Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Although the price of gasoline continues to climb upwards, Americans still love driving recreational vehicles. They are big and bulky, and get poor gas mileage, but the convenience of driving a vehicle that also contains some of the comforts of home is appealing, particularly since an RV will allow you to stay in national parks and other campgrounds. Why stay in a hotel when you can stay by a lake? A recreational vehicle does offer vacation opportunities that other types of transportation, such as sport utility vehicles, do not. But like any other vehicle, an RV can break down, and when it does, the repairs can be expensive. They can be even more expensive if you are unprepared for something that many RV buyers don’t know - the lemon laws of most states do not cover recreational vehicles.
Recreational vehicles are not cheap; the price tags of some of them can exceed one million dollars. But while they are legally motor vehicles, most states exempt them from coverage under the lemon laws. Lemon laws are statutes designed to provide consumers who buy defective motor vehicles with recourse against the manufacturer should the vehicle prove repeatedly unreliable. Given the fact that RVs tend to be rather expensive, one would think that they would be covered under these laws, but in most states, that’s not the case. Why not?
Unlike most cars, which are mass-produced by the millions, RVs are mostly assembled by hand. Not only that, but the parts tend to be made by a number of different companies. The drive train might be made by an auto manufacturer, and the body and living quarters might be made by several other companies. There is really no single manufacturer to hold responsible for vehicle defects. A handful of states have some coverage for RVs, but those that do tend to cover only the drive train, and not the living quarters of the vehicle. If you have a transmission problem, you may have recourse under the lemon law. If the stove quits working, the problem is your responsibility.
If you are planning to buy an RV, you should take precautions to minimize the likelihood of problems:
Check your state’s lemon laws to see if the type of vehicle you plan to buy is covered.
Look at vehicles from a number of different manufacturers Like Fleetwood RVs, Keystone RVs, Forest River RVs, Holiday Rambler, Monaco RVs, Mandalay RVs, Heartland RVs, Coachmen RVs and examine the warranties offered with the vehicles carefully. You may wish to consider purchasing an extended warranty, if one is offered at the time of sale.
Do some research on past reliability of the type of vehicle you are thinking about buying. If that manufacturer has a history of problems, you may wish to consider buying from a different company.
See if the vehicle carries the seal of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. This seal means that the manufacturer belongs to an industry group that requires its members to meet a set of safety standards that includes more than five hundred items.
Owning a recreational vehicle is a lot of fun and can make vacations enjoyable. The last thing you want, however, is to spend your vacation at home while the RV is in the shop. Remember, your state’s lemon law will probably not protect you.
Posted in Fleetwood Rv | 1 Comment »
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
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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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
Motorhomes are available in many different styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. Motorhome models are divided into Class A, B, or C categories. A Class A motorhome is the largest and most expensive type of model and a Class C motorhome is more compact and less expensive to purchase.
Motorhomes are most often purchase by people who enjoy traveling frequently. They are very helpful for bringing families together for more traveling opportunities and helping them to save money on travel expenses such as airfare, hotel rooms and meals. Most families will purchase a Class B or Class C motorhome manufactured by Fleetwood, Coachmen, Winnebago, Dutch Star etc out of convenience and because of budget concerns.
A Class C motorhome is very similar in style to the Class B motorhome. Both have a design that looks much like a standard van. Class C models are easily identified by the full or queen-sized bed that rests over the cab. Class C vehicles are desirable because they are the lowest model in price and can be stored easily. They fit into most garages with ease. These vehicles can also be used daily as a second vehicle.
Posted in Class C motorhome | 1 Comment »
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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Thursday, November 20th, 2008
There is nothing quite as perfect for vacationing as motorhomes. They can quickly be considered one of the best additions to your collection of assets. Your reasons for wanting one and your financial situation should be examined carefully before making a large deal. From there travel and camping is just the beginning.
If you have recently decided that motorhomes are a hot commodity that you would like to get in on then you’d better prepare to do some research. Start by asking yourself why it is that you would like one. What is it that you would use it for and how often? Motorhomes are not a small purchase and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are a variety of different types and sizes available on the market and one can never know which will suit them best without taking a trip to the local RV dealer to check them out. That is also a good time to discuss the finance details.
Most branded RVs like Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Keystone RV, Cruiser RV, Airstream RV etc are in such a high price range that only the very wealthy can afford to pay for one all in one shot. This is why the rest of us need to look at financing options and RV loans. Most lenders and institutions have an application process that you will have to go through. Credit ratings should be acceptable or you may be turned away. Budget carefully for the monthly payments and be sure to include things like interest and RV insurance. However, if you can plan carefully you will be able to focus on the fun aspects in no time.
There is no limit to where you can go with motorhomes. It can be the perfect tool for taking the entire family on holiday or loading up with friends and going after that classic road trip. When your unit holds up to eight and comes with all of the comforts of home you won’t miss being there for a minute. Motorhomes are actual vehicles though and need proper liability coverage in case of any kind of accident or damage. Nothing will ruin a good time quite as fast as a mishap. Always employ the ultimate in safety so that you reach your destination in one piece.
There is no limit to the RV campgrounds and assorted parks for motorhomes. Booking ahead is recommended to guarantee your spot so that you won’t arrive to find that the place is full. Being able to park your unit allows you to drive around in your personal car and have somewhere to come back to. It’s better than any hotel room to have your own home away from home and it usually costs less too. Most RV parks provide all necessary hook ups for your water and power use at a low price added to your space rental. There is no reason to lack for anything.
Motorhomes for sale range from extremely high end expensive RVs to the small and easily towed basic unit. Take a tour of them all to effectively determine which is going to be the right size and comfort level for you. Motorhomes have advanced tremendously over the years. Some are nicer now than some actual houses. There is something for each family to optimize the quality of your travels.
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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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Monday, November 17th, 2008
In Hollywood, the cross-country family trip is often used as an easy way to get laughs. Most people chuckle when they picture Chevy Chase’s poor family crammed into the metallic pea Griswold family station wagon from National Lampoon’s Vacation, even as we sympathize. After all, how many of us were forced to sit for hours “on the hump” in the back of the family sedan with two siblings complaining bitterly each time one of your legs crossed into “their space”? And all of this in the guise of taking a fun family vacation!
Certainly, cars have continued to become more comfortable and luxurious with each passing year, and the number of SUVs available means it is no longer a necessity to take the family’s compact car on vacation at all. Let’s be honest though, if you’ve ever sat in the back of an SUV (or any car) with two other people, it stops feeling comfortable after the first twenty minutes or so. For this reason along with countless others, many families choose to skip the driving experience entirely and schedule a flight instead. However, with escalated airport security resulting in long delays, cramped seating on the planes, limits to what can be carried on the plane, and maybe even a touch of nostalgia for the car trips of our youth, the siren song of the open road begins to have increasing appeal.
Recreational vehicles, or what my family always referred to as motor homes, are no longer the gaudy rolling trailers with cheap fixtures and cramped spaces that many people picture. Imagine those rolling luxury hotels that rock stars travel in with features like plush carpeting, ceramic tile, cabinets designated to store wineglasses, LCD televisions, retractable awnings, and even storage for motorcycles. Many of them have a level of opulence so enthralling that you’ll be tempted to live in it, even while it’s parked in your driveway! The added bonus is that you never have to deal with the hassles of staying in a hotel, such as checkout times, missing reservations, or noisy people in the adjoining room.
Once you decide to purchase a RV, the next choice is the model. There are multiple manufacturers of motor homes including Gulf Stream, Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, Winnebago and more. With such a large array, it’s important to do a lot of research into what features you want and the reliability of the various manufactures.
Now that you’ve found your dream vehicle, you are probably ready to jump right in and purchase it. After all, when you are buying something new, there can’t be that much of a variation in price from dealership to dealership, right? Surprisingly, the cost variance when comparing new motor homes with identical features can actually be more than the disparities you’d find when buying used RVs with vast mileage differences.
The difference between the cost of a RV purchased in Ohio and Michigan can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over twenty thousand dollars. Even with the soaring cost of gas, it’s well worth the trip to save that much money!
These price changes aren’t limited to only the most expensive models either. The same Gulf Stream Independence model 8330LS that costs over $90,000.00 in Indiana can be found for $87,000.00 in North Carolina, $66,000.00 in Minnesota or $63,000.00 in Pennsylvania. Certainly once you do some more in depth research, you may locate some options on the $90,000.00 model in Indiana that aren’t on the $63,000.00 version in Pennsylvania, but there is little doubt that the dealership charging less would be able to get you the vehicle of your dreams without tacking on an additional $27,000.00 for similar options.
Realizing all of that, it makes perfect sense that your first family vacation in the new RV could be a cross country trip bringing it home from the dealership with the best price!
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Thursday, November 13th, 2008
Motorhomes are available in many shapes and sizes. They are divided into the class categories of A, B, or C. A Class A motorhome is at the high end of motorhomes because they are the largest, most luxurious, and most expensive of RV models.
Class A Motorhome Features :
The Class A motorhome models are favorites for people who use their RV full-time. They are often purchased by large families who enjoy traveling frequently each year as well. These motorhomes may also be used by musicians or entertainers who are on tour or travel frequently across the country.
Purchasing a high quality RV might be Fleetwood RV, Challenger RV, Airstream RV, Keystone RV etc may seem like a huge investment. It is true that they can be very expensive. However, you will save money on the expense of hotel rooms, airfare, and meals while traveling in this type of vehicle.
Each Class A motorhome for sale has a specially designed motor vehicle chassis. They have lavish interiors with all the features you would see in a home. In addition to having beds, a kitchen, showers, restrooms, and living areas, you will experience custom cabinetry, floors, countertops, and leather driver seats.
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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
An RV travel trailer, or caravan, is a small trailer in which people can live and travel simultaneously. RV travel trailers as well as other types of camping accommodations have had a long and varied history. In the USA, this history can be traced back to the early days in the 1920s when people of the time called these travelers “Tin Can Tourists”. As time progressed, trailers became more livable and earned a new name in the 1930s and 1940s – “House Trailer”. In the 1950s and 1960s, the industry seemed to split, creating the two distinctly different entities that we see today, that of the recreational vehicle (RV) industry and Mobile home industry. Today, travel trailers are classified as a type of RV along with motor homes, teardrop trailers, and truck campers.
Various Sizes for Your Various Needs :
Smaller RV travel trailers and pop-ups are still made with touring in mind. These generally are less than 18′ long and contain simple amenities. They are lightweight and quick to set up or prepare for travel. Most weigh less than 3000 lbs or about 1300 Kg and can be towed with a large car or small truck. Mid-range travel trailers are 18′- 25′, can weigh 5000 lbs or more, and are generally towed with compact V-8 powered pick up trucks and SUVs. They have most of the amenities of the larger travel trailers but have sleeping accommodation for fewer people.
Larger RV travel trailers are made keeping in mind the seasonal or full-time users. These generally range from 25′-40′ long and contain all the luxurious comforts. They require a large tow vehicle, either large trucks or SUVs; these can weigh up to 12000 pounds or more. Multiple TVs and Air Conditioners are common features found on these travel trailers. Slide-out rooms and screen porches add value to larger RV travel trailers. Fleetwood RV manufactures a high end line of full size RVs for sale and trailers.
Innovative RV Travel Trailers :
With time, RV Travel Trailers have witnessed many innovations. One such innovation in RV Travel Trailer is the “Toy Box.” Half living area and half garage, you can roll down all the toys to the countryside. A folding rear ramp gives access for Motorcycles, ATVs, Personal Watercraft, even racecars, to the back half. A built-in generator provides power for A/C, TV, and microwave. Another innovation is the hybrid travel trailer that combines the features of a pop-up trailer and a hard-sided trailer.
Amenities Galore in RV Travel Trailers :
A typical mid-range, modern RV Travel Trailer will contain the features such as, Gas/Electric powered refrigerator, Gas/Electric powered stove, oven and grill and Gas/Electric powered water heater. It contains one or more beds, some of which double-up for daytime seating. Electricity is usually supplied by battery or external hookups. Some even come equipped with RV Solar Systems. Toilet comes with removable disposal tank and flush-water tank. Shower is for your bathing needs. Radio, CD players, TV aerial/satellite dish etc for entertainment. Air conditioning, clothes washer and dryer, Microwave etc, are additional attraction on a RV Travel Trailer.
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