TIPS AND PROMOS COMBINED THIS WEEK

Diary published weekly since 2001 This portion of Tips and Promos is part of the previous post


It is time for CDN SNOWBIRDS to prepare to head south. I phoned the US Customs Line I had from my summer seminars about WHAT FOODS WE CAN TAKE TO THE USA and of course the phone number I verified as accurate in June was not being answered yesterday. Government Departments are notorious for changing phone numbers and websites. They drive me nuts. Well I then called the Cdn Customs in Winnipeg at 1-204 983-3500 and that agent gave me this number – 1-703-526-4200. Sometimes I listened to a message requisitioning to try later.

BUT, I strongly recommend that everyone should listen to this long promo OF WHAT FOOD IS ALLOWED plus two other numbers for follow-up – I received messages at both these numbers – they wanted to call me back but since our cell in the park is iffy at times, I chose not leave a message.

I was surprised to see that SOFT CHEESES SUCH AS COTTAGE AND BRIE were forbidden – this is a new one on me, some Pet Food too. Fish at this point seems OK. Checking before you set out stops surprises when you get to the border. BUT rest assured what you hear tomorrow could likely change before you leave. Whatever current diseases surface changes the prohibitive foods.

John and I operate on the theory that if our FRIDGE IS EMPTY we avoid hassles. We routinely check ahead to see where the first grocery store, or Wal*Mart Supercenter is en route – we simply re-stock. The Wal*Mart Atlas lists most W*M locations throughout the USA, especially in the USA version. We find when we off-load all meat and suspect items – our crossings are easier.

The DATE FOR A PASSPORT for Land and Sea travel has been moved to Jun 2009 – This promo explains that as well. However if you need to fly home in an emergency, you cannot get on a plane without a passport – even in an air-evac. Wise RV Travellers carry with a Passport.

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In this weeks RV Travel.com newsletter there are several valued posts but this one in particular is reference to BACK-UP CAMERAS… “If you have one it is worth the read… How far back should I be able to view? I don't tow a car, but I do have a bike carrier on the back. I carry a small scooter. I can see my scooter and some space behind the scooter, but I can't see a car on my tail. Can the angles be adjusted? Answer HERE!!!

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Rick and Joy relayed this from the Dryden Newspaper. *** OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) relayed that a JEEP BEING TOWED BY A MOTOR HOME SEPARATED when the attachment broke – the jeep crossed into the eastbound lane and came to rest in the south ditch – no injuries.

FULL STORY… The RVer felt a sudden jerk before he saw his toad travel across the highway into the ditch. The SUV suffered minor damage but they were able to continue their trip following repairs. The hitch and the attachment points for the safety cables were attached all in one point – when it broke free and the toad was on its way. FOR SAFETY - ALWAYS attach safety cables separated from your hitch. INSPECT the welding of your hitch and safety cable attachment point.

John and I had a toad disconnect in the 80's while travelling Mexico, but thankfully for us one hook of our safety chain kept the car attached. The nut on the bottom of our ball had worked loose and disappeared when we went around a very sharp corner. We travelled about 20km before we realized it - days before back-up cameras were popular. Following our experience, we heard of about five more similar situations - some cars went over the mountains.

We realized our problem across the street from a Mechanic and a Machine shop. Between these two they found a ‘nut’ they could modify, so they could ‘Arm-strong’ it in place. All for a $15.00 fee - Go figure, but we were in Mexico. Our hitch these days folds and stays on our MH.

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Another RV Travel Newsletter post addresses RVS RECALLS FOR AUGUST BACK TO LAST FEBRUARY 08. RVs include those from Winnebago, Fleetwood, Gulf Stream, Newman, Jayco and numerous others. Check them out - many of the recalls are related to problems with RV refrigerators.

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As a result of LAST WEEKS TRAVEL INSURANCE, Jana and Norm shared this tip – Just a reminder for those who may not know or have forgotten: Travel medical insurance is considered A MEDICAL EXPENSE FOR CDN INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

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This post highlights RV CAMPGROUNDS; CHOICES AND PRICE from $50+ per/night to free. Amenities range from elegant RV parks with swimming pools, saunas, libraries, Rec Halls, etc. to state parks with limited facilities, to barebones 'boondocking' sites where a level plot of dirt. Novice RVers will benefit most.