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  June 2004 





The Latest News from Camping World









Technically Speaking




  Awning Maintenance
Taking proper care of your RV's patio and window awnings will keep them looking good, operating hassle-free and save you the expense of repairs and replacement for many years. Here are some things you need to know to maintain your awnings in optimum condition.

  • Keep it clean and treated for UV protection. Your patio and window awnings should be cleaned and treated for UV protection periodically. Clean and treat every two months if you use your RV and awnings regularly, more often in extreme weather or environmental conditions, such as heavy dust and tree debris. Use a soft-bristle brush like the Adjust-A-Brush® Wash Brush (#11053) and a non-bleach cleaning formula like Thetford® Awning Cleaner (#21257) to gently lift soils and stains from the awning fabric. Clean the top and underside of the awning fabric, rinsing thoroughly, then allow the fabric to dry completely. After the fabric is completely dry, treat with a UV protectant appropriate for the fabric type. 303 Aerospace Protectant® (#10046) is a good choice for vinyl fabrics, while 303 High Tech Fabric Guard® (#11461) works well on acrylic fabrics. Don't use a silicone treatment on a Sunbrella® acrylic awning, as it can void the factory warranty. When you do routine cleaning and maintenance, don't forget slide-out toppers and the door awning on bus conversions. Clean and treat these items according to fabric type, just like your patio and window awnings.

  • Keep working hardware components lubricated with a silicone lubricant. Just like the awning fabric, the metal hardware on an awning requires cleaning. Gently scrub away dirt and road grime, and lubricate the working parts with silicone lubricant like Roadmaster® RV Lube (#16102). Wipe down the non-moving parts, such as the extension arms, with a UV protectant, such as the 303 Aerospace Protectant mentioned above.

  • Make sure water can drain off your awning and not pool up. Pooling water gets heavy fast, and can cause rips and tears in awning fabric. When you extend the awning, make sure one corner is slightly lower to allow run-off. You may also want to add extra support for the fabric with the Awnbrella Support (#2843) to prevent sagging and to allow water to drain off easily, especially if the awning is over 20 feet in length.

  • Make sure the fabric is dry before rolling up an awning. If rain or air conditioner condensation wets the awning fabric, allow it to dry before rolling it up. If you must roll up the awning while the fabric is still damp, unroll it as soon as possible and let it dry completely to help prevent mold and mildew formation.

  • Roll your awning up if it gets really windy. RV awnings are not designed to withstand heavy winds, so if the wind kicks up to more than a gentle breeze, the wisest course is to retract the awning. High winds can actually whip a patio awning up and onto the roof of an RV, resulting in major damage to both awning and RV. If you want an awning that rolls itself up when sustained winds reach critical speeds, opt for the A & E WeatherPro®. Its wind sensor watches the weather for you plus the unique arm design automatically dumps pooling water when sudden showers erupt.

  • Tie your patio awning down. To prevent damage from sudden wind gusts and to take the strain off the hardware, use an awning tie-down system like the Hold-Awn Awning Straps (#2359) which attach directly to the awning hardware, or a strap that passes over the fabric near the roller tube, like the Awning Tie Down Strap (#4100). These systems use springs and ground stakes to anchor the end of the awning farthest away from the coach.

  • Get a grip on fabric flap. The noise of awning fabric flapping in the breeze can be annoying, and results in more wear and stretching of the fabric. To control fabric movement when the awning is extended, use a device to clamp and hold fabric ends to minimize flapping, such as Awning Saver Clamps (#6296 Grey or #22097 White) or the Awning De-Flapper (#13073).

  • Leave major repairs to the experts. The spring in the roller tube of a patio awning stores a lot of energy-enough power to break an arm or wrist. The longer the awning, the tighter the spring must be wound to ensure proper roll-up. If your patio awning is damaged and repairs must be made to the roller tube, or if the fabric must be replaced, it's best to let a trained and properly equipped RV technician do the job to avoid serious injury and damage. Camping World Supercenters across the nation can make awning repairs or replace the fabric on your patio and window awnings. Click here to find your nearest Supercenter.

    For a complete selection of awning accessories to help you care for your RV awnings, click here.

    Learn how to care for all your RV's major systems, from troubleshooting and repair to routine maintenance, at the Camping World RV Institute. Approved for veteran's training, the curriculum can prepare you for a career, or you may take only the classes you need to learn more about a particular area of RV service. For more information, click here.

    		•  





    		Product Spotlight: Caring for Your Awnings




     

    		Premium RV Awning Cleaner
    Awning Cleaner with UV blocker removes soils and stains to keep your awning looking better longer.

    From $5.39 Club Price
    From $5.99 Regular Price




    		Awning De-Flapper
    Awning De-Flapper minimizes awning flapping and prevents costly damage.

    $6.29 Club SALE
    $6.99 SALE
    $10.99 Regular Price




    		Hold-Awn Awning Straps
    Hold-Awn Awning Tie-Down Straps attach to your awning frame so they won't stress fabric.

    $17.99 Club SALE
    $19.99 SALE
    $22.99 Regular Price




    		Awnbrella Support, Two Bows
    Awnbrella Supports allow for rain runoff and prevent rips and tears from your RV door.

    $134.10 Club Price
    $149 Regular Price



    		 





    		Camping World News




      New Camping World Supercenter Coming to Southeast Louisiana
    A new Camping World Supercenter is coming in late 2004 to Hammond, Louisiana, north of New Orleans and east of Baton Rouge off Interstate 12. The full-service Supercenter will be in alliance with Dixie RV Superstores, a member of the Gold Medal Dealer Network. New Supercenters in alliance with Gold Medal Dealers are now open in Clarksville, Indiana (just across the Ohio River from Louisville) Elkhart, Indiana; Tallahassee, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Bakersfield, California; Spartanburg, South Carolina and Amsterdam, New York (about 20 minutes west of Albany). All Gold Medal Dealers offer superior customer service along with wide RV selections. To locate your nearest Camping World Supercenter, click here.

    Celebrate the Grand Opening of Our Two Indiana Supercenters
    Come help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our two newest Supercenters, in Elkhart, Indiana and Clarksville, Indiana, June 10-13. Receive a key to our Treasure Chest-if you have a key that opens the chest, you could win great prizes, including camping gear, radios, appliances and more! Enjoy free refreshments and take advantage of 4-Day Only Specials. Enter to win a George Jones autographed guitar and hear live music. The first 50 customers each day receive a FREE gift with purchase! For driving directions to our Elkhart Supercenter, click here. For driving directions to our Clarksville Supercenter (just across the Ohio River from Louisville), click here.

    Win a Toy Hauler AND the Toys in Our Summer Spectacular Giveaway
    Enter to win the Grand Prize of a 2005 Dutchmen 23SRVT Toy Hauler trailer, a Suzuki DRZ4000S motorcycle and Suzuki QuadSport Z250 ATV in our Summer Spectacular RV Giveaway. The Grand Prize package is valued at over $27,000. First prize is a Suzuki Burgman 650 Scooter, valued at over $7,000. Sign up at any Supercenter or place an order by catalog or online through July 25 and you are automatically entered. No purchase necessary to win. You must be a legal resident of the U.S. to enter. For official rules, visit any Supercenter, see your June catalog or click here.

    Look for Gift Ideas to Make Dad Smile in Your June Catalog
    If you are looking for great Father's Day gift ideas, look no further than your June Camping World catalog. We have outdoor gear he'll love, from the gasoline-powered Tailgator blender to our Dad-sized Big Wide Recliner, on sale now. You'll also find big savings on tow bars and mounting bracket packages, solar power systems, fully automatic WeatherPro® patio awnings, appliances and more. To request a catalog, click here.

    Win FREE Camping for One Year When You Join the President's Club
    Join the Camping World President's Club or renew your membership and you'll be automatically entered in the KOA Kampfire Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize is one year of FREE camping at KOA Kampgrounds across the nation. Other prizes include one year of FREE internet service, a $50 KOA Gift Certificate, a KOA Kamp Chair and a KOA Value Kard. The President's Club saves you at least 10% every day at Camping World, and offers other valuable benefits and discounts available to members only. Join or renew online by June 27 to be automatically entered in the sweepstakes.

    Celebrate Summer at Camping World's Annual Grill Fest June 10-13
    It's summer cookout time, and Camping World has the grills and accessories you need. Visit any Camping World Supercenter June 10-13 for great deals on grills, tables, chairs, coolers and more. Don't miss the grilling demonstrations and enjoy FREE grilled treats and ice cold drinks. Register for a chance to win FREE outdoor gear. Take advantage of great Grill Fest sale prices on selected items. To find your nearest Supercenter, click here.

    Let Camping World Take You to the Country Music Association Awards
    Enter to win an all-expense-paid trip to the 38th Annual Country Music Association Awards when you visit any Camping World Supercenter through August 15. The CMA Awards will be Tuesday, November 9 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be broadcast live on CBS Television Network. No purchase is required to enter. You must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the U.S. For official rules, click here.

    Enter to Win FREE VIP Tickets to a George Jones Concert or Picnic
    Attention: Nashville-area customers! Visit our Nashville, Tennessee Supercenter through June 8 and enter to win one of three great prize packages. You could win two VIP tickets to a George Jones concert on June 9 at 8:00 p.m. at the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville plus a chance to meet the country music legend in person. Or you could win two VIP tickets to the George Jones Fan Club picnic at Jones' home in Franklin, Tennessee on June 10 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., including lunch, a museum tour and plenty of music. Or you could win two four-day passes to the CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville on June 10-13, include club-level seating at the Coliseum for evening concerts. For more information about upcoming George Jones concerts, click here.

    New, Exclusive President's Club Benefit at No Cost to Members
    Locate the new vehicle of your choice at a price you can't get on your own with the President's Club Vehicle Buying Service. Camping World has teamed up with UnitedAuto Group, Inc., one of the largest automotive dealer networks in the U.S., to offer low, up-front pricing without negotiation, hassles or sales pressure. With over 125 dealers representing nearly every manufacturer, you are sure to find the vehicle you want, at a great price. For more information or a no-obligation quote, click here.

    Come Grow with Camping World and Find the Career of Your Dreams
    Camping World Supercenters are opening their doors all across North America, offering career opportunities ranging from entry level crew members to upper management. Camping World employees enjoy a full array of benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, 401K plan, employee discount and more, plus a friendly, challenging work environment with room to grow. To see available career opportunities and to download an application or submit your resume', click here.

    Paying for RV Insurance Doesn't Have to Be a Pain
    200,000 RVing families have discovered that they can enjoy complete freedom on the road with Camping World RV Insurance's automatic bill-pay options. Many customers avoid the worry of their policy lapsing or of unpaid bills in the mail while they travel by simply calling in their payment on the phone. All you need is your insurance account number and a credit card / checking account number, and CW RV Insurance will take care of the bill for you. Spread your payments out to suit your budget and you're always notified of any changes within your account. Automatic withdrawal from checking is even easier, and more RVers are now taking advantage of this service, which allows funds to be transferred effortlessly at the same time each month. You'll receive a statement in the mail detailing your expense minus the handling fees. This method is especially convenient for full-timers. Enjoy easy payment and big savings with the "paid in full" discount option. Pay the entire amount on the front end and you never have to worry about future payments, plus you receive a discount. For more information or to receive a FREE tool kit and RV specialized insurance quote, call 1-800-889-1137 and mention code CW-X8 or click here.

    Live Free in Your RV Winner is Awarded $20,000 Grand Prize
    Janet Viscio of East Berne, New York was the lucky winner of the $20,000 grand prize in the Live Free in Your RV Sweepstakes in January. Ms. Viscio, owner of a Class A motorhome, received a check for $15,000 and $5,000 in Mobile gas cards. She entered the sweepstakes at the Amsterdam, New York Supercenter. The sweepstakes was sponsored by Camping World and GMAC Insurance.

    		 





    		Destinations




      Explore Ghostly Formations at Utah's Goblin Valley State Park
    Sandstone goblins formed over time through erosion dot the landscape at this picturesque state park in the central Utah region. Hike among the other-worldly formations or enjoy off-road exploration on the many dirt roads near the park. For more information, driving directions and campground reservations, click here.

    Outdoor Activities Abound at West Virginia's Blackwater Falls
    Located in the scenic, mountainous Potomac Highlands, Blackwater Falls State Park features one of West Virginia's most-photographed features. The park offers swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, nature programs and more. For more information, driving directions and campground reservations, click here.

    For trip routing, click here.     		 





    		RV Shows & Events




      Head for The Great North American RV Rally in Hutchinson, Kansas
    The Great North American RV Rally is just days away, but you still have time to reserve one of the last sites available at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas. The Rally is June 21-24, with Early Bird Days June 19-20. Don't miss this chance to attend hundreds of informative seminars on all aspects of RVing, plus see new RVs and RV products. Talk with industry experts, learn from your fellow RV enthusiasts, and visit the on-site Camping World store in the Sunflower North Building. Camping World President's Club Day is June 22 with activities headquartered in the Bison Building. Play our popular Match & Win Game and meet your fellow RVer with the same Match & Win number. Enter to win great prizes, like a $500 Camping World shopping spree or a satellite dish. Enjoy nightly entertainment by The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards, Bobby Bare, Ronnie McDowell and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. For more details and to make your reservation online, click here.

    Sign Up Now for Our Most Popular President's Club Tours
    You still have time to sign up for some of our most popular President's Club Tours this year. Join the President's Club for the Brickyard 400, August 5-9, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Last day to reserve your spot is June 5. Explore the Treasures of Vancouver in British Columbia August 8-14. This is a great add-on tour if you are already signed up for the President's Club Alaskan Adventure, and you can reserve your spot through June 8. Step back into the Days of Yesteryear-The Amish Way on a trip from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Elkhart, Indiana, August 16-26. You have through June 16 to make your reservation. For more information about these and other upcoming tours, click here.

    For a complete listing of upcoming RV shows and events, click here.

    For trip routing, click here.     		 





    		Industry News


      Fuel Cell Under Development to Reduce Diesel Truck Idling
    The U.S. Department of Energy has earmarked $4.75 million to develop a fuel cell that could be used to reduce engine idling in large diesel trucks. Reduced idling would save fuel and reduce emissions. The technology is expected to be adaptable to diesel motorhomes. For more information, click here.

    Parks Canada Implements New Campground Reservation System
    Canadian campers are trying out a pilot program for a standardized reservation system for national park campgrounds. The pilot project involves eight Canadian national parks this year. By next year, Canadians should be able to reserve a campsite at any national park, using a toll-free number or a web site. The new system has come under criticism for the $11.75 reservation fee being charged on top of park entrance, campsite and other fees. For more information, click here.

    California State Parks Fees to Nearly Double Effective July 1
    California State Park camping fees will increase from $13 to $25 on July 1, the highest they have ever been. Fees will also increase during high-demand periods, such as holiday weekends. The new fee schedule is expected to raise an additional $18 million annually for the budget- beleaguered state. For more information about California state parks, click here.

    For other RV-related news items, go to campingworld.com.     		 





    		Bulletin Board




      You Don't Have to Fry Catfish to Love It
    Find tasty ways to prepare an All-American favorite besides frying it up in a skillet. A FREE cookbook is available at the Catfish Institute website. Click here to view it.

    Free Newsletter Helps You Find Ways to Become a Savvy Shopper
    Sign up for a free electronic newsletter that shares smart shopping tips. The Savvy-Discounts Newsletter lists tips for saving on gas, groceries and more. For more information and to sign up, click here.

    		 





    		RV Search




      RV Search is the best place on the Internet to find new or used RVs. You can list your RV for as little as $59.95! Even if you are not quite ready to sell, www.rvsearch.com is an excellent resource to find out the value of your RV. Below is a list of some of the hottest RVs on the market:  
      If you've been thinking about either buying or selling an RV, your big chance is just around the corner, from June 22-23 at the rvSearch.com RV Auction in Indianapolis, IN. You'll find hundreds of quality RVs to bid on (all types and sizes), along with unbeatable prices on financing, insurance and everything else you'll need to feel at home on the road. Call toll-free -- 1-877-787-3272 (M-F 8am-5pm CST) or complete our online registration and register to either sell or buy an RV.  





    		RV Recalls




      2004 Country Coach Inspire motorhomes: a label incorrectly lists front tire cold inflation pressure. The correct pressure should be listed at 120 psi to support 13,220 lbs. Driving the motorhome with the wrong front tire inflation pressure could cause premature tread wear or failure resulting in loss of steering control and a crash. Dealers will remove the incorrect labels and replace them with correct ones. For more information, call Country Coach at 1-800-547-8015. NHTSA Recall No. 04V198000.

    Carriage 2004 Cameo, 2003-2004 Carriage, 2001-2002 LS and 2001-2004 Carri-Lite fifth wheels: some trailers may have a propane gas hose incorrectly positioned at the refrigerator, resulting in insufficient clearance between the hose and the burner box/return line assembly. Heat could damage the hose, leading to a fire. Dealers will inspect and reposition the hose if needed. For more information, call Carriage at 1-800-895-0108. NHTSA Recall No. 04V206000.

    2004 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups: a vehicle certification label on some trucks lists tire, wheel and recommended inflation pressure information that does not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standards. Driving a truck with improper tires, wheels or inflation pressures could result in a crash. Owners will be provided with new labels listing corrected information for tire and rim size and recommended inflation pressures. NHTSA Recall No. 04V221000/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. D24.

    1999-2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2001-2004 Suzuki XL-7: on some vehicles, an accelerator cable cap attached to the firewall can crack. This can allow movement of the inner accelerator cable, and the cable can become frayed and stick during operation, resulting in a crash. For information about repair or replacement of the accelerator cable cap, call Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. NHTSA Recall No. 03V512/Suzuki Recall No. EM.

    2002-2004 Dodge Dakota pickups and 2002-2003 Durango SUVs: the windshield wiper control module can suffer water intrusion, resulting in corrosion and failure of windshield wiper function. This could impair visibility and result in a crash. Dealers will replace the windshield wiper control module. For more information, call DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. NHTSA Recall No. 04V216000/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. D22.

    2002 Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy/Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs: sensors in some seat belt retractors may be inoperative, allowing the belt to lock when extracted during a crash. The mechanism that locks the belt retractor during hard braking may also not operate correctly. Dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies to determine if the sensors are working properly and repair or replace as needed. For more information, call Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. NHTSA Recall No. 04V201000.

    For other RV-related recalls and highway safety news, click here or call the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.     		 

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