• Almost Full Circle: Bob Gummersall, who contributed so much to this site in prior years before his retirement, is back with some key insights on a trendy new product, the Sprinter chassis....
• Shipping an RV Overseas: There are services that can handle this chore for you, and here are a few tips on things you'll want to consider.
• Turtle Nesting in Mexico: Here's an unusual offering that describes an interesting and little-know phenomenon along the southern coast of Mainland Mexico.
• RVing with Oxygen: Bob Gummersall describes how even a requirement of 24/7 oxygen need not keep those with a true RVing spirit from their RVing travels. Lots of great information here.
• Renting versus Buying -- Dave Neale takes a critical look at the financial implications of renting as opposed to buying an RV. The numbers will come as a surprise to some...
• Towing a Heavy Trailer -- Safely: Our guest author Kirk began a search for a motorhome that could safely tow a heavy trailer to accommodate his racing car. Here is his story of his research and conclusions.
• Tips for Foregin RVers Touring the US: Tony Dawkins is a reader in Australia who is currently touring the US in a fifth wheel. He offers a number of helpful suggestions for those contemplating extended RV travels in this country.
• Full Timing - Expectations and Realities: We've often suspected idyllic stories about full timing might lack a bit of the realism we sometimes see in talking to RVers in our own travels. Gene Rusco wrote an article here in 2001 outlining his experience in being drawn into the full time lifestyle some 5 years ago. After two plus years he returned to "regular" life, and in this article discusses the reason for giving up his life on the road -- at least for now.
• RV Electrical System Tips: Although prepared as a reply to an email inquiry in our Mailbox, David Eidell's comments represent valuable insight and knowledge into some of the more arcane aspects of RV electrical systems.
• The Real Affect of Fuel Cost -- Without Emotion: We're all quite aware of the significant increase in the cost of the fuel we purchase to operate our RVs. But what is the real economic impact of these higher prices? Bob Gummersall takes an objective look at this issue, and offers up a spreadsheet you can use yourself to see just how higher fuel prices will impact your RVing lifestyle.
• Best Value: New or Used? Bob Gummersall has done extensive research into this perplexing question. He traces the "depreciation" curve to see which option makes the most economic sense. While there may be other factors which influence a buying choice, in terms of "value" this makes a persuasive case (updated 03/05).
• Tips on Using WiFi in RV Parks: Jonathan Miller operates one of the services that installs and operates wireless systems in RV parks. At our request he answers a series of questions about what RVers can do to improve their access to a wireless signal.
• The Long Road to Lazy Daze, Part 3: In this final article Joan Taylor does a comprehensive "product review" on the unit that she selected. With some 16,000 miles down the road, she offers her detailed assessment of what she likes and what would be on her short wish list of changes.
• Visiting the Kenai Peninsula: Jenni McGrady offers a few insider tips for those who may plan to visit this special area of Alaska in the RV travels.
• Repairing Day/Night Shades: Thanks to a reader who shared with us instructions on how to repair one of these pesky critters.
• RV Park Design Considerations: We've had many readers inquire of us what they need to consider before building a new RV park, or upgrading an older park. To have something at the site we can point to that resonds to this inquiry, we've compiled a list of things we believe should be used as part of any such analysis.
• So What is APRS? From time to time we will include our ham radio call sign (KD7ZYU) on our top menu page as a link. It will link to a website that will display on a map precisely where we were at the time of the last report. We explain here briefly how all this works...
• Update on Prescription Drugs: We had a highly informative email exchange with the President of a healthcare consulting group. It contained such excellent tidbits about purchasing drugs in Canada, Mexico, and via the internet that we've captured the exchange into this article.
• GPS Navigation for your RV: When we purchased a mid-sized GPS unit for our RV, we found many features that were both helpful and useful in our RV travels. This article explores the use of a Garmin StreetPilot 2620...
• A Primer for Overseas RV Visitors: David Berry, a resident of the UK, brought his RV to the US and enjoyed extended RV travels in this country. His solution of the complexities of shipping an RV, Insurance, Registration, and general travel tips for overseas RVers are detailed in this important contribution.
• The (Long)Road to Lazy Daze - Part 2: Continuing her series that describes her decision to purchase a new Lazy Daze RV, Joan Taylor desribes choosing the right floor plan, taking professional RV driving lessons, and getting just the right valve stems for her tires.
• The Really Big One: Here's a classic article that not only describes the Harrisburg RV show, but provides extremely valuable information for any RVer considering the purchase of a new or used RV.
• Evaluating New Diesel Pusher Chassis Products: Bob Gummersall assesses the new lineup of chassis products offered by the varous coach manufacturers, and raises the key issues that need to be addressed in evaluating them. Because the scale of such an inquiry is so braod, Bob asks some of our technically oriented readers to step forward to participate in taking on this project.
• The Road to Lazy Daze: Joan Taylor begins a three part series that traces the process she used to identify and purchase the RV that she concluded was "just right" for her needs. Stay tuned!
• The Texas Drivers License: Jim Brandenburg concluded he would be required to upgrade his drivers license in Texas, and describes his experience in preparing for and taking both the written and "over-the-road" test that is required. This may be a timely heads up to others who need to re-check their driving credentials.
• Wireless Networking for RVers: With wireless in-park service offerings poised to become commonplace in RV parks over the next couple of years, RVers need to understand the concepts behind this new technology so that they can make informed decisions of what equipment may be needed, and what is required to take advantageof these new service offerings. Our thanks to Leo Everitt for an oustanding job of helping us ot understand the latest technology.
• Escapees RV Club: We update our information on this interesting Club based on a recent visit. There's a great deal going on here...
• How to Sell Your RV: Sooner or later we all find ourselves in the position of finding the best way to sell an RV. With the internet as a new option, the selling techniques are now quite different. Bob Gummersall steps out of his role as our Chief Technical Advisor to share some very helpful tips on how to be successful when it comes time to sell your rig.
• All About Power Upgrades: Using a "Q&A" format, RVers Online interviews Chuck Arnold of the Powershop to get answers to the core questions RVers have asked about engine performance enhancement options. This article really tells it like it is, and provides information we think any RVer should have before choosing whether to add a performance package, and what the key considerations are int he selection process. We deal here with the warranty implications as well.
• Geocaching -- What is it? We've been surprised how few RVer are aware of what this latest techo sport craze is all about. We think it's an ideal activity for RVers on the go -- wherever they travel. Since it's not been well explained elsewhere, we decided to create our own article to explain just what this is all about.
• Downsizing, Part 5: What we thought would be a short description of "trading down" in terms of RV size becomes more complex than we'd initially envisioned. But this is one story we're looking forward to following to conclusion...
• Downsizing, Part 4: Looking back at the transition -- not just from one brand of RV, but the particular circle of friends it entailed. In this installment Bob analyzes eBay as a possible option for selling a used RV, and contemplates the long trip home in his now-renovated smaller unit.
• Buying Tips: Russell Warren offers up some valuable guidance for RVers who are about to select a new coach -- and what to do at that point to help ensure a successful buyiing experience.
• All About Workhorse: Here's a new chassis for the RV market that brings with it some new technologies that raise the bar for all chassis manufacturers.
• Downsizing: Part 3: A look back at costs....While upscale diesel pushers may enhance the enjoyment of extended RV travels, it surely is not without its cost. Here the author looks back at four years of RV ownership, and takes a tough look at what the "real" pricetag was over time.
• Extended Warranty Coverage: We examine the sometimes confusing world of insurance polices that offer extended warranty coverage on the purchase of new RVs. There may be more questions than answers here -- but the questions, too, are quite important...
• Downsizing: Part 2: A deal for a used classic is made through the Internet, and a cross-country pickup is started. But all does not go without incident! And of course there's still the diesel pusher for sale.
• Downsizing: Part 1 of an ongoing series. What leads to the decision to "downsize"? And what are the practical steps that one needs to consider when disposing of a luxury diesel pusher in favor of a smaller rig?
• Towing Tips: After collecting numerous reader comments on tips for towing, one reader summarizes his findings to share with all RVers.
• RV Security Systems: Our Chief Technical Advisor, Bob Gummersall, offers some guidance for installing a security system on your RV.
• Truckers versus RVers: Clearly the co-exist on the highways, but what do the professional truck drivers think of RV drivers they encounter every day they're "working" the highways? This article takes a first hand look from the Trucker's perspective.
• Delivering a Diesel Pusher: Len Souza, a regular contributor to our Guest Editorial series, describes his experience in delivering a new high line diesel pusher from the manufacturing facility in Oregon to its final destination in Georgia.
• Consumer Electronic Show 2002: An exclusive report from inside CES 2000 takes a careful look at what's new in the electronics world that will impact the RV lifestyle in the year ahead.
• Alpine's Peak Chassis: Our Chief Technical Officer has a close up look at -- and test of -- the unique chassis produced for the Alpine Coach in Yakima, Washington. Though not known as a fan of the rail chassis in motorhomes, he concludes this one is a clear winner, making the Alpine Coach a serious contender in the high end diesel pusher market.
• Wireless In-Park Internet Service: Bob Gummersall offers the first simple explanation of how RV parks might in the future offer high speed internet access for overnight RV guests from the comfort of their own RV. Better than site phones, this is truly a "high speed" service that, once the demand has been demonstrated, be provided for a nominal nightly fee. We would like to emphacize, however, that this service will in no way diminish the need for continuing "modem friendly" phone line connections for those RVer who do not have a need for high speed internet surfing.
• The Factory Pickup: Bob Gummersall provides an extensive checklist of precisely what any new RV owner should do when picking up a new RV at the factory. And this applies with equal force to deliveries at the dealer, or picking up a previously loved unit from the former owner. [Updated 10/01]
• Reader Opinon: Fuel Prices: We asked for reader opinion on the impact of higher fuel prices, and many RVers have given us their views on how the higher gas and diesel prices will affect their future travel plans. As promised, here is a sampling of what you've told us...
• The Power Crunch: California was perhaps only the first of several states to experience rolling blackouts and spiraling electric costs. This will translate into higher costs, including RV park prices. Part of the solution lies in conservation. We describe an early encounter with the issue...
• AGM Batteries: The newest battery technology is enticing some RVers away from the traditional wet cell batteries. However there are some cautions that one of our electrical experts wants to point out.
• RV Fuel Economy: In a project involving original research, Bob Gummersall teamed up with Dick Lucas to analyze the factors which influence the mileage that we're getting on the road. If you think speed doesn't make a difference, you'll believe otherwise when you download the results of their analysis! [Note: though written in 2001, and updated in 2004, the subsequent volatility in fuel prices make this article still "timeless" as of its republication in 10/08].
• Park Owner Concerns: We've done surveys of RVers in the past, but when we had an opportunity to survey the concerns and complaints of RV park owners, we couldn't resist. This article rates 15 issues which park owners identify as issues, and rates them according to their perceived importance.
• Becoming Full Timers: Gene and Linda Rusco have long been participants at this site. They've posted questions and offered comments in our "Mailbox". Most of this was related to their planning for a very early retirement, and changing their status to that of full timers. This article explains the process they followed, and the key decisions they made on the road to full timing.
• To Slide or Not to Slide: That is the question analyzed and updated by Bob Gummersall, RVers Online Chief Techical Advisor in his latest article. It appears an increasingly higher percentage of units are being manufactured with one or more slide units. But are we considering both sides of this choice objectively?
• To Board or Not to Board: That's the question we've seen in one form or another from readers periodically. While we appreciate there's no "right answer" for all pet owners -- or for all pets either -- Stephanie decided to serve up a bit of what we've learned on our travels. Hopefully others might find some pointers here.
• Free Internet Services: Larry McLemore, our Online Advisor for Computing on the Road, offers up a brief review of new options for free internet services. Of course we'd add the caution that you'll want to make sure you can do everything you want with any one of these services, including getting online with a local or toll free number in the places you'll be.
• "Golden Opportunity" Passports: Joan Taylor explores the various types of recreation passes available for visitors to federal parks, monuments, campgrounds, and other facilities. If you qualify for and can use one of these, the savings will be substantial.
• Satellite to Laptop: Guest author Joel Sturman offers one of the most creative solutions we've heard yet. Learn how to increase your storage space and reduce your invested costs by using your laptop as your rig's TV set, and get the signal anywhere you travel.
• Primer on Air Systems for Heavy Vehicles: Here is information that we think is essential reading for all big rig owners. Of particular importance is the procedure recommended to ensure your air brakes are in safe operating condition.
• Fuels and Lubricants: Bob Enstam, an expert in the fuels and oils we use in those expensive engines of ours, offers up some fascinating observations about the myths and realities that pertain to the choices we're making -- and the consequences of doing so.
• THE RV BEFORE THE TOW VEHICLE: In the second of her articles, Dianne describes how they were finally able to acquire their dream towing machine. No ordinary vehicle, this!
• BOONDOCKING ETIQUETTE: Bob Gummersall provides an overview of boondocking options for RVers, pointing out issues of selection, safety, comfort, and etiquette. This is must reading for RVers contemplating overnight stops at truck stops, rest stops, retail outlets, or on other private or public properties.
• RV Park Choices: Here's a run down on one experienced RVer's priorities for evaluating the many choices of RV parks who are seeking to land our business.
• THE CUMMINS ISC 8.3 LITRE DIESEL: During our research in purchasing a new diesel pusher, we encountered a number of instances in which owners of the Cummins ISC 8.3 diesel had experienced problems. Since Cummins has a representative as one of our Online Advisors, we inquired about this issue. Here's Cummins' response -- which we think is commendable.
• SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES: For our RV park owners and managers -- we give some feedback on some of the messages you're sending -- perhaps unintentionally. There are some positive ways to make sure that reasonable park rules are understood and observed.
• RECEIVE YOUR FAXES BY EMAIL -- FREE: You're on the road enjoying visiting new places. Someone wants to send you a fax, but doesn't know where you are -- or what number to send the fax to. Check out this option. It may for some RVers be just the ticket.
• SHOPPING FOR A DIESEL PUSHER: Many of our Online RVers have asked about what to look for in shopping for a new mothorhome. As we contemplate the future purchase of a diesel pusher, we could think of no better advisor on this subject than Frank Gummersall. We asked him to share his expertise on the key factors to consider, and this very helpful article will certainly help us get started.
• HOW 'BOUT THOSE POWER CHIPS? Based on a number of reader inquiries and comments, we became curious about this approach to diesel power upgrades. To find out more about this option, we posed the question to Gale Banks. We found his answer of potential interest to other RVers, and we post it here.
• MODEM FRIENDY: NEW GENERATION ISSUES: We post this primarily for our RV park owners. With demand for online access growing rapidly, the concept of what constitutes "modem friendly" is being re-defined.
• COMPUTER BASICS: We're finding a lot of our newest readers are at the starting point on the learing curve for "surfing" the Internet. Here we offer some very basic guidance for the newest of Online RVers. If you have an RVing friend who is just starting out, perhaps you'll want to print this one out and send it along -- with our good wishes and compliments.
• HAM RADIOS FOR RVers: Ever notice those special antennas mounted on that rig next door in the RV park? That's a sure sign something exciting might be going on in your neighborhood. Someone may be chatting across the park or around the world. Our Online Advisors, Vern and Phyllis Modeland, explain what it is and how to get started.
• WEB BASED EMAIL FOR RVers: We've done a bit of exploring in the world of web based email systems. They're free, and they may provide a much needed backup for RVers on the road when their options become limited.
• WINTERIZING YOUR RV: Every year we find we have to take special precautions if our RV is going to be stored in a climate that will serve up freezing temps. Here's the way to get your unit ready for the challenge.
• ATM AND CREDIT CARDS -- WHAT RVers SHOULD KNOW: Tim Kuhler looks at some common sense measures RVers can take while on the road to take advantage of important banking services while avoiding risk of significant losses.
• MEETING BASIC NEEDS IN MEXICO: Mary Shultz and her husband are veteran RVers south of the border. This article provides some first-hand guidance based on their recent travels.
• GPS PRODUCTS TESTED FOR RVers: While the built-in GPS systems found in some of todays advanced vehicles are expensive and not optimized for RV use, there are some relatively inexpensive options for use with an RVers onboard laptop. Here's a test of the leading contenders.
• GAS VS DIESEL: Okay, we've heard lots of claims about which is "better". Frank Gummersall carefully evaluates the economics of purchasing (and using) gas versus diesel engines. Put your prejudices aside and see what the numbers show. (Note: Takes a minute to load...)
• BANKING FOR RVers: Tim Kuhler shares some tips from his distinguished professional career as a banker. Here are some tips that can save all of us both time and dollars. A must-read for full-timers.
• FOR RV PARK OWNERS -- A primer on what you need to know about options for establishing an Internet presence. We think there are ways to minimize the costs of establising a web site, while providing RVers with exactly the information they're looking for. In the interests of the fees we pay you, we hope you'll make intelligent choices!
• ARE YOU REALLY READY? So -- you've just acquired that RV and you're ready to hit the road. Or are you? Here are some things you'll want to consider before just "taking off" to explore the wonderful world of RVing.
• OFF SEASON CAMPING: Many of us associate RVing with outdoors adventures in the summer time. But there can be some great rewards to planning a trip for times when the reservations are just not needed...
• BUYING A USED RV Len Legros, one of our Online Advisors, offers up checklist of items that respond to our readers' frequent questions about what to look for when you're in the market for a used RV of any kind.
• KAYAKING AND KAMPING Paddle with Phil Rowe into the backwaters of a far away lake. And glide silently through the reeds, drinking in the sights and sounds that await that await you there...
• NEOPHYTE CAMPGROUND OWNERS: We've often read about the trials of new RV owners. This tale examines the obstacles which await the those who are not only new to RVing, but to constructing and operating an RV facility.
• THE CAMPGROUND INSPECTOR: We've all wondered how those campground ratings are done. Phil Rowe tells us all about how the process works, and what those inspectors are looking for...
• MEMBERSHIP CAMPGROUNDS: Bob Muessig returns to provide us with a description of how he's been able to make good use of campground memberships to support his RVing lifestyle.
• WHAT MAKES A GOOD RV PARK? A question posted in our Mailbox by a manager of an RV park in North Idaho asked readers to comment on what they look for in selecting an RV campground. We couldn't resist the temptation to join in the reply. We recognize these are our own preferences, and that others would have different ideas...
• WINTER IN SNOWBIRD LAND: Lots of us head for the warmer climates of the southern states when the leaves begin to fall up north. But it can get cold in the southern states too. Here are some thoughts for coping...
• WHY CAMPGROUND MEMBERSHIPS? While individual experiences with Campground Memberships may differ, here's a look at the "Case For" such products, as well as some practical cautions to consider when shopping for them.
• "A LITTLE TO THE LEFT, NATHAN": Phil Rowe offers us the amusing tale of watching first time RVers go through the parking ritual...
• TRAVELING WITH PETS: Many of our readers have inquired about whether RVing can include taking along the family pet. Jay Buck offers some tips for keeping the family -- including your pet -- together.
• TRAILER or MOTORHOME? Is this really The Great Debate? Or are there some common sense factors that you can consider in deciding which of these two competing RV lifestyles is best for you?

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