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Buying An RV?
You must read the new book "RV Buyers Survival Guide." Learn how much an RV dealer makes on each sale. Learn how low an offer you can make and still get the RV! Written by an RV sales manager, who reveals insider secrets. Read more.

Beginners Guide to RVing
Advice and information for beginning RVers and others thinking of taking up the recreational vehicle lifestyle.

Free RV Camping in the West
FreeCampgrounds.com is a directory of free RV campgrounds in the American West. These are often in small town city parks. Plus information on camping at casinos, truck stops, Wal-Mart and on U.S. public lands.

Pop Up Trailer Enthusiasts: Pop Up Times is the only magazine serving owners and would-be owners of folding camping trailers. Subscribe today for only $11.98. And check out our new "Pop Up 101" home video".

Good Sam Club: The largest RV club in America. Benefits include a superb monthly magazine, hundreds of local chapters and special interest groups, regional and national rallies, and discounts at campgrounds -- perhaps the best benefit.

Inflatable Boats for RVers
Sea Eagle manufacturers easily storable inflatable boats perfect for RVers. When you need the boat, pump 'er up, climb aboard, and off you go.

Magazines for RVers
Get Trailer Life and Motorhome at the lowest prices. Plus, learn about other RV magazines — RV Companion, RV Journal, Pop Up Times, Gypsy Journal, RV Traveler and more.

Half Price Camping for RVers: The Happy Camper Club offers its members half-price camping at more than 700 RV parks in the US and Canada. A one year membership is $49.95, and there are no contracts or hidden fees. Read more

Good Sam Club


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New Consumer Publication Explains Safe Towing of Trailers

June, 2002 — U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta has announced the release of a new consumer publication containing important safety information for motorists who tow trailers on America’s roads. The department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is publishing the brochure, called “Towing a Trailer: Being Equipped for Safety.” 

“It is important to make good decisions about safety when buying and driving tow vehicles and trailers,” said Secretary Mineta. “This brochure will be particularly helpful in making driving safer for motorists as the summer vacation season approaches.” 

Each year there are nearly 59,000 crashes involving passenger vehicles towing trailers, resulting in injury to more than 28,000 people, according to NHTSA estimates. The brochure provides equipment and driving tips that can increase safety and help reduce the number of injuries and instances of property damage that result from towing-related crashes. 

“Taking time to make sure a tow vehicle and trailer are compatible and properly equipped for safety can help prevent injuries and minimize the inconvenience and consequences of a crash or break down,” said NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey W. Runge, M.D. 

The new brochure covers these topics: 

Safety tips for driving with a trailer.
The pre-departure checklist.
Tire safety when towing.
Proper loading and weight distribution of cargo and equipment.
State and local requirements for towing a trailer.
Safety tips for maintaining a tow vehicle and trailer.
How the size and weight of a trailer affect the selection of a tow vehicle.
The importance of trailer manufacturers’ tow ratings.
How to measure the weight of a trailer.
The hitching, braking, and wiring systems that connect tow vehicles with trailers. 

Towing and trailer industry representatives reviewed the new publication and will work with NHTSA to distribute it.

The brochure is on the Internet at www.nhtsa.gov and can be obtained free of charge by calling the NHTSA Hotline at 888-327-4236.

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