet, regional sales manager for the RV industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dealer Resource Group will give product tips. River Hills Traveler, the outdoor newsmagazine, is presenting three writers who will share their insights into the St. Louis area outdoors.

Meet the presenters

John Holod, Videographer

John Holod of RV Adventure Videos, Inc., has spent the last 23 years on the road in North America and abroad. He started traveling on a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1973 with trips to Alaska and Baja California, earned degrees in cinematography, journalism and photography at Wayne State University, then hit the road shooting film. He presents his work to travel clubs, performing arts and civic venues. For the last 13 years, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traveled in RVs and began shooting video in 2000. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sponsored by Midwest Gateway RV Dealers Assn.

J.D. Overstreet, RV industry expert

J.D. Overstreet joined Dealers Resource Group in the fall of 2009. He was recently promoted to the position of Regional Sales Manager for the Central Midwest territory and moved to Hannibal, Mo. J.D. brings many years of experience to his new position. He has worked in the parts departments of several large dealerships, held sales positions with RV parts distribution companies, and owned and operated an RV dealership in Clearwater, Fla. Dealer Resources Group provides RV industry suppliers with sales services and RV dealerships with store planning, merchandising assistance, training and speakers for industry events. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sponsored by Midwest Gateway RV Dealers Assn.

Jo Schaper, geologist, editor, journalist

Jo Schaper has spent most of her life in the foothills of the Ozarks on the rural suburban fringe southwest of St. Louis. Her first major writing effort was a 50 page report on the springs of South Central Missouri when she was 16. Her passion for Missouri includes the rocks, history, water and the unique people who live here. She has presented geology and history programs for Missouri's state parks, Elderhostel senior seminars, the St. Louis Science Center, the Bonebrake Center, and led dozens of tour busses down Ozark gravel roads. She is the webmistress of www.missouriworld.net -- where she explains geology and hydrology to laymen and students in plain English, and is currently assistant editor for the outdoor newsmagazine River Hills Traveler. Title of presentation: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Springs are More than Puddles for Troutâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sponsored by River Hills Traveler

Ross Malone, educator author, radio host

Ross Malone is a retired teacher and radio host who writes books about life in Missouri. To date he has published seven books with three more to be released by spring. Ross says that he deals with the people, places, and events that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t well-known but should be. His most recent books include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too Good to Pass Byâ&#x20AC;? which highlights the lesser-known treasures around Missouri and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mysterious Missouriâ&#x20AC;? which focuses on the strange things in the Show-Me State. Title of presentation: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unique Missouri.The things that make this place like no other.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sponsored by River Hills Traveler

Don Corrigan, educator, author, journalist

Don Corrigan is a long-time journalism educator at Webster University in St. Louis and well-known weekly newspaper editor and writer. In addition to his extensive international travels, he has produced award-winning outdoor and environmental books and articles, as well as garnered Messing, Kemper and College Media Association excellence in teaching awards. He directs the Outdoor/Environmental Journalism Certificate at Webster University, which has brought him recognition from the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) and a distinguished achievement award from the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. Corrigan has published two recent books, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Show Meâ&#x20AC;ŚNatural Wonders,â&#x20AC;? in 2007 and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Show Meâ&#x20AC;ŚNatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wrath,â&#x20AC;? in 2009, each published by Reedy Press. He drew upon his research for these books to devise an Outdoor/ Environmental Journalism Certificate of Study, now available for students at Webster University. He is now completing a new book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Environmental Missouri: Issues and Sustainability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; What You Need to Know.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sponsored by River Hills Traveler

VIDEO & SPEAKERS SCHEDULES 1=B?>OF? Y (;HO;LS THURSDAY

FRIDAY

John Holodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RV Adventure Videos 12:30 pm

12:30 pm

SATURDAY 11:30 am

SUNDAY 11:30 am

The Rocky Mountains: New Mexico to the Canadian Rockies

12:30 pm

12:30

Alaska Adventure: Highway & Ferry

Southeast Coast & Gulf Coast

Route 66

1:30 pm 2:30 pm 3:30 pm

Northeast Coast & Newfoundland

1:30 pm 2:30 pm 3:30 pm

Northeast Coast & Newfoundland

7:30 pm

4:30 pm 4:30 pm TIPS RV PRODUCT Alaska Adventure: Alaska Adventure: RV PRODUCT TIPS by J.D. Overstreet of Highway & Ferry Highway & Ferry 5:30 pm 5:30 pm Group 5:30 pmDealers by J.D.Resource Overstreet of The Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountains: Dealers Resource Group New Mexico to the New Mexico to the New Mexico to the OZARK TRAVELS & TALES Canadian Rockies Canadian Rockies Canadian Rockies TRAVELS TALES6:30 pm byOZARK River Hills Traveler 6:30 pm &Magazine 6:30 pm Route 66 Route 66 Route by 66 River Hills Traveler Magazine 4:30 pm

1:30 pm 2:30 pm

Alaska Adventure: Highway & Ferry

7:30 pm

Southeast Coast & Gulf Coast

Films will be shown in area across from the Byerly RV Parts display

1=B?>OF? Y (;HO;LS RV1=B?>OF? Y (;HO;LS Product Tips & OzarkSATURDAY Travels & Tales SUNDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

The presentations by J.D. Overstreet last approximately 20 minutes River Hills Traveler sponsored presentations last approximately 30 minutes The presentations by J.D. Overstreet last approximately 20 minutes River Hills Traveler sponsored presentations last approximately 30 minutes

11:00 am

Noon

J.D. Overstreet Noon RV SAFETY PRODUCTS J.D. Overstreet Tires; Safe Steps,RV SAFETY RV SafePRODUCTS Zone Tires; Safe Steps, 1:00 RV Safepm Zone

JoHills Schaper River Traveler

1:00 pm

Noon

J.D. Overstreet Noon WINEGARD J.D. Overstreet Satellite & Antenna WINEGARD Products Satellite & Antenna 1:00 pm Products River Hills Traveler

1:00 pm

River2:00 Hills pm Traveler J.D. Overstreet 2:00 pm DEMCO J.D. Overstreet Towing Products DEMCO Jo3:00 Schaper pm Towing Products River Hills Traveler

Ross 2:00 pm River HillsMalone Traveler J.D. Overstreet 2:00 pm RV SAFETY PRODUCTS J.D. Overstreet Tires; Safe Steps,RV SAFETY RV SafePRODUCTS Zone

J.D. Overstreet 7:00 pm WINEGARD J.D. Overstreet Satellite & Antenna WINEGARD Products Satellite & Antenna Products

Ross Malone River Hills Traveler

3:00 pm River7:00 Hills pm Traveler

Tires; Safe Steps, RV Safe Zone

3:00 pm

River7:00 Hills pm Traveler J.D. Overstreet 7:00 pm DEMCO J.D. Overstreet Towing Products DEMCO Towing Products

DonHills Corrigan River Traveler

11:00 am

Noon River Hills Traveler J.D. Overstreet Noon DEMCO J.D. Overstreet Towing Products DEMCO 1:00Products pm Towing RHT-3 Don Corrigan

1:00 pm 2:00 pm RHT-3

J.D. Overstreet 2:00 pm WINEGARD J.D. Overstreet Satellite & Antenna WINEGARD Products Satellite & Antenna 3:00 pm Products Don Corrigan River Hills Traveler

Noon

J.D. Overstreet Noon DEMCO J.D. Overstreet Towing Products DEMCO Towing Products

2:00 pm

J.D. Overstreet 2:00 pm WINEGARD J.D. Overstreet Satellite & Antenna WINEGARD Products Satellite & Antenna Product tips and Products

Ozark Travels & Tales will be presented in the corner RV SAFETY PRODUCTS of the vendor booth 7:00 Tires; Safepm Steps, area across from RV SAFETY RV SafePRODUCTS Zone Bill Thomas CampTires; Safe Steps, er Sales, Colmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RV Safe Zone and Van City

3:00 pm River7:00 Hills pm Traveler

OUTDOOR BOOKS:

Great travel companions Stop by our booth at the RV show and browse our big selection of regional and outdoor related titles. Chat with authors Ross Malone, Don Corrigan and Jo Schaper at our booth after their talks. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have their books or CD on hand that you can purchase and have signed by the authors.

River Hills Traveler

ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

Chesterfield RVers take tailgate for favorite charity

By BARBARA GIBBS OSTMANN parking lot, and break out the gas grill eekend trips to college for the tailgating party. football games is a “We put out tables and have a nice prime use for their RV time, but we keep it casual,” he in the fall, say Tom and says. “You can see things that are Jane Akers of Chesterfield. When we so elaborate you can’t believe it — talked to them, they were getting the chandeliers and chafing dishes.” motor home ready for a road trip to Oxford, Miss., for the Mizzou-Ole For a good cause Miss game. They take tailgating a step further, Neither of them is a Mizzou alum, using it as part of their company’s but the couple they’re going with has fundraising events for the Big Brother a son who plays for Big Sister (BBBS) Mizzou. “So we’ve program. Tom has picked up the pace been a volunteer for “It’s a great way to on Mizzou games,” BBBS for 40 years. says Tom. They travel. I like the benefits. “We set up the have season tickets home and the You’re not unpacking motor for the University of tailgate party outside your suitcase every Iowa games, because the office before the both their daughters fundraiser to get other day.” attended Iowa, and people involved,” — Tom Akers they go to other says Tom. The office colleges’ games, too, is Metal Exchange such as Louisiana Corporation, an State University in Baton Rouge. They industrial metals manufacturing and both grew up in Louisiana. trading company. Tom became semi “We just like football,” Tom says. retired at the beginning of this year. “We went to Fayetteville to see the They do a similar type of tailgate Auburn-Arkansas game in October event prior to a Cardinals baseball with friends, and I have to say we had game in the spring as part of the Bowl a lovely weekend there. I thought the For Kids’ Sake fundraiser for BBBS. Arkansas fans and the atmosphere The bowling team that raises the there were the nicest we’ve ever most money for BBBS wins tickets seen.” to a Cardinals game, and Tom and They enjoy tailgating, and the motor Jane treat them to a tailgate party home makes it convenient. They beforehand. usually overnight in the university

TAILGATING FOR A CAUSE — Tom Akers speaks to employees of Metal Exchange Corp., who are about to watch a Big Brothers Big Sisters video on the RVs outside television. Akers company participates the Bowl for Kids Sake fund drive for BBBS. The bowling team that collects the most money get tickets to a Cardinals game. Tom and his wife, Jane, give a tailgate party before the game. Photo courtesy of Tom Akers.

Jump right in When the Akers decided to buy a motor home about four years ago, they dove right in and bought a 40-footer from Byerly RV Center.“Don’t be afraid of jumping in,” says Tom. “I drove it off the lot and 300 miles to Alabama.” They knew that his retirement wasn’t too far off and they thought RVing would be a nice way to see North America, so they took the plunge. “We’ve seen a lot of North America when the children were young,” he says. “Now they’re raised and we have more time.” The Akers did have some prior

experience. They had rented an RV a few times before. As a young couple before their kids were born, they rented a motor home for four weeks in Europe. When the girls were 12 and 8, they repeated the trip. Now the girls and their families -- five grandchildren total -- live in Iowa and Wisconsin, so Tom and Jane use the motor home to go visit them. “It’s a great way to travel. I like the benefits. You’re not unpacking your suitcase every other day,” he says. “Our motor home, an Allegro Bus, is a small apartment on wheels. It’s very nice and has a dishwasher and washer/ Continued on Page 8

295 EAST 5TH ST. EUREKA MO. 63025 HWY 44 & 109 EXIT 264 800-878-3325 WWW.BYERLYRV.COM 636-938-2000 RV SHOW PARTS STORE

Our commitment to Parts & Service after the sale is one of the reasons Byerly is the largest motorhome and trailer dealer in Missouri! Manufactures include Tiffn, Thor, Forest River, Heartland, Keystone & Palomino.

BYERLY’s Service dept has doubled in size! We have 12 full service bays now open!

River Hills Traveler

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

Indefinite RV vacation morphs into second career

By BARBARA GIBBS OSTMANN hen Bill and Nancy Maack retired and started traveling full time in their RV, they intended to be “on vacation” indefinitely. Little did they expect to find a satisfying and fun second career that combines their passion for RV travel with their love of people. “In May of 2012, we rented our home in O’Fallon, Mo., to our daughter and her family, and we went full-time RVing,” says Bill. The Maacks joined a group RV trip to the Canadian Maritimes organized by Fantasy RV Tours (www. fantasyrvtours.com) in June 2012. “We liked the trip and they liked us,” says Bill. They were invited to attend a week of training in Nevada in November, and then served as unpaid interns on a training tour to the Rose Bowl Rally. Then they were hired as paid “tail gunners” (the couple in the RV that brings up the rear of the group) and trainees for their next two tours. After that, they graduated to “wagon masters,” or tour leaders. They’ve been on the road since and are still loving it. So far, they’ve tail-gunned a 37day trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; a trip to the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada; and a 48-day Alaska tour. They attended the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) convention/rally in Gillette, Wyo., as representatives for Fantasy

RV Tours. When we spoke to them for this story, they were getting ready to lead a caravan of 24 rigs to and from Cabo San Lucas. Next summer, they’ll lead a group to Alaska and back. “We’re

five years to talk him into taking the first tour. Now they are both hooked.

On the road Before retiring and hitting the road, Nancy was a primary school teacher

California. They used it for weekends or a month at a time. After they both retired and started wintering in warmer climes, “We decided we either had to get a bigger motor home or a divorce,” said Nancy. “A motor home was cheaper.” Their second motor home, a 30-foot Class A purchased four years ago, “is still petite by most RV standards,” says Bill, but it is just right for them. Both Bill and Nancy can drive it,

“We decided we either had to get a bigger motor home or a divorce. A motor home was cheaper.” — Nancy Maack

FROM TAIL GUNNERS TO TOUR LEADERS — Bill and Nancy Maack of O’Fallon, Mo.,, unexpectedly found a satisgying and fun second career leading RV caravans. Photo courtesy of Bill and Nancy Maack.

which was one of their criteria. “RVs are one, a truck, two, a house, that you bounce down the road. So lots can go wrong and you just have to learn to deal with things,” says Bill. Because you are driving your house around, you don’t want to go flying around corners and have stuff falling all over the place.

independent contractors, so we can say yes or no to each job they offer us,” explains Bill. “If you had asked us 10 or 15 years ago if we would be full-timing in our RV, we would have laughed at you,” says Bill. In fact, it took Nancy four or

Getting into RVing If want to get into RVing but don’t know where to start, a good place to begin is with a local club, says Bill. In the St. Louis area, he recommends Gateway Getaways, a chapter of Continued on Page 10

“EVERY ADVENTURE BEGINS WITH THE TURN OF A KEY.”

for 38 years. Bill was an independent tire dealer and franchise owner and worked in retail sales and management for Firestone. They bought their first 21-foot RV eight years ago while they were still working and living in southern

Call Toll Free to arrange your trip anywhere in the spring-fed Upper Current and Jacks Fork area.

For over 65 years MB Thomas has provided the St. Louis Area with the highest quality and satisfaction in RV Sales, Rental, Parts and Service. Our in-stock Sales Inventory includes Chateau, Hurricane, Wilderness and SkyCat and other Travel Trailers. Our fully equipped Service Department and Certified Technicians are capable of handling any year, make or model of RV you bring in. Come down and have a cup of coffee with us at the same location we’ve been for the last 65 years. Experience customer service the “old-fashioned way.” Not ready to buy? Try a weekend getaway in one of our ‘prepped just for you’ extra-clean Rental Units. We’ll meet you on the sales lot when you return!

Last working ferry in the Ozark Scenic Riverways

Come Floateawinothr &Us! Gene, El gard Marcus Mag

CABINS: Jason Place Campground CAMP: Jacks Fork Canoe Rental

Meet us on the banks of Jacks Fork and Current Rivers

Canoe Capital of the Ozarks!

We rent canoes year round.

Located Just South of Salem, MO www.currentrivercanoe.com

FLOAT THE BEAUTIFUL CURRENT & JACKS FORK RIVERS PUT IN OR TAKE OUT HERE!

Come Visit or Give us a call! Sales/Rental: 275 Lemay Ferry Rd. 314-631-5600 • 1-800-392-5655 Parts/Service: (Just north of Bayless Rd.) 314-631-3500 • 1-800-798-5655 St. Louis, MO 63125

• Rent Canoes • Riverside Camping • Jacks Fork Store • Family Friendly • Full RV Hookups • Group Camps • Convenient Location

M.B. Thomas on the Web: mbthomasrvsales.com

~ OUR BRANDS ~

Coming Soon - Dutchmen Trailers!

1-800-522-5736 1-800-333-5628 573-858-3228

1/4 mile east of Eminence on Highway 106 1-800-522-5736 573-858-3221

1-800-JACKSFORK

www.jacksforkcanoe.com

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

47 WEST TRAILER SALES, SERVICE & RENTALS 2294 W. Hwy 47 Troy MO 63379 1-866-464-5434 or 1-636-528-4301 www.47westtrailers.com

The 1/2 Ton Towable Specialists

Bunk Houses

Couples Trailers

Toy Haulers

Fifth Wheels

CHEROKEE • GREY WOLF • LAYTON JOEY • LAYTON RETRO • SANDPIPER Booking Now For Summer 2014 Travel Trailer Rentals!

RV Dealer Locator Map TAKE ME OUT TO THE GAME — Tom and Jane Akers take the best fund-raising bowling team for their favorite charity to a Cardinals game each year.

Semi-retirement means motor home will stay busy

Continued from Page 6 dryer.” Their opportunities to use the motor home were somewhat limited until this year because of work, although they did manage trips to Yellowstone, the Telluride (Colo.) Bluegrass Festival, short trips to Missouri state parks and visits to Branson with friends. This year, they have already made six trips of one week or longer to various states, including two weeks of hiking in Smoky Mountains National Park and a week at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fair. They’re planning a trip to the Northeast with the three oldest grandchildren next summer, plus several trips on their own. Jane, who was a schoolteacher before opting to be a stay-at-home mom for their daughters, doesn’t drive the motor home — by choice. But she does help with navigation, along with the GPS. The freedom that comes with a motor home is one of the main draws. Describing an upcoming trip in December, Tom says, “I’m going to head to Louisiana, and then go either east or west.”

Colman’s Country Campers 2 Fun St. Hartford, IL

47 West Trailer Sales 2294 W. Hwy 47 Troy, MO

Bill Thomas Camper Sales

101 Thomas RV Way Wentzville, MO

Apache Village RV 9001 Dunn Rd Hazelwood, MO

Byerly RV Center

M.B. Thomas RV Sales & Rental

295 E 5th St. Eureka, MO

275 Lemay Ferry Rd St. Louis, MO

Van City RV

Bourbon RV Center

3100 Telegraph Rd St. Louis, MO

133 Old Springfield Rd Bourbon, MO

Midwest RV Center

6200 Heimos Industrial Pkwy St. Louis, MO

Middleton’s RV 3441 US 67 S Festus, MO

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW

RV Model Listings by Dealer & Floorplan APACHE VILLAGE RV

Class A Motorhomes: Georgetown, Bounder Diesel Motor Homes: Discovery Pusher Class C Mini-Motorhomes: Jayco Sport Utility Trailers: Raptor Travel Trailers: Jayco, Bullet Easy Tow, Outback 5th Wheels: Jayco, Alpine, Avalanche, Outback Folding Camping Trailers: Jayco

BILL THOMAS CAMPER SALES

Travel Trailers: Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite, Rockwood Ultra Lite, Rockwood Mini-Lite, Salem, Rockwood Roo, Open Range Roamer, Prime Time LaCrosse, Open Range Journeyer, Prime Time Tracer, Open Range Light, Airstream Fifth Wheels: Cedar Creek, Columbus, Prime Time Sanibel, Open Range, Prime Time Crusader, Rockwood, Salem

BYERLY RV CENTER

Class A Motorhomes: Ace, Miramar, Challenger, Allegro Diesel Motor Homes: Palazzo , Breeze, Allegro Red, Phaeton, Allegro Bus Class C Mini-Motorhomes: Fourwinds Travel Trailers: Palomini, Solaire, Hideout, Passport, Laredo, Wildwood, Sprinter 5th Wheels: Laredo. Sprinter, Big Country Folding Camping Trailers: Palomino Base Camp Truck Campers: Palomino Back Pack

BOURBON RV CENTER

Travel Trailers: Denali, Dutchmen, Riverside 5th Wheels: Denali

COLMAN’S COUNTRY CAMPERS

Travel Trailers: Puma, Canyon Cat, Flagstaff Classic Super Lite, Flagstaff Super Lite, Flagstaff Micro -Lite, Flagstaff V-Liite, Shamrock 5th Wheels: Sabre, Sabre Silhouette, Flagstaff

47 WEST TRAILER SALES

M.B. THOMAS RV SALES

Sport Utility Trailers: Grey Wolf, Wolf Pack Travel Trailers: Layton, Cherokee, Grey Wolf, Sandpiper, Walkabout 5th Wheels: Layton, Cherokee, Sandpiper, Walkabout Class A Motorhomes: Hurricane, Axis, FR3 Class C Mini-Motorhomes: Chateau, Citation Travel Trailers: Aerolite, Skycat, Alumisky, Camp Lite, Wilderness Folding Camping Trailers: Quick Silver Truck Campers: Camp Lite

MIDDLETON’S RV

Dealer displays in America’s Center Exhibit Hall are keyed on the floorplan below

2 Seminars by Dealers Resource Group & River Hills Traveler

SHOW HOURS

Thursday 11 AM - 9 PM Friday 11 AM - 10 PM Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM Sunday 11 AM - 5 PM

10 5

January 9-12, 2014

Diesel Motor Homes: Leisure Travel Unity, Pleasure Way Ascent Class B Camper Vans: Roadtrek 190 Popular, Pleasure Way Pursuit, Pleasure Way Ascent

RV Adventure Travel Films

VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW

Class A Motorhomes: Winnebago Vista, Coachmen Mirada, Coachmen Pursuit Diesel Motorhome: Winnebago View Class C Mini-Motorhomes: Winnebago Aspect, Winnebago View, Coachmen Freelander, Coachmen Leprechaun Sport Utility Trailers: Keystone Raptor, Forest River XLR and Coachmen Freedom Express, Coachmen V-Tec Travel Trailers: Keystone Cougar X-Lite, Coachmen Santara, Coachmen Freedom Express, Coachmen Catalina, Coachmen Freedom Express, Coachmen Clipper, Coachmen Apex. Forest River R-Pod 5th Wheels: Keystone Raptor, Cross Roads Redwood, Keystone Montana, Keystone Mountaineer, Coachmen Chaparral, Keystone Cougar, Keystone Cougar X-Lite, Keystone High Country Folding Camping Trailers: Coachmen Clipper, Coachmen V-Tec

VAN CITY RV

Sport Utility Trailers: Keystone Fuzion, Forest River Work & Play, KZ Inferno, KZ Sportsmen Sportster, KZ MXT Travel Trailers: Forest River Flagstaff Classic, Forest River Flagstaff V-Lites, Forest River Flagstaff Super Lites, KZ Sportsmen, KZ Spree Escape 5th Wheels: Forest River Flagstaff, KZ Durango, KZ Stoneridge Folding Camping Trailers: Forest River Flagstaff

MIDWEST RV CENTER

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

Call Today to Reserve for Your Next Vacation!

Visit www.jqrvrental.com for: Rates Vacation Rental VIP Events Sporting Events Corporate Travel Production Rental w/ Driver

JQ RV Rental specializes in providing luxury coach rentals for a variety of personal and professional needs. Whether you want to make memories vacationing in style, have a production shoot needing refined accommodations, or looking for an incredible group day trip with a driver provided JQ RV Rental can deliver.

314-775-4988

jennifer@jqrvrental.com

Ask About Our Weekly Rental Special!

Bring Your RV To RiverView

River Hills Traveler

Maacks advise taking RV ownership in stages

Continued from Page 7 See the U.S.A. FMCA. The motor home club “Before we started RVing, we took organizes monthly outings in the a lot of cruises, a dozen or more, to spring and fall for weekend campouts. the South Pacific, Caribbean, Alaska. “The members provide lots of We loved it, but we decided about 10 advice and help,” says Bill. When years ago that we needed to spend the Maacks moved from southern our vacation money closer to home California to O’Fallon, and not overseas. they joined the club There is a lot of our to get to know people Don’t go out and spend country we want to in this area. For more $300,000 on your first see,” says Bill. “We information, visit www. decided we were rig. Start small and gatewaygetaways.org going to RV while or www.fmca.com. we were healthy go up. An RV club that and strong. You can — Bill Maack includes all kinds go on a cruise in a of rigs is Good wheelchair.” Sam, says Bill. For So far they chapters in Missouri, visit www. have RV’d in all but four states and missourigoodsam.com. all provinces of Canada except the Bill advises taking it a step at a time. Northwest Territories and Nunavut, “Don’t go out and spend $300,000 on says Nancy. State and national your first rig. Start small and go up. parks are great places to go, and Or, better yet, rent one and try it out inexpensive. before going off the deep end.” The Maacks have two daughters and He also recommends getting to six grandchildren. They enjoy taking know your local RV dealers. They the grandkids on outings. bought their motor home at Byerly “There are wonderful rivers in the RV in Eureka. “We really like them,” Ozarks that are great places to take says Bill. “Their service department kids for a weekend,” says Bill, and has been outstanding. And believe me, most have RV campgrounds. if you buy an RV, you’re going to be “We started as tent campers, before on a first-name basis with the service the kids were born and when they department. They have done a terrific were little,” says Nancy. With the RV, job for us.” “it is nice to have your own shower, your own bathroom and your own bed.”

Come Stay With Us and Sit a Spell....

Riverfront Resort

On the Banks of the Meramec River Just Down from Campbell Bridge Hwy. N • South of Bourbon

WHERE DO YOU WANT TOWeSTAY? camp your way here. No tiny concrete pads. This is real camping. We’ve got a swimming pool, well-stocked store, and electric hookups. Inside your RV, it’s home. Just a few steps, and you are on the banks of the Meramec, listening to the owl and blue heron.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO PLAY?

You play YOUR way here. Quiet. LOUD. Go for a hike on nearby Vilander Bluff, highest bluff on the upper Meramec. Put a boat on the water. Float. Swim. Strum your guitar. Party hard on one of our music weekends. Relax in the quiet the rest of the time.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO? From Riverview Ranch you are in easy driving distance of show caves, old iron furnaces, plenty of state park and conservation land, antiquing along I-44, local restaurants, Cuba -the Rt. 66 Mural City, the world’s largest rocking chair, and even St. Louis. Visit the city and sleep in the quiet under our stars.

It doesn’t matter what you tow. We’re an easy drive on hard road from I-44. Bring your camper truck, your pop-up, fifth wheel or full size motorhome. Have more people to meet? We have cabins, and tent sites, from river side to well above the river. We aim to please and beat all regular nearby pricing.

Visit www.riverviewranch.org or call 800-RIV-VIEW FOR MORE INFORMATION

OPEN YEAR ROUND

Only 150 yards from the Jacks Fork River! For reservations call

573-226-3893

Come and spend your vacation with us

•Cable TV •Heating & A/C •Playground Equipment •Laundromat • Full RV Hookups •Motel rooms & suites •Small Cabins (sleep up to 4) Large Cabins (sleep up to 10) •Story’s Creek Manor 3-BR ranch sleeps up to 12

Visit Scenic, Friendly Eminence:

• Elk Capital of Missouri

Coffee in Season

• Canoe Capital of the World

www.shadylanecabins.com PO Box 94 • N Hwy 19 • Eminence, MO 65466

River Hills Traveler

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

He soars when business doesn’t

By EMERY STYRON FLY LIKE AN EAGLE — Moments after launch, Kent Harman assumes prone flight profile. Photos courtesy of Kent Harman. ent Harman’s RV lifestyle which has large RV sites on the Gulf The trick is to find the thermals, in there at one time," Kent said. The enables him to see natural side of Key West for $15. Neighboring which Kent describes as "air filling Harman's grown children sometimes beauty at its most inspirbut cramped commercial sites go for stations." These rising columns of accompany them on trips. ing — and human nature at $120 per night. warmer air lift the hang-gliders and al The family enjoyed tailgating with its worst. Hang gliding is a technical sport, low them to stay aloft and cover more the RV at MU when both kids are in His custom-built Allegro Bus serves requiring extensive training and distance. school. both the business needs of Genetic certification similar to that for motor While gliders generally try to travel As an Army retiree, Harman tries Technologies, Inc., his forensic DNA ized aircraft pilots. Hang glider pilots in the same general direction to make to camp at milianalysis company use computers and GPS units to plot retrieval easier, sometimes plans go tary campgrounds and of his hobby courses and locations. Under the right awry. Kent recalled a flight in Idaho when possible. — hang gliding conditions, they may fly 100 miles in where every hang-glider went in a “They are from mountain a day. Continued on next page usually very nice ranges all over the places and the country. price is right — The hobby use • Parts 15 to 20 bucks 636.583.2244 Ofﬁce came first. Har• Accessories a night for full 888.733.3778 Road Service • Service man, a former hookups,” he 636.583.2147 Fax • Storage Army helicopter said. pilot who flew A favorite placin Desert Storm, SCENE OF THE CRIME — Genetic TechREPAIR | REBUILD | ROAD SERVICE nologies, Inc.’s RV is used in this case es is Key West was visiting with FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES & HORSE TRAILERS to transport the crew and equipment to Naval Air Station an Army buddy process a murder scene, then return to the (Boca Chica) 7819 HIGHWAY 47 SOUTH | UNION, MO 63084 | 3rrv.com at a winery at laboratory with collected evidence. Washington, Mo., seven years ago when the friend mentioned having hang glided in the 1970s. The two were both pilots and unafraid of heights. They decided then and there to take up the sport. After training at Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, Harman began travel to hang gliding venues from coast to coast: Owens Valley, the Mt. Whitney area of California, Sedona Valley in Arizona, the Grand Tetons in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming, King Mountain, in the Sun Valley area of Wyoming. That's where the RV came in handy. The Allegro pulls a H2 Hummer configured with racks to carry the hang-glider. When they reach the flying site, Kent uses the Hummer to get up and down the mountain. Wife Jami often parks the RV in fields with no electric hookups or service in sight. The all-electric QBH unit has two bathrooms and huge kitchen and pullout counters. It can handle a goodsized gathering. "We had 23 people

Call us toll free:

1-800-426-RAFT

STEELVILLE, MO Your Family Resort!

• LODGING • RAFTING • CANOEING • KAYAKING • TUBING • HIKING • GROUP PACKAGES

Pleasure Way Lexor Fully-Loaded Class B Motor Home Chevy Chassis built in Wentzville, MO Support your Missouri Auto Workers

3100 Telegraph Road St. Louis, MO 63125 800-467-3905 314-894-3905 www.vancityrv.com

12 2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE River Hills Traveler When it comes to camping, he’ll take the fifth (wheel, that is)

“I

By JO SCHAPER ’ve been camping my whole life,” said Dennis Beaver of St. Peters. “I camped as a kid. When I got married, my wife and I started out in a tent. Then we went to a slideout. And a fifth wheel, then a gas motorhome and a diesel motorhome. Now we’re back to a fifth wheel.” “We went from a 25’ trailer to a 31’ trailer and now a 40’ fifth wheel.” I like the fifth wheel because you don’t have to tow a car to get around after you get there. And you can get the advantages of a motorhome without

the expense.” The Beavers often camp with four to 10 other people. “I grew up camping with the neighbors, and sometimes we just took the neighbor kids with us. “What I like about a fifth wheel, is when you come back from a trip. My wife does and replaces the laundry. We repack any non-perishable food and supplies. Then when we’re ready to go we just load up the bicycles, the computer and the groceries and take off. You can take more with you, more than going to a hotel, and it’s all there, ready to go,” he said. Continued on next page

TIGHT SQUEEZE — Dennis Beaver would like park trailer pads to be just a few feet longer. He says it's hard to squeeze a 40-foot trailer and tow vehicle onto a 35-foot pad and keep off the grass. He bought his fifth wheel from Bill Thomas Camper Sales. Photo courtesy of Dennis Beaver.

GO TIGERS! — Kent and Jami Harman, center, tailgate with daughter, Maddison, left, and son Garrett, at an MU football game. Both children attended MU.

Harman’s RV does double duty Continued from previous page different direction. It was 1 a.m. before all the pilots were located.

The crime business Business is good for Harman’s company, Genetic Technologies, based in Glencoe, near Wildwood, Mo., where he lives. That has meant more use for the Allegro for DNA collection and transportation and less time for hanggliding. When we caught up with Kent for this story, he was explaining DNA evidende in courts-martial proceedings at Fort Campbell, Ky. Typically, Genetic Technologies is contacted by a local, state or federal law enforcement agency to come to a crime scene and gather genetic evidence. The RV is sent to the crime scene to transport equipment and

sometimes crew members, then store evidence and bring it back to the laboratory for processing. Collecting and analyzing boodstains from murders and DNA samples in sexual assault cases are all in a day’s work. Depending on distance and the number of people needed, the crew may fly to the scene while the RV is driven to to carry the necessary equipment and provide secure refrigerated storage and transporation to the lab. Harman is a long-time customer of Byerly RV Center, which is near his home and business. He's on his third RV and says he is sticking with Triffin products because of their reliability. If business slows down, Kent may not mind too much. His consolation is more time to soar with the eagles and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

Introducing the All New Leisure Travel Unity B+ Twin Bed, Corner Bed & Murphy Bed Models 3100 Telegraph Road St. Louis, MO 63125

800-467-3905 314-894-3905 www.vancityrv.com

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

Blind couple enjoy trailer camping

By JO SCHAPER evin Papin, Maplewood, cannot drive, but he owns a travel trailer. Both Papin and his wife Carole are blind, and he is deaf. “Cochlear implants,” he answered to the unspoken question when I called him. But their impairments have not kept them at home. The couple owns a 25-ft. Keystone Hornet, pulled by a 2011 Chevy Silverado crew cab truck. “We like to walk in the parks and enjoy being outdoors,” Papin said. “I fish, and I’m an arts and crafts volunteer instructor at the Dayspring Bible Camp near Ironton in the summer. The cabins down there were built in 1927, of wood, and they are a little mildewed or something. I figured I could get an RV and park it down there for a week or two, and that has worked out really well.” Papin’s cousin goes along on their trips as a driver and describer. “He tells us what he sees,” he said. “We’ve been all around. We’ve been to Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The last place we were at was Bennett Springs. I’m hoping that we will go to every Missouri state park. We go to listen to the wildlife. Some nights with the vent open the whippoorwills are really loud. I like it,” he said. “An RV is smaller than a house. You memorize where thing are,” he said, and ticked off the spaces inside the trailer. We bought this thing three or four years after we sold the farm. We enjoy traveling around. And tell them Tom Grass in service at Byerly helps us keep it in good shape.”

Beavers keep fifth wheel stocked for take-off any time they want

Continued from previous page Beaver goes to major lakes around the area, and on summer road trips. “If we want to take off for a weekend, we go,” he said. He said every unit he’s owned had to go back to the dealer after the first few shakedown trips. He’d found the dealers to be be nice about the repairs but faults the manufacturers for not getting the bugs out before shipping. He’d like to see more campgrounds

designed for bigger units. Many “don’t have enough full hookups, and the pads are too small, with too small turning circles. I’ve been up, helping others get parked, because they’re making noise,” he said. He took his complaints about Lake of the Ozarks State Park to the top. The state parks director said he’d look into it, he said. “I still love the camping in the fifth, wheel. There is no other way to go.”

Jungs like van’s small size, refinements

By JO SCHAPER se drove a VW pop-top for years and years,” Bob Jung, Kirkwood. “We’ve got a little too old for that, so we went to Dan to get a few more refinements on a van. I had three of those VWs over the last 30 years – it was a good vehicle.” Jung and his wife now own a Roadtrek RS Adventurous. Dan is Dan Dwyer of Van City RV Center. “It’s all self-contained. Everything is right there, bed and cooking; it has a shower and a toilet, things the pop-top didn’t. It’s not a huge vehicle and it’s still a van. I feel comfortable driving it around. The only downside is I can’t get it into a parking garage.” We haven’t had it all that long… we’ve been to a couple state parks and to Illinois. The only long trip we’ve done is 10 days to Door County, Wisconsin, and being self-contained made that trip cheaper.” The van gets 18 miles to the gallon.

Bob Jung’s ride

Jung’s outdoor passion is kayaking. He’s used to packing light for the journey. “It’s too high to put the boats on the roof. We’ve got the same small trailer for the kayaks as when we had the pop-top, and it still works out much better.” “We kept it smaller because we’re often off on gravel roads,” he said, “The unit has a generator and propane, so we don’t need hookups. I’m used to being out kayak camping for weeks, where you are on the water, like up north, making a different camp every night. This is different than that. It gets my wife to come along, and that’s great.” Jung is part of a four-family group that meets on weekends in Springfield Ill. The van works great for those gatherings, he said. “The best thing is you just drive up, pull out the barbecue and bikes and you’re ready to go.”

Big Sleeping Space? Little Space? No Space?

With more than 20 years mattress experience, and over 15 years fitting RV beds, we can build the ideal mattress for your vehicle.

Call us. We can handle it. Ask us about 2-Sided Mattresses

Sleeping Solutions for: Homes • RVs • Horse Trailers Trucks • Antique Beds • More

CROSS OVER THE RIVER FOR BIG SAVINGS! SERVING METRO ST LOUIS AND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

NEW AND USED UNITS SALES • PARTS •SERVICE

31 FKBSS

Canyon Cat

WWW.COLMANSCAMPERS.COM

618-254-1180

EXPANDABLES • TRAVEL TRAILERS POP-UPS • TOY HAULERS • FIFTH WHEELS

HARTFORD HOURS Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm

Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm CLOSED SUNDAY

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

How to stretch your travel budget south of the border

By EARL & LANNIS HANCOCK highways but we avoid them if pose don’t like resorts or sible. They are expensive and boring. cruises but We like the older roads love being that go through every town outdoors. square, cane field and Having a large family banana plantation. The and a blue collar budget roadbed is generally good forces us to be thrifty. and the scenery is National We’ve learned that your Geographic! Do bring a vacation money can go camera. a long way south of the Freelance camping is border. acceptable (except on a So what do you need Navy Base beach). Our to spend three months best memories are from touring Mexico without those places. Campgrounds breaking the bank? near Mayan ruins are cheap First and foremost, compared to gringo prices. don’t cross the border It is quite acceptable to without insurance! It is EARL SAYS beach huts are camp in Wal-Marts and by cheap as long as you avoid asking, at gas stations. In cheap, you can buy it by the day and avoids tourist areas. the mountains we just pull the hassles if you are in off the dirt road near a waan accident. If you've never driven to terfall or other buena vista. If the road Mexico, www.sanbornsinsurance.com wearies too much, a thatched hut on has all you need to know about money an isolated beach with toilet, shower exchanges, permits, passports and and kitchen starts at $350 a month. border crossing in one place. We don’t carry a lot of cash but have Mexico has great interstate-like two different debit/credit cards in case

one breaks or expires. Most cities Go to the library and look in the have ATMs but not always small viltravel section to find places you’d lages. Most towns have internet access like to see. When you find a promisfor about a buck an ing book or two, hour. Shops carry the buy them for your usual electronic stuff: journey. Get a pocket cell and camera batsized Spanish/English teries, memory cards, dictionary too. If you etc. don’t speak Mexi And the food is can, there is always fresh, delicious and someone nearby who wonderful. We mostly will be glad to help. eat local, but bigger Keep a daily journal. cities have familiar When you’re travelfast food. ing it’s easy to forget Two dry coolers are where you were last LANNIS ENJOYS playing her guitar our pantry and kitchTuesday. on one of their stops. Photos by en; one for dry goods Earl and Lannis Hancock. Winter is the best and the other for pots time to go south. Ask and utensils. We do not carry ice, but any bird. We’ve traveled from one carry a five-gallon plastic container side of Mexico to the other and befor water. In Mexico you can buy yond in the van, to Belize and up and good water everywhere. Diet soda can down Guatemala and down to Hondusubstitute for quenching thirst, brushras as far as the road goes Rainy seaing teeth and washing hands. We carry son is May to July, hurricanes happen a small fan that runs off the van batin November but January to March is tery for cooling. You are in the tropics. warm and sunny. Beach time! Carry a fly swatter.

RV DRIVE THROUGH BODY SHOP When you See Molly the Giraffe You know You’re Here!

•Full Service Center & Parts Store • RV Storage, Propane, Dump Station

COME OUT AND SEE US

We fix Cars, Trucks, Big trucks and Recreational Vehicles

3309 New Town Blvd.• St. Charles, MO 63301 636-724-2232 • www.bigrigbody.com RV REPAIR & BODY EXPERTS! • All Makes and Models •Însurance Claims & Extended Warranties

SHOCKING NEWS FLASH!

Treat yourself or buy a thoughtful gift for a friend, Clip the card relative or business associate

Subscribe to Traveler Missouri’s premier outdoor newspaper and get the premier history of Missouri’s wild weather FREE OFFER

ENDS HARD TO BELIEVE, ISN’T IT? Spend $19 and get an entertaining,, educational, advenbture-packed outdoor newspaper in MARCH your mailbox for full year PLUS this $18 book bristling with true stories of Missouri’s freakiest hailstorms, light31, 2012 ning strikes, blizzards and floods. IT’S FOR REAL. DON’T MISS THIS DEAL! A DEAL THIS GOOD CAN’T LAST FOREVER.

at right, fill it you It’an opportunity too good to miss. When subscribe, each issue costs just $1.73, compared to $2.59 plus tax on the newsstand. Save GET IN ON IT 34% and even more with a two-year subscripNOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! tion. Enjoy the convenience of home delivery WHEN THESE and never miss a single information-packed BOOKS ARE issue. GONE, THEY ARE BONUS: FREE access to our e-Edition and GONE! archives with your print subscription. ABOUT THE BOOK — Enter the pages of “Show-Me . . . Nature’s Wrath” and you’ll find yourself experiencing the horrors of destruction wrought by freak hail storms and fatal lightning bolts. It’s packed with tales of supercell tornadoes smashing into towns, drought and flood, blizzards and ice storms. Journalist Don Corrigan illustrates his history of Missouri’s worst weather with detailed photo illustrations and newspaper front pages. “ShowMe . . . Nature’s Wrath” is both a historic chronicle of the forces of nature and a prized keepsake. 200 pages, soft cover.

Here’s my Subscription. Rush my FREE copy of Nature’s Wrath

Name ________________________________________________________________ Addrress______________________________________Phone ____________________ City______________________________________State________Zip ______________ q 1 Yr. $19 q 2 Yr. $33 q New q Renewal (Please add $3.50 for shipping) Enclosed is: q My check q My credit card information as follows: Kind of Card_______ Account Number__________________________________________ Expiration Date_____________Email ___________________________________________ E-Edition access included free with all print subscriptions

If this is a gift subscription please provide this information on the giver Name __________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________Phone _________________

City__________________________________State________Zip _________

Where do we ship your free book? q Send book to me q Send book to gift recipient

River Hills Traveler

Send to P.O. Box 245, St. Clair, MO 63077

Phone orders welcome. Call Jo at 1-800-874-8423 ext. 2

River Hills Traveler

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

$14,995

SHOW SPECIAL JAY 10% down, $132 per month FEATHER 144 months SLX with approved credit

CINNAMON PREMIUM PAINT

SHOW SPECIAL $12,495 10% down, $126 per month 144 months with approved credit

JAY FLIGHT SWIFT SLX

2014 ST. LOUIS RV VACATION & TRAVEL SHOW GUIDE

River Hills Traveler

N ’ O S T R E V L , D IN C D I M . US Hwy 67- Festus, MO 63028 1 4 4 3 ddletonrv.com • 866-583-7600 i m . w ww

2014 New FLOOR PLANS IN STOCK!

We WILL NOT Be Undersold on Flagstaff Campers!!!

R STE

SPO

Your Toy Hauler SUPERCENTER

Our New Lines:

COME SEE US IN FRIENDLY FESTUS, U.S. 67 JUST SOUTH OF I-55 JCT.

BRING IN THIS AD DURING 2014 & RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT ON PARTS