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THE RVERSCORNER Newsletter
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Mar, 2002

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Subscriber count: Last issue: 4564 This issue: 5510!

Welcome new Subscribers!

Inside this issue:

- Spring is here? by Les Doll
- Dewinterizing the Water System
- Necessities ... by Peggi McDonald
- SealTech revisited by Les Doll
- My Lucky Day by Les Doll

Joke of the Day:
Classified Ad Section:

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Spring has sprung in the Northern Latitudes - although you would not know
it by looking out my living room window! Minus 25 degrees celsius this morning
and hip deep snow! While a good number of our readers are blessed by more
moderate conditions, some of us are still stuck firmly in Winter.

Take heart, brave Northerners, the late Spring just gives us more time to
browse the maps and dream of the places we will go this summer.

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Dewinterizing the Water system:

Dewinterizing is simply the process of removing all traces of the RV
antifreeze that was used to protect the water system.

1. Put several gallons of water into the fresh water tank.
2. Turn on the on-board water pump, and open a cold water tap.
3. Allow the water to flow for several minutes.
4. Connect the water hose to your city water supply inlet. Turn on the supply.
5. Open all taps one by one and allow the water to flow for several minutes.
6. Flush the toilet several times.
7. Now open the water heater bypass and fill the water heater with fresh water.
(You may want to allow a few gallons to flow through the water heater, then let
it drain completely before re-installing the water heater drain plug)
8. Run water through all the hot water faucets.

That's it!

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Necessities or Just 'Great To Have' Options! by Peggi McDonald

It's that time of year again; winters snow is becoming a memory, as
the days grow longer and warmer. When the 'hitch-itch' sets-in you can't wait
to wake your RV from its winter sleep, connect your tow or towed and take off
for parts unknown, or to your favourite camping spot. Maybe this is the year
to drive a new machine off the dealers' lot. But wait; do you have all the
necessities (or just special options) for a successful trip? Yes it is true
most of today's RV's are totally self contained however there are several
extras that ensure your travels are convenient and problem free.

Valve extenders are a must to effectively check air pressure on the
inside dual tires.John recommends the more costly all-steel variety. Another
type of extender is available for front air bags on motorhomes. Without these
extras RVers must crawl under the motorhome to check pressure or inflate the
bags. Finding a convenient place to add air to large RV's presents another
challenge. As a result, early in our travels we added a small ¾ horsepower
air compressor to inflate the tires of our motorhome.

Depending on how elaborate your present dream machine is it will be
equipped with a wide selection of bells and whistles. Although if any
convenient 'extras' are missing, they are easy to add-on after purchase.
One such accessory is an automatic start for your water heater. When we
see RVers outside in the rain using their barbeque lighter trying to light
this necessity; it is all we can do not to run over and immediately express
that dealers sell heaters that light automatically from the inside by
flipping a switch.

Recently a friend discovered the TV booster on his new 'pre-loved'
unit was not working. Without this accessory the antenna will only pull
in a very few channels. Don't despair, it is very easy to replace this
plate even for the non-tech type RVers, simply remove the old and attach
the new.

Levelling an RV ensures doors shut without dragging, plus it
doesn't feel like you're falling out of bed or walking on an angle.
Although present RV fridges are less sensitive to being perfectly level
than previous models, these cooling units do work more efficiently when
your unit is set up properly. A variety of bubble type levels help
simplify this task. Some are designed to sit inside the freezer while
others 'stick onto' to the front and sides of any motorized and towable unit.

Adding boards under tires is one way to level, we use 2" x 8"x16"
boards beneath each tire. Some RVers prefer specialized interlocking
polypropylene blocks designed for levelling. NOTE: To avoid straining
the axles of your unit when boards or pads are placed under the outside
rear tires, be certain to add an equal amount under the inside dual.

Although squaring your dream machine will not stop motion from
inside movement, jacks added to each corner of the RV frame will stabilize it.
They come in numerous varieties from manual to the more costly heavy-duty
hydraulic variety to electrical jacks designed to stabilize a unit that
works with the push of a button. No matter what stabilizers you chose,
always place boards or specialized pads beneath them. RV's are heavy,
and it is difficult to determine if the ground is solid. Digging out
is no fun, "We've been there, done that."

One plus to RVing is spending time outdoors on the patio, in the
pool, on the hiking trails etc. Your awning provides much needed shade
when trees are scarce. To combat windy days many RVers add anti-flapping
devices (several designs are available) between the awning and the support
bar plus they use tie down straps for stability. If your awning is extra
long, a centre bar provides needed support.

NOTE: When planning a day away or if windy weather threatens, be
prepared to roll up your awning as a precaution. Wind can do mega damage
to awnings, and 3AM awning calls during a torrential rain are definitely
no fun. Patio drapes that extend from your awning to the patio (secured
with bungee cords) are the newest extra to control the suns heat as well
as extend living space. A full screen room on the other hand provides
privacy plus helps to keep bugs at bay.

While inside, most of us prefer fresh air rather than air
conditioning. Our 'Kastle #2' came with window awnings. John and I soon
discovered that when the window awnings were extended rain didn't come
in through the open windows. These awnings along with the tinted windows
on that RV drastically diminished heat from the suns rays. Note: The
see-thru variety do not keep out the rain.

In the early days we used indoor/outdoor carpet as a Patio cover
to keep dirt in control, but a new variety of open weave vinyl-coated
polyester rugs are more efficient because they allow water to drain
through---an appreciated touch if it's raining during pack-up.

To avoid driving away with your antenna extended why not add a
clip (large hair style clip) to the handle when the antenna is down and
move it to the steering wheel on a motorhome or the last check point on
your towable when the antenna is extended. Hanging your RV keys or a
decoration from the handle when it is extended is another reminder option.

Before your first outing, check all water hoses for small holes or
leaks; add fresh washers and plumbers tape to avoid dripping connections.
Cleaning water deposits off your unit is a chore no one needs; besides
dripping water makes a mess and such a waste. Be certain all water hoses
are insulated and specially designed for safe drinking, do not connect
your unit with the green garden hose from home, it allows the sun to heat
the water and breed harmful bacteria your family will ingest. Always
place a water regulator at the tap end of the hose to avoid damage to RV
plumbing from high park water pressure. Although pressure can rise to an
excessive 100 PSI, regulators contain it at 45 PSI. Most campsites only
provide one water tap per site, adding a "y" connector sets up a second
tap for messy clean-ups.

Leave the orange electric cord that runs your lawn mower at home,
it is not heavy duty enough to supply necessary power--fires can result.
If you must use it in an emergency NEVER leave the excess rolled up; that
creates even more heat. Plugging a voltage indicator to a 120Volt wall
plug provides a reading of available power coming into your unit. Volts
below 102 will cause brownouts and dangerous surge conditions result if
you are getting over 130 volts. Many RVers add some form of a surge
protector to keep high tech equipment in their units out of harms way.
Always test park power, with a ground monitor that uses indicator lights,
before plugging in. If the lights suggest 'reverse polarity' or an
'open ground', DO NOT connect till the park rectifies the wiring problem.

Many parks, especially those in the south, insist you use a
rubber sewer donut between your hose and the park connection. It keeps
your hose out of their septic system and sewer gases in the ground.
If you do not have a donut the park will sell you one. Numerous adapters
now come in different coloured and interesting plastic shapes (however
many parks still want you to use the donut), however to connect your
slinky hose to them can sometimes be challenging. TIP; Soak the ends
of a new hose in hot water and add Vaseline to the adapter ends; in
five minutes the hose will connect with little problem.

One last point, campground hook-ups are not always convenient
distance from your unit. You will need a 25-foot water hose plus a
25-foot extension; a 25-foot 30 amp electrical extension; a 20-foot
and 10-foot sewer extensions with adapter ends plus a series of electric
'dog bones' and compact plug-in adapters---15 amp to 30 amp, (or reverse
if you have a pop-up) and a 30 amp to 50 amp.

The list of 'nice to have' extras could go on and on but the
above are some of the most popular ones. Visit any RV store to see
the many other available 'necessities' that make getaways more enjoyable.
Have a great summer.

Peggi and John are RV Lifestyle Consultants who understand
idiosyncrasies of the RV Lifestyle. Log onto the McDonald's webpage
www.rvliving.net --- 'the Information Site for the International RVer'
--- for more comprehensive information. Peggi's best selling book
Spirit of the Open Road as well as her two FREE e-books RV Living:
Facts Tips Hints and More---Volume One and Two are featured on:
http://www.rverscorner.com/spirit.html .

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THE ABC's of RVing

Most of today's veteran RVers learned as they went. There was a time, too,
when they didn't know the difference between a black water tank and a grey
water tank, a hookup site from a primitive site, how they could run their
home appliances on the RVs' 12-volt onboard systems, or that they could
claim a tax deduction for the interest paid on their RV loan.

INSTANT DOWNLOAD (PC or MAC). Only $11.95!

THE ABC's of RVing

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My Lucky Day by Les Doll

This newsletter is published every month on (or about the 23rd) of the month.

Why the 23rd?

Because that was the day I met my lovely lady (19 years ago) and I feel the 23rd
is a lucky day.

If I was so lucky on the 23rd, then I hope my luck will rub off in some way to my
newsletter readers ... can't hurt! Right?

Okay, the newsletter is a day late but ... I just bought my dream home ...
five acres ... 6 year old home ...
20 mins from work ... I've been a little BUSY! And a little bit LUCKY!

We move in on Friday, March 29th!

Gotta LOVE it!

Les


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Joke(s) of the Day:

Mrs. Davidson's dishwasher quit working so she calls a repairman. Since she
has to go to work the next day, she tells him, "I'll leave the key under the
mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you
the check. Oh, by the way, don't worry about my Pit Bull, he won't bother
you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my
parrot!"
When the repairman arrives at the apartment the next day, he discovers the
biggest and meanest Pit Bull he has ever seen. But, just as she said, the
dog just lays there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his
business. The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his
incessant yelling, cursing, and name calling.
Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled, "Shut
up, you stupid ugly bird!"
To which the parrot replied, "Sic 'em, Spike!"


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CLASSIFIED ADS

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FREEDOM ...EARNING A FULL TIME INCOME WHILE RVING

"You'll discover that you also possess the ability to "Let Go" of your
current lifestyle that you think is your security ... and replace it with
the knowledge that your security comes from within! All it takes to hit
the road is ACTION which is a result of your DESIRE! "

See this exciting new electronic book at:
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SPIRIT OF THE OPEN ROAD by Peggi McDonald is a 'must have'
for all RVers, both novice and experienced travelers.
Although written from a Canadian point of view it is 95%
generic and a valuable guide to RVers from all countries.
For complete details -
http://www.rverscorner.com/spirit.html

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How to Get a Life by Living Full-Time in a Recreational Vehicle

Experience the freedom of the open roads. Tonight you can boondock in a nature
preserve, and tomorrow you can luxuriate at a five-star resort. This week the
view out your window can be the desert, and next week it can be the ocean. When
you tire of being in one place, or you simply yearn for new adventure, you move.
And you do this without packing, without leaving your home. Your home is on
wheels and you take it with you.

by Collen Sykora
Webmaster of http://www.workersonwheels.com

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!!! HAPPY CAMPIN' !!!





Les Doll - RV Technician
My advice is free and worth only what you gain from it!