Camping w/Chris

Gettysburg Bike Week 2012

2011-11-25T09:31:00.001-05:00

ALL EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE AT GRANITE HILL

http://www.granitehillcampingresort.com/events/gettysburg-bike-week.asp

BANDS FOR 2012 GBW . . .

Thursday Night: Mustang Sally Band

Friday Night: Hollywood Knights (Bob Segar Tribute Band)

Satuday Night: KIX

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES . . . COMING SOON!

Tentative Schedule • Subject to Change

$35 . . . 4-Day Ticket Thurs - Sun July 12 - 15, 2012

$15 . . . Day Ticket (Thursday - Friday - Saturday)

$5 . . . Sunday only (No Entertainment, vendor village only)

Children 12 & Under . . . FREE

Gates open: 10AM -10:30PM Thursday • Friday • Saturday

Sunday: 10 AM - 2 PM

EVENTS - EVENTS - EVENTS

THURSDAY - GRANITE HILL
Vendors open at 10AM
Poker Run Sign up: 10 - Noon, Back by 4 PM

FRIDAY - GRANITE HILL
Vendors open at 10AM
Poker Run Sign-up: 10AM to 4PM; Back by: 4 PM
TATTOO CONTEST - MEN/WOMEN @ 3 PM
Opening ceremonies at 6PM

SATURDAY - GRANITE HILL
Vendors open at 10AM
RIDE in BIKE SHOW 10 AM - 12 NOON Registration
Poker Run 10AM to 4PM
BIKE GAMES - 1 PM (Tattoo Contest to follow)
TATTOO CONTEST - MEN/WOMEN @ 3 PM
7th ANNUAL BURN OUT PIT (Following Tattoo Contest)
Fireworks after band

SUNDAY - GRANITE HILL
CMA Morning Service - 9AM
Vendors Open from 10AM - 2PM
Observation Run - 10 AM - 2PM (back to Granite Hill)

For FULL DETAILS SEE GETTYSBURG BIKEWEEK WEBSITE: www.gettysburgbikeweek.com

SUNDAY
Vendors: 10 AM - 2PM
Poker Run Sign Up: 10 AM - Noon, Back by 2PM."

Trailer Life, Woodalls, Good Sam to Create Super Directory

2011-11-22T09:44:00.001-05:00

Trailer Life, Woodall’s to Form ‘Super Directory’

Trailer Life Directory and Woodall Publications, publishers of “North America’s top two campground directories and leading campground search websites and mobile applications,” announced today (Nov. 21) that they will be “uniting” to form a single “super directory” North American print edition in 2013.
According to a press release, the two companies will join forces to “inspire travel by bringing the highest quality, most complete and accurate information about RV and camping travel to the most engaged RVers and campers in North America.”
On announcing the merger Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of parent Good Sam Enterprises LLC, said, “The consolidation of the two directories into one ‘super directory’ will provide our customers with a single source for their RVing and camping travel planning. The coming together of these two brands enables us to serve as more than a directory, and will represent an ‘everything RV guide’ for the consumer to be inspired to fully explore the RV lifestyle across North America.”
“This merger will also allow us to drive more business to our RV park and campground advertisers and to our network of Good Sam Parks,” continued Lemonis. “We know that our success is predicated on the success of our customers, and combining the strength of the industry’s two leading directory brands is just one way in which we can ensure we are serving the needs of our campground, RV park and resort customers. Advertisers have asked us to consider a unified directory so that they can focus their marketing spend in one powerful vehicle. Thus we made this decision with our park and campground partners very much in mind, to provide them one ‘super directory’ which will be the ultimate marketing showcase for them.”
Beginning with the 2013 edition, a new campground directory under the Good Sam brand “will emerge from the best of both Woodall’s and Trailer Life directories, representing nearly 130 years of combined industry service and campground expertise.” The release stated that this new directory will offer higher circulation and even more online and mobile application marketing opportunities to campgrounds and parks. This combined directory will utilize the Trailer Life 10/10/10 rating system, with some enhancements borrowed from the Woodall’s rating system. The ratings as always will be based on personal visits by directory representatives.
Other improvements to the 2013 combined directory will include state and provincial points of interest, the RVers “Bucket List” for 2013, tips to improve your RV and camping lifestyle, 10-Minute Tech Tips, RV maintenance advice, how to buy or sell an RV, dealers and service station locations, games, puzzles, recipes and coupons. The directory will also spotlight the Good Sam RV Park and Resort network, “the largest affiliated park network in North America,” featuring more than 1,700 RV parks and resorts where Good Sam members can save 10% on nightly camping fees.
Both the Trailer Life and Woodall’s brands will continue into 2013 and beyond according to the company. Woodall’s regional directory editions will continue to be published in 2013, in an exclusive partnership with AAA, and Trailer Life Magazine will continue to be published on a monthly basis. Likewise websites, online directory search, and mobile applications will continue to exist for both brands.
The combined 2013 combined directory will not affect the distribution and circulation of the 2012 Trailer Life and Woodall’s directories, websites and mobile applications, as both the Trailer Life and Woodall’s 2012 directory editions will be available to consumers just the same as past years.
“We have some great enhancements for our advertising partners planned for our 2013 ‘super directory’ and are excited to share our plans with the industry at the upcoming ARVC Conference,” said Ann Emerson, vice president and publisher of the new combined directory. “Not only will we have more exciting marketing tools for parks to connect with avid RVers and campers, we will also expand our number of field teams to permit them to spend more time working with individual parks on their marketing program.
“We also want to assure our advertising customers that our 2012 Woodall’s and Trailer Life Directory circulation commitments will be met through our various distribution channels, beginning in December of this year and continuing throughout 2012. And we will continue to connect campgrounds with active RVers through our three websites, www.trailerlifedirectory.com, www.woodalls.com and www.goodsamclub.com, as well as through our mobile applications for both Trailer Life and Woodall’s directories.”
The release stated that the 2013 combined directory will take advantage of the previously separate circulation strategies for each brand. The Woodall’s Directory has been distributed through bookstores, mass merchant chains, Camping World stores, RV dealers and campgrounds, while the Trailer Life Directory has been primarily distributed to the Good Sam Club members and through internet sales. The combined directory in 2013 will utilize both these distribution strategies to reach all the active, affluent RVers and campers that each of these brands reached separately in the past. Campground search tools for the combined directory will also be available at www.trailerlifedirectory.com, www.woodalls.com and www.goodsamclub.com websites, as well as on campground search mobile applications for both iPhone and Android.
“Having this ‘super directory’ under the Good Sam brand will give our advertisers greater share of mind with the market’s largest RVer database, the combined 4 million plus avid RVers who are members of Good Sam and customers of Camping World,” added Lemonis. “While advertisers will benefit from the larger consumer audience, RVers will reap the rewards of a single source for all their RV travel planning needs. Publishing this combined directory under the Good Sam brand will be a powerful unifying strategy for our entire organization, and will further our mission to grow the Good Sam brand, Good Sam Club, and our Good Sam Park network.”

Louisville Alert: Heartlands New Toy Hauler

2011-11-22T09:43:00.001-05:00

Heartland’s Torque Revs up Toy Hauler Market

Heartland RV's new Torque toy hauler

Elkhart, Ind.-based Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC will be introducing its line of lightweight, sharply priced Torque toy haulers at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky.
Available in both travel trailer and mid-profile fifth-wheel floorplans, Heartland said Torque will give dealers “an all-new option in the very fast growing toy hauler segment.”
“Torque is like nothing else in the RV industry,” said General Manager AJ Jones in a press release. “When looking at the current trend in toy haulers, many companies are building units that are higher-priced with heavier GVWR’s. That means that many manufacturers are only competing for shelf space in the higher price points. Torque offers a completely new approach, specializing in lightweight, inexpensive toy haulers.”
Heartland said it has emerged as one of the top-selling toy hauler manufacturers this year with its Cyclone/Road Warrior brands, which had increased market share by nearly 22% in the U.S. and 45% in Canada through September, according to Statistical Surveys Inc.
Jones noted, “It is the perfect time to release Torque, with the favorable momentum swing that we are enjoying in the toy hauler division. This is a product that will not compromise any of our existing toy hauler sales, it will only complement what we are already doing with different price points and weights never seen before.”
Initially, Torque will be offered in seven floorplans – three travel trailers and four mid-profile fifth-wheels – ranging in a variety of lengths and sizes. Prospective dealers will be able to see the all-new Torque product at Booth No. 5025 in the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) during the Louisville Show.

Louisville Alert: BlackStone Travel Trailers Debut

2011-11-22T09:41:00.001-05:00

Outdoors RV Debuts BlackStone Travel Trailers

Outdoors RV's BlackStone trailer

Outdoors RV Manufacturing Inc. has introduced the BlackStone travel trailer series, the latest in the La Grande, Ore-based company’s lineup of climate-designed, four-seasons towables.
According to a press release, the BlackStone is offered in five floorplans ranging in length from 28 to 34 feet. Offering expanded interior and exterior storage space, Outdoors RV said BlackStone is targeting RVers looking to “downsize from a motorhome or larger fifth-wheel but still wanting luxury features.”
The BlackStone is also built with Outdoors RV’s “Armor Shield” construction, which places aluminum framing in eight different areas along with rigid lightweight steel trusses in the ceiling.
“This is the type of construction that the targeted RV buyers are accustomed to in the high-end fifth-wheel or motorhome they currently own,” said Jim Croxton, general manager.
Highlighted features include: On-demand tankless hot water system, vaulted radius interior ceilings, 50% larger “mountain sized” strut designed luggage doors, 70 gallons of fresh water capacity and 80 gallons of grey water capacity. Models are also available with livingroom fireplaces, wireless touch pads to operate slideouts, awnings, power stab jacks, and 60-inch by 80-inch residential queen beds.
Prior to launching the BlackStone, Outdoors RV said it consulted with its dealers, both in the U.S. and Canada. “The prototype design that was shown to dealers for feedback underwent 65 product enhancements prior to going into full production,” noted Croxton.
NormVanNess Jr., general manager at Lewiston RV in Lewiston, Idaho, stated, “The BlackStone is by far the Cadillac of the travel trailer industry with many features and construction you see in high-end fifth wheels. This BlackStone will fill the gap in the industry for those who want high-line fifth-wheel quality in a travel trailer. In my opinion, there is not a finer, high quality trailer on the market.”

Camping with Chris can point you to a dealer if you are interested!

Louisville Alert: New CrossRoads Travel Trailer

2011-11-22T09:39:00.001-05:00

CrossRoads Rolls Out Cruiser Aire in Louisville

CrossRoads RV's Cruiser Aire

Topeka, Ind.-based CrossRoads RV has introduced the Cruiser Aire towable line, available in five travel trailer and four fifth-wheel double-slide floorplans, all designed for towing by half-ton trucks or SUV’s.
The latest series in the company’s popular Cruiser brand ranges in length from 24 to 32 feet, offering full-depth slideouts and weighing from 4,500 pounds to 7,000 pounds. MSRP’s start at around $23,900 nicely appointed.
The aluminum-framed units are equipped with many standard features that other RV manufacturers offer only as options, including:
• 60-inch by 80-inch deluxe memory foam mattress.
• LED Lights throughout the interior.
• Oversized pass-through storage.
• Cathedral ceilings throughout the unit.
• All double-slide floorplans.
Rudy Boals, national sales manager, noted, “We are excited to offer a product families are able to afford and tow with the half-ton truck or SUV they drive on a daily basis. The Cruiser product is a brand customers have come to know and trust we are entering into the lightweight market with a new spin by introducing double-slide floorplans focused on the lightweight buyer. Our ongoing collaboration with dealers and retail customers has brought a whole new sense of style in the Cruiser Aire.”
The new line also carries CrossRoads RV’s 2 + 5 warranty that protects against defects in materials and workmanship for two years from date of delivery and a five-year structural guarantee against floor, walls, and roof defects.
The all-new Cruiser Aire will be displayed at the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 49th Annual National RV Trade Show Louisville, Ky., at Booth No. 100 in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).

Blast from the Past: VW Beetle Retrofitted to Pull a 1974 Fifth Wheel | RV PRO

2011-11-22T09:11:00.000-05:00

Blast from the Past: VW Beetle Retrofitted to Pull a 1974 Fifth Wheel RV PRO

In-booth Presentation by Hayes Brake Controller Co. | RV PRO

2011-11-22T09:03:00.000-05:00

In-booth Presentation by Hayes Brake Controller Co. RV PRO

CampSmart.com - The Camping Social Network we have been looking for? (facebook)

2011-11-10T11:06:00.000-05:00

Campsmart.com "the Facebook of camping"?

www.CampSmart.com

Hey sign up and be my camping buddy!

A fledgling Elkhart, Ind., company is creating a free website — campsmart.com — with the goal of connecting campgrounds, consumers, RV manufacturers, dealers and suppliers.
‘There is a disconnect that exists between dealers and campgrounds and manufacturers and campgrounds,” said Mark Lucas, president of campsmart LLC. ”They all are good at what they do, but nobody has been making a non-brand specific effort to bring everything together.
”With an industry that is fragmented, I thought all of us working together can do greater things, particularly when you bring in the retail owner.”
Campsmart.com intends to act as a hub where the different RV communities can interact with each other, incorporating ”the best aspects of FaceBook, LinkedIn, Angie’s List and others solely focused on one fragmented industry,” Lucas said.
”I believe the individual aspirations of each segment can be harnessed to passively weave the fiber to connect all these inwardly focused organizations,” he said.
As campgrounds join campsmart.com, the site will offer a nationwide reservation system, which Lucas said does not exist today.
The website initially will be supported by advertising while eventually, Lucas said he hopes to create a database of recreational vehicle VIN numbers registered by consumers that will allow manufacturers, for a fee, to more efficiently conduct recalls.
”In my mind, there are big things on the horizon when we get the buy-in from industry members and consumers,” Lucas said. ”Right now, we are looking for people to give us feedback about what we can do with the site and for them to understand that it’s a work in progress.”
Lucas is the former president of manufacturer CrossRoads RV, Topeka, Ind., and helped launch Gulf Stream Coach Inc.’s Yellowstone RV subsidiary. He and Brad Yoder, a camper and avid fisherman, along with Mark Smith, the former head of IT for Gulf Stream who is now an RV industry consultant, are partnering to operated the website.
With invitations sent to 250 industry members, more than 100 already have joined campsmart.com, Lucas reported.
”I want to get the foundation there so that when the retail consumers show up they can have the interaction that they need,” Lucas said.
campsmart.com will have a presence at the 49th Annual National RV Trade Show Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Louisville, Ky., and plans are to begin marketing the website to consumers in December with ads in retail consumer magazines and websites.by bob ashley

PULL RITE hitches Still made in the USA!

2011-10-31T19:37:00.000-04:00

PULL RITE Hitches "(Still)" Made in the U.S.A.

Despite challenges, PullRite still proudly makes all of its fifth wheel hitches in Mishawaka, Ind.

Randy Pulliam, president of Pulliam Enterprises and PullRite, is pictured next to one of his company’s SuperGlide fifth wheel hitches. All of the company’s products are proudly made in Mishawaka, Ind.

Historically, almost everything in the RV industry was American made. That’s changed in recent years, however, as companies began sourcing products overseas, particularly to China, as a way to secure savings and achieve greater profits.
One company that has resisted that trend is Pulliam Enterprises, parent company of PullRite, which has proudly been making its fifth wheel hitches in Mishawaka, Ind., since 1978. Company President Randy Pulliam says that in the past his company contemplated having some parts made in China, but decided against it because of a number of potential drawbacks, including possible communication issues and fabrication details.
“Chinese workers might be just as skilled as our workers, and the work can be done anywhere as long as it’s being managed and the responsible thing is being done,” he allows. But he points out that China lags in taking responsibility for things like air and water pollution problems.
“We have to trust people that work for us, and they don’t always perform as well as we’d like,” says Pulliam. “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that our quality is perfect. It’s certainly not. But we’re always striving to improve our quality. How much more difficult is it when you’re working with a language barrier and you’re thousands of miles apart from your product?
“Our engineers can walk out in the shop and they can design a part today, they can have it cut on second shift or third shift and they can have the thing fabricated the next morning and by the next day we could be looking at prototypes,” he says. “It doesn’t always happen that quickly, but it could if we wanted to do that.”
Tough Market Prompts Difficult Decisions
While PullRite has chosen to keep its production facilities in Indiana, Pulliam acknowledges that the company does face challenges from companies making less expensive products overseas. That challenge intensified after the economy – and the RV industry in particular – suffered a deep downturn beginning in late 2008.
“My speech to our employees when this whole economic thing went down was, ‘You’re not competing against your neighbor across the street for your job. You’re competing with a guy across the world for your job,’” he recalls telling them.

John Millenberger makes a detail weld on the base of a fifth wheel hitch. PullRite officials believe RVers are still willing to pay a bit more for a quality American-made product.

One of the difficult decisions that resulted from the Great Recession of 2008-09 was to reduce the number of PullRite employees. Despite the tough market conditions, Pulliam says remaining employees were committed to doing everything possible to keep the company’s operations in the U.S.A.
“They felt they could help us become more efficient and compete,” he says. “When you take your product overseas, you’re admitting you can’t compete. That’s hard to take. It’s like in sports, telling your opponent ‘You’re better than me’ before the game even starts. Well, sometimes that’s true but no one likes to admit it right off. And you don’t want to do it without trying.
“For us, we had to think about our customers,” he adds. “Every time we designed something and every time we built something, our customers had to trust what we did. Even though we recognize there are mistakes we can make and have made, I can walk out in our plant and I can look at what we do and how we do it.”

Press operator Bob Robinson stands at the computer press former. PullRite relies on a combination of high-tech machinery and skilled workers to produce its hitches.

A Two-Part Strategy for 2010
To stay competitive in a tough market, PullRite has adopted a two-part plan of attack. One part is to redouble efforts to get dealers to help their customers recognize there are a number of factors involved in buying a hitch beyond price point.
“Unfortunately, in many consumers’ minds, fifth wheel hitches are generic. They’re painted black, they go in the back of the truck and you pull a trailer with them. So when the consumer is buying a new trailer they don’t spend a lot of time shopping different brands or different features and benefits of hitches,” explains Steve Koehn, vice president of sales and marketing for PullRite.
As a result, education is key. Koehn says PullRite has found that customers are usually willing to spend a bit more to buy an American-made product – particularly one that’s built better with better features and benefits – if someone will simply take the time to explain how a better-made product can help them better enjoy their RVing experience.
“Consumers in general would rather have better products, happier camping experiences and fewer problems and hassles,” he says. “If dealers take the time to explain to customers that there are choices to make when it comes to buying a hitch, and that the cheaper one may not have as many features and benefits as the one that’s a little more money, they’re much more inclined to spend a bit more on a better designed hitch.”
Beyond increasing customer satisfaction with their towing experience, the benefit to dealers is being able to make a larger profit on the hitch they sell, Koehn says.
At the same time, PullRite recognizes that many customers are price sensitive and has responded accordingly. In early 2010 the company introduced two new models – the Model 2100 Super Fifth Wheel Hitch and the Model 2700 SuperGlide hitch. Notably, the Model 2700 automatic sliding hitch for short bed trucks has an MSRP of just over $1,000, putting it on par with manual sliding hitches made overseas.
“The unique thing for us about these two hitches is they fit what we call industry-standard rails,” Pulliam says, noting the rest of PullRite’s product line uses a different mounting system, making the company’s hitches always the odd one out because of its mounting system.
“It basically allows us to market to all those people who’ve bought everybody else’s hitches over the years and would like to upgrade but didn’t want to go to the added hassle and expense of having a reinstall,” he says.
A History of Innovative Ideas
PullRite’s ability to use industry-standard rails with its new hitches is just the latest in a long line of innovative developments pioneered by the company, which was founded by Pulliam’s father, Andrew Pulliam

A fifth wheel hitch undergoes stress testing. The company has long been known for producing high-quality hitches.

Andrew Pulliam didn’t start off as an RVer. But some time in the 1970s he took his family on vacation in a rented Winnebago motorhome. At one point, while traveling down the road, a truck and trailer passed by as if the motorhome was standing still. Being curious, he caught up with it and sure enough it was a fifth wheel RV; the first one he’d ever seen.
And from years earlier, during his days as a pipefitter in the oil industry, he remembered a hitch he invented that pivoted near the axle, and how he’d made a conventional travel trailer tow as if it were a fifth wheel. When he returned home he got busy building a prototype. It worked as well as a fifth wheel, but it was for a conventional travel trailer.
He tried to get a hitch business started, but in rural California there was no manufacturing nearby so it didn’t work out so well. Besides, he didn’t really know much about marketing to the RV industry, so his invention sat idle for some time.
Years passed and Andrew Pulliam eventually retired, but didn’t stop working. He had installed one of his hitches on a friend’s van who was driving to Indiana to pick up a travel trailer. Being retired, he went with the friend to Indiana to show him how to hook it up. In Indiana, Dick Klinger, who owned Holiday Rambler, and Mahlon Miller who worked for Klinger and who is now an owner of Newmar, saw it, and encouraged Pulliam to start building them.
“So we decided to move,” says Randy Pulliam, who now runs the company with his sister, Lynda Hampton. “It was kind of an adventure.”
The family packed up and moved to Indiana and started into the hitch business just as the second oil embargo hit in the late 1970s.
“It wasn’t a good time to go into the hitch business – or the RV business at all – but that’s when we started,” Pulliam says. But he says they did it largely because of the encouragement of Miller and Klinger. More years passed and the company grew, earning a reputation for quality products.
Pulliam says his dad was always a problem solver. He had a knack for mechanical things and being able to envision how to make them. And a problem arose when people tried to pull fifth wheel trailers with new-style short bed pick-ups.
“When short bed trucks came out and got so popular, he doodled out a little piece of paper and said, ‘I think this will work,’” Pulliam says of his father. “I told him he was crazy, that will never work. But we built a prototype and I’ll be darned if it didn’t work. And then when we built it and it was so big and so expensive, I said ‘We won’t sell very many of these.’ But today that’s our best seller.”by RVProstaff.

These hitches really give B&W their only competition!
Chris

2011 Binocular Buyer’s Guide Which are the best?

2011-10-31T19:27:00.000-04:00

When packing for your next outdoor adventure, remember nothing can enhance your experience like a good pair of binoculars. Observing nature at her wildest often requires that we keep a distance in order to not disturb the natural flow of things, but high-quality binoculars can get you an up-close and personal view of what many people may never be lucky enough to witness. With a high-quality set of binoculars, you may discover that what looks like only a brown stump in a distant field is actually a lynx on the prowl or perhaps a wolf with her pups. This guide is organized by cost (it roughly goes up in price as you read) and divided into two categories to help you shop, but each of these suggestions have something special to offer. There’s sure to be something here you’ll like.

Under $500

Nikon Travelite

You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Nikon Travelite binoculars. The perfect binoculars for backcountry explorers, the Travelite is compact, lightweight, easy to carry and best of all, its price won’t ruin your budget. Available in 8x25, 10x25 and 12x25, these models feature advances normally seen on much higher-priced models. By utilizing Nikon’s bright, multicoated optics and Bak4 high index prisms, the Travelite delivers a brighter, sharper view during critical early and late periods of the day. Turn-and-slide eyecups and a central focus knob make using the new Travelite simple, and the durable, rubber-armored body protects against hard use. The new Travelite also features enhanced ergonomics and aspherical eyepiece lenses for an enhanced field of view that is uncommonly flat and clear from edge to edge. 8x: $99.99, 10x: $109.95, 12x: $119.95.

Steiner Safari Pro 8x22

The Safari Pro 8x22 binoculars may look stylish enough for the theater, but they’re tough enough for the trail. With optical performance features that make them a joy to use on birds and wildlife, these feather-light and compact binos are the perfect size for your pack. The new, larger center-focus wheel allows for fast focusing on your subject while the extended eye relief brings higher brightness with longer eye relief for use with eyeglasses. The compact 8x22 Safari Pro will fold to fit a pocket or the included compact case. Like all Safari Pro models, they feature the brilliance of Steiner optics, but screen UVA and UVB light by nearly 100 percent for a cool, crisp, comfortable view, making them ideal for hiking, backpacking in the mountains or at the beach. $119.

Alpen Optics Shasta Ridge

Perfect for long hikes or nature tours, Shasta Ridge binoculars fit easily in a pocket or backpack, but can also be worn around the neck all day without bother as they only weigh 15 ounces. These binoculars are fully waterproof, fully multicoated, have long eye relief and feature BAK4 optics that provide clearer, brighter viewing under all conditions. The full-size 42mm models have a sleek roof prism design, while the 26mm models are a compact porro prism design. Shasta Ridge binoculars can handle all types of weather, perfect for outdoor adventurers. $174.

Bushnell Trophy XLT Series

Bushnell has redesigned its popular high-quality and affordable Trophy line of binoculars to feature a sleeker, ergonomic build with fast-focus capability, making these binoculars perfect for checking out wildlife on the move. The new Dura-Grip coating with soft-touch thumb grips makes it easy to use for longer periods of time without discomfort. The fully multicoated lenses feature lead-free Enviro-Friendly glass for greater clarity and light transmission. Trophy series binoculars are 100 percent waterproof and fogproof. Each pair also comes with a set of flip-up objective lens covers. 10x27, $99.99; 8x32, $119.99; 8x42, $189.99; 10x42, $199.99; 12x50, $219.99.

Celestron 10x50 Nature Series

The Nature Series from Celestron features a state-of-the-art design with a modern open-frame style. Significant features include fully multi-coated optics and high-precision BAK-4 prisms to enhance the optical quality with maximum contrast and color rendition. The rugged aluminum main body has a rubber covering for additional protection. Twist-up eyecups provide easy adjustment. The Nature Series is waterproof, and nitrogen purged to be fog-proof. A soft case and straps are included, and the binoculars offer Celestron’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty. $115.95.

Redfield Rebel 8x32

Easy to handle and lightweight, the Rebel 8x32 roof prism binoculars cover virtually any outdoor activity that requires a good binocular. The Rebel’s ergonomic roof prism design reduces bulk and weight. The 8x32 mm model weighs only 17.1 ounces and measures five inches in length. Rebel binoculars perform exceedingly well in the field and are a great value. These binoculars feature fully multicoated lenses and premium BAK4 prisms for image brightness, resolution and edge clarity. They have a fully armored aluminum body to ensure durability and are nitrogen filled to make them waterproof and fog-proof in all field conditions. Twist-up/down eyecups comfortably accommodate users with or without eyeglasses. Each set of binoculars comes with a tripod-adaptable mount, soft case, neoprene neck strap and lens caps. 8x32: $129.99.

Busnell Legend Ultra HD

A favorite of serious outdoorsmen and women, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD boasts a combination of high-quality optics and premium ED Prime Glass with the new Ultra Wide Band Custom Coating lens technology for high definition performance. Two new midsize roof prism models, the Legend Ultra HD 8x36 mm and 10x36 mm, feature anti-reflective Ultra Wide Custom Coating, which delivers the best available light not only during the peak of the day, but also at dusk and dawn when good optics matter most. Premium ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass delivers optimal color performance and edge-to-edge sharpness. Compared to similarly priced optics, Legend Ultra HD binoculars deliver a wider field of view and are also more comfortable to use. Longer eye relief means less eyestrain. You can take these binos out in any weather thanks to their 100 percent waterproof construction and new RainGuard HD high-density permanent coating, which scatters less light by minimizing or eliminating moisture on the lens surface. 8x36, $249.99; 10x36, $249.99.

Leupold Katmai 8x32

The Leupold Katmai 8x32 binoculars provide outdoor lovers with full-size optical performance in a compact package that is lightweight and easy to carry or pack. The Katmai 8x32 offers twist-up eyecups that make use easy with or without eyeglasses. The key to Katmai’s performance is the 32mm objective lens, which is larger than the objective lens of traditional compact binoculars and transmits a greater amount of light to the eyes. Generous eye relief helps make the Katmai comfortable to use for extended periods, even with glasses. Built for all-weather use, the Katmai is completely waterproof and has shock-absorbing rubber armor for extra protection. $439.99.

More Than $500

Nikon Monarch X

This binocular line is ideal for nature lovers who understand that wildlife is often most active early in the morning or late in the evening when light conditions are low. The Nikon Monarch X’s 45 mm objective lenses provide larger exit pupils for increased low light performance, while maintaining the balance and comparable weight of many competitors’ 42 mm models. Available in 8.5x45 for the ultimate in light transfer and 10.5x45 for an ideal combination of power and performance, the Monarch X works equally well for the adventure seeker or casual sightseer. By utilizing Nikon’s advanced Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings, the Monarch X delivers a brighter, crisper view during critical dawn and dusk periods. The long eye relief (8.5x45=20.6 mm and 10.5x45=16.0 mm) multi-position click-stop eyecups make using the New Monarch X easy and fun for those with or without eyeglasses. 8.5x45, $579.95; 10.5x45, $599.95.

Celestron 8x42 Granite Binocular

Celestron’s Granite Series Roof Prism Binoculars are the pinnacle of optical and mechanical design. They are waterproof, nitrogen purged to be fog-proof, feature ED (Low Dispersion) glass to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness with excellent color correction and razor-sharp images while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration, use phase-coated BaK-4 prisms with high-reflectivity coatings for the sharpest and brightest possible images, and the body is made of magnesium, which is much lighter than aluminum and more rugged and tough for handling in any environment. It comes with a standard deluxe binocular strap and carrying case, but a binocular harness strap is available that takes the strain off your neck and distributes the weight load of the binoculars to your shoulders and torso for extended use. The Granite Series is also eco-friendly as the coatings are lead- and arsenic-free. And it also carries Celestron’s No Fault Lifetime Warranty. $688.95

ZEISS Conquest 8x30 Binoculars
The Conquest 8x30 is the perfect binocular for hikers and campers who prefer a midsize binocular at an affordable price. The 17.46-ounce, rugged Conquest binoculars are ergonomically designed for comfort and tough use in the field, and Zeiss’ proprietary multicoating on the lenses and its phase-coatings on the prisms improve light transmission for bright, sharp images and enhanced twilight vision. $649.99

Kowa BD42 Series

The Kowa BD42 series binoculars are an ideal companion for bird-watching or any other outdoor activity that requires a bright image and a wide field of view. These sleek binoculars come in 8x or 10x magnifications, and in dark green housings that blend into your surroundings. The prism is phase-coated to ensure sharp images and outstanding contrast. All lenses and prisms are fully multicoated, ensuring a clear visual range and sharp images. This new coating technology maximizes the reflectivity of the prism and reduces the loss of light, thereby achieving brighter and sharper images. 8x42, $655; 10x42, $685.

Steiner Merlin 10x50

Rugged design and waterproof construction make the Steiner Merlins perfect for handling what Mother Nature can dish out. Despite their hardy exterior, the Merlins sport a sleek, compact design that’s easy and comfortable to use and handle. Merlin binoculars feature a smooth, precise center focus with exceptional brightness, and although the added size of the 50 mm objective lenses lets in more light, it does not make the binocular bulky. The Merlin series features phase-corrected roof prisms and fully multicoated optics for clarity and highest resolution. Each Merlin includes a deluxe protective and weatherproof travel case, a neoprene, nonslip comfort strap, rain guard and objective lens caps. These binos are guaranteed waterproof and feature a 10-year warranty against defects. 10x50, $749.

Swarovski TYROL Pocket Binocular

Clothed in Italian leather, the smallest of all Swarovski Optik’s binoculars, the 8x20 TYROL, is a great-looking travel companion. The Pocket TYROL has a sophisticated lens system comprising a total of 16 lenses, which are treated with all three of the company’s proprietary coatings. This is the reason the images are so exceptionally bright and the field of view so impressive. The Pocket TYROL is dustproof and waterproof, and has adjustable twist-in eyecups allowing eyeglass wearers to enjoy a full field of view. Its appealing design and high-quality leather make it a real eye-catcher. The dedicated handmade leather belt pouch and the leather cord are perfectly matched to the Pocket TYROL. $965.56.

Kowa Genesis 33 Prominar Binocular Series

Weighing in at slightly over a pound, the Genesis 33 Series binoculars give outdoor observers the freedom to survey wildlife for longer periods without suffering arm fatigue. In addition to being exceptionally easy to handle, these binoculars feature four Prominar XC lenses, which deliver unrivaled image quality and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration. Pictures are bright and are highlighted by high contrast and unrivaled color reproduction. The Prominar lens technology offers the highest resolution combined with precise color definition and edge-to-edge sharpness for optimum viewing enjoyment. Their new multicoated optical system and C3 prism coating creates higher reflectivity and minimizes loss of light. Both the 8x and 10x models showcase an extremely wide field of view, making them the ideal optics for observing plants, insects and other objects within close range while revealing a larger field. 8x33, $1,285; 10x33, $1,440.

Alpen Rainier
The Alpen Rainier is lightweight yet tough as nails, making it ideal for those who take the term “roughin’ it” to heart. The Rainier 42 mm binocular family features a new open-hinge body design as well as a new HD ED “high definition extra low dispersion” optical system that delivers state-of-the-art optical performance that rivals some of the best European brands, but for considerably less cost. With reduced weight (just over 29 ounces) and improved holding comfort, the new Rainier is a great option for those looking for top optics. The Rainier binocular features newly designed twist-up eyecups and Alpen’s unique A-lock locking diopter adjustment system. The superb HD ED optical design combined with Alpen’s UBX multilayer coating system, PXA phase coatings, and SHR metallic prism coatings result in extremely bright and sharp images. Fully waterproof O-ring sealed magnesium body construction is the foundation for other features such as long eye relief for eyeglass wearers and close focus distance of 6 feet. And the Rainiers are backed by Alpen’s lifetime factory warranty. 10x42, $1,595; 8x42, $1,538.

ZEISS Victory 8x32 FL Binoculars

The ZEISS Victory 8X32 is a high-performance, midsize binocular in an extremely portable, lightweight size, making them not only perfect for camping but for just about any outdoor event. The Victory’s FL glass produces bright, sharp and vivid images, and the LotuTec water-repellant coating on all ZEISS Victory optics ensures that the image remains clear even in the pouring rain. This lens coating causes raindrops to bead and roll right off, and dirt and grime wipe away with ease. This Victory FL Binocular also features a rugged housing and rubber armor exterior that is durable and comfortable to handle in any weather condition, and the 32 mm objective lets in plenty of light for clear viewing during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk. $2,149.99. By Stephanie Mallory

Hope this helps when your looking to purchase new optics!

Chris

Sleeping Bags: Bedder Than It Used To Be

2011-10-31T19:20:00.000-04:00

New developments in sleeping bags with regard to high-tech and recyclable insulation materials, the mixing of fill materials, shapes to fit different body types and genders, and much more have arrived on the market in an ever-increasing effort to make your nights in camp as enjoyable as your nights at home.

And all this technology has been handed down to your kid’s bag, too. Take a look and see what’s available from some of the major outdoor brands to keep you warm and cozy while you’re sleeping under the stars.

Big Agnes
First introduced last year, Big Agnes has expanded its use of Insotect’s Flow design, which uses strategically placed Flow Gates inside the vertical chambers to minimize vertical and lateral downshifting. The design has been incorporated into all of the company’s down bags this year, including the new Heart Mountain SL 30. Featuring the first generation of lightweight Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon treated with a durable water-repellant treatment, this 800-fill semi-rectangular down bag offers more room in the foot box and shoulders. The Heart Mountain also includes Big Agnes’ signature integrated pad sleeve and built-in pillow pocket as well as a no-draft collar, tube and wedge that insulates the connection between the bag and pad. $360. 30F, regular. 2 pounds 2 ounces. Big Agnes: 877/554-8975; bigagnes.com.

Coleman

Coleman multi-temperature

Coleman introduces a variable-temperature sleeping bag this season called the Multi Comfort, which uses multiple layers so campers can customize their sleeping experience. Featuring a fleece layer for cool nights and a lightweight sheet for warmer nights, as well as a pillow pad, this rectangular sleeping bag is made with Diamond ripstop and brushed polyester fabrics. $50. 20/70F, regular. 6 pounds. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Eureka!
Perhaps most popular in 2011 are bags that offer multiple ratings, allowing campers to use them in a variety of temperatures. Take, for instance, the Eureka! Dual Temp, which is designed for versatility — just flip over the bag to achieve the desired temperature rating. Featuring a 60D ripstop polyester shell and Eureka!’s proprietary Rteq insulation, this hybrid-rectangular sleeping bag incorporates contoured shoulders and a tapered lower leg section while offering generous width through the chest and hips to maximize comfort and performance. $90. 20/40F, regular. 3 pounds 6 ounces. Eureka!: 800/572-8822; eurekatent.com.

Exped
Exped is another company pushing the envelope in sleeping bag design by focusing on versatility with its Dreamwalker 250. Not only does it function as a regular sleeping bag with side and foot zippers and a hood, it can also be used as a rectangular blanket with a rolled-in and stowed hood, as an insulated poncho, or as a liner to enhance the performance of an existing bag. Made with Texped PA35 ripstop nylon, this 750-fill down bag features an anatomically shaped hood, locking zippers with glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, and comes with a waterproof fold-n-roll stuff sack. $235. European Norm (EN) Comfort 61F, regular. 1 pound 8 ounces. Exped: 866/326-4586; exped.com.

Golite

Golite Adrenaline

Golite is leading the eco-friendly movement, restructuring its entire line to incorporate as many recycled fabrics as possible, while also adding roomier semi-rectangular bags to the line. For optimal performance, though, the Adrenaline 1+ Season Mummy is the lightest, most compressible model in the Adrenaline series. It features lofty 800-fill down, and recycled Pertex Eco waterproof, breathable fabric strategically placed in Arid Zones at the head and foot for protection against condensation.

This bag also includes performance features like a center-front zipper for ventilation, snug-fitting SkullGlove hood as well as vertical- and horizontal- chamber and baffle systems that maximize down distribution for optimum warmth. $280. 40F, regular. 1 pound 9 ounces. Golite: 888/546-5483; golite.com.

Kelty
Loaded with cool new features, the Galactic Hoody from Kelty is a 15-degree down rectangular bag with a removable hood for warmer nights. Made with a light, durable polyester ripstop shell and a soft polyester pongee liner, this bag also includes a zippered chest pocket and can be fully unzipped and opened flat for use as a comforter. $169. 15F, regular. 3 pounds 11 ounces. Kelty: 800/423-2320; kelty.com.

L.L.Bean
L.L. Bean is also jumping on the ultralight bandwagon this year with the introduction of its aptly named Ultralight Sleeping Bag. Offering an exceptional weight-to-comfort ratio by featuring a relaxed semi-rectangular shape combined with the high-performance comfort of Primaloft Sport, it’s engineered for superior warmth, water resistance, softness and compressibility. $199. 30F, regular. 2 pounds. L.L.Bean: 800/441-5713; llbean.com.

Marmot

Marmot Plasma

The latest and greatest technology in sleeping bags is exemplified in Marmot’s new ultralight Plasma. Featuring Insotect’s Flow design, this 900-fill down bag is also made with Pertex Quantum GL, a new lightweight yet strong, waterproof, breathable fabric that packs small and keeps this revolutionary sleeping bag weighing under 2 pounds. It also features the European Norm (EN) 13537 rating that certifies it as being tested on four levels: upper limit, comfort rating, lower limit and extreme rating as well as a lower limit rating for women. $419. EN Comfort 33F, regular. 1 pound 6 ounces. Marmot: 888/357-3262; marmot.com.

Mountain Hardwear
Shapes are ever changing with the number of double bags notably increasing. Take Mountain Hardwear’s introduction of two new double-size bags this season, one of which is a sibling to the Lamina collection, the MegaLamina 20. This semi-rectangular bag features Thermic Micro insulation and Welded Lamina construction, eliminating sewing, which can compress and create cold spots. The 40D ripstop nylon shell is also DWR treated and comes equipped with two full-length, double-slider zippers for optimum ventilation. $200. 20F, double. Mountain Hardwear: 800/953-8375; mountainhardwear.com .

Mountainsmith
Bargain synthetic bags packed with features can also be found in this year’s offerings. Mountainsmith debuts a new line of sleeping bags this season, featuring relaxed mummy bags like the Poncha 35, which features calf-length zippers to save weight, a full-length draft tube and a contoured footbox. Made with a quilt construction, internal liner loops and a Sil-Nylon water-resistant compression stuff sack, this sleeping bag uses polyester pongee outer fabric, has a taffeta polyester lining and is filled with MountainLoft Hollowfibers. $89. 35F, one-size-fits-most. 2 pounds 14 ounces. Mountainsmith: 800/551-5889; mountainsmith.com.

REI
Combining fills is also growing in popularity, represented in this collection from REI’s new Kingdom sleeping bags, available in single or double. Made with a lofty 600-fill down top and compression-resilient polyfill bottom, this relaxed mummy bag features a ripstop nylon shell with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and a silky nylon taffeta lining. $129. 30F, single. 3 pounds 8 ounces; double, 6 pounds 1 ounce. REI: 800/426-4840; rei.com.

Sierra Designs
Another trend emerging in the market is offered in Sierra Design’s new Pyro sleeping bag that features Core Comfort body-mapping technology. With its advanced double-baffle system, the Pyro adds extra 600-fill down insulation directly over the torso to maximize heat retention in this crucial area. It also offers an ergonomic foot box and hood for comfort, a pillow pocket for convenience, and a zipper draft tube and draft collar for keeping cold air out. $250. 15F, regular. 2 pounds 13 ounces. Sierra Designs: 800/635-0461; sierradesigns.com.

Slumberjack
Bags in general are getting a little roomier. Take the new Log Cabin from Slumberjack, which not only features an updated rectangular cut, but also includes an oversized side panel for a roomier, more comfortable fit. Insulated with Slumberloft and made with a durable poly-cotton canvas shell and soft polyester pongee liner, the Log Cabin features a flip-over hood for use as a flat or contoured hood. $60. 40F, regular. 4 pounds 14 ounces. Slumberjack: 800/233-6283; slumberjack.com.

Log Cabin by Slumberjack

Bags For Kids
Mountain Hardwear’s new 20-degree-rated Mountain Goat Adjustable ($80) sleeping bag grows with your children from the time they are 4 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall using a draw cord system that adjusts the internal length of the bag. Made with Thermic MX synthetic insulation, 50D nylon taffeta and 50D polyester taffeta, this 2-pound, 3-ounce bag also features a face gasket, draft tube and chest pocket for gizmos and gadgets.

Creature Comforts
Creating a sleep system that mimics your bed at home is the best recipe for a good night’s sleep. Companies are now designing not only sleeping pads, but also pillows, liners and sheets. Most noticeable is the growth in pillows, as seen in Kelty’s new ultra-light and compressible 650-fill down pillow featuring a perimeter compression draw cord that also creates a pocket used to customize firmness with extra clothing.By Lesley Suppes

Hope this helps in your sleeping bag purchases in the future!

Chris

Whats the best camp stove? Heres the Skinny!

2011-10-31T18:28:00.001-04:00

If your family is like mine, one of the most important parts of planning your camping trip is the food. From flaming s’mores to roasting hot dogs to baking biscuits over a campfire, food is an essential part of a successful camping trip. And whether you cook everything from scratch at your campsite or heat up beans right in the can, you need to have the proper equipment to get your cooking done.

Here are some examples of camp stoves to get your thoughts percolating. Some are new and some are tried-and-true favorites. Keep in mind that these companies offer a wide variety of products, so make sure you visit their websites and view all they have to offer.

Mr. Max Table Top Burner
The Mr. Max Table Top Burner ($39) is an easy-to-use, single-burner butane mini-stove that’s built tough to withstand the rigors of continuous use. Mr. Max features a large heavy-gauge metal body and porcelain enamel-coated steel drip pan. The extra-large cooking surface holds standard-size cookware and delivers up to 10,000 BTUs of finely controlled heat. This portable stove includes its own storage case. Aervoe Industries: 800/227-0196; aervoe.com.

Max Burton Deluxe Induction Cooktop
If your camping setup includes full hookups, you might want to consider the Max Burton Deluxe Induction Cooktop ($120). Induction offers cooking with no open flame or exposed heating elements. This cooktop operates on 120-volt plug-in power and features an upgraded stainless body with 10 variable-temperature settings from 140 to 450 degrees F, 10 power levels from 500 to 1,800 watts, and a 180-minute timer that will automatically shut down the unit when time has expired. Aervoe Industries: 800/227-0196; aervoe.com.

Camp Chef Everest Stove
Keeping it the same size and weight as the company’s popular Mountain Series stove, Camp Chef has come out with its new high-output Everest Stove ($110). Boasting 40,000 BTUs, the Everest is built to cook, boil and fry anything that’s thrown its way. Highlights include a built-in carry handle and matchless ignition. Camp Chef: 800/650-2433; campchef.com.

Camp Chef Portable Gas Fire Ring

Camp Chef Gas Fire Ring

If you enjoy an easy campfire while enjoying the great outdoors, you should check out the Portable Gas Fire Ring ($100) by Camp Chef. The Camp Chef portable fire ring will provide that warm
glow with enough power to roast hot dogs and brown marshmallows. A carry bag and two extendable roasting forks are included with the fire pit. Its compact size is perfect for the car-camping family on the go. Camp Chef: 800/650-2433; campchef.com.

Camp Chef Big Gas Grill
The Camp Chef Big Gas Grill ($300), with three 30,000-BTU burners, can crank out enough heat to cook for a crowd. It comes with a side shelf and a hinged-lid barbecue box that covers two burners. The barbecue box can be easily removed from the stove so you have access to all three burners. Other highlights include appliance-style, burner-control knobs, a cast-iron, pre-seasoned grate, built-in ignition, independent leveling legs, removable grilling attachment and carry handles. Camp Chef: 800/650-2433; campchef.com.

Coleman All-in-One Cooking System
The new Coleman All-in-One Cooking System ($150) is a versatile, compact, totally portable cooking solution that includes a stove, grill grate, griddle and stockpot/warmer. Feature highlights include an easy-to-clean removable, porcelain-coated, stamped-steel grill grate, nickel-coated stove grate and aluminized-steel drip pan. All the removable cooking surfaces are dishwasher safe. The All-in-One Cooking System is propane-powered and offers matchless piezoelectric pushbutton lighting. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Coleman Perfectflow Instastart 2-Burner Stove
The Perfectflow Instastart 2-Burner Stove ($70) from Coleman offers 22,000 BTUs of cooking power in two high-performance burners. The stove features independently adjusted burners, Coleman’s InstaStart push-button matchless ignition system, the PerfectFlow system that regulates fuel flow for constant, even heat and its WindBlock shield system to protect burners from the wind. Easy to clean, with a removable, nickel-chrome grate, the stove comes with a rust-resistant, durable, enamel-painted case. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Coleman Perfectflow Instastart Fold-N-Go 2-Burner Stove
If you want the convenience of a two-burner stove in a smaller package, check out Coleman’s 10,000-BTU Perfectflow Instastart Fold-N-Go 2-Burner Stove ($80). This stove is about 25 percent smaller than most traditional two-burner stoves. The Fold-N-Go 2-Burner Stove operates on propane, is easy to carry, simple to stow, and folds out into two full-size cooking areas. Its regulator and cooking grates store conveniently inside the stove when not in use. The Fold-N-Go also features the InstaStart matchless starting system. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Coleman Powerpack 1-Burner Stove
Coleman’s Powerpack 1-Burner Stove ($35) is made of an aluminized-steel cooktop and removable, nickel-chrome grate for easy cleanup. The large 31?4-inch, 7,500-BTU burner is to the side of the propane cylinder in a low-profile fashion and is fully adjustable. The stove’s low profile and compact design mean it’s easy to clean, store and pack. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Coleman Dual Fuel Powerhouse 2-Burner Stove

Coleman Dual Fuel Powerhouse

The Dual Fuel Powerhouse Stove ($130) by Coleman provides cooking power and convenience with a 3.5-pint fuel tank that can hold either clean-burning Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline. The Dual Fuel Powerhouse Stove gives you 17,000 total BTUs of cooking performance in two powerful burners. Coleman claims a full fuel tank will run for about two hours with both burners set on high. The large cooking surface provides room for up to two 12-inch pots side by side. Coleman's WindBlock system shields the burners from wind for maximum heat, and the wind-guards adjust to various pot sizes for convenience. The heavy-duty nickel-chrome cooking grate is removable, so cleanup is a snap. The removable fuel tank stores inside the stove when not in use. The kit includes a fuel-filtering funnel. Coleman: 800/835-3278; coleman.com.

Primus Profile BBQ
You’ll want to check out the new Primus Profile BBQ ($110) for cooking up your favorite grilled food without the hassles of charcoal. A large non-stick cooking surface makes it easy to create perfectly grilled meats and veggies every time. The removable grease catcher and grill make cleanup a breeze, while the lock and carry handle allow for easy transport. Other features include a piezoelectric ignition, durable steel construction, and up to 9,700 BTUs of precision controlled heat. The Profile BBQ weighs less than 9 pounds and runs on 1-pound propane canisters. Primus: 307/857-4700; primuscamping.com.

Primus Atle Stove
Dual burners and highly adjustable flames make the Primus Atle Stove ($100) a versatile backcountry cooker. The Atle Stove accommodates fry pans and larger pots, which makes it ideal for group cooking. Made of stainless steel, the Atle will clean up easily. Highlights include pop-up windscreens and piezoelectric (matchless) ignition. The Atle Stove folds closed and features an integrated carry handle for easy transport. A flexible hose connector is compatible with 1-pound propane canisters. Primus: 307/857-4700; primuscamping.com.

Primus Profile Duo
The new Profile Duo stove ($120) by Primus offers a unique design that allows campers to simultaneously grill on one side while boiling or sautéing on the other. Built for durability and reliable service, the stainless-steel, propane-powered Profile Duo stove is lightweight and folds down for easy transport. Feature highlights include a non-stick grill surface for easy cleanup and adjustable flame controls. Primus: 307/857-4700; primuscamping.com.

SNOW PEAK Two Burner Stove
The GigaPower Two Burner Stove ($400) by Snow Peak features stainless-steel construction and easy storage. This stove makes cooking simple. The 11,200-BTU two-burner stove has a simmering function and the built-in auto ignition makes it convenient to light. The compact design allows for easy cleanup and storage. The two-burner stove uses standard Lindal-valve canisters. Snow Peak: 503/697-3330; snowpeak.com.

SNOW PEAK Baja Burner Stove

Baja Burner Stove

The GigaPower Baja Burner Stove ($160) is Snow Peak’s newest stove and incorporates its liquid injection technology. Using an inverted canister, it delivers a consistent BTU output throughout the entire life of the fuel canister. The all-stainless-steel construction makes it a very durable stove. Snow Peak: 503/697-3330; snowpeak.com.

Rome Industries Firepan Rotisserie Grill
This self-contained outdoor cooking system offers the camper the perfect option in campgrounds where firepans are required, or it can be used as a backyard fire pit if the focus at home is on outdoor cooking. The 15x193?4-inch pan is made from heavy-duty steel for safety and durability, and the Firepan Rotisserie Grill ($160) features an adjustable grate and a hand-crank rotisserie basket, making it easy to cook your meals just right. No tools are required for assembly. Rome Industries: 800/818-7603; romeindustries.com.

Stansport Outfitter Series Propane Stove
Stansport’s Outfitter Series Propane Stove ($100) has two oversized stainless-steel burners that produce 25,000 BTUs. Its oversized steel frame, extra heavy-duty cooking grate and stainless top were designed to accommodate the heaviest pots. It also includes new control valves (for maximum heat regulation), a high altitude pressure regulator and stainless-steel drip pan. Each burner has its own windscreen for maximum heating and the piezoelectric ignition requires no matches. This stove, unlike most others, comes in a variety of colors, including black, green, blue, orange and yellow. Stansport: 800/421-6131; stansport.com.
Special Thanks to Robin Walton for her research!

The Big, Bright Lantern Shootout!

2011-10-31T18:20:00.003-04:00

Here we go! More than you ever wanted to know about the current lantern options!

In the past decade, lanterns have taken a giant leap forward in efficiency and design. To assess the current state of camp illumination, we acquired various types of lanterns from an array of manufacturers for testing. After weeks of evaluation, only those units from our tests that met or exceeded advertised run time, displayed durability sufficient for multi-season camping applications and in our opinion offered excellent value made the final cut. What follows are some recommendations for using various types of lanterns, their advantages and disadvantages, and a number of suggestions.

LIQUID FUEL

Liquid-fueled lanterns are the oldest type of lantern. Nonetheless, they work well for lighting large areas, cast a pleasing, soft light and are inexpensive to operate. We recommend models that burn unleaded and white gas (sometimes called Coleman fuel). Gasoline costs less than half the price of white gas, but if spilled its odor is more offensive and persistent. You can fill the average fuel reservoir with unleaded and receive about 7 hours of light (more with some models) for your effort. Even the more expensive white gas fuels these lanterns for about 25 percent of the cost of similar propane lanterns. On the downside, liquid-fuel lanterns must be pumped periodically to maintain pressure.

One company, Coleman, dominates the liquid-fuel lantern market, and in our tests, two models came to the forefront: The Northstar Dual Fuel Lantern and the Premium Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern. The Northstar sports a battery-powered (one AAA) electronic ignition and a tube-style mantle. This is a very bright lantern that runs about seven hours on its high setting, nearly twice that long on low. We liked its stable design and non-skid base. Offering similar run times and brightness as the Northstar, the Premium Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern is a more basic and rugged traditional lantern, utilizing two sock-type mantles that are lit with matches. These lanterns cost about 9 cents an hour to run during our test.

GAS POWERED
Propane lanterns have been around for several decades and their popularity stems from their simplicity of operation. Simply screw a propane bottle onto the lantern, light it and forget it. There’s no liquid gas to spill and no pumping to maintain the lantern’s pressure.

Among propane camping lanterns, Coleman again masters the field. On the list is the Northstar InstaStart Propane Lantern. The unit slightly exceeded the advertised run time of 4.3 hours from a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder on high and 9.25 hours on low. Nonetheless, this is a fuel-hungry lantern that will require one propane cylinder per night while camping if burned on the high setting. However, it casts a very bright light though a single tube-style mantle. For most situations, the low setting provides adequate lighting for a large area. In our test, fuel costs for this unit averaged 70 cents an hour on the high setting, 30 cents on low.

Among the field, we also tested the Perfectflow Compact Lantern from Coleman. Although it exceeded the advertised run time of 12 hours on a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, we were less than impressed with the light output.

No matter what propane lantern you use, for extended trips or continued use in a particular area, you can greatly economize by connecting a lantern to a bulk propane tank (like those used on a barbecue grill). Coleman’s Propane Tree (a pipe that attaches to the top of a bulk tank) and High Pressure Propane Hose and Adapter can convert propane lanterns to bulk fuel tanks. You can save in fuel cost over purchasing 16.4-ounce fuel cylinders and also eliminate the need to discard the disposable cylinders after use.

BATTERIES
Battery-powered lanterns emitting light via LEDs or fluorescent bulbs are currently the rage in outdoor lighting. Though very convenient to operate, battery-powered lanterns come with two potential drawbacks. First, their light tends to be very white and somewhat harsh in comparison to propane or liquid-fuel lanterns. Also, dead batteries contain highly corrosive chemicals that represent an environmental hazard in landfills or disposal sites.

Our tests confirmed the old adage “you get what you pay for.” If you’re depending on a battery lantern for light in a remote location, invest in a quality unit from a reputable company. After putting some 30 units from a variety of manufacturers through our tests for brightness, run time and durability, here are the models that rose to the top.

For our purposes, we classified large lanterns as those requiring four or more D-cell batteries. Some of these models boast light intensity capable of usefully illuminating objects 50 feet from the lantern. However, the ultra-bright models can be expensive to operate. Buying batteries from discount sources will help contain costs, but operating a large lantern using eight D batteries may still cost over $1 per hour to operate on the high setting. Run time is greatly extended and cost dramatically decreased on the low setting. These lanterns are ideal for lighting large outdoor areas, but are generally too large and bulky to be hung from the ceiling of a tent.

The eGear 10-Day Lantern is on the small side in this category, but proved to be an excellent lantern. Powered by four D Energizer batteries in our tests, it handily exceeded the advertised run time on the high setting of 40 hours. The lantern burned an incredible 240 hours on low. We liked its compact, weather-resistant design (1.3 pounds without batteries) and infinitely adjustable brightness between the low and high settings.

The Black Diamond Titan is another large lantern operating on four D batteries. It ran 24 hours on high, about 170 hours on low. It’s a very rugged unit featuring a collapsible globe to conserve space when packing. The Titan boasts an actual push-button dimmer switch that toggles the lantern at any setting between high and low. An excellent feature on this lantern is a battery indicator light, which alerts the user to low batteries.

Among the most rugged of the large battery lanterns we tested, the Eureka! Warrior 400 LED Lantern provides enough illumination to light a camping area with an impressively long run time. On its high setting, the Warrior stayed lit for about 60 hours on a single set of six D-cell batteries. In addition to the lantern, the unit also incorporates directional LEDs (essentially a flashlight) on its back. The directional lights consist of a white, red and flashing red setting that serves as a signaling or warning light. On its red flashing mode, the unit operated for 5.5 days. We really liked this lantern’s simple design. The directional LED portion seemed an inferior substitute for a flashlight or headlamp, although the flashing red mode would certainly be useful in emergency situations.

On the big side is the Coleman Twin High Performance LED Lantern. This lantern is comparable in size to a two-mantle liquid fuel model. Powered by eight D-cell batteries, it ran more 10 hours on high and about 100 hours on low. Its switch allowed for complete adjustment of brightness between low and high. On the high setting, it adequately lights the average campsite.

In our test, medium lanterns were those that operated on three D-cell batteries. They’re very versatile — bright enough for outdoor light, compact enough for minimally intrusive lighting in a tent. The Energizer Weather Ready 360 Degree Area Light operates up to 15 hours on its highest setting. It sports highly weather-resistant construction and a non-slip carrying handle. This lantern has three settings: high, low and night light. It also comes with a detachable LED keychain light, a feature we found quite attractive should it become necessary to change batteries after dark.

Super-tough construction is one of the highlights of the Brunton Polaris XL LED Lantern. A 45-hour run time on high is outstanding in this category. It’s advertised with a 1,080-hour run time on low, a claim we didn’t have time to fully evaluate in our tests. A five-position illumination dial and a handy hanging clip round out the excellent features of this lantern.

We grouped the units that run on AA batteries together as small lanterns. These are best suited for remote camping or backpacking where space is at a premium, although they’re also ideal for pocket-carry and kids’ lanterns in car-camping settings. Don’t be fooled by their small size. Some of these little powerhouses throw a surprising amount of light, enough for reading, tent illumination and general camp chores.

Black Diamond scored big in this category with the Apollo Lantern. This light featured an extendable globe and a clever three-leg stand. It exceeded the advertised 15-hour run time on high in our tests when powered by Energizer batteries and is said to operate 60 hours on low. The Apollo also features a collapsible hanging ring and can be powered externally via the DC power port. It utilizes a dimmer button to move anywhere between the maximum and minimum settings. A low-battery indicator light alerts the user when it’s time to change the four AA batteries.

The eGear Grenade LED Lantern was one our favorite products in the entire test. It’s a very bright and durable little light that operates on three AA batteries. Run time on high was 25 hours, seven of which were at “maximum output.” On low it is said to operate for 50 hours. The lantern also has a flashing mode for signaling with a 50-hour run time. Two plastic clips and a carabiner allow for easy hanging. Our only complaint with this unit is the exposed power switch that can accidentally be turned on in transit.

Brunton’s Primus Pocket Camping Lantern is yet another nifty product with three settings that easily passed muster in this category. Powered by four AA batteries, it posted a run time of about 12 hours on high, and about 50 hours on low. This unit can stand on its non-slip, rubberized base or hang via a collapsible ring.

Our tests included a few specialty lanterns that didn’t fit neatly into any of the categories, or were just so unique that they required separate treatment. Two of these in particular caught our attention. The first is the Coleman Quad Lantern. This unit is a lantern with four removable panels that recharge from the base. An on/off button on top of the unit lights all the panels, providing 360-degree lighting. Each panel can be removed from the base and operated from an on/off switch on its back, essentially providing four mini-lanterns that can be removed and replaced for a variety of uses. The Quad operates on eight D-cell batteries with a run time of about 75 hours.

Another great specialty item is the Energizer Solar Folding Lantern. This lantern is bright enough for general camp lighting with the appeal of solar recharging. Exposed to the sun for about five hours, it yields about two hours of lighting. Leave it in the sun all day, and the rechargeable solar batteries inside will light your campsite and tent until bedtime. The lantern can also be operated via traditional, disposable batteries if you forget to leave it in the sun.

So it seems that no matter what your lighting needs are, there’s a lantern for you. Come to think of it, there may be several.
By Jack Ballard

2011-10-27T21:11:00.002-04:00

National Park Service Passes Now Available by Mail!

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Lifetime passes to America’s national parks for senior citizens and Americans with disabilities are now available through the mail.
In a news release, National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the Senior Pass and the Access Pass will still be available at national parks, “But the option of receiving a pass by mail may better suit some people and any change that makes it more convenient to prepare to come to the parks is a change for the better. We want everyone to experience the amazing places in our care.

“National parks have a lot to offer,” continued Jarvis. “They are places to share with children, grandchildren, and other family members. They facilitate recreation and healthy living. Many parks, including Yellowstone, Shenandoah and Denali, have trails that are accessible to people with limited mobility and to wheelchair users. We also have many accessible camping and picnic areas.”

The Senior and Access passes provide admission to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees. Pass users also receive a 50% discount on some amenity fees for activities like camping and launching a boat. They are available to citizens and permanent residents of the United States age 62 or more or who have permanent disabilities regardless of age.
The “Senior” and “Access” versions of the America the Beautiful Pass – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – are good for a lifetime. The Access pass is free and the Senior pass is just $10. There is a $10 processing fee to receive either pass by the mail.

To get your Senior pass through the mail just submit a completed application, proof of residency and age, and $20. The fee covers the cost of the pass and a document processing fee. You can print out an application at this website: http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html. Once the application package is received and the documentation verified, the pass will be mailed to you.

The application for the Access pass is also available at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html. To receive the Access pass, mail the completed application along with proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability plus the $10 document processing fee. Once the application package is received and verified, the pass and the documentation of permanent disability you provided will be mailed to you.
For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html.

RV's and Spaceheaters? Whats the Skinny?

2011-10-27T20:29:00.000-04:00

Winter in North America invariably breeds the perennial question: What space heater is best for use in my RV? It's as bad as a "Ford v Chevy" question in terms of what answers you'll get.

First, why a space heater? Many RVers complain that their factory equipped RV gas furnace is a huge LP sucker. It's true, because of the nature of RV furnaces, they don't put all their energy into your RV--a considerable amount is blasted outside. That's to keep the firebox (and it's associated combustion byproducts) isolated from your living quarters. Heat is produced in the firebox, which liberates nasties like carbon monoxide into the outside air, transferring the hat without the nasties, into your house.

Enter the space heater. Most, if not all (depending on the heater design) of the heat produced by the space heater is given off inside your living quarters, hence far less cost to heat than using the furnace. A space heater can also keep you warmer for less, because you determine whether the heat goes in your rig (say keeping the bedroom closed off and unheated by day) rather than blasting heat into every section of the rig, used or not. However you cannot expect to use spaceheaters in your unit without stressing your electric hookup and breakers! Now let's break down space heaters based on their fuel types.

Gas space heaters: Generally fired by LP from your rig's own factory equipped LP containers, although some use disposable or portable LP containers. A gas space heater is basically the only way to space heat when boondocking away from shore power, as firing up a generator to give electricity to an electric space heater just blows any efficiencies out the window.

uscatalytic.com

Catalytic space heaters don't have an open flame for heat, but rather use a special 'catalyst bed' to produce a radiant heat. A radiant heater produces heat quickly for any object or person directly in its path. Great for use even outdoors, or in a poorly insulated RV. 'Cat' heaters generally don't require any electricity to operate, so they're a favorite among boondockers. To heat a large area of an RV it take a LONG time, as the heat first has to be absorbed by nearby objects, then given off to a wider area. Most are non-vented, meaning the take their oxygen from the room to burn.

googleusercontent.com

'Blue flame' style heaters are as they sound, a flame type heater. Typically the flame is shielded behind glass or a metal grill. Flame type heaters will warm a large area of your RV, but they take a little longer for the heat to penetrate a nearby body than does a radiant style cat heater. A few flame type heaters are made to be vented outside the rig, but they're quite rare among RVers. Look for an oxygen sensor when shopping for a non-vented flame heater. The sensor will shut down the heater in case the oxygen level in the rig begins to drop to a danger point. Some RVers have complained about watery, burning eyes when using a flame type heater.

Be careful to read the instructions with your non-vented heater. Most require having outside air available for safety. That translates to leaving a window or roof vent open to allow a certain number of square inches of outside air inside. Don't ever bring a portable (refillable) LP container into your rig to fire your space heater; and if plumbing in a line to fire your heater from the rig's LP supply, don't use a standard air-line "quick disconnect," but spring for the extra few bucks it costs for a gas-rated disconnect.

Electric Space Heaters: If your RVing keeps you close to shore power utilities, and especially if your electricity is included in your rent, electric space heaters are particularly attractive. Like gas space heaters, there are different types of electric ones.

northerntool.com

'Radiant' space heaters very often rely on halogen technology, a tungsten metal filament inside a quartz envelope. These produce lots of radiant heat quickly, like a gas-fired cat heater. Again, it's great heat if you're sitting in front of the heater, but it can take a long time to heat up a large area.

'Convection' style heaters are just about anything else in terms of an electric space heater. Wire coils either provide direct heat, or indirectly through some medium like an oil-filled case. Some have fans to spread the heat into the room faster, others do not. In terms of efficiency, that is, how much heat your get for how much electricity you put into the beast, there is almost no negligible difference.

Much of the difference between electric space heaters is a matter of safety. Oil filled heaters have a fairly low surface temperature, hence if they fall over, probably won't do much damage. However, the oil-filled heaters take a long time to produce heat, and are better if you'll have them on for hours at a time. Other heaters that produce heat in a hurry often have 'tip switches,' that shut the heater down if they tip over.

Still, take safety seriously when using electric heaters. Don't run them on an extension cord if at all possible. Never route their cords under carpeting. Keep them away from kids and pets. It's best never to leave any portable electric space heater running when you're not around. The same is true for portable gas heaters. Those that mount to the wall may be safer, as they're less likely to get knocked over by a pet or an unexpected unplanned bump.

This is all good information. However, as I stated before.. space heaters are large amperage usage items and can constantly pop your breaker. Some insurance companies are not to fond of the use of these and you may wanna check with them first. Your insurance may not cover any damages associated with a space heater in your unit. Also dogs and small children can be easily injured by space heaters.

My advice is to purchase a four season camper if your gonna camp in cool weather and use the designed engineered furnace that is factory installed in your unit. Its a few extra bucks in LP but a large portion of piece of mind!

C Brown

Special thanks to http://www.rvtravel.com/ for information in this post!

2011-10-27T20:01:00.001-04:00

Monster Buffet Halloween Party Fun

Are you having a Halloween party and looking for something a bit out of the ordinary to entertain your guests of all ages? How about hosting a “monster buffet”…sure to satisfy monsters of all shapes and sizes. This buffet isn’t to dine on, though. Instead, it’s creepy, crawly, touchy, feely scrumptious party fun. Your guests will walk down the “buffet” line, getting a good feel of “eyeballs”, “guts”, “a shrunken head”, “snot”, and more…your imagination is the limit.

Here’s how it works:

Prepare a station of six or seven ghoulish experiences along a rectangular table or countertop. Visit the dollar store and purchase plastic pumpkin candy totes – like children use for trick or treat – one for each station. Each pumpkin will contain one “buffet” item. Consider:

Black olives = eyeballs
Cooked spaghetti coated generously with oil = guts
Small, hairy coconut = shrunken head
Cornstarch slime = snot (here's how to make snot - use green food coloring)
Baby carrots (leave out and allow to dry a bit) = fingers
Ripe mango - lightly oiled = heart
Cornmeal = ground bones
Ears = dried apricots
Large pickle end = nose
Popcorn kernels = teeth
Wet yarn = hair

Cover the top of each container so guests cannot see inside. Label each station with what’s inside (guts, eyeballs, snot, etc.). Have a few “crypt keepers” behind the table to help guests and discourage peeking.

Invite guests to walk the line, reaching into each pumpkin container and getting a good feel of the contents. Be sure to provide plenty of napkins or paper towels (and perhaps even a bucket of clean water) for guests to use to clean up at the end of the “buffet” line.

Tip: Avoid using any type of meat product or other item that may be unsanitary.

Enjoy this good clean fun…guaranteed to gross out even the most wicked monsters among us! Delish!!

Let me know how it goes...what you used...party goer reactions...right here on the RV Cooking Show blog...

I hope you enjoyed this encore blog post originally released in 2009. Boo!

Evanne
RVCookingShow.com

Mid Summer Slump?

2011-08-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

Its now August and the camping season is officially half over in many eyes. Campers seem to dwindle in numbers in the late summer months. I can understand school shopping, fitting that last week of vacation in at the end of the summer before school starts, and of course the economy! Just as soon as fall hits campgrounds will be clobbered with the "I only camp when I can wear a sweatshirt" group and the "I love when the leaves turn" demographic. These campers are not the same people that have been camping all year long. There are a few die hards that come year round but not many. So to everyone looking to get away and does not want a crowded campground, August and Sept may be your ticket.

Chris Brown

Adams & Lancaster County Pennsylvania, MD & DE Campground Robberies

2011-04-09T20:35:00.002-04:00

Here is the latest news on the robberies!

Government Shutting Down Campgrounds?

2011-04-09T13:29:00.000-04:00

Corps of Engineers Outlines Park Closures

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning Saturday (April 9), if the potential shutdown of the federal government goes into effect. Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted.

Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place, according to a news release.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers understands the impact that these actions might have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas,” said Michael G. Ensch, Chief of Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use Corps recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible.”

Beginning Saturday and continuing through the end of the shutdown, if it goes into effect, no new visitors will be allowed into, or reservations accepted for, Corps recreation facilities. Campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. Sunday.

In the event of a shutdown, customers may cancel their reservations for a full refund. Customers required to vacate campsites early will receive a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservations. As an alternative, customers may elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Customers may request a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at (888) 448-1474. If the customer chooses to do nothing, the reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after their departure date during the shutdown period.

The Corps will post current information on the closure and reopening of facilities on the Headquarters website at www.usace.army.mil and locally on Corps District’s websites.

Looking for a serious Toy Hauler?

2011-04-09T13:03:00.000-04:00

The New High End Voltage Toy Hauler is Catching on!

In less than four months from its introduction, Voltage luxury toy haulers from Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. have entered the top 25 retail sales for fifth-wheels in the United States, the company reported in a news release.

Voltage is ranked No. 24 according to the January 2011 Statistical Surveys Inc. (SSI) Market report.

Tom Walworth, SSI’s general manager, commented, “This accomplishment is unprecedented in the history of luxury toy haulers. Retail sales are showing a significant increase in the $50,000 plus prince point. Voltage is performing very well in this segment.”

Nate Goldenberg, general manager of Dutchmen RV’s Denali, Voltage and Rubicon product lines, credits the success of the brand to the innovative product design and the quality of dealers Voltage has attracted to Dutchmen.

“When we developed Voltage, we knew that the product had to be simply better than the competition,” he said. “There are a lot of “cookie cutter” toy haulers in the market today. Voltage had to offer unique product advantages and offer the most features and value in the toy hauler segment.”
Voltage currently offers four 102-inch wide high profile fifth-wheel floorplans from 35 feet to 42 feet and retails for $54,000 to $68,000. Floorplans feature 7-foot, 6-inch tall super slides in the main living area, innovative side aisle bathrooms, and exclusive bedroom designs with either a huge wardrobe slide or a king bed slide with a front walk in closet. Voltage offers floorplans with garages from 10 feet to 14 feet feet and is available in five different exterior paint packages.
Dutchmen RV is a division of Thor industries Inc. Dutchmen RV produces several brands of towable recreational vehicles that are sold throughout the United States and Canada. Dutchmen RV brands include the Denali, Komfort, Infinity, Aspen Trail, Kodiak, Voltage, Rubicon, Aerolite, Coleman and Dutchmen brands. For more information on Dutchmen RV and its brands visit http://www.dutchmen.com/ or call (574) 537-0600.

Closest Dealership in my area is:
GRUMBINE'S R.V.CENTER
7501 Allentown Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 657-3747
(717) 657-0787 (fax)
http://www.grumbine.com/
gbonter@cwrvs.com

Travel Fast & Camp Slow!
Chris

2011 Campers World RV show

2011-03-13T20:39:00.002-04:00

The 33rd York RV show was held at the York Fairgrounds in York Pa. The Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) put on one of the best RV shows of the year. Encompassing the entire Memorial Hall and the Toyota building, there were all types of units for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. These buildings housed the latest models and floor plans in the industry and also many of the World class campgrounds that Pennsylvania is known for. Spanning Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday PCOA dazzled onlookers with hourly Bingo games for free VIP weekends at member Campgrounds & Resorts. Door prizes were called out throughout the entire weekend and the food and refreshments were easily available and affordable.
A bus that ran between both buildings every 7 minutes made it very easy for customers to travel from dealer to dealer and campground to campground. PCOA also had Treasure Hunts, where you could match your entry ticket number to a PCOA member booth and win more prizes, I had fun, and I was working a booth!
It,s no wonder that PCOA put on an excellent RV show. The Campground owners that work to preserve and produce Pennsylvania's natural resources to you and your family for enjoyment and education know how to take care of things. If you want to camp in the best campgrounds and be pampered by the best people, go to the PCOA website and find a location near you, you'll be glad you did.

PCOA WEBSITE
PCOA Directory

Travel Fast & Camp Slow!
Chris

Blue ones are Best ????????????

2011-03-13T18:46:00.000-04:00

As I worked another weekend RV Show tempting campers to come to the Resort in which I work I had lots on my mind. Sitting wondering how I am going to get the Resort up and ready for camping in just a couple of weeks, when I hear a customer ring out," I stayed there once and had a site in the shade, your place has no grassy sites, I am not coming back!". This gentleman was very loud and obnoxious and displayed no general concern so I asked him, "Did you choose that site when you booked it, or did the folks at the reservation desk pick it for you?, did you ask for a grassy site?". The man muttered ,"yeah I picked it from the map cause it was blue on there and my friend said the blue ones are good."

If you know me at all, my mind has just shifted into overdrive with thousands of things I could blast out in response. But instead I looked to both sides to see if anyone else was watching this, then I looked up as his wife, who already had the eye roll working, and you could tell she was completely embarrassed. I asked him if he was planning on camping with us in 2011 and he said, no kidding, "Ill come back if you guys put some grassy sites on the map where theres a blue box, cause me friend says they are the best". I couldn't take it at this point and told the guy, look, I can put you on a grassy site if you would like,however I cant promise that it will have a blue box on the map. He said that would be ok, he guessed?.
So then of course I couldn't let it go with a simple "Look forward to seeing you" I had to go farther and I popped the question, "what type of unit do you have"? The guy look at me straight in the eyes and says......"Oh we don't have an RV thats why we are here shopping at the show, we were camping with friends last time in their RV and like the shady sites but we like them grassy!! Are you kidding me? What the Heck! *&^%$

So this is a shout out to all you campers out there. Please talk to the folks at the reservation desk when you are booking a site and tell them what you like! It will make it much easier on both of us!

*************

This shout out is for all you campground owners and workers..Stay tough, don't take it personal, and keep smiling. I can feel your pain!

Hope your all ready for the 2011 camping season... Camping with Chris is! Woot!

Travel Fast & Camp Slow!

Chris

Email Camping with Chris

Http://campingwithchris.blogspot.com

Carfax for RV's Yes... Check this out

2011-03-11T20:19:00.000-05:00

THis looks to be a great consumer tool for RV buyers and dealers alike. Two thumbs up from Chris on this service!

Sparta Commercial Services Inc. has launched RVchecks.com, an online source for recreational vehicle history reports.

The website is now the second product offering by Specialty Reports Inc., a subsidiary of Sparta Commercial Services Inc., after Cyclechex.com, both of which provide historical information about a given vehicle, according to a news release.

The website is designed to produce data for consumers, RV dealers, lenders, insurers and other interested parties about any previous reported damage or salvage occurrences, any reports of theft, manufacturers’ recall history and other valuable information in order to give buyers the tools to make well-informed decisions about the purchases they’re considering, according to the release.

The website provides history reports on pre-owned motorhomes, travel trailers, folding campers and truck campers by entering the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the unit at the RVchecks.com website and paying a fee for the report. The data collected and aggregated by website is derived from multiple sources, including but not limited to government agencies.

Commenting on the launch of the website, Anthony Havens, CEO of Sparta Commercial and Specialty Reports, said “With the high cost of these types of vehicles, even if pre-owned, consumers will have the opportunity to learn vital facts that will make them more knowledgeable before they make such an expensive decision. We’re proud and excited about the business prospects for RVchecks.com.”

About Sparta Commercial Services Inc.

Sparta Commercial Services Inc. is a New York-based, nationwide financial services company offering financing and leasing products to consumers and retail powersports dealers. Sparta also serves municipal and governmental agencies nationwide with its Municipal Lease Program, which offers financing for essential equipment for the law enforcement and emergency response communities.

Hey this is a great service now available to everyone.

Travel Fast and Camp Slow........... Chris

New RV industry Recalls.. Check your Units!

2011-03-11T20:10:00.001-05:00

Latest RV Recalls ..Check and Make sure this doesn't include your unit!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued the latest recalls related to the RV industry:

ArvinMeritor is recalling certain MC16 and MC16 type tag axle assemblies that were shipped to Motor Coach Industries between Oct. 21, 2010, and Dec. 6, 2010, for use on recreational vehicles. Bolts used to connect the axle housing to the spindle of the axle may not have been properly heat treated, resulting in potentially compromised hardness and strength that, in turn could lead to reduced joint integrity.

Keystone RV Co. is recalling certain model year 2011 Raptor recreational vehicles. The fresh water fill/draw line may be connected to the black waste water’s tank.

Fleetwood RV Inc. is recalling certain model year 2010 Fiesta Class A motorhomes. The headlights may have been incorrectly wired, resulting in reduced headlight illumination with the headlights on low beam.

Keystone RV Co. is recalling certain model year 2011 Cougar and Laredo travel trailers. The axles are installed backward, causing a slight reduction in braking torque and shortened brake lining service life.

Dutchmen Manufacturing Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011 315BHDS recreational vehicles manufactured from March 3, 2010 through January 24, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Part 567, ”Certification.” The labels list the wrong tire load range. The size should be ST225/75R15d and was listed as ST225/75R15C.

Winnebago Industries Inc. is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Tour and Itasca Ellipse motorhomes manufactured from Aug. 7, 2009, through Feb. 7, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Part 567, ”Certification.” The vehicles are equipped with labels indicating the wrong type of load range tires.

Navistar International Corp. is recalling certain model year 2011 Riptide recreational vehicles. The porous metal castings may cause cracking of the wiper arm at the mounting to the pivot shaft.

Jayco Inc. is recalling certain model year 2011 Eagle Superlite fifth-wheels manufactured from Nov. 15, 2010, through Feb. 9, 2011. Due to a typographical error, the size of the tire as indicated on the federal id label is incorrectly identified.

Prevost is recalling certain model year 2010 H3-45, model year 2011 VIP-45 and X3-45 motorcoaches manufactured from October 2010 through February 2011. The welding on the fuel tank supports is insufficient and could lead to the metal supports contacting the ground.

The following firms have recalled vehicles equipped with 1200-series Norcold refrigerators: Coachmen RV, Dynamax, King of the Road, NRC

and Tiffin Motorhomes Inc.

Hope this helps keep all of you Safe!

Chris

Northeast Rv Show Report.. Whats going on!

2011-02-22T14:41:00.002-05:00

I just returned from 4 days of the northeast RV show in Suffern NY, Just outside NYC. While working the booth for Granite Hill Camping Resort I had a chance to watch lots of things, here is what I saw! Best Booth Display was mine of Course! I am slightly biased I know. Here is my best of the best report for the rest of the vendors and dealers at the show!

Two Best Vendors

Barry & Sandy Larkin (Directors of the Delaware Good Sam Club) in the Good Sam booth were great. They took the time to educate each and every person who asked the benefits of being a Good Sam member. They offered information and products such as Trip planning DVD's and books on service and camping. Not only were these products great but were available at the lowest prices I have ever seen. Cheaper than the online members site to be exact. So next time your at an RV show stop at the
Good Sam booth in your area and ask them what they can do for you!
Email Barry for any questions or details, he is great! Join Today!

The other vendor I thought had a great product and professional sales team was the Porta-Bote booth. Bob & Claudia worked well with customers to show them this folding boat product. Take your boat with you anytime you want without any hassle. Bob's experience with his own Porta-Bote landing huge stripers in NY on large live bait helped him connect to this product. This team was upbeat and optimistic the entire weekend and never let any question go unanswered! Excellent Product and Support. I would buy my Porta-Bote from Bob in a heartbeat. Contact Camping with Chris for Bob's contact information!

Two Best Dealers

Best Coach Dealer,
Kevin Nelson and his team of Pros from Campers Barn in Kingston NY. This team not only brought the stars of the show they worked the customers to provide information and education without pressure to buy. The sales staff knew the products, treated each customer like gold and were very polite to everyone. With the help of factory sales representatives like Gary McLain from Monaco Coach, they were prepared for the show and had by far the best display. Want the best? Email Kevin and tell him Camping with Chris sent you!

Best Towable Dealer,
Janine and her crew from Escape RV had the towable's display on lock down. They had a variety of units to look at and only brought the best of the best. The sales force worked customers well from Pop-Ups to Large Fivers and Motorhomes. Escape RV had very attentive staff and provided excellent service to the attendees. This dealership is family owned and operated and takes pride in doing things the right way. Good People here folks. Check them out for sure before you purchase your new RV. Doesn't matter what state your from give them a call.

So there you have it, the basics on the show and the vendors and dealers. Not a whole lot new in the RV industry right now. Same old parts but together in different ways! I have never been an Airstream fan but the new ones are pretty sweet. Looking forward to later in the year when Monaco Coaches start coming with the Max Force Engines! Woot!

Once again thanks for Reading!

"Travel Fast and Camp Slow"

Chris

I will be attending the Timonium RV show in the Baltimore Suburbs this coming weekend Fri-Sun Feb 25-28

Stop on by the Granite Hill Camping Resort Booth and Say Hello!

Honorable Mention Vendor

Honorable Mention to KOA of NYC / Deer Park (845-754-8388)

This crew was at the show promoting a new KOA they haven't even opened yet! I love it! They open this spring and you can call/Email Lisa to book a Reservation. Facilities look great and should be a spectacular campground just an hour from Manhattan. Good Luck Guys!