Archive for the ‘RV’ Category
Thursday, March 19th, 2009 |
Many individuals choose to take RV vacations each year because they find it fun and exciting. If you are looking for something different, perhaps you want to consider traveling through the country via a recreation vehicle.
There are a variety of reasons why many choose to travel vial RV. Perhaps, you are interested in connecting to the outdoors. You can visit the great national parks, landmarks or fresh air. You can hike, fish, raft, canoe or ride your bike. Many want to travel via RV to have a vacation where you connect with nature.
It can also allow you and your family to be more comfortable than they would be in a tent. Most RVs are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, TV, beds as well as living and dining quarters, and a bathroom. Most also have awnings that you can sit under if it rains and air conditioning if it gets hot.
These vacations can be a great way for the entire family to connect. Since everyone lives together in close quarters, families can bond. It can bring families closer together and you can bond and share good times. It can also be a great way to travel with a large family because many campgrounds have activities for kids.
Children also like camping activities such as campfires, stories, songs and looking at the stars. You can also play many games. If you travel in the nature via RV, make sure you leave all modern day distractions, such as ipods and video games at home. Many people also turn off their cell phones unless there is an emergency.
If you travel via RV make sure you make reservations, especially in popular campgrounds. In peak seasons, make campgrounds will book up and you will not be able to get into the grounds.
Many campgrounds have swimming pools, lakes, playgrounds, hiking trails and other activities for kids and adults. Many campgrounds even have dances and barbeques. Check out the amenities of the campground before you go and the proximity to other attractions and landmarks.
Traveling via RV can also allow any family to be flexible. You can leave and arrive whenever you want and it allows you the freedom and spontaneity to create your own adventure. You do not have to worry about maintaining schedules. You need not take tensions. You can explore the country at your own pace.
It is also very affordable, even with the cost of gas. If you do not own a new or used RV, you can rent one might be Fleetwood RV, Coachmen RV, Keystone RV, Airstream RV etc for a pretty reasonable price. You will save on hotels, airfare and other means of travel. You can also save money by cooking most of your meals in it instead of eating at a restaurant. By cooking at home, you can also eat healthier foods.
You do not need a special license to drive it but if you have never driven one before you should practice before transporting your family. There are classes that you can take also, in which you learn how to drive an RV.
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Monday, February 23rd, 2009 |
Buying an RV is a big commitment. Although it is similar in many ways to buying a car it is also different in some key areas. Here are three simple questions to ask your RV dealership or sales person. The basic facts sought by the question are obviously important but the answers will also reveal the apparent integrity of the person with whom you are dealing. You should either be able to establish whether or not you want to do business with a dealership based on the responses to these questions.
First establish whether or not the dealer offers financing. There are multiple options available within the industry. Some dealers work with a bank; others with a lender designed specifically for the RV, motorhome and travel trailer industry. Remember, the answer to this question is less important than the response. Almost every dealer offers some sort of financing. But in the response do you feel like you are being offered too limited of a number of options? Does it seem like the sales person is trying to avoid the topic or, worse, back you into a corner?
Next get the clear story of a particular vehicle’s history. Of course if it is new it will not have one but used RVs can have some pretty interesting pasts. Establish how the dealership came to have this particular vehicle. Find out what repairs or improvements were made to it once the dealership too possession of it and try to get the vehicle’s entire history of repairs. Persist for the full answer to this question. Do not let the sales person get away with a half answer or a promise to get the information to you later. Insist on finding out before proceeding.
Finally, find out what sort of warranty is available and who exactly will be handling it. Again, the answer here will almost universally be yes but what is important is the details. Many lots only offer a few months on their warranties and an extended warranty will be extra. Before paying that extra, though, find out if there is a remaining manufacturer’s warranty and, if so, what it covers. Also, call around to other dealerships to see what kind of warranty they offer to make sure that you are being offered a competitive price.
Remember these questions and the task of buying a new or used RV will be a rewarding one. The questions are simple and the answers largely unrevealing but it is in the nature of the response where you can learn the most about the vehicle and company with whom you are entering a long-term commitment.
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Tuesday, December 30th, 2008 |
If you are thinking about seeing the country in a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome, there are considerations before jumping into the RV lifestyle full throttle. By preparing for the RV way of life, you can save yourself mistakes that could cost time, money and disappointment. Whether you choose to vacation in your motorhome or live in a fifth wheel full time, there are decisions that will need to be made. We will address some of the most essential elements of the RV lifestyle in this article, so you can begin your new way of life on the right foot.
What will You use it For?
The first consideration is to determine what you will be using your vehicle for. Are you simply tired of your tent camper and looking for a way to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style? Do you want a unit that will take you away from the cold winters of your primary residence or allow you to follow your favorite team throughout an entire season? Or is this RV lifestyle going to be a full time endeavor? The answers to these questions will greatly determine the type of travel trailer you shop for and the features that you will want to look for.
What do You Need to Know?
Once you have determined the primary use of your RV, you can begin to educate yourself about the type of vehicle that will best suit your lifestyle. Websites such as MyRVLink provide plenty of information about the different types of vehicles and features that are available. Read up on the types of RV’s that are available and the campsites they can best be accommodated in. Check out the different memberships to RV clubs that can provide you with discounts and deals on various campsites and equipment. Surf the Internet and subscribe to publications dedicated to the RV lifestyle. By learning all you can before you invest in a vehicle and the accessories to go along with it, you can save yourself time and money and ensure that you get the perfect RV that is fit for you.
How can You Check it Out?
Choosing a vehicle is best done by actually trying the unit out in the way that you will be using it most. You try a motorhome on for size by renting one for a short trek. This will give you a good idea of whether the size and amenities will suit your needs and your purpose. RV shows and clubs are another great way to see what’s new and exciting in the world of RV’ing firsthand to determine what will work the best for you. Visit an RV Dealer to explore all of the different vehicles on the lot to see which ones you like the best.
The RV lifestyle can be fun and exciting, but only if you find the used RV for sale that will best suit your needs. By following these steps, you can rest assured that the vehicle you purchase will offer you the opportunity to see the country in extreme comfort and style.
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 |
Recreational vehicle (often referred as RV) is an enclosed equipment with dual purposes. First it functions as a regular moving vehicle, and second as a temporary home. Some people call this as a motor home or a motor caravan. A recreational vehicle is intended for almost every use, to travel to different places yet still feel like being at home.
RVs can be rented in many cities. People who opt for an RV versus a car when traveling rave about the complete amenities inside of an ordinary house. It’s a great innovation that’s in demand nowadays.
A look-see inside an RV:
• Beds where you can take a rest or nap
• A multi-functional table
• Fully-equipped kitchen
Larger models of RVs have additional features like:
• Bathrooms
• Refrigerators
• Living areas
• Master’s bedrooms
RVs for sale are sometimes used as mobile-on-the-go. These RVs have special features like satellite TV and Internet access, slide-out sections and awnings. You just have an extra table and other needed equipments needed to be used in typical offices. Some have a small storing area for an ordinary car. An RV typically has sufficient supply of electricity and generator.. Other RVs are used just to tow small cars.
Types of RVs:
• Class A motor home - constructed with different kinds of chassis. Be it a commercial truck, a specially-designed motor vehicle or a commercial bus chassis.
• Class B Campervan - like a conventional van with raised roof added or the back has been replaced by low body profile.
• Class C motor home - built on truck chassis with an attached cab section. It has a cab-over profile called mini-home motor.
• Truck Camper - favored by hunters and other back wood travelers.
• Folding Trailer - this is also known as tent camper, collapse for towing and storage.
• Travel Trailer - a unit with rigid side which is designed to be towed
• Fifth-wheel Trailer - towed by a pick- up or a medium duty truck
• Park Model - is a standard traveler trailer but is not self-contained; designed for park camping only and not for dry camping. It has hot water storage tanks and must be used with hook ups.
• Toy hauler - designed to be part living space and part garage.
Renting RVs are expensive, and is not a better alternative to hotels or inns. But try it at least once in your life for the experience.
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Thursday, December 4th, 2008 |
If you are planning to rent an RV for your next camping trip, this article will help you with some information about how to find, choose, and evaluate a recreational vehicle (RV) that you may want to take your next vacation in.
Those with families have found the traveling in an RV is easier and less stressful because of the kitchen, bathroom, and added space that is available. For those who have larger families, the extra room allows for equipment storage and privacy.
Before choosing a new or used RV, find a campground that allows them. Finding campgrounds on the Internet is an easy way to locate them and check out what they provide and allow. For instance, you will have to find a campground that has waste removal facilities. This will make traveling much easier.
Campgrounds that allow RV’s usually have larger sites that will fit the RV and a car, if necessary. This may affect how much it will cost to use the campground site and how long you can stay.
When renting an RV might be Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Airstream RV, Keystone RV etc it is important to check out the RV before signing the paperwork. If there are any dents, scratches, missing light bulbs, or electrical outlets that are not working properly, they should be reported so that you will not have to pay extra after you return it.
You should also find out about cancellations, insurance, and other requirements needed to rent an RV. This is important information to learn because some insurance policies will not cover you when you rent an RV.
Choose an RV that is big enough to fit the entire family and equipment for the camping trip. You will be able to look at different RV styles on the Internet, in order to choose the right one. Make sure you are able to drive the RV before renting it. If you will be traveling a long distance, make sure that you will be able to drive at nighttime as well.
Using an RV is not difficult if you think about and plan ahead for all the additional expenses and luxuries that an RV will afford you and your family on your next vacation.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 |
If you own a new or used RV might be Class A motorhome, Class B motorhome, Class C motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheels, Park Model RV, toy hauler motorhomes etc, you already know how much fun you can have traveling the open road, exploring beautiful places and meeting other campers. Through an RV association you can leverage organization benefits like campground discounts, traveler resources and new friends who share common interests. Follow the steps in this article to choose the right RV club.
1. Consider joining a general, nationwide RV association not limited to a specific brand or interest. General clubs are non-religious, non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-racial. They usually have well-known reputations and offer nationwide benefits in addition to regional branches.
2. Explore an RV club exclusive for owners of a particular brand. Network with other RVers who seek the same experiences and can share the frustrations and pleasures that are unique to owners of that brand, especially vintage vehicles and rarer models.
3. Contact local and state RV associations where you can establish relationships with people in close proximity to you and participate in additional non-RV social gatherings throughout the year. Through this membership you may be more likely to attend regular meetings and nearby special events. This type of club usually offers discounts at local campgrounds and retailers.
4. Choose an association that offers attractive benefits. Common benefits include discounts at various RV parks, travel coupons, camping guides, association newsletters, membership directories, emergency roadside assistance programs and online trip planning resources. Clubs hold regular events like rallies, luncheons and tours.
5. Select from RV associations that focus on a specific camping interest or group. Many associations exist for particular ethnic and national origins, persons with disabilities, families, women, retired military, golfers and many more.
Submit an application and pay membership fees. Find out if an initial and annual fee is required. Know if a contract is required and for what duration. Consider becoming an officer or coordinator of special events if you want to have more control over the direction of the organization.
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Monday, December 1st, 2008 |
The money you spend in buying your recreational vehicle is an investment for a lifetime. Buying a good RV might be Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Winnebago RV, Dutch Star RV etc needs proper research that includes a good estimation of your wants and a great deal of market survey that helps you in zeroing down to a dealer that offers you exactly what you had been looking for. All this hard work and the money spent can be at stake with a sudden accident, act of vandalism, theft or any incidence that ends up damaging your RV.
That’s why RV insurance is vital. Insuring a new or used RV not only covers you from potential damage risks but also lets you camp without worries. However, most RV’ers do not have a clear idea in regard to the various factors determining the price of a RV insurance cover. So before you go ahead with RV insurance, it is wiser to consider the various factors that affect the insurance rates.
The location of your RV, when not in use is a vital determinant of the premium rates. So if it is located at a place where it is more susceptible to damage, the premium rates are bound to increase. Some insurance companies also take into account the type of RV. Thus insuring a bigger RV with good utilities might be expensive than insuring a smaller one with less utilities. Moreover, drive safe to avail lower premium rates because your driving history is one of the major inputs that influence the premium you pay. Do consider the frequency of your travel. A full timer and a once-in-a-while traveler should go for different coverage. And yes, a good credit rating surely helps.
There are also some perks associated with some of the factors that bring down the premium rates considerably. A higher age is taken as a higher driving experience that might bring down the premium rates. A membership with a RV association sometimes offers you a discount on the premium rates. Owning a home and your marital status shows the level of your responsibilities which in turn can influence the insurance rates. Discounts on premiums can vary from company to company and so you should check out the applicable discounts with your agent.
Once you have opted for coverage, make sure you follow some simple steps for hassle free claims. Retain all the receipts and take clear pictures of your RV just before you camp out. In case of damage, take the post-damage pictures and also determine the cost of damage. Always keep the policy number along with the details of the insurance company handy. And more importantly, never ever try to fool your insurance company. There are experts in their business.
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Friday, November 21st, 2008 |
When selling an RV or rv bus conversion follow these guidelines to ensure your motorhome sale goes well. Sellers want maximum profit in the shortest time while incurring the least hassle and cost. The buyer wants the same. Everything you as the seller do, must be designed, angled, prepared, presented and directed at the BUYERS point of view in order to net you the best results.
The biggest problem encountered when you go to sell an rv is that there is a very limited market for such luxury purchases. Plus EVERY RV is custom. There is no such thing as a “stock” rv. This means you are selling a very particular item to a minuscule or sometimes nonexistent customer and most importantly you have to FIND that customer.
Disadvantages - never address the disadvantages listed unless the buyer brings it up. Be prepared if they do though. Sometimes it is best to simply reply using the least words possible.Visit the RV for Sale Guide website for a list of the advantages and disadvantages of selling the RV yourself verses listing it with a used RV dealer.
Service Records - Many buyers feel very wary of purchasing anything without paperwork. Provide everything you have like repair receipts, title documents, service records, consumer reports, to help sell your RV.
Pricing - the buyer doesn’t usually care how much you owe, so instead figure out the real value of the vehicle and adjust lower depending on how fast you want serious offers. Do not bring up what you paid for the rv unless it is relative to the current value and in your favor to do so. It is rare that an rv, motor coach or bus is sold by a private individual at a premium price. Today’s buyer has substantial resources available to them in determining what they feel your motorhome is worth. Be ready to discuss this with them. Be ready to substantiate everything you say when it comes to price.
Condition - Everything should work on your rv. If something is broke, either fix it or disclose it to the prospective buyer. This will validate your trustworthiness and add value to everything you say afterwards. If possible have a quote ready to show the buyer what the repair will cost if you don’t want to have it done yourself.
Preparation - Clean everything out of the RV before showing the RV for sale. This will be especially difficult for a full-timer living in their motorhome. Full-timers should simplify and get rid of absolutely everything that is not completely necessary for day-to-day living. Put the rest in storage. That way they can see that it is not crowded. Buyers expect that the RV they buy should be ready for them to drive away because they are used to making purchases at automobile or RV dealerships where preparation is taken seriously. This helps with first impressions, which are very important. Rarely will a vehicle be purchased without a good to excellent “first look”. Make sure the RV is perfect when the prospective buyers show up. Polish, clean, repair. If something doesn’t work, tell the buyers upfront. Give them a copy of your descriptive list with pictures. Give them a quick tour of the RV then leave the buyers alone. This is VERY important. Buyers will often be shy about snooping around but if they are really interested, and given the chance to look at everything without you staring at them, they will be more likely to turn into a real buyer.
Buyers will often come in pairs. Serious buyers will discuss features they like, and since they have traveled to see your RV, let them spend as much time as they need to look at what they are considering. Tell them where to find you for questions and tell them to TAKE THEIR TIME. Be in the “rv sell” frame of mind but not pushy.
Marketing - take 100 photographs using a digital camera. Shoot close-ups, full views, bays, storage, engine compartments, tire depth, dash close-ups, special or significant features of the RV, upholstery, floor plans, new or upgraded items. List every feature of your RV for sale. You cannot be too redundant. If your list is long, and makes sense, the buyers will read it and be impressed or glance at it and say to themselves “hey this person is thorough and probably took care of this RV” Either way you win. List how many air conditioners you have, heating units, entertainment and electronic equipment, lighting, furniture, engine, transmission, exhaust, chassis, roof type, and flooring. Pick up a brochure from the original manufacturer like Fleetwood, Gulfstream, Keystone, Airstream etc for your exact RV. If it’s too old for that pick up an equivalent modern version and use it to build your amenities list.
Closing the Deal - if the buyer just will not make the purchase and you have done all you can do, make sure you FIND OUT WHY! Sometimes they are just tire kickers and dreamers, or maybe they had a problem behind the scenes that came up during the negotiations. But then again maybe not. Maybe there was a real legitimate reason why they didn’t buy your RV for sale. Make them tell you truthfully what you could have done differently or what you could do to the RV to help you sell it to the next guy. This is valuable information. Do not waste the opportunity to get it from them. Sometimes it is better to call them later as they will be more candid when they aren’t standing in your front yard.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 |
Travel trailers, fifth wheels, RVs - call them what you will but for those of us that love to live in them they are home. And one likes to surround oneself with the amenities of modern living whether the home is mobile or not. Some place the priority of mobile living on escape - going to the country, finding the quiet and relaxing. Others want to embrace the RV lifestyle while remaining connected to current events and their favorite television programs. Still others, especially those with children, find that it is important to bring along with their home TV, music, Internet and video games. The priorities of entertainment vary and are as numerous as the models and options of travel vehicles.
These days technology is certainly on our side. The entertainment system options in RVs have changed dramatically in the last few years. Television screens alone have made an amazing difference to the necessary efficiency of travel trailers and RVs. Where before a small, relatively speaking, 19″ screen required a much bigger devotion of space than do the massive screens of today. Doing away with the tube was perhaps one of the biggest advances in RV entertainment technology. In addition to efficiency of space these flat screen TVs add the possibility of multiple televisions. This is especially helpful for a family traveling with kids.
Often new recreational vehicles and travel trailers come equipped with entertainment systems. When shopping for a new vehicle it is important to understand what is included with the quote. Often one sees a show model which is outfitted with the fullest package while the quoted price does not include the full entertainment system displayed. While entertainment system upgrades are generally available make sure that the hike in cost is realistic when compared to the actual cost of the additional components. This is an important consideration when one considers that electronics stores often offer great deals on the various components of an entertainment system. However, the additional cost can be worth it for a vehicle that is fully equipped and ready to roll on day one. A professional or factory installed entertainment system can save a lot of space and do away with the eyesore and hassle of the cables and connecting hardware of additional equipment.
If one already owns a travel trailer or RV and is looking to upgrade the entertainment system it is important to consider such things as size, storage and compatibility. Certain questions should be answered. Can this component be hooked up with minimum hassle such as pulling out existing components to get at the plugs in the back? When not in use can it be stored while respecting the efficiency of space? Can it be plugged into and powered by the existing power sources of the RV?
The options for entertainment on the road are vast and today’s technology makes them incredibly flexible. Finding the right options for you and your travel companions is important. Take the time to make the right choice.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 |
Many people think of camping as a getaway from the daily grind of life and enjoying what some other region has to offer. Choosing between the fast convenience of tents that have the disadvantage of roughing it a bit and the more expensive yet more comfortable rental of an RV that can leave you limited to your vacation destinations can be a difficult one. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each to help you make your choice on camping accommodations.
Compare the cost of camping equipment and an RV rental to help you make your choice. Are you working on a budget and can’t afford a big expense that really provides you with nothing in your hand at the end of the trip? Or are you treating yourself to a really nice vacation where you don’t want to worry about anything and would prefer to stay one hundred percent comfortable at all times? There’s more to deciding whether a tent or an RV is the choice for you - where you want to go camping factors largely into your decision-making. The different models include Class A motorhome, Class B motorhome, Class C motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheels, truck camper etc. Most RVs are extremely big and can only be accommodated on specific campgrounds, whereas tents can be slipped into the woods just about anywhere and you’ll really get into a natural setting. Campground facilities also play a part in your choice. Do you mind foregoing a shower for a day and are you comfortable with sharing public washrooms, or do you need to have the convenience of your personal washroom and hot showers on a regular basis? The first is more what you’ll see in a tenting situation and the latter is easily accessible with an RV camper.
By using an RV might be Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Coachmen RV, Keystone RV etc, whether it is one you own or rent, has many advantages for those who enjoy the luxuries of their own home. After all, a good RV is essentially a nice home on wheels! RVs provide comfortable, full-size beds, running water, hot showers, cooking areas, and electricity for anything you need. The other nice thing about an RV is there is little set-up. Some have pop-out sections that you can expand when parked. The hardest part about setting up an RV is plugging it in to a power source, and anyone who has done this before knows how easy that is. The added convenience of an RV is exactly what some campers are looking for. On the other hand, some people like the feeling of sleeping in a tent and roughing it for a few days. The big disadvantage of an RV in my mind is that you are somewhat limited in where it can go and be plugged in.
It’s up to you to decide if you’re the kind of person that prefers all the creature comforts or that enjoys feeling as close to nature as possible. There’s a style of camping for everyone and trying to force someone who likes space and conveniences into a tent won’t work, the same way that taking someone who likes the outdoors and shuns modern life won’t enjoy being contained in an RV. Think over what each option can offer you and try to determine what type of accommodations are best for you on your camping trip.
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