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.
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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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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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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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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
Used motorhomes for sale are in huge demand lately since it is ideal for vacations or extended land trip, all for much less than the price of a new vehicle. Motorhomes are an excellent option for long trips by land. They help you save money spent on motels or hotel stays and since you can cook your own food, you save from spending at restaurants.
Although, excursions and long trips are appealing to many, most would prefer a more convenient and comfortable way to outside camping or stay at hotels with limited freedom and facilities. It is here where the Motorhomes comes handy. The only glitch is that they are real expensive, so you can go for the “Used Motorhome” models which are cheaper. However, they are costlier than simple cars but are more suitable as they come with the basic requirements needed for long trips/vacations. Moreover, used motorhomes are costlier in the holiday period, so you should try to buy them during the lean period.
Used RVs might be Fleetwood RV, Airstream RV, Coachmen RV, Keystone RV, Winnebago RV etc sell for a lot less than brand new ones. These resold motorhomes are sometimes more convenient than brand new ones because the previous owners might also include some of the supplies and equipment that they have bought for the used motorhome. Some previous owners usually sell or give these away to buyers for free just to be able to get rid of them. Knowing the value of these add-on supplies and equipment can be important because they can be used when you go on your own land trip.
Other features that previous owners may have integrated into the second hand RVs are gas tanks for cooking, electric stoves, dishes and utensils, connections to waste disposal units and many others. Motorhomes need to be comfortable for the people who use them. Therefore, you need to feel at home with your new accommodation when you think about purchasing it.
There are numerous sites (both online and offline) where you can find a used motorhome for sale. These motorhomes may have descriptions such as slightly used, or practically brand new or even lady driven but the important thing is to really see it for yourself. Taking the seller’s word regarding the condition of the used motorhome can be foolhardy. You need to check out the state of the engine and the condition of the interior as well as the exterior.
As mentioned earlier, you need to inspect a Used Motorhome and might lack the knowledge and the skills to do so, especially regarding the engines. Therefore, you shall require the help of a mechanic or someone you trust to help you out in the inspection. If you do not feel comfortable buying Used Motorhomes from any dealer, you can always inquire for the names of good and reliable dealers dealing in them. Then, you may check out with them and purchase from them.
As is the case in all vehicles, some brands are more popular than others. Therefore, the Used Motorhomes of popular brands shall be costlier than those of other brands and are available for sale online. However, you must be careful before buying them online as “looks can be deceptive”. Their online pictures do not generally match their actual condition and looks. They may look great but are actually old or in poor physical state. So, you need to cross check before making any purchase.
So, you have decided to buy a “Used Motorhome”. Therefore, you need to have a clear idea of the type of motorhome you need, its equipment and accessories and your budget. This way you can get the best value and bargain while purchasing a Used Motorhome. This situation is similar to preparing a checklist before going to market; rather than wasting your time wondering what to buy. Therefore, it is beneficial to prepare yourself before buying one.
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Friday, November 7th, 2008
Many families choose to travel up the east and west coast during the summer. Since there are many reputable companies that offer motor homes or RVs at an affordable price like Fleetwood, Gulfstream, Winnebago, Keystone etc, many travelers choose to travel via motor home because of the flexibility and the affordability. A motor home or RV can allow a family to travel up the coast in a comfortable manner. Most companies can provide travelers with a motor home of a variety of sizes, so that the family can be comfortable during their vacation. The vacation can be enjoyable and relaxing; and families can bond while experiencing many tourists’ attractions along with the natural surroundings. Many tourists choose to vacation in a motor home because this form of travel can allow individuals to avoid long lines at airports. In addition, travelers don’t have to move luggage around or worry about traveling from hotel to hotel. Most motorhomes for sale come equipped with amenities such as automatic transmissions, microwaves, air conditioners televisions, clothes washer and dryer, convection oven, showers and even a generator.
The East Coast If you decide to travel up the east coast, vacationers should visit cities such as New York and Washington DC. New York has interest for everyone such as opera, world renowned restaurants, theatre, art collections and shopping. Visitors can park their motor home in the outskirts of the city and take the subway to leafy Central Park, see the top of the Empire State Building. Or perhaps, the family wants to travel to Washington DC and see landmarks such as the White House and Capitol Hill. Washington DC also has national museums surrounding the National Mall. You can also tour one of the oldest cities, Boston, which has beautiful architecture, world class museums and monuments such as the city’s two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail. You can also take a tour of Cape Cod’s Atlantic beaches. In Philadelphia, you can see where independence was declared and the Constitution was signed, and also understand why these documents are so important. In between touring cities, you can also go to the rural areas and see the foliage and the many trees and plants throughout the east coast. You may even want to travel to Maine and see many lakes and streams in the area.
The West Coast If you are interested in touring the west coast, you can travel between the Pacific and the San Gabriel Mountains. You can see cities such as Los Angeles and all the tourist attractions associated with that city, such as Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and Disneyland. Or you could go to San Francisco and see the Nation’s largest Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and partake in the restaurant scene. You could also travel up to Napa Valley and partake in the many vineyards. Tourists may also want to tour, the many beaches and parks throughout the west coast.
Whether your choice is the east or west coast, a motor home can be an optimal, efficient and affordable way to travel, especially for a large family. You can have a comfortable and exciting trip with your family.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008
There’s never been a better time to take up the RV life. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a snowbird or a full-timer, there’s an RV to suit any travel budget and any taste. With baby boomers starting to hit retirement age, more and more people are taking to the road with their motor home, RV or travel trailer. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association recently reported that nearly 8 million American households have and RV, motor home or travel trailer and that there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts in the US.
There are branded RVs for sale like Fleetwood RV, Coachmen RV, Keystone RV, Winnebago RV, Gulfstream RV etc. Seeing the country in an RV offers many benefits to the traveler looking for an affordable and exciting way to spend quality family time. According to one study, a family of four can save up to 74% traveling by RV instead of more conventional ways. And with more than 16,000 public and privately-owned campgrounds in the US, there’s a site to fulfill everyone’s vacation fantasy, whether it’s an oceanfront view, hiking trails, casino gambling or tennis.
RV travel is easy to learn, and once you’ve got the hang of it, there’ll be no going back! Here are six helpful tips that will come in handy for both the beginning and seasoned RV enthusiast:
Map it Out :
A large part of the RV appeal is the exhilarating freedom of the open road to go wherever you want, whenever you want. But it helps to have a solid travel plan in place. If you know where you’re heading, you can determine the best route, which offers the most interesting places to see. Look in travel guides, contact tourism boards in states you’ll be passing through, and search on the Internet. Make sure to have the correct road maps with you; a GPS system is a good idea as well, especially if you’re new to this kind of travel. If you’ve carefully designed the route you’ll be taking, it makes it easier to do spur-of-the moment things like checking out that oddball museum you just spotted on a roadside billboard!
Have A Checklist? Just Checking :
During your pre-trip prep, in addition to working out what needs to be in the RV, put together a thorough checklist of things to do when setting up at a campground. There are the basics, like finding out where all the campground connections are, making sure your RV is level and properly hooking up your water, gas and electric systems – but don’t forget comfort concerns, like making sure you’ve packed your favorite CDs and DVDs and those new lawn chairs. Equally important, you should have a second checklist of what has to be done when you break camp, both in terms of setting up your RV for departure (quick hint: when you think the job is done and everything is ready, check again).
Be Prepared - Have A ‘Just-For-The-RV’ First Aid Kit :
Always make sure you have a fully stocked, up-to-date, just-for-the-RV First Aid kit, and keep it in an outside storage compartment. It should include basic medical supplies (bandages, ointment, OTC pain reliever, insect repellant, scissors, etc.) and items like a flashlight, paper and writing implements, and a disposable camera in case you have to take photos of an accident site. If you don’t feel up to the task of putting one together yourself, an extensive range of ready-made First Aid kits are available for purchase. Also include an emergency supply of must-have medications and a list of important contact names (family members, doctors, insurance agents etc).
Camping with Kids :
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to set aside time during the day for outdoor activities, as even the roomiest RV can be confining for kids. And give each child his or her own space in the RV, no matter how small, for personal stuff and toys and games. RV traveling is a unique opportunity for your children to see new and different places and faces. There are often plenty of other kids at campgrounds – but be sure to walk around a new campground with your children when you first get settled there. They need to know which campsite you’re in and how to find it from other places on the grounds. If you’re also taking the family pet, check beforehand to see if they’re allowed at the campground
A Little Help From Your Friends :
When in doubt, ask your fellow RVer. However well-traveled you might be, odds are there’s someone you’ll meet along the way who has been somewhere you haven’t, solved a problem you haven’t yet encountered, or spotted an out-of-the-way delight you’ve never heard of. No matter how much research you’ve done, there’s bound to be a campsite you haven’t read about, a storage system that has escaped your notice – or a funny anecdote that you’ll laugh about for years to come. The new folks you meet may or may not become close friends for life, but they’re an important part of the journey.
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Saturday, October 25th, 2008
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Camping is like car camping except in most RV’s you can sleep. RV camping is a very popular kind of camping probably because you can bring along some of the bigger luxury items like comfortable chairs and bicycles. And some of the fancier RV’s have luxuries as you will never find in a tent, like a bathroom, bedroom, living room and kitchen. You can leaf your supplies, kitchen tools, towels and other personal stuff in the RV, you don’t have to pack everything when you decide to mover to another campsite.
RV camping is a great way for families to go camping without all of the putting up tents and sleeping on the ground kind of stuff. It is comfortable for parents with small children and for their grandparents and everyone in between. It is also an enjoyable way of camping for people who have disabilities, they will be able to keep on camping without all of the restrictions tent camping can invoke, like the physical burden of putting up the tent.
One of the main advantages of RV camping is that families can use their RV for other purposes when they aren’t being used for camping. You can use your RV as a guest room on your property or as a spare room for one of your older children, you can stay in your RV when your house is being painted, or when you have to stay with family who do not have a guest room. An RV gives you the freedom to stay in your own home on wheels and park any where you want.
An RV is so practical, you can pack up your RV with all of your supplies and travel from place to place. There are several types of RVs like Class A, Class B, Class C motorhome, Park Model RV, travel trailer etc and branded RVs like Fleetwood RV, Winnebago RV, Keystone RV, Airstream RV etc. The more expensive RV’s (motor homes) are motorized and you can drive them from camp to camp. Other RV’s can be towed behind the car or truck. This is very convenient because you can park the unit and then leave it, and use the truck to go shopping and explore. Some RV models fold open to create a tent. All different types come in many forms, sizes and additions.
RV camping has many advantages, for instance it is much cheaper than staying in hotels. You can take all your supplies and some luxury with you, in fact you can take your whole campsite with you from place to place. And you don’t have to put up tents and make a kitchen out of nothing and sleep on the ground. There are many RV parks and they are nice places to rest and enjoy yourself. RV camping is much easier than camping with a tent and backpack. And you can enjoy it with the whole family or with your friends. The freedom that comes with having an RV is wonderful, there are many ways you can use your house on wheels. RV camping is a real family activity and when you try it ones, you wish you would have done it years ago.
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Friday, October 24th, 2008
Rving is a great way to see America. It’s a way for families to be together, while continually learning about our great country. Rving is not limited to America, exploring Canada or Mexico can be rewarding. If you are traveling abroad you can rent an RV might be a Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Coachmen RV, Keystone RV, Winnebago RV etc and see that country at your leisure.
If gasoline or diesel is a problem, then consider staying close to home. Every state has so much to offer in the way of vacationing. Each state is unique in that it has great history which sometimes we fail to explore. Campgrounds have not raised their prices as some of them are probably hurting for more campers. So take the opportunity to explore your own state and you will be greatly rewarded.
We love to travel but we hate packing suitcases, eating out when other people want to, waiting for a table and not knowing whether the food is good or bad. Rving is traveling in your home on wheels. Eat what you want and when you want to. Rving also lets us sleep in my own bed at night.
We love the freedom that Rving lets us have. If you see a place you like, you can stop and park and spend as much time there as you like. Rving is great because you can travel great distances in less time so you can get to where you are going and spend most of your time there. It’s amazing how a 15 or 30 minute nap can rejuvenate you so you can safely continue on your journey. Make a good cup of coffee and a snack and you are good to go.
If you are traveling with children and or pets then a rest area is a good place for them to run and play so they are ready for the rest of the trip. If you are traveling in a motorhome then they can watch TV or play video games while you are traveling which makes their trip more enjoyable. If rving is new to you and you want to try it a great place to start is by renting an Rv and follow the road where it takes you. Happy Rving.
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
OK, you are going to buy an RV and you want the best deal possible. Whether it is a motor home, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, you know MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) is the baseline in establishing price and your goal is to pay 20% to 30% below MSRP.
If you are buying a used RV, you will be using NADA or Blue Book price guides and you should be aware these guides inflate their internet quotes approximately 10%. In addition, you are aware these prices are arbitrary and are to be used only as a guide.
You also know you’ll save money by securing your own financing rather than using dealer financing and you know it is in your best interests to be wary of any other “add one’s” the dealer may pitch you.
You are now in a position to secure a good deal on that motor home, fifth wheel, or travel trailer except for one tiny matter. You really do not know that much about RV’s and even if you do very few recreational vehicle buyers know how to conduct a thorough inspection. In addition, take it from someone who works on them every day. You have no business taking delivery on any RV, new or used, unless you know exactly what you are getting.
There are a number of guidelines in inspecting an RV and the first one is NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING! There are numerous facets involved on these little “houses on wheels” and considering what they cost today it is only prudent consumers do their homework before they take their RV home.
The biggest trap RV buyers fall into when buying a new RV might be a Fleetwood RV, Gulfstream RV, Keystone RV etc is placing too much emphasis on the manufacturer’s warranty. The manufacturers warranty is crucial but too many RV buyers take delivery on motor homes, fifth wheel RVs, and travel trailers with problems that eventually “wear them down” as they continually drag their beloved RV back to the dealership to be repaired.
Anyone visiting an RV dealership or going to an RV sale should be aware of two things the RV Industry has mastered. The first is marketing their product and second is making it look good. Any RV owner knows appearance is only “wall panel and veneer deep” and there is more to inspecting an RV than pushing on cabinets and pounding on walls. If only it was that easy.
Considering an RV has three complete and individual energy systems (110V, 12Volt DC, and LP gas), chassis and frame considerations, quality check points inside and outside, an appliance system consisting of a refrigerator, water heater, furnace, stove and oven, a fresh water and holding tank systems, and more, analyzing an RV may seem overwhelming to you. The good news is there is a lot of information available to assist anyone willing to learn. Anyone doing this will quickly realize it will be time well spent and more importantly, it can save you money…and lots of it. Happy RV’ing!
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