Did you hear the news? Sunshine is free. That’s right, until further notice both the heat and the energy from the sun is yours for the taking. What this means for those smitten with solar power (a growing number of folks, for sure!) is absolutely cost-free energy, assuming they have the device to do it. Speaking of which, might we recommend the Solio Battery Charger, designed to power up all those crucial handheld doohickeys you/we can’t live without. It’s really quite easy. Simply put the Solio out in the sun or stuck to a sun-drenched window in order to absorb all those do-good rays. Once it’s all stored up with Ole Sole’s magic energy, it can charge everything from cell phones to iPods to digital cameras, GPS, PDA’s, and game players, too. You know, all that stuff that keeps you organized and entertained. A fully charged Solio, which resembles a cell phone with three expandable solar “wings” when in use, holds enough energy at one time to fully charge a couple of these devices. That, or you can simply plug in and let the Solio power your gear as you use them. All this, and not a single drain on the environment, your RV’s batteries, or your home electricity bill. Additional cable(s) might be required for different cell phone manufacturers. Price: $100. Contact: Better Energy Systems, 510/868-8714; www.solio.com.

EarthRoamer President, Bill Swails, was never content to see nature from the highway. What he required was a vehicle, be it a motorhome, Class C, SUV, or whatever, that could entrench him there, something capable of getting him from the sidelines into the heart of the action. After a search to find the ultimate backwoods machine failed, he did want most can-do types do–he built it himself. And what he came up with was far from subtle. In fact, it’s like nothing the RV world has ever seen.

The first effort from Swails and his Boulder, Colorado-based company, the EarthRoamer XV-LT, created a true go-anywhere recreational vehicle. Built on a Ford-550 four-wheel chassis, the XV-LT provided a year-round, four-wheelin’ unit that reflected the pro-environment stance of its owner. Gone were the LP gas and generators found on every other motorhome; solar power and diesel fuel (or better yet, bio-diesel) became the primary power source onboard, making it like nothing else on the market. And like Swails always wanted it, the LT was built with a love for unsuitable terrain and self-contained camping.

The company’s most recent effort, the XV-JP (MSRP: approx. $100,000), with its very cool Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited chassis, takes the baton and goes even farther. Start with the truck’s four-wheel drive and roughin’ it disposition. Remember, Jeep has an unsurpassed history for getting people where they need to go. Consider the XV-JP’s numbers: 202-horspower engine with 237 foot-pounds of torque, electric front and rear locking differentials; and a 33 percent improved articulations, thanks to its electronic sway bar disconnect. And when the going gets tough, you’ll no doubt appreciated the effort found with the heavy-duty coil springs and gas monotobue shocks, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and reinforced off-road bumpers.

The company’s eagerness for solar power (80-watt solar panel and 210 amp-hour AGM battery bank)  can be found on this version as well. Noisy and polluting generators and propane need not apply, continuing on with the company’s “tread lightly” philosophy. A roomier coup over its predecessor is found on the unit’s patented, electric-powered Loftop design, which opens up the interior by providing a staggering 9’ worth of headroom when the destination is reached. The lofted queen-size bed is one of the Loftop’s main benefactors. Moreover, a rear tent extends the dimensions of the living space even further. A 4.5-gallon (externally accessible!) cassette toilet delivers a more accessible way to deal with waste, while a 25-gallon fresh water supply uses engine heat to warm the 4-gallon water tank. Naturally, a shower comes along for the ride. Otherwise, rely on a 6,100-BTU forced-air furnace to perform the heating chores. True off-reader perks such as an in-dash GPS, HID off-road lights, air compressor, and 9,000-pound winch are not equipped for show. As was Swails’ original vision, EarthRoamer definitely wants you to get out there and see nature’s show. EarthRoamer Expedition Vehicles, 720/304-3174; www.earthroamer.com.

When a big-time storm’s approaching, the first thing you need is shelter. The second must-have is information, which is where the StormTracker comes in. This go-anywhere device utilizes batteries or a rechargeable hand-crank to give users the low-down on what’s happening and provide some key accessories when things get ugly. The AM/FM radio with NOAA Weather Station keeps you informed 24/7; the StormTracker even sounds an audible alert signal for All-Hazard watches and warnings. Moreover, the unit comes complete with a built-in LED flashlight and cell phone charger. Price: $39.99. Contact: Vector Manufacturing, 866/584-5504; www.vectormfg.com.

Mom declared the family should buy an RV and now everyone’s in a joyous, manic frenzy. Congratulations and welcome to the fold. However, once the euphoria wears off, it’s time to get busy finding the best recreational vehicle for you. What’s it going to be - fifth-wheel, travel trailer, truck camper, or one of the endless possibilities in the motorhome sector? Just how does one narrow down the field consisting of hundreds of floor plans and brands from a seemingly ever-growing list of builders? Here’s some thoughts to start-off the process.

1. Is RVing Right for You?

Frankly, sometimes a little enthusiasm is a dangerous thing. Sure, the thought of loading up the kids, the family pooch, and a month’s worth of canned hams to journey to Parts Unknown is a seductive fantasy. Who doesn’t daydream of such escapes from time to time? But is RVing what you really want? How do you know? Do you like camping? Have you spent the night in an RV before? Several nights? Did you rent that motorhome first to see that you really do enjoy the lifestyle or borrow your mother-in-law’s fifth wheel for the weekend? Hey, I don’t want to throw the proverbial wet blanket over anyone’s entry into the club, but we’re talking about too many zeroes in the price tag and way too much garage space with such a purchase not to be exactly sure. A recreational vehicle is many things, but an impulse buy it isn’t. Get some experience with the RV life under your belt before opting for the big expense.

2. What’s the Budget?

Careful deliberation has yielded the same consensus as before: you want an RV. Good, we’re glad. It’s time to come up with an acceptable figure in mind as to what you’re willing to pay for one. (Isn’t this always the case?). What can you afford? The question is not nearly as difficult as you think. All it takes is some number-crunching. Talk with your the spouse, peruse the stock portfolio, or give and take with the accountant (or is that your spouse, too?) to determine an acceptable down payment and a monthly finance payment. Or, were you planning on paying for the thing in cash, Mr. Gates? While it’s surely tempting to swing for the fences for that first purchase, it’s always wise to hedge towards the conservative side until you get more than just your feet wet. Unless you’ve spent a good deal of time walking the walk traveling by RV, chances are you won’t exactly know what kind of RV is right for you. This takes time. Trading up rigs is the rule rather than exception to most RVers, something you can always do later.

3. Head count

Who’s coming along on all these little adventures? If it’s just you and the Mrs., virtually anyone of the gazillions of product offerings will do, from pop-ups to diesel pushers. However, expect the number of possible suitors to shrink as the headcount grows, with only the largest Class A’s and fifth wheels able to handle larger families of, say, seven or more. Two points to remember: since it’s unsafe and illegal to transport people in the trailer, your tow vehicle, whatever it might end up being, must be able to accommodate the entire crew in transit. Secondly, make doubly sure whatever RV(s) you favor provides enough sleeping space for every member of the party. Some manufacturers are notoriously optimists regarding sleeping capacities, assuming that kids and adults can cram into any type of sleeper sofa, dinette/sleeper, or reclining chair. For their credit, many manufactures have designed ingenious ways to get more out of less, including bunk and triple bunk beds and any number of convertible furnishing come bedtime. The size of one’s group will also ultimately determine the rig’s length. Looking to cram six people in a 22-footer? Sorry, folks, it’s just not gonna happen.

4. What’s the Plan?

Are you looking for a vehicle capable of year-round adventures or just one to whisk you and yours away to Disney World during summer vacation? Is it your intention to pilot your new purchase into the remote backwoods or mostly highway transport? Are you hoping for the ultimate tailgating machine, a multi-purpose vehicle for running errands and getaways alike, or something that’s going to log tens of thousands of miles per year as part of your full-timing plan? Not every RV is built for every role. Factors such as size, weight, floor plan, and whether or not it has four-wheel drive, proper insulation to handle weather extremes, or enough storage and amenities onboard to fulfill your traveling hopes determine an RV’s capabilities.

5. Motorized or Towable?

For most, this is a fairly easy decision. Many prospective buyers already know what kind of RV they prefer, in terms of motor or none. On one hand, a motorized vehicle almost always costs more than a towable of similar dimensions. You can blame that pesky engine for the price escalation. However, factor in the cost of buying a new tow vehicle – assuming you don’t already have one – and the price for towables fluctuates dramatically. Trailers are generally roomier, with no footage taken up by the cockpit (which is dead space once the destination is reached) or the engine. Engine-free life also means fewer run-ins for maintenance or service, which puts the motorhome owner in a spot of having to lose both their vheicle and living quarters for any length of time. The engine and cockpit still limit designers to the diversity of floor plans on the motorhome side. Not true for travel trailers, for instance, which seem to take great pleasure in mixing things up. Still, there are folks who dread the thought of towing, preferring an all-in-one vehicle for their driving occasions. Besides, towable owners must spend their driving time confined to the tow vehicle. Not so with the motorhome owner, who can spread out on the couch, watch TV, microwave a burrito, or whatever. And who wouldn’t delight in riding high, looking eye-to-eye with the truckers, magnificent views in every direction. So, which kind do you prefer?

6. Sorting the “Non-Negotiable’s”

What must your new RV have onboard? A washer/dryer for those messy teenagers? A dinette for family meals instead of a j-sofa? Must it include a large kitchen for that traveling gourmet? What about storage? Just how much do you need? Is a queen-size bed a must or can you make due with a double if that makes the bathroom a little roomier? Or maybe bunk beds are the ticket? Of course, with the advent of sport utility trailers (SUT’s), complete with cargo area and ramp to load and store anything from motorcycles to sand rails, you might demand the Harley’s come along for the ride. And let us not forget the new trend of his and her bathrooms, which are saving marriages daily. Is one in your future? Amazed by slide-outs and need one, two, three, four – or, dare we say it! – five? Dr. Phil calls these kind of must-have’s “deal-breakers.” (I promise, that is the last Dr. Phil reference in the article). Just what are your non-negotiables? Make a list and don’t waiver. In some cases, you might be able to find key items in the aftermarket, such as that all-important plasma TV. Others, such as a high-grade of insulation, location and number of bathrooms, and room layouts, you’re simply suck with.

7. Thoughts On Construction

You might care less about a rig’s roof materials or whether the exterior consists of fiberglass or aluminum. The fact that the RV’s shell is wood may mean less to you than who won this year’s NBA All-Star game (FYI-the Western Conference did). Perhaps the type of engine, chassis, or transmission has no bearing on your motorhome decisions whatsoever. Or, after a careful examination of what’s what in the marketplace, such building practices and construction might become paramount in your buying decision.

8. New or Used?

Are you a bit of a risk-taker or someone who likes to play it safe? Is getting the best deal the most important thing or is it getting a stack of warranties and that new RV smell? New or used RVs each come with their share of pros and cons, as you’re no doubt aware. New products cost more, for starters, but assuage owners buying doubts with warranties and, well, newness. New buyers are able to find just about whatever they want in the world of new vehicles, unlike those favoring trade-ins and consignments who must “take what they can get.” Assuming you want to throw a little caution to the wind, however, a used, sorry, “pre-owned” coach can net buyers a tremendous deal. You can thank our old friend depreciation for that. Still, when you buy somebody else’s coach you buy – potentially – their problems. If going the used route, make sure to have the vehicle inspected by a third-party source, assuming you can’t spot trouble on your own.

9. Walking the Walk

Time to hit the streets and kick some tires. Visit as many dealers as you can to see learn the market. The objective is not to buy but see what’s out there. RV shows are invaluable in terms of the wealth of information and products found under one roof, even if you have to travel a ways to find them. (Visit www.rvia.org for a list of shows near you). Once there, grab brochures, record prices, tour vehicles until you’re near collapse. Then repeat. Ask loads of questions. What are the salespeople saying? More importantly, what aren’t they saying? Consider your RV education ongoing. When you see a cool rig at the travel plaza, (politely) bug the owners about what they like and dislike about it. Read RV publications – such as this one – for articles on the latest entries into the market. A good RV buyers’ guide, which showcases who’s making what in the industry, is a must. Forgive the shameless plug, but Woodall’s produces a great one. If you’re really hooked, most manufacturers offer free tours of their assembly process. This is a great way to see the ins and outs of a potential purchase, built from the ground up.

10. The Final List

You know what RV you need. A careful examination of the industry, which is not a quick or easy thing, has proven fruitful in terms of what manufacturers, brands, and floor plans you prefer. The RV industry is probably too big and diverse to be able to limit the field to just one RV you’re looking for. However, if that’s the case, it’s time to visit some sellers and start hashing out deals. Otherwise, time to shorten the shortlist by letting the finalists duke it out. Factor in costs, amenities, room configurations, and the overall feel of each of the finalists. In short time, a victor will emerge. One always does.

Brent Peterson is an avid camper and RVer. His most recent book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing,” was published last spring.

Need a little peace in your life? Looking to really get away from it all? May we introduce the Crossroads RV Tranquility line-up of park model homes, capable of transforming a barren piece of property into a weekend getaway, vacation home, or your very own “Fortress of Solitude.” Whatever it’s role, we’re guessing you’ll find a worthy use for one of the six floor plans, including a trio of lofted versions. While none of the half-dozen models offer up wheels like your dutiful motorhome, each unit does deliver plenty of residential fare.

Start with some nifty dimensions inside: 39’+ in length, 60”x80” queen beds, and interior heights of 9’  and 12’, in the living area and kitchen, respectively. All in all, we’re talking about 400 square feet of living space, full of such creature comforts as 18-cubic-foot refrigerator with ice maker, space-saving microwave, 200-watt stereo system, 40,000-BTU furnace with floor-ducted heat, 20-gallon water heater, designer draperies and wood cottage blinds, and a range of interior furnishings that won’t leave you longing for life back in the fifth wheel. Best of all, if and when the time comes to move on down the road, the unit’s 13’6” exterior height allows for legal towing throughout North America.

MSRP: $43,000-$45,000

Contact: CrossRoads RV, 888-226-7496; www.crossroadsrv.com

A week in the mountains of Wyoming proved an unusual testing ground for the Pathfinder 386QS (MSRP: $195,300). Long, lawless stretches of road, steep mountain passages, and boondocking under that endless, star-draped sky certainly put the Sportscoach through its paces. We’re guessing the “Q” stands for quadruple, which brings us back to the four slide-outs, which remains the star of this particular show. With four passengers, space was not an issue, day or night. The pair of sleeper sofas were lush and comfortable; even the dinette’s nighttime conversion seemed to overachieve. Interior perks included such high-end fare as a pair of sizable TVs, double-door fridge/freezer, VCR/DVD combo, 6kw generator, two air conditioners, slide-out awnings, 1,200-watt inverter, and a simply massive 175-pound LP tank. Obviously, life in the back bedroom was grand, complete with queen bed, terrific TV placement, loads of storage, and-again-plenty of room with the flush-floor slide-outs deployed.

The obvious test of a 40-footer dragging more than 28,000 pounds was just how it performs, especially in such rugged conditions. A stop-and-go highway is one thing, but fast two-lane travel with no speed limit in sight punctuated by less than stellar terrain and steep inclines and descents would reveal much. At high speeds, the Pathfinder didn’t disappoint. Credit the smooth 6-speed Allison transmission, Freightliner chassis, or surprisingly spunky 340-hp Cummins diesel, but the motor coach seemed to simply fly through the arid landscapes. Naturally, the steep mountains of the Grand Tetons proved a challenge, as it did for mini-vans and SUV’s alike. However, we appreciated the way it more than held its own against arguably the toughest driving conditions for a rig this size, namely driving up, up, and more up. I think it did well here.

Overall, the unit was comfortable, plush, and full of storage. You can’t really ask for more. And, frankly, RVs don’t come any bigger, so if you have trouble finding suitable elbow room inside, well, then you’re probably discovering RV travel just isn’t your thing. We think a fancy, high-performance diesel under $200,000 is quite a deal in this day and age. Contact: Sportscoach, P.O. Box 30, Middlebury, IN 46540; 574/825-5821 (www.sportscoachrv.com).

“They call it Stormy Monday, but Tuesday’s just as bad.”

 Those of us traveling through Tornado Alley in the springtime know no truer words have ever been sung. One moment, you’re driving along, towing a trailer or cruising along in the motorhome, suddenly thrilled to find Johnny Cash on the radio. Moments later, you’re lying face down in a ditch with “Burning Ring of Fire” playing in your head, hoping that funnel cloud doesn’t catapult you and the family travel trailer to the next county. The fact is, however, that fierce storms can pop up just about anywhere, belting our home on wheels with tireless rains, white-knuckling winds, and more than enough drama for us regular folk. Can we avoid them all together? Not likely. Fortunately, that’s not to say there aren’t things we can do to keep us safe and sound when the weather gets testy.

 Knowledge is Power

Weather is always a dicey proposition. Sure, it’s a topic that provides adequate conversation fodder with the fifth-wheeler in the campsite next-door, but what Mother Nature has in store for us from one day to the next is life’s great X factor. Who knows? That doesn’t mean we can’t take a stab at predicting, though, as my no-talent weatherman has been attempting to do on my local station since I was 10 years old. Staying informed, whether it be from the faithful Weather Channel, the local radio station, or one’s favorite online prognosticator (mine’s www.weather.com), at least offers travelers a head’s up on what’s coming down the pike. Heavy rains coming in the afternoon? Do the driving in the morning. Fifty mile an hour winds in the forecast? Better keep that awning tucked away.

Weather Vain

That motorhome of yours might be the biggest, baddest thing on the road. And maybe you’re the toughest, hard-driving road warrior out there. Even with that impressive resume, it’s still a falsehood to believe that our RV’s insulate us from severe weather. Lofty exterior heights make our RVs the wind’s favorite target, resembling driving billboards in a storm. Those poor souls towing a travel trailer during one of those infamous Nor’easters can get beat around worse than a nerdy third-grader with lots of milk money. Furthermore, it’s harder for larger vehicles to stop on slick pavements, too, a fact you probably surmised on Day Two of your RVing education. Knowing that you are indeed vulnerable, and may need to take steps to keep yourself safe besides gritting your teeth and driving through it, is a step in the right direction. The question ultimately shifts to not whether bad weather is coming, but what are we going to do about it?

A Wind-Wind Situation

Who’s afraid of a little, bitty air flow? Me, for one. Wind is the nemesis of RVers everywhere for its crazy, bob-and-wave, come-and-go tactics that wrecks havocs on our nerves and our driving disposition. While it’s often nothing but a mild annoyance in the family Oldsmobile, violent winds absolutely pummel recreational vehicles. And you thought the travel trailer swayed on good days? The fact that air is, well, invisible, means we can’t always see it coming. A tough foe indeed – or is it?

Know where to look and you’ll know when winds are coming your way. Scan the landscape and the answers are obvious. Swaying crops, shaking tree limbs, and flying cows are good indicators that there’s more than a subtle updraft out there. Obviously, when a blast knocks the china out of the cabinets, that’s a pretty telling sign as well. To deal with its hard-blowing effects, go back to the basics. Grab the steering wheel tightly at both the 10 and 2 positions, just like in the old Driver’s Ed days. Compensate without over-compensating for side blasts. Popping open a few side windows might alleviate some of the pressure, as well. Be especially diligent going over bridges, which are unshielded from gusts. If it gets too much to handle, find a safe place to pull over (that’s what rest stops are for) and go fly a kite.

In the event of a tornado, rank the RV just behind standing on top of a water tower in the list of the last places you want to be. Time to abandon ship and find a more concrete (literally) place to hide, like a basement of a Good Samaritan’s home. Tucking you and your family underneath an underpass isn’t a bad trick in case time is short and that twister is determined to find you. In a dire situation – when you see the green skies forming, the cyclone on the prowl – vacate the coach, find a ditch or drainage canal, and hope for the best.

Rain Pain

A little rain is sort of quaint and charming. A nasty thunderstorm can be a problem, often toting high winds, wet conditions, and shoddy visibility along with it. And raise your hand if you’re still spooked by loud claps of thunder and eerie lighting? Yeah, me too. If you’re caught behind the wheel during a downpour, your first move should be to make the RV as visible as possible. Turn on the headlights (docking lights too, if you have them) to stay noticeable to fellow vehicles. Provide a larger cushion (i.e., distance) between those vehicles around you, paying special notice to the shoulder, an area that can become a hotbed of panicky motorists who pull over and decide to sit this one out. Tapping the breaks occasionally rids the pads of extra water, helping restore any lost stopping power. Decrease speeds, wake the copilot to help spot signs of trouble, and find an off-ramp with a nice selection of greasy spoons if it gets too scary. And for once, actually follow through with that promise to buy new wiper blades when it all blows over.

Your Escape Plan

Every driver loves making good time. I’m in the club, too, believe me. However, there are times when it’s a good idea to get off the road, like when you see a Tsunami in the side mirror. My rule of thumb is when I see 18-wheelers vacating the highway, I usually follow. These folks get paid to drive, so you know it’s serious when they head for the hills. With that said, it’s prudent to be at least somewhat choosy in where you’re going to dock the rig. The shoulder is a universally condemned area to pull-off, if it can be at all helped, particularly in a big, fat RV. You may escape the storm but get sideswiped by a passing semi in the process. Bad idea. An uncontested parking lot or rest stop are the best places to wait out the elements.

When At Camp

The difference between bad weather at camp and bad weather on the go is that you don’t have to drive through it. Good for you. Of course, that also means you’re a sitting duck. Just kidding. A rainstorm is fun when you’re docked at camp for the night. The windows are shut, your shoes are dry, and there’s hot cocoa in your Spider-man mug. A few precautions, though. Hopefully, you remember to lower the awning(s) so they don’t end up in sailing to Albuquerque from a nasty wind gust. A portable satellite dish should be taken inside (you can watch Baywatch tomorrow), as should anything you’re not looking to donate to the elements. Lower the TV antennae, too. I always advise using surge protectors for any appliances you don’t want to re-purchase, a good tip in both good weather and in bad to suppress electrical surges and spikes.

Mom always told me to stay away from faucets, windows, and showers during lighting storms. I don’t know why, but thought I’d pass this information along. Send junior to do a quick walk-around the RV to make sure all compartments are shut, lose items are stowed, the firewood is sequestered under the vehicle, and Fido the wonder dog isn’t hydroplaning throughout the campground. And if it rains for more than three consecutive days, point to motorhome to the desert. It hardly ever rains there.

Brent Peterson is a avid camper and RVer. His most recent book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing-2^nd Edition,” was published last spring.

High fuel costs notwithstanding, RV travel still beats the high tally associated with the airfare, restaurants, hotel rooms, and rental cars. Still, as many of our wallets and 401Ks can attest, times are tough. Escalating fuel costs, a slippery economy, and concerns over everything from war to layoffs have made travel a bit of a luxury for some. However, we have our ways to reduce those fuel costs.

Even though there are ways to search for cheap fuel (www.gaspricewatch.com is one such service), I don’t know too many folks who want to dedicate that kind of effort of finding the lowest prices. However, even a 10-cent per gallon savings is significant when asked to refill a 100 gallons worth of diesel. As a rule, fuel is cheaper off the highway. Membership to Flying J Travel Plazas (www.flyingj.com/), for example, rewards frequent fill-ups with discounts nationwide. There are other franchises that do the same.

Otherwise, the way you drive can make a real difference. Fuel efficiency is better at 55 mph than 65 mph, so leave the lead-foot at home. Plan shorter trips, with more time outside than in the cockpit. Visiting a local state park or regional attraction not only cuts down on travel costs, but also gets you and yours to the destination that much faster. Just think, that much fewer, “Are We There Yet’s?” from the Peanut Gallery in the back.

Towing a secondary vehicle behind the motorhome is rarely a bad idea. While its added weight worsens overall fuel mileage numbers on long trips, for that short trip away from home, the cost savings quickly add up when factoring in all those errands and runabouts into town in the dutiful Saturn. It also means you needn’t break camp every time you run out of diapers. Just make sure, of course, that the towed vheicle isn’t a gas-guzzler in its own right.

Proper tire inflation is a long-forgotten, but ultimately one of the best ways to eek out better mileage numbers. An RV’s overall weight has a lot to do with these numbers as well, with a lean and mean vehicle outperforming chubbier counterparts. The moral here is to bring along only what you need. New RVers are particularly prone to overloading their vehicles with extras that would make a full-timer cringe. Leave the superfluous canned goods, tools, and set of World Book encyclopedias at home. Storage pods and cavernous exterior compartments can contribute to an overweight condition if you’re not careful.

And watch those tanks. Holding tanks filled to capacity add hundreds of needless pounds, so dump them early and dump them often. Unless you’re camped out in the middle of the Mojave Desert, there’s little reason to keep the fresh water tank to the brim. Schedule regular visits to weigh stations to help you maintain your vehicle’s fighting weight.

Yeah, fuel is expensive. And it may be for some time. However, we’re not totally powerless against these costs; there’s steps to take to reduce the sting, so we can still enjoy our time on the road.

DO’s

Go local, especially in terms of cuisine. Sample White Castle hamburgers when in the Midwest, fish tacos in Baja, a warm, soft pretzel in Philadelphia, and the biggest Maine lobster you can afford – even if you don’t like ‘em.

Invest in an electronic awning, if you’re awning kind of people.

Spend a summer volunteering at a National Park. The views can’t be beat. May I recommend a few? Acadia in Maine, Oregon’s Crater Lake, or the Apostle Islands in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Your motorhome is the ultimate tailgating machine. Use it. Visit every major league ballpark. When you’re done, tailgate at every NFL stadium on game day. Repeat.

Weigh your motorhome periodically. The pounds creep aboard an RV with the same sly sinisterness as they do our waistlines.

Talk nice to your co-pilot. Otherwise, he or she will navigate you so far off the path that even a compass, GPS, and an eager Boy Scout won’t be able to save you.

Venture into the Northeast between mid-September and mid-October – the foliage is incredible

Boondock occasionally, to keep those survival instincts sharp.

Always carry a roll of duct tape, some PVC pipe, a small tool kit, and a plastic tarp. All of them will come in handy more than once.

Visit the homes of your heroes: Ernest Hemingway in Key West or Wyatt Earp in Galesburg, Illinois, are two of my favorites.

Buy the very best walking shoes, cutlery, atlas, bedding, inverter, and portable chair that you can. The rest is gravy.

Do as the Romans do – even when in Cincinnati.

Purchase a National Parks Pass ($50; 888/GO-PARKS; https://buy.nationalparks.org/) for exceptional values at nearly 400 sites across the U.S.

Favor the Blackberry if crave your emails but are weary of lugging around a laptop to the campground office for modem hookups.

Visit roadside stands, farmer’s markets, and pick-your-own orchards whenever possible. It’s no myth – fresh produce tastes better.

Do get the biggest campground directory you can. Here, size matters. Better yet, use the CD version.

Find the best deals on that new motorhome by shopping at the end of the year, during inclement weather, and while the economy is mired in an economic slow-down (like now). Then comparison shop, comparison shop, comparison shop.

Carry a high deductible on your RV insurance if you have the record of safety to back it up.

Spoil pets rotten.

Take the grandchildren on a trip. Spoil them rotten, too.

Remember to bring important numbers of family, roadside assistance, the insurance company, doctor, and legal counsel with you. While you’re at it, make a list including vitals including medications, stuff for pets, warranties, and your lucky rabbit’s foot.

Partake in activities that make your spouse happy. Remember, you’re in this together.

Add Alaska, Washington D.C., northern California, Las Vegas, and Telluride, Colorado, to your travel itinerary if you haven’t yet seen them.

Fly the flag – yes, the American one.

Make sure your insurance covers you in other countries before departing on that dream trip to Canada or Mexico. Bring rabies certificate for pets and don’t crack jokes at the border. Less is more here.

Take a weekend and throw the elbow grease around. Follow warranties for troubleshooting information for the RV’s appliances and internal systems. Wash and wax the motorhome. Vacuum the carpet and launder the drapes. Spray for bugs, throw out or donate needless gear, and give the interior a deep clean it won’t soon forget.

Speaking of grease, eat at greasy spoons, neighborhood dives, and diners open into the wee hours of the morning. And always get the specialty of the house – no exceptions.

Wake up early the next morning and exercise. It may take an hour of aerobics to burn off the giant tenderloin as big as your head (found in Solon, Iowa, by the way), but your body will thank you.

DON’TS

Don’t suffer pay showers gladly, but carry a roll of quarters in your bathroom kit if you’re using the facilities.

Avoid buying a pre-owned motorhome that was formerly a rental. Remember how you drive rentals? Exactly.

Don’t venture into the city limits of Chicago between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. These are lost hours that you will never get back.

Stay off the motorhome’s roof before 10 a.m. The morning dew has sent more than a few of us sailing.

Don’t let the family pooch drive the motorhome. Dogs are notorious lead-foots.

Don’t’ come down the mountain in any other gear than the one you went up in – your transmission will thank you

Don’t push it. Take frequent breaks, switch drivers, keep speeds and mileage at reasonable levels. And don’t torture your crew with Herculean travel days – they will mutiny. Relax, this is supposed to be fun.

Don’t visit Texas in August – you will bust into flames

Don’t worry about what the neighbors think. Take your time backing into the campsite, go slow, cautiously and correctly. Yelling at your co-pilot won’t help. Neither will be backing over the picnic table.

Don’t travel without some form of roadside assistance. The RV gods have a very wicked sense of humor.

Don’t’ call your co-pilot a “brainless oaf.” The resulting cold spell onboard is worst than any navigational blunder. Believe me, I speak from experience.

Don’t forget to purge the tanks before hitting the road. The weight savings are astronomical.

Don’t skimp on the engine. Buy the biggest one you can and don’t look back.

Don’t forget the S’mores. Consider a bag of marshmallows, a couple of chocolate bars, and a box of graham cracker non-negotiable packing items.

Don’t plunge right into full-timing. Work you way up to it, taking longer and longer trips before selling the house and hitting the road. Baby steps are best until you’re ready. Then live it up!

Don’t complain about the price of gas. We know it’s expensive. 

Don’t forget to tell the kids at home where you are and where you’re going. They worry.

Don’t underestimate solar power – it works!

Don’t answer the door in the middle of the night when camped in Parts Unknown unless someone’s waving a badge on the other side.

Don’t forget, the simplest recipes are always the best. Here’s one: Heat 2 cups canned of tomatoes, half an onion (peeled but unchopped), and 5 Tbs. of butter at a low simmer for 45 minutes. Remove onion; pour over pasta. Rejoice.

Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol, medication, or fatigue. Piloting a 20,000-pound motorhome is challenging enough as it is.

Don’t let these RV nuisances spoil the trip: clanking mini-blinds, traffic, soggy firewood, muddy paws on the bedspread, a lukewarm shower, or a decapitated TV antennae, courtesy of that highway overpass.

That reminds me - don’t forget to lower the TV antennae.

Don’t miss a chance to spend the night at such phenomenal RV resorts as California’s Newport Dunes, Disney World’s Fort Wilderness, or two knockout properties in the Florida Keys, Fiesta Key and Sugarloaf Key KOAs. Find other good ones and share with others.

Don’t throw recyclables into the campfire. It’s not a furnace – it won’t turn your beer can into dust.

Don’t argue with the police. You can’t whine your way out of a ticket.

Don’t forget the motorhome’s exterior height. Write it down so you won’t forget. And don’t let the overpass embankment remind you.

Don’t overpack. The greatest weighty excesses come in the form of unnecessary cookware, superfluous tools, storage pods filled with who knows what, and work you have no intention of doing.

Don’t fill up the diesel pusher at seldom-visited gas stations. Diesel fuel is like morning rolls – the fresher, the better. Opt for fill-ups along the interstate at travel plazas and truck stops to make sure of a recent batch.

Don’t cram a month’s worth of activities into two weeks. Otherwise, you’ll need a vacation from your vacation.

Don’t lose your cool if warranty troubles arrives after service. Document everything. Deal with the highest ranking person at the company that you can. Get names, dates, events, etc. The more details the better. Be persistent and remember: angry customers (you) are bad for business (them).

Brent Peterson is an avid camper and RVer. His most recent book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing,” was published last spring.