Winter 2013 betterRVing

knowledge is power:the rep rapsee them in actionat the SuperShow

Florida RVSuperShow Map

Strolling Through Cigar City: Ybor

WINTER 2013

2 betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

Go outside and play all day, then get cozy ‘round the campfire. Can you feel it yet? There’s a change in the light...a change in the air. It’s the perfect time to enjoy RVing. For over 35 years we’ve been making dreams come true for RVers all over the world. We are proud to say that at Lazydays we have an RV for everyone. To find the RV that suits the way your family plays, log on to our website or stop by and pay us a visit – we’d love to show you around.

3

TAMPA | TUCSON

lazydays.com

CONTENTS

10 Two for the RoadLazydays experts Dana

and Snow take the

2013 Born Free 23-foot

front lounge for a spin.

15 Meet the Manufacturer RepsGet to know the

resident brand gurus on call

for Lazydays customers.

40 Florida RV SuperShow Map

43 Catching Up With CrossRoads RVRegional sales manager

Steve Shively offers his

insights on this burgeoning

brand.

46 Destination: Ybor City, FloridaStroll through history

at Florida's "Cigar City,"

just a short drive from

Lazydays Tampa.

54 RV Quick TipsHelpful hints to enhance your

RV lifestyle.

57 Traveling TunesRoad-trip playlists

guaranteed to get your foot

tapping — on the gas pedal.

60 Lessons in RVingOne couple gets a humorous

reminder to watch out for

the small things — and the

big ones, too.

66 Home Cookin’: Jammin’ Joe’s Barbecue Meatballs

68 Ed Said: What's New, What Rocks

70 Grateful Gear

72 Troubleshootin’ With Ernie: Resetting Your Furnace

74 RV Open House

81 RV Classifieds

89 Partner Spotlight: Marie Schultz

90 Technically Speaking: Ask Steve

The Final Features


L A N C E C A M P E R . C O M

Go Anywhere | Go Any Time | Go Now

Find Your Perfect Fit | Lazydays

7

Come camp with us! Our campgrounds feature paved sites with full 30/50-amp hookups amidst beautiful landscaping. You can relax by the pool, play indoor and outdoor games, or enjoy a visit with your friends at our restaurants and bars. If you travel with man’s best friend you’ll be pleased to know we have a fenced-in doggie park right inside our campgrounds. Give us a call or go online to make a reservation; we can’t wait to see you!

lazydaysRVcampground.comTucson, AZ | 800.306.4069 Tampa, FL | 800.626.7800

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE WINTER SEASON WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY & SUNSHINE!

T OF THE WINTER SEASON


LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Better RVers,Welcome to another issue of betterRVing.com. We are glad you’re here!

Aren’t superheroes amazing? I think most of us grew up dreaming about meeting a superhero or pretending to be a superhero — running through the house with homemade capes, waving magic wands or fashioning tin foil to funnel special powers. This issue of betterRVing.com is dedicated to our RV superheroes; find the super-section on page 15. Every day our RV manufacturer reps walk the hallways, imaginary cape flapping behind them, sharing their knowledge and problem-solving capabilities with everyone.

Lazydays was built from the inside out to honor your needs — sometimes, before you even know you have a need. One way we meet those needs is through our superhero manufacturer reps. We provide them with office space and they, in turn, offer you answers, insights and tips. There’s no need to call an 800 number; they are right here on site! Have fun getting to know these dedicated individuals and their super-powers, and feel free to email them with your questions.

As we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year, the road ahead is fresh and full of adventure. Where will the RV go this year? How many new friends will be made? What destinations will be discovered? And what obstacles will be overcome? The promise of a new year is both exciting and invigorating. It is important to develop that new energy into a plan, and then into an email. An email to me! Tell me and show me what you did, where you went, what you saw.

I look forward to hearing your stories!

Happy travels,

Ann Cosentino

[email protected]

Advertising Director

Liz Lema 866.317.4012

For advertising inquires:

[email protected]

Inquiries

Subscription and

customer service information:

[email protected]

Managing Editor

Ann Cosentino

[email protected]

All rights reserved © 2013

Lazydays®

6130 Lazy Days Boulevard,

Seffner, FL 33584-2968

betterRVing.com is published

four times per year by

Lazydays. No responsibility

can be accepted for

unsolicited manuscripts

or photographs, which must

be accompanied by a

self-addressed envelope

with return postage.

The views expressed in this

magazine are not necessarily

those of the publisher.

9

Whether on the road or at rest, an American Coach from Lazydays commands respect. Life’s achievements aren’t always easily won, and we believe that your motorcoach should be an exuberant declaration of success.

Our reputation is something we work hard to maintain. Year after year, American Coach owners rely upon our industry-leading customer support, and innovative engineering and construction. That’s why we’re proud to have the most satisfied repeat customers in the industry.

The honor is all ours. But the glory can be yours.

More than a motorcoach manufacturer, we’re a partner in the pursuit of your passion. Call 800-854-1344 or visit AmericanCoach.com to build a customized American Coach that’s all your own.

LIFE’S ULTIMATE MERIT BADGE.

DRIVING YOUR PASSION

AMERICAN HERITAGE | AMERICAN EAGLE | AMERICAN TRADITION | AMERICAN REVOLUTION Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/americancoach


TWO FOR THE ROADBY FRED SMITH

2013 Born Free 23-Foot Front Lounge Class CDana Philp 29+ years RV sales experience; Black Belt in RV fun

Snow Chamberlain 33+ years professional RV experience; more than 500,000 miles driven

He’s logged more than half a million miles

on the open road. She’s taught more RVers how

to have a good time than she can remember.

Here’s what happened when Lazydays’ road

warrior and the RV industry’s guru of fun took

the 2013 Born Free 23-foot front lounge

Class C motorhome for a spin.

11

INTERIOR

Dana and Snow step across the threshold into the living area.Dana: I love the oak finish in this coach. We have solid hardwood throughout the interior. It’s great to come home to after a day of playing. Snow: Check out the dovetail work on these cabinets. That is classy stuff. Look at the drawers. Dana: Look at your own drawers, Snow.Snow: Guess I walked right into that one! But there is a ton of high-quality storage in here. Dana: Well, you've gotta have someplace to keep your wine. Look at this hand-laid tile in the kitchen and solid-surface countertop. Both are standard features. And at the rear of the coach, we have a laundry chute where you can throw your dirty clothes and snatch them from the outside when you’re ready to do laundry. Snow: I’m never ready to do laundry.Dana: Well, you can still just throw away your dirty clothes, Snow. But with this coach, you don’t have to carry them through the interior on your way to the garbage.

COCKPIT

Snow sits in the driver's seat and snaps on his seat belt while Dana gets comfortable on the curbside sofa. Snow: Holy refractor beams, Dana. This coach has a touch-screen control for the in-dash stereo. Dana: And it’s also a full-color, rear-view monitor. Snow: What does this button do?Dana: That turns off your air bag.Snow: Hey, leave my mother-in-law out of it. Air bag ... mother-in-law. Get it?Dana: I get it. Speaking of family, Born Free Motorcoach has been a family-owned and operated company for 44 years. Until this year, they’ve always sold their coaches directly from their factory in Humboldt, Iowa. Now Lazydays has become the only dealership in America where customers can purchase one of these. We’re excited about it. With the Born Free and Lazydays partnership, our customers get the best of both worlds. Snow: That means the price is set by the factory?Dana: Right. It also means there’s no haggling, which makes for an easy buying experience.


Snow fires up the engine and pulls away. Minutes later, the Born Free is ready to merge onto the highway.Snow: Great acceleration and the maneuverability of an SUV. This is a Class C motorhome that drives like a Cadillac.® All the controls are easily in reach. It’s comfortable to drive this coach.Dana: Born Free has one of the best warranties in the indus-try. Not only the chassis, but the whole coach has a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. Tip to toe. It’s also one of the safest coaches in the industry. There has never been a fatality in a Born Free coach in the 44 years they’ve been in business. Snow: Well, I just started driving ’em.Dana: Don’t say that. Old girls, when we get scared ... we tinkle. It’s amazing how quiet this coach is even though we’re driving on the highway. Snow: It’s a vehicle you can drive every day. This really is the Cadillac® of Class Cs. Dana: These have been big sellers this year, especially at some of the shows we’ve had. Today’s RVers are showing up having already done their research. They know what they want. When you complete your research, then your answer is Born Free. ■

MSRP: $110,075 Go to lazydays.com to find out more.

TWO FOR THE ROAD

13

Our popular Phaeton® is engineered for years of reliability. So you can arrive in time for the show. And since we’re every bit as particular about your buying and service experience, we are proud to partner with Lazydays. Visit tiffi nmorhomes.com.

14 betterRVing.com | Winter 20131441444 bbbettettettetttttteeeeeeeerrRrrRrRrRVinVinVininininV ng.cg.gg.g cg cg.cccg.cg.ccoomm m ommomm oomm |||||||| WWWiWWintenteter 2r 2r 20130130133

Heartland owners are proud of their RVs

and enjoy the company of fellow Heartland RV owners. Share in the good times with others like

you, make new friends and create a lifetime of lasting memories together. Chapters of the Heartland Owners Club are forming all over the

United States and Canada. Owners are meeting for rallies several times each year at great destinations sharing experiences, making friends and making memories.

Get started at Lazydays, a premier dealer of Heartland products.

www.heart

landowne

rs.org

www.heartlandrvs.com

1515

Faster than a speedy Pleasure-

Way, more powerful than an

Entegra turbocharged engine, able to leap

innovative Tiffins in a single bound …

the manufacturer representatives at

Lazydays are always ready and armed

with valuable product knowledge to help

customers before and after they take

the wheel. In the next few pages, you’ll

learn why these valiant men and women

are so determined to give you the best

motorhome experience on the planet. Z

MANUFACTURER’S

BY JENNIFER RUYLE, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

15


George Grimm

He’s a compelling storyteller. An empathetic listener. And a manufacturer rep who genuinely thrives on happy endings.Six questions. That’s how George

Grimm begins his conversations with

each RV customer. George believes

that “if you don’t know the who, what,

where, when, why and how, then you

can’t help your customers make the

right decision about their RV.” After

34 years in the automotive and RV

industries, he knows how to cultivate

a real conversation. “First, I let my

customers tell me their stories, and I

just listen,” says George. “Then, it’s my

turn to tell the incredible story of our

products.” An avid RVer himself — and

with two sons and a daughter-in-law

in the same business — George has a

passion for coaches, and takes pride in

addressing his customers’ every need to

make their RV experience perfect. His

office at Lazydays is always open. Stop

by, sit down and start talking.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S


Matt Ellinger

Meet the manufacturer rep who gets excited — very excited — about his RVs. Matt Ellinger, manufacturer rep for

Outlaw and Thor Motor Coach, takes

a decidedly fun approach to helping

Lazydays customers understand the

ins and outs of their RVs. At the same

time, he takes his role very seriously.

“We are first and foremost a resource

for our customers,” says Matt. “And

that means knowing each and every

inch of the motorhome.” Supporting

the expert Lazydays sales team, Matt is

accessible and often on-site to answer

any questions customers may have,

whether pre- or post-sale. Having such a

knowledgeable resource on hand gives

Lazydays customers a level of comfort

and expertise rarely available elsewhere.

Call on Matt and watch his RPMs kick

into gear for you.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S

21

Chuck Kellogg

“Matchmaker, Match-maker ...” Like the famous song, he’ll make you a match, find you a find, catch you a catch.Pleasure-Way’s manufacturer rep, Chuck

Kellogg, finds his greatest pleasure

in making the right match between

a customer and an RV. “My biggest

strength is being able to understand a

person’s intended lifestyle,” says Chuck.

With many years of on-the-floor retail

experience behind him, he has learned

to start every conversation with a simple

— yet very effective — question: “Tell

me, how did you arrive at this moment

of wanting an RV?” Once customers

open up about exactly who they are and

how they plan to use their motorhome,

Chuck kicks into matchmaking gear.

Day or night, he’s ready to answer

questions, provide information and

make the purchase experience as

pleasurable as the RV itself. “My biggest

reward is hearing how my product

changed a customer’s life,” he adds.

So if you’re looking for “the one,”

Chuck will be happy to introduce you.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S


Tiffin Team

Relentless. Passionate. Caring. Tiffin’s Fab Four work together seamlessly to provide superhero customer support.

James “Jumping-Through-Hoops-for-Customers” Bush As a customer

relations and tech support leader for Tiffin, James Bush is on-site at Lazydays,

ready to handle any tech-related customer needs. “I should have a sign on my door

that says, ‘Open for business 24 hours’ ,” he chuckles. James averages 45 calls a

day and won’t hesitate to find a solution, even if it means going beyond the call of

duty. “I want to get my customers on the road as quickly as possible, so they can

continue to make and enjoy memories of RVing.” [email protected]

Beverly “Best-Parts-Solver” Budd When Tiffin owners need a new part, a

replacement part or a part that may not even exist yet, Beverly Budd is happy

to assist. “I’m a relentless puzzle-solver when it comes to parts,” she explains.

“I’m ready to help customers with any part inside or outside their coach.”

MANUFACTURER’S

23

Working on-site and full-time at Lazydays, Beverly’s mission is to get her

customers what they need, fast. “James, Tom, Anson and I are an extension of

Tiffin, ready to support you at all times.” [email protected]

Anson “Always-on-It” Adams When you know Tiffin’s engineers on a first-

name basis, as Anson Adams does, you know your coach. “Any technical

questions or aspects of a Tiffin, I can find the answer,” he asserts. Whether it’s

a product specs query or warranty information request, Anson is on the job.

“I treat every customer’s situation as dire, because that’s how it feels to them,”

says Anson. “My joy is when I hear that ‘thank you’ from a customer. That’s

the best part of my job.” [email protected]

Tom “Turbo-Leader” Webber A 30-year veteran in the RV business, Tom Webber

serves as a direct liaison and customer resource, and keeps Tiffin’s Lazydays

dealer support team running at full throttle. He emphasizes that customer service

is at the very core of Tiffin: “We want to be accessible to every customer. Even

Bob Tiffin, our CEO, takes an average of 60 customer phone calls a day.” From

training sales teams to helping with service, inventory and warranty information,

Tom works tirelessly to meet customers’ needs. [email protected]

25

Horst Kramer

He’s the international man of manufacturing, the 007 of RVs, the connoisseur of exporting motorhomes to customers all over the globe.Spending more than half the year

on-site at Lazydays in Florida, Horst

Kramer has been jet-setting from his

home base in Frankfurt, Germany, for

the last 17 years. His mission? Helping

RVers select and ready their dream

vehicles for adventures in and outside

the United States. From his early years

selling Mercedes to the likes of Sophia

Loren and George Kennedy, to his latest

RV endeavors, such as transporting

Class As overseas to Arabian royalty,

Horst brings extensive product and

shipping knowledge to customers.

He ensures each RV is transitioned to

European or other international vehicle

standards and that it arrives safely to

the new owner. An avid RVer himself,

Horst truly understands the many

languages of RV love.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S


Roger Neaman

Loyal to his products. Loyal to his customers. Loyal to making RV dreams come true for more than two decades.Winnebago motorhome buyers and

owners can count on this manufacturer’s

rep to be there at every turn. Upholding

Winnebago’s solid 55-year reputation

for exceptional customer service, Roger

Neaman has been helping customers

find their fun and live out their dreams

for the past 25 years. “If customers have

questions about the product, I know

the answer or I can find the answer,” he

insists. “There’s nothing too trivial or too

small when it comes to what they want.”

Often on-site at Lazydays working

alongside the Winnebago sales team,

Roger offers direct knowledge of the

entire product line. (Some even say he’s

better than Google.®) He’s ready for your

call, email, text or handshake.

Call 888.626.7800 and ask for Roger

MANUFACTURER’S

29

Jayne Fairley

From eyeing floor ducts to explaining Class A diesels, this savvy rep is the Jack-and-Jill-of-all-trades with a unique perspective.Right out of college, Jayne Fairley

secured a job with Fleetwood RV,

thinking she’d move on after a few

years. Nineteen years later, she’s

definitely moved on, and up —

representing 12 different Fleetwood

RV and American Coach motorhomes

at Lazydays. As one of the rare female

reps in the country, she offers a valuable

perspective beyond her extensive

product knowledge. “I put myself in the

customer’s position. I’m a mom, so I can

look at something differently,” explains

Jayne. For example, she tells RVers with

small children to avoid floor-mounted

heat ducts, where crayons and small

toys can fall in. “No matter what, my job

is to listen and help fulfill dreams every

day,” says Jayne. Customers appreciate

her insights and ability to intuitively

understand what each person wants

in an RV. And that makes for a happier

home on the road.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S


Bob Richardson

Deeply dedicated to his work and his Lazydays family, Bob takes customers’ calls anytime and anywhere.Bob Richardson recalls being phoned

by a new RVer who needed help with

the coffeemaker in the wee hours of

the morning. He responded by quickly

calling a Lazydays tech to find the

solution. The customer was happily

sipping a cappuccino within minutes.

That’s Bob — always accessible with

answers, always there to help his

Forest River customers. Lazydays is one

of the only RV dealers in the nation

offering access to full-time, on-site

manufacturer’s reps. The benefit of

this, according to Bob, is like “having

the factory right around the corner.”

Customers have the opportunity to

connect with Bob anytime, pre- or post-

purchase. “I never turn my phone off;

I’m always available,” he notes, adding,

“I love selling RVs. It’s fun selling fun!”

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S

33

Joe Snyder

A unique background gives this chassis expert the framework to make a special connection with customers.With a background as an English

teacher in Vietnam, a strong

appreciation of ’50s television and more

than a decade of retail experience, Joe

Snyder leverages his experiences and

interests to connect with Lazydays’

customers as he inspires and educates

them about the ride of their lives.

“I’m here to build the experience of

Freightliner,” he notes. “We want

customers to enjoy the drive and the

journey of getting to their destination.”

Joe helps customers understand the

suite of services available to them, such

as Camp Freightliner, a two-day seminar

at the factory; 24/7 direct customer

phone assistance; and more than 450

service locations across the country.

Always happy to assist, Joe adds, “Even

if my customer has a question about

how to set the clock in their coach, they

can pick up the phone and call me.”

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S


MANUFACTURER’S

William Hill

Meet an adventurer who has a relentless passion for his product. After all, he lives the lifestyle himself.William Hill lives and breathes his job.

That’s because this fun-loving Lance

representative is also a customer himself,

taking family trips with his Lance 992.

“I’m a camping guy,” enthuses William.

“I live the lifestyle. And I love sharing

those experiences with my customers.”

William’s passion began about a decade

ago, when he and his wife would

take their four daughters on family

adventures. His love for the lifestyle

was so strong that he left a 20-year-old

family business to enter the RV industry.

“I get excited to tell my own stories

about the product. We are in a Class ‘V,’

for versatility,” he asserts. As the East

Coast regional sales manager for Lance,

William is accessible via email, phone

or often in person to help Lazydays

customers with questions. And if he

doesn’t know the answer, he’ll seek it

out. “My greatest joy is getting customers

on the road to find their own joy.”

[email protected]

37

Chuck Lasley

Focused on customers’ desires, this rep supports Entegra Coach’s core mission to fulfill each RVer’s lifelong dream.For Chuck Lasley, a 20-year veteran

in the RV industry, getting customers

engaged in an honest conversation

comes naturally — and often with a nice

sirloin. Beyond the showroom, Chuck

often attends rallies where he helps host

dinners for Entegra Coach owners and

future owners to gain insights about his

product. “We host these personal events

so that our RVers can share stories, and

tell us what they like or want more of

in our coaches,” he explains. “We are

always looking to evolve our products,

and that’s why we seek this face-to-

face feedback.” Lazydays’ customers

benefit from Chuck’s extensive factory

knowledge and accessibility pre- and

post-sale, anytime they need an answer.

“We want people to feel like they are

becoming a part of the Entegra family.”

Like most reps, Chuck loves to talk

product; but what he relishes even more

is his customers’ every word.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S


Rex Willett

He calls himself “The Godfather of Truck Campers”; but he really has a heart of gold.In 1955, Rex Willett’s grandfather

founded Northstar in Waterloo, Iowa.

Rex and brother Rory now run the

family business, which has since

expanded worldwide. As a young child,

Rex learned the ins and outs of truck

campers and, most importantly, how

to treat customers. “Our family has a

passion. We like to teach our customers

everything there is to know about

our product,” says Rex, who offers

his extensive knowledge to Lazydays

customers anytime they need an answer.

“There’s not a question or problem

that can’t be answered or solved.”

He notes that customer education

is a priority because “the more you

know about a product, the more you

like it. It’s human nature.” As a result,

Northstar has many loyal customers,

who share glowing feedback like,

“This is the single best thing I’ve ever

purchased.” That keeps the Godfather

of Truck Campers very, very happy.

[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S

39PHOTOGRAPHY LEW EVERLING


Forest River

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How to Find the Best RV Manufacturers

& Products in the Business

MANUFACTURER’S

41

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We are so glad you are here at the best RV event in the nation! Use

these pages to help you navigate the RVs, seminars and RV products.

You can find Lazydays and betterRVing inside the Expo Hall at the new

betterRVing.com store or outside partnering with many of the best RV

manufacturers in the business.

RV Terminology Taught by Lazydays Expert Steve Roddy

Wed., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 4:30 p.m. in the RV Lifestyles Seminars

If you miss the seminar, ask Steve your tough RV question at the

betterRVing.com booth inside the Expo Hall.

SuperShow Map


THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE STARTS WITH OUR CAB-FORWARD DESIGN. hear it for yourself.

visit lazydays, our exclusive retailer, for your next joy ride.

without compromise

LISTEN. Do you hear the roar of an engine, the churning

of tires? What about the sudden stir of wind as you open up the throttle?

YOU DON’T HEAR IT?Well, good. When you drive an Entegra Coach, you should

expect the quietest-riding, best-handling motor coach. Period.

Sharing in our commitment of unfailing customer service and unmatched quality.

43

Catching up withCrossRoads

UALITY, SERVICE, VALUE

& COMFORT are the driving

principles behind CrossRoads RV,

and have contributed significantly

to the brand’s growing popularity in

the towables market. The Indiana-

based company debuted its first

RVs in 1996, and today offers a range of solidly built travel

trailers and fifth wheels, including the family-friendly Zinger,

ultra lite Cruiser Aire and adventure-loving Elevation toy

hauler, among others.

We recently sat down with Steve Shively, East Coast regional

sales manager for CrossRoads RV, and asked him to share his

insights on this burgeoning brand. ➤


Where did the name CrossRoads RV come from?It was the name given to the company by its founder, Freeman “Fritz” Helmuth. Most people don’t know this, but Indiana is known as the “Crossroads of America.” What a great lead into the RV market!

What is something people probably don’t know

about CrossRoads RV?That we are international; we sell our products overseas. We currently have products in China and Australia. It’s a testament to how well our products are built.

What advice would you give to a beginning RVer?Great question. I have been a manufacturer’s rep for 12 years and have seen a lot over that time. The best advice I could give a customer is: “If it feels like home, then it probably is.” RV shows are great, but they can also cloud the mind with all there is to see. I can’t tell you how many times a customer will walk into one of our RVs and say, “This is it — this is the one,” only to go check out the competition and end up coming back confused and frustrated, saying, “We should have just bought this one to begin with.”

You seem to have a great relationship with the

“live hard, play hard” crowd. How do you nurture

and grow that relationship?[Action sport collective] Nitro Circus® put our Elevation line through real-world testing — Nitro style. They used our toy hauler for a year before it went to market so we could see how it worked for those who like to bring their toys. We were able to make several significant product improvements based on their feedback. The average RVer trades about every three years; it is important to us to make sure they love their unit, so they'll upgrade to another CrossRoads product.

CrossRoads RV and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™

have partnered together on Operation Appreciation,

offering U.S. military families a free stay at an

Indiana lake resort in a Hampton destination trailer.

How long has this initiative been going on? Have

you gotten a good response from it?The program has been in place for two years. This has been nothing but positive; the feedback has been phenomenal. Not only were the units rented out over the weekends, there were occasions where more than one family would go to camp together.

What is your favorite thing about being part

of the CrossRoads RV family?You said it — we are a family; and at CrossRoads, your ideas matter. It’s cool to be a part of something that is exploding. CrossRoads hasn’t even come close to hitting its true potential yet. With the best dealers and the best customers to support us, expect great things moving forward. ■

45

Nitro Circus® put our Elevation

line through real-world testing,

Nitro style.


Cigar baron Vicente Martinez Ybor arrived in Tampa in 1885. At the

time, the city had a weak economy and a population hovering around 1,000 — but it also had a secure port and a new rail line. Ybor purchased 40 acres two miles north of the port and set about turning the mosquito-infested no-man’s land of palmetto-dotted swamp into a company town.

He leveled the sandy soil and laid streets in a precise grid pattern. At the center of town, he built a factory with a tower view of the harbor. On the north side, he constructed hundreds of small, shotgun-style houses, or casitas, to entice cigar workers to come to Tampa. They came by the hundreds and thousands — from Key West, Fla., Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany.

The work was painstaking and the hours long, but cigar workers in Ybor City enjoyed a level of autonomy and personal freedom a step above other industrial workers of the time. They did not depend on the company for sustenance; and

for a minimal investment, they could own a company-built home without fear of loss.

THE RISE & FALL OF YBOR CITYBy 1927, more than 200 factories employed 12,000 people. Workers spent their days in the factories and their evenings at ethnically segregated social clubs. It was on the steps of the Cuban Social Club that José Martí delivered a speech helping to spark the cause of Cuban freedom. José Martí Park pays homage to the Cuban hero on a small plot of land that is, legally and literally, Cuban soil. The property was donated to the Cuban government back in the 1950s, and the garden was planted using soil imported from various regions in Cuba.

Two short years after cigar production peaked, the Great Depression landed the first of two deathblows to Ybor City. Workers in a devastated national economy did not want expensive, hand-rolled cigars. Mechanically rolled cigars flooded the market, and the advent of cigarettes all but destroyed demand for Ybor

City's handcrafted cigars. Costs were cut, factories closed and workers left town in search of more lucrative opportunities. By the end of World War II, Ybor City was practically a ghost town.

Some would say the area literally became a ghost town. The Don Vicente Inn (www.donvicenteinn.com) was built in 1895 and was regarded as a posh destination hotel in its heyday. At the turn of the century, it became a community hospital. Today it is once again a boutique inn, fully restored to its former grandeur. It is also reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in the United States. But the Don Vicente is far from the only spot in Ybor rumored to be occupied from beyond the grave. The best way to see all of these places, and perhaps have a ghostly encounter yourself, is to book an Ybor City ghost tour at www.yborghosttour.com.

STROLL THROUGH HISTORYLonnie Herman’s historic walking tours (www.yborwalkingtours.com) are top-notch. Eyes shaded by a

BY ADAM PORTER, PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF FAY

YBORBIENVENIDO A

S T R O L L I N G T H R O U G H C I G A R C I T Y

? ?

49

straw hat, the born storyteller weaves an entertaining, interesting narrative. Discover the roots of the cigar industry. Explore Tampa’s connection to Cuban independence. Walk on the only Cuban-owned soil in the United States. Peek into haunted hotels and stroll beside cultural touchstones like the Cherokee Club, shotgun casitas and curbs with enough granite to cover all the countertops in town.

The walking tour ends at the Tourist Information Center, which doubles as a small museum and gift shop. Get maps, books and souvenirs and watch a short,

informative movie detailing Ybor City’s history. You'll find the visitor center at the Eighth Avenue entrance to Centro Ybor. (www.ybor.org)

For more local history, head over tothe Ybor City Museum at 1818 Ninth Ave. Here you can peruse the exhibits, meander through the lush garden and peek inside a recreated casita. (www.ybormuseum.org)

Ybor City’s history and culture also lives on in La Gaceta, the nation’s only tri-lingual newspaper. Founded in 1922, La Gaceta is published weekly in English, Spanish and Italian.

THE AIR IS RICH WITH THE

AROMA OF BAKING BREAD

AND FRESH-BREWED COFFEE.


YBOR TODAY Since the 1960s, various developers have made attempts to renovate and revitalize Ybor City. Urban renewal failed. While a burgeoning nightlife scene emerged in the late '80s and early '90s, the party district began to lose its luster in the mid-'90s. In the early 2000s, Ybor City evolved once again. High-dollar investment in academics and professional offices — as

well as the addition of more family-friendly entertainment — changed the fabric of Ybor while preserving the historic thread.

The days here are quiet, the peace broken only by the occasional chime of the streetcar bell or tires thumping along cobbled brick streets. Students chatter as they head for classes at Hillsborough Community College. The air is rich with the aroma of

baking bread and fresh-brewed coffee. At lunchtime, tourists and local

professionals gather in the courtyard of what was once Vicente Ybor’s cigar factory for al fresco meals and conversation. After work, people gather at the New World Brewery beer garden or hang out at James Joyce Irish Pub to sip beer and swap blarney. Once night falls, all up and down Seventh Avenue, the party begins.

51

CENTRO YBOR Anchored by Muvico Theaters (www.muvico.com/centro-ybor-20) and the Improv Comedy Club (www.improvtampa.com), the Centro Ybor entertainment complex (www.centroybor.com) is a collection of restaurants, bars, shops and more in the heart of Ybor City. Tampa Bay Brewing Company (www.tampabaybrewingcompany.com) offers a tempting array of locally crafted beers, as well as American-style menu items that pair perfectly with their signature brews. GameTime (www.gametimeplayers.com) offers fun and games in an environment for grown folks. Drink, dine and enjoy arcade classics and modern games.

Parking is plentiful in Ybor City, though between the narrow lanes and one-way streets, it is much easier to navigate in a tow vehicle than an RV. Find an inexpensive parking garage at the corner of 16th Street and Fifth Avenue, or pull into one of several parking lots available along Eighth and Ninth avenues.

STROLL IN FOR A BITE Ybor City has a delicious culinary history. Some of Tampa’s finest restaurants were born here. If you enjoy classic Cuban dishes and rich, Mediterranean-influenced food, you are in the right place.

The Columbia is the undisputed don of dining in Tampa Bay. Founded by Casimiro Hernandez Sr. in 1905, the Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world; and for four generations, it has been one of the best. Located at 2117 E. Seventh Ave.(www.columbiarestaurant.com)

Carmine’s is an Ybor City institution, offering a pub ambiance with a Cuban-Italian flair. You can get burgers or other typical bar food, but it is the devil crab that keeps people coming back. Bring cash. No credit cards accepted here. Located at 1802 E. Seventh Ave.

La Segunda Central Bakery has been baking authentic Cuban bread for nearly a century. From the signature recipe to the folded palmetto leaf tucked into each loaf, the bread is perfect for snacking on as you stroll, for picnic sandwiches in the park or as toast with your morning café con leche. Located at 2512 N. 15th St.(www.lasegundabakery.com)

Spaghetti Warehouse may be a chain, but the Ybor location rarely disappoints. Straightforward, inexpensive and family-friendly Italian cuisine with an attentive staff in a historic location. Find it at 19811 N. 13th St. (www.40meatballs.com)

a GREAT

PLACE TO REST

WHILE YOU ENJOY

A BREW-LOVER’S

DREAM COLLECTION

OF DOMESTIC,

CRAFT, IMPORTED,

MICRO AND

SEASONAL BEERS.


GIVE YOUR FEET A REST The TECO Line Streetcar system is a 2.7-mile track that connects Ybor City with Channelside, Tampa’s waterfront entertainment district. For more information, including the closest attractions to each of the four Ybor City trolley stops, check out www.tecolinestreetcar.org.

The New World Brewery beer garden (www.newworldbrewery.net) is a beautiful spot to stop and put your feet up. Nearly hidden in a small brick courtyard, this is a great place to rest while you enjoy a brew-lover’s dream collection of domestic, craft, micro, imported and seasonal beers. Located at 1313 E. Eighth Ave.

YBOR AFTER DARK: STROLL IN FOR THE PARTY In Ybor’s golden era, wealthy factory owners and other influential members of society partied at the Cherokee Club. Today, the party in Ybor is a bit more egalitarian. The James Joyce (www.jamesjoyceybor.com; 1724 E. Eighth Ave.) is a traditional Irish pub with better-than-average pub grub, 50 beers on tap and a huge selection of Irish whiskey and premium Scotch behind the bar. Double Decker (www.doubledeckertampa.com; 1721 E. Seventh Ave.) bills itself as “Ybor City’s only German bar.” Though it does boast a beer garden, it is much more a party spot than a place to relax.

If you are here for the party, there are clubs to fit nearly any taste. Prana (www.clubprana.com; 1619 E. Seventh Ave.) offers five levels of fun, including a rooftop patio. Czar (www.czarnation.com; 1420 E. Seventh Ave.) is a massive Russian-themed vodka bar that rivals similar themed clubs in NYC. Club Skye (www.skyetampa.com; 1509 E. Eighth Ave.) has two levels and a VIP balcony area. The Castle (www.castleybor.com; 2004 N. 16th St.) is known as a goth/industrial hangout. Gaspar’s Grotto (www.gasparsgrotto.com; 1805 E. Seventh Ave.) embraces Tampa’s pirate heritage in a way that can get a little crazy but rarely out of hand. ■

53

WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN TOWING.

We have a family of products and we support you in every avenue of recreational travel.

®

My name is Joan Beckman, and I’ve been assmbeling

our vast line of products for over 30 years. Blue Ox®

has supported my family in the small town of Pender,

Nebraska and holds the same values I do: honesty,

dedication, and loyalty.

I’m proud to be an Ox. And you

should be, too.


RV Quick Tips (find more tips at betterRVing.com)

3tips to Save Energy & Reduce Your Propane CostsBY BOB DIFLEY

To help conserve your RV’s propane supply and

save money this winter, follow these three tips:

1 Find the optimal temperature for your

RV by turning your thermostat down

one degree and leaving it for a day.

If you still feel warm, turn it down

another degree. Continue each day

until it feels a bit too cool, and then

turn it back up one degree.

2 Turn the thermostat down before you

get into bed at night, and put on an

extra blanket. In the morning, turn the

heat on and jump back in bed until

your coach warms up.

3 Leave your propane-fueled water

heater off until 10 minutes before

you need hot water. It will remain hot

enough for most uses even when off. ■

55

Are you looking for a smarter and more relaxing way to travel? Meet the Li le

Guy teardrop camper trailer. Each trailer comes equipped with a ma ress,

overhead cabinetry, interior ligh ng and a galley. You can choose to also have 12 volt and 110 power, A/C and Heat, Sink, Stoves, DVD/Radio, bike and roof racks

or custom fi ed screen room tents.

With most models weighing less than 1,000 lbs, whether you drive a VW, Mini Cooper, SUV, Pick-up, Subaru, Smart Car

or Trike, there is a Li le Guy for you.

Meet the new T@B travel trailer. We offer fully loaded packages that

include Heat/AC, 19” TV Entertainment System, Sink, Stove,

Fridge, Hot Water Heater and more. With the T@B weighing in at under 1,700 pounds you can enjoy all the ameni es of a larger travel trailer without the weight. A variety of colors are available to suit any

persons taste, or to match the tow vehicle. We offer five floor plans,

including a floor plan with an interior bathroom/shower combo. We also

offer custom made awnings and screen rooms which will create the perfect amount of outside space.

View the Li le Guy’s and the T@B’s at Lazydays 877-545-4897 | www.goli leguy.com | www.tab-RV.com

57

Your bags are packed, the oil and tires are

checked, the tank is full and the windshield

is spotless. You’re pulling out of Lazydays for

another RV adventure. But, wait — something

essential is missing. A soundtrack. Musical

accompaniment. In short, traveling tunes.The right musical mix can make your journey even more special,

helping the miles fly by on highways and byways and providing a memory jog for the highlights of your trip.

To get you started, we've prepared a pair of road-ready playlists. Your mix, of course, will reflect your own tastes and personality, since music preferences are as individual as each member of our Lazydays family. However, you can use these tracks as a guide to building your own perfect playlist.

BY CURTIS ROSS

Songs guaranteed to get your FOOT TAPPING on the gas pedal

57


Our first mix is titled “On the Road Again.” We start off with some easy-going tunes, pick up the pace with a bit of R&B, hit our stride with classic rock, cool down with some country and end the journey with a ballad from the legendary Smokey Robinson:

On the Road Again 1. “A BEAUTIFUL MORNING” BY THE RASCALS

2. “VENTURA HIGHWAY” BY AMERICA

3. “ON THE ROAD AGAIN” BY WILLIE NELSON

4. “LET’S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL” BY FRANK SINATRA

5. “HIT THE ROAD JACK” BY RAY CHARLES

6. “(GET YOUR KICKS ON) ROUTE 66” BY NAT KING COLE

7. “ROCKET 88” BY JACKIE BRENSTON & HIS DELTA CATS

8. “ROCKIN’ DOWN THE HIGHWAY” BY THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

9. “RADAR LOVE” BY GOLDEN EARRING

10. “RIDE ON JOSEPHINE” BY GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

11. “ON THE ROAD AGAIN” BY CANNED HEAT

12. “HIGHWAY PATROL” BY JUNIOR BROWN

13. “EIGHTEEN WHEELS AND A DOZEN ROSES” BY KATHY MATTEA

14. “LONG MAY YOU RUN” BY STEPHEN STILLS AND NEIL YOUNG

15. “CRUISIN’” BY SMOKEY ROBINSON

Perhaps you’re looking for a mix that sets a faster pace from the get-go? We’ve got a second drive-track option that may be just your speed. This playlist is called “Pedal, Meet Metal”:

Pedal, Meet Metal 1. “BARE HANDS BARE FEET” BY THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR

2. “GOLD ON THE CEILING” BY THE BLACK KEYS

3. “SLIGHT FIGURE OF SPEECH” BY THE AVETT BROTHERS

4. “TROUBLE IN YOUR MIND” BY CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS

5. “LITTLE LION MAN” BY MUMFORD & SONS

6. “HOWL” BY FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

7. “EYES WIDE OPEN” BY GOTYE

8. “MONEYGRABBER” BY FITZ & THE TANTRUMS

9. “GOLDEN DUNES” BY THE BUDOS BAND

10. “HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW?” BY THE HEAVY

11. “COMPLIMENTS” BY BAND OF HORSES

12. “MOLLY’S CHAMBERS” BY KINGS OF LEON

13. “DON’T OWE YOU A THANG” BY GARY CLARK JR.

14. “FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL” BY THE WHITE STRIPES

15. “TIMEBOMB” BY OLD 97’S

There you have it. By now, you’ve probably got some great ideas for your own RV travel mix. When it comes to being on the road, music makes the trip even better. So, tell us — what are the tunes that get you moving down the road? ■

59

Turning a Lazy Day

At Forest River, we know your dreams of life on the road are about sharing

adventures, discovering new places and enjoying the relaxing day with friends

and family. Forest River’s full lineup gives you the opportunity to EXPLORE .

So what are you waiting for? Visit lazydays.com and get lost in a Forest today!

Into Summer Fun.


L8TRTT

awnings Aweigh

BY CHRISTIAN MUFFOLETTO

Christian, daughter of Sales Manager Jim Lazzarino, is

currently a college student who has been RVing since she

was born. She has seen plenty of RVing gone right and

plenty gone funny. Become a better RVer by learning a

few humorous lessons.

A nyone who has ever RVed for longer than two hours knows that it isn’t as easy as it looks. When you browse through RV brochures, the occupants of each coach seem blissfully at ease and never worried about whether or not they left the stove on at home, forgot one of the children or can’t figure out how to turn on their generator. But the reality is that travel, of any sort, typically comes with its fair share of mistakes and lessons. Seasoned RVers Sam and Sheryl Matzen will be the first couple to tell you that RV travel isn’t always “picture perfect.” Instead, they’ll share the lessons they learned, the hilarious ways that they learned them and how to avoid having to learn the same lessons the hard way.

The Matzens have owned several different RVs, both motorized and towable. This particular lesson relates to a journey in their 2005 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. At the time, Sam and Sheryl traveled frequently, with jobs and vacations taking them from Kansas all the way to Texas and Florida. Living in an RV, and managing all of the extra checklists that come with it, was fairly typical for Sam and Sheryl. Once you’ve been in a “home away from home” long enough, you get used to

61

thinking in travel mode. Your normal campsite departure routine includes checking to see if you packed your front door mat, pulled in your slide and unhooked from the water and electricity lines. Without a doubt, there is a lot to remember. So much that even the most experienced RVer, like Sam, occasionally forgets something really important.

All citizens of the fair state of Texas (go ahead, sit back down) can be proud of their state’s rugged beauty. In a state so big, there are miles and miles of unused, unscarred, unlit land. Sam and Sheryl were traveling through such a place when they found a nice RV campground next to a small lake in the middle of nowhere. On their way to Kansas, they were exhausted from hours of driving … so they quickly secured a site, hooked up to the utilities and settled in for the night. As they were relaxing in their motorhome, the sun was just setting. And while sunsets are pretty, they can also be blinding if you stare too long; so the Matzens unfurled the big awning on the passenger side of their coach to block the glare. After a quiet evening, the couple got some much-needed sleep.

Now, anyone who has ever traveled on a schedule knows that wake-up time often comes far too early. This was the case that fateful day in Texas for the Matzens. Still tired from the day before, they roused themselves early and rushed to get on the road. Sam hurriedly disconnected the utilities, jumped in the RV and began heading toward the campground exit.

Sam had driven about a half-mile when he noticed one of the campground attendants

approaching from the rear on a golf cart, frantically waving for him to stop. He had a vague feeling that he had forgotten something; he just wasn’t sure what yet. Sam halted the vehicle and stepped out of the coach to greet the attendant … then immediately saw the problem. The large awning was fully extended and flapping happily in the breeze. Sometimes, when you’re in a rush, even big things go unnoticed.

Sam had driven

about a half-mile

when he noticed one

of the campground

attendants

approaching from

the rear on a golf

cart, frantically waving

for him to stop.

Fortunately, there was no damage done to the RV, the awning or the campground, and the Matzens were soon back on their way. Sam, laughing and shaking his head, tells me this story in disbelief that he forgot something so crucial. But that’s the way it goes in the world of RVing … sometimes, things get forgotten and lessons are learned the hard way. And it’s not always just the small stuff that gets missed. So learn this one well, dear reader, and do your awning a favor: Always complete one final walk-around BEFORE leaving your campsite. ■

63

NOTHING SIGNALS YOU’VE ARRIVED LIKE A MONACO COACH.

2014 DYNASTY

Monaco knows the only direction you want to move is forward. For more than 40 years, we’ve been defining the luxury RV experience, and we’ve done it again with the introduction of the all-new 2014 Dynasty. With high-end appointments and an exciting LED-accented front cap, this deluxe Class A Diesel Pusher shows that you’ve truly arrived. To find out more about the Monaco Dynasty coming soon to a showroom near you, visit monacocoach.com or call 877-252-4666 to locate your closest authorized dealer.

www.monacocoach.com


GRAND TOURING

Join us for the inaugural Lazydays Touring Rally at Mardi Gras in New Orleans! Spend 9 days soaking up the carnival atmosphere, opulent costumes, outrageous floats, delicious Cajun cuisine and sultry French Quarter jazz with our exclusive RVing group. And of course all venues have class A seating and admissions. Call 800.388.9338 today to make your reservations.The New Orleans Tour and Mardi Gras Rally costs only $3,495 for 2 people with one RV.*

Tour Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Rally

April 3 - 9, 2013

Tour Calgary Stampede RallyJuly 3 - 10, 2013

Tour Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta RallyOctober 3 - 10, 2013

Join us for the inaugural Lazydays Touring Ra

Lazydays’ Tour

New Orleans Mardi Gras

RallyFebruary 5 - 13, 2013

800.388.9338

Tour New OrleansMardi Gras Rally

February 5 - 13, 2013

* Extra person: $1,795; Solo price: $2,395. Includes 8 nights RV camping with 50 amp service, 8 meals, 26 events and tours

2013 SCHEDULE OF LAZYDAYS’ TOURS & RALLYS

66 betterRVing.com | Winter 201366 betterRVing.com | Winter 2013

MeatballsWho doesn’t love meatballs? These horseradish-spiked

meatballs get the royal treatment when bathed in raspberry

jam, chili sauce, allspice and red pepper sauce. Serve over

rice or pasta for dinner or serve as an appetizer when

unexpected company stops by the campground.

Ingredients1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Jammin’ Joe’s Barbecue Sauce (recipe below)

chopped scallions for garnish

In a bowl, lightly combine the ground beef, onion,

bread crumbs, egg, milk, horseradish, salt and pepper.

Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking dish.

Microwave 15 to 18 minutes at high (100%), or until done.

Drain grease on paper towels. Pour barbecue sauce

(below) over meatballs and stir until well coated. Sprinkle

with chopped scallions for garnish.

Makes 5 to 6 servings.

Jammin’ Joe’s Barbecue Sauce In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine 1 cup sweet chili sauce,

1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam, 1/4 teaspoon allspice and

1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce. Place measuring cup

on glass tray. Microwave at high (100%) for 45 seconds to

1 minute, or until hot. Pour sauce over meatballs and stir

until well coated. ■

A convection and microwave oven combo is standard equipment in the typical RV kitchen. If you haven’t used one before, you may wonder, “What is convection-microwave oven cooking, and where can I

find convection recipes?” With a convection and microwave oven, you get the best of both worlds in a single appliance

— a micro-wave for faster cooking times, and a convection oven for browning and baking. For your convenience, we’ve gathered a collection of easy convection and microwave recipes developed by Chef Maximo Perez, a culinary whiz and valued member of the Lazydays family of experts. So get cooking with the tasty dish below, or check betterRVing.com for other RV-kitchen friendly convection recipes.

Visit betterRVing.com for more convection recipes.

HOME COOKIN’

Maximo Perez, supervisor chef of Exit 10 and Catering, has over 10 years of experience cooking

professionally. Visit Exit 10 in Tampa for his latest specialties.


67

Via®

©2013 Winnebago Industries, Inc.

No, not a car. But every motorhome we build on the Mercedes-Benz®

Sprinter chassis — and we build more of them than anyone else — comes

with the heart and soul of that Mercedes-Benz.

Of course, that’s just the start. We take that proven chassis and powerful

six-cylinder turbo-diesel and turn them into something almost

magical: incredibly fuel-effi cient motorhomes that are easy to

drive, easy to live in and a joy to own.

With up to two slideouts, plenty of storage inside and out,

and a host of innovative features that makes each one much

larger than its surprisingly compact size.

So stop by Lazydays® and pick one up — and put a Mercedes-Benz in your

driveway in the process.

F R E E M E R C E D E S - B E N Z W I T H E V E R Y P U R C H A S E .

SEE THEM AT LAZYDAYS , VISIT WINNEBAGOIND.COM OR CALL 800-643-4892.

View Profi le®

View®

Era®

A

WA R D W I N N

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PL_lazydaysADfinalAd2.indd 1 12/15/12 1:12 PM


ED SAID Ed Crowell – 18 Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician, Service Manager Lazydays Tucson

Factory-Direct Partnership

Born Free Motorcoachwww.bornfreemotorcoach.com

The Born Free motorcoach has

always been synonymous with

upscale touring, and to me that claim

is hard to dispute. Just this past

summer, Born Free and Lazydays

entered into a Factory-Direct Plus

partnership, which makes us the

only RV dealership in the country

where customers can purchase these

motorcoaches outside of the Born

Free factory. Our two first-class

companies share a similar philosophy

regarding quality and service, so the

partnership is a natural fit.

Born Free is a standout when it

comes to award-winning, molded

fiberglass construction. That innova-

tion makes the coach structurally

aerodynamic and efficient.

Cool Camping

SylvanSport GOwww.sylvansport.com

For off-road family fun, I am

impressed with the SylvanSport GO.

It’s a smaller tent camper/trailer that’s

nicely equipped and easy to set up. It

has a roomy interior and is elevated

off the ground, so it's perfect for

those who enjoy tent camping

even in rough weather. The GO has

useful benefits, including sturdy

construction and an amazing rack

system to carry your ATV, boats, bikes

and other toys. It’s made of aluminum

and is extremely lightweight (just 840

pounds), so it can be hauled even by

smaller SUVs or cars.

We all have a favorite, awesome

trail to ride. The GO will help you get

there with ease, allowing you to enjoy

the scenery and tackle any terrain.

Shiny Americana

Airstream Sport 16www.airstream.com

Those unmistakable looks are

uniquely Airstream. As a technician,

I love the superior craftsmanship of

these classic travel trailers. Airstream

is part of American culture, and its

new Sport model is a lightweight

structure that really takes eyeball

appeal to the max for me. There are

many attention-grabbers in the smart

floor plan, from its good-looking

dinette to substantial storage. And

there’s the aerodynamic, rounded

shape and aluminum skin that give

Airstream stability and great fuel

efficiency. Airstream has traversed

America’s highways since the 1930s,

and I always smile when I see one in

a campground. They’re a great

addition to our showroom. ■

There are lots of great products to grab our attention in 2013. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a multipurpose camper/trailer or a full-timer in search of a new on-road luxury estate, Ed shares his top three picks from among the latest innovations gracing our showrooms.

what’s new, what rocksBY MONICA SURFARO SPIGELMAN

There are lots of great products to grab our attention in 2013. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a multipurpose camper/trailer or a full-timer in search of a new on-road luxury estate, Ed shares three of his top picks from among the latest innovations gracing our showrooms. See more of Ed's picks at betterRVing.com

69

# 1 - CROSSROADS DIRECT:A big deal - we are authorized to administer not only our warranty but the warranty of our vendors too. Having this in-house will allow us to deliver quicker service times, happier dealers and more satisfied retail owners.

# 2 - QUICK ASSIST:An industry first - we provide each coach with two hours of service time to quickly diagnose and fix issues without prior pre-authorization. This dramatically shortens the time it takes our owners to get back on the road.

# 3 - 24 HOUR FACTORY SUPPORT:We provide access to a CrossRoads employee, 24 hours a day for timely, knowledgeable responses.

# 4 - 1 HOUR WORK AUTHORIZATIONS:Our pledge to our dealers is to quickly and efficiently turn around authorization times within one hour of the dealer request.

# 5 - EMERGENCY PARTS LIST:By providing our dealers a list of parts that 1: would render the coach unusable or 2: are frequently used, we can better ensure our dealers are prepared for potential issues and can get our owners back on the road without lengthy delays.

# 6 - DEALER STOCK ( OUR CLAIM, THEIR PART )Making it easy and efficient is what NGV is all about. Allowing our dealers to quickly diagnose using Quick Assist, then allowing them to submit a claim and use their in-house parts to fix the issue is designed to be quick and easy for everyone.

# 7 - DEDICATED SUPPLIER REPS:For added piece of mind, CrossRoads has partnered with the industries largest supplier to provide unparalleled support by having two dedicated CrossRoads reps on staff to quickly resolve issues.

# 8 - NGV OWNERSHIP DELIVERY PROCESS:We Care - our NGV delivery process ensures our owners are not only comfortable with their purchase but they understand how to use, maintain and fully enjoy it.

# 9 - NGV OWNERS CARE KIT: Generated by Retail Warranty Registrations, and Owners Care Kit gets mailed out to every new CrossRoads owner. The kits include items like caulk, roof sealant, soap, wax, a tire pressure gauge and other items to help maintain a healthy coach.

# 10 - SIX MONTH OWNERSHIP SATISFACTION CERTIFICATE:Peace of Mind - Owners can bring their new purchase back to the selling dealer for a six month check-up on CrossRoads’ dime to further enhance the ownership experience.

# 11 - SHOW ROOM READY INVENTORY:To help ensure CrossRoads product makes a GREAT first impression, all CrossRoads sales staff and the newly formed DSC will inspect dealer inventory during visits to ensure our product is SHOW ROOM ready.

# 12 - COACH-NET 24HR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE:Each CrossRoads product comes standard with one year of Coach-Net for additional peace of mind while our customers are traveling.

66969696696969696969696969696969696966999699696

For more details on construction, features & benefits visit our website, call or check out our exclusive retailer, Lazydays Tampa and Lazydays Tucson.

crossroadsrv.com w PH 260 593-3850

©20

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RV


# 1: heatFrances Davis: Mitchum Heater !!

Denise Nelson Newmark: dependable heating source

David Dunster: Furnace

Nanci Hinman: Fireplace

Kyle Clevenger: Fireplace

Karen Keiser Robertson: yep – furnace for me too.

Geri Holmes Galloway: Heat & a bed

Carroll Anderson: Fireplace in bed room!

Paula Lynch McCurry: Fireplace in living room

Opinions on RV essentials are as numerous and diverse as the coaches themselves. We recently asked our

Facebook community of betterRVing.com readers to complete the phrase, “I am most thankful that my RV has a

__________________ !” Our most popular answers were no surprise — RVers love heat and generators!

GRATEFUL GEAR

# 2: generatorsAnnie Macomber: Yup, a generator for sure!!

John Williams: Good generator for these crazy storms

Myrna Bowman: Built in generator

71

Other well-loved items range from spouses to clean clothes. Go to Facebook.com/betterRVing and join the best camper conversation.

My husband and two dogs in it with me :-)

In the middle of the night I am most thankful my bed

does not have a ladder & that it has a bathroom.

Fuel

Composting toilet!

Hitch

WheelsPropane appliances!

King size bed!!!!

New windshield!

Microwave

Lots of room

Great Service Techs that take pride

in what they do.

Soul mate!

Family vacationing in it - MINE!

Recliner

Slide-out

Comforts of home any where I go!

Washer & dryer

Steering wheel, motor, tires...

oh the list goes on.

Engine

The always convenient bathroom and the

a/c for Florida and us of course!


TROUBLESHOOTIN’ WITH ERNIEErnie “The RV Guy” Herring – 35+ Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician

A wise RVer is always in touch with his primal self (Fig. 1). What gets in the way of Ernie’s finding nirvana are the frigid temperatures in his coach that result from a furnace that

isn’t working properly (Fig. 2). In looking at his wall thermostat control, Ernie can see

that his coach’s temperature is set to a comfortable level. However, his living room is as frigid as a pop can in the bottom of a cooler on race day, which means his furnace is not doing its job. In this situation, Ernie knows there is a good chance that his furnace’s electrode hasn’t lit the gas, as a result of there not being any gas to light in his gas line. This is a fairly common issue that can occur when air enters the gas line from something as simple as removing the propane tank to refill it. The solution is to reset the system, which will bleed the unwanted air out while pushing gas through the line so it can be lit by the electrode and allow the furnace to properly heat the coach.

The first thing Ernie is going to do is turn his furnace off at the thermostat wall control (Fig. 3). Next, he’s going to turn the unit back on and set the temperature to his desired level of comfort. By turning his furnace off and then on again, Ernie has sent a signal to the board on his furnace that essentially says, “Hey, furnace — time to wake up and send some heat.” The board will turn the fan on, which will move air through the ducts and turn on the combustion air fan, which will move air through the furnace. This “purge cycle” lasts about 16 seconds and is a safety measure that ensures there is not an excessive amount of gas in the burner chamber when the electrode ignites.

Next, an “ignition cycle” will start, during which the gas valve will open to allow gas to flow into the burner tube for ignition. An electrode at the burner tube will throw a

continuous spark to the ground at the ignition point. If gas is present, it will ignite and send heat to the furnace. The ignition cycle will last about eight seconds. In many cases, the gas simply has not yet traveled from the propane tank through the line to the ignition point. After approximately eight seconds, the ignition cycle will end. The valve will close and the electrode will cease to spark.

If the electrode does not light the gas after the initial ignition cycle, another purge cycle will commence followed by another ignition cycle. If the furnace’s electrode does not light after a second ignition cycle, the purge and ignition process will repeat for a third time. If the electrode does not light the gas after a third attempt, the board will shut the system down. At this point, Ernie recommends turning your unit off at the wall control, then turning it on again to allow your system to engage in another three rounds of purge and ignition cycles. If your coach’s furnace does not engage after reaching the shut-down point a second time, you should seek professional service to help fix the problem.

In Ernie’s case, the electrode successfully lit the gas and his furnace is now producing heat, which he can immediately feel when he places his hand near his floorboard vent (Fig. 5). Now that his coach is comfortably warm, Ernie can get back to doing what he does best (Fig. 6). And folks, if you find out what that is, let us know — because we sure as heck can’t figure it out.

Be sure to visit betterRVing.com to see videos of Ernie troubleshootin’ all kinds of RV-related problems. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual or a certified RV technician before attempting to work on your RV. No RV technicians were harmed during the writing of this article. ■

Watch Ernie’s video on betterRVing.com

resetting your furnaceBY FRED SMITH

73

Fig. 1: Ernie gets in touch with his primal self.

Fig. 3: Turn the thermostat off, then on; set to a comfortable temperature.

Fig. 5: Feel for warm air from the vent in the floor.

Fig. 2: Cold ruins Ernie’s legendary sense of rhythm.

Fig. 4: Wait for the gas to be lit by the furnace’s electrode.

Fig. 6: Resume nirvana-seeking.


RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Winnebago Access Premier

Warm maple cabinetry and gray geometric textiles

make the 2013 Access Premier a very modern,

yet cozy, home on the road. The lowered entrance

step offers a sturdy ascent into the coach and

creates a more home-like entry than traditional

metal auxiliary steps. RV Radio® is a first-of-

its-kind feature that serves as a radio/CD/MP3

entertainment hub and also doubles as a rear-

view monitor. Winnebago’s BenchMark® dinette

provides multi-use seating, sleeping and storage

space with comfortable innerspring cushions.

The Access Premier sleeps up to six, so it’s

perfect for family vacations or for full-timers with

occasional guests. Check out these great features

(and more) on the lot at Lazydays.

MSRP (31-foot): $108,356 Stk. #1014179


RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Tiffin Motorhomes Allegro Bus

Who would want to lug suitcases in and out of

hotels when you could have 5-star luxury all

the time? The elegant details of the 2013 Allegro

Bus make this coach a stunning retreat from the

road. It features a double-sink vanity in the bath;

a stacked washer/dryer combo; a full-size, stainless-

steel, residential refrigerator; a fireplace; and a

drawer-style dishwasher to make traveling as easy

and relaxing as a penthouse condo. The ceilings

are adorned with decorative molding that matches

the beautifully crafted wood cabinetry lining the

walls. There are too many extra touches in this

beautiful motorhome to list here; you’ll just have to

stop by Lazydays and experience them for yourself.

Search more Allegro models at lazydays.com.

MSRP $352,296 Stk. #1015736


RV OPEN HOUSE

2013 Thor Motor Coach Outlaw

The new 2013 Outlaw Class A toy hauler is ready

for action! This coach has a private loft bedroom

over a garage that holds your ATV, golf cart, dirt

bikes or other toys! While camping, set up the

railings to instantly convert your garage ramp to

a perfect party porch. With four televisions and

enough space to sleep up to eight, the Outlaw can

keep the whole family entertained and comfortable

at “away” sporting events or active vacations.

The sturdy Ford® chassis and Triton® 6.8-liter V10

engine provide the safety and power you need when

hauling the extra weight of your toys. Visit Lazydays

to see how the 2013 Outlaw can enhance your

family adventures. Meet our Outlaw rep on page 18.

MSRP: $158,775 Stk. #1015646

6130 Lazy Days Blvd. | Seffner, FL | I-4 at Exit 10 | 800.282.7800

Get all the stuff you need to enjoy RVing to the fullest,

right here at Lazydays!We’ve opened a brand new store at Lazydays that caters to

every special parts need an RVer may have, plus fills all the whimsical wants an RVer can dream of.

Come by and see us – you’ll love the experience!

Classifieds

RV CLASSIFIED


RV CLASSIFIED IN TAMPA, CALL 888.626.7800 • IN TUCSON, CALL 888.426.5481

2013 Entegra AspireLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock: 1014298

New, 43 ft., 4 slides, diesel,

floor plan 42DEQ

MSRP: $355,929/ Request Price

2013 American Coach American HeritageLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015261


floor plan 45N


2013 Entegra AnthemLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015410


floor plan 42DEQ


2013 Fleetwood BounderLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015440

New, 36 ft., 2 slides, gas,

floor plan 35K


2013 Fleetwood DiscoveryLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1014194


floor plan 42A


Included Benefits: Crown Club

2013 Forest River Georgetown XLLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1014987


floor plan 250XL


2013 Thor Motor Coach PalazzoLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015369


floor plan 33.2


2013 Thor Motor Coach Tuscany XTELocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1014292


floor plan 40EX


2013 Tiffin Allegro BusLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015453


floor plan 43QGP



83

2013 Winnebago Vista RallyLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015141

New, 26 ft., 1 slide, gas,

floor plan 26HE


2013 DRV Mobile SuiteLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015306

New, 38 ft., 3 slides,

floor plan 38TKSB3



2013 Dynamax TrilogyLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015521


floor plan 365ORE



2013 Redwood RV Location: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1015620

New, 42 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 40KB



2012 Thor Motor Coach OutlawLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: WU42642

Pre-owned, 37 ft., 1 slide, gas,

8,398 miles, floor plan 3611

Sugg. Retail: $122,814/ Request Price

2005 Newmar Kountry StarLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: U131984

Pre-owned, 37 ft., 2 slides, gas,

30,733 mi., floor plan 3778


2006 Holiday Rambler Admiral SELocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: WU42746


12,946 mi., floor plan 37PCT


2007 Winnebago AdventurerLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: WU42703


10,311 mi., floor plan 38J


2007 Tiffin PhaetonLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: U131422

Pre-owned, 40 ft., 4 slides, diesel,

38,059 mi., floor plan 40QDH




2012 Fleetwood DiscoveryLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U131804


9,423 mi., floor plan 40X


2012 Winnebago TourLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: U130542


6,007 mi., floor plan 42AD


2011 Fleetwood DiscoveryLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: WU60079


10,761 mi., floor plan 42A


2006 Beaver Patriot ThunderLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: WU42665


37,628 mi., floor plan VICKSBURG IV


2010 Jayco EagleLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: U131365

Pre-owned, 35 ft., 2 slides,

floor plan 313RKS


2005 Newmar Kountry StarLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: U131066

Pre-owned, 37 ft., 3 slides,

floor plan 35LKLSA


2013 Forest River BerkshireLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015302


floor plan 360QL


2013 Holiday Rambler AmbassadorLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1014503


floor plan 40DFT


2007 American Coach American TraditionLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U131253


27,716 mi., floor plan 40J


85

2013 Holiday Rambler EndeavorLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1014502


floor plan 43DFT


2013 Thor Motor Coach ACELocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1014872


floor plan EVO30.1


2013 Thor Motor Coach PalazzoLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015264


floor plan 33.2


2013 Airstream InterstateLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015613

New, 23 ft., diesel,

floor plan Lounge Extended


2012 Born FreeLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015702

New, 22 ft., gas,

floor plan Built For Two


2013 CrossRoads RV CruiserLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015038

New, 29 ft., 1 slide, floor plan

CF27RLX


2013 CrossRoads RV Cruiser Patriot Location: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015044


floor plan CF245RF


2013 CrossRoads RV Zinger Location: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1014741

New, 28 ft., 1 slide, floor plan ZF25BH


2013 Prime Time CrusaderLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1014583

New, 32 ft., 3 slides, floor plan 290RLT



2013 Prime Time SanibelLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1014590

New, 39 ft., 4 slides, floor plan 3400


2013 Redwood RVLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: 1015239

New, 40 ft., 5 slides, floor plan 36FL


Included Benefits: Lazydays Gold

2005 Itasca SunovaLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U132120

Pre-owned, 31 ft., 1 slide, gas,

40,157 mi., floor plan 30B


2012 Fleetwood BounderLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U130844


12,908 mi., floor plan 33C


2013 Newmar Bay Star Location: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U131831


9,805 mi., floor plan 3012


2012 Fleetwood Bounder ClassicLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U130745

Pre-owned, 36 ft., 3 slides, gas, floor

plan 34B


2006 Winnebago JourneyLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U131531


34,880 mi., floor plan 34H


2007 Fleetwood RV ExpeditionLocation: Tucson, AZ

Stock#: U132133


32,140 mi., floor plan 38V


2013 Thor Motor Coach TuscanyLocation: Tampa, FL

Stock#: 1014653


floor plan 42RQ

MSRP: $355,860 / Request Price



Pursue your RV dreams in the new P leasure-Way Pursuit B P lus MotorhomePursue your RV dreams in the new P leasure-Way Pursuit B P lus MotorhomeBuilt on the Ford E350 dual rear wheel cutaway chassis, the Pursuit is easy to drive and achieves great fuel economy.

The Pursuit is unique due to many of its special features, but primarily because it is 22 feet long. This new B Plus motorhome is constructed with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety that Pleasure-Way Industries Ltd. is known for. View our models at www.pleasureway.com or visit them at Lazydays, one of our premium dealers.

89

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Marie SchultzSales Support, Lazydays Tampa

How did you start your career at Lazydays? I started off at Lazydays 25 years ago, first by

cleaning the buildings. I used to come in at 3 o’clock in the morning, when it was

dark outside, and I would clean the inside of the offices. After about six months of that,

I moved to working on the outside of the buildings and the units. Now, thank goodness,

I strictly clean coach interiors. Cleaning the outside was a lot of work.

What do you like most about working at Lazydays? I used to work at an all-you-

can-eat restaurant and would never, ever get weekends or holidays off. I had a friend who worked at Lazydays; she said that I

should come over — I would get paid holidays and weekends off. However, she said,

“You can’t work at Lazydays unless you are a hard worker.” Well, I decided to come

to work here and I love it!You write a special message on each

coach you clean. One time it even helped make a sale. How did that happen? With the work I

do, it’s kind of quiet around here. I wanted to interact a little more with the customer

and get a response. So, about 18 years ago, I had an idea. I got on my hands and knees and

started writing “Have a nice day, Marie” on the plastic we put on the floor of the coaches. It was a little thing, and it was about three or

four months before someone started noticing it.One day, a woman came by — she had just bought a coach — and said how much she

liked the way I keep the coaches clean. She also mentioned her friend was thinking of

buying one. The next day, the friend came to Lazydays and started walking through all the

coaches. She began to get very excited.Unknown to me, her name was also Marie

— same as me! She said, “Oh, my gosh! My girlfriend really wants me to buy a coach … she signed my name to every one!” That Marie was

so happy, she bought a coach that same day!Later that day, the two ladies met with

me and we all had a good laugh!What’s one thing about you that might surprise

both customers and co-workers? I volunteer at the animal shelter near where I live.

My daughter and I like to walk the dogs.Sometimes we buy 25 pound bags of dog food

and donate them to the shelter. ■


TECHNICALLY SPEAKING ASK STEVESteve Roddy – 40+ Years Experience, RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technician

I just purchased a new 35-foot Allegro gas motorhome. I was wondering what your thoughts were on steering stabilizers. Do you recommend them? When used properly, steering stabilizer components are a terrific idea. They are designed to maintain straight-ahead steering; control rapid, unnecessary or unexpected steering movements; and absorb the full impact of a front-tire blowout. Steering stabilizers also help minimize effort while steering and reduce driver fatigue.

However, steering stabilizers should never be used to correct mechanical or alignment problems. Steering systems should only be used to enhance steering. The best ones can be centered from the driver's seat. Some of the better brands are Steer Safe® and Blue Ox® TruCenter®.

My mobile home gets full western light when it is parked. We use it often, so it is seldom parked more than one month at a time. I am able to switch sides exposed to the sun. Do I still need tire covers? It is always a good idea to protect tires from sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Tire covers are an inexpensive way to prevent them from cracking due to sun damage. Frequent exposure to sunlight and heat can take the flexibility out of the rubber compounds.

Sun-baked tires could fail once you get up to highway speeds, even if there is no visible damage starting out. It could lead to an extremely dangerous situation on the road. Continual sunny days — especially in the Southwest United States — produce the UV rays and heat that damage tires the most.

I have a 2009 Tiffi n Phaeton with an 8-kilowatt Cummins Onan® generator. It runs OK for 10 to 12 hours and then shuts off. I can manually start it up again. There were no fault codes, and both the oil levels and coolant are fi ne. Can you help with the problem? First, disconnect the remote wiring connector to the interior start/stop switches. This connector can be found at the generator, usually on the passenger side if the generator is mounted at the front. Unplug and check connections for corrosion. Start the generator at the switch mounted on the generator. Run it for a short time with the remote switches unplugged. If it stops while unplugged, then it is something inside the generator. Fuel, incorrect output and overheating would all show a fault.

I have a question about hot water heaters on fi fth wheels. Some have a plastic drain plug, while others have metal plugs with a sacrifi cial anode. Would you recommend an anode for all hot water heaters? Often, customers see an anode rod on other hot water heaters and think their tank should also have one. Not every hot water heater needs an anode rod. It depends on the manufacturer. For example, Suburban® water heaters have steel porcelain-lined tanks requiring anode rods.

On the other hand, Atwood® uses aluminum tanks, which do not need an anode rod. Atwood tanks have a plastic drain plug, which should only be replaced with a plastic plug recommended by the manufacturer. Never install add-on electric heating elements, drain petcocks or anode rods. Steel or brass threads may become difficult to remove from an aluminum tank, even after a short period of time. ■

Check out our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/

betterRVing, for more helpful Steve Roddy videos.

91

Scan this tag with your smart phone and learn more about which Keystone RV brand will start your weekend.

SCAN HERETime’s a wasting. Visit Lazydays now for a new Keystone RV and ge t your weekend on.

There has never been a better time to enjoy the outdoors in your new Keystone toy hauler, travel trailer or fifth wheel. Lazydays offers you a full inventory of the #1 selling Keystone RVs. Everything from the amazing Raptor toy hauler to the luxurious Montana fifth wheel. Plus easy to tow models like the Passport Ultra Lite and family friendly Sprinter travel trailer and fifth wheel.

What are you waiting for?

www.keystonerv.com

YOUR RV ISN’T A CAR. DON’T INSURE IT LIKE ONE. Progressive covers your RV in ways auto policies don’t. So if you ever get in an accident and need to leave your RV at the shop for repairs, we’ll cover the cost of your hotel. Keeping family trips on the road, now that’s Progressive.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Emergency Expense coverage is subject to policy terms. 11A00896.D01 (03/12)

866-317-4014 / LAZYDAYS.COM/INSURANCE

5000-0113

Winter 2013 betterRVing

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