Thetford's smarter sewer system features durable hose

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Owners of standard gravity sewer systems often experience leaking, smelly hoses and unreliable hose-to-dump station connections.

Thetford's newest premium sewer system, the SmartDrain, solves all of these problems because it was designed with the assistance of RV enthusiasts through years of research at parks and campgrounds.

SmartDrain is a complete system containing everything needed for a smarter, cleaner sewer solution. Included in the system is a long-lasting, 15-foot SmartHose. Constructed from patent-pending ThermoLast, it's ultra pliable and extremely temperature and UV-resistant. It's also 46 percent more puncture resistant than standard sewer hoses and 2.6 times less likely to leak from abrasion.

With a non-metal polymer coil, users won't have to worry about cracks, dents or rust. This hose shrinks to a mere 5 feet for simple storage.

The SmartHose incorporates innovative SureLock fittings to provide fast, leak-proof connections with the nozzle. Constructed with industrial-grade metal cam-levers to tightly lock, the connections are similar to the ones on fire and industrial fuel hoses. The 90-degree nozzle fitting has a handle to keep users clean.

Also included with SmartDrain is a RV Valve Adapter, providing a quick connection to the SmartHose. Configured like a dial with four slots, the RV Valve Adapter tightly seals to the RV waste valve outlet. Featuring easy-to-grip handles, this RV Valve Adapter won't break like traditional bayonet ears. It can be left on the hose for added convenience. SmartDrain's end cap has a built-in tether to stay attached to the RV Valve Adapter as well.

SmartDrain features a Universal Sewer Fitting with handle for easy grip, ensuring a sanitary connection to the dump station. It's compatible with 3", 3.5- and 4-inch threaded sewer pipes and 3-inch and 4-inch press-fit sewer pipes, eliminating the need for weights to keep it in place during use.

Simple to store, SmartDrain's hose ends lock together to prevent messes. The hose also fits into bumpers, ready for use when needed.

For more information, visit www.thetford.com or call 800.543.1219.

SOURCE: Thetford press release

Study confirms cost-effectiveness of RV travel

OTTAWA -- Today, Go RVing Canada released a major new independent Family Vacation Cost Comparison Study. The study found typical family RV vacations to be up to 75 percent less expensive per day than the other types of trips. Several forms of travel were compared, and in all cases, RV vacations were more economical than other types of travel, regardless of trip duration, distance or region of the country where the vacation took place.

"This study confirms what we have been saying for years now," said Jeff Redmond, chairman of Go RVing Canada. "RV vacations represent the most economical way for families to travel and see the beautiful country that we live in. In today's economic environment, people need to know that RVs represent an adventurous form of travel that is more cost-conscious than any other vacation.

The comprehensive study, completed by PKF Consulting, took into account every aspect of RV travel and all expenses associated with RVs and other forms of travel, including the cost to own an RV. With purchase prices starting at $6,000, there is an RV to fit every budget and lifestyle. PKF compared the cost of RV vacations with two other popular forms of travel: driving and staying at hotels, and travelling by air and rental car with hotel accommodations.

"Prices of sample trips were calculated in every region of Canada and in each case, RV vacations were the most cost effective," continued Redmond.

"Regardless of the type of vehicle, nature of the trip or where it happened in Canada, RV travel came out on top every single time in terms of cost efficiency, and by very significant margins."

As an example, the average cost per day of a three-day camping vacation to Algonquin Provincial Park from Montreal using a folding camping trailer was found to be about 41 percent less expensive than the cost of a comparable car/hotel combination vacation; and about 75 percent less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation.

The average cost per day of a 10-day camping vacation to Quebec City from Halifax using a folding camping trailer was found to be about 51 percent less expensive than the cost of a comparable car/hotel combination vacation; and about 66 percent less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation.

The average cost per day of a three-day camping vacation to Sturgeon Falls from Toronto using a Type C motorhome was found to be about 35 percent less expensive than the cost of a comparable car/hotel combination vacation; and about 67 percent less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation.

"As summer heats up, Canadians are realizing more and more that RV travel is not only adventurous, cost effective, and just plain fun, it is a lifestyle that leads to more quality family vacation time," said Redmond. "People who own RVs spend much more time traveling than those who don't because those who own them have known all along that there's no better way to see Canada than in an RV."

For more information on RVing across Canada, visit www.GoRVing.ca.

The Go RVing coalition was formed in 1997, and consists of RV manufacturers, RV dealers and campground operators. The coalition serves as the Canadian RV camping industry ambassador to provide the public and media with information about the benefits of RV travel. The coalition also seeks to enhance consumer information and satisfaction with the RV experience.

Source: Go RVing Canada press release

Visit GoRVing.com for more information about RVing and to get a free DVD on how to get started RVing.

Study shows RVing offers greener vacation choice posted by Greg Gerber

OTTAWA --  A new study which compares total carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) demonstrates that RV vacations are more
environmentally friendly than vacations involving flying, driving and hotel stays.

The study, conducted by U.S.-based PKF Consulting, a third party independent research firm specializing in travel and tourism, revealed that a family of four taking an RV vacation will generate less CO2 emissions than a family traveling by plane, renting a car, and staying in a hotel.

"Since a large part of the RV lifestyle has to do with enjoying and respecting the great outdoors, RVers are generally pretty environmentally conscious people to begin with," said Go RVing Canada spokesperson Catherine Fortin LeFaivre. "What this study shows is that by RVing, Canadians will actually be choosing a greener alternative to traditional vacations."

The methodology of the study was as follows: PKF analyzed the CO2 emissions of vacations varying in length from three, seven, 10 and 14 days to destinations such as Orlando, FL; New Orleans, LA; and Napa, CA. The RV vacations which were studied included car/ folding camping trailers, SUV/travel trailers, Type C motorhomes, and Type A motorhomes (using diesel). PKF then utilized a carbon calculator methodology developed by Conservation International, an organization promoting biodiversity conservation. Their findings revealed that in all cases, RV vacations had less of an environmental impact than the more traditional vacations involving
flying, renting a car and staying at a hotel.

"We already know that RVing is a more flexible and cost effective vacation choice," said Fortin LeFaivre. "Canadians should also know that it's a greener travel option. In fact, many RVers actually park their RVs at a given campsite for days and sometimes weeks at a time, further reducing their carbon footprint when this is the case."

For more information, visit www.rvia.org.

More Than Half Of RV Owners Travel With Pets
CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Fido may be top dog among RV owners who take their animals with them when they travel, but no matter what type of pet you own, if you want to take it along on your next RV trip you'll need to plan ahead.

That's the word from animal experts backed by statistics that show 57 percent of the nation's 8 million RV owners travel with their pets, most of them dogs. Bringing along the family pet should not be a last-minute decision, they say. In fact, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to make sure your dog or cat is ready for the trip.

Visiting the vet tops the list, since you will need to know if your pet is in good health and is up to date on shots and medication to protect it from rabies, heartworm, Lyme Disease, even fleas.

"You want to make sure your pet is healthy to travel and that there are no medical problems," says Humane Society of America issue specialist Kelly Connolly.

Make sure to obtain and take along a printout from the vet showing when and what shots your pet has been given, she adds. You may be required to show it in order to park your RV at some campgrounds and parks.

"You'll also need it to cross into Canada, Mexico or another foreign country," Connolly points out.

Plan to keep your pet in a travel crate that can be strapped in when you're on the road. "It's a matter of common sense," says Dr. Greg Hammer, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In addition to being a potential distraction to the driver, a dog or cat left to run loose in an RV can be tossed around and injured if you have to stop short or go around a sharp curve, he warns.

"Animals that are not prepared to travel can suffer sickness and anxiety," adds Hammer, a Dover, Del., veterinarian. He urges pet owners to spend adequate time readying their animals for long trips normally associated with RV travel. "Some animals are bad about travel, even driving a mile down the road, but you can get them used to it by traveling with them for short periods of time."

It's important to spend the time to plan your RV trip with your pet in mind, says Hammer, with the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Treat your animal like you want to be treated. Make your pet's trip enjoyable."

SOURCE: Charleston Post and Courier

'THERE'S NOTHING LIKE HAVING COMFORTING FOOD WHEN YOU'RE ROUGHING IT' By Michael James Rocha STAFF WRITER " The San Diego Union-Tribune"

Keep it simple The key to successful camp cooking is sticking to the basics. The fewer ingredients, the better. Leave the 30-ingredient casserole for Sunday-night dinners at home. “People make camping food more complex than it needs to be,” said Andrew Zimmern, a St. Paul, Minn.-based chef and host of the Travel Channel's “Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern.” “It's silly to re-create a fancy kitchen experience when you're camping. When I'm out in the woods, I want to keep it as simple as possible.”

Katherine Emmenegger, executive chef at the Great News! Discount Cookware and Cooking School in Pacific Beach, remembers a simple stew from her teenage days in Ohio. “It had beef, carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef bouillon, and salt and pepper to taste,” Emmenegger said. “It was the best stew I've ever had. There's nothing like having comforting food like that when you're roughing it.”

Use versatile main ingredients You can come up with enough meals for a three-day camping trip with versatile ingredients such as ground beef or boneless chicken breasts. Ground beef can be split and used for burgers one night and spaghetti the next. Those leftover potatoes from dinner? Toss them in the next morning's omelets. Check out www.rvcookingshow.com


Good Times has a variety of cook books available for the cook in your family.

"RV Cooking, Recipes for the Road" Gooseberry Patch Publishers, 29 pages $4.95

"Pie Iron Recipes" by Richard O'Russa, 64 pages, Price$8.79

"Biker Billy's Hog Wild On A Harley Cookbook" by Bill Hufnagle, 200 fiercely flavorful recipes, Price $19.95