So Long, Gas Station Air Pump!

January 12, 2012 by  
Filed under Automotive

  • 12-volt, 150 psi compressor
  • Built-in pressure gauge and light
  • 16′ coiled air hose
  • Canvas bag and adapters for inflatables

A great little device. It’s heavy duty and inflates tires quickly. The long hose makes it easy to check all the tires on your car without much trouble. We really like this gadget and are glad we bought it.

Slime COMP06 Pro Power Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator

Garmin GPS For My Car? Yes Please!

December 21, 2011 by  
Filed under Automotive, Travel

Whether you’re driving through an unfamiliar city or on your daily commute, nüvi 2455LMT makes your trip easier than ever before. It includes FREE lifetime traffic¹ and map² updates, advanced lane guidance and more.

With FREE lifetime map updates, you always have the most up-to-date maps, POIs and navigation information available at your fingertips. Map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates.

I’ve had this GPS for about a week and overall I’m happy. The display is nice and bright and easy to see in the sunlight. Using this device in portrait mode makes a lot of sense because you are typically more interested in what is in front of you rather than on the side of you. Information on the display is well thought out and very usable.

The GPS is super simple to use with a very logical user interface, and the POI coverage is pretty good. I typed in a few obscure places and if found them all.

The one thing that is a little screwy has to do with re-routing. As a test, I programmed an address and selected a route that was a shorter distance but a longer travel time by 10 minutes (1:30 travel time). But instead of following the GPS directions, I drove a route that I was familiar with (1:20 travel time). The 2455 kept trying to get me back on to the route I originally chose even when I was at a location 1 hr from my destination and the re-routing would have taken 1:30. I would have expected the GPS to choose the route that I was traveling on when the time and distance became shorter than the re-route but that was not the case.

Overall I’m happy with the GPS. I’m just not sure about the re-routing logic.

Garmin nüvi 2455LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map & Traffic Updates

Generic Oreck Vacuum Cleaner Bags To Fit Style CC, and all XL Upright Models 8 pk.

[ReviewAZON asin="B0009GZNIY" display="fullpost"]

A Friendly Voice in the Wilderness

June 14, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Insurance, Outdoors, Trailer, Travel

A Friendly Voice in the Wilderness

“You get what you pay for!” That was Fred’s response when I let slip at dinner that we were paying $335 less than he and Kate were for RV insurance. Iris and I have known the Smiths for years. Now full-time RVers, Good Sam VIP seemed perfect for our new lifestyle.

The first 97 miles to our Vermont campsite that evening were uneventful. Iris said, “There’s the park entrance. Turn here.” Now we were on a dark, winding, forested lane. I glanced down to check our speed and Iris shouted a warning.
There was no stopping in time. Thick, low-hanging branches whacked the coach hard as I struggled to get her back on the road. We shuddered to a stop. Silence.

As we pulled into the campground, Iris called Good Sam VIP about our broken satellite dish. The friendly claims agent promised us a full replacement under our permanent attachments coverage.

We certainly got what we paid for!

–Bob & Iris Jones

Get a free quote from Good Sam VIP today!

Swap a lease

June 13, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Loans


Get Into or Out of a Vehicle Lease

An auto loan

June 12, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Loans

An auto loan

We all like to have a new car from time to time and it is often the finance that deters us but these days the preferred method is to arrange an auto loan, This is becoming a more popular method of paying for a car as the loan is actually secured on the car itself, as the balance is gradually paid off, the amount of credit at risk decreases. Of course the type of car you can but will depend on your available credit but you might be able to find better car deals on the internet.

Searching online means you can find large numbers of the model car you have in mind, all within a certain price range without having to make the journey to the dealership. New cars will obviously be more expensive but that doesn’t mean you cannot have your choice of car if you donate mind have a model that is a couple of years old because this loan is available for used models as well. Even though auto loans are relatively easy for anyone to obtain, they are not readily supplied to persons with an adverse credit score so check this first.

Poor credit scores can often mean higher interests rates which might be costly over the life of the loan so it’s a good idea to have any errors corrected first. The finance system is set at a credit score rating of 550 and anyone over that should not have a problem with the loan but if you find yours is lower then you will need to have this corrected if at all possible before the application is forwarded. Fortunately, most finance companies arrange auto loans so it is just a case of locating the best deal, even if it is at the dealership where you have seen the car.

You need to look at this carefully as some lenders will entice you with low repayments but that is not the whole picture and it may cost more at a later date. You should try to put down as large a down payment as possible as this will decrease the amount on finance which will reduce the amount you pay per month and how much is repaid in total. Protection insurance can be a good idea and you will often find that interest rates may be slightly lower,lenders worry that if something happens to you they may not get their money back so if you are insured already it is better that you know all the details.

Cash-back options or rebates are often offered at dealerships and it could be worth your while accepting this tempting offer,it is quite a simple matter to re-negotiate your finance package from another company once the rebate has been paid. If you are looking to keep additional charges down then try the internet based companies E-Loans and Capital One Auto Finance as they do not charge for their service. Some dealers will even match the quotes with those that are supplied by online lenders so you may be able to negotiate with the car dealer directly.

Your auto insurance

June 11, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Insurance

Your auto insurance
Often, saving time and money on your automobile insurance policy, whether you are an experienced driver or have just passed your drivers exam, can be down to just knowing a few simple basic facts. Using some of the information presented here, it is possible to save hundreds of dollars. There is a huge range of insurance firms and types of coverage thus it all boils down to what you actually require. A few of the areas covered by an car insurance policies are shown below:

Bodily injury liability Uninsured driver Injury to a passenger or pedestrian

Getting an insurance firms to supply you with a realistic quote was once hard work but the world wide web has made things much simpler. Many websites have been set up to give auto insurance rates comparisons including all the pertinent features of the insurance policy. There just isn’t an easier way to find the right policy to suit your requirements. Searching on-line could save you a huge sum of money and a significant amount of time in the process.It won’t be very long before all transactions are carried out this way.

There are a number of elements involved in the cost of your premium. Still, the end figure will almost always include the following details:
The owner / keepers address Is there an alarm system fitted? Cost of parts How much power the car has.

It’s a pretty safe bet though that you’ll pay more for your car insurance policy if you reside in a big city when compared to a nice farm out in a rural area. The number of claims made increases enormously when a person lives in a city from accidents, theft and damage. Most reputable companies will allow the premium to be paid in even amounts every month. When you are searching for free insurance quotes, guarantee you leave plenty of time before you do this and not just as the current policy expires.

For some individuals, giving up their fast, high risk vehicle might be necessary as extensive premiums can be very high unless they decide to go with a more basic insurance plan. The problem is the level of cover with a basic plan will not cover the driver of a car in a claim when it was not their faulty. Other damages, for the other vehicle driver, and passengers in both motorcars that are not immediate blood relatives are also normally covered with this type of insurance policy.

When your old motorcar insurance plan is about to expire is known to be the best time to change insurance firms. One mistake to avoid is canceling your existing policy before the new one is confirmed and in place. It is also worthwhile checking to see if combining your car and homeowner’s polices will qualify for a multi policy discount with your current company. Not enough drivers spend time researching the costs of their automobile insurance once they have found a provider they like but you need to keep an eye on where savings to this regular outgoing can be made.

Good Sam Club – Going Green Article

June 7, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Entertainment, Outdoors, Towing

Going Green Is Easy With the Good Sam Club
Everyone is talking about going green like it’s the hottest new trend. Yet the Good Sam Club, providing services to RVers for more than 40 years, has long been offering benefits that encourage members to preserve the environment.Join the Good Sam Club today and join other RVers who are dedicated to becoming better global citizens.

Along with money-saving benefits like 10% discounts on camping, Good Sam Club members make a difference in the environment. Here’s how you can do your part:
Pick up Litter.
Good Sam Club offers members many opportunities to volunteer and contribute to your community and environment. One of the Club’s largest cleanup efforts is the Good Sam National Cleanup Day. For the past 12 years, Club members across the country join in a shared effort to improve the appearance of our public lands before the summer travel season begins.

Interested in participating in this year’s cleanup effort that clears our highways, parks, beaches and mountains? Become a Good Sam Club member today!

Think Global, Act Local. With more than 2,000 local Good Sam Chapters, many of them have implemented Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt-a-Park Programs. Chapters have adopted more than 600 miles of byways and 126 federal, state and municipal parks across the United States and Canada.
When you join the Good Sam Club, you have the chance to join a dedicated group of RVers who make a positive impact on your local community.

Plan Your Trips. Plan your trip and avoid getting lost, which wastes fuel. Tools like the Good Sam Club’s online trip routing can help you prepare. This service is simple to use. Type in your origination and destination, and you’ll get RV-specific routing that includes bridge and tunnel restrictions and state towing laws. You can also get road advisories, an estimate on fuel costs and map out locations that offer Good Sam member discounts.Good Sam Club benefits like these are good for the environment; Plus, they save you time and money.

Drive Smarter. How? Keep your RV and towed vehicle well tuned, the tires inflated properly; avoid overloading your RV; use the cruise control as often as possible; and drive smoothly. Driving smarter means less fuel consumption.
Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle. Before throwing anything out, consider whether it can be reused, repaired or recycled. And before you make a new purchase, consider purchasing something used – that includes RV parts.Good Sam members get the members-only monthly magazine – Highways – packed with RV maintenance and technical tips to keep your RV running smoothly. Plus, you’ll get the Good Sam e-newsletter, CyberSam, which delivers helpful tips directly to your in-box.

The Good Sam Club offers many resources
to help members save the planet – while saving money.

Join today and start saving money with member benefits like these:

  1. 10% Discount at the network of more than 1,700 Good Sam Parks
  2. Free subscription to Highways magazine, the official publication of the Good Sam Club
  3. RV Emergency Road Service Enrollment Discount
  4. Members-Only Rates on RV and Auto Insurance
  5. Discounts on Trailer Life Directory and RV related books & publications
  6. Good Sam Continued Service Plan (CSP) can save you thousands on RV repairs

Get Your RV Ready for Spring

May 31, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Insurance, Outdoors

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

Get Your RV Ready for Spring
Coming out of Hibernation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s essential to make sure your RV is running properly to avoid a premature end to your vacation.

May 24, 2009 by  
Filed under Automotive, Insurance, Outdoors

The days are long and the sun is hot. This can only mean one thing – summer is here! Summer is the season that you and your family look forward to all year long. It’s a time where family bonds are strengthened and lifetime memories are made. That’s why it is essential to make sure your RV is running properly to avoid a premature end to your vacation.

To get the most out of your vacation time this summer, a pre-trip RV check is your best bet for a hassle-free trip. However, before you even begin to look over your rig, a good starting point would be to make sure everything you need is packed and ready to go.

As for what to pack, a lot depends on where you are going, what time of year and for how long. Start by allowing every passenger one suitcase for clothing, toiletries, medication, and “must-have” items. As for the rest of the provisions, here are a few suggestions on what to take: food and drinks, skillet, garbage bags, silverware, plates and dishes, cups, toilet paper, towels, cell phone and lawn chairs.

Once you’ve taken inventory of all the items you’ll need for your trip, you can begin to inspect the most vital component for a safe and smooth vacation – your RV!

Prior to each trip, try to get in the habit of walking around the outside of your RV to see if anything is out of place. How do your tires look? Are they low on air? Have all slide-out rooms been retracted? Are all of your items and accessories properly secured? Other areas to check or adjust include: engine oil and fluids, trailer attachment to hitch, awnings, signal and brake lights, side mirrors and seatbelts.

And last, but certainly not least, you want to make sure your RV is fully insured just in case the unexpected happens. Fully insured means getting the full value of what you paid for your rig – not a depreciated amount! If your current insurer doesn’t offer this kind of protection, or if you are in search of an insurer that specializes in RV coverage, look no further than Good Sam VIP Insurance – America’s #1 RV Insurance Specialist.*

Contact Good Sam VIP Insurance today and get the coverage you deserve for a lot less than you probably would expect. As a matter of fact, Good Sam VIP members that have switched save $300 a year, on average!

To receive a free, no obligation rate quote, call 888-514-1116 and mention savings code GFN or get a quote online by clicking here.

* Based on the results from an independent study conducted by URI Information Services and Dr. James E. Fisher, St. Louis University.

  • Recent Posts

  • Our Tag Cloud

  • Advertiser Log in · Copyright © 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011 · All Rights Reserved · Happily Hosted at Reliable Webs Hosting | In Area Code Customer Support