May - Good Sam

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May - Good Sam

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TL1105 Chevrolet Ad Cov 2-Pg 3 LO.qxp_Full-/Spread Ads 3/8/11 3:17 PM Page 3
MOTOR TREND ’S 2011 TRUCK OF THE YEAR.
NEW SILVERADO HEAVY-DUTY
Learn more at chevy.com/NewSilveradoHD
STRONG — 21,700 LBS. OF MAX. TOWING 1 STURDY — 6,635 LBS. OF PAYLOAD CAPACITY 2 SECURE — CONFIDENT TRAILERING
Shown: New 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Crew Cab with available Duramax® 6.6 L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine with 21,100 lbs. max. towing and 5,122 lbs. max. payload.
1 Requires fifth-wheel trailer hitch and Regular Cab model. Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a properly equipped base vehicle, plus driver. See your Chevy dealer
for additional details. 2 Requires a Regular Cab model and gas engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. Allison is a
registered trademark of Allison Transmission, Inc. The marks of General Motors, its divisions, slogans, emblems, vehicle model names, vehicle body designs and other marks appearing
in this advertisement are the trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors. ©2011 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buckle up, America!
Chevrolet Motor Division, go to trailerlife.com/info
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TL1105 Table of Contents LO.qxp_Table of Contents 3/8/11 3:10 PM Page 4
CONTENTS >
May 2011 Volume 71 Number 5
Departments
Features
21 KATMAI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
Watch Alaskan brown bears ensnare salmon in their mouths during
spawning season in this 4.1-million-acre park, also home to 15 active volcanoes
24 GO FOR IT!
Now is the time to stop making excuses and take the trailer up to Alaska,
and here’s what you need to know before you go
28 DISCOVER ALASKA
Not sure how you feel about Alaska? Let Bill Graves take the mystery out of
“The Last Frontier” and show you what you can’t miss
33 THE MOTHER LODE
RVers should already know that getting there is half the fun … Canada’s
Yukon Territory proves it
36 WE LOVE L.A.
Forget everything you think you might know about Los Angeles — the city and
its surrounding areas have a multitude of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts
42 MOOSEHEAD LAKE, MAINE
Its name isn’t the only thing that’s unforgettable about this northeast region,
which is home to many different types of birds and, of course, moose
46 DESERT PARADISE
A camping trip in California’s Mojave Desert with the all-new Jeep Grand
Cherokee and Pacific Coachworks Tango 257 BH KSO travel trailer
52 SWAYPRO
The Blue Ox SwayPro hitch combines weight distribution with sway control
in one package
55 KEEP YOUR COOL
Follow along with a step-by-step roof A/C replacement
58 PLUG-IN HORSEPOWER
Bully Dog’s Triple Dog GT Tuner helps you get up the hill faster without
additional fuel expense
62 RV RETROSPECTIVE: 1937 PIERCE-ARROW TRAVEL TRAILER
Check out a vintage Model A Travelogue that was once used as a chicken
coop before being beautifully restored by J.B. Nethercutt
5 DRIVER’S SEAT
6 LETTERS
6 SNOOK’S NOOK
9 AROUND THE BEND
News, events, people,
places, parks & RV trends
12 RV ACTION LINE
We take action to resolve conflicts
between consumers and RV dealers
or manufacturers
20 THE OUTSIDER
Find out if Bandon Dunes, Oregon,
lives up to its reputation as one of the
best golf destinations in the world
66 HANDS ON
68 PERFORMANCE CORNER
69 NEW PRODUCTS
70 RV CLINIC
Straight talk from the
Trailer Life tech team
73 10-MINUTE TECH
Readers submit their favorite
tried-and-true tech tips
82 AMERICA’S OUTBACK
Glacier-hiking deep in Alaska’s
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in
the old mining town of Kennicott
64 TEMPFLOW MATTRESS
Relief Mart’s Tempflow RV6000 and RV8000 memory foam mattresses are
comfortable replacements for your RV’s boring factory-installed beds
ON THE COVER:
The Jeep Grand Cherokee
and Pacific Coachworks
Tango 257 BH KSO are
ready to set up camp at
a primitive desert site in
California’s Mojave Desert.
See story on page 46.
Photo by Chris Hemer
4 May 2011 TRAILER LIFE
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TL1105 Driver’s Seat LO.qxp_TL Driver’s Seat 3/8/11 3:09 PM Page 5
DRIVER’S SEAT
EDITORIAL
Publisher Bob Livingston
>
Editor Kristopher Bunker
Senior Managing Editor Marleen Canniff
Associate Editor Meaghan Alfier
by Kristopher Bunker
Editorial Correspondent Betty Abramson
Consulting Editors Wes Caughlan,
Ken Freund, Jeff Johnston
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
H
Midwest Bureau Chief Sherman Goldenberg
CREATIVE
Art Director Mirante Almazan
PRODUCTION
Vice President of Production Bob Dawson
Senior Ad Production Manager Brenda Hutchinson
ere’s a fun game to play around the campfire. Ask your
family or friends, “If you could take your RV anywhere
in the world for an extended stay, and take in the
sights, meet the locals and sample the regional cuisine, where would it be?”
Chances are the answers will be wide and varied, from foreign countries to opposite coasts to natural wonders.
As a young man, my answer was consistently Ireland, as I always wanted to tour
the green rolling countryside and delve a bit deeper into some of my heritage.
Now, with a wife and two children, priorities obviously change, so I would have
to say Walt Disney World in Florida (rather exotic, isn’t it?). The look in my boys’ eyes
would be worth 1,000 Blarney Stone kisses to me. We’ve been to the Disneyland
Resort here in California many times, but transporting the family across the country
to an entire Disney “city” would be other-worldly to the kids. And staying in an RV,
with all of our own comforts, would make the journey even more special.
I know that itinerary is rather tame, as there is an entire world out there, but I’m
at a point where I want my children to have the best time possible; I’m not so sure a
7- and a 2-year-old would truly appreciate touring old castles in the rain at this
point. Ah, someday.
Back to the campfire game: if you ask the question of a handful RVers, I bet you
get more than one “Alaska.”
The Land of the Midnight Sun is one of the top RVing destinations in the country
— dare I say, the world — and has been luring explorers, tourists and thrill-seekers
since becoming our 49th state in 1959 (and well before that).
The diverse natural beauty is likely the top reason. Stunning views abound, and
wildlife roams free around seemingly every corner. Snowcapped mountains inspire,
and the wide-open spaces of our least densely populated state invite adventurers
and leisurely strollers alike. Whatever your motive, visiting Alaska is considered the
be-all, end-all trip for many RVers, a reputation it has earned via word-of-mouth
from those who have already taken the awe-inspiring journey.
To help you along with your Alaska dreams, this issue is packed with Last
Frontier-centric material, including destinations, tips, tricks and inside information
on what to expect while visiting in your RV. (Hint: It’s not all dinged windshields, flat
tires and $10-per-gallon fuel.)
There’s even a bit on the Canadian Yukon Territory, which is along the route to
Alaska but certainly worthy of a trip in itself.
RVing Alaska is definitely a trip I’d like to take someday. For me, it ranks right up
there with The Emerald Isle and, of course, Mickey, Minnie and Buzz Lightyear. Now
there’s a list you don’t often see. q
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Contributors Jim Couper, Len Cousineau,
Bill Graves, Lisa Halvorsen, Chris Hemer,
Bruce Leonard Jr., Kevin Livingston, Barry Zander
.com
CIRCULATION
Circulation Director Jill Anderson
Fulfillment Manager Melissa Vizzo
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Call (800) 825-6861
E-mail [email protected]
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TRAILER LIFE May 2011 5
Contents
TL1105 Letters LO.qxp_TL Letters 3/8/11 3:09 PM Page 6
“
LETTERS >
I am a Trailer Life
subscriber, and every
now and then, along
comes one article
that pays for the
entire year …
from our Readers
FLORIDA KEYS
I am a Trailer Life subscriber, and every
now and then along comes one article that
pays for the entire year — as the one in the
March issue, “Florida Key Hopping.” It is
perfectly written. I really liked that the
article included the size of the RVs the
various parks can handle. Thanks for this
kind of article!
Ed Kolibaba, Via e-mail
SPECIAL NEEDS TRAVEL TRAILERS
In your recent article highlighting this
year’s newest RVs, Bob Ashley’s “2011
Showstoppers,” I was excited by the Harbor View Mobility Trailer for a good friend
of mine with a physically challenged child.
When I went online to look for more info,
I found that the Web address was wrong.
The correct website for the trailer is
www.harborview.mobilitycamper.com. My
friend wants to take his son camping for
all the reasons we enjoy it. And please report on more campers that are accessible
to special needs kids and adults. Thanks!
Joe Sherrill,
Mineral Springs, North Carolina
”
materials. So, now that it is 2011, what
companies and models are using this material or other building materials to eliminate wood in the structure?
S. Perry, Fort Collins, Colorado
Editor’s note: All-composite fifth-wheels
and travel trailers are growing in popularity, as eco-friendly lightweights are one of
the current industry trends. EverGreen
Recreational Vehicles, Earthbound RV,
Livin’ Lite, Dutchmen, CrossRoads RV,
Gulf Stream Coach, Jayco and still more
companies are continually blazing the
trail when it comes to using composite
materials as opposed to wood. Be sure to
get a copy of the Trailer Life & Woodall’s
RV Buyers Guide to see all the specs on
close to 500 of this year’s new models.
OLDEST CATTLE RANCH
In the March issue, Bill Graves visited Central Florida and mentioned that he learned
Florida was the first state to have a cattle
ranch and the birthplace of a cowboy,
“cracker” as they say down here. However,
Deep Hollow Ranch in Montauk, New
York, claims to be the oldest ranch in the
country and home to the first cowboy in
America. Check this out and you will be
very surprised as to the history of cowboys
and Indians in New York — plus the cows.
John H. Cisler, Sarasota, Florida
JEEP TRAILERS
I absolutely love the review of Jeep’s Trail
Edition trailers, by Ken Freund (March
issue). I’m an avid off-roader, and it’s
impossible to take most trailers to the
SNOOK’S NOOK
2011 SHOWSTOPPERS & TRENDS
I read how Dutchmen was using CosmoLite back in 2009 in its Eco-Logic travel
trailer to eliminate using plywood and
lauan. I also read that other companies
were introducing models using composite
To contribute to this column, write to
2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001,
or e-mail [email protected].
“Tell your mom to stay in the bathroom!!!”
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Thetford Corporation, go to trailerlife.com/info
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LETTERS
Chairman Stephen Adams
President/CEO Michael Schneider
Senior VP/CFO Tom Wolfe
Senior VP/Human Resources Laurie James
Senior VP/Group Publisher Bob Livingston
Senior VP/Affinity Clubs/Interactive and
Multimedia Joe Daquino
VP/RV Trade Publications Sherman Goldenberg
VP/Controller Dale Hendrix
Membership Benefits Director/Good Sam
remote regions where I like to camp. As a
Jeep owner, I’ve been looking for a small
pop-up like this, something with a low profile and high enough clearance to follow
behind without worries. For years I’d just
sleep under the stars, but I’m getting older
and being able to sleep in a bed is becoming a requirement for both my wife and
myself. This would be a perfect solution.
Thank you for the excellent review.
Doug Elmhurst, Sparks, Nevada
ROOF & AWNING CARE
Club Susan Bray
After reading Ken Freund’s article on roof
care in the March issue, I think he should
have also included a product called Liquid
Roof from Advanced Rubber Products.
When mixed with the catalyst, it is a liquid
EPDM coating that can be applied with a
roller or brush. It cures to approximately
20 mils thick and is a fantastic product
when used as directed.
John Colucci, Via e-mail
Chairman Emeritus Art Rouse
Publisher Emeritus Bill Estes
EDITORIAL/BUSINESS OFFICE
2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001
Tel (805) 667-4100, Fax (805) 667-4484
ADVERTISING
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA
VP/National Sales Terry Thompson
RV Marketplace Sue Seidlitz
Classifieds Joyce Reweda
APPS FOR RVERS
Business Manager Denielle Sternburg
I really appreciated the news piece in the
March issue about the apps that could
help RVers save money. I recently installed
some apps that I, too, found to be invaluable for RVers. First, we love stopping at
Cracker Barrels along the way, and so we
installed its app for free. It lets us know exactly where the closest Cracker Barrel is
using our current location. We did the
same for Starbucks and Walmart apps.
Thank you for the exciting news!
Eileen Kenny, Lewisville, Texas
P.O. Box 8510, Ventura, CA 93002
Tel (805) 667-4100, Fax (805) 667-4379
ELKHART, INDIANA
Midwest Sales Director Chuck Lasley
National Advertising Sales Tacy Hendershot,
Lou Cicirelli
RV Dealer Sales (East) Kathy Dresser
2300 Middlebury Street, Elkhart, IN 46516
Tel (574) 295-7820, Fax (574) 522-0418
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
National Advertising Sales Scott Oakes,
John Marciano
1818 Westlake Avenue N, #420 Seattle, WA 98109
Tel (206) 283-9545, Fax (206) 283-9571
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Crompton Holdings Scott Crompton
2031 Fernway Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111
[email protected]
Tel (334) 546-7243, Fax (334) 356-7740
Trailer Life does not knowingly accept deceptive or
misleading advertising. If you have a contrary experience
with respect to any merchandise or service represented
herein, please write to RV Action Line.
Editorial submissions: Written queries only. Although every
precaution is taken, the publisher assumes no liability for
the return or safety of unsolicited manuscripts, queries,
photographs or illustrations. Manuscripts submitted for
publication must include complete return postage.
construction? At least then you could buy
a mattress anywhere, not just at a specialty
store. You can’t even buy sheets for a
short queen!
I hope RV manufacturers read this and
realize the problem. If there is a reason for
this, I wish they would say what it is. I’ve
been camping since 1965, and any trailer
or fifth-wheel I’ve owned has had the
same problem. Once, I even had a mattress with one corner chopped off at an
angle that made the short queen even
worse. Thanks for listening to my problem.
I’ve been reading your magazine for years;
it is the best.
Kay R. Wilt, Annona, Texas
MORE ABOUT TRUCK CAMPERS
I am a longtime subscriber. I’ve had truck
campers, trailers, motorcycle campers,
fifth-wheel campers and have now gone
back to a truck camper. I would like to see
more articles on truck campers.
Dale Matthews,
Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania
RV RELIABILITY
I love your magazine and just sent in my
renewal notice. I really like “The Outsider”
by Bruce Leonard Jr. Also, I think it would
be beneficial if you would set up some
type of RV rating. You already cover a new
trailer every month, but it is so hard as a
consumer to know whether or not we are
looking at a good manufacturer or an average one. Keep up the great work.
Rick Harmon,
Battle Ground, Washington
MOTORHOME? TRAILER LIFE?
I subscribe to both magazines and was
disappointed to see a motorhome article
in Trailer Life’s March issue. I have never
seen a towable article in MotorHome
magazine. Please keep the two separate,
as there is nowhere else to go for trailer articles. Otherwise I look forward to both
magazines. Keep up the good work.
Bob Landry, Mandeville, Louisiana
QUEEN SHORT MATTRESS
I have a pet peeve with the short queen
mattress that RV manufacturers use in
their RVs. What would be the big deal to
use standard 60 × 80-inch queen mattresses in their units? What are a few inches in
ODE TO RVING
Just wanted to send a note to Trailer Life
magazine to say thanks for such a class
act. Every month for years now my family
looks forward to our issue arriving in the
mail. We read it cover to cover. We love all
the pictures of new and old RVs, stories,
places of the great RV lifestyle and how to
repair and maintain one’s RV. Sadly, we
lost our home and had to sell our RV. This
family of four and doggy miss camping
very much. Hopefully the winds of change
will blow in our favor, and we will be RVing
again. Until then, keep up the greatest
magazine around.
Patrick McGann, Lynchburg, Virginia q
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TL1105 Around the Bend LO.qxp_Around the Bend 3/8/11 3:09 PM Page 9
AROUND
THE BEND>
NEWS • EVENTS • PEOPLE • PLACES • PARKS & RV TRENDS
Edited by Marleen Canniff
TRAVEL (SUPER) STAR
The 2011 Travel Star travel trailers are designed to be
easy on the road and the wallet. This line is available
in three different models, Sport, Expandable, and
Travel Trailer, each with several floorplans ranging
from 17 feet to just over 33 feet. The Expandable
model Travel Star EXP 176RB is 18 feet 6 inches long,
with popular new features including a comfy J-steel
sofa, A/C with directional vents, raised panel hardwood doors, Goodyear radial tires, pleated shades
and TorFlex independent torsion axels for a smoother, safer ride. In addition, all Starcraft
products have been Green Certified by TRA Certification Inc., an independent third-party
certification agency. The Travel Star earned a top-level certification through the use of
sustainable materials, environmentally friendly production methods, energy-efficient
components and reduction of waste. Base msrp for the Travel Star EXP 176RB is $17,808.
For more information, call (800) 945-4787 or visit www.starcraftrv.com.
KEEP IN DUTCH
Staying true to Dutch heritage, tulip
festivals across North America showcase this flower along with a celebration of the West Germanic culture that
immigrants from long ago brought to
this continent. We’ve listed information
on the big ones, three of which are
American Bus Association’s 100 Best
Events in North America for 2011,
which make them prime destinations
for RVers. The festivals all have tulips,
a parade, tulips, Dutch cuisine, tulips,
top-notch entertainment, more tulips
and more fun.
For specific details about the festivals
and for area campground information,
be sure to call or visit the websites for
each location.
76th Annual Pella Tulip Time
Pella, Iowa — May 5-7
(641) 628-4311, www.pellatuliptime.com.
59th Annual Canadian Tulip Festival
Ottawa,Ontario; Gatineau,Québec—May 6-23
ABA Top 100 Event
(800) 668-8547, www.tulipfestival.ca.
63rd Annual Tulip Festival
Albany, New York — May 7-8
(518) 434-2032, www.albany.com.
82nd Annual Holland Tulip Time Festival
Holland, Michigan — May 7-14
ABA Top 100 Event
(800) 822-2770, www.tuliptime.com.
71st Annual Orange City Tulip Festival
Orange City, Iowa — May 19-21
ABA Top 100 Event
(712) 707-4510, www.octulipfestival.com.
MOTHER’S DAY
IN THE T4 ZONE
On Mother’s Day weekend, May 6-7,
you and your mama (OK, you don’t
have to bring your mother) can camp
under the stars on the infield of
South Carolina’s famed Darlington
Raceway. With the purchase of a
ticket, you can enjoy a full day of
racing action that includes practice,
qualifying and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Royal Purple 200, where
NASCAR’s biggest stars will be on
location to race around the “Too
Tough To Tame” track. RV campsites
are available for those who like to be
in the center of the action and for
those who prefer a little more privacy.
Get tickets and reserve a campsite
by calling (866) 459-7223 or visiting
www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets.
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AROUND
>
NEWSWIRE
THE BEND
TOP 10 FAMILY VEHICLES
There’s no perfect family tow vehicle for everyone all the time,
but Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) has created the 2011 Top
10 Family Cars, which recognizes safety, comfort, economy of
operation, child-friendliness, a reasonable purchase price and
good resale value. Check the manufacturers’ tow ratings for
each, as capabilities vary. Here’s the list:
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee
1. Chevrolet Suburban
7. Kia Sorento
2. Honda Odyssey
8. Chrysler 300
3. Chevrolet Traverse
9. Hyundai Sonata
4. Ford Flex
10.Volkswagen Golf
5. Ford Explorer
DISHING UP TV EVERYWHERE
Being able to watch
your favorite shows
while in your mobile
home away from
home is a requirement for many
RVers, and DISH
Network is making it
easy to have TV
everywhere. DISH Remote Access, the free application that
gives its customers the ability to watch live and recorded TV on
compatible smartphones and laptops, is now optimized for the
higher-pixel Android tablet screens. The app also allows those
with compatible DVRs the ability to browse and search up to
nine days of programming, schedule DVR recordings and even
transform the Android tablet into a fully functioning remote
control. The DISH Remote Access app for Android tablets can
be downloaded for free through the Android Market. It’s also
available for compatible iPad, iPhone, iTouch, Android mobile
phones and Blackberry devices.
For more information about DISH Remote Access, visit
www.dish.com/tveverywhere.
The nonprofit group Oregon RV Alliance wants to get the
word out to all RV owners across the country that the RV
industry in Lane County, Oregon, is still going strong. The
alliance’s founder, Bradley Waring, would like to encourage
snowbirds “to bring their (RVs) back into this community
over the spring and summer” to enjoy this beautiful state.
Many are already planning to head back to Oregon for The
Rally in Redmond, July 14-17 (www.therally.com). The RV
Alliance currently has 30 members, including entities such
as RV manufacturers, dealerships, service centers, suppliers,
local chambers of commerce, community festival organizers
and others. Waring predicts it will have at least 200 members
by the end of the year … In compliance with the Americans
With Disabilities Act, federal regulations now also require
RV parks and campgrounds to install handicapped lift systems
for their swimming pools. Pools longer than 300 linear feet
will require two means of assisted entry. Campgrounds and
parks that fail to abide by the new rules face fines up to
$110,000 ... To maintain the treasured landscapes in our
155 national forests and 20 grasslands areas
under the jurisdiction and responsibility of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service,
a proposal for a Forest Planning Rule has been
introduced that would establish a new national
framework to develop land management
plans that protect water and wildlife and promote vibrant
communities. The planning rule is intended to provide a
collaborative and science-based framework for creating
land management strategies that would support ecological
sustainability and contribute to rural job opportunities. It
also includes new provisions to guide forest and watershed
restoration and resilience, habitat protection, sustainable
recreation, and management for multiple uses of the National
Forest System, including timber ... Check out the Trailer Life
iPhone app at the iTunes App Store and follow us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/TrailerLifeMagazine.
RVER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING A
Alaska … land of vast wilderness, truly “wild” wildlife, and acres
upon acres of relatively untouched nature. The newly revised
5th Edition of Traveler’s Guide to Alaskan Camping — Alaska
and Yukon Camping With RV or Tent ($21.95), by Mike and
Terri Church, covers everything an RVer needs to know to have
a great camping trip in this remote neck of the woods, where
snowcapped mountains and crystal-blue glaciers are complemented by fields of wildflowers in the spring.
The book is organized by region with detailed driving routes
and clear maps, which anyone who has ever missed a turnoff to
a campground in an obscure location will appreciate. Each
campground listing (more than 500) includes a price range with
other details that pertain specifically to RVs, including maximum
RV length at certain campgrounds, dump-station availability,
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AROUND
>
THE BEND
VOLUNTEER MOBILE
DENTAL CLINIC
PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE
Because many families don’t have transportation or simply can’t
take time off from work to take their child to the dentist, the
Community Dental Foundation in Arizona takes dental service
directly to them. This mobile dental clinic provides underserved
children with preventive work, such as cleaning, sealants and
dental exams to restorative work, like fillings and crowns. But
with the hot weather in Arizona, the volunteers needed refrigerators to store medicines and dental supplies, and they needed
a portable toilet. Thetford Corporation and Norcold Inc. became
big supporters by donating two AC/DC DE-0051 refrigerators
and a Porta Potti 365 portable toilet for the new mobile clinic.
For more information, call (800) 543-1219 or visit the News and
Events section on www.thetford.com.
The America’s Great Outdoors Initiative is a promise to
reinvigorate our nation’s approach to conservation and to
reconnect Americans with the lands and waters that are used
for farming and ranching, hunting and fishing, and for families
to spend quality time together. The 2012 president’s budget
proposal is to provide $5.5 billion to further the goals of this
initiative. Itemized, that’s $4.6 billion to ensure the public lands
are protected and remain available for public use, recreation
and education; $675 million for Land and Water Conservation
Fund programs; $150 million for Fish and Wildlife Service
conservation grants; and $72.4 million for National Park Service
programs. The American outdoor industry estimates 6.5 million
jobs are created every year from outdoor activities.
Register to receive updates at www.doi.gov/americasgreat
outdoors/get-updates.cfm. For details about the budget plans,
visit www.doi.gov/budget/2012/12Hilites/toc.
KAMP FOR FREE AT KOAS
Hundreds of KOA campgrounds across the United States and Canada will host the eighth-annual
“Come Kamp and Care With Us” event the second weekend of May. The event provides a free
night of camping on Saturday, May 14, to all campers who stay as paying guests on Friday,
May 13. KOA campgrounds have fun activities planned designed to entertain campers and
help raise funds to support KOA Care Camps, a system of 43 specialized summer camps that
provide a true camping experience for children with cancer and their siblings. Last year, more
than 25,000 families stayed at nearly 400 participating KOAs, raising more than $370,000.
For more information, call (888) 562-0000 or visit www.koa.com.
G ALASKA
types of hookups and which specific
amenities are available, such as
Wi-Fi. Insider tips pertain to
points of interest, where you can
camp for free, where to stop for
fuel and a comparison of fuel
prices along the route, with
fishing, hiking, boating and
wildlife-viewing opportunities.
With a sense of adventure
and Traveler’s Guide to
Alaskan Camping in your trailer, you’re one step
closer to making your dream of RVing Alaska a reality. To buy
your copy, go to www.rollinghomes.com. — Meaghan Alfier
RVERS OF THE YEAR
Good Sam Club members
Don and Marilyn Buller have
been named the club’s 2010
RVers of the Year. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf
Coast in 2005, the Bullers
saw a need for a group of
RV volunteers who could arrive at disaster sites with
their own shelter. The couple became the founders of the
RVing arm of the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). Their
commitment to helping others impressed Good Sam Club
members during online voting late last year. The Bullers
plan to attend The Rally in Redmond, Oregon, July 14-17.
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TL1105 RV Action Line LO.qxp_TL RV Action Line 3/8/11 3:10 PM Page 12
RV ACTION LINE >
BRAKE IT UP
At a standstill in obtaining compensation
for the replacement of what he determined to be a faulty part on his trailer, a
reader turned to RV Action Line for help:
I am writing you for help in obtaining compensation of $1,164.30 from Airstream for
the expenses related to the replacement
of the hydraulic brake actuator that was
installed on my 2006 Airstream Classic
travel trailer I owned from October 2006
through February 2010.
During my ownership, I had numerous
brake failures that resulted in the unannounced loss of brakes on the trailer. Prior
to replacing the actuator, the dealer and I
were told by Airstream that the actuator
manufacturer (Active Technologies) was
no longer in business and that my
Airstream warranty had expired. Airstream
thought the solution was to replace the
actuator with another brand. My wife and
I were concerned about our safety, so we
agreed to pay the bill ourselves for the
new Dexter actuator’s installation.
So, you can imagine my surprise
when I received a safety recall notice
dated July 29, 2010, notifying me that “it
is possible that the Active Technology
brake actuator can fail unexpectedly,
causing the brakes on the trailer to lock
up or fail completely.” I felt the recall described precisely what we had experienced. I submitted my paperwork to
Airstream for reimbursement.
After a month of no reply, I called
Airstream customer support, and was informed it would be another 60 days before
consideration of my request.
On November 5, 2010, I finally received notice from Airstream, saying the
brake actuator on my trailer wasn’t the
one being recalled. I asked that my case
be reviewed again, but was denied; I even
requested a partial settlement, but
Airstream wouldn’t participate.
Although we loved both Airstreams we
owned, this has been an expensive and
frustrating experience.
Richard Hofer, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
It seems odd to us (and to Hofer as well)
that it would take three months to determine whether a particular part was involved
in a recall. The fact of the matter is, though,
it did, and Airstream denied the case based
on the recall being for a different actuator.
There’s really nothing that Hofer could have
done differently in this matter, as it turns out
Airstream sent the notice to everybody with
an Active Technologies actuator — not just
those with a faulty one. The following is
Airstream’s response:
Thank you for giving Airstream the opportunity to respond concerning Mr. Hofer’s
letter. We regret the problems he experienced and do understand his frustrations.
Upon checking his file, it was determined that he did not have the Version II
Acti-brake pump, which was the only unit
affected by the recall; he had the Version I.
Active Technology provided the warranty coverage for its actuators, which
would have expired prior to the repair
date. As I conveyed to Mr. Hofer, the reason we sent letters to all Acti-brake owners is because Active Technologies is no
longer in business, and we could not be
sure which unit they may have replaced
through any warranty coverage.
We apologize for the problems Mr.
Hofer experienced, but his pump was out
of warranty and not a part of the recall.
Dave Schumann,
Customer Relations Group, Airstream Inc.
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DISH Network, go to trailerlife.com/info
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Contents
RV ACTION LINE
IFFY LUBE?
Seeking reimbursement for damage
caused during an oil change, a reader
asked RV Action Line to step in. In a letter
to Jiffy Lube, he wrote:
New Horizons RV Corp., go to trailerlife.com/info
Trailair, go to trailerlife.com/info
I was in your shop to get the normal oil
change on my 2001 Dodge 2500 diesel.
After the service was completed, the technicians noted that they had greased two
fittings on the front end of the truck. They
also indicated that the transmission fluid
was overfilled, the brake fluid was low and
that the dipstick was broken. They never
mentioned any of this to me; instead, they
tried to sell me a new air filter (the one on
the truck was actually purchased the night
before!), suggested I change the rear-end
fluid and asked to flush the transmission,
all of which I declined.
After having the truck serviced, I felt
we were ready to go on an RVing trip, until
we heard a loud noise coming from the left
front side of the truck as we went down a
gravel road to our campsite.
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Oil changes are a hotly debated subject.
Many RVers feel strongly about performing their own, or having the tow-vehicle
manufacturer conduct them. This is a perfect example of why. Apparently, one employee failed to live up to the company’s
standards and caused a potentially disastrous problem.
However, that’s not to say all quickservice centers (or all Jiffy Lubes) are negligent; all it takes is one employee whose
mind is elsewhere to cause a problem.
We sent along Meeks’s information to
Jiffy Lube. Though we didn’t hear back
from the company, Meeks followed up a
short time later with the following letter:
for the damage and the falsified receipts.
I have since received a check from Jiffy
Lube for the $256 I was owed.
R. C. M. q
After exhausting all other resources without
success, please forward information
(typewritten only) with copies of appropriate
bills and correspondence to RV Action Line,
2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001.
Please include a self-addressed,
stamped envelope. No phone calls, please.
I would like to thank you for your help in
obtaining a refund from Jiffy Lube. I had
written two letters and had not received
a response.
Just a week after you notified me that
you were intervening, I received a phone
call from a Jiffy Lube district manager who
told me that the employee is responsible
Cruiser RV LLC, go to trailerlife.com/info
The next morning, I took the truck to
Arne’s Auto Service in Bellview, Georgia.
The mechanic there told us we had a
major front-end problem, but that we
could make it home if we drove slowly.
He advised us to take it to our mechanic
immediately.
Our mechanic, CJ’s Automotive, told
us the ball joint had been destroyed due
to negligence. He said that whoever lubed
the truck broke off the grease fitting some
time ago, and thus the ball joint didn’t receive any grease and had failed. This
wound up costing $256 for a new ball joint.
The Jiffy Lube invoice clearly states
that both lube fittings were filled. How
could the technician fill both when one
was missing?
It is clear to me that one of your employees was writing down false information about the lube job. I have trusted my
two vehicles for years to your company, so
I strongly feel Jiffy Lube is responsible for
the repair bill.
Robert C. Meeks, Seminole, Florida
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TL1105 The Outsider LO.qxp_The Outsider 3/8/11 3:11 PM Page 16
THE OUTSIDER >
by Bruce Leonard Jr.
OVER DELIVER
“WHEN I LEARNED THAT A FOURTH COURSE, OLD
MACDONALD, WAS ABOUT TO OPEN AND THAT AN
EXCELLENT CAMPGROUND EXISTED ONLY ABOUT A
MILE SOUTH OF THE ENTRANCE TO BANDON DUNES, I
STOCKED MY CLASS B, MADE SURE I INCLUDED MY
RAINGEAR, THEN HEADED NORTH.”
“I
Protect All Inc., go to trailerlife.com/info
’m in trouble,” I thought, as I watched yet another
well-struck golf ball bound across a green and
disappear behind a mound on the fantastic practice facility. Something better change quickly, or
my next four days would not be filled with golf
transcendence but abject misery.
I had driven from Los Angeles to a remote stretch of the southern Oregon Coast
to a resort that many golf aficionados consider America’s most impressive golf destination, Bandon Dunes. On various tee boxes I had heard strangers suggest that I
should get myself to Bandon, unless I wanted to concede that my life was a meaningless conglomeration of random acts. Or at least that’s what I heard. I had read in
numerous golf publications about the stunning ocean views that the first two courses,
Bandon Dunes and Pacific Dunes, commanded, and I had dreamed of someday
playing three public courses (the third being Bandon Trails) that the golf magazines
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love the freedom of going
wherever they please.
is pleased to cover
them wherever they go.
EMERGENCY EXPENSE. You choose to spend your free time enjoying the open road. So Progressive makes
sure you’re taken care of by covering lodging and transportation if your RV becomes disabled due to an
accident. Protect your trips. Call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, go to progressive.com or call an independent agent.
PROGRESSIVE.COM
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Coverage available for separate premium,
may not be available for all RVs and coverage selections, and is subject to policy terms. 10D00124 (04/10)
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.com
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Contents
Hensley Manufacturing Inc., go to trailerlife.com/info
THE OUTSIDER
DIRECTV Offers
Access to
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additional charge. While supplies last. S/H
fees apply. Courtesy of Direct Sat TV.
Offers ends 07/20/11. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only. Lease agreement required.**Hardware available separately. Lease fee $5.00/mo.
for second and each additional receiver. Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation.
Direct Sat TV, go to trailerlife.com/info
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consistently ranked in the top 15 in the
country. But all I did was add a trip to
Bandon to my Someday List, ranked between Run with the Bulls in Pamplona
and Date Heather Graham.
However, a golf writer I know who
has played a high percentage of the
planet’s best courses, including the
Pinehurst, North Carolina, courses and
the Scottish courses of St. Andrews, told
me, “Bandon is the best golf destination
in the world.” When I learned that a
fourth course, Old Macdonald, was
about to open and that an excellent
campground existed only about a mile
south of the entrance to Bandon Dunes,
I stocked my Class B, made sure I included my raingear, then headed north.
After the long drive, I wanted to
check out the resort before settling into
my campsite in Bullards Beach State
Park, so I made the left turn off Highway
101 into the understated entrance to
Bandon Dunes. I soon got my first
glimpse of a golf hole — the afternoon
light slanting through the trees to cast a
glow over what looked like a landscape
painting in waiting. Two deer nibbling
fodder off the edge of the fairway looked
up at me. Welcome to Bandon Dunes.
Yet the short practice course (the
public can play it all day long and tinker
on the driving range and the one-acre
practice green for $10) soon had me
wondering whether I’d made a mistake,
whether a game used to parklands
courses and target-golf courses could
handle the true Scottish-style links of
Bandon. (Anyone who has played Bandon is likely shouting, “When is this
clown going to mention the wind?”)
Yes, the wind. Breezes are extremely
rare at Bandon. Powerful, hat-losing,
body-tilting, tear-inducing gusts are
closer to the norm. This is, however, not
a criticism. Playing the Bandon courses
without wind would be like taking an
escalator to the top of Mount Everest, or
arm wrestling the Venus de Milo. Wind is
integral to the Bandon experience and
defends it more than the hidden
bunkers and sheer sea cliffs do. So the
wind and the hard-and-fast course conditions had me talking to myself on the
short practice course. What would I do
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Fuel Efficient Motorhomes
You’ll Love to Drive.
Imagine what you could do with a vehicle that has the spacious comfort and convenience of a larger
motorhome but with much better fuel economy and driveability. Whether driving cross-country or
just cross-town, enjoy the convenience of having your own kitchen, bathroom, changeroom, family
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1-888-ROADTREK (762-3873).
Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc., go to trailerlife.com/info
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THE OUTSIDER
the next day on Bandon Dunes?
I inhaled deeply, stuck my wedge
deep in my bag and resigned myself to
the idea that if ever I was going to learn
how to bump-and-run I would learn it at
Bandon. I then watched my punched
eight-iron shot carom like a pinball from
hillock to mound to ridge to crest, then
stop six feet from the pin. In the pro
shop, one of the friendly employees had
given me a piece of advice: Use your
putter whenever possible. So I did, and I
watched my doubles and bogeys become pars. My game thus modified, I
was ready.
In the campground that night, I studied the scorecards of the four courses.
When I arrived the next morning on the
first tee at Bandon Dunes, after parking
my rig between a Lance camper and a
gorgeous Class A in the RV parking lot, I
was told that I was about to play the
easiest of the courses. This perplexed
me, since the scorecard indicated that it
was the most difficult. And apparently it
used to be, but much of the gorse was
removed so golfers could complete their
rounds with egos intact. I opened with a
par, fell in love with the course on the
fourth hole, which grants the first view
of the ocean, and wished I could play
the incomparable 16th hole — a split
fairway, a chasm crossing, views galore
— 18 times, then call it a round.
Bandon Trails was next, and, despite
the course not interacting with the
ocean, I think it is a superior course to
Bandon, and golfers willing to move up
one tee box so as not to get bruised will
likely find this course as wonderful as I
did. Yes, 16 is an uphill brute, but remember: Everest doesn’t have an escalator.
Pacific Dunes dances nimbly along
the bluffs, tempts and taunts, promises
then reneges. The ocean astonishes, yet
may elicit curses. I played Pacific Dunes
in torrential rains and gale-force winds
that chased everyone but my group off
the course. It was the most memorable
round of golf I’ve ever played, and when
I returned to play Pacific in the sunshine
and blustering wind, it was likely my favorite round. The course dazzles.
Old Macdonald, also a gem, serves
up what I consider the best first hole on
the property. The greens throughout are
enormous, stretching to depths of nearly 80 yards, and I found them very difficult to read, three-putting accordingly.
The course’s signature hole is the seventh, the only ocean-view hole, yet to
designate a signature hole is to unfairly
devalue the others.
Many places I visit over-promise and
under-deliver. Not so Bandon Dunes.
After having played its four courses, I cannot dispute the claim by the aforementioned golf writer that “Bandon is the best
golf destination in the world.” q
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, (888) 3456008, www.bandondunesgolf.com.
Oregon Parks and Recreation
Department, (800) 551-6949,
www.oregonstateparks.org.
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TL1105 This Land LO.qxp_This Land 3/8/11 3:11 PM Page 21
THIS LAND
R
KATMAI NATIONAL PARK
AND PRESERVE
arely in life do we achieve our goals without
expending effort. Similarly, some of the most
extraordinary and memorable destinations require travelers to plan thoroughly, cover vast
distances and even endure hardships — and yet the payout is
nearly always worth the trouble. Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve more than overcomes the logistical hurdles travelers must endure to
experience its natural wonders.
Home to North America’s largest
population of protected Alaskan brown
bears — more than 2,000 of them —
and 15 active volcanoes, Katmai National Park consists of 4.1 million
acres, only a small fraction of which
feature development. One such developed area is Brooks
Camp, which is generally reached from Anchorage via a jet or
turbo-prop to King Salmon, where park headquarters is located
(it is possible to fly directly from Homer or Anchorage to
Brooks Camp). A 33-mile floatplane flight then delivers adventurers to Brooks Camp. The lodges, cabins and Brooks Camp
Campground are only open from June 1 through September 17.
Visitors will experience an abundance of gorgeous scenery by
taking a bus or van tour 23 miles from Brooks Camp to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Botanist Robert Griggs, while on
a National Geographic Society expedition in 1916, named the
area for the fumaroles that were created by the eruption of a
new volcano, Novarupta, in 1912 that produced 30 times the
volume of the 1980 Mount St. Helen’s eruption.
Yet even as fascinating as the scenery and volcanism are,
travelers generally make the journey to Brooks Camp to see
the bears. During the sockeye salmon
spawn in July, bear viewing is at its
best, as well as when the bears return
to feed upon the dead fish on the riverbank in September. The viewing can
suffer in both June and August, and
rain is always a summer threat. But to
watch the powerful creatures perch
atop Brooks Falls, then lash out with
their huge paws to snare leaping fish
that are fighting their way upstream
into their mouths is to experience one of the world’s greatest
natural spectacles.
Excellent hiking and productive fishing exist within the
park, and visitors can take numerous excursions via both
water and air to explore more of those 4.1 million acres. But it
is the bears that will likely render the journey worthwhile, and
the bears will star in travelers’ tales and shared photos once
adventurers have returned home. q
Katmai National Park and Preserve, (907) 246-3305,
www.nps.gov/katm.
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AVE
RS S
BE
PC ME
M
TL05 P 22-23 Camping World Ad LO.qxp_Full-/Spread Ads 3/8/11 3:31 PM Page 22
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MBERS SA
ME
AVE
RS S
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PC ME
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TL05 P 22-23 Camping World Ad LO.qxp_Full-/Spread Ads 3/8/11 3:31 PM Page 23
Camping World, go to trailerlife.com/info
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PHOTO BY BARRY ZANDER
TL1105 Alaska- Go For It LO.qxp_TL Feature 1 3/8/11 3:15 PM Page 24
GO FOR IT!
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT ALASKA?
I
by Barry Zander
t’s up there. You know it is.
But should you try to make
the daunting journey to the
famous “Land of the Midnight Sun”?
For us, one of our goals as fulltime RVers has been to visit all 49
contiguous states, plus the Canadian provinces and, at some point,
renting a rig for a Hawaiian trip.
Knowing that with age come health
problems, we decided the formidable trek to Alaska needed to be at
the top of our list. In early 2010 we
decided it was time.
Why would anyone want to
make that long, costly trip? The answer is not important. What you
should be asking is, “Why do I want
to make that trip?” If you don’t have
a good reason, you probably don’t
need to go.
Get past that hurdle and there’s
another one in your way. Many of
the hundreds of thousands of people who have RVed through western Canada into Alaska return with
stories of severe road hazards, high
prices, long drives and bad weather. You shake your head and ask, “Is
it worth it?”
More important than what you
ask is who you ask. Out of those
hundreds of thousands, very few
would say, “Don’t do it.” It’s not
just seeing Denali, the Yukon, the
Kenai or glaciers up close, or experiencing the untamed vastness
framed in magenta fireweed, the
rustic towns, or roadside fishing for
salmon. It is a fresh look at the
world as it was a century ago and a
millennium ago.
Monique and I drove all that
way to check Alaska off the list of
states we’ve visited. Oh, sure, we
had things we wanted to see, but
there’s plenty we have yet to see in
the Lower 48, so why bother? It was
probably about Day 35 of our 58day trip that we heard ourselves
saying things like, “When we come
back …”
That’s what the trip is all about.
Alaska — and its approaches
through British Columbia and the
Yukon Territory — is compelling.
Every mile, whether scenic or
sparse, is part of an adventure that
can’t be duplicated. Of the hundreds of people we’ve spoken with
about visiting Alaska, all of them
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PHOTOS BY BARRY ZANDER
had either been there more than once or were already thinking
about their return.
Now let’s consider all those bad things you have heard or
will hear about the journey; and to be sure, there are very real
negatives, some that you may not have considered.
How many times have you heard, “Don’t get your windshield repaired until you get back”? That’s good advice; however, damage is not a chronic Alaskan malady. At this point, let
me mention that the Zanders were No. 13 in a caravan, which
I’ll discuss later. Of the 19 rigs in our group, almost half suffered windshield dings while on the trip. Of those, few happened while we were in Canada or Alaska. Two got windshield
bull’s-eyes while in Washington state, another in Oregon. For
us, in our GMC 2500 diesel pulling a 10,000-pound 28-foot
Bigfoot trailer, no dings … lots of mud on highways being reconstructed but no damage. It’s the luck of the draw.
The trip is an expensive endeavor. No way around that, but
if you’re frugal in traveling the Lower 48, it won’t be much different up there. Four Canadian liters of fuel — slightly more
than a gallon — cost us about $3.75. In dire need of diesel on a
very remote stretch, we paid $2 a liter — more than $8 a gallon
— but the fellow pumping the gas assured me that the station
pays $1,000 a day for electricity. I thanked him for being there.
Bread can cost $8 a loaf. Crazy, yes, but maybe you should
have thought of that when you were in a bigger town. At stores
with names you’re familiar with along the route prices are not
a lot different than back home.
Can you get immediate veterinary care? Probably not.
Costs may be high in cities, but care is available. If you’re like
most pet owners, you’re willing to pay the price. There are also
nonprofit veterinary care organizations that exist in rural communities where no other animal-care services are available.
And that brings up the biggest negative of which we are
aware: healthcare for you. It’s a long drive through Yukon
Territory, where some roads are dicey, and you may not see a
cabin for 150 miles. If the need for medical attention arises,
your choices are few. But the kicker is that you can’t expect
Medicare to pick up a share of the costs. With other insurances, you’d better check carefully, particularly if you have a
condition that could flare up.
Let me reveal a few more negatives. We drove through
Oliver, British Columbia, a few days before our road was rendered impassible by a rock slide. We trudged over the infamous Top of the World Highway a few weeks before part of
the road was washed out, stranding a legion of RVers for a few
days. And we had to be escorted on a narrow highway surrounded by thick smoke from forest fires. If that’s not your cup
of tea, you may want to take a cruise ship, but then you’ll miss
the real experiences of “the trip of a lifetime.”
So, there must be another side to this story. Is the bliss in
the mind or the landscape? Without a doubt, if you’re up to it,
you should go, and don’t wait forever to set out (only until
May or June).
You may have heard that the Canadians are unfriendly.
Over our 50 days in Canada, we didn’t meet any mean souls.
We can’t imagine where they were hiding, but they certainly
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Left to right: Those in the historical town of Skagway, the
gateway to the Klondike, claim that the cries of “gold in the
Yukon” still echo from the canyon walls. Although many like
to climb the blue ice at Valdez, many others enjoy simply
looking at it. Just as it’s a sure bet to see glaciers, bears
and humpback whales in Alaska, you’ll also surely see an
abundance of wildflowers if you plan your trip for springtime.
didn’t cross our paths, which were many. Alaskans are a different breed from the Lower 48 Americans. They are often a bit
more rugged with a penchant for sled-dog racing and being
outside in cruel weather. That doesn’t make them bad, now
does it? We never met a local Alaskan who we didn’t like.
Now, let’s cut to the chase. Nature and culture. That’s
what it’s all about. And whether that’s something you want to
drive thousands of miles to experience or not, you will be
blown away for having done it.
As for “nature,” think in terms of the incredible vistas, far
too grand to depict in words or even pictures — and we got
some great photos with our very expensive lens. We can
name 10 states that have unparalleled beauty, just not as
much of it as in British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska. It
seems to never end. Think about fishing, the most ubiquitous
pastime of the Great Northwest, and you begin to realize the
attraction. But, then, there are the grizzlies and Mama Black
Bear and her cubs, and the moose, and caribou, and wolves
and eagles.
I often kidded Monique that I never wanted to see another
eagle or glacier or bounding waterfall or bear in my life … and
suddenly I’m pulling out that big lens so I don’t miss a memory.
Native cultures like Athabascan, Tlingit, Aleut, Yup’ik and
Inupiaq are all around, and you learn to appreciate them
quickly. You also learn to respect the “sourdough” miners and
others who braved the elements to seek their fortunes and
often found lonely death. You begin to grasp how hard it was
to build the 1,523-mile long Alaska Highway and the teamwork and ingenuity that went into building the 800-mile long
Trans Alaska Pipeline System. Among the hostile elements of
these environs, nothing came easily.
We took our trip to Alaska as part of a caravan, and we
have a few words about that choice, which we think was right
for us. A caravan is not a convoy. We were on our own throughout the journey, but we knew where we were going to stop. We
traveled with a group of wonderful, like-minded people whom
we believe will be friends for life — those things often happen
when you share the rigors of these roads. Behind us the entire
way was Tailgunner Spence, whose main duty was to make
sure everyone got to the next stop safely.
We’ve never traveled with other rigs before and might not
again, but we don’t regret the comfort it gave us. Plus, at the
outset we paid for cruises, shows, tours and campgrounds
that we probably wouldn’t have wanted to pay for individually,
but we’re happier that we did it.
As big as the Northwest is, we feel like we experienced it.
If the negatives are overwhelming your decision to go,
maybe you should give serious thought to a caravan. If you’re
more comfortable just winging it for 5,700 miles over some of
the world’s more challenging roads, go for it.
And that’s the point of all this. Go for it! q
Go to Web Exclusives on www.trailerlife.com for “Alaska
Definitions” to guide you through your Alaskan adventure, as
there are many Alaskan terms you may not be familiar with
— from Chickaloon to Muskeg to Ulu, just to name a few.
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TL1105 Alaska LO.qxp_Alaska 3/9/11 1:03 PM Page 28
DISCOVER
ALASKA
PHOTOS BY BILL GRAVES
EXPLORING SEWARD’S FOLLY
BEHIND THE SCENES
A
by Bill Graves
laska is big. We know that. So let’s be specific: Alaska is its own time zone. In fact, its
western edge, part of the Aleutian Island
Chain, has to be on Hawaii-Aleutian Time as
it stretches so far out in the Pacific. Alaska covers 586,412
square miles and is 2,400 miles across. That makes it larger
than Texas, California and Montana combined. It is bigger
than most countries. And when the National Park Service
totals up the acreage it owns in the United States, it turns
out that nearly two-thirds of them are right here in Alaska.
As for people, that’s the flip side of the coin. About
700,000 folks live in Alaska — our least densely populated
state — on less than 1 percent of its land. About half of
them live in and around Anchorage, which is close to the
ocean, affording them a “moderate” climate relative to the
rest of the state. Interestingly, Anchorage is almost as far
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SM
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or visit your local office.
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west as Honolulu and is as far north as
Helsinki, Finland.
Fairbanks is next in size, with a population of roughly 35,000. Close to the geographic center of the state, it’s about as
far north as most tourists go, at least by
road. You could, however, travel as far as
Prudhoe Bay via the Elliott Highway and
Dalton Highway, but only a small portion
of the 414-mile Dalton Highway is paved
— the rest is gravel. The major car-rental
agencies won’t even rent you a car if you
intend to drive it beyond Fairbanks. In
fact, Hertz and the others have a long list
of only-way-to-get-there roads on which
their cars are not to be driven.
The highways all have names —
Glenn, Parks, Richardson, etc. They have
numbers too, of course — 1 through 11.
I did go beyond Fairbanks, but by airplane. We took off at 7 in the evening and
headed north over empty, rugged terrain.
It was August, when the sunlight stays
around until close to 10 p.m. The only
thing beneath us that was man-made was
a road with two trucks on it, paralleled by
a line of pipe on stilts.
Our flight path followed the Trans
Alaska Pipeline System that moves crude
oil 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay, on the
Arctic Ocean, to the port of Valdez, about
300 miles east of Anchorage. Built to
withstand temperatures of 80 degrees
below zero, the pipeline crosses three
mountain ranges, 800 rivers and streams
and three faults.
An amazing engineering feat, it has
been going strong since it was completed in
1977. It now carries 15 percent of our nation’s domestic oil production, but will shut
down, they tell me, in about 10 years unless
new oil fields are developed up north.
Four feet in diameter, the pipe is
Seeing Alaska by air should be part of any
Alaska travel budget, as the views from
the sky are spectacular. Most houses in
the town of Wiseman are decorated with
moose antlers. The Denali Star train runs
between Anchorage and Fairbanks with
stops at Talkeetna and Denali National
Park. It’s a mystery how many RVs roll
across the Alaskan Highway, but there’s
a good reason why traveling this state is
considered the ultimate RVing adventure.
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Let’s Roll!
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buried where possible, but it’s above
ground where burying it would affect
the permafrost. Seeing it from the air, as
it winds through woods and over mountains, is stunningly impressive.
We flew over the Arctic Circle and
landed in Coldfoot, which is essentially
a gathering of transient quarters around
a muddy truck stop. (If you have
watched “Ice Road Truckers” on the History Channel, then you have probably
seen it.)
This airplane trip was spectacular, as
were others I took here — over glaciers,
for example. I mention this to prepare
any visitor to Alaska to add a few airplane excursions to his/her travel budget. It is money exceedingly well spent,
both in time saved and visual memories.
On the way north, our pilot — retired
from 25 years with Hawaiian Airlines —
pointed out a settlement on the Yukon
River called Stevens Village. No roads
lead to it. Except for the river, it is totally
isolated. “In Alaska, there are hundreds
of places like that,” he said.
His words reinforced my impressions
developed during my stay in Alaska: This
is a hardy, self-sufficient bunch up here.
They thrive on independent living and a
healthy lifestyle. They love the outdoors
— winter and summer — and are prepared for the hardships that go with it. In
many cases their survival depends on
their skills and ingenuity.
In the village of Wiseman, just north
of Coldfoot, I met Jack Reakoff. Wiseman is one of two settlements between
Coldfoot and Prudhoe Bay, a distance of
240 miles.
The creature comforts installed in
Jack’s house in the bush are much like
those in an RV. But there are no hookups
here. He has 12-volt DC and 120-volt AC
electrical systems. Solar panels, batteries and an inverter work fine in the summer. But in the winter, when daylight is
scarce, he depends on a 2,000-watt
Honda inverter/generator, which he
runs four hours a day.
He has a satellite system for TV and
high-speed Internet access. Unlike our
RVs, his refrigerator is in the floor. He
opened it. I saw many packages wrapped
in white paper marked “moose.”
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DISCOVER ALASKA
majority, arrive on cruise ships. Most of
them get off and climb aboard deluxe
railroad cars staffed by the cruise lines. In
Anchorage, these cars are hooked on to
Alaska Railroad’s northbound Denali
Star. They get dropped off, three quarters
of the way to Fairbanks, at the entrance
to Denali National Park, with hopes of
seeing Mount McKinley and local wildlife
— moose, bear, wolf and antelope. Seeing wildlife is almost a guarantee. Mount
McKinley hides on rainy days.
The Denali Star runs daily in the
summer between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska has its own state-owned
railroad — no Amtrack here. It impressed me as a first-class operation,
offering two classes of service and spectacular scenery.
Although the state counts people
who arrive here by ship, airplane and
ferry, nobody really knows how many
RVers come up the Alaska Highway. But
from personal observation, RVs are immensely popular here. RV parks and
campgrounds are everywhere.
On the Wednesday afternoon before
Labor Day, the RVs coming north from
Anchorage on the Glenn Highway outnumbered other vehicles by 3 to 1. I have
never seen anything like it anywhere.
They all had Alaska license plates, but
many of them displayed signs that they
were rentals.
Rather than drive an RV up here, I
suspect many RVers fly to Anchorage —
or maybe come on a cruise ship — and
then rent an RV.
I met a couple at the River’s Edge RV
Park in Fairbanks who had towed their
trailer up from Michigan. They brought
their son and a truckload of stuff he
would need for his first year at the University of Alaska. They said their drive
across Canada was beautiful, and having the RV here allowed them to hang
around for a few days to get him settled.
Whatever the reason, and however
you get here, it is absolutely worth the
trip. q
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Nailed to the outside of his house
are several sets of heavy moose antlers,
bleached white by the sun. Most houses
have them. Jack’s cat has discovered
that moose antlers are a perfect fit for a
nap. Of course, I took that picture.
Flying back to Fairbanks in the dark,
we hoped to see the northern lights, but
no such luck. The only lights we saw during that hour were from two pumping
stations on the pipeline.
Unlike most of the United States,
men outnumber women in Alaska. And
the population is much younger here
than in our nation as a whole. The median
age is 331⁄2. And the 65-and-older crowd
is only 71⁄2 percent of all Alaskans — by far
the lowest such percentage of any state.
In the summer, of course, we
tourists skew this demographic. More
than half of us who visit Alaska are older
than 45. We come May through September, the tourist season — nearly 1.6 million of us in 2009.
Two thirds of the visitors, the vast
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TL1105 Yukon Gold LO.qxp_TL Feature 2 3/8/11 3:13 PM Page 33
THE MOTHER LODE
by Jim Couper
he last great gold rush — immortalized in the
novels of Jack London, the poetry of Robert
Service and the Charlie Chaplin film “The Gold
Rush” — took place in
Canada’s Yukon in the
final two years of the 19th century.
More than a century later many
RVers are still in a rush — a rush to get
through the Yukon to reach Alaska, the
continent’s ultimate destination for
wheeled campers. However, those with
a stampede mentality miss out on a special experience. The Yukon Territory retains the magic of the precious metal
through restored ghost towns,
mines, museums, historic houses
and excavations. It re-creates how
prospectors found gold, refined it,
traded it and transported it. Yukon
tourism even gives lingering visitors a
chance to win five ounces of glittering
gold by getting a passport stamped at various
attractions.
The most fascinating thing about the rush of 1898 is that it
took place in one of the most dangerous climates amidst
treacherous terrain. Close to 35,000 prospectors steamed up
the Pacific Coast to the port of Skagway,
Alaska, then climbed the 3,500-foot
Chilkoot pass as many times as was
necessary to transport the one ton of
gear and food that Canadian authorities
required. Cold and exhausted from the
climb, the men, and a few women, then
built rafts and boats and floated north
on the roiling Yukon River to fledgling
Dawson City, where all but the first arrivals found acres of tents occupied by
disillusioned adventurers like themselves. Those who struck it rich
opened bars, brothels, banks and
bathhouses.
The wedge-shaped Yukon,
lodged between British Columbia
and Alaska, has few roads, which all
lead to Whitehorse, the capital named
after rapids that looked like the white mane of a
PHOTOS BY JIM COUPER
T
GOLD GLITTERS IN THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN
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prancing horse. After Whitehorse, a
modern city of 26,000, Highway 1 leads
to Anchorage, Alaska; however, adding
a mere 130 miles via Highway 2 takes
one to Dawson City (population 1,800)
and the opportunity to reach Anchorage
via Tok, Alaska, and the Top of the World
Highway. On the return, RVers can stick
to Highway 1.
My wife and I, visiting for the first
time, found Dawson City well worth the
few extra miles (I mean, it’s 3,000 miles
to Omaha and 4,600 to Miami). The dusty
streets of Dawson City, its false-fronted
buildings and the Wild West entertainment reminded us of Tombstone, Arizona. Both are resurrected ghost towns
with a mix of dilapidated and restored
buildings plus entertainment and tours
inspired by interest in Wild West lore.
Dawson City doesn’t have an OK Corral or
shootouts, but it does have Diamond
Tooth Gerties’ Gambling Hall, paddlewheel trips on the Yukon River, the cabins
of Jack London and Robert Service, the
Palace Grand Theatre with free screenings of the TV series “Sergeant Preston of
the Yukon,” plus the incredible Dredge
#4. For 60 years this floating behemoth
chewed its way through valleys, spitting
out trails of rocky excrement and retaining gold in its tumbling digestive track. In
1960 the world’s biggest wooden dredge
wallowed to a standstill in the mud of Bonanza Creek, but it has since been raised
and restored for all to either marvel at or
condemn for its ecological menace.
When my wife and I visited the
dredge the friendly guides suggested
we try panning at a nearby creek and
lent us a big prospector’s pan. Like most
late arrivals we came up empty-handed,
but did add to our rock collection. Commercial operations in the area teach
how to swirl a pan of silt so the heavy
gold sinks and stays behind while everything else washes away.
Yukon campgrounds abound, and
while no resort-style stops offer luxurious rest, most have modern amenities
and hookups. Those who boondock or
prefer primitive sites will be in a camping haven, for every few miles signs
point to off-the-beaten-track camping.
We found many off-road campgrounds
within a half-mile of pavement, on good
dirt roads, with lakeside sites, primitive
toilets and no amenities. Authorities do
not appear to make an issue of selfcontained units staying at rest stops.
The frequency of camping areas surprised us, but what astonished us was
the plethora of places to go and things
to do in the Yukon. Our stay lasted two
weeks — doubling that would still have
kept us busy.
The Canadian Territory exceeds California in size, but only five areas normally
attract RVers: Watson Lake, Whitehorse,
Dawson City, Carcross and Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National
Park. The latter has Mount Logan, second
highest on the continent, glittering glaciers and unlimited natural beauty.
Watson Lake, the southernmost
Yukon town, greets RVers. It boasts the
Signpost Forest, a collection of 70,000
signs put up by travelers. Make one at
home with your names and hometown
and post it when you arrive. Many visitors have “borrowed’ street signs, town
signs, building names and other hometown artifacts. Summer visitors won’t
see the aurora borealis since the night
sky never fully darkens, but the Northern Lights Center in Watson Lake makes
up for this with an indoor display of the
dancing night sky and an explanation of
this scientific phenomenon.
At Whitehorse, 270 miles north of
Watson Lake, a number of attractions
WHO GOES THERE?
A count of 300 vehicles (not including
11 motorcycles) on the Alaska Highway
south of Watson Lake, Yukon, revealed
that more than one-third (105) were
RVs. And between Whitehorse and
Dawson City, we counted 300 RVs on
the road and itemized them by RV type.
The following is the list of what we saw,
in order from the most to the least:
Truck Campers: 68
Travel Trailers: 58
Class C Motorhomes: 53
Class A Motorhomes: 41
Fifth-Wheels: 39
Class B Motorhomes: 30
Folding Camping Trailers: 11
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Upper left to right: The Watson Lake Sign Post Forest is so famous around the world
that many towns have copied the idea — to a much lesser degree, of course. Many of
the old cabins in Carcross have a view over Lake Bennett or of the Caribou Mountain. In
Whitehorse, you can see an old C-47 that was converted to a DC-3 and is now the world’s
largest weather vane. Lower left to right: Haines Junction offers lakeside camping and
big fish. Taking Midnight Dome Drive to Dawson City is a rewarding venture.
have no connection to gold. The Beringia
Interpretive Centre documents dinosaur
life on this cold grassy plain at a time
when glaciation iced over much of the
continent. Yukon Wildlife Preserve shows
native fauna, Miles Canyon has a scenic
boat ride, the Yukon riverfront features a
ride on an old tram and several galleries
explain native art and history. At the
Transportation Museum a retired DC-3
aircraft swivels in the wind as the
world’s largest weather vane.
Linked to the quest for expensive
metals are the restored sternwheeler
S.S. Klondike, the Yukon Transportation
Museum, the Copperbelt Railway Museum and the MacBride Museum of Yukon
History, where poetry readings of Robert
Service’s work occur daily.
Those who enjoyed the steaming
waters at Liard Hot Springs and campground on British Columbia’s Highway
97, just before the Yukon border, will
want to head for Takhini Hot Springs, 18
miles from Whitehorse, with two pools
of naturally warm water rich in minerals.
The campground has about 100 sites and
provides full hookups (867-456-8000).
Nearby Hi Country RV Park (877-458-
3806, www.hicountryrvyukon.com) and
Pioneer RV Park and Campground (867668-5944, www.pioneer-rv-park.com)
offer full hookups as well.
The location of Carcross (named for
the crossing of caribou, not cars), 45
miles south of Whitehorse and 35 miles
off Highway 1, places it within ideal daytrip distance. The tiny log-cabin town
mixes spruced-up with dilapidated authentic and adds museum, trading post,
gift shops, log mill and steam train. Stunning lake and mountain scenery abuts
“the world’s smallest desert,” which,
naturally, is hard to find. But a good map
will lead you to the sand dunes.
NOTA BENE
Haines Junction: Fishing fables can
become reality at Pine Lake, where fivepound pike swim visibly among reeds
and rocks.
Camera Obscura: A free but obscure
attraction in Dawson City. A wood building the size of a tool shed sits next to the
Yukon River. Walk in, close the door, pull
the drapes. As eyes adjust to the dark,
an image of what’s outside is projected
upside-down onto three walls. A hole in
the wall acts as a lens. Authentic oldtime entertainment.
Midnight Sun: Drive up Midnight
Dome Drive in Dawson City for a
panoramic view from 2,900 feet. Food
and drink were hauled up for a party on
June 21, longest day of the year, to celebrate the midnight sun. Before the bewitching hour, the sun dipped below the
horizon and spoiled the celebration.
Only north of the Arctic Circle does the
sun shine 24 hours per day. Still, in Dawson, midnight baseball, tennis and golf
are possible.
Bugs: Mosquitoes, midges, no-seeums, gnats, black flies and other tiny
biters can spoil a northern outing, especially in spring. Their reputation precedes them and exaggeration usually
rules. Repellent, picnics in an open
breezy spot and a campfire best keep
the pests away.
Cinnamon Buns: At Braeburn Lodge,
one hour north of Whitehorse. They’re
as big as a gorilla’s face and cost $8.
So, when heading for Alaska, be
sure to include Yukon’s treasure-trove
of activities in your traveling plans. You
may even strike it rich! q
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TL1105 Outside Los Angeles LO.qxp_Los Angeles 3/8/11 3:12 PM Page 36
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WE LOVE
L.A.
THE CITY OF ANGELS AND ITS SURROUNDING
AREAS ARE A HOTBED OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
L
by Bruce Leonard Jr.
PHOTO BY BRUCE LEONARD JR.
os Angeles is unfairly maligned around the world. Images of hillsideravaging fires, house-moving mudslides, devastating earthquakes
and dispiriting civil unrest flicker on televisions, and travelers’ perceptions of the city become fixed. These unfortunate occurrences, of
course, are in addition to L.A.’s bumper-to-bumper traffic and the resultant coughinducing smog. If the images of Los Angeles are accurate, however, it should be
difficult to find visitors to the Golden State’s largest metropolis, travelers willing to
brave the wrath of Mother Nature, the horrors of Tinseltown and the superficiality
of La-La Land.
And yet, a local can’t stretch his arms on a southland beach without hitting a
tourist from abroad; can’t hike a trail in any of the various mountain ranges that surround Los Angeles without encountering a tourist escaping a Midwest winter; can’t
swing a golf club, surf a wave, ride a horse or pedal a mountain bike without realizing that the people who view L.A. as an unmanageable city have it wrong: Los Angeles is an outdoor playground that happens to have freeways, high-rises and
Venice Beach delivers characters, colors, arts and crafts, exercise and just about
everything else.
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traffic. The locals stuck in their cars
are not trying to leave L.A. — they’re
trying to arrive at the numerous outdoor destinations that L.A. serves up
to anyone looking for active fun.
Los Angeles is difficult to define
geographically. Sure, for the purposes of the census and postal designations, the city has true boundaries, a
quantifiable acreage and a definitive
population. But residents who live in
any of the numerous (and sometimes
indistinct) suburbs, in the many municipalities or the neighborhoods
seemingly held together by the 10,
405 or 101 freeways will invariably tell
a stranger that they live in “L.A.”
Since all these civic entities are at
least L.A.-adjacent, we’ve included
outdoor attractions that anyone staying in Los Angeles can reach in a reasonable amount of time … factoring in
traffic, of course.
It’s no accident that people
wealthy enough to live anywhere in
the world — actors, directors, captains of industry — choose to settle in
the sun-kissed climate that bathes
Los Angeles in a nearly year-round
balminess. No bone-freezing winters
or scalding summers — just bathingsuit weather much of the year. Many
of these rich-and-famous people reside in the world-famous haven of
Malibu, northwest of Santa Monica
on Pacific Coast Highway, also known
as Highway 1.
But celebrity-sightings are not
why lovers of the outdoors should
visit this famous stretch of coastline.
Whether RVers choose to camp at
Point Mugu State Park, on the northern edge of Malibu; at Leo Carrillo
State Park across the highway from
the ocean; or in the rustic, mountain
sites of Malibu Creek State Park, they
should make a point to visit Westward
Beach and nearby Point Dume State
Beach. Located at the south end of
Zuma Beach, a hugely popular public
stretch of sand, Westward continues
the arc of Zuma but also provides
easy access to one of the most beautiful strolls a traveler can take. It’s technically possible to find parking high on
the bluff, eliminating the need for an
uphill walk, but so few parking spaces
exist there that it’s wisest to leave
your trailer behind and park your tow
vehicle at the end of Westward Beach,
PHOTOS BY BRUCE LEONARD JR.
Top to bottom: Surfrider Beach in Malibu is a great place to catch some waves or
just watch the waves being caught. And when the waves flatten, it’s common at
all local surf spots to see the surfers calling it a day. Malibu Creek State Park is not
only a moviemaking hot spot; it’s also a haven for day hikers and picnickers.
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The Flexible Neck Utility Lighter
has a slim nozzle that fits into most
grill openings. Wind resistant, with
dual-flame technology, it’s the ideal
lighter for any outdoor setting.
Sea Eagle, go to trailerlife.com/info
where rock-climbers regularly test their
skills on the crumbly natural wall. To the
left of the rock face is a trail that leads
uphill, then quickly provides views of
the ocean well worth the effort. Short,
well-maintained trails bisect the Point
Dume bluff, and a plaque explains the
history of the area. The barks of sea
lions echo up from the rocks offshore,
wildflowers line the trail and, if the timing is right, visitors can spy gray whales
migrating through the blue water. Before they make their way to L.A. proper,
travelers — especially bird lovers —
may want to stop by Malibu Lagoon
State Park, near the main part of town,
where Malibu Creek meets the sea.
Gulls and pelicans gather en masse in
the wetlands there, and from the pristine beach visitors can watch surfers
ride the breakers near the pier on the famous Surfrider Beach.
Of course, Los Angeles consists of a
string of beaches along its western
flanks, and each beach town offers its
own charms — Santa Monica, El Segundo, Hermosa and Redondo all have their
die-hard fans. But if visitors have time
for only one beach experience while in
L.A., they should make it Venice. And
an experience it is. To describe the
shenanigans that take place along this
high-energy, boardwalk-lined, bistroladen, silicone-infused, tattoo-encrusted assemblage of performance artists,
Hollywood wannabes and rebels without a job is to dissipate its allure.
Whether buying art, having their fortunes read, getting their chakras
aligned or simply people-watching, travelers will certainly find a visit to Venice
Beach memorable.
Beaches may make more of an impression internationally (thank you,
“Bay Watch”), but the local mountains
also help define L.A.’s outdoor life. One
of the best ways to appreciate L.A. and
its mountains is to cruise the nearly legendary Mulholland Drive. For 24 miles,
the road that opened in 1924 — bisecting the city by tiptoeing across ridges
and plunging into arroyos — celebrates
the automobile and America’s love affair with it. RVers may want to think
twice before towing lengthy travel trailers along this route, but spending the
day hopscotching across the Santa
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WE LOVE L.A.
Northwood Mfg., go to trailerlife.com/info
Monica Mountains in a tow vehicle or a
sporty dinghy, arriving at the western
terminus of Leo Carrillo State Beach,
then driving back along the coast may
be the single best way to “understand”
the allure of Los Angeles.
Certainly, these same Santa Monica
Mountains — and the San Gabriels to
the north and the San Bernardino
Mountains east of there — all offer
enough trails to keep the most avid hikers and mountain bikers kicking up dust
endlessly. A trip to the highest point in
the Santa Monica Mountains — Sandstone Peak, some 3,111 feet above sea
level — requires a 6.2-mile round-trip
hike beginning at Circle X Ranch, off
Yerba Buena Road, west of Malibu.
Mountain bikers will be hard-pressed to
find a more all-around challenge than
Cheseboro Canyon in the Santa Monica
Mountains, near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Offering up
fire roads, single and double track, this
riding area skirts hillsides, meanders
through meadows and traces ridgelines. Most riders cover the 12-mile loop
— the main route — in about two hours,
and everyone should remember to
bring plenty of water. As tiny as this
sampling of L.A.’s trails is, one of the
more interesting ways to experience
the area’s highs and lows is to take a
night hike in Griffith Park. Few activities
feel as primal and grant such a profound sense of place as hiking a mountain trail at night.
Of course, if stumbling through the
dark sounds like too much adventure,
perhaps a casual bike ride at a comfortable pace, licked by ocean breezes and
kissed by the sun, fits the bill. The South
Bay Bike Trail lollygags along the coast,
from Torrance Beach north to Will Rogers
State Beach in Pacific Palisades. Riders
who sample any of the 22 paved, nicely
maintained, almost-flat miles will instantly understand why L.A. residents
put up with smog and traffic. Pedaling
through the boat-filled harbor of Marina
del Rey, watching surfers master waves
north of Dockweiler State Beach and admiring the grace and sculpted physiques
of the volleyball players churning up Hermosa’s sand will almost certainly erase
the frustrating memory of trying to find
parking before the bike ride.
The City of Los Angeles Department
of Recreation and Parks helps golfers
pursue their passion at the largest collection of municipal courses in the United States. Thirteen courses, ranging
from championship to pitch-and-putt,
fall under the city’s jurisdiction and provide plenty of variety for golfers of all
abilities. Strikers of the dimpled ball
who seek a real challenge in the L.A.
area should play either or both of the
two courses that make up Lost Canyons
Golf Club in Simi Valley, not too far from
L.A. proper, and well worth the drive.
The Shadow course is the more difficult
of the two layouts — very difficult, in
fact — and the Sky course will allow
golfers to appreciate the creativity and
artistry that designers Fred Couples and
Pete Dye bring to their work.
Back at the ocean, sea kayakers can
launch their own boats along the coast
practically anywhere (or rent them at
numerous locations). Travelers who
want to ratchet up the excitement can
launch themselves — literally — into an
adventure by learning to hang glide at
Dockweiler State Beach Flight Training
Park with Windsports hang-gliding
school. By the end of the day, after receiving instructions and ample practice
flights, airborne neophytes will experience a Wright-brothers moment as they
soar about 100 yards in 15 seconds.
For a different kind of adrenaline rush,
saltwater anglers can take charter boats
out of Marina del Rey, though L.A.’s waters have seen fishier days. For a surer
bite, however, freshwater aficionados
should visit Castaic Lake (661-257-4050,
www.castaiclake.com), less than 50 miles
from the Pacific, off of Interstate 5.
Though the American South has the reputation as the largemouth bass capital, it’s
a misconception, since not that long ago,
seven of the heaviest 10 largemouths
ever caught worldwide had been caught
in Castaic.
The records have changed some and
the action has slowed since the early
1990s when the huge lunkers were
caught, but the 2,500 acres still teem with
catfish, bluegill, crappie, stripers and
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on
Store
i
iss
dm
A
EE
Museum
Repair Center
1932 Zippo Drive
Bradford, PA
814-368-1932
Monday thru Saturday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zippo.com
WRCase.com
Engel USA, go to trailerlife.com/info
Los Angeles Convention and Visitors
Bureau, (800) 228-2452,
www.discoverlosangeles.com.
FR
Zippo, go to trailerlife.com/info
those brutes with the copious kissers.
Camping at Castaic, then renting a boat or
launching one’s own to explore these
2,500 acres may be the perfect way to
prove that L.A. delivers outside wonders
as well as the inside scoop.
Of course, a visit to Los Angeles
wouldn’t be complete without a brush
with celebrity — however belated — so
RVers who want some indoor-outdoor
fun should visit Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. This
1861⁄2-acre patch of bucolic escape delivers ample hiking, biking and horseback riding, and the 31-room house that
the cowboy humorist shared with his
wife, Betty, recently underwent a $5 million, three-year restoration. As visitors
walk the grounds, they may momentarily feel they haven’t met an outdoor L.A.
location they haven’t liked. q
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PHOTOS BY LISA HALVORSEN
TL1105 Moosehead Lake LO.qxp_Moosehead Lake 3/8/11 3:11 PM Page 42
MOOSEHEAD
LAKE, MAINE
MEANDERING UP BOTH SIDES OF MAINE’S
LARGEST LAKE WILL EARN RVERS VIEWS OF
BIRDS, MOOSE AND SPECTACULAR SCENERY
by Lisa Halvorsen
A
young moose,
its legs caked
with mud, looks
up from the
roadside bog as I pull the tow
vehicle onto the wide shoulder
of the two-lane road just outside Greenville, Maine. Rivulets
of water dribble down its massive face as it stares unblinkingly in my direction. I’m worried that I might spook it,
but the moose seems unconcerned by my presence
and soon returns to its foraging. I scan the woods
with my binoculars and spot a second moose shyly
peeking out from behind a tall pine tree.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as I headed north on
Route 6/15 towards Greenville, Maine, a community of
1,700 that anchors the southern
tip of Moosehead Lake. Although I
had read that moose outnumber
people three to one in the region, I
really didn’t expect to see any.
I did expect unsurpassed
scenery, dense evergreen forests
and rushing streams with anglers
in hip boots fly fishing for landlocked salmon and wild brook
trout. I also expected the area would a hot spot for
birds, my real reason for the trip.
On the road map, the town is way up there, a portal
to the remote great North Woods. Although definitely
off the beaten path both in location and attitude,
Greenville is actually less than a two-hour drive from
Bangor, about three hours from Portland, Maine.
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I was here to join birding expert Bob
Duchesne on his two-day Wilds of
Moosehead Lake birding tour in hopes
of spotting migrating warblers, boreal
chickadees, gray jays and other birds of
the boreal forest. Bob spent years birding throughout his home state of Maine,
including four years in the Moosehead
Lake region, to map out the Maine Birding Trail, so I knew if anyone could find
birds, it would be him.
Early the first morning, I join four
other half-awake birders at the Evergreen Lodge, not far from where I
glimpsed my first moose, to meet “the
bird man of Maine.” As we head toward
Shirley Pond, near the town of Shirley,
just south of Greenville, the skies darken and big, sloppy wet drops of rain
begin to fall.
“Zoo-zoo-ZEEE. Zoo-zoo-ZEEE.”
The black-throated blue warbler’s
buzzy song mingles with a cacophonous
chorus of chirps, tweets and melodic
calls. An American redstart pops into
view before quickly disappearing into
the underbrush as the usually elusive
Canada warbler teases us with brief
glimpses of its yellow underbelly and
gray-blue upper plumage.
Nashville warbler. Red-eyed vireo.
Least flycatcher. Common loon. We
count 18 birds before breakfast.
Later we head to Shirley Bog, where
I add the hooded merganser, swamp
sparrow and Wilson’s snipe to my list.
An alder flycatcher puts on a show for
us as it darts out and back from a tree
branch in typical flycatcher fashion,
feeding on a cloud of gnats and other
insects. The rain has brought the black
flies and mosquitoes out in force,
something I expected, though was not
quite prepared for, in the northern
Maine woods.
I absentmindedly scratch at my insect bites as I train my binoculars on the
never ending parade of curious songbirds that have come to check us out.
“Witch-i-ty, witch-i-ty, witch-i-ty.”
“That’s the common yellowthroat,”
Bob calls out, as the five of us turn in
unison in the direction he is pointing.
“Quick-three-beers.”
“Olive-sided flycatcher,” he says,
not needing visual confirmation. That’s
the bird’s distinctive song. You have to
hear it to believe it.
We meander up both sides of
Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake
and the largest lake situated entirely
within a single state east of the Mississippi River. Encircled by mountains, it’s
40 miles long and 12 miles at its widest
point, covering an area of 75,000 acres.
Route 6/15 follows the western side
of the lake until Rockwood, where the
road veers away from the lake and continues westward to Jackman. Mount
Kineo, with its 760-foot rocky bluff rising
dramatically from the lake’s deep blue
waters, is visible for part of the drive.
In the 19th-century travelers would
book passage on one of the many
steamships that plied Moosehead’s waters from Greenville to Mount Kineo to
stay at the Kineo Mountain House, a
summer resort. Although the hotel is no
longer there, you can hike to Mount
Kineo’s summit for a panoramic look at
the lake. The 2.2-mile Indian Trail offers
the best views.
Rent a motorboat, canoe or kayak or
hop aboard the historic S.S. Katahdin to
enjoy the pristine lake. This 115-foot
steamship has a long history on Moosehead Lake, beginning in 1914 when it
began ferrying mail, supplies and passengers. When roads made access to
points along the lake easier, the ship —
the last of its kind on the lake — was
used to haul log booms and pulpwood.
In 1975 it was given to the Moosehead
Marine Museum. Restored it to its former glory, it now offers scenic cruises
from late June through Columbus Day.
Twice a week the “Kate,” as she’s
known locally, travels 20 miles up the
lake to the former site of the Kineo
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Left to right: The
sounds of chiseling
and pecking from the
downy woodpeckers
catch the attention
of bird-watchers and
hikers alike. But
regardless of how
awesome the little
birds can be to
watch, hooking
up with the Moose
Safari will guarantee
an up-close view of
Maine’s largest
attraction. For those
who are inclined to
enjoy more than
just lakeside views,
motorboat, canoe
and kayak rentals
are popular choices.
Mountain House. The 4.5-hour roundtrip journey explores the lake and its
history and wildlife. On the last Saturday in September, the ship traverses the
length of the lake from Greenville to Seboomook. The Head of the Lake Cruise
takes eight hours and includes two
meals and plenty of history.
Or view the lake and its miles of undeveloped shoreline and hundreds of islands by floatplane. A handful of
companies offer aerial tours. Ask about
moose-watching trips that fly over bogs
and ponds where moose feed.
As for moose, expect to see them almost anywhere, especially from midspring to late June. Moose are most active
around dawn and dusk though often wander onto roads after dark when their
chocolate-brown coat makes them nearly
impossible to spot. Moose are massive
creatures and can cause damage to your
rig, so use extreme caution when driving.
One of the more predictable locations to observe them is near the Department of Transportation’s maintenance
lot, 41⁄2 miles south of Greenville on
Route 6/15. Look for the DOT sign.
Or travel up Lily Bay Road on Moosehead Lake’s east side to Kokadjo, 19
miles north of Greenville, which boasts
of a population of “Not Too Many.” The
Kokadjo Trading Post is a good place to
pick up camping necessities or, if you’re
a birder, to observe tree swallows and
barn swallows gliding overhead, or cliff
swallows in their mud nests. With a car
you can continue on to Lazy Tom Bog, a
few miles north for more moose sightings. The road is challenging, though
not impossible, for RVs.
You may see moose when camping
at Lily Bay State Park, located halfway
between Greenville and Kokadjo. Or
stay at the Moosehead Family Campground in Greenville, which has pullthrough sites that are large enough to
accommodate any length RV.
Several local outfitters also offer
moose safaris by jeep, kayak, canoe, or
floatplane. Although it is possible to find
moose on your own, experienced local
guides know exactly where to go and are
knowledgeable about the habits and
habitats of moose and other wildlife.
The town of Greenville itself is worth
a stop. It’s where you can learn about
the best fishing holes or places to spot
wildlife or where to rent a boat or find a
campground. The town also has a surprising number of restaurants, shops
and museums for an outpost community
of this size.
The Moosehead Marine Museum
features exhibits on the steamship era,
including the Mount Kineo House. In
Greenville Junction at the Moosehead
Historical Museum, you can delve into the
region’s rich history including its logging
industry. Three afternoons a week from
June through September, guided tours
are available of the Victorian mansion,
lumberman’s museum, and carriage
house, which comprise the museum.
In the few short days I spend in the
region, I go as far north as the road
takes us on both sides of the lake, stopping often to look and listen for birds
with my fellow birders. The gray jay and
boreal chickadee, a cousin of the blackcapped chickadee, Maine’s state bird,
are new to me, as are several of the warblers including the mourning warbler;
its sighting was the highlight of the trip.
By the time I head home, I had observed 82 different bird species including 16 warblers and five flycatchers. My
moose count was 10. Not bad, I think, for
a region with moose in its name. q
Bob Duchesne, Maine Birding Trail,
(207) 827-3782,
www.mainebirdingtrail.com.
Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead
Marine Museum, (207) 695-2716,
www.katahdincruises.com.
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of
Commerce, (888) 876-2778,
www.mooseheadlake.org.
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TL1105 Jeep Tango LO.qxp_TL Feature Test 3/8/11 3:17 PM Page 46
DESERT
PARADISE
A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
OVERLAND AND PACIFIC
COACHWORKS TANGO TRAVEL
TRAILER EQUAL FUN IN THE SUN
by Chris Hemer
PHOTOS BY CHRIS HEMER
T
he desert is a place people either love or
hate. While few can deny the beauty of a
lush forest, rolling plains or a mountain
peak, the opinions of the western desert
tend to be more polarized. Some view it as a
desolate wasteland — windblown, barren,
unforgiving. Others see it as a place of solitude, reflection and
solemn beauty.
I consider myself among the latter. As a California native,
my earliest memories of camping were Easter weekend trips
to Death Valley — one of the most uninhabitable places in
North America. Summer temperatures routinely reach well
above 120˚ F, and a record high of 134˚ F, making Death Valley
officially the second hottest place on Earth (Libya ranks first at
136˚ F). But even with its extremes, I’ve always appreciated its
seemingly limitless expanse and mysterious qualities.
It had been many years since I had visited the California
desert, let alone RVed in it. So when the opportunity arose to
test the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee paired with the interesting Pacific Coachworks Tango 257 BH KSO travel trailer, the
desert just seemed like the perfect place to go. For one thing,
campgrounds are almost vacant during off-season months,
even though the climate remains mild. For another, it would be
an appropriate place to test the Jeep’s off-road mettle against
steep inclines and sandy riverbeds. And finally, our chosen
campground would put us within minutes of Randsburg, a living ghost town in the Mojave Desert that is as thought provoking as it is isolated.
For this review, I would call upon my longtime friend, Matt,
to assist with the testing and to provide his own feedback. A
serious car guy bent for adventure with an undying reverence
of the Old West, he would be the ideal companion on this
weekend trip. Besides that, it had been way too long since we
both had a chance to go RVing.
THE TOW VEHICLE
Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee is a stunner in every aspect. Its
sculpted, aerodynamic body is right on par with luxury utes
like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX, and its overall features and capability exceed any other luxury SUV in its price point.
Offered in six trim levels in two- or four-wheel drive, our
test unit was the upscale Overland model, which is eclipsed
only by the Overland Summit in terms of features and exclusivity. The interior has a rich, inviting feel with nicely supportive
heated/ventilated leather seats, real wood trim and bright accents. It has all of the features buyers have come to expect in
the luxury segment, such as dual-zone climate control, keyless
Enter-N-Go, touch-screen navigation, ParkView rear backup
camera and ParkSense rear-parking assist. But it is the way in
which these on-road features are married with a world-class
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off-road capability that really impressed us.
Whether driving solo or towing, the Jeep’s cabin is among
the quietest we’ve experienced, especially considering our
tester was equipped with the 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi engine,
and 20-inch painted wheels with low-profile all-season tires.
Part of the credit goes to Jeep’s new Quadra-Lift air suspension, which features five ride height settings (Normal Ride
Height, Off-Road 1, Off-Road 2, Park Mode and Aero Mode).
Where most vehicles with off-road intentions tend to sacrifice
some ride comfort, the Grand Cherokee floated over ruined
pavement in Normal Ride Height mode. Such a soft ride usually
means boat-like handling in the corners, but even when
pushed hard, the Grand Cherokee’s new independent front
and rear suspension kept the chassis composed.
On the highway, the Jeep’s Adaptive Cruise Control, which
also bundles Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, made the 21⁄2-hour drive to
the desert almost effortless. Adaptive Cruise Control incorporates radar in the front fascia of the vehicle, which measures
the distance between your vehicle and the one you’re following, and adjusts speed accordingly. If the vehicle in front of
you slows suddenly, the system will even apply the brakes automatically. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, meanwhile, amount to electronic nannies that let you
know when a vehicle is in your blind spot or crossing behind
you. Frankly, I’d prefer to turn my head than succumb to the
chiming of yet another “safety” system, but it’s always nice to
have an extra “eye” in place — and others may appreciate it,
especially if suffering from a stiff neck or back.
All of these niceties made us wonder how something so
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GRAND CHEROKEE
OVERLAND
DINETTE
OVERHEAD CABINET
WARD
DOUBLE BED
BUNK BED
KITCHEN SLIDEOUT
OVERHEAD CABINETS
FOLDING QUEEN BED
SHIRT
WARD
FRIDGE
JACKKNIFE SOFA
TUB/
SHOWER
MPG: SOLO: 15.7; TOWING: 9.3
0-60 MPH, TOWING: 18 sec
40-60 MPH, TOWING: 13 sec
ENGINE: 5.7-liter V-8
HP: 360 @ 5,150 rpm
TORQUE: 390 @ 4,250 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic
AXLE RATIO: 3.47:1
FUEL CAPACITY: 24.6 gal
TIRES: Goodyear Fortera P265/50R20
SUSPENSION: Independent front and rear
BRAKES: Four-wheel disc with ABS
TOW RATING: 7,200 lb
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING: 6,500 lb
GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHT RATING:
13,100 lb
WEIGHT AS TESTED: 5,280 lb
LENGTH: 15' 8"
WHEELBASE: 114.8"
MSRP, BASE: $41,120
MSRP, AS TESTED: $46,735
BASIC WARRANTY: 36 mo/36,000 mi
WARD
TV OVERHEAD CABINET
TANGO 257 BH KSO
EXT LENGTH: 28' 10"
EXT WIDTH: 96"
EXT HEIGHT: 10' 8"
INT WIDTH: 8'
INT HEIGHT: 6' 6"
CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum frame, laminated
side walls, 5⁄8-inch oriented strand board
(OSB) floor, 2 × 3-inch floor joists, block-foam
insulation, gelcoat fiberglass exterior, R-11
insulation in ceiling and floor, heated and
enclosed holding tanks.
FRESHWATER CAP: 50 gal
BLACK/GRAY WATER CAP: 30 gal/30 gal
LP-GAS CAP: 15 gal
WATER HEATER CAP: 6 gal
REFRIGERATOR: 8 cu ft
FURNACE: 30,000 BTU
AIR CONDITIONER: 13,500 BTU
CONVERTER: 55 amp
BATTERY: 12 volt
TIRES: ST205/75R15C
SUSPENSION: Leaf spring
WEIGHT: (freshwater, water heater, LP-gas
full; no cargo): 6,680 lb
HITCH WEIGHT: 800 lb
AXLE WEIGHT: 5,880 lb
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING: 7,400 lb
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (2): 3,500 lb ea
CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY: 720 lb
MSRP, BASE: $26,949
MSRP, AS TESTED: $34,897
BASIC WARRANTY: 12 mo
Above: The expansive
counter in the Tango
offers more than enough
meal-prep space. Right:
Seating in the Overland
is plush, and the cab is
surprisingly quiet.
cushy and coddling could possibly deliver the goods when the pavement ended,
but Jeep engineers have managed to
uphold the company’s off-road credibility admirably with a suite of terrainmanagement features. Aside from the
aforementioned Quadra-Lift air suspension that can raise ride height 2.6 inches
in Off Road 2 mode for a total of 10.7
inches of ground clearance, the Overland model is also equipped with the
Quadra Trac II four-wheel-drive system
with Selec-Terrain. A control dial on the
center console allows the user to select
from Sand/Mud, Sport, Auto, Snow and
Rock modes. According to Jeep, the
Selec-Terrain feature coordinates up to
12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle,
transmission shift, transfer case, traction and electronic stability for optimum
traction in a variety of conditions.
In the Mojave Desert’s Red Rock
Canyon, we put the Grand Cherokee to
the test in sand washes and steep inclines and found that it handled these as
easily as a ribbon of highway. In Sand/
Mud mode, it was as if the Jeep was riding over squishy carpet, with absolutely
no sense that it was about to lose traction or get stuck. And the new chassis,
which boasts 146 percent more torsional stiffness than its predecessor, issued
nary a rattle, squeak or groan.
Towing was likewise a drama-free affair; the 360-hp offered up by the 5.7liter Hemi engine was more than enough
to keep the combo moving at 55 mph up
a 6-percent grade. The transmission’s
tow/haul mode matched gears efficiently,
and four-wheel disc brakes provided a
strong, predictable feel. Another welcome feature was the optional Trailer
Tow Group IV, which includes heavyduty engine cooling, a 220-amp alternator and Class IV receiver, plus sevenand four-pin wiring harnesses.
Since the Tango’s trailer weight is
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THE TRAILER
On one hand, you could say that Pacific
Coachworks couldn’t have debuted at a
worse time; on the other, its timing was
perfect. Launched in 2006, the RV upstart was only just hitting its stride when
the economy began to tank — and the RV
market along with it. But as the tide
began to turn, the company found itself
in an advantageous position, as consumers sought lighter-weight alternatives that offered more bang for the buck.
The concept of a lightweight trailer
is nothing new, so the folks at Pacific
Coachworks realized they’d have to be
creative to capture the imagination of
potential buyers. One way they did this
was with the Tango kitchen slideout
(KSO) models. Available in six traveltrailer and three fifth-wheel floorplans,
these models all share one thing in common: an outdoor kitchen slideout. Not
S
SIMPLE
IMPLE W
WAYS
AYS TO
TO MAINTAIN
MAINTAIN
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YOUR
OUR RV’S
RV’S VALUE:
VALUE: PREVENT
LEAKS
dicor
d
icor products
products
7KHURRÀQJH[SHU WV
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Water-resistant,
ater-resistant, quick-seal
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tape seals
seals potential
potential leaks
leaks in
in many
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sur faces.
Dicor ’s DiSeal™ do-it-all sealing tape provides an exceptionally strong and
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ÀEHUJODVVSODVWLFZRRGDQGPHWDO,WLVDOHDNSURRIDQG89SURWHFWHGVHDOIRU
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Dicor Corporation, go to trailerlife.com/info
near the maximum tow rating of the
Grand Cherokee, we traveled with empty
tanks to allow for more cargo-carrying
ability. So, if you tend to travel with your
trailer’s freshwater tank full, you’ll want
to look for a lighter trailer to tow behind
the Overland. Still, about the only time
we knew the Tango was back there was
through the windy desert, when side
winds could cause some mild tail wagging — but nothing out of the ordinary.
And as we pulled into the darkened
campground, the Grand Cherokee’s HID
headlamps did an exemplary job of illuminating our surroundings.
Our complaints with the Overland
are few and small. The biggest one is the
cheap, clunking sound of the power door
locks, which were louder than the ones
in my ’06 Dodge 2500 pickup. We also
feel the doors should sound more solid
when slammed shut, but this is a subjective detail. One not so subjective is this
Jeep’s EPA fuel economy, which is a mere
15.7 mpg solo — surprising, considering
its swoopy silhouette and the engine’s
variable valve timing and fuel-saving
cylinder deactivation feature. It is a powerful V-8, and so you must pay the fuel
price for its performance.
Still, if this Jeep can remain as reliable in 100,000 miles as it is comfortable and capable today, Chrysler has a
real winner in its stable.
Hensley Manufacturing Inc., go to trailerlife.com/info
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DESERT PARADISE
Our test unit was also equipped with
the Luxury Package ($2,380) that really
lends a high-end feel to the trailer with a
solid-surface kitchen countertop, undermount sink, large 8-cubic-foot refrigerator
(instead of the standard 6-cubic-footer)
and other details. The countertop on its
own is roomy enough for meal prep, but
with the sink covers in place, it’s downright expansive. We like the fact that the
galley is equipped with both a standard
and microwave oven as well as a handy
pullout trash can, and the raised-panel
cabinetry offered adequate storage.
Vinyl flooring that looks like wood laminate lends warmth to the interior and
wears much better than the real thing.
At meal time, we had no problem fitting into the roomy dinette, but we
found the placement of the optional 22inch TV ($419) a little awkward; the only
place you could really watch it was from
the convertible queen, and if you didn’t
opt for that, the only place you could
watch comfortably would be in bed, and
RVT.com, go to trailerlife.com/info
just a grill or a stove, the whole shootin’
match — with two burners, sink, refrigerator, microwave, cabinets, drawers and a
television — in one unit that slides out
from the sidewall at the rear. Considering
the popularity of outdoor kitchens in residences, and the RV pastime of cooking
outdoors, it’s amazing this isn’t more
common. Our test 257 BH KSO is also
one of five floorplans with a rear
bunkhouse. It has a double bed below,
and a single up top, which is sure to find
favor with the young ones in your family.
The standard model features a
queen bed up front, but ours was
equipped with the optional convertible
queen bed/sofa ($525) that functions
as a sofa with a small bed behind it during the day. At night, the couch folds flat
to make a queen-size bed. This is a
clever arrangement because it creates
more usable space in the living area,
and the space behind the couch is a
great place for little ones to nap, or to
stow gear/bedding during the day.
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Jeep, a Division of the Chrysler Corporation, (877) 426-5337, www.jeep.com.
Pacific Coachworks, (951) 686-7294,
www.pacificcoachworks.com.
Your RV.
Our Repair Bill.
Explore the Open Road with
“Worry Free” RVing
Good Sam Extended Service Plan
The Extended Service Plan, ESP, is a fullservice mechanical breakdown insurance
for your RV’s coach, engine, appliances,
and accessories. ESP covers hundreds of
major system components including:
•
•
•
•
•
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Water & Waste
System
Electrical
•
•
•
•
•
Heating & A/C
Refrigerator
Generator
Coach
Components
Axle
For a FREE Quote, call us toll-free
or visit us online
1-877-592-4168
www.GoodSamESP.com
ESP was designed by and for the Good Sam Club by Affinity Brokerage, Inc.
Yamaha Motor Corp., go to trailerlife.com/info
then the TV would be a little small for
viewing. However, we did like the standard AM/FM/DVD system, and in our
tester, it was part of the optional Advantage Package ($2,399), so it was also
equipped with 30-watt marine-style
speakers on the outside. In addition,
the Advantage Package includes largecapacity drawers under the sofa, storage
access under the dinette seats, courtesy
lights inside all of the exterior storage
compartments, a 30-foot detachable
marine-style power cord, a black-tank
flush system and a deluxe electric rollup awning.
When we deployed the outdoor
kitchen slideout for the first time, we were
in for a couple of surprises. One, our trailer was equipped with the optional KSO
Big-Screen Package ($1,113) with a 46inch wall-mount LCD television in place of
the microwave. That was pretty cool;
however, when we deployed the electric
awning, we found that the rear awning
arm blocked the screen view, which was
our other surprise. Pacific Coachworks
speculates that this shouldn’t be a problem, and feels most people will watch the
TV at night, when an awning isn’t necessary. Just the same, we’d recommend
going with the standard 26-inch flat
screen to ensure proper viewing.
Overall, our Tango tester demonstrated good fit and finish with useful
features, such as a large pass-through
storage compartment up front and a
cavernous (though not very tall) rear
storage unit. We would also recommend
the optional power A-frame jack ($168),
which is also equipped with a light.
Pacific Coachworks may be a comparatively new kid on the RV block, but
the company offers an impressive product line with features its customers
want. That’s a true recipe for success. q
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TL1105 Blue Ox Hitch LO.qxp_Blue Ox 3/8/11 3:19 PM Page 52
PHOTO BY RICH COX PHOTOGRAPHY
SWAYPRO
BLUE OX’S WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING
HITCH WITH BUILT IN — AND
ADJUSTABLE — SWAY CONTROL
IMPROVES TRAILER HANDLING
R
by Kevin Livingston
olling along in carefree thought about
the upcoming R & R,
the RVing experience can be quickly
changed when the wind effect of a passing 18-wheeler has you doing the freeway shimmy and shuffle, bringing on
white knuckles as you maneuver the
trailer back into a straight line. It’s times
like this that you worry about whether
your current hitch and sway-control system can do the job of controlling your
trailer and if they’re adjusted properly.
Beyond a well-balanced and properly
loaded trailer, the hitch and sway-control
setup are the most direct and effective
lines of defense available for combating
sway. Peering into the world of sway
controls and weight-distributing (WD)
hitches will expose you to products and
options ranging from basic friction sway
controls to fully articulated hitch setups.
Blue Ox, a company with a strong
reputation in building tow bars and related equipment for towing vehicles behind motorhomes, is also marketing the
SwayPro hitch. It’s configured much like
the other WD hitches on the market, but
according to the manufacturer, it combines weight distribution with sway control in one package. The kit includes a
ball mount, weight-distributing bars, rotating chain-hanger brackets and installation hardware. As with all its products,
the Blue Ox SwayPro system is produced
in the USA to high-quality standards.
When it comes to realizing the full
potential of the new SwayPro, correct
assembly and setup are essential — but
not difficult. Before beginning the assembly you’ll need to know your trailer’s
hitch weight. If you don’t, a trip to the
local scale is in order. It’s also important
to set up the tow vehicle and trailer on
flat, level ground and make sure that all
auto-leveling or air-spring type overloads are disabled (if so equipped).
Installation requires a series of measurements. Begin by measuring 29 inches
from the center of the ball coupler to the
back of the A-frame. This will mark the
rough location for the new rotating latches for the spring-bar chains, which can
now be snugged in place by finger tightening the mounting hardware. Finish off
the remainder of the base measurements by noting the distance between
the ground and the top of the coupler, as
well as from the top center of the fender
well to the ground on the tow vehicle,
making sure to repeat on the opposite
side and note the results.
To complete the hitch-head and
hitch-mount assembly (together making up the ball mount) you’ll need to install the appropriate ball for your trailer.
This is the only part not packaged into
the SwayPro system due to different
sizes for various trailers. Once that’s
done, place the hitch mount into the
truck’s receiver, paying attention to the
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5. The hitch ball is installed into the hitch head before starting
the assembly. The ball is not supplied in the kit.
2. The rotating latches that secure the spring-bar chains are
placed 29 inches from the center of the coupler.
6. Rotating latches are tightened on the A-frame after the
hardware is in place and proper positioning is determined.
3. Knowing the distance from the ground to the top of the
coupler provides a starting point for the ball-mount.
7. The spring bars are inserted into the hitch head, slotted
side up.
4.The distance from the ground to the top of the tow vehicle’s
wheel well will be compared after the trailer is connected.
8. The spring-bar chains are rotated into position using a
special wrench that’s supplied with the kit.
PHOTOS BY KEVIN LIVINGSTON
1. The trailer must be level before starting the initial
installation of the SwayPro components.
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SWAYPRO
Softopper, go to trailerlife.com/info
approximate height for your rig’s
setup. If necessary, the hitch-mount receiver, which has numerous holes, can
be inverted to either gain or lose ball
height. As mentioned earlier, you’ll
want to know hitch weight; here’s why.
Upon setup of the ball mount, there’s
an included formula in the instructions
that you must follow. This formula
should give you an approximate overall
ball height, which is your starting
point. Next, position the ball mount at
the appropriate height using the included bolts and nuts, making sure to use
the flat washer at the top. At this point
do not torque the bolts; finger tighten
the hitch head against the hitch-mount
receiver via the hitch-head Allen screw.
With the hitch head and mount build
complete, it is now time to hook the coupler to the ball and raise the front of the
trailer/rear of the tow vehicle 3-5 inches
using the A-frame jack. At this point,
having the rotating brackets aligned so
each chain slot is at the bottom, slide
the weight-distribution bars into their
respective locations in the hitch head
with the slotted side up and insert the
desired amount of chain onto the tightening slots of the rotating chain bracket.
From here proceed to rotate the bracket
counterclockwise until the lock pin has
engaged. Once you have the chains
straight up and down and centered in
the brackets (equal chain links on each
side), the brackets are unlocked and secured to the A-frame.
To prevent too many extra steps,
take the time before locking the chains
in place to ensure that the chains are
vertically straight both from the side
and the rear. If they don’t appear to be
vertically straight — since the rotating
brackets are only finger tight — move
the brackets in small increments in the
right direction until corrected.
Once everything is aligned properly
and hooked up, let the weight back
down onto the SwayPro hitch and double check to see if the tow vehicle and
trailer are sitting level (using earlier
measurements). After final verification
that the rig is resting level, you can run
the adjusting thumbscrew on the hitch
head against the hitch-mount receiver,
which should provide between 5 and 7
degrees of lean on the pins, toward the
trailer. Once level, the spring bars
should be sitting at an approximate 11degree angle. If they aren’t, you will
need to reassess the situation and determine whether the ball mount needs
to be moved up or down, or to use a different link on the chains. Try the chains
first. The hitch-head adjustment is very
important since the angle of the weightdistributing bars is the primary element
in controlling sway.
When it’s all correct, disconnect the
trailer and lock down all the ball-mount
bolts to their corresponding torque
specs. Don’t forget to tighten the rest of
the fasteners at this point too, including
the two Allen screws on the lower plate
using a torque wrench.
The SwayPro system performed
beautifully, and that was only using the
initial 30 ft-lb of torque on the two bolts
in the bottom of the head. That’s pretty
good, considering the lower plate bolts
can be squeezed to 100 ft-lb as sway
control fine-tuning is needed. Right off
the bat, we noticed great handling characteristics. Never before had this particular towing arrangement glided down
the pavement so smoothly and easily.
Steering felt precise and the sway control worked exceptionally well.
The SwayPro towing system is definitely one of the smoothest systems
around thanks to its build quality and
sheer mass. However, there are a couple
of minor glitches. The biggest issue I
had with the SwayPro was that the little
locking pins on the spring bars seem to
come loose and fall out easily if you’re
not paying attention. The second area
that could use a little extra help is in the
new rotating chain brackets. Whether
under load or not they seem to get difficult to turn after some use, but this can
be simply remedied with some spray
graphite. The towing system is available
in four ratings based on hitch weights
of 550, 750, 1,000 and 1,500 pounds.
We installed the BXW1500, which has a
retail price of $695. q
Blue Ox, (888) 425-5382,
www.blueox.us.
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TL1105 AC Replacement LO.qxp_AC Replacement 3/8/11 3:16 PM Page 55
KEEP YOUR
COOL
REPLACING A ROOF AIR CONDITIONER
PHOTOS BY CHRIS HEMER
by Chris Hemer
T
he ability to take refuge from the elements
is one of the reasons we love our RVs so
much. While a tent can fulfill the basic need
for shelter when roughing it, there’s nothing
like walking into a trailer with the thermostat set at exactly the right temperature. In the spring, summer and even some fall months (depending on where you
live), that means an air-conditioning system that’s blowing reliably cool air to keep you and your pets comfortable.
Like any component or system in your trailer, the roof A/C
system won’t last forever, and at some point will likely require
replacement. This could be due to a mechanical or electrical
problem, or in the case of the example we’re featuring here, because the refrigerant has leaked out and the unit no longer
blows cold air.
Wait a second … it’s necessary to replace the roof A/C
when it’s out of refrigerant? In a word, yes, but there is a logical explanation for this. Older A/C units use a refrigerant
called R-22, which was deemed harmful to the environment
and is being phased out under federal law (you might recall a
similar instance in the world of automotive air conditioners,
where R-12 refrigerant was phased out in favor of the more
environmentally friendly R-134A). Since January 2010, airconditioner manufacturers have stopped producing new units
containing R-22. An EPA-approved substitute for R-22 is an
environmentally friendly refrigerant called R-410A.
Why does all this matter to you? Because although R-22
refrigerant is still available, it has been taxed to the point
where it is no longer cost-effective to recharge an older unit
with it. Even if it were, consider that it could be very difficult
for even a qualified professional to find the leak, and the
labor costs associated with the repair could likely be more
than a new unit. Finally, the new R-410A refrigerant isn’t
compatible with older units, so replacement of the entire
assembly is really the most cost-effective solution.
What follows is the basic removal and replacement of a roof
air conditioner on a 20-year-old Holiday Rambler motorhome at
Imperial Custom Body and Diesel in Port Orchard, Washington.
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A/C replacement would be a similar process for most types of
RVs. As its name implies, Imperial specializes in body and paint
(the shop is equipped with a 40-foot paint booth) and diesel repair, as well as all types of general repair and maintenance. The
original Dometic unit on the RV was replaced with a similar
13,500-BTU low-profile Dometic Penguin. This unit is only 9.5
inches tall and has a clean, aerodynamic appearance.
It should be noted that the level of difficulty involved with
such a job could vary widely, depending on the year of the RV
and the type of air-conditioning system it is equipped with. For
example, the thermostat in some older ducted A/C units may
not be able to communicate with your replacement unit because the electronics are no longer compatible. In these instances, the circuit board and/or the thermostat may need to
be replaced as well.
According to Brad Sargent, vice president of marketing
5. This unit had side vents that were
removed to gain access to the main cover
fasteners.
1. You may not have considered how
you’re going to get your new A/C unit on
the roof, but it’s something to seriously
think about before starting the project.
These units are large and heavy (about
100 pounds), so if there’s no practical
way to get it up there safely, consider
leaving the job to professionals. Imperial
General Manager Ed Hall uses straps
and a chain hoist attached to the shop’s
roof beams to move the unit to the roof.
3. The underside of the A/C unit reveals
the ducting, foam gasket and wiring harness with male connector. Many new A/C
units are available as a direct replacement for your old one, but be sure that
the male connector on your new unit is
compatible with the female receptacle in
your RV. If not, you’ll either have to order
another unit that is compatible, or rewire
the existing receptacle to accommodate
the new harness.
6. From this view you can see where the
A/C unit’s plug is connected to the power
receptacle.
2. The original Dometic Duo-Therm unit
did its job for many years, but eventually
stopped blowing cold air. It isn’t costeffective to recharge these older units
with new refrigerant, so they should be
replaced.
4. The job begins with removing the old
cover, as this will provide access to the
wiring harness and fasteners that clamp
the A/C unit to the roof.
7. Next, the main cover is removed to
reveal the sheet metal and ducting.
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for Dometic Corporation, the company has about 70,000
part numbers, so learning what you’re going to need to
complete the job could be confusing. If you happen to be
replacing a Dometic unit, Sargent recommends that you first
call the company’s customer-service line, describe the issue
you’re experiencing and provide the model and serial numbers of the unit in question. From that information, customer
service should be able to tell you what you’re going to need
8. Hall begins removing screws that
hold the sheet metal in place, then holds
it with one hand as the last few screws
are removed.
in the way of parts. Alternately, you can contact the nearest
servicing dealer for help.
With the right parts and information, you’ll be able to keep
your cool for years to come. q
Dometic Corporation, (574) 294-2511, www.dometicusa.com.
Imperial Custom Body and Diesel, (360) 674-2196,
www.imperial-custom.com.
11. As mentioned, sealant is typically
not used at the factory level, but Hall
says a little bit provides extra insurance
against leaks, especially on compromised
surfaces. He centers the new unit over
the hole, tips it back, applies the sealant
and then carefully lowers the unit in
place.
13. Once the unit is in place on the roof,
go back inside the RV and make sure that
it’s properly aligned in the hole. If not,
small adjustments can be made while
the sealant is still wet.
9. With the sheet metal removed, you can
see the bottom of the A/C unit, with the
layers of block-foam insulation in the roof.
10. Now it’s a simple matter of pushing
up on the unit to break the seal. Typically,
sealant isn’t used at the factory, but the
foam gasket can still get sticky with age.
12. The new unit is now in place. Hall
prefers to remove the cover before
installation so it won’t get dirty while
being handled.
14. The new unit is in place with the
cover on, ready for years of use.
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TL1105 Bully Dog LO.qxp_Bully Dog 3/8/11 3:20 PM Page 58
PLUG-IN
HORSEPOWER
T
BULLY DOG’S TRIPLE DOG GT DIESEL
TUNER INSTALLS IN MINUTES AND
TURNS UP ENGINE PERFORMANCE
WHILE MONITORING DRIVING
CONDITIONS AND VITALS
by Kevin Livingston
ouring the countryside from bountiful
green landscapes
to the misty spray
along a coastal
road creates anticipation of unforeseen
adventure every time the road climbs in
elevation. Once over the hill with the
next long grade approaching, you don’t
want the scenery to become secondary
because your primary concern is hoping
your tow vehicle can make it to the top
of the next grade. Yes, even the highzoot, mega-dollar trucks can still use a
little kick in the rear from time to time.
Seeking out more power in a world
driven by technology opens the door for
a flood of possibilities and options —
and finding the newest, latest and greatest isn’t difficult to accomplish. These
days, finding the perfect performance
enhancer is more about finding the right
combination of features, power, ease of
installation and use. Of course, there is
still one more sought-after ingredient:
good old-fashioned brand reputation
from a good company. One of those
companies, Bully Dog, not only represents high power, torque and quality
products, but also takes credit as one of
the originators of aftermarket gas and
diesel tuners. The latest is the GT Tuner.
Bully Dog’s Triple Dog GT Diesel
Gauge/Tuner (model No. 40420) offers a
generous array of functions and uses in a
small package. The simple touch of a button displays a multitude of menus and
screens for controlling and monitoring
virtually every engine-management option possible, while adjusting engine
power levels.
Your horsepower senses will be expanded by breaking down this device’s
capabilities. Right out of the gate, the GT
Tuner was developed to add serious
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has a full line of
hydraulic solutions for your
Fifth Wheels and Trailers
Leveling & Landing Gear Systems | Automatic | Manual
12 Volt Hydraulic | Hand Hydraulic Pump
Power-Up / Power-Down Jacks | Spring-Retracted Jacks
Operate multiple components with one pump, tank and valve unit.
(Saves weight, money and installation time.)
Sweepeze
Room Seals
Room Locks & Travel Clamps
Room Slides
Stairwell Covers
Room Slides
Rear Door
Lift & Ramp
Leveling & Landing Gear Systems
(Automatic & Economy)
Generator &
Storage Slides
For more information, visit
www.HWH.com (click “Towable Systems”)
or contact HWH® directly at
1-800-321-3494 (or) 1-563-724-3396.
HWH Corporation, go to trailerlife.com/info
horsepower and torque gains via on-thefly adjustment. These jumps come in the
range of 50, 75 and up to more than 120
extra ponies, followed by an immediate
torque delivery of up to more than 250
lb-ft added to the stock engine. This is all
done by fingertip via capacitive buttons,
in three stages titled tow/economy, performance and extreme.
The new power is easily monitored
aboard a highly visible yet compact
screen, which allows gauging of parameters like exhaust gas temperature
(EGT), rpm, intake temperature, speed
and economy, to name a few. (Owners of
vehicles without a built-in EGT monitor
will have to add a probe kit; msrp
$159.99). Aside from a monstrous selection of “gauges” to choose from, the display can be customized to suit personal
liking, simply by touch. The GT Tuner
also gives you the ability to use a driving
setting, which can be adjusted to a preferred driving style. Once it’s dialed in, it
can then provide a report card as to how
well you’ve been driving to reach any
pre-configured goal. For instance, if
you’re trying to change driving habits
for the best fuel economy possible, this
feature will be your new best friend.
Installation is a three-part process.
Part one involves the hardware installation, which requires that the device be
plugged into the OBD II (on board diagnostic) port, which is found under the
dashboard on vehicles built after 1996
(and some during the latter part of ’95).
A power cable is also routed between the
engine compartment at the fuse box and
the OBD II adapter, just below the dash.
For the next part, a trip to the auto
store was required to retrieve a necessary fuse tap that was, unfortunately,
not included. With the appropriate circuit located, the fuse tap is completed
and the wire neatly tied up. If you do not
know the correct fuse to tap into, make a
call to Bully Dog’s free and knowledgeable tech line, and a representative will
gladly supply the information you need.
The next step involves locating the
windshield mount in an out-of-the-way
spot yielding clarity to the screen. Once
in place, the main wire harness can be
snaked alongside or under the dash to
the OBD II adapter.
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PLUG-IN HORSEPOWER
;(2,@6<99=;6(
FRESH
NEW
PLACE
1. A single power lead is routed through the firewall to the fuse box that’s under
the hood on the Dodge 2500. Make sure a grommet is used to prevent chafing.
2. The power lead is connected to a fuse that has power only when the ignition is in the
“On” position. A special connector that taps into the fuse is not supplied with the kit.
PORTA-PAK ®
#1 Formaldehyde-Free
Portion Control Deodorizer
BIO-PAK ®
Environmentally Friendly
Natural Enzyme Deodorizer
and Waste Digester
3. The adapter simply pushes into the OBD II port located under the dash. The
cable from the monitor and power lead are connected to this adapter.
Walex, go to trailerlife.com/info
ELEMONATE®
Biodegradable
Grey Water Deodorizer and
Drain Line Cleaner
^^^Y]ZHUP[H[PVUJVT
4. The monitor is secured to the windshield using a flexible arm and heavy-duty
suction cup that has plenty of holding power.
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Bully Dog, (866) 285-5936,
www.bullydog.com.
FACTORY DIRECT TO YOU
SAVINGS!
Same great quality with even
greater savings because of our
all new manufacturing plant
•13’&16’ Trailers •19’ 5th Wheels
Sea Eagle, go to trailerlife.com/info
Part two is the operation and downloading segment. This step requires
scrolling through the navigation and
Setup Wizard territories to choose the
options that best suit your driving styles.
Make sure you take the necessary time
to prep the truck and play around with
the GT Tuner. Remember, there are many
points of interest to explore.
The third part is Internet updating.
While the GT Tuners come fully packed
with information, some makes and models will require an update. The best way to
find out what’s out there for your specific
truck is to call the Bully Dog tech line.
We installed the Triple Dog GT Diesel
Gauge/Tuner in a 2005 Dodge diesel,
towing a 25-foot SURV. All tests were performed while towing the 9,000-pound
trailer. The first 0-60 mph test required
17.80 seconds, while displaying an EGT
of 1,372˚ F before the GT Tuner was installed. After the GT Tuner was installed,
the new 0-60 mph time was reduced impressively to 12.8 seconds, while reading
an EGT of 1,293˚ F. It doesn’t take a math
professor to see that there is a full 5-second decrease in time, along with a reduction of more than 100˚ F off the EGT.
Our mileage consisted of two trips at
141.9 miles each. At the end of the stock
test we recorded a consumption rate of
11.33 mpg. After implementing the GT
Tuner, the truck’s mileage was only
slightly reduced at 11.26 mpg, which was
to be expected. Look at it as getting up
the hill faster without additional fuel expense. The mileage tests were performed
in the tow/economy setting.
Triple Dog GT Tuner ($699.99 for
the diesel gauge we installed; $469.99
for the gas gauge) was very pleasing
overall. Not only did it provide that
needed spare kick while towing, it also
smoothed out the power band, supplying quicker and harder turbo spooling
whenever it’s needed or wanted. I thoroughly enjoyed the working range of the
GT Tuner while towing and driving solo
— and tackling the grades. The ability to
monitor systems and conditions is just
icing on the cake. q
Hellwig Products, go to trailerlife.com/info
SCAMP TRAVEL TRAILERS
•Aerodynamic fiberglas construction
•Tows easily even behind compacts
•Special insulation for quiet comfort
•Thousands in use all over the USA
Free Brochure call 1-800-346-4962
www.ScampTrailers.com
Scamp Eveland’s Inc. Box 2 Backus, MN 56435
Scamp Travel Trailers, go to trailerlife.com/info
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TL1105 Pierce Arrow Trailer LO.qxp_RV Retro 3/8/11 3:13 PM Page 62
F
lash back seven decades to
the Great Depression. For 38
years, the Pierce-Arrow Motor
Car Company of Buffalo, New
York, was one of the most respected
names in the auto industry. Popular with
wealthy captains of industry, movie
stars and royalty, Pierce-Arrow even
supplied cars for the president.
The George N. Pierce Company entered the transportation market in 1891
with its first bicycle, and in 1907 the
Pierce Cycle Company was formed
along with Pierce-Arrow Motor Car
Company in 1909, separating bicycle
and motorcycle production from the
auto business. In addition to passenger
cars, Pierce-Arrow added trucks in 1911
and manufactured thousands for commercial and military use. But by late
1932, truck production ceased and
Studebaker, which owned a controlling
interest, moved all truck production to
the White Motor Corporation.
New car models for 1929 helped
sales for a while, but the terrible economic times took a hard toll on auto
manufacturers, including Pierce-Arrow.
In 1936, at the height of the Depression, Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company
was reorganized and named the
Pierce-Arrow Corporation. Struggling,
yet determined to remain in business,
Pierce-Arrow introduced an all-new
lineup for 1936, and also entered the
travel-trailer market with the Pierce
Travelodge. That’s where our story begins for this striking camping trailer
from the past.
According to a sales brochure,
Pierce-Arrow used Bendix hydraulic
brakes and designed a new type of independent wheel suspension “to provide
Pullman riding comfort in the Travelodge.” Travelodge exteriors were built
RV RETROSPECTIVE
1937 PIERCE-ARROW
TRAVEL TRAILER
by Ken Freund
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NETHERCUTT MUSEUM
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TL1105 Pierce Arrow Trailer LO.qxp_RV Retro 3/8/11 3:13 PM Page 63
copied exactly. Some of the same original linoleum pattern was even found
for the floors.
When I first saw the Nethercutt Travelodge, it was on display at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. This
was the first time that an RV was ever displayed at that esteemed venue, a fitting
tribute to its quality. The Travelodge was
painted the same deep shade of blue as
the 1937 Pierce-Arrow V-12 Model 1702
limousine (also owned by Nethercutt)
and the car was fitted with a trailer hitch
to tow it proudly. Both are currently on
display together at the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, California.
Inside, the Model A Travelodge has a
kitchen, bath, shower, two separate
bedrooms, a built-in radio and a heater.
The ceiling is covered in the finest handlaid mountain birch, while the walls and
cabinets are made with red gum wood.
Seat cushions are nicely upholstered in
premium fabrics and use internal
springs and thick padding for comfort.
There’s even a foldout secretary-style
desk for writing postcards and letters;
remember them?
The Nethercutt Museum, where the
trailer is exhibited, is open to the public
without reservations and admission is
free. Tours of the nearby Nethercutt Collection, which includes other fine autos
and musical instruments, are by appointment only. q
The Nethercutt Museum, (818) 3646464, www.nethercuttcollection.org.
PHOTOS BY KEN FREUND
with weather-resistant 18-gauge sheet
aluminum, using thousands of rivets as
per aircraft practice of the day. Underneath the skin, the framework was
made of steel, “electrically welded into
one integral, bridge-like unit. Pierce
could have designed a cheaper, less
sturdy, insubstantial frame of wood.”
There were three models, the 19foot top-of-the-line Model A, the 16-foot
Model B and the 13-foot Model C. Merle
Norman Cosmetics company founder
J.B. Nethercutt purchased the Model A
trailer featured here in 1969. When
Nethercutt found it, it was being used
as a chicken coop and all the interior
wood had been pecked away. He paid
$250 and borrowed another Travelodge
from a friend and had the interior
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TL1105 PE-Tempflow Mattress LO.qxp_Tempflow Mattress 3/8/11 3:16 PM Page 64
TEMPFLOW MATTRESS
WITH A THIRD OF OUR LIVES SPENT IN BED,
A GOOD MATTRESS IS A NECESSITY
PHOTOS BY BOB LIVINGSTON
by Bob Livingston
A
ll too often the
factory-installed
mattress in our RV
interferes with a
good night’s sleep.
Even though we covered our stock mattress with a foam topper, we still woke up
stiff and sore — and tossed and turned all
night. Recently we replaced our truck
camper’s bed with a Tempflow RV6000
memory foam mattress and our home
mattress with the top-of-the-line RV8000
memory foam mattress from Relief Mart,
and they have transformed our sleeping
into pure luxury.
The Tempflow RV6000 mattress is
made up of three layers of different foam
densities, which the company found provided the best combination for extreme
comfort and the support needed to wake
up without a backache. To make up the
mattress, the top inch employs a 5-pounddensity, ultra-pressure-sensitive Biogreen
The holes in the top layers of both
mattresses align, which allows for air
to channel through. This system
keeps the mattress from retaining
the body’s heat, a common complaint
with most memory-foam mattresses.
memory foam to give an extra soft surface
feel. Specialized Polyflex foam is in the
middle, retaining a comfortable and supportive transition to the firm orthopedic
polyurethane base. The total height of the
Tempflow RV6000 mattress is 6 inches.
The Tempflow RV8000 is plusher
memory foam made up of 11⁄2 inches of the
ultra-pressure-sensitive 5-pound-density
Biogreen, followed by 11⁄2 inches of firm Biogreen memory foam. Total height of the
Tempflow RV8000 mattress is 8 inches.
The top layer of both mattresses is
ventilated and bonded to a channeled
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Relief Mart, (800) 667-1969,
www.tempflow.com.
-"3(&33&1-"$&.&/5'6&-5"/,4t*/#&%'6&-5"/,4t500-#09"/%'6&-5"/,$0.#04
Transfer Flow Inc., go to trailerlife.com/info
base below. The holes align with the open
channels to produce a full airflow circulation effect (patented airflow system) that
dissipates excessive body heat, something
users of memory-foam mattresses often
complain about. The Biogreen foam uses
a hypo-allergenic and environmentally
friendly visco-elastic memory foam that is
inherently resistant to dust mites, and has
been tested to have zero off-gassing emissions. Additionally, its breathable design
helps prevent formation of mold and
mildew, one of the reasons the company
guarantees the mattress for 20 years. A
nice bamboo cover gives the mattress a
luxurious look — and makes it simple to
add sheets. The bamboo cover is also
breathable, which augments the temperature-moderating design of the mattress.
Memory foam is not new. It was originally developed for NASA astronauts undergoing G-force testing. The dense foam
conforms to all the curves and bumps of
your body without bottoming out — eliminating pressure points symptomatic of a
standard mattress. When you get up, the
foam returns to its original shape.
We noticed a unique feel to the
Tempflow bed, especially after sleeping
on a cheap RV mattress. Because it contours the body, moving around does not
disturb your partner, which promotes
better sleep. Overall, the comfort level is
amazing. For us, acclimating to both mattress models only took one night each,
and we were hooked. We found that the
patented airflow system worked as
promised, as neither of us felt hot sleeping on the mattress. Adding a memoryfoam pillow ($49 to $149) enhances the
sleep experience.
Relief Mart custom builds mattresses to any size. The foam is rolled up for
shipping and when unfolded it will reach
95 percent of original size in 15 minutes
— 24 hours to full size. When compared
with a standard-quality mattress, the
prices for the Tempflow are affordable.
The regular and short queen sizes sell for
$699; the more luxurious RV8000 has a
$1,299 price tag — and there’s a fourmonth sleep trial offered.
Early morning walks are now off the
table; this bed is just too comfortable. q
Born Free Motorcoach, go to trailerlife.com/info
TL1105 PE-Tempflow Mattress LO.qxp_Tempflow Mattress 3/8/11 3:16 PM Page 65
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TL1105 Hands On Bolt Lock LO.qxp_TL Hands On 3/8/11 3:09 PM Page 66
>
BOLT LOCKS
Virtually every RVer travels with a variety of valuables, ranging from
electronics to motorized toys to jewelry. Obviously the safety of
your belongings is of constant concern, especially when
dealing with high-dollar items and accessories that are
left outside the RV while parked in a campground. Unfortunately we don’t live in a world where all our possessions
can be left unattended, so padlocks and cable locks
become part of our onboard gear. And, of course, locking
devices normally require keys. Well, if you’re anything like
me, after a while I lose track of what some of my keys are
for — and even lose or misplace some of them.
Thanks to the new Bolt locks, manufactured by a division of Strattec Security Corporation, the related confusion
of too many keys can be a thing of the past. Bolt locks are
locking devices that come in padlock, cable, hitch or sparetire configurations and share the same key as the one that
operates the tow vehicle’s ignition and doors. These unique locks
use the same technology and style of locks that are found in automotive doors.
Sharing the automotive-type locking cylinders provides two
major benefits. Number one, it uses that very same key you already
have for the doors and ignition. If you have a Chrysler, GM or Ford
tow vehicle, you likely already have the key to operate any of the
HANDS
>
Bolt locks. An application guide on the company’s website gives
instant information on whether your vehicle is compatible.
Secondly, you gain the extra security of the massive auto door
tumblers and strength, as well as its weather-resistance supported by
the spring-loaded shutter over the key hole.
All of the Bolt products operate following three easy steps in pairing your keys. First, grab your existing vehicle key and place it into the
Bolt lock of choice, which should be in the locked position. Second,
rotate the key clockwise until it stops. Last, simply pull the lock open.
That’s it! The pairing process works exactly as advertised, and eliminating all those extra keys from my ring was certainly a big bonus.
Bolt locks are assembled using high-grade American-made materials such as SAE 8260 hardened steel and a zinc-nickel-plated shackle
for heavy-duty areas. They utilize a six-plate tumbler sidebar that prevents lock-picking and cylinders that are much more stout than the
typical padlock counterpart.
Padlocks retail for $27.49; hitch locks sell for $38.99; cable locks
are $44.29; and spare-tire locks are also $44.29. All of the locks are
protected by a limited lifetime warranty to the original retail owner.
Strattec Security Corporation, (877) 251-8798, www.boltlock.com.
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TL1105 Hands On Bolt Lock LO.qxp_TL Hands On 3/8/11 3:09 PM Page 67
LOCKSTRAPS >
An AC-generator, motorcycle, scooter or maybe a couple of
bicycles — whatever your pleasure, these sorts of goodies are
common take-alongs on RV trips. But because of the hefty
price tag on these accessories, they also come with a sinking
feeling when they are stolen from our site or while stopping at
a shopping center or tourist location. This is especially true if
some of these luxuries require transport via your truck bed.
In previous years, the only way to pull off both safety
and security required the use of a quality tie-down
followed up with either a chain and padlock or a fairly
costly specialty cable lock. Not only can these tie-downs,
cables and locks be expensive, but they fill valuable
storage space. The Lockstrap eliminates the need for
duplicate security devices and clutter.
Lockstraps are exactly what the name implies — a
strap and lock. However, the Lockstrap is a high-quality,
American-made tie-down combined with dual locking carabiners.
To be more specific, a Lockstrap is a well-constructed
tie-down comprised of an eight-bound steel cable that’s
routed between double high-strength nylon webbing
layers. All the premium materials are tied together using
a series of industrial-strength rivets holding combinationlock-equipped carabiners at each end. To further increase the
function and ability, Lockstrap also
incorporates soft tie extensions into one
end of each strap, offering scratch-free
security.
Aside from impressive construction
and versatility, we evaluated the Lockstraps based on actual function and use.
After locating the side of the combo lock
with the arrows on it, you merely align
by Kevin Livingston
the tumblers to 0-0-0, push down on the
lock and pull it away from the carabiner.
Now, with a small tip Phillips screwdriver depressing the pin in the center of the combo lock, you choose a personal three-digit combination,
again on the arrow side. Your personal combo is set.
It’s hard to get excited over tie-down straps, but after years of
using every style of tie-down known to the modern world, I have never
seen or used anything this nice, convenient or multifunctional. Besides
the Lockstrap’s ability to lock, the grip and holding power of the buckle
is just as top-notch as the rest of the product. The 81⁄2-foot strap,
which is a couple of feet longer than the typical tie-down, has a
working load of 600 pounds and a break strength of 1,200 pounds. I
attempted to mangle and destroy these straps by way of bolt cutters
and still could not succeed after three attempts in the same location,
but easily sliced through a brand-name cable lock that was more than
triple the Lockstrap’s cable size in one cut. My only complaint is that
they aren’t available as a ratcheting strap — yet! Lockstraps range in
price from $39.95 to $44.95. q
SON
Lockstraps, (951) 506-3682, www.lockstraps.com.
Thank you to Reno Cycles and Gear for participating in the Bolt locks and
Lockstraps product evaluations, (775) 355-8810, www.renocycles.com.
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TL1105 Performance Corner LO.qxp_TL Performance Corner 3/8/11 3:09 PM Page 68
PERFORMANCE
CORNER
>
by Ken Freund
K&N HIGH-FLOW
INTAKE SYSTEMS
K&N High-Flow Intake
Systems increase power with no moving
parts and are available for a wide variety of
popular tow vehicles. To achieve such a performance increase,
K&N replaces the original intake assembly — including the air
box, air filter and intake tube — with an all-new design. The systems draw air through a K&N High-Flow Air Filter that increases
airflow and never needs replaced, according to the company. As
it passes the filter, air travels through a K&N Roto-Molded Tube
formed to give a more laminar (streamlined) flow of air to the truck’s
engine to boost power, while reducing exhaust gas temperatures.
For example, the 2008-10 Ford Super Duty 6.4-liter Power
Stroke diesel kit increases horsepower by about 16 hp at 2,600
rpm compared to the stock Ford configuration. The K&N kit for
the 2007-10 Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500 6.6-liter Duramax diesel
reportedly increases horsepower by 20 hp at 2,900 rpm over
stock. Protecting the oversize cone-shaped air filter, and isolating
it from engine heat, is a powdercoated heatshield that replaces
the truck’s stock air box. Kits can be installed by experienced doit-yourselfers and have CARB E.O. numbers, which make them
smog legal. They’re also covered by a million mile limited warranty. For more information about K&N Engineering Inc., call
(800) 858-3333 or visit www.knfilters.com.
CHRYSLER PLANS TWO PICKUPS
Chrysler recently announced that it will replace the Dodge Dakota
with a new renamed pickup built with unibody construction. It
will be a 2012 model, and it may arrive later this year. Jeep is also
said to be readying a model with a truck bed based on the Gladiator pickup concept vehicle from 2005.
EPA OKAYS 5-PERCENT ETHANOL INCREASE
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved an increase in the percentage of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent
(E10) to 15 percent (E15) by volume, for vehicles built from 2001
to 2006. Vehicles built after 2006 have already been EPA approved to use E15 fuel. Ethanol contains less energy than gasoline and thus mileage will be reduced. The EPA states: “Recently
completed testing and data analysis show that E15 does not
harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light
trucks.” The National Petrochemical and Refiners Association responded by saying: “Widespread use of 15-percent
ethanol in gasoline could cause engine failures that could
leave consumers stranded, injured or worse, and hit consumers with costly engine repairs.”
GASOLINE REPLACEMENT?
Cella Energy announced that it has developed a hydrogen-based
synthetic fuel that could replace gasoline. Employing complex
hydrides in a nano-structuring technique called coaxial electrospraying, it produces no carbon emissions and should cost
significantly less than gasoline in production. The technology
was developed at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford,
England. Early reports are that the fuel can be used in existing
internal-combustion vehicles without engine modifications.
FUTURE VEHICLES MAY COMMUNICATE AMONG THEMSELVES!
Ford recently demonstrated a joint research project that includes
General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen. The group is working to
develop high-tech systems that enable vehicles to automatically
communicate, independently of the drivers, to avoid collisions.
The smart systems employ dedicated short-range radio communications on a secure channel that is allocated by the Federal
Communications Commission. Ford says the system provides full
360-degree coverage to detect potentially dangerous situations.
Drivers would be alerted if their vehicles are on a collision course
with another vehicle at intersections, when a vehicle ahead stops
or slows rapidly or when traffic patterns change suddenly.
BACKUP WARNINGS
The U.S. Transportation Department is introducing regulations
for equipment upgrades in vehicles to eliminate rear blind zones
to prevent drivers from unintentionally backing over children or
other pedestrians. The systems will help drivers see the areas
directly behind their vehicles with rear-view video cameras and
object-detention sensors. Some systems are already available
as an option and are expected to become standard equipment.
The legislation applies to passenger cars, SUVs, pickups and
vans and will be phased in with several steps. By 2014, all new
vehicles will meet the regulations. q
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TL1105 What’s New LO.qxp_TL What’s New 3/8/11 3:20 PM Page 69
<
SKY RIDE
Take back control of your truck with Skyjacker shocks,
which can smooth out a bumpy ride caused by poorly paved
highways or rough terrain. Skyjacker offers two levels of
shock absorption — the Hydro 7000 series for mild to moderate
off-road use and the Nitro 8000 for full-size vehicles tackling
moderate to extreme off-road conditions. Both have a bonded
iron piston for durability and longer shock life and a leak-proof
seal that prevents hydraulic fluid from passing around the piston
head. The result is a consistently stable, controlled ride, according
to the company. Skyjacker is currently offering a $35 rebate on the
purchase of four Skyjacker Hydro H7000 Series or Nitro N8000 Series
shocks, or a Skyjacker leveling kit and two Hydro or Nitro shocks. The
promotion runs through May 31. msrp is $44.54.
For more information, call (318) 388-0816 or visit www.skyjacker.com.
PRODUCTS
WHAT’S NEW
GLOW-IN-THEDARK HANDRAIL
<
<
SHIN SHIELD
Have you ever gleefully finished the task of unhooking
the trailer, only to slam your shin against the ball mount?
The Shin Shield prevents shin and leg injuries that understandably can happen when you’re distracted by other things when
hitching or unhitching the trailer. Installation takes just minutes
— the product attaches
to the ball mount under
the existing ball without interfering with
the operation of the
hitch. It fits most major
hitch manufacturers’ products that are 21⁄2 inches wide,
but the company claims it has
plans to manufacture more sizes
in the future. The Shin Shield is
made of a durable, automotivespecific polymer that is UV-resistant so it won’t fade in the sun,
and possibly best of all, it’s proudly made in the USA. msrp is $24.95.
For more information, call (503) 7104075 or visit www.shin-shield.com.
Sometimes it can be difficult to
see the entrance to your trailer
when you return at night, but Torklift
International’s GlowGuide handrail system offers something secure and illuminated
to hold on to as you climb the trailer steps.
GlowGuide is a one-size-fits-all system that
locks to your RV and has three secure attachment points to allow for increased balance
while navigating up and down steps. Each
telescoping arm extends from 32 to 53 inches
so you can adjust it to whatever height you
need, and the system stores in position
next to your trailer entrance when not in use.
According to the company, all the GlowGuide
needs is 5 minutes of light from any source
to glow for up to 10 hours. It also transforms
into a broom or telescoping wash brush, and
a multipurpose brush head is included in the
kit. The handrail has an msrp of $187.
For more information, call (800) 246-8132
or visit www.torklift.com.
continued on page 81
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TL1105 RV Clinic LO.qxp_TL RV Clinic 3/8/11 3:10 PM Page 70
RV CLINIC >
Advice from our Tech Team
RATTLING
WATER PIPES
We have a 2002 Komfort 24-foot travel
trailer. Every time we use the 12-volt DC
water pump, the pipes rattle loudly until
the system is pressurized. Other people
we have met at campsites say they have
the same problem. Sometimes at night in
an RV park we get a giggle when we hear
the same sounds coming from one our
neighbor’s rigs. I have been told it is
caused because the pipe holding brackets
are mounted to the floor and it is the vibration between the pipes and floor. This
noise is never present when connected to
outside water. Does the 12-volt DC pump
use different pipes than the outside water
system? Is there a fix for this without taking up the floors?
Dave Henise, Lake Almanor, California
That noise can come from a couple of
sources. First and probably the main
cause is improper water-pump installation with rigid pipes connected directly to
the pump. Those pipes telegraph the
pump’s vibrations and make the rattling
noise. You can cure or seriously reduce
the noise by installing short pieces of
flexible water line between the pump’s
inlet and outlet and their corresponding
hard lines. This flexible food-grade line is
available at hardware stores and looks
like opaque or white plastic tubing, often
with reinforcing woven fabric cords molded into the hose body. You’ll need to verify the type of fittings used on your pump
and lines and may need to buy adapters
to connect al the parts. The best design
is to place a small loop of the flexible line
in place to ensure there’s a completely
flexible connection between the pump
and pipes.
Another possible solution: That noise
“
You can reduce the noise by installing short pieces
of flexible water line between the pump’s inlet and
outlet and their corresponding hard lines.
is referred to as water hammering, and it’s
caused by rapid pressure changes in a
water system. The pump causes the noise
because it produces pressure in pulses,
while the outside water hookup is a
smooth even flow that’s more or less constant, so the noise doesn’t happen.
One cure for hammering is to install an
accumulator tank downstream from the
Ken Freund
Jeff Johnston
To send your questions to RV Clinic, write to
2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001; or
e-mail [email protected] or
[email protected]. No phone calls.
”
water pump. The accumulator maintains
pressure in the water line and helps reduce the number of times the pump needs
to cycle on and off. — Jeff Johnston
FLAT TOWING ADVICE
Is it necessary to consider gcwr and gvwr
when flat towing? An article in the RV Handbook on page 58 states that little or no
hitch weight is added to the motorhome.
John R. Billups III,
Chula Vista, California
Only a few pounds are added to the motorhome by the weight of the tow bar and the
hitch receiver and ball, so the amount of
weight on the motorhome (hence gvwr) is
not affected significantly. However, since
gcwr is the maximum allowable weight for
the combination of motorhome and
towed vehicle in this case, that number is
very relevant and important. The transmission, cooling system and other components are designed to meet this limit, so
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do not exceed it. Weigh both the fully
loaded motorhome and towed dinghy vehicle and the sum should not exceed the
gcwr. You also should have an auxiliary
braking device to actuate the dinghy’s
brakes. — Ken Freund
Several commercial slideout mechanisms
are available for RV manufacturer use, and
some of those manufacturers also choose
to use their own proprietary designs. Unfortunately, we don’t have a complete
database of specifications and blueprints
for every RV, so we can’t tell you much
about adjustment specifics of the slideout
in your fifth-wheel. Your best bet is to contact the slideout manufacturer and get adjustment instructions. Another place to
start is a local service-center technician
who can analyze the mechanism, as needed, from a hands-on perspective.
Many slideouts are designed to contact
the top first then pull in at the bottom for
weather sealing. This tends to make the top
edge, which is most subject to rain, seal first
and hold the tightest — or at least, that’s
the plan. Although 21⁄2 inches of space at
the bottom, as you described, sounds a bit
much, as long as it’s working you may have
nothing to worry about. — J.J.
SAGGING FRONT END
I drive a 1999 Ford F-250 pickup with a
trailer package and tow a 24-foot Komfort
trailer. Placing the trailer into its home port
can be a tight affair, so I installed a front
hitch on the truck. When I first used the
hitch, I got a surprise. As I lowered the
trailer A-frame the front of the truck sank
so much that the hitch touched the
ground. It hadn’t occurred to me that the
truck’s front springs aren’t the heavy-duty
kind that are on the back. Do you know of
a simple and inexpensive way to hold up
the front while using the front hitch?
Lowance Harwood, Nampa, Idaho
Perhaps the simplest solution would be to
install SumoSprings (800-898-0705,
www.supersprings.com), which replace
the front bump stops. They look similar to
an air-bag spring, but don’t inflate, so they
can’t leak. — K.F.
DRV, go to trailerlife.com/info
TILTING SLIDEOUTS
I have a 2009 Fleetwood Formula fifthwheel with two slideouts. The slides
seem to be tilted inward from the top. As
the top of the slide touches the side of
the trailer there is about 21⁄2 inches at the
bottom that needs to be drawn in. The
floor of the slide inside the trailer kicks
up about 2 inches as the bottom is drawn
in. I looked to see if there is an adjustment but all I can see is an alignment for
up and down but nothing to adjust the
tilt. I called a few of the local RV dealers
about my concern, and I was basically
told they don’t handle Fleetwood, as it is
out of business (the trailer side, anyways).
I would think the manufacturer would not
make a difference; a slide is a slide. How
much of a tilt should there be? Is there an
adjustment I can make to reduce the tilt?
John Pauley, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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.com
User Guide
Contents
RV CLINIC
RV COVER?
We got into RVing a few years ago, and our
salesman was adamant we should never
cover our trailer. Now I see ads in virtually
all the RV magazines and sales brochures
selling RV covers. We’re confused about
whether or not to cover our fifth-wheel.
Sue & John Caprio, Via e-mail
If your trailer is stored outdoors, you should
definitely use a cover. Your salesman was
probably referring to not covering the RV
with something like a sheet of plastic or a
generic tarp. Those materials can damage
an RV’s paint and exterior during a season
of rubbing contact with wind and rain moving the tarp around, plus they hold moisture in as well as keeping the rain off.
Trapped moisture can also damage an RV.
Covers designed for RV use have a
padded inside surface to help protect the
paint and finish, and they “breathe” to
allow moisture to escape from the inside
while keeping wet weather from damaging the vehicle. — J.J.
DYING DURAMAX BATTERIES
We have a problem with batteries going
dead on our 2006 GMC 2500 Duramax
Sierra. The dealer put two new batteries in
the truck and they went dead within two
days. The dealer is unable to find any draw
on the system. This is the second time the
truck has been in the shop.
Richard Smith, Crowley, Texas
From your description, it seems like it
didn’t need the new batteries, and I suggest you try another shop. There’s no
way two new batteries go dead that fast
unless there is a measurable draw that a
good technician can easily find. With the
engine and everything else off, put an
ammeter in series with the batteries and
start removing fuses until the heavy draw
is found. — K.F.
CONCERTONE STEREO WIRING
Our fifth-wheel has a Concertone radio/
DVD/CD player, TV control, etc. There’s a
light on the panel that is on all the time,
FOR 3 MONTHS
which runs down the batteries when we’re
not connected to shorepower. Do you
have any suggestions on how to turn it
off? We unplugged all the wires to try to
find the battery feed so we could install an
in-line switch. The light never went out.
Doris Miller, Pinetop, Arizona
You apparently didn’t disconnect all the
wires if the faceplate light was still on.
Those radios do not use an internal battery to power the radio station memory
and the like.
Your RV owner’s binder should contain a manual for your specific Concertone
model. That manual may also include a
wiring diagram, letting you know which is
the main power line. A wiring diagram
might also be found on the backside of
the radio. These units are also used with
digital converter boxes, surround-sound
units, etc., so it’s possible there’s some
kind of power being routed via one of
those circuits. A bit more wiring investigation should reveal the culprit. — J.J. q
RV KIT
2 UPGRADES
Dish, Travel Tripod
& 50ft of cable^
HD DVR &
HD Receivers**
CHOICE™ PACKAGE
Offer Ends 7/20/11. FREE RV Kit for new
customers only. Available to existing
customers at additional charge. While
supplies last. S/H fees will apply.
Courtesy of Direct Sat TV.
$298 value
/mo*
FOR 12 MONTHS
Prices may be higher and terms &
conditions vary in select markets.
Requires CHOICE XTRA™ and above.
Requires CHOICE XTRA™ Package or higher and
Whole-Home DVR service. Additional fees required.
With 24 month agreement**.
Direct Sat TV, go to trailerlife.com/info
Offers end 7/20/11. *Prices include a $26 bill credit for 12 months after rebate, plus an additional $5 with online rebate and consent to email alerts. Eligibility based on service address.
With 24-month agreement.** Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). Hardware available separately. Handling & Delivery fee may apply.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Call Now! 800-279-3809
*BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. Free HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME and Cinemax for 3 months, a value of $135. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER
ACCOUNT. Featured package names and prices: CHOICE $60.99/mo.; CHOICE XTRA $65.99/mo.; CHOICE ULTIMATE $70.99/mo. Prices include a $26 bill credit for 12 months after rebate, plus an additional $5 with online rebate and consent to email alerts. Upon DIRECTV System activation, customer will receive rebate redemption instructions (included in
customer’s first DIRECTV bill, a separate mailing, or, in the state of New York, from retailer) and must comply with the terms of the instructions. In order to receive $31 monthly credits, customer must submit rebate online (valid email address required) and consent to email alerts prior to rebate redemption. Rebate begins up to 8 weeks after receipt
of rebate submission online or by phone. Duration of promotional price varies based on redemption date. †FREE HD OFFER: Includes access to HD channels associated with your programming package. To be eligible for Free HD you must activate and maintain the CHOICE XTRA Package or higher and enroll in Auto Bill Pay. Also requires at least one (1) HD Receiver and activation of
HD Access. Account must be in “good standing” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion to remain eligible for all offers. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. **2-YR LEASE AGREEMENT: Must maintain 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle. DVR Service $7/mo.
required for DVR and HD DVR lease. HD Access fee $10/mo. required for HD Receiver and HD DVR. Lease for first two receivers $6/mo; additional receiver leases $6/mo. each. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER. IF SERVICE IS TERMINATED EARLY, A CANCELLATION
FEE OF $20/MONTH REMAINING WILL APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. RECEIVER UPGRADES: Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver
upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service ($3/mo.). Advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA Package or above; MÁS ULTRA or above (for DVR Receiver, OPTIMO MÁS Package or above); Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $38.99/mo.).
Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional home installation only. Custom installation extra. ^RV SATELLITE KIT OFFER: Courtesy of Direct Sat TV with new residential home service activation and purchase of CHOICE programming or above. Includes satellite dish, travel tripod and 50’ of coaxial cable. HD dish will incur
additional fees. Tripod for HD dish not available. Programming and pricing may vary for service in your RV. For service in RV, customer will receive NY Distant Network Signal, based on geographical location. LA Distant Network is available upon request and requires special hardware, which will incur additional fees. DNS waiver required. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions
subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
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.com
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Contents
TL1105 Ten-Minute Tech LO.qxp_TL 10-Minute Tech 3/8/11 3:08 PM Page 73
>10 -MINUTETECH
A compilation of tried-and-true tips From RVers
>
HOW’S THE WEATHER?
In search of an inexpensive way of determining the outside temperature, I
came up with the following:
I purchased an inexpensive indoor/outdoor digital wireless thermometer
(less than $10 at Walmart). I also purchased a magnetic hidden-key holder
(less than $2) and double-sided tape, also at Walmart.
After installing the batteries on the thermometer, I removed the sliding
door on the magnetic key holder and affixed the remote sensor to the
holder’s door using the double-sided tape. Careful placement of the tape
will still allow for access to the remote sensor batteries. I then slid the door
back onto the key holder.
Now, when setting up camp, I place the sensor (using the magnets on the
key holder) to either the trailer frame or the spring-bar mounts when I chock
the wheels. This allows for the sensor to be out of direct sunlight, so its
readings (from inside the trailer) are accurate. It is also clearly visible when I
un-chock the wheels, so I remember to remove it before hitting the road.
Robert H. Braund, Madison, Alabama
HASP A NICE DAY
Fearing my awning may accidentally deploy while
on the road, I devised a simple and cost-effective
way of preventing the potentially expensive —
and dangerous — situation. I purchased two
common padlock hasps and mounted them
behind both retracted awning arms. The hasps
are raised on the sides of the awning frame,
and a safety spring-type pin is inserted securely
through the hasps. When the awning is in use,
the hasps fold neatly against the RV.
Larry Bogdon, Sparks, Nevada
PROTECTOR SHEET
SUN STOPPER
I was thoroughly unhappy with the metal mini blinds on my trailer. They let in
quite a bit of morning light in the front bedroom. My solution was to go to the
fabric store and purchase a length of opaque material that matched the trailer’s
interior. The windows all have cornices over them, so I cut the material into
squares large enough to cover
the windows, and stapled the
fabric to the inside of the
cornices, allowing the fabric
to drape down in front of the
blinds — but behind the
decorative curtains — to
block out the light. When I
don’t want to see the extra
material, I simply roll it up
from the bottom and tuck it
up inside the cornice.
Deborah Montgomery,
Hermitage, Pennsylvania
We travel with a cat, and it’s the
queen of the bed. Getting cat hair
off the bedspread has long been a
problem, so we simply eliminated
the bedspread.
We went to the local thrift store
and checked out the donated
sheets. For a couple dollars, we
purchased a sheet to cover the
bedding. It looks like a short
comforter, but is much easier to
take care of than a bedspread.
You can even carry several
sheets in the same space that a
bedspread would take up.
Jo Ann Soden, Pahrump, Nevada q
Illustrations By Bill Tipton
To send a submission to
10-Minute Tech, write to
2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura,
CA 93001. Please include an
illustration if applicable.
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.com
User Guide
Contents
TL1105 Dealer-Destination LO.qxp_TL Dealers&Destinations 3/9/11 12:27 PM Page 74
DEALERS&DESTINATIONS >
ARIZONA
ARKANSAS
Lake Catherine State Park
Voyager has it all for you!
• 100 ft pull thrus
• 3 pools, 2 hot tubs
• Golf Course, Pickle Ball, Tennis
• Bar/Grill/Market
• WiFi Hotspots/DSL available at Sites
• Entertainment/Activities
• 24 Hour Fitness and Laundry
• 36 Room Inn, Rentals, Homes & more
Come experience our southwest hospitality
DEGRAY LAKE
R E S O RT
S TAT E
PA R K
A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN
/ Ê 7 9 Ê , " Ê / Ê 1/Ê-/Ê6Ê/Ê°
£nääÇÎÇnÎxxÊUÊiÀ>Þ°V
U s e ou r h o o ku p s
to reconnect.
888-AT-PARKS
ArkansasStateParks.com
NEW MEXICO
Dogs for the Deaf
GOOD SAM
MEMBERS
Save 10% at all
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• May 7: Cinco de Mayo
Celebration
• May 7: 6th Annual Cactus Carnival
• May 20-21: Steakfest 2011
www.cityofdeming.org
800-848-4955 • www.DemingChamber.com
Rescuing Dogs and Helping People since 1977
'RJVIRUWKH'HDI,QFLVDFQRQSUR¿W
organization that rescues dogs from shelters,
trains them, and places them free of charge
with people who are deaf, hard of hearing,
have autism, or other disabilities or challenges.
These dogs provide freedom, security,
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Visit us on line or
by for a tour of o
beautiful training ca
Our dogs would lo
hear from you
TOUR SCHEDULE
0D\6HSWHPEHU
Toours at 10am, 11am,
1pm, and 2pm
2FWREHU$SULO
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Open Monday through
Fridayy, except for holidays.
RV parking available
GoodSamClub.com
ZZZGRJVIRUWKHGHDIRUJ
Z
ZZGRJVIRUWKHGHDIRUJ
:KHHOHU5RDG&HQWUDO3RLQW2UHJRQ
:KHHOHU5RDG&HQWUDO3RLQW2UHJRQ
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.com
User Guide
Contents
TL1105 RV Marketplace LO.qxp_RV Marketplace 3/9/11 12:27 PM Page 75
> RV MARKETPLACE
ALL NEW
Built-in Parallel Kit
In Stock Now!
EU2000i &
EU2000i Companion
EU3000 is
Free shipping continental U.S.
Get your back-up power now!
POWER EQUIPMENT
Full Line Honda Dealer
Lightweight • Super quiet • Eco throttle • D.C. charging
Couple 2 units together to Double output
Kansas City, MO
(877) 225-5200 Toll Free
For optimum performance and safety, we recommend you read the owner's manual before opening
your Honda Power Equipment. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device
to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician.
©2005 American Honda Co., Inc.
OPEN DOOR.
STEP ON BOARD.
LED Light Kit - Included
600lb load rating (each side)
Pinch-proof safety technology
5-Year/60,000 mile warranty
Call 1-800-315-9589 for a free brochure
or visit us at amp-research.com/TL
Go To:
.com
User Guide
Contents
RV MARKETPLACE >
FOR INFORMATION ON MAIL-ORDER ADVERTISING RATES:
THE RV MARKETPLACE, P.O. BOX 8510, VENTURA, CA 93002
OR CALL (805) 667-4100 EXT 385
Eliminate Sag, Sway and Body Roll
Maintenance Free - No Air Lines
Easy to Install - No Drilling
Increase Vehicle
Vehicle S
Stability
tability
Free Shipping!
TM
POWER SOLUTION
• Does your RV’s AC trip the breaker?
• Having other RV power problems?
Our Breakthrough product
solves these problems!
Honda Generators
Super Sale
In Stock and
Ready to Ship
Honda Generator
Model #EU-2000i
$
899
Free Shipping
F
W
Visit our family shop and showroom in
Shipshewana, Indiana
or call for more information
260.768.4820
ip
We Sh e
Widd
Nation-W
or 903-776-2913
Optiio
Com nal
put
Table er
Dealer inquiries invited.
Patent
Pending
Visit us at www.jtbmfg.com
Replace your sofa
with 2 Relax-r
chairs and still
have space left!
DISH ALIGNMENT SYSTEM
“SEE WHAT YOUR DISH SEES”
ALIGN-A-SITE ™
PATENT PEND ING
xNo Need to Level Dish Stand or Pol e!
Ali gns Di sh in AL L Di re cti ons!
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16600 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin, WI 53151
1-888-617-7333
O
AS L
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Pair of EU-2000’s and Parallel Cables $1,949
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( L E S S S& H )
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1150S 700W
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HDVWRQ6WR:VRXWKƗPLOH
We manufacture quality swivel, wall
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Model #EU-1000 $679
Remote starter
available with this
generator $239
Honda Generator
Model #EU-3000is
$
L
LAMBRIGHT
LAMBR
IGHT
COMFORT
CHAIRS, LLC
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.com
User Guide
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ADVERTISERS’
INDEX
NOW AVAILABLE — TRAILER LIFE
READER SERVICE ONLINE!
For FREE additional information on
products and services in this issue,
visit www.trailerlife.com/info
For info on
advertising in this
section, please
call or write:
Sue Seidlitz
530-346-6450
sseidlitz@
goodsamfamily.com
PAGE#
B&W Trailer Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Born Free Motorcoach . . . . . . . . . . .65
Camping World . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23
Casita Enterprises Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .77
Chevrolet Motor Division . . . . . .CV2-3
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78-80
Crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CV4
Cruiser RV LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Dealers & Destinations . . . . . . . . . .74
DISH Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13
DRV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Dicor Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Direct Sat TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Direct Sat TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Engel USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Geico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
HWH Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Hellwig Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Hensley Manufacturing Inc. . . . . . . .18
Hensley Manufacturing Inc. . . . . . . .49
Insurance Products Marketing . . . .50
KZ Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Lance Campers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CV3
New Horizons RV Corp. . . . . . . . . . .14
Northwood Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Pace Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Progressive Insurance . . . . . . . . . . .17
Protect All Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
RV Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
RV Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75-77
RVT.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Reese Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. . . . . . . .19
Scamp Travel Trailers . . . . . . . . . . .61
Sea Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Sea Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Softopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Thetford Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Trailair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Transfer Flow Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Walex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Yamaha Motorcorp USA . . . . . . . . . .51
Zippo Mfg. Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Zippo Mfg. Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
While every effort is made to maintain
accuracy and completeness,
last-minute changes may occasionally
result in omissions or errors.
Casita Enterprises Inc., go to trailerlife.com/info
ADVERTISERS
On The Go?
There’s an APP
for That!
Just search
“Trailer Life”
in the
iTunes App Store
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even back issues.
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TL1105 Classified Ads LO.qxp_TL Classified Ads 3/8/11 3:21 PM Page 78
CLASSIFIEDS
ACCESSORIES
HELP WANTED
12-Volt Cooling for RVs TurboKOOL Evaporative
“Swamp” Coolers Powered by Battery and/or Solar.
Cools your RV (up to 29° reduction) without
“plugging in”! Quiet and Affordable
1-800-326-4410 free brochure www.turbokool.com
LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED DRIVERS
who want freedom, flexibility. Deliver travel
trailers and fifth wheels across the country. No
mileage requirements, great benefits.
866-724-1606www.DriveForClassicTransport.com
Retama Village-Live Here, Play Here, Stay Here
At our exclusive 55+ active adult community in
the fabulous Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
Large RV Sites, RV Port Homes and Single Family
Homes. Clubhouse, library, pools, fitness center,
billiards, hiking, biking, kayaking and birding.
RV Sites from the mid $40s. RV Port Homes from
$169,900. www.bentsenpalm.com 956-381-1500.
GREAT JOBS IN GREAT PLACES! Experience
America one job at a time living the Workamper lifestyle. Jobs in campgrounds, parks, resorts, etc. For FREE BROCHURE & subscription
info. 800-446-5627 www.workamper.com
MY CAMP KITCHEN™ OUTDOOR KITCHEN
REDEFINED Easy & fun for campers, hunters, RVers,
& tailgaters! Mstr crftsmnshp. Dsgnd by aerospace
engineer. www.mycampkitchen.com 303-972-4721.
INVESTMENTS
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS—Travel and
stay in RV parks FREE. Set your own income
selling advertising for RV parks. Up to 65%
commission. Call 1-800-832-3292. Full training.
HOMES FOR SALE
YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PROTECT YOUR
ASSETS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES. Convert your
IRA to Solid Gold. The only safety net against
inflation is Gold, Silver and Platinum. $100k
I NEED HELP TO COMMERCIALIZE A PATENTED
Hasti-Hitch-Guide. By-pass system allows
equalizing hitch to remain on the trailer tongue.
Hitch & unhitch in 2 min. 909-878-4028
invested in Gold in the past ten years would have grown
to $424,000. Call Toll Free for an investment kit.
CT Metals 855-531-4653 or 855-531-GOLD
LEAKY ROOF? Liquid Roof® goes on like paint —
cures to a sealed EPDM rubber membrane. UV &
Ozone resistant — good to 300° F. 5-yr warranty.
800-467-7135 www.AdvancedRubberCoatings.com
HENSLEY ARROW - RECONDITIONED LIKE NEW
Guaranteed to Eliminate Trailer Sway.
Warranty and 60 Day Guarantee.
www.HensleyMfg.com 1-800-410-6580 x117.
AIR MATTRESSES
LEGAL SERVICES
SPACIOUS HOME (4150 SQFT) IN OCALA FL
on one acre lot with large (3o'X42'X14')
detached RV garage. Near major shopping
but quiet. 4 BDRM + office, formal dining rm,
family rm, sunroom, 3 car garage. Details at:
www.owners.com/DWJ8324 Email:
[email protected] or PH 352-291-2291
DESIGNED AND SIZED FOR RVs--Dual
adjustable, air sleep systems. Custom sizes,
money-back guarantee. Shipped factory
direct. www.bearbeds.com or 888-565-7211
CAMPGROUND MEMBERSHIPS
FOR SALE
MAIL/MESSAGE SERVICES
SOUTH DAKOTA MAIL FORWARDING/RESIDENCY
Low rates for personalized mail forwarding
Contact us about SD residency benefits.
1-866-202-2163 www.mydakotaaddress.com
SOUTH DAKOTA the BEST ALTERNATIVE
• MAIL forwarding • LOW vehicle tax
• NO State income tax • NO State inheritance tax
ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES 800-477-2664
SD’s Oldest & Largest Mail Forwarding Company
www.alternativeresources.net
CAMPERS FOR SALE
2007 HI-LO TOWLITE. SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER
2-30 lbs gas tanks. Like new. Used 5 weeks.
Tip out couch, queen bed, full bath, gas stove,
gas oven. $20K or OBO. 607-278-5218.
MONTANA LLC LAWYER • SAVE SALES TAX $
on next RV purchase •Attorney operated.
• Go with 36+ years experienced law firm.
1-406-360-3409; www.montanallcattorney.com
LUXURY NEW HOMES IN LAUGHLIN NV
50' RV Garages - 40' Boat Garages
3 Bedroom, 2 bath. Single Story. Energy Star.
Call 800-828-2744 or visit www.laughlinhomes.net
AMERICAS-MAILBOX Forwarding in SD
LOW Rates/NO State Income Tax/Save $$$
NO Wheel Tax/NO Safety Inspect/866-747-3700
www.Americas-Mailbox.com Call us first!
CAMPGROUND MEMBERSHIP OUTLET-SINCE 1991
To buy 800-272-0401.
To sell 800-952-0401.
Any Membership-Nationwide. Best prices ever
.
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.com
User Guide
Contents
MOTORHOMES FOR SALE
CLASSIFIEDS
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES WANTED
Discover your RV is worth
more than you ever dreamed!
Since 1975!
** Free Catalog ** 800-351-6053
tracksrvtours.com
TOW VEHICLE/TRAILER PACKAGES
FOR SALE
PRE-OWNED MOTORHOMES & RVs
Great selection! Consignments wanted.
Florida's largest RV consignment center.
View videos online of RVs in inventory.
www.CharlotteRV.com 877-883-5555
DONATE RVS, BOATS, PLANES, CAR/TRUCKS,
REAL ESTATE, SECURITIES or other real
property. Receive an IRS tax receipt from a
registered charity. International Ministry,
800-871-1962. Email [email protected]
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FOR SALE
SELL YOUR RV FAST! Online at RVT.com.
15,000+ Customers Daily. 40,000+ Private
and Dealer Listings. www.RVT.com
Serving the RV Trade since 1999.
1.800.479.1099
SERVICES
WHY IMPOSE ON FRIENDS?
Ask about our low cost personalized services:
15 years experienced • Mail and Vehicle Tags
1-888-494-4499 www.myhomeaddressinc.com
2005 M2 FREIGHTLINER, 43K MILES, AUTO, RR
seat bed, all air ride, kbb book $78K and 4o'TETON,
gen, w/d, d/w, sat, new: lthr furn-tv-paint, Bose
snd, kbb book $42K. Both $89K. 623-451-7121.
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Motorhomes, Trailers & Fifth Wheels
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Buyers/Sellers 800-546-8457
CLOTHING-OPTIONAL & NUDE GETAWAYS
A unique selection of RV resorts, parks clubs,
inns & cruises - UK &
Caribbean.www.tanr.com/rv
ADVENTURE CARAVANS RV TOURS & RALLIES
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Free 86-page catalog 1-800-872-7897
www.adventurecaravans.com
View Atlantic Canada’s mountains plunging
into the sea! RV national treasures
like Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Glacier Natl
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$35K. 901-794-2281 TN.
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A great place
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Go To:
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CLASSIFIEDS >
Eggcamper LIGHTWEIGHT AERODYNAMIC
EASY TOW MOLDED FIBERGLASS travel trailer
EASY CLEAN MOLDED INTERIOR
www.eggcamper.com, 616-437-9255
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2008 LOADED 27' TANGO TRAILER
w/built-in computer + printer desk & Hi-spd
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NuWa offers full body paint for 2011
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Largest selection of New/Used 5th’s.
Call 1-800-835-0676 or email [email protected]
Campgrounds on the net!
www.tldirectory.com
CLASSIFIED AD
Please note: our August 2011 issue
will close on May 9, 2011.
There are lots
of products to
accessorize your
RV and enhance
your RV lifestyle!
See page 75!
Use this form (or your own stationery) to submit your ad copy.
Refer to Classified Ad Rates box for payment & mailing information.
Four-line minimum, 40 characters per line. Please count all letters,
numbers, punctuation and spaces.
Please specify ad category:......................................................................................
name:.................................................................................................................. address:...........................................................................
.......................................................................................................email:.........................................................................
phone #:................................................................................ enclosed is $................................... run for..............................issues
❍ check #:....................❍ money order #:................................. ❍ V/MC/Disc/AMEX.#:...........................................................
exp.:............................................... signature:..............................................................................................................................................
Mail: TRAILER LIFE Classified, P.O. Box 8510, Ventura, CA 93002-9912 Fax: (805) 667-4379 [email protected]
Go To:
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User Guide
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NEW PRODUCTS from page 69
CLASSIFIED AD RATES
COMMERCIAL: Open to firms or individuals
advertising the sale or resale of a commercial item or service. $66 per line, four-line
minimum, 40 characters and spaces per
line. For photo ad, limited to real estate and
RVs for sale, add $65 (for B/W or $85 for
color). Limit one photo per ad. For logo, add
$95 for B/W, $115 for color (all commercial
ad categories qualify for logo use). 5%
discount for six issues and a 10% discount
for 12 issues to our commercial advertisers.
RV CLUBS: For national or local RV owners
and enthusiast clubs or chapters soliciting
members. $40 per line, four-line minimum,
40 characters & spaces per line.
EVENTS: For national or regional RV rallies, trade shows, expositions and other
events. $40 per line, four-line minimum,
40 characters and spaces per line.
PRIVATE PARTY: For individuals selling
personally owned items, such as an RV,
truck, auto, campground membership
resale. $27 per line, four-line minimum,
40 characters and spaces per line. No
charge for one phone number. For ad
with picture, add $50 for B/W or $65 for
color. No Polaroids, negatives or slides.
Prefer high-resolution digital files sent as
email attachments. Limit one photo per ad.
BOLDFACE & RED TYPE: The first line is
boldface at no charge, add $5 per line for
additional boldface type.
For entire ad to appear in red type, add $50
for Commercial ads, $25 for Private Party ads.
HOW TO PLACE AN AD: Use our coupon,
your own stationery or send an email
with your ad. Please include your name,
address and phone number so we can
reach you if we have a question.
Deadlines for our next two issues are
shown on the order form in this section.
• EMAIL orders to:
[email protected]
• FAX orders to: (805) 667-4379
• MAIL orders to:
Trailer Life
P.O. Box 8510
Ventura, CA 93002-9912
Attn: Joyce Reweda
We accept checks, money orders, Visa,
MasterCard, and Discover. Please include
the expiration date, your signature and
address with credit card orders.
Ad Questions? Call (805) 667-4392.
NO TELEPHONE ORDERS, PLEASE.
‘SELF’ JUMP START
>
You can save yourself the hassle of finding a buddy with
jumper cables when you have the new 500-amp
Instant Jump Starter from Black & Decker
stored in your tow vehicle. Its low-profile,
space-saving design makes it easy to
store, and its rubber grips will keep it
from sliding around during travel. The
unit provides approximately 20 jump
starts before needing to be
recharged, and an alarm will
let you know if the cables
are incorrectly clamped. In
addition, the Instant Jump
Starter features an ultrabright emergency light, 120psi compressor for inflating
and a USB port. msrp is $99.99.
For more information, call (800) 544-6986 or
visit www.blackanddecker.com.
PRODUCTS
WHAT’S NEW
‘COOL’ER SHELF
>
Keep items cool in your portable cooler while also
keeping them dry with the new Cooler Shelf accessory for portable coolers. It can be used to
separate foods that you don’t want touching
the ice, like sandwiches and cheese, from
things that you definitely do want
touching the ice, like your
favorite beverages. It
attaches to the cooler
walls using industrial
hook-and-loop fastener
that remains sticky even
when exposed to water
or heat and installs in
less than a minute. The
Cooler Shelf comes in three
sizes designed to fit standard
cooler sizes from 30 quarts to
more than 150 quarts. msrps range
from $12.95 to $19.95.
For more information, call (562) 477-4210
or visit www.christarsnet.com. q
Go To:
.com
User Guide
Contents
TL1105 America’s Outback LO.qxp_TL America’s Outback 3/8/11 3:08 PM Page 82
AMERICA’S
OUTBACK >
by Bill Graves
KENNICOTT,
ALASKA
“THERE IS ONLY ONE ROAD IN HERE,
AND IT’S 59 MILES OF GRAVEL.”
W
hen more snow comes down on a
mountain in the winter than melts in
the summer, pretty soon you’ve got
yourself a glacier. Nobody knows how
many glaciers there are in Alaska — counting them would be a
career — but the consensus is that there are 100,000 here.
They are as old as the land itself and moving all the time.
As this snow piles up, its weight compresses it, turning it
to ice. It can weigh up to 55 pounds per cubic foot. Under this
immense weight, and coerced by gravity, glaciers flow from
the mountains, scrapping, grinding and consuming the landscape as they go. A surviving rock rolling out at the toe or terminus of a glacier may have been traveling for hundreds of
years, on a journey of less than 50 miles.
They are master carvers, leaving behind rugged topography and deep, U-shaped valleys where they recede. They are
the source of most rivers here, the reason why Alaska’s rivers
are usually brown: Melting glaciers release tons of dirt and
what’s called rock flour — the result of rocks being crushed
and ground into a fine grain.
At lower elevations, a glacier may lose its top layer of white
during the long days of summer. What’s laid bare appears as
piles of gravel that have been swept up into sharp peaks. It’s
actually a jagged ice pack topped with a layer of crushed rock.
I’m deep in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve at a place called Kennicott. Perched on a ledge between
a glacier and a mountain, it was once a mining town that
boomed for 27 years in the early 1900s. The multilevel structures that a century ago produced electric
power and processed copper ore are now
National Historic Landmarks that are being
restored by the Park Service.
That glacier, which is close enough to
be the next street over, if Kennicott had two
streets, is displaying its summer coat of
gray rock. A trail at the edge of town goes
for a couple miles to an access path leading to the Root Glacier, which is white ice.
Surrounded by the largest national park in
the country, Kennicott is a ghost town of
sorts, attracting visitors from all over the
world with its charm and amazing views.
I made the hike with some new friends and a guide.
With cleats, called crampons, strapped to our shoes, we
climbed up on the ice. It’s not smooth ice, like a skating rink;
it’s more like slush that’s frozen solid. We had brought bag
lunches. After some exploring, we sat on mats of foam rubber
spread on the glacier and ate lunch.
Wrapped with my sandwich were slices of tomato. How
ironic is that? I’m in desolate Alaska, sitting on a glacier that
was formed during the Ice Age, and I am eating fresh tomato.
And how desolate is this place?
This is not a park like Yellowstone that you can drive in,
have lunch and drive out again. Just in size, Wrangell-St. Elias
equals six Yellowstones. It’s more than 13 million acres.
There is only one road in here, and it’s 59 miles of gravel.
Few people even attempt the drive, as most of them just come
to see the mountains — nine of the highest peaks in the
United States — and they are clearly visible from the highway.
The Park Service says the drive in here takes more than
three hours. In their literature, they call the drive an “adventure.” Then they list the hazards, the first being: “sharp rocks
resulting in flat tires.”
But there is some bus service. And a great thing about
Alaska, it’s full of air charter companies flying to remote areas like Kennicott. I’m told
they even land on glaciers in the winter.
Welcome to America’s Outback. q
Bill’s e-mail address:
[email protected].
Next month Bill will be in Southwestern
Indiana, at Lincoln’s boyhood home.
Go To:
www.trailerlife.com
.com
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TL1105 America’s Outback LO.qxp_TL America’s Outback 3/8/11 3:08 PM Page 83
Lance Campers, go to trailerlife.com/info
Go To:
.com
User Guide
Contents
TL1105 Corssroads RV Ad Cov 4 LO.qxp_Full-/Spread Ads 3/8/11 3:21 PM Page 84
Crossroads, go to trailerlife.com/info
Sunset Trail Reserve 26BH
The Reserve Package brings luxury to the ½ ton towable market. The
Sunset Trail Reserve 26BH offers standards such as color infused front gel
cap, fiberglass champagne infused color sidewalls, leather furniture, solid
surface countertops, swivel 32" HD LCD TV and an industry first swivel
fireplace. Now you can enjoy the fireplace in the living room or the bedroom.
All 12 Slingshot models are under 5,500 pounds!
Your existing vehicle could be the only tow vehicle
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Go To:
.com
WWW.CROSSROADSRV.COM
888.226.7496
User Guide
Contents
Welcome to our digital edition of Trailer Life Magazine. This format
makes it easy for you to navigate the magazine and
provides direct links to Internet sites of our advertisers, our
TrailerLife.com Web site, and many Web sites to supplement our
editorial features.
Here are some tips on how to use Digital Trailer Life:
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• Click on the TrailerLife.com button to go directly to
our Web site.
• Click on the User Guide button on any page to bring
you back to this page.
• Click on the Contents button to take you to the Table
of Contents page from anywhere in the magazine.
• When the hand icon changes to a pointing
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We hope you enjoy reading our Digital Trailer Life magazine, and
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[email protected]

May - Good Sam

Transcription

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