TIPS & PROMOS Issue 16

TIPS THIS WEEK

We have no paved patio at Breamer Valley and the grassy surface is a slight bit uneven. Since we move from time to time we also do not want to build a deck. So we purchased 3 packs of 1/2" foam INTERLOCKING 24” SQUARES designed to use in a kids room or for exhibitors during RV shows, or an office in a house or a workshop in a garage etc. They are pearl gray on one side and each square is one-of-four colours on the other – the gray looks real good. They fit together like a giant puzzle to make a good patio base. They may kill the grass but we’re here all summer so it is not a major consideration. If we’d built a deck, it would probably kill the grass anyway. The squares are a good alternative for some situations. The soft spongy feel adds a patio surface over level but somewhat uneven ground. For travel they stack into a 24” lightweight square between uses.

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As of 8 Apr, FLYING J in Ohio announced they would again accept VISA CARDS AT THE PUMP FOR GAS/FUEL. Their new gas/fuel discount program is also pretty good. We spent enough in Apr to earn 5cents per unit off our following month fuel. Discounts apply to the next month we fuel our coach – for us that’s June. The Car Card works differently than the RV Card. A few coffees and an occasional meal worked wonders to establish good future point. Prices the past week have risen here – same as in the USA. Propane is $3.69 p/gal.

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Just for info – according to DISCOVER, their CARDS are now accepted in some places in Canada – not all at this point.

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ACCESSING ANALOGUE TV STATIONS using your Winegard Batwing Antenna (regular local TV stations) will be difficult after 17 FEB 2009. According to this Forum thread that’s featured in the RVTravel.com newsletter, you will need to have to add a digital tuner or a conversion box after that date. Two $40.00 coupons are available to each American household to offset the cost. This is still fairly complex for us non-tech people, so it is worth checking out these websites to slowly let it sink in.

According to the Digital TV Website Consumers who receive free broadcast television signals through antennas on television sets with analog tuners – and who don’t subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company service provider – are the only ones affected.

Viewers who connect via cable, satellite or telephone company TV services should NOT see any change, nor should they need to upgrade. Go to www.dtv.gov/ - 1-888-225-5322.
CANADIANS can read the full story HERE on how they will be affected – Canada doesn’t switch till 31 AUG 2011, but if you watch US programs change occurs as of Feb 17 2009

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

RISING GAS/FUEL PRICES on both sides of the border and economic downturns have hurt various parts of the RV Industry. Not long ago National RV closed along with several others that are surfacing each week. (I am not sure of ALL companies affected).

Next week Winnebago is temporarily shutting down plants in Forest City, Hampton and Charles City, Iowa, although one production line will stay open in Charles City. In March, Winnebago laid off 200 employees – it employs about 3,000 at all its plants.

RV maker Western Recreational Vehicles Inc. of Yakima, Wash. has closed, leaving 220 employees without work. On the good side of things a few other manufacturers are opening up new lines – a Cdn company from BC will soon move to Yakima, WA. One thing is certain; nothing in this world exists without change. When one door closes another frequently opens – if we can wait long enough. One good point – due to a strong Cdn $$, prices on RV’s sold in Cda have lowered, making them more appealing. It is tough on sellers of private sales but great for the consumer

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NEW BOOK – SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS GUIDE 2008-2009 available from the RV Bookstore. Learn 1000’s of senior discounts throughout the USA. Most are not noted elsewhere – annual update available HERE

ANOTHER NEW BOOK – “Driving an RV to the Panama Canal” by Harriet and John Halkyard is an interesting tale. Not my travel destination but Harriet is very entertaining.

Periodically The RVTravel.com Newsletter announces MONTHLY RV RECALLS. To see the listing of March recalls log onto See a refreshed list of Months from AUG-MAR here.