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!