fox mountain fifth-wheel - aws
TRANSCRIPT
REVIEWEDDual-Slide Eagle Cap 1160 Camper
10 Great Beach CampsAcross the USA
Minnesota Antiquer'sBoomtown
SUMMER TRAVEL
✔ 8 WAYS TO BITE BACK!MOSQUITO DEFENSE
JUNE 2012
30+ PRODUCTS FOR IMPROVING TOWING & PERFORMANCEw
ww
.trailerlife.com
Fox Mountain Fifth-Wheel
FAMILY FRIENDLYTRAILERS FORUNDER$25K
Compact Comfort & Half-Ton Agility
*EPA-estimated 17 city/23 hwy/19 combined mpg, 3.7L V6 4x2. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, Non-Hybrid.
FORD.COM
Best-in-class highway fuel economy.*
THE 2012 F-150 This is the future of truck
4 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
16 Agate Fossil Beds Ancient fossils and 20 million year-old rockscover this Nebraska National Monument
18 Oronoco Gold A quiet town bustles with thousands ofantique lovers once a year
22 Beach BumsTen cross-country camping destinationsrequiring sunscreen and a bathing suit
28 Travel Trailers Under $25,000Frugal meets features and variety withour list of affordable trailers
34 Outfitting Upgrade GuideMore power and performance withthese aftermarket products
50 ‘52 Spartanette 35 TrailerOne couple restores a rare classictrailer to retro-inspired beauty
52 Max MajesticDual-slideouts give the Eagle Cap 1160 camper spacious appeal
56 Cactus, Coaches and Country MusicThe Good Sam Phoenix Rally was a sizzling success
61 Northwood Fox MountainThis agile fifth-wheel offers four-season livability
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
On the cover: Compact and agile, Northwood’s Fox Mountain lighweight fifth-wheel line is towable by lighter trucks. Read more on page 61
565218
CONTENTS JUNE 2012 | VOLUME 72 | NUMBER 6
For an affordable towable, see page 10 for Palomino’s Gazelle Ultra-Lite travel trailer.
5 Driver’s SeatNews from the Editor
6 LettersReaders respond loud and clear
8 Around the BendNews, events, people, places and trends
12 RV Action LineTrailer Life is your referee
59 New ProductsGoodies to improve the RV lifestyle
65 Performance CornerTech, accessories and news
66 Hands OnImproved hands-free communication
67 OutdoorsmanBug spray, new gear and campfire chat
70 RV ClinicAnswers from the Trailer Life tech team
94 10-Minute TechNow why didn’t I think of that?
98 America’s OutbackNorthern nostalgia in Bayfield, Wisc.
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June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 5
DRIVER’SSEAT JUNE
Connect with us...
ConnectionsYou’ll find them everywhere in life, if youslow down and take the time to look
Upon taking the reins as editor-in-chief, one of my first goals as I began work-ing with the many writers and contributors of Trailer Life, was to get to know
each and every one of them, to better understand their expertise and style.That was easier with some, such as Jeff Johnston who I have known since a
stint together as staff editors at one of the premier four-wheel-drive vehicle en-thusiast magazines very early in both our careers. Other long-time staffers andregular contributors such as Ken Freund, Chris Hemer, Bruce Hampson, andGary and Monica Wescott are also familiar through prior associations with otherautomotive, RV, marine or outdoor publications, professional organizations orevents. Our mutual interest in just about anything on wheels, with or without anengine, has drawn us together over the years.
However, there were some I didn’t know at all. For instance, I have read andenjoyed Bill Graves’ last-page column “America’s Outback” for years. During ourfirst few interactions, a letter from one of Bill’s fans came to light. The letterwriter was also a long-time reader of Bill’s column and was accustomed to hear-ing of Bill’s dog, Rusty, from time to time and was inquiring about the canine com-panion, as it had been a while since Bill had mentioned her or that she had shownup in pictures. Bill let me know that the reason his dog has slipped from thepages of Trailer Life was because Rusty had passed on some time ago. Eventhough a couple of years had gone by, I could feel the weight in his words.
My portrait in Camping Life (as editor-in-chief) contained a photo with my yel-low Labrador retriever, Emma, who loved to travel with me but had recently passedaway, and so a new headshot for the column was going to have to be created. Thisoccurred to me as I was suggesting to Bill that if it was not too sore of a subject, hemight want to answer the reader’s letter through the pages of the magazine, orallow me to do so, as his fans would probably want to know what had happened tohis beloved pet and friend. Bill was surprised (but I wasn’t) that his fans would re-member Rusty, and said it might be a good idea to let people know what happened,and that as Bill puts it, Rusty loved to travel but that she is doing it someplace elsenow. I’ll bet Emma and Rusty are getting along just fine. q
– Stuart Bourdon, editor-in-chief
INSIDE: Become a Beach Bum
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Publisher Bob LivingstonEditor-in-Chief Stuart BourdonManaging Editor Tom KaiserAssociate Editor Amanda LepinskiArt Director Rick DamienProduction Manager Angela SchmiegProduction Coordinator Andrea SchneiderSales Administrator Erica Thiel
Consulting Editors Wes Caughlan, Ken Freund, Jeff JohnstonContributors Bob Ashley, Stuart Bourdon, Len Cousineau, Bill &Jenn Gehr, Bill Graves, Bruce Hampson, Donna Ikenberry,Pamela and Gary Selbert, Russ and Ellen Steele, Shawn Spence
Vice President National Sales Terry ThompsonTel 206-283-9545 Fax 206-283-9571
RV Marketplace/Classifieds Sue Seidlitz10556 Combie Road #6443 Auburn, CA 95602Tel 530-268-3005 Fax [email protected]
Tacy Hendershot-Sargent (Southeast Region) 1010 SW Lighthouse Drive, Palm City, FL 34990Tel 772-288-0387 Fax 772-288-0085
Lou Cicirelli (Northeast Region) 1400 NW 108th Avenue, #266, Plantation, FL 33322Tel 954-297-9234
Scott Oakes, John Marciano (Western Region) 1818 Westlake Avenue, N. #420Seattle, WA 98109Tel 206-283-9545 Fax 206-283-9571
Crompton Holdings Scott Crompton (Detroit, MI)2031 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103Tel 334-546-7243 Fax [email protected]
Chairman Emeritus Art RousePublisher Emeritus Bill Estes
Production Specialist Cherri Perschmann, Digital Advertisingand Marketing Manager Jeffrey Larson, Senior MarketingManager Kathryn Knudson, Administrative Assistant-AudienceDevelopment Molly Sullivan, Digital Media Content Editor MikeDavin, Digital Media Manager Chris Soash, Digital MarketingSpecialist Kathryn Benson, Digital Editor Nick Upton, AssociateEditor Chris Gerber
President Stephen M. HedlundSenior Vice President/Group Publisher Bob LivingstonSenior Vice President/Digital Media Stacey MarmolejoSenior Vice President/Production Barb HammerVice President/Advertising Sales Terry ThompsonVice President/Audience Development Jill Anderson
Trailer Life (USPS#454-970) is published monthly by GS Media &Events (a division of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC), 3300 FernbrookLane N #200, Minneapolis, MN 55447. Periodicals postage paid atPlymouth, MN 55447 and additional mailing offices. The annualsubscription rate is $15.97 per year in the U.S. For Canadian &International subscriptions, add $12 per year. U.S. funds only.
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Privacy Promise We recognize that your privacy is very importantto you, and we’re committed to helping you protect it. You shouldknow that we will never intentionally share your name, address andother personal information with anyone for their use if you haveasked us not to do so. When you subscribe to Trailer Life, pleasetell us if you don’t want your name and address shared with otherreputable companies, or if you don’t want to receive our marketingoffers. We’ll mark your account for a three-year period so that it willnot be selected for products and/or services offers, which you’vetold us you are not interested in receiving. If you change your mind,just get in touch with us and ask that we include you in future offer-ings. You can ask to not be included in future offerings at any time,and it’ll be taken care of promptly. Please contact us at Trailer LifeMail Preference Service, P.O. Box 5860, Harlan, IA 51593-1360,email us at [email protected] or call us at (800) 678-1201. Please note that this policy does not apply to email market-ing. We will not send you commercial emails unless you haveauthorized us to do so.
Chairman & CEO Marcus Lemonis Executive VP Tom Wolfe
Check out the beach camping feature on page 28 for 10places to visit that are RV friendly and right along the water. Destinations includethe Texas and Alabama Gulf coast, Wisconsin's eastern shore, Washington'sOlympic Peninsula, both sides of Florida, Virginia and North Carolina's Atlanticseashore, coastal campgrounds in New England and two hot spots in California.
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6 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
FACEBOOK POLL
LETTERS JUNE
LETTEROF THEMONTH
Write to: Trailer Life 3300 Fernbrook Lane N., Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55447or e-mail [email protected]. Please include your full name and location.TALK TO US!
All Amped UpIn the March issue, page 85, Rocky Malone asked about a 50-amp adapter.They are called an RV cheater or RV cheater box. They are for sale on eBay. Ihave seen several people use them. All up-to-code power boxes are wiredwith 240 volts — 120 for the 30-amp and the other 120 for the 20-amp duplex.You don’t get 50 amps, but you do get an extra 20 amps. -John Haid, Elgin, Ore.
» Before using any electrical accessory on a campgroundpower box, RV owners are advised to first check with thecampground personnel.
PLUG-IN SAFETY
Valuable Advice to ShareAfter retiring at age 55, selling ourhome and going full time for 15 years,my wife and I are back in a home. Hereare some lessons learned from ouryears on the road: 1) Retire as soon asyou can. You are, in fact, not gettingany younger. 2) Sell the house and thestuff in it, except for treasured artworkand family memorabilia. 3) Get the bigRV immediately. 4) Research and thenbuy and keep the most-quality RV youcan afford that best fits your intendedRV lifestyle. Use current and back is-sues of Trailer Life and sister publica-tions for articles on RV types, brands,tow vehicles, hitches and RV lifestyles.5) Install all-steel belt tires. They aresuperior to many other steel-beltedtires, which may have steel belts onlyin the tread. Tire failures/blowouts wehad in 15 years? None. 6) Annually bal-ance the tires and check the RV axlealignment and weigh the RV to avoidbeing overloaded. Camping Worldservice centers are excellent at this. 7)Relax — don't try to visit every statethe first year. It’s all about the journey,not the destination. Put the wristwatchin a drawer or give it away, and theneat when you’re hungry, sleep whenyou’re tired and get up when you’rerested. 8) Then find an avocation. Ourswas the Habitat for Humanity RVgroup, traveling and building houseswith other retired RVers. That enabledus to give back and to have a commu-nity on the road. 9) Establish residencyin a low-cost state like South Dakota,Montana or Texas to save on vehicle li-censing, insurance, sales and usetaxes, state income taxes and taxes oninvestments. 10) And, finally, as HenryDavid Thoreau so eloquently said, “Goconfidently in the direction of yourdreams. Live the life you imagined.”Rich Pringle, Montrose, Colo.
Alaska AwaitsThe Milepost is definitely an essentialfor ideas on what to see and do. Thereal Bible for RVers, however, is Trav-eler’s Guide to Alaskan Camping by
Mike and Terri Church. It provides allthe details on all the campsites alongeach route.Mike Delaney, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Defining SuperliteI read your article in the April 2012issue, regarding the KZRV's “Super-lite” LX trailer.
I would point out that with a tongueweight approaching 800 pounds and aGVWR of 7,900 pounds, KZRV’s “Super-lite” LX trailer hardly qualifies as asuper-light trailer. The travelingweight would be in the range of 9,000to 10,000 pounds.
Given that most standard pickuptrucks have a maximum towing capac-ity of approximately 7,000 pounds; thistrailer would necessitate the purchaseof truck with a diesel engine. Unlessyou already own one, you are lookingat an outlay of approximately $50,000.Therefore, to hit the road with thistrailer, before taxes and insurance, youhave spent almost $100,000.
You may consider this an ultralight, I consider it a mega-purchaseand suggest that your editor needs tojoin the real world and give us a few
road tests aimed at Joe Average withhis average pickup truck.Malcolm Lowe, Unionville, Ontario
Editor’s note: We hear you Malcolm— everything seems to be gettingheavier with each successive update.The Superlite moniker was bestowedupon it by the builder, not Trailer Life.We did refer to it as lightweight, butthat is meant comparatively in relationto its overall length. For a trailer aslong as it is, it’s fairly trim compared toothers in its class. Also, GVWR is themost it can ever weigh fully loaded.Lastly, most of today’s half-ton trucksare rated for 11,000 pounds and cantow 9,500 pounds or more. q
YOUR OPINIONS, STORIES AND FEEDBACK
How much do you value theoption of outdoor entertain-ment centers (stereo and/orTV) on RVs?
45% Useful on occasion,but not a must-have
36% Radio yes, TV no13% No interest whatsoever6% Can't live without 'em
1-800-PROGRESSIVE | LOCAL AGENT | PROGRESSIVE.COM
YOUR RV ISN’T A CAR. DON’T INSURE IT LIKE ONE. Progressive covers your RV in ways auto policies don’t. With Total Loss Replacement and Personal Effects Coverage we’ll replace your totaled RV with a new one and cover your personal belongings too. Taking care of your home away from home, now that’s Progressive.
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affi liates. All coverage is subject to policy terms. Total Loss Replacement coverage is not available for all vehicles and coverage selections. Not available in NY. 11D00460 (06/11)
Progressive, Circle 105 on Reader Service Card
8 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
by Amanda Lepinski
The RV/MH Hall of Famehas restructured its finan-cial obligations and will beopen to the public withoutfear of closing thanks to thefamily of the late long-timebenefactor, Boots Ingram,said Chairman of the Board,Bill Garpow. “Our gloriousbuilding will remain openfor years to come. Our his-tory will continue to be pre-served. It’s a day of triumphand celebration for the RVand manufactured housingindustries, a day made pos-sible by the continued gen-erosity of the Ingrams,”Garpow said.
Volunteering as theChief Operating Officer andPresident is former Treas-urer and Hall board mem-ber, Darryl Searer. In apress release Garpow ex-pressed excitement overSearer’s new role, “Withmore than 50 years experi-
ence in the industry and hisyears of devotion to theRV/MH Hall of Fame, Searermakes an ideal candidate tobring the Hall of Fame out ofits financial crisis and lead itinto the future.” At just 16,Searer began his career inthe RV industry working inhis father’s business,Elkhart Rivet and Register,and went on to be the vicepresident of marketing andsales for the Dometic Cor-poration; president andowner of MHS Supply; andchairman of Ultra-FabProducts, Incorporated.
The Ingrams family an-nounced a $100,000 match-ing gift if a like amount canbe raised through individualdonations before the end ofAugust 2012. “And the newmessage to contributors isas clear as a summer skyover a mountain campsite –you can contribute knowing
NEWS | EVENTS | PEOPLE | PLACES | PARKS | RV TRENDS
AROUNDTHE BEND
FAMED TREASURESChronicling camping throughout the 20th century, theRV/MH Hall of Fame features RV relics such as a 1929covered wagon trailer, 1931 Chevrolet House Car, a 1916folding camping trailer and a 1915 Ford Model T with atelescoping camper. Visitors can also check out newmodel trailers in the Go RVing hall. In the museum’s the-ater, Go RVing TV ads and DVDs continuously play for cu-rious visitors. And don’t miss the extensive display of wallplaques honoring 332 industry pioneers and leaders whohave made significant contributions to the RV industrysince the 1970s. Regular admission is $8, seniors orgroups of 14 or more is $6, and $3 for kids ages 6-16.800-378-8694, www.rvmhhalloffame.org.
Generous GivingA fresh start for the RV/MH Hall of Fame
your money will not bewasted. The museum is nolonger under threat toclose. Their contributionswill be used to keep themuseum open and staffedto meet the hours of opera-tion, to maintain the prop-erty and its many historicalexhibits, to maintain the li-
brary and put on programsfor the industry and con-sumers, and promote atten-dance and bookings ofevents. Contributions aregreatly needed. Those whocontribute can be assuredtheir money will be usedsmartly and their generosityrecognized.”
10 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
NEWSWIRE
Celebrate and Win!To celebrate KOA’s 50th an-niversary, Keystone RV hasteamed up with KOA to do-nate a $40,000 KeystoneVantage. Starting March 1st,campers can register eachweek for a chance to winfree campground stays,camping merchandise and,of course, the Keystone Van-tage. Winners will be an-nounced in October.www.koakompass.com.
Camping Costs SlashedAs fuel prices climb, someparks are cutting campingrates to lure more guestsout of their home, onto theroad and into the camp-grounds. Grand Canyon Rail-way is one that has reducedrates for its RV park to$39/night. Rates are reducedan extra 20 percent whenstaying for at least sevenconsecutive nights.www.thetrain.com.
Tick TipsIt’s not news that the winterwas unseasonably warm thisyear. Ticks just love warm,dry weather and thanks toMother Nature, the tickshave come early – lots ofthem. To protect yourself,loved ones and pets, be sureto check out the websitewww.cdc.gov/ticks for a run-down on ticks, how to re-move them and symptoms oftick-borne diseases.
$47 Million for HistoricPreservation GrantsSecretary of the Interior, KenSalazar, approved nearly $47million in historic preserva-tion grants to the UnitedStates, District of Columbia,U.S. Territories and three in-dependent Pacific island na-tions. The grants aredesigned to preserve andprotect these sites andparks without affecting taxdollars. www.nps.gov.
CONTEST
Add-VentureThose heading to Yellowstonearea this summer should checkout the Lone Peak Tram, amuch-anticipated addition to BigSky resort’s Summer Adventuresprogram. This year, the resortwanted to extend the 360-degree 11,166 feet above groundwinter tram views throughout the summer months. Startingin July, guests can sign up for one of four daily two-hourguided trips – including the option to buy snacks or takeshort guided hikes around the summit. Guests can hike, takethe tram, vehicle or lift back to the base area. Tickets are$75 per person. 800-548-4486, www.bigskyresort.com.
Museum of DreamsOwning a needed or much-de-sired automobile has been con-sidered an American dream.Touted as one of the world’slargest auto museums, Amer-ica’s Car Museum in Tacoma,Wash., will be unveiled at the grand opening on June 2, 2012.Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., with entertainmentand events such as a live concert and free outdoor car show,and go-cart and slot car racing. The museum’s campus issituated on a 3.5-acre show field, and includes a 165,000square-foot museum, collector car center, car storage andmore. 877-902-8490, www.lemaymuseum.org.
AROUNDTHE BEND
The Gazelle Ultra-Lite series byPalomino has design variety withcomfort, including six floor plans (twoare part of the Trek Series) with six in-terior decors and three wood accents.Towable by most SUVs and minivans,the Gazelle series offers families af-
fordable options for a home away fromhome. Palomino Ultra-Lite trailers arebuilt with aluminum framing and vac-uum-bonded construction for durabil-
ity ultimately giving you more bang foryour buck (and your tow vehicle). Pric-ing begins at $13,700. Palomino: 269-432-3271, www.palominorv.com.
Light and Affordable
RATE CHANGE ENVIRONMENT NATIONAL PARK
PHOT
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A Must ReadAuthors Mark Scriver, Wendy Grater andJoanna Baker share more than a half-centuryof experience in their book, Camp Cooking inthe Wild. Camp Cooking offers expert advice onthe best outdoor kitchenware, how to cook withdifferent heat sources, properly disposing ofwaste as well as dozens of tried and true camprecipes including tips for each recipe and an in-gredient list. MSRP $19.95, www.amazon.com.
A Snappy SolutionMarketed as a remedy to screen doors, MagicMesh is a hands-free doorway screen coveringthat operates using 18 heavy-duty magnets thatsnap back together when pushed apart. To openthe vertical seal, simply apply light pressure andthe magnets separate allowing entry – easy forkids, pets or anyone with their hands full. TheMagic Mesh cover easily secures to trailer and RVdoorways, offering the same comfort as a screendoor, minus door slamming. MSRP $14.99.(866) 649-0146, www.buymagicmesh.com.
Celestron CampingLife “World of Nature”Photo ContestAttention Trailer Life photo buffs, oneof our sister publications, CampingLife, is putting on a photo contest andyou’re invited to enter your pictures,too. Winners of the Celestron Camp-
ing Life “World of Nature” Photo Contest will be chosen based onthe photograph’s quality, clarity, composition and adherence to theContest theme “World of Nature.” The images may be of animals,plants, landscapes or any scenes of the natural world encounteredduring camping trips and other adventures in the outdoors.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a Celestron SkyProdigy 130Telescope; the First Runner Up will receive a Celestron AstroMaster70AZ Telescope; and the Second Runner Up will receive a CelestronOutland X 8x25 Binoculars. Winners will be announced along withtheir photographs in the August 2012 issue of Trailer Life. There aretwo ways to enter: Submit your digital photographs through the up-load portal now available on the Camping Life website (www.camp-inglife.com) or mail photographs to Celestron Camping Life World ofNature Photo Contest, 3300 N. Fernbrook Lane, Suite 200, Minneapo-lis, MN 55447. The contest runs from March 13 to June 18, 2012. Seefull contest rules and more details on www.campinglife.com.
This month’s Web Exclusive featuresbonus photos from the smashingly suc-cessfull Good Sam Rally sponsored byDISH TV held March 22 - 25 in sunnyPhoenix, Arizona.
12 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
RV ACTION LINETRAILER LIFE TO THE RESCUE
Had A Heart» My wife and I purchased a 2011Bighorn in Durango, Colo. It was ex-actly what we were looking for; unfor-tunately the customer service was not.We made the journey home from Col-orado to Tucson, Ariz. without incident. Once we arrived home, we made twoshort trips.
Those two trips left a long list of things that had gone wrong or were notcorrectly installed during the manufacturing that included everything from thekeyless entry not working and its batteries having to be replaced about everythree weeks, to the entertainment center wiring being incorrect to the slide-outs moving when we deployed the landing gear to the shower leaking to thedining room chairs coming apart to numerous screws throughout the trailerhaving been left sticking half-way out.
I have fixed a good portion of these problems myself. I have tightened theloose screws, and the skirting that had to be fixed promptly to avoid furtherdamage by the wind while towing it. The last straw was when I took in thetrailer to be repaired and the claim for the screw that had gone through theelectrical wiring during assembly of the trailer was declined. I decided to writethis letter to Trailer Life.
I think you can begin to understand my frustration. I am retiring in just overtwo years, and my wife and I have plans on taking extended trips across theUnited States. Hopefully we have not made a hasty decision in purchasing aHeartland product. John Norman Carlton, Tucson, Ariz.
After forwarding a copy of this letter from reader John Norman Carlton toHeartland RV Dealer Service, Carlton received a letter of apology and an invita-tion to review his situation concerning any outstanding parts orders or claimson his unit.
BEDTIME BLUESRV Action Line stepped in to help resolvethis situation, but unfortunately, notevery bedtime story has a happy ending.
» We took delivery of a 2011 KeystoneHornet Retreat 39FD on Nov. 9, 2011,and within two weeks, the mattresslooked like a two-hump camel hadbeen sleeping on it, upside down.Since that time, we have contacted ourdealer and the manufacturer numer-ous times. We don’t want the samemattress with the same problem. Welove all the other features of thetrailer, but the mattress was an un-comfortable horror.
We are hoping you can intervene onour behalf and help right this wrong.Gary and Jan CumberledgeDavenport, Fla.
THE COMPANY RESPONDED
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cumberledge:Keystone provides each customer
with a One-Year Limited Warranty. A re-view of your unit's file notes the war-ranty on your mattress was declined dueto not having met the warranty criteriaset forth by the manufacturer of thatcomponent. In the interest of our appre-ciation for you as a Keystone owner, wehave offered and you accepted $125 re-imbursement toward the purchase ofyour new mattress. The reimbursementto you will be processed when your proofof purchase is received at Keystone. Weare happy to help close this matter withan acceptable solution for you.Respectfully, Robyne HakesCustomer Relations,Keystone RV
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June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 15
TAKE ACTION » After exhausting allother resources without success, please forwardinformation with copies of appropriate billsand correspondence to RV Action Line, 3300Fernbrook Lane N, Suite 200, Minneapolis,MN 55447. Please include a self-addressed,stamped envelope. No phone calls, please.
Not satisfied with the letter from Key-stone, the Cumberledges wrote backstating they were not satisfied with Key-stone’s offer. Keystone got in touch withus to say they have since revoked its re-imbursement offer.
Pump Swap» My 2010 Cyclone 3010 came with aSHURflo Extreme Series Smart Sensorwater pump. The first time I used thepump I found a crack in the housing.SHURflo sold me a replacement housing.That worked until we went to the racesthe next year. It ran the first two daysand then quit. It had a 3-year warranty,but I was told they would not replace it.
I wrote to RV Action Line and soonafterward received this letter (below)and a new pump. It’s not the samemodel, but they say it’s more depend-able and I am very happily traileringonce again. Thanks!Ricky Brown, Burleson, Texas
THE COMPANY RESPONDED
Mr. Brown,The 5900-0201 OEM model pump in
your trailer carries a one-year war-ranty, which would be implemented ei-ther via the date of manufacture on thepump label or the date of sale of thenew Cyclone 3010 (October ‘09). Athree-year warranty comes with the af-termarket-purchased pump Model5900-0211. Repair is limited based onthe coordination of switch control andelectronics.
With all of that in mind and war-ranty in question, SHURflo is willing tosend you our new revolution pump,Model 4008-101- E65. This pump elimi-nates the electronics of the 5900 SeriesSmart Sensor and replaces them with amechanical bypass.Kevin McLeanSHURflo Customer Service Manager q
RV ACTION LINE
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16 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
A very small camel, the Stenomylus camel, was found near the Agate Fossil Hills. This camel was about two feet tall at maturity.Although the quarry is not accessible, displays about this fragile-looking animal are available in the visitor center.
by Len Cousineau
DID YOU KNOW?
Nebraska’s Miocene FossilsAgate Fossile Beds is a curious kid’s paradise
THIS LAND: AGATE FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT
You need not be dinosaur crazy toenjoy Nebraska’s Agate Fossil
Beds National Monument, but ifyou’re traveling with youngsters whocannot get enough of the extinct rep-tiles, perhaps you can introduce themto these fascinating creatures thatlived long ago by exploring this na-tional monument’s paleontologicaland cultural wonders. This HighPlains bonanza is sure to generatesmiles and create lasting familymemories.
Accessible via Interstates 80, 90and 25, the monument straddles theNiobrara River and is located 34 milesnorth of Mitchell, Neb. on Highway 29.Some of the animals found on site arecalled monsters because they wereunlike any creatures that exist today,and most of the fossils found herecome from species that lived during
the early Miocene Epoch, between 19and 21 million years ago. The crea-tures that wandered this terrain wereadapting to a climate that was dryingout, as forest and jungle turned tograsslands.
The animals that existed at whatwould become Agate Fossils NationalMonument were not really dinosaurs;they were some of the species thatcame after the dinosaurs. Perhaps themost interesting of these more recentspecies were the small rhino Meno-ceras, the frightening Dinohyus andthe Moropus, a giant sloth-like crea-ture that stood approximately 8 feettall. Exhibits in the visitor center de-scribe several different creatures indetail; but many find the tale of thefull-grown, two-foot-tall camel themost fascinating.
As interesting as the monument’s
paleontology is, many visitors will findthe site’s cultural exhibits equally en-lightening. Red Cloud of the OglalaLakota Sioux traveled 150 miles bywagon from the Pine Ridge Reserva-tion with his friends and family to visitthe Agate Springs Ranch ownerJames Cook. Nearby residents wouldattend the festivities, which includeddancing and singing. These gather-ings are celebrated today in theJames H. Cook Collection, an exten-sive assemblage of Native Americanartifacts that helps to illuminate partof the region’s past.
The monument is open year-round, and with short hikes visitorscan explore the entire region aroundthe Niobrara River. q
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument,308-668-2211, nps.gov/agfo.
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By Pamela Selbert
A ntiques have caused my husband,Guy, and I, to while away many en-joyable hours over the years at
shows and auctions, but never until justrecently had we seen anything on thescale of Gold Rush Days. It turns the en-tire town of Oronoco, Minn., located inthe southeast corner of the state with apopulation of 1,000, into a bustling an-tique Mecca. The canvas shelters overmany of the antique booths set up in thegrid of streets create a virtual tent city.
Never had we seen such an assort-ment of enticing relics displayed on ta-bles, grassy lawns and roadsides – it isan antique lover’s dream come true.Awaiting our perusal was everythingfrom fine mahogany dining tables with adozen matching chairs to distressedpine bookcases with cracked shelves.There were rustic 1890s farm wagonswith wooden wheels to rusty 1940s ve-locipedes; ornately beaded Native Amer-ican moccasins to daintily embroideredsheets and pillowcases; 18th centurymuskets and 19th century glass tradebeads; wooden water buckets to woodencigar-store Indians; 1858-vintage blueglass Mason jars to Depression-erapeach-colored glass tumblers and more.
Not every vendor was selling an-tiques. For instance, Robert Foley fromGalena, Ill. pulled a flatbed trailer herepacked tightly with a host of weighty life-size (some of them larger than life) die-cast animals, giraffes, bears, roostersand elephants.
Nearly as numerous were the food
Oronoco GoldThis quiet burg in Minnesota
experiences its own gold rushonce a year as antiquers take
over the town
[Left] Once a year Oronoco, Minn. turns into abustling antique mecca. [Right] Rustic 1890s
farm wagons were some of the antique gems.
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 19
booths offering all sorts of fair delights: fishand chips, crab fritters, shish-kabobs,cheese curds and lemonade among others.
GOLD RUSH ORIGINSDowntown Oronoco Gold Rush Days wasfirst held in 1972 and although some ofthe antiques are rings, bracelets andother fine jewelry, the object of GoldRush Days is to attract many people in-terested in yesterday’s artifacts to thetown by hosting an enormous antiqueshow, one of the biggest anywhere.
Steve Mohlke and his wife Evelyn,manage 40-acre Oronoco Park whichoffers RV camping, explained that in thelate 1850s gold was discovered in anoxbow of the Zumbro River about 4miles downstream from the town,prompting a small-scale gold rush atthe time. However, the scores ofprospectors who poured in from aroundthe country hoping to strike it rich backthen don’t compare to the 350,000 visi-tors who flood into this tiny town everyyear seeking treasure of a different sort.
During the annual three-day GoldRush, which takes place this August 17-19, Oronoco’s roads are for the mostpart open only to the throngs of pedes-trians who wander from booth to booth.Event Coordinator Carol Olson saidthere are about 1,200 booths and 400vendors, as many of them rent morethan one booth.
“The show hasn’t always been soenormous,” explained Mary Lou Berg.Along with her husband, Earl, the Bergsopened Berg’s Antiques 48 years ago inwhat had been a general store, an an-
tique itself, built at Main Street and Min-nesota Avenue in 1912. She moved herefrom northern Minn. in 1959 to enroll ina nurse training program at the MayoClinic in nearby Rochester.
The cavernous building, includingthe lower level along the Zumbro River,is packed floor-to-ceiling with antiques.A tavern called Sunken Heaven, aspeakeasy that opened during the Pro-hibition and stayed in operation for sev-eral decades after it ended, occupiedthe lower level, Berg said. In 1972, hop-ing to generate some interest in an-tiques in Oronoco, the Bergs invited 38antique dealers from Rochester to setup for the first show.
“The response was better than wecould have dreamed,” Berg said with asmile. “All the dealers had to go homefor more.” The number of dealers dou-bled in 1973, the year the show waschristened “Gold Rush Days.” Fromthere, the numbers of dealers and visi-tors who now come from all over thecountry continued to snowball.
Six years after founding the show,the Bergs handed over organizing it toantique dealers Joyce and Ole Fuchs. Itflourished until 1987, when the bridgethat led into town over the Zumbro wasclosed for nine months.
That same year, unwilling to see GoldRush come to an end, Earl Berg helpedestablish a show in Rochester, now calledGold Rush Antique Show and Flea Market.
In 1988, the Oronoco show was re-vived. To distinguish it from the similarevent to the south it was officially renamedDowntown Oronoco Gold Rush Days.
[Left] Assortments of antique treasures line grassy yards. [Right] Canvas shelters over manyantique booths create a virtual tent city.
Five Great FindsWithin an Hour’s Drive
Seventy-five miles southeast of Min-neapolis, Minn., and 90 miles west-
northwest of La Crosse, Wis., the smalltown of Oronoco is located in southeasternMinnesota, but within a quick drive ofmany beautiful and historic destinationsworth a visit.
1. RochesterThe well-known home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester is abustling city of more than 100,000 resi-dents. This city fuels vibrant museums,arts, shopping and restaurant scenes.
2. Whitewater State Park Historical MarkerWhether you’re looking to catch sometrout, swim, camp or hike, the 2,700-acreWhitewater State Park is 30 miles east ofOronoco. The river is lined with deepravines and beautiful limestone bluffs thatoffer visitors a look at the state’s intriguinggeologic history.
3. WabashaThe oldest city on the upper MississippiRiver, Wabasha is 50 minutes northeast ofOronoco. The city has more than 50 build-ings on the National Register of HistoricPlaces, and a walking tour allows visitors tolearn about its history. Did you know, this iswhere the film Grumpy Old Men was set?
4. NorthfieldIn this historic town located on the windingshores of the Cannon River, tourists canretrace the route of maverick Jesse Jamesalong the Outlaw Trail, visit local wineriesand apple orchards, stroll the scenic river-walk, or go tubing on the river.
5. Red WingFurther up the Mississippi, Red Wing is lo-cated at a bend of the river with scenicbluffs, the Espen Island State WildlifeManagement Area and numerous islandsand slough-lakes as the river widens at itsbend. Paddlewheel boat rides, fishing ex-cursions and architectural walks are pop-ular visitor activities. The historicdowntown district enchants visitors withits farmer’s market, pottery museum, theRed Wing Water Park and the Red WingTrolley Company.
cludes Oronoco. Mohlke says it’s “the many volun-
teers who make the show such a suc-cess.” And adds that visitors should notmiss Oronoco’s other great attraction,the giant basswood tree known asMoose, which stands at the west end ofthe park he has managed for the last 40years. The 70-foot-tall behemoth, nomi-nated as the biggest basswood in Minn.,features a trio of “moose heads” on the
Oronoco Gold
Oronoco’s annual Gold Rush event providesfunding for other events throughout the year.In some years as much as $90,000 is raised byselling old treasures at the fair.
A committee of nine people now or-ganizes Oronoco’s Gold Rush, and all ofthe proceeds from the show go to bene-fit the town.
“I’m not an antiquer but [volunteer-ing] is just what our town does,” Bergsaid. “We do it for the joy of giving backto the community. Gold Rush is the onlyevent I’m aware of that provides fundingfor other events.” Among these are thefireworks for the town’s Fourth of July
celebrations, and a complimentary din-ner and games for the annual NationalNight Out at Oronoco Park, which takesplace the first Tuesday in August.
Gold Rush, which some yearsraises as much as $90,000 for the town,also provides funding for the fire de-partment, children’s park, senior citizencommunity center, VFW, churches andalso nearby Pine Island Home HealthCare, which serves an area that in-
20 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
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Safe Haven, an animal shelter inRochester, she says.
Smallbrock told us, “I love the quiet,the peacefulness of Oronoco.” Nonethe-less, of Gold Rush, which every yearbriefly transforms the tiny town into abooming metropolis, she insists, “I’m allfor it!”
“It’s good for our town,” she addswith a smile. “It keeps us on the map.” q
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trunk, massive burls that sprout from itlike ruminant-gorgons.
Mohlke told us that a certified ar-borist determined that the historic treewas a seedling in 1854. And that the treeis so large that if it were possible to gainaccess to the “column decay inside thefive-foot-diameter trunk, four peoplecould sit down around a three-foot-widetable at ground level and have lunch!”
Our last stop in Oronoco was to visitlong-time resident Barbara Smallbrock,who moved here from Pine Island at age20 in 1942. Smallbrook is proud of hertown’s past and heads up the local historycenter. She’s a big Gold Rush supporter,and helped organize the event in thoseearly days. She was Oronoco’s post-mistress for 42 years, retiring in 1987, andfor years the post office was in her home.
Now, during Gold Rush Days, Small-brock, wearing a straw hat, sits in thesunshine outside her home, just north
of the bridge into town on a main thor-oughfare, chatting with customers whoexamine the few dozen antiques she of-fers for sale. Her black dachshund,Tramp, sits nearby, and eagerly trots offwith a friend who comes to walk him.Inside the house, protected from thesun are the more valuable items. Small-brock offers a large assortment of an-tique dolls for sale. All proceeds benefit
Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days P.O. Box 266, Oronoco, MN 55960, 507-367-2111; www.goldrushmn.com.Oronoco Park 310 3rd Avenue NW, Oronoco, MN 55960 – Eight regular campsites with electricity; 40 sites (no hookups) duringGold Rush Days; water and bathhouse available, $20 per night. Campground open mid-May through mid-September. 507-367-4526.
BEFOREYOU GO
40-acre Oronoco park offers RV camping.
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Hurricane Ike. This park covers morethan 2,000 acres and offers camping,birdwatching, nature study, hiking,mountain biking, fishing and unsuper-vised beach swimming. The park in-cludes 33 campsites that face the Gulfbeach and have 30- and 50-amp serv-ices available and water. Each site hasa shade shelter, ground fire ring andpicnic table. The bay side of this parkhas 20 RV campsites that are close to-gether and have communal facilities.
2) Florida - InfiniteSeaside CampingFlorida offers a multitude of beachsideopportunities for camping and outdoorfun. The real challenge is trying to fig-ure out which one adventure and loca-tion to pursue. One adventurous placeto start is Paradise Coast – which iscomprised of the Naples, Marco Island
By Kathy Cabrera
1 ) Texas - 367 Milesof Gulf Coast Texas is known for its real cowboysand Longhorn cattle, but it also boasts367 miles of sparkling coastlinefronting the warm waters of the Gulf ofMexico. The coastal region averagesmore than 250 days of sunshine eachyear and offers a variety of seasidedestinations, restaurants and experi-ences for travelers – especially thosewho enjoy RV camping.
One the best destinations is Mus-tang Island State Park, which covers al-
most 4,000 acres with 5 miles of beachon the Gulf of Mexico. Camping is of-fered to tents and RVs alike with 48sites at the campgrounds to choosefrom, including electrical and waterhookups, picnic tables and barbecuegrills. Fishing, building sand castlesand beachcombing for shells are popu-lar pastimes at this park, along withoutdoor summertime classic activitieslike surfing, birdwatching and kayaking.
Another destination is Galveston Is-land State Park, which is experiencinga rebirth after extensive damage from
10 Beach Camping Hotspots Give RV Adventurers License to Dip In
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22 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, a luxurious 110-acre site, is located in Newport Beach, Calif.
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 23
total of 468 family sites — 101 have elec-tric. Gravel driveways on most sites aregenerally 12 feet wide by 50 feet long.Motorized units are restricted to thegravel driveway portion of the campsite.All sites are back-in (no pull-throughsites). Peninsula's sites are not de-signed to accommodate very large RVs.
4) Alabama’s GulfState ParkCoastal Alabama also offers Gulf Coasttravelers a beach-friendly camping des-tination. One particular recommendedsite is Gulf State Park, located in the cityof Gulf Shores and offering more than6,000 acres with two miles of white sandbeaches, cottages, trails and fishing, aswell as tennis, group pavilions, 18-holegolf course, 900-acre lake for fishing,swimming, and water skiing, natureprograms and picnic areas.
“With 32 miles of sugar-white sandbeaches and turquoise water, our fam-ily-oriented beach destination is a wel-comed escape for nearly 5 millionSoutheast and Midwest residents annu-ally. Individuals wishing to camp in theGulf Shores or Orange Beach area canselect from a number of RV parks. A fewof these locations are even watersidewith views overlooking lakes, bays andwaterways,” says Kim Chapman, publicrelations manager at Gulf Shores & Or-ange Beach Tourism.
Gulf State Park offers a 496-site im-
and western portion of the Everglades.Jack Wert, executive director of theNaples, Marco Island, Everglades Con-vention & Visitors Bureau, notes:
“More than 80 percent of the landarea in Florida’s Paradise Coast is dedi-cated to parks and nature preserveswhich provide a beautiful backdrop forcamping and the opportunity for out-door exploration. Combine this withmore than 30 miles of soft, white sandbeaches and you have a destination thatis a nature-lover’s dream.”
Area campgrounds catering to RVsinclude Chokoloskee Island Park, theNaples/Marco Island KOA and Big Cy-press National Preserve.
3) Wisconsin - Campon the Waterfront Sandwiched between the mighty Mis-sissippi and the Great Lakes, with thou-sands of lakes and rivers to choosefrom, Wisconsin is another top choicefor RVers with convenient access to thewater. Peninsula State Park is a camp-ing hotspot, and one of the state’s mostpopular outdoor destinations.
For recreation, campers will find asummer theater, 18-hole golf course,sand beach, biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails, 150-foot bluffs, light-house and eight miles of Door Countyshoreline in the park. For any type ofcamping, reservations are strongly rec-ommended, and can be made 48 hoursto 11 months before the date of arrival.Peninsula’s five campgrounds have a
proved campground with 11 modernbathhouses. The campground is approx-imately one-and-a-half miles from theGulf beaches. All pads are paved withlarger lots for RVs with slideouts. And,all sites have water, sewer and electricservice. Other RV campgrounds in GulfShores include Fort Morgan RV Park,Doc's RV Park, Bay Breeze RV Park onthe Bay, Beech Campers, Wales West RVResort, Southport Campground, LazyLake R.V. Park, Luxury R. V. Resort, Is-land Retreat RV Park, Gulf Breeze RVResort and Gulf Coast RV Park.
5) Under the Stars inCarolina BeachThe coast of North Carolina is home topicturesque Atlantic Ocean beaches,and in Carolina Beach where vehicle ac-cess is allowed, you can camp out rightby the water. This recently renovatedseaside town offers family-friendly funall year long where visitors can experi-ence a classic boardwalk, interestingfestivals and colorful characters.
“Campsites at Carolina Beach aremuch sought after by people planningcamping trips to North Carolina’sbeaches and for good reason. It’s an af-fordable family alternative that offerscampers the opportunity to learn aboutthe area’s history and natural resources.
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10 Beach Camps USA
There’s an attractive combination of va-cation amenities and natural beautyhere,” says Charlie Peek, public infor-mation officer for North Carolina Divi-sion of Parks and Recreation.
RVers will find a home away fromhome in Winner’s RV Park, and onewith an ocean view at that. The onlydedicated RV Park on the island, it of-fers full hookups and is located in theheart of Carolina Beach, within walk-ing distance of the beach, fishing fleet,dining and nightlife.
6) Newport Beach -Luxuriant BeachCamping ViewsIt is widely known that Newport Beach,Calif., offers tremendous luxury re-sorts and hotel accommodations, butvisitors can also find luxurious RV digscamping at Newport Dunes WaterfrontResort. This 110-acre resort is locatedin Newport Beach at the entrance tothe Back Bay Nature Preserve and theNewport Bay Conservancy. This parkoffers families a mile of bay-frontbeach with swimming and a play-ground on the beach for the kids.
Andrew Theodorou, vice president& general manager, Newport DunesWaterfront Resort & Marina, notes “vi-itors find themselves completely spell-bound by the natural beauty of the areaand the sheer abundance of activitiesfrom the challenging mountain bikingand hiking trails of Crystal Cove, tomore relaxing sports such as birdwatching in the Upper Back Bay. It’s acoastal playground for every age.”
7) San Diego - WestCoast AmenitiesWith more than 700 miles of coastline,California is a beach camping para-dise. Heading to the southern mostpart of the state, one particularly funand functional find is Campland onthe Bay. Part of Mission Bay Park,Campland on the Bay is also in con-venient proximity to other fun regionaltourist sites like Sea World, the SanDiego Zoo and the city’s GaslampQuarter. The beachfront property in-cludes: swimming pools and accom-panying hot tubs, immaculatebathrooms and showers, a marinawith 124 slips, watercraft and bicyclerentals, game room, restaurant, mar-ket, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, campsites ranging from primitive to fullhookup, and a super site – completewith a private patio and hot tub, grill,and a spectacular view of the marsh-land and bird sanctuary. Campland onthe Bay also overlooks the KendallFrost Wildlife Preserve – home toegrets, black-crowned night herons,least terns, and the endangered clap-per rail, and offers plenty of fun activi-ties for kids and adults.
8) Virginia’s AtlanticHabitatsVirginia Beach, one of the last greatsalt marsh habitats on the East Coast,is home to wildlife, ecological treas-ures and recreation suited for outdooradventurers. One Virginia Beach statepark of interest for beach campers isFirst Landing. The most visited statepark in Virginia, it is situated along theChesapeake Bay and offers boating,swimming, nature programs, hikingand biking. Its nearly 200 campsitesaccommodate RVs ranging in size from20 to 45 feet, and are available with andwithout water and electrical hookups,and come equipped with a picnic tableand fire grill. All sites are located juststeps from the Chesapeake Bay, socampers have close access to water.
First Landing State Park contains2,700 acres of protected salt marsh habi-tat, bay and dune maritime forests andfreshwater ponds. Interactive programsand outdoor adventures such as crab-bing, junior rangers, beach walks, naturehikes and structured environmental edu-cation programs are offered, and are per-fect for family travelers.
Other RV campgrounds in and aroundVirginia Beach include Indian Cove Re-sort, Virginia Beach KOA campground,North Landing Beach Campground & Re-sort, and Holiday Trav-L-Park.
9) Pacific Northwest- Bluffs andBeaches Traveling to the Pacific Northwest, theOlympic Peninsula – the large arm ofland in western Washington state lyingacross Puget Sound from Seattle – affords the beachside camping enthusi-ast a unique experience. The area’smild temperatures allow for year roundbeach camping.
Mary Brelsford, a spokesperson forthe Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 27
10 Beach Camps USA
offers her view on the beauty of thearea, “There's nothing like waking upand walking on Second Beach in themorning with all the previous day’s foot-prints washed away by the overnighttide. You are just steps from the oceanand sea stacks, and as close to feelingtotally alone on the planet as you haveever felt. The peaceful solitude of thebackcountry is different. Maybe it hassomething to do with the never-restingwaves on the beach.”
One of the peninsula’s more estab-lished campgrounds is Kalaloch, offer-ing 170 nonelectric sites, which arepet-friendly. The closest Oceansidecampsites for RVs to Second Beach areat Quileute Oceanside Resort in LaPush, Wash. Sites offer expansive viewsof the coast, cliffs and sea stacks.
10) New England’sCoastal CampingWhile New England is known by travel-ers far and wide as the first destinationon an autumn leaf-peeping tour, it’s
also home to summertime camping funfor its miles of coastline and many is-lands. New England’s seashore camp-grounds are known for their beauty andserenity, and fierce competition with thePacific Coast beaches causes manyRVers to head to the northeastern tip ofthe country for their summer beachcamping adventures.
One site for avid campers looking forsuch summer getaways is HamptonBeach State Park, the only RV park di-rectly located on the coast of NewHampshire. Visitors can bring their RVright up to the mouth of the HamptonRiver and spend a day enjoying fun andrelaxing activities such as fishing,swimming and picnicking. The park in-cludes 28 sites for RVs, a park store andtwo bathing huts.
Other New Hampshire locations thatoffer RV camping near the water includeExeter Elms Campground in Exeter,which stretches across a mile of the Ex-eter River; Goose Hollow Camp & RVPark in Thornton, located on a river frontin the White Mountains of the Granite
State; andFranconia Notch State Park,which extends from the Flume Gorge atthe south to Echo Lake at the north.
Maine also affords the visitor search-ing for shoreline many opportunities,such as Bar Harbor Camping Resorts-Mt. Desert Narrows, where you can parkyour RV right on the water or back up abit to enjoy a panoramic view. Staying inthe resort affords plenty of fun with play-grounds, horseshoes, volleyball and bas-ketball courts, video arcades and livein-season entertainment. Or, for adven-tures near by – exploration of sites likethe historic Bar Harbor or famous Arca-dia National Park. q
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TRAVEL TRAILERSLESS THAN $25,000Don’t bust your budget to enter the RV lifestyle
By Kristopher Bunker
Keeping up with the Joneses has become more difficult than ever. Itseems they always have the latest and greatest toys, from big-screenTVs to Internet-enabled tablets to sit-down mowers with big-block en-
gines that shave off their lawn’s top layer in record time. While we may not beable to help you find the latest 3DTV, iPad or souped-up yard tool, we can helpyou find a brand-new travel trailer that doesn’t scrimp on creature comforts,but also won’t send your budget into a tailspin.
After selecting options, trim packages and other various add-ons, prices ontravel trailers can quickly get out of hand, so it’s important to decide on abudget beforehand and stick to it. A great tool to help in your decision-makingprocess is Trailer Life’s annual RV Buyers Guide, but we’ve made it even easierwith this short list of travel trailers with base prices less than $25,000.
Casita 17’ Spirit DeluxeCasita has been manufacturing RVs fornearly 30 years, and has designed itstravel trailers for tow-vehicle fuel effi-ciency and ease of towing. The steelframe and lightweight fiberglass designmimic many techniques used in themarine industry, which the companysays makes the trailers easy to cleanand virtually rustproof. The 17-footSpirit Deluxe features a straightfor-ward, compact design with two sleepingareas consisting of convertible dinettes,with an option to swap out the largerwith top and bottom bunks. With towingweights lighter than 3,000 pounds, theSpirit can be pulled by most trucks andSUVs, though some sacrifices in spacemust be made. The affordable trailerincludes all the amenities of home,from a two-burner stove to a privatebath to an optional microwave.Ext Length ............................................17’Ext Width ............................................6’ 8”Ext Height ........................................8’ 11”Int Height ............................................6’ 2”Freshwater Cap ..............................16 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap ......15 gal/ 32 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................365 lbGVWR ............................................3,500 lbMSRP ............................................$16,196Casita Travel Trailers, (903) 326-4717,www.casitatraveltrailers.com.
CrossRoads RV Zinger ZT 30KBWith a budget less than $25,000, it’stough to find a travel trailer with an ex-terior kitchen, but the Zinger ZT 30KBmakes the cut. The outdoor kitchen is agreat place for entertaining, and allowsRVers to experience the bright sun orstarry sky while enjoying the conven-ience of a sink, refrigerator and op-tional grill. Inside, the Zinger features a PH
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June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 29
large master bedroom with a queenbed, dual nightstands and optional LCDTV. Sleeping spaces for the kids aretucked away in a separate bedroomarea in the rear, which features astreetside mini-convertible dinette witha bunk above, as well as a curbsidebunk over the exterior kitchen com-partment. There is additional sleepingspace for guests in the main boothdinette in the living area. The indoorgalley is fully equipped with a refrigera-tor, microwave, oven and three-burnercooktop should you elect to stay inside.Ext Length ......................................33’ 10”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ........................................10’ 8”Int Height ................................................7’Freshwater Cap ..............................54 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........40 gal/40 galLP-gas Cap ......................................14 galHitch Weight ....................................962 lbGVWR ............................................9,762 lbMSRP ............................................$23,593Crossroads RV Inc., (888) 226-7496,www.crossroadsrv.com.
Cruiser RV Fun Finder X214WSDEasily identifiable by its fiberglassfront cap with integrated flip window,the Fun Finder is a lightweight traileroffering many of the amenities foundon larger floorplans. The single street-side slideout houses the convertibledinette and creates a wide-open feel-ing that belies the trailer’s sub-25-footlength. The master bedroom area isseparated from the trailer via a pil-lared entertainment center, whereinthe LCD TV swivels for viewing from ei-ther the bedroom or the living area.The fully appointed galley features aseparate, large pantry sure to swallowall your non-perishables, and a stan-dard three-burner cooktop and oven –in addition to the optional microwave –handles cooking duties. The rear bath-room covers the width of the trailerand offers a large shower, linen closetand medicine cabinet with mirror.Ext Length ........................................24’ 6”Ext Width ............................................7’ 6”Ext Height ........................................9’ 10”Int Height ............................................6’ 4”Freshwater Cap ..............................36 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........38 gal/38 galLP-gas Cap ......................................14 galHitch Weight ....................................445 lbGVWR ............................................6,045 lb
MSRP ............................................$23,896Cruiser RV LLC, (260) 562-3500,www.cruiserrv.com.
Dutchmen Aerolite 195QBDutchmen’s Aerolite trailers offerstraightforward floorplans designed tosleep up to four people. A queen bedwith wardrobes flanking each sidehighlights the master bedroom area,while a convertible dinette in the livingarea is a great place for the kiddies tosleep. Backing the dinette is a cleveruse of space in the form of a dresser. Infact, the 195QB contains plenty of over-head storage for extended weekendstays. The bathroom runs the entirewidth of the rear of the trailer and fea-tures both a linen closet and a separatewardrobe to handle towels, sheets andthe like. The trailer also features a niftyslideout cooktop outside the trailer, of-fering owners the opportunity to pre-pare their gourmet meals in the open.Ext Length ........................................24’ 1”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ........................................10’ 1”Int Height ............................................6’ 6”Freshwater Cap ..............................52 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........28 gal/39 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................322 lbGVWR ............................................5,400 lbMSRP ............................................$21,866Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc.,(574) 537-0600, www.dutchmen-rv.com.
EverGreen I-Go G220RB Couple’sCoachi-Go Lite trailers from EverGreen aredesigned to weigh less for easier tow-ing behind vehicles such as half-ton
pickups and midsize SUVs. Steel I-beam framing, vacuum-laminated sidewalls and a composite inner shell helpkeep the weight low and maintain dura-bility. The i-Go Lite G220RB features aspacious rear-bath with a linen closetfor towel storage. The front bedroomcontains a queen bed flanked by dualwardrobes and two nightstand nookswith a 120-volt AC outlet on each side,enabling easy charging of electronicdevices. The TV in the living areaswivels around for viewing from themaster bedroom when the sun goesdown. The convertible dinette in theslideout means the trailer can easilyhandle four or five people for a goodnight’s rest.Ext Length ........................................25’ 6”Ext Width ............................................7’ 7”Ext Height ........................................10’ 6”Int Height ............................................6’ 6”Freshwater Cap ..............................36 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........29 gal/29 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................695 lbGVWR ............................................5,995 lbMSRP ............................................$22,492EverGreen RV LLC, (574) 825-4298,www.goevergreen.com.
Forest River Wildwood 281BHXLFamilies looking for a trailer that hasplenty of sleeping space for the kids —plus a quiet retreat for mom and dad –will find the Wildwood 281 BHXL agreat place to start. Solid privacy doorson each side of the entertainment pil-lar keep the walk-around front queenbed area private, while a bunk above adouble bed in the rear offers a greatplace for the kids. Inside, full-layerseam-free floors lend long-term dura-bility — as does a smooth metal front-wrap with rock guard outside — and anenclosed freshwater tank offers pro-tection should the temperature outsidedip too low. The rear door provides di-rect access to the lavatory, which
30 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
helps avoid those embarrassing “Oc-cupied!” moments that every familyknows all too well. New owners alsoreceive one year of Coach Net roadsideassistance.Ext Length ........................................31’ 3”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ........................................10’ 2”Int Height ............................................6’ 4”Freshwater Cap ..............................34 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........35 gal/32 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................695 lbGVWR ............................................7,695 lbMSRP ............................................$20,000Forest River Inc. Wildwood, (574) 533-5934, www.forestriverinc.com.
Jayco Jay Feather Ultra Lite X17ZIf you prefer the comfort of a hard-sided trailer but aren’t quite ready togive up the sensation of sleeping witha warm breeze blowing over yourhead, a hybrid trailer may be the bestchoice for you. Hybrids are distin-guishable by the tip-out tent struc-tures jutting from the trailer’sexterior. The Jay Feather Ultra LiteX17Z offers two tip-out beds and allthe comforts of a hard-sided trailer,including a toilet, shower and fullyequipped galley. There’s also a con-vertible dinette and J-steel sofa,bringing the sleeping capacity up toeight folks. Plus, an optional satellite-TV kit means you shouldn’t have anyproblem setting up movie night at thecampground — with accommodationsfor the whole team. Ext Length ........................................18’ 6”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height............................................9’7”Int Height ............................................6’ 6”Freshwater Cap ..............................22 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........22 gal/30 galLP-gas Cap ........................................7 galHitch Weight ....................................425 lbGVWR ............................................3,500 lbMSRP ............................................$17,993Jayco Inc., (574) 825-5861, www.jayco.com.
Keystone Hideout H27DBSClearly designed with families in mind,the Hideout H27DBS features a large rearbunkhouse with a fold-up single bed overa double bed in the rear. This arrange-ment allows RVers some versatility whenpacking for long trips without sacrificingcoveted sleeping room. The large slide outin the living area contains a convertibledinette and a full-size sofa bed for evenmore sleeping accommodations. The en-tertainment center features anAM/FM/CD/DVD unit with iPod connectiv-ity and an LCD TV that also swivels forviewing in the master bedroom. An extra-deep sink with high-rise faucet highlightsthe fully equipped galley. The rear bathcontains the toilet and shower, while avanity sink is located just outside the lava-tory. Vinyl flooring throughout the traileradds to the family-friendliness of thefloorplan, and also means owners canbring along their four-legged companionswithout worrying about carpet mishaps.Ext Length ......................................31’ 10”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ........................................11’ 3”Int Height ................................................7’Freshwater Cap ..............................45 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........32 gal/38 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................840 lbGVWR ............................................7,840 lbMSRP ............................................$22,218Keystone RV Company, (574) 535-2100,www.keystonerv.com.
Lance 1885Lance’s all-new 1885 is a relativelycompact trailer that features an effi-ciently designed floorplan. A largeslideout in the living area opens up theinterior for entertaining or simplylounging around, and a fully equippedgalley with three-burner stove ensures
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ride-rite.com1.800.888.0650
Firestone Air Helper Springs harness the powerof air to keep your truck or SUV level andsteering straight. They’ll help you smoothlyreach your destination feeling relaxed and readyfor new adventures. When it comes to helpingyour truck’s suspension, make the power of airwork for you with Firestone.
Firestone Air Helper Spring Systems are available formost Truck, SUV, Mini-Van, CUV and Car applications.Call or visit us online for the dealer nearest you.
RVers will be well fed throughout theirstay. The convertible dinette offers a 54-by-78-inch mattress for guests to sleepovernight, while owners will appreciatethe walk-around queen in the frontbedroom that makes changing thesheets a snap. We were also impressedby the rear dry bath and the wardrobespace throughout the trailer. All Lanceproducts feature LanceLock construc-tion, which is a combination of welded-aluminum framing and a lockingsystem that creates a rigid structure.Ext Length ........................................23’ 9”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ........................................9’ 11”Int Height ............................................6’ 6”Freshwater Cap ..............................40 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........40 gal/40 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................375 lbGVWR ............................................5,600 lbMSRP ............................................$22,228Lance Camper Manufacturing Company,(661) 949-3322, www.lancecamper.com.
Monaco R-Vision Crossover 200SWith a dry weight a shade less than3,800 pounds, the Crossover 200S istowable by most half-tons and midsizeSUVs. Weights are kept low by utilizingsix-sided aluminum frame laminationand block-foam insulation. The single-slide on the 200S houses a large con-vertible U-shape dinette with seating tospare. The fully equipped galley offers adual-basin sink and high-rise faucet,while the refrigerator is actually locatedalong the back wall to improve trafficflow. The walk-around queen bed haswardrobes and 120-volt AC outlets oneach side.
Standard features such as exteriorlighting at the A-frame and in the stor-age areas help with everyday tasks,plus a standard front diamond plateand Expandable Tent option add to theCrossover’s versatility. Equa-Flex sus-pension is available, and the optionalExterior Sandstone Color (pictured) is amust-have. Fi
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Ext Length ........................................22’ 4”Ext Width ............................................7’ 6”Ext Height ..........................................9’ 8”Int Height ............................................7’ 2”Freshwater Cap ..............................36 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........25 gal/25 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................275 lbGVWR ............................................6,160 lbMSRP ............................................$20,278R-Vision, a division of Monaco RV,(800) 282-4654, www.rvisiontowables.com.
Northwood Nash 23DAll-new for 2012, Nash DLX trailers areequipped with several standard featuresdesigned to assist RVers in their off-pavement pursuits. An Equa-Flex sus-pension, multi-layered fiberglass walland a certified off-road chassis help pro-long the trailer’s life. Amenities such as
a power awning, a hitch receiver and AC-generator prep help make camping inthe back woods easier than ever.
The 23D features a slideout with alarge U-shape convertible dinette withroom for four or more diners. Nash’s Sit-N-Sleep option allows buyers to choosebetween two front master bedroom op-tions: a standard walk-around queen bedwith lift-up storage access or a jackknifesofa with storage drawers and a high-density foam mattress. The full-wall rearbathroom offers plenty of space to toweloff, plus a wardrobe cabinet for towelsand linens. The 23D is also designed toaccommodate an optional cargorack/bike carrier, which is great forthose who like two-wheeled adventures.Ext Length ......................................25’ 10”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ..........................................9’ 1”Int Height ............................................6’ 6”Freshwater Cap ..............................46 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........35 gal/41 galLP-gas Cap ......................................14 galHitch Weight ....................................500 lbGVWR ............................................7,000 lbMSRP ............................................$22,263
Northwood Manufacturing Inc.,(541) 962-6274, www.northwoodmfg.com.
Outdoors RV ManufacturingCreekSide 20FQ Four-season camping has always beena benchmark for Outdoors RV, and theCreekSide 20FQ continues that trendwith double fiberglass insulation comingas standard. A roof-mounted solar-power system helps prolong battery life.The CreekSide is mounted on a custom-built off-road chassis, and also featuresfront diamond plating and 3,500-pound-rated axles with heavy-duty brakes fortouring the back roads. Inside, theCreekSide offers Beauflor floor cover-ings, sturdy cabinetry and full-extensionmetal drawer guides, helping the trailerwithstand the best (or worst) of off-pavement travel. Thoughtful touches in-side include a flip-up counter extension,
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HEAT TIP: Heat kills automatic transmissions.
ansmissionsHeat kills automatic trIP:TT HEAAT
.ansmissions
dual shirt wardrobes and a handy bat-tery disconnect switch.Ext Length ........................................23’ 9”Ext Width ................................................8’Ext Height ........................................10’ 7”Int Height ............................................6’ 6”Freshwater Cap ..............................56 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........40 gal/40 galLP-gas Cap ......................................14 galHitch Weight ....................................410 lbGVWR ............................................5,900 lbMSRP ............................................$20,978Outdoors RV Manufacturing, (541) 624-5500, www.outdoorsrvmfg.com.
Winnebago Harmony 21FBSLast year, the eponymous motorhomemanufacturer turned its attention to thetowable market and now offers, amongother brands, Harmony travel trailers.
The lightweight trailers are highlightedby gel-coated side walls, aluminumwheels and eye-catching graphics, inaddition to all the amenities you’d ex-pect from Winnebago. The lightweight21FBS features an open floorplan with afront queen bed and rear-wall bath-room, and higher-end appointmentssuch as a pillow-top mattress, full-ex-tension drawer guides and a double-door refrigerator add to the residentialfeel of the trailer. The optional CampingTime Package adds a 13,500-Btu ductedA/C, awning, microwave and 6-gallonDSI water heater — plus a spare tire,carrier and cover — into the fold.Ext Length ......................................21’ 11”Ext Width ............................................7’ 6”Ext Height..............................................10’Int Height ............................................6’ 4”Freshwater Cap ..............................43 galBlack-/Gray-Water Cap........25 gal/33 galLP-gas Cap ......................................10 galHitch Weight ....................................420 lbGVWR ............................................5,500 lbMSRP ............................................$19,800Winnebago Towables, (574) 825-5250,www.sunnybrookrv.com. q
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OUTFITTING UP
34 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
30+ WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR TOW VEHICLE’S PERFORMANCE
The perfect tow vehicle has notbeen built. In fact, I could neverconvince you if it had, because
your idea of the perfect machine isquite different from mine. Let's takefront-row seating as an example. Manywould have nothing but bucket seatswith a console for their laptop or musiccollection. My wife and I, however,would never consider a vehicle whereour dog couldn't sit between us onsome type of bench seat configuration.
Some consider a camping trip withthe kids or grandkids a perfect chanceto interact away from our electronic
world. Others would not hit the roadwithout the kids plugged into their ownentertainment systems, especially if theroute includes long miles of flat, fea-tureless interstate.
Building the ultimate tow vehicle is achallenge even the manufacturers don'tpretend to master. The best they can dois check some items off our collectivewish list from what companies knowabout its customers. They vary optionsand target different drivers with a vari-ety of models. Additionally, compro-mises are made to keep the vehiclesaffordable for more buyers. Suspension
systems that can haul lots of weight arenot so comfy when the machine isempty, unless an expensive computer-controlled system adjusts for the condi-tions. All of these factors and trade-offsadd up to plenty of room for aftermarketupgrades of the vehicles available.
For some, the upgrades will be allabout comfort, sound quality and shine.Others will boost power, handling andcargo storage. Some can be customizedexclusively for an RVing lifestyle, whileother rigs must work all week, thentransform into weekend toy haulers.
Here are some upgrades we foundto help make your truck all that it canbe, for you and your recreationallifestyle. If you don’t find what you’relooking for here, let us know, we’regoing to round up more performance-enhancing parts for you in future isses.
PGRADE GUIDE
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 35
by Larry Walton
E-CON Power Programmer The Max Energy E-CON Economy PowerProgrammer from Hypertech is designedto offer better fuel mileage and morepower, without the added cost of otherhigh-performance features, which maynot be utilized. The E-CON is pro-grammed with Hypertech’s Max EnergyTuning, optimizing fuel and spark curvesto increase horsepower and torque atwide-open throttle and more miles atpart-throttle. Hypertech customers re-port 2-to-6 MPG gain and a substantial in-crease in horsepower and torque. For anadditional charge the E-CON can be up-graded to a Max Energy Power Program-mer, via an online download, to includeall Max Energy features for that vehicle.Hypertech: (901) 382-8888, www.hypertech.com
Brake HelperThe PRXB (pressureregulated exhaustbrake) fromPacbrake is its flag-ship product, whichprovides perform-ance, safety andsavings. The PRXB delivers constantexhaust pressure (braking) as early as1200 RPM all the way to maximum RPM.It provides safety by increasing vehiclestability and reducing the amount ofbrake fade. Controlled by a masterON/OFF switch, the exhaust brake pro-vides whisper quiet supplemental brak-
ing that allows service brakes to beused much less, ultimately paying foritself with fewer brake jobs. With theability to be left on all the time, it isideal for city driving or steep, downhillgrades. Pacbrake: (800) 663-0096,www.pacbrake.com
Air Intake SystemBanks Ram-Air intake system for the2011 Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke fea-tures an enclosed housing, which helpsit inhale cooler, denser outside air andimproves flow up to 26 percent for in-creased power and improved mileage.It also helps the engine run cooler andcleaner. Banks Power: (800) 601-8072,www.bankspower.com
Steering Box ReplacementBorgeson’s newest steering offeringfor Dodge truck owners replaces the‘60s-style Saginaw technology used inmany Dodge models with a modernDelphi integral power steering gear-box. The “Dodge Box” for your 1994-2002 second generation Dodge Rampickup offers more power assist,quicker ratio for easier parking andless turns lock-to-lock. A modern vari-able valve means stable highway driv-ing. The “Dodge Box” bolts directly inthe stock location and works with theoriginal pitman arm, hoses and pump.Kit includes an adapter to work withall Borgeson replacement steeringshafts. Borgeson: (800) 482-8283,www.borgeson.com (continued on pg. 38)
38 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
Hi-Perf Engine OilHigh Performance Street(HPS) motor oil featuresRoyal Purple's proprietarySynerlec additive technol-ogy and is specifically for-mulated to meet thedemands of high perform-ance and modified engines.HPS is recommended forvehicles no longer undermanufacturer warranty (forvehicles under warranty itsAPI-licensed oils are rec-ommended). HPS Series ofmotor oil responds to in-creased pressure with in-creased viscosity, providingexceptionally high filmstrength for reductions inengine wear and reducedengine heat. The additives found in HPS provide oxidationstability that extends oil life, uses synthetic solvency to re-duce engine deposits and keeps engines clean. Royal PurpleInc.: (888) 382-6300, www.royalpurple.com
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GUIDE
High-Performance Diesel StarterPowermaster Performance introduces improved starting per-formance for GM, Ford and Dodge diesel applications. Featur-ing 3.6 horsepower motors, these starters are able to turnover the most aggressive diesel engines in even the harshestconditions. Built in the USA for long life, Powermaster starterscome with a one-year warranty and can be factory refurbishedfor the life of the starter and are up to 30 percent less costlythan a factory replacement starter. Powermaster Perform-ance: (630) 849-7754, www.powermasterperformance.com
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FOR 3 MONTHS140+ Channels
Requires CHOICE™ PACKAGE and above.
All DIRECTV offers require 24-month agreement.** Offers end 7/18/12. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation. Programming/pricing may vary in certain markets.
RV KITDish, Travel Tripod
& 50ft of cable^
Offer Ends 7/18/12. FREE RV Kit for new customers only. Available to existing customers at additional charge.
While supplies last. S/H fees will apply. Courtesy of Direct Sat TV.
ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE
Requires ENTERTAINMENT™ PACKAGE or higher. Additional & Advanced Receiver fees apply. Select models only.
4 UPGRADES HD DVR &
3 HD Receivers
FOR 12 MONTHSAfter rebate with 24-month agreement.
ºBILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME and Cinemax for three months, a value of $135. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Featured package names and prices: ENTERTAINMENT $54.99/mo.; CHOICE $63.99/mo.; Prices include the following bill credits for 12 months after rebate: $20 for ENTERTAINMENT, $24 for CHOICE; plus an additional $5 with online rebate and consent to email alerts. Eligibility based on ZIP code. Upon DIRECTV System activation, customer will receive rebate redemption instructions (included in customer’s first DIRECTV bill, a separate mailing, or, in the state of New York, from retailer) and must comply with the terms of the instructions. In order to receive $25 monthly credits for the ENTERTAINMENT Package ($29 for CHOICE and CHOICE XTRA) in the first 12 months, customer must submit rebate online (valid email address required) and consent to email alerts prior to rebate redemption. Rebate begins up to eight weeks after receipt of rebate submission online or by phone. Duration of promotional price varies based on redemption date. †$10 CREDIT OFFER: Customers activating and maintaining the ENTERTAINMENT Package or above along with an HD Receiver or HD DVR and enrollment in Auto Bill Pay will receive an additional $10 bill credit for 24 months. Account must be in “good standing” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion to remain eligible for all offers. **24-MO. LEASE AGREEMENT: EARLY CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN A FEE OF $20/MONTH FOR EACH REMAINING MONTH. Must maintain 24 consecutive months of your DIRECTV programming package. Advanced Receiver-DVR fee ($8/mo.) required for DVR lease. Advanced Receiver-HD fee ($10/mo.) required for HD Receiver lease. Advanced Receiver fee ($20/mo.) required for HD DVR and TiVo HD DVR from DIRECTV lease. TiVo service fee ($5/mo.) required for TiVo HD DVR from DIRECTV lease. If you have two boxes or one box and an enabled TV, an additional $6/mo. fee applies. For each additional box and/or enabled TV on your account you are charged an additional fee of $6/mo. per box and/or enabled TV. NON-ACTIVATION CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER MAY APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com <http://directv.com> OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. Advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the ENTERTAINMENT Package or above; OPTIMO MÁS or above (for DVR Receiver, MÁS LATINO); Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $41.99/mo.). Second, third and fourth HD Receiver offer requires activation of the ENTERTAINMENT Package or above or MÁS ULTRA Package or above and HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade. Home Media Center HD DVR and additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation in up to four rooms only. Custom installation extra. RV SATELLITE KIT OFFER: Courtesy of Direct Sat TV with new residential home service activation and purchase of ENTERTAINMENT programming or above. Includes satellite dish, travel tripod and 50’ of coaxial cable. HD dish will incur additional fees. Tripod for HD dish not available. Programming and pricing may vary for service in your RV. For service in RV, customer will receive NY Distant Network Signal, based on geographical location. LA Distant Network is available upon request and requires special hardware, which will incur additional fees. DNS waiver required. Local channels eligibility based on service address. Not all networks available in all markets. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in order confirmation. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo and CHOICE, are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
Crafted ATF BlendLucas Oil’s Sure-Shift Semi-Synthetic automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is de-signed to withstand high pressure and temperatures. Lucas crafts this ATF froma blend of high-quality base stocks and synthetics, blended together with a spe-cial additive package not found in other automatic transmission fluids. It’s for-mulated with extra detergents and anti-wear agents for longer fluid life and lesscomponent wear. It also contains lubricity agents for smooth, precise shifting.Sure-Shift Semi-Synthetic ATF meets or exceeds all specifications for DexronIII/Mercon. This ATF is a must for all hard working and high-performance trans-missions. Lucas Oil Products Inc.: (800) 342-2512, www.lucasoil.com
»Michigan Truck SpringIf you want to compare suspensionor trailer hitches side-by-side youcan check out the selection atwww.truckspring.com. You canalso call Shawn or one of theother guys and tell them whatyou're driving and what you aretowing or hauling. Because theystock and install several of the topbrands, they'll do their best to setyou up with hardware that will fityour truck and your budget. Michi-gan Truck Springs: (800) 358-4751
Diesel Fuel AdditiveRed Line’s Diesel Fuel Catalyst is designed to prolongfuel system life and improve fuel combustion. Powerfulthermally stable detergents clean fuel injectors and thecompression ring area that can become filled with par-tially burned combustion products. A cetane booster isincorporated to reduce knocking and smoke and improvecold-weather starting. Lubricity additives lubricate fuelpumps and injectors while leaving a coating in the uppercylinder, helping to reduce friction at a critical pointwhere the rings change direction. Red Line SyntheticOil: (800) 624-7958, www.redlineoil.com
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40 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
All Terrain TractionOpen Country A/T from Toyo Tires is an M&S (Mud and Snow) rated tire that offersaggressive wet and snow traction for pickups and SUVs. With rugged good looks,this versatile all-terrain tire provides uncompromised handling, ride comfort andon- and off-road stability. A special siping and tread arrangement provides asmooth, comfortable ride, as well as improved snow traction. The Open Country'sshoulder voids maximize water evacuation for excellent all-terrain traction andstability. In addition to Toyo’s normal limited warranty, the Open Country comeswith a 40,000-mile warranty on Light Truck and Metric sizes up to 17 inches. ToyoTires: www.toyotires.com
EGT Cool Down InjectorWater-methanol injection is a provenand effective method for reducing ex-haust gas temperatures (EGTs). TheTow-Max advanced control unit fromSnow Performance uses a 2-D mapwith boost and EGTs to adapt to the loadfor correct injection while towing orempty, it adds up to 150 lb-ft of torquefor towing, and incoporates a LCDscreen that displays boost, EGTs and in-jection pump output. Tow-Max reducesEGTs, allowing you to use all yourpower, instead of having to revert to amild tune while towing. Snow Perform-ance; (866) 365-2762: www.snowper-formance.net.
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GUIDE
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TheRally.com 800-701-1399
5644-CS
in Louisville, KY June 21-24, 2012At the Good Sam RallyJoin Us!
42 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
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Mirror ExtenderPower Vision Mirrors are the only available electrically ex-tending mirrors on the market. Reach an overall width of 109to 112 inches (depending on model) with the touch of a but-ton. Conveniently extend your mirrors for towing, increasingrear visibility and safety. The large 6.5-by-10.5 inch flat glasssurface provides a true field of vision and prevents imagedistortion. The mirrors fold on impact, both to the front andrear, protecting your door and allowing you to get into closequarters. Power Vision Mirrors are available with heat andturn signal options. Power Vision: (800) 337-2557,www.powervisionmirrors.com
Turbo BrakeChevy 2004.5-up Duramax engines use a variable-vane tur-bocharger to reduce lag and increase power. BD Diesel har-nesses the technology in a different way – helping you slowdown. BD’s Variable Vane Brake utilizes this technology toelectronically close off vanes effectively retarding up to 150horsepower. This braking force helps to maintain speeds ondescents and tight curves, allowing for better control of yourtruck and trailer. The VVB rotary switch has three modes,and mounts to the dash. The install is simple and plugs intoexisting factory ports. BD Diesel Performance: (800) 887-5030, www.dieselperformance.com
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Husky’s custom fit floor, trunk and cargo liners are made with a raised edge, which keeps dirt, mud and mess on the liner and not on your floor. So don’t be afraid! Keep your boots on while you drive. It’s a Husky Liner!
DON’T BE AFRAID!DRIVE WITH YOUR BOOTS ON!
www.huskyliners.com | 1-800-344-8759
For more ways to protect your vehicle visit:
Load StabilizerThe Quick Disconnection StableLoad from TorkLiftdramatically improves handling and reduces trucksway when towing or hauling anything from a truckcamper to a toy hauler. It works by engaging theoverload springs by bolting onto the overloads andtaking up the gap between leaf springs. It engages and disengages in seconds andis covered by a lifetime warranty. No drilling is required and it can be used with airbag systems as well, allowing you to lower the pressure. The StableLoad kit in-cludes four units, enough to outfit one vehicle and is available to fit nearly any vehi-cle. TorkLift International: (800) 246-8132, www.torklift.com
Quiet CatDynoMax Performance’s VT Exhaust Systemfor the 2011-12 Ford F-150 pickups is a cat-back performance system that delivers adrone-free and throaty exhaust tone. The ex-haust is constructed of 3-inch mandrel bentpiping and features a 12-inch-long slant-cut single walled tip. The heart of the sys-tem is the VT muffler that controls interior drone, using a precisely calibratedpatented internal valve, which redirects the exhaust flow during cruising conditionsto limit unwanted drone. The kit comes with all necessary hangers, clamps andhardware. Fits extended cab short bed and crew cab short bed Ford F-150 models.DynoMax Performance Exhaust: (734) 384-7806, www.dynomax.com
Custom Fit CapThe 100XR series from LEER is a custom-fit premium cap featuring SUV-style sidewindows and an all-glass rear door. The100XR custom fit design comes with auto-motive paint, a fixed front window, an in-sulated roof and a recessed LED thirdbrake light. The side windows featuredark tinted glass with twist-out vents andscreens. The frameless, curved, all-glassrear door features LEER’s twist handlelock, rotary latch system and hingedweather cover. The 100XR can be cus-tomized with options such as keylessentry, a front slider window, automatic 12-volt DC dome light switch, and a variety ofThule rack systems. LEER: www.leer.com
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Clean SweepANCO Profile is a line of innovative andaffordable profile-style replacementwiper blades for driving safety and im-proved visibility. Easy to install, these arehigh-end upgrades for vehicles currentlyequipped with conventional wipers. Theyare also direct-fit replacements for vehi-cles originally equipped with profilewipers. ANCO Profile wipers feature anadvanced one-piece design developed to
deliver more effective blade-to-wind-shield contact for improved wipe qualityand visibility in all weather conditions.The engineered wiping element featuresan exclusive DuraKlear natural rubbercompound to help deliver consistent,clear wiping for the life of the blade.ANCO: www.ANCOWipers.com
Locked DownBOLT Receiver Locks from STRATTEC feature the company’spatented one-key lock technology allowing you to permanently pro-gram the lock to the specific vehicle’s ignition key, eliminating theneed for multiple keys. Inserting the key for the first time into androtating the lock cylinder uniquely codes the spring-loaded platetumblers to only that key. The cast zinc cylinder and case providecorrosion resistance. The locks, which are available for Class Ithrough Class V hitches, feature a rugged cover jacket and automo-tive-grade lock shutter and a durable, stainless steel pin. A longerpin is available for the new GM heavy-duty receivers. STRATTEC:(800) 251-8798, www.boltlock.com
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Correct Track II Trailer Axle Alignment Kit
Laser Alignment Tool
Target Plate
Tire blow-out is the #1 worry facing RV�ers today!
And now with the Correct Track suspension alignment system, you can put those worries to rest. The primary focus of the Correct Track system is safety. Using our patent pending design, Correct Track bolts on to the trailer�s existing spring axle hangers and properly aligns trailer suspension. Tires will now run cooler and longer, lessening the chance for tire blow-out.
Tadvantage of the Correct Track Laser Alignment Program. With this program, customers get a laser alignment inspection, tire tread wear measurements, air pressure check, suspension inspection and written report. All training and equipment is furnished by the Mobile
details at 574-312-6654.
Illustration of Correct Track Laser Alignment System
Rubberized Suspension Enhancement
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Right RideFirestone Ride-Rite air helper spring kits are designed to use air pressure to helpmaximize a truck’s safe load carrying capacity, brake effectiveness, ride qualityand vehicle stability. Individual inflation valves allow the system to provide separateside-to-side or front-to-rear adjustment, allowing the vehicle to remain level withan off-center load and maintain ride quality under differing load conditions. Allnecessary components are included in the no-drill Ride Rite kit. Using factoryholes, the kit typically takes less than one hour for installation and comes with alimited lifetime warranty on the air springs and two-year limited warranty onbrackets/hardware. Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC: (800) 888-0650,www.ride-rite.com
Twice As CoolMaradyne’s Mach Two Extreme Dual 16-inch Fan is designed to fit trucks with radi-ators whose core is 34 inches wide. They feature the manufacturer’s quiet S-bladedesign and work as a puller fan delivering a maximum airflow of 4,320 cubic feetper minute. The fan, which has two 225-watt sealed heavy-duty motors that aredust and waterproof, is designed to provide increased horsepower, fuel efficiencyand cooling. The benefit during towing at a heavy load is high-performance electricfans don’t rob as much power as clutch-driven fans, essentially increasing perform-ance. Maradyne High Performance Fans: (800) 435-7953, www.maradyneHP.com
Super SlickEP-2.5 Grease with Anti-Friction MetalTreatment technology from Prolong de-livers long-lasting lubrication, surfaceprotection and improved performancefor a variety of truck applications. For-mulated to withstand extreme pres-sure, the Calcium Sulfonate grease ischaracterized by mechanical stability,high dropping point and superior corro-sion protection. Its high load carryingability, while helping to prevent rust,corrosion and oxidation makes it idealfor ball, CV and U joints, fifth wheels,chassis and wheel bearings. It is avail-able in 14-ounce tubes for easy use inany standard cartridge loading greasegun. Prolong Super Lubricants: (800)540-LUBE, www.prolong.com
Improving tow vehicle performance interms or power or handling does notmean you have increased the truck’s towcapacity. Too many factors go into theseratings to be addressed by a few up-
grades. Engine cooling capacity, trans-mission clutch design, frame strength,brake components and steering charac-teristics are just a few of the factors thataffect the capacities of your truck.
You can make it stronger for pullinghills and more stable for cornering with aload, but don't ever load it beyond the man-ufacturer's ratings. Damaged drivetraincomponents or an accident could result.
»Hold Onto Those Tow Ratings
46 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
Bigger DogBully Dog's RFI Intake maximizes thepower and economy potential of theFord F-Series Super Duty 6.7L PowerStroke ‘11-’12 intake system with aRapid Flow stage 2 air intake kit. Thiskit not only provides the power youwant, but it also enhances that deephorsepower growl of the engine andadds the aesthetics of a customized en-gine bay. The kit comes with a high-performance, eight-layer high flow airfilter that dramatically improves airflow, and still protects your engine fromincoming debris. Bully Dog: (888) 844-6260, www.bullydog.com
Glide Adapter PullRite's new SuperRail Mounting Kitwith B&W hitch adapter allows an exist-ing B&W customer to convert their cur-rent B&W mounts for use with PullRite'sautomatic SuperGlide sliding hitches forshort bed trucks. SuperGlide automati-cally moves the trailer away from thecab while making turns - allowing up to90 degrees of turning without stopping,slowing down, or even thinking about thespace between the truck and trailer -and then automatically returns the hitchand trailer to the safe towing positionover the truck axle when the turn iscompleted - going forward or backingup. PullRite: (574) 259-1520,www.pullrite.com
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GUIDE
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TL062B
High-Top Capper The RT Series from A.R.E. is an aerody-namic truck cap constructed fromdurable fiberglass reinforced with steel.Features include a 54-inch rear doorheight that is ideal for hauling largecargo, stainless steel hinges with aslam shut latching system, a 30 percenttint on side and rear windows, full-length side tip-out windows, a 12-voltDC dome light and LED brake light forincreased visibility. The RT Series isavailable for 2009-current Ford F-150pickups as well as 2007-current GMCSierra and Chevrolet Silverado models,both in 6.5-foot and 8-foot beds. A.R.E.:(800) 649-4ARE, www.4are.com
Easy Hitch B&W has the answer for those RV en-thusiasts who tow a fifth-wheel trailer,but also use their pickup trucks forthings other than towing. The hitch canbe quickly removed, and the B&Wunder-bed mounting system allows youto tow a gooseneck or a fifth-wheeltrailer with the same mounting sys-tem.The Companion fifth-wheel hitchfrom B&W features a fully articulatedhead that allows front-to-back andside-to-side pivoting; and the cam-ac-tion latching handle is easy to release,even when your rig is parked on an un-level site. B&W Trailer Hitches: (800)248-6564, www.turnoverball.com.
More Axle LubeaFe's Ford Power Stroke Rear Differen-tial Cover has a 5-quart lube capacity(factory cover holds 4 quarts), a mag-netic drain plug and a magnetic-tippedfill plug for maximum rear-end protec-tion. Built-in internal and external finstransfer heat from the fluid to the out-side air for maximum cooling. aFe hasalso designed a large oil level sightglass with calibration plug set to thefactory fluid level to eliminate overfill-ing. This differential cover is con-structed of durable die-cast A380aluminum with reinforced ribs andwrinkle black powder coating for maxi-mum strength and styling. This coverfits the Ford 12-10.25 and 10.50 axles. Itincludes an O-ring for a leak-free seal.aFe: (951)493-7155, www.afepower.com
Gooseneck AdapterConvert-A-Ball Manufacturing's Ad-justable Cushioned Fifth-Wheel toGooseneck Adapter adjusts infinitelyfrom 12-to-16 inches allowing the useof a gooseneck ball to tow a fifth-wheeltrailer. The unit has a 20,000-pound rat-ing, cushioned 360 degrees, includessafety chains, a fail safe king pinadapter, and locks with padlock. Con-vert-A-Ball: (800) 543-1732, www.con-vert-a-ball.net
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE GUIDE
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 49
Free RideRancho’s new RS9000XLshock absorbers series an-swers the demands of towingand hauling. The shock ab-sorbers feature an 18 mmchrome rod and adjustabledamping with either a 2.75- or2.38-inch diameter reservetube, allowing the RS9000XLto run cooler and more con-sistent even under the mostdemanding towing conditions.Rancho provides a “RideGuarantee,” a 90-day free-rideoffer that lets enthusiasts tryRS9000XL shocker absorbers for anypickup or SUV for 90 days allowing con-sumers to return their shocks for a fullrefund of the product’s purchase price.See Rancho’s website for more detailson the free-ride offer and applicationscovered by the warranty. Rancho: (734)384-7804, www.gorancho.com
Ride on AirHellwig says its Heavy Duty Air Kit hasthe largest air spring on the market.Offering better handling and controlunder heavily loaded conditions thesekits increase stability and control, re-duce bottoming, and provide the abilityto level the heaviest loads from left toright and front to rear. Featuring an airspring with superior ride quality, thisunit softens typical loaded ride condi-tions by transferring load from the vehi-cle’s leaf spring to the Hellwig AirSpring. Hellwig Air Springs offer longersuspension travel, ease of adjustment,simple installation and years of heavy-duty load control. The heavy-duty hard-ware and components provide improvedride with increased capacities. HellwigProducts: (800) 435-5944, www.hell-wigproducts.com
Hot TubesdB Performance Exhausts by CORSAoffer high performance truck exhaustsfeaturing a straight-through design of-fers maximum performance for yourtruck. The exhaust systems feature409L Stainless Steel construction, andan angled 4.0-inch Slash Cut polishedtips that are laser etched with the dB byCORSA logo. You can choose betweensingle or dual side exit designs. Hard-ware for installation and an illustratedinstallation guide are included. Thebolt-on exhaust systems come with alimited 10-year warranty. dB Perform-ance Exhausts: (800) 486-0999,www.dBexhaust.com q
Gasket ReplacementFel-Pro’s PermaDryPlus intake mani-fold gaskets offer a solution to poten-tially expensive gasket leaks that canbe encountered in popular late-modellight truck engines used as tow vehi-cles. The gaskets feature advancedtechnologies designed for aftermarketrepair. Features include high-strengthaluminized steel edge-molded carrierwith self-centering torque limiters andmultiple sealing beads around intakeand coolant ports. The gasket’s steelcarrier helps resist cracking and crush-ing, while the fluoroelastomer encap-sulation provides exceptional fluidsealability. The set also includes Fel-Pro PermaDry molded rubber valvecover gasket and all other parts neededfor sealing repair, where applicable.Fel-Pro: www.felpro-only.com
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by Ken Freund
Fine ArtIn the late 1930s, billionaire J. Paul
Getty acquired the Spartan AircraftCompany. After building aircraft dur-
ing World War II, Getty determined thattrailer manufacturing would help diver-sify Spartan. Its initial prototype wasbuilt in 1945 and, soon after, the newmodel was tested and a production runof 100 began. A well-respected de-signer, G.R. Schutes, was brought in togive the premium trailers sleek styling,while adding art-deco design. Schutesutilized modern monocoque construc-tion similar to airplane manufacturingfor high strength and weight reduction.
In the post-war years, trailer manu-facturing became very competitive. Dur-ing this period, Spartan offered anextensive lineup with 19 trailer models,
however many companies had modelspriced lower than Spartan models. Tosurvive, Spartan introduced several newseries, including the Crescendo andCarousel models with 1950s styling andunique curving floorplans. Spartan’sSparcraft series employed riveted alu-minum construction, but was less styl-ish with no compound curves,lower-grade aluminum and austere in-teriors. The boxy Sparlane was de-signed to be the price leader, but sadly,these efforts eventually failed, and 1961marked the final year of production.
With expensive design and con-struction, a new 25-foot Spartan Manortravel trailer cost nearly $4,000 —about half the price of an inexpensivehouse of the day.
The handsome and rare 1952 RoyalSpartanette 35-footer featured on thesepages is presently owned by Mike and
Desiree Marinis of San Bernardino,Calif., whom brought back the traveltrailer to its pristine condition.
“As children, we camped extensivelywith our families. As adults, we bothenjoy old cars, antiques, travel and theoutdoors. Our interest in vintage traveltrailers started after attending the New-port Dunes vintage trailer rally in 2007,”Desiree explained. “We liked them all,but thought the larger trailers with fullbaths would best fit our needs. We havethree grandchildren.”
The Marinis use the trailer as oftenas possible, even if only for a weekend.
1 9 5 2 R O Y A L S P A R T A N E T T E 3 5
All set up, the ‘52 Royal Spartanette resembles a train car diner.
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 51
Spartan’s classy art deco design has withstood the test of time.
Although it was parked on a Mexican beach for 25 years, the vintage Spartanette came to the Marinis in fairly decent condition.Attention to detail and a lot of hard work during the restoration have brought this classic 1952 travel trailer back to its original charm.
The couple takes at least one two-weektrip each summer with their grandkidsto Camp Richardson on Lake Tahoe. TheMarinis find campgrounds where theycan also use their 1966 Century Sabrewooden boat. They enjoy attending vin-tage trailer rallies and go to classic carshows, too, finding that car show peoplereally enjoy the restoration work doneon the old travel trailers and that is alsohelping to expand more interest in vin-tage trailers.
Mike is always on the Internet look-ing for his next project and found the1952 Royal Spartanette in San Diego inJuly of 2009 soon after it had been beenrecovered from a 25-year stay in Ense-nada, Baja California, Mexico. Restora-tion on the trailer did not start until thebeginning of February 2010 — with theMay 2010 Pismo Vintage RV Show inmind as its debut.
First the Marinis tackled the axles,slinging a set of heavy-duty units under-neath the Spartan with new leaf springs,brakes, tires, rims and A-frame. And al-though the couple wanted to keep thetrailer looking properly vintage, it had tobe raised 8 inches so the tail wouldn’tdrag because of the long overhang onthe trailer. All of the old windows wereremoved, the window frame pieces werepowder coated, and the rubber was re-placed as well as the copper screens.The glass was replaced only where nec-essary. The entire trailer was paintedwhile in Mexico, which may have actu-ally preserved the metal, since it sat onthe beach for 25 years. The aluminum
exterior skin was polished back to itsoriginal glow. The Marinis then paintedall of the window and door frames, thecorner roundings and the steel rub rail.They also installed a much neededrooftop air conditioner.
The interior work came last. On theinside, they upgraded the wiring andall of the plumbing. Every square inchof wood was stripped and stained, andthen five coats of hand-rubbed lacquerwere applied. A Dixie stove was re-stored for the rig at The Antique StoveShop in Ventura, Calif. Cobalt Blueporcelain with a chromed top and cop-per accents was chosen for thecounter tops. The refrigerator is a1951 General Electric that worked per-fectly — all they had to do was paint itto match the stove and build a sur-round for it. Copper back splasheswere installed and butcher-block ma-
terial on the countertop was takenfrom pallets and truck side-gates. Thekitchen sink is a large bar sink and thebathroom sink is a solid bronze-ves-sel-style sink. A custom coppershower pan was also installed.
All the windows are cased and fea-ture built mahogany valances. Mosthave wooden mini-blinds installed. Thekitchen table was recovered with pe-riod-correct Formica, and the booth wasrebuilt and reupholstered. The kitchenfloor is period correct, and the bedroomfeatures a pedestal-style bed frame thatlifts up for storage.
The Marinis truly enjoy traveling andcamping in their restored trailer. But themost enjoyable part of owning their vin-tage 1952 Spartanette is trading storiesand meeting all the interesting peoplewho visit with them in their classictravel trailer. q
52 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
by Jeff JohnstonWALKTHROUGH: EAGLE CAP 1160
Max Majestic Dual slideouts and first-rate appointments givethis new truck camper high-end appeal
M ultiple slideouts in truckcampers have sparked a newwave of floorplan innova-
tions. No longer restricted to the spacebetween a pickup’s wheel wells, mod-els such as the Eagle Cap 1160 providepreviously unheard of comfort and el-bowroom for slide-in camper fans.
Minimal graphics keep the camperlooking uncluttered, but the 1160stands high off the truck bed becausethe floor starts at the truck’s bedrail.That feature also opens up the sub-floor area for sizable storage space,plus large holding tanks and compart-ments for the optional 2,500-wattOnan LP-gas fueled generator ($3,220plus prep, $413).
Eagle Cap uses its aluminumframe with polystyrene insulation,Thermo Polyolefin (TPO) roof and agel-coat fiberglass cap constructiontechnique to build the 1160. Featuresinclude all-vinyl flooring throughout,plus hardwood-face frames and cabi-net doors, day/night shades and hand-upholstered window trim. In addition,full-extension metal ball-bearingglides for the drawers are standard.And the holding tanks are enclosed,insulated and heated, making this anall-season camper.
Step inside through the unit’s rear
corner side-entry door, by way of afold-down three-step stairway (andpossibly a platform on the groundbelow the steps, depending on yourtruck bed height) outside and a stepinside the body, and you immediatelysee the wide-open space created bythe pair of slideouts. To the left, theback wall slideout houses a sofa/bedwith overhead cabinets and a smallwardrobe next to the entry door.There’s also a good-sized window forenjoying the scenery. The roomy fixeddinette on the street side also moves
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 53
out in its own slideout that also housesthe large refrigerator and some over-head storage cabinets. Eagle Cap is bigon windows and the view from thedinette won’t keep anyone from enjoy-ing the scenery.
The L-shaped kitchen on the curb-side offers an amazing amount of space— larger than many we’ve seen in trail-ers or significantly larger motorhomes.The open patch of floor means there isno crowding the cook. A complete arrayof accessories including range andstovetop, microwave, dual-bowl sink inthe solid granite-coat countertop and avariety of drawers and cabinets makeup the superbly functional kitchen.
An optional 19-inch LCD TV ismounted on the bathroom bulkhead,just forward of the kitchen, facing aft forviewing by those on the sofa bed ordinette. The camper is pre-wired for
Thanks to its dual slide outs and raised floors, the Eagle Cap 1160 provides a good deal more living space than most truck campers.
Adventurer LP (509) 895-7064, www.amlrv.com. Circle 201 on Reader Service Card.
QUICK INFO
Ext Length 19’ 8”Int Floor Length 11’ 6”Ext Width 8’ 6”Ext Height 8’ 6”Int Height 6’ 4”Freshwater Cap 75 galBlack/Gray Water Cap 28 gal/ 32 galLP-gas Cap 14 galDry Weight 4,298 lbMSRP Base $45,690MSRP As Tested $48,148
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most popular accessories such as asolar panel, stereo and speakers, TV an-tenna and the air conditioner. Thecamper we spent time in, courtesy ofGeorge M. Sutton RV in Eugene, OR(www.suttonrv.com) included the op-tional air conditioner with a digital wallthermostat ($1,106).
The dry bath is in an enclosure justforward of and abutting the kitchen. Itincludes a regular curtain-enclosedshower, a marine-style flush toilet on araised base for increased height, a sin-gle-bowl sink in a roomy vanity counterand two good-sized storage cabinets.This is not your usual cramped camperbath. Knee space, floor space, dressingand maneuvering room are all a part ofthis package. A large, domed skylightbrings in extra light and headroom intothe shower.
Due to the floor height, the main
front bed is accessed with a simple stepup, no climbing required. The 60-by-80-inch queen bed is oriented front-to-back, and the bedroom includes a wide,but none-too-tall mirrored-doorwardrobe curbside, and a smaller shirtcloset street side. An optional 19-inchLCD TV ($511) is mounted on the bulk-head at the foot of the bed and uses aswivel arm for angle adjustability. Twoadjustable overhead reading lights aresituated at the head of the bed.
The 1160 weighs 4,298 pounds dry,so by the time you add 75 gallons offreshwater and all your gear it’s goingto call for a heavy-duty truck to safelyhaul it. Realistically, an F-450 will bethe proper truck to handle this camper.However, once properly set up, theEagle Cap 1160 brings an entirely newdefinition of space and creature com-fort to the truck camper market. q
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Camping World, Circle 122 on Reader Service Card
CACTUS, COACHES& COUNTRY MUSIC
standing feature performance. And onthe final night, the audience sang theirfavorite Beatles’ tunes with the tributeband, Ticket to Ride.
EDUCATIONAL SEMINARSDuring the day, Rally guests couldspend their time attending the 130+Rally seminars, viewing the new RVs ondisplay and shopping at the giant trade
(Top right inset) Mile-wide smiles revealed Good Sam Rally goers CarolFerger and friend Shannon Hunt (wearing her Good Sam earrings) were
having a wonderful time. (Lower inset) Some of the more than 3,000RVs parked at Phoenix International Raceway for the Rally. (Main
image) Lifetime Good Sam Club members mingle on-track prior to oneof the numerous evening entertainment events.
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONSOpening night on Thursday featurednone other than Bowzer of Sha Na Na,who arrived cruisin’ down the track in a1952 Kaiser convertible. Bill Cosby cap-tivated the audience with his tales andphilosophies of life on Friday night.Contemporary country superstar Mar-tina McBride had the audience singingalong during Saturday evening’s out-
The first of the 2012 Good Sam Rallies was a good time for all who attended this springtime Arizona fest
Thousands of happy Good Sam Rally guests from all over the United Statesand Canada were treated to a taste of Arizona’s sweet early-spring weather,intriguing history and culture, some fabulous entertainment and the chance
to make new RVing friends. The sparkling Arizona sun shown down on 3,370 RVsas they spent March 22 through 25 parked at Phoenix International Raceway dur-ing the first of the 2012 Good Sam Rallies, presented by DISH.
By Stuart Bourdon
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 57
show that was held on-site. And whether Rally goers wereseasoned RV veterans or newbies, there were educationalexperiences for everyone.
Trailer Life and MotorHome publisher, Bob Livingston,offered RVing 101. The RV Safety Education Foundation ledclasses on electrical system safety, RV air brakes andpropane safety. Guests were also invited to learn moreabout the beautiful host state of Arizona through a seriesof seminars presented by the Heard Museum. FormerCongressman Barry Goldwater, Jr. and Arizona’s officialstate historian, Marshall Trimble were the guest speakers.Rally guests also participated in craft projects that in-cluded making bear claw paper quilts and a Zuni fetish.
FUN & GAMESMany of the traditional event programs took place, includ-ing the 8th Annual Rally Dog Show, followed by a pet pa-rade, and Camping World’s Match & Win contest, butthere were also some new additions. More than 500 veter-ans marched in the new Veterans’ Salute, separating intotheir particular branch of service. David Woodworth,America’s leading RV historian and the owner of theworld’s largest collection of historic RVs, was on hand todisplay his 1931 Model A Ford Roadster and 1931 Covered
A chance to win prizes and shop for RV accessories were among theactivities housed inside the main trade show tent. The excitementand drama of Dr. Buck’s Wild West Variety Show thrilled Rally guests.
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more than 500 blankets for ProjectLinus. That’s just the kind of people a lotof RVers like to be.
The next two scheduled 2012 GoodSam Rallies are just around the corner.The Louisville, Kentucky Rally takesplace June 21 through 24. And Novem-ber 2 through 4 is the timetable for theDaytona, Florida Rally, to be held at theDaytona International Speedway.Guests can register for these Rallies(and save money by reserving your spotat both of them), by visiting the Rallywebsite, www.therally.com, or calling877-749-7122. q
58 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
Phoenix Good Sam Rally
Bowzer of Sha Na Na cruised in on a ‘52 Kaiser. Bill Cosby had the crowd giggling with his talesof life. And country music star Martina McBride made the house sway with her sweet voice.
Wagon travel trailer. Both were manu-factured in Detroit. Covered Wagon wasin its third year of production and wouldgo on to become a major player in thebudding travel trailer manufacturing in-dustry during that decade. Good SamRally guests were also thoroughly en-tertained and amused by the horseplayof Dr. Buck’s Wild West Variety Show.
It was no surprise then that whileenjoying themselves during the gor-geous weekend in Arizona, Rally guestsalso gave back, with volunteers cleaningup the nearby Tres Rios Wetlands area,donating nearly $10,000 to Dogs for theDeaf, and lovingly making and donating
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 59
by Tom Kaiser
Healthy HammockKeep healthy food close at hand andfresh as long as possible with thestylish Under Cabinet Fruit & VeggieHammock from Prodyne Enterprises.Its soft nylon fabric promotes air cir-culation and frees up counter spacewhile gradually ripening your fruitand preventing premature spoilage.It’s mounted with two brass-platedhooks (included), as well as an ex-tender rope that works great forhigher cabinets. The net can easilybe washed.
MSRP: $11.98888-626-7576, www.campingworld.comCircle 203 on Reader Service Card.
EcoBoost BoosterA new air intake kit from Bully Dogclaims to add more than 25 horse-power and 8 lb-ft of torque when in-stalled on Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turboEcoBoost engine. The Rapid Flowcold air intake system (part no.51202) replaces the stock air intakelid, air filter and secondary tube as-sembly, and is said to provide a boostof up to 25 percent more airflow. Andaccording to Bully Dog, this is the only“stage 2” intake kit available for theFord EcoBoost engine.
MSRP: $339.99877-285-5936, www.bullydog.comCircle 204 on Reader Service Card.
Tank BlasterAn easy, low-cost and effective solutionfor thoroughly rinsing black waterholding tanks, the Valterra FlexibleTank Wand is inserted into the toiletflush valve. Its flexible neck allows it tosnake around curves and pipes thatmay be too tight for traditional tankwands. Its high-pressure, multi-direc-tional end piece sends a powerfulspray out to wash away built-up debris.The handgrip is molded plastic thatwon’t slip, and includes a built-in waterflowcontrol for powerful cleaning.
MSRP: $13.12818-898-1671, www.valterra.comCircle 202 on Reader Service Card.
PRODUCTSWHAT’S NEW PRODUCTS AND GEAR TO IMPROVE YOUR RV LIFESTYLE
Big-Screen iPad GPSTired of squinting to see the directions on your tinyGPS screen? CoPilot Live Premium HD is a univer-sal application that works on the iPhone and iPad 3G. Ata fraction of the cost of a traditional navigation system, CoPilotLive can display beautiful, high-resolution directions on a de-vice you already have — and the display size and quality isstunning on the iPad’s large screen. Detailed maps are storedaboard the device, so there’s no need to use mobile service oryour data plan, so losing service is no concern. Split screens si-multaneously show turn-by-turn steps and a map.
MRSP: $19.99 iTunes.apple.com Circle 205 on Reader Service Card.
PRODUCTSPOTLIGHT
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 61
Mention “fifth-wheel” and thename conjures up a visualiza-tion of a very large trailer de-
signed to provide mobile housing forlong periods of time and lots of elbow-room. Until recently, not a lot of em-phasis was placed on buildingfifth-wheels with svelte statures for acouple of reasons: The market was notenamored by smaller lightweight fifth-wheels and the lighter trucks targeted
to pull them were on the anemic side.The new stead of half-ton trucks
powered by fire-breathing ponies andsporting eye-opening tow ratings hasmade shorter, lightweight fifth-wheelsa popular choice for RVers looking todownsize and/or offer campsite versa-tility in parks with limited real estate.One company really hanging its hat onthe future of lighter fifth-wheels isNorthwood Manufacturing, a trailer and
Project Fox MountainCompact fifth-wheel from Northwood (commonly knownas Nash) offers four-season livability and easy towability
by Bob Livingston photos by Rich Cox Photography
camper builder tucked away in the townof La Grande, Ore., and building RVsunder the Nash nameplate.
One of the company’s latest endeav-ors is the Fox Mountain line of fifth-wheels. We enlisted a 245RKS modelfor a long-term project, which startswith a livability evaluation. Packagedwithin 29 feet, kingpin to rear bumper,the Fox Mountain offers plenty of liv-ability without employing multiple slideouts and a bulky exterior profile. Thefloorplan is fairly simple, but it worksnicely for a couple or family of four.
Up front, the cabover portion featuresan RV queen bed flanked by wardrobes
area can be closed off by an accordiondoor in front of the steps that lead tothe cabover, and if necessary a secondaccordion door at the foot of the bedcan be employed to isolate the bedroomfrom the bath area. At the top of thesteps to the bath and bedroom is a doorin the floor that leads to a laundry chuteterminating in the basement storagecompartment.
When you enter this fifth-wheelyou’re in the galley. It’s a very practicalkitchen for this rear-door model. Theback wall is fitted with the refrigeratoron the curbside followed by a counterwith double sinks and a tall faucet,which handles large pots and pans eas-ily. The counter wraps to the streetsidewhere the three-burner range, ovenand microwave are positioned. Overall,there’s pretty decent preparation areafor even elaborate meals, supple-mented by generous storage below andabove the counter. The bulk of the gro-
ceries will store easily in the pantrynext to the counter and in the slideout.
The rest — and center — of thefifth-wheel is dedicated to the livingarea, which is a comfortable place tohang out. Expanding the 88-by 38½-inch slideout takes the aforementionedpantry and convertible couch away fromthe opposing dinette. Once open, thefloor space allows free movement foreven a full house. We easily seated sixadults during a rainy night dinner with-out claustrophobia. When the slideoutclears the wall partitioning the showerfrom the living area, a large entertain-ment center is exposed. Here an LCDTV is hung on the wall using an ad-justable bracket so the screen can beviewed from various angles. Nice touch,but the bracket is less than stout andprobably won’t take too many roughroads. However, that can be fixed withan aftermarket bracket like those mar-keted by MOR/ryde.
The stereo features the standardfare items like an AM/FM radio andCD/DVD player with an iPod connection,and includes a surround sound systemwith a subwoofer mounted in the lowersection of the entertainment structure.Audio can also be piped outside throughweather-resistant speakers in the side-wall, and the TV can be removed fromits inside bracket and installed outsideon a pre-configured bracket on thesidewall to allow viewing from the patio.This type of hardware is probably theroot cause for the bracket movementinside.
Very friendly décor graces the living
62 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
and supported by an overhead cabinetstructure. A full-length wardrobe withthree drawers below is positioned curb-side, at the foot of the bed.
The room is not exceptionally largesince it’s not enhanced by a slideout,but the adjacent vanity and garden-typeshower stall create a visually more spa-cious bedroom environment. Walk-around access to make up the bed isdecent and the mattress is relativelycomfortable, although those spendingmore time in this rig will likely opt foran aftermarket upgrade. Below the bedstructure is a large storage area forbulky items. Side windows and a re-mote-control operated Fan-Tastic roofvent provide good control of airflow.
Rounding out the front area is theenclosed toilet room. Nothing extraor-dinary here, but there is a porcelain toi-let and plenty of room to get the jobdone. A window and Fan-Tastic roofvent keep the air moving. The entire
[Left to Right] Opening the single slideout makes the already generous centralized living space even more open and comfortable. The well-plannedkitchen features a double sink, abundant cabinets and plenty of counter space for food preparation.
60” X 74”QUEEN BED
FRIDGEENTRY WARD WARD
WARD
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WARDW/NIGHT
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STEPSTEPSTEP
F O X M O U N T A I N 2 4 5 R K S
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 63
ers and this rig is ready for almost anytype of destination. As a bonus, a 6-foot-tall cabinet is built into the exteriorwall of the slideout room, which allowsstorage of bulky outdoor items like skis,fishing rods or just about anything thatwill fit within its 18-inch-wide by 17-inch-deep confines.
Core strength for the Fox Mountainstarts with the chassis, which is propri-etary and built from scratch usingheavy-duty steel and welded archesalong the main rails that create upwardchambers. This type of construction isdesigned to prevent frame sagging overtime. Axles are attached to an Equa-Flex shock absorbing suspension.
The laminated walls use .060-thickaluminum tubing for the frame struc-ture and all joints are welded acrossthe entire width. Walls are anchoredthrough solid blocking and the roof is aseries of bow trusses to produce anarched profile for the 3/8-inch decking.This makes for a strong enough roof forwalking upon; the roof is covered with arubber membrane.
area and the theme is continuedthroughout the interior. Beauflor vinyl isused on the floor until you get to thesteps that lead to the front; carpeting isinstalled in the bedroom and bath area,and under the slideout. Day/nightshades cover the windows, includingthe large picture window above thedinette. Ambient lighting is good and isaugmented by recessed halogens in theceiling and strategically placed incan-descent fixtures.
The Nash designers are outdoor en-thusiasts so their mindset has alwaysbeen to build RVs that can be usedyear-round and in primitive locations.Consequently, the package includeslarger holding tanks in heated bays,gravity water fill, completely enclosedunderbelly, sealed area under thecabover, 30,000-Btu furnace and op-tional dual pane windows. A diamond-plate look accents the white gelcoatfiberglass exterior, and a ladder pro-vides access to the roof. Add the elec-tric awning, grab handle for the entrydoor, large pass-through storage lock-
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Ext length 28' 6"
Ext width 8'
Ext height 12' 7"
Int width 7' 10.5"
Int height 7’ 4" - 8’ 2”
Construction Aluminum frame, laminatedside walls, wood roof with bow trusses andrubber membrane, foam/blanket insulation,fiberglass exterior, proprietary chassis
Freshwater cap 54 gal
Gray-water cap (2) 40/35 gal
Black-water cap 35 gal
LP-gas cap 14 gal
Water heater 6 gal, LP-gas/electric
Refrigerator 8 cu ft
Furnace 30,000 Btu
Air conditioner 13,500 Btu
Converter 45 amp
Battery (1) Group 24, 12-volt
Tires ST225/75R15 LR D
Suspension Leaf spring, Equa-Flex
Weight (freshwater, water heater,LP-gas full; no cargo): 8,000 lbs
Hitch weight 1,400 lbs
Axle weight 6,600 lbs
Gross vehicle weight rating 9,500 lbs
Gross axle weight rating 5,200 lbs
Cargo carrying capacity 1,500 lbs
MSRP, base $37,575
MSRP, as tested $37,590
Basic warranty 12 mo
64 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
We dove into the Fox Moun-tain project in response tovigorous interest in towingcompact fifth wheels withso called, “half-ton” pick-ups. The name half-ton issort of a misnomer sincethe latest crop of lighterpickups can actually handlemuch more than the 1,000-pound payload suggested bythe dated designation.
We settled on a Ford F-150 with very low miles thatwas set up to tow a 22-footconventional trailer, and hasbeen used by the owners todo just that for a number ofyears. It already had a good
quality proportional brakecontroller and wiring, butthe connection point was notin the right place for a fifthwheel.
Our biggest challengewas the bed length. Thecrew cab F-150 was fittedwith a short bed, whichcomplicated the process.Some manufacturers of fifthwheels round out the cor-ners of the front cap to ac-commodate the turninglimitations of the short bed,preventing a collision at therear of the cab. The FoxMountain was not set upthat way, so we needed to
run through a few hoops tofacilitate safe towing.
In the months ahead wewill bring you project topicsthat will include the hitch, akingpin extender, top gradewiring, auxiliary springs,mirrors, tires, and a numberof accessories to bringkayaks and bikes along—just to name a few. While wehave a lot in our goody bag,I’m sure we’ll be coveringtips and accessories we
haven’t even thought of yet.We’ll also be concentrat-
ing on projects that enhancethe trailer’s livability, espe-cially when parking withouthookups.
Outfitting and customiz-ing a fifth wheel, trailer,camper or motorhome torun parallel with the owner’sinterests and travel habits isthe most fun part of RVownership.
Stay tuned. –BL
Two-pound block foam fills the voids in the sidewallstructure and the roof is filled with blanket insulation, rais-ing the R-value to 18.
By the time the fifth-wheel is decked out with featuresand accessories, the wet weight hits 8,000 pounds, whichis well within the limits set for many half-ton tow vehicles.Large storage spaces will likely mean the owner will endup close to the 9,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating(GVWR), which will boost the 1,400-pound hitch weight, un-loaded. That being the case, choosing the right half-tonpickup will be tricky depending on the amount of stuffcarried in the trailer and bed of the truck. Most potentialowners will have to opt for an HD rear axle capacity op-tion, like the one offered by Ford, if for example, the F-150is the desired truck.
Nevertheless, we towed this trailer with a 2006 Ford F-150 that we plan on using as part of this project (see ac-companying sidebar).
Handsome graphics on the bright white exterior, com-plemented by the stylish wheels, give the Fox Mountain amodern look with a touch of toughness for those off-the-beaten path adventures. It lives well, tows easily and isbacked by a company respected for its integrity. q
Northwood, www.northwoodmfg.com; 541-962-6274
Towing the Fox Mountain
Incorporated into the master bedroom suite and within steps of thequeen bed is a roomy shower, sink and vanity. The queen bed is sur-rounded by cabinets and drawers, and flanked with wardrobes.
Setting up a 2006 Ford F-150 to tow a compactfifth-wheel requires some calisthenics
PERFORMANCE CORNER TECHNOLOGY | ACCESSORIES | NEWS by Ken Freund
Red Line Synthetic OilDrivetrains that pull trailers work harder than their non-hauling brethren, espe-cially in hot summer weather. Whether your tow rig is gas or diesel, and you haul atravel trailer, fifth-wheel or truck camper, your engine and transmission need thevital protection of quality automotive lubricants and chemicals.
Red Line makes a wide variety ofautomotive care products, with severalwell suited for use in the RV arena. Itssynthetic ester formula motor oilcomes in several viscosities, and is de-signed for use in hard working, gaso-line-powered light truck engines. It’sblended to have a thicker oil film at op-erating temperatures than conventionalpetroleum oil. Red Line claims the oil’shigh detergency allows for extendeddrain intervals and provides increased
internal cleanliness. It is also reportedto reduce friction across a wide rangeof operating conditions for improvedfuel economy. A high natural viscosityindex (VI) provides thicker oil film onbearings and cams, which increases lu-brication of hot metal compared toother oils. Superior stabilty at hightemperatures and oxidation resistancemeans less evaporation and oil con-sumption. It’s also recommended forAPI services including the latestSN specifications.
Red Line’s 15W40 Diesel Motor Oilis designed for popular diesel-poweredlight trucks including Chevrolet andGMC Duramax, Ram (Dodge) Cumminsand the Ford Power Stroke. It sharesmany advantages with Red Line’s oil forgas engines, and is the best choice inthe company’s lineup to ensure maxi-mum durability in diesel truck engines.It’s recommended for the latest API CJ-4 classification.
In addition, Red Line offers a wideselection of synthetic automatic trans-mission fluids (ATF) for many applica-tions. Each provides the requiredfrictional characteristics of the OEMfluid it is replacing. Being formulated tooffer greater thermal stability, maintainviscosity and have lower volatility for re-duced oxidation, this oil is suitable forhigh-temperature operation common intowing.
In addition to motor oils, gear oils,ATF and power steering fluid, Red Linehas a wide variety of fuel additives forgas and diesel engines. These includechemicals to remove moisture in fuel,reduce gelling at low temperatures, andimprove diesel fuel lubricity and cetane.
All Red Line oils are completelycompatible with other conventional andsynthetic motor oils. Red Line productsare available through performance mailorder resources, as well as Advance,AutoZone, Carquest, O'Reilly Auto Partsand Pep Boys locations. For more infor-mation or the nearest retailer, call 800-624-7958 or visit www.redlineoilcom.
Chevy Colorado DelayedProduction of the current generationChevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyonpickup trucks are reportedly ending thisyear, and now we have heard from oursources that the next-generation Col-orado and Canyon models have beendelayed and may be two years off forU.S. buyers. The new models offer achoice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder baseengine and a 3.6-liter V-6, and thetrucks will probably come with six-speed automatic transmissions. It isnot known yet if the 2.8-liter diesel en-gine available in other markets will beoffered in the United States.
Ford Aluminum F-SeriesBody PanelsFord has announced that its next-gen-eration 2014 F-Series full-size pickupwill use aluminum body panels to dropweight and improve fuel economy. F-Series hoods have been made from alu-minum, now doors and fenders willalso use the lighter metal to help re-duce weight by about 700 pounds pervehicle before 2019. This is just one ofthe many moves to help 2014 vehiclefleets achieve a corporate average of31.3 MPG.
Natural Gas Bi-Fuel PickupsChevrolet and GMC recently announcedthat certain 2013 Chevrolet Silveradoand GMC Sierra extended-cab pickupswill be offered with Vortec 6.0-liter en-gines, which can switch between com-pressed natural gas (CNG) andgasoline, for a combined range of 650miles. Chrysler has also stated it willbuild at least 2,000 heavy-duty Ramdual-fuel trucks later this year. q
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 65
Red Line offers a variety of specialized automotiveengine and transmission lubricants and chemicals.
66 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
HANDS ON PARROT MINIKIT+ by Bob Livingston
TalkingHands FreeParrot Minikit+ adds a cleverdimension to visor-mountedBluetooth connectivity
DIFFICULTY 1 2 3 4 5
TIME TO COMPLETE O.5 HR.
PHONE COMPATIBILITY ALMOST ALL BRANDS/MODELS (FEATURES WILL VARY)
Talking on the phone while driving isnow probably more popular than
snacking. Cup-holders have been adashboard/console accessory for manyyears, but in order to talk on the phonehands free, you had to have a Bluetoothdevice built into your stereo or use anear bud. Another choice is to use an af-termarket device like the ParrotMinikit+, a diminutive external compo-nent that makes talking and drivingsafer — and legal.
Hands-free devices that attach tothe sun visor and connect via Bluetoothto your phone are not new, but technol-ogy is evolving, which makes theseproducts much more desirable andpractical. Parrot, for example, is fast be-coming a household name in the hands-free arena. The company has a numberof products on the market and theMinikit+ is one of the latest.
What sets the Minikit+ apart fromearlier versions and other products onthe market is the ease with which itworks. Once the device is activated andsynched to your phone (an intuitiveprocess), it works automatically, withlittle human interaction. It mounts onthe sun visor using an elastic sleeve,and it stays turned on as long it’ssynched to a phone. If it doesn’t detect aphone for five minutes, it goes to sleep.If you leave the vehicle without turning itoff manually, it goes into a deep sleep.
When you enter the vehicle, a vibra-tion sensor awakens the device, whichwill immediately connect to the phone ifBluetooth is activated. The concept iswonderful, but the execution is not flaw-less. Most times the device responds to aclosing door by waking up. Sometimes itneeds a little nudging, like a tap on thefront or side or by pushing the on/off but-ton. It’s not really a terrible inconvenienceand you get used to listening for the Blue-tooth connection confirmation beep.
The Minikit+ is loaded with featuresincluding the ability to sync two phones.The first one becomes the default phoneand the phone book is loaded into thedevice during setup. Only the mainphone can make calls from the phonebook, but it’s easy to switch between thetwo phones to make a call manually. Thephonebook can be accessed throughvoice activation or by using the jog wheeland scrolling through the alphabet to lo-cate contact names. Voice recognition isnot sterling, but we’re talking about adevice that retails for only $90. The keyis the level of background noise, whichimpacts the clarity of the audio and howwell the Minikit+ understands what it’sbeing told. Incoming calls can be ac-cepted or rejected by voice commands,or by pushing the green button.
Battery life is impressive: 12 hours ofconversation; 15 days with two phonesconnected and no communication; six
months in deep sleep. Charging is viaUSB/mini-USB cable and a 12-volt DCcar charger — or it can be connected toa computer using the cable. Online soft-ware updates are also available.
The Minikit+ is capable of managingmultiple calls and transferring, and canbe used to play music and hear naviga-tion commands through a phone withthose features. You can even snackwhile you talk. q
Parrot, 248-354-5400, www.parrot.comCircle 206 on Reader Service Card.
MAKE IT EASY » Two cell phones can be connected to this Bluetooth device that mounts conveniently on the sun visor. Vibration sensor wakes it from a deep sleep when you arrive.
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 67
by Stuart Bourdon
Bite BackMosquito avoidance strategies we can all live with
W e attract mosquitos with theclothes we wear or the con-ditions we create or permit
to occur on our body and in our sur-roundings. What are the things thatdraw these itty-bitty vampires to us?With the ever-growing concerns overthe continuing spread of West Nilevirus, as well as other vector-bornediseases, the irritating bites of themosquito have become more than justan itchy, scratchy nuisance. But howdo you keep them away?
ATTRACTANTSDark Clothing – Some types ofskeeters can find you using their eyesfrom a distance. Research has shownthat darker colored clothing, especiallyblue, seems to attract the little biters.
Moisture – Perspiration increases thehumidity around your skin and con-tains chemicals that attract mosqui-toes. Mosquitoes love sweaty people.
Carbon Dioxide – Your breath appealsto mosquitoes and the more you exer-cise (hiking, walking, riding your bike),the heavier your breathing becomes andthe more carbon dioxide (that’s what theskeeters are detecting) you expel.
Lactic Acid – Also exuded by your bodywhen you exercise, lactic acid is addi-tionally produced by eating certain saltyfoods and foods high in potassium.Think about your diet before spendingextended periods in mosquito territory.
Fragrance – Floral or fruity scentedskin and hair care products can getyou in trouble with mosquitoes, too.Deodorant, perfume, cologne or evensunscreen that is too fragrant can at-tract bites as well.
Water – We all love to camp nearwater, but look twice. Mosquitoes willspawn in and live near just about anysize, type, location or clarity of puddlethey can find.
Yikes!
Common diseases
carried by mosquitoes
in the U.S. include
West Nile virus.
OUTDOORSMAN: MOSQUITOS 101
Illumination and insect repellency go hand-in-hand withthe ThemaCELL Outdoor Lantern that delivers light from eight LEDs and an invisible andharmless-to-humans (outdoors) puff of allethrin, a synthetic copy of a natural insect re-pellent made from pyrethrum flowers, creating about a 15-by-15-foot mosquito-freezone for your picnic table.
68 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
REPEL THEMInsect repellents that feature DEET, Pi-caridin, PMD (the synthesized versionof oil of lemon eucalyptus) and a chemi-cal known as IR3535 (3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethylester) are recognized as those gener-ally having long-lasting protection.
With all insect repellents, youshould follow the application instruc-tions. Also keep in mind that the repel-lents manufactured from natural plantoils usually require more regular reap-plication and greater concentrationsthan those containing chemicals suchas Picaridin or DEET.
NATURE’S BREWThere are natural recipes commerciallyavailable such as Coleman Botanicals
with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or BiteBlocker which uses food-grade plant-based ingredients such as soybean oiland geranium oil, and is suitable forpregnant women and children as youngas 2 months.
OFF YOUR BACKYour shirt can protect you more thanyou think if it’s one of the many piecesof Insect Shield apparel now availablefrom companies like ExOfficio, L.L.Bean, Outdoor Research or REI. Thefabric is infused with a man-made ver-sion of a plant-derived natural insecti-cide. Permethrin is widely recognizedas being a highly effective mosquito re-pellent, and many of the clothing man-ufacturers partnering with Insect Shieldclaim that the shirts, pants, hats and
« CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON
OUTDOORSMAN: MOSQUITOS 101
Campground Information randmcnally.com/campgrounds
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other assorted apparel items theymake using the permethrin product willstand up to 70 washings and maintainrepellent efficacy.
SAFETY ISSUESWith chemical, as well as natural plant-derived insect repellants, there is al-ways the risk of reactions. Some folksare sensitive and might experience red-ness or a rash at the application site,and with children you should always becareful with chemicals or botanicals. Totest for sensitivity, apply a small amounton the inside of the wrist and watch fora reaction; discontinue use if one oc-curs. Never apply DEET (no matter howlow the concentration) directly to achild’s skin, always apply to clothing.And never spray any insect repellent onanyone’s face – there is too great a riskof getting it in the eyes – always applyrepellent by hand to the face.
Whether you use chemical or naturalingredients to keep mosquitos away, youshould always play it safe. Keep a bottleof insect repellent handy in the RV nomatter where your travels take you. q N
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70 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
RV CLINIC ADVICE FROM OUR TECH TEAM
LIGHTS DIM
Q Why do my lights on my travel trailergo so dim? The more lights I have on
the dimmer it gets. But if I have it pluggedin they are all really bright. I have a five12-volt battery bank and three solar pan-els, so the batteries are always chargedup. I just can't figure it out, please help.Mike Logan, Phoenix, Ariz.
A The key here is that the lightsbrighten when the trailer is plugged
in and getting shore power through theconverter. This indicates that the batter-ies are either not getting rechargedproperly, or are not able to hold a strongcharge anymore. When you have themwired in parallel (which is the only wayyou can wire 12-volt batteries) even one
THE TECH TEAMKEN FREUND: Ken is a former ASE Certified Master Technician, service managerand shop owner who has authored numerous books on automotive repair.
JEFF JOHNSTON: Jeff served as technical director of Trailer Life for 18 years andhas been a RV enthusiast, mechanic and writer since he could hold a wrench.
BOUNCING FIFTH-WHEEL
Q When towing my 2005 Flagstaff 8528 RLSS fifth-wheel trailer, I get anawful lot of bounce in the rear end. Any information you can give me to cor-
rect this problem would be greatly appreciated.Chuck Bonner, via email
A The tail end of your fifth-wheel may be displaying a bit of bounce due to theleverage and springboard effect of the hitch on the truck acting as a pivot
point and the trailer’s body moving up and down on the axles too much. Thismay be reduced with the installation of a set of high-quality shock absorberson the trailer’s axles. For example, Monroe makes shock absorber kits for vari-ous frame and axle setups. A more severe fix would be to install an aftermar-ket trailer suspension such as one of the products from MOR/ryde. TheMOR/ryde solution is more costly but it can help smooth out the wallowing inyour rig’s rear end. – J.J.
Installing high-quality shock absorbers can help reduce trailer bounce.
Made in the USA • Boyden, Iowa
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We’re so sorry
towing has been rough on you
But you can fix that!
• Troubles turning?-it’s got 14" of travel for sharper turns
• Rough ride?-it features a unique jaw adjustment bolt to reduce the jolt & jerk of stop and go driving-PLUS we added 3 vertical height adjustments for a smoother ride
• Don’t want the hassle?-it’s FULLY AUTOMATIC!
• Need more details?-CONTACT US!
18K Autoslide5th Wheel Hitch
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T2062B
weak cell in one battery will draw downall the batteries. Have the batteries indi-vidually charged with multi-stage bat-tery charger and then have each oneload tested. Many RV service centerscan do this for you. – K.F.
MYSTERY DOOR OPENING
Q The rear door on our 2007 Terrytravel trailer keeps opening while
traveling, even though the door islocked. We have taken it to two dealersand they can’t figure out why. They thinkit’s because we put a hitch on the backto carry a 2000-watt Honda generator.With four gallons of gas, the total addi-tional weight is only around 150 poundson the rear end of the trailer. I’ve had tojury rig a fix using pieces of PVC pipeand cord to keep the door closed whenwere traveling.Jack Clauson, via email
A I can think of two reasons why thedoor might open on its own: The
latch and striker are out of adjust-ment, or the trailer frame flexesenough that it allows the latch to be-come disconnected.
We’ve seen many RVs with a poordoor latch setup and alignment. Youmay have to reposition the strikerplate to better align it with theplunger. The striker plate-opening cutin the door frame needs to fully clearthe plunger, and any obstructionsneed to be cut away to allow theplunger to fully engage the strikerplate. In addition, the door knob andplunger spring need to operate freelyto ensure proper latch engagement.
That 150 pounds of generator andits support that you’ve added out backmay not seem like much, but ampli-fied by the leverage effect way outback behind the trailer’s axles, itmight possibly be enough to cause theframe and body to flex just enough onrough roads, and if the door latch ad-justment is marginal, the flex could becausing the door to pop open.
Have you tried towing the trailerwithout the generator and its supportplatform? That could pin down thecause. If the weight is causing frameand body flex, you may need to move thegenerator to a different location to avoidlong-term damage to your trailer. – J.J.
DOUBLE CHARGING
QI have a 2004 Keystone Cougar thathas 30-amp service with a Mag-
neTek series 6300A converter. Whendry camping I have an Onan 3600 gen-erator in my pickup bed that I connectto the trailer. Is it safe to also connectmy battery charger at the same timeto charge the batteries more quickly? Ido not have a 15-amp receptacle onthe generator and would have to plugit into the trailer. I’m not sure if thatwould help, or if it might harm theconverter or the batteries. Any helpwill be greatly appreciated.Bill Campbell, via email
AThe converter you have does havea variable battery charging regi-
men, but if you find that it takes toolong to charge the batteries you canadd an external charger. It doesn’tmatter if you power a battery chargerdirectly from the generator, or from a120-volt AC receptacle in the trailer.Depending on the type of charger, youmay find that it has circuitry that willreduce charge if it sees the higher
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72 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
RV CLINIC
voltage coming from the converter,which would fool the charger into re-ducing charge rate. This can also hap-pen with smart converters. In thatcase you would be better off just usingan external charger for a fastercharge. However, you should limit thecharging rate in amperes to 20 per-cent of the amp-hour rating. For ex-ample, if you have one 100 AH battery,maximum rate should be 20 amps. If abattery gets very warm or ex-pels electrolyte, that’s awarning sign it is beingcharged too fast. – K.F.
BATTERY UPGRADES
QWe purchased a new Cougarfifth-wheel trailer last sum-
mer. The trailer came with onestandard 12-volt battery to runthe DC side of the system. Sincewe tend to do a lot of dry camp-ing, we are always looking atways to increase the battery ca-pacity and extend usage without
killing the battery, and were thinkingof adding additional batteries. Would itbe better to add a couple of 6-voltgolf-cart type batteries wired in seriesto provide 12 volts, or possibly a cou-ple of 12-volt batteries parallel wired,providing the 12 volts? Which is a bet-ter way to go. I am in the process ofinstalling a solar system that will
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June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 73
charge the batteries with an output of175 watts. I also intend to add an in-verter in the future and integrate thatinto the overall system.Bob Kelley, Grand Junction, Colo.
ABefore you upgrade the batterysystem in your trailer you should
first figure out how much power youwill need to draw from that new bankof batteries. Websites like www.life-linebatteries.com/rvsizing.php in-clude calculators that allow you toestimate the power consumption andbattery sizes you will need. Generallyone 12-volt battery is good only forlight-duty use. Most moderate userswho dry camp find a pair of 6-volt golfcart batteries sufficient. You can pairmost batteries, 12-volt too, in parallelas long as they are the same age andsame strength. It’s only when onebattery is significantly weaker thanthe other that we don’t recommend itbecause the weaker battery may can-nibalize power from the stronger onein parallel. – K.F. H
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(continued on pg. 76)
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June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 75
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Affordable Steel Buildings ..................77125 Amsoil Inc ............................................33103 B&W Trailer Hitches ............................38124 Blue Ox Towing Division ......................40
Born Free Motorcoach ........................31123 Bully Dog Technologies. ....................100122 Camping World ..............................54-55
Casita Travel Trailers ..........................33Coach House Inc ....................................9
126 Delsand LLC ........................................77121 Dethmer’s Manufacturing Co ..............70131 Direct Satellite TV ................................39127 DISH Network ......................................12128 DISH Network ......................................13
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Ford Motor . ........................................2-3129 Geico .................................................. 17
Giraffe G4 Systems, LLC ......................44Good Sam Club ....................................26Good Sam Extended Service Plan ......60GS Events ............................................41Hellwig Products..................................58
115 Hensley Mfg. Inc. ................................15116 Hensley Mfg. Inc. ................................73141 Husky Liners. ......................................43117 Innovation Housing ..............................15113 K Z Recreational Vehicles ....................57
Keystone RV Company ........................99111 Lippert Components. ..........................27112 Lippert Components ............................44110 MorRyde ..............................................71
MiTac Digital Coporation......................24114 New Horizons ......................................32109 Northwood Manufacturing ..................49108 NuWa Industries Inc ............................69137 Outdoors Insight, Inc. ..........................21
Good Sam Roadside Assistance.....36-37107 Power Vision LLC. ................................46105 Progressive Insurance...........................7106 Protect All Inc. ....................................30104 Rand McNally. ......................................69
RV Buyers Guide. ................................58Sea Eagle. ............................................48Sea Eagle. ............................................71Snow Performance. ............................46
103 Thetford Corporation ..........................47140 Torklift International............................20
Trailer Life TV ......................................97101 Transfer Flow Inc ................................72132 Tri Valley Developmental ....................72
Truck Accessories................................76Yamaha Motorcorp USA ......................68Woodalls ..............................................42
201 Adventurer LP......................................53202 Valterra ................................................59203 Prodyne Enterprises. ..........................59204 Bully Dog..............................................59205 iTunes ..................................................59206 Parrot ..................................................66
ADVERTISERS’ INDEXRS# ADVERTISER PAGE#
EDITORIAL PRODUCT INDEXRS# ADVERTISER PAGE#
While every effort is made to maintain accuracy and completeness,last-minute changes may occasionally result in omissions or errors.
READER SERVICE
CONTACT:Sue Seidlitz [email protected]
TO ADVERTISE IN THERV Marketplace
76 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
RV CLINIC
VARYING VOLTAGE
QWe have a 2004 Forest River fifth-wheel trailer, and about six
months ago we noticed the lightswould go dim, and then after a whilego bright again. It seems to have got-ten progressively worse. The fan forthe furnace runs smoothly then in-creases RPM. Every few seconds, thefan speed increases, the lights go verybright, then dim or return to normal.
The appliances such as the microwaveand the TV do not seem to be botheredand work properly. The converter fanseems to run quite erratically some-times, running very fast, then veryslow or it stops and starts for a coupleof seconds. The batteries are good,but are 7 years old. I checked themwith a battery tester and they regis-
tered OK. Some techs I have talkedwith said it doesn't sound like a con-verter problem, yet the batteries testok. What should I do, replace con-verter or batteries?Jonny Johnson, Buhl, Idaho
AWhat you seem to be describing isthe result of wide swings in volt-
age. Battery voltage does NOT fluctu-ate significantly by itself, unless there
is a large change in load – so don’tblame the batteries. The converter isvery likely faulty, but before replacinganything, it should be tested. Measureand watch the shore-power voltagewith a voltmeter designed for 120volts AC. You can get plug-in units andshould have one anyway. At the sametime measure and monitor the low-
The converter fan seems to run quite erraticallysometimes, running very fast, then very slowor it stops and starts for a couple of seconds.
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July 4: July 4th Parade & Fireworks
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Aug. 23-26: Great American Duck Race
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June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 77
HAVE A QUESTION » Email our experts at: [email protected] or write to: RV Clinic, 2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, CA 93001. No phone calls, please.
voltage side of the circuits powered bythe converter with a DC voltmeter on ascale up to 20 volts. If you see fluctua-tions on the 12-volt side, but not the120-volt side simultaneously (assum-ing nothing is turned off or on duringthe test) the converter is faulty. If youreplace it, I suggest you get a moremodern unit like the XantrexTRUECharge2, which does a better jobmaintaining batteries. – K.F.
LIQUID TIRE SEALANT PART IIIn the November 2011 RV Clinic, R.Dunk of Minden, Nev. asked, “Do youhave any comments on using tiresealant called Slime?” Your responsewas, “The sealant won’t hurt your tires,in any case, so go ahead and use it if itprovides some peace of mind.”
One vital point was not mentioned:Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) sensors can be damaged bytire sealers. In fact, my 2007 Chevy2500 HD owners manual states: “Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your vehiclehas tire pressure monitors. The liquidsealant can damage the tire pressuremonitor sensors.” The owner of any ve-hicle equipped with a TPMS shouldconfirm with the manufacturer of thatTPMS as to the compatibility with tiresealants.
Proper tire management is mostimportant. I hope this will save some-one some expense down the road.Claude Brown, Port Orchard, Wash.
Thank you for the follow up, Claude. Asvehicle technology advances, the oldrules don’t always apply. We appreciatethe cautionary note and hope our readerstake a look at their vehicle owner’s manu-als before they install any liquid tiresealant products. – J.J. q
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USED 1996 Fleetwood PROWLER 23LS WAS $8,995 NOW $6,585 SAVE $2,410 (866) 673-0250 Statesville, NC STK# STA126125
USED 2009 Fleetwood COLEMAN YUMA WAS $8,995 NOW $4,995 SAVE $4,000 (888) 682-3036 Churchville, NY STK# CHU69752
USED 2005 Cherokee WOLF LITE 26 WAS $17,468 NOW $9,999 SAVE $7,469 (888) 672-5049 Syra-cuse, NY STK# SYU71221
USED 2011 RW Traveler RW TRAVELER 18R60B NOW $7,395 (888) 815-7523 Woodstock, GA STK# WDS16853
NEW 2011 Starcraft STARCRAFT 1019 WAS $12,339 NOW $7,990 SAVE $4,349 (866) 775-0682 Roanoke, VA STK# ROA12105
NEW 2011 Jayco JAY SERIES SPORT 10 WAS $10,587 NOW $7,499 SAVE $3,088 (866) 415-9726 Golden, CO STK# KC511523
NEW 2011 Starcraft STARCRAFT 1020 WAS $13,569 NOW $8,900 SAVE $4,669 (866) 775-0682 Roanoke, VA STK# ROA12102
USED 2004 Fleetwood PROWLER LYNX 829S WAS $22,995 NOW $8,995 SAVE $14,000 (866) 754-7302 Greenwood, IN STK# GRW325508
USED 2004 Coach-men CATALINA LITE 261RBS WAS $16,250 NOW $8,985 SAVE $7,265 (888) 848-7312 Columbia, SC STK# COL16724
USED 2005 Keystone Zeppelin 281 WAS $13,999 NOW $8,885 SAVE $5,114 (866) 648-5288 St. Augustine, FL STK# JAC38673
USED 2011 Rush RUSH 16’ WAS $15,690 NOW $9,988 SAVE $5,702 (888) 386-5187 Houghton Lake, MI STK# HL5868A
USED 2007 Gulf Stream KINGSPORT 33 WAS $24,698 NOW $9,985 SAVE $14,713 (888) 692-9016 Myrtle Beach, SC STK# MB126159
USED 2002 Fleetwood WILDERNESS AX6 34PGLX WAS $25,948 NOW $8,998 SAVE $16,950 (888) 692-9016 Myrtle Beach, SC STK# MB126249
USED 2004 Lite Way OUTBACK 25RSS WAS $15,995 NOW $8,995 SAVE $7,000 (888) 682-3036 Churchville, NY STK# CHU72645
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78 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
USED 2004 Fleetwood PROWLER 250RKS LITE WAS $14,290 NOW $9,988 SAVE $4,302 (888) 386-5187 Houghton Lake, MI STK# HL5299A
USED 2003 Fleetwood TERRY DAKOTA 826M NOW $9,995 (888) 815-7523 Woodstock, GA STK# WDS16972
USED 2006 Starcraft STARCRAFT 27BH NOW $9,995 (888) 668-6715 Katy, TX STK# KAT9773A
USED 2001 Fleetwood PROWLER LYNX M NOW $9,995 (888) 727-2952 North Little Rock, AR STK# LIT15276
USED 2003 Coleman CARAVAN 25S WAS $10,200 NOW $9,995 (888) 848-7312 Columbia, SC STK# COL19301
USED 2001 Keystone COUGAR 245RKS WAS $18,999 NOW $9,995 SAVE $9,004 (866) 502-8238 Bath, NY STK# BAT70273
USED 2003 Pilgrim OPEN ROAD 316RLS WAS $18,885 NOW $9,995 SAVE $8,890 (888) 484-3906 Spartanburg, SC STK# GR127126
USED 2005 R-Vision TRAIL LITE 27FQS WAS $16,995 NOW $9,995 SAVE $7,000 (866) 754-7302 Greenwood, IN STK# GRW326152
NEW 2012 Forest River REAL LITE 1603 WAS $13,095 NOW $9,995 SAVE $3,100 (888) 896-2801 Albuquerque, NM STK# ARV16070
USED 1997 Sun-nybrook SUNNY-BROOK 30FBS NOW $10,995 (888) 641-0925 Kaysville, UT STK# KY40378
USED 2006 Forest River SALEM 25RL WAS $17,750 NOW $9,995 SAVE $7,755 (888) 848-7312 Columbia, SC STK# COL21137
USED 2005 Forest River CHEROKEE 28A NOW $9,998 (888) 617-5406 Oakwood, GA STK# ORV17085
USED 2000 Fleetwood WILDERNESS GL 345B WAS $25,995 NOW $10,495 SAVE $15,500 (866) 754-7302 Greenwood, IN STK# GRW325991
USED 2006 Palomino THOROUGHBRED 829RL WAS $30,000 NOW $10,985 SAVE $19,015 (866) 775-0682 Roanoke, VA STK# ROA13381
USED 2005 Gulf Stream GULF BREEZE 23TRS WAS $20,000 NOW $10,985 SAVE $9,015 (888) 242-0293 Madison, WI STK# MAD15088
USED 2000 Sunnybrook SUNNYBROOK 33RL WAS $19,600 NOW $10,995 SAVE $8,605 (888) 454-1707 Kissimmee, FL STK# KS8463B
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 79
USED 2005 Coachmen SPIRIT OF AMER-ICA 300TBS WAS $26,874 NOW $11,667 SAVE $15,207 (888) 242-0293 Madison, WI STK# MAD15072
USED 2004 Starcraft STARCRAFT 260RLS WAS $21,999 NOW $11,995 SAVE $10,004 (866) 502-8238 Bath, NY STK# BAT69889
USED 2007 Skamper KODIAK 214 HY-BRID WAS $16,145 NOW $11,995 SAVE $4,150 (866) 610-5049 Akron, OH STK# SRV19359
NEW 2012 Dutchmen ASPEN TRAIL 1700DB WAS $17,373 NOW $11,995 SAVE $5,378 (888) 242-0293 Madison, WI STK# MAD16125
USED 2005 Coach-men CASCADE 30TBS WAS $17,994 NOW $11,991 SAVE $6,003 (877) 450-7415 Island Lake, IL STK# CRV5547
USED 2007 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 28RGS WAS $21,995 NOW $11,995 SAVE $10,000 (888) 903-6787 Harrisburg, PA STK# HAR69862
USED 2002 Crossroads ALL AMERICAN 27FK WAS $16,984 NOW $11,997 SAVE $4,987 (877) 450-7415 Island Lake, IL STK# CRV5536A
USED 2004 Gulf Stream AMERICAMP T260FBS WAS $17,469 NOW $11,998 SAVE $5,471 (877) 450-7415 Island Lake, IL STK# CRV5766A
USED 2007 Coachmen CAPRI 300QBS NOW $11,998 (888) 696-2165 Savannah, GA STK# SAV15688
USED 2004 Keystone SPRINTER 297BH NOW $12,885 (888) 331-1595 San-ta Clarita, CA STK# AMRV22266 VIN# 4K215980
USED 2003 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 28BH WAS $18,995 NOW $12,985 SAVE $6,010 (866) 673-0250 Statesville, NC STK# STA126103
USED 2000 Kit PA-TIO HAULER 396 FPT TE WAS $26,999 NOW $12,895 SAVE $14,104 (866) 502-8238 Bath, NY STK# BAT70341
USED 2006 Forest River WILDWOOD 28FBSS NOW $12,250 (888) 617-5406 Oakwood, GA STK# ORV16578
USED 2005 Alfa SEE YA 35RL WAS $27,275 NOW $12,995 SAVE $14,280 (888) 692-9016 Myrtle Beach, SC STK# MB126022
USED 2005 Forest River ROCKWOOD 8298SS NOW $12,995 (888) 668-6715 Katy, TX STK# KATP9862
USED 2007 Dutchmen FREEDOM SPIRIT 310B-DSL NOW $12,995 (888) 668-6715 Katy, TX STK# KAT8961A
USED 2006 Trail-Lite TRAIL-VISION SE-RIES 29BH WAS $18,791 NOW $12,985 SAVE $5,806 (888) 692-9016 Myrtle Beach, SC STK# MB126296
80 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
USED 2005 Forest River WILDCAT 27RLWB WAS $25,495 NOW $12,995 SAVE $12,500 (888) 848-7312 Columbia, SC STK# COL16751
USED 2007 Fleetwood MALLARD 31BD2S WAS $23,995 NOW $12,995 SAVE $11,000 (866) 754-7302 Greenwood, IN STK# GRW325839
USED 2007 Fleetwood WILDERNESS 270FQ WAS $21,997 NOW $12,995 SAVE $9,002 (888) 457-4801 Colfax, NC STK# CFX3688
USED 2008 Keystone OUTBACK 21RSLE PT WAS $19,995 NOW $12,995 SAVE $7,000 (866) 502-8238 Bath, NY STK# BAT66442
NEW 2012 Forest River MAVERICK 800 WAS $19,806 NOW $12,995 SAVE $6,811 (866) 415-9726 Golden, CO STK# KC511707
USED 2004 Fleetwood TERRY QUANTUM 2952BS NOW $12,998 (888) 815-7523 Woodstock, GA STK# WDS15796
USED 2006 Sun Valley ROAD RUNNER XL30BH WAS $17,999 NOW $12,999 SAVE $5,000 (877) 554-3516 Lakewood, NJ STK# LAK8706
USED 2005 Keystone COUGAR 276EFS NOW $13,750 (888) 801-3226 Macon, GA STK# MAC17300
USED 2002 Aljo ALJO 250 NOW $13,858 (888) 480-3175 Sacramento, CA STK# SAC17550A VIN# 2B000919
USED 2007 Heart-land TRAILRUNNER 3200 QB WAS $24,995 NOW $13,995 SAVE $11,000 (866) 754-7302 Greenwood, IN STK# GRW325484
USED 2001 Keystone BOBCAT 282 WAS $18,400 NOW $12,995 SAVE $5,405 (877) 458-3214 Jack-sonville, FL STK# JAX19857
USED 2008 Keystone SPRINGDALE 252RD WAS $19,995 NOW $13,858 SAVE $6,137 (888) 254-9145 Meridian, ID STK# MER15868
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CTS-198DB WAS $18,338 NOW $13,979 SAVE $4,359 (888) 672-5049 Syracuse, NY STK# SYU70062
USED 2004 Komfort KOMFORT 25TQSG WAS $19,950 NOW $13,988 SAVE $5,962 (888) 850-5575 Wood Village, OR STK# POR38899
USED 2007 K-Z SPORTSMAN FRONTIER 2605 NOW $13,995 (888) 617-5406 Oakwood, GA STK# ORV16846
USED 2010 Dutchmen AEROLITE 214 WAS $23,995 NOW $13,995 SAVE $10,000 (888) 474-1330 Bartow, FL STK# DCW7947A
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 81
USED 2005 Dutchmen COLORADO 30RL WAS $19,575 NOW $13,995 SAVE $5,580 (888) 625-5187 Fort Myers, FL STK# FT-M12097A
USED 2006 Coachmen CAPTIVA 32 WAS $18,497 NOW $13,995 SAVE $4,502 (877) 450-7415 Island Lake, IL STK# CRV5685
USED 2006 Dutchmen COLORADO 31BK-DSL WAS $21,995 NOW $14,270 SAVE $7,725 (888) 902-8565 Tallahassee, FL STK# TAL40458
USED 2006 Fleetwood PROWLER 300FQS WAS $26,565 NOW $13,999 SAVE $12,566 (888) 315-7967 Tucson, AZ STK# TUC13728
USED 2004 Keystone SPRINTER 300 FKMS WAS $18,690 NOW $13,995 SAVE $4,695 (866) 610-5049 Akron, OH STK# SRV19067
USED 2000 Fleetwood SAVANA FW WAS $19,995 NOW $13,997 SAVE $5,998 (877) 450-7415 Island Lake, IL STK# CRV5713B
NEW 2011 Forest River WILDWOOD 23FD WAS $22,995 NOW $14,858 SAVE $8,137 (888) 254-9145 Meridian, ID STK# MER13998
USED 2007 Keystone HORNET 295BH WAS $25,000 NOW $14,984 SAVE $10,016 (888) 242-0293 Madison, WI STK# MAD15019A
NEW 2011 Forest River GAZELLE 178QB WAS $19,543 NOW $14,888 SAVE $4,655 (877) 774-0328 Ocala, FL STK# OCA19108
USED 2008 Franklin HYPERLITE 21RB NOW $14,995 (888) 905-0490 Anthony, TX STK# LC15142AA
USED 2009 Kodiak KODIAK 27CDSL WAS $24,995 NOW $14,995 SAVE $10,000 (888) 682-3036 Churchville, NY STK# CHU70418
USED 2006 Forest River SANDPIPER 271RBS WAS $19,950 NOW $14,988 SAVE $4,962 (888) 850-5575 Wood Village, OR STK# POR38041
USED 2007 Keystone COUGAR 306BHS WAS $25,444 NOW $14,988 SAVE $10,456 (866) 820-0335 Council Bluffs, IA STK# CBI18631
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 196RD MSRP $21,866 NOW $14,995 SAVE $6,871 (888) 905-0490 Anthony, TX STK# LC15905
USED 2008 Forest River WILDWOOD 26TB WAS $23,079 NOW $14,995 SAVE $8,084 (888) 848-7312 Columbia, SC STK# COL21138
USED 2011 Keystone PASSPORT 245 RB WAS $23,995 NOW $14,995 SAVE $9,000 (888) 903-6787 Harrisburg, PA STK# HAR70366
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 275BH WAS $24,254 NOW $14,995 SAVE $9,259 (888) 819-7952 Longmont, CO STK# KC111460
82 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
USED 2010 Keystone SPRINGDALE 276RBSSR NOW $15,750 (888) 801-3226 Macon, GA STK# MAC17677
USED 2005 Coachmen CAPRI 27DS NOW $15,867 (888) 641-0925 Kaysville, UT STK# KY39494
USED 2006 Coachmen CHAPPAREL 292 WAS $26,995 NOW $15,995 SAVE $11,000 (888) 450-7060 Dothan, AL STK# DOT40751
USED 2006 Keystone OUTBACK 30RLS WAS $24,995 NOW $15,995 SAVE $9,000 (888) 450-7060 Dothan, AL STK# DOT40287
NEW 2011 Keystone HIDEOUT 21FQS MSRP $23,104 NOW $15,995 SAVE $7,109 (888) 542-3819 Mesa, AZ STK# MES14817
USED 2006 Forest River WILDCAT 29RLS WAS $21,997 NOW $16,497 SAVE $5,500 (888) 463-3995 Colorado Springs, CO STK# KC210836B
USED 2004 Fleetwood PROWLER 295RLTS WAS $23,995 NOW $16,895 SAVE $7,100 (866) 502-8238 Bath, NY STK# BAT66399
USED 2007 Keystone OUTBACK SYDNEY 31RQS WAS $26,998 NOW $16,985 SAVE $10,013 (888) 457-4801 Colfax, NC STK# CFX3882
USED 2011 Keystone OUTBACK 210-RS WAS $25,476 NOW $16,985 SAVE $8,491 (866) 755-9604 Charleston, SC STK# CHN126277
NEW 2012 Forest River REAL LITE 1806 WAS $22,316 NOW $16,995 SAVE $5,321 (888) 896-2801 Albuquerque, NM STK# ARV16071
USED 2007 Monaco STARWOOD LX 32SKT WAS $26,990 NOW $16,495 SAVE $10,495 (888) 819-7952 Longmont, CO STK# KC111444B1
USED 2009 Dutchmen RAINIER 25C WAS $22,950 NOW $16,988 SAVE $5,962 (888) 850-5575 Wood Village, OR STK# POR37483
USED 2009 MVP RV COAST 21LRBS NOW $16,995 (888) 331-1595 Santa Clarita, CA STK# AMRV22330 VIN# 9C873572
USED 2007 Gulf Stream KINGSPORT 320TB NOW $16,995 (888) 727-2952 North Little Rock, AR STK# LIT18329
USED 2007 Keystone COUGAR 287IBK WAS $29,995 NOW $16,995 SAVE $13,000 (888) 903-6787 Harrisburg, PA STK# HAR70840
NEW 2011 Starcraft TRAVEL STAR 245RBS WAS $29,309 NOW $16,998 SAVE $12,311 (888) 457-4801 Colfax, NC STK# CFX4097
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 83
NEW 2011 Crossroads SLINGSHOT 23CK WAS $28,871 NOW $16,999 SAVE $11,872 (888) 471-3546 Chichester, NH STK# GRV507131
NEW 2011 Heartland PROWLER SPORT 23PFBB WAS $24,998 NOW $17,988 SAVE $7,010 (866) 673-0250 Statesville, NC STK# STA125787
NEW 2011 Keystone BULLET 215RBS WAS $29,402 NOW $17,995 SAVE $11,407 (888) 672-5049 Syracuse, NY STK# SYU69657
USED 2007 Keystone COUGAR 311RLS WAS $29,995 NOW $17,995 SAVE $12,000 (888) 903-6787 Harrisburg, PA STK# HAR70761
USED 2005 Extreme RVs SPORTSMEN 239FS NOW $17,870 (888) 479-3568 Vacav-ille, CA STK# VAC19636 VIN# 52098992
USED 2007 Keystone COPPER CANYON 329FWSA WAS $29,998 NOW $17,995 SAVE $12,003 (888) 484-3906 Spartanburg, SC STK# GR126397
USED 2008 Keystone COUGAR 302RLS WAS $26,995 NOW $17,995 SAVE $9,000 (888) 450-7060 Dothan, AL STK# DOT39998
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 255RB MSRP $24,260 NOW $17,995 SAVE $6,265 (888) 905-0490 Anthony, TX STK# LC15907
NEW 2011 Keystone HIDEOUT 21FQS WAS $26,439 NOW $17,995 SAVE $8,444 (877) 289-0812 Las Vegas, NV STK# LVN40035
USED 2007 Keystone COUGAR 29BHS WAS $27,989 NOW $17,999 SAVE $9,990 (877) 554-3516 Lakewood, NJ STK# LAK8618
USED 2005 Keystone RAPTOR 3018 WAS $26,999 NOW $18,895 SAVE $8,104 (866) 502-8238 Bath, NY STK# BAT70266
NEW 2011 Crossroads SLINGSHOT 23CK WAS $27,695 NOW $17,999 SAVE $9,696 (866) 648-5288 St. Augustine, FL STK# JAC37710
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CTS264RL WAS $28,462 NOW $17,998 SAVE $10,464 (877) 450-7415 Island Lake, IL STK# CRV5859
USED 2008 Keystone SYDNEY 30RLS WAS $28,376 NOW $18,995 SAVE $9,381 (888) 682-3036 Churchville, NY STK# CHU69272
USED 2007 Keystone MOUNTAINEER 32PHD WAS $29,995 NOW $18,995 SAVE $11,000 (888) 682-3036 Churchville, NY STK# CHU70064
USED 2006 Forest River SANDPIPER 325BHD WAS $32,995 NOW $18,995 SAVE $14,000 (866) 754-7302 Greenwood, IN STK# GRW326054
USED 2006 Fleetwood ADVANTAGE 295RLS WAS $24,950 NOW $18,900 SAVE $6,050 (888) 850-5575 Wood Village, OR STK# POR36739
84 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
USED 2007 Forest River WILDCAT 28 RKBS WAS $28,140 NOW $18,995 SAVE $9,145 (888) 484-3906 Spartanburg, SC STK# GR125999
NEW 2012 Coleman COLEMAN CT265B-HS WAS $27,790 NOW $18,995 SAVE $8,795 (888) 815-7523 Woodstock, GA STK# WDS16783
USED 2007 Keystone OUTBACK SYD-NEY 31RQS WAS $26,995 NOW $18,995 SAVE $8,000 (888) 902-8565 Tallahassee, FL STK# TAL40188
NEW 2011 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 265BHS WAS $25,180 NOW $18,995 SAVE $6,185 (888) 475-5918 Robertsdale, AL STK# RD39785
NEW 2010 Dutchmen AEROLITE 27QSTH-SL WAS $34,035 NOW $18,999 SAVE $15,036 (866) 289-0113 Chattanooga, TN STK# CH6205
USED 2006 Komfort TRAIL BLAZER 252FS NOW $19,222 (888) 479-3568 Vacaville, CA STK# VAC11162D VIN# 62023455
USED 2008 Dutchmen KODIAK 30BHSL NOW $19,422 (888) 480-3175 Sac-ramento, CA STK# SAC14187B VIN# 8K123075
USED 2010 Dutch-men FREEDOM SPIRIT 259REX WAS $35,645 NOW $19,858 SAVE $15,787 (888) 692-9016 Myrtle Beach, SC STK# MB126250
USED 2006 Thor JAZZ 2760RL NOW $19,779 (888) 480-3175 Sacramento, CA STK# SAC18459 VIN# 6C465435
USED 2008 Forest Riv-er SANDPIPER 305RLW NOW $19,995 (888) 668-6715 Katy, TX STK# KAT9876
NEW 2012 Coleman COLEMAN CT265BHS WAS $28,074 NOW $18,999 SAVE $9,075 (877) 458-3214 Jacksonville, FL STK# JAX19787
USED 2001 Forest River CARDINAL 28RKB LX NOW $19,784 (888) 480-3175 Sacramento, CA STK# SAC10924B VIN# 1G075785
NEW 2012 Heartland SUNDANCE 3100RB WAS $44,177 NOW $39,888 SAVE $4,289 (866) 996-3140 Calera, AL STK# CLE19348
USED 2009 Keystone OUTBACK 27L WAS $29,995 NOW $19,897 SAVE $10,098 (888) 903-6787 Harrisburg, PA STK# HAR69576
USED 2007 Gulf Stream SEDONA 29RKFW WAS $46,999 NOW $19,985 SAVE $27,014 (866) 648-5288 St. Augus-tine, FL STK# JAC38696
USED 2009 Heartland NORTHTRAIL 31QB NOW $19,995 (888) 696-2165 Savannah, GA STK# SAV16327
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 85
USED 2004 Fleetwood WILDERNESS ADVANTAGE 365FLTS WAS $37,856 NOW $19,995 SAVE $17,861 (888) 860-8684 Strafford, MO STK# STR15757A
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 296FKS WAS $29,761 NOW $19,995 SAVE $9,766 (888) 819-7952 Longmont, CO STK# KC111462
NEW 2011 Forest River V-CROSS 25VFB WAS $27,106 NOW $19,995 SAVE $7,111 (866) 996-3140 Calera, AL STK# CLE18932
USED 2010 Jayco FEATHERLITE 213 WAS $27,125 NOW $19,995 SAVE $7,130 (888) 454-1707 Kissimmee, FL STK# KS8134A
NEW 2011 Keystone BULLET 215RBS LIST PRICE $31,682 NOW $19,995 SAVE $11,687 (888) 331-1595 Santa Clarita, CA STK# AMRV21982 VIN# BD422026
USED 2005 Keystone MOUNTAINEER 298RLS WAS $28,855 NOW $19,995 SAVE $8,860 (877) 289-0812 Las Vegas, NV STK# LVN39700A
NEW 2011 Keystone SPRINTER 264BHS WAS $26,495 NOW $19,995 SAVE $6,500 (866) 648-5288 St. Augustine, FL STK# JAC38493
USED 2007 Keystone SYDNEY OUTBACK 31FRKS WAS $29,998 NOW $19,999 SAVE $9,999 (877) 554-3516 Lakewood, NJ STK# LAK8509
NEW 2012 Coleman COLEMAN CT317BHS WAS $31,028 NOW $19,999 SAVE $11,029 (877) 458-3214 Jack-sonville, FL STK# JAX19788
NEW 2012 Forest River MAVERICK 2902 WAS $28,977 NOW $19,999 SAVE $8,978 (866) 415-9726 Golden, CO STK# KC511708
NEW 2012 Crossroads ZINGER 25SB WAS $28,538 NOW $20,995 SAVE $7,543 (888) 860-8684 Strafford, MO STK# STR15958
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CTS264RL LIST PRICE $28,784 NOW $20,985 SAVE $7,799 (888) 479-3568 Vacaville, CA STK# VAC17587 VIN# BT207672
NEW 2011 Dutchmen AEROLITE 285BHGS WAS $29,346 NOW $19,999 SAVE $9,347 (866) 289-0113 Chattanooga, TN STK# CH5991
NEW 2012 Keystone SPRINGDALE 266RLSSR WAS $30,732 NOW $21,999 SAVE $8,733 (866) 289-0113 Chattanooga, TN STK# CH6753
NEW 2011 Crossroads SLINGSHOT 29BH WAS $29,299 NOW $21,998 SAVE $7,301 (888) 457-4801 Colfax, NC STK# CFX4011
NEW 2011 Jayco EAGLE SUPER LITE 284BHS MSRP $31,411 NOW $21,995 SAVE $9,416 (888) 315-7967 Tucson, AZ STK# TUC13926
NEW 2011 Crossroads ZINGER 29DB WAS $28,788 NOW $21,949 SAVE $6,839 (866) 755-9604 Charleston, SC STK# CHN127614
86 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
NEW 2011 Keystone SPRINTER 255RKS WAS $33,259 NOW $22,400 SAVE $10,859 (866) 648-5288 St. Augustine, FL STK# JAC38547
NEW 2011 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 315BHDS WAS $32,592 NOW $22,671 SAVE $9,921 (888) 474-1330 Bartow, FL STK# DCW8089
USED 1999 Teton PRESTIGE 32 FLAG-STAFF WAS $37,500 NOW $22,988 SAVE $14,512 (866) 820-0335 Council Bluffs, IA STK# CBI17237
USED 2007 Monaco STARWOOD M-29RKD WAS $31,824 NOW $22,995 SAVE $8,829 (877) 458-3214 Jacksonville, FL STK# JAX20585
USED 2008 Forest River CEDAR CREEK SILVER-BACK CRT32LFGBS WAS $35,200 NOW $22,885 SAVE $12,315 (866) 673-0250 Statesville, NC STK# STA127043
NEW 2011 Dutchmen DUTCHMEN 315BHDS WAS $34,278 NOW $23,564 SAVE $10,714 (866) 289-0113 Chatta-nooga, TN STK# CH5990
NEW 2011 Starcraft LEXION S-LITE 314RE WAS $35,355 NOW $23,895 SAVE $11,460 (888) 474-1330 Bartow, FL STK# DCW7903
USED 2010 Keystone OUTBACK SYDNEY 290 RLS WAS $31,995 NOW $23,985 SAVE $8,010 (888) 848-7312 Colum-bia, SC STK# COL16327
USED 2006 Keystone EVEREST 345S WAS $44,900 NOW $23,995 SAVE $20,905 (888) 674-0275 Gulf Breeze, FL STK# GB39511
USED 2002 NuWa HITCHHIKER 35LKTGE WAS $35,995 NOW $24,561 SAVE $11,434 (888) 474-1330 Bartow, FL STK# DCW8187A
NEW 2012 Keystone HIDEOUT 29BRS WAS $30,823 NOW $22,997 SAVE $7,826 (888) 463-3995 Colo-rado Springs, CO STK# KC211764
USED 2007 Gulf Stream SEDONA 34FBRW WAS $43,524 NOW $23,995 SAVE $19,529 (866) 996-3140 Calera, AL STK# CLE19279
USED 2003 Carriage CARRI LITE 32RL3S WAS $32,995 NOW $23,995 SAVE $9,000 (888) 902-8565 Tallahassee, FL STK# TAL40239
NEW 2011 Crossroads SLINGSHOT 23CK WAS $32,070 NOW $23,995 SAVE $8,075 (888) 484-3906 Spartanburg, SC STK# GR125397
NEW 2012 Keystone HIDEOUT 30RKS WAS $31,768 NOW $23,997 SAVE $7,771 (888) 463-3995 Colorado Springs, CO STK# KC211763
NEW 2011 Keystone SPRINTER 308BHS WAS $34,011 NOW $24,599 SAVE $9,412 (888) 568-2177 Burlington, WA STK# FRV9814
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 87
USED 2007 Keystone COUGAR 311RLS NOW $24,777 (888) 727-2952 North Little Rock, AR STK# LIT18269
USED 2011 Keystone OUTBACK 230RS NOW $24,960 (888) 696-2165 Savan-nah, GA STK# SAV16218
NEW 2012 Keystone COUGAR 31SQB WAS $37,551 NOW $24,995 SAVE $12,556 (866) 610-5049 Akron, OH STK# SRV19099
USED 2011 Keystone PREMIER 28RL NOW $24,995 (888) 815-7523 Wood-stock, GA STK# WDS16817
NEW 2011 Dutch-men RUBICON 2100 WAS $32,511 NOW $24,788 SAVE $7,723 (888) 457-4801 Colfax, NC STK# CFX4079
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT387DQDS MSRP $34,287 NOW $24,988 SAVE $9,299 (888) 348-5909 Avondale, AZ STK# AVO13900
NEW 2011 Keystone SPRINTER 255RKS LIST PRICE $35,385 NOW $24,995 SAVE $10,390 (888) 331-1595 Santa Clarita, CA STK# AMRV21977 VIN# B1533234
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DENALI 261BH WAS $34,631 NOW $24,995 SAVE $9,636 (888) 819-7952 Longmont, CO STK# KC111355
USED 2007 Keystone MOUNTAINEER 32PHD WAS $34,982 NOW $24,995 SAVE $9,987 (866) 820-0335 Council Bluffs, IA STK# CBI18634
NEW 2011 Keystone OUTBACK 285FL WAS $37,128 NOW $24,999 SAVE $12,129 (877) 554-3516 Lakewood, NJ STK# LAK8189
USED 2004 Forest River CEDAR CREEK 36 NOW $25,048 (888) 479-3568 Vacaville, CA STK# VAC17720A VIN# 4P188221
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT387DQDS MSRP $35,921 NOW $24,999 SAVE $10,922 (888) 348-5909 Avon-dale, AZ STK# AVO19328
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT-387DQDS MSRP $34,287 NOW $24,998 SAVE $9,289 (888) 348-5909 Avondale, AZ STK# AVO13897
USED 2005 Fleetwood TRIUMPH 395RL WAS $47,695 NOW $25,995 SAVE $21,700 (888) 484-3906 Spartanburg, SC STK# GR125365
USED 2008 Forest River SIERRA 292RLBS WAS $47,925 NOW $25,995 SAVE $21,930 (888) 315-7967 Tucson, AZ STK# TUC18120
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DENALI 270FK WAS $38,299 NOW $25,895 SAVE $12,404 (888) 819-7952 Longmont, CO STK# KC111354
NEW 2011 Starcraft LEXION S-LITE 256RKU WAS $37,336 NOW $25,791 SAVE $11,545 (888) 568-2177 Burlington, WA STK# FRV9665
88 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
NEW 2012 Crossroads ZINGER 30RL WAS $38,240 NOW $25,995 SAVE $12,245 (888) 860-8684 Strafford, MO STK# STR17794
NEW 2012 Keystone OUTBACK 279RB WAS $36,542 NOW $25,999 SAVE $10,543 (866) 289-0113 Chattanooga, TN STK# CH6566
USED 2008 Heartland BIG COUNTRY 3250TS NOW $26,995 (888) 617-5406 Oakwood, GA STK# ORV15957
USED 2008 Dutchmen MONTE VISTA 35RB WAS $45,600 NOW $26,995 SAVE $18,605 (888) 674-0275 Gulf Breeze, FL STK# GB38892
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CTF267BH WAS $38,740 NOW $26,995 SAVE $11,745 (888) 903-6787 Harrisburg, PA STK# HAR69261
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT-F267BH WAS $37,895 NOW $26,995 SAVE $10,900 (866) 820-0335 Council Bluffs, IA STK# CBI14259
NEW 2012 Coleman COLEMAN CT-F267BH WAS $37,685 NOW $27,481 SAVE $10,204 (888) 242-0293 Madison, WI STK# MAD16062
USED 2007 Gulf Stream SEDONA 34FSBW NOW $27,995 (888) 641-0925 Kaysville, UT STK# KY36139
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT-F267BH LIST PRICE $38,857 NOW $27,995 SAVE $10,862 (888) 727-2952 North Little Rock, AR STK# LIT14254
USED 2007 Forest River WILDWOOD 336BHBS WAS $42,668 NOW $28,995 SAVE $13,673 (888) 461-1123 Asheville, NC STK# ASH22490
NEW 2011 Jayco JAY FLIGHT G2 33RLDS MSRP $36,034 NOW $27,001 SAVE $9,033 (888) 315-7967 Tucson, AZ STK# TUC16411
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT-F267BH WAS $38,957 NOW $27,997 SAVE $10,960 (888) 463-3995 Colorado Springs, CO STK# KC211315
NEW 2011 Keystone COUGAR 29BHS WAS $39,788 NOW $27,999 SAVE $11,789 (888) 672-5049 Syracuse, NY STK# SYU69401
NEW 2012 Dutchmen DENALI 262RLX MSRP $38,073 NOW $28,900 SAVE $9,173 (888) 844-1758 New Braunfels, TX STK# SW9923
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CT-F267BH WAS $40,860 NOW $28,950 SAVE $11,910 (888) 850-5575 Wood Vil-lage, OR STK# POR37502
USED 2006 Coachmen SOMERSET 358RLTS WAS $44,900 NOW $28,999 SAVE $15,901 (888) 489-5784 Knoxville, TN STK# KNOX19655
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 89
NEW 2012 Keystone SPRINTER 273FWRET WAS $38,574 NOW $28,999 SAVE $9,575 (866) 289-0113 Chattanooga, TN STK# CH6624
USED 2009 Keystone MOUNTAINEER 347THT WAS $44,988 NOW $29,988 SAVE $15,000 (888) 475-5918 Robertsdale, AL STK# RD39508
NEW 2012 Keystone RAPTOR 26FS WAS $44,830 NOW $31,995 SAVE $12,835 (866) 610-5049 Akron, OH STK# SRV19186
USED 2006 Heartland BIGHORN 3055 WAS $39,988 NOW $29,995 SAVE $9,993 (888) 475-5918 Robertsdale, AL STK# RD39398
USED 2006 Forest River CEDAR CREEK 362 BTS WAS $39,950 NOW $29,950 SAVE $10,000 (888) 859-6653 Hillsboro, OR STK# HIL36768
NEW 2011 Keystone FUZION 230 MSRP $43,065 NOW $29,995 SAVE $13,070 (888) 542-3819 Mesa, AZ STK# MES16789
USED 2007 Doubletree SELECT SUITES 31RLS3 NOW $32,900 (888) 844-1758 New Braunfels, TX STK# SW9798A
NEW 2011 Heartland ELKRIDGE 29BHCK WAS $47,297 NOW $32,995 SAVE $14,302 (866) 820-0335 Council Bluffs, IA STK# CBI14435
NEW 2012 Keystone SYDNEY 283FRE WAS $47,460 NOW $32,995 SAVE $14,465 (888) 450-7060 Dothan, AL STK# DOT40294
NEW 2012 Heartland SUNDANCE 2900MK MSRP $45,116 NOW $33,995 SAVE $11,121 (888) 905-0490 Anthony, TX STK# LC15931
USED 2008 Heartland BIG HORN 3600RL WAS $52,798 NOW $34,985 SAVE $17,813 (866) 673-0250 Statesville, NC STK# STA126284
USED 2006 Heartland LANDMARK GOLDEN GATE WAS $59,999 NOW $34,985 SAVE $25,014 (866) 648-5288 St. Augustine, FL STK# JAC38916
NEW 2012 Coleman COLEMAN CT-F325RL MSRP $48,863 NOW $33,995 SAVE $14,868 (888) 905-0490 Anthony, TX STK# LC15898
USED 2007 Keystone MONTANA 3295 NOW $36,717 (888) 480-3175 Sac-ramento, CA STK# SAC12783B VIN# 74702833
USED 2007 Alpenlite VOYAGER 34RLR WAS $51,365 NOW $34,995 SAVE $16,370 (888) 625-5187 Fort Myers, FL STK# FTM9740A
USED 2007 Carriage CARRILITE 36XT WAS $58,645 NOW $34,995 SAVE $23,650 (888) 692-9016 Myrtle Beach, SC STK# MB126415
USED 2010 Jayco EAGLE 30.5DDBSA NOW $34,995 (888) 614-5201 Draper, UT STK# ABRV39411
90 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
NEW 2012 Keystone SYDNEY 330FRL WAS $51,496 NOW $36,997 SAVE $14,499 (888) 463-3995 Colorado Springs, CO STK# KC211407
NEW 2012 Dutchmen KOMFORT 3230FRK WAS $59,995 NOW $37,995 SAVE $22,000 (888) 674-0275 Gulf Breeze, FL STK# GB39127
NEW 2011 Forest River SANDSTORM 3215SRS MSRP $55,114 NOW $37,995 SAVE $17,119 (888) 905-0490 Anthony, TX STK# LC15520
USED 2006 Alfa SEE YA 35RLIK NOW $38,995 (888) 641-0925 Kaysville, UT STK# KY37748
USED 2006 Heartland LANDMARK GRAND CAN-YON WAS $83,144 NOW $39,858 SAVE $43,286 (866) 755-9604 Charleston, SC STK# CHN126376
USED 2009 Keystone CHALLENGER 35CKQ NOW $39,995 (877) 834-0429 Bakersfield, CA STK# SLV21995 VIN# 9E750174
USED 2010 Keystone MONTANA 3150 WAS $64,800 NOW $39,995 SAVE $24,805 (866) 755-9604 Charleston, SC STK# CHN125677
NEW 2011 Keystone AVALANCHE 340TG WAS $64,597 NOW $39,995 SAVE $24,602 (888) 450-7060 Dothan, AL STK# DOT40548
NEW 2011 Dutchmen KOMFORT 3230FRK WAS $55,421 NOW $39,995 SAVE $15,426 (866) 996-3140 Calera, AL STK# CLE18925
USED 2008 Keystone MONTANA 3295 WAS $53,779 NOW $39,999 SAVE $13,780 (888) 672-5049 Syracuse, NY STK# SYU70404
USED 2009 Keystone MONTANA 3455SA NOW $39,995 (888) 668-6715 Katy, TX STK# KAT9126A
USED 2008 Forest River CEDAR CREEK 35L4QB WAS $54,995 NOW $39,995 SAVE $15,000 (888) 461-1123 Asheville, NC STK# ASH22489
USED 2009 Forest River CARDINAL 38BHQS WAS $54,995 NOW $39,995 SAVE $15,000 (866) 775-0682 Roanoke, VA STK# ROA13561
NEW 2011 Starcraft LEXION S-LITE 315BSSA WAS $53,530 NOW $39,995 SAVE $13,535 (877) 289-0812 Las Vegas, NV STK# LVN40266
USED 2009 Keystone RAPTOR 3602RL WAS $53,999 NOW $39,998 SAVE $14,001 (888) 457-4801 Colfax, NC STK# CFX3844
NEW 2011 Dutchmen KOMFORT 3230FRK WAS $57,502 NOW $40,995 SAVE $16,507 (888) 674-0275 Gulf Breeze, FL STK# GB39133
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 91
NEW 2011 Starcraft LEXION 355RESA WAS $68,702 NOW $44,799 SAVE $23,903 (866) 775-0682 Roanoke, VA STK# ROA12132
USED 2006 Carriage CARRI LITE 36XTRM5 WAS $62,995 NOW $45,995 SAVE $17,000 (866) 775-0682 Roanoke, VA STK# ROA13811
NEW 2011 Keystone RAPTOR 4014LEV WAS $76,404 NOW $49,995 SAVE $26,409 (888) 682-3036 Churchville, NY STK# CHU69198
NEW 2012 Dutchmen INFINITY 3640RL WAS $76,644 NOW $49,995 SAVE $26,649 (888) 819-7952 Longmont, CO STK# KC111447
USED 2008 Heart-land BIG HORN 3670RL WAS $59,875 NOW $44,811 SAVE $15,064 (888) 348-5909 Avondale, AZ STK# AVO13519
NEW 2011 Keystone MONTANA 3400RL WAS $74,057 NOW $49,895 SAVE $24,162 (888) 242-0293 Madison, WI STK# MAD15462
NEW 2011 Keystone MONTANA 3585SA WAS $71,603 NOW $49,995 SAVE $21,608 (877) 289-0812 Las Ve-gas, NV STK# LVN38341
NEW 2012 Keystone FUZION 322 WAS $73,788 NOW $51,588 SAVE $22,200 (866) 755-9604 Charleston, SC STK# CHN127824
NEW 2011 Keystone RAPTOR 300MP WAS $68,581 NOW $49,995 SAVE $18,586 (888) 454-1707 Kissimmee, FL STK# KS8764
NEW 2011 Coleman COLEMAN CTF340RL LIST PRICE $76,481 NOW $54,977 SAVE $21,504 (888) 331-1595 Santa Clarita, CA STK# AMRV22005 VIN# BC659945
NEW 2012 Keystone MONTANA 3150RL MSRP $72,348 NOW $54,995 SAVE $17,353 (888) 696-2165 Savannah, GA STK# SAV15984
NEW 2012 Keystone FUZION 322 WAS $74,992 NOW $54,995 SAVE $19,997 (888) 896-2801 Albuquerque, NM STK# ARV15984
NEW 2012 Dutchmen INFINITY 3570RL WAS $72,640 NOW $52,995 SAVE $19,645 (888) 674-0275 Gulf Breeze, FL STK# GB39630
NEW 2011 Keystone MONTANA 3400RL WAS $92,063 NOW $69,827 SAVE $22,236 (888) 614-5201 Draper, UT STK# ABRV37194
NEW 2011 Keystone MONTANA 3400RL WAS $82,532 NOW $59,297 SAVE $23,235 (877) 834-0429 Bakersfield, CA STK# SLV22058 VIN# B4703109
NEW 2011 Keystone MONTANA 3400RL WAS $76,182 NOW $57,995 SAVE $18,187 (888) 454-1707 Kissimmee, FL STK# KS8752
NEW 2011 Keystone RAPTOR 3912LEV WAS $80,993 NOW $55,949 SAVE $25,044 (888) 568-2177 Burlington, WA STK# FRV9743
92 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
USED TRAVEL TRAILER TOWABLESYEAR/MANUFACTURER/MAKE/MODEL STOCK # LIST NOW* PHONE NO.
2002 A-Liner ALINER 15XLE FTM17866B $6,999 $5,998 (888) 625-51872004 Coachmen CASCADE 26RBS FTM14963A $9,758 $7,995 (888) 625-51872005 Keystone ZEPPELIN 281 HL5808B $15,290 $11,988 (888) 386-51872005 Keystone ZEPPELIN ZII 241 CLE22680 $13,995 $11,995 (866) 996-31402009 Cherokee GREY WOLF 20RB LAC21402 $14,995 $12,995 (888) 378-10572006 Jayco FLIGHT 25RKS HIL40061 $16,950 $14,950 (888) 859-66532007 Sunnybrook SUNSET CREEK 269BH LAK8692 $19,999 $15,295 (877) 554-35162006 Thor COLORADO 31 BH SRV19472 $19,690 $15,995 (866) 610-50492007 Keystone OUTBACK 28RSBS SRV19375 $20,690 $16,995 (866) 610-50492007 Weekend Warrior 2800FSC FTM17203A $25,689 $19,995 (888) 625-51872011 Pacific Coachworks TANGO 256RKS FRV10435 $27,995 $21,995 (888) 568-21772007 Keystone COUGAR 302RLBS JAX19858 $26,985 $21,995 (877) 458-32142011 Coachmen CATALINA 38 BHDS CHN125655 $26,544 $22,985 (866) 755-96042007 Jayco EAGLE 288 RLS HIL39228 $28,000 $24,950 (888) 859-6653
NEW TRAVEL TRAILER TOWABLESYEAR/MANUFACTURER/MAKE/MODEL STOCK # LIST NOW* PHONE NO.
2012 Forest River BRONCO 800 KC511915 $12,838 $9,999 (866) 415-97262012 Jayco JAY FLIGHT SWIFT SLX 145RB KC511715 $12,701 $10,495 (866) 415-97262012 Starcraft AR-ONE 14RB GRV507340 $12,911 $10,899 (888) 471-35462011 Starcraft AR-ONE 14RB SAC16356 $12,927 $10,950 (888) 480-31752011 Starcraft AR-ONE 16BH VAC15416 $14,286 $10,999 (888) 479-35682012 Jayco JAY FLIGHT SWIFT 198RD ARV15782 $19,261 $15,988 (888) 896-28012011 Forest River WILDWOOD 26RKSXL CLE18935 $20,629 $15,995 (866) 996-31402012 Crossroads Z-1 251BH KNOX20797 $18,427 $15,999 (888) 489-57842012 Crossroads Z-1 251BH MAC17183 $19,840 $16,795 (888) 801-32262011 Forest River WILDWOOD 26RKSXL OCA19092 $21,985 $16,888 (877) 774-03282012 Forest River GREY WOLF 19RR HL6093 $21,093 $16,988 (888) 386-51872012 Crossroads ZINGER 25SB MAC17187 $23,150 $17,700 (888) 801-32262012 Crossroads Z-1 271BH ORV17160 $23,141 $17,995 (888) 617-54062012 Crossroads ZINGER 28BH ORV17201 $24,731 $19,995 (888) 617-54062012 Crossroads ZINGER 28BH MAC17191 $24,482 $19,998 (888) 801-32262011 Jayco JAY FEATHER SPORT 197 SLV21528 $23,316 $19,998 (877) 834-04292012 Coleman COLEMAN CTS260BH SW10001 $27,075 $20,900 (888) 844-17582011 Coleman COLEMAN CTS264RL DCW8513 $26,419 $21,829 (888) 474-13302012 Crossroads ZINGER 25RB STR17793 $28,207 $21,995 (888) 860-86842011 Forest River THOROUGHBRED 827VRB OCA19106 $29,329 $22,888 (877) 774-03282011 Keystone SPRINTER 255RKS LAC21663 $28,995 $22,995 (888) 378-10572011 Coleman COLEMAN CTS264RL ASH22712 $27,866 $22,995 (888) 461-1123 2012 Dutchmen AEROLITE 269BHSS SW9852 $30,097 $23,270 (888) 844-17582011 MVP RV IMPACT 21FS ABRV37741 $29,543 $23,976 (888) 614-52012012 Dutchmen RUBICON 1905 DOT39373 $28,256 $23,995 (888) 450-70602012 Dutchmen ASPEN TRAIL 3130QBS SW9832 $27,922 $24,270 (888) 844-17582011 Keystone HIDEOUT 26RLS LIT21448 $30,141 $24,777 (888) 727-29522012 Heartland PROWLER 28PRLS KNOX20787 $29,560 $24,999 (888) 489-57842011 Keystone SPRINTER 277RLS HIL36969 $35,759 $27,950 (888) 859-66532011 Keystone SPRINTER 264BHS SLV21517 $33,913 $27,995 (877) 834-04292012 Dutchmen AEROLITE 288RLSS KC211450 $34,427 $28,497 (888) 463-39952011 Keystone OUTBACK 260FL ABRV37174 $36,254 $28,674 (888) 614-52012012 Keystone SPRINTER 311BHS WDS16376 $34,830 $28,977 (888) 815-75232012 Starcraft AUTUMN RIDGE 329BHU GRV507337 $34,468 $29,988 (888) 471-35462012 Dutchmen DENALI 289RK CBI15375 $37,722 $29,995 (866) 820-03352011 Keystone OUTBACK 230RS SLV22212 $36,680 $29,995 (877) 834-04292012 Heartland WILDERNESS 3150DS KNOX20790 $37,893 $31,999 (888) 489-57842011 Keystone PREMIER 27RB SYU69663 $42,351 $32,979 (888) 672-50492011 Jayco OCTANE ZX T29A TUC13938 $52,509 $41,801 (888) 315-7967
USED FIFTH WHEEL TOWABLESYEAR/MANUFACTURER/MAKE/MODEL STOCK # LIST NOW* PHONE NO.
1998 R-Vision AEROLITE 25 MER21759 $7,995 $6,858 (888) 254-91451988 Alpenlite ALPINE LITE DL MER21761 $10,995 $9,858 (888) 254-91452000 Forest River CEDAR CREEK 30 JAX20091 $14,662 $11,998 (877) 458-32142003 Four Winds FOUR WINDS 27RL M5 FW HL5612B $16,690 $12,988 (888) 386-51872007 Forest River WILDCAT 29RLBS OCA19191 $19,995 $16,888 (877) 774-03282005 Keystone COPPER CANYON 293RKSLS FRV10580 $21,995 $16,995 (888) 568-21772003 Keystone COUGAR 281 ASH22491 $23,291 $17,995 (888) 461-1123 2007 Keystone COPPER CANYON 241 SLS LVN36984A $22,855 $18,995 (877) 289-08122003 Forest River SANDPIPER 37SP HIL40260 $22,950 $19,950 (888) 859-66532004 Fleetwood PROWLER REGAL 2952B HIL39261 $23,950 $21,950 (888) 859-6653 2005 Glendale TITANIUM 2934TS OCA19198 $27,995 $23,888 (877) 774-03282008 Americamp SUMMIT RIDGE 31RL LAC21778 $28,995 $23,995 (888) 378-10572003 Forest River CEDAR CREEK 36RLTS DCW7885B $29,995 $24,995 (888) 474-13302005 Forest River SANDPIPER SPORT 37SP MES18114 $29,995 $24,995 (888) 542-38192007 Crossroads CRUISER 30 SK TAL40945 $28,995 $24,995 (888) 902-85652004 Coachmen SOMERSET 299RKS MES18124 $29,995 $25,555 (888) 542-38192008 Keystone LAREDO 30BH MER19491 $31,995 $27,858 (888) 254-91452006 Fleetwood GEAR BOX RD40696 $33,998 $29,988 (888) 475-59182006 Forest River SIERRA 315BHTS ASH22496 $38,380 $29,995 (888) 461-1123 2009 Heartland SUNDANCE 3012RE MES18121 $34,995 $29,995 (888) 542-38192005 Jayco DESIGNER LEGACY 31RKS LVN40126 $34,855 $29,995 (877) 289-08122006 Open Road PURE SPORT 40 OCA19718 $34,995 $31,888 (877) 774-03282008 Heartland BIG HORN 3055RL ARV15517A $41,337 $31,988 (888) 896-28012007 Fleetwood GEARBOX FTM13974A $42,792 $32,995 (888) 625-51872006 Keystone EVEREST 3661T KS9169A $35,200 $33,995 (888) 454-17072009 Heartland BIG COUNTRY 325TSL POR37152 $44,950 $34,950 (888) 850-55752009 Heartland BIG COUNTRY 3490 GB40596 $47,865 $39,995 (888) 674-02752007 Heartland CYCLONE 4012 AVO14476 $46,815 $39,999 (888) 348-59092009 Keystone MONTANA 2980RL LAK8710 $53,053 $42,789 (877) 554-35162009 Forest River SHOCKWAVE 40QSSP STA126187 $57,995 $46,780 (866) 673-02502009 Glendale TITANIUM 30E35SA MES18119 $69,500 $53,995 (888) 542-38192009 Keystone BIG SKY 340RLQ AVO14455 $69,944 $59,949 (888) 348-5909
NEW FIFTH WHEEL TOWABLESYEAR/MANUFACTURER/MAKE/MODEL STOCK # LIST NOW* PHONE NO.
2012 Heartland ELKRIDGE EXPRESS 26 ARV15903 $30,350 $23,988 (888) 896-28012012 Coleman COLEMAN CTF267BH HL5877 $35,575 $28,588 (888) 386-51872011 Keystone COUGAR 278RKS ABRV37214 $38,632 $29,867 (888) 614-52012012 Coleman COLEMAN CTF259RE SAV17016 $38,227 $29,960 (888) 696-21652012 Keystone LAREDO 316RL GRV507256 $45,585 $39,887 (888) 471-35462011 Coleman COLEMAN CTF325RL GR126085 $46,490 $39,995 (888) 484-39062012 Keystone LAREDO 324RL GRV507261 $51,529 $42,955 (888) 471-35462011 Keystone MOUNTAINEER 324RLQ KS8756 $57,674 $46,995 (888) 454-17072012 Heartland ELKRIDGE 36QBCK KNOX20795 $58,603 $46,999 (888) 489-57842012 Heartland GREYSTONE 33CK KNOX20930 $54,089 $46,999 (888) 489-57842012 Keystone MOUNTAINEER 290RLT LIT16334 $59,837 $49,777 (888) 727-29522012 Dutchmen INFINITY 3520MS KAT10010 $74,018 $56,995 (888) 668-67152012 Dutchmen INFINITY 3520MS SW10011 $75,439 $57,900 (888) 844-17582012 Dutchmen INFINITY 3640RL STR15646 $73,574 $61,900 (888) 860-86842012 Keystone RAPTOR 3912LEV LAC21687 $75,995 $62,995 (888) 378-10572012 Dutchmen VOLTAGE 3200 RD39359 $81,988 $63,995 (888) 475-59182011 Keystone MONTANA 3665RE ABRV37201 $84,877 $64,857 (888) 614-52012011 Keystone FUZION 322 SLV22056 $83,652 $64,995 (877) 834-04292012 Keystone MONTANA 3625RE ASH22494 $82,135 $69,995 (888) 461-1123
CLICK RVS.COM TODAY!Shop Thousands of RVs from Across America - All Priced to Sell!
*Government fees, state taxes, title, license and dealer fees as applicable will be added to comply with state vehicle codes. Sales tax not applicable in OR. In Arizona, prices plus doc. fee of $399 and pre-delivery inspection. In California, prices not inclusive of government fees and prep charge, finance charge, or emissions testing charge. Freight costs vary by state. Not applicable in CA, OH, AR, TX or OR. In Arizona, Texas and Arkansas, ‘List Price’ is equal to ‘MSRP’. Inventory and floorplans vary by location. VIN numbers posted at dealership. Advertised inventory available at time of printing. Void where prohibited by law. Offer valid at any Camping World RV Sales or FreedomRoads dealer only. Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. See dealer for details. Offers expire 5/31/12. FR017391-0312
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 93
10-MINUTE TECH TRIED-AND-TRUE TIPS FROM RVERS
Strain-Free Jack HandleWinding jack-style stabilizers up and down is a real chore for me, becausethe jack handle socket has to be straight out from the jack screw in orderto get enough torque to operate the jack. I must bend over to reach it andthis in turn puts a lot of strain on my back. In order to relieve my backstrain, I took the crank and welded a universal joint, which can be pur-chased from hardware or auto stores, into the handle. This allows me tostand straighter, but still get the torque needed to lower the jacks. Pur-chase a universal that has a socket size that allows you to push oneend of the cut in before welding. The other end will have a surface-to-surface weld, unless you can find a universal with a socket ateach end. Donald C. Sebald, New Berlin, Wis.
Vent Fan ImprovementI have a roof-mounted vent fan in the bathroom of my rig,but it isn’t very efficient at pulling air because of the openspace around the fan blades. The extra space allows air torecirculate around the fan instead of being pulled throughthe vent. I solved the problem by cutting a panel of Plexi-glas to fit into the vent opening. A hole was cut for the di-ameter of the fan blades. I drilled holes to mate with thescrews, which hold the vent screen in place, and installedthe Plexiglas using the existing screws. Now the bath fan ismore efficient at removing dampness and odors from thebathroom. The clear Plexiglas lets in plenty of light.Charles M. Finn, Bell, Mo.
QUICKTIP
ILLU
STRA
TION
S BY
BIL
L TI
PTON
Soggy Shirt SleevesWhen washing down an RV with a long-handled brush, water runs down the pole,past your hands and ultimately dripsfrom your elbows. To prevent this uncom-fortable circumstance, cut the bottom offa plastic bottle (I used a 1-quart oil con-tainer), slip it over the handle about afoot away from the brush and fastenthe neck opening to the handle withelectrician’s tape. This makes a wa-tertight seal.
Now when I wash myrig, the excess drains backinto this container. Eachtime I dip the brush in thebucket, the accumulationis returned to the wash so-lution. This little modificationhas kept my arm dry on manylong-handled wash operations.Stanley E. FurmanPort Ludlow, Wash.
94 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
Epoxy CupsWe all need to fix things while on the road (and at home), and quite often this includes needing to mixsmall amounts of epoxy or other two-part glues. To do this, we take home a few of the plastic one-service creamer cups that you get in a restaurant, wash them out and save them until needed. Theyare just the right size for most jobs, and there’s no cleanup afterward — just throw them away. Mike Steffen, Livingston, Texas
To send your submission, write to: Trailer Life 10-Minute Tech, 3300 Fernbrook Lane N, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55447. Please include an illustration or photo if applicable.
Classifieds TRAILERS, ACCESSORIES, REAL ESTATE AND MORE!
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 95
ACCESSORIES
12-VOLT COOLING FOR RVSTurboKOOL Evaporative “Swamp” CoolersPowered by Battery and/or Solar.Cools your RV (up to 29º reduction) without "plugging in"! Quiet and Affordable1-800-326-4410 free brochure www.turbokool.com
HYDRAULIC DOOR LIFT KITS/BEDLIFT KITSLift Kits for Under Slide-OutsReplacement Springswww.hatchlift.com or 303-233-6083
LEAKY ROOF? Liquid Roof® goes on like paint —cures to a sealed EPDM rubber membrane. UV &Ozone resistant — good to 300° F. 5-yr warranty.800-467-7135 www.AdvancedRubberCoatings.com
4000 GEN-BOX SILENT RV GENERATORLocking alum tool box, 24-40 hrs/12 gal gastank, runs AC & microwave, 56 hours, remote control. $2895. 623-451-7121.
MOTORCYCLE LOADED IN SHORT BEDTRUCK & pulling RV trailer, fits in truck withtailgate closed w/o bike, alum structure1200# rating. cyclelift.co 623-521-2222.
AIR RIDE HITCH, 5TH AND GOOSE NECKBALL 21000# rating for SEMI or PU, bolts toplate or PU bed rails to mount, $1495. Mountain Master 623-451-7121.
NEW RV HAULER BODY, F450 CHASSIS,good storage, 8' X 10" white powder coat &diamond plate aluminum. $12,950. 623-521-2222 mountainmaster.net
AUTOS TO TOW
2003 WRANGLER RUBICON, EXC. CONDITION,man. transm, soft top, winch, tow bar, Road-master Even-Brake, wired for towing. Location: N-CA. 24K miles, [email protected]
2003 NISSAN FRONTIER XE KING CAB, 2.4 litre 4 cyl (avg 25 mpg), 5 spd, matchingshell, clean inside/out. Collapsible/removabletow bar, prof installed, wired lighting. $8950 OBO.909-659-9838 (CA)
CAMPGROUNDS/RV PARKS FOR SALE
FOR SALE: CAMPGROUND IN N. FLORIDA2+ AC Close to Interstate, owner resident.Large office bldg, bathroom. Mom & Pop oper-ation. Reply to 10556 Combie Rd #6443 AttnTLC-110, Auburn, CA 95602 or call 386-497-2432.
CAMPGROUND MEMBERSHIPS FOR SALE
CAMPGROUND MEMBERSHIP OUTLET-SINCE 1991To buy 800-272-0401To sell 800-952-0401. Any Membership-Nationwide. Best prices ever.
HELP WANTED
FREE RV SPACE IN WASHINGTON IN EXCHGfor general maint & caretaking of fair-grounds in Ritzville, WA. Cent loc for PacificNW recreation at I90 & SH395. Contact Pam509-659-1373 or [email protected]
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS--TRAVEL ANDstay in RV parks FREE. Set your own incomeselling advertising for RV parks. Up to 65%commission. Call 1-800-832-3292. Full training.
GREAT JOBS IN GREAT PLACES! EXPERIENCEAmerica one job at a time living the Workamperlifestyle. Jobs in campgrounds, parks, resorts,etc. For FREE BROCHURE & subscriptioninfo. 800-446-5627 www.workamper.com
HOMES FOR SALE
#1 RATED RV RESORT IN S. TEXAS TROPICSRetama Village/Bentsen Palm Village. Spenda day, stay forever. Unbelievable amenities.RV Supersites $40s. RV Port Home $170s.956-380-6500 bentsenpalm.com
Private Parties: $30 per line,four-line minimum. Add $65 forcolor photo. All red text add $25.
Commercial: $72 per line, four-line minimum, 40 characters perline. For photo ads (limited to RVsand real estate), add $95 B/W or$115 color. For logo add $95 B/W,$115 color. No category limitationsfor logos. All red text add $50.
Payment: Check, VISA, MasterCard,Discover, American Express.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (530) 268-3005
Fax: (530) 653-2090
Mail: Trailer LifeAttn: Classified Dept.10556 Combie Rd. #6443Auburn, CA 95602
Classified Rates
Classifieds TRAILERS, ACCESSORIES, REAL ESTATE AND MORE!
96 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
NEED TO SELL YOUR RV TODAY?Reach Over 1 Million Buyers Every MonthOver 80,000 Listings -- New and Used RVsWhere RVers go to BUY! www.RVTrader.com
RV REGISTRYwww.rvregistry.comMotorhomes, Trailers & Fifth Wheels <L>ForSale by OwnersNo Sales CommissionsBuyers/Sellers 800-546-8457
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES WANTED
DONATE RVS, BOATS, PLANES, CAR/TRUCKS,REAL ESTATE, SECURITIES or other realproperty. Receive an IRS tax receipt from aregistered charity. International Ministry, 800-871-1962. [email protected]
SERVICES
Let us help you BUY YOUR RV ... TAX FREE!We guarantee BEST service and price Receive $100 Gas Card & FREE Mail FwdingCall 888.430.3388 www.MontanaRV.net
ACTION SERVICES, LLCConsult a Licensed Montana Attorney No Sales Tax in MT -- Low License Fees Financing & Insurance – For Professional ServiceCall 800-481-0013 www.actionservices-mt.com
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TOURS
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NEW HOMES WITH CUSTOM GARAGESIn Laughlin, NV. 50' RV - 40' Boat Garages. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Single Story. Energy Star.800-828-2744 www.LaughlinHomes.net
LEGAL SERVICES
MONTANA LLC LAWYER • SAVE SALES TAX $on next RV purchase • Attorney operated.• Go with 36+ years experienced law firm.1-406-360-3409; www.montanallcattorney.com
LOTS FOR SALE
BARNARDSVILLE, NC NEAR ASHEVILLE. 1 ACRE,view, stream, waterfalls, rock face, small furnished cabin, 3 RV hookups, plenty ofparking, 50 amp service, well water, septic, 9mi to I-26. 828-713-8839. $125K OBO.
MAIL FORWARDING
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RECREATIONAL VEHICLES FOR SALE
ALL MOLDED FIBERGLASS TRAVEL TRAILERSLightweight, Aerodynamic, Self-contained,Remarkably Spacious Floorplans, ExceptionalStorage. Call for a FREE Brochure. CASITA TRAVEL TRAILERS • 1-800-442-9986
SELL YOUR RV FAST! Online at RVT.comReach Millions of RV Buyers with a FREE AD.50,000 RVs For Sale - By Owner and Dealer Listingswww.RVT.com or 1.888.479.1099
June 2012 TRAILERLIFE 97
Little Guy Teardrop Camping Trailer 12v-115, queen/king beds, sink/stove availableSo Light Any Car Can Tow! $4995Web: www.golittleguy.com Call 877-545-4897
AWARD®TRAVEL TRAILERSParts-Service, Repairs & RestorationsReburbished & Consignment Awards for SaleCall: 905-774-9351 www.awardrv.com
2003 35' TRAVEL SUPREME SPECIAL ORDERED2 AC, 3 slides, 3 axles, 2 TVs, 2 batteries,garaged, oak cabinets, tinted glass, towed 6Kmi. Air ride, king pin, never lube bearings.$27K OBO. 901-794-2281 TN.
2010 NEWMAR 37' TORREY PINE 5TH WHEEL.Perfect cond, paint/polar pkg, 3 slides,ent ctr w/faux stone & FP, max storage, luxury outfit. $87,500. Call Rob @ 717-571-4747.
RV Tours & Rallies across North AmericaAlaska • Canada • USA • Mexico + OverseasVisit www.AdventureCaravans.com or call for your FREE Catalog 800-872-7897
TOW VEHICLE/TRAILER PACKAGES
2010 MOUNTAIN MASTER hauler, New HorizonsRV. 300 Cumm auto, 15 mpg solo, seats 6, allair ride, huge stor. 38' 3 S/O, r L/R, rusticcherry, King, 3 axle disc brks, loaded. Sellsep. 623-451-7121.
1999 FL-60 MOUNTAIN MASTER RV TRUCK,Cummins/Allison auto, new Alcoas, rearseat-bed, all air ride, huge storage, AND 40'TETON GRAND, Arctic pac, spotless interior,s/s refrig, bay window, HUGE BRAKES,BOTH $54,900. 623-451-7121.
TOW VEHICLES FOR SALE
2010 M2-FREIGHTLINER, 300 HP! 15MPG! Sound-proof interior, auto, all Air Ride, leather, wood dash& console, deluxe RV body, 33K LB RV rating. Hugetool boxes. 888-838-6678, www.MountainMaster.net
WANTED: USED MOUNTAIN MASTER RV TRUCKS.Please call if you need to sell your mediumduty RV truck or Teton 5th wheel. WE SELL TRUCKS.623-221-2005, www.mountainmaster.net
TRAVEL TRAILERS/5TH WHEELS
NEW 2013 Heartland Landmark Grand CanyonFull Body Paint. Loaded Only $67,900! Guar BestPrice! 877-317-2688. New units-Loaded. Cust orderavail no chg. View New/Used Units. www.rvs4less.net
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EGGCAMPER LIGHTWEIGHT AERODYNAMICEASY TOW MOLDED FIBERGLASS traveltrailer EASY CLEAN MOLDED INTERIORwww.eggcamper.com 616-437 9255
98 TRAILERLIFE June 2012
BILL WILL BE IN DECORAH, IOWA. TO CONNECT WITH BILL, EMAIL HIM AT [email protected] MONTH
AMERICA’SOUTBACK by Bill Graves
“Lake Superior, which we share withCanada, is the largest freshwater
lake in the world. It covers 31,700 squaremiles and contains half of the water heldby all five of the Great Lakes. If all of itswater were to spill out, everybody in North,Central and South America would be inwater over their ankles.”
Dave Strzok tells me this while we look out at the lake,its surface whipped raw by gale-force winds. We are safelyout of the weather behind the glass doors of the BayfieldMaritime Museum. Strzok is the director of the museumand a life-long resident of the lake’s southern shore inNorthern Wisconsin.
“Considering the immensity of Lake Superior, 360 milesacross, it has few islands. What there are — the 22 ApostleIslands — are here off Bayfield. In 1970 a portion of ourshoreline and 20 of those islands were designated as a Na-tional Lake Shoreline. So it’s now part of the National ParkService, 43,000 island-acres, spread over 600 square milesof Lake Superior,” continues Strzok.
From where we stood, we could see the car ferry,bucking the white-capped waves, plowing its way to Made-line Island. It’s normally a 20-minute run. But Strzokdoubted it would stay on schedule today.
The largest of the Apostles, Madeline Island is not in-cluded in the park as it was populated long before the parkwas created. It has both a state and a town park with lake-access campgrounds.
Anchored close to one of the islands, we could see agiant ore carrier riding low in the water. Loaded with ironore, probably taken on in Duluth, Minn., she was bound forthe locks at Sault St. Marie, Mich., and then on to one of thesteel plants along the shores of the lower lakes.
Strzok went on, “It’s rare to see one of (the carriers)seeking shelter in the lee of one of the islands. The lake mustbe really rough. I am told it costs $10,000 an hour to keep oneof those ships sitting idle. Since the loss of the EdmundFitzgerald in 1975, if they err, it’s now on the side of caution.”
In an earlier time the islands gave up sandstone andtimber used for construction as far away as New York. Butnow the islands are protected, with limited access. They areforested with Wisconsin hardwoods and conifers that rangefrom 30 to 300 years old.
Northern PortWater, wildlife and Hank Williams cometogether along Wisconsin’s northern shore
The islands’ wildlife includes black bears, whitetaildeer, red foxes and coyotes. This mix changes in the winterwhen the animals walk on the ice back and forth to themainland. In the summer, bears often swim between is-lands, especially when wild berries are in season.
“By virtue of being insular, with few people traipsingaround out there, these islands must be as close to theirnatural state as any place in the country,” I ventured.
Dave agreed, adding, “The big thing is kayaking here inthe summer. People paddle around these islands. Thewater is so clear you can see rocks the size of houses 20feet down.”
I walked down First Street to have lunch at Greunke’s, aplace that has changed little since it opened here in 1940.The jukebox still plays 78 RPM records. I knew most of thesongs. I played “Your Cheatin Heart” by Hank Williams twice.
In 1940, Greunke’s made local culinary history whenthey put whitefish livers on the menu. They’re still there –“deep fried or sautéed with green peppers and onions.” I hadthem as an appetizer. And I’ll do it again next time I’m there.
Welcome to America’s Outback. q
THE APOSTLE ISLANDS & BAYFIELD, WISCONSIN
From its nearby islands and beautiful surroundings to its charmingdowntown and scenic lakeshore, Bayfield is a beautiful summer-time vacation destination.
To see the GT in action, scan the QR code with yoursmartphone or go to www.bullydog.com/towing.php
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Tuning
2012Applications Available
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Here are some tips on how to use Digital Trailer Life:
When the hand icon changes to a pointing finger, it indicates a link to a web site or to another page in the magazine.