RV NOW with Jim Twamley

RVs help with family emergencies

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:31:00 +0000

I regret not being able to contribute to my blog this week. My brother-in-law died in a tragic automobile accident and we had to travel from Arizona to Oregon to be with the family. Fortunately they live in the country and we are able to park our motorhome in the driveway without restriction. During family emergencies an RV comes in handy.

The funeral is over and all the other members of the family have returned home. We are blessed to be able to stay and help. Having our motorhome in the driveway allows us to lend direct support while allowing the family all the space and privacy they need in their own home. One of the kids suffered several fractures in the accident and we are able to assist with her care.

Having the RV nearby helps Mrs. Professor and I attend to our own needs keeping us fresh for service.

I appreciate having a mobile office in the RV as I don my legal hat and shuffle through the mounds of paperwork, taxes, probate, and estate affairs.

My brother-in-law, Todd Elkins, was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He was an engineer at Hewlett Packard who helped design the machines that manufactured the print cartridge heads millions of people use every day. He loved machines and especially RVs. Todd left four children and a wife who is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. For this reason I will be very involved with the family for the next few months and may need to curtail my writing from time to time. Thank you for your understanding. Since we are on the subject of RVs and family emergencies you need to know that many hospitals now have RV parking available for families with patients in treatment. Most have electric and water hook-ups and many have sewer hook-ups as well. File this information away as it may come in handy at a future date. Making great use of the RV lifestyle - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV outfitted with marine grade map light

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:36:00 +0000

I do not like driving my motorhome at night and go to great lengths to avoid it. However, sometimes it happens and during those times I'm grateful for good exterior lighting. Unfortunately our interior map reading lights leave something to be desired.

One time we were traveling at night and I asked Mrs. Professor to check the map. She had to get out of her seat and turn on the overhead light which wasn't aimed properly, so she had to get up again and aim it. When she was finished she had to stand up again to turn it off. I hesitated to ask her to look at the map again further down the road.

Lon and Christine Cross from Yorba Linda, California solved this problem by adding a map reading light next to the passenger seat. This light is from Hella Marine and you can find it here: Map Light.

I like this light because it's flexible and easily stores out of the way when not in use. I also like it because it can be used as a reading light as well. It doesn't cause glare off the front windshield like some overhead reading lights. The best quality is that it's handy and doesn't require contortionist moves to turn it on and off.It requires a 12 volt source for power and can be neatly attached for a visually appealing application.
Helping light you way down the RV road - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV industry in the Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:16:00 +0000

As pink slips continue to pile up throughout the RV industry, workers are left out in the cold. I feel sorry for them. As you know, I'm an RV enthusiast and thoroughly enjoy RVing and encourage others to do the same. However, I'm NOT a cheerleader for the RV industry. I'm free to report the facts and offer my opinion about the RV industrial complex without fear of retribution or loosing my job. That's a good thing because my readership depends on my candid reporting without all the sugar coating offered by other RV writers.

I predicted this year would see the demise of several RV manufacturers including Country Coach, Fleetwood and Monaco along with other smaller companies in "RVIA blindsided by bad ecomomy."

Last week we witnessed Country Coach file for bankruptcy as well as Rexall Industries. Fleetwood is flailing in the wind and today announced it would no longer honor it's limited warranty on it's products that were not purchased directly from an authorized dealer.

Today we learn that Monaco Coach Corporation, makers of the brands Holiday Rambler, Monaco, Beaver, Safari, McKenzie and R-Vision is on the brink of collapse (no surprise to RV Now readers). A company press release says they handed out pink slips to most of their workers who have been on furlough since the middle of December. Can bankruptcy be far behind? I think not!Meanwhile the RV Industry Association continues to play the violin as Rome burns. All the hoopla about increased RV show attendance and high paid executives saying things like, "I've seen downturns before, we survived it then and we'll survive it now..." turns out to be nothing but hot air or wishful thinking at best.

I warned all my readers this was going to happen more than a year ago. I told you to get your RV warranty work done before you RV manufacturer or dealer went out of business. I told the workers of RV plants to start looking for different jobs. Even with all this prescient analysis I was ridiculed for my opinions and predictions. I didn't loose any sleep over it, in fact, I slept better because I did my part to help RVers and RV workers know what was over the horizon.

My thesis is that only a handful of RV manufacturers will survive this economic depression. I'm now beginning to doubt whether ANY RV manufacturers will survive given the cascade of negative economic analysis I see every day in my research. For my detractors who doubt my analytical skills, it may surprise you to know I have more academic credentials than most of the economists who failed us so miserably by not being able to see this coming. In fact, in my opinion, this financial crisis is a huge black eye to the science of economics. I can count on one hand the number of economists who knew this was coming and warned us in advance.

The good news is that Americans love RVing and even if every RV manufacturer fails, new companies will arise to take their place at a future date. In the meantime, we have plenty of used RVs to enjoy and plenty of great places to explore.

With my hand on the fading pulse of the RV industry - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV generator exhaust solution in a box

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

You're at an RV rally, a racing event, a rodeo or any other place where you're packed in like sardines. You want to turn on your generator but if you do, you're next door neighbor will want to strangle you because you'll be blowing exhaust into his front door.

RV generator exhaust chimneys work great but not everyone has one or needs one all the time, so what can you do as a temporary fix?

Instead of asphyxiating your neighbor, just find a sturdy box, put a heavy rock in it and use it to deflect the direction of your exhaust. Put it far enough away so it doesn't come inside your coach but close enough to effectively prevent the exhaust from disturbing your neighbor.

Assisting you with RV neighborhood diplomacy - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV GPS mounting solution

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Until recently I used a laptop computer with a GPS unit and Microsoft Streets and Trips software. I found the system very helpful but cumbersom to use because it required such a large space.

Last year I purchased a GPS unit that fastens on the windshield with a suction cup. It's easy to transfer from the motorhome to our Honda CRV. However, I have not been completely satisfied with where I have mounted it in the mothrhome.

The windshield is too far away for me to be able to conviently reach. Sometimes I want to turn off the sound but I have to pull over to do it bceause I can't safely reach it. I still haven't figured out the best place for it and I've tried several configurations.

Ken Johnson from Tucson, Arizona found a suitable place for his GPS unit. He built a box and covered it in the same material as his dash. He also included a multiple 12 volt DC cigarette lighter type outlet in the side of the box. This comes in handy if you want to charge your cell phone or power another 12 volt DC appliance.Another nice touch he added to his motorhome is a lighted hand rail at the coach entrance. It is long enough (and strong enough) to offer extra support when transitioning in or out of the coach.Helping you know where you are all the time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

It's not too late to convert your RV TV

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:49:00 +0000

The conversion to digital TV is taking longer than anticipated so if you haven't purchased a new digital TV or the converter boxes for your old TVs, you still have time. Congress postponed the required conversion until June 12, 2009.

To prevent consumers from having to run out and purchase new televisions, the government decided to give you two free coupons worth $40 each to offset the cost. To receive your coupons visit the government's “TV Converter Box Coupon Program” and fill out the form. Here is the link: Free Coupons

They use the USPS data base, so if you live in an isolated place and have to go to town for mail, you'll have to fill out an appeal form. I suppose the government can't know everything or even where everyone lives otherwise we wouldn't be in the big financial mess we're in now. You might as well get your $40 coupons because you're great grandchildren are paying for them along with the bank bailouts.

Ray Hoyal from San Clemente, California picked up a DTV converter box from Winegard. He likes the RCDT09A model because it is small and fits nicely in his existing overhead electronics cabinet. He says he was able to connect it between the video switch box and the antenna so it works with both televisions in his coach.The installation is straight forward and easy to accomplish. You'll spend more time figuring out where to place the box than connecting it. If you purchase two converters you'll be able to watch two different channels on two different TVs in your RV (usually one in the living room and one in the bedroom).

You'll find the Winegard converter at this link: Winegard DTV converter

Helping you with your conversion - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Shopping for an RV? Don't overlook the “fitting test”

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:02:00 +0000

You're thinking about buying an RV, should you go with new or used, big, small or somewhere in between? An RV show is a good place to start looking to get an idea of what you like before you buy.

Whatever type of RV you're thinking about, there are a few “rules of thumb” that will help you avoid making mistakes when shopping. The primary rule I want to address in this article is what I call the “fitting test.”

The main reason you get “fitted” for a tailored garment is to make sure it fits your body. The same holds true when shopping for an RV. Be sure to test everything with your body before you buy.

Let's start at the RV entrance since you'll be frequently using this main, yet ofter overlooked, feature. Be sure the entrance is wide enough for you to easily enter and exit and make sure you don't hit your head on low overhanging cabinets. Make sure the steps are deep and wide enough to accommodate your feet. Can you easily open and close the door once inside, or do you have to stoop down in an uncomfortable position?Once inside sit on the furniture (all the furniture) and stay there for a few minutes. Do you like to nap on the couch? If so, stretch out and see if it “fits” your body. Notice where the television is located and make sure you will not need to go to the chiropractor from watching it sideways.Whether it is a dinette or a table and chairs be sure to sit at the table with your legs under the table. Do your knees hit a pole or the person across from you? Is the table at the correct height for comfortable eating? Are there electric outlets nearby in case you want to plug in your computer? Will the chairs be comfortable enough to play a few games of dominos with your friends? Can you easily reach the cabinets over the table?The galley configuration is driven by personal taste, but make sure you stand at the counter and pretend you are doing the dishes. Is there enough room for the dish rack? Is there enough counter space for food preparation? Are there enough electric outlets? Are the drawers full extension and is there enough room in them for your preferences? If a conventional oven is important to you, does it have one or does it use a combination microwave/convection oven. Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are large enough for your family. It can be difficult to replace a small refrigerator with a larger one after the RV is built, so be sure to get the right sized refrigerator when you purchase the unit.Moving to the bathroom it is important for you to actually take your shoes off and stand in the shower. Do you have enough room to turn around and is the spray nozzle located at a comfortable level? Actually lift the toilet cover lid and sit down. Is it too low or too high and is there clearance for your knees? Is the flush mechanism easy to reach and is the toilet paper dispenser in a good location?When it comes to the bathroom sink make sure it has enough counter space to accommodate you needs. Are the electric outlets conveniently located? Is the mirror at the correct level for doing hair and makeup or shaving? Can more than one person be in the bathroom at once?

Move the fancy pillows out of the way and lie down on the bed. Is it comfortable enough or will you need to replace the mattress. Close your eyes and pretend you are getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Did you hit your head on the overhanging cabinets or stub your toe on the corner of the bed frame? Are the light switches easy to reach? If you're looking at a camper or a class B with an cab-over bed how easy is it for you to get in and out? Get in and out of bet a couple of times on each side to see how it feels. Next check out the closet space. Is it deep enough and wide enough to accommodate your clothing? If there are drawers are they full extension and are they deep enough for your needs?
Close all the curtains and day/night shades and turn on all the lights. Is there enough light for your comfort?

If you're looking at a motorhome try swinging the passenger and driver seats around converting them into living room furniture. This will open up the unit making it more comfortable. Sit in both the driver and passenger seats and operate the seat controls. Since you will be spending some time in these seats make sure you are comfortable! Motorhome seats can usually be moved several inches but will require drilling new holes in the floor. So, if your knees are too close to the dashboard check to see if you can move the driver seat back without conflicting with a slide-out or other obstacle.

There are other things you will want to check but the “fitting test” is critical to your comfort and enjoyment of the RV.

Finally go outside and go through the routine of connecting the hook-ups. Put on the sewer hose, pull out the electric cord and attach the water hose. Do you have to be a contortionist to get it all hooked-up? Lower the leveling jacks and in the case of a travel trailer operate the hitch jack. Are the storage compartments easy to use? Make sure everything passes the “fitting test' before you buy.

Helping you get the right “fit” for your RV – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Flush the black tank slush with this RV innovation

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Keeping your RV black tank in good shape is important. Thoroughly rinsing your tank after emptying will help keep it functioning properly.

If you don't keep your black holding tank cleaned out a buildup of sludge will slowly accumulate and eventually block the valve.

Rinsing is especially important if you plan on storing your RV for a while. If you don't rinse, the sludge will dry and become hard as a brick and you won't be a happy camper.

There are several options to assist you in this chore. You can permanently install a rinsing device that hooks to a garden hose and sprays the inside of the tank. The garden hose access is located on the outside of your RV so it makes rinsing very convenient. Another option is to use a hand held wand. The problem is you need to haul the hose into the RV in order to shove the wand down the toilet. It's inconvenient and frequently messy.Fritz Gillespie from Thousand Oaks, California came up with an alternate solution. He uses a length of 1/2 inch PVC with a quick connect hose connector on one end and a cleaning head attached to the opposite end. He made an easy access opening in his utility bay to insert this pole and thoroughly clean out his tank.

Fritz used a hole saw and drilled an opening into the top side of his black tank. He installed a stand pipe floor flange over the opening using sealant and four screws with washers (sealing each screw).Next he installed an inch and a half threaded nipple to the flange with a threaded end cap.

He made a cover plate from some plastic flat stock (you could use a plastic cutting board) and secured it with four screws.For the pole nozzle he used a glue on cap with holes drilled at an angle around the cap so the water squirts back toward the handle. When he extends the pole to the end of the tank the water jets flush the slush back toward the valve.He stores the long pole on a rack in one of his holding bays. Thanks Fritz for another great RVing idea!Helping you keep your RV squeaky clean - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Navigating parking lots with a big RV

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:30:00 +0000

My very first time out with our new 5th wheel we decided to stop at a Subway sandwich shop. Believing the parking lot was accessible behind the store I pulled in. It turned out to be a boxed in parking arrangement and I was stuck.

Mrs. Professor had to get out and guide me as I painfully and slowly backed out of the lot. I had to retrace my route backing onto a busy road in order to extract myself. We went down the road and found another sandwich shop with more suitable parking.

Another time we pulled the 5th wheel up to an overpass on our way to an RV park and discovered we were too tall to pull through without removing the airconditioner. It was a two lane road with a ditch on either side of the road. I had to back the rig into a 45 degree angle, disconnect the truck, drive around so the truck was pointing in the opposite direction away from the overpass, reconnect and pull away. While I was doing this I managed to back up traffic in both directions, but the other drivers were gracious and simply waited while I entertained them.

Even experienced RVers can sometimes find themselves in this kind of predicament. The best thing you can do is remain calm, take you time and extract your rig safely. Ask for help if necessary and always keep safety in mind. If you're driving a motorhome with a toad you may need to unhook. Be careful and don't allow anxious drivers to prod you into doing something unsafe.

The best strategy is to slow down and look before you pull into a parking lot. The first thing I look for is entryway road clearance. If there are gouges in the crown of the road and a low drainage combined with a steep driveway, I pass it by. The next thing I look for is if there is plenty of space to allow my rig safe passage. This Burger King parking lot passes with flying colors because not only is there ample space, there are also other RVs present telling me it's RV friendly.If you see commercial trucks at the establishment or other RVs it's a safe bet you can find a place to park and safely exit.Some new WalMarts have engineered the parking spaces so it's difficult to manuver a big rig between the planters, light poles and raised dividers. A quick scan of the parking lot for other large vehicles is your confirmation whether you can safely navigate this type of parking maze. Sometimes I've parked on the street in order to visit a store provided there was enough space on the shoulder to safely do so.

Parking in a WalMart I usually try to stay as far away from the main building as possible. I also find a nearby shopping cart and place it directly in front of my motorhome so someone won't park their Mini Cooper there.

I'm sure my readers have other useful hints to share with us about navigating parking lots with RVs. Please share your thoughts with us. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVing with the chickens

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I've traveled all over North America and have seen thousands of wacky signs, statues and what some people call art.

As a frequent RV traveler, I've learned to appreciate seeing this stuff because it breaks up the monotony of the road and enlivens the conversation between myself and Mrs. Professor. We've seen monster pheasants, furniture, appliances and dragons on the side of the road. We've beheld "Billy loves Sue" written on the Bonneville salt flats and "Kilroy was here" on numerous rock outcroppings. We've seen giant lobsters, crabs and mermaids, modern art and decorated outhouses. They all make us smile and wonder about who made them and why.

Should mankind survive another two thousand years, what will anthropologists think when they dig up a giant rooster that once adorned a chicken shack? Will they think we worshiped chickens?

And how about those giant ice cream cones? Will they think they were yard ornaments or will they think we were preoccupied with food? One thing is for sure, we've got enough wacky stuff out there to keep them guessing for a long time.

We have fun talking about the funny signs and sculpture we see along the way. Enjoying these moments are the delight of the people of the road. There's no doubt about it, RVs are multidimensional fun machines.

Crowing about the fun of RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV heavy tread requires heavy tools

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 02:35:00 +0000

I've been using a tire pressure monitoring system by Mobile Awareness for over a year now and I'm grateful for it.

A few days ago I turned on the tire pressure monitoring system and noticed my driver side outside dually was at 74 pounds of pressure. I filled it up to 105 and the next day it was back down to 80 lbs.

I anticipated the usual suspects, a screw or nail in the tread, so I put some soak in a bottle and sprayed the tire looking for bubbles. I also sprayed around the stem and didn't see any bubbles emerging.I called out the local tire repairman and he also sprayed soap on the stem and discovered a very tiny slow leak. I decided to have him remove the tire and inspect the tread to make sure there were no embedded screws or nails.If you've never removed your dually tires there are a few things you should know. First, you should not attempt to remove a tire unless the coach is well supported and you have the right tools. These are big tires and require big tools like this truck size air powered impact lug wrench.Second, you need to know the threads on the driver side of the coach are left handed threads and are removed by rotating in a clockwise direction. They are the opposite of the threads on the passenger or curb side.Third, you need to remove the axle hub cap after removing a few retaining bolts.Finally, you need to respect the weight of these tires. Using a steel bar on the ground under the tire will assist in levering it off the axle.After removing the outside dually the inside tire is exposed. Notice I used a wooden ramp on the inside tire to raise the coach enough to remove the outside tire. This works great on a dually but what happens when a front tire goes flat? No problem, tire repairmen also carry a heavy duty pneumatic truck jack they can use for this purpose.

We checked the tread, sidewalls and bead with no indication of a puncture or other abnormality. The tire guy poured soapy water all over the tire inspecting it for emerging bubbles to make sure there were no small holes we failed to catch with the naked eye.

He tightened the metal air stem and remounted the tire with no problem since. It cost me $75 for the procedure, but it's well worth the peace of mind knowing the tire is in good shape.

Sometimes a road hazard will take out a tire and there really isn't anything you can do about it. If you have a tire pressure monitoring system it will alert you immediately of impending trouble. I prefer the monitoring system by Mobile Awareness because it monitors both air pressure and temperature. I love it because it gives me peace of mind about the condition of my tires as I'm traveling and even when I'm camped.

Large motorhomes do not normally come with a spare tire because they are large, heavy and cumbersome. Therefore, we depend on a quality roadside assistance provider for such a contingency.

While I'm on the subject of tires here is some advice about traveling south of the border. If you plan on traveling extensively in Mexico or further south you may want to consider carrying a spare tire (not the rim - just the tire). Many folks tie one on the roof rack of their tow vehicle. You will more than likely be able to get roadside assistance in Mexico and beyond, but finding a quality replacement tire may be more difficult. Having one at the ready will save you time and money.

Depending on the manufacturer you will need to replace your tires every six years (whether you have high miles or not). At the campground where I'm currently staying there are two rigs that were severely damaged by blowouts costing several thousand dollars in structural repairs. A tire pressure monitoring system would have paid for itself in both instances because they would have known to stop. Instead, because one was a 5th wheel and the other a travel trailer they continued towing their rigs after the blowout until they noticed smoke trailing behind and people honking and pointing. It can't be good when people are honking and pointing unless you just got married!

Treading carefully where tire safety is concerned - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers disappear from Quartzsite in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:09:00 +0000

For many years Quartzsite, Arizona has been a Mecca for winter RVers. One long time vendor at the Big Tent told me, “Ten years ago people were so thick you could smell the BO a block away. Not anymore, now you could shoot a cannonball through the middle and not hit anybody.”

I've visited Quartzsite for the last five years and can attest to the fact that things here have changed. Most old timers I talked with told me Quartzsite has lost its appeal and wasn't any fun anymore.

Speaking with the campground host at Hi Jolly BLM campground I learned RVers are still coming but not staying as long. He told me campers now stay only two or three days where in the past they would stay a full two weeks. He says the cost of sewer disposal and fresh water has gone up. He also reports the city is boosting revenue by handing out more $125 speeding tickets. I did notice two speed traps while traveling about town.

Quartzsite vendors complain rent prices have skyrocketed. They used to pay $150 a month for a patch of dirt and now it averages around $1000 or more a month (depending on the size of the dirt). One long time vendor estimates only half the vendor spaces were rented out this year.Don Lasley is a full time RVer and vendor whose store is called, “Lasley's Country Store.” They travel all over the country doing shows, flea markets and swap-meets. He says Quartzsite, “Has been going downhill for the last four years.” He reports that most vendors didn't do well at all this year and the business is, “Nothing like it used to be.”

Dave Skinner a vendor who owns his own building has been doing business in Quartzsite for 26 years. When he first started property taxes were $700 a year now they are $8,000. When I asked him if business was off, he replied that three years ago he was doing $3,000 per month in sales and now he's lucky if he does two to four hundred. The only way he is able to stay open is because he has a thriving mail order embroidery business. He knows many vendors who will not return next year.

What used to be a crowded marketplace is now largely deserted and the people who do meander by are not spending much money. I did discover a vendor selling a snake. Well..., it was a “Gummy” snake, but hey, it was a sale!Things started changing when the big RV dealerships bought up the property on main street. What used to be a sea of vendor stalls is now a slew of RV dealerships (many of which have gone out of business or are on the brink of bankruptcy). Because of the economy RV sales have dried up. It used to be that the Maytag repairman had the loneliest job in town, but now it's the RV salesman!

City Hall also started squeezing more money out of local businessmen by raising taxes and fees (ten times in the case of permits) and so helped to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. So if only half the available spaces were rented this year, where did all the vendors go?

Many are still in Arizona but they have congregated at other places setting up shop like in Vicksburg, Arizona. I was here early in the morning before any vendors were open, but this is how the old time Quartzsite started.

It appears to me Quartzsite has lost it's luster and will continue to fade as time marches on. This former gold mine has played out and like many ghost towns of the old west will dry up and blow away with the tumbleweeds.

Prospecting for new RV gold – Jim Twamley, Professor of Rving

RVing at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:31:00 +0000

Today we toured Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona bordering Mexico. Winter is the best time to visit this national treasure because the daytime temperatures are moderate.

However, don't let the desert fool you, the nighttime temperatures drop rapidly and will catch you off guard if you aren't prepared.

In the U.S. you'll only find this wild cactus within an 80 mile radius of the park. The many branches rise from a base at the ground resembling the pipes of an organ.The Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21 mile one-way dirt road. Though somewhat bumpy and dusty, it's well worth the effort. This scenic drive will introduce you to the varied terrain of the Sonoran Desert as it takes you from the desert floor into the hills and back again. There are splendid stands of saguaro cactus, organ pipe cactus, chain-fruit cholla, prickly pear cactus, ocotillo and many other varieties of vegetation.Be sure to stop at the visitors center and pick up the printed tour guide (cost $1.00) before you take the drive. There are two good hiking paths on the route and the average time for the drive is two hours.

The scenery is fabulous including this natural bridge. There are four picnic areas along the drive so bring a lunch and enjoy this desert paradise. Birdwatchers will appreciate the many varieties of birds including the Gila woodpecker, phainopepla, black-throated sparrow, canyon wren, cactus wren, flicker, Say's phoebe and many more including a colorful variety of hummingbirds.

The scenic park campground overlooks Mexico and is surrounded by cactus of all varieties. There are no hook-ups but there is a dump station. The campsites are paved and include a table and BBQ. Water is available near each campsite and modern restrooms with flush toilets are provided.The spaces are designed to accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. There are some spaces which will handle 40 foot motorhomes and are available on a first come first served basis. Generator hours are 8:00 am to 10:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Camping costs $12.00 per day plus $8.00 for a one week pass. If you have the Golden Access Passport the camping fee is $6:00 per day.

During the winter season they have evening campfire programs for your family enjoyment. This park is a gem and I highly recommend it. If you are planning on taking an RV trip down to the beach at Rocky Point, Mexico, you will pass through this park. Why not plan on spending a day or two at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as part of your travel plans? You won't regret it!Out exploring this great country by RV - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Troubeshooting tip for truck and motorhome AC/heater controllers

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:36:00 +0000

RVs are wonderful platforms for exploring the open road in comfort. Climate control is an important feature in this regard, so when your coach AC/heater system doesn't function properly you won't be a happy camper.

I recently noticed the vacuum pump on my motorhome was running continuously. Since I was on the road and didn't want to troubleshoot the problem immediately, I merely disconnected the power wire to the pump until I had more time to track down the problem.

A couple of RV techs checked the system and told me I needed a new controller. I was losing vacuum and they thought it was in the control unit. So, I picked up another control unit at an RV salvage store and installed it. The new unit did not solve the problem, so it was back to the drawing board.
I turned on the system and using a pair of needle nosed pliers began pinching off individual vacuum hoses until I isolated the offending hose. Thinking I had a leak in the hose I was prepared to follow it all the way to the source checking the hose every 12 inches until I found the leak.I was surprised and relieved to find the problem was a simple fix. I traced the vacuum hose to the servo motor where it had become disconnected. I plugged it back in - problem solved.

I was working under my dash on another issue and must have disconnected the hose without noticing. A little detective work and thinking through the problem helped me find the solution.

Don't let RV problems get the best of you - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVIA blindsided by bad economy

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:00:00 +0000

RVIA's vice president of administration Robert Bryan said, “The last quarter of '08 was the worst quarter we've had in history,” As I reported in, The good, the bad and the ugly for the RV industry in 2009, the RV industry suffered a 72.1% decline in November and now a 75% drop in December shipments.

Bryan went on to say, "I don't think that anyone could have anticipated what happened. And it really has little to do with the RV industry. It's the entire economy. The financial uncertainly is causing people to not buy anything. People are reluctant even to buy a loaf of bread."

He is correct that the situation has more to do with the overall economic collapse than with the RV industry itself, but he is absolutely wrong about being able to anticipate what happened. If RVIA had been reading my blog and paying attention to independent RV industry analysis's they would have clearly seen it coming back in 2007 and before.

Concerning RVIA's January strategic planning session he said, "There was a general consensus that the market will improve in the last half of 2009 and that 2010 will be a growth year. But we are looking at the future through cloudy glasses. It's frustrating because it's difficult to see down the road."

Allow me to help you with your vision problem: THERE WILL BE NO RV INDUSTRY RECOVERY IN 2009! In fact, there won't even be a recovery in 2010 or 2011. Let me repeat myself so new readers will have a reference point. There will only be a hand-full of RV manufacturers left when this economic depression is over. Will Americans still enjoy Rving? Certainly! There are thousands of great used RVs that will be useful until the economy picks up again. Is this a great country and will we survive this economic crisis? Absolutely! But, let's lay aside the happy spin that there's a recovery around the next corner. Let's be honest and admit we have a long and protracted journey ahead. There are no easy answers and certainly no “quick fixes.” This depression is going to last a lot longer than current thinking is projecting. The RV industry that emerges on the other side of this crisis will be much different than what it was in the past.What are my projections for the next RV manufacturers to fall? Country Coach, Monaco and Fleetwood with a few smaller companies thrown in the mix along the way. I'll keep you posted as the drama unfolds.

If you're wondering how I know all this stuff and am able to make such accurate predictions, its quite elementary. I'm in the field, I visit the factories, interview vendors and RV workers and I talk to real RVers each and every day. I'm not in the board-room, I'm on the scene. When you travel across America in an RV, you meet a lot of people and learn what is happening in each community you visit. It's not hard to put together a view of the future when you do this. Perhaps RV industry executives should get out of their offices and rub shoulders with ordinary RVers for a change.

Keeping your windshield clean so you can see the warning signs coming down the road – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Source: RV Business “RVIA's Bryan: Last Year Waylaid by 'Dismal' 4Q” by Bob Ashley
The Professor does not hold financial positions in the companies mentioned above.

Does your RV really need outdoor TV?

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Is an outdoor television important to your RV lifestyle?

Admittedly, I do not watch much television so I'm already biased in my opinion, but I do recognize that many RVers enjoy watching the tube. I forget when it happened, but at some point in the not to distant past RV manufacturers began offering RVs with the option of an outdoor television.

Since I'm a full-time RVer I have ample opportunity to study the habits of RVers in various styles of RVing. The people I see using the outdoor television the most are the guys. They seem to make the space under the awning the outdoor TV room where they can watch Nascar, football, hockey and stuff their wives might not be interested in.

What I've noticed more than anything is the lack of use of these outdoor televisions. Here is an example of an RV that sat for the whole weekend with the TV door open with nobody watching. I'm not kidding, every time I walked the dog or drove by it looked like this.
So, what looks cool on the showroom floor may not be as useful as you might think. If you use it, great. If you don't, it ends up wasting good storage space and becomes an expensive dust collector.

Helping you think it through - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Replacing RV electric plugs

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Most RVers I hang around with have the impression that RV manufacturers do not focus on quality. They are of the opinion that RV manufacturers skimp and cut corners on material and labor in order to boost their bottom line.

I've been around RVs most of my life (owning several types and brands) and I would have say that for the most part they are correct in their assessment. Manufacturers seem to be more concerned about making money than satisfied customers. I can take you through any RV park in the United States or Canada and show you more dissatisfied and disgruntled RV customers than you can imagine. It's staggering, frankly, and I hope the few RV manufacturers who emerge from this economic depression change their ways and begin producing high quality products with quality materials and craftsmanship even if it does cost a little more.

I currently own what is considered one of America's high end motorhomes. To be honest, I will say it is well built where it counts (chassis and box) but I still run across stuff that makes me shake my head and say to myself, “What were they thinking?” Like the electric plugs (duplex receptacles) they purchase in bulk for a few cents (exactly what they are worth).

All my coach plugs are located on one circuit (dumb). So when Mrs. Professor plugs in her hair dryer in the bathroom and I'm running the toaster in the galley the circuit trips. She's learned to ask if the coast is clear before she turns on her hair dryer.

I recently experienced a power loss in all my electric plugs. It took me several days and help from my RV brand forum to locate the problem. One of the cheap electric plugs shorted out and it took me a while to find the offender. Once I replaced it, all was well until the others began to fail.

I replaced the plugs we use most often with heavy duty 20 amp duplex receptacles. You get what you pay for in electric components, so spend the few extra bucks and buy something that will give you good service. In the video I go through step by step how to change out an RV electric plug.

Whenever your electric plugs loose power and all your other appliances (like your microwave) are working properly check the GFI first. Sometimes these trip and if you forget about them, you could spend a couple hours trying to fix the problem when all it requires is to reset the GFI.I also recommend using electrician screwdrivers (instead of an electric drill with a screwdriver attachment) as they will quickly crank in electric screws and won't strip the threads like a power drill.Here is the installation video - enjoy!

Staying plugged into the RV lifestyle – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Coming off the road from full-time RVing

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Mrs. Professor and I have been full-timing for several years and thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle. There will come a time when, for whatever reason, we will come off the road as full-timers and revert back to being part-time RVers once again. If you are planning to become a full-time RVer, I applaud your decision and recommend talking to as many current and former full-time RVers as you can!

In this interview with former full-time RVer Joy McClain, you will gain some interesting insights. Mrs. Professor and I met and became friends with Jim and Joy McClain during our first year of full-time RVing.
Professor: How long were you full-time RVers?

Joy: Fifteen great years! In fact, it began as our honeymoon.

Professor: What were the phases of RVing you went through?

Joy: The first five years or so we just kept going from one coast to the next, north to south and east to west. After our exploring we decided to become work campers, sometimes just hosting in private parks. Then we began working with the rangers in state parks which was extremely exciting, especially in the Rockies. After three years of working in the mountains, we ventured to the Oregon coast and worked private and city parks during the summers and began hitting the deserts of Arizona for the winters. Our travels began to slow down the last seven or so years with the exception of staying out of the cold or heat. We stopped workcamping and decided to totally relax, which we did, and enjoyed every wonderful minute of it. I think it's called "finally really retired."Professor: Did you have an exit strategy?

Joy: To be honest I never did consider or have an exit strategy about leaving the road full of excitement and adventure; it was my husband. It never entered my mind to end that wonderful journey with all the great and dear friends we would meet every year, old ones and new ones. His strategy was to take me to the place I seemed to have cherished most on our journeys and tempted me with the perfect house. He knew I would love every aspect of that house including the perfect climate and extraordinary scenery. Our new house is not far from our Arizona winter campground where our friends meet every year.Professor: What were the things that most influenced you to come off the road full-time?

Joy: I believe Jim was mostly concerned about our future health, considering age, and thought we should have a home and yet still venture out on short jaunts.

Professor: What do you miss most about full-time RVing?

Joy: To be perfectly honest with all of you, I miss full-timing everyday. In my mind I miss the freedom. I have always felt "free as a bird," like we could fly with the wind. As for Jim, he is feeling very secure now that he has a place and a feeling of permanence. He says we can jump in the rig and take off whenever we want. Because of this we are now trying to duplicate everything in the RV, that we removed for the house, so we can just jump in and go.

Professor: How often do you use your RV now that you've come off the road?

Joy: Well, put it this way... We were off the road four months in the house, and back on the road for two months. How long we wait for the next trip, who really knows. I guess whenever the spirit hits us. We always began our trips with Willie Nelson's, "On The Road Again." It gives you a great sense of freedom.
Professor: If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?
Joy: Absolutely nothing!

Professor: Any other words of advice to folks who are thinking about going full-time?

Joy: Yes, absolutely! Do it now! Don't wait for, “Maybe we'll do it tomorrow." Life is too short and once you get on the road you'll always wonder why it took you so long!

Taking you inside the multifaceted RV lifestyle – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

How to avoid paying more for an RV

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

A recent study at Ohio State University and reported in the journal Judgment and Decision Making demonstrates that people who hold an item for as little as 30 seconds are willing to pay more for it.

The study used a mug as the item of interest and researchers measured how much people would be willing to bid in both an open and closed bid process. It turns out the longer people hold an object the more they begin to feel ownership of the item even before they buy it.

When I shop I usually don't touch items unless I'm marginally interested in purchasing them. So, it makes sense that when people stop long enough to examine an item thoroughly they would be more prone to buying it. Unfortunately research also shows they are prone to pay more for it.

"The amazing part of this study is that people can become almost immediately attached to something as insignificant as a mug. By simply touching the mug and feeling it in their hands, many people begin to feel like the mug is, in fact, their mug. Once they begin to feel it is theirs, they are willing to go to greater lengths to keep it." said study leader James Wolf.

Take this research further and apply it to the purchase of a “big ticket” item like a car or RV and you can save yourself a lot of money. This study is about “feelings” of attachment you get when shopping. If you're aware of these feelings, you'll be a smarter shopper.

Based on this study, here is a guide that should prevent you from paying too much for an RV.
Before you even begin to look at RVs make an agreement with yourself that you will look at a many RVs at several different dealers and shows. Agree that you will NOT make any one of these RVs yours in your mind. Don't visualize yourself having the time of your life while thinking about any particular RV. Instead, choose two or three RVs that will suit your needs. Decide in advance what you want to pay before you make an offer. This target price will help you overcome the “mine, mine, mine” emotions that drive purchasing decisions.

Remember that RV dealers are willing to negotiate especially during this economic downturn. If the dealer doesn't like your offer it's easier to walk off the lot because you have two other deals to consider. Don't be surprised if you get a call with a counter offer immediately.The whole point of this exercise is to remember not to “get married” to any particular RV until after you've made the deal. Remember that all “sticker prices” are negotiable even at “below wholesale prices.” Don't give in to high pressure sales tactics that take advantage of your emotions. As the buyer you are in the driver seat as long as you keep your “buying” emotions in check.

Helping you keep more of your hard earned money – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

How to make your motorhome cockpit AC/heater more efficient

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Motorhomes are basically an RV built on a chassis. Traveling down a hot New Mexico highway in summer makes you wonder if your motorhome's air conditioning unit is broken because it doesn't seem to be very cool.

Not to worry, there's nothing wrong with your AC it's just overwhelmed. It's not like cooling a small car, it's more like cooling a small apartment and vehicle air conditioners were not designed for this large of a job.

Dave Willis from Hudsonville, Michigan decided to help out his AC/heating unit by limiting the space it had to heat or cool. He says it really makes a difference.

Dave went to Home Depot and purchased a curtain rod and mounted it behind the driver and passenger seats. He put the rod close to the top of the ceiling and attached curtain rings and a curtain.
Now when he runs the heater or the AC, more of the air stays in the driver/passenger cabin.

Hang around I have more great ideas to share - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Bring along your bikes with this RV bumper mounted rack

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Bicycles are a wonderful way to enhance your RVing experience. Once you set-up camp it's nice to be able to "get around" with alternative transportation (and it's healthy too).

There are many ways to bring bicycles along. Folding bikes can be stored inside RV compartments but the most used method by far are external bike racks. There are ladder racks, bumper racks and hitch mounted racks.

Don and Carol Huck from St. Genevieve, Missouri elected to build their own bicycle rack for the bumper of their Coachmen travel trailer. It is a simple design employing "U" bolts to attach the rack to the rear bumper.Here is a view from the under side. This method will allow them to remove the bike rack since it is not permanently attached. The bicycle wheel channels are made from two pieces of one inch angle iron welded together with cross members. The rack includes two vertical stability bars to which the bikes are strapped. Peddling great RV ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Sewer extension dilemma solved

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

RV plumbing is a BIG issue to most RVers. Many travel trailers and 5th wheels have two separate gray water dump valves. Usually one gray tank drains into an exit drain pipe shared with the black water tank, while the additional gray water drain is located elsewhere.

This type of arrangement makes it easier for the RV manufacturer but harder for the end user. If you own a rig like this you need to figure out how to link the two drain pipes externally.

RV stores sell “Y” adaptors for this purpose. You can also purchase connectors to assist you with this project.John Hass from Glen Arm, Maryland is an avid Rver.Here is a photo of his Coachmen travel trailer with two separate dump valves, one forward of the wheels and one aft.John opted to make his own “Y” connector using a standard stick house black pipe “Y” connected to an RV male coupler. He used flashing, caulking and hose clamps to fashion this homemade adaptor.Since the location of the sewer hole varies from park to park, John decided to make one end of his hose shorter. Whether the sewer dump hole is forward or aft of his tires he can simply swap the position of the hoses to accommodate the situation.Helping you stay connected – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV makeover will save you money

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

If your old RV seems outdated it probably is. In the past you might have thought about trading up for a newer model with a contemporary color scheme. In this economic climate that may not be possible, so why not do some remodeling and redecorating?

Looking for a great deal on a used RV but aren't having any luck finding the color scheme you want? Why not purchase the great deal and use the extra money you save and decorate it how you want?

Motorhomes, 5th wheels and travel trailers are not much different than a stick house when it comes to remodeling and redecorating.
Dale and Ute Ford from Lake Forrest, California used a little creativity to redecorate their motorhome. Ute decided to redo the color scheme. She started by finding some upholstery material she liked for a few of the window boxes. The boxes easily come off the wall by removing four screws. She removed the top fascia board from the window box and stripped off the old fabric. She replaced the old fabric with the new using a staple gun to hold it in place. She put it all back together and remounted it on the wall. She removed the day/night shade pull down buttons and painted them to match the new window box color.

Next she sewed slip covers for the dinette chairs. These are easily removable for dry cleaning. She added coordinated place settings and made a dramatic change to the dining area.She transformed the bathroom by adding an exterior curtain in front of the shower. She simply ran a curtain rod across the top in front of the shower and installed her new curtain. Amazing what a little fabric and some creative thinking can do to transform the look of an RV.

Bringing you the latest RV cover story – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

What tools are essential for Rving?

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Years ago while pulling our Komfort travel trailer through Santa Rosa, New Mexico the wind began peeling the panneling off the upper side of the trailer. I had a cordless electric drill, but I didn't have any screws. We felt conspicuous driving through town with a flapping pannel but I found a TrueValue Hardware store, purchased some screws and we were back on the road in no time. From that experience I learned to be better prepared.

Many Rvers bring tools along with them whether it's a weekend trip or they are full-timers. The kind and amount of tools you take largely depend on your style of Rving.

Toy people (those with toy haulers) will frequently bring enough tools to do minor surgery on a quad or motorcycle while other RVers have a different concept of what tools are necessary. Ultimately the essential tools for RVing depend on the style of RVing and the level of mechanical ability of the RVer.
Ray Bentsen from San Diego, California is a craftsman and made his own tool chest in one of his storage bays. He made the tool chest himself from aluminum (I'm jealous). I particularly like the way he organized his screwdrivers and a few other essential tools, however I usually need my screwdrivers handy at the location where I'm working, so I keep them in my portable toolbox.As a full time Rver I bring along only the tools I need. If I haven't used a tool or set of tools for a year, I eject them. The tool I use more than any other is my cordless drill. The second most used tool is a utility knife followed by my multimeter and portable air compressor.

I keep a modest set of mechanic's tools. I value a professional grade wire stripper along with a supply of electric connectors. I have an assortment of drill bits, a grinding wheel and wire brush (for the drill) and a set of hole saws. I have a hack saw, staple gun, rivet gun, caulking gun, funnels, strap wrench and safety goggles.

I keep a box of replacement bulbs and fuses, bolts, nuts, washers and screws. I keep caulking on hand as well as several kinds of tape and adhesives. I pack a small spool of electric wire and an assortment of wire ties. I store my tools in an outside storage compartment except one – the Leatherman, which I keep inside the coach for quick jobs.

In the utilities bay I keep a pair of channel-lock pliers, a water pressure gauge, water pressure regulator and some extra washers.

Though they may not be considered tools, I use gloves when I hook-up my towed vehicle and they save a lot of wear and tear on my hands.

Tooling up for another great RV year – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

A hot tip for a cold RV night

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:25:00 +0000

Everyone has a different personal RV sleeping profile. Some folks like to sleep with the windows open even during winter. Others prefer the warmth of an electric blanket. Some sleep with the covers off while others like the feel of several heavy layers of blankets. Some sleep in the buff while others wear Charles Dickens era pajamas. Some sleep with one naked foot out of the covers while others sleep with socks. It's all a matter of personal preference.

The important issue is that you get a good nights sleep waking up refreshed and ready for another day. Sleep researchers claim that how you begin your sleep is as important as the sleep itself. Keeping a routine at bedtime will help you begin to relax and look forward to a good night's sleep. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants before bedtime is also good advice.

I stumbled upon a great idea last week that has made a huge difference for us at bedtime. We like to sleep with the heater off and no electric blanket. During winter the bedroom gets cold and the sheets are like ice when you get in bed. It's hard to relax when your teeth are chattering, so I started thinking about what we could do to solve the problem. I remembered seeing "bed warmers" in museums and knew they placed heated rocks in these and passed them under the sheets to make them toasty warm.

I decided to use Mrs. Professor's electric hair dryer to do the same thing. By blowing hot air between the sheets for a few minutes it has the same effect as the ancient "bed warmers." It's much more relaxing and comfortable to crawl into a toasty warm bed now that we've discovered this winter bedtime secret.

Should you choose to try this please be careful because you are dealing with a heated appliance which brings with it the remote possibility of a fire (make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy). I point the nozzle of the hair dryer so it does not come in contact with the sheets and I raise the top sheet high enough (about eight inches) to allow the air to billow the bedding with warm air.

Giving you something to sleep on - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing