E
E
R
F
#156, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
By RVers, For RVers, About RVing
9 Articles about
HOW to PLAY in an RV
An Easy Recreational Vehicle Magazine for Fun-Loving/Camping Folk!
LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL
ONCE-IN-A LIFETIME
GIFT TO
YOURSELF?
RV2709
2011 Regency
GT 24MB
$84,888
RV2855
2012 Pleasure-Way
PLATEAU RB
RV2759
2013 Aviator
Electra
RV2875
2013 Tioga
Ranger DSL 24L
RV2895
2013 Terra 3175
$99,642
RV2887
2013 Bounder 33C
$99,819
$107,838
$52,379
WE CAN’T GET
IT DOWN THE
CHIMNEY,
BUT...
$119,441
WE CAN
GET IT
IN YOUR
DRIVEWAY!
Edition 156
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
COVER
29 Guide to Buying an RV
Who? What? Where? Why? How?
JACKSON
30 Pickleball,
BY RVers, FOR RVers, ABOUT RVing
A CANADIAN MAGAZINE
The Perfect Sport?
Copyright 2013
Publisher, etc.: SHEILA Tourond
Webmaster: JOHN Overall
A Special THANK YOU to the
following CONTRIBUTORS:
Janos Balogh, Paul Beddows, Dennis Begin,
Wilbur Collin, Bob Davies, Catherine Dook,
Lynn Henderson, Selaine Henriksen,
Ryan Jackson, Richard Perera, Diane Salmon,
Susan Schutz, and Brenda-Lee Thompson.
16
Gathering at Laguna del Tule RV Park
in Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico.
Submission Guidelines:
The RV Times welcomes articles, tips, stories,
and letters. We prefer articles that have a
maximum length of 2,500 words so that they
can be contained in a single Issue, and which
describe a recent trip or experience. As your fellow
RVers may make use of the information in your
article when planning their own trips, we ask that
you ensure that the information you provide on
facilities, costs and distances is as accurate as
possible. We reserve the right to edit all submissions.
Submissions preferred by e-mail, with high
resolution photos. Postal mailed photos will be
returned after usage. Include information where
you may be contacted. Please do not postal mail
originals of written materials as submissions will not
be returned. Submission denotes permission for use
in print and electronic version on www.rvtimes.ca.
PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT
NO. 40050641
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE
CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
RVT PUBLISHING INC.
7160 GRANT RD. W.
SOOKE, BC V9Z 0N6
Tel: 250-642-1916 • Fax: 250-642-1917
Sheila@rvtimes.com • www.rvtimes.ca
RVT Webmaster: John Overall:
Dragon@victoriabiz.com • 250-885-2888
Canadian Subscription Rates: see page 41
6 issues: 1 yr $30, 2 yrs $52, 3 yrs $75
CLASSIFIED ADS due before DEC. 10
DISPLAY AD Space Reservation Schedule:
(please call to double check)
#157 January/February ........... by December 6
#158 March/April...................... by February 6
#159 May/June ................................ by April 6
The information contained herein is published as a
convenience to our readers. Every effort has been made
to provide accurate and complete information.
HOWEVER, we do not and cannot guarantee the
accuracy or completeness of such information. Readers
should consult a professional in the appropriate field
before relying on such information. Reproduction of
any material appearing in this magazine in any form, is
forbidden without prior consent of the publisher.
CONTENTS
16 RVing in Mexico
Language, Money, Shopping,
Fuel, Roads & Highways,
Mordida, Insurance, Permits,
Caravans & Travel Buddies,
RV Parts, RV Parks, GPS,
Hazards to your RV, and MORE!
BEDDOWS
Are you competitive or do you
like to have fun?
Have you ever played tennis,
badminton, or pingpong?
Do you like individual sports or
are you better on a team?
SCHUTZ
31 Unique RVs:
The Odyssey
They bought a Neoplan
Spaceliner double-decker bus
and converted it into a Class A
with the floorplan the way
THEY wanted.
BALOGH
34 Spring Break in a
Class C Rental
Leaving Ottawa for
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, .
looking for some heat.
HENRIKSEN
14 The Historic
Oregon Trail
Stop and have a visit with the
original RVers!
THOMPSON
21 Life in an RV Park
What makes time for a
Snowbird travel so quickly?
BEGIN
22 The Hero
My mosquito-slaughtering and
console-п¬Ѓxing, hunter-gatherer
husband was my hero!
DOOK
26 RVing the DEH CHO
Route, with a side trip
to Yellowknife
We found it was well worth
the costs.
COLLIN
COLUMNS, etc.
RVT Publisher’s Life and Times.......... 6
Classified Ads ..............................40
Distribution Locations ...................47
Humour .....................................43
RVOABC .................................43-46
RV Clubs Open to New Members .......39
RV Club - BC Bus Nuts ....................32
RV Club - Chilliwack Valley Sams.......33
Word Angle Search - Christmas .........42
RVT Subscription Form ...................41
CARTOONS:
~ Along the Way ............................ 5
~ Embers ....................................38
FAIRS & FESTIVALS:
~ BC ..........................................36
~ AB ..........................................37
~ WA .........................................38
RV PARTS and RV SERVICE ...............35
ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES/EMAILS and AD PAGE #s:
(c)
BY John McDonald
jchinook@telus.net
ALONG THE WAY
ADA VIS Global Mexican Insurance ........................... mexicoinsurance.com..........39
BCLCA....................................................................................camping.bc.ca..........39
Bernardo Shores RV Park ................................... bernardoshoresrvpark.com..........14
Digital Electrical Systems ................................................. digelect@telus.net..........39
Driftwood by the Sea RV Park & Cottages ............... driftwoodbythesea.com..........39
Emerald Desert RV Resort ..............................................EmeraldDesert.com..........24
Fort Camping ................................................................... FortCamping.com..........21
Fort Victoria RV Park ............................................................. FortVictoria.ca..........21
Golden Village Palms RV Resort .............................GoldenVillagePalms.com..........25
Hillstreet Propane ................................................... hillstreetpropanerv.com..........23
Holiday Trails Resort ............................................................................htr.ca............3
“Martha, we began our RV journey with a ride
on an ABC ferry; we’ll join the group on the
other side.”
Jubilee RV Centre .................................................................... jubileerv.com..........35
Living Forest Oceanside Campground & RV Park ...............LivingForest.com..........12
Lordco Auto Parts ....................................................................... lordco.com..........47
Medipac International Communications Inc ........................... medipac.com............7
O’Connor RV .......................................................................oconnorrv.com............2
Oceanside RV Resort ................................................ oceansideresortrv.com..........23
“You know Martha,
I could fulfil my life’s
ambition of being a
sea captain.”
“The briny, salt
breezes blowing into
my main sails.
Life on the bounding
main.”
Othello Tunnels Campground & RV Park ........................ othellotunnels.com..........39
Pacific Border RV Park Ltd. ................................... pacificborderrvpark.com..........23
Qualicum Bay RV Park & Campground ....................................resortbc.com..........39
RV Care Network Ltd. ....................................................................rvcare.ca..........15
RV Golf Club .........................................................................rvgolfclub.com..........11
San Xavier Mexico Insurance ........................... mexican-autoinsurance.com..........39
Save-On-Foods/Overwaitea Food Group........................... saveonfoods.com..........48
Trademasters Automotive Ltd ..........................................vehiclesolutions.ca..........19
Travel Guardian Insurance Ltd. ......................................... travelguardian.ca..........20
“George, salt is not good for you;
it’s not in your diet.”
Valley Auto Repair Inc. ................................................. valleyautorepair.net..........10
Winfield Consumer Products, Inc. ..................... huskyliners.com/protect79............9
RVT Publisher’s Life & Times:
Firstly, I apologize to
everyone for the missing
last line on page 30 in the
last RV Times edition.
So with egg on my face,
I now present to you what
Dan said:
“I recently paid $4.03 a gallon in Blaine
for gas and the pumps locally are advertising $1.52 a liter to fill up our truck.”
Secondly, a special Congratulations
goes out to Darlene Poitras of Langley
BC for being the winner of the husband
and wife dolls I had at my booth at the
Snowbird RV
Show in September. There were
319 of you in the
draw, so your
odds were pretty
good, but unfortunately there was
only one winner.
Had to keep that
husband and wife
together - right? I
might have gone
through three
marriages myself, but these dolls don’t
follow my pattern for sure!
In 2014, the Earlybird RV Show is
scheduled for February 20-23 so do
come by my booth there and then and
try again. I did up a bagpiper doll for
the Sooke Fall Fair, and he won a first
place blue ribbon so I decided he will be
the draw doll for that Show.
The rain that happened during the
Snowbird RV Show brought many new
folks to see us. Many had never been to
an RV Show before, so that was GREAT.
Actually there was an increased attendance every single day! One gent expressed appreciation for this magazine
and when I said Thank You he stated
that I did not realize what his appreciation really meant. He said he is a very
critical person and he could not find
ONE thing to criticize in The RV Times!
I said I felt like I had just graduated!
Something happened as a first at that
Show and it was an INVITATION for
a stay at Golden Village, in Hemet, in
one of their condo units, for a week in
January. Working out the details still
6
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Handsome knitted Bagpiper Doll for my
draw at my booth at the
EarlyBird RV Show next February 20-23.
but looks like it just might be the week
starting with Jan. 19! I might drive
down - if the weather in WA and OR is
not too snowy! Will see. I didn’t realize
Golden Village has units for folks without RVs! This is very exciting for me.
On page 11 in this edition, we have
a new advertiser, RV Golf Club. For all
of you who use their services, will you
give me feedback on how happy you
are please? They sure seem like a nice
couple.
On October 5th I joined many, many
others at Audrey O’Dell’s home in Ladysmith, helping her celebrate her 80th
birthday. Audrey and her late hubby
Digger (Len), and late son Rick, were
an active part of my life in the early
1970’s when I was a student at the Royal
Jubilee School of Nursing in Victoria.
Another student invited me to join her
one weekend in attending the
Western Speedway Races. She
knew some of the racers and
after the races were over we
joined them in the pits. There
I met the O’Dells and the rest
is part of my interesting past
history! Audrey and Digger
remained good friends with
me over the years, even when
they lived in Ucluelet, BC. My
contact with Rick was much
more sparse as we went in
different directions.
October was extra busy this
year. Had a Thanksgiving with
my daughter and her family,
and then another one with
good friends in Victoria. Also
enjoyed a couple of Birthday celebrations for my son, and for three grandchildren who turned 18, 16 and 8. My
how time has flown by.
Weekend after that, and after I went
to press with this edition, I was off
to Allen Texas for a three day event
called A View from the Edge. More next
edition.
So even though I am still without an
RV, I am still travelling around. Might
be via airplane and cars right now, but
that’s still better than me sitting at home
twiddling my thumbs - right?
I joined two other Sooke Harbourside
Lions gals in the Run for the Cure that
happened at
the University of
Victoria on
October 6th.
We walked
the five km
course but
still felt very
proud of
ourselves!
I want to L-R: Josie Masi,a tired me, Linda Mooney
wish you all a VERY HAPPY
HOLIDAY SEASON this
year. Make sure all your
family gatherings are fun
times!
Stay happy!
Luv ya, Sheila
oney
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
7
LettersFROM READERS:
London Bridge:
We enjoyed the story in RVT 154 July/August, on page 16, about Lake Havasu, but I
think you will find that the London Bridge reconstructed there is 182 years old, not 2000
years old, as claimed in the story.
Although there were previous bridges on the same site in London, the bridge, which
was transported and rebuilt in Lake Havasu, was constructed in 1831. It’s still a great
attraction and the story of Lake Havasu’s creation was quite remarkable.
Steve Howell
Victoria, BC
Integrity Counts Bigtime!
Here is an example of how one company treats its customers.
We are the second owners of a 2007 Arctic Fox travel trailer and discovered we
had some dry rot on the interior paneling of the back wall. This trailer was made by
Northwood Manufacturing, in La Grande, Oregon.
It so happened we passed through La Grande recently so we made an appointment
with Matt at Northwood. Justin and Matt came and looked at the area in question and
pronounced “worst case scenario - $1,500 to repair it”. We said, “Very well, go ahead.”
Upon arrival to pick it up, imagine our surprise when they said they found the cause
of the problem and were taking 100% responsibility for the repair with no cost to us!
This trailer is five years out of warranty and we are not the original owners. Northwood
could have lied about the cause and handed us a bill, but they didn’t. We have found such
acts of the highest integrity and honesty are rare in today’s business world. Needless to
say, when it comes time to trade up to a newer model it shall be a Northwood product we
choose. It is not a wonder they have made over 50,000 units.
Thank YOU Northwood!
Terry Ezart
Surrey, BC
The Worst Resort:
We recently had the worst experience of our lives.
I would not recommend this Resort to anyone. We have stayed there numerous times
in the past, but this time was different.
We reserved two sites for a weekend for ourselves, and our adult children. When we
got there, the sites were covered in broken bottles and nails from pallet fires. The campsite
number posts were rotted away or nowhere to be found, so we had to guess which sites
were ours. There were no fire-pits, and all the picnic tables were rotted out or destroyed,
and the sani-dump was roped off.
When we complained about these issues to staff and management of the resort they
said, “So what do you want us to do about it?”
The manager said he was too busy renovating rooms to worry about building picnic
tables for the campsite.
We asked if they could at least rake the site of glass and nails as we had our 22-monthold grandson with us and were afraid of him getting cut. Their response was they would,
if they could find someone to do it.
Their whole attitude was very demeaning to paying customers. The only reason we
didn’t cause a stir was because of our family being with us. They finally raked, but didn’t
pick up the glass, then delivered a beat-up table from three or four sites away from us.
We wrote them a letter of complaint asking for a refund. The manager ignored our first
email, then said it was against his policy to refund for a bad experience.
No wonder this Resort is for sale. We will not camp there ever again unless the new
owners start taking pride in offering good service.
I know Sheila likes to only print the good experiences, but if you want to know the
name and location of this Resort, just email me.
Rick Neveaux
Courtenay, BC
ricellen59@uniserve.com
8
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Recommendations:
In December of 1996 I purchased a
1990 32-ft Fleetwood Bounder on a 1989
GMC 454 chassis. The original owner had
it from 1990 to 1995, using it as a summer
cottage and accumulating 3,000 km.
The second owner (1995-96) had
installed six new Michelin tires and a new
Onan generator, bringing the motorhome
up to 20,000 km, which is when I
purchased it.
The first thing I did was flush all of the
fluids (engine, transmission, differential,
power steering, brake and cooling
systems) as well as adding a tachometer
and a transmission temperature gauge.
In the summer of 1997 I travelled from
Aldergrove BC going through all of the
Canadian provinces. I spent three weeks in
Newfoundland, returning home through
the northern USA, now showing 45,000
km. Aside from doing oil, lube and filter at
5,000 km intervals, the motorhome never
missed a beat the entire trip.
At 73,000 km I had a Banks Exhaust
System and Aurora HT Leads installed.
After that was done, my fuel economy
went from between nine and 10 mpg to
between 10 and 11 mpg with a noticeable
performance and running improvement.
At 128,000 km I noticed a slight leak
at the radiator. On closer examination
I found corrosion between the radiator
tanks and core. I went to Cool-It, the heat
transfer specialists in Abbotsford BC and
spoke with Steve (owner), Adam and Bill,
all very competent staff. I agreed for them
to build a new radiator with larger cores,
as well as a heater core, water pump, new
hoses and belts.
I wish I had that done years ago. The oil
pressure increased at least the thickness
of the needle (1/8 in.) while I was driving
in the hottest conditions of the Osoyoos
BC area. When I shut down after any
hot run, the engine compartment was
noticeably cooler. As well, the engine cools
down much quicker. All of this will most
certainly add to the life of the drive train.
The mileage is now 144,000 km and the
motorhome is still going strong.
Heat is a killer to any engine and drivetrain component. Performing lube, oil
and filter at 5,000 km intervals, as well as
paying careful attention to all your gauges,
in most cases will prevent you from having
breakdowns on the road.
If anyone is interested in a more detailed
confirmation of service records that have
worked well for me, please contact me.
Doug Olson
olsondoug31@gmail.com
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
9
More
Letters:
Washington State Ferries:
BC Ferries should take a lesson(s) from its WA counterpart.
During an August road trip, my wife and I were startled by the pleasant service and
low pricing offered by this division of WA DOT.
We, too, encountered smiling, helpful personnel. We could hardly believe the $15 fares
we paid for ourselves and our pick-up to travel first from Coupeville to Port Townsend
and later from Bremerton to Seattle.
(We understand there is no charge for reservations, rather, a refundable deposit is
collected in advance and later applied to the fare.)
On our June trip from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and subsequently from Comox to
Powell River and down the Sunshine Coast, we twice paid more than four times that
amount.
Sure, the Washington State ferries are 60 years old, don’t enjoy big terminals or have
video game lounges, fancy carpets or dining rooms but is all that really required?
Aren’t we, both residents and tourists, just trying to get from point A to B?
Wouldn’t it be wise to trim the extras in order to avoid further fare escalations?
We believe the BC Government should give serious consideration to re-gaining control
of BC Ferries to eliminate highly paid executives who can’t seem to control pricing, or
consistently deliver friendly, effective service either. Perhaps the smiles of customers
happy with a “new” basic reasonably priced service will rub off on them and everyone
will be happier?
John Parrot
jsparrott@shaw.ca
Pacific Marine Route, Vancouver Island:
We had a wonderful RV vacation on Vancouver Island. Our focus was the Pacific
Marine Route. Thanks to Derrick, Lee, Shirley and Rosie who responded to my request
for information in The RV Times.
In reality the drive can be done in one day. We did it in three days - stopping at all view
sites and camping spots. This allowed us to get a good feel for the vast forest and this
beautiful part of Vancouver Island.
We found the BC Parks signage very poor. This led us to many interesting adventures,
rough road drives, and through parks looking for the camping sites. We ended up dry
camping at two BC Parks sites - Stoltz and Mystery China camps. Both sites were well
taken care of with “out-houses” and drinking water by tap or pump.
We stayed three nights at Sooke River Campground, a private site with new
management. We recommend this campground. The location worked well for us to poke
around Sooke, loving the “boardwalk” and “Whiffin Spit”. The next day we had a lovely
day meeting up with family in Victoria, which was just a short drive from Sooke.
I was very impressed with how much help RV Times readers were in responding to my
letter in The RV Times. (RVT 155 page 10.)
Sue Tucker
sue@tuckermedia.com
604-576-2824
24 HR. ANSWERING SERVICE
Fax: 604-576-2815
AUTHORIZED
WORKHORSE DEALER
valleyautorepair@telus.net
www.valleyautorepair.net
17902 ROAN PLACE, SURREY BC V3S 5K1
10
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Shaw Direct Satellite Dish:
I just wanted to let everyone know I am
very disappointed with Shaw Direct also.
Last year I did not go south for the
winter but I purchased a new Shaw dish
and receiver to take with me this winter
and I now find out it will not work down
in Arizona!
I have also phoned Shaw about this with
the same results as other people.
I would just like to thank Dan Wiens
from Digital Electrical Systems for his
letter on page 12 in the last edition. When
I finish this letter I will be writing Shaw
one also, but not as pleasent.
Thanks again Sheila and keep up the the
good work.
В Gary Sargeant
gsarg@telus.net
Help Needed:
I am looking for assistance in selecting a
vehicle to be towed behind my motorhome.
Can anyone help me out here?
Don Fish
fishdbill@gmail.com
Don,
If you go to the dinghy towing guide at
www.motorhome.com you will find the answers you need as it has tow guide archives,
in case you don’t want a new vehicle.
Marcel Desjardins, Sales Manager
O’Connor RV Chilliwack
1-877-912-3909
Dually Valve Kits:
I was reading the letter of Mr. Greig
Tyrell in the May/June issue, regarding
dually valve extender problems. (Tire
Warning, RVT 153 page 10.)
I too had problems with leaking screwon valve extensions on my Class C rear
duallys.
After doing some research I found a
place in California selling what is called
Dually Valve kits. These are installed by
tire dealers to replace the existing valve
stems, which are hard to reach to check
tire pressures.
I’ve had them on now for four years
with no problems. I had a local tire dealer
in Newton Surrey install them and they
had no problems. There are detailed
instructions in the kit.
I also have the Hawkshead tire pressure
monitoring system on just my rear duallys,
because if the inner tire goes flat it’s
sometimes hard to tell.
Larry Whiting
lwhiting@shaw.ca
At It Again:
Sheila, I had to laugh when you said
you are RV-less still, but still happy too!
Not us! We sold a Class C old goody
after a month or so, and a wonderful trip
on the David Thompson Highway.
Too old, we thought, but guess
what? I saw this old Dodge Campervan
and once again we succumbed to the
wonderful possibilities of travel and
adventure!
Bob is 82, and I am 85 now, and we
are both thankful for our good health
Dorothy Wilson with her 10th RV!
and the ability to “follow our bliss “ from
our daughter’s acreage here in Alberta.
This is our tenth RV, and we are very pleased with it, so far. Sheila, it’s your turn now!
Dorothy M. Wilson
tubbytry@gmail.com
Dorothy,
I do agree with your statement: Sheila, it’s your turn! Over the years I have been
RVing in tent(s), tent trailer, travel trailer(s), camper, homemade camper van(s),
Class C, Class A, and a bus conversion. Have yet to experience a 5th wheel or a
professionally-constructed campervan, but who knows what the future will bring
eh? I haven’t given up yet. All the above RV experiences did come with the gent of
choice (at the time) and I must admit, some of the best times in each relationship did
happen during our RVing journeys. Sometimes the only entertainment available was
our own conversations, which often did not happen at home when TV and busy times
abounded. So I too do have some great memories.
Dorothy, I’m a Gemini, and seem to have the ability to be happy most anywhere!
Sheila T., RV Times publisher, etc
sheila@rvtimes.com
Incorrect Advise:
In edition 154 July/Aug, on page 20 Hilda Born states that when visiting the Tulip Festival near LA Conner WA one can merely park right beside the road.
We have lived here for decades and the onslot of traffic has caused law enforcement to
ticket casual parkers, I believe due to all the congestion and associated accidents.
To doublecheck, call Skagit County Sheriff ’s office at 360-336-9450 to ask. I believe
parking on the side of the road during Tulip Fest brings a hefty fine, so beware.
Ed Bishop
dnif@wavecable.com
Safety Advice and Free Matchmaking
for Mexico Road Trips:
Many thousands of snowbirds make
their way annually from Canada and the
US to Mexico. Many RV and many more
drive to warmer destinations and sunnier
climates. Often travelers are nervous with
reports about drug cartels and have opted
to stay home while others just “couldn’t”
winter in any other destination.
Called Mexico road travel experts, Bill
and I have been driving extensively in
Mexico for 25 years and offer plenty of
advice to make your road trip safer and
easier.
We also offer a matchmaking service,
Travel Buddies, for people who want
to drive together for security and
companionship.
For safety’s sake we suggest drivers read
up on the basics for Mexican driving. Don’t
drive at night. Get out of border areas as
soon as possible. Start your drive days
early. Informed travelers are safer drivers.
Bill and I started the Travel Buddy
service for Mexico road travelers five years
ago and it is free.
It lists newbies, caravans as well as
experienced drivers that enjoy showing
new travelers the roads.
We are pleased that there are drivers
that just want to share Mexico with others.
It is an amazingly beautiful and diverse
country.
Travel Buddies helps build skills
and gives confidence to others.
To sign up for the Free Travel Buddy
service, simply send an email to dot@
ontheroadin.com and answer the
following
“Five Magic Questions”:
Continued on page 12
Enjoy RV parking in hundreds of beautiful
private locations all over North America
for one low price.
(800) 520-0757
www.rvgolfclub.com
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
11
Last
Letters:
1. Name, 2. Which border will you cross? 3. When will you likely cross that
border? 4. What is your destination? 5. How do people contact you? (Facebook or
Email?)
We have helped hundreds of travelers over the years become informed and have a
wonderful vacation. You can see Travel Buddies on our website at www.ontheroadin.
com. Bill and I were given the “Real Heroes of Mexico” honour. We have been writing
and traveling the country for over 25 years and have visited all 31 Mexican States over
a dozen times each. We are currently on a 3-month road trip in Mexico (Oaxaca right
now) and can be reached on our Mexican cell at 322-294-4979 or email.
Dorothy Bell
dot@ontheroadin.com
See Grins RV, Hwy 80, San Martin, CA:
We are presently touring central/ Southern California with our 5th wheel.
Saturday evening we pulled in to our remote campsite at Cache Creek Regional
Campground, Yolo County near Sacramento. To our dismay, we discovered our slide-out
wouldn’t function, blocking access to the refrigerator and pantry. No problem, we have a
manual crank. Unfortunately, the crank apparatus appeared to be disconnected.
The campground host suggested we might get help the next day, Sunday, from Camping
World on Hwy 80 in Vacaville.
We weren’t really surprised to learn Camping World’s service department doesn’t
operate on Sundays. While pleasant and helpful, the Camping World clerk couldn’t
tell us whether or not their service department could even assist us on Monday, saying
there was maybe only a 10% chance they would have time and he wasn’t sure they would
service or repair a slide-out.
Next door to Camping World in Vacaville was a sales department of See Grins RV.
A salesman advised us See Grins had a service department in their San Martin store
12
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
a few minutes south on Hwy 80. While
that service department was also closed on
Sundays, we were told a service tech, Dan,
would be on site to address any pressing
matters.
We proceeded south on Hwy 80 to the
Leavesley exit and to See Grins RV on
Arroyo Circle.
Frankly, given it was Sunday and we
weren’t very hopeful.
We found Dan, the service tech,
explained our predicament, and the next
thing we knew he had us backed up to
his huge shop - a former Wal-Mart. First
Dan and his assistant repaired the manual
crank - a cotter pin had fallen out. After
some testing Dan determined the power
to the slide-out switch had failed. In short
order he replaced that power and we were
ready for the road and our next campsite.
Like those at Camping World, Dan
and See Grins RV could have easily said
“Sorry, our service department is closed
on Sundays”. Instead, Dan and his assistant
chose to jump in and help two otherwise
stranded and concerned Canadian
travellers.
Based on our brief, and very positive
experience, we would happily recommend
See Grins RV and their service department.
John & Sharon Parrott
Richmond, BC
My Gravity Lesson while Winterizing my RV:
Since 2001, we had an old 1986 Empress 26 ft motorhome. It was a very simple water
system in it. To winterize, I had ready access to the water pump and ran a tube to a jug
of RV antifreeze; simple.
Earlier this year the old Empress was starting to have issues that happen with 200,000
km’s so we got a new motorhome, a 27 ft. 2008 Jayco Greyhawk Sport. Love it. But it
has a water system that has a control panel of various shut off valves to run the various
functions.
Today was the day to winterize so I got my jugs of RV antifreeze, read the manual,
hooked up my “custom hose piece” of cut hose with the female left on, screwed it to
the city water connector, put the other end in the RV antifreeze jug and turned on the
water pump, and nothing happened. My pump was running and running but nothing
was getting sucked up to go through the lines. I couldn’t figure out why it was not picking
it up.
The manual said something about priming and it discussed shutting the valves for the
low point water tank drain open and closed while running the pump. That didn’t work
either.
So I phoned the brother-in-law who has had experience with different trailers in the
past five years. He came over and I showed him all the things we had done and water
heater bypass was correct etc. Everything looked good.
So we go outside to the connector and the panel and the first thing he did was take the
RV antifreeze bottle up on his shoulder, we stuck a funnel in the end of the RV antifreeze
pick up “custom hose”, he poured it in and I went inside and turned on the water pump.
Well the system started to pick up the antifreeze right away and pink was pouring out
of the faucets immediately. Needless to say I was very happy, so we ran the antifreeze
through all the lines and drains.
I should’ve thought of needing gravity and the whole suction situation from siphoning
gas in the old days where, whatever you were siphoning from had to be up higher than
the tank you were draining in to. This sounds so simple, but I forgot it today.
So remember, if you go to pull the RV antifreeze into your system, and you turn on
the water pump and nothing happens, get the RV antifreeze jug off the garage floor and
up it in the air above the hose connector point on the side of the trailer, and pour the
antifreeze down the hose piece toward the water connection. Turn on the pump and it
will take the pink fluid and send it through the lines. Just a reminder.
Lain Strathern
Lain.s@telus.net
Wheelchair Lift:
For a great number of years, my wife Delores and I RV’d all over Canada, Northwest
Territories, Yukon, Alaska and the western United States. Over the years we had several
types of RVs including hardtop campers, truck campers, motorhome, 5th wheels and
more recently a 24 foot Cougar trailer.
Approximately three years ago, Delores suffered a severe stroke loosing her total right
side and her speech. With much physiotherapy and speech therapy she has regained
some mobility and some speech. She still really struggles however and she is virtually in
a wheelchair all during her waking hours. She resides in a care home as she requires 24
hour care.
This however has not totally stopped our enjoyment of camping in our recreational
vehicle. The trailer has two doors, one to enter the coach and the other to enter the front
bedroom. Through research, I was fortunate in learning of a lift that could be installed
on the trailer; that with some modification, lifts Delores from the ground level up to the
floor level of the trailer (using the bedroom door) while sitting in her wheelchair. With
help, she then stands and steps into the trailer.
When I purchased the trailer, I had Country RV of Kelowna BC install thick plywood
behind the wall paneling so I could install several grab-bars for Delores to hold onto as
she enters the trailer, and also in the bathroom.
When in the lowered position, the chairlift platform folds under the trailer and out of
the way. There was a need to obtain an over-width permit for BC and Alberta as the total
width of the unit now exceeds the 8 ft. 6 inches by an insignificant amount of about two
inches. However that’s the law.
Can Am Mobility was able to order the lift from the manufacturer in the US and install
it. I thank both Country RV and Can Am Mobility in Kelowna for their help. Without it
we would not be able to continue to enjoy
our RVing experiences.
Al Harrison
Ath12@telus.net
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
13
The Historic
Oregon Trail
A Glimpse of Early RV Life
By BRENDA-LEE THOMPSON
www.writeslice.com
My feet are killing me. The low sage branches have ripped the hem of my calico dress,
and my face is gritty with dust and sweat. Worst of all, after yesterday’s funeral, I
can’t stop thinking about who we will bury next along the trail. I thought the life I
left a month ago in Missouri was hard - but this feels too much to bear. The hours
of walking every day are grueling and I’m starting to feel sorry that I ever left home.
When we started this journey, I set out with a picture in my mind of the promised free
farmland. This picture was of a lush green valley, but as the weeks pass, the colours are
fading. Today I’ve been carrying one of the small children who couldn’t keep up with
our walking pace. Our horseback guide just fell back to tell us that we have a high pass
to cross before we can stop to set up camp tonight. . .
It’s here in my dream that I snore myself awake from my nap. I am relieved to
find that it is not the year 1850 and I am not walking the Oregon Trail. Rather, it
is October 2010 and I am driving the Oregon Trail. My husband, Adrian, and I left
Canada a few days ago and are heading south with our RV for the winter. We’ve just
passed through Pendleton, Oregon headed for Jackpot, Nevada on Route 84.
With Arizona as our destination this year, our travels take us through Oregon, Idaho
and Nevada. Out of curiosity, we find ourselves stopping at several of the roadside rest
areas to read the Oregon Trail information posted at the monument sites.
The monuments are open-air structures with displays including stories, pictures
and journal excerpts from people who trekked this way in search of a better life. I
found their accounts very touching. After visiting a monument, and as Adrian and
I returned to our vehicle to continue our travels, we took these people and their
accounts with us as our companions. We often drove in silence as we thought about
Bernardo Shores RV Park
20% Off ALL Rates this WINTER!
35’ x 45’ spacious sites with brick patios & privacy hedges
Full hook-ups, 30/50 amp, 2 vehicle side-by-side parking
Free Wi-Fi
Propane Delivery available
Walking/Biking Distance to
Beaches
Overlooks Bird/Wildlife
Sanctuary
Minutes away from MAJOR
Tourist Attractions.
info@bernardoshoresrvpark.com • 619-429-9000
500 Hwy 75, IMPERIAL BEACH, California 91932
www.BernardoShoresRVPark.com
14
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
what we had just read, about how this
leg of our RV journey is very different
than these travelers of long ago...the
original RVers.
In a small way our motivation to travel
is similar to the pioneers in that we are
both escaping harsh winters; however
we are escaping for recreation and they,
out of necessity, were escaping for the
sake of life and prosperity. Along the
road beside us roll endless foothills with
gnarly sage scrub as far as the eye can
see. I tried to imagine what my travels
would have been like if I had been part
of this historical caravan.
Instead of air-conditioned comfort,
I would ride in a wagon with nothing
between me and the elements but a
canvas cover. That is, of course, if I were
lucky enough to ride in the wagon. The
end of my travel day would have entailed
gathering wood for a fire, opening trunks
and barrels to procure ingredients for
dinner, and finding a source of water
so that we could boil coffee and do the
dishes. The ultimate finish to the evening
would be to sleep on the ground with my
well-worn and dusty blanket. This is a far
cry from now, when I will end the travel
day with the convenience of a restaurant
meal and all the comforts needed for a
good night’s sleep.
Because of the need for water and
firewood, the route for the pioneers
followed the main rivers and streams
along the way. Those brave souls striking
out would have left home in Missouri
(maz-urrah, as the locals would say) in
the spring, around April or May, as soon
as the trail would be dry from the spring
runoff and the grass was starting to
grow to fuel the animals. Those making
the trek in one season would spend
four to six months covering the 2,000
miles from home to the promise of free
farmland in the Willamette Valley.
The perils of their journey speak to us
in the names of certain areas of the trail,
such as Poverty Flat Road and Dead Man
Pass. The trek was fraught with dangers,
including risk of exhaustion, hunger,
native Indian attacks and accidents,
such as drowning in the attempt to cross
rivers. However the worst threat, which
claimed the most lives, was death by
disease. Many, many families arrived
at their destination short a husband,
mother
or
child.
These settlers
could not have
known
how
different
the
travel would
be a mere 160
years
after
their incredible
sacrifice. As we
drive along now in our comfortable truck cab and knowing
that we tow our home with all the comforts and conveniences
we desire, I look to the landscape alongside us as we drive and
see the ghosts of our fore-travelers. Their shadows look back at
me, faces brooding with a mix of hope and weariness.
Apart from the many historic monuments along the way,
the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a
wonderful place to experience the history of the trail (www.blm.
gov/or/oregontrail). It is located five miles east of Baker City,
Oregon, on Highway 86; Exit 302 on Interstate 84; 125 miles
northwest of Boise, Idaho; 95 miles southeast of Pendleton,
Oregon. This Center is a 23,000-square-foot complex, which
houses the stories of the Oregon Trail participants. There are
exhibits, special events and dramatic performances, which
bring the era to life. The original interpretive wilderness trails
and Oregon Trail “ruts” are maintained and preserved by the
Bureau of Land Management and a volunteer group called
Trail Tenders Inc.
Baker City itself also boasts an historic downtown area,
which has preserved the old west as it was. “If y’all can stay for
a stretch”, there are two RV parks located in good proximity to
enjoy all that the area has to offer: Mt. View Holiday Trav-LPark (www.mtviewrv.com) and Oregon Trails West RV Park
(www.traveloregon.com).
If your schedule doesn’t permit a long visit, make a point of
stopping briefly at one or more of the Oregon Trail Landmark
rest areas along the highway. These rest areas are marked with
a brown sign displaying a covered wagon. It takes only a few
minutes to read the journal excerpts, which are posted, but
their impact may stay with you for much longer. Stop and have
a visit with the original RVers! e
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
15
Gathering of RV’ers at Laguna del Tule RV Park in Melaque, Jalisco.
RVing in MEXICO
BY PAUL BEDDOWS
Paul is past president of the North American Truck Camper Owners Association (NATCOA)
and a frequent contributor to Truck Camper Magazine.
There have been several articles in this magazine over the years regarding taking
an RV into Mexico. Canadians, by far, make up the bulk of seasonal RV’ers south
of the border, especially on the mainland.
First some notes on safety and the fear factor. This question always comes up first
and has to be dealt with.
The three main rules that should be followed are:
Do not drive at night,
Do not boondock alone, and
Do not resist if you are robbed or hijacked.
You will inevitably face a barrage of comments from friends and family and other
RV’ers you encounter in the US on their way down. They will range from “You will
be robbed”, to “You are traveling into a war zone and will be murdered.”
Your biggest risk is being robbed, and that is not really a huge risk either if you
take care. Mexico is not a war zone, anymore than the United States was a war zone
during prohibition. Then, as now, the violence was mainly concentrated in certain
areas and directed to participants in criminal activity. Most murders in Mexico are
16
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
targeted, and your chance of being done
in by some random nut is probably less
than it is in the US and Canada. Nearly
all tourists harmed in Mexico turn out
to have been involved in the drug trade
in one way or another.
Anyone who tells you that taking
an RV into Mexico is hassle-free and
100% safe is exaggerating or deluding
themselves. Regardless, the rewards, in
my opinion, far outweigh the negatives
and potential risks. Thousands do it
annually without any problems, but
there have been incidents and the odd
hijacking. You should always check and
find out where the potential trouble
spots are and try to avoid them. At the
current time, the state of Tamaulipus,
Camped on the beach at Hotel Mirador,
Playa Huatabampito, Sonora.
the Acapulco area, and of course, Cuidad Juarez, should all
be avoided. You should also plan your crossing in such a way
that you can get a couple of hundred kilometres south the first
day. For those on the west coast, I personally like the Nogales
crossing, since it is largely a toll highway directly south, and
there is a convenient Walmart on the US side to overnight at.
If you cross at 8 a.m. you will be in San Carlos before 6 p.m.
including paperwork stops. You can easily return via Lukeville
further west, which is far less crowded.
So what is involved in spending a winter season in Mexico?
I will deal with the things you should know one at a time.
LANGUAGE:
Speaking some Spanish or at least attempting to speak
some will go a long way with regards to how people
view you in Mexico.
You will, however, find you may manage quite well without
it, provided you speak English. French Canadians who only
speak French have a much more difficult time, and this is
one reason most of them stick to caravans. In my opinion
one should take at least basic Spanish at night school before
attempting to RV there.
MONEY:
It is a good idea to enter Mexico with about
$50 - $100 in pesos.
This will get you through day one until you can locate an
ATM. You may need pesos for any toll-booths you encounter
and for fuel. Most large supermarkets have ATM’s, I usually
stock up on more pesos at the first grocery stop. Both
Scotiabank and HSBC have a lot of ATM’s in Mexico and
using these two will avoid service charges if you have an
account. Keep an eye on how much is deducted from your
bank account. Two years ago I had 3,000 pesos show up as
$3,000 dollars.
SHOPPING:
Mexico is well equipped with large supermarkets: Mega,
Walmart, Sorianas, Leys, and Bodega Aurrera to name a few.
You will have little difficulty in finding food. Some items
that are hard to find include Diet Pop (except coke) and
multigrain breads. Ant traps are impossible to find, and you
may well need them. You will find pretty much everything
else plus a lot more additional items you are not familiar with.
Keep in mind that there are agricultural inspection stations
between some Mexican States and you may have fruits and
vegetables confiscated. You need to drink bottled water, and
large tanks of it are available everywhere. Try to find one with
a screw top cap. They are easily refillable for about a dollar.
Use a filter on your fresh water supply when hooked up. The
blue in-line ones available at Camping World or Canadian
Tire will remove a lot of bacteria and prevent sediment from
getting into your tanks.
FUEL:
All fuel in Mexico is handled by the
state-owned Pemex Corporation.
Fuel prices in the 2010/2011 season averaged around 70
cents a litre Canadian for gas and about 75 cents for diesel,
and were consistent across the country. Gas stations are
everywhere. ULSD diesel is still not available except close to
the border and this is a concern for those with newer diesels
that require it. I think it will be at least two or three years
before it is widely available. Many people with late model
diesels take their chances anyway. I have seen some fitted with
add-on tanks, some mixing US diesel and Mexican 50/50.
Chances are if you are not venturing too far south, four or
five tanks of Mexican diesel will cause you no problems. If
the truck is under warranty, you might not want to mention
to a buyer at home that you have taken it into Mexico. You
should be aware that diesel pumps in Mexico are black and
most stations will only take cash.
Mexican gas stations do not sell propane. For that you have
to locate a separate vendor. These are often located on the
outskirts of most large town and they are able to refill your
tanks. Quite often they will also come around the RV parks.
ROADS and HIGHWAYS:
There are two basic types of highway in Mexico:
the Libres and the Cuotas: Free and Toll.
I always advise first timers, especially, to stick to toll roads
whenever possible. Many are up to US Interstate standards.
They are not cheap. Charges are calculated based on the
number of axles. A vehicle with duals counts as two axles. The
most economical RV from a toll road point of view is a truck
camper on a single rear axle truck. They pay the same as a car.
A dually towing a single axle trailer will pay twice as much.
One has to keep in mind, however, that you are also buying
insurance. Towing is free and so are some repairs. Always
keep your receipts. Although they can seem expensive, you
may find it can cost you almost as much to take the free
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
17
road due to long slow windy sections,
greater distances, speed bumps, small
towns, etc. All those increase your fuel
consumption and raise your risk of
having an accident.
MORDIDA:
Everyone has heard stories of having to
bribe police officers and this practice
is still widespread.
It is quite possible that most of you
will likely encounter it at least once on
your trip. It is illegal to pay a bribe. You
seldom see it with Federales anymore.
A recent purge of dishonest cops and
better pay has all but eliminated it. It
is another story with municipal and
transit police. The first piece of advice
is to smile, even shake their hand, and
do not appear irritated. I have found
the best initial strategy is to pretend you
speak no Spanish. They will sometimes
give up in frustration. If you obviously
did nothing wrong, tell them you will
follow them to the station and pay the
fine. This will often result in a warning.
If they speak English, another tactic
that worked this year for me, was to tell
them how much I loved their country
and how I tell all my friends to RV here,
and so on, heaping copious praise on
Mexico. In that particular instance, I
was actually in the wrong. He let me off.
Mexicans are very proud of Mexico and
this strategy will often make them feel
guilty about shaking you down. If all else
fails, ask the officer for his identification
and write down his information. If the
ticket is bogus, he will likely back off.
You should make every effort not to
hand over any cash unless he provides
you with a receipt containing his name
and badge number. Some people say
take his photo. I would really not advise
doing that. If you are in the wrong, pay
the fine and get a receipt. Don’t try to
buy them off for a lesser amount, as it
only encourages the practice.
I have not always followed my own
advice in the past. On one occasion,
when I had serious doubts I could
manoeuvre my rig into the narrow, tight
streets of the town, I asked the officer to
pay the fine for me. I assume it went into
his pocket.
18
INSURANCE:
Your US or Canadian insurance is not valid in Mexico.
You will need to purchase Mexican Insurance, both collision and liability. Brokers
are located all over border towns on the US side or you can do it online before you
leave home. You can expect to pay about $100 for every $10,000 of value insured.
A good insurance company will provide an English-speaking lawyer if you get into
trouble, and may give you the option of having your vehicle repaired in the US if it
is drivable. Some reputable companies are San Xavier, Lewis and Lewis, Don Smith
and Sanborns. Unless you plan to travel for less than a couple of weeks, the most
economical policy is for six months. You also need to ensure the policy is valid for
all areas of Mexico in which you plan to travel. If you live in BC, ICBC will rebate
your BC insurance for the time the vehicle is in Mexico. For this reason I always
insure vehicles I take to Mexico for both Liability and Collision with ICBC rather
than private collision coverage.
If you insure a trailer, camper or 5th wheel privately, you may want to inquire
beforehand whether they will rebate you. You will need to save campground
receipts, toll receipts and your vehicle entrance and exit permits to prove you were
in Mexico continuously during the period in question. I find I break even at about
four months, especially if I put storage insurance on vehicles left at home.
If you do find yourself in an accident, your first phone call should be to the
insurance company. If the police are present they will interpret for you. Being
involved in an accident in Mexico is far more of a hassle than having one in the US
or Canada. This is why I always advise carrying a cellphone, which I will discuss
later in this article. If you are involved in an accident, you can expect your vehicle
to be impounded until things are settled. You may even find yourself in jail at
some point, especially if injuries are involved. This is why you will need the lawyer
provided by your insurance company.
VEHICLE PERMITS:
Mexicans just love paperwork.
This means that you really have to have everything prepared before crossing the
border. You will need originals of all vehicle registrations. If your truck is leased, or
is a company-owned truck, you need notarized permission to take it into Mexico,
even if you are the company owner.
Having copies of all your documentation is also advisable. If possible, also carry
a copy of any original sales agreement.
You should also have a copy of Mike and Terri Church’s Mexico Camping book (see
www.rollinghomes.com). This is the bible of Mexican RVing and contains valuable
information on individual crossing points, along with locations and descriptions of
many Mexican RV parks. No Mexican RVer should be without a copy.
A vehicle permit is required unless you are traveling to Baja or remaining
in northern Sonora State, known as the hassle-free zone. Permits are issued by
Banjercito and you have to locate the appropriate office which is often 10 or 20
kilometres south of the border on the main highway. You will be required to have
vehicle registrations, a driver’s license, and a credit card.
Unless you have obtained one beforehand, the first order of business is to locate
the immigration desk and get your six month tourist card. As soon as you do this,
look for the usual copy booth and make copies of it. They will ask when you move
on to the Banjercito window to get your permit.
If there is no copy booth they will usually do the copy themselves. A vehicle
permit will be issued for your truck and any other vehicles, like a tow car. This costs
around $40 per vehicle for six months. If you have a trailer, scooter, etc, they will
generally add those to the same sticker. It is possible to get a 10-year permit for the
RV itself, but I advise against it. If you sell your RV and then try to re-enter with a
new rig, you will have no end of hassles.
My advice is to copy all documents they issue you and, if possible, scan and email
them to yourself. I also do this with all my vehicle registrations so I can access
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
copies on the road in a worse case scenario. I now carry a small portable scanner
and printer with me. Banjercito will also take note of your credit card number and,
if you do not return with the vehicle, you will be charged duties. If you replace
a windshield, make sure you salvage the piece with the permit affixed. Another
reason I email a copy to myself, is just in case I am unconscious from an accident
and unable to do that.
Upon leaving Mexico, you have to return the permit at the same Banjercito or
a Banjercito at another crossing. They will remove the permit, scan it, and take a
photo of your VIN tag. If you declared a trailer, scooter, or any other vehicle, make
sure they are aware of them. They will issue a receipt. Do not throw it out. If you
return the following year make sure you have it with you, just in case. Be careful, not
all crossings have a permit station.
CARAVANS and TRAVEL BUDDIES:
There is nothing wrong with using a caravan for your first trip into Mexico.
Most of those on the Mainland are French Canadian, however. There are a few
RV parks that are organizing a caravan to their particular park. The two that come
to mind are Celestino Resort north of Matzatlan and La Penita RV Park north of
Puerto Vallarta. You may have to commit yourself to one month or more at their
RV Park. I think you will see much more of this as time goes on. Another option is
to form your own. Many people are doing this for at least the first two or three days
after crossing the border. Some websites offer matching services. For example, www.
mexicotravelbuddies.com has a calendar where you can place your dates and routes
for others to see. Mike and Terri Church’s website at www.rollinghomes.com also
has a matching service, as does Dot Bell’s website at http://www.mexicoroadtrips.
com.
RV PARTS:
RV parts are pretty tough to find in Mexico.
While you cannot cover every eventuality, I would recommend an extra sewer
hose and the fittings, a spare water pump and spare 15 amp to 30 amp adapter. All
of those items are quite inexpensive and essential.
If you want to spend the money, a spare fridge circuit board is nice. Electricity in
Mexico varies widely and I have seen more than one RV with a blown fridge board.
You can live without a water heater or a furnace, but not a fridge. Camping
World sells a good power protector for about $275 that will protect your electrical
system. Other than that, I would recommend running the fridge on propane only.
Looking for a place
to hitch-up?
In a pinch you can always put a post on
www.rv.net or www.mexicorvforums.
com and see if anyone still in the US is
headed your way, if you require a part.
If you are traveling in Baja, try www.
bajanomad.com. I had a new sewer hose
delivered to me this way two years ago.
If you can manage the room, an extra
tire, off rim, is a good idea. Certain sizes
can be hard to locate in Mexico. An extra
fuel and oil filter is also a good idea.
RV PARKS:
There are close to 500 RV parks or
campsites in Mexico, most will have a
vacancy, and there is no need to reserve
except at the more popular ones.
That was not the case a few years ago,
but travel is down considerably. Not all
are suitable for larger rigs, but many
are. A high proportion have high speed
wireless Internet, some have pools and
many have full or partial hook-ups.
Most are listed in Mike and Terri’s
book along with their co-ordinates.
There is an overview map at www.
mexicorvforums/map.html of their
locations. Rates run from $10 a night
up to about $25. A typical monthly rate
for a full hook-up Park on the west coast
would be $400 to $600 per month.
Most people head for a favourite west
coast or Yucatan park and spend the
entire season there. This is a mistake.
There are some wonderful parks in the
interior. They can offer welcome relief
from the heat and humidity of the coast,
RADEMASTERS
T
Truck & RV Towing Experts
• ALL 5th Wheel & Trailer Repairs
• Driveshaft Disconnects
• Tow Bar Installs
• Braking Systems
• Truck Boxes
• Lube Pumps
• Rock Guard RV’s
• 5th Wheel Hitches
• Inside Cargo Trailer
44467 Yale Road West, Chilliwack BC (Across from O'Connor RV)
www.vehiclesolutions.ca
1-877-TRUK TOY (878-5869) • 604-792-3132 • Fax: 604-795-7525
trademasters@shawcable.com • OPEN Monday-Friday: 8-5, Saturday: 9-5
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
19
especially later in the season. A couple of personal recommendations are Haceinda
Contreras near Mazamitla, Jalisco; Roca Azul at the west end of lake Chapala; Villas
Tepetapan in Catemaco, Veracruz. There are also some wonderful colonial cites to
explore like San Miguel Allende, Patzcuarro and Guanajuato.
GPS:
BICI Maps produce GPS maps of Mexico for the Garmin and Magellan.
Garmin now includes Mexico Maps with its North American Updates and these
now appear to be superior to BICI maps. Tom Tom also has Mexico maps. None
of these is up to the same standard as Canada/US offerings, but can be very useful,
especially in conjunction with RV Park co-ordinates from the Church’s book.
Microsoft Streets and Trips also have quite detailed Mexican Maps. Even if you have
these, I highly recommend purchasing a Guia Roji Mapbook, available at most large
Mexican stores (eg Mega or Walmart).
HAZARDS to your RV:
The biggest hazard is the Tope.
This is a speed bump and Mexicans love them. You will find them both in towns
and on main non-toll highways. Most are marked, but there is always the unmarked
stealth one hiding in the shadow of a tree. You do not want to hit one at high speed.
Expect at least three of them, every time you approach any town, no matter what
the size.
Small towns can also often present streets that are impossible for large RV’s. Low
hanging trees and arches are a constant hazard. If you think it’s doubtful and have
a tow vehicle or a scooter or even bikes, it sometimes pays to scout out a route first.
I carry a set of collapsible tent poles. I have tape around the bottom such that
when I hold it at eye level, the poles show my clearance. They have saved me from
trees and archways I felt sure I would clear, on several occasions. A good trick when
approaching a town you have doubt about is to follow a bus through. If they can
make it, you can. If you have a TPO vinyl roof, it is a good idea to have a roll of
eternabond tape with you in case you snag it on a tree.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Do not take your Canadian cellphone to Mexico.
Even if it works, roaming charges are extremely high. Mexican cellphones are
вќ– Single Trip / Annual Plans
вќ– No Age Restrictions
вќ– Broker for 15 Different
Insurance Companies
Travel Guardian Insurance Ltd.
1-888-310-7505
www.travelguardian.ca
20
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
relatively cheap. However, in my opinion
the best option is ATandT’s GoPhone.
This may be purchased for about $15 at
Walmarts in the US. It offers 10 cents a
minute in the US or 25 cents a minute
in Mexico. That includes incoming and
outgoing calls to the US and Canada.
If you have free Canada-US calling
on your home phone, you can simply
forward your number and people can
just dial your normal number to reach
you, rather than a long distance call
to Mexico. Call display allows you
to screen whether or not you should
answer. It comes with Voicemail. You
can load it up with a $50 prepaid card
good for six months or $100 good for a
year. It utilizes the Telcel network which
is pretty much everywhere. To call
North America, simply add +1 in front
of the area code.
Other options include Skype or
MagicJack. I have had a lot of success
with MagicJack in RV parks with DSL
service, even over wireless. Magicjack
comes with Voicemail and it will email
you a wave file of the message. You can
now have a BC number assigned to it.
A cell gives you service in your vehicle
and access to local Mexican emergency
services.
A TelCel internet stick runs about
$40 a month. I have never needed one. I
have found Wi-Fi in Mexican RV parks
is even more common than in the US.
Both satellite radio services work
in Mexico but Sirius will work further
south than XM. Shaw Satellite (formerly
Star Choice) works throughout Mexico;
Bell ExpressVu does not. The American
Disk and Direct services also have issues
as you go south.
In conclusion, RVing in Mexico is
certainly not for everyone, but it provides
a whole new world of experience for
those who have exhausted, or are tired
of, what is available in the US and
Canada.
For Snowbirds, it offers a cheaper and
warmer alternative to the Southwest or
Florida.
For those who are nervous newbies,
consider a caravan for your first trip, or
buddy up with some experienced old
timers. Nice to have someone else to
review things with at day's end. e
Life in an RV Park
By Dennis Begin
In Canada, one of every nine Canadians owns some type
of recreational vehicle. The majority of these owners
generally use their RV’s from May through October.
There are, however, thousands of snowbirds who travel to Southern California or
Arizona to spend winter is the sun. Some of the more popular snowbird destinations
are Hemet, Palm Desert, Lake Havasu City, Yuma, Tucson, Apache Junction, Mesa
and Casa Grande. Year after year many snowbirds return to the same RV Park,
expressing a feeling of having a home away from home.
RV Parks fall into three categories:
1. Overnight parks for RV’s only.
2. Combination RV Park and park models with short term RV sites.
3. An RV Park with short and long term stay, combined with permanent park
models/trailer residences.
Fort Victoria
RV Park
вњ” 300 Hookups вњ” Water/Sewer/Electric/TV
вњ” Free Showers вњ” WiFi & Modem Access
вњ” Laundromat вњ” Sani-dump
In the early years of our RV travels, it was exciting to visit as many places as
possible over three months as the years passed, and we visited many of the major
tourist sites. We are now content to spend most of our winter in two places. With the
cost of RV’ing continuing to increase, staying longer in one park is also a practical
way to reduce costs. The longer you stay in one place, the cheaper the costs.
After visiting numerous parks in the Tuscon area, we selected Cactus Country
on Houghton Road, just off I-10 and located in the southeast part of the city.
Cactus Country is part of Adventure Bound Resorts, based in Florida. The park is
managed by Kim and Dan Workman, with a very capable staff of seven. The park
has a combination of both park models and 260 RV sites, along with a tenting area.
Some of the facilities include: heated pool/spa, fitness center, library, horseshoe
court, shuffleboard, laundromat, desert garden, recreation hall, picnic/camping
area, dump station, private mail boxes, cable, internet and a doggie park. Cactus
Country is typical of most full service parks, providing amenities for comfortable
living throughout the winter months. Fry’s grocery store and Costco are only a few
miles away, with a major mall on Speedway.
Life in a RV Park has its own routine, with a social director responsible for
planning daily activities. A myriad of activities include a camera club, bible studies,
cigar aficionados, billiard tournaments, quilting and sewing, yoga, line dancing,
bingo, card/scrapbook making, aerobics, jewelry making, a golf club, hiking club,
cactus garden and karaoke. Food always plays a major role with pizza night, potluck, dessert auction, coffee and donuts, omelet breakfast and fish night. Special
events include: Movie Night, Texas Hold’em, Casino Night, Mystery Murder Night
and Saturday Night Dances. Bus or car trips are arranged to local casinos and the
Triple T Ranch. There is no pressure to join any club or get involved in any activity,
as participation is left to the individual. If you want to sponsor a club or activity,
you will be encouraged to provide the leadership. Many guests participate in setting
up/running the numerous activities. If none of these activities are of interest, there
is the opportunity to help at the local Food Bank. As a result, the winter weeks
pass quickly with friendships developing among the RV’ers who travel from across
Canada and the United States. Adventure Bound claims that 84% of their guests are
repeat customers and that includes our friends.
Friends/family back home often ask, “What do you do for three months?” Believe
me, there never seems to be enough time to be a tourist, complete the routine chores
and take part in various activities.
RVing provides a unique opportunity to experience new places, make new friends
and appreciate that RVing is more than just owning a home on wheels. e
вњ” City Bus
вњ” Salmon Fishing Charters
вњ” Playground
вњ” Whale Watching Tours
Just 6 km from City Centre
340 Island Hwy,
Victoria BC V9B 1H1
250-479-8112 • Fax: 250-479-5806
info@FortVictoria.ca
www.FortVictoria.ca
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
21
By CATHERINE DOOK
The Hero
We woke up in Valemount in the
Rocky RV Park and Campground to
a splattering of rain on the roof of our
van.
“Did you hear the thundering and
lightening and train whistles last night?”
John asked.
I opened one eye. “I’ll tell you what
I didn’t hear,” I said. “I didn’t hear the
whine of mosquitoes.”
I kissed my husband good morning.
“Darling, I’m very proud of you.” We’ve
been married nearly 16 years, and the
night before had brought out a ruthlesshunter side to my husband I’d never seen
before. Naked from the waist up, his
blue eyes darting wildly in all directions,
and with a look of determined fury on
his face, John can snatch a mosquito out
of the air with one hand and squash it
into a grease spot before it knows what
hit it. We’d slept the night surrounded by
a litter of mosquito corpses, and not one
whine had I heard though I’d strained
my ears to listen. Naturally, I thought all
this machismo was terribly sexy and I was reluctant to get out of bed, but John said
he wanted breakfast, so after I got dressed I pulled out the frypan and campstove and
prepared a feast of bacon and eggs and beans. If John Darling could slay mosquitoes,
I could humbly and submissively cook food.
Now, I’d been complaining about the evils of meat glue for over 500 km, and I
noticed to my consternation that the strips of bacon I’d bought for our trip WOULD
not brown, but lay in the frypan like so many large pale worms. Not meat glue, but
surely something as dreadful. But John gobbled his breakfast without a murmur of
complaint. The wholesale slaughter from the night before must have worked up his
appetite. I washed up the dishes, then came back from a garbage run to find the van
motor on and John sitting in the driver’s seat.
“This a hint?” I asked with a grin.
“It might be,” he said. “Jasper next, then Grande Cache.”
Upon driving past the entrance of the RV Park, we came across Anne Lee, who
with her husband Philip runs the campsite. We’d met them on our last trip north
and liked them very much, so I asked if I could have my picture taken with them.
“Kim chee,” Anne said as the photograph was snapped, and I laughed. All my Korean
friends love kim chee.
As we drove away, John snatched a mosquito out of the air and crushed it, then
switched hands on the steering wheel faster than I could follow and squashed
another bug against the driver’s side window, leaving a mortal smear as a warning to
other presumptuous insects. I sat breathless with admiration.
After a few more kilometres, there was a vacuum of insects on John’s side of the
van and only a few of them whining on mine. The spider, who had taken up residence
by the windshield, crawled out of an air vent to look at me reproachfully, before
disappearing along one strand of his web. Just then John noticed that the centre
panel of the console had joggled loose again. He �tsked’ and began fiddling with it
with his right hand, then he dropped the steering wheel and slapped a mosquito to
death against the window with the other.
I cleared my throat.
“My darling,” I said, “Perhaps you could leave the console until we park.”
“But it’s loose,” John said. He sounded aggravated, like Rambo might have had he
found a problem with one of his machine guns, such as a loose decorative plate or a
scratch along the barrel.
“It’s not going to actually fall off,” I argued.
“True,” John said, and he concentrated on his driving for awhile.
We turned east onto Highway 16, and before we knew it we were abreast Mount
Robson and the start of the Rockies. Along the highway lay giant boulders, cast by
the hand of God. The rivers we crossed were all swollen and greenish-grey. They
we drove through clouds and we could see the first
snow-capped peaks.
As we drove across the Rockies, the highway closed
in and folded upon itself. Moose Lake stretched for
miles. John killed so many mosquitoes, the body
count was up to 12 by Jasper.
At the park entrance the young woman attendant
said, “Hello, Bonjour,” as if she meant it, and we were
charmed, but as John unrolled the window to talk to
her at least four more mosquitoes flew into the cab.
John rolled the window up as fast as he could and
the van lurched forward. Grey striated mountains
sat heaved up from the earth, then peaks, jagged
and wonderful. We slowed down in the wildlife zone
to gawk at the view and watch four molting goats
unconcernedly nibble grass on a steep bank by the
Catherine with Anne & Philip Lee at
Rocky RV Park and Campground in Valemount, BC
22
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
RV
R E S O RT
A
Win WARD
ning
Park
A Parkbridge Lifestyle Community and Resort
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: 10% OFF daily visits for the
month of January when you present this ad.
Spacious sites • Contemporary facilities • Beautiful landscaping
Stroll the beaches, walk the Lochside Trail,
explore nearby vineyards, restaurants, museums, bookstores.
Close to Butchart Gardens, plus BC & Washington Ferries.
10 minutes to Sidney, 20 to Victoria
3000 Stautw Rd, Saanichton BC V8M 2K5
Tel: 250-544-0508 • Fax: 250-544-0565
oceanside@parkbridge.com • www.oceansideresortrv.com
Problems with your
RV Fridge or Cooling Unit?
Our Execuvan parked at Rocky RV Park in Valemount, BC.
highway. John recommenced killing mosquitoes and fiddling
with the console.
“Province of Alberta,” the sign read, then a little further,
“Distracted Driving Law in Effect.”
“I know they mean cellphones,” John said, “but do they
include looking at mountains?” He swatted at a mosquito.
“Missed,” he said, then he reached for the console and poked
at it once or twice.
“I’m pretty sure they include killing mosquitoes and
adjusting the console,” I said. “Just sayin’.” My husband gave
me an embarrassed glance. “So quit it, my love, because I’ll
testify for the prosecution.”
We turned north onto Highway 40. two km short of Hinton,
then gunned it towards Grande Cache.
“Three quarters of a tank of gas,” John told me, swatting at
another mosquito.
“Green sign. A hundred and forty-one km to Grande Cache,”
I said, reading. I looked at my map. “Grande Cache is on the
same latitude as Prince George, Darling. Do you know what
this means?” “No,” John said.
“Our neighbour Richard bet $20 we wouldn’t make Prince
George, but if we can get as far as Grande Cache, he’s lost
the bet. Go for it, Honey.” I leaned forward. My mosquitoslaughtering and console-fixing hunter-gatherer husband in
our rattletrap van was my hero. “Go for it.” k
Providing Dependable
Repairs for RV Propane Fridges.
Performance GUARANTEED!
HILLSTREET PROPANE
608 Railway Ave, Enderby BC
250-838-9540
www.hillstreetpropanerv.com
COME SPEND TIME WITH US
AT A FUN & FRIENDLY PARK!
Indoor Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub, Guests‛ Lounge, WI-FI
RATED BY TRAILER LIFE/GOOD SAM
IN 2009 AS ONE OF THE
TOP RATED RV PARKS
IN NORTH AMERICA!
SUN!
To read more from Catherine Dook, take a look at her
boating book called Offshore ($18.95)
available from oberonpress.ca.
Her other two novels,
Darling, Call the Coast Guard, We’re onFire Again ($15.95)
and Damn the Torpedoes ($16.95)
are published by
Touchwood Editions and can be ordered by calling
1-800-665-3302.
7 yeraarnty
war
40% more Sunshine/
30% less Rain than Vancouver
FUN!
67–175A Street, Surrey BC V3S 9T7
Phone: 604-538-1727
Toll-Free: 1-866-333-1727
info@pacificborderrvpark.com
www.pacificborderrvpark.com
Check our online VIRTUAL TOUR
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
23
24
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
25
RVing the
DEH CHO Route,
with a side trip to
Yellowknife
By Wilbur Collin, Edmonton AB
Between August 3rd and 15th, my wife Edith
and I traveled the DEH CHO Route with
our RV rig.
The DEH CHO (which means Big River) is
properly named in that it transverses several
of the largest rivers in Western Canada,
including the Peace River, the Mackenzie
River and the Laird River, all considerably
26
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
bigger than the North Saskatchewan River which
runs through Edmonton.
The DEH CHO is a circular route through
North Western Alberta, the NWT, and North
Eastern BC. Some of the main towns along the
route are: Grande Prairie, Fairview, Valleyview,
Peace River, Grimshaw and High Level in Alberta,
plus Enterprise, Hay River, Fort Providence,
Fort Simpson and Fort Laird in the North West
Territories, and Fort Nelson, Fort St. John,
Dawson Creek, Hudson’s Hope and Chetwynd in
British Columbia.
Edith and I began our tour in Edmonton on
Sunday, August 3rd. Our rig consisted of a 30 RKS
Holiday Rambler Savoy fifth wheel and a 2500
Dodge Ram truck and our first stop was in the
Lions RV Park in Peace River. This park is run by
a very friendly retired RCMP who taught me two
new card games!
The following day (Monday) we traveled north
from Grimshaw to High Level, AB, where we
stayed in the excellent Aspen Ridge Campground,
and later drove to Fort Vermilion which has the
distinction of being “where Alberta began in
1788” with the establishment of a trading post.
Fort Vermilion is surrounded by good farmland
and excellent crops, which are a joy to see by an
old farmer like me.
From High Level we traveled north stopping
at the well-stocked 60th Parallel Visitor’s Centre,
and then north toward Enterprise, stopping
at the Twin Falls Gorge Park. The Twin Falls
Gorge contains two spectacular falls, slightly
over one km apart. Our first sop was a viewpoint
overlooking the three-tiered Louise Falls. From
the viewpoint we took a metal spiral staircase
100 steps down and a wooden staircase 135 steps
down to the crest of the falls where the Slave
River drops 50 feet into the gorge. From there
we proceeded along a path to Alexandra Falls,
which is even more spectacular than Louise Falls
– which drops another 50+ feet into the gorge.
Next we drove on into Hay River where we
stayed in the Hay River Territorial Park, which is
one of four Territorial Parks in which we stayed
during our trip. We stayed in them more or less
because there is almost nowhere else to camp,
except in very primitive campgrounds. We had
made a reservation via the Internet, a month
earlier.
From Hay River we backtracked to Enterprise.
Just north of Enterprise we stopped to view
the spectacular Lady Evelyn Falls near Kakisa
River. The falls can be viewed by walking down a
staircase to a platform just above the falls.
Leaving
the
DEH CHO route,
we traveled north
crossing the new
DEH CHO 1.1
kms long bridge
over the Mackenzie
River and onto Fort
Providence where
we stayed in the
Fort
Providence
Territorial
Park
on the north bank
of the Mackenzie
River. While Fort
Providence is an
old
community,
there
are
few
historical edifices
in the community,
so not much to see
or do there. But we
did have dinner at
the Snowshoe Inn
and
Restaurant
and it was there we
first learned about
the DEG CHO
Edith beside the monument to bush pilots, Yellowknife, Aug 9/13
Passport program.
From Fort Providence we travelled north on a fairly good paved road to Behchoko
– a settlement combining Edzo and Rae where we drove over a large steel bridge over
the Frank Channel of Great Slave Lake. Not long after starting north we encountered
our first large bison bull crossing the highway – on HIS terms.
From Behchoko
to
Yellowknife
the road is very
rough with a
great number of
dips and ridges.
Even though we
travelled
quite
slow, we broke
a
considerable
number of dishes
and appliances in
our fifth wheel,
something
we
have never ever
done before in
our 18+ years
and 100,000 kms
of RVing all over
North America!
While
in
Yellowknife, we
enjoyed touring
the
unique
Legislative Buildings and learning of
the NWT’s unique legislative system,
touring the Prince of Wales Northern
Heritage Centre, Fireweed Gallery, Old
Town, and much more. Even though
the NWT is the third largest diamond
producer in the world, shipping out
more than $125 million worth of
diamond every Wednesday, we were
somewhat amazed and disappointed
from the fact there are NO facilities
providing information about diamond
mining, diamond cutting, polishing and
setting, etc. anywhere in Yellowknife.
The only information available at the
Diavik Diamond Mine Visitors Centre
was videos about how outstanding an
employer the Mining Company is. All
the literature we had indicated we would
be able to visit “the new diamond display
showcasing the diamond industry of the
NWT.”
Not So! That ended several years ago
and has not been restarted. We did enjoy
dinner at the famous “Wildcat Café” in
Old Town though.
After spending three days in
Yellowknife, we backtracked on
Highway 3 to the junction with Highway
1 and headed west toward Fort Simpson.
While the road is mostly gravel, it was
considerably smoother, that is as far as
Below: Louise Falls, NWT, August 2013
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
27
Alexandra Falls, NWT,
August 2013.
lined with chainsaw carvings
from the previous years –
120 or more in all. Another
worthwhile side trip.
From Chetwynd we left
the DEHCHO route traveling
on Highway 97 over the Pine
Pass to Prince George.
The weather throughout
the trip was excellent – warm
and sunny.
For the 4,000+ kilometres
we experienced no problems
with our fifth wheel, other
than the breaking of the
dishes and appliances.
Fuel prices were somewhat
higher in the NWT and
BC, but that was expected.
Overall we averaged slightly
more than 15 miles per gallon
(5.3 kms per litre). Thus the
cost of fuel was about 25 cents
per kilometre.
While this was an enjoyable
trip for us, I wouldn’t
recommend
the
Fort
Simpson part to anyone who
is not experienced with gravel
roads. If you are prepared for
rough roads and take your
time, it is well worth the cost.
k
an RV is concerned, than many of the paved roads. The only major problem on the gravel
road was the tremendous amount of dust that just hangs in the air whenever you meet another
vehicle. The good thing is that we met only about six to seven vehicles in the whole 200+ kms to
“Checkpoint” where Highway 1 to Fort Simpson meets with Highway 7 to Fort Laird.
Travelling from Checkpoint to Fort Simpson, we crossed the Laird River on a free Government
of Canada Ferry. It was a short six-minute ride. We checked into the Fort Simpson Territorial
Park on the southern edge of town (population of about 500), unhooked the RV and went into
town stopping first at the Visitor’s Centre. The young man there suggested we drive around
town until we find their historical buildings and we finally found the barn built in 1906. On the
way back to the Territorial Park we stopped at the “golf course” where we noticed a black bear
foraging outside the “pro shop”. Folks there chased it off with a quad!
From Fort Simpson we again backtracked to Checkpoint and then onto Fort Laird 200+
km on a very dusty gravel road south. Again on this road we met less than 10 vehicles so the
dust presented little problem.
We did not stay over in Fort
Laird, but proceeded south,
crossing the 60th Parallel
almost unnoticed except for
the very welcome beginning
of a very good paved BC
highway.
After overnighting in Fort
Nelson we traveled south
toward Fort St John, turning
off just north of the city to
drive to Hudson’s Hope, where
we toured the famous W.A.C.
Bennett Hydroelectric Dam –
one of the largest “earth filled”
dams in the world. It is a tour
worth taking. From there we
traveled on to Chetwynd,
the chainsaw carving capital
time.
of Break
Canada.
Their streets are
Our Savoy Holiday Rambler fifth wheel at the Aspen Ridge Campground, High Level, Alberta.
28
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
GUIDE TO
BUYING AN RV
By RYAN JACKSON
ryanj@oconnorrv.com
My name is Ryan Jackson,
and I have been in the RV industry for 27
years.
Most of my experience has been in
service managing. The experience has
allowed me to gain the skills needed for
customer service and product knowledge.
(A bit of a lost art these days.) Too often,
I see nice people purchase the wrong RV
for them, and trade it in a year later for
the more suitable RV. Unfortunately, that
is a costly mistake, and one that can be
avoided. I have taken the time to write
what I feel is an easy guide to follow when
purchasing an RV. It is designed to help
you pick the RV that suits your needs.
Thank you for taking the time to read it,
and good luck out there!
WHO?
At every dealership you go to, you will
be approached by a sales representative.
There are many different kinds of reps.
Some are pushy, some are passive, some
are not helpful, some are too helpful. Make
sure you build a rapport with your sales
rep, and make sure he/she listens to you,
and is helpful. If you are uncomfortable
with your rep, you are completely within
your rights to ask for someone else.
WHAT?
Before you even go to a dealership to
have a look, you should choose a type
of RV you want to look at. It may be a
motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or
van, Class C, etc. You should be able to
determine this prior to your visit. There are
many occasions where customers come in
with a type of RV already selected, and end
up buying something completely different.
Sometimes this works out, but more often
than not, there is buyer’s remorse. If you
do select an RV for the moment, and
decide you don’t like it, when you go to
trade it back in, you are more than likely
going to lose money on the deal. It is very
important to know what type of RV you
are looking for, and stick to looking at
those types. If you wander around looking
at other types of RV’s, you may end up
with something you didn’t want.
You also have to determine some sort
of budget when buying your RV. RV’s are
generally priced based directly on quality.
For example, a four seasons fully insulated
trailer with all the electric options will be
priced considerably higher than a nonfour seasons unit with limited options.
You need to decide whether price point,
or quality is more important to you, as a
consumer. You also should have a pretty
good idea of what options you would
prefer. For example, maybe a lot of counter
space is important, or a large fridge, or lots
of storage, etc. It is a good idea to know
what to look for when selecting an RV. You
should be able to relay your needs to your
sales rep, and he should be able to take you
to the units that meet your requirements.
WHERE?
Let’s face it. There are a number of
places to purchase an RV. There are
dealers, importing from the States, private
sales, etc. When importing from the States,
you may find getting CSA status at the
border is difficult. Canadian Standards
Association’s rules are much more strict
than US standards. Most manufacturers
have Canadian, and American units. If
the unit you select in the States does not
measure up to CSA standards, it will need
to be adapted to meet those standards, at
your cost. I know of many nightmare RV
import stories, and very few people end up
saving money this way.
Another way to buy is through private
sales. There is a lot of risk involved. There
really are no actual rules governing private
sales. It is basically a buyer-beware type
approach. There is a governing body for
RV dealers called VSA, (Vehicle Sales
Authority) which determines laws an RV
dealer must follow.
Basically, new or used, everything
must work on the RV you purchase, all
information must be disclosed to you, and
the dealer is responsible for the condition
when you purchase it, unless otherwise
noted on the original contract. In other
words, we do mechanical inspections,
repair as necessary, we do RV inspections,
repair as necessary, and detail units before
you pick up your new unit. A dealer also
guarantees an RV to be free and clear of debt.
Also, check the history of the dealership.
Chances are you know other RVers, and
try and find as much information about
the dealership you are purchasing from
as possible. Also, check for stories on the
Internet about other people’s experiences
with that dealer, so you know what you can
expect, or not expect.
WHY?
Why do you want to buy an RV? How
will you use it? Do you want to use it only
in the summer, or maybe in the fall? Do
you want to travel locally on weekends, or
long trips south, or across Canada? These
are all questions you should consider
before even setting out to look at RV’s. If
you have a lot of your own answers, but
are still a little unsure, please use your sales
rep to fill in the rest. Most reps you talk to
have a lot of experience, and you can take
advantage of their insights to help fill in
the blanks.
HOW?
Actually purchasing an RV is a pretty
simple procedure. Basically, you come to
an agreement on a price and put down a
refundable deposit. On the agreement you
can put in subjects. For example, subject
to financing, test-drive, wife (or husband’s)
approval, etc. As long as there is a subject
on the agreement, it is not a legally binding
contract. It is only binding when the
subjects have been removed. All deposits
given are refundable, unless otherwise
specified on the contract. An example of
this is a factory order unit. Financing is
another issue. All dealers offer financing,
and other services that will protect your
unit, such as extended warranty, paint
protection, etc. You should have a pretty
good idea of what you want your payments
to be, if you are willing to put money
down, whether you want to finance at all,
etc. before making your purchase.
All in all, your chances of success are
greatly increased if:
1. You have a good idea of what you
want.
2. You have a good idea of what your
budget is.
3. You trust your sales rep, and the
dealer.
4. Know how you want to pay for it.
5. You make a list of features you
want in your RV, and refer to it while
looking.
If you come into the dealership, and
follow these simple guidelines, your
purchase should be a very great experience,
and you should end up walking away with
the right RV for you.
Happy shopping! k
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
29
PICKLEBALL:
THE PERFECT SPORT?
Sunland RV Resorts serve up pickleball
in California and Florida.
By Susan Schutz
Less strenuous than a tennis
match, more vigorous than a
slide on the shuffleboard, and
faster than a round of golf, pickleball has found
the sweet spot of sport and a devoted following.В In
an ongoing effort to enhance guest experiences,
Sunland RV Resorts is picking up the paddle and giving RVers
a place to play during their stay.
What began as a curious sports mashup in a Western
Washington backyard, pickleball is now one of the fastest
growing sports in the US. Combining aspects of tennis,
badminton, and table tennis, the sport is attractive to both
competitive athletes and casual players. Baby boomers, in
particular, have taken to this relatively new game. A smaller
court and use of a whiffle-type ball means less wear and tear
from excessive running, cutting, and stopping. The close
proximity of players, however, makes it a fast paced and fun
workout.
According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA),
there are over 5,000 official members and an estimated 131,000
players in the US today. Thanks to similar demographics and
easy-to-store equipment, pickleball’s popularity has spilled
into the RV community. RVers can easily take their pickleball
game on the road and play wherever they stay.
“Pickleball continues to gain traction because it is age and
gender neutral. It is a very social, easy-to-learn game that
doesn’t require a lot of equipment,” remarked USA Pickleball
Association Media Chair, Ruth Rosenquist. “If you’ve tried it,
you already know how addicting it is!”
In response to this surge in popularity, Sunland RV Resorts
has served up pickleball at three of its top resorts. Golden
Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, California, Silver Palms RV
Resort in Okeechobee, Florida, and, most recently, Emerald
Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert, California offer multiple
outdoor courts. As the peak winter season nears, each resort is
slated to offer lessons, daily matches, and resort tournaments.
“We are so excited to see how our guests will respond to the
new Emerald Desert pickleball courts,” stated Greg Sidoroff,
Vice President of Operations at Sunland RV Resorts. “Having
these brand new courts, a high volume of pickleball players,
and on-site lessons, it’s looking like a great addition to our
already extensive list of amenities and activities.”
Known as a go-to luxury RV resort for events and
entertainment, Golden Village Palms RV Resort added
dedicated pickleball courts in 2012 after years of using
temporary courts. The response from guests has been
overwhelmingly positive.
30
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
Guests like Judy Dougherty can’t say enough good things
about pickleball and the outdoor courts at Golden Village
Palms. (Photo above.)
“I actually started playing at Golden Village Palms,” said
Dougherty. “I had never found a sport I enjoyed, but once I
started playing pickleball I was hooked! You’re having so much
fun, you don’t even realize you’re exercising.”
The 1,019-site resort features a million dollar sports complex
and sport courts including shuffleboard, sand volleyball, and
horseshoes.
While many RVers may think pickleball is the perfect sport,
the question remains: Is pickleball the sport for you? Here are
a few questions to help you find out:
Q. Are you competitive or do you just like to have fun?
Great, both are welcome! With more sanctioned tournaments
happening every year, there is an outlet for the competitive
of any age. Senior and 50+ tournaments are held regularly
around the country. Emerald Desert, Golden Village Palms,
and Silver Palms will offer a balance of fun and competitive
pickleball events.
Q. Have you ever played badminton, tennis or ping pong?
Doesn’t matter! Whether you’re a seasoned player or are
completely green, pickleball is easy to learn. The rules are
available online at www.usapa.org, along with video tutorials
and news. Each resort will feature their on-site lessons, and
resort staff can offer assistance finding additional teaching
resources.
Q. Do you like individual sports or are you better on a team?
You can do both! Rallying with friends or going solo is
totally up to you. With the smaller court, it is easy for anyone
to play a singles match, and doubles is a fun way to get more
people involved. Sunland’s event coordinators are ready to
help guests get matches going and to plan an array of exciting
pickleball events.
In addition to pickleball courts, the properties all feature
full hookup sites, temperature-controlled pools, outdoor
spas, and fitness centers. Silver Palms, Emerald Desert, and
Golden Village Palms boast spacious clubhouses, on-site event
coordinators, and resort events and activities.
Visit www.sunlandrvresorts.com to learn more about the
pickleball program, to check out Sunland’s upcoming events,
or to book your stay. вќ„
Unique RVs:
Odyssey
By Janos Balogh
Sean and Louise, a couple from
San Jose California, met in 1997 at
a motorcycle campout. They were
married in 2003 and lived in a
downtown apartment enjoying the
busy city life.
It was Sean’s childhood dream to travel in a converted bus,
The finished Odyssey parked in an RV park.
and they had been planning to buy or build a bus conversion,
live and travel in it full-time. They’d been looking for a Neoplan
At the back of the bus is the bedroom with plenty of
Spaceliner bus because it’s like a double decker but the lower
level is a 45” tall huge luggage compartment. The other big cabinetry for hanging clothes, even room for books.
These two engineers designed every part of the bus for as
advantage is that the driver sits on the lower level, the space
much comfort as possible and it shows. Their
above him can also be used.
favourite kind of camping is boondocking and
In 2001 they purchased Odyssey in Irvine
they like to live as long as possible without
CA. It was already a 45’ motorhome but after
turning on the generator. The eight-piece
a while and too many problems, Sean decided
house battery system makes it easy to live
to redesign and rebuild the whole rig. He
in full comfort for days with only the basic
started working on it full-time in the same
system running. If the bus is left parked
year after his Silicon Valley job as they say,
somewhere, the power of the battery bank last
evaporated.
for over a week. The original electrical system
Both of them being engineers, they
The Odyssey gutted.
was almost useless and it has been rebuilt
completely redesigned the bus from the air
by Sean. He kept the original generator but
ride, from the tanks to the interior. Stripping
everything else has been replaced.
and rebuilding the inside plus the RV part
At the time the bus was stripped, they
took until August 2004 when they moved
already thought about solar panels in the
aboard, even though the exterior of the bus
future, so Odyssey is prewired for it and will
wasn’t yet painted. They rented out their San
extend the boondocking possibilities for much
Jose condo and they lived on the bus and have
longer. Even the plumbing has been planned
traveled the country ever since.
for boondocking.
One of the luggage compartments on the
Odyssey’s new finished interior.
There is a separate fresh water tank and
lower level of the bus has two motorcycles in
an extra tank for drinking water. This one is
it, no need to tow a car since both of them
always filled with potable water and filtered
have been avid bikers for a long time.
before you drink it; the non-potable tank can
If you travel with pets you have to care for
be filled from any water source like a creek,
them more than you care for yourself. The
river or well.
bus was designed with that in mind and the
End of the story: a very well built
cats have their own litterbox in a separate bay
motorhome, specialized to the owners’ needs
under the floor accessible from upstairs.
and it could even be up for sale in the near
Over the driver’s seat on the top floor is the
Penthouse with the large front window, two Louise relaxing in the penthouse. future. Last year they just bought a 52’ boat
in Florida and planning to spend a lot of time
leather swivel chairs, the owners’ favourite
on it. It has been out of the water for weeks for
place for reading and relaxing. A settee across
maintenance and repairs. Sean went through
from the chairs makes it a perfect living room.
the boat with a familiar overhaul as on the
Behind the settee is a sofa bed that sleeps
bus, modifying it to their liking. Once it is
two guests if needed. Further down is the
seaworthy, they will move aboard and explore
kitchen. Here is the only propane appliance:
the seas, after the roads and Odyssey goes up
the cook-top. Between the kitchen and the
for sale or they keep it as a Home Base. e
bedroom is the bath with a nice large shower
and a separate toilet.
Two motorcycles in a cargo bay.
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
31
This group shot is from our 30th Anniversary Rally in Kelowna September 6 – 9, 2013. It had a theme of “Christmas in September”.
Would you like
to be a Nut too?
We’re the BC Bus Nuts Chapter of the Family Motorcoach
Association, an organization, which has chapters all over Canada and the United States.
The only stipulation for club membership is that you have
to own a motorhome. It doesn’t matter the size, shape or age
of the unit.
So how perfect is that for a group of individuals with everything from converted 1950s buses to the 24ft weekenders.
We don’t all have buses, we aren’t all nuts and we certainly
aren’t all nuts about buses. What we do have in common is a
love of travel and getting together yearly at rallies to share our
experiences.
Our Chapter just celebrated our 30th Anniversary this year
with rallies in Hope and Kelowna.
32
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
ByВ Diane Salmon
In 1983 the BC Bus Nuts Chapter
was formed with 20 members from
all over BC as well as Washington,
Oregon, Nevada and even California. At that time it was indeed a
“bus-only” Chapter with most of the
rigs being converted into comfortable living quarters by the
owners who were good at carpentry, mechanics and everything in between.
Our rallies are held at least twice a year, spring and fall, and
it gives our members a chance to go to destinations that they
otherwise might have never visited. Within the last five years
we’ve had rallies at Barkerville, New Westminster, Klink’s Williams Lake Resort in Washington, Chase, Agassiz and Hat Creek
Ranch to name a few. Every rally is different and special with
lots of food, games or anything else the hosts decide to do.
So if you would like to be a Bus Nut too, we would welcome
you to join us. For membership information contact Gail Werschler, Secretary-Treasurer at gwerschler@gmail.com. e
Chilliwack Valley Sams
By Lynn Henderson, Secretary/Treasurer/Historian
larlyn@lookieloo.net
The sun was shining and 49 rigs attended the BC Good
Sam Provincial Fall meeting held at Sunshine Valley
on September 9-11 with the host Chapter Chilliwack
Valley Sams arriving a day early to coordinate the event.
Host members were recognized by the yellow “host”
badge they wore. A lot of work and special attention
was given to make this event one to remember. When
each rig arrived, a registration envelope was given, and a special keychain
memento of this event made by Chilliwack Valley Sams was also included.
Tuesday morning coffee and cookies were the start of the day. The first day’s
special event planned was a seminar on RVing the Baja and was well attended. In
the afternoon a rousing game of Bean Bag Baseball brought out all the athletes.
Loud cheering for their teams brought other campers in the park out of their
rigs to watch the game. In the afternoon many gathered around several rigs
for happy hour. In the evening an ice cream social brought out all with a sweet
tooth. A presentation from PADS followed and was held with full attendance.
Two working dogs were brought to demonstrate the good work that PADS does.
Donations were accepted at this time.
Wednesday morning coffee and cookies were again served. A cribbage
tournament was held with many people participating. The Provincial President’s
meeting was held at 10:30am and was well attended. In the afternoon an
RV seminar was given by Chilliwack Valley Sams Chapter member Henry
Kozminski with his assistant and wife Barb. This was very well attended and
lots of questions asked and answered. Henry gave us some very good tips on
safety that a lot of us weren’t aware of.
I was the MC for the evening and told the audience a story of a fellow
Good Samer Larry and I met at a Samboree in Manitoba several years ago
who collected hats. Finding out that Larry and Lynn were the Provincial
Storeskeepers he asked if they had the famous Good Sam Highway hat as it had
been discontinued and was now a collector hat. At each BC Samboree a new hat
was purchased with the exception of this year
in Armstrong. No new hats were available.
Larry and I felt bad and had a hat specially
made and presented it to Tony Cumming.
Wear it in good health Tony.
A catered surprise dinner was enjoyed by
all who attended. The hall was decorated in
fall motif. Fall coloured cloths and leaves
adorned the tables with candle centerpieces
and specially made placemats at each setting.
Each table had a placecard with the name of
the town that each Chilliwack Valley Sam
member hailed from. When arriving for
dinner each couple drew a name and sat at
that table. Each couple got to socialize with
someone they may not have known before.
Dinner consisted of a pig roast, and whole
roasted chickens. The pig was supplied by
Tasty Honkin and was brought in whole,
in an oven on a trailer and then prepared
as pulled pork in front of you as you were
served outside.
The rest of the dinner was served inside and
was prepared by the hands of the Chilliwack
Valley Sam’s members: baked potatoes, mixed
vegetables, coleslaw, Caesar salad, homemade
buns, and apple crisp for dessert. Those that
needed Gluten-free buns and dessert were
also taken into consideration. For an extra
special treat, homemade wine was donated
by Chilliwack Valley Sams members Erla and
Louis and was served by the CVS men wearing
a white service towel on their arm, looking
very professional, I might add. Each Chilliwack
Valley Sam member was dressed in black
trousers, white shirt or blouse and of course
our unmistakable maroon-coloured vest that’s
been copied by others; don’t we feel proud.
After dinner, we were entertained by Joei
Carlton Hossack, author, lecturer, adventurer,
and entertaining speaker. At times you could
hear a pin drop as all listened to Joei tell us
about her adventures to Morocco.
After the entertainment, the charity wine
raffle basket donated by Chilliwack Valley
Sams members was drawn. Also collected
by Chilliwack Valley Sams members were
wonderful door prizes, such as outdoor
fireplaces, folding table and chairs, surge
protectors, BC Good Sam Stores certificates,
and many many more. The night ended with
many compliments for the hard work that
was put into this event.
I wished everyone safe travels wherever
the road should lead them. Chilliwack Valley
Sams, you went above and beyond.
An event not to be forgotten! e
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
33
Spring Break
in a Class C Rental
By Selaine Henriksen
The winter of 2013 in Ottawa was harsh: cold plus lots of snow. So
when March Break arrived it seemed like an excellent opportunity
to try out RVing with the family and head somewhere, anywhere,
warm. Something we’d been discussing and researching as a
vacation option for a while. Admittedly, this winter may not have
been the best for travelling by road in March.
“Let’s head south until it’s 30 degrees,” said Hubby. He should
have specified Fahrenheit or Celsius. Since we were planning to
drive from Ottawa to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, whosoever
heeds these prayers answered in Fahrenheit. We hit Myrtle Beach
and if it wasn’t 30º F, it wasn’t above by much. We huddled by the
heater in the RV, surfing the Internet on our laptops. We were
beside the ocean though, so that was good.
This was our first time renting an RV. Hubby had done his
research and drove two and a half hours from Ottawa to pick up a
30-foot �C’ Class motorhome for $100/day plus 17¢/mile.
A Class C is the type of motorhome with a bed/storage area
over top the cab. The kids fought about who would sleep in the
“coziest’ spot and ultimately alternated nights. The cab contains
a driver’s seat and passenger seat that do not swivel around to
become part of the living area. I had been worried about driving
such a big vehicle. My first attempt was just driving around the
parking lot and I was surprised by how easy it was. It didn’t feel
heavy or awkward. I drove my share on the highway and once I
was used to using the mirrors I had no trouble, even in traffic.
By the time we transferred our luggage from the van into the
RV it was fairly late in the day. Tired from our early morning
I took advantage of the bed in the back while Hubby drove. If
those body shaker, vibration machines actually help one to lose
weight I must have shed five pounds. In my dreams. However, I
did become intimately aware of every jubbly fat cell I own. On the
return trip I found sleeping on the bench seats, rather than on the
back bed, much more comfortable while moving, and certainly
nicer than trying to sleep in a car. The kids loved the jubblyness
(to coin a new word) of it and fought over who would ride on the
back bed.
By bedtime that first day we had only made it to Harrisburg,
PA. We needed to buy groceries and stopped at a Walmart. Then
Hubby’s research kicked in; one of the “little known” secrets of
RV life is that most Walmarts don’t mind if RVs park overnight
in their lots. So we spent our first night in a Walmart parking lot.
Not too bad actually, and there was free Wifi.
One might think that, on a vacation, one would leave the laptops
and Internet behind. One laughs. When travelling with a 12 yearold boy and a 15 year-old girl, Internet access is a necessity. We
bought a Verizon Jetpack as Verizon has greater coverage therefore
Internet access is steady when drivin. That thing likely saved our
34
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
holiday, because, as the cold, icy wind howled off the ocean, we
were still happy gathered around a laptop, watching our favourite
shows, eating popcorn, and just chilling, literally.
The ads for the 30-foot Class C we rented stated it would sleep
seven. There was plenty of room for the five of us. Yes, our family
of four is actually five. One of the reasons we wanted to RV was
so we could bring our dog. He’s a 100-pound German Shepherd
and is effectively a member of the family, although not exactly like
another person. While we were moving, he was only comfortable
when perched on the passenger seat. He was nauseous. He
drooled, he shed half his coat, then some more. We gave up the
idea of not being charged a cleaning fee because there was no way
we’d be able to remove all the fur.
Everyone had a dog at the first campsite we booked into once
we arrived at Myrtle Beach. Being able to bring all the members
of your family is probably one of the main bonuses of RV travel.
It was a lovely site, full of tall pines and only a few blocks from
the beach and main strip. We ended up moving to another site
directly on the beach. Although the cold beach wasn’t the draw,
the heated indoor swimming pool was. All the other amenities
at this site, except the laundry room, were closed “until spring”,
which is what the note on the door of the little store read. I have
to say it felt like spring to us Canadians, but we were looking for
summer.
On top of the cleaning fee, we incurred an additional damage
charge. We had until 2pm to return the RV but we didn’t make
it on time due to a, ahem, snowstorm in the mountains of
Pennsylvania. Which posed its own particular driving challenge.
At one point there was an accident and I had to hit the brakes
hard. The RV swerved a bit and it took some gentle braking to get
stopped but, again, not too difficult.
The damage occurred because even though we had drained
all the water from the tank, it sat over the weekend outside and
freezing damaged the sink. The company was nice enough to not
charge us an extra day.
If we do this again I’d bring one of those little hand-held
vacuums. Good for sand, too. And I’d only have paper plates
and cups, because riding in an RV is loud. Those ceramic dishes
rattle, as did the windows, fit to break. And I’d bring kids who
understand the concept of putting things away after they use them
and that a thing is not actually in the garbage when it is close to, or
upon, the garbage bag. However that may be asking too much. It’s
possible that that gene isn’t developed until one becomes a parent.
Certainly all of our organizational skills were challenged.
Most of all we learned it takes more than a week to travel far
enough south to find summer in March. We all agreed we would
like to make this trip again in the summer, mid-July, perhaps. k
RV SERVICE
RV PARTS
BY RICHARD PERERA, Service Manager
Jubilee RV Centre, Kamloops, BC
BY BOB DAVIES, Parts Manager
Jubilee RV Centre, Kamloops, BC
service@jubileerv.com
parts@jubileerv.com
It’s that time once again for most of us where we’re forced to
store our coach for the season.
It seems there are varying opinions as to the correct steps
required to adequately winterize an RV. The vast majority of RV
owners store their units exposed to the elements year round.
Winterizing goes beyond the obvious draining and flushing of
tanks and displacing any water currently in your lines with quality
RV antifreeze. Too often, roof, molding, and window sealant are
overlooked. I suggest a twice annual check for cracking, gaps,
or any potential points of water entry. While on the roof, check
skylights and vents for cracks and carefully (as not to damage
the shroud) check the AC for movement. There is a replaceable
neoprene gasket between the AC and roof that may not be tight.
A good quality wax, or better yet, a complete paint protection
treatment will go a long way to protecting your paint and
graphics. UV rays are the enemy of most plastics and rubber
components on an RV, therefore, I suggest the use of an A/C cover
and wheel covers when stored. In addition a rubber conditioner
should be applied to all slide seals to keep them supple. Lubricate
all slide mechanisms rails, tracks, gears, with an aerosol slide lube.
I can’t stress enough the importance of thoroughly flushing
your black tank before storage. Beyond the obvious odoriferous
reasons, solids can suspend on the tank sensors causing your
monitor panel to read incorrectly.
Batteries should be removed and topped up to just above the
lead plates with distilled water, then stored inside. Ideally an
intelligent battery charger should be used to keep them at a full
state of charge at all times. This applies to folks with solar also, as
when panels are covered with snow their output will be nil.
A silicone or graphite spray in all door and compartment
locks will prevent them from seizing over the winter. Moistureremoving products go a long way in reducing or eliminating
mildew smells and moisture damage. Place them around the
coach, being sure to place them in a container to avoid spillage of
collected water.
Be sure to remove any and all food products, wipe down the
inside of your fridge and leave the door ajar. Be sure to also
remove any liquid products such as shampoo, conditioner and
toilet chemicals as they may freeze and burst.
Lastly, rodent prevention could warrant an article of its own,
however prevention is the keyword. The best approach is to first
seal all points of entry (silicone, expanding foam, steel wool, etc.)
then remove any and all sources of food or nesting material (paper
products). The last step involves deterrent placed inside around
the perimeter of the coach and in compartments etc. There are
commercial deterrents available as well as methods many folks
have been using with varying success. I’ve heard everything from
dryer sheets to bags of soap, mothballs and even urinal pucks?
I’d avoid using poison or traps, as the smell you may find in the
spring could be hard to remove.
It may seem like a lot of work, however that two hours a year
will protect your investment and keep your RV looking, working
and smelling great in the spring!
Now that the fall season is coming to an end and with winter just
around the corner make sure you spend a little time preparing your RV.
Here are a few things to help keep your RV in the best condition possible
during the cold of winter.
If you have a slide, spray on some slide seal conditioner. That way
when you open your slide in spring the seal won’t “stick” to the side of
your RV. Don’t forget to apply slide drive lubricant. This will help to
protect against any corrosion on the drive gears and drive rails. ProtectAll & Camco have great protection products.
Air conditioner covers are a must to keep any snow and rain from
getting inside the A/C possibly causing damage. If the drain holes in the
roof top pan of the A/C become blocked and the water cannot escape,
that water could end up getting inside the interior ceiling assembly
then draining out into the interior of your RV. Be sure to know the
manufacturer brand of your A/C. There are different sizes for the
different brand makes.
When your RV is closed up for winter storage moisture can
accumulate and cause a musty smell and if left long enough could
promote mold growth. Installing “Dry Air” moisture-reducing products
can help eliminate this potential problem. A new/newer product for your
fridge is “NaturzAire” all natural deodorizer. This product can be used
all year long to help protect your fresh foods by reducing the dampness
of the air inside your fridge. This drying of the air will reduce the
chance of mold, mildew and cross-contamination of flavors and smells.
The package contains 1 “pouch” that can be “re-energized” for longer
product life. Please ask you RV parts or service department for more
information.
For general information when you are in need of a service part,
your RV part/service department will need the information from the
appliance that requires service. As an example, this time of year I receive
lots of calls regarding furnaces. The make, model and serial number
of the furnace is very important. Unfortunately, the year, make and
model of the RV doesn’t help as unlike the auto industry there is no
manufacturer service manuals to reference. The same for your fridge: the
make, model and serial/production number are necessary to properly
determine what part is needed. The more information the better!
I want to thank you for all for your e-mails and comments this past
camping season. I look forward to hearing from you over the winter.
The BC Interior’s LARGEST
RV Accessory Department!
Full line of RV Solar and Inverter Packages.
RV parts shipped throughout Canada.
Phone orders welcome.
We install a full line of
Winegard Satellite Systems!
Emergency drive-by service provided for out-of-town customers.
JUBILEE RV CENTRE: Largest parking facilities in Kamloops.
www.jubileerv.com
parts@jubileerv.com / 250-372-0600
Turn West off Hwy 5 North at the Husky Station
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
35
Why leave that RV sitting in your yard? Confirm an Event, load the RV, fire up the unit and go play!
BC E V e n T s
NOVEMBER
Fairmont Hot Springs, East Kootenay Wine Fest 800-663-4979
Fort Steele Heritage Town Ghost Tours ..............250-417-6000
Victoria Quilters Christmas Quilt & Craft Sale
christmassale@victoriaquiltersguild.org
1-3
Chilliwack Heritage Park, Future West Productions
Arena Cross ......................................................604-799-1474
1-3
Victoria, Cordova Bay Winter Dreams, 981 Sutcliffe Rd
1-3
Nanaimo, Professional Craft Fair, Beban Park ....250-797-6544
2
Mill Bay, Malahat Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre
Gala Fundraiser, Brentwood College ......... malahatnation.com
2, 9, 16 Creston Valley Indoor Farmers’ Market .............250-254-1594
2
Parksville Lioness Xmas Craft Fair......................250-248-0082
2
Victoria, Pacific Rim Potters Show & Sale .........250-382-0974
2
Victoria, On the Ridge Juried Craft Fair, 813 Clarement Ave
2
Victoria, Christmas at the Lake Craft Fair, 5358 Sparton Rd
2-3
Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, First Chance
Christmas Craft Fair ...........................................250-656-0275
2-3
Strawberry Vale Christmas Craft Fair, Comm Hall
2-3
Sidney, First Chance Christmas Craft Fair firstandlastchance.ca
6
Parksville, Timberline Dance .............................250-752-8542
7-14
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival .........................604-266-0245
8-9
Victoria, Calico Christmas, 654 Agnes St ..........250-516-3070
8-10
Chilliwack Heritage Park, Future West Productions
Arena Cross ......................................................604-799-1474
8-10
Coombs Christmas Craft Fair .............................250-724-5674
8-10
Sooke, 3rd Prestige Christmas Craft Fair..............250-642-4419
9
Parksville, Knox Perfect Gift Christmas
Craft Fair: 9:30am-3:30pm, in United Church ...250-248-3927
9-10
Victoria, 38th Christmas Craft Sale, St. Joseph’s
School Gym ......................................................250-474-7060
9-11
Victoria, Creative Craft Fair, Pearkes Rec Cen....250-658-0971
10
Qualicum Beach, TOSH Music Concert ............250-752-6133
11
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADES - everywhere
13
Oliver Senior Centre Fall Tea & Bake Sale
15
Fort St. John, Santa Claus Parade ......................250-787-8150
15
Oliver Soup, Bunwich Lunch, Craft & Bake Sale, St. Paul’s Ch.
15-16 Vernon, A Festival of Crafts, Wesbild Centre on 43rd Ave
15-17 Chilliwack Heritage Park, BC Health &
Wellness Expo...................................................604-792-3407
15-17 Chilliwack Heritage Park, Chilliwack Christmas
Craft Market ......................................................604-392-8888
15-17 Sooke, Christmas Craft Fair + Photos with Santa
15-17 Vancouver, Eastside Culture Crawl ....................778-960-7575
16
Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, Christmas Bazaar
and Craft Fair ....................................................250-656-0275
16
Victoria, The Magic of Christmas Gift Fair,
Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Rd
16
Sidney, Christmas Bazaar & Craft Fair, Mary Winspear Centre
16
Victoria, Eclipsing Star Craft Fair, 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Rd
16
Victoria, Holly Bazaar, 1379 Esquimalt Rd...stpeterandpaul.ca
16-17 Harrison Mills, Eagle Fest at Kilby Park..............604-796-9576
16-17 Victoria, Victorian Craft Fair, Commonwealth Pool, Elk Lake
16-18 Nanaimo Christmas Market, Beban Centre ........250-756-5200
20-21 Honeymoon Bay, Christmas Craft Sale
21
Qualicum Beach, Moonlight Madness in the
Village, 5-9pm
21-24 Cedar & Yellow Point Country Christmas Tour ...cyartisan.com
22-24 Abbotsford Tradex: West Coast Christmas Show
& Marketplace ..................................................604-576-8859
22-24 Langford, Westshore Wonderland Craft Fair,
Eagle Ridge Community Centre.........................250-642-4419
22-24 Parksville, Celtic Winterfest Craft Fair ................250-240-1233
22-24 Qualicum Beach, Elegant Threads, Fibre Art Show
and Sale ............................................................250-951-0178
22-24 Qualicum Beach, The Original Village Christmas
Arts Faire.................villagechristmasartsfaire.artdesignlife.com
1-2
1-2
1-2
36
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
23
23
23, 30
23-24
23-24
23-24
23-24
24
24-25
28
29
29
29-01
30
30
30
30-2
Oliver Craft Show Plus, Legion
Victoria, Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade, 6pm downtown
Creston Valley Indoor Farmers’ Market .............250-254-1594
Kamloops, Homes for the Holidays ...................250-372-9933
Kelowna Christmas Show, Prospera Place
Victoria, Saanich Fair Christmas Craft Fair .......... saanichfair.ca
Whistler Bizarre Bazaar ....................................604-935-8410
Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, Christmas Vintage,
Retro & Collectibles Show.................................250-656-0275
Agassiz Circle Farm Christmas Tour ...................604-796-2235
Ladysmith Festival of Lights .......................... ladysmithfol.com
Summerland, 24th Festival of Lights ...................877-516-1012
Vernon, Festival of Christmas Traditions ............250-542-5851
Victoria, Out of Hand Artisan Fair, Crystal G.......outofhand.ca
Kelowna, Downtown Christmas Light-Up .........250-862-3515
Nakusp Celebration of Light..............................250-265-4234
Vancouver, Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair ..............604-222-6060
Cowichan Lake, December Madness ................250-749-3244
DECEMBER
Oliver, Cowboy Christmas, Rustico Winery
Osoyoos, Desert Model Railroad Open House ..250-495-6842
Vancouver, Retro Design & Antiques Fair..........604-980-3159
Sidney, Nativity Exhibit .....................................250-665-6783
Abbotsford Tradex: Education & Career Fair......604-630-5962
Whistler Film Festival........................................877-838-3456
Ladysmith, Old Tyme Christmas &
Candlelight Walk ..............................................250-245-2112
6
North Cowichan Twoonie Swim - 7-9pm at the Pool
6
Prince Rupert, 17th Winterfest ...........................250-624-9118
6-7
Keremeos Christmas Light Up Parade ................250-499-5225
6-8
Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, Christmas Time Is Here
- Peninsula Singers ............................................250-656-0275
6-8
Silverton, Christmas by the Lake .......................250-358-2719
6-22
Duncan, BC Forest Discovery Centre’s
Christmas Express Train ride ..............................250-715-1113
7
Creston, Santa Claus Parade & Festival ..............250-428-4342
7
New Westminster, Christmas Parade of Lights...604-522-6894
7
Qualicum Beach, Christmas in the Village, 6-9pm
7
Rossland, Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas.........877-346-6104
7
Victoria, Annual Dickens Fair, James Bay Community School,
140 Oswego St., noon - 8pm ................. jamesbaymarket.com
7
Victoria, Santa’s Pancake Brkfst, 471 Cecelia Rd, 9-11:30 am
7, 14, 21 Creston Valley Indoor Farmers’ Market .............250-254-1594
7-8
Christmas in Harrison Mills ..............................604-796-9576
7-8
Vernon, Shoparama Holiday Gift Sale ...............250-542-5983
7-9
Barkerville’s Old-Fashioned Victorian
Christmas ..........................................................888-994-3332
8
Ladysmith, LaFF Breakfast with Santa, Aggie Hall, 8:45-noon
10-11 Dawson Creek, An Old Fashioned Christmas
at Pioneer Village ..............................................250-782-9595
12
Victoria, Christmas Carol Sing Along, St. Andrews
Presbyterian Church, 11:45-1:15 p.m................250-384-5734
13-15 Chilliwack Heritage Park, Auld Lang Sang
Dog Show .........................................................604-882-1490
14
Creston Valley PAWS Christmas Gala ...............250-428-0703
14-15 Abbotsford, Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes
Music................................................................866-977-2372
14-15 Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, Last Chance
Christmas Craft Fair ...........................................250-656-0275
14-15 Victoria, Moss Street Holiday Market, 1330 Fairfield Rd
15
Victoria Downtown Holiday Sale, 638 Fisgard St
18
Oliver Seniors Christmas Dinner & Party, Seniors Centre
N. Cowichan, Winter Wonderland Skate at FLA - 4:30-7:30pm
20
21
Golden, Farmers Christmas Market .goldenfarmersmarket.com
23
Cowichan Lake, Winter Wonderland Carnival ...250-749-6742
27
Victoria, Recycle Your Christmas Tree ...............250-589-7715
31
Radium Hot Springs, New Years Fireworks ........888-347-9331
31-01 Fairmont Hot Springs, New Year’s Gala ............800-663-4979
31
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Most Communities have Dances!
1
1
1
1-8
2
4-8
6
If you had an interesting time and maybe took some pictures too, please write us a story about what you experienced!
AB E V e n T s
1
1-2
1-10
2
2
2
2-3
3
3
3
3-10
5
6-10
8
8-11
9
14-24
15
15-17
15-17
16
16
16-17
16-17
16-17
16-17
17
17
22
22-24
23
23
23
23-24
23-24
23-24
28-30
28-01
28-01
29
29-30
29-01
30
30
30
30-01
2-7
3
3-4
5-8
6-8
6-8
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
NOVEMBER
Lloydminster, Stockade Round Up Commercial Show/Sale
Lethbridge Comic Con....................... lethbridgecomiccon.com
Edmonton, River City Round Up ..............rivercityroundup.com
Dickson, Julestue, Scandinavian Bazaar,
Spruce View Hall ................................................403-728-3355
Lloydminster, Stockade Round Up Ranch Horse Show/
Competition/Sale ................................................. lloydexh.com
Spruce Grove, PEAR – country music ............horizonstage.com
Calgary Snow Show, Spruce Meadows................800-626-1538
Crossfield, Christmas Market and Photos with Santa
Czar, Annual Turkey Supper Fundraiser
Edmonton, Rutherford House Remembers ......history.alberta.ca
Edmonton, Farmfair International Trade Show ...........farmfair.ca
Jenner, Buffalo & District Turkey Supper
Edmonton, Canadian Finals Rodeo ...................................cfr.ca
Lake Louise Opening Day .................................... skilouise.com
Millarville Christmas Market/Show ......millarvilleracetrack.com
Olds, Festival of Trees..........................................403-556-8498
Bon Appetit Banff – 22 restaurants participating
Olds Midnight Madness ......................................403-556-3773
Calgary, Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows...403-974-4200
Edmonton, The Pure Speculation Festival .............. purespec.org
Devon Lions Christmas Gift & Craft Sale .............780-987-3594
Holden Christmas Market ..........................village.holden.ab.ca
Edmonton EXPO Centre, Health Show .............. northlands.com
St Albert, The Country (Juried) Craft Fair
Vermilion Winter Fair..........................................780-853-5358
Victoria, Victorian Christmas Craft Fair, Saanich Commonw. Pl
Leduc, O’Christmas Tea, Rec Centre, 1pm-3pm
Westlock, 20th Christmas Craft Show & Sale
Okotoks, Holiday Light Up .......................................okotoks.ca
Calgary, Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows...403-974-4200
La Corey Craft & Home Business Show/Sale
Devon, Christmas in the Park, 6-9 pm
Lacombe, Christmas Gift Faire, Memorial Centre, 10am-4pm
Jasper, Canadian Rockies Snow Battle ....................jasper.travel
Spruce Grove, Crafters Christmas Sale ...... 780-987-3054x2243
Whitecourt, Westward Christmas Market ............780-779-4343
Lacombe, Light Up the Night Winter Festival ......403-782-1263
Calgary Festival of Crafts Art & Craft Sale, BMO Centre –
Stampede Park ................................................festivalofcrafts.ca
Edmonton EXPO Centre, Christmas Show ......... northlands.com
Leduc, Santa Claus Parade & Family Fun, Arena, 7pm-9pm
Lethbridge, The Big Christmas Gift & Crafts Show
& Market.............................................................403-328-4491
Calgary, Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows...403-974-4200
Cochrane Light Up, 5pm-7pm, Main Street
Josephburg, Christmas in the Heartland ..............780-998-9450
Olds, Country Woodland Christmas Market ........403-556-3770
Lake Louise, WinterStart World Cup Downhill – Men’s
DECEMBER
Leduc Holiday Wreath Display, Civic Centre
Olds, Comedy Banquet .......................................403-556-4042
Red Deer, Jazz Night ..................................................rdc.ab.ca
Edmonton, Butterdome Craft Sale .......................butterdome.ca
Lake Louise, WinterStart World Cup Downhill – Women’s
Vermilion Winter Fair..........................................780-853-5358
Banff, Christmas in the Rockies & Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Light-Up Black Diamond ....................................403-933-4348
Camrose, Christmas Tea, Cookie Walk and White
Elephant Sale ............................................ canadiannorthern.ca
Caroline Christmas Light Up ...............................403-722-3022
High River, Christmas Light Up, Sheppards .........403-652-1128
Hillspring, Cowboy Christmas Ball .....................866-626-3407
Heinsburg Christmas Craft Sale ...........................780-943-2333
7
7
7
7-8
7-8
8
8
8
12
14
14
14
14-15
14-15
15
15
15-21
16-24
17
21
23-25
25
25
25, 31
27-05
31
4
4-5
8
11
11
11-2/9
18
19
17-18
17-26
17-02
18
18-19
19
19
24
24-26
24-02
25
25-26
25-26
26
26
29
1
1
1
1-7
5
8
14
14-23
17
28-02
1
Leduc, Family Christmas Crafts @ Library ............780-986-2637
Okotoks, Christmas at the Hive ...........................403-995-0830
Plamondon, Festival De Noel
Didsbury, Rosebud Run Sled Dog Classic ........... rosebudrun.ca
Spruce Grove, Luminaria .......................... 780-987-3054x2224
Grande Prairie, Ol’Fashioned Christmas, Heritage Village
High River, Baroque Christmas Around the World, United Ch.
Rocky Mtn House, Fur Trade Christmas, Historical Site, 12-5pm
Red Deer, “Fire and Ice” Centennial Closing
Ceremony and Lantern Parade ............................403-340-2013
Leduc, Razzle Dazzle Christmas Tree Making .....780-986-2637
Okotoks, Christmas at the Hive ...........................403-995-0830
Spruce Grove hosts Jimmy Rankin of the Rankin Family!
Gibbons, A Prairie Christmas ........................ prairiegardens.org
Sidney, Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair...firstandlastchance.ca
Lake Louise, Heavy Metal Rail Jam - for skiers/snowboarders
Olds, Christmas 4 Everyone ................................403-556-4042
Okotoks, Spririt of Christmas at the Art Gallery
Edmonton, Santa’s Arrival & Photos at Southgate Centre
Leduc, Family Chit, Chat & Craft @ the Library ...780-986-2637
Spruce Grove, the McDades – Celtic Christmas ..780-962-8995
Lake Louise, Santa Family Photo Days ................. skilouise.com
Banff, Santa Shreds for Free - day pass for all in full costume
Pincher Creek, Santa on the Slopes, ski 11am-3pm
Lake Louise, Torchlight Dinner & Ski .................... skilouise.com
Calgary Winter Carnival - Gasoline Alley Museum
Lethbridge, New Year’s Eve Family Fest ........ exhibition park.ca
JANUARY, 2014
Pincher Creek, Alpenland Demo Days - of ski equipment
Didsbury, Rosebud Run Mush Rush .................... rosebudrun.ca
Banff, Toonie Days - at Mt. Norquay
Banff, SkiRail Jam at Norquay, for freestyle skiers
Pincher Creek, Skimo Mountaineering Competition at
Castle Mountain Resort
Banff, Snowdays ........................................ banfflakelouise.com
Wetaskiwin Snow Drags, Reynolds-AB Museum
Red Deer, Shannon Frizzel Guitar Recital
Cochrane, 6th Kimmett Cup - 3 on 3 Pond Hockey Tournament
Lake Louise, Ice Magic Festival ............................ skilouise.com
Jasper in January 2014 ............................................jasper.travel
Wetaskiwin Snow Drags ...........................................................
Lake Louise, Avalanche Awareness Days .............. skilouise.com
Lake Louise, FIS World Snow Day ........................ skilouise.com
Red Deer, Shannon Frizzell Guitar Recital ..................rdc.ab.ca
Okotoks, Bam! Percussion ..................................403-938-3204
Edmonton EXPO Centre, Renovation Show ....... northlands.com
Edmonton, Ice on Whyte Festival ........................iceonwhyte.ca
Banff, Cardboard Sled Derby at Norquay
Edmonton EXPO Centre, Pet Expo..................... northlands.com
Vermilion Winter Fair..........................................780-853-5358
Josephburg Dinner Concert – Pear
Lake Louise, Australia Day ................................... skilouise.com
Spruce Grove, The Rodeo Riders - matinee .........780-962-8995
FEBRUARY
Banff, SkiRail Jam at Norquay, for freestyle skiers
Banff, The Mtn Smoker - 3 hr competition..... banffnorquay.com
Elk Point, Iron Horse 13 km Ski Tour ................lakelandxcski.ca
Calgary, The Flying Dutchman ...................... calgaryopera.com
Banff, Toonie Days - at Mt. Norquay
Lake Louise, Ken Jones Classic - Ski Mounteering Competition
Lake Louise, Torchlight Dinner & Ski .................... skilouise.com
Edmonton, Silver Skate Festival & Winter Triathlon
Lake Louise, Family Day ...................................... skilouise.com
Olds, 2014 AB College’s Athletic Conference Women’s
Basketball Championships ..................................403-556-4703
MARCH
Lake Louise, Canadian Powder 8’s Champ’ship .... skilouise.com
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
37
Why leave that RV sitting in your yard? Confirm an Event, load the RV, fire up the unit and go play!
WA E V e n T s
NOVEMBER
Everett, We Do Art Holiday Artist Bazaar ...........425-238-2585
Long Beach, Cribbage Tournament - Longest
Beach Classic .....................................................360-642-2400
2
Mukilteo Arts Guild Holiday Art Mart ................425-423-0450
2
Shoreline, Canterbury Faire Holiday Bazaar .......206-362-6024
2
Thurston, Homemade for the Holidays Bazaar ...360-491-0176
2-3
Elma, Swap Meet in the Pavilion ........................360-482-2651
2-3
Port Townsend, 10th Holiday Fair ........................360-385-1013
2-3
Poulsbo, North Kitsap Holiday Fest ....................360-598-8420
5-9
Snohomish, Echo Falls Holiday Home and
Gift Show – Golf Club ........................................206-920-2957
7-10
Seattle, Affordable Art Fair, S. Center..................212-255-2003
8-9
�Ilwaco, Ocian in View’ Cultural Weekend.........360-642-2400
8-9
Thurston, Girlfriends Holiday Market .................360-459-1178
8-10
Pasco, Custer’s Christmas Arts/Crafts Show .........509-924-0588
8-10
Christmas in Seattle Gift+Gourmet Food Show ..425-889-9494
9
Cle Elum, Veteran’s Day Community Breakfast ...509-674-7530
9
Cle Elum, Swauk-Teanaway Grange Christmas
Bazaar ...............................................................509-925-3297
9
Spokane, Winter Knights Snow Show .................509-484-2222
9
Spokane Valley, New Life’s Perfect Gift and
Holiday Fair .......................................................509-928-3342
9-10
Bothell, St. Brendan Craft Fair ............................425-483-8300
9-10
Puyallup, NW Carvers Assoc 33rd Show/Sale ......253-566-2251
9-10
Spokane Folklore Society Fall Folk Festival .........509-990-9238
12-13 Port Townsend, 10th Holiday Fair ........................360-385-1013
14-16 Bellevue, Vasa Christmas....................................425-413-1004
14-16 Puyallup, Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival .............801-463-1200
15-16 Puyallup, Junk Salvation .....................................253-359-0102
15-17 Kennewick, Christmas Moments Gift Fair ...........971-600-3281
15-17 Seattle, Fine Art & Holiday Gifts at Fauntleroy ...206-932-5600
15-17 Spokane, Man Show ..........................................509-487-1220
15-12/24 Bellingham, Arts Holiday Festival of Arts ..........360-676-8548
16
Bothell, My Friends ++ Holiday Bazaar, 18701-120th Ave NE
16
Cle Elum, Old Fashioned Barn Dance & a
Finger Food Potluck............................................509-875-2580
16
Federal Way, Twin Lakes Elem. Holiday Bazaar..253-431-0741
16
Spokane Woman’s Club Holiday Bazaar ............509-328-4811
16-17 Auburn, Emerald Downs Holiday Gift Festival ...253-288-7704
21-13 Bellingham, Home for the Holidays ...................360-676-1891
22-23 Eau Claire, Holidaze Arts Festival .......................715-832-6942
22-24 Bremerton, Olympic Peninsula Holiday Gift &
Food Fair, Kitsap Sun Pavilion .............................360-731-2628
22-24 Seattle, Fall Best of the Northwest ......................206-525-5926
22-24 Shelton, 17th Holiday Craft Bazaar ....................360-432-7107
22-24 Spokane, Christmas Arts & Crafts Show ..............509-924-0588
23
Olympia High School BEARzaar, 1302 North St.
23-24 Elma, Country Christmas Bazaar ........................360-482-2651
23-24 Seattle, Yulefest, Nordic Heritage Museum .........206-789-5707
29-30 Bothell, Chick n’Coop Crafts Holiday Bazaar .....425-482-1131
29-30 Long Beach, Peninsula Arts Assoc Studio Tour ....360-665-6041
29-30 Port Townsend, Holiday Craft Sale .....................360-379-3813
29-30 Thurston County Fair .........................................360-786-5453
29-01 Federal Way, Holiday Gift Show ........................425-263-7226
29-01 Long Beach, Holidays at the Beach ....................360-642-2400
29-01 Ocean Shores, Winter Fanta-Sea Craft Show ......360-289-9586
30-01 Gig Harbor, Winterfest Arts And Crafts Fair ........253-858-8674
1-2
1-3
4-7
4-8
5
6-7
6-8
7
7
7
38
DECEMBER
Bellevue Hilltop Holiday Craft Show ..................206-920-2957
Puyallup, Victorian Country Christmas Festival ...253-770-0777
Seattle, 1st Thursday - Art in Occidental Park .....206-525-5926
Onalaska, Cherish Christmas Gift/Craft Bazaar ...360-978-4096
Bainbridge Island, Christmas in the Country ......206-291-7188
Christmas in Cle Elum, live music ......................509-304-8222
Cle Elum, Santa Breakfast & Craft Bazaar ...........509-674-7530
Cle Elum, Animal Rescue Santa Paws Pictures ....509-304-4805
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
7
7
7
7
7-8
7-8
7-8
7-8
8
8-9
14
14
14-15
14-15
15
21-23
28-29
31
Ho Ho Hoquiam Fun Run, 2mi, 5k & 10k ..........360-637-6040
Ilwaco, Lighted Boat Parade & Crab Pot
Christmas Tree....................................................360-642-2400
Lacey, Hawks Holiday Happening Gift &
Craft Fair ............................................................360-493-2047
Westport, Santa by the Sea ................................253-381-5989
Elma, Swap Meet in the Pavilion ........................360-482-2651
Gig Harbor, TideFest Fine Arts/Crafts Celebrat. ...253-530-1478
Seattle, Winter Festival & Crafts Fair, Phinney.....206-783-2244
Seattle, Urban Craft Uprising Winter Show, Seattle
Center Exhibition Hall .......................... urbancraftuprising.com
Cle Elum, Gran. Community Christmas Dinner ..509-674-2982
Montesano Festival of Lights – parade +++ ........360-249-5522
Conconully, Santa Days, downtown ..................509-826-9050
Fox Island Holiday Gift Bazaar, Comm. Center ..253-381-3311
Burlington, Holiday Gift Show, Cascade Mall ....425-263-7226
Chimacum Arts & Crafts Fair ..............................360-732-4015
Ilwaco, Tuba Christmas ......................................360-642-2400
Federal Way, Holiday Gift Show ........................425-263-7226
Federal Way, Post Holiday Gift Show .................425-263-7226
Long Beach, Fireworks at Midnight over the
Ocean ................................................................360-642-2400
3-5
18
18-19
18-20
18-21
19
JANUARY
Everett, Healthy Living Show, Everett Mall .........425-263-7226
Long Beach Peninsula, Beach Clean Up Day, 9am
Leavenworth, Bavarian Icefest ............................509-548-5807
Long Beach, Windless Kite Festival .....................360-642-4020
Seattle Gift Show, Convention Center ................800-318-2238
Ilwaco, Annual Crab Feed, noon-8pm, Elks Hall
9-10
21-23
27-02
FEBRUARY
Long Beach, Asian New Year Kite Celebration ....360-642-4020
Pacific Beach, Chocolate on the Beach Festival ..360-276-0009
Bellevue, Wintergrass .........................................253-428-8056
1-2
7-9
15-17
21-23
23-07
MARCH
Ocean Shores, Beachcombers’ Fun Fair .............360-289-9586
Spokane, Custer’s Spring Arts & Crafts Show ......509-924-0588
Ilwaco, Peninsula Quilt Guild Show ..................360-642-3446
Pasco, Custer’s Spring Arts & Crafts Show ...........509-924-0588
Long Beach, Spring Break Family Fun, Kite Museum
EMBERS
John McDonald Productions
Send cartoon ideas to
jchinook@telus.net
“Hi George. The entertainment committee needs a volunteer
drink waiter, so you’ve been voluntold.”
—MARKETPAGE—
ADA VIS GLOBAL
MEXICO
INSURANCE
Receive TV anywhere in Canada,
US and into Mexico.
MotoSat Problems?
I CAN HELP!
Call for Options To Keep Your
MotoSat System Working Like New
FOR AS LOW AS
$83
A YEAR
• Professional, guaranteed installs
• Repairs of most Systems
• Winegard Certified
• Mobile, I come to you.
• LCD TV Conversions & woodworking
• TV Mounts & Lifts
• Shaw Direct (Star Choice) & Bell Receivers,
Dishes & LNB’s
• Tripod, Sat Finders & Cable
1-800-909-4457
Fax: 1-800-909-1007
www.mexicoinsurance.com
E-MAIL:
Digital Electrical Systems
Dan Wiens, Langley BC Canada
604-328-7282 / digelect@telus.net
info@mexicoinsurance.com
Mexico Insurance
Auto, RV, boat, trailer
Daily, six-month &
annual long-term rates
Free Quote
Call toll-free: 1-888-377-1570
San Xavier Mexico Insurance
1777 N. Frank Reed Rd. #C
Nogales, AZ 85621
www.mexican-autoinsurance.com
E-mail: mexicobob@aol.com
В®
We have the rates!
We are the experts!
2
Underwritten by Seguros Tepeyac
RV CLUBS OPEN TO NEW MEMBERS:
BC Bus Nuts: ......... gwerschler@gmail.com
BC Good Sams: ...... www.bcsams.ca
BlueJay Singles: ... 250-453-9077
Burnabees: ............ 604-888-8030 or 604-530-6029
Drifters: ................. 250-768-3050
Happy Islanders: ... 250-390-3156
Interior Romers: .... 250-378-5839
Newmar Kountry: .. 604-916-7767
RVer’s-R-US: ......... 778-241-2307
Roamin Wheels: .... 604-241-0290 or saltayre@gmail.com
Any errors, omissions or additions? Sheila@rvtimes.com
Businesses and/or Individuals can use the MARKETPAGE Ads (above) for $275 + HST. Colour is an extra $100.
—
MicroAds—
Othello Tunnels
Campground
OPEN & RV Park
170 S. Island Hwy., Campbell River BC
1-888-703-0373
www.driftwoodbythesea.com
Year-round full service, 30/50 amp
FREE WiFi/Cable • 5 min. to downtown
On the Seawalk • Holiday & Extended stays
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
From Hwy #5, take Othello
Road Exit 183, HOPE, BC
• 10 min walk to Quintette Tunnels
(closed Nov1/13-May 31/14)
• Clean washrooms, Hot showers
• Laundry • Sani-dump
• 30 full hkup sites/12 w elec.& H2O
• Cooking shelter for rainy days
604-869-9448
Toll-free: 1-877-869-0543
2
camp@othellotunnels.com
www.othellotunnels.com
Vancouver
Island
WINTER
GETAWAY
Qualicum Bay Resort
Stay in your RV or Stay in a CABIN!
Covered enclosed Firepit BBQ area with Softtub,
next to Clubhouse with Big Screen Projector,
Tournament Card Playing area, and more!
info@resortbc.com / www.resortbc.com
Businesses and/or Individuals can use the MICROAds (above) for $165
HST.
Colour is an extra $50.
RVT+156
• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
2013
39
CLASSIFIED AD - from the RVing public
40
(1) FOR SALE – RVs
BUS CONVERSIONS
CLASS A MOTORHOMES
CLASS B VANS
CLASS C MOTORHOMES
5th WHEELS
TRAVEL TRAILERS
CAMPERS
TENT TRAILERS
(1a) FOR SALE – RV TOW VEHICLE
(2) FOR SALE – MISC
(3) FOR SALE –LAND/LOT &/or HOMES
(3A) FOR RENT or SALE
(4) FOR SALE – RV PARKS
(6) FOR SALE – TIMESHARES
(7) FOR SALE – BOOKS
(8) FOR RENT
(9) FOR RENT – RV LOTS/SITES/CONDOS/HOMES
(10) FOR LEASE – RV SITES
(11) WANTED
(12) NEED
(13) EXCHANGE
(14) JOB WANTED
(15) ESTATE SALE
(5) FOR SALE – MEMBERSHIPS
KM/Beachwood Resorts Membership.
Includes 7 KM beautiful Washington State Resorts.
Dues paid for 2013.
Selling for $1,500.
604-796-8881
edbach88@gmail.com
Western Horizon Membership.
Including ROD & AOR fees paid for 2013.
Great winter getaways.
Dues paid for 2013.
$3,000
604-796-8881
edbach88@gmail.com
(16) HELP WANTED
Work Kamper winter site attendant wanted for RV Resort.
Located overlooking the Georgia Strait
mid-way between Campbell River and Courtenay
on Vancouver Island.
Full-hookup site in exchange for 45 hrs/month.
Miscellaneous light duties would include:
yard clean-up, washroom maintenance,
housekeeping, daily lock-up, customer service etc.
Position starting immediately
to approximately June 1.
Please send resume, including photos, to
sales@salmonpoint.com
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
CLASSIFIED ADS:
Mainly for the use
of the RVing public only.
For ISSUE 157
January/February
1)
2)
3)
4)
send ALL four things:
Ad wording
Your name
Your postal mailing address
Payment
(If using VISA or MC, include
Number, Expiry Date, Security #.)
If sending cheque, make out to
The RV Times, and mail to:
RVT Publishing Inc.
7160 GRANT RD W.
SOOKE BC V9Z 0N6
to arrive BEFORE
December 9
PRINT CLEARLY,
and mention the Category.
(No charge for category title.)
If you choose to use
Credit Card & E-mail,
1st: e-mail Sheila@rvtimes.com
the ad Wording, PLUS your
Name and Postal Mailing Address,
2nd: phone 250-642-1916 with
VISA or MasterCard Number,
Expiry Date, Security Number.
NOTE: Each CATEGORY is a
SEPARATE AD,
so please pay accordingly.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
FOR SALE - RVs (via types)
FOR SALE - Misc
FOR SALE - Land &/or Homes
FOR SALE - RV Lots
FOR SALE - Memberships
FOR SALE - Timeshares
FOR SALE - Books
FOR RENT - Misc
FOR RENT - RV Lots/Sites/Condos/Homes
FOR LEASE
WANTED
NEED
EXCHANGE
JOB WANTED
ESTATE SALE
HELP WANTED
CANADIAN TOTAL RATES:
$42 for 25 words or LESS.
Extra words: 75Вў each.
(Prices include GST tax)
US RATES:
$45 for 25 words or LESS.
Extra words: 80Вў each.
To all choosing to OVER-PAY,
for whatever reason,
Thank You Very Much for the “tip”.
S UBSCRIPTION F ORM
for
To get future Editions delivered to you by
M AIL
send PAYMENT and this FORM (or a copy of it) to:
YOU
RVT PUBLISHING INC.
7160 GRANT RD W., SOOKE BC V9Z 0N6
(Tel: 250-642-1916, Fax: 250-642-1917, Sheila@rvtimes.com, www.rvtimes.ca)
If sending a cheque, make payable to The RV Times or to RVT Publishing Inc.
Magazines to be MAILED to:
Name _____________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________
Town ______________________________________________________________
Prov/State __________Postal/Zip Code __________________________________
Country ____________________________________________________________
Phone __________ –___________ – _____________________________________
E-mail address _______________________________________________________
6 EDITIONS yearly:
Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/June,
Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, & Nov/Dec
CANADIAN: (price in red)
__ 6 for $30 ($28.57 + 1.43)
__ 12 for $52 ($49.52 + 2.48)
__ 18 for $75 ($71.43 + 3.57)
AMERICAN, in US money:
__ 6 for $35
__ 12 for $62
__ 18 for $88
OVERSEAS, in CDN $:
__ 6 for $42
__ 12 for $70
__ 18 for $102
Sheila, this is a GIFT SUBSCRIPTION to the above person/people, FROM:
Name___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Town____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Prov/State _______ Postal Code/Zip Code _____________________________________________________________________________
Country (if not Canada)_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone ____________ - _____________ - _______________________________________________________________________________
E-mail address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sheila, when due, please send Subscription Renewal Notice to Me ____ or to the People Receiving Subscription____.
CREDIT CARD NUMBER ___________________ /___________________ /___________________ /___________________
EXPIRY DATE __________/__________, SECURITY NUMBER (3 numbers) ON BACK OF CARD ____________________
NAME AS APPEARS ON CARD____________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE____________________________________________________________________________________________________
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
41
Christmas Angle Search:
Words are NEVER in a STAIGHT LINE.
A
R
M
A
S
E
E
R
G
E
D
O
S
U
T
S
S
D
R
A
T
R
O
H
S
N
E
X
T
T
S
R
T
S
I
M
N
O
Y
R
T
F
F
I
B
O
D
C
B
R
E
A
W
H
I
I
S
O
Y
Y
L
E
T
O
E
B
U
E
H
L
G
N
P
W
O
S
L
E
D
D
Y
S
M
V
N
D
N
C
O
M
P
U
R
B
L
Z
G
I
N
G
U
S
N
G
N
I
D
W
G
P
E
E
E
S
I
K
I
N
A
M
R
I
E
R
D
S
I
D
D
C
K
R
E
T
N
I
N
N
A
C
Y
S
A
N
O
N
S
E
E
R
L
E
N
E
L
D
N
A
E
Y
E
P
S
P
I
O
I
Z
T
I
T
S
P
I
H
H
P
T
O
N
O
M
A
M
I
C
I
C
L
A
A
O
P
P
O
H
N
V
I
T
R
U
D
O
L
S
G
N
I
D
I
M
T
I
F
T
S
R
T
I
U
L
O
S
E
Y
N
U
N
E
S
R
I
F
O
G
G
S
D
A
N
G
I
E
D
A
T
N
N
S
V
E
V
O
J
S
T
Y
E
E
H
O
N
G
D
N
E
N
A
W
I
S
E
W
E
S
W
U
J
S
A
E
H
O
L
A
R
P
O
H
T
G
E
O
K
U
E
G
A
P
M
R
P
A
R
S
E
W
G
L
E
H
I
D
P
L
A
O
A
E
C
I
A
E
M
A
N
N
E
E
S
V
I
N
L
A
N
I
R
K
S
I
R
K
C
H
P
E
O
T
L
L
R
E
G
H
T
A
R
I
N
A
R
F
O
R
N
L
I
N
G
S
E
I
N
G
R
A
F
W
O
N
S
I
G
H
O
S
K
N
E
R
C
N
O
E
T
S
O
R
F
K
S
H
O
I
D
E
Z
E
S
E
L
S
T
I
I
E
A
B
P
L
L
G
E
T
L
I
A
O
E
E
P
T
E
L
U
Y
T
E
S
N
E
C
N
M
D
R
O
O
Y
R
E
Y
E
M
U
O
X
O
B
M
I
N
T
S
Y
Y
L
L
S
G
I
N
G
E
P
H
L
E
U
N
A
M
Q
C
S
D
Y
R
E
P
P
E
P
B
E
V
L
E
A
T
N
A
G
N
I
V
F
N
E
S
T
M
A
N
L
H
E
K
O
D
B
A
B
E
M
E
N
T
S
S
N
D
G
I
A
M
Y
I
R
H
C
A
E
T
R
C
G
E
K
A
E
S
A
S
K
R
O
W
A
L
R
A
M
I
I
L
O
R
A
C
H
E
S
A
U
I
T
C
L
R
N
H
Y
T
E
V
H
E
R
G
I
H
N
I
N
G
C
M
E
B
A
R
R
J
I
N
G
E
R
O
E
U
N
D
T
A
F
Y
L
C
G
C
N
A
D
L
E
G
N
C
F
R
E
E
D
I
O
P
K
R
T
A
Each word stands alone & bends at an angle, one or more times. NO words cross each other! All letters are used.
ADVENT
CRACKERS
FRUITCAKE
INLAWS
ORNAMENTS
SANTA
VIXEN
ANGEL
DANCING
GARLAND
JESUS
PAGEANT
SHOPPING
WHIMSY
BABY
DECORATIONS
GIFTS
JINGLEBELLS
PARADE
SHORTBREAD
WINTER
BETHLEHEM
DIAMONDS
GINGERBREADMEN
JOY
PEACE
SLEDDING
WISEMEN
BOWS
DINNER
GIVING
KINDNESS
PEPPERMINTS
SLEIGH
WORKSHOP
BOXES
DONKEY
GOD
KRISKRINGLE
POINSETTAS
SNOWFLAKE
WREATH
CANDLE
EGGNOGG
GREETINGS
LIGHTS
POPCORN
STAR
YULELOGS
CANDY
ELVES
HEAVEN
LOVE
PRESENTS
STUFFING
YULETIDE
CARDS
EMMANUEL
HOHOHO
MANGER
PUDDING
TAPE
ZERODEGREES
CAROLING
FAMILY
HOLIDAY
MARY
QUAIL
TOYS
ZESTY
CHIMNEY
FATHER
HOLLY
MISTLETOE
REINDEER
TREE
ZION
CHRISTMAS
FIREPLACE
HOPE
NATIVITY
RIBBON
TURKEY
COMPANIONSHIP
FRANKINCENSE
ICICLE
NUTS
RUDOLPH
UNWRAP
COOKING
FROSTY
IMMANUEL
NOEL
RUM
VISITORS
42
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
OWNERS
ASSOC. OF
RVOABC
PRESIDENT’S
CORNER
BY BILL WRIGHT
Greetings RVers,
As they say, Time Waits For No One, and we, the RVOABC
Executive, wish the best of the coming season to all our Club
members, and to all other readers of The RV Times.
The 2013 Wind-Up Rally was held on one of the best
weather weekends of the season and those who missed, don’t
let it happen again for these Rallies add years to your life, or
is that the reverse? Here are a few highlights. First, the newbies were out of control behaving as if they were long time
members, and from what I could see, having a superb time
with the group. Devika’s Dynamite Catering hit the spot with
not only a fantastic roast beef dinner, but also an over-the-top
breakfast too. Our Sunshine Valley hosts, Joanne and Brian,
made us feel right at home and could not have been more
helpful. Bean Bag Baseball was a smash with winners AND
losers, but we can honestly say there were no losers as a great
time was had by all.
In September in Abbotsford, the Snowbird RV Show was
once again an opportunity for the RVOABC Club to get
exposure and a chance to brief people on Club membership
benefits and activities. I would like to thank the following
for their much needed help: Trenor Tilley helping with setup and again with take-down, along with his wife Barbara.
Covering the booth throughout the Show we had Jim & Mary
Lavery, Ted & Bev Rissick, Rod & Joan Oben, Mike & Diane
Coward, Roy & Lynda Panter, Jim Rogers & Linda Goggin,
George & Joyce McCluskie, Barrie & Jan Clark, Jerry Walter,
Rob & Maggie Wilson, Trenor & Barb Tilley, and ME, and
my wife Diane Wright.
If you have a little trouble getting on our website, don’t
hesitate to email Gord, our Webmaster, who will walk you
through, or even crawl with you, to make it an easy journey.
Email address is webmaster@rvoabc.org.
Welcome to our NEW RVOABC MEMBERS:
Freida AUNE, Merritt, BC
Art BRIDGE and Judith GREEN, Surrey, BC
Richard COX, Prince George, BC
Lionel & Jean FISHER, White Rock, BC
Leo & Barb GEBERT, Kelowna, BC
Brian & April HUDSON, Victoria, BC
Steve & Colleen ROBINSON, Pen Kincardine, Ont.
John SCHULTZ, Abbotsford, BC
Those
Darn Seniors!
FEBRUARY 19:
Setup date for EarlyBird RV Show, Tradex, Abbotsford
(Show dates are February 20-23)
May 9-11:
Spring Rally at Burnaby Cariboo RV Park, Burnaby
DATE TBA: Campfire Rally, Fort Langley
SEPTEMBER 5-7:
Wind-Up Rally, Sunshine Valley
A married couple was traveling by car from Victoria to
Prince George, BC.
Being seniors, after almost 11 hours on the road, they
were too tired to continue and decided to take a room.
But they only planned to sleep for four hours and then
get back on the road.
When they checked out four hours later, the desk clerk
handed them a bill for $350.
The husband exploded and demanded to know why
the charge was so high. He told the clerk although it’s
a nice hotel, the room certainly wasn’t worth $350 for
four hours. Then the clerk told him that $350 was the
�standard rate’.
He insisted on speaking to the Manager.
The Manager appeared, listened to him, and then
explained that the hotel had an Olympic-sized pool and
a huge conference centre that were available for them to
use. “But we didn’t use them,” the husband said.
“Well, they are here, and you could have,” explained
the Manager.
The Manager went on to explain that the couple could
also have taken in one of the shows for which the hotel is
famous. “We have the best entertainers from New York,
Hollywood, and Las Vegas perform here,” the Manager
says.
“But we didn’t go to any of those shows,” the husband
said.
“Well, we have them, and you could have,” the
Manager replied.
No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, the
husband replied, “But we didn’t use it!”
The Manager was unmoved, and eventually the
husband gave up and agreed to pay, so asked his wife to
write the cheque. She did and gave it to the Manager.
The Manager was surprised when he looked at the
cheque. “But ma’am, this is made out for only $50.”
“That’s correct. I charged you $300 for sleeping with
me,” she replied.
“But I didn’t!” exclaimed the Manager.
“Well, too bad. I was here, and you could have.”
Keep checking our website for changes, add ons, etc.
Don’t mess with senior citizens.
They didn’t get there by being stupid!
MARK YOUR 2014 CALENDARS:
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
43
JOIN CANADA’S OWN
RV OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
RECREATION VEHICLE
OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PO Box 73046 Evergreen RPO
Surrey BC V3R 0J2
604-594-1450
www.rvoabc.org
OWNERS
ASSOC. OF
Serving BC’s RVers for over a Quarter Century!
The RV OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC is a Non-Profit
organization of people who own, rent or hope-to-own a
recreational vehicle, either trailer, camper-van, 5th wheel, or
motorhome of any class.
The Association has been serving the needs of RV’ers in BC
for over 50 years!
JOIN FOR FUN
& FRIENDSHIP
JOIN FOR INFORMATION
& SAVINGS
Being a member of our
Association opens unlimited doors
to Fun and Camaraderie when you
participate in our Rallies.
Remember the 3F’s:
Food, Fun, Fellowship.
If you share our love of RVing,
fill out an application today and
send in by mail or via our website:
www.rvoabc.org.
Maybe you have decided to make
the trek to Alaska or the Yukon but
are hesitant to go alone?
Well, you never know!
Maybe one of your fellow RVers is
thinking of doing the same trek
and you make the connection at
one of the Rallies!
As an RVOABC member,
you will receive
ALL issues of
RVOABC OFFICERS:
PRESIDENT:
Bill Wright:
604-594-1450 / Cell: 604-626-5292
President@rvoabc.org
1st VICE PRESIDENT:
Rick Huges
604-202-2965
Vice-President@rvoabc.org
2nd VICE PRESIDENT:
Joyce McCluskie
604-574-3631
Commercial@rvoabc.org
The RV Times
MAILED to your door!
TREASURER:
Trenor Tilley
604-538-3457
Treasurer@rvoabc.org
The magazine is published six times
a year and is full of very interesting
topics devoted to RVers.
It also lists our
Commercial Members
(Sponsors)
many of which give our members
money-saving percentage discounts
on Parts and Products,
including
RV Parks and Tourist Attractions.
SECRETARY:
Jan Clark
604-466-5432
Membership@rvoabc.org
NON-AFFILIATED
RV CLUBS LISTED ON PAGE 38.
JOIN RVOABC BY FILLING OUT THIS COUPON AND MAILING IT TODAY
Please allow time for processing.
We promote the 3-YEAR Membership as a cost savings to you and to the RVOABC.
SURNAME____________________________________________ FIRST NAME ______________________________________________
SPOUSE/PARTNER ______________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY _______________________________________PROV ______________ POSTAL CODE __________________________________
PHONE ________________________________________ E-MAIL _________________________________________________________
TYPE of RV: __ Motorhome __ Trailer __ 5th Wheel __ Truck/Camper __ Tent Trailer. . . . LENGTH of RV: _____ft.
MEMBERSHIP FEES:
NEW MEMBERSHIP: __ 1 Year $40
__ 2 Years $60
__ 3 Years $70
RENEWALS:
__ 1 Year $35
__ 2 Years $55
__ 3 Years $65
RVOABC NO. ___________ TOTAL ENCLOSED $_____________
Mail to:
RVOABC
OWNERS
ASSOC. OF
Membership automatically removed from Membership Roster upon NON-PAYMENT
of dues by the end of 60 days after payment is due.
After 60 days, Membership will be considered as a NEW MEMBER.
PO Box 73046 Evergreen RPO
Surrey BC V3R 0J2
If applicable, introduced by ________________________________________________Number ____________
44
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
NUMBER of SLIDES: _____
Make cheque
payable to
RVOABC
RV BUSINESSES - CANADA:
100 MILE HOUSE BC:
Meridian RV Mfg. Ltd.
210% Discount off parts
5430 Industrial Flats Rd
(at Hwy 97 & 24)
250-395-3090 / 877-395-3090
ABBOTSFORD, BC:
Fraserway RV Centre Ltd.
210% Disc.
30440 South Fraser Way
604-850-1976
Get-Away RV Centre Ltd.
210% Disc.
1-33743A King Rd
604-853-2229 / 888-807-7878
Grandpa’s RV Repairs
5-30856 Peardonville Rd
604-855-9666 / 800-820-7774
BURNABY, BC:
Aim Performance Products
215% Disc.
2952 Argo Pl
604-338-1985
Travco RV Service Centre
210% Disc. off non-sale items
7020 Curragh Ave
604-430-1551
CHILLIWACK, BC:
O’Connor RV Centre Ltd.
210% Disc. off non-sale items
44430 Yale Rd W.
604-792-2747 / 877-912-3909
Trademasters
2Disc. to members
44467 Yale Rd
604-792-3132 / 877-878-5869
COQUITLAM, BC:
Go-West RV Sales Ltd.
210% Disc.
32 Fawcett Rd
604-528-3900 / 800-661-8813
CRANBROOK, BC:
RV West Magazine
100-100 7th Ave S.
250-426-7253
KELOWNA, BC:
Country R.V. Centre Ltd.
215% Disc. service, parts, access.
3732 Hwy 97 N.
250-807-2898 / 888-456-1808
Sanidumps.com
220% Disc. on books
www.sanidumps.com
LANGLEY, BC:
Atlas Alarms Ltd.
210% Disc.: service, parts, access.
604-532-3823
Canadian Custom Home
and RV Shades
210% Disc.
20750 71A Ave
778-882-2565
Candan R.V. Center
210% Disc. off parts
20257 Langley Bypass
604-530-3645 / 800-922-6326
NitroLube: Lubricants
Canada Ltd.
274-19567 Fraser Hwy
866-539-9404
RVOABC COMMERCIAL MEMBERS:
These businesses support the RV OwnersКј Association of BC.
Discounts listed are for RVOABC members who show
their Membership Card before purchase.
Please be discreet if other customers are around at cash-out time.
Discounts are at the discretion of the Commercial Members.
Check our www.rvoabc.org
for E-MAIL and WEBSITE ADDRESSES of these businesses.
LANGLEY Continued:
RV Camper &
Trailer Clinic Ltd.
210% Disc. off parts
5670 Production Way
604-530-0911
Pacific Axle Ltd.
220% Disc. off parts & accessories
5749 203A St
604-532-9599
Traveland RV Supercentre
210% Disc. at RVOABC AGM
20529 Langley Bypass
604-530-8141 / 800-513-9434
MERRITT, BC:
The Batt Bag
210% Disc.
1434 Douglas St
250-315-1363
PORT COQUITLAM, BC:
Meridian RV Mfg. Ltd.
210% Disc. off parts
1690 Coast Meridian Rd
604-941-8635 / 877-941-8635
PORT MOODY, BC:
BCLCA = BC Lodging &
Campground Association
209-3003 St. John’s St
604-945-7676
ROSEDALE, BC:
HawksHead Systems Inc.
10381 Parkwood Dr
604-745-7206 / 888-321-TPMS
SURREY, BC:
Baja Amigos
RV Caravan Tours
2$100 Disc. to members
866-999-2252
Euro Driving School
2Disc. to RVOABC members
11164 Wallace Dr
604-585-3876
Surrey Storage
3093 194 St
604-560-2828
RV Dealers’ Assoc. of BC
201-17700 56 Ave
604-575-3868
Valley Auto Repair Inc.
17902 Roan Pl
604-576-2824
Vancouver Axle & Frame
210% Disc.
19548 96 Ave
604-882-5112
VERNON, BC:
Vernon RV Service Ltd.
4700 31 St
250-542-1677
WHITE ROCK, BC:
Budget Brake & Muffler
210% Disc.
2498 King George Hwy
604-538-8600
WINFIELD, BC:
Voyager RV Centre Ltd.
210% Disc.
9250 Hwy 97
250-766-4607 / 800-668-1447
RV BUSINESSES - USA:
BELLINGHAM, WA:
Bellingham/Whatcom County
Visitor & Convention Bureau
904 Potter St / 360-691-3990
LYNDEN, WA:
West Lynden Storage Condos
2305 Leatherwood Rd
360-389-2877
PHARR, TX:
Children’s Haven
International Inc.
400 East Minnesota Rd
956-787-7378
TAMPA, FL:
Encore - Thousand Trails
308-5100 West Lemon St
813-282-6754
VENTURA, CA:
Woodall Publishing Co.
2575 Vista Del Mar
800-323-9076
CAMPGROUNDS CANADA:
BLACK CREEK, BC:
Pacific Playground
International
9082 Clarkson Ave / 250-337-5600
BURNABY, BC:
Burnaby Cariboo RV Park
8765 Cariboo Pl / 604-420-1722
CHILLIWACK, BC:
Cottonwood Meadows
RV Country Club
210% Disc.
44280 Luckakuck Way
604-824-7275
FORT LANGLEY, BC:
Fort Camping Resort
210% Disc.
9451 Glover Rd
604-888-3678
GIBSONS, BC:
Gibsons RV Resort
215% Disc. full hookup (30+50 a)
1051 Gilmour Rd
604-989-7275
HOPE, BC:
Hope Valley Campground
210% Disc.
62280 Flood Hope Rd
604-869-9857
Othello Tunnels Cmpd/Park
210% Disc.
67851 Othello Rd
604-869-9448 / 877-869-0543
KIMBERLEY, BC:
Kimberley Riverside Cmpd
210% Disc.
Mary Lake Rd / 250-427-2929
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC:
Capilano R.V. Park
210% Disc.
295 Tomahawk Ave / 604-987-4722
OSOYOOS, BC:
Walton’s Lakefront Resort
3207 Lakeshore Dr / 800-964-1391
ROSEDALE, BC:
Holiday Trails Resort
- Camperland
53730 Bridal Falls Rd
604-794-7876
SQUAMISH, BC:
Eagle Vista RV Resort &
Campground
1940 Centennial Way
604-898-3343
VANCOUVER, BC:
Burnaby Cariboo RV Park
8765 Cariboo Pl
604-420-1722
VICTORIA, BC:
Wiers Beach RV Resort
5191 William Head Rd
250-478-3323 / 866-478-6888
WETASKIWIN, AB:
Prairie Breeze Inn
RV & Camping
2 km west of town on Hwy 13
780-352-7220
WHISTLER, BC:
Whistler RV Park/Campgd
215% Disc.
35 Sea to Sky Hwy 99
604-966-2303
CAMPGROUNDS - USA:
NILAND, California:
Fountain of Youth RV Resort
2 4th Night Free
1500 Spa Rd / 888-800-0772
HEMET, California:
Golden Village RV Resort
3600 West Florida Ave
800-323-9610
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Arizona:
The Motorcoach Resort &
The Refuse Golf &
Country Club
3275 North Latrobe Dr
928-764-1404
CAMPGROUND – MEXICO
NAYARIT MX:
La Penita RV Park
c/o Carol Thacker
2Disc. off daily rate
250-286-1803 or
carole@lapenitarvpark.com
RVT 156 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
45
2014 RVOABC Rally Time
MAY 9-11 SPRING RALLY
Join us by п¬Ѓlling out this APPLICATION and MAILING IT TODAY,
or go to www.rvoabc.org to Register and Pay online.
Enjoy a FUN FILLED Weekend, including
Coffee & Cookies, Catered Breakfast & Dinner,
Hot Tub, Swimming Pool, Bingo, Team Sports, etc., etc.
Location: Burnaby
Cariboo RV Park
in Burnaby BC
RVOABC MEMBERSHIP NUMBER___________________ FIRST RALLY? Yes ______ No _______.
SURNAME _________________________________________ FIRST NAME _____________________________________
SPOUSE/PARTNER ___________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY ___________________________________________POSTAL CODE ________________________________________
PHONE ________________________________________E-MAIL _______________________________________________
TYPE OF RV: Motorhome ___ Trailer ___ 5th Wheel ___ Truck & Camper ___Tent Trailer ___
LENGTH OF RV ______ ft. Number of SLIDE-OUTS _____ Vehicle Plate # _____
1 Unit (2 people) : MAY RALLY $150........................$______________
1 Unit (1 person): MAY RALLY $120 ........................$______________
Additional person: $40 each ....................................$______________
Non-Members must add $40 for a
one-year RVOABC Membership..............................$ _____________
TOTAL ENCLOSED ..................................................$______________
Mail to:
RVOABC
PO Box 73046 Evergreen RPO
Surrey BC V3R 0J2
NOTE:
NO RALLY REFUNDS
will be given within
21 days of the Rally.
For more info, check out our website: www.rvoabc.org
RVT BULK DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS
When do the Outlets have the
FREE COPIES?
. . . by the п¬Ѓrst or second week of JANUARY, MARCH, MAY, JULY, SEPTEMBER, NOVEMBER
Plan B: have it MAILED to you via a SUBSCRIPTION, or via Membership in the RVOABC.
BRITISH COLUMBIA LOCATIONS:
ALL Overwaitea Foods, Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart foods, Cooper’s Foods,
ALL Lordco Auto Parts, plus many RV Dealerships
In SOOKE BC: the Info Centre, Stick in the Mud Cafe, The Reading Room Cafe,
Curves Exercise Facility, Sooke River Campground & Sheila’s home/office at 7160 Grant Rd West, Sooke BC.
ALBERTA LOCATIONS:
ALL SAVE-ON-FOODS stores, PLUS:
EDSON:...................Happy Camper RV Alberta Ltd.
MEDICINE HAT: ......Cactus RV
STETTLER: .............Stettler Dodge & RV
WAINWRIGHT: ........Wainalta Motors Ltd.
WETASKIWIN: ........Parkview RV Centre
BC BUSINESSES: RVT bundles come from Atlas Trailer Coach in Surrey BC: 1-877-772-8527.
If JUST ordering the magazines - 100 copies per box - there is a Shipping Cost.
Other Canadian BUSINESSES wishing to carry the magazines:
Shipping Cost: $40+5% per box of 50 to be paid BEFORE Press Day. Email Sheila at Sheila@rvtimes.com
Find FREE copies of this magazine in ALL of our British Columbia & Alberta Stores:
Save-On-Foods in BC: Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Burnaby (HighGate Village, Madison Centre, Metrotown), Campbell River,
Chilliwack (Sardis), Coquitlam (Pinetree), Cranbrook, Delta (Ladner, Scottsdale Centre), Kamloops (Sahali),
Find FREE
copies
of this
magazine
in all
of our
British
and
Alberta stores:
(Lakeshore
Centre,
Orchard Plaza)
, Langley
(Walnut
Grove,Columbia
Willoughby), New
Westminster,
Kelowna
(East MapleB.C.:
Ridge,
West Maple
Ridge)
, Mission,
Nanaimo
(Counry
Club,
Terminal
Park,Clearbrook,
Woodgrove), Nelson,
Maple Ridge
Save-On-Foods
Aldergrove,
South
Point,
Abbotsford,
Campbell
River,
HighGate
Village,
Metrotown,
Cranbrook,(Lynn
Duncan,
Fleetwood,
West Maple
Ridge,
East, Maple
Ridge,
100 Mile
House,
Sahali, Lakeshore
Centre,
Valley,
Park & Tilford,
Pemberton
Plaza)
Parksville
(French
Creek)
, Penticton,
Port Coquitlam,
North Vancouver
Ladner, Nordel Crossing, Mission, Woodgrove, Terminal Park, Country Club, Sardis, Nelson, Westbank, Port Coquitlam,
(College
Heights,
Downtown,
Hart
Highway,
Spruceland)
,
Quesnel
(West
Quesnel)
Powell
River,
Prince
George
French Creek, Penticton, Scottsdale Centre, College Heights, Prince George, Spruceland, Hart Highway, Ironwood, Terra ,Nova,
(Ackroyd,
Ironwood,
Terra
Nova), Squamish,
Surrey
(Fleetwood,
Newton,
Nordel
Crossing,
South
Point)
, Terrace,
Richmond
West Quesnel,
Westside
Village,
Richmond
Ackroyd Plaza,
Saanich,
Squamish,
Orchard
Plaza,
Terrace,
Walnut
Grove,
Williams
Lake,
Vernon,UBC
Lynn), Valley,
& Tilford,
Langley, Westside
Madison Centre,
Pemberton
(Cambie,
VernonPark
(Village
Green)Willoughby,
, Victoria (Saanich,
Village),Pinetree,
Westbank,
WilliamsPlaza
Lake.
Vancouver
Save-On-Foods Alberta: Fort McMurray, Mayfield, Kingsway, Stadium, 9th & Jasper, Calgary Trail, Grande Prairie, Ellerslie,
Save-On-Foods
in Alberta: Edmonton (9th & Jasper, Calgary Trail, Ellerslie, Hampton, Kingsway, Londonderry, Magrath,
Lethbridge, Londonderry, Strathcona, Wye Road, Namao, Village Landing, St. Albert North, Sherwood Park, Red Deer, East Hill Centre
Mayfield, Meadows, Namao, Oxford, Stadium, Stathcona), Grand Prairie, Lethbridge, Red Deer (East Hill Centre),
Overwaitea Foods: Burns Lake, Creston, Fort Nelson, Golden, Fort St. James, Grand Forks, Kimberley, Kitimat,
(Summerwood,
Wye Road)
, Spruce
Crossing),
St. Albert
Sherwood
Park Port
Nakusp,
Hardy, Princeton,
Prince
Rupert, Grove
Salmon(Century
Arm, Sparwood,
Powell
River,(Village
Fernie Landing).
PriceSmart
Foods:
Queensborough,
King George,
FortFort
St. John,
White Rock,
Cloverdale,Kitimat,
Chilliwack
Overwaitea:
Burns
Lake,
Creston, Fort Nelson,
Golden,
St. James,
GrandLangley,
Forks, Kimberley,
Nakusp,
Cooper’s
Vernon, Valleyview,
Westsyde,
Brocklehurst,
Westbank,
Winfield,
Port Foods:
Hardy, Princeton,
Prince Rupert,
Salmon
Arm, Sparwood,
Fernie.
Merritt, Revelstoke, Rutland, Hope, Port Coquitlam, Dewdney
PriceSmart Foods in BC: Abbotsford (Clearbrook), Burnaby (Cameron, Marine Way), Chilliwack, Cloverdale, Fort St. John,
Langley, North Vancouver (Capilano), Richmond (Queensborough),
Surrey (Clayton, King George, White Rock), Vancouver (Grandview, King Edward).
Cooper’s Foods in BC: Chilliwack (Garrison), Hope, Kamloops (Brocklehurst, Lansdowne, Valleyview, Westsyde),
Kelowna (Rutland), Maple Ridge (Dewdney), Merritt, Port Coquitlam, Revelstoke, Vernon (Polson), Winfield.
Find FREE copies of this magazine in all our British Columbia stores in:
100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Agassiz, Aldergrove, Armstrong, Burnaby/Edmonds, Burnaby/Metrotown,
Burnaby, Cache Creek, Campbell River, Castlegar, Chase, Chilliwack/Sardis, Clearbrook, Cloverdale, Coquitlam,
Courtenay, Cranbrook, Creston, Delta, Duncan, Enderby, Fernie, Fruitvale, Golden, Grand Forks, Hope,
Invermere, Kamloops, Kelowna, Kimberley, Ladner, Langford, Langley, Lillooet, Lumby, Maple Ridge, Merritt,
Mission, Nanaimo, Nelson, North Vancouver, Oliver, Osoyoos, Parksville, Penticton, Pitt Meadows, Port Alberni,
Port Kells, Powell River, Prince George, Princeton, Quesnel, Revelstoke, Richmond, Richmond/Steveston,
Salmon Arm, Sidney, Squamish, Summerland, Surrey/Newton, Surrey/Guildford Mall, Trail, Tsawwassen,
Vancouver, Vancouver/SW Marine Drive, Vernon, Victoria, Westbank, Whistler, White Rock, Winfield.

Programming in C# Inheritance and Polymorphism

Knit Jackets - Chronicling America

Contact Us Newsletter 31 October 2014 - Avonhead School

Christmas traditions in Germany - German-American Society

Feliz Navidad Cheat Sheet With Chords/Lyrics - Real Guitar

Midterm. Due Tuesday, 3/24/15.

Alteza Polanco : Mexico City Polanco Hotels

Crafty Business Guide - MailChimp

How To End War Now - Anarplex.net

CRYSTAL ROOM - plain views

Download - Craft Quilt Fair

Click to download the Five Small Rooms Holiday 2010 pdf catalog.

EARC HING - Weatherly Heights Baptist Church

Formulas and reference materials.pdf

December 2014 - The Gazette Newspaper

Coalition to Work to Change How Political - The Independent