What is Your Medical RVing Plan

Monday I went in for my annual physical exam while RVing down in Arizona. The doctor asked me about my RV lifestyle and discovered I wrote articles for RVers. He suggested that I write an article about RVing with a medical plan. He told me that many RVers plan for everything else like getting their mail on the road, but they fail to make a medical plan for their RVing adventures. He suggests that if you are going to be away from home for any length of time you should make provisions with your primary care physician to have enough medication while you travel. He says he sees many snowbirds who come in for prescriptions because they didn't think about it before they left home. If you're a full time RVer it's critical that you have a medical plan. We receive medical care all over the country as need arises, but we still maintain a relationship with our primary care physician in Oregon. We get our prescriptions in a three month supply through a mail order pharmacy. We either have it sent general delivery to a post office where we'll be or we have it delivered to our mail forwarding service. Either way, we plan well in advance so we don't run out of medication on the road. Another good idea is to have all your important medical information with you in a file. Things like your physician's name, address and phone number, medical insurance cards and a list of prescriptions you take. Full timers should have a duplicate medical file with them and each time they are seen by a different physician, ask for a copy of the record to include in their portable medical record. Even RVers who travel only on the weekends should have extra medicine and basic medical information handy in case of emergency. Access to medical care while traveling is important so help yourself by being prepared. Giving you a check-up on your RV medical readiness - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Climb Aboard An RV Time Machine

I was at the Quartzsite RV show and this bus conversion caught my eye as I was returning to my campground. I made an Arizona “U” turn in the middle of the road and made a bee-line towards it. It looked like something from another planet had landed in Quartzsite. Where did this unusual looking RV come from? The year was 1946 and workers in Loudnville, Ohio were busy turning out buses for public transportation. It was called the Flxible (and no, I didn’t misspell the name). This vintage American bus carried passengers all over the country during it’s time and since it was built for hauling passengers long distances while seated, it didn’t have very much head room. Folks who convert these buses usually lower the floor so they can comfortably walk around inside. The Flxible company became famous for making a motorcycle sidecar that leaned with the motorcycle. Converting an old bus into an elegant RV can be a challenging task for the simple reason that they no longer make replacement parts. As I entered Bob and Terri Rowsell’s bus conversion I felt like I was stepping back in time. They chose the decor of a vintage late 40’s to early 50’s diner. Note the authentic dining room table and bar stool complete with a table-side jukebox. The floor is a classic black and white checkered tile where their dog Jenni likes to spread out. Check out this plush bedroom with up-lighting and elegant woodwork. The bathroom is open and nicely appointed. Moving back towards the front you notice the metal ceiling and the view out the front windshield. “Honest Bob” enjoys driving this work of art and is completely at home in this ancient cockpit. The lines on this classic bus are fabulous. The wheel well covers by themselves bring your mind to the bygone era of art deco streamlined designs. The Flxible Owners International Club meets every two years in Loudnville, Ohio and forms a parade of these RV conversions and like a line of ducks in a shooting gallery they rolls through five Ohio towns where workers who built these machines lived. One of these RV owners told me that during one of these parades an elderly gentleman came out to his bus and with a tear in his eye, handed him a set of keys and said, “I built this bus and here is the extra set of keys I’ve had all these years as a reminder.” Quartzsite was the place where the club chose to hold their rally this year. Fortunately for me I was there at the same time. This is the back of Richard Quisenberry’s 1947 bus conversion. Many other notable old coaches were present as well. These old coaches are an amazing tribute to a bygone age and our insatiable love affair with motorized transportation. They have the power to connect the past with the present and it makes you feel good inside knowing a few of them survived the junkyards and are still in service. Climb aboard and leave the driving to me - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Stroll With Their Pets

At the Quartzsite RV show I saw lots of RVers with pets. They didn’t want to leave them in the RV and certainly didn’t want to leave them in the hot car so they brought them along. When you want to take you pet with you to an outdoor event where there are lots of people (like an RV show, picnic, or outdoor concert) it’s nice to have the PETStroller by Kittywalk Systems Inc. You don’t have to worry about your pet winding themselves around the legs of the person you are trying to talk with because they are happily relaxed in their carriers. Here Joy Marshall puts her Cockerpoo Toby into the double decker version. This unit holds up to 50 pounds of pets. The carriers can be removed from the stroller and used to safely transport your pets in back of your vehicle. Each carrier has a thick washable foam pad for your pet’s comfort. The stroller folds up for easy storage and has locking safety brakes on the rear wheels. Speaking of wheels, these are large and heavy duty yet allow for easy maneuverability. You might want one of these double decker units even if you only have one pet because you can use the empty unit for storing your extra stuff. You can pick this up on the internet for $199.00 plus shipping. They also have single models that come in pink and blue. Order one of these units by contacting Larry & Joy Marshall at (541) 488-3121 (9 to 5 Pacific time) or visit their website here FunLifestyles. Helping keep your pets mobile - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Can Have Awning Accessories Galore With TwinTrak

Every once in a while I run across an RV idea that I say, “Man, I wish I would have thought of that.” This is one of those ideas I discovered at the Quartzsite RV show. RVer Dennis Nestor from Medford, Oregon decided he wanted more stuff hanging from his RV awning. Unfortunately his awning tube only had one utility track used for his pull down strap. Necessity being the mother of invention gave birth to the idea of add-on tracks. Dennis designed the RV TwinTrak to solve this problem. With this system you can insert a shade in one track and a rope light in the other for a clean finished look. Simply slide the RV TwinTrak into the existing awning utility track and you instantly double the capacity. The package comes with six lengths of track each three feet in length. 18 feet of track is in the cardboard storage cylinder. If you need more stuff hanging from your awning simply double-up on the tracks. Dennis sells these for $34.95 plus shipping (no tax since it's from Oregon). This product is made in the USA and is a light weight easy to carry addition to your RV gear. You may contact Dennis at (541) 301-0067 or visit his website here TwinTrak. Helping you spice up your outside decor - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Enjoy Day Trips to Algodones, Mexico

Yuma, Arizona is home to thousands of RV snowbirds who can easily cross the border to visit the Mexican merchant village of Algodones. RVers come to this little Mexican town for dental work and to buy cheap name brand pharmaceutical drugs. Many common drugs are sold over the counter without a prescription. Unfortunately, some folks are afraid to venture into Mexico. Perhaps this story will convince you that it’s a safe and rewarding adventure. Yes, that's me standing out in the street in Mexico. It’s best to go to Algodones early in the day because the line to leave is usually shorter in the morning. Park in the Indian reservation parking lot for $5.00 per car (RV parking is also available and costs more). It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the entry point. Most folks walk because the shopping is close to the entrance. (You may take your car into Mexico, but you'll need to purchase additional insurance coverage). Mexico doesn't check anyone coming into Algodones. The town is clean and handicap accessible. There is a clean (and free) public restroom to the right immediately after you cross the border. Algodones prides itself in keeping a neat appearance (by Mexico standards) and strives to keep their customers (US and Canadian visitors) happy. Once you’re in the village just stroll around and visit the vendor booths and stores. You’ll find a huge assortment of colorful ceramic souvenirs. You’ll see artists painting and can view and purchase their work in US or Canadian currency. There’s also an abundance of traditional Mexican blankets available. Dental offices are everywhere you look. I stopped into one office and spoke with the dentist and asked him what the education requirements were for dentists in Mexico. Dr. Martinez, D.D.S. told me that he had to go to 4 years of dental school and one year of residency. Many RVers have their dental work done here because it’s much cheaper than in the US. Another draw of this little town is the pharmacy trade. My friend and fellow RVer Harley Mason from Guildhall, Vermont is standing in front of one of these pharmacies. These pharmacies are modern and well organized. You need to be selective in your drug shopping because not everything is cheaper here, but you’ll find good deals on name brand drugs that you use every day. Vendors hawk their wares by saying things like, “What you looking for?” “You like to buy something for your wife?” and it can get a little annoying. Just smile and say, “No, thank you” and move on - they won’t be offended, it’s all part of the Mexican merchant culture. If you find something you like offer a lower price and do a little dickering, it’s expected. You're only allowed to cross the border with 3 bottles of pills per person, and when you leave with all your purchases you’ll stand in line for a while waiting to go through US customs. Strike up a conversation with the people around you and find out where they're from. The US customs officers will ask you for ID (I used my passport) and they’ll also ask what you purchased. Once you finish with them you’re back to the parking lot and off to Yuma for lunch. It’s safe, fun and can save you money. Go with a group of friends from the campground and you’ll have a great time. Exploring border to border - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Have the Power to Save Lives With This Device

Many RVers are over 50 years old and are susceptible to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). As one of the leading causes of death in the United States SCA kills 340,000 people each year. In fact SCA kills more people each year than breast cancer, prostrate cancer, house fires, hand guns, traffic accidents and AIDS combined. Your chance of survival without the rapid application of a defibrillator is less than 5%. The Heart Start defibrillator delivers the necessary electric shock to restart the heart. Ron Fonstad was demonstrating this unit at the Quartzsite RV show this week. You may contact him at (951) 265-6272 for more information about this machine. My oldest son is an EMT certified fireman and a strong advocate of these machines. They will save lives and are simple to use. Just pull the pads off the machine and a voice from the machine will tell you what to do. Follow the directions and you can save a life even if you don’t know how to put on a bandage. Watch this video to give you a better understanding of how these amazing lifesaving machines work. These small portable units will fit just about anywhere in your RV and sell for $1,559 plus tax and shipping. This machine, made by Philips, is the number one selling portable defibrillator in the world and the only one available without a prescription.

Sparking your thinking everyday - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Big Screen TV in a Small RV? No Problem

Where are you going to put your TV in the RV when February 2009 rolls around and analog TV is gone for good? Now RVers can take along a big screen HDTV by storing it on the ceiling. Brian Lewis from Georgetown, Texas is changing the way you watch TV in your RV. He invented HD Locker which mounts a 37 inch flat screen TV snugly to the ceiling of your RV. The system has an integrated pneumatic counterbalance that assists in lowering and stowing the TV. The unit can slide the TV 24 inches front to back for optimal viewing. The patent pending mounting system will support up to 800 pounds without damaging the RV roof. Since the unit weighs less than 100 pounds with the TV installed it poses no problem for your RV. The majority of installations are flush with the ceiling, but HD Locker can also be mounted so it doesn’t quite touch the ceiling allowing ample room for lights and air vents. Check out Brian’s website here HD Locker.

Keeping you UP on new RV technology - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Coach Lift Makes RVing Possible for Disabled

RVing is much easier for handicapped persons these days thanks to products like the Coach Lift. Tom Finklea and his father invented the Coach Lift for his mother who suffered from polio. The lift allowed her to enter and exit the RV with ease. Turns out this invention was just what many folks needed to better enjoy the RV experience. Tom has been producing these lifts for 20 years selling over 4,400 units so far. The lift runs off 12 volts so it works on RVs, boats, tractors, airplanes, vans, 18 wheelers and just about any application you can think of. Tom recognizes that everyone has a different situation and may need a custom designed lift. He invites you to call him to discuss your situation personally. This lift can be removed in less than two minutes from your RV to be used in other applications such as a cabin entrance or the back porch of your home. Tom can even match the pole to your coaches color scheme. The chair easily lifts off for storage while traveling. The lift can be made to extend up to 12 feet. Tom says that in 20 years they’ve never had an accident. You can check out his website here CoachLift.
Thanks, Tom, for bringing such an important product to market. Helping you get a leg up - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Plug-n-Play Tail Lights Make RVing Easier Than Ever

RVer Christy Anderson shows off the new TowMate designed specifically for RVers to use on towed vehicles. This product is the world’s only full functioning wireless taillight system. You get separate stop lights, turn signals and tail lights all in one 22 inch RV light stick powered by a rechargeable battery pack. Just plug in the 12 volt recharger when you’re done driving. The batteries will operate for up to 20 hours on one charge. These taillight wireless sending units fit into standard taillight plugs. The bright LED lights can be mounted as far as 100 feet from the sending unit. This unit is available with a suction cup or magnetic mount. They also have an elevated suction cup system that holds the light stick above a spoiler on the trunk lid. Bryan Anderson has been selling wireless taillight systems to the tow-truck industry for a while and designed this new system especially for RV use. This was their first time showing this product at an RV show, so I thought I would bring this new technology to your attention. TowMate carries a lifetime warranty on the electronic components and costs $395 dollars. For more information call them toll free at 800-680-4455 or visit their website here TowMate. They also make a 15 inch light stick for smaller vehicles. If you have more than one vehicle you would like to tow or a utility trailer, this may be the perfect product because you can easily use this system on any vehicle you tow. Transmitting to you wirelessly from RV-One somewhere in the Arizona desert - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Storm the Quartzsite RV Show on Day One

RVers make Quartzsite, Arizona what it is. I can write all day about it describing the sights, sounds and smells that are Quartzsite, but I couldn't do it justice like a piece of video. On a hot day the big tent reeks of human body odor. Fortunately for me it was morning and slightly cool. Lots of bodies packed into a big tent and the grounds immediately outside the tent are what welcome you to the RV show. People with PA systems hawking knives, cookware and all manor of gadgets (as seen on TV) are ever present. When you stand still and shut your eyes at this show you immediately become aware of the volume created by a multitude of human voices and the eerie carnival-like atmosphere. Some people come here and never return believing "once is enough." Others, like myself, are irresistibly drawn to these events where you are surrounded by a sea of people. I dig it! So, to give you an even better close-up look at Quartzsite and the RV show load up the video below and come exploring with the Professor.

Keep coming back this week as I show you some very cool products I ran across at the Quartzsite RV show. Coming to an RV show near you - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Roll Into Quartzsite As the RV Show Begins

RVers from Canada, enjoying a favorable exchange rate due to the falling value of the US Dolar, have flocked to Arazona. Bob Billing from Beiseker Alberta, Canada spent a month in Yuma before coming to Quartzsite and reports fewer Americans there this year and the same for Quartzsite. Norm Rieger the campground host at Hi Jolly, the free 14 day BLM boondocking campground on the outskirts of Quartzsite, reports that the RV population in all the BLM areas from Yuma to Quartzsite is down quite a bit this year. He told me that prior to the Quartzsite RV show his campground (normally packed like sardines) was down to only 50 units. On Friday afternoon, the day before the RV show began, I noticed that the campground began filling up. I interviewed many vendors at Rice Ranch (located just across the highway from the big tent where the large shows are held) and they reported that this is the slowest year in memory. Many vendors are going broke and may not be back next year. Gordon Ickerman, manager of the Rice Ranch vendors and campground for the past 21 years, told me that RV attendance at Quartzsite is down over 50% this year. His RV park was not even close to being full on Friday afternoon. I spoke with a Beaudry RV salesman and he said sales were soft and very few people were shopping for RVs this year. Here I am with Mary Lindsey an ice-cream vendor at Rice Ranch. Her and her husband Jake report that sales have been way down. Overnight, it seems, RVers began rolling into the area and the opening day of the RV show was packed.Traffic jams near the big tent parking area were just as bad as years past. The big tent seemed to be crowded with people. I’ll need to check back with some of the vendors at the end of the week to see if attendance was good or whether this was just a first day spike. I have a notebook full of new products and ideas from the Quartzsite RV show, so stay tuned as I cover these stories in the days ahead. On the road somewhere in Arizona - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Stay Warmer While Staying Put

RV-One is on it’s way to Quartzsite, Arizona today so I’ve posted this for your reading pleasure. Whether your RV is a travel trailer, 5th wheel or motorhome it’s a pain to move it when you’re set up to stay a while. You’ve got the awnings deployed and secured, patio mats nailed down complete with flower pots and lights. Your patio furniture is set up, the ladder out, your bikes off the mount, windshield covers on, the blue-boy under the coach and, well you get the picture. Now, you discover you’ve run out of propane. If you have reasonable access to the propane cylinders you can easily remove them and take them in for refill without dragging along the RV. Most motorhomes don't have removable LP cylinders so they either have to drive to the propane or have it delivered to their site. Many RV parks allow propane dealers to bring their trucks through their parks to service motorhomes. If, however you are out of reach of this kind of service, you’ll need an extended stay propane kit. This kit costs about $75 dollars and comes with a tee and a five foot length of extension hose. (Google “RV extended stay LP kit” and you’ll find many vendors). Bill Cook from Waupaca, Wisconsin was my RV neighbor this past week. He uses this extended stay setup and reports that when temperatures have been hovering around 30 degrees at night, he gets about 13 days of propane use out of his extra seven gallon LP tank. Bill mounted the extended stay tee between the regulator and the motorhome LP tank. He rigged a long bolt to lift and brace the regulator to line up with the tee and the motorhome LP tank valve fitting. You can also add additional tanks using extra LP pigtails. The tee has screw-in plugs to secure the openings for travel. This tee will also allow you to hook up additional LP devices. For instance you can purchase an additional hose with fittings to operate a BBQ, lantern or stove. Just connect it to the tee and you’re ready to go. With this system you can also use an external large capacity tank. Propane distributors will sell or rent these if you need one for a longer stay. Often State Parks and RV Parks offer the use of these tanks to their work-campers as part of their contract. Helping you expand your gas capacity - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV Desk Does Double Duty

What do you do if you need two desks in your RV but don’t have the space? Here’s the desk I recently completed. I used 9 ply birch for the drawers (check out those nice dovetails - RV manufactures take note). The desk is made of walnut (gold is cheaper) and stained to match the rest of the aged walnut in the coach. I wanted to utilize my passenger seat while we weren’t driving, so I decided to make it do double duty as an office chair. I have three deep drawers on my side and Mrs. Professor has two drawers on her side. Why was I stingy with her? The explanation lies in the heating vent that passes through the desk where she would have otherwise had a drawer. I offered her the comfortable chair, but she wanted a straight back chair to better support her back. So, I have to suffer with three drawers and the powered leather chair. The middle drawers sport a lateral file on the bottom and a printer and supply drawer on top. The electric is secured on the wall of the desk behind the bottom drawer. The keyboard trays are on standard full extension drawer glides. The mouse extension tray is mounted on drawer glides and installs with ease. To close the keyboard tray just lift off the mouse tray and push back the drawer glide supports. If you have a few carpentry skills and access to an adequate wood shop (like at a relatives house) you can make any custom RV furniture you need. Now I have a nice work center where I continue to crank out great articles about the RV lifestyle. From the Desk of the Road Scholar - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Please Clean Up After Your Pets

RVers with dogs have a duty to clean up after Fido. Dealing with the poo from the pooch requires you think ahead and bring along a plastic bag or some suitable device for scooping. If you don't pick up after your dog you're a Neanderthal. So look at yourself in the mirror and if you have a unibrow you know why. Picking up after your pet is easier than ever with these plastic bag dispensers that attach to the dog's leash. You can get a retractable leash with a dispenser built right into the handle. They are available at Camping World and other vendors. Keep a couple replacement bags on hand to refill your dispenser. Several times I've walked into our RV (usually after dark) only to realize that I've tracked in poo on my shoe. Please, pick up after your pets - it does matter!

Check out this great online source for bags and other traveling pet goodies - with free shipping even!

Helping keep the campground clean - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Unwinding RV Hose Facts

RV hose selection is crucial to your RV enjoyment. Rule #1: Always use a clean white RV/Marine hose for your fresh water supply. Rule #2: Never use your clean white RV/Marine hose for any other purpose. Rule #3 Always use a different color hose for everything else. Why is this important? Water entering your RV should be as clean as possible. If you use just any old hose you'll introduce bacteria into your water system. If you faithfully use this color distinction method on your RV you'll save yourself a lot of misery. You don't want to stick your white hose down the toilet to wash it out then hook it back up to your fresh water system. (I know that was gross, but it brings home the point). Store your white hose away from sewer hoses and connectors. When you roll it up it's a good idea to screw the two opposing ends together. This prevents water left in the hose from leaking out and keeps the hose ends clean. You can choose from several varieties of hoses at your local RV store or WalMart. I use the NeverKink self-straightening hose. These hoses cost more but last longer and they kink less than other brands. They aren't "kink-free" only "less kinky" overall. I also prefer the 5/8 inch diameter and carry a 50 foot and two 25 foot lengths. I also carry a short 10 foot hose for close-in hook-ups. Many times I've needed to hook up several lengths of hose to reach the RV. I've never used the flat type hoses because everyone I've asked didn't like them. If you've used these flat type hoses, double click on the blue "comments" section below and tell us about your experience with them. It could be they are victims of a bad rap. When I wind up a hose for storage I use a bungee with a knob and roll them hand-over-hand and fasten the coil with another bungee. If you want to spend some money you can invest in an automatic hose reel that will keep your hose nice and tidy. It's important to inspect your hose from time to time to ensure the washer is flexible and not cracked. If the washer looks warn, replace it. It's also a good idea to periodically run a bleach/water mixture through your fresh water hoses to kill any bacteria. This is especially important if you have not used your hoses for a long period of time. Many RVers carry a spray bottle with a bleach/water mixture to spray on the new campsite faucet prior to hooking up the fresh water hose. You never know when Fido has been there before you. Keeping it reel - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing and Road Scholar

RVing Creates Unique Opportunities for Portable Hobbies

I enjoy seeing the country through the windows of our RV and I especially like wildlife sightings. I enjoy the antelope in Wyoming, the moose in Maine, gators in Florida, eagles in Oregon, sea otters in California and roadrunners in the deserts of the great Southwest. One of our hobbies is bird watching. Well, not that kind of bird watching, no, we’re out in the field with binoculars and a bird book. Two days ago I saw a roadrunner cross the street in front of me (actually he was walking). I started thinking about the fact that RVing allows us to travel all over North America enjoying a hobby that would not be practical otherwise. In order to see birds of many different species you either have to wait for them to come to you or you have to go to where they are. If you’re stuck in one geographical area, then you’ll be limited on how many types of birds you’ll see. We photograph as many birds as possible and print them out and put them in a binder along with information about the places we saw them. It acts as a kind of a RV travel log. After we spend some time in Arizona where I’ll be reporting on the happenings in Quartzsite, we’ll be headed across to Texas and down to the Rio Grand Valley to photograph the birds of that region. Many RVers enjoy hobbies on the road like photography, geocaching, biking, painting, boating, off-roading, fishing, needlepoint, golf, scuba, racquet sports, astronomy, history, writing, and genealogy studies to name a few. Some hobbies aren’t very portable and not well suited for the RV lifestyle, but for rock-hounds, history buffs, artists and golfers RVing opens up a whole new world of possibilities. An RV allows you to bring your transportation, hotel, luggage, hobby gear and dining facilities with you wherever you go at a fraction of the cost. If both husband and wife have portable hobbies they take along in the RV they’ll be more satisfied with the RV lifestyle. Hobbies add to your overall quality of life, so next time you go RVing, bring them along. With a birds-eye view on portable hobbies - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Benefit From Credit Cards, Debit Cards and ATMs While on the Road

When my grandparents were full-time RVers back in the early 80’s they had the advantage of credit cards but still had to write physical checks and pay the bills by mail. Today you can pay your credit card bills over the phone or by internet. Also, ATM machines are ubiquitous providing modern RVers with multiple access points to cash and banking services.My brother-in-law calls these crisp $20 bills "Yuppie Bucks." Modern banking has greatly enhanced the RV lifestyle but there are hazards to avoid. From the time American Express issued their first credit card in 1958 quickly followed by the BankAmericard (now VISA), Americans have been relying more and more on easy credit. According to the Federal Reserve the average American family has two to eight credit cards and carries a balance equal to 5% of their annual income. Approximately 40% of Americans pay their credit cards off monthly (which is good practice). My recommendation is to carry as few credit cards as possible. The fewer cards the less tracking you have to do and spending less time on the phone and more time enjoying RVing. Two years ago I purchased a new set of tires for my 5th wheel somewhere in Montana. Since I’m from Oregon my credit card company didn’t want to approve the $1200 charge until they spoke with me in person. Credit card fraud is a big problem so you may need to go through this drill from time to time. When I interviewed American Express spokesperson Monica Beaupre she recommended RVers use a mixture of payment options when traveling including credit cards, Debit/ATM cards, travelers cheques and cash. You’ll need the cash for meals, tips, shopping, refreshments, entertainment and incidentals. Using a credit card is a great way to track your spending and provide a record of all your purchases. Today credit card companies like American Express offer travel insurances including purchase protection, dispute resolution, emergency assistance, and 24 hour card replacement if lost or stolen. You can also enroll in credit card programs that offer incentives like cash-back, air miles and various other rewards. The average credit card interest rate in America is around 13.5%. Be aware that some credit card companies like Discover use the Two-Cycle Average Daily Balance method of computing finance charges which effectively doubles your charges when compared to the standard APR computation method. Bottom line, pay off your balance on time each month and you won’t have to worry about those nasty finance charges. Charging down the RV road - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

A Multifunction Work Table Perfect for RVers

I stopped at Costco a few days ago to pick up some toilet paper for the RV. I like TP from warehouse type stores because it's usually cheaper and comes in a convenient bail that stores neatly in my RV storage compartments. OK, you're probably asking, does he use plain off-the-shelf TP in his RV? Yes, I do and I've never had a problem. I also don't use tank chemicals and we've never had a problem with odor, but that's a story for another day. Since I was in Costco I happened down the tool isle and saw this table. As you know by now, I appreciate multifunction items for the RV lifestyle because if you can carry one thing that does the job of three others you eliminate extra weight and have more available storage space. This table is falls squarely into this category. It's tough enough to be used as scaffolding for cleaning those hard to reach places on your RV. It's also a handy work table for those occasional projects that require cutting, sanding and the use of power tools. It can also be converted into a patio table suitable for an afternoon game of scrabble. When the game is over, turn it into a BBQ table where you can torch up some of those lip-smackin' baby-back ribs. It folds up into the size of the display box and has an easy carry handle. Costco sells them for $89.99. This is the kind of multi-use equipment RVers prize. With more gadgets than a Swiss army knife - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Tip for RVing in the High Desert

We’re RVing in the high desert of Southern California (Edwards Air Force Base to be exact). When the sun goes down out here so does the temperature. Early this morning I was reminded we’re camping in Test Pilot heaven as I was awakened by a sonic boom. Ahhh, the smell of jet fuel in the morning just makes my day! I must apologize for my tardiness in my daily blog, I ran into an electrical problem in my coach that put a crimp in my computer time. I lost the power in all my 110 electric plugs in the front of my coach which means more troubleshooting for the Professor tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s your tip for RVing in cold climates. Take along a few lengths of pipe insulation to use on your water hose. It was 26 degrees the other night and my water continued to flow. In the high desert pipe insulation is usually enough to keep your water flowing. Some folks let the water faucet run at a slight trickle during the night to keep warmer water flowing through their hoses. I don’t particularly like this idea because the water will either fill your tank (if the valve is closed) or freeze in your flexible sewer hose. So, I opt for the insulation route and avoid both problems. The insulation is split and all you have to do is open it and slip in the hose. In the high desert the sun comes out and warms everything up and thaws any ice that might have formed during the night. In colder climates where above ground water pipes stay frozen all day, I recommend using electric heat tape along with pipe insulation. In a couple days we'll be heading for warmer digs. Chillin’ in the high desert - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Are You Secure With Your RV Entry Locks

How long does it take for a criminal to pick your RV dead-bolt lock? About 10 seconds using a technique called “lock bumping.” This is not new to locksmiths, but now criminals can purchase special “bump keys” on the internet that allowing them to easily open your dead-bolt locks. What can you do about this? First off, you need to know that no lock is burglar-proof. If a thief wants into your RV and no one (or dog) is there to stop them, chances are high he will get in. The vast majority of criminals are not the sharpest knives in the drawer and they are more than likely looking for random targets of opportunity. Most of these slime-balls are drug addicts looking for cash or something to hawk for a quick buck. RVs are not a criminal’s first choice for loot unless it’s parked in an isolated location and no-one is around to see them enter or exit. However, since the lock bumping technique is catching on, a thief can enter an RV so quickly and quietly most people wouldn’t notice. Watch this informative video on lock bumping.

This technique is very effective on dead-bolts so as your second line of defense always lock both your standard RV entry lock and your dead-bolt. This makes it more difficult for the thief and sometimes that’s enough to deter them. Another thing you can do is to install a new “bump-proof” dead-bolt. I find that many RVers depend on their dead-bolt only and often their regular RV entry lock is not used or is broken. I suggest you repair or replace your broken RV entry lock. It’s easy to do, first remove the faceplate retaining screws, the side screws (and guide-bolts if any are present). Use a sharp utility knife and cut the caulking on the outside lock housing. Remove the unit and take it to the RV store with your to make sure you purchase the proper replacement parts. Hopefully no thieves will happen by while you’re gone. Once you’ve repaired the lock or have a new replacement lock, put a bead of caulking around the inside faceplate that goes on the outside of the door. Install the lock back into the original hole and replace the screws. Wipe off the excess caulking and test the key with the door open and shut. I explain all this in the video below.


If you have other ideas on how to keep your RV burglarproof please double click on the comments section below and tell us. Maybe you could invent a way to automatically Taser the thief when he sticks the wrong key in the door. Really, any ideas would be appreciated. Helping you lock and load - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Find Hard to Get RV Replacement Parts

Once again the Professor is on the road in RV-ONE today traversing the great Sierra Nevada Mountains on his way to Arizona. I've heard the call to come to Quartzsite and that's where I'm headed this week. I trust that everyone is back in the saddle after the holidays and ready for a great new year of RVing. Maybe you need to do some upgrades or repairs to your RV before you head out on your next trip.If your RV needs a a replacement instrument cluster, head-lights, cabinets, strip of molding, fabric, cook-top, sink or some crazy part that you can’t find at your local RV dealer I have good news for you. There are several parts vendors that purchase excess parts from RV factories for resale to the public. Northwest RV Supply is one of these places.Located in Eugene, Oregon they purchase from the Monaco factory and the Country Coach factory. So if you have a need for a specialty part from one of these companies, chances are they have it. You may contact them at (541) 746-9092.There are also many other vendors like this who have parts from other RV manufacturers as well. If you’re having trouble finding a replacement part for your RV call the manufacturer directly and ask them for a contact phone number for a vendor who sells surplus items from that manufacturer. If you have contact information for some of these other vendors, please double click on the blue “comments” section below and tell us. Helping you keep your RV looking good as new - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Be Aggressive With Condensation in Your RV

Dealing with condensation is a fact of RV life. Moisture is the RV’s worst enemy so you need to be aggressive in preventing it from causing damage. Most often condensation will form on the windows of your RV during the night when you are asleep. As you breathe, your body exhales moisture into the air. When it’s cold outside RVers tend to close all the windows and vents trapping moisture vapor inside the RV. The airborne moisture finds its way to the windows and forms a condensation of water droplets. Our motorhome has dual pane windows everywhere except the windshield. No condensation forms on the dual pane windows but collects on the windshield instead. If you allow the condensation to remain on the window it will run down and pool on your dash. I normally use a towel to remove this excess moisture. I prefer micro-fiber towels because they have superior absorbent qualities. Simply run the towel across the glass and you’re done. The best thing about these towels is they don’t leave streaks. Micro-fiber towels are great for RVs and can be purchased at hardware stores, RV parts stores, and warehouse stores like Costco. I buy mine at Costco because they have high quality towels at a great price. Don’t forget that venting your RV helps remove excess moisture, especially when cooking and showering. I really appreciate the fantastic vents we’ve had in our RVs over the years. They quickly remove odors and moisture from your RV. When you store your RV over the winter it’s a good idea to use a dehumidifier (see my article, “Dry Air Makes a Happy RV”). Clearing the air on condensation - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Future RVers Benefit From Miniature Coleman Tents & Bags

RVers like things to be small and light weight for their RVs. As a grandparent I was thinking about picking up one of those Coleman miniature tents as a toy (for both me and the grandkids). You normally see these in sporting goods stores and at big chain stores like Target. They also have miniature sleeping bags that would be neat for the grandkids to play with. The perfect size for Ken and Barbie to go on a camping trip. I contacted Coleman and asked where I could purchase some of these items and they told me they don't offer these miniatures for sale to consumers. Turns out the miniatures are only made for retail accounts that special order them and they are "very expensive." My contact at Coleman told me the miniatures must be made by hand and are not mass-produced. However, they also said some stores sell these miniatures at the end of the year when the new models come in. I'm thinking in a gazillion years these miniatures will bring in big bucks on the Antique Road Show. In the meantime, Coleman gave me the name of a lady who makes miniature tents and bags just for kids. Though they are not the Coleman miniatures, they will still fulfill the purpose of entertaining the grandkids. But most important, it will help them develop a predisposition towards camping and RVing. Contact Betty Calberry, 605 Higdon Ferry Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913 Phone: 501-624-0378
Thank you Coleman for bringing us memorable camping products throughout the years. We look forward to more in the future. Pssst... Coleman, you might want to think about making a new toy line - just a thought. Bringing you stories you won't find anywhere else - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Does Your RV Really Need Solar Panels

Many RVs sport solar panels and the question is whether you need them for your style of RVing. Solar electric systems have been a part of the RV scene for several years and they are effective electric power producers. These systems use photovoltaic modules to turn sunlight into electricity. The good news is they are becoming more effective and less expensive as new technology grows. RVs using these systems are wired allowing the solar panels to charge the house batteries through a charge controller. A charge controller is very important because it regulates the amount of electricity sent to your house batteries preventing over or under charging conditions. If you have enough solar panels and batteries you can generate enough electricity to live comfortably without ever being plugged into an external power source. To use your AC appliances, you’ll also need an inverter to change 12 volt DC to 110 volt AC power. If your style of RVing includes extended periods of time in the wilderness away from electricity then you have three choices: 1. Use candles 2. Use a generator or 3. Rely on solar energy. If you rarely boondock (camp without hook-ups) then you really don’t need a solar system. Some RVers like to have a solar electric system “just in case” but they rarely use it. When I ask them what they mean by “just in case” they usually mean the power grid going down or natural disasters in any event they're prepared “just in case”. Whether or not you should go to the trouble and expense to install a solar electric system boils down to how you choose to camp. If you are or plan to become a serious boondocker, then you’ll need an efficient solar electric system. If on the other hand you almost always stay at RV parks, then you seriously don’t need solar. If you store your RV without keeping it connected to shore power consider installing a small solar electric system. This will keep your batteries charged and ready to go (provided you do proper battery maintenance). Many boondockers also use wind powered electric generators for additional power. Whether or not you need wind power depends a great deal on how and where you camp. There are many reputable companies (here is one SolarSummit)that will sell you a kit to install a system yourself and there are also dealers who will do the installation for you. Keeping you charged up about RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers Carry More Stuff With Roof Cargo Systems

Many singers recorded the song, "Up On the Roof" but they weren't singing about RV rooftop cargo systems. If you tow a vehicle behind your motorhome or pull a travel trailer with a SUV or truck with a camper shell you're in luck because now you can carry more toys with Yakima's cargo hauling systems. Turn your factory mounted cargo rack into a gear hauling machine by adding "MightyMounts" to your existing rack and configure loads any way you need them. You can carry one or two bicycles and a kayak or two depending on the size of your vehicle. There are many combinations available from clamshell type carriers, canoe mounts, cargo baskets, and bicycle carriers. If your car or truck camper shell doesn't have a factory installed cargo rack Yakima has one that'll work for you. Yakima builds quality products that will last.I like the new "SprocketRocket" fork mount bike racks that have solid wheel wells with quick release bindings and security locks. Whatever the sport or application when it comes to roof mounted cargo hauling, Yakima has what you need. Check out their products here: Yakima. Rummor has it they're coming out with a "Mother-in-Law" carrier - won't that be handy. Staying on top of things - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

After Christmas RV Storage Deals

As a public service announcement, let me tell you that the "after Christmas" sales are great for picking up a few things for your RV. Bins are everywhere (Target, WalMart, KMart, etc.) and they are CHEAP right now. These are a great way to organize your stuff and I prefer the see-through type because it makes it easier when I'm looking for something in the bowels of my RV basement. If you use opaque containers as in the photo below, it's a good idea to make a list of what's in them and attach it to the outside of the container as seen here.There are usually a lot of other types of storage containers on sale as well. Use your imagination and get your stuff organized. Plastic bins are light weight and durable (not to mention water resistant). You'll find these bins indispensable as you continue RVing. Helping you stay organized and save a buck at the same time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Hate Your Job? Need a Lifestyle Change? Consider Becoming a Full Time RV Work-Camper

Not only is it possible but thousands of RVers are already doing it. They’ve taken charge of their own lives and are enjoying full time RVing while working on the road. I know this is true because I’ve met hundreds of them on the road and have written about them (“Can You Do Your Job While Full Time RVing?”). All kinds of jobs are available, especially “seasonal jobs.” Whether you’re a medical professional, a handyman, or are just plain reliable help there are work camper jobs out there just for you. Before you march in tomorrow and quit your current job, I strongly suggest you purchase two excellent resources and study them. Jaimie Hall is a successful work camper and has written a book called “Support Your RV Lifestyle”. You can read more about it and buy it here RVbookstore.com. The other resource is the DVD from the RV Seminar Series called “Working on the RV Road” presented by Jaimie Hall with a forward by Chuck Woodbury. You can read more about it and purchase it here RVbookstore.com Seminar. Jaimie does a great job telling you how to locate jobs, apply and land these jobs and answers many more questions about the full-time RV lifestyle. Jaimie is an excellent speaker and gifted writer. Trust me on this, if you’re even remotely considering becoming a work camper you NEED these resources. Helping you achieve your RV dreams - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing