There are two kinds of camping along the route of the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s day: snuggling in sleeping bags on the cold pavement of the parade route, or playing cards in cozy RV within a block.

Not only are RV dwellers more comfortable (and warmer), they have an important role to play in pre-Rose Parade security. Since 2001, the Pasadena Police Department has recruited RV campers to report suspicious activity along the parade route. Police department volunteers go door-to-door among the RVs to give people information on what to look for and how to report it.

This informal neighborhood watch helps to ensure that the overnight rowdiness doesn’t get out of hand and that police can respond more quickly to emergent situations. (To report suspicious activity, any can call 626-744-4241.) Another good thing to know: Vehicles parked within one block of the route are subject to search - so leave the moon shine at home!

The "load-in" begins at 9:30 PM the night before the parade and the best spots go for a lot of money. One of our RV Buddies and his family paid $500 for the privelege of a coveted spot.

But what better way to kick in the new year. Good friends. Warm hearts (and coach). Cold beverages, and a cozy bed nearby right in the middle of all the action.

From every one here at RV Buddies - we wish all of you a safe and prosperous 2010. See you next year!

NORAD is hard at work again tracking Santa and his reindeer as they perform their global mission of giving gifts. Thanks to the marvels of technology, you can now get up-to-date information by visiting the NoradSanta.org website.

There's lots of fun stuff, including Google Earth, videos and a whole lot more.

All of us at RV Buddies are getting ready with last minute details to enjoy this holiday with our families and friends.

So tonight, put out your milk and cookies. Because whether you live in an RV park, house, or are camping in a tent, Santa is his way, in the very first RV to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

From all of us to you and your families, we wish you a wondrous and blessed holiday.

And check this out:

Thetford Sani-Con developer Lanny Stegal spent some time with RV Buddies Host and Producer Mark Summers and shared his in-depth knowledge of the development of macerator technology and the easy-to-use Sani-Con system.

Every RVer has seen the infamous scene where Robin Williams attempts to empty his holding tanks in the movie "RV". While no RVer has had an audience or accident to that level, accidents can happen – from mild to very unpleasant. Stegal is the expert and Summers poses questions you just might be too embarrassed to ask.

"Understanding the workings of these devices makes maintenance a lot easier" says Mark Summers. “And if there’s one piece of RV maintenance RVers want to handle quickly and easily, it’s emptying your black water holding tank.”

Stegal developed macerator technology for Thetford along with the Sani-Con product. During the interview, Stegal covers the macerator in detail and provides an in-depth look at the benefits of the Sani-Con system. Available in fixed and portable models, the Sani-Con system gives RVers with drop-through toilet models the benefits of macerator technology, plus the ability to pump black water contents great distances. Dumping tanks at home is made much simpler with the Sani-Con system – especially when the homeowner has a "P" trap for draining their pool.

American Coach completes first factory delivery under new ownership.

American Coach, the luxury motor home division of Fleetwood RV, today announced it retailed its first VIP factory delivery – an optional service available to all American Coach customers – since American Industrial Partners, Inc. acquired the company in July. VIP factory delivery is unique in that customers take delivery of their new American Coach model where it was built, and to learn how to operate it with a factory representative.

“The American Coach VIP factory delivery is one of the many ways we try to make our customers feel special,” said John Draheim, president of Fleetwood RV, Inc. “It creates an opportunity for us to personally connect with our customers, as well as helps us ensure their complete satisfaction before they hit the road.”

“Customers who select our VIP factory delivery option have the unique chance to see where their coaches are made and to meet the people that helped build them,” said Justin Humphreys, national sales director for American Coach and Revolution LE. “Everyone who is involved in the production of our American Coach line of luxury motor homes has a tremendous sense of pride about what they do, and who better to take a customer through their new coach then someone who had a hand in its construction.”

Customers John and Pat Goodwin selected the VIP factory delivery option when they purchased their second American Coach – a 2009 American Tradition 42M, from Tom Johnsons Camping Center in Concord, NC.

“We are extremely pleased with our VIP delivery experience,” said Pat Goodwin. “The American Coach Delivery team brought an attention to detail and an incredible knowledge of the product which made our delivery the best we have ever had. We left Decatur feeling confident and excited about our beautiful new coach, and with peace of mind in having American Coach’s legendary service standing behind us. We would highly recommend the American Coach VIP option.”

Freightliner Custom Chassis Gets North America Moving with Free Fuel Special RV travel deal.

This season, forget the "staycation." Take a road trip of a lifetime on Freightliner Custom Chassis.

Motorhome enthusiasts who have waited to buy a new rig now have 1,250 reasons to start planning their next road trip immediately in a new RV. Called "Fueled By Us," FCCC is offering a $1,250 USD fuel card with the purchase of any qualifying new motorhome built on a Freightliner chassis from dealers in the United States and Canada. The Fueled By Us offer is available from Oct. 15 - Dec. 31, 2009.

"The freedom and adventure of the open road is an irresistible draw," said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC. "The dream of a great road trip is the passion of many RVers and this sales event is designed to help them take a trip they might normally not be in the position to take at this time."

RV travel has long been known as a great way to maximize travel budgets. With room for the entire family, no airline restrictions or fees to deal with, the ability to cook meals and avoid costly hotel charges, motorhome travel offers many advantages. With Freightliner Custom Chassis' latest offer of free fuel, the value is that much stronger.

"We know travelers are anxious to get out there and explore, but they want to be sure they are getting the most for their dollar. Our offer to take your next RV trip on us is a strong added incentive when considering the purchase of a new motorhome," said Randall. "Not to mention Freightliner chassis offer best-in-class ride and handling, the tightest turning radius in the industry, the most expansive dealer and service network and outstanding customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Freightliner chassis power some of the most popular and well-built Class A motorhomes available in the industry. The following OEMs are participating in the Fueled By Us program: Damon, Entegra Coach, Forest River, Gulf Stream, Itasca, Jayco, Four Winds International (formerly known as Mandalay Coach), Newmar, Sportscoach, Tiffin, Triple E and Winnebago. FCCC's Fueled By Us offer applies to new 2008, 2009 and 2010 model-year retail-sold motorhomes built by the aforementioned participating OEMs on FCCC chassis. FCCC manufactures diesel powered chassis and even offers the first-of-its-kind hybrid-electric version called ecoFRED, designed to increase fuel economy while delivering optimal power.

Qualified Fueled by Us participants receive a Visa debit card pre-loaded with $1,250 that can be used at any diesel fueling station across the country where Visa is accepted. FCCC is also looking for motorhome enthusiasts to share ideas and photos for where they would go on their next great adventure on Facebook for a chance to win great FCCC gear. CLICK HERE

For more information and details about the Fueled By Us offer, please visit freightlinerchassis.com/fuel.

Fleetwood RV announced the launch of its limited edition 2010 Quest, a value-priced Class C diesel motor home built on the fuel-efficient Dodge Sprinter chassis. This limited production run of 150 units will be available at select Fleetwood RV dealers nationwide.

The 2010 Quest is available in two 24-feet, single slide-out models: a rear bath floor plan with opposing sofa beds (24E); and a rear gaucho dinette with sofa sleeper and optional Queen air mattress sofa bed floor plan (24L). Low profile cap and overhead 26"LCD TVs are standard on both models. Customers can also select the optional cab-over bed with 19" LCD TV and DVD player.

"The 2010 Quest combines the fuel-efficiency of our Icon and Pulse motor homes with the value pricing of our traditional Class C motor homes," said John Draheim, president of Fleetwood RV, "The market's response to Quest has been better than expected. Our entire production run sold out in two weeks, and dealers are retailing them as fast as we can deliver them."

"Our customers love the 2010 Quest," said Loren Baidas, owner of General RV, located in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Utah. "Both models are equipped with a multitude of standard features and increased sleeping capacities - even without the optional cabover bed, plus its price point makes it difficult to ignore."

MSRP for the 2010 Quest starts at $84,000. For more information about the 2010 Quest, or any Fleetwood RV, Inc. motor homes, please call 1-800-322-8216 or visit fleetwoodrv.com.

Of all the coaches at “The Rally” in Albuquerque, only the 43’ Country Coach Veranda “Redcloud Peak” had folks waiting in lines resembling those for a new ride in an amusement park.  Lucky for us, the rep arranged for us to shoot the coach before the show opened!

We went to bed the night before eager with anticipation… AND concern.  Uncharacteristic of New Mexico in the spring, we were greeted with snow upon our arrival.  We wondered if snow flakes would cloud our camera lenses, but our worries were wasted.  As we awoke on the morning of our shoot, the sky was clear and the sun shown bright.  However in between the snow and the sunshine, an overnight rainstorm had dampened the area.  For some reason, RV shows seem to attract rain.  It’s as if the Rain Gods know all the coaches have been polished to perfection, and aim to spot and speckle them.

Bright and early the crew arrived at the display, and helped the factory rep dry off the coach. The rain sat on the lustrous finish in plump glistening drops reflecting the rising sun. The term "automotive finish" in this case is insulting as the paint was much more beautiful and reflective than on any production car. The length of the coach was sleek and flat - the paint liquid smooth with the distant view reflected in its depth.

Entering the coach, we were instantly aware of Country Coach’s commitment to quality. Even though the 300 is the entry series for Country Coach’s Veranda line, it still exudes that custom class feel.  It was grand.

The driver's area is a great example of form and function. The captain's chairs are covered in sumptuous leather and are six-way power adjustable. The dash is padded, contoured and ergonomic – with all the gauges you need to be in full communication with your coach. The "SmartWheel" is ready to guide you down miles of memorable roads.

Our review coach featured a rear view monitor with optional side cameras and an in dash GPS with optional XM service. The optional SmarTire system is available, and on a coach like this seems like a logical addition.

The chassis is the DynoMax, exclusive to Country Coach. The 300 offers two different drive train packages – a 425 HP Caterpillar with Caterpillar transmission, or a 425 HP Cummins with Allison transmission. Both offer independent front suspension, tag axle and air brakes as standard.

Moving into the living area, the big news is the "Veranda". Instead of a slide-out, the wall opens to form a luxurious outdoor living space. If you have any concerns about how well this works you can put them to rest right now. Country Coach engineered, or rather over-engineered this marvel. Hardware is beefy, framing is thick and the sliding glass doors look like they could stand up to a hurricane. When the Veranda is closed, the top of the wall is glass which illuminates the interior when traveling. When opened up, it provides the signature look of a glass balcony to look out on any horizon where you may have parked or camped.

No less important in the living area are the quality furnishings including a beautiful dinette set, leather sofa-bed, and complete HDTV home theater system. In addition to the 42" LCD inside, there is another cleverly placed 37” TV for outdoor viewing!

Moving amidships, the galley features an attractive tile backsplash and solid surface countertops. Cooking is fast and easy with the Advantium convection/microwave and a three burner gas cook top.  An ample pantry provides plenty of space for food stores, and a four-door Norcold will keep all your favorite beverages chilled for entertaining on that beautiful Veranda.

Just past the pantry, a half bath is tucked into the passenger side. It is efficient yet comfortable in size. Unlike many mid-coach baths, this one gives a nice feeling of privacy as the TV and pantry create a buffer from the living area. Just across from the bath is space for a combo or stacked washer-dryer – both optional, or you can just enjoy more storage space.

The bedroom suite is comfortable and quiet. The entire coach features extensive sound deadening – and it really shows when you are lying on the bed. The quality of materials is obvious. The box valences, for example, are clean, timeless in design, and made from elegant hardwoods and covered in expensive fabrics. These are designs that will age and wear well through the life of your coach without looking dated.

Finally, the rear bath is something to behold. Country Coach first featured a large shower last year in the Allure Crane Prairie. That has proven to be very popular and has made its way into many floor plans including the Redcloud Peak. Two feet shorter than the Crane Prairie, the bath is a bit less palatial, but the shower and amenities still abound. A large wardrobe, plenty of linen storage, the second of two china Tecma heads and loads of privacy are noteworthy. (Note: our video review does not show the shower. That would be one of those moments where the press record did not get pressed!)

Judging from the looks on their faces after their tour of the coach, the folks found the long line to get in well worth it.  Everyone was impressed with the quality and tastefulness of execution. Some fantasized about their travels in this magnificent coach, others were calculating out loud how they might purchase one, and a few were beginning negotiations with the factory rep.

We talked with the rep too. While the Country Coach Veranda 300 Redcloud Peak isn't normally in the range of products reviewed by RV Buddies, we would gladly take her for a test drive anytime!

Winnebago Via Showcased at Washington, DC, Event - Fuel economy of 15-18 mpg highlighted

Winnebago Industries recently showcased the all-new high-mileage Class A Via motor home for participants in the Forum on Stimulating Economic Vitality and Resource Conservation, a gathering of top national and state tourism and park leaders hosted by the U.S. Department of Interior. Held in downtown Washington, D.C., on September 15, the forum allowed key RV industry leaders, state tourism officials, the managers of public lands covering more than one-third of the nation’s surface and others to discuss increasing visits by Americans to national parks while making this use sustainable, and to see how changes in RVs will help the RV lifestyle remain popular in an era of new focus on “green” living.

Forum participants included state and local government officials, gateway community and tribal leaders as well as tourism and recreation industry representatives. Keynote addresses were delivered by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, both members of the President’s Cabinet. Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) President Richard Coon and American Recreation Coalition (ARC) President Derrick Crandall briefed the Secretaries on RV travel and innovations as they toured the VIA. The event also recognized innovations in RVing that have made the industry more eco-friendly, fuel and cost efficient.

“We were delighted by the positive focus of the Administration’s comments at the forum – about its commitment to strengthen the link between Americans and the Great Outdoors. Both Secretaries noted the immense economic importance of the RV industry and related recreation businesses,” said American Recreation Coalition President Derrick A. Crandall. “The Winnebago Via's eye-catching styling, exclusive features and impressive fuel economy were a real hit with meeting attendees.”

The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show, America’s Largest RV Show, held in Hershey, PA reported record attendance at this year’s event. Over 31,700 people attended the event held at the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Complex; GIANT CenterSM from September 14th – 20th – almost a 14 percent increase from 2008 and a record for the history of the show.

The event was very successful for its many exhibitors. Opening with Industry Days, the show gives manufactures the opportunity to meet with dealerships to discuss their new product line.

“Fairmont was able to sign more new business than last year,” John Soard of Fairmont Homes says.  “The retail days were notably busier than in previous years, and there were very qualified destination customers in attendance.  Everybody in the park model village was upbeat about the attendance.”

Sales were also on the rise during the show’s public days. “Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. set a new sales record at this year’s Hershey Show,” said Nick Palm of Tiffin Motorhomes Inc. “Tiffin's Retail Sales were up 235 percent over retail sales last year.  Consumer attitudes were very positive, which reflected in the increased sales.” Jean-Claude Guilbault, regional sales manager of Roadtrek says, “We had the best show in Hershey so far.”

“It was a fabulous show,” Show Chairman Dan Saltzgiver, owner of Reichart’s Camping Center, Hanover, PA says. “Hopefully it’s an indication that the economy and industry is turning around.”

The excitement of the RV lifestyle brought thousands to the show to check out the 2010 models and cash in on the spectacular prices. The Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association (PRVCA), the organization responsible for managing the event, contributes a portion of the event’s success to value recognition by consumers. “GoRVing has done a wonderful job delivering the message to consumers that the RV lifestyle offers great value to families and we continued that message into the marketing of the show,” Rebecca Lenington, Executive Vice President of PRVCA says. “PRVCA also increased its marketing initiatives by dipping into reserves at a critical time for our members.”

The show proves that consumers are hungry for recreational vehicles. Low interest rates and government tax incentives were the icing on the cake making the PA RV & Camping Show the ultimate time to purchase a new RV. The vast array of new 2010 products and with 59 manufacturers exhibiting, there was no better place to shop and compare.

Mark your calendars now for the 2010 PA RV & Camping Show held September 13 – 19, 2010 at the GIANT CenterSM in Hershey, PA! For more information visit largestrvshow.com.

Everytime we explore an RV for review, a frightening discovery awaits. Somewhere a drawer lurks with about a hundred different remote controls. Okay, well maybe not that many - but you get the idea.

Well, here are some solutions to all the madness. Logitech makes a great line of remotes in every price range - from simple to advanced beauties that can empty your wallet! What's good about these remotes is that they work. Once you program them, you're good to go. For complete reviews on the Logitech remotes, we suggest you visit CNET.com. They have some very comprehensive thoughts, tips and suggestions that can really help in picking and using the right model.

The Harmony 700 lists at just under $150. It replaces up to 6 remotes. The color screen shows what you need: You can see icons for your favorite channels as well as the commands you need for the devices you’re using. The smart display can even provide help if you need it.

One-click activity buttons: Automatically turns on the proper devices and selects the appropriate input settings depending on what you want to do - such as “Watch a DVD”.

The remote supports over 5000 brands and over 225,000 devices. And Logitech constantly updates this so if you buy a new TV or whatever, chances are your remote will support it.

You connect it to your PC or Mac and a guided online setup asks what equipment you have. Then you're walked through every step of the setup process. There's also live support if you have any questions.

The 900 adds a few features. While the 700 supports 6 devices, the 900 replaces up to 15 remotes. Also, the 700 is ir (infrared) based. That means you have to aim the remote at the device for it to work. The 900 is rf (radio frequency) based. So there's no need to worry about line of site. Check their site for more information on that. List price is Just under $400.

If you want the ultimate remote for your end or coffee table, check out the Harmony 1100. It has a beautiful touch screen and controls. Of course, good looks don't come cheap. This baby lists at just under $500.

Logitech makes some great remotes - at reasonable prices. The home theater fan knows there are many extreme systems available from companies like Crestron which can cost thousands of dollars! As technology has developed, what only the well-to-do could afford as little as 10 years ago can now be had starting at around $150.