Although we’re just getting into the harshest part of the winter season, it’s not too late to think about summer vacations. And in this down economy, treating the family to something economically different may include a try at RVing and camping.
For those who are new to RVing and camping, and for those who are already experiencing the lifestyle and are looking to upgrade their camping digs, this weekends (Jan. 11-13) 52nd Annual RV & Campground Show at the Allentown Fairgrounds could answer all your questions and doubts about the tradition.
This years show, whose origin began back in 1961, will feature 11 local RV dealers who will display their motor homes, travel trailers, Fifth Wheel trailers, vans and folding campers for price points to fit almost everyone’s budget.
The dealer list includes All Season RV, Fretz Enterprises, Harold’s RV Center, Susquehanna RV and new this year, Miller Trailer Sales from Perkasie who is bringing their compact Teardrop, a unit that looks like a VW Beetle.
In addition, there will be nine local campground personnel on hand to discuss their offerings along with Anderson’s Campground Distribution booth that provides showgoers with information on over 100 other campgrounds for your camping variety and pleasure.
The Fairgrounds’ Agri-Plex offers 60,000 square feet of inside display space plus an additional 30,000 square feet of outside overflow space for campers and trailers.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission remains a reasonable $6 for adults while children under 12 are free. Ag Hall is located at 302 N. 17th St. For more information check www.allentowntradeshows.com.
REARVIEW CAMERA MANDATE
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn’t made any progress on its self-imposed rear-visibility rules that would be a prelude to making rearview camera’s mandatory in vehicles.
This delay marks the fourth time NHTSA has put off mandating the rules since Congress passed the legislation back in 2007.
The delay is supposedly to pacify automakers who cannot justify the cost associated with implementing the new rules. The regulation is intended to eliminate blind spots in the rear of an automobile where children, pets or pedestrians could get hit. NHTSA said that 100 children age five and younger die annually in backup accidents with more than half under the age of one.
It’s estimated that rearview cameras would reduce backup crash fatalities from a range of 95-112 annually, and injuries by 7,072 to 8,374. The agency claims that rearview cameras would likely add from $159 to $203 per vehicle without a display screen, and from $58 -$88 on vehicles with displays. Of course with all electronics, costs would likely come down when newer, less costly cameras would be designed.
Under the current proposal, the ruling would require compliance in 40 percent of new vehicles by Sept. 2013 and 100 percent by Sept. 2014. NHTSA is evidently attempting to roll those dates further back.
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