***************************************************************** THE RVERSCORNER Newsletter ***************************************************************** March, 2004 ***************************************************************** This newsletter has grown from a few friends in 1997 to 9300+ friends in 2004. It seems that we must be doing something right, so we will continue to do so. Many of us converse on the RVerscorner Bulletin board ... and all are welcome there ... posting rules are moderate and there are many fine people who help with questions and answers. Check it out at: http://www.rverscorner.com/discus Inside this issue: - Getting Ready for Spring (part 1) By: Les Doll - The Rubber Roof By: Les Doll - GO WITH YOUR FLOW By: Dr. Donald E. Wetmore - STROLL INTO MEXICO! By: Peggi McDonald Classified Ad Section: About the RVer's Corner Newsletter: ***************************************************************** Special note: This newsletter is hosted by https://www.superwebhost.com/ and many thanks go to Glenn Miller - an avid RVer and managing director of Left Coast Systems Corp. Without the support of Glenn and Superwebhost this newsletter would not continue to exist. ***************************************************************** Getting Ready for Spring From the Top Down Roof inspection & maintenance tips (metal and rubber) Spring is the time to get out the step ladder and take a good look at the roof condition. The membrane on a rubber roof is made of a very tough and durable material but it is fairly thin and can be punctured by a sharp object. Yes, you can carefully walk on the surface, however first check your shoes for embedded stones and such, that could do damage to the roof covering before stomping around up there. Underlying the rubber covering is usually a 3/16th to 1/2 inch plywood or particle board sheeting that evenly supports your weight. If your roof is metal, especially if it is the seamed type, (has crosswise seams every 48" or so), then lay a plywood strip or some wide boards (lengthwise) to walk on. This way the boards span the roof rafters and distribute your weight evenly on several supports. Closely inspect the roof coat condition on every protruding fixture, any cracks or thin spots can be touched up with the appropriate material. If the roof coat is peeling or flaking in any way, then the old coating must be removed by scraping it off. On metal roofs I use a 1" wide scraper with a firm blade, like the ones used by auto technicians for scraping off old gaskets. For rubber roofs I made a plastic scraper that won't cut the membrane. If you heat the old coating with a hot air gun, it will come off fairly easily. For metal roofs, use the aluminum roof coat, available in gray or white, and brush it on about 1/8" thick. Stir very thoroughly and apply on a warm day for the best results. For rubber, use elastomeric roof coating that is safe for rubber roofs or the special self leveling sealant sold at RV supply stores for this purpose. Never use a petroleum based product on a rubber roof as damage to the rubber membrane will result. Also, while silicone chalking has a place in the RV, it has no place on the roof. Silicone will not stick well and may damage the rubber, and on a metal roof it will adhere to some places and not others causing pockets that will trap water. ***************************************************************** The Rubber Roof What is it? From the Dicor Website:( http://www.dicor.com ) "EPDM sheeting is the only rubber roofing membrane that is extruded. This process enables the production of a consistent single-ply membrane with a white surface and a black back. The cohesion of compounds results in a single-ply EPDM sheeting that is highly puncture resistant, has superior tensile strength and tear resistance, and is both reflective and refractive to UV rays." Cleaning and Maintenance It is recommended that the rubber roof be cleaned about 4 times a year, using a mild detergent solution. Caution: the rubber membrane is very slippery when wet and extra care must be taken. Recommended cleaning procedure: Hose off the entire roof to remove loose material, leaves, etc. Use a medium bristle brush to actively scrub the surface with the detergent solution. Rinse well with clean water. See: the Dicor website for more information on removing stubborn stains. DO NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citric based cleaners. You may cause irreparable damage to your roof ***************************************************************** GO WITH YOUR FLOW By: Dr. Donald E. Wetmore Some of us are morning people. We have our highest energy and productive time in the mornings. Some of us are night people. We function more productively later in the day. (Then there are some who are just no darn good any time of the day!) Knowing which works best for you can increase your productivity by scheduling important items consistent with your optimum time level. Whenever practical and possible, "morning people" should schedule the important stuff for their mornings and "Night people" should schedule that stuff for later in their day. Simple, but powerful. Don Wetmore-Professional Speaker Productivity Institute Time Management Seminars 127 Jefferson St. Stratford, CT 06615 (203) 386-8062 (800) 969-3773 Fax: (203) 386-8064 email:ctsem@msn.com Visit our Supersite: http://www.balancetime.com ***************************************************************** STROLL INTO MEXICO! by Peggi McDonald. As many of you know by now, John and I enjoyed RVing throughout Mexico for seven winters, however due to very different culture, many RVers remain apprehensive about exploring the friendly country south of the USA. Don't despair; there is another way to enjoy most of the pleasures of Mexico without any trip planning preparations. Simply join the throngs of winter visitors who camp in RV parks near the Mexican border states of Texas, California or Arizona. In Texas these cities skirt the north shore of the Rio Grande River and so visitors simply drive their tow vehicles to the parking lot on the USA side of the border and take a short stroll across an International bridge. Although in some areas or states it may be necessary to take a taxi or a short bus ride to reach your destination or the shopping area. Many Rio Grande Valley parks organize bike trips to the hand drawn ferry at Las Ebanos ½-hour west of Mission. Participants drive to the ferry, pay their .25 cents and ride to the Mexican side where they bike the 3-miles to town for lunch or to shop at the bike shops. It's fun to experience a taste of Mexico spiced with a general dose of USA's touristy spirit - all without driving into an unfamiliar country. The charm of each border town differs slightly from their sister communities. However these fringe cities effectively combine their appealing unique blend of tradition, heritage and culture, with the customs and refinements of their US counterparts. In some communities you may have to walk a few blocks or hire a cab to the shopping areas but in many the unique shopping experience begins at the bridge. No permits or visas are necessary, a passport or a birth certificate plus photo ID proof of Canadian or American residency guarantees re-entry to the USA. Generally Canadians travelling on foot can carry goods and drugs up to the American entitlements ($400.OO US for personal use every 30 days). For information regarding excess amounts, about hazardous items, prescription restrictions plus transportation of live plants or fresh fruits and vegetables that you may wish to purchase - ask USA officials before entering Mexico. Liquor and cigarettes are especially inexpensive south of the border. Although each person must be over 21 it is possible to bring several bottles home with you, cigarettes too, however Texas does charge a tax on each bottle of liquor and package/carton of cigarettes. Verify amounts you can bring back before entering Mexico. Visitor's can spend hours browsing and perusing the endless supply of creative Mexican crafts, silver jewelry, clothes, shoes and so much more. However be sure to allow time to savor at least one (or more) exotic drink featured at a variety of 'two for one' happy hour promos - that is before you dine in style at your choice of numerous local amicable restaurants. Frequently local bars and eating establishments even provide space for dancing to live music - just another enjoyable facet of a trip across the border. Menus featuring extensive selections of local and American delicacies tantalize your dining pleasure. Most restaurants offer value-plus meals at low prices. In many, your meal is served on tables adorned with linen tablecloths, napkins and quality china - by staff dressed in formal attire. Food preparation follows the standard of their North American counterparts. Throughout each village, service personnel speak at least a basic form of English. Tourists who learn to say "Por Favor (Please) and Gracias (Thank You)" will have little problem conversing in a border town. As a convenience to visitors, most restaurants and businesses prefer payment in USA dollars; of course they also welcome Mexico's currency - the peso. In most, credit cards are accepted. The majority of prices on 'treasures' in Mexico villages and cities are more reasonable than costs of similar items sold in communities further south. Bargaining with the street vendors and stall markets is encouraged and the expected way of life, but prices in stores are set. If you feel you acquired a real bargain on one item you will most likely pay a bit more than normal on the next. These vendors do need to earn a living and they know how to deal with prices that fluctuate from low to high. Besides a shopping mecca, Mexico is a real bargain for pedicures, manicures, haircuts, dental, drugs and medical services. A customary tip of 15% for all services is expected in Mexico as it is in the USA and Canada. Spending a day or days in Mexico can add special interest to a winter getaway. You won't be alone, droves of winter visitors stroll these bridges to experience the enticing mystic of Mexico. Many of these border towns/cities are geared to appeal to Americans even though they are located on the Mexican side. When it comes to dental work you cannot go wrong. Countless clinics entice you to have a $10.00-$15.00 cleaning and x-rays. Fillings, crowns, dentures and more are priced so low it is difficult to decide they are not necessary. In each clinic some staff members speak English and many of these professionals are trained at schools in Canada and USA. Book a cleaning plus a check-up and have a good look around. If you like what you see and more treatment is required simply make appointments to reap a perfect smile. Before John and I acquired a dental plan we received a lot of quality treatment from Mexican dentists. Inexpensive medical care is also abundant (doctors receive training similar to dentists). Med clinics offer services covering a vast amount of specialties from tummy tucks to plastic surgeon to podiatry and so much more. Usually no appointment is necessary and the cost for services is a fraction of equal care in the USA and Canada. Reasonably priced prescription drugs are also available from the local 'Farmacias' (over the counter sales do not require a prescription). Besides reasonably priced meds, these pharmacies feature an extensive selection of grooming supplies such as shampoos, creams plus non-prescription meds at equally inexpensive costs. If you are unsure what you can bring back, check with border authorities before you cross the border. Besides strolling into Mexico, many visitors camping near the border prefer to explore the wonders of the interior of Mexico by one of numerous bus excursions. _____________________________ RV Parks situated in close proximity to old Mexico are abundant throughout southern USA. In Texas for instance, over 500 RV Parks with more than 66,000 sites roll out the red carpet for winter visitors to the 'Rio Grande Valley'. None are far from the US/Mexican border. This area affectionately calls these transient residents 'Winter Texans'. Monthly RV site rates range from a low $65.00 to $500.00+ depending on your length of visit, time of year and what amenities each park offer. Instead of moving from place to place, John and I look for a park at a mid range full facility to roost for three months. We try to change parks each year so we have the opportunity to meet many different people. Although we have spent time in most sun country states, over the past 18+ years we frequently return during December and March to the 'Rio Grande Valley'. Both of us are aware it is always windy during the winter and not great for awning use, but it can also be balmy and pleasant as well. FYI - wind is much the same in many parts of California and Arizona too. Over time, we've become accustomed to the variable climate in south USA, but we really miss the perfect climate we found during our early years of travel in the interior of Mexico. _______________________ The RV resorts in these sun states are fun places to rest awhile in easy access to many local facilities - the wide variety of services and dining venues are abundant. Park activities, craft sales, square and round dancing, festivals, entertainment and so much more are totally directed towards keeping their senior RVers busy. The convenient access to Mexico is one more plus to winter getaway in the sunny south. Since Mexico is only several footsteps from the 'valley'...even those not wishing to drive south of the border are able to 'Feel The Warmth of Mexico!' Peggi and John are RV Lifestyle Consultants, Webhosts of the Information Site For ALL RVers -www.rvliving.net. Peggi is author of Spirit of the Open Road and free e-books RV Living: Facts, Tips, Hints and More. Vol I and II. Early in 2004 Peggi's new book RVLiving in the 21st Century will be released. Pricing and release date will be featured on her website. 21st Century includes the best of Spirit plus seven years of updates. Spirit will remain on sale (call 1800 999 0819 to order) until RV Living in the 21st Century is ready for purchase. ***************************************************************** The NEW Rvers Corner Bulletin Board Come join in the discussions on the web's newest RV discussion group! No password or account set-up is needed. Just post your message or browse the categories! Pictures can be posted - just follow the instructions under the Help section. Have fun! http://www.rverscorner.com/discus ***************************************************************** Todays Joke: $500 Porsche A man was reading the paper when an ad caught his eye: $500 Porsche! New! The man thought that it was very unusual to sell a Porsche for $500, and he thought it might be a joke, but thought it was worth a shot. So he went to the lady's house and sure enough, she had an almost brand new Porsche. "Wow!" the man said. "Can I take it for a test drive?" Unlike what he expected, the man found that the car ran perfectly and took it back to the lady's house. "Why are you selling me this great Porsche for only $500?" "My husband just ran off with his secretary, and he told me I could have the house and the furniture as long as I sold his Porsche and sent him the money." What did the horse say when he fell? “I've fallen and I can't giddy up!” ***************************************************************** CLASSIFIED ADS ***************************************************************** NEW RV HOME VIDEOS, DVDs and E-Books RV Education 101 presents home videos (and now DVDs) on how to operate everything on an RV. The VHS videos are very useful to anyone new to RVing. Read more, or order at: http://www.rverscorner.com/rvvideo.html RV Education 101 is offering FOUR new e-books "RV Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing", "Checklists for RVers", "101 Tips for RVrs" and "Pop-Up Basics" http://hop.clickbank.net/?pac113/rv101 ***************************************************************** Good Governor Save electrical equipment from damage by testing voltage, frequency and polarity with the Good Governor. Camping World Internet Only Special Club SALE $89.99 Reg. $124.00 See more at: http://www.rverscorner.com/goodgovernor.html ***************************************************************** The RV'ers Corner is pleased to announce our affiliation with Camping World! Help support the RV'ers Corner and get a free Camping World Catalog mailed to your door! The RVers Corner gets a quarter for every catalog request! Get your free Camping World catalog here! http://www.rverscorner.com/campingworld.html ***************************************************************** Aluria's Spyware Eliminator Your privacy is being invaded. What you are doing on your computer is being watched right now. There are companies that know you are looking at this page. They know what you typed to your family, friends and coworkers. They know what you are emailing to people. They watch your IMs. Hackers are watching to capture your credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information. The online world is no longer safe. UNTIL NOW. http://www.rverscorner.com/aluria.html ***************************************************************** Check out the newest campground reviews at: http://www.rvparkinfo.net/ ***************************************************************** !!! HAPPY CAMPIN' !!! Les Doll - RV Technician 12120 Willowvale Road, Prince George, B.C. Canada V2K 5G2 My advice is free and worth only what you gain from it! E-mail address mailto:webmaster@rverscorner.com The RVers Corner - http://www.rverscorner.com/ Visit the RV'ers Corner bulletin board: http://www.rverscorner.com/discus The RVers Corner Newsletter is a monthly newsletter dedicated to enhancing the RV experience - you are being sent this newsletter as a result of subscribing to the RV Corner mailing list. If you wish to unsubscribe, please see the instructions at the end of this newsletter. We value each one of our subscribers, and you may be assured that we will protect your privacy. We do not share our mailing list with anyone. Meet the webmaster at: http://www.rverscorner.com/bio.html ***************************************************************** We hope that this newsletter will prove valuable to you and we strive to bring fresh, new content with every issue. If you wish to contribute an article or relate a tip that you have learned, please e-mail me. ***************************************************************** To UNSUBSCRIBE please go to: http://www.rverscorner.com/newsltr.html We'll miss you!