July 2006 





The Latest News from Camping World






Technically Speaking




  Great View & Shade Too
By Mark J. Polk

Recently we bought a new motorhome. We had a Class C and it worked great for us when the boys were younger and they would sleep on the bed above the cab. When they stopped using the overhead bed we decided it was time to get a Class A. Actually we were just looking for a good excuse to make the switch.

We took the new motorhome on a couple of trips to break it in and work out any bugs. Something I really like about the motorhome is the great view you get from the driver's seat. You have this wonderful panoramic view making it easy to drive and much more enjoyable. But as with most other things along with the good comes the bad. In this case the bad side is these large windows that provide a great view also allow a great deal of glare and heat from the sun. When you're driving there is no way for the sun visor to block the sun from the front and side window at the same time. The other bad side is when you are parked the heat from the large windshield makes the interior temperature that much hotter.

When we got back from our second trip my mission was to find a way to control some of the heat and glare in the motorhome cab. My search began online at www.campingworld.com where I typed "sun visors" in the product search box. The first product that caught my eye was the 12-Volt Power SideVisor. At the touch of a switch you can extend and adjust the side window visors exactly where you want them. When the power side visor is fully extended it drops 36", giving you lots of shade. The really nice thing is the top 18" is made of an opaque fabric to totally block the sun out, while the bottom 18" is a see-through solar screen that filters the sunlight while still allowing you to see out. When you aren't using the side visors they retract into a black aluminum case at the touch of a switch.

The 12-Volt Power SideVisor would solve the problem of controlling the sun while I'm driving but I still had the problem of blocking out the heat from the windshield when we're parked. I typed "windshield shade" in the product search box and I immediately saw the 12-Volt Power SmartVisor. The smart visors are made of a black nylon/polyester fabric to block out the sun and they extend to a 36" drop. I needed two smart visors to effectively block the heat from the windshield so I decided to get the power visor remote control to operate them. The wireless remote control operates both visors and it eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming wire routing during the installation.

If you are mechanically inclined, and understand the 12-volt wiring in your RV, you can install the Carefree of Colorado power visor products yourself. It took me several hours to install all four, but I was working in some recessed areas where the visors were mounted, making it a bit more difficult. If you prefer not to do the installation you can have them installed at any of the Camping World SuperCenters near where you live.

The power visors solved both of my problems of controlling the glare and heat in the motorhome cab. Now we have the best of both worlds, a great view from the large windows and windshield and an effective way to provide shade and block out the heat.

Here are a few other tips for keeping your RV cool when it's hot outside:

  • Strategically park your RV to take advantage of any shade that is available, especially on the side where the refrigerator vent is located. Don't be afraid to ask for a shady site when you check in at the campground. This will not only help cool the RV down, but your refrigerator and roof air conditioner will work much more efficiently.
  • You can also improve your air conditioner's efficiency by keeping the filters clean. In most cases you can wash the filters in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before reinstalling. Another option is to clean the filters with a small hand-held vacuum cleaner. I recommend you keep a new set on hand in the event the old filters have seen better days.
  • Use your main awning and any window awnings to assist in cooling the RV down. In addition to the awnings use your window blinds or drapes to help keep the sun out and the cooler air in.
  • Install a thermostatically controlled 12-Volt Fridge Vent Fan at the back of the refrigerator, or at the top of the roof vent, to assist with drafting the hot air away from the refrigerator. These fans are fairly easy to install, or you can have Camping World install one for you. Either way it's worth it. The fan removes the heat built up behind the refrigerator, improving the refrigerator's performance by up to 40%.
  • Another factor in keeping your RV cool is proper ventilation. Proper ventilation helps prevent excess heat from building up in your RV. You can install Ramble Vent Covers over the roof vents to allow for ventilation. They are inexpensive, easy to install and they let the fresh air in, even when it's raining, while the stale, musty air, smoke, cooking odors and heat escapes. I use a vent cover on each end of our RV to promote cross ventilation.
  • To help keep the inside of the RV cool, try to avoid opening the door as much as possible and cook outside rather than inside whenever possible.
  • Take a couple of small fans with you to help circulate the air. If for some reason you can't run the air conditioner, you'll be glad you have them.


  • Happy Camping!
    Mark J. Polk


    Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101. He also hosts the RV Savvy segments for RVTV, which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina-based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV so all of your RV experiences are safe, fun and stress-free.
    Mark's DVDs are available at any Camping World Supercenters and at CampingWorld.com. Click here for DVDs.



     





    July Hot Deals




     
    40th Anniversary Special!

    Heavy-Duty 30-Amp 25' Extension Cord
    Supplies power to run appliances safely, without overheating or brown-out damage to motors and compressors!

    Club SALE $17.99
    SALE $19.99
    Reg $33.33





    Ariston Folding Recliner
    Breathable woven mesh fabric keeps you cooler than solid-material chairs on hot days!

    Club SALE $69.99
    SALE $77.77
    Reg $111.10






    DAHON Single Speed Folding Bike
    Folds compactly without tools for easy storage and adjusts to riders from 4' to 6'4"!

    Club SALE $129.99
    SALE $144.44
    Reg $177.77






    Featherlite Big Wide Recliner
    Use it with or without the soft, foam-padded cushion; cool, breathable mesh underneath!

    Club SALE $129
    SALE $143.34
    Reg $199.99






    Coleman RoadTrip LXE Grill
    Enjoy real open-flame grilling flavor on a grill that folds up and rolls away!

    Club SALE $149.99
    SALE $166.66
    Reg $177.77






    NEW! Gel Gloss RV Cleaner & Wash Combo Pack
    Everything you need to give your RV a showroom shine, in one economical package!

    Club Price $11.99
    Reg $12.99





    Hydro Life Inline Disposable Hose Filter
    Filter water before it enters your RV with an easy to install exterior filter!

    Club SALE $29.98
    SALE $33.32
    Reg $39.99





    Winegard Satellite Finder
    Read signal strength to locate the satellite fast every time!

    Club SALE $29.99
    SALE $33.33
    Reg $41.10





    Alumilite King Pin Stabilizer
    Weighs 20 lbs. less than similar models yet is just as effective at stabilizing your 5th wheel!

    Club SALE $119
    SALE $132.23
    Reg $165.56






    Holographic USA Flag
    Progressive lighting of 126 shimmering lights makes flag appear to wave!

    Club SALE $14.99
    SALE $16.66
    Reg $22.22


    Sale Prices Good Through July 25, 2006.
     





    Camping World News




      Get Out and Go to Camping World Stores for Towing Clinics and Great Savings
    Visit Camping World locations nationwide July 8-9, July 14-16 and July 21-23 to save on towing accessories and to attend FREE towing clinics. Sessions will be conducted on 5th Wheel Towing, Travel Trailer Towing and Dinghy (Car) Towing. Pick up a FREE Guide to Towing while supplies last, and get a FREE Get Out & Tow Travel Guide with valuable towing tips and other information with purchase of a single towing product of $150 or more. Find your nearest Camping World location.

    Join Us in Celebrating the Grand Opening of Our St. Augustine SuperCenter
    Our new St. Augustine, Florida SuperCenter is now open to serve your RV and outdoor needs on the Sunshine State's northern coastline. Stop in during our Grand Opening Celebration from July 6 through July 25. The first 40 customers each day receive a FREE gift with purchase. Register for a chance to win a $100 Camping World merchandise certificate. You can also enter to win one of the grand prizes being given away in our 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes at the new SuperCenter. To reach the St. Augustine SuperCenter, take Exit 318 off I-95. To see a map, go CampingWorld.com/stores/stores.cfm?store=107

    Enter Our 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win a New Trailer
    Enter our 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes July 20-August 28 for a chance to win a 2006 FreedomSpirit travel trailer by Thor. It's just one of over $60,000 in Grand Prizes we're giving away all year long as we celebrate 40 years of serving the needs of RVing and camping families across the nation. For complete rules and how to enter, go to CampingWorld.com/40sweeps. or visit any SuperCenter. To find your nearest SuperCenter, go to CampingWorld.com/stores

    Follow the #10 Ford and Driver John Andretti in Upcoming NASCAR Races
    Keep up with the Camping World/FreedomRoads/RVs.com-sponsored #10 Ford driven by John Andretti in his rookie season in NASCAR Busch Series competition. Andretti will be racing the #10 Ford in Chicago on July 8 and New Hampshire in July 15. To find more race dates, go to CampingWorldRacing.com. For a full line of tailgating gear to make your time at the track more fun, go to CampingWorld.com, visit any of our nationwide locations or use your Camping World catalog to shop by phone at 1-800-626-5944.

    Enroll Now to Ensure Your Place at Camping World RV Institute in 2007
    It's not too soon to sign up for one of the upcoming 2007 sessions at Camping World RV Institute, where you can learn to care for your RV just like the pros. The dates for the 2007 sessions are:

  • January 8-March 1
  • March 19-May 10
  • July 2-August 23
  • September 10-November 1


  • Classes are small and students get plenty of hands-on, real-world training during the eight-week sessions. One session remains for 2006: September 18 - November 9, and a few slots are still open, but don't wait! Log on at http://www.cwrvi.com for information, call 1-800-356-0311 or write to: Camping World RV Institute, 134-A Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101

     





    Destinations




      Attend the Allstate 400 on August 6 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Save
    Stay right at the track and save on the special President's Club Members Only rate of only $1295 for two. The complete package includes:

  • Campsite for 4 nights with 24-hour security and towed car parking
  • Two reserved seats for practice, qualifying and the race
  • Two invitations to the Welcome Bar-B-Q
  • Two tickets to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum
  • FREE shuttle transportation to downtown Indianapolis
  • FREE holding tank pump-out and water fill-up
  • Certified RV technicians on hand for assistance
  • FREE daily newspaper delivery
  • Exclusive Souvenir Gift Bag
  • Limited Edition RV Event Flag


  • Check out the Camping World/FreedomRoads RV Expo August 3-6, where you can see new RVs on display and visit the Camping World store that will be on site. Make your reservations today! Log on at CampingWorld.com/indy or call 1-800-451-1380.

    Plan Your Fall Mini-Vacation at RallyPark with Camping World
    Make your reservation now for a Fall Mini-Vacation at RallyPark in Seffner, Florida on November 1-4. Enjoy balmy autumn days in the Sunshine State along with the deluxe amentities RallyPark has to offer, including:

  • Breakfast & Lunch served in The Café at Lazydays Wednesday - Saturday
  • Morning Newspaper
  • Cable Television
  • 300 Sites with Full 50-Amp Hook-Up
  • 12,000 Sq. Ft. Clubhouse with Activities
  • Air-Conditioned Laundry Facilities
  • Screened and Heated Pool with Jacuzzi
  • High Speed Wireless Internet Access
  • Tennis, Horseshoes and Shuffleboard
  • Nearby Camping World SuperCenter, Flying J Fuel Center and Cracker Barrel Restaurant


  • You will also have a chance to enter to win a $500 Camping World Shopping Spree - visit the nearby SuperCenter for details. The price for two people in a rig is only $139. For more information and to make your reservation, visit http://www.lazydays.com/rallypark.html

    Come Sail Away with Camping World President's Club
    Our Tall Ships, Witches and Whales Tour is one of our most exciting and informative trips. We could call it "Mystical", as it begins in Mystic, Connecticut! It starts with lobsters, a seaport, a submarine (the Nautilus), and a cruise on a Tall Ship. There's a total experience tour of Boston, followed by lobster, whales (via a Whale Watch cruise), and witches. You will find yourself touring Salem, with all its natural and supernatural history. The Maine Maritime is yours to explore, and so is the LL Bean Outlet. We'll tour Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine too. It is "Mystical", but we think it's "Irresistible" too! Call today and make reservations at 1-800-626-0042!

    The Tall Ships, Witches and Whales Tour is just one of the great trips offered by Camping World President's Club RV Tours. For other trips and tours, visit http://www.campingworldrvtours.com

     





    RV Sales




      Buy your next RV or list yours for sale online anytime at RVs.com. Shop at over 50 FreedomRoads RV dealers nationwide to find just the new or used RV you want. Here are just a few of the great deals on new and used RVs you'll find today at RVs.com:

      Featured RV
    2005 Gulfstream Mako FBRG 5th Wheel

    Price: $32,526
    Location: Hart City RV, Elkhart, Indiana Info & more pics

    2006 Fleetwood Mallard 180CK Travel Trailer - Price $16,980.81
    Location: Camping Time, Clermont, Florida
    Additional features

    2006 Winnebago 35SG Journey Class A Motorhome - Price $173,076
    Location: Meyer's RV, Hamburg, New York
    Additional features

    2006 Coachmen Santara 293DS Class C Motorhome - Price $68,564
    Location: Stiers RV, Santa Fe Springs, California
    Additional features


    Click on RVs.com to search more RV Classifieds at RVs.com, your one-stop online portal to shop for RVs and accessories, join RV clubs and learn more about the RV lifestyle, all at one convenient online location!

    Dealer Spotlight:
    FreedomRoads Dealer Spotlight:
    Wheeler's Las Vegas RV - Las Vegas, Nevada

    Wheeler's Las Vegas RV is the largest RV dealer in the Southwest. Located on twenty acres of beautiful oasis just south of the famous Las Vegas Strip, Wheeler's offers the finest selection of recreation vehicles in Nevada.

    For driving directions, click here.

    Wheeler's Las Vegas RV is just one of more than 50 FreedomRoads dealers from coast to coast. To find the FreedomRoads dealer nearest you, go to FreedomRoads.com/st_state.


    Save up to $500 at Camping World when you buy your next new or used RV from a FreedomRoads dealer. Receive a $500 Camping World merchandise certificate with the purchase of a motorized RV or a $250 merchandise certificate with the purchase of a towable RV. Visit CampingWorld.com/buyandsave for details.

     

     
    RVtoday-Television for Today's RVer
    Check for program times and upcoming features. Click here!

    Find an RV Dump Station
    Locate an approved sanitary dumping station near interstate exits at http://www.rvdumps.com

    Trip Routing
    Get driving directions to anywhere here! Click here for more information.
     



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