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Deserted in the Desert!
Our family camps in Death Valley National Park during many Spring Break weeks. The scenery is spectacular, the location is remote, and communication services are limited. We "dry–camp" on the gravel lot across from Furnace Creek Ranch. Unless you have a satellite dish, the only weather news you get is by going to the Visitor Center. The weather in March can range from temperatures in the 90's to rain and wind. One year we were unaware that a severe spring storm was headed our way. We went to sleep one night with nearly a hundred other RV's around us. The next morning we awoke to a deserted parking lot! We didn't understand why, and before we could make it to the Visitor Center to inquire, the rain started falling. A short time later we watched the valley floor begin to flood. We packed up camp and left quickly and the road was washed away in places. We made it out of the valley safely and learned a big lesson: when you camp in a remote area without TV or radio, you better take heed when you see your fellow campers packing up and leaving camp. They know something you don't know! If you ignore the warnings, you could be deserted in the desert!
Submitted by: Barbara,
Barks, OR
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Taking the Toys on the Road
Just as people have more and more electronic gadgets in their homes, they like to bring them when they get out on the road. The good news is that consumer electronics products have been getting less expensive, and lighter in weight with more features.
It is important to review available space, and current and new cabling/wiring needs when adding new entertainment systems. Many motorhome utilize the space over the windshield to hold the main TV, satellite receiver, VCRs, DVD players, TV antenna booster, and the video distribution box that connects everything.
Make sure you have the necessary connecting cables (RF coax, AV and video cables, and other adapters) and video switch inputs and outputs to install or upgrade TV, VCR, DVD, audio, and game equipment.
Satellite Dish and Receiver – Satellite dishes are available in stationary (mounted on a tripod), manual crankup, and automatic–locating types.
Automatic–locating satellite dishes, available for stationary use only and for stationary/in–motion use, vary in price from $650 – $3000 depending on function, weight, size and height. They are available in various heights, including low profile models from 3" – 6", and taller models from 12' – 15" in height. HDTV is availabe in selected models of satellite dishes and may require additional components for RV use.
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Do you have questions about RV technical issues, the RV lifestyle or RV's in general? Ask Mark!
Hi Folks! This month, I've got some leveling and parking–the–rig answers to share with you, and a couple of tidbits of general interest. Thanks for all the questions you've sent in! Remember, I can only answer selected questions in the newsletter… I can't send you a personal response.
Happy Trails!!
Mark
Dear Mark,
I know you receive many questions regarding fuel economy in this high cost fuel period we seem to be endless stuck in. We travel in a 38' 2005 Coachmen Cross Country, 300HP Turbo Charged Cummings. What can we do to ensure optimum fuel mileage? I mean besides keeping it parked in our drive way.
Jon Cook, Anna, TX
Mark says…
I wish I had a magic bullet for you, but I don't. However, good common–sense and attention to preventative maintenance will help you get the best possible mileage out of any vehicle. Here's a list of some of the things that affect mileage.
- Tire Pressure. Check tires regularly, and keep them properly inflated.
- Wheel alignment. Out of alignment conditions can really hurt overall economy, and ruin your tires to boot.
- Air filters and Fuel filters. Change regularly! See your owner's manual.
- Use synthetic oils. Synthetic oils can improve gas mileage by lowering friction.
- Brakes. Have brakes checked regularly… a dragging brake can really hurt mpg.
- Engine tune–up. Keeping the engine in top running condition helps a lot! Fix minor problems before they "go critical".
- Driving habits. I know, nobody wants to hear this, but the way you drive has a big effect on economy. Slow down! Especially in high profile RVs, just driving slower (within reason) will reduce fuel consumption. Gentle starts and gentle stops will stretch your fuel as well.
Read More Questions…
Do you have a question for Mark?
Please submit your question via e–mail to woodalls@escapees.com. Questions should be about RV technical issues, general RV or RV lifestyle.
Please, no consumer advocacy or commercial advertising issues. Please remember, material will be edited. Because of the large volume of material and correspondence submitted, individual replies will not be possible, nor can we acknowledge receipt of your material. Selected questions will be answered in future issues of the Diamond Club newsletter in the Mark, My Words column and/or in the Escapees magazine.
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Create Your Own Personal Travel Website… at woodalls.com.
Announcing a new Diamond Club member benefit! Powered by MyTripJournal.com, your personal travel website will allow you to:
- Plot your own journey with My Trip Journal's custom mapping software,
- Store and display photos and journal entries about your trip,
- Communicate with family and friends who can check out your personal website at their leisure, or even recieve automatic email notifications when you update your site,
- Post internet movie clips,
- Download a personal, high quality archive at the end of your trip!
You can get your free personal travel website for 30 days… if you like it, then sign up for a longer term and save 15%! Aren't you glad you're a Diamond Club member?
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