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.
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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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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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Thursday, October 23rd, 2008
Find the Used RV or Motorhome of your choice for sale with our easy-to-use RV classifieds section. Below you will find information on some of our most popular models.
Coachmen RV:
Coachmen Industries manufacturers class A and Class C motorhomes. Coachmen also builds fifth wheel and travel trailers. Class A motorhomes such as the Aurora, Santara, Mirada and Sportscoach are all built by Coachmen. Class C models include the Catalina Sport, Leprechaun and the Santara. Fifth wheel models are the Catalina, Catalina Lite, Prospera and the Royal. Coachmen’s line of travel trailers are Cadet, Catalina, Catalina Lite, Futura and the Royal. Coachmen is committed to producing high quality recreational vehicles for its clientel. It is because of this that Coachmen has grown to become one of the largest full-line manufacturers of recreational vehicles in the world.
Winnebago RV:
Winnebago Industries is one of the most widely recognized names in the rv industry. They produce class A and class C motorhomes, in both gas and diesel engines. Aside from Winnebago RV, the company is responsible for building Itasca, Rialta and the luxurious Ultimate. Winnebago produces greats like the well known Minnie Winnie. Winnebago has cleverly created several recreational vehicles to suit a wide range of rv consumers. Wether its a class a, class c motorhome or the smaller compact Rialta, Winnebago’s spacious floorplans will satisfy any buyer’s needs. Winnebago has some of the best designed plans in the industry, ensuring their placement in the rv industry for many years to come.
Monaco RV:
Monaco Coach was founded in 1968. Monaco is well known for its line of luxury recreational vehicles. Making them one of the worlds largest rv manufacturers to date. Monaco’s goal has been to stay competitive in the marketplace, while maintaining the prestige and elegance their buyer’s have come to expect from Monaco.
Fleetwood RV :
Fleetwood manufacturers more than 250 models, with hundreds of floor plans to choose from. Pricing ranges from $50,000 to over $300,000. Fleetwood builds luxury coaches like the American Heritage, American Dream, American Eagle and the American Tradition. Some of the most popular class A diesel motorhomes are the Fleewtood Bounder, Revolution, Discovery and the Expedition. Fleetwood’s class A gas motorhomes are the Pace Arrow, Southwind, Bounder, Flair, Storm, Terra and the Fiesta. They also produce fifth wheels and travel trailers. Models like the Prowler, Wilderness, Terry, Mallard and the Pioneer. Or luxury units such as the Avion Vintage and Platinum. The sturdy aerodynamic exterior with the elegant quality within. Over the years, Fleetwood has succeeded in manufacturing a broad range of RV’s sure to fit any customer’s lifestyle.
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Thursday, October 9th, 2008
A recent survey was taken of over 2,000 RVers. 78% thought RVing was the cheapest way to travel compared to renting a hotel room. High fuel prices is having an effect and most said they would take shorter trips, travel less miles and stay in places for longer times. 94% said, overall, they thought they used less energy living in an RV compared to living in a house.
Solar power :
A large proportion of RVs - much higher than the proportion of houses - use solar power and more and more RV manufacturers are incorporating energy saving features into their RVs.
The RVing industry is growing and changing :
“The leading edge of the baby boom generation has just entered their prime retirement ages, and the number that retires will accelerate over the next decade,” said Dr. Richard Curtin, Director of Surveys at the University of Michigan. “Moreover, the RV industry has been successful in attracting younger buyers.” They also predict:
- There will be a change toward more energy-efficient RVs
- There will be a change toward more age-friendly features
- There will be a change toward more upscale destination campgrounds
RVs are getting better :
RVs are growing more popular now-a-days. Top RV manufacturers like Fleetwood, Keystone, Winnebago, Gulfstream etc however, have to compete not only for new business, but also repeat business, and for customers who will recommend their RV to friends and family. And so even though RVing is becoming more popular, it’s becoming more about market share, competitiveness and continuous improvement. This will inevitably lead to better and better RVs, with more carefully chosen and more reliable components.
There is an increase in competitiveness in all manufacturing industries because of :
- Improvements in manufacturing methods
- Rapid advances in technology
- Globalization
Because of this, manufacturers are trying their level best to find new ways to design, produce, sell and deliver their products - and this can only benefit RV’ers and the environment in the long run.
Reducing Formaldehyde in RVs :
There are many benefits to owning an RV but one problem the industry is having is reducing the amount of formaldehyde in the interior of new or used RVs. Many RV manufacturers have realized this is an issue and are starting to incorporate different types of materials that don’t release formaldehyde gases. Everybody is talking about using, “GREEN” materials and the RV industry is starting to take notice. Newer models today release less formaldehyde gas as compared to older models. It’s getting better but the industry still has a ways to go in this area.
Make sure you get the best suitable RV home. A buying guide will help you save thousands of money while negotiating with a RV dealer.
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