[.ca] Frommer's Exploring America by RV (ISBN 0470184043)

From Amazon.com:
Award-winning travel writers Shirley Slater and Harry Basch had tried just about every mode of transportation known to humans in their travels through 186 countries, but it wasn't until they drove an RV in 1991 that they found their passion. In the decade that followed they racked up 120,000 miles, avoided freeways whenever possible, and focused on discovering the offbeat and the best of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While Exploring America by RV is aimed particularly at novices--with detailed advice on buying and renting RVs as well as RV'ing tips and hints on such things as what to look for in campsites, the miracle of bubble wrap, and "how to give backing-up directions without destroying your marriage"--it also outlines 10 excursions through the U.S., Canada, and Baja with enough unusual stops along the way that the book is a veritable gold mine. To get an idea of the sort of travel Slater and Basch prefer, here are some of the highlights of the California Desert & Las Vegas excursion: the Hullabaloo World Tobacco Spitting Championships, endangered desert pupfishes in Anza-Borrego State Park, and sand sailing in a dry lake at 70 mph with no brakes. Off-the-wall attractions in Alaska include the world's largest chopstick manufacturing plant, a collection of 3,600 billed caps, and the town of North Pole (where Santa gets his mail). Slater and Basch are fond of lists with names like: Ten Terrific Spots Where History Comes Alive (in the Blue Ridge Mountains); Ten Terribly Texas Things To Do; and Seven Swell Side Roads to Explore (in Baja). For each trip you'll find tips for keeping costs down, as well as suggestions for splurging (say, a helicopter ride around Mt. Rushmore or a stay on little Palm Island), a list of campground oases, and where to find some incredible-sounding treats (like bumbleberry pie at Zion National Park and the best lobster in Maine). Slater and Basch have had a good time demolishing the myth of RV'ers as national park lemmings who never leave their rigs: these guys know where the fun is. --Lesley Reed

a lot of wasted ink:
The book wastes a lot of ink describing tourists sites in well-trodden parts of the US, ink that could have been spent carefully reviewing campgrounds.

One happy dad!:
My father has read this book from cover-to-cover numerous times. He has also passed it around to his friends and fellow co-workers. They find the information to be very current, the writers knowledgeable, and the book easy to read. It covers many aspects of the RV lifestyle. The book gives tips on everything, from suggested itineraries to meals (even recipes!). (I would elaborate more if I could only pry this book from my father's hands!) This book was ordered sight unseen but, as always, Mr. Frommer delivered. As a Flight Attendant, he is the only travel guide I follow! Special thanks to him and the authors for compiling all the information that went into this book. Happy Trails!

If you want detailed trips in the U.S., this is a good book.:
The book opens with a couple of good chapters on the basics of RB'ing and gives an excellent diary of their first trip which made me feel better. However, chapters 4 through 13 are detailed examples of trips in the U.S. which i will not be takin any time soon. Chp 14-16 review RV types and manufacturers.

Frommers Exploring America by RV:
I found this book to be trite and very limited in scope. Perhaps someone who has never gone rving before might enjoy it. Some of the mishaps of the authors were almost impossible to believe considering they are both educated people. Very disappointing.

Frommer's Exploring America by RV, Third Edition:
In this guide, i.e., Frommer's Exploring America by RV, Third Edition by Harry Basch (Author), Shirley Slater (Author) renowned travel writing team Harry Basch and Shirley Slater offers updates on their favorite RV trips around the U.S., including scenic routes along Virginia's Skyline Drive and the New England coast, plus jaunts through the Heart of the Heartlands (Indiana, Iowa and Illinois) and to Alaska via Canada. On each trip you'll get all the famous, infamous, and off-the-wall attractions; campgrounds along each route, from luxurious private RV parks with heated swimming pools and golf courses to quiet, forested campgrounds in state and national parks; tips for making life on the road easier and more comfortable; and a complete guide to buying or renting an RV, with tips on how to decide which type is right for you. All this, plus information on wildlife watching and scenic views, the best parks and beaches, quick-and-easy recipes, packing suggestions, info on road etiquette and safety, and more. Head off the beaten path with Frommer's, to discover the real life lurking around the bend.