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March 2006 |
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The Latest News from Camping World |
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Technically Speaking |
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Dump Station Headaches
By Mark J. Polk
A problem I have been confronted with on more than one occasion was the need to empty our black and gray water holding tanks when there
is no dump station available or the dump station is too far away to access. A good example of this is when our RV is parked behind our
house and we use it as a guest house for friends or family who are visiting. The sewer clean-out for our domestic waste water system would
be a convenient place to empty the holding tanks, but there is no way to position the motorhome close enough to use it.
Another example: one of our favorite destinations is an old military base conveniently located one block from the ocean.
It was never intended to be a campground so the utilities are sparse. They provide you with 20-amp electric hookups and running water if you
have enough drinking water hose to reach the connection. The dump station is centrally located and you can pull the RV next to it and empty
the holding tanks. The problem with this scenario is when we stay for a week or longer we have to disconnect everything to go empty the holding tanks.
So, my mission was to figure out a way to empty the RV holding tanks without packing up the RV and driving to a dump station.
It wasn't very difficult to discover the perfect solution to my holding tank woes. I was on the Camping World website and typed
"RV waste water" in the search box and I found the FloJet RV Waste Pump Kit.
The FloJet waste pump is a portable macerator pump that connects
directly to the RV waste outlet. The macerator section grinds the waste down to a particle size of 1/8 inch and the pump eliminates the waste
through a standard garden hose. Now I can leave the RV parked behind our house, or at our favorite campground and easily run a garden hose to the
clean-out port or dump station and empty our holding tanks without ever moving the RV.
The FloJet RV Waste Pump Kit
is easy to install and use. There is some basic wiring involved and the first step is to find a 12-volt DC,
20-amp power source to connect to. Another option is to connect alligator clips on the cable for a fully portable installation.
There is also a convenient 6-foot wiring harness equipped with a remote handheld on/off switch. When it's time to empty the holding tanks, it's a breeze.
The waste pump connects directly to the RV waste outlet and you route the discharge hose to where you are going to empty the holding tanks.
It can empty a 40-gallon holding tank in less than 5 minutes. Another benefit is the built-in rinsing valve. When the tanks are empty you can
easily back-fill and rinse out the holding tanks. One thing I discovered to make it easier to know when the tanks are empty was to put a clear
3-inch connector on the RV waste outlet and connect the pump to it. This way you can see when the tanks are empty.
The FloJet RV Waste Pump Kit
works great whether you're pumping to a blue Tote-Along tank (Camping World carries a full line of these handy tanks)
or if you need to pump a long distance. Just think, no more searching for dump stations, messing with 3-inch RV sewer hoses, or breaking down camp to
empty the holding tanks. Life just got easier for all us lucky ones who have the chore of dealing with holding tanks and dump stations.
Remember, RV holding tanks are used to store waste water until a sewer system is available to empty the tanks. Because little water is used in
comparison to a domestic waste water system, RV holding tank wastewater is far more concentrated. Adding to the problem are the chemicals required
to assist in breaking down the waste and controlling odors. This requires more treatment than a regular house-type waste system and it complicates
disposal of RV holding tank waste. If you plan to empty RV holding tanks into a domestic waste water system, check with local authorities first.
If you have a septic system and plan to empty your holding tanks, make sure the holding tank chemicals you use in the RV are not formaldehyde-based
chemicals. Formaldehyde-based chemicals destroy the good bacteria required for your septic tank to operate properly.
Environmentally-friendly enzyme-based chemicals use natural organic chemicals which are better for the septic system.
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 videos and DVDs are now available at any Camping World Supercenters and at CampingWorld.com.
Click here for VHS videos or
here for DVDs.
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March Hot Deals |
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Camping World News |
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Camping World and Columbia Pictures’ RV Want You to Hit The Road
Visit any Camping World SuperCenter or go online March 10 – May 1 to enter for your chance to win a two-week vacation in a luxury RV
provided by FreedomRoads.
When you enter, tell us about your "most outrageous family vacation" and it just might end up on the RV movie website!
The hilarious comedy stars Robin Williams and Jeff Daniels, and they’re putting family fun into overdrive, starting April 28th
at theaters across the nation. See the RV used in the filming of the movie as it tours the country March 9 – April 28,
visiting designated Camping World locations. While you're there visiting our SuperCenter, enter to win movie prizes like posters and hats.
You can even get your picture taken with the RV and a life-size stand-up of Robin Williams!
Read an interview with Jeff Daniels
here.
See a preview of the movie RV
here.
Attend Camping World's Pit Stop Party March 3-4 for a Chance to Win
Pull in at our Henderson, Nevada SuperCenter March 3-4 for our Pit Stop Party. We're getting ready for the Sam's Town 300 and
UAW Daimler Chrysler 400 NASCAR races in Las Vegas March 11-12, and you could be the big winner! Enter for a chance to win a $500
Camping World merchandise certificate by guessing the winner of the Sam's Town 300 on March 11. Compete against other customers in the
Camping World 40-a remote control car race in which the winner will walk away with a $40 Camping World merchandise certificate or a
Featherlite Big-Wide Recliner. While you're there, check out our wide assortment of race day tailgating gear.
For driving directions to the Henderson SuperCenter, go to
CampingWorld.com/stores
Andretti Blows Tire, Finishes 34th in Crash-Plagued Hershey's Kissables 300
After spending most of his inaugural Busch Series race in the top 15, rookie driver John Andretti suffered a blowout and hit the wall
with 45 laps to go in the Hershey's Kissables 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18. Andretti got off to a promising start,
posting the 5th best qualifying time in the Camping World/FreedomRoads/RVs.com #10 Ford. The mishap led to a 34th place finish for Andretti
behind eventual winner Tony Stewart before a crowd estimated at 75,000. After a 10th place start, Andretti and the #10 Ford finished 19th behind
winner Greg Biffle in the Stater Brothers 300 at the California Speedway in Fontana, California on February 25.
Look for the #10 Ford in upcoming Busch Series races this year. Follow all the action here.
Test Your Luck During Camping World's Pot O' Gold Weekend March 9-12
Visit any Camping World location the weekend of March 9-12 to play the Pot O'Gold game for a chance to win great prizes,
one of which could be a $500 Camping World merchandise certificate! Choose a gold coin from the Pot O' Gold between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Scratch off the concealed area on the coin to find out if you are a winner!
Enjoy free lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day at these SuperCenters:
Florida-Ft. Myers, Tampa and Kissimmee
Nevada-Henderson
Texas-Mission, Katy and Anthony
Louisiana-Hammond
Arizona-Mesa and Tucson
Save on 4-Day-Only specials on some of your favorite RV and outdoor gear. Enter our 40-Year Celebration Sweepstakes for a chance to win a
Casino Getaway to Laughlin, Nevada, or some of the other great prizes we're giving away all year long. Don't miss out on your chance to win!
Find your nearest Camping World SuperCenter here.
Grand Opening Celebrations to Feature Games, Food & Prizes
Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our new Burlington, Washington SuperCenter and our new Ft. Worth, Texas SuperCenter March 30-April 2.
You'll have a chance to win great prizes! The first 40 customers each day at each location will receive a free gift with purchase.
Enter our 40-Year Celebration Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the great prizes we're giving away every 40 days, all year long.
Enjoy free lunch each day from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., along with one-stop shopping for new and used RVs, products and accessories,
plus professional service and installation at both new SuperCenters.
Our Burlington SuperCenter is about an hour north of Seattle and about two hours south of Vancouver, British Columbia.
It's the first Camping World location you reach as you head south from British Columbia on I-5. The Burlington SuperCenter is located at Foley's RV,
a member of the FreedomRoads Dealer network. For driving directions, go to
CampingWorld.com/stores/stores.cfm?store=101.
Our Ft. Worth SuperCenter is about 10 miles south of downtown on 35W. It's located at McClain's RV SuperStores, a Camping World Gold Medal Dealer.
For driving directions, go to
CampingWorld.com/stores/stores.cfm?store=103.
Watch for More New Camping World Stores Coming in 2006
Another new Camping World SuperCenter opens this month in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The new location is allied with American RV, a FreedomRoads dealer.
The Albuquerque SuperCenter is easily accessible off I-40, minutes west of downtown. For driving directions, go to
CampingWorld.com/stores/stores.cfm?store=82.
Watch for more new stores opening soon in these locations, allied with a FreedomRoads or Gold Medal Dealer.
Junction City, Oregon, with Guaranty RV Center, a Gold Medal Dealer
St. Augustine, Florida, with Emerald Coast RV, a FreedomRoads dealer
Syracuse, New York, with Meyer's RV Super Stores, a FreedomRoads dealer
Churchville, New York, with Meyer's RV Super Stores, a FreedomRoads dealer
Chichester, New Hampshire, with Meyer's RV Super Stores, a FreedomRoads dealer
All new Camping World locations will offer great values on a wide selection of top-quality products and accessories for every type of RV,
plus installation and service. FreedomRoads and Gold Medal dealers offer a broad selection of RV types and models, so you can find a new
or used RV plus all the accessories you need in one convenient stop. For driving directions to any Camping World location, go to
CampingWorld.com/stores.
Everything You Need for Your RV Lifestyle is Just a Click Away at RVs.com
Now everything you need for your RV lifestyle is available online at RVs.com, a new website launched by FreedomRoads and Camping World.
At RVs.com, you can buy, sell or rent an RV; reserve campsites; find RV insurance and financing; sign up for newsletters and club memberships;
shop for RV accessories; research different RV types and manufacturers and much more! Go to
RVs.com to see how convenient it can be to learn more about RVing and to find the products and
services you need online, from the comfort of your home or RV.
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Destinations |
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Time is Running Out to Reserve Your Spot at The Rally 2006
More than 4,000 RVs are expected to pull into the Daytona International Speedway grounds April 7-10 for The Rally 2006,
and if you plan to be in one of them, make your reservation now! Nearly 12,000 RVers are expected from every state for what's anticipated
to be the biggest RV rally of the year. This year's Rally will feature exhibit halls packed with RV products and accessories,
plus new RVs of all types will be on display and available for test drives. Other highlights will include a Rally Dog Show,
a Ladies Red Hat Day, an arts and crafts fair and a ballroom dancing competition. Nightly entertainment will include concerts by the
folk-rock group America, country star Juice Newton, rhythm and blues greats The Spinners and the big band sound of the Michael Andrew Orchestra.
Side trips are also offered, as well as Early Bird activities for those arriving April 6-7.
A free kids program will be available for young RVers ages 6-12.
The Rally 2006 is brought to you by the Camping World Good Sam Club, the Good Sam Club, Coast to Coast Resorts, Woodall's and Trailer Life and
MotorHome magazines. For more information and to make your reservation online, go to
RV.net/rally.
Unique Travel Experiences Are in Store for You on Good Sam Club RV Tours
Camping World Good Sam Club Tours is offering a bag full of unique travel experiences this year. Perennial favorites include the Maritime Holiday,
June 26 - July 13; Calgary Stampede, July 10 - 17 and Tall Ships, Witches and Whales, September 13- 26. These favorites always sell out,
and each is packed with a variety of activities.
The big trip is always Alaska, a 38-day tour through the most magnificent landscape on the continent, filled with adventure and wildlife,
from June 18 - July 25. The Polar Bear Express, August 13 - 27 offers train rides (Polar Express and Agawa Canyon), glass bottom boats,
a Soo Locks cruise, lunch at the Grand Hotel, a day at Science North and more.
Country Charm takes you to the Renfro Valley and Pigeon Forge area for the best in country entertainment. October 15- 22 are the dates for this adventure.
Or, you can see the Worm Races and more at the Woolly Worm Festival in Boone, North Carolina, October 15- 22. We'll also visit the Biltmore,
Grandfather Mountain and more. October is a wonderful time to see this beautiful area in full fall foliage.
New this year are two great adventures: Tall Stacks Cincinnati, which consists of five full days of riverboat adventure, along with live headliner
entertainment nightly, running October 3 - 9, and Exploring the RV Capital of the World in Goshen, Indiana, August 27 - September 1.
Factory tours and Amish Country are included in this trip.
Wrap it all up with Christmas in Myrtle Beach, November 11- 17. Get complete information on any of these tours at 1-800-626-0042 or
online.
Enjoy the Ultimate RV Race Experience with Camping World and FreedomRoads
Choose one, two or three great racing events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Good Sam Club members save with a special rate of
only $1,295 for two to attend the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, the U.S. Grand Prix Formula 1 on July 2 or the Allstate 400 on August 6.
The complete package includes:
A 20' x 40' site for 4 nights across from the IMS Main Gate
Towed car parking close to your campsite
Two reserved seats for each day of practice, qualifying and the race
24-hour security and certified RV technicians on hand for assistance
New RVs on display, RV accessories, club activities and entertainment
Two invitations to the Welcome Bar-B-Q on Friday night
Two tickets to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum
Exclusive Souvenir Gift Bag and Limited Edition RV Event Flag
FREE shuttle transportation to downtown Indianapolis on Saturday
FREE holding tank pump-out and water fill-up
FREE daily newspaper delivery
It's not too late to sign up, but availability is limited, so don't delay! Call 1-800-451-1380 or go
online for more information and to make your reservation.
Reserve Your Site Now for a Mini-Vacation March 22-25 at RallyPark
Take a break from winter with a Camping World Mini-Vacation March 22 - 25 at RallyPark in Seffner, Florida, just 10 miles east of downtown Tampa on I-4,
exit 10. RallyPark offers deluxe amenities, plus a Camping World SuperCenter, a Cracker Barrel restaurant, a LazyDays RV Dealership and a
Flying J Fuel Center are all close by. Enter to win a $500 Camping World merchandise certificate that will be given away during the Mini-Vacation!
For more information about RallyPark, go to
LazyDays.com/Rallypark.
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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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