The party is at the Hilton, so if you want to, you can go ahead and reserve a room when you buy your party tickets. Reserved tickets, which includes seating . . . → Read More: Make plans now for the 21st Annual Champagne Ball!]]> My friends tell me that the Champagne Ball gets better every year. It sounds like it’s the best New Year’s Eve party in town.

The party is at the Hilton, so if you want to, you can go ahead and reserve a room when you buy your party tickets. Reserved tickets, which includes seating at a table for 10, range from $109 – $119. General admission is $89. Both tickets will get you into all 4 party rooms.

Your tickets also include appetizers, late night pizza, champagne at midnight and lots of party favors.

If you haven’t been out for New Years in several years, maybe it’s time to dust off those dancing shoes and have some fun! People of all ages attend this fun party and you don’t want to miss out.

One of the biggest perks here would be breakfast in bed the next morning! Sign me up! Johnson RV wishes you a Happy New Year!

Lucky for us, we have RVs! We don’t need to worry about all those bed bugs in . . . → Read More: Tips for Keeping the Bed Bugs at Bay]]>
We all know that bed bugs have been in the news these past couple of years. It seems like they have multiplied in large numbers and are taking over hotels and motels all across the country.

Lucky for us, we have RVs! We don’t need to worry about all those bed bugs in the hotels, right? Wrong!

Bed bugs have found their way into RVs all across the country too, unfortunately. I would like to think that they are less commonly found in RV parks and resorts though.

Here are some precautionary tips for keeping those little devils out of your rig.

• Know what a bed bug and bed bug bite looks like, and be familiar with the signs of a bed bug infestation.
• Keep your belongings inside your RV with the door closed as often as possible.
• Park your RV as far as possible from any neighboring RV to prevent bed bugs from crawling over.
• Pack hydro cortisone cream, just in case bed bug bites show up unexpectedly. 
• Leave your shoes in bed bug proof laundry bags when not in use.
• Top places to look for signs of bed bugs include at the edges of mattresses, around the beds, around baseboards, at the edges of the carpet, etc.

If you stay vigilant and check your RV daily, the chances of you contracting bed bugs decreases. Also, pay attention if you start seeing little red bumps on your skin.

We hope you have happy, healthy, bed bug free RV travels this winter season. Happy Holidays!

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world.  The 2011 festival has almost 170 indoor . . . → Read More: Check out the Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto]]> There are some pretty good holiday attractions here in the Portland area. Why go anywhere else? I’ve already highlighted a few of them on this blog already, but why leave any out?

The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world.  The 2011 festival has almost 170 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the 2011 festival theme “Joy to the World” reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers to many thousands of families from around the Pacific Northwest.

Five indoor concerts are scheduled each evening in The Grotto’s 600-seat chapel, known for its cathedral quality acoustics.  Continuous family entertainment in The Grotto’s plaza area includes outdoor caroling, puppet shows and a live animal petting zoo.

Holiday foods and beverages are also available, as is seasonal shopping in The Grotto’s Christian Gift and Book Store.  A magnificent display of nativity sets from around the world is on display for viewing and individual sets are available for purchase in the Grotto’s Visitor Complex.

The festival opens each night between now and Christmas at 5:30 pm and closes at 9:30 pm. General admission is $8 for adults, $4 for kids 12 and under, and kids under 2 years of age are free.

Don’t forget to bring a canned food to donate to the food bank and some spending money. There’s a little gift shop too. Tell them Johnson RV sent you!

Has anyone finished up their Holiday shopping yet? If you’re looking for some good gifts for that RVer in your life, here are a few ideas.

One of the best events during the Holiday season each year is the Zoo Lights. The Zoo decorates some of the best parts with over a million lights, including the zoo train. . . . → Read More: Don’t Miss the Oregon Zoo Lights this Holiday Season!]]> The Oregon Zoo is a wonderful place to visit with your honey or your entire family. For me, it never gets old.

One of the best events during the Holiday season each year is the Zoo Lights. The Zoo decorates some of the best parts with over a million lights, including the zoo train. Some of the Zoo Lights exhibits are viewable only from the train.

Not all of the zoo is open during the Zoo Lights exhibit. Those that are open include the mountain goats, leopards, tigers, penguins, polar bears, primates, elephants and lions.

Here’s a sneak peek at what Zoo Lights is all about. This video was shot at Zoo Lights 2010.

The Oregon Zoo Lights opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through January 1. The exhibit will be closed on December 24-25. Tickets range from $7.75 to $9.25. The Zoo opens at 5 pm every night just for the Zoo Lights exhibit.

Make you plans to attend Zoo Lights. If you have never been, we at Johnson RV can guarantee you will have a great time!

We want to give you a $25 gift card good toward merchandise in their camping store, or for parts, accessories or service. All you have to do is go to the . . . → Read More: A Gift for you from Johnson RV]]> Johnson RV loves their customers! What better way to say thank you to our awesome customers than to give away some free stuff?

We want to give you a $25 gift card good toward merchandise in their camping store, or for parts, accessories or service. All you have to do is go to the Johnson RV Facebook page and Like the page.

Then locate the page that has the $25 gift card offer, print it out and take it in to the dealership.

Did you know that Johnson RV has:

• over 7 acres of RVs with the largest selection of Used RVs in the area!
• 12 state-of-the-art service bays with certified RV technicians to solve any service issue
• Full paint and body shop!
• Large selection of parts and accessories in our camping store
• an inside showroom
• and is less than 25 miles from Downtown Portland

Modern technology has made is easy to work from anywhere in the world, even your RV in Portland. . . . → Read More: Tips for Setting up the Modern RV Office]]> Every year the number of workers that telecommute increases in large numbers and many “work at home” careers can be easily taken on the road. It’s more cost effective for both the employer and the employee.

Modern technology has made is easy to work from anywhere in the world, even your RV in Portland. It also makes it easier to work as your own boss.

Let’s take a look at some of the gadgets that would make your work life easier if you were to live and work in your RV.

All in One Wireless Printer -- ideally, you want to have a copier, fax, scanner and printer all in one. That will save on space. You can scan in papers and store them in your computer so you don’t have to have many file cabinets in your RV.

External Hard Drive -- These are available to buy anywhere. They are a small box with a short cord. Use this to back up all of your computer files, at least twice a week. If something happens to your computer all of your hard work will be on your hard drive.

Laptop -- these computers take up less space than a desk top, plus you can take them outside to work on a picnic table if it’s a nice day. Most campgrounds have free wi-fi, or you can park near a hotel or truck stop for quick access to the internet.

Cellphone with Roaming and Unlimited Long Distance -- make sure your contract includes unlimited access so you don’t have additional fees. You can even get the mobile hot spot service on your phone for about $20 a month to have internet access though your phone, anytime you want it.

Now that you have all the gadgets you need to work efficiently, let’s get your RV all set up too. This video has some great ideas for living and working in the same space.

Once you have your office all set up you’ll be ready to find that dream job. What could be better than seeing the world in your New RV and earning a living while you do it!

If you are in the market for a new RV, we are featuring a  2011 Open Range Roamer fifth wheel for just $29,968 (regularly $42,952)!

If you are interested in this model, find your way to Johnson RV in Sandy and tell the sales staff . . . → Read More: For Facebook fans only: Get a Great Deal on an Open Range 5er!]]> We have a great deal just for our Facebook fans.

If you are in the market for a new RV, we are featuring a  2011 Open Range Roamer fifth wheel for just $29,968 (regularly $42,952)!

If you are interested in this model, find your way to Johnson RV in Sandy and tell the sales staff you saw this deal on Facebook!

This popular rear living, double slide 5th Wheel is small (32′) and light (only 6995 pounds) allowing you to tow with a 1/2 ton truck. The living area slide holds a table and chairs and a sleep sofa. Across the back are 2 Ultra Leather space saver recliners in front of a wall of windows. The bedroom slide offers large storage next to the walk around queen bed. Look for a split bath with glass bowl sink, china bowl toilet and spacious glass enclosed shower.

All this with Open Range standard features like the 4 corner auto leveling and stabilizing system (like on a Class A motor home), 4 corner compression on all slides, 16′ Carefree power awning, a 2 year warranty and much more.

Johnson RV has a $3,000 low price guarantee. Ask about our 4.99% fixed APR.

To see more about this incredible special visit our Facebook page or stop in to see us at Johnson RV. You’ll be glad you did!

Propane can be dangerous though, so it’s important that every RV owner is knowledgeable about propane and the safest practices for handling propane.

If you have been RVing for a while now, . . . → Read More: Should you Consider an Automatic Propane Valve for your RV?]]> Liquid propane (LP) is a great thing for RVers. It heats our water, and keeps our RVs warm in the colder months.

Propane can be dangerous though, so it’s important that every RV owner is knowledgeable about propane and the safest practices for handling propane.

If you have been RVing for a while now, or you own an older RV, you are familiar with the automatic propane shut off valve. It used to be “standard equipment” in motor homes, but a while back the industry decided it was too much of an expense to continue with the valve for the potential benefits.

These days you can buy and install a safety device that not only shuts off your LP at the sound of the LP alarm, but a system that will do the same if the carbon monoxide detector “pipes up” as well. It mounts close to the floor, where propane tends to concentrate when there is a problem. If the device indicates some LP or carbon monoxide, current stops flowing, the valve shuts and the flow of gas stops immediately.

Usually, these devices can be installed by the average Oregon RV owner/do-it-yourself-er. The price will run you around $200.

If you are concerned about propane or carbon monoxide poisoning, this device should let you sleep better at night while traveling in your RV.