Tips and Promos Issue 21

TIPS AND PROMOS COMBINED THIS WEEK - THERE ARE MANY!!!

MEMORIAL DAY & SPACE SHIP SIGHTINGS

Diary published weekly since 2001... Read this weeks complete Diary Here...

FROM THE RV TRAVEL NEWSLETTER…. Firewood is not transferable across the border from Canada because of insect that may be transported… FYI – this may also be the case from one community to another in either country. Better to buy your firewood locally.

TIP FROM PEGGI - Find little ways to cut back. I previously enjoyed a large diet coke from McDonalds when we are out shopping etc. but locally the price is now $2.48. At the local Wal*Mart Supercenter, I buy a big bottle of Sam’s Club brand for 58 cents. So by bringing my ‘treat’ with me, I save about $10. per week. Not a fortune but it ads up over time – nor is it great for the fast food McD’s, but it is definitely good for us McD’s.

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SPACESHIP SIGHTINGS. Rod also passed on this website on how to track the NASA SPACSHIP path. From now till 3 June, it is circling North America at a low enough altitude that it is visible with the naked eye. Through the link above and going to ‘Country’; then ‘State or Province’; then ‘City you can print a timetable of when it will be within your viewing area. We watched this bright light slowly move across the sky for 6 minutes last evening – Awesome !!!

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PROPANE SAFETY ALERT...
I got this disturbing email several times. First one came from John M and then today it was also featured on a Blog on RVTravel.com. Bottom line is some propane tanks are being used for storage and to manufacture Methamphetamines. The tanks are then being dropped off at refill stations where an empty tank can be exchanged for a full one. This process damages the brass valve in a propane cylinder if it comes in contact with anhydrous ammonia. The deterioration will lead to cracking of the valve body or its components and can ultimately result in a violent, unexpected expulsion of the valve from the cylinder, causing personal injury or death.

There will be signs of contamination that may be missed such as a blue-green stain on any brass portion of a service valve. This is evidence that it may have been in compromised. The pungent odor of ammonia on or near the cylinder is also an indication. If you suspect that a propane cylinder contains or has contained anhydrous ammonia, exercise extreme caution and restrict access to the area. Call 1-800-728-2482 for more details.

A damaged tank not only weakens the tank and controls – you are putting your family at risk having it nearby. It is MUCH MORE SAFE to refill your own tank that you know is safe – at the pumps. If possible EVERYONE should read the full story with pictures Here.

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VARIETY OF THIS AND THAT….

***Bill F shared this. Check gas prices anywhere – Local or National.

***Bud sent this one. An email circulating this week about hidden hypodermic needles attached to Gas Pump Handles in parts of Ontario IS A HOAX – this article on the OPP website relays the entire story.

***Bill F forwarded this warning that a dangerous Brown Recluse Spider likes to hide in dark hidden areas such as an attic or a woodpile etc. Although they’re mainly prevalent in the mid central/southern states, they may be anywhere – a bite can be very serious and without treatment, healing can be painful & slow. Try to take the ‘culprit’ to the doctor with you. Story, info and pictures here.

*** Suggestions from RCMP officer Tim from BC with reference to Turning Propane Off While Driving.

***Bill F also shared this link on how to recognize Skin Cancer - a very damaging form of cancer if left untreated.

Travel Safe All .... Peggi & John RVLiving.net

TIPS AND PROMOS Week 20

TIPS THIS WEEK

Diary published weekly since 2001 - Read FULL DIARY - weekly news and more - Here

DO YOU HAVE A DRIPPING SHOWER? If not now, this Blog on RV Travel is worth printing for future reference.

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How to add a MAP OF THE USA & CDA of states you visited to your email or articles. (Sorry, but I do not know how to add a picture from my hard drive if it is not already on my website).

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Cathy shared this …
***EASY EYEGLASS PROTECTION... to prevent the screws in glasses coming loose, apply a small drop of Clear Nail Polish to threads of the screws before tightening them.
***SMART SPLINTER REMOVER: Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

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TIPS FOR PROPANE USE FROM THE SAFETY AUTHORITY AND MOTOR VEHICLE SALS AUTHORITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. Details Here and Here.

This report arrived in my inbox this week – RVers are getting ready to travel so the info bears repeating. About 4 times per week I hear about another RV Fire – do not be the next victim. Below is an edited version of the first four (of ten) tips….

Over 800,000 RVs travel the roads in Canada - that means there is an increased need for RV safety. Propane is used in furnaces, fridges, water heaters, barbecues and stoves, etc. Although propane is a combustible, when handled in a safe manner it is not dangerous.

• Propane equipment should be checked and maintained by a certified technician at least once every two years. The technician will confirm a safety inspection has been completed and the necessary repairs have been made.
• Know the smell. If you detect the rotten egg odour of propane, get everyone out of the vehicle and close the supply valve.
• Circulate air. Open a vent or window and turn on the range hood fan when using a propane stove or oven. This will remove moisture and combustion products that may contain carbon monoxide.
• Cook, don't heat. Never use stove burners or the oven for space heating. Never cook while your RV is moving.

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PROMOS OF THIS WEEK

I keep talking about the MILITARY AND RCMP CLAWBACK and how we need everyone – ex-serving members or not – to please sign the Petition. Georgina shared … this story in the Toronto Sun is a good explanation of the entire situation. It seems like an uphill fight but it does continue. Sign the petition Here.

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NOT REALLY A PROMO - MISERY SOMETIMES FEELS BETTER IF SHARED.

Bill sent this from California – This week regular Gas was $4.059 /gal – Plus was $4.18/Supreme $4.28. – Diesel # 2 was $4.559. All credit added $.05 more. Increase prices are expected this coming week.

FYI In Canada – Since Gas prices are going up here too – $1.25 per litre translates as $4.48 per US gallon using this Formula ($1.25 x 3.7 ltrs x.97 exch). Exchange and per/ltr price vary with each day - but this gives you an idea what we are pay north of the border. It may ease the pain of prices in your area.

Bill B received this email from a friend in England. Gas is 111.1 pence p/litre – about $2.45/ltr Cdn. Diesel is 121.9 pence p/litre, or $2.67/ltr Cdn. Even makes Canada look cheap.

IT IS NICE TO KNOW THAT MOST OF US ARE NOT GIVING UP OUR DREAM – Many of are offloading extras in our units and driving slower - but we are still enjoying ‘Life On The Move’. Take care everyone till later, travel safe. P&J

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Happy Mother's Day - 11 May

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read FULL DIARY - weekly news and more - Here

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TIPS 11 May

Mary Findley of GO CLEAN.COM has so many tips and hints for RVers. She offers mega free info on her site but she also has numerous magic products that simplify cleaning anything available on her site.

For instance – to eliminate GREASE BUNNIES, Mary suggests this easy solution to cleaning those dangling menaces on any carpeted ceiling – especially just above your stove – popular in many RV’s. Other than removing your glasses and ignoring them, try using a lint roller made for clothing and roll the ceiling. The Grease Bunnies stick to the roller without smearing into the ceiling. A piece of doubled or tripled over duck tape will work in a pinch. Read numerous more tips from Mary and the mega info in her column Here Be sure to follow links to her comprehensive site as well. While there check out her many no-cost tips & RV Kits.

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Bill shared this tip about GIFT CARDS. In a word we are in very uncertain economic times. According to Snopes.com not all the companies in the circulating email are in trouble, but some are. Stores having problems may and/or may not honour their cards. Sooo, If you have any store cards, you should spend them. Rather than name stores please read the entire story here.

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CDN MILITARY RETIREES AND THE RCMP RETIREES are still fighting to stop unfair and illegal Clawback of our pensions when we hit age 65. If you’d like to support our cause, please add your name to the petition – no need to be retired Cdn servicemen/RCMP. ALL names are welcome.

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Diary users know I am a BIG FAN of PICASSA PHOTO ALBUMS. This Free program does it all. A week ago I signed up for a newsletter of computer experts Chris and Jim Guld from Geeksontour.com. In this weeks blurb they featured the link to numerous short FREE videos that explain Picassa in ultimate detail. Take a look then sign up for your copy of thier informative newsletter.

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Mark Polk, of RVEducation101.com and RVUniversity.com, is the author of numerous free articles and a full line-up of RV Books, E-Books, DVD’s. Videos and more. See details here Recently I read this story about INSPECTING YOUR RV FOR WATER DAMAGE. That full story is here.

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PROMOS 11 May

PLENTY OF RV RECALLS WERE ISSUED IN APRIL Recent report from RVTravel.com

“April was a busy month for recalls on RVs and RV products. Refrigerator Dometic and Norcold recalled models. RV manufacturers issuing recalls included Fleetwood, Four Winds, Monaco, Host, Coachmen and others. Check to see if your RV is involved in a recall ”.

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TRAILER LIFE'S GUIDE TO TOWING – When it comes to towing and rating etc. it is always a mystery to stay on top of things. This info from this month’s issue of the Trailer Life newsletter may shed some light on the subject -

Trailer Life and Ford Trucks joined forces to produce the most-respected compilation of trailer tow ratings in the country. The 2008 edition of Trailer Life's "Guide to Towing," sponsored by Ford, is available online for immediate and easy viewing. Listing tow ratings for all 2008 vehicles rated to tow 2,000 pounds and more, this guide also features excellent reference materials, such as "Towing Package Essentials" and "Controlling Trailer Brakes," written by RV experts. For convenient comparisons, tow ratings from previous years can be downloaded Here. Read and download current info Here.

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GOOD SAM INSURANCES worth looking at. All RV Clubs including the Explorer RV Club, FMCA, Escapees and many others feature great buys in insurances and it is a must that we all should shop around and compare. The following few where highlighted in the latest newsletter.

John and I belong to and recommend MEMBERSHIP IN MANY CLUBS. With GS it depends on what specials you will find as to how much you pay. A few years ago we bought into this club for a $2. special at a Florida Camping World.

** GS is excited to introduce GOOD SAM CLUB CAREPLUS / it’s a new one-stop for members-only. Personal travel and health coverage benefits.

** CANADIAN GOOD SAM MEMBERS have 2 days of multi-trip travel health and medical insurance included FREE with your membership. Members are covered for an unlimited number of 2-day trips during the year. All you have to do is Log on or phone 1-888-237-1177 to activate your coverage.

** Planning on a longer trip of 2 or more days in the US or overseas? "TOP-UP" your coverage for a small fee. Call 1-888-237-1177 - ask Q for you and your family.

** GOOD SAM RV EMERGENCY ROADSIDE SERVICE (ERS), coverage now expands to Mexico – some restrictions may apply mainly because of geography – every location in Mexico also may not have phone access to call for help OR to rescue assistance. Contact info Here. It may not be perfect but it is a start.

TIPS & PROMOS - Issue 18

This Diary has been published weekly since 2001
Read the Full version of this Diary Here

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TIPS FOR THIS WEEK - Issue 18

STRETCH GAS/FUEL MILEAGE
We are all aware and somewhat concerned about the increased cost to RV because of the rising prices at the pump. However many of the airline companies have found a way to save many hundreds on each flight – by slowing down and extending the trip time a few minutes. This is proof that if we each also SLOW DOWN several MPH, we too will travel further on less gas/fuel costs. Your trip should not take much longer, but you will leave less of your money behind at the pumps.

Another positive way to increase your MPG is to LIGHTEN THE LOAD. Limit fresh water and waste you have on board, plus OFF-LOAD ALL THAT ‘STUFF’ you absolutely do not need. For instance it is time to move my sewing machine to storage – I no longer have time to sew. Heavy kitchen items or bulky tools or old papers or extra clothes or bedding are just a few suggestions that add pounds to your RV. This practice may not make you rich but over time it should reduce the amount you spend at a gas/fuel stop. We plan to offload this one this summer.

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HDTV’s AND CONVERTER BOXES
Tom shared these additional links on Info ref these upgrades. In the USA the change will occur Feb 09, but Canada will not change over till August 31, 2011. Cdn details HERE – Unless Cdn’s log onto US analog channels after Feb 09, there is no rush to buy a new TV or Converter Box. Americans can obtain their $40 coupon to put towards an update - Go here for general FAQ’s – For answers on “How do I know if I need to add a converter box?” and other A’s such as “What is Digital Transition?” Details HERE

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SATELLITE TV LOCATIONS
***Liz and Jeff found this Site - / I can also access my Lat and Long for my Hughes.net Settings (we have no GPS as yet) on this site. It’s an interesting site as long as I plan ahead where we expect to be, so I can get the settings ahead of time. Links listed below are from my link page under SATELLITES may help. Feel free to print these lists for off-line access.
***CalculateCdn ExpressVu DISH COORDINATES HERE while in the U.S.A:
***One more comprehensive website promoting Cdn satellite service to non-Canadians:

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PROMOS THIS WEEK - Issue 18

RV INSURANCE…
***Many RVers are buying new and trading up their RV’s these days. Lower prices are a great draw. WAYFARER RV INSURANCE offer the absolutely BEST RV INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS RVERS. Before you settle on your insurance company be sure to read this story called “Look for the Differences.”

***EXPLORERRV.COM INSURANCE comes with the highest praise from AMERICAN RVERS. - Definitely worth obtaining a quote.

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INFO worth sharing this week from the RV TRAVEL.COM Newsletter

***ENERGY SAVING TIPS – especially for dry campers
*** If you travel with MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER on board, check out this way to simplify connections at the same time.
*** Pilgrim RV’s have UPGRADED THE FLOORS in their units to last 5-years.
***On a positive note ENTEGRA COACH by Jayco will be taking over the Travel Supreme facilities in Wakarusa, Indiana. They plan to manufacture highend Fifth Wheels and three Diesel Pusher motorhome models.

Have a Good Day all P&J

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This Diary has been published weekly since 2001
Read the Full version of this Diary Here

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