It has a microwave oven as well as a range and oven and plenty of storage. A bench separates the galley countertop from the driver's seat in the cockpit. When the bench is not in use, the countertop can expand two additional feet with a pullout extension. As always, Coachmen designers have ensured there is extensive interior storage.

The U-dinette in the living area slideout, makes this coach even more spacious. Adding to the roomy feel is the tall seven foot ceilings and large windows throughout that let in plenty of natural light. A 19- inch LCD HD-ready television is mounted on the wall across from the U dinette.

Fuel efficient, functional, and affordable, the Coachmen Freelander 2100 is the perfect coach for couples or young families who want to enjoy the RV lifestyle. For more information about the Freelander visit www.coachmen.com.

There are a number of ways to manage your RV for optimum fuel usage, and most of these will also add to the life of your RV. Checking your tire inflation is one important consideration. As your tires carry you down the road, over- or under-inflation will decrease their longevity and also add to your fuel consumption as they provide more drag when improperly inflated. Your owner’s manual will list the proper inflation, but you can fine-tune those numbers by having your coach weighed, so that you know the individual loads on each wheel. If you have two different loads on the same axle, inflate the tires to the recommended pressure for the tire carrying the heaviest load. A good rule of thumb is to check your cold tire pressure before you start your rig, each time you travel.

The cruise control is a convenient device, especially on long trips, but using it should be limited to those times when you are driving through flat terrain. In flat country, because cruise control keeps your speed even, it can be a fuel-efficient device. However, as you go up and down hills, the cruise control will attempt to keep your speed constant, increasing rpms and using more fuel to do so. There is really nothing wrong with going slowly uphill, and your gas gauge will thank you if you do. A lot of my car-driving friends have begun to drive less than the posted speed limits in order to conserve fuel. Keep the speed below sixty and you’ll notice the difference in mileage. Also, when accelerating, do it gradually. Leave the racing starts to the professional race-car drivers who don’t care how much fuel they waste by leaping from a standing start. Anticipate the flow of traffic so that you can decrease your speed gradually if vehicles begin slowing ahead of you or if you are approaching a traffic light. Stopping or slowing too quickly wastes fuel, and unnecessary braking leads to fuel consumption as you resume speed. Also, just as a matter of safety, if you are driving something as big as our 38-foot motorhome, you want plenty of room to slow down or come to a stop. Those little cars that suddenly cut in front of you don’t seem to realize that fact, but if you have left plenty of space between your rig and the vehicle ahead of you, are driving moderately and anticipating the unexpected, you can control those situations without heavy braking. Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines, so if you are in the market for a new coach, consider that. Having owned first a gasoline and now a diesel coach, I can testify to the difference in fuel consumption.

However, if you are driving a rig you have already purchased, just follow some of these suggestions to lower your fuel costs. Try not to get lost. This is sometimes difficult in a new, unfamiliar city but besides the frustration of wandering around vainly, all the time you do that you are wasting fuel. Get a good map and plan your route before you leave. We use a GPS system and a laptop computer that has kept us on the right road for several years now. It’s a worthwhile investment for several reasons, including fuel savings but also keeping your frustration level down. It’s such a pleasure to arrive exactly at a destination you have never visited before without even once having to stop and ask for directions. In our family, I’m the one who really hates to do that—my husband is more willing—but it’s a rare occasion indeed when we can’t find our own way with our GPS.

You may not have control over whether you are driving a gas or diesel powered vehicle, but you can control the weight that vehicle carries. Think about what you are bringing with you. Are there some heavy items you really don’t need? Your maintenance manual will tell you the gross vehicle weight for your particular vehicle. Have your rig weighed from time to time to be sure you are within allowable weight limits. If you are towing a car, the lighter, the better if you have any choice. Don’t forget the freshwater tank, either. Water is heavy, and traveling with a full water tank may give you some confidence in case you have to dry camp, but the added weight lessens your fuel efficiency. We usually travel with a third of a tank or less. Of course you will have drained your waste water tanks before taking to the road. Who wants to pay to haul that stuff around at eight-plus pounds per gallon?To sum up, drive conservatively, check your tires and weight, know your destination, and you may be surprised at the improvement in your fuel consumption. Happy travels!

They range from respiratory ailments - stuffy nose, itchy throat, wheezing, shortness of breath - to more unusual complaints of ear infection, asthma, and bronchitis. Such subtle symptoms as fatigue, headaches, inattentiveness, and dermatitis are possible reactions to an unhealthy environment.

One of the best ways to find out if your RV has toxic or black mold is to have it tested. There are now do-it-yourself mold testing kits available. Mold spores are not visible to the eye so simply doing a visual inspection for mold may not be enough. An RV can experience extreme temperatures when closed up, depending on the geographical area. With the RV closed up and no air circulating, the environment is ready for the development of mold.

If the RV does not have a dehumidifier (which most don’t) or the air conditioner active (most are not running in storage) then the two of the three primary essentials (heat and humidity) are present to initiate spore growth. Add little or no ventilation, and you have all three major essentials for growth.

How do you avoid mold problems? First, stop the source of moisture. Conduct an inspection at least twice each year (Spring and Fall), including the roof panels, window seals, bathroom and plumbing systems, and the undercarriage. Consult your RV dealer for compatible sealants if openings are found.

Check for discoloration or soft spots at ceiling vents, air conditioners, and other openings cut in the roof and side walls. Check for water damage around the water inlets, furnace, outside shower, and water heater. Check outside storage compartments and inside corners of cabinets for soft spots or discoloration. This is not an all-inclusive list, but findings in these areas will certainly require more investigation and action to stop the penetration of unwanted water. Remember age (very young, aging adults) makes people more susceptible to the symptoms from exposure.

To remove mold growth, remedies for small occurrences include sunlight, ventilation, and household cleansers. With significant mold, chances are there is underlying structural damage, too.Don’t let mold ruin your fun or your health. Take precautions now and have a safe trip.

Photo by:Amy Senna Fishing from the shore of this nine-acre lake is a popular pastime

Photo by:Amy Senna Picturesque Green Valley Lake is an uncrowded mountain hideaway

Photo by:Amy Senna Rental rowboats, kayaks, pedal boats and canoes get you out on the sparkling blue water

Back when Green Valley Lake was the entrance to the toll road leading to Fawnskin and Big Bear, “barn dances” were held regularly. Lilleberg himself was an excellent musician who played a wide variety of instruments.

So it’s no surprise that music is still a big part of this area. Green Valley Lake is a mecca for artists and musicians.

On the second Saturday of each month the town’s own Irish band, called Wake the Bard, hosts a Celtic and old time music jam at the Lake Inn. Local artisans open up their homes or studios three times a year (Memorial, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving weekends) to display their handmade artwork during Artisan Tours.

The public campground at the end of the road is reported to be nearly deserted most weekdays. But you should call for reservations on holiday weekends. A half-mile walk to lake, the campground’s 40 spaces are open yet shaded. 877-444-6777, or 909-867-2165, www.recreation.gov.

To reach Green Valley Lake, take Hwy 330 from Running Springs through Arrow Bear toward Big Bear, turn left at Green Valley Lake sign, and continue 5 miles.Just a short drive west on Highway 18 you’ll find Heaps Peak Arboretum’s botanical gardens with a diversity of native plants, wildflowers and wildlife. Of note are the wildflowers from March to October and the giant sequoia and dogwood groves in Spring.

Websites for further information:
www.green-valley-lake.com
www.wakethebard.com
www.greenvalleylake.net
www.musiconthemountain.org .