Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line HERE:
TIPS & PROMOS COMBINED AGAIN THIS WEEK ( Issue Sep 26th)
On the lighter side of things – this link from Eileen is really cute. She sent so many e-mails that her cursor caught FIRE!
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SUN RV RESORTS located in Florida are inviting everyone to ….
“Stay with them this Oct/Nov and Dec 2008 for ONLY $750.00 OR they have ‘Low Single Monthly Rates For October, November Or December, 2008!!’ OFFER VALID at these 5-SUN RESORTS… Arbor Terrace, Bradenton – Buttonwood Bay, Seabring – Groves, Ft Myres – Indian Creek, Ft Myres – Lake San Morino, Naples and Siesta Key, Ft Myres. We have stayed at most of these and they are great parks. *Resort fee not included – Two-person occupancy. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers – Expires 12/31/2008. DETAILS Click on each resort to see Fall Special – OR – Contact SUN RV RESORTS, Phone 877-877-3843, Email
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The monthly or weekly NEWSLETTERS I receive are such a valuable education to this lifestyle.
This one from RVEducation101.com highlights ‘ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER???’ If you missed this article in last weeks Diary, the complex details are repeated. It includes the basics of ‘Winterizing and RV Storage. Mark also shares an excellent RV Video Tip covering ‘RV INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE’ plus ‘OFF-LOADING EXTRAS’ – an excerpt from my book RV Living in the 21st Century. Mark also discusses How-to ARM YOURSELF WITH QUALIFIED RV BUYING INFO – before you buy your home on wheels. He also shares several Q & A and much more.
To peruse his numerous ‘How-to’ RV Books, Ebooks, DVD’s and Videos that Mark and Dawn have published please use this Link – Any possible sale is credited to RVLiving.net. However don’t hesitate to spend some time just looking.
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These next two tips from the Sep TRAILER LIFE NEWSLETTER for Good Sam Members
#1 SUNBURNS AND/OR SWOLLEN EYES – No matter how we try, the occasional sunburn slips through; to alleviate the redness and the soreness, try using wet tea bags on the specific sites. The same remedy works on those big, puffy under-eyes that are so unattractive in the morning. (Hint: Too much salt in your diet may cause swelling). The itch and burn of mosquito bites are relieved with an application of rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. And, of course, that same white vinegar mixed with a little water performs miracles on windows, mirrors and other glass.
#2 DINGHY TOWING INSPECTION CHECKLIST - Motorhome owners should visually inspect potential safety threats at every stop while traveling. Detailed. Walk-Around HERE.
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This next grouping appeared in this week's RV TRAVEL. COM NEWSLETTER HERE…
Entire post is worth a read.
#1 Warranties on all TETON Homes products are now void. "Teton Homes are finished," See story HERE…
#2 SOLO RVERS: What if something happens to you? Actually this tip and remarks apply to all RVers
#3 Great RV Video ALL ABOUT PROPANE TANKS – Good description of installed safety features. HERE
#4 WOMAN WHO TRAVEL BY RV – whether alone or with a companion – should definitely drop by the Women RVer's Forum
#5 ELECTRICITY OR GAS? Finally an answer – as to what is best to heat your RV with. Details HERE
#6 CANADIANS URGED TO BUY RVS AT HOME, NOT IN USA??? This story, was also in the Ottawa Citizen this week – it’s a bit slanted but it may provide ideas on both sides… HERE:
Peggi’s NOTE: We know of many Cdns who are very happy with their USA purchases so this is a situation of Buyer Must Decide’. For the full story, talk to RVers who have bought below the border and consider their comments. Always contact the RIV (Register Imported Vehicles) for each unit model you are looking at - RIV.com has all the accurate answers. Some of this news article may be a bit biased to keep dollars in Canada.
Thats it for this Week Travel Safe All. P&J
Friday, September 26, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
I TOOK TIME TO PLAY - Issue 36
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line HERE...
TIPS AND PROMOS COMBINED THIS WEEK I have so many on file, if yours is not here this week it should be next week.
These next three Tips appeared in this weeks RV Travel. Com Newsletter … Whole post is worth a read.
#1… HOW TO HANDLE A TIRE BLOWOUT ON YOUR RV OR CAR –Very Important Read
Tips in this ten-minute video could save your life. Learn how to act if you experience a tire blowout on your motorhome or tow vehicle. Hitting the brakes is the worst thing you can do. Taking your foot off the accelerator is almost as dangerous. Learn the right way to react to a tire blowout by using established principles proven over the years. It enables you to maintain control of your RV. (if you don’t have high speed – let video slowly load and then play it again).
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#2… WINTER IS COMING – TIPS ON HOW TO STORE YOUR RV FOR THE SEASON By Mark Polk
It won't be too long before some RVers begin preparing their motorhomes or trailers for winter. For many, that will mean storing them. Most RVers don't realize it, but how you store an RV is just as important as winterizing the water system. It's important you consider things like batteries, ventilation, the condition of sealants, mice, and fuel system protection just to mention a few. Read now to learn or as a reminder what’s needed to get your RV ready for winter storage. Mark Polk writes numerous Books, ebooks, DVD’s and Videos available from RV Education101.com. Plus No-cost How-to Info. See full selection HERE...
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#3… LOCKS ON MAIN RV DOOR HANDLES ARE UNIVERSAL… An Idaho RV dealer was burglarized last week of six flat screen TVs from six trailers. It turned out that all the RVs were locked, but only with their door locks, not the deadbolt locks. "All RV door locks are the same -- one key fits all," a spokesman for the dealership said in so many words. What this means to you and me is: be sure, when you lock your RV, ALWAYS USE THE DEADBOLT LOCK. If you use the wimpy regular door lock, then any other RVer can use his or her key to get into your rig. Most RVers are good people, so they would never do such a thing. But there are a few bad dudes lurking and they will. So be careful.
TIP FROM PEGGI – Locks on your outside storage pod doors are also universal. We always lock ours to ensure they don’t open during transit, but we are aware that any other person with a key to their locks can probably open ours. Sooooo we keep no valuables in these pods.
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Bill shared this info – a question surfaced while he was reading an extensive article in FMCA reference CONSIGNMENT OF RV'S. From Bill’s research he found that most USA companies are not insuring RV'S while on consignment since they are not in the care, custody and control of the insured – plus the dealer is not covering them either. However Vehicles do have coverage while in a storage as long as collision and comprehensive are on them depending on the claim.
I AM HAPPY TO REPORT when I asked Wayfarer Insurance – leader in Cdn RV Insurance – this Q; I was assured RV’s in a CDN CONSIGNMENT LOT they’d be covered because you still own the unit – not the dealer. Details HERE or 800-461-031.
- FYI Wayfarer also sell complex Mexican Insurance.
- Be sure to read the story ref LOOK FOR THE DIFFERENCES
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COMPUTER VIRUS WARNINGS ARE CIRCULATING AGAIN. Bonnie relayed the POSTCARD/E-CARD threats are making the rounds. One says, “You have a Postcard” in the subject line, another is “A Family member/friend sent you and E-Card”. Don’t click on the attachment or link.
Dennis sent the info about the “OSAMA BIN LADEN” email – this email may have an attachment that says ‘He Has Died’ or ‘He’s Been Captured or Hanged’ etc. Immediately delete ALL this type of email.
THESE ARE BOTH DANGEROUS and frequently they appear (in error) to come through from a family or friend. Both have been checked out on Snopes. If you open either, they will destroy your C- Drive. Heed these warnings and be cautious of opening ANY email or suspicious links.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
FALL IS IN THE AIR - Issue 35
Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line HERE
TIPS THIS WEEK
Bill shares info on the NEW THREAT TO WOMAN AT GAS STATIONS. The email contains a long story but in a word – a serial rapist has found a unique way to win the trust of woman. In the email version, he is a clean cut individual that tells you as you are driving away that you dropped $5 or $10 in the store while you were paying for gas. He wants you to open the window so he can give it to you. He looks like a kind hearted concerned individual. If you do not accommodate him he gets very angry. BUT if you open your door or window you are at his mercy. Be safe and be sure to drive away, let the police know of the encounter – it may not be anything but you could save your life if you do not accepted the cash.
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Crooks are becoming more creative all the time. Bernie shared this CREDIT CARD SCAM - it is TRUE on Snoops.com. A caller claiming to be from the Credit Card Company attempts to obtain the LAST THREE SECURITY NUMBERS ON THE BACK OF YOUR CR CD. They provide you with all the info on your card – they don’t have to ask for it because they already know the answers. The only question they don’t have is the 3-digit security numbers. The call sounds very official and they even give you a phone number to call for follow-up info – it’s supposedly from the Card Fraud Office. They state that a large purchase has gone through your account that day and they are verifying you have your card in your possession – so they need these numbers. DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE THAT CALLS YOU. If you have called someone, it is OK to share the numbers. The caller may state they want to make a refund to your account, or stop the use of the card until the security is checked etc. – absolutely anything to get those 3-numbers. Click link above to read the full story. If you receive a call similar to this, report it to your Card Fraud Office immediately.
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I have shared this info in the past but Bernie and Heather passed it on again. It is important enough to repeat. When using your CREDIT CARD IN EITHER USA OR CDA at a gas station or on-line etc, frequently you are asked for a ‘ZIP Code’ or ‘Postal Code’. Cdn Credit Card holders now have a way to add a ‘ZIP Code’ to your ‘Cdn Card’. (I see no reason why it would not work for Americans visiting Canada). Travellers with a regular address in the USA (winter residence or mail forwarding etc.) can ask Visa or MC etc. to add it as a SECONDARY ADDRESS to your file. All billing and other transactions continue to go through your Cdn address. Advantage is – if you’re pumping gas, you can punch in that ZIP code and receive service without running a security risk by leaving your Credit Card in the station office. Bernie’s bank suggested that for major purchases you should use your Cdn address – I leave that decision to you. John and I have also added our USA mail forwarding address to our MC – but neither us, nor Bernie have had a chance to test its effectiveness. It is worth a try.
OUT OF COUNTRY MEDICAL INSURANCE is high on the minds of all Cdns. Some companies also sell Insurance to VISITORS TO CANADA. File these numbers so you will have access to them before your next trip.
Many companies offer great plans. Those mentioned below are small sampling of various features you’d find in your search. Each company offers different options and the price paid depends on your age, length of time away AND your individual answers to the health questions. Don’t fudge your answers, because before a claim is paid they will verify your health history. Many will add Top-up Insurance ( I.E Extend a policy you may have with your work).
If you would like me to add your favourite insurance company – send me an email and I will share it next week...
***CARP – John and I find this one works best for us. Their standard policy is 5-Million and they also upgrade the No-Cost 40 days from PSHCP (Public Service Health Care Plan – some Federal Employees are members). That plan covers members anytime they travel up to 40 days out of province. Coverage is $500,000 but CARP will upgrade it to 5 Million as well for much less than $100. in most age brackets. They also offer $2-$500 and higher deductible PLUS BP meds only have to be stable for 3-months – everything else for 6-months. Longer you are with them, the more discounts that apply such as loyalty, or joint policies etc. No CARP Membership is required. Details HERE 877-566-6805.
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***GOOD SAM CLUB offer a great medical coverage for Cdn Members travelling south or overseas at GOOD RATES. (They also offer a similar plan for their American Members visiting to Canada). Members receive TWO COMPLIMENTARY DAYS for any number of trips across the border. These 2-FREE days can be topped up at any time. Their level of coverage is 2 Million. Check w/Good Sam Club and click on "member benefits", then "insurance". Call 888-237-1177 to activate your coverage and to extend it. This policy does top-up other insurance plans. Good Sam Club work with Travel Insurance. Non-member cost and benefits may be higher.
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***PRIME LINK offers a choice of 1-Million and 5-Million plan coverage. They also only request that stability of numerous things is only a minimum of 2-months. Each company promotes slightly different benefits. Details HERE - phone number 800 509 5831. Ray Murdock is a broker for this copany (519 884-5923)
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***I was not able to contact MEDOC at 1-800-461-4597. I am aware they will add Top-ups of the PSHCP, plus they also upgrade the 40-day coverage. On their website they post samples of their rates. Details HERE.
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***SANDERSON TRAVEL INSURANCE offer special benefits to Canada’s Explorer RV Club. We have been playing phone tag so I still have not talked to them to confirm details. Their insurance is available with and without pre-existing medical conditions – stability for each person may vary. It is definitely worth a call to check out their rates and benefit. Details HERE 877-266-8728.
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Depending on your age, you also may find good deals at MANY CANADIAN BANKS.
Travellers MUST check out the best one for you. Please, NO one cross the border without it. When John was in the hospital for a week in Florida a year ago after he was diagnosed with a superbug. He also was treated as an out-patient by a Infectious Disease doctor. We then went home for 33 days - no one really found the cause BUT that experience cost the Insurance company $45,000 and John had no operation - just a battery of tests.
Hope this info helps some. Travel safe P&J
Read this Diary on line HERE
TIPS THIS WEEK
Bill shares info on the NEW THREAT TO WOMAN AT GAS STATIONS. The email contains a long story but in a word – a serial rapist has found a unique way to win the trust of woman. In the email version, he is a clean cut individual that tells you as you are driving away that you dropped $5 or $10 in the store while you were paying for gas. He wants you to open the window so he can give it to you. He looks like a kind hearted concerned individual. If you do not accommodate him he gets very angry. BUT if you open your door or window you are at his mercy. Be safe and be sure to drive away, let the police know of the encounter – it may not be anything but you could save your life if you do not accepted the cash.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Crooks are becoming more creative all the time. Bernie shared this CREDIT CARD SCAM - it is TRUE on Snoops.com. A caller claiming to be from the Credit Card Company attempts to obtain the LAST THREE SECURITY NUMBERS ON THE BACK OF YOUR CR CD. They provide you with all the info on your card – they don’t have to ask for it because they already know the answers. The only question they don’t have is the 3-digit security numbers. The call sounds very official and they even give you a phone number to call for follow-up info – it’s supposedly from the Card Fraud Office. They state that a large purchase has gone through your account that day and they are verifying you have your card in your possession – so they need these numbers. DO NOT GIVE THIS INFO TO ANYONE THAT CALLS YOU. If you have called someone, it is OK to share the numbers. The caller may state they want to make a refund to your account, or stop the use of the card until the security is checked etc. – absolutely anything to get those 3-numbers. Click link above to read the full story. If you receive a call similar to this, report it to your Card Fraud Office immediately.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have shared this info in the past but Bernie and Heather passed it on again. It is important enough to repeat. When using your CREDIT CARD IN EITHER USA OR CDA at a gas station or on-line etc, frequently you are asked for a ‘ZIP Code’ or ‘Postal Code’. Cdn Credit Card holders now have a way to add a ‘ZIP Code’ to your ‘Cdn Card’. (I see no reason why it would not work for Americans visiting Canada). Travellers with a regular address in the USA (winter residence or mail forwarding etc.) can ask Visa or MC etc. to add it as a SECONDARY ADDRESS to your file. All billing and other transactions continue to go through your Cdn address. Advantage is – if you’re pumping gas, you can punch in that ZIP code and receive service without running a security risk by leaving your Credit Card in the station office. Bernie’s bank suggested that for major purchases you should use your Cdn address – I leave that decision to you. John and I have also added our USA mail forwarding address to our MC – but neither us, nor Bernie have had a chance to test its effectiveness. It is worth a try.
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PROMOS THIS WEEK
These contacts were part of the Sep 06,08 Diary. I share them here so everyone has easy-access to the info.....
OUT OF COUNTRY MEDICAL INSURANCE is high on the minds of all Cdns. Some companies also sell Insurance to VISITORS TO CANADA. File these numbers so you will have access to them before your next trip.
Many companies offer great plans. Those mentioned below are small sampling of various features you’d find in your search. Each company offers different options and the price paid depends on your age, length of time away AND your individual answers to the health questions. Don’t fudge your answers, because before a claim is paid they will verify your health history. Many will add Top-up Insurance ( I.E Extend a policy you may have with your work).
If you would like me to add your favourite insurance company – send me an email and I will share it next week...
***CARP – John and I find this one works best for us. Their standard policy is 5-Million and they also upgrade the No-Cost 40 days from PSHCP (Public Service Health Care Plan – some Federal Employees are members). That plan covers members anytime they travel up to 40 days out of province. Coverage is $500,000 but CARP will upgrade it to 5 Million as well for much less than $100. in most age brackets. They also offer $2-$500 and higher deductible PLUS BP meds only have to be stable for 3-months – everything else for 6-months. Longer you are with them, the more discounts that apply such as loyalty, or joint policies etc. No CARP Membership is required. Details HERE 877-566-6805.
++++++++++++++++
***GOOD SAM CLUB offer a great medical coverage for Cdn Members travelling south or overseas at GOOD RATES. (They also offer a similar plan for their American Members visiting to Canada). Members receive TWO COMPLIMENTARY DAYS for any number of trips across the border. These 2-FREE days can be topped up at any time. Their level of coverage is 2 Million. Check w/Good Sam Club and click on "member benefits", then "insurance". Call 888-237-1177 to activate your coverage and to extend it. This policy does top-up other insurance plans. Good Sam Club work with Travel Insurance. Non-member cost and benefits may be higher.
+++++++++++++++++
***PRIME LINK offers a choice of 1-Million and 5-Million plan coverage. They also only request that stability of numerous things is only a minimum of 2-months. Each company promotes slightly different benefits. Details HERE - phone number 800 509 5831. Ray Murdock is a broker for this copany (519 884-5923)
+++++++++++++++++
***I was not able to contact MEDOC at 1-800-461-4597. I am aware they will add Top-ups of the PSHCP, plus they also upgrade the 40-day coverage. On their website they post samples of their rates. Details HERE.
++++++++++++++++
***SANDERSON TRAVEL INSURANCE offer special benefits to Canada’s Explorer RV Club. We have been playing phone tag so I still have not talked to them to confirm details. Their insurance is available with and without pre-existing medical conditions – stability for each person may vary. It is definitely worth a call to check out their rates and benefit. Details HERE 877-266-8728.
+++++++++++++++++
Depending on your age, you also may find good deals at MANY CANADIAN BANKS.
Travellers MUST check out the best one for you. Please, NO one cross the border without it. When John was in the hospital for a week in Florida a year ago after he was diagnosed with a superbug. He also was treated as an out-patient by a Infectious Disease doctor. We then went home for 33 days - no one really found the cause BUT that experience cost the Insurance company $45,000 and John had no operation - just a battery of tests.
Hope this info helps some. Travel safe P&J
Thursday, September 4, 2008
LABOUR DAY WEEKEND - WOW Issue 34
Diary has been published weekly since 2001
Read this week's Diary on line HERE
TIPS THIS WEEK
The three informative posts below were featured in this weeks RVTRAVEL.COM NEWSLETTER plus Chuck gives a second report of RV Travel in Scotland even if it is more costly for gas/fuel Story HERE
*** WINTERIZING: A New RV Antifreeze said to save huge amounts of oil – will soon be sold exclusively by Wal*Mart. Read the full story of this new environmentally friendly product… HERE – Those who are NEW to winterizing or if you would just like a refresher - it is covered extensively in my book ‘RV Living in the 21st Century’. However a very handy article on the subject is also featured HERE – "It’s never to early to think about winterizing,"
*** A new HIGH PRESSURE SHOWER HEAD that uses minimum water at 3-times the pressure is explained HERE...
*** This informative and interesting article highlights “What to Pack and TIPS on how Not to Forget anything” when embarking on a trip longer than normal. It is especially beneficial FOR THOSE NEW TO RVING.
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Email Promo worth sharing – sender name not included. On THURSDAY, SEP 11th, 2008, every American is asked to DISPLAY A FLAG outside each home, apartment, office store etc. in the USA. It’s the 7th ANNIVERSARY of ‘9/11’ and one small way to honour those who are no longer here. Support has almost disappeared over the years. This email stressed that patriotism has pulled Americans through some tough times and it should not take another attack to galvanize solidarity. The American Flag is the fabric of the country and can prevail over all situations.
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PROMOS OF THE WEEK
Mark Polk of RVEducation101.com wrote a very informative article on WHY RV’S CATCH FIRE. Even if you have had some fire training this is definitely worth a read.
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RV INSURANCES IN GENERAL – *** The two most beneficial RV Insurance plans are Wayfarer (for Cdns) / This company works at the highest level to benefit all RVers. For more details be sure to read the article by Joe Martin “Look For The Difference” Here…
*** We are not an affiliate with this company, but the most popular RV Insurance for Americans is Explorer.com This company too has a reputation of working positively on behalf of their clients.
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MEXICAN INSURANCE - *** Is this your winter to RV in Mexico? MEXACAN is without a doubt one of the best brokers to answer all your questions BEFORE you travel south of the USA. They specialize in reasonably priced Mexican Insurance for both to Canadians and Americans. Check it out Here. Buy your coverage BEFORE you leave home.
*** Wayfarer RV Insurance (for Cdns) also promotes reasonable and comprehensive Mexican Insurance. / Every Mexican traveller owes it to themselves to check out a variety of companies – both of these are very fair to deal with.
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LAST INSURANCE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD CARRY IS AN ‘ERS’ (Emergency Road Service). One ‘no-cost’ Service Call more than pays for your annual membership. Many policies are available, but the ones that are most common for RVers are those promoted by RV Clubs. Explorer RV Club (Cda’s National RV Club) - Good Sam Club (Int’l) - Family Motor Coach Assoc (motorhome owners Int’l) and Escapees RV Club Again it is most important to shop around – just ensure you don’t leave home without an ERS plan of some kind. They mostly work the same way but some offer more benefits than others. Out advice is to compare benefits as well as cost.
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That's it for this week. Travel safe. P&J www.rvliving.net
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