Rv show january 19, 2014

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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26th Annual RV Show 4-5 Everything you need to know about the RV Show 6 RV Show history 7 Best time to buy 8-9 Get excited about new RVs and new products 12 R’ nR RV: A closer look 14 Enjoy recipes from the road 15 Gas Giveaway 16-18 Show map/index 20 Mother and daughter write book of RV basics 22 The value of your dealer 23 Where to park your rig at night 24 Preparing for your RV adventure 25 Sneak peek: Inland NW Motorcycle Show 26-28 Solo opportunities for women on the road 29 Safe travels: How to drive well in the winter 30 RVs Northwest: A closer look

The Inland NW RV Show program is a product of S-R Media/ The Spokesman-Review Kathleen Coleman, Director of Sales and Marketing Regina Winkler, Sales Lead Joe Butler, Editor Nita Alexander, Graphic Design Contributing Writers/Photographers: Don Adair, Holly Jones, Nicole Skinner, Courtney Dunham, Renee Sande, Shallan Knowles

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

All you need to know about the RV Show In 1992, Steve Cody, a former broadcasting group co-owner, was handed a Class A-sized challenge/ opportunity: how to make the fairly new Spokane RV Show bigger and better. “I’d never put on a show like this in my life, but I figured I could do it,” said Cody, who worked for 30 years with Citadel Communications. As a promoter and friend to many local dealers, he was familiar with the show, so his first task was asking them -- and the fairgrounds staff, including Jim Cotter – how to make it happen. Today, 26 years later, that feat seems easy compared to what the show has turned into – hundreds of RVs and more than 11,000 visitors. It’s considered one of the largest three annual events at the fairgrounds. Each year, in rain, sun or blizzards, people come, sometimes multiple times. There’s been a standing waiting list for exhibitors since 1996. Some visitors love to come and daydream, but there are serious buyers too. For this year’s 26th annual show, Cody said there’s plenty of excitement ahead. There are six dealers and 40 vendors. There’s a gas giveaway sponsored by S-R Media where visitors can go home with something nice for their fuel tanks. When you buy an RV at the show try out the American Family Insurance Cash Machine, where you can stand inside and catch as much flying currency as you can in 30 seconds. You can even enter to win a cool trip to Sturgis!

Q. Who comes to this show? We draw people from this area, from Montana, Seattle, Oregon, Canada. There’s some of the same faces, and there are also new people every year. Some people tell us that they wait all year to come to this show because of the great deals. Vendors also come from all over – some think of it as the ‘13th month’ because usually January is so slow. This has become one of the major RV

shows in the Western U.S. We love seeing everyone.

Q. Who buys RVs? When we started doing this, customers were mostly retired, 65-plus, or maybe hunters. Now, the majority of buyers are young families. The hope is that owners get into their first RV at around age 30, and keep on moving up all their lives. We still see retirees, some whom sell their houses and want to move around the country in their big diesel pushers.

Q. Is this show for dreamers or do-ers? Everyone here is actively trying to sell RVs, but some people come by to look anyway. For some, it may take two years to actually decide to buy. In some cases, it’s current owners wanting to see what’s new or what they can add to theirs. It gets crazy – we can sell $7 million in RVs and accessories in four days.

Q. Have RVs changed over the years? Not that long ago, tent-trailers and tag-alongs were mainly what people wanted. The Winnebago was pretty much the only choice for a motorized RV. Now there are many brands, and families are also looking

into trailers, fifth wheels and motor homes. There are also so many more innovations now – we never had slide-outs, fireplaces, king-sized beds, or room for a car or toys. Space has grown by 40 percent in some models, and everything is much more efficient. Along with fun things, there are also ways to make driving easier, like GPS, back-up cameras, and better towing options.

Q. Any advice for people considering a purchase? Visit all the dealers. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you want and what your RV needs are to make sure they can best help you. Walk around – it takes about 2.5 hours to see everything. It’s great to compare prices. For instance, for the price of a tent trailer, you can get a regular trailer. You can haul a little car with some models. Take a look at everything you can have with it. You really find so many different styles and something for everyone in every price range, from $7,000 to $300,000.

Q. What about gas mileage? If the average owner drives theirs 2,000 miles a year, at 15 miles a gallon, that will work out to be about 130 gallons of gas. Even if gas goes up a dollar per gallon, that only works out to be $130 extra a year, which is less than one night in a hotel. With your RV, you’ll have all the comforts and can go anywhere you want at your own pace. RVs can be considered an investment in your family. Q. Why does this show continue to do so well? We have so many places you can take an RV in the Inland Northwest. You don’t even have to drive somewhere else.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

RV Show continues to evolve If this is your first Inland Northwest RV Show or your 26th, you still may not know all of its interesting history or two of the prime reasons for its success: the efforts of Steve Cody and Jim Cotter. The owners of the show take care of every detail of the annual RV showcase, including bringing in the dealers, bringing in the RVs and bringing in the crowds. Even if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Steve at a past show, you likely have heard him making announcements every couple of minutes. Cotter is a whiz at getting hundreds of RVs in the right place at the right time – and out again.

It’s really satisfying when we see hundreds of people in line, and dealers and vendors selling a lot of RVs and accessories. Helping stimulate their sales, provide them with a “13th month” and adding to our economy is exciting.

What did both of you do before the RV show? (Steve) My broadcasting career began at 16. KSPO had a Canadian announcer doing the morning show. He needed an American engineer with a 3rd class license to broadcast in America. As a summer job in 1971, I started working for my dad (Del Cody) at KGA. When I graduated from WSU in 1974, I had an accounting degree, but decided to work in radio full-time. My dad had been in broadcasting since 1938 and sold his interest in KGA/KDRK in 1978. Soon after, I became the Sales Manager. In 1983, I was named Manager/Vice President. Citadel Communications purchased the stations in 1992 and in a few years became the nation’s third-largest radio group. In 2000, I sold my Citadel interest to spend more time watching my kids play sports, and had more time to improve and promote the RV Show. ( Jim) I am a Spokane native. I served in the Navy and in Vietnam, and after getting out, I worked in the grocery business and managed several meat departments. Later, I went to work for the Spokane Fairgrounds. As Operations Director, I was part of its expansion plans and helped manage the fair. I also helped promoters with their set-up, organization and putting on events. After my fairgrounds career, I went into partnership with Steve to promote the Inland Northwest RV Show and Sale and other events.

How do you see the show evolving? We’re already using all of the buildings and blacktop outside of the buildings, so we can’t get much bigger. We’ve thought about a temporary floor in the livestock buildings, but the lack of heat is a problem. Every year the dealers bring in what’s new. Vendors also bring space-saving innovations. Attendees get younger too, so we see more entry-level RVs.

How do you see the industry evolving? What aspects of the RV show are most satisfying? We have a fantastic staff. Steve’s wife Debbie handles ticket sales and fields questions. Most questions come from visitors looking for a specific RV, so we make sure we have a manufacturer list showing which dealer has what. We post lots of BIG maps. Dealer problems usually concern power outages or leaks. Jim handles move in/out problems. Steve makes sure everyone is having a good time and we create a selling atmosphere for dealers and a buying atmosphere for attendees.

How did both of you get involved in the RV Show? In about 1992, Steve got a call from Jim, then at the fairgrounds, saying the current promoter was no longer going to run the show. He called some dealers he knew and asked if they would like him to be their promoter. They said yes and the NEW RV Show and Sale was born. Steve knew how to sell and promote, but didn’t know how to set up, and Jim took care of that part.

Manufacturers are making RVs lighter so you don’t need a diesel truck for travel trailers. They are constantly adding amenities, like fireplaces, GPS, TV, back-up cameras and more. In some diesel motor homes, you can park a small car in the lower level. More slide-outs are installed, which gives RVers more living space.

What’s your favorite show memory? (Steve) Sometime in the late ’90s, after the show closed, I heard a noise and went to check it out. The closer I got to a particular RV, it sounded like loud snoring. I woke up a very embarrassed couple who had laid down on the bed to see if it was comfortable … so comfortable they slept for over an hour.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

The Inland NW RV Show and Sale keeps getting better and better. And since it has always pretty good, it’s saying a lot about the interesting products available. Some RV fans come back year after year. Some years they may dream, other years they may buy.

The show, now in its 26th year, has grown into one of the largest annual shows at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. It ďŹ lls up all of the bays. It’s now considered one of the largest and most popular shows in the Western U.S.

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Here’s some interesting highlights over the years: • 1988 Leo Chaven launched it in one building at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Attendance was low, as was support from dealers, and all the RVs on display were tightly wedged into one small building. • 1992 Steve Cody was asked to take over the show’s reins when Chaven retired. Though he had never put on a show like this before, he was familiar with it and willing to give it a try. About 2,500 people attended and exhibit space was 45,000 square feet. • 1996 Interest from dealers had grown so much that Cody creates a waiting list for dealers and other exhibitors until more space can be found. A major snowstorm also hit that weekend, and a tunnel was built to connect the buildings. More than 7,000 people still braved the elements, and dealers reported similar strong sales as in past years. Jim Cotter also becomes a partner this year.

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• 1999 Show expands to Ag buildings A and B • 2000 One of the highlights was the arrival of the World’s Largest RV, a four-story rig with a hot tub, putting green, sun deck, three full bedrooms with kingsized beds, 1.5 bathrooms and a built-in barbecue. • 2001 Show expands to Bay 4 • 2003 The show takes place on Super Bowl weekend, and early birds were given free entry for the ďŹ rst two hours so they can do their shopping and browsing before kickoff. Spokesman-Review RV columnist Julianne Craine is the featured speaker. • 2006 Show expands into Ag building C. This year also saw the arrival of the Cash Machine, which everyone who buys an RV at the show gets to stand in for 30 seconds to try and catch whirling money. “People may have just spent $300,000 but they’re even more excited about standing in there for $50-$60 – there are sometimes hundreds in line for this,â€? says show owner Steve Cody. • 2008 Show expands to Ag building D.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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When is the best time to buy your RV? Nicole Skinner /Marketing Correspondent

For first-time buyers or even current owners who have had their model for quite a long time, a good question to ask is when should you try something new? The end of the year? How about spring? How about summer? How about winter? When are rates going to be the best? While those things can make a difference on the cost and potential savings of your purchase, the best time to buy a RV is actually much simpler than all of that: when you find the one that meets your needs. Because of the cost and expected use over a long period of time, deciding to move forward with a purchase should be taken seriously, not just an impulse buy. But it’s also fun to walk around a show or a lot when there’s no pressure. Several basic factors can be considered when making a new RV purchase: is it new or used? A private sale or from a dealer? How many does it sleep? Will you be using it for occasional recreational outings or full-time living/traveling? Will you be using it year-round or the traditional spring-fall camping season? Plan to be a snowbird? The list goes on. When you find the RV that matches your needs, your advance homework will likely make it a purchase that you can be happy with and enjoy to the fullest.

If you base your purchase purely on price tag, time of the year or financing rates, you may find yourself compromising on critical elements of what you’re searching for, and you may have regrets anytime you use it. That said, there are some factors that can help you find a great deal. • End-of-year discounts: If you’re buying a new RV and searching around the end or the start of the year, you may be in luck – end-ofyear discounts will be in full swing. “Dealers are looking to clear out their inventory before next year’s models make their way to the floor so you may be able to find great savings available on your purchase,” said RVs Northwest Sales Manager Kelvin Batchelor. • Spring sales: A new year and the change of seasons usually means new RV models! If you’re using your tax refund to shop for a new RV, you’ll have prime pick from the new models – but beware that also this could spell premium manufacturer prices. When new models are released each year the manufacturer also sets their new pricing for the year. If picking from the cream of the crop is important to you, then spring is ideal. Just know that you may be paying more than you would have for a sometimes similar model from the previous year. • Financing: Recent financing rates for RV purchases have been favorable, sometimes as low as 2.99 percent

fixed rate APR at local credit unions. It’s a good idea to visit your credit union or shop other institutions to find the best deal and current rates, and also to bring preapproval info when you head out RV shopping. This will help you take advantage of purchasing the perfect RV with as few delays as possible. So really, “now” can be the perfect time to buy a RV as long as you find the one that matches your needs. Time of year and financing can play an important role, but are not nearly as important as making sure you have something that will keep you and your family happy and making great memories for years.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Plenty of new options available to local RV shoppers Every year, the RV industry comes out with new features and new options. Here’s a sampling of what can be found at some Spokane-area dealerships.

Airstream of Spokane

Photo Shallan Knowles, Marketing Correspondent

At Airstream of Spokane, owner/manager Nick Dietz is excited about showing buyers a rare and elegantly appointed new version of Airstream’s International travel trailer. “The International Onyx is a limited edition model,” Deitz says. “Only 136 total units will be built. I think our customers are going to be very happy with it.” With its high-gloss, onyx-toned interior finishes, the Onyx Edition takes Airstream’s classical elegance to new levels. Based on the International’s popular front-bedroom floor plans, it’s available in 25- and 27-foot lengths. The International Onyx Edition shares with its stablemates Airstream’s unique, semi-monococque construction, which was borrowed from the airplane industry. Inner and outer layers of stretched aluminum skin are riveted to extruded aluminum frames, providing superior rigidity and durability. This extensive use of aluminum reduces weight, without sacrificing strength. Consequently, towing an Airstream requires less fuel and fewer horsepower.

Airstream’s rounded, low-profile shape makes towing easier and more stable. Rubber torsion axles and under-mounted holding tanks provide a low center of gravity. The International family employs Kauf EcoBatt glasswool insulation. EcoBatt is made from 61.9 percent post consumer recycled content which combines sand and recycled bottle-glass using a new bio-based bonding agent. International edition trailers incorporate a variety of contemporary interior choices, including high-contrast aluminum, Ultraleather, Corian and laminate elements. The line-up features “vista view” and panoramic windows and, at night, strategically-placed recessed LED lighting sparkles like starlight.

Don Adair/Marketing Correspondent

R’nR RV Center

RVs Northwest

Features, looks, quality and price. They’re the building blocks of a great RV, says Rick Grady, sales manager at R’nR RV Center’s Liberty Lake facility, and this year they come together in Prime Time’s Crusader fifth wheels. “With its high-line looks and features and its incredibly low price, we’re excited to be able to show the Crusader to our customers,” Grady says. Prime Time Manufacturing is a division of Forest River, Inc, one of North America’s largest producers of towable recreational products, says Grady. Its corporate buying power allows it to offer more features for the money than other companies. On the inside, such features as solid-core, cherrywood cabinetry, solid-surface countertops and residential-grade carpets give Crusader a reassuring sense of quality. Most models include king-size showers, with skylight, and dual wardrobes. The galley includes a dedicated pots-and-pans door. “Prime Time works hard to use every available inch of interior space,” says Grady.

Kelvin Batchelor, sales manager at RVs Northwest, is crazy for Arctic Fox’s 2014 family of four-season campers, trailers and fifth-wheels. “I’ve been in this business 12 years and I rarely get this excited about a product,” says Batchelor. Arctic Fox products are built by Northwood Industries in LaGrande, Ore., and are built from the ground up for year-round use. The 2014 lineup is Northwood’s best ever, Batchelor says. “The Arctic Fox just gets better and better and better; it’s now the lead product in the industry, after taking over from Lance three or four years ago,” he says. “The insulation and build quality is second to none; in fact, everything they build is exceptionally good. I think right now we are offering the best product in the industry.” Fully insulated holding tank areas circulate warm air around suspended tanks, providing outstanding protection against freezing. Knife valves are enclosed to prevent freezing. All Arctic Fox coaches are insulated with residential-quality rigid foam, batten and reflective foil insulation to protect occupants from winter cold and summer heat. Like all of Northwood’s 2014 products, every Arctic Fox is prepped for solar panels. The strategy extends to a Northwood’s sister company, Outdoors RV Manufacturing, which builds several lines of off-road ready trailers, all of them solar-panel-ready. Northwood’s line of Nash Travel Trailers offers further evidence of Northwood innovation, Batchelor says. Nash trailers provide an affordable fourseasons alternative. For 2014, Northwoods adds a builtin generator box to every Nash trailer, an industry first. “Toy haulers can have generator boxes, and Class A, B and C RVs all come with them,” Batchelor says. Many fifth wheels are so equipped, as well, but for the last 70 years, not one travel trailer has come prepped for a generator.

A standard Power Package Plus package adds an RCA home theater system, with RCA SuperSound subwoofer, bedroom stereo and 32-inch LCD TV. A universal docking station aggregates all water connections, cable connections and the outside shower in a single lockable compartment. Bus-style slam doors, electric stabilizer jacks and 30-inch doors add practicality. A great features set doesn’t mean much if it’s not backed by top-notch construction techniques, says Grady. To build a stronger, more durable fifth wheel, Prime Time Eternabond construction includes laminated aluminum framed side walls (R-11), end walls (R-11), main floor (R-14) and silde-out walls and roof. For true all-season enjoyment, Crusader’s Thermal Package Plus includes an enclosed and heated underbelly, heated holding tanks, enclosed dump valves and heated dump valves. A “Quiet Cool” air conditioner improves efficiency 25 percent over competitive systems and reduces interior noise by 75 percent. “We’re thrilled with the new Crusader fifth wheels,” says Grady. “We’re excited to be able to show them to our customers at the show.”

“No one puts a generator box on a travel trailer,” says Batchelor, “but Northwood decided it was a good idea.” Besides the generator box, which houses an optional generator, all 2014 Nashes receive the company’s Equaflex suspension, certified off-road chassis, a 12-volt power awning, rear receiver hitch and 10-gallon water heater.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

New RV Products Don Adair/Marketing Correspondent

Whether Santa brought you some new RV toys or you picked up some holiday deals yourself, there’s lots of ways your rig can be rocking and rolling in 2014. There are some exciting new products out on the market to make your RV function better, safer and more fun.

Here’s a sampling: Pirit Heated Hose Developed for the Canadian mining industry, Pirit’s heated freshwater hose keeps your water supply flowing when temps drop. Tested to 42 degrees below zero, its built-in thermostat ensures it runs only when needed. www.pirithose.com

Solar Panels With as many as six thirsty deep-cycle batteries demanding attention, RV owners may feel tethered to land-based power sources. Solar panels are so efficient that in many cases they can even eliminate the need for a generator, says R’ nR RV sales manager Mike Duncan.

Digital Brake Controls

The Flip Automatic Jack Foot

Make sure your stops are safe and controlled, while reducing wear and tear to your tow vehicle and trailer or fifth wheel with a digital brake control system. Moreover, today’s plug-andplay controllers take the guesswork out of braking, says Kelvin Batchelor at RVs Northwest. www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/

The Flip automatic jack foot minimizes the tedious work of cranking a trailer tongue jack. Attached permanently to the jack’s bottom, the Flip flips down and locks into place as the jack is extended. www.fastwaytrailer.com

Portable Ice Maker Dometic’s portable ice makers can make a batch of fresh ice in less than 15 minutes and up to 33 pounds every 24 hours, even on hot days. Two available models run on 110-volt power. www.dometic.com

Outlander Portable Fire Pit Outlander’s portable fire pit cranks out 58,000 BTUs for propane-powered evening enjoyment. “It puts out lots of heat and a nice, big flame,” says Mike Duncan of R’ nR RVs. The 19-inch Outlander is lightweight and easy to carry.

Satellite Dish Digital Wireless Backup Camera Voyager’s digital wireless backup camera includes audio and night vision and produces a high-definition image. Its dedicated line has a 300-foot range, is strong enough to transmit through and around objects and eliminates the interference and noise typical of analog systems. www.leisuretimemarketing.com/

Satellite dishes have shrunk to a quarter of their original size, says Kelvin Batchelor, RVs Northwest. New, portable models can be positioned remotely, a useful feature in the Northwest, where trees and topography can sometimes make getting a clear signal sketchy. www.winegard.com/ pressroom/ satellite.php

H2Out Space Dryers To combat the mold and mildew that can result during storage, Airstream of Spokane’s Nick Deitz recommends H2Out Space Dryers. Based on technology developed by NASA, H2Out dryers are renewable and rechargeable and provide protection for 30-60 days.

Kanberra Gel During storage, RVs may develop a variety of odors associated with mildew, mold and other sources. Kanberra Gel uses a proprietary blend of Australian tea tree oils to neutralize odors, says Nick Dietz, Airstream of Spokane.

LED Lighting Long-lasting digital LED lights burn brighter and cooler than conventional lights, and can be used for interior and exterior purposes. “You can run 16 LEDs on the same power required by one incandescent brake bulb,” says R’ nR RV’s Duncan. As prices come down, LEDs are becoming viable even on older RVs, adds RV’s Northwest Kelvin Batchelor.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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13,990

23203 E. Knox, Liberty Lake, WA

W. 13915 Sunset Hwy, Airway Heights, WA

1-866-328-0830

1-866-896-9691

America’s #1 selling Class C Motorhome. 19-32’

COUGAR 25RLS

NEW

SEE OUR ENTIRE INVENTORY AT

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VIN Numbers available at show. Subject to prior sale. Prices plus tax, title & license. A negotiable $150 dealer documentation fee may be added to sale price. Claim based on total sales 2013. Expires 1-26-14

America’s #1 preferred hard sided travel trailer. 19-32’

12

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

R’nR RV focuses on service, selection are also available with full hook-up capabilities for out-of-town customers by appointment.

There’s a reason why R’nR RV has become one of the largest RV dealers around. Actually lots of reasons – and most of them are still happily driving the streets. “Our goal is to provide our customers with a one-stop shop for all their RV needs,” said General Manager Jerry Wagner. “We have, by far and away, the largest selection in the area, the largest volume of certified technicians, and amenities that others just don’t compare to.”

“Our service facility is unique in the number of certified and master certified technicians we have,” Wagner said. “Plus, we even handle full body paint and repair, which 99 percent of dealers just don’t have the capability of doing.” Customers can also take advantage of a 1,200-squarefoot RV camping store with parts and accessories, which the largest in-stock selection in the area. Customers also have access to a full-lunch restaurant, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

R’nR RV opened in 1991 in Liberty Lake, and now covers 12 acres with vehicles plus 40 service bays that can accommodate more than 200 RVs. Overnight spots

Since 2008, R’nR has also provided a larger selection of RVs, trailers, and campers at a second location in Airway Heights (formerly Blue Crick RV). Across both locations, R’nR carries over 400 new and used RVS from 12 of the top RV manufacturers, including Winnebago, Coachmen, Dutchmen, Forest River, Intermountain RV, Keystone, Starcraft, Adventurer, Northern Lite, Fleetwood, Heartland, and Roadtrek.

R’nR has been participating in the Inland NW RV Show since opening in 1991, and Wagner said the staff looks forward to it every year, since there are always people looking ahead to spring and new opportunities to travel. One product increasing in popularity is the ultra-light travel trailers. “They’re very popular right now as they have all the new-build characteristics as the heavier models but are more fuel-efficient as they can be pulled with a mid-size SUV,” he said. R’nR covers the gamut of RV choices with Class C (mid-size motorhome, characterized with an over-cab sleeping area), Class B (van conversions, or camper vans) and Class A Motorhomes (top of the line, based on size and structure), as well as fifth wheels, toy haulers, tent and travel trailers and truck campers. “Between our two locations, without a doubt, we can find the RV best suited to our customer’s needs,” said Wagner. “What we are able to provide our customers is very rare for an RV dealer.”

For more information visit rnrrv.com

Time is running out, take advantage of these offers while they are still here! 1

NEW

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LE

MSRP................................. $24,155 Residual Value ................. $13,935 Cash Down ......................... $2,999 Sale Price.........$21,036 (after 1k rebate)

Over 100 used vehicles & 15 cars under $10,000 to choose from!

3 year 36k lease

$ STOCK# 56741

2

NEW

2013 RAV4

149

Plus tax, lic, ngtbl doc fee

LE AWD

MSRP................................. $25,800 Residual Value ................. $15,661 Cash Down ......................... $2,999 Sale Price.......................... $23,688 3 year 36k lease

$ STOCK# 56618

3

NEW

177

Plus tax, lic, ngtbl doc fee

2013 HIGHLANDER

4X4

MSRP................................. $34,160 Residual Value ................. $19,980 Cash Down ......................... $2,999 Sale Price.......................... $30,888 Purchase at

$ STOCK# 56632

29,088

After $1k Rebate

56135A ..... 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA ................................... WAS $19,995 ............. NOW $18,995 56791A ...... 2011 5.7 LTR CREW TUNDRA ......................... WAS $34,900 ............ NOW $33,877 T2339 ........ 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA LE ........................... WAS $18,999 ............. NOW $17,999 55957A ..... 2012 TOYOTA TUNDRA DBL CAB .................. WAS $33,991............. NOW $31,988 T2315B ..... 2010 TOYOTA CAMRY SE ............................... WAS $17,988 ............. NOW $16,988 T2340 ........ 2011 CADILLAC CTS ........................................ WAS $33,900 ............ NOW $30,995 56724A...... 2012 TOYOTA TUNDRA CREW ....................... WAS $45,998 ............ NOW $43,995 56664A ..... 2010 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 CREW LT ..... WAS $31,199 ............. NOW $29,998 T2342A ..... 2009 LEXUS RX350 .......................................... WAS $29,750 ............. NOW $28,495 56831A...... 2014 TUNDRA LTD 2K MILES ......................... WAS $42,991............. NOW $40,998 T2344 ........ 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID ............................. WAS $21,991 ............. NOW $20,395 T2334B ..... 2006 SUBARU TRIBECA.................................. WAS $10,495 ............. NOW $9,995 56721A ...... 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA.................................. WAS $16,991 ............. NOW $15,495 L1558A ...... 2011 NISSAN LEAF LTD ................................... WAS $16,995 ............. NOW $16,495 56772A...... 2007 ACURA MDX ............................................ WAS $18,995 ............. NOW $17,495 T2348 ........ 2012 RAV 4......................................................... WAS $20,995............. NOW $19,995 56885A ..... 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS 5DR HB ......................... WAS $18,995 ............. NOW $18,495 56877A ...... 2011 CHEVY SUBURBAN LTZ ........................ WAS $43,995 ............ NOW $41,995 T2357 ........ 2006 TOYOTA SIENNA AWD ........................... WAS $15,995 ............. NOW $15,295 T2356 ........ 2011 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE .............................. WAS $20,991............. NOW $19,995 56771A ...... 2005 FORD ESCAPE XLT................................. WAS $9,991 ............... NOW $8,991 56230A ..... 2007 FJ CRUISER............................................. WAS $23,995............. NOW $22,991

WE WANT EVERY TOYOTA TO BE A DOWNTOWN TOYOTA

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Larry H. Miller Downtown Toyota Will pay your sales tax on all new car purchases! Plus up to $2000 on factory incentives! Disclaimer: Payments will be paid up to $500 or up to $2000 total

Rebates provided by Toyota. 36 Month lease. 12K miles per year. $2,999 Down. No security deposit required. Plus tax, title and negotiable $150 dealer doc fee. On approoved credit. All offers on contracts through Toyota Financial Services. 1- 2014 Camry stock#56178, 2- 2013 Rav4 stock#56618 & 3- 2013 Highlander stock#56659 not eligible for double & triple down incentives. *Sales tax: For no sales tax, dealer will pay up to $2000 off original MSRP. Sales tax assistance not applicable to advertised vehicles. All adveertised vehicles are after all factory incentives. All offers and incentives cannot be combined with any other vehicles or offers. Offer ends 1/31/14.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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13

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DOWNTOWN 747-8052 SOUTHHILL 535-4066 N. DIVISION 467-5107 W. FRANCIS 326-4993

VALLEY 534-0564 VERADALE 922-5710 U-CITY 924-7037 NW BLVD. 327-4417

HAYDEN 208-762-8030 RATHDRUM 208-687-3180 DEER PARK 276-2009 CHENEY 235-5700

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ALL YOUR UTILITIES ARE PAID ! FREE YARD CARE ! Providing Responsible Home Sitters throughout Spokane, since 1999 ! VACANT FOR SALE HOMES SNOWBIRD HOMES / ESTATE HOMES

www.dianashomesitting.com Kevin & Diana Uphus Brokers / Owners

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on sale

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We also repair & restretch carpet.

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$

on sale

works for up to eight hours on a single solar or dynamo charge.

14

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Renee Sande/Marketing Correspondent When your RV is packed with everything you could possibly need, including the kitchen sink – and the kitchen stove, kitchen microwave and kitchen refrigerator – you can easily find ways to prepare and enjoy healthy meals. RV time means more good moments with family, and you can include cooking and enjoying meal times together. Grab opportunities to try new recipes, and maybe toss in local ingredients from whatever part of the countryside you’re passing through. Depending on the model and available space in your rig, you can have a variety of cabin space for favorite spices and staples. Plus dishes, cooking pans and utensils can be left packed in your RV between trips, making it easy to follow almost any recipe. When planning meals, GoRVing.com suggests “simple ingredients, time-saving meals, healthy fare, one-pot/one-pouch favorites that require little cleanup, and campfire or outdoor grill must-tries” to ensure your RVing cooking experience is efficient and successful. Since you’re on vacation, you may not want to spend

a lot of time in front of the stove, since that’s not much of a vacation. So kitchen time should be minimized to make more room for fun activities like fishing or lounging in that new hammock. Plus, cooking for yourself can save you money, whether at home or on the road. According to RVT.com, a family traveling in an Photo/Shallan Knowles, Marketing Correspondent RV can average a savings of over 60 percent on travel expenses if they skip having meals in restaurants. • Pre-mix dry ingredients. Rubs, brownies, and corn bread can be premixed and placed in reclosable bags. TIPS FOR COOKING IN AN RV Just stir in the wet ingredients and it’s time to cook! • Look for dual-purpose kitchen items. For example, an • Be ready to rough it. Not all camping locations have empty plastic milk carton can double as a juice container. electricity so if you don’t have a generator or solar• Use multi-functional kitchen tools for multiple meals. powered batteries, bring along non-electrical items • Plan ahead. Only do what you need to do in the RV instead of or along with their electrical counterparts and make some of the time consuming prep stuff ahead (such as a manual can opener and espresso coffeepot). of time. Cut up meat, make sauces, stews, and other side • Pack an electric skillet and/or extra burner. If you dishes before you head out, and have them ready to go happen to run out of propane, these can save the day. in the fridge or freezer. • Pack backup supplies. Depending on where you’re • Pack marinating meat and vegetables in freezer bags. camping, it’s always good to be prepared in case the When you’re ready to cook, they’re ready to cook. local grocery doesn’t have the items you need. Stock • Prep your first night’s meal at home so it’s ready to eat non-dairy creamer, extra crackers, and dried or when you arrive. When you’ve put in a long day’s drive, canned fruit. it’s nice to have something to throw in the oven or grill.

FLEET PAINTING SPECIALIZING IN COMMERCIAL AND

RV REPAIR & PAINTING • • • • • • •

Custom paint - complete or partial Custom graphics and striping Collision damage and insurance repairs Metal skin replacement or repair Complete fiberglass and metal fabrication Structural repairs Body part replacement

www.fleetpainting.com Serving the Inland Empire since 1978 3105 E. ALKI SPOKANE WA

(509) 534-4738

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

15

Enter to Win Every 2 Hours a $100 Gas Card will be given away! Go to S-R Media/

M ENTRY FOR

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off dis ial S-R Media motions, sales, you with spec r’s special pro ents May we email ys ❑ Adver tise Community Ev wa ❑ ea ys Giv rve s, Su motion ewsletters ❑ ❑ Contests, Pro Sections ❑ e-N al eci Sp ❑ ws ❑ Breaking Ne ed by phone. er will be notifi WA 99201 or older. Winn years of age Ave, Spokane 18 ide be ers st Riv Mu 9 w, W 99 necessary. okesman-Revie No purchase Sp e Th at le availab Contest rules

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16 Advertising Supplement to S R Media/The Spokesman Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Admission is $8 Cash Only Goo adult p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

BUSINESS

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10

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206

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11

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Find Your Way Around the RV Show DEALER

BOOTH

Airstream R’ nR Airway Heights Freedom RV

102 Bay 1 West Bay 2 West, 202, Ag D

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Ag C Bay 3, Bay 4 Ag A, B, 101

n i W o T r e t En Every 2 Hours a $100 Gas Card will be given away! Go to S-R Media/ The Spokesman-Review booth or the registration area in Bay 2 to fill out an entry form. Complete rules available at Spokesman.com/rvgiveaway

n

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

19

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Local authors try to make RVing easy

Book shares helpful, funny adventures Don Adair/Marketing Correspondent

With content ranging from the Were it not for the kindness of strangers – and their management of balky appliances – “It’s own native perseverance – Dana and Lynne Massie time to walk the refrigerator” – to driving might have abandoned their RV career 60 miles after – “Down hills,” “Centered in your Lane” it began. and “In wind” – the Massies address the As the mother-daughter team from Medical Lake recalls in their how-to guide for novice RVers, “RVing sorts of topics likely to give newbies the willies. Made Easy,” their three-hour maiden voyage netted Or, worse, to sabotage their adventures them just 60 clicks of the odometer. in embarrassing, sometimes costly and “We were terrified of wrecking this expensive house potentially dangerous, ways. on wheels,” they write. “So, at 25 mph, we made our Like most RVers, they say, they learned way down the freeway ... Three hours after leaving by experience. home we pulled into our first RV park. A whole whopping 60 miles from home.” like The Massies – many of you, and their new-tocan’t understand them motorhome the typical – survived their inaugural, 1,600users manual, mile journey from so we wrote Western Washington this in common to Denver, and many language with more that followed. practical advice Along the way, on using your they mastered RV,” they wrote. the intricacies of the RV lifestyle So here is mostly through a “Tourists come combination of trial here all the time,” and error. a harrowing tale of Photos/Shallan Knowles, Marketing Correspondent

“We,

driving a winding – and narrowing – dirt road down a Northern California mountainside: “We were in the wilderness and not sure this RV was supposed to be going down that kind of road. Maybe we’d been a bit foolhardy with our confidence.” With self-effacing humor – and the wisdom that can only be gained through sometimes painful experiences – the Massies write about adventures with holding tanks, steep downhill inclines and burst water pipes. They explain how to take a motorhome shower - the experienced RVer can squeeze an 11-minute shower out of a six-gallon water tank – and how to handle winter driving conditions. “RVing Made Easy” can be purchased at RVs Northwest and R’ nR RVs. It’s also available at www.rvingmadeeasycom.

Win big at the American Family Insurance Cash Machine Buying an RV at the Inland NW RV Show opens up a whole new world to customers, and once they take possession of their first home on wheels, they’ll have all sorts of freedom to explore the countryside. But before they do all that, there’s a stop everyone has to make – at the American Family Insurance Cash Machine. It resembles a traditional phone booth – with clear sides, but the floor is covered in bills of all sorts of denominations. When the person is locked in, a large fan turns on blowing the money all around the enclosed booth. They have 30 seconds to grab as much flying cash as they can and push it

through some of the slots on the side. Whatever they can push out they get to bring home with them. Promoter and show owner Steve Cody said this is one of the more popular parts of the show to watch and participate in. “Even if someone just spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on an RV they really try to make sure they get their time in the booth,” Cody said.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

A long-term relationship

Sellers should work to build trust Don Adair /Marketing Correspondent

During the process of buying an RV, a salesperson can be a buyer’s friend, guide and ally. If the relationship flourishes, he or she may become a sounding board, advisor and problem-solver, even long after the initial sale has been made. “The entire process starts with the salesperson,” says Kelvin Batchelor, sales manager at RVs Northwest.

Buying an RV falls somewhere on the complexity scale between buying a car and buying a house. The choices are endless and the cost of making bad choices can be high. Even the best-prepared buyer can’t anticipate every eventuality, says Jerry Wagner, general manager of R’nR RV’s Liberty Lake location, who said that a salesperson’s experience can either result in a satisfied customer or a customer who’s not just unhappy but wary of working with the same dealer in the future.

“There are things people just can’t think about ahead of time,” Wagner says. “By asking the right questions, a sales person ... can help guide them to the type of unit fits their needs best.” It’s a relationship that must be built on trust, Batchelor says. “The (buyer’s) initial reaction always is they’re going to try to sell me something, and I don’t want to be sold. The salesperson needs to build trust by asking questions.” Buyers often enter the process with unrealistic expectations, which only an open conversation can dispel. “A family of four – a mother and father and two kids – may come in looking for something in the 22- to 24foot range,” Batchelor says. “But then you find out about their criteria, like they want a queen-size walk-round, a big TV, and then you ask them where the kids will go.” “They ask about the dinette; ‘Doesn’t the table fold into a bed?’ If I sell them that RV, after putting up that bed a half-dozen times, they’re going to hate me.” “Our salespeople want to help their customers and direct them to the right vehicle,” Wagner adds. “It’s a referral business.” Buyers can also hurt their own cause by failing to provide accurate information about their creditworthiness, says Nick Deitz of Airstream of Spokane: “We’re always going to find out and this will stall the process down the road. We have so many great lenders in this part of the country that we can almost always help.”

What if a prospective buyer feels a salesperson isn’t really hearing her needs, or is trying to railroad her into a deal she’s not comfortable with? “Contact the sales manager,” Wagner advises. “Tell him you aren’t connecting with that personality and ask if you can be directed to someone else.” “No offense will be taken,” adds Batchelor. Wagner agrees that the manager is happy to be a good go-between.

“There’s nothing wrong with contacting me before you even come in,” says Wagner. “We have salespeople of different ages and interests; it can help if you can explain to the sales manager what you’re looking for.” Once the deal is struck, the sales rep will make sure the set-up process goes smoothly, including helping with the selection of trailer hitches and other accessories. The final step of the sales process is thorough orientation, in which the new owners are familiarized with their rig and its operations.

“A good salesperson always follows through on the deal,” Batchelor says. “And it doesn’t end there.” The salesperson should be expected to help customers throughout their ownership experience, he adds. As in all good relationships, the benefits go both ways. After all, a satisfied customer is both a referral source and a potential repeat customer.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Any port in a storm RVers can find plenty of creative places to park for the night Don Adair/Marketing Correspondent

In 2010, Jim O’Briant and Kay Spencer headed east from their home in Gilroy, Calif., on a three-week road trip to Iowa. Their trip was noteworthy not for what did or didn’t happen, but for its economic efficiency.

“We were gone for 21 nights,” O’Briant recalls, “and our average cost per night for lodging was $9.16.” An RVer since 2000, O’Briant is an expert on lowcost travel. In early 2007, he began building a website, www.overnightparking.com, that directs travelers to free and low-cost alternatives to conventional campgrounds. “We saw a need for a complete listing of places where RVers can and can’t pull over and spend the night for free,” he says. “We also list places that aren’t free, but we have a normal top end of $20 per night.” O’Briant distinguishes “parking,” which normally refers to a one-night stay, from camping. “Parking is a substitute for camping on a night when you don’t need hookups and don’t need to put out your grill and camp chairs. If it looks like you’re camping, you’re camping,” he says. “If it doesn’t, you’re parking.” Across the country, Wal-Mart is perhaps the best known location for RV parking. “Some Wal-Marts will let you stay up to three nights,”

O’Briant says. “They want you to stay in the community.” RVers often park alongside the big rigs at truck stops, and many casinos allow parking. Many states let RVers park in highway rest areas for a limited amount of time and some municipalities see parking as a way to support local business. A sizable number of Elks Clubs open their parking lots to traveling members. Common sense and old-fashioned courtesy should dictate parking behavior, O’Briant says. “I wouldn’t park overnight on any private property without approval,” he said. Wal-Mart allows parking at the discretion of the store manager, and parkers are expected to seek permission, usually from the customer service counter. Casinos and truck stops expect RVers to seek permission as well.

Always obtain permission from a person in a position of responsibility, O’Briant says, and never assume other RVs you see parked have obtained permission. “I heard of a guy who saw an RV parked in a lot and pulled in beside him. In the morning, there were several RVs, all with tickets for illegal parking. Just because there’s already someone there doesn’t mean they’ve obtained permission,” he said.

When parked at a commercial location, RVers are encouraged to support the merchant with a purchase of food, fuel or services. They must also be mindful of the needs of the store’s customers, which may limit the use of slide-outs in places where they will block walkways and parking-lot aisles. Although many communities welcome parkers, others discourage the practice. Some fear itinerant travelers may take up permanent residence on their streets; others want to protect the financial interests of local RV campgrounds.

RVers traveling into unfamiliar communities may find it helpful to check in with local law enforcement to determine appropriate parking opportunities. O’Briant’s website went live in April 2008, with just under 4,000 listings. By late November 2013, its database had grown to about 10,800 listings. The site is supported by subscribers, who pay a $25 annual fee. O’Brian encourages them to use the site’s interactive function to update the status of the locations they visit, as parking policies are fluid. “For example, casinos generally like RVers,” says O’Briant, “but they tend to change their rules erratically.”

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Outfitting and packing for your first RV adventure Courtney Dunham/Marketing Correspondent

The decision to finally buy an RV is a big one, but most owners will tell you that actually getting it ready for its maiden voyage also requires some big choices. Much like buying a new house, a new RV comes totally empty, and a used one will also often be stripped down to the basics. Kitchen cabinets are bare, bathrooms are empty, and bedding needs to be stocked. The task of furnishing and personalizing can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time RVer. Spokane-area residents Isabella and James Schultz decided to embark on RV trips across the U.S. in their time off from teaching each summer. They both were avid travelers, but neither had ever traveled anywhere in an RV before purchasing a used Winnebago. So they asked their friend Cathleen Williams to help them not only outfit their new rig but advise them on the necessities for their first road trip to California.

“She told us that the first essential was to buy several multi-functional storage bins,” James said. “So we did that for all the other stuff we had to buy on our list.” Williams said the best practice in packing for a road trip is to compartmentalize essentials into different sizes of containers. For example, all your bedding can go into one large bin and kitchen essentials in another. Eating and cooking utensils can go in a small container that will fit into the larger kitchen-designated bin. “We made sure to label every bin for easy access, so when we were tired at the end of the day from traveling, we can find the stuff we need ASAP,” James said. Before you purchase anything, make sure that you create many lists. Lists can be broken down in different ways. For instance, you can have a bedding list, a cooking list, a kitchen list, or even a hiking list. Use the list that best fits your packing needs. One list RV users often recommend is a food list. Whether you choose packing food items or food to purchase once you are on your way is up to you – experienced travelers say it easiest to have everything ready to go before you embark on your latest adventure.

Here is a list of packing essentials to outfit every RV road trip: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Toilet paper designed for RVs Camping chairs/beach chairs Kleenex Sunscreen Flashlight Beach towels Batteries Portable BBQ grill First Aid kit (human and pet) Grilling utensils Matches and lighter Paper towels and napkins Radio Pots and pans Cooking oil Bottled water Cooking utensils and dinnerware Cooler Can Opener Sleeping bag Swiss army knife Rope Bungee cords Insect repellent Spices Bucket/wash bin Aluminum foil Kitchen towels/pot holders Coffee cups/drinking glasses

Remember, it’s not the end of the world if you forget to pack something. There are plenty of stops along the way to find an item. Packing is an art – the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

25

Inland NW Motorcycle Show coming soon If the Inland Northwest RV Show is getting your motor running for getting out on the road, just wait for the Inland Northwest Motorcycle Show this spring. The 11th annual celebration of big bikes takes place March 14-16 at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center. It includes more than 80,000 square feet of motorcycles, plus all the accessories and related products every bike owner needs to get rolling this year. The event is sponsored by Toyota Trucks.

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Show organizers say it’s a perfect place to get deals on all sorts of bikes and bike gear, whether you’re shopping for something new or fun ways to get more out of your current bike. You’ll also find great info about financing options for your dream bike. The show also includes: • A chance to enter to win an exciting three-day/four-night trip to Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, S.D., considered one of the best events during this summer’s Sturgis Bike Week. The sweet giveaway is sponsored by The Mountain. • The chance to take a break from the browsing to tip back a cold one and relax at the Budweiser Bike Bar. • Learn some of the construction secrets of Zacky’s Customs, the builder of the Seahawks custom motorcycle. • The chance to check out the wares of local motorcycle dealers plus all sorts of local accessory vendors. You can find fun nearby places to check out for your next road trip, plus info about safety organizations, upcoming runs, and some interesting community fund-raisers you can ride in. Visitors can also cheer on their friends/fellow cycle enthusiasts at the KKZX Westside Motorsports Gigantic Bike Off. Local owners will also compete for a variety of trophies and other prizes in different classes, including the area’s coolest bike. Anyone who buys a bike during the show can enter the official Motorcycle Money Machine, where you get to pocket as much cash as you want as it blows around you for 30 seconds. The show runs 3-8 p.m. March 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. March 15 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 16. Admission is $10 adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. For more details visit www.spokanemotorcycleshow.com.

• Janome Sewing Machine Sales and Service • Fabric and Notions • Patterns and Books • And More Boutique Goodies!

Take your projects on the road! 509.340.9256 1300 N. Mullan ~ Spokane Valley, WA Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Go, girl:

More women enjoying RV adventures, especially solo

Renee Sande/Marketing Correspondent

Barb Byington bought her first Class B RV two years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I like having all my things around me,” she said. “I also like having a bathroom and a shower, and I feel a little safer because I can lock the doors.” The Spokane Police officer is part of the growing demographic of over 4.5 million women RVers in America—half of the Nation’s RVing population—who are embracing the freedom and flexibility that an RV allows. Over the past decade, this demographic has quickly grown, partly due to the generally friendly “we watch out for each other” nature of fellow RVers. Campers are finding improved security at campgrounds, more onsite attendants, and more women-only groups to join. Some of these groups sponsor and organize classes, trips, rallies and caravans, as well as provide websites with womenonline forums, safety advice, and reviews of new RV models, products and campgrounds. All of these conditions make it that much easier for women travelers to venture out onto the open road. “I love the opportunity to meet other women who are passionate about traveling like I am,” said Joyce Wagner of Deer Park, a retired schoolteacher and widow, who decided to continue the RV adventures she and her husband both used to enjoy. “I’m still 65 years young…I don’t want to stop now!” said Wagner, who is now a member of the a group called RVing Women, an international support network dedicated to the female RV enthusiast. It boasts nearly 5,000 members in 18 chapters, and members range in age from 20s to 80s, although most are in the 50-65 age group. On most trips, it’s usually just Wagner and her golden lab, Marnie, in the Class C RV she bought three years before her husband’s death. But sometimes she camps with her kids and grandkids on the California coast. “That way there’s room for my grandkids to stay with me. We have a ball making s’mores, playing games, watching movies,” she said.

l trips, Wagner enjoys meeting with other On h her solo RVing Women members, and she’s made some friends who she likes to connect with on trips through Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. Sisters on the Fly is another group of women travelers that started when two sisters, Maurrie Sussman and Becky Clark, took a trip to Montana and had so much fun, they decided to invite their girlfriends the following year. The number of attendees snowballed year after year, until the sisters decided to invite each more friends. (See related story)

Primarily a camping and fly fishing group for ladies who love small, vintage trailers, Sisters on the Fly now has a following of over 1,300 international members in their “Cowgirl Caravan” with the mission to “offer empowerment and sisterhood through exceptional outdoor adventures” and the motto of “We Have More Fun than Anyone!” With themes like “Cowgirl College,” activities like river rafting and swimming with manatees, and rules of simply, “No men, no pets, no kids...and be nice,” Sisters on the Fly, and the many other RVing women groups around, seem to be just what women have been waiting for—the chance to just be girls who want to have fun on their own terms.

For more information, go to RVingwomen.org/ sistersonthefly.com/

If you’re a woman RVer, enjoy these safety tips: • Know where you are. Always know where you are staying for the night with full address or GPS coordinates next to your bed. In the case of a emergency, you’ll be able to tell 911 your exact location. • Bring your dog, or at least make it look like you have one. Dogs are great companions and can stay on alert. Or consider hanging a “Beware of Dog” sign and and a used leash by the RV door. • Set up two lawn chairs. This gives wanted guests a place to sit, and can give the appearance that you’re not alone. • Introduce yourself to the camp host or park ranger. Let them know you’re there and where you are so they can keep an eye out for you. • Make yourself heard! If you hear someone outside at night, turn on lights and honk the horn. Even if you’re hooked up, you can start up and drive off, making any repairs later. • Join the club! Enjoy safety in numbers plus great networking with other unaccompanied single travelers. • Carry pepper spray and/or a whistle. Wasp spray is also helpful from as far away as 20 feet. • Let someone know where you are and check in. Keep your phone and laptop charged; get a booster to find a signal when you are in remote areas. • If you carry a gun, know the rules. Have it licensed, check state laws, take shooting lessons and safety classes, and learn how to clean it and care for it properly so it doesn’t misfire. • Hide valuables. Keep expensive items such as your laptop and cameras inside. • Never leave your door(s) unlocked.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Holly Jones/Marketing Correspondent

Today’s trendy trailer owners are taking a turn toward the past with an admiration for vintage rigs. These nostalgic little “cans” seem to hearken back to a simpler time, when America was a social open road, rather than the social media superhighway it is today. Plus, investing in an older model offers a certain appeal to the pocketbook as well. One group that’s taking these classic campers, trailers and RVs out on the open road is the Sisters on the Fly Outdoor Adventure Club. The club began when real-life sisters Maurrie and Becky decided to share the love for all things outdoors which was instilled in them by their mother, Mazie, with the rest of the world, and created a sisterhood of sorts for traveling women everywhere to join. Maurrie estimates that there are now more than 5,000 of these unique, vintage trailers among the more than 4,200 members nationwide, including many right here in the Pacific Northwest. Her contribution to the culture was a 1958, busyellow Holiday camper she takes along on fly-fishing and camping adventures. It has Western /cowgirl touches and accents, a common theme with many members. “The reason for the vintage trailers was they’re so darling! They don’t have all the complications and they’re so much cuter than those newer things,” Maurrie said. Trailers also can serve as “time-out” rooms, and minisanctuaries for these women to revisit their childhood fantasies of being cowgirls out on the trail. These trailers really run the gamut of decorative styles and ages; there’s no rule that everybody must

decorate with cowgirl sensibilities. “Most of it’s Western,” Maurrie said of her decorations. “There’s just so much that’s collectible.” Though just about anything goes for décor, there are other rules that all must adhere to. “We insist everybody unhook their propane, except to their stove,” she said. “There’s no heaters, no lights. Otherwise, it’s all the comforts of home.”

The Sisters on the Fly experience should be as comfortable as possible, and without complication. Other rules of the group are simple and for the same reason: No men, no kids, no pets, and BE NICE. The group does organize events where spouses, kids, and pets may be welcomed, but for the most part, the club follows the rules, because – who is going to tend to the men, kids, or pets while all the girls are out trying to fish and sip cocktails? Sisters on the Fly offers an experience for women where they can relax and enjoy the great outdoors, forgetting about those pesky everyday responsibilities. If you want to renovate or refurbish a vintage trailer or RV of your own, there are several sites online that make it easy to get started. The Sisters on the Fly site sistersonthefly.com has a “Trailers for Sale” section which features some that are already appropriately decorated, and others just waiting for a new owner to put her own stamp on it.

Another great resource is littlevintagetrailer.com. There, you’ll find trailers for sale, both vintage and “glamper” (glamour + camper) styles, along with links and resources for the do-it-yourself renovator, decorator, and traveler. If you’re looking for help, ideas, or just where to get started with a vintage RV makeover, visit repairing yesterdays trailers.yuku. com and join the forum. There, people from all over can post questions and begin conversations about fixing up, traveling in, and just enjoying RVs and campers of years gone by. Or get into contact with one of the Sisters on the Fly local wranglers, and see their darling little “cans” for yourself. You can find a list of contacts at sistersonthefly. com, or write to the group at: Sisters on the Fly P.O. Box 22036 Phoenix AZ 85028

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Never too late to travel by RV

Widow continues love of the open road Courtney Dunham/Marketing Correspondent When Cathleen Williams’s husband passed away, she thought her dreams to travel after retirement had died with him. It turns out that she still had a lot of adventuring left in her, and soon found other women in similar circumstances who made perfect RV buddies. “I realized that I still had people in my life to share my life and hopefully many more adventures to come,” she said. Williams and her husband Gary had spent their 35 years of marriage traveling with their children in two different motor homes. They rented their rigs at first until they realized that if they were serious about hitting the road over the years, than they should look into buying.

realized after talking to Alice and my family that there was no reason why I couldn’t continue to explore the road.” Though a little apprehensive to handle the trailer by herself and take care of all the upkeep, Cathleen told herself she had already been doing this for years – but just with some back-up and a fun partner. But it just will take some adaptation.

“I realized that I still had people in my life to share my life and hopefully many more adventures to come,” she said.

“We enjoyed so many road trips over the years,” she said. “I’d recommend to all young couples with kids especially to look into it since after the initial investment and upkeep, it proves to be a financial savings not having to stay at hotels and eat out every day.” The family’s motor homes grew progressively smaller, and when the kids grew up, Gary and Cathleen downsized into a smaller 16-foot Casita trailer, which allowed them to free up their truck if needed, and also not have to worry about trying to park something large in town. But two months after that purchase, Gary was diagnosed with lung cancer and died six months later. As she looked for things to downsize in her life, Cathleen considered selling the trailer. But her son Paul suggested that she keep it and start traveling with new companions, like perhaps his mother-in-law Alice, who was also widowed. The two in-laws were already good friends and had been traveling partners with their spouses in the last several years. “We had gone on three or four trips together - one of which was in our motor home, and we had a ball,” Cathleen said. “As sad as I was to lose my love, I

That was three years ago, and since then Cathleen has embarked on a two-month road trip to Arizona every February, where she gathers with more than a dozen close friends at an RV park - half of who are single or widowed. She often makes this winter trek by herself, but Alice joins her down there for at least two weeks. They also make several trips together in the summer to the ocean and Northwest lakes. “Many people, including my son who inspired me to keep the trailer, don’t think I should be making as many trips as I do each year, especially when I am on my own – they don’t understand why I don’t fly and stay

in hotels more,” Cathleen said. “I prefer the homey feeling of my RV. I’ve put a lot of me into this, so why would I want to travel on a plane and get stranded in air ports all the time?” Cathleen’s 13-foot trailer still leaves room for her essentials, such as her own toilet, which she lists as number one priority. She has a comfy bed that she’s enhanced with a memory foam mattress top; a little kitchen and fridge; and a table that doubles as an eating space and a reading/ writing area for her and her grandchildren. In fact on this day, her granddaughter Missy, is hiding under the bed covers with her doll. “As you can see, it doubles as a playroom for my babies when it’s parked here at home,” Cathleen said. The trailer can be a little snug for two people, but she said it’s only really noticeable at night when the outside can’t be used as an extended room.

“So that’s why we only extensively travel in the warmer months and escape the Pacific Northwest’s cold winters in early spring,” she said. Another factor in her fun is her dogs, Annie and Cyrus. “I don’t like to go anywhere without them. I can travel a lot of places without humans but no without them,” she said. Since her husband passed away, Cathleen estimates that she’s gone on a few dozen trips in her RV to about 10 states. How many trips by plane and hotel stays? Zero.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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Winter weather Learn to avoid slipping and sliding in your RV Nicole Skinner/ Marketing Correspondent

Winter road conditions can be tricky, even for the most experienced driver. There’s compact snow, ice and often visibility issues, and that’s just in regular-sized vehicle. If you plan to take your RV out into a winter wonderland, the last thing you want is for your home on wheels to be slipping and sliding all over the roadway. Whether you’re a new RV owner or just haven’t had a lot of winter RV driving experience, there’s some basic safety tips and reminders you’ll want to brush up on before you gas up and take off. • Know your route: If you’ll be crossing mountain passes or traveling through national parks, be sure to visit those websites or call for detailed information on any special requirements. Many require chains for your RV and some may even prohibit pull-behinds during winter weather months. Christina Etheridge, a full-time RVer who blogs about RV life at http://thechaosnest.com says chains are vital – “you really need to carry chains for EVERY single tire you have.” • Make sure your rig is ready. Just like preparing an athlete to head out on the field for a big game, you need to give your RV some TLC for winter driving. Get it serviced by an experienced repair facility to make sure it is in peak operating condition. Plan to keep your gas tank half full, even when not in use, to help prevent freezing fuel lines. Just like before heading out for a car road trip, be sure to check tire pressure and make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. If you will be traveling in remote areas, take extra food and water in case you have any troubles or weather keeps you at your destination longer than planned.

• Be ready to adapt. Never drive in weather or road conditions that you don’t feel comfortable with. If the weather deteriorates as you drive, pull over at the nearest exist and wait for a break. If you’re unsure if the conditions are good for travel, Etheridge suggests imitating what other bigger vehicles are doing. “You can usually gauge the safety and viability of driving based on semi-trucks. If tractor-trailers are moving, it’s typically safe for you to move. If they are all pulled over, get off the road too.” • Drive safely. Compact snow, ice and wind are the biggest challenges. Allow two to three times the following distance in your RV as you would in your car or truck in similar road conditions. It’s also a good idea to avoid cruise control in winter weather to allow for maximum control and quick responses in case conditions change rapidly. Your RV is much heavier than a car or truck and you’ll want to be sure to accelerate and brake at a slow and steady speed to minimize your chance for spinouts and sliding. Kelvin Batchelor, sales manager at RVs Northwest, said these aspects are critical. “Slowing down and keeping your distance are really the most important things for winter RV driving.” So whether you are looking to use your RV in the winter to make travel more affordable or you just love the RV experience and wouldn’t travel any other way, be sure you and your RV are ready for whatever Mother Nature brings your way.

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR THE BEST RV DEALS AROUND?

RVs Northwest makes rentals easy What’s keeping you

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10006 N. Division, 5 blocks north of the Y

509-924-6800

509-466-4328

Toll Free (800) 776-3675 • rvsnorthwest.com

If it’s unfamiliarity with taking something that big on the road, RVs Northwest has you covered with its new rental program. Starting this year, customers are able to rent Class C RVs and drive them around the region. This is a perfect, inexpensive way to see the countryside, whether you’re a local looking for somewhere new or a tourist checking out the Northwest. For those who have a specific destination in mind like a campground, state park or RV park, Sales Manager Kelvin Batchelor said RVs Northwest will actually bring a new travel trailer to the site, show you and your family how to use it, and come pick it up when your camping adventure is done. No towing, tricky backing up or even brake controls are needed.

This is a great option for people “ who don’t have an RV who want to try camping, or for those with trucks that don’t have enough power, he said.

”

RVs Northwest will supply other amenities for this rental to enhance your outdoors experience, everything from bedding to cookware, if the customer needs them. He said the rental fleet will also be brand-new.

“There are so many phenomenal local sites around here, and we’re happy to provide everything you need,” Batchelor said. “All you need is a destination and the will to learn how to RV.” For more info visit: www. rvsnorthwest.com.

Besides possibly going home with the RV of your dreams from the Inland NW RV Show and Sale, visitors can enter to win an ultimate road trip: a 4-day RV adventure at Buffalo Chip, one of South Dakota’s signature tourism events. Buffalo Chip is one of the prime gatherings associated with Sturgis Bike Week, an annual summertime rally of motorcycle fans from around the world. The trip package Aug. 2-8 includes a week’s rental of a RV from RVs Northwest. Take two days to get there, and then spend three days partying it up with a full RV hook-up at the Buffalo Chip Exclusive Campground. You’ll even get tickets to a stellar concert by Florida Georgia Line while you’re attending the craziest party on this continent. Then spend two days getting back home. The prize package is worth thousands of dollars, and is sponsored by The Mountain, Buffalo Chip Sturgis and RVs Northwest. For more details visit www. buffalochip.com/ or members of the RV Show staff.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

Every customer seeking an RV is different

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR THE BEST RV DEALS AROUND?

The secret of selling RVs is finding a perfect match between the customer and the vehicle. “When we’re showing one, we like to give the customer a full walk-through to show them all the features and how to operate it,” said Ron Little, owner of RVs Northwest. “We try to get them to visualize using it and really experiencing what life could be like in it.” Maybe it’s a family that wants to travel around the region on weekends. Maybe it’s an active couple that needs room for bikes and other gear and doesn’t mind something a little smaller. Maybe it’s a retired couple planning to drive around the country and has had multiple RVs over the years.

“We try to treat everyone the same, like a friend or relative, and help them find exactly what they want,” said Little. “We’re not a cookie-cutter dealership at all – everyone has different needs so we try to find the right unit for everyone.”

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RV’S NORTHWEST! Thinking about going RVing but would like to enjoy the camping experience without having to buy?

Rent one from us! Our concierge service will take all the hard work out of your adventure! We will drop off your RV at your campsite, teach your family how to use it, and pick it up when you’re done!

RVs Northwest is the area’s oldest RV dealership – it opened in 1985. Little started by selling RVs, then worked his way up to sales manager, general manager and became owner in 2001. Today, RVs Northwest has three locations, north Spokane, Broadway and Coeur d’Alene.

“My philosophy is simple – treat people so well that they won’t consider going anywhere else,” Little said. RVs Northwest offers an extensive collection of new and used RVs plus service centers. This year, it plans to offer travel trailers for rent. This could be a good way for customers to try one before they buy, or even for tourists who have been seeking a good way to visit the area and also save on food and lodging. “We get requests for something like this for people wanting to visit the Northwest, so it’s nice to offer them something like this,” Little said. He said part of RVs Northwest’s appeal is the staff. The average length of service is around 8 years, and one employee has been there more than 20. “We like to treat all employees the way we treat our customers,” he said. In return, he said the employees offer great service. He said they’re all RV enthusiasts, and are also great at knowing that every customer has different needs and wants. Older customers may want something basic. Little said many of them are used to camping in tents or simple trailers so anything extra is a nice luxury. But some younger customers may want – or expect – more extras. “They want all the creature comforts, like places to plug in their phones or iPads, their video games, their electronic components, or satellite equipment,” he said. Whatever options the customer wants, RVs Northwest can help. Along with its own inventory of new and used RVs, it also has a consignment area which offers even more choices for customers looking to get started or the opportunity to upgrade. “We get a lot of repeat buyers, from something entry-level to luxury motor homes,” Little said. “We get people wanting the latest and greatest.” He said anyone with any questions about RVs is always welcome to come by. “We love seeing people come back every few years,” he said. For more info visit www.rvsnorthwest.com or call (509) 924-6800.

Class C and Travel Trailers Available

You Rent • We Deliver! CALL RYAN FOR MORE INFORMATION!

509-315-9839

Coeur d’Alene 6502 N. Government Way

Valley

208-665-0025

Northside

1-90 at Barker Road - Exit 293

10006 N. Division, 5 blocks north of the Y

509-924-6800

509-466-4328

Toll Free (800) 776-3675 • rvsnorthwest.com

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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review • Sunday, January 19, 2014

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6502 N. Government Way

208-665-0025

Valley 1-90 at Barker Road - Exit 293

509-924-6800

Northside 10006 N. Division, 5 blocks north of the Y

509-466-4328

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