Archive for February, 2009

Get Your RV Ready for Spring

February 28th, 2009 William

Get Your RV Ready for Spring
Author – Ken Freund
Brought to you by Good Sam Club RV Road Service

Get Your RV Ready for Spring
Coming out of Hibernation

Winter elements can take a toll on stored RVs. If your coach has been in storage, now is the time to start preparing for those spring getaways. Taking a little time now will help ensure enjoyment all through the year.

Before hitting the road complete this RV spring-prep checklist: Begin with a thorough exterior inspection. Examine the outside, including the body and roof, for any cracks or separation and look inside for stains on the ceiling, sure signs of roof leaks. Look beneath the coach and/or or tow vehicle for signs of fuel or other fluid leaks.

Once you’ve determined there are no exterior leaks, wash the RV with a specially formulated soap designed for the exterior. Work in the shade, since washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove spots and streaks. Use specialized wheel cleaners to make tires and trim look new.

An RV that’s been stored all winter needs to be aired out. Vacuum the carpet and clean the floors and other surfaces as needed.

Spring prep should include a fluid and connections check. Look for insect and rodent nests and chewed wires and hoses. Check the amount of LP gas and test appliances for proper functioning.

Drain and flush the freshwater tank. Add 1/4 cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of capacity. Then fill the tank almost to capacity, leaving room for sloshing. Drive or tow the coach to mix the bleach. Run the hot water to get the bleach through the water heater. Then drain the freshwater tank. Refill, along with 1/4 of baking soda per 15 gallons. Drive or tow to mix the water, run the hot water, then drain and refill with fresh water. Test the water pump and water system, including the water heater.

On motor homes, generators and tow vehicles, change the oil and filter and perform all recommended services according to the owner’s and maintenance manuals.

Batteries should be check for electrolyte level and connections should be removed, cleaned and after re-assembly, treated with an anticorrosive product.

Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure, check tires for cracks and other damage and set inflation pressures. Trailers should have the wheel bearings repacked.

Replace batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the gauges on fire extinguishers. Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits. An emergency kit should include: flares, a gas can, reflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables, wheel chocks, flashlight and basic hand tools.

Stock up with necessities for cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Review kitchen equipment and the inventory of favorite games, books, cards, puzzles, CDs, DVDs or videos.

To have peace of mind when you hit the road, get Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service

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Salisbury Vacations: What To Do When You Stay in Salisbury

February 25th, 2009 William

The city of Salisbury located in the heart of the county of Wiltshire, England has much to offer those who choose to spend time in it. But not only are there wonderful attractions to be enjoyed in the city of Salisbury itself there are plenty of wonderful attractions to be found in the surrounding area.  Below we look at just a few of the attractions you may enjoy when you decide to spend time in Salisbury.

1.     Stonehenge – This is of course one of the most well known of all the attractions to be found close to the city of Salisbury. The stones that one can see there today were erected there between 3,000 and 1,600 BC. The way the stones have been erected is based on the way in which the sun rises and sets.  But it is not just the stone circle which have people flocking to this UNESCO World Heritage site but the other 400 scheduled monuments which surround it as well. 

2.     Salisbury Cathedral -  The building of this wonderful cathedral was completed in 1258.  The area surrounding the cathedral is wonderful as well and provides a peaceful haven in this Wiltshire town. 

3.    Longleat – This will  keep children of all ages amused for the day. There is a stately home to explore, extensive grounds surrounding it, and of course the Wildlife park. This Elizabethan property is set in gardens that were landscaped by Capability Brown. Along with the house to explore there are plenty of attractions surrounding it including a maze and butterfly house. And of course the lions of Longleat are joined by tigers, wolves and other exotic creatures in the safari park.

4.    Farmer Giles Farmstead -  This is located a short drive from Salisbury in the Wiltshire downs. Certainly if your children have never been in contact with farm animals before this is a great place to introduce them to them. Depending on the time of the year, you may have the opportunity to bottle feed the lambs or young goats. Plus they have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the donkeys and ponies as well.  There is also an adventure playground to help get rid of any extra energy. 

There is also a restaurant on site for you to relax and enjoy a well-deseRVed rest. Here you can enjoy a good quality home cooked meal and whilst you sit and relax afterwards there is a bouncy castle, sandpit and play area for the younger children and toddlers to enjoy.

Make your stay in Salisbury complete by booking your Salisbury hotel here.

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Ayr: What To Do When You Visit Ayr

February 25th, 2009 William

The town of Ayr is located on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. It has been well established for many centuries and so has many wonderful attractions for visitors to it to enjoy. Here we will take a look at just a few of the attractions that you can enjoy if you decide to stay in Ayr.

1.    Culzean Castle – This is perched on the cliff tops above the town and offers you breathtaking views across it. Not only is it a wonderful place to explore but if you have the money you can always arrange to stay in it as well. The top floor of the castle was converted into an apartment in the 1940’s for General Eisenhower to use. This was done as a way of thanking the General for commanding Scottish soldiers during the Second World War. He used the apartment on more than one occasion including whilst he was President of America. Now these rooms are used a self contained country style hotel and there are six rooms in which guests can stay. 

2.    TheVikingar – This explores the history of the Vikings in Scotland from the time of the Viking invasion to their defeat in 1263 in Largs. You have the chance to come face to face with their Gods and learn what life was like for the Vikings seven hundred years ago. But not only do you learn about the Vikings you can enjoy other facilities such as the swimming pool, theatre, a soft play area for children and the cafe.

3.    Burns Cottage and Museum – This is the birthplace of Robert Burns and is to be found in Alloway. The house was built Burns’ father and Burns himself only actually lived in it for the first seven years of his life. The museum is also home to the Burns family bible.

4.    Robert Burns Monument – This overlooks the River Ayr and its two main bridges. The monument has been standing here since 1823 and inside it features more than 600 exhibits about Robert Burns. One of the two bridges you can see is Auld Brig. Burns prophesized that this bridge would have to be rebuilt. This prophecy did come true and the bridge that was built on the site in 1788 had to be rebuilt in 1877.

When you next visit Ayr, be sure to book your Ayr hotel from this list.

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