While the book is about full-timing, the author states in the introduction that the purpose is not to tell folks “why” they should become full-time RVers, but “how” to do it if so inclined.
Mr. Jones, who along with his wife, Sandy, has been full-timing for six years, provides an all-encompassing look at the many details associated with making the motorhome a permanent residence. The book starts by explaining why folks are intrigued by the idea of full-timing and then examines the many factors that must be considered before deciding to make the lifestyle change, particularly from a financial perspective.
Mr. Jones also provides a number of “How Do We … “ chapters that discuss staying in touch with others, handling finances, security, dealing with emergencies, and packing. Readers also learn about establishing a home base, places to go and how to get there (tours, small groups, or traveling alone), RV etiquette, RV events, and boondocking. Finally, the author provides information about an extended trip to Alaska and many of the things an RVer would need to know before making such a journey.
Fulltiming For New & Used RVers can be ordered at www.rvstuff.org or by calling (800) 262-3060.
Thetford introduces “green” products
Thetford Corporation, a supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for the recreation vehicle industry, has unveiled a variety of environmentally friendly products. Thetford recently was granted Design for the Environment (DfE) status as part of a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create more environmentally friendly products.
Five products in Thetford’s RV Care line have received DfE certification. They include Hard Water Spot Remover; RV Wash & Wax; Mildew Stain Remover; Ultra Foam Black Streak & Bug Remover; and Ultra Foam Awning Cleaner. Also, the company’s Eco-Smart line of holding tank deodorants meets strict environmental standards for toxicity, bio-safety levels, and biodegradability. Consumers can choose from a formaldehyde-free formula and an enzyme-based formula, both of which meet performance levels of similar formaldehyde-containing counterparts.
Thetford also has made improvements to its SmartTotes portable waste-water holding tanks, which feature the company’s own PermaStore hose handling and stowage system. The company’s RV Sani-Con systems empty waste-water holding tanks without the need for plumbing modifications, include a “macerating” system that reportedly pumps waste uphill, and feature a retractable discharge hose and an adaptable nozzle with a special cap to eliminate dripping. Aqua-Kem’s Storage Tank Deodorant for portable waste tanks uses a formaldehyde-free formula that controls odors, lubricates seals, and cleans tank residue; its formula is compatible with antifreeze and is 100 percent biodegradable.
For more information, visit www.thetford.com.
Freightliner launches first hybrid-electric Type A chassis
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation introduced the RV industry’s first hybrid-electric Type A motorhome chassis during the National RV Trade Show in December. According to Freightliner officials, preliminary prototype testing of the innovative ecoFRED chassis has shown significant improvements in fuel economy compared with traditional gas pullers.
Equipped with an Eaton six-speed automated-manual transmission with a hybrid-electric system, the ecoFRED chassis includes all the attributes of the FRED (front engine diesel) motorhome chassis. But the ecoFRED features a 300-horsepower Cummins ISB 6.7-liter diesel engine coupled with an electric motor/generator and lithium-ion batteries, which work in line with the transmission, enabling seamless operation incorporating both electric and diesel power.
The lithium-ion batteries featured on the hybrid system capture and store energy during the regenerative braking phase of the vehicle’s operation. The batteries are constantly charged through the operation of the diesel engine, eliminating the need to plug into an electrical source. The sophisticated hybrid supervisory controller selects the most efficient mode of operation “” diesel, electric, or both “” depending upon operating conditions and driver demand.
The ecoFRED chassis has a 27,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating and a 37,000-pound gross combination weight rating. Benefits are said to include significantly less brake wear due to regenerative braking; better acceleration; and driving operation similar to that of an automatic transmission.
Fleetwood Enterprises and Winnebago Industries each displayed a prototype motorhome on the ecoFRED at the show. The chassis will be available to manufacturers in the summer of 2009, with production expected to commence in the third quarter of 2009.
For more information, visit www.freightlinerchassis.com.
Thum Insurance offers consignment coverage
Selling a motorhome on consignment with an RV dealer has its advantages. The dealer can attract customers, schedule appointments to view the motorhome, handle financing for the sale, and attract a large group of potential buyers through its advertising resources. However, the dealer’s insurance does not cover a consigned motorhome while it’s on the lot, because it is still owned by the seller. And many policies an RV owner would have contain an exclusion that will not cover loss or damage to a vehicle while it is in the custody of someone else for the purpose of selling it.
To help bridge this insurance gap, Thum Insurance Agency LLC, in collaboration with Recreation Insurance Specialists, the program administrator for an A-rated insurance carrier, now offers an RV policy with consignment coverage. This coverage makes it possible for owners to sell their motorhome on consignment and know that it is protected.
According to information from Thum Insurance, the policy is written in the registered owner’s name and in the registration state. Applying for consignment coverage requires the owner to complete and sign an application and supply a copy of the consignment agreement that has been made with the dealer. If the motorhome is at a Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) member dealership, the process should go smoothly.
For more information, contact Thum Insurance at (800) 866-0777 or visit www.thuminsurance.com.