INSIDE Kenny Rogers band MOTORHOME TOUR BUS

Just had the chance to see INSIDE the RV that travels all over the USA with the band of legendary country music superstar Kenny Rogers.  Caught up with them at Foxwoods Resort Casino.  Enjoy!

KENNY ROGERS MOTORHOME

Spotted this motorhome in the Boston area recently.  Belongs to country singer Kenny Rogers.  Was in the area for a show.  Several other tours busses of crew and band were there also.

Interview with WINNEBAGO IND. President BOB OLSON

My RV colleague BOB ZAGAMI (see his blog at http://rvinsights.blogspot.com/) attended the RVDA National RV Trade Show in Louisville, KY and had the opportunity to interview BOB OLSON, the president of Winnebago Industries, makers of the Winnebago and Itasca lines.  Enjoy!

CONVERTED PREVOST gives you THE RIDE of a lifetime in NYC

Saw this Prevost conversion while on the streets of New York City.  Unbelievabe what they have done to this.  Totally changed the way you think of RVing.  Former TOUR BUS that has been converted with a traveling theatre around New York City. It operates year round thru the streets of midtown Manhattan. Enjoy!

RVing at GILLETTE STADIUM. Home of the New England Patriots

The Patriots are HOT and are a favorite to head for the Super Bow.  Take a look at the RV TAILGATING facilities at Gillette Stadium.

A $2 Part Turns into an $8000 Repair Bill!!! HIDDEN WATER LEAKS

My friend Mike at http://www.rvsrusma.com/ showed me what happens when you buy plumbing replacement parts from a big box store rather than an RV parts store.  Even though the replacement part fit fine, it was not flexible enough  to be effective in an RV that has lots of motion. It was made of the wrong materials.   In a land based home this part would have been fine, but not in an RV.   Leakage over a period of time created floor rot that has taken over $8000 to remedy, plus the loss of the use of the RV for an extended time frame.

This video shows that it is VITAL to regularly check for water leaks around your fixtures, especially in areas that are enclosed by cabinet doors.  Let's hope this never happens to you!

RVers Take to Road seeking temporary work

With the downturn in the economy, RVers are setting up camp all over the USA seeking work and going to live where the work is found.  In Kentucy, Amazon. com has even BUILT AN RV PARK for workampers who are helping with Christmas shipments.

I saw this story on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer earlier this evening.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/amazon-opens-rv-park-seasonal-workers-campbellsville-kentucky/story?id=12278265

FAMILY TRADES HOME FOR ONE YEAR ON THE ROAD

Just saw this story which appeared on the ABC NEWS with Diane Sawyer. Very interesting. This family from Michigan hit the road for a full year with three kids. They really seemed to enjoy it. Wish I could do the same!

Enjoy!

Here is the link to click on to get the story:

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9066290

WATER....an RVs BIGGEST ENEMY! Look here...

I asked Mike at RVsRUS in North Oxford, MA about what the biggest enemy is of an RV.  Someone thought the biggest enemy was the gas pump, especially as fuel prices continue to rise.  However, Mike brought up some interesting points when discussing WATER and a HUGE WARNING to do it yourselfers.  This is definately worth watching.  It could save you THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
You can ask Mike any questions about this.  He can be reached in the Boston area at 508 987 7760.  Their website is http://www.rvsrsma.com/.  I bring my RV there for service twice a year.

New RV storage opens in New England

Winter in New England is not the best experience for your RV!  However, there is now a new INDOOR storage facility located not far from Boston and Manchester NH and Nashua, NH that seems to be just what those looking to preserve their RVs may be looking for.  It's called Indoor Oversize Storage and is located on Rt 101A in Milford, New Hampshire.

Regardless of the long term winter weather forecast, RV repair experts say that winter is HARSH toward RVs with snow and ice and cold weather to wreak havoc on seams and joins and compounds.  INDOOR and HEATED are two words your RV will thank you for with many more years of good appearance and RV memories.

Rates and directions are posted on the company website at http://www.indooroversizestorage.com/

Here is a quick tour of the facility and an interview with Steve, the owner of the building, which is a former paper company warehouse.

A simple TWO WORD THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thinking of WRAPPING your RV in a BIG BLUE TARP for winter? Read HERE NOW!

Winter is here, although it is supposed to be 60 degrees here in Boston.  However, we all know that it is SHUTDOWN time for RVs till the middle of April.  Believe me, no one is sadder than me.

When driving around New England I always notice those big bright blue tarps that can be bought inexpensively at Home Depot, Lowe's etc. that are covering RVs and trailers.  You see tons of them in campgrounds now, too.

  But I have learned that you can cause much harm to your RV exterior by the improper use of them.

Here is the person that services my Navion, Mike,  who talks about the precautions to take when preparing for winter.

Free Whopper or Chicken Sandwich from Burger King

Every RVer likes a free meal. Even if you dine at the finest restaurants in the US, at one time, you will probably stop at a Burger King. Well, I just had that occasion to do so and I found something very interesting on the back of my receipt.

If you call an 800 number within 24 hours of your purchase and answer some survey questions, they will give you a code for a FREE WHOPPER OR CHICKEN SANDWICH, when you purchase a drink and fries. They give you a code and you redeem the same receipt for your free food.

I think its a great value. With the price of fuel for my RV going higher every day, a free sandwich is a nice deal.

This store was in Worcester, MA. Don't know if it is a national program.

And, just a warning.  Do not try to access the DRIVE THRU in an RV.  And be careful driving in and out due to big overhangs on these restaurants that can rip a huge hole in your RV!

Enjoy!

BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR RV AWAY FOR THE WINTER.....Check here

Its a sad time of year for RVers who live in the northern states. Probably all of Canada, too. Everyone usually does the proper work to take care of the water systems in their units by flushing with RV anti-freeze and blowing out the system, but here is another thing you should do before you say good-bye to your RV for the long, cold winter months.

We recently spoke with Mike, at RVs R US. Its the place where I have my RV serviced and have been completely satisfied with their work for almost ten years. Mike tells us some of the hidden danger spots to look for in this video. Please feel free to comment after viewing.

RVs PLAYING HUGE ROLE IN MID TERM ELECTIONS

In these last few days of the 2010 election cycle, RVs are starting to play a major role in transporting candidates and issues across America.  I came across the TEA PARTY rally in Massachusetts and noticed that instead of using a Prevost bus to travel in, the organization http://www.teapartyhd.com/ was using a Fleetwood Bounder diesel to travel and spread its message.  Look closely behind the vinyl wrap, as I did, to see the brand of the RV that is being used.

PUMPING your own fuel, or WATCHING who does!

As I pulled into my regular fuel station this morning, I noticed that the person who usually pumps my gas was not there.  I also noticed that the person that was there, seemed to be a bit confused on how to run the pumps.  Lots of time between transactions and the line was beginning to form.

Something in my gut told me to take extra care today.

Well, I was right.  Just as the attendant was about to fill my DIESEL tank with GASOLINE, I noticed the mistake and was able to stop him before he squeezed the trigger!  And expensive misfire if I was not attentive.

The purpose of this post is to ALWAYS watch the tank being filled if you are in a full service location or DO IT YOURSELF.  Do not assume that the person pumping gas can tell the difference between and gas and diesel engine. 

This may have cost hundreds of dollars, regardless of who was paying, if the wrong fuel is introduced to your tank/engine.  The owner of the station was there and said he  had made the mistake a few times over the many years he has been in the business, and it was HUNDREDS of dollars to make right.

So, always be vigilant when you are refueling.  One wrong move and you may not be moving for awhile.

In my case, I have an Itasca Navion, Class C unit and the fuel fill is in the drivers door jam.  So I was right there.  If this was a conventional RV fill, I may NOT have noticed the potential mistake.

An RV Visit to Salem, MA..The Halloween Capital of the USA

Tons of RVers were spotted in Salem, Massachusetts, the Halloween Capital of the USA.  Traffic will peak this weekend.  There was convenient RV parking at the TRAIN STATION lot just a short walk from all the action.  Here are a few of the characters seen on our recent trip.  The city is located just off RTE 128 about 15miles NORTH of Boston.  Do not attempt to drive your RV thru town.  Narrow streets and tons of traffic.  Fair warning!

IMPORTANT WINTERIZING STEP often overlooked!

Was having my RV winterized today and noticed a step that I think many people may neglect to do. If you do not do this step, you will have stale water in your tank for several months. Thanks to Mike at RVs R Us in North Oxford, MA for providing this useful information.

RV DEMO DERBY...Now I have seen it all!

I guess there is just no end to what the entertainment dollar can buy these days!  Go figure

RV DEMO DERBY..CLICK HERE

BAD REPORTING ABOUT RVs

Came across this article where a law firm talks about a blown tire causing an RV crash.  Notice how they use the term WINNEBAGO to describe the RV, when in fact, no one knows if it is a Winnebago product or not.  Also, the story tells of a FIRE.  The picture does not look like there is any fire at all.  Isnt it interesting how the news media can mix things up and use incorrect terminology?

Here is the link to the story.............

MOTORHOME CRASH Leads to injuries

HORRIBLE MOTORHOME CRASH and FIRE in Fresno,CA

Just got word of an RV that blew a tire, veered off the road, hit a tree and burned right to the metal frame. Cant even tell what brand this unit is. Can you?
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7723432

FMCA MONUMENT SUGGESTION

Visted the site of the FIRST FMCA meeting in Maine. Noticed that there is no place to SAFELY pull your motorhome to the side of the road to see the monument and read the inscriptions on the bricks.

Perhaps, FMCA can consider this idea......

MAINE MOOSE ADVENTURE!

Well, we have been traveling to Maine for a few years and we see signs all over the Maine turnpike about BE CAREFUL OF MOOSE IN ROAD. So we decided to go find these moose right where they live in Northern Maine. We had a fun time. Hope you enjoy the video.

FMCA Birthplace Monument Video

While driving in Northern Maine, to way up Northern Maine, on Rt 201 just north of Waterville, I did a double take when I saw what appeared to be a gravestone visible from the roadway. What frightened me even more is that the FMCA logo was on that said Gravestone. Since I know the FMCA is alive and well and I am a happy member, I was even more shocked. I had to turn our RV around and get up close and personal to read the inscription. I think you will like this short video. Now, wondering how the FMCA HQ got moved from Maine to Ohio.

Here is the link:

STEAM TRAIN IN NORTHERN MAINE

For those RVers that have an interest in trains, here is a must see FREE attraction.  It is located right on route 201 in Fairfield/Waterville Maine.  It is the last STEAM engine used in Maine.  Was last in service in 1954.  It is really amazing to see how well constructed this unit is and to see the size of the wheels...over 7 FEET high.

Enjoy!

UPDATE on "get that RV out of YOUR driveway

Our friend Don Barone, an RV owner who resides in Farmington, CT but travels in his RV for six months a year as a jounalist, has been told by the town that he will be fined for keeping his RV in his driveway. Here is the update to the story.

ALL RV owners should have a keen interest in this.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/don-barone/the-town-of-farmington-ct-documents-sent-in-regards-to-my-foi/438817597647

In case you missed PART 1, here is the link to that. 

http://motorhomemayhem.blogspot.com/2010/10/harassment-of-rv-owners-by-town-zoning.html

Unique RV from RINGLING BROS STARS Part 2

Here is part two of an exclusive interview with the stars of the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Greatest Show on Earth.  Here is Tina and Brian Miser.  They are the HUMAN CANNONBALLS  who go flying thru the air, with the greatest of ease.  I have seen the show, and they are fantastic.  On top of that, they are very cordial and polite people.  The RV that they call home is totally unique.  Interesting to note that they hail from the RV Capital of the World, the state of Indiana.  In fact, Brian even states that he goes to Elkhart frequently for parts for the RV.  Hope you enjoy!

RV DEALERSHIP DESTROYED BY TORNADO,,,ARIZONA

This is the scene at an RV dealership in Bellemont, AZ, just north of Flagstaff. Trains also derailed during the early morning Oct 6 event.

http://www.fox11az.com/news/At-least-1-tornado-confirmed-in-Bellemont-area-west-of-Flagstaff-104414284.html?gallery=y&img=1&c=y

RINGLING BROS Unique RV...Totally UNIQUE

The Greatest Show on Earth is in Worcester Massachusetts and some of the stars of the show live and travel in RVs. Here is a rare look inside their home. Enjoy!

Remember when the CIRCUS came to town?

I dont care how old you are, you must remember the feeling that you had when the circus came to town.  We'll the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus pulled into Worcester, Massachusetts and here is how the circus gets from the train to the arena!  Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages........

INSIDE DETAILED LOOK at Allegro Breeze

A closer look at the interior of this great coach that is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Quick tour of the Allegro Breeze

Take a look inside the Allegro Breeze by Tiffin. This unit is 28 feet long and is diesel powered. It sure looks like a winner to me.

Test drive in the new Allegro Breeze

Had a chance to take a test drive in the new Allegro Breeze.  Great handling.  This looks like a winner!  Take a look for yourself.

New AIRSTREAM product to compete with Roadtrek and Pleasure Way

Had a viewer send this link to me about a new product that Airstream is offering. Previously they only built on the Mercedes chassis, but now this product seems to be going head to head with Roadtrek and Pleasure Way.

What do you think?

http://www.airstream.com/products/2010-fleet/touring-coaches/avenue/index.html

A fantastic Idea for Columbus Day Weekend Foliage Viewing

We had a great time when we took this train.  It runs between Brunswick Maine and Rockland Maine.  You will really enjoy it.  We hope you do too!

Harassment of RV owners by town zoning officials

Here is a case that all RVers need to be aware of.  This is a situation where an RV owner in Farmington, CT, just outside Hartford was sent a letter informing him that his RV does not comply with zoning laws.  It says that it is STORED on his property illegally.  In fact, it is used for his work as a traveling reporter for a national publication and had only been on his property for a few days between assignments.  However, the town has threatened to fine him $150 daily if he does not move it.

The RV owner is an investigative reporter for a well know news outlet and has asked for some history of the violation since his letter was dated September 2006.  He got it in Sept 2010.  Here is his Facebook account of the issue.

All RVers who have paid for their units, and pay state and local taxes on it should not be subjected to government interaction like this.  He lives in a single family home, not a condo complex and does not cover his RV with a blue tarp in the winter months.  In fact, he stores it at a storage facility and already has a receipt for the upcoming winter season. 

Do you know of any fellow RVer, or even yourself that has had issues like this?

Here is the FACEBOOK link to the current status of the situation:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes/don-barone/the-town-of-farmington-ct-responds-to-my-foi-4/436762522647

Feel free to leave your comments on this blog!

RV BBQ Look at this one going up in flames!

An RV barbeque. Not that the folks in the RV were cooking anything, its just that the RV got BBQd. No report of injuries.

THREE WHEEL MOTORHOME

A motorhome on THREE wheels. Probably not a Prevost conversion or Newell. But certainly a jewel!

A Very Famous Person with an RV!

Came across this RV recently. Found out it was owned by Kenny Rogers! This is the country singer, not the baseball player. Its the gambler himself with his 45 foot Prevost that he travels the country in.

Is BOONDOCKING for you? Or do you prefer Ritz Carlton?

Ways to save money while RVing.  Here is an interesting information provider. 

Click here to visit Frugal Shunpikers Guides to RV Boondocking.

SUNRISE AT MOHEGAN SUN IN CT.

This has to be one of the nicest casino lots in the entire USA.  Free shuttle 24 hours plus constant security.  So nice and so nice at sunrise.  Enjoy!

GET YOUR RV OUT OF YOUR DRIVEWAY!

A fellow RVer, Don Barone, who lives in his RV while on the road covering sports events all over the country, got a letter from his town government demanding that he cease and desist about parking the RV in the FRONT of his yard. You can see it all here on his Facebook posting. Has anyone else dealt with this issue? Let us know.  We pay taxes on these vehicles and we should NOT be treated like second class citizens.  Don does not keep this covered with a blue tarp in the winter.  He has it in storage at another location.  He is home between assignments and got the nasty note from the Town where he lives.  Just click below to get the story. 



http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1461788898976#!/note.php?note_id=153433164690071&id=116345548376059&ref=nf

WINNEBAGO RENTAL UNIT FLIPPED ONTO ITS SIDE!

This happened in Austrailia. Does not appear that anyone was hurt. Not a fun thing to have happen on vacation!

RVing at the Home of the New England Patriots

If you have ever thought of tailgating at an NFL game, then you will be interested in this piece on the New England Patriots and their home field, Gillette Stadium.  It is quite costly as you will find out as you view this segment.  The field is 30 miles south of Boston.  It is located just five miles from Interstate I 95 and I 495. 

RV BATTERY REPLACEMENT

Had to change the batteries in my RV recently.  Thought you would be interesting in the technician's comments.  They are a great facility located just off MASS PIKE Exit 10 in North Oxford, MA.  Place is RVs R Us and they can be reached at 508 987 7760.  Mike and Mike run the show. A unique father-son business team. 

CRASHED Nascar CARS...video from the graveyard..NOT ON TV

You wont see this on TV.  This is the aftermath of a multi car crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. You can hear the noise of the race still going on in the background.  Lots of angry car owners and mechanics.  Keep the kids away from this one.

This may improve your gas mileage!

This may get you better gas mileage.  Anyone used these or have any comments on them?

Does this ABUSE the Wal Mart Welcome Mat?