RVing For Senior Citizens
by Bob Carper
Many times my wife said to me, "I wish I could just run away, and run, and run !" I told her,"Where would you run to?" "We just can't pick up and run just like that !"
We've been stay at homes for the last seven years. Throughout that time, we've never investigated recreational vehicles. "RVing," is something that many people dream about. Driving down the open road in a recreational vehicle with everything that we need right at our fingertips can be an unforgettable experience. Promoters of RVs say that this will make our vacations better, and enhance our life in extraordinary ways.
However, we are retired and in our 70s. We live on a very limited budget. Thus, if we are to consider the joys of the open road, we have to think about a used RV rather than a new one. Although owning an RV can be very freeing, allowing us the ability to have limitless adventures, an adventure with the bank is not one of them. Our first recreational vehicle is going to be a used one, Because an RV is both a home as well as a vehicle, we must do our research. Used RVs, in great condition, are sold everyday. The key is in knowing where to find them.
Used RVs are typically sold by RV dealers. Finding a dealer that has a good reputation for selling used vehicles is not hard to do. Searching the Web under "RVs" is a good starting place. You should ask people that own an RV if they have a dealer that they can recommend to you. Let your friends know what you are looking for. Word of mouth is an excellent way to locate a dealer who will treat you right.
RV dealers will often have perfectly good used RVs on the lot that have been traded in for bigger and better models. Find out if they have one that had just a single owner before being traded in. Be sure that you walk through the RV, that has the accessories you want, and that everything is in working condition. Don't forget to test drive it as well. Your RV dealer will help you with every step, and answer any questions that you might have.
Keeping an eye on the classifieds in your local paper can help you locate dealers that have used RVs in excellent condition. You can, of course, buy from an individual, but you lose the benefits a dealer can offer, such as any available warranty. Don't forget to check the mileage, and don't be afraid to ask to take it to a mechanic that you trust to get it checked out. A reputable used RV dealer should have no problem with your request. Be sure that you ask how much oil it uses, and how many miles you can get to a gallon of gas.
Searching the internet is also a great tool for finding a dealer that offers good condition used RVs at the right price. Sometimes traveling to check out a great deal is worth the time and money that you put into it. Take your family along with you to make sure that it is a model that they all will be happy with. You will want your family to love the RV, and be comfortable on family camping trips and vacations; their input is an important part of your decision.
Accessories and extras are the most important issues in buying an RV besides the operating condition of the vehicle. The RV must be able to sleep a minimum of two persons comfortably, since it will be used on overnighters. Other living essentials will be a fridge / freezer and a microwave. There should also be a TV, a CD/DVD player, and good quality stereo speakers.
If you are going all out to have your RV serve as a home away from home, you should check out electrical and water / sewer connectors. However, if your campground operators have these utilities in a service building / restaurant, you will not need these extras.
Finding a used recreational vehicle in great condition ss not difficult to do. Be sure that you are looking in all of the above places, and you will locate the vehicle of your dreams. That next family vacation does not have to be a distant dream; make it a reality and take your family on the best vacation they can imagine in a great used RV.
Bob Carper is a veteran information systems consultant with an MBA from Pitt. For additional information go to All About Webconferencing or My Power Mall. You may also e-mail Bob at robertcarper06@comcast.net
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Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Finding Campers for Sale
Finding Campers for Sale
by Barry Bushnell
Finding Campers for Sale:With the prices of gas and the issues among the economy it is hard for families to go on vacation so more families are looking for campers for sale. Less and less families are spending time away from home and the ones that are? Well they are getting their on their own! So what are some ways we can make our vacations longer and more affordable? This means more sales for campers! Campers provide several benefits to not only make the trip cheaper but enhance the closeness of the family. The average family in the 1990’s either flew or took a train to their vacation spot. Now almost 75% of vacationers are driving them selves or just not going at all!Airlines are racing to come up with the best deals to keep the people flying! While this is opening up lots of opportunities for the RV and Motorhome dealerships! So how do you find the deals on a new camper? It depends on where you look. Finding the best deals, while still getting the best features for your buck will take research and work!Now more and more people are making purchases online, and businesses are making it easier for people to purchase their goods online. There are several positive factors to this, and as with everything some negatives. While it is easier to find exactly what you are looking for, it is also easier to be scammed. Doing your homework and looking into each company is a great thing to do before making a major purchase.There are several types of campers to choose from however the most versatile would be the truck Camper. The truck campers have a lower price range. They provide you with more miles per gallon saving you incredible prices on gas and can tow your other items. Many people who camp want to bring a boat or maybe some jet skis, etc…but not all campers can tow that stuff behind them. Truck campers can do this saving you a lot of headaches and grief on your vacation.There are several magazines and websites to help you choose which campers are best, as well as what to expect from each one! Sites like Mycampspot.com and Dusty’s camper World are good places to look for articles, and forums for asking questions before your purchase. There are magazines like Truck Camper Magazine that will provide you with the latest information on all models of campers. You should definitely check out the seized auction database for listings of local police and seized auctions ( http://americanmotorhome.net/go/seizedvehicleseo1.html ). Finding out all the information possible is the best solution when looking in to Campers for Sale!
Barry Bushnell covers all aspects of finding and purchasing used campers and motorhomes at his website http://americanmotorhome.net where you can get the RV Buyer's Guide
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by Barry Bushnell
Finding Campers for Sale:With the prices of gas and the issues among the economy it is hard for families to go on vacation so more families are looking for campers for sale. Less and less families are spending time away from home and the ones that are? Well they are getting their on their own! So what are some ways we can make our vacations longer and more affordable? This means more sales for campers! Campers provide several benefits to not only make the trip cheaper but enhance the closeness of the family. The average family in the 1990’s either flew or took a train to their vacation spot. Now almost 75% of vacationers are driving them selves or just not going at all!Airlines are racing to come up with the best deals to keep the people flying! While this is opening up lots of opportunities for the RV and Motorhome dealerships! So how do you find the deals on a new camper? It depends on where you look. Finding the best deals, while still getting the best features for your buck will take research and work!Now more and more people are making purchases online, and businesses are making it easier for people to purchase their goods online. There are several positive factors to this, and as with everything some negatives. While it is easier to find exactly what you are looking for, it is also easier to be scammed. Doing your homework and looking into each company is a great thing to do before making a major purchase.There are several types of campers to choose from however the most versatile would be the truck Camper. The truck campers have a lower price range. They provide you with more miles per gallon saving you incredible prices on gas and can tow your other items. Many people who camp want to bring a boat or maybe some jet skis, etc…but not all campers can tow that stuff behind them. Truck campers can do this saving you a lot of headaches and grief on your vacation.There are several magazines and websites to help you choose which campers are best, as well as what to expect from each one! Sites like Mycampspot.com and Dusty’s camper World are good places to look for articles, and forums for asking questions before your purchase. There are magazines like Truck Camper Magazine that will provide you with the latest information on all models of campers. You should definitely check out the seized auction database for listings of local police and seized auctions ( http://americanmotorhome.net/go/seizedvehicleseo1.html ). Finding out all the information possible is the best solution when looking in to Campers for Sale!
Barry Bushnell covers all aspects of finding and purchasing used campers and motorhomes at his website http://americanmotorhome.net where you can get the RV Buyer's Guide
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Sunday, May 4, 2008
RV motorhomes – Your home far away from home.
RV Motorhomes – Your home far away from home
by Simon Churchgate
Most of us like traveling. Going to new places with friends and family is a prospect that excites many of us. But when we finally manage to get away from it all and land up in a new place, and after the excitement of the itinerary and the new locale wears off a little, it’s easy to start feeling a little homesick. After all, your home is where your heart is. And few places will ever match the warmth and comfort of one’s home.
It’s a strange predicament. How do you get away from home without really getting away from it? The simplest solution in such a case is to carry your home with you wherever you go. Fix a set of wheels to your house and tow it with you. Paradoxical as it may seem, with a motorhome, you can make the impossible possible.
Welcome to the wonderful world of RV motorhomes (RV, by the way, stands for Recreational vehicles in case you didn’t know.) Owning an RV motorhome is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. It’s just like traveling with your home as you from location to location and explore your country. RV motorhomes come in two distinct varieties - towables and motorized. Towable RVs include such variants as the travel trailer, the fifth wheel and the tent trailer. A more recent addition to this category is the toy hauler, which features both ample living areas and a secure place to keep your favorite ‘toys’, like ATV’s and motorcycles. A towable RV motor home is designed to be towed by a pick up. It therefore provides the added flexibility of having a car that can be easily separated from the RV and put to independent use.
The real fun with RV motorhomes begins with the motorized kind. These are the bigger, better boys of the pack, and also among the more expensive ones. A motorhome, as it is popularly called, can belong to any of 3 Classes. Class A Motorhomes are either gas or diesel powered, with the diesel Class A motorhomes being referred to as Diesel Pushers and often the most expensive and luxurious of the RV types. Class B Motorhomes or van conversions are a large self-contained van, which includes living accommodations, and are the smaller version of the motorhomes. Class C Motorhomes are built on a truck chassis. They are cheaper than the other two types, yet offer excellent amenities and ample space.
So what should one expect from an RV motorhome? Well, a typical RV, even in its most humble manifestation, would include beds, a table, and food preparation and storage areas. Larger RV models come with full bathrooms, refrigerators, and living areas, master bedrooms, etc. Some of the more expensive and more elaborate RVs feature satellite TV and Internet access, slide-out sections, and awnings.
Everyday, more and more people are waking up to the grand experience of owning and raveling in an RV motorhome. It’s a unique mobile living experience that’s hard to match. A recent consumer study indicates that an estimated 7.9 million American households now own an RV. Truly enough, the fun and enjoyment that these travel trailers, motorhomes, campers and van conversions offer are hard to match anywhere else.
For all those already yearning for this exquisite piece of mobile luxury, there’s good news. Did you know that the Internet now offers excellent facilities to locate and purchase the motorhome of your choice? All it takes is just a few clicks of your mouse to quickly locate the best deals on RV motorhomes. So get online and take your pick from brand new or used RVs. Get the best deals on the RV motorhome of your dream.
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by Simon Churchgate
Most of us like traveling. Going to new places with friends and family is a prospect that excites many of us. But when we finally manage to get away from it all and land up in a new place, and after the excitement of the itinerary and the new locale wears off a little, it’s easy to start feeling a little homesick. After all, your home is where your heart is. And few places will ever match the warmth and comfort of one’s home.
It’s a strange predicament. How do you get away from home without really getting away from it? The simplest solution in such a case is to carry your home with you wherever you go. Fix a set of wheels to your house and tow it with you. Paradoxical as it may seem, with a motorhome, you can make the impossible possible.
Welcome to the wonderful world of RV motorhomes (RV, by the way, stands for Recreational vehicles in case you didn’t know.) Owning an RV motorhome is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. It’s just like traveling with your home as you from location to location and explore your country. RV motorhomes come in two distinct varieties - towables and motorized. Towable RVs include such variants as the travel trailer, the fifth wheel and the tent trailer. A more recent addition to this category is the toy hauler, which features both ample living areas and a secure place to keep your favorite ‘toys’, like ATV’s and motorcycles. A towable RV motor home is designed to be towed by a pick up. It therefore provides the added flexibility of having a car that can be easily separated from the RV and put to independent use.
The real fun with RV motorhomes begins with the motorized kind. These are the bigger, better boys of the pack, and also among the more expensive ones. A motorhome, as it is popularly called, can belong to any of 3 Classes. Class A Motorhomes are either gas or diesel powered, with the diesel Class A motorhomes being referred to as Diesel Pushers and often the most expensive and luxurious of the RV types. Class B Motorhomes or van conversions are a large self-contained van, which includes living accommodations, and are the smaller version of the motorhomes. Class C Motorhomes are built on a truck chassis. They are cheaper than the other two types, yet offer excellent amenities and ample space.
So what should one expect from an RV motorhome? Well, a typical RV, even in its most humble manifestation, would include beds, a table, and food preparation and storage areas. Larger RV models come with full bathrooms, refrigerators, and living areas, master bedrooms, etc. Some of the more expensive and more elaborate RVs feature satellite TV and Internet access, slide-out sections, and awnings.
Everyday, more and more people are waking up to the grand experience of owning and raveling in an RV motorhome. It’s a unique mobile living experience that’s hard to match. A recent consumer study indicates that an estimated 7.9 million American households now own an RV. Truly enough, the fun and enjoyment that these travel trailers, motorhomes, campers and van conversions offer are hard to match anywhere else.
For all those already yearning for this exquisite piece of mobile luxury, there’s good news. Did you know that the Internet now offers excellent facilities to locate and purchase the motorhome of your choice? All it takes is just a few clicks of your mouse to quickly locate the best deals on RV motorhomes. So get online and take your pick from brand new or used RVs. Get the best deals on the RV motorhome of your dream.
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RVing in California: Tips on RV Camping, RV Parks and Places To Visit in California
RVing in California: Tips on RV Camping, RV Parks and Places To Visit in California
by John Noble
California gets its “Golden State” nickname from the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s – but also deserves the handle because RVing in California offers a golden opportunity for travelers on the go! As the third largest state in the country, California has so many different landscapes it can seem like all fifty states rolled into one. There’s the desert, the mountains, big cities, small towns and more than 1000 miles of breathtaking coastline. This makes for excellent RVing and countless sightseeing destinations - Here are some ideas on how to enjoy your RVing in California.
California RV Camping and RV Campgrounds: Something for Everyone
There’s such wide geographical variety in California that the state is divided into 12 regions. Each has its own unique natural beauty, man-made splendor - and weather! With all the California terrain and weather differences, research California RV camping and California RV campgrounds specific for your RVing journey and prepare accordingly. There is truly something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors - skiing, boating, fishing, hiking and lots of beach RV campsites.
California RV Camping and RV Parks: A State for all Seasons
It’s hard to imagine covering all of California in one journey (there’s more than 150,000 square miles!) So if you’re flexible, think about when you most want to go on your California RV camping trip. If you’re a snowbird on the run from cold weather at home, you probably won’t want to go to the High Sierra mountains in the winter, as you’ll find snow and low temperatures. Looking for a champagne stopover on a beer budget? Prime time to visit Palm Springs is in the winter, with prices to match, but if you go in the summer-time off-season, RV campsites and RV parks are likely to be more reasonably priced and much more readily available. Make sure though that your air conditioning is working and make room for plenty of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat!
RVing in California: Visit California’s Greatest Places
Because of the state’s generally mild climate, most RV campsites in California are up and running year-round. If you’re planning on RVing to the Golden State, you might want to concentrate on one area. If you’ve never been to California before, start with some well-know highlights: San Francisco and nearby Muir Woods, then venture further north to wine country, or Southern California known for its Hollywood glamour and some of the most popular attractions in the U.S.A., including Universal Studios, the Getty Center, Venice Beach and of course the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Be sure to research discounts such as AAA, AARP, groups, etc.!
RVing in California: Visit Fairs & Festivals in Every Flavor
Many people associate California with business, Silicon Valley and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, but did you know California is the nation’s #1 agricultural state? With most harvesting done in the spring and early summer, there’s a bumper crop of festivals celebrating locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Most are cozy, down home events, which benefit regional community organizations. While RVing in California, here’s a tasty sampling:
• Apricot Capitol of the World, Patterson - holds an Apricot Fiesta every year
• Butter & Egg Day in Petaluma commemorates the town’s egg and dairy history
• Gilroy Garlic Festival, in its third decade, attracts over 100,000 visitors a year and
• Asparagus Festival - more than 40,000 pounds of asparagus are consumed annually at the Stockton
Most all of the areas where there are Fairs & Festivals have plenty of RV Parks, RV Campgrounds and RV Camping facilities!
California RV Campgrounds & RV Camping at the Beach!
The beaches of California and the Pacific Coast Highway are world famous, and deservedly so. Beautiful ocean vistas, sand, surf and seasonal glimpses of migrating whales are just some of the more obvious highlights. You can plan an entire California RVing excursion just by driving north or south along the coast. If you’re RVing on the California beaches, consider getting a copy of the California Coast Access Guide, which contains information on more than 890 public access coastal areas, 100+ maps and clear descriptions of RV camping, RV parks, RV campgrounds, trails and recreation areas.
John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky River RV Inc - a California-based RV sales and service RV dealer featuring Teton, Allegro, Itasca, T@b and Airstream RV, motor home and travel trailer units. For 100% customer satisfaction and personal customer care in new and used RV sales, service/repair and RV parts that has placed Sky River RV ‘a cut above the rest’ go to http://www.skyriverrv.com/rv-sales.htm
Article Source: ArticleCube.com - Free Articles Directory
by John Noble
California gets its “Golden State” nickname from the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s – but also deserves the handle because RVing in California offers a golden opportunity for travelers on the go! As the third largest state in the country, California has so many different landscapes it can seem like all fifty states rolled into one. There’s the desert, the mountains, big cities, small towns and more than 1000 miles of breathtaking coastline. This makes for excellent RVing and countless sightseeing destinations - Here are some ideas on how to enjoy your RVing in California.
California RV Camping and RV Campgrounds: Something for Everyone
There’s such wide geographical variety in California that the state is divided into 12 regions. Each has its own unique natural beauty, man-made splendor - and weather! With all the California terrain and weather differences, research California RV camping and California RV campgrounds specific for your RVing journey and prepare accordingly. There is truly something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors - skiing, boating, fishing, hiking and lots of beach RV campsites.
California RV Camping and RV Parks: A State for all Seasons
It’s hard to imagine covering all of California in one journey (there’s more than 150,000 square miles!) So if you’re flexible, think about when you most want to go on your California RV camping trip. If you’re a snowbird on the run from cold weather at home, you probably won’t want to go to the High Sierra mountains in the winter, as you’ll find snow and low temperatures. Looking for a champagne stopover on a beer budget? Prime time to visit Palm Springs is in the winter, with prices to match, but if you go in the summer-time off-season, RV campsites and RV parks are likely to be more reasonably priced and much more readily available. Make sure though that your air conditioning is working and make room for plenty of sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat!
RVing in California: Visit California’s Greatest Places
Because of the state’s generally mild climate, most RV campsites in California are up and running year-round. If you’re planning on RVing to the Golden State, you might want to concentrate on one area. If you’ve never been to California before, start with some well-know highlights: San Francisco and nearby Muir Woods, then venture further north to wine country, or Southern California known for its Hollywood glamour and some of the most popular attractions in the U.S.A., including Universal Studios, the Getty Center, Venice Beach and of course the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Be sure to research discounts such as AAA, AARP, groups, etc.!
RVing in California: Visit Fairs & Festivals in Every Flavor
Many people associate California with business, Silicon Valley and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, but did you know California is the nation’s #1 agricultural state? With most harvesting done in the spring and early summer, there’s a bumper crop of festivals celebrating locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Most are cozy, down home events, which benefit regional community organizations. While RVing in California, here’s a tasty sampling:
• Apricot Capitol of the World, Patterson - holds an Apricot Fiesta every year
• Butter & Egg Day in Petaluma commemorates the town’s egg and dairy history
• Gilroy Garlic Festival, in its third decade, attracts over 100,000 visitors a year and
• Asparagus Festival - more than 40,000 pounds of asparagus are consumed annually at the Stockton
Most all of the areas where there are Fairs & Festivals have plenty of RV Parks, RV Campgrounds and RV Camping facilities!
California RV Campgrounds & RV Camping at the Beach!
The beaches of California and the Pacific Coast Highway are world famous, and deservedly so. Beautiful ocean vistas, sand, surf and seasonal glimpses of migrating whales are just some of the more obvious highlights. You can plan an entire California RVing excursion just by driving north or south along the coast. If you’re RVing on the California beaches, consider getting a copy of the California Coast Access Guide, which contains information on more than 890 public access coastal areas, 100+ maps and clear descriptions of RV camping, RV parks, RV campgrounds, trails and recreation areas.
John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky River RV Inc - a California-based RV sales and service RV dealer featuring Teton, Allegro, Itasca, T@b and Airstream RV, motor home and travel trailer units. For 100% customer satisfaction and personal customer care in new and used RV sales, service/repair and RV parts that has placed Sky River RV ‘a cut above the rest’ go to http://www.skyriverrv.com/rv-sales.htm
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Friday, April 18, 2008
RV Tips For A Better Trip
Rving is a great way to see these beautiful United States. Maybe you only use your RV part-time or, if you are like millions of American, you live a full-time RV lifestyle. Whichever the case here are some simple tips to make your next RV trip a little easier.
Tip #1 Traveling in an RV is about enjoying the US countryside and what it has to offer. So, don’t travel more than about six hour a day. Most RV Parks close their office around 5pm each day. Try to check in at your destination, RV Resort Park, before 4pm. Also, this will allow you to setup your camp site while it is still daylight.
Tip #2 Make sure you carry a well equipped tool box when you travel. Minor repairs are just a part of Rving, so be prepared.
Tip #3 Modern technology is great and a GPS unit can be helpful, but sometimes the best tools are the simplest. So, don’t forget to bring a compass.
Tip #4 Plan your trip so that you don’t have to drive during rush hour traffic. Stop and have breakfast during morning rush hour and try to be off the road long before the going home traffic starts.
Tip #5 Keep driver fatigue to a minimum, share the driving duties with all licensed and qualified drivers.
Tip #6 Always carry a roll of quarters for paying the toll on the toll roads you come across.
Tip #7 It’s a good idea to carry a box of disposable gloves for use when hooking up sewer pipes and at dump stations. A box of disposable gloves are inexpensive and very handy.
Tip #8 If you are a fisherman and like to carry your fishing rods with you it’s a good idea to slide the rods into a piece of 2” PVC pipe to protect your fishing rod from getting broken during your travels.
Tip#9 After you have hooked up your RV and you are ready to pull out take just a few minutes and double check your travel trailer hookup or tow bar connections. Remember, its better to be safe than sorry.
These are just a few tips to help make your next RV trip a little better and hopefully safer. Don’t sit around the house. Get out and see everything this country has to offer. I think you will like what you see.
Tip #1 Traveling in an RV is about enjoying the US countryside and what it has to offer. So, don’t travel more than about six hour a day. Most RV Parks close their office around 5pm each day. Try to check in at your destination, RV Resort Park, before 4pm. Also, this will allow you to setup your camp site while it is still daylight.
Tip #2 Make sure you carry a well equipped tool box when you travel. Minor repairs are just a part of Rving, so be prepared.
Tip #3 Modern technology is great and a GPS unit can be helpful, but sometimes the best tools are the simplest. So, don’t forget to bring a compass.
Tip #4 Plan your trip so that you don’t have to drive during rush hour traffic. Stop and have breakfast during morning rush hour and try to be off the road long before the going home traffic starts.
Tip #5 Keep driver fatigue to a minimum, share the driving duties with all licensed and qualified drivers.
Tip #6 Always carry a roll of quarters for paying the toll on the toll roads you come across.
Tip #7 It’s a good idea to carry a box of disposable gloves for use when hooking up sewer pipes and at dump stations. A box of disposable gloves are inexpensive and very handy.
Tip #8 If you are a fisherman and like to carry your fishing rods with you it’s a good idea to slide the rods into a piece of 2” PVC pipe to protect your fishing rod from getting broken during your travels.
Tip#9 After you have hooked up your RV and you are ready to pull out take just a few minutes and double check your travel trailer hookup or tow bar connections. Remember, its better to be safe than sorry.
These are just a few tips to help make your next RV trip a little better and hopefully safer. Don’t sit around the house. Get out and see everything this country has to offer. I think you will like what you see.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
RV Camping Is Easier And More Convenient
RV Camping Is Easier And More Convenient
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 RV's. 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.
From childhood on Melissa Thornton has always been an outdoor person. Having seen a lot of camping spots around the world she gives tips to newcomers and die-hards about camping at http://www.campingcrowd.com/
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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 RV's. 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.
From childhood on Melissa Thornton has always been an outdoor person. Having seen a lot of camping spots around the world she gives tips to newcomers and die-hards about camping at http://www.campingcrowd.com/
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Motor Home Destinations – California Redwood Forests
Motor Home Destinations – California Redwood Forests
by Andrew Stratton
Just imagine standing there, looking up at a giant tree that rises above you into the sky. Even the huckleberries are several feet over your head. Standing among these giants really puts life in perspective, and the hush of the forest floor is so quiet that your footsteps sound like thunder.
Welcome to the California Redwoods, part of a unique ecosystem that includes these ancient trees as well as some of California's prettiest coastline. In the Redwood forest, you can go biking, rafting, fishing, swimming or picnicking, but just walking around among these gigantic trees is enough of a mind-blower for most people.
If you're in the mood for a scenic drive, you can see the sights without leaving your car or motor home on one of the park's scenic drives. The most famous of these is the Avenue of the Giants. If the name gives you any indication, it's pretty spectacular.
Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles of Highway 101 about 5 hours north of San Francisco. Without even leaving your motor home, you will see some of the biggest trees in the entire forest. The Avenue is also close to the Humboldt National Forest, where the oldest stand of virgin old-growth redwood trees is still standing.
Then again, if you do want to get out and walk among the giants, there are trailheads all along the way. Any time you see a sign for a trail, pull off and take it. Wherever it takes you, it will be spectacular and well worth the walking. There are also lots of great places to stop and picnic.
The Avenue of the Giants is also dotted with quaint little towns where you can stop along the way to eat, pick up souvenirs or get more information about these huge trees.
You've probably seen the pictures of the Shrine Drive-Thru tree. That is located in Myers Flat, and there is a turn-off in the Avenues for it. Here you can drive through one of these massive trees!
But, the redwoods are more than just trees. They are part of an entire ecosystem, including prairies, rivers and coastline as well. There are places like the Klamath River Overlook, where you can look down on the spot where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. You may also catch sight of jumping salmon, sun-bathing sea lions, flying sea-birds, seals and even gray whales.
In this pristine environment there are a variety of protected wildlife, like the Roosevelt elk, gray whales, black bears and sea anemones. There are also lots of interesting little critters, like the massive banana slugs, so named because of their bright color and fruit-size.
The California redwoods are a great destination for motor home travelers, and there are some wonderful campgrounds where you can stay.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is open from May 1st to September 30th, and is located right in the middle of the forest. There are 145 sites that allow both tents and RVs, but there are restrictions on how long the motor homes can be. Call them for more information and reservations.
The campground at Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park is open year around and its more than 100 sites accommodate RVs. There are no hookups, though, and they also have length restrictions. Call ahead for more information.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has 2 campgrounds which are both quite a bit smaller than the others. One has 75 sites and the smaller one has 25 and doesn't allow trailers. Prairie Creek is great for those who really want to get away and prefer slightly more rugged accommodations.
Everyone should see the redwoods at least once. You won't believe it!
The California Redwood forests are a spectacular vacation site with a lot of things to see and do. The area is also very motor home friendly, with several parks where you can camp. Visit Bankston Motor Homes and be on your way if this sounds like a vacation for you. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com
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by Andrew Stratton
Just imagine standing there, looking up at a giant tree that rises above you into the sky. Even the huckleberries are several feet over your head. Standing among these giants really puts life in perspective, and the hush of the forest floor is so quiet that your footsteps sound like thunder.
Welcome to the California Redwoods, part of a unique ecosystem that includes these ancient trees as well as some of California's prettiest coastline. In the Redwood forest, you can go biking, rafting, fishing, swimming or picnicking, but just walking around among these gigantic trees is enough of a mind-blower for most people.
If you're in the mood for a scenic drive, you can see the sights without leaving your car or motor home on one of the park's scenic drives. The most famous of these is the Avenue of the Giants. If the name gives you any indication, it's pretty spectacular.
Avenue of the Giants is 31 miles of Highway 101 about 5 hours north of San Francisco. Without even leaving your motor home, you will see some of the biggest trees in the entire forest. The Avenue is also close to the Humboldt National Forest, where the oldest stand of virgin old-growth redwood trees is still standing.
Then again, if you do want to get out and walk among the giants, there are trailheads all along the way. Any time you see a sign for a trail, pull off and take it. Wherever it takes you, it will be spectacular and well worth the walking. There are also lots of great places to stop and picnic.
The Avenue of the Giants is also dotted with quaint little towns where you can stop along the way to eat, pick up souvenirs or get more information about these huge trees.
You've probably seen the pictures of the Shrine Drive-Thru tree. That is located in Myers Flat, and there is a turn-off in the Avenues for it. Here you can drive through one of these massive trees!
But, the redwoods are more than just trees. They are part of an entire ecosystem, including prairies, rivers and coastline as well. There are places like the Klamath River Overlook, where you can look down on the spot where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. You may also catch sight of jumping salmon, sun-bathing sea lions, flying sea-birds, seals and even gray whales.
In this pristine environment there are a variety of protected wildlife, like the Roosevelt elk, gray whales, black bears and sea anemones. There are also lots of interesting little critters, like the massive banana slugs, so named because of their bright color and fruit-size.
The California redwoods are a great destination for motor home travelers, and there are some wonderful campgrounds where you can stay.
Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park is open from May 1st to September 30th, and is located right in the middle of the forest. There are 145 sites that allow both tents and RVs, but there are restrictions on how long the motor homes can be. Call them for more information and reservations.
The campground at Jebediah Smith Redwoods State Park is open year around and its more than 100 sites accommodate RVs. There are no hookups, though, and they also have length restrictions. Call ahead for more information.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park has 2 campgrounds which are both quite a bit smaller than the others. One has 75 sites and the smaller one has 25 and doesn't allow trailers. Prairie Creek is great for those who really want to get away and prefer slightly more rugged accommodations.
Everyone should see the redwoods at least once. You won't believe it!
The California Redwood forests are a spectacular vacation site with a lot of things to see and do. The area is also very motor home friendly, with several parks where you can camp. Visit Bankston Motor Homes and be on your way if this sounds like a vacation for you. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com
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Motor Home in the Ozarks
Motor Home in the Ozarks
by Andrew Stratton
If you head south through Missouri, you'll come to a spot where the wide, flat farmlands break into the misty green rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are not actually mountains, but a huge plateau that extends from southern Missouri into northern Arkansas, and parts of eastern Oklahoma and Kansas. Aside from its natural beauty, the Ozarks region offers lots of fun for everybody, including great motor home enthusiasts.
Lake of the Ozarks is the number one destination in the Ozark Mountains. This is because there's so much do to: golfing, boating, hiking, water sports, fishing... the list goes on. There are places for shopping or dining in town, as well as state parks along the edge of the lake where you can get away from everything.
This is a great family-oriented vacation spot where you can have the best of everything. You can get a camping spot on the edge of a hill surrounded by trees, and it's just a short drive to miniature golf, go-cart riding and water slides. There are lots of great water parks in the area, which are always a big hit with the kids.
There are several very popular motor home sites near the lake.
- Lazy River RV Resort in Eldon, Missouri. This campground is located on the Osage River, just a few minutes drive from the lakefront. They have hiking, water sports and golf just minutes from your camp site.
- Cross Creek RV Park. This is a big campground geared toward family fun, with lots of activities and amenities. They have more than 70 sites with full hook-ups, but it's still a good idea to call ahead; it fills up in the summer months.
Branson - The New Home Of Country Music
For all you country fans out there, Branson is the new Mecca. But, not only does Branson have lots of shows, it has other great things to offer, like good food, museums, theme parks, and nightlife. Branson prides itself on having food from all over the world in its buffets, and lots to do once the sun goes down.
Of course, for lots of us, we'd rather cast a line into the lake and wait for a bite. Branson has great fishing too, some of the best in the United States. There are three good-sized lakes around the Branson area that have boat rentals, great fishing and water skiing.
For RV campers, there are lots of great places to stay around Branson. A few of the most popular include Branson Shenanigans RV Park, Branson View Campground and ABC Campground. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Get into the Wilderness - The Boston Mountains
If you want to get away from things, Arkansas's Boston Mountains are spectacular. These lush, green mountains are a wonderful place to see in your motor home adventures, with lots of places to stop and hike, fish or take in the view. There is a Boston Mountains Scenic Loop that winds its way all through the beautiful mountain landscape, where you'll see bare cliff-sides, trickling mountain streams, and bridges that soar above the mountain landscape.
The Overland RV Park offers some of the best motor home accommodations in the Boston Mountains, and there are lots of sights to see not far away, like Lake Fort Smith State Park and Lake Lou Emma Dam.
The Ozarks are a great place to experience real mountain culture, see pretty scenery and take the family out on some unforgettable adventures.
The Ozarks offer a wide variety of family-oriented activities if the whole family is taking the trip. Your motor home trip can take you away from city life, this area offers a variety of activities. Bankston Motor Homes can put you on the road to this RV playground. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com
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by Andrew Stratton
If you head south through Missouri, you'll come to a spot where the wide, flat farmlands break into the misty green rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are not actually mountains, but a huge plateau that extends from southern Missouri into northern Arkansas, and parts of eastern Oklahoma and Kansas. Aside from its natural beauty, the Ozarks region offers lots of fun for everybody, including great motor home enthusiasts.
Lake of the Ozarks is the number one destination in the Ozark Mountains. This is because there's so much do to: golfing, boating, hiking, water sports, fishing... the list goes on. There are places for shopping or dining in town, as well as state parks along the edge of the lake where you can get away from everything.
This is a great family-oriented vacation spot where you can have the best of everything. You can get a camping spot on the edge of a hill surrounded by trees, and it's just a short drive to miniature golf, go-cart riding and water slides. There are lots of great water parks in the area, which are always a big hit with the kids.
There are several very popular motor home sites near the lake.
- Lazy River RV Resort in Eldon, Missouri. This campground is located on the Osage River, just a few minutes drive from the lakefront. They have hiking, water sports and golf just minutes from your camp site.
- Cross Creek RV Park. This is a big campground geared toward family fun, with lots of activities and amenities. They have more than 70 sites with full hook-ups, but it's still a good idea to call ahead; it fills up in the summer months.
Branson - The New Home Of Country Music
For all you country fans out there, Branson is the new Mecca. But, not only does Branson have lots of shows, it has other great things to offer, like good food, museums, theme parks, and nightlife. Branson prides itself on having food from all over the world in its buffets, and lots to do once the sun goes down.
Of course, for lots of us, we'd rather cast a line into the lake and wait for a bite. Branson has great fishing too, some of the best in the United States. There are three good-sized lakes around the Branson area that have boat rentals, great fishing and water skiing.
For RV campers, there are lots of great places to stay around Branson. A few of the most popular include Branson Shenanigans RV Park, Branson View Campground and ABC Campground. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Get into the Wilderness - The Boston Mountains
If you want to get away from things, Arkansas's Boston Mountains are spectacular. These lush, green mountains are a wonderful place to see in your motor home adventures, with lots of places to stop and hike, fish or take in the view. There is a Boston Mountains Scenic Loop that winds its way all through the beautiful mountain landscape, where you'll see bare cliff-sides, trickling mountain streams, and bridges that soar above the mountain landscape.
The Overland RV Park offers some of the best motor home accommodations in the Boston Mountains, and there are lots of sights to see not far away, like Lake Fort Smith State Park and Lake Lou Emma Dam.
The Ozarks are a great place to experience real mountain culture, see pretty scenery and take the family out on some unforgettable adventures.
The Ozarks offer a wide variety of family-oriented activities if the whole family is taking the trip. Your motor home trip can take you away from city life, this area offers a variety of activities. Bankston Motor Homes can put you on the road to this RV playground. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com
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Friday, March 7, 2008
Alaska RV Trip
Alaska RV Trip
by David Reichman
One of the best ways to have an amazing Alaska family road trip is to be able to have a flexible schedule to go about the places you want to see and the things you want to do. Touring Alaska independently without worrying about getting left by your group or your tour bus is the kind of vacation your family wants and needs. If you plan to check out all of the must-see sights on your vacation, you will have to book your family to different hotels for a more convenient commute to your prospective attractions. So, why don't you just drive your Alaska family vacation away with a rented RV?! A regular-sized 20-something foot recreational vehicle can be quite overwhelming for people who are used to driving a regular sedan, but make no mistake, for the kids, the RV rocks!
Instead of packing and unpacking at each hotel along the way, just taking along your lodging with you all the time is a great idea. Traveling around Alaska, after all, requires long drives from point A to point B. Plus, with all the RV parks scattered all around the state, exploring Alaska on a motor home is as easy as 123.
Plan a trip to south central Alaska and begin your family vacation to Alaska in Anchorage, where the best place to stay is at the Anchorage RV Park. There are a lot of RV rentals in Anchorage, all you have to do is pick which one works out for you. Tour companies even help families plan their RV trips and give them safety tips on driving an RV. You will be amazed at how comfortable it is to be lodging in an RV when you stack your things in the drawers and realize that everything fits! Stock the cabinets with food and other essential supplies and you are off!
The best way to introduce the wildlife in Alaska in this family vacation is a stop at the Alaska Zoo. Apt to their slogan, Connecting People With Animals, the interactive attractions in Alaska Zoo will surely be a great way for your children to get acquainted with their favorite animals and some of the world's most endangered species. Driving from Anchorage to Portage Glacier is truly worthwhile. Get on full alert and your cameras ready as you might spot some wildlife as you skirt the shores of Turnagain Arm. Check the posted cruise schedule once you arrive at Portage Lake. Get on board and brace yourselves for the hour-long cruise you will never forget. The iceberg-dotted Portage Lake will definitely leave you speechless.
Take another long drive (about two hours) from Whittier to Seward where you can find the Alaska SeaLife Center located just along the Seward Highway. The Alaska SeaLife Center offers up-close and personal experience with Alaskan marine wildlife. Admission rates vary depending on the season, but you can be sure that they will always be affordable - young kids can even get in free of charge!
Drive a little more than 2 hours to Kenai and spend the night at the Diamond M Ranch RV Park where fishing opportunities are available. Take another day cruise around the rocky and rugged Chiswell Islands the next day, a natural or wildlife area that is considered a sanctuary of nesting Alaskan birds. After the cruise, take the 3 1/2-hour drive north to Hope and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Inlet as well as the Chugach and Kenai Mountains. At Hope, board the boat and cruise along the College Fjords, and you are sure to bring home some of the best pictures of your Alaskan family vacation.
Take the 2-hour drive to Palmer for the last stop of your Alaska family vacation with the RV. At Palmer, you can head to the Reindeer Farm and pet, feed and photograph the very friendly adult and baby reindeer or check out gigantic vegetables and monster trucks at the Alaska State Fair. Conclude your one-of-a-kind RV vacation with a stop at the Mat-Su Visitor Information Center where you can find not only informative and educational materials about the development of the Mat-su Valley, but also purchase souvenirs and other memorabilia for yourselves and your family and friends back home.
Head back to Anchorage to return your rented RV. As you do so, take this opportunity to reflect on the trip with your family. Everything that happened in this trip made the long hours of driving worth it. Your children's unending reliving of the events during your trip will make you feel that this is an Alaska family vacation they will always remember.
Please use our road trip planner to plan your next Alaska family vacation. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
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by David Reichman
One of the best ways to have an amazing Alaska family road trip is to be able to have a flexible schedule to go about the places you want to see and the things you want to do. Touring Alaska independently without worrying about getting left by your group or your tour bus is the kind of vacation your family wants and needs. If you plan to check out all of the must-see sights on your vacation, you will have to book your family to different hotels for a more convenient commute to your prospective attractions. So, why don't you just drive your Alaska family vacation away with a rented RV?! A regular-sized 20-something foot recreational vehicle can be quite overwhelming for people who are used to driving a regular sedan, but make no mistake, for the kids, the RV rocks!
Instead of packing and unpacking at each hotel along the way, just taking along your lodging with you all the time is a great idea. Traveling around Alaska, after all, requires long drives from point A to point B. Plus, with all the RV parks scattered all around the state, exploring Alaska on a motor home is as easy as 123.
Plan a trip to south central Alaska and begin your family vacation to Alaska in Anchorage, where the best place to stay is at the Anchorage RV Park. There are a lot of RV rentals in Anchorage, all you have to do is pick which one works out for you. Tour companies even help families plan their RV trips and give them safety tips on driving an RV. You will be amazed at how comfortable it is to be lodging in an RV when you stack your things in the drawers and realize that everything fits! Stock the cabinets with food and other essential supplies and you are off!
The best way to introduce the wildlife in Alaska in this family vacation is a stop at the Alaska Zoo. Apt to their slogan, Connecting People With Animals, the interactive attractions in Alaska Zoo will surely be a great way for your children to get acquainted with their favorite animals and some of the world's most endangered species. Driving from Anchorage to Portage Glacier is truly worthwhile. Get on full alert and your cameras ready as you might spot some wildlife as you skirt the shores of Turnagain Arm. Check the posted cruise schedule once you arrive at Portage Lake. Get on board and brace yourselves for the hour-long cruise you will never forget. The iceberg-dotted Portage Lake will definitely leave you speechless.
Take another long drive (about two hours) from Whittier to Seward where you can find the Alaska SeaLife Center located just along the Seward Highway. The Alaska SeaLife Center offers up-close and personal experience with Alaskan marine wildlife. Admission rates vary depending on the season, but you can be sure that they will always be affordable - young kids can even get in free of charge!
Drive a little more than 2 hours to Kenai and spend the night at the Diamond M Ranch RV Park where fishing opportunities are available. Take another day cruise around the rocky and rugged Chiswell Islands the next day, a natural or wildlife area that is considered a sanctuary of nesting Alaskan birds. After the cruise, take the 3 1/2-hour drive north to Hope and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Inlet as well as the Chugach and Kenai Mountains. At Hope, board the boat and cruise along the College Fjords, and you are sure to bring home some of the best pictures of your Alaskan family vacation.
Take the 2-hour drive to Palmer for the last stop of your Alaska family vacation with the RV. At Palmer, you can head to the Reindeer Farm and pet, feed and photograph the very friendly adult and baby reindeer or check out gigantic vegetables and monster trucks at the Alaska State Fair. Conclude your one-of-a-kind RV vacation with a stop at the Mat-Su Visitor Information Center where you can find not only informative and educational materials about the development of the Mat-su Valley, but also purchase souvenirs and other memorabilia for yourselves and your family and friends back home.
Head back to Anchorage to return your rented RV. As you do so, take this opportunity to reflect on the trip with your family. Everything that happened in this trip made the long hours of driving worth it. Your children's unending reliving of the events during your trip will make you feel that this is an Alaska family vacation they will always remember.
Please use our road trip planner to plan your next Alaska family vacation. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
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Thursday, March 6, 2008
RV Lifestyles: How To Get The Most From Free Bush Campsites
RV Lifestyles: How To Get The Most From Free Bush Campsites
The ever-spiraling cost of RV lifestyles -- plus those increasingly crowded tourist parks -- is prompting many RV travelers to consider overnighting on free bush sites. Sure, no real surprise there, but paradoxically, very few of our fellow travelers actually follow through on the idea.
And that’s a pity. After all, those who for valid and various reasons choose to remain with mainstream RVing miss out on much that this lifestyle has to offer. That’s certainly true in terms of outdoor enjoyment, and the sense of freedom that comes with a night or two of self-reliance.
As it happens, help is at hand: Not only can RV bush camping be a safe, hassle-free experience, the extra gear required is negligible. Indeed, getting onto a site deep in the backblocks can be far easier than squeezing your caravan or motorhome into a crowded tourist park. And depending on how adventurous you choose to become, you probably already carry the equipment that’s needed.
So, if we press ahead with the notion that bush camping might at least be worth a try, your earliest thoughts are likely to focus on how to assess the suitability of any potential free site that you chance upon during your travels.
Checking potential bush sites
Given that safety and comfort are high priorities for all of us, the most important step in utilizing a bush site is to have a careful look over it while there’s still plenty of daylight. This upfront assessment should include (1) the condition of the track going in, (2) the overall practicality of the site, and (3) whether you’ll be able to get your RV out of there in the event the track peters out, or if rain sets in later. In the majority of cases, the best method of weighing it all up is to check it out on foot -- before you commit to an unknown sidetrack.
If your tow vehicle is 4x4, one or two track deficiencies should present no problem, but with conventional transport extra caution might be wise. Be absolutely certain, for instance, that the track is wide enough for both vehicle and caravan/trailer, keeping in mind extended mirrors, tight bends, and close trees or overhanging branches. Is there sufficient clearance underneath the RV? Are wheel-ruts in the track likely to result in dragging the bottom? Any mud, rocks, or steep sections? Could the drive in be made easier with some minor track repairs?
If you do locate a viable site, what’s it like overall? For example: Is it fairly level? Is there enough room to maneuver and turn your outfit around? Does it appear to be the local gathering place for motorized sleazoids? Is the site polluted beyond easy clean-up? Are there fences close by, or farmhouses within earshot? Is it far enough from passing traffic? Look up: Is there sufficient clear space to avoid parking the RV beneath overhanging branches? And if you’re set up for solar power, will panels receive enough sun? In forested areas, what’s the current fire danger status? Is the site adequate considering the length of stay you have in mind?
Yes, that’s quite a raft of questions. In fact, in your early days of bush camping a pocket checklist is not a bad idea. After a while, though, this whole ‘assessment’ process won’t take much longer than the walk in. Negatives tend to leap out at you!
Getting onto the site
OK. Everything looks pretty good so you decide to drive in.
Next rule: Take it slowly. If possible, have someone walking alongside to watch for any nasty surprises. Decide in advance what hand signals and yelling are meant to indicate. Nonetheless, the driver is the person in the hot seat, so tricky decisions are, ultimately, his or her call -- within reason, of course.
As you negotiate a bush track in an RV, try to think in four dimensions: above, below, left and right. Visualise where the wheels are going -- or where you want them to go -- and what the rear of the RV is likely to do. Take the corners as widely as surrounding vegetation permits. If potentially damaging branches obstruct your path, get someone to hold them aside or, as a last resort, remove them.
Despite all this caution, if you get boxed in, don’t panic. Back up if possible, very carefully, and under the watchful eye of your outside guide. A caravanner’s worst-case scenario might involve unhitching, then re-hitching at an acute angle, with the vehicle now facing the preferred direction of travel. Not a lot of fun, but a long way short of dangerous. Besides, it’s all part of bush camping in an RV!
Setting up camp
Without doubt, you could strike one or two potential hazards, but most often you’ll reach the site without drama. Nevertheless, once you’re in there, still more decisions confront you! After checking once again for overhanging branches, where’s the best spot for the RV? If you want to use an awning, will it fit in the space available? With privacy in mind (ie, visibility from passing traffic), which direction should the outfit face? Does the site provide natural run-off in the event of heavy rain? Where might a campfire be set up to avoid filling the RV with smoke? Should RV or vehicle be positioned to form a windbreak?
Well, finally, you have the rig in position! However, if you need to get it level -- for optimum performance of LPGas refrigeration -- first check its side-to-side attitude (using a spirit level). If it needs to come up on one side, the quick solution is to drive (or tow) it onto suitable blocks of wood.
Having double-checked side-to-side, now check for level front-to-rear. To get this right, caravanners may need to resort to anything from complete unhitching, to minor elevation of the tow hitch using the jockey wheel (after setting van and vehicle handbrakes).
The point is, bush sites aren’t tourist parks. The job of leveling an RV may take a little time but is worth the trouble, not just for the fridge, but for your general comfort, too.
Finally, lower the stabilizers firmly onto (more!) blocks, chock the wheels if the site is sloping, and drop the step (if necessary). Now it’s time to take a well-earned break!
Getting comfy
Once you’ve recovered from the adrenalin surge, you might give some thought to making the camp comfortable. Most often, top of the list is an awning -- and with an outside shelter in place, you’ll really start to feel at home. (By the way, on bush sites a full caravan annexe is rarely an option, no matter how good the site may be.)
A small garden rake is handy about now so that the area beneath the awning can be cleaned up a little, perhaps in preparation for some type of ‘floor’, such as a section of shade cloth. Obviously, for a stay of only one or two nights, you probably won’t bother. But with a floor down and a bit of camp furniture set up you can get yourself quite comfy.
Another job you might have to think about is the sullage outlet hose. A single-night stay presents no problem, but beyond that you don’t want kitchen water (and food particles) accumulating beneath the RV, attracting every ant and critter from miles around. It’s best to run the hose to a small pit covered with leaves or grass to give water a chance to soak away -- while the flies are kept at bay.
Some other improvements to consider (though also time-dependent) might be:
· Establishing a bush toilet (and an obstacle-free path to it).
· Positioning a bush shower.
· Where to string a clothesline.
· Location for the generator.
· TV antenna.
· A campfire and firewood.
· Barbecue or outdoor kitchen.
· Rubbish container for non-burnables.
· Door mats (inside and out).
· Ant deterrents (plus removal of branches resting against the RV).
Other issues
In some parts of the country it is entirely possible to set up your RV for quite lengthy stays on bush sites. But there are a few issues that, while hardly worth considering for just a night or two, do increase in probability with the passage of time. No doubt the two of concern to most travelers are security and bad weather.
Security. Provided the site is reasonably concealed from passing traffic, and appears to hold little interest for others, all should be well. In any case, you might prefer to remain in ‘departure mode’ for the first night, avoiding the use of jacks, awnings, and so on. Also, if the main road is close by, keep lights and fires to a minimum, while maintaining a low profile but high awareness. Of course many travellers continue to rely on their trusty canine friend. Nevertheless, keep in mind that, in the bush, you are probably far safer than you ever were back home!
Bad weather. If you prepare for extreme weather before leaving home, you already have it beaten. By rigging awnings with adequate guy ropes, pegs and tensioners, having extra tarps on hand to cover anything stored outside, and by keeping a small mattock or shovel handy to redirect any pooling rainwater, inconvenience will be minor. Of course it does pay to keep up with local weather reports in an effort to stay one step ahead of these particular gremlins. And if the exit track becomes a little shabby, early departure may be the smartest option when foul weather sets in.
Like most bush campers, you’ll no doubt find that the first time is the hardest; so much to think about, so many minor concerns buzzing around in your head! Next morning, though, as the sun peeks through the trees, warming this private piece of real estate, I can guarantee that you’ll feel much better about the decision you made the night before.
From that point on, each bush camp just gets easier.
Bill Revill is an Australian freelance writer, fulltime RV traveller, and remote lifestyle expert. For further information go to: http://www.livingontheroad.com http://www.authorsden.com/billrevill Copyright 2007 by W.V. Revill
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The ever-spiraling cost of RV lifestyles -- plus those increasingly crowded tourist parks -- is prompting many RV travelers to consider overnighting on free bush sites. Sure, no real surprise there, but paradoxically, very few of our fellow travelers actually follow through on the idea.
And that’s a pity. After all, those who for valid and various reasons choose to remain with mainstream RVing miss out on much that this lifestyle has to offer. That’s certainly true in terms of outdoor enjoyment, and the sense of freedom that comes with a night or two of self-reliance.
As it happens, help is at hand: Not only can RV bush camping be a safe, hassle-free experience, the extra gear required is negligible. Indeed, getting onto a site deep in the backblocks can be far easier than squeezing your caravan or motorhome into a crowded tourist park. And depending on how adventurous you choose to become, you probably already carry the equipment that’s needed.
So, if we press ahead with the notion that bush camping might at least be worth a try, your earliest thoughts are likely to focus on how to assess the suitability of any potential free site that you chance upon during your travels.
Checking potential bush sites
Given that safety and comfort are high priorities for all of us, the most important step in utilizing a bush site is to have a careful look over it while there’s still plenty of daylight. This upfront assessment should include (1) the condition of the track going in, (2) the overall practicality of the site, and (3) whether you’ll be able to get your RV out of there in the event the track peters out, or if rain sets in later. In the majority of cases, the best method of weighing it all up is to check it out on foot -- before you commit to an unknown sidetrack.
If your tow vehicle is 4x4, one or two track deficiencies should present no problem, but with conventional transport extra caution might be wise. Be absolutely certain, for instance, that the track is wide enough for both vehicle and caravan/trailer, keeping in mind extended mirrors, tight bends, and close trees or overhanging branches. Is there sufficient clearance underneath the RV? Are wheel-ruts in the track likely to result in dragging the bottom? Any mud, rocks, or steep sections? Could the drive in be made easier with some minor track repairs?
If you do locate a viable site, what’s it like overall? For example: Is it fairly level? Is there enough room to maneuver and turn your outfit around? Does it appear to be the local gathering place for motorized sleazoids? Is the site polluted beyond easy clean-up? Are there fences close by, or farmhouses within earshot? Is it far enough from passing traffic? Look up: Is there sufficient clear space to avoid parking the RV beneath overhanging branches? And if you’re set up for solar power, will panels receive enough sun? In forested areas, what’s the current fire danger status? Is the site adequate considering the length of stay you have in mind?
Yes, that’s quite a raft of questions. In fact, in your early days of bush camping a pocket checklist is not a bad idea. After a while, though, this whole ‘assessment’ process won’t take much longer than the walk in. Negatives tend to leap out at you!
Getting onto the site
OK. Everything looks pretty good so you decide to drive in.
Next rule: Take it slowly. If possible, have someone walking alongside to watch for any nasty surprises. Decide in advance what hand signals and yelling are meant to indicate. Nonetheless, the driver is the person in the hot seat, so tricky decisions are, ultimately, his or her call -- within reason, of course.
As you negotiate a bush track in an RV, try to think in four dimensions: above, below, left and right. Visualise where the wheels are going -- or where you want them to go -- and what the rear of the RV is likely to do. Take the corners as widely as surrounding vegetation permits. If potentially damaging branches obstruct your path, get someone to hold them aside or, as a last resort, remove them.
Despite all this caution, if you get boxed in, don’t panic. Back up if possible, very carefully, and under the watchful eye of your outside guide. A caravanner’s worst-case scenario might involve unhitching, then re-hitching at an acute angle, with the vehicle now facing the preferred direction of travel. Not a lot of fun, but a long way short of dangerous. Besides, it’s all part of bush camping in an RV!
Setting up camp
Without doubt, you could strike one or two potential hazards, but most often you’ll reach the site without drama. Nevertheless, once you’re in there, still more decisions confront you! After checking once again for overhanging branches, where’s the best spot for the RV? If you want to use an awning, will it fit in the space available? With privacy in mind (ie, visibility from passing traffic), which direction should the outfit face? Does the site provide natural run-off in the event of heavy rain? Where might a campfire be set up to avoid filling the RV with smoke? Should RV or vehicle be positioned to form a windbreak?
Well, finally, you have the rig in position! However, if you need to get it level -- for optimum performance of LPGas refrigeration -- first check its side-to-side attitude (using a spirit level). If it needs to come up on one side, the quick solution is to drive (or tow) it onto suitable blocks of wood.
Having double-checked side-to-side, now check for level front-to-rear. To get this right, caravanners may need to resort to anything from complete unhitching, to minor elevation of the tow hitch using the jockey wheel (after setting van and vehicle handbrakes).
The point is, bush sites aren’t tourist parks. The job of leveling an RV may take a little time but is worth the trouble, not just for the fridge, but for your general comfort, too.
Finally, lower the stabilizers firmly onto (more!) blocks, chock the wheels if the site is sloping, and drop the step (if necessary). Now it’s time to take a well-earned break!
Getting comfy
Once you’ve recovered from the adrenalin surge, you might give some thought to making the camp comfortable. Most often, top of the list is an awning -- and with an outside shelter in place, you’ll really start to feel at home. (By the way, on bush sites a full caravan annexe is rarely an option, no matter how good the site may be.)
A small garden rake is handy about now so that the area beneath the awning can be cleaned up a little, perhaps in preparation for some type of ‘floor’, such as a section of shade cloth. Obviously, for a stay of only one or two nights, you probably won’t bother. But with a floor down and a bit of camp furniture set up you can get yourself quite comfy.
Another job you might have to think about is the sullage outlet hose. A single-night stay presents no problem, but beyond that you don’t want kitchen water (and food particles) accumulating beneath the RV, attracting every ant and critter from miles around. It’s best to run the hose to a small pit covered with leaves or grass to give water a chance to soak away -- while the flies are kept at bay.
Some other improvements to consider (though also time-dependent) might be:
· Establishing a bush toilet (and an obstacle-free path to it).
· Positioning a bush shower.
· Where to string a clothesline.
· Location for the generator.
· TV antenna.
· A campfire and firewood.
· Barbecue or outdoor kitchen.
· Rubbish container for non-burnables.
· Door mats (inside and out).
· Ant deterrents (plus removal of branches resting against the RV).
Other issues
In some parts of the country it is entirely possible to set up your RV for quite lengthy stays on bush sites. But there are a few issues that, while hardly worth considering for just a night or two, do increase in probability with the passage of time. No doubt the two of concern to most travelers are security and bad weather.
Security. Provided the site is reasonably concealed from passing traffic, and appears to hold little interest for others, all should be well. In any case, you might prefer to remain in ‘departure mode’ for the first night, avoiding the use of jacks, awnings, and so on. Also, if the main road is close by, keep lights and fires to a minimum, while maintaining a low profile but high awareness. Of course many travellers continue to rely on their trusty canine friend. Nevertheless, keep in mind that, in the bush, you are probably far safer than you ever were back home!
Bad weather. If you prepare for extreme weather before leaving home, you already have it beaten. By rigging awnings with adequate guy ropes, pegs and tensioners, having extra tarps on hand to cover anything stored outside, and by keeping a small mattock or shovel handy to redirect any pooling rainwater, inconvenience will be minor. Of course it does pay to keep up with local weather reports in an effort to stay one step ahead of these particular gremlins. And if the exit track becomes a little shabby, early departure may be the smartest option when foul weather sets in.
Like most bush campers, you’ll no doubt find that the first time is the hardest; so much to think about, so many minor concerns buzzing around in your head! Next morning, though, as the sun peeks through the trees, warming this private piece of real estate, I can guarantee that you’ll feel much better about the decision you made the night before.
From that point on, each bush camp just gets easier.
Bill Revill is an Australian freelance writer, fulltime RV traveller, and remote lifestyle expert. For further information go to: http://www.livingontheroad.com http://www.authorsden.com/billrevill Copyright 2007 by W.V. Revill
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Know a little more about Airstream Travel Trailers
Know a little more about Airstream Travel Trailers by Keggy Cass
The Airstream Travel Trailers of today are just as unique as the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailers of yesterday! The little silver bullets flowing down our freeways and back roads roll into camping sites all over America to still catch the eyes of the people along the way. This may have been invented in America, but they have reached traveling campers all over the world.
The inventor of this amazing trailer was a young man from a little town called Baker, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest corner of America. As a young boy, Wally Byam would travel often with his Grandfather who led a mule train. During these many mule train escapades, outdoor living and travels became a way of life for Wally Byam and he took in all, he could on these adventures. Wally went on to graduate with a law degree in 1923, but never practiced law. Instead he began working in a handful of other professions, along with publishing. Due to a wrongly written article on a camping trailer model, done by a writer under him, Wally corrected the article mistakes and started to build his own camper model plans.
With better articulations, done on the trailer model plans by Wally over a period of time, it was not long until these trailers were invented in 1934 and named Airstream for the reason of moving down the road like a stream of air.
In 1936, the Airstream Trailer Company came out with the Clipper model that really began the Airstream's familiar looks and original camping travel trailer comfort's. The Clipper was the original one of the riveted aluminum body and could sleep four, because of a tubular steel-framed dinette that could convert into a bed. There was advanced insulation and ventilation system, a type of air conditioning using dry ice, electricity throughout and its own built in water supply.
In 1979, the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailer expanded into the motor home industry, very similar to the original Airstream Travel Trailer, there was still the riveted aluminum construction, but with improved aerodynamics. In 1989, there was the introduction of laminated fiberglass construction, patent front and rear end caps. Today, the original model of trailers still roll down the roads along side the newer versions of the best selling Airstream motor homes still being created on the current market demand.
Keggy Cass loves the open roads and especially traveling when taking all the conveniences along for the trip. One catch though, he does not get to spend near enough time on the open roads. Browsing this website is a good second choice: http://www.camperbargain.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
The Airstream Travel Trailers of today are just as unique as the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailers of yesterday! The little silver bullets flowing down our freeways and back roads roll into camping sites all over America to still catch the eyes of the people along the way. This may have been invented in America, but they have reached traveling campers all over the world.
The inventor of this amazing trailer was a young man from a little town called Baker, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest corner of America. As a young boy, Wally Byam would travel often with his Grandfather who led a mule train. During these many mule train escapades, outdoor living and travels became a way of life for Wally Byam and he took in all, he could on these adventures. Wally went on to graduate with a law degree in 1923, but never practiced law. Instead he began working in a handful of other professions, along with publishing. Due to a wrongly written article on a camping trailer model, done by a writer under him, Wally corrected the article mistakes and started to build his own camper model plans.
With better articulations, done on the trailer model plans by Wally over a period of time, it was not long until these trailers were invented in 1934 and named Airstream for the reason of moving down the road like a stream of air.
In 1936, the Airstream Trailer Company came out with the Clipper model that really began the Airstream's familiar looks and original camping travel trailer comfort's. The Clipper was the original one of the riveted aluminum body and could sleep four, because of a tubular steel-framed dinette that could convert into a bed. There was advanced insulation and ventilation system, a type of air conditioning using dry ice, electricity throughout and its own built in water supply.
In 1979, the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailer expanded into the motor home industry, very similar to the original Airstream Travel Trailer, there was still the riveted aluminum construction, but with improved aerodynamics. In 1989, there was the introduction of laminated fiberglass construction, patent front and rear end caps. Today, the original model of trailers still roll down the roads along side the newer versions of the best selling Airstream motor homes still being created on the current market demand.
Keggy Cass loves the open roads and especially traveling when taking all the conveniences along for the trip. One catch though, he does not get to spend near enough time on the open roads. Browsing this website is a good second choice: http://www.camperbargain.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
Saturday, February 9, 2008
RV Storage
RV Storage
by Self Storage
Bought a new RV? But you do not know how to drive it yet? And you need to get it to your RV storage? Hire a driver.
Just kidding. Considering you just took on an enormous financial burden, you better learn how to drive it before you try to maneuver it to RV storage for the winter. Whether you call it an RV, motorhome, or a behemoth bedroom suite on wheels, driving it is not like staying at a holiday inn. It takes time and practice to overcome the huge size on the same roads you are familiar with. Now lets talk about how to drive that thing and get it to RV storage.
Envision yourself sitting behind the wheel of a skyscraper. That is how it feels at first. If you are not afraid then maybe you should not be driving. There are plenty of nuts on the road already. We do not need one driving something that can crush a two door sedan like a tin can. RV storage is not far away, but one can do a lot of property damage on the way. Remember what it was like driving a car for the first time. That two door sedan seemed big at the time. But you got use to it. Didn’t you? Just the same you will get use to driving the RV. If you make a few mistakes like running over a curb during your training period, do not let that get to you. Everyone does it. Even the veterans when they are sober.
If you know how to drive a car, you will know how to drive a RV. If you do not know how to drive a car, you will not be able to drive a RV, at least successfully. In other words, driving an RV is like driving a really big car. All of the same road rules apply to RVs as they do to cars. The difference is that a car can go more places then a RV. For example, a car can park in RV storage but an RV cannot park in car storage. And there are other factors like turning, braking, changing lanes, and backing up.
Sure you know from experience watching truck drivers that turning a RV requires more space. If not, then have you ever seen the sign on the back of all tracker trailers that warns this vehicle makes wide turns? The same maneuver goes for RVs. Remember not to cut corners and go in wide. For novices it is best to plan the straightest route to RV storage if you are not ready take turns.
RVs are about 1 million pounds heavier than a car, give or take a few pounds. So stopping will take more time. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. So if you have to hit the brakes you will not crush that two door sedan like a tin can.
If you are on your way to RV storage there is the possibility that you will have to switch lanes. Give yourself time and look for a huge opening.
It gets trickier. At the RV storage you will have to back it up into the parking space. Practice this trick in a spacious empty parking lot. If you are not comfortable by the time you get to RV storage, have a buddy or a property manager direct you into your RV storage space.
The original article is located at RV Storage
Storage Unit
StorPlace of Franklin
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by Self Storage
Bought a new RV? But you do not know how to drive it yet? And you need to get it to your RV storage? Hire a driver.
Just kidding. Considering you just took on an enormous financial burden, you better learn how to drive it before you try to maneuver it to RV storage for the winter. Whether you call it an RV, motorhome, or a behemoth bedroom suite on wheels, driving it is not like staying at a holiday inn. It takes time and practice to overcome the huge size on the same roads you are familiar with. Now lets talk about how to drive that thing and get it to RV storage.
Envision yourself sitting behind the wheel of a skyscraper. That is how it feels at first. If you are not afraid then maybe you should not be driving. There are plenty of nuts on the road already. We do not need one driving something that can crush a two door sedan like a tin can. RV storage is not far away, but one can do a lot of property damage on the way. Remember what it was like driving a car for the first time. That two door sedan seemed big at the time. But you got use to it. Didn’t you? Just the same you will get use to driving the RV. If you make a few mistakes like running over a curb during your training period, do not let that get to you. Everyone does it. Even the veterans when they are sober.
If you know how to drive a car, you will know how to drive a RV. If you do not know how to drive a car, you will not be able to drive a RV, at least successfully. In other words, driving an RV is like driving a really big car. All of the same road rules apply to RVs as they do to cars. The difference is that a car can go more places then a RV. For example, a car can park in RV storage but an RV cannot park in car storage. And there are other factors like turning, braking, changing lanes, and backing up.
Sure you know from experience watching truck drivers that turning a RV requires more space. If not, then have you ever seen the sign on the back of all tracker trailers that warns this vehicle makes wide turns? The same maneuver goes for RVs. Remember not to cut corners and go in wide. For novices it is best to plan the straightest route to RV storage if you are not ready take turns.
RVs are about 1 million pounds heavier than a car, give or take a few pounds. So stopping will take more time. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. So if you have to hit the brakes you will not crush that two door sedan like a tin can.
If you are on your way to RV storage there is the possibility that you will have to switch lanes. Give yourself time and look for a huge opening.
It gets trickier. At the RV storage you will have to back it up into the parking space. Practice this trick in a spacious empty parking lot. If you are not comfortable by the time you get to RV storage, have a buddy or a property manager direct you into your RV storage space.
The original article is located at RV Storage
Storage Unit
StorPlace of Franklin
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Know a little more about Airstream Travel Trailers
Know a little more about Airstream Travel Trailers
by Keggy Cass
The Airstream Travel Trailers of today are just as unique as the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailers of yesterday! The little silver bullets flowing down our freeways and back roads roll into camping sites all over America to still catch the eyes of the people along the way. This may have been invented in America, but they have reached traveling campers all over the world.
The inventor of this amazing trailer was a young man from a little town called Baker, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest corner of America. As a young boy, Wally Byam would travel often with his Grandfather who led a mule train. During these many mule train escapades, outdoor living and travels became a way of life for Wally Byam and he took in all, he could on these adventures. Wally went on to graduate with a law degree in 1923, but never practiced law. Instead he began working in a handful of other professions, along with publishing. Due to a wrongly written article on a camping trailer model, done by a writer under him, Wally corrected the article mistakes and started to build his own camper model plans.
With better articulations, done on the trailer model plans by Wally over a period of time, it was not long until these trailers were invented in 1934 and named Airstream for the reason of moving down the road like a stream of air.
In 1936, the Airstream Trailer Company came out with the Clipper model that really began the Airstream's familiar looks and original camping travel trailer comfort's. The Clipper was the original one of the riveted aluminum body and could sleep four, because of a tubular steel-framed dinette that could convert into a bed. There was advanced insulation and ventilation system, a type of air conditioning using dry ice, electricity throughout and its own built in water supply.
In 1979, the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailer expanded into the motor home industry, very similar to the original Airstream Travel Trailer, there was still the riveted aluminum construction, but with improved aerodynamics. In 1989, there was the introduction of laminated fiberglass construction, patent front and rear end caps. Today, the original model of trailers still roll down the roads along side the newer versions of the best selling Airstream motor homes still being created on the current market demand.
Keggy Cass loves the open roads and especially traveling when taking all the conveniences along for the trip. One catch though, he does not get to spend near enough time on the open roads. Browsing this website is a good second choice: http://www.camperbargain.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
by Keggy Cass
The Airstream Travel Trailers of today are just as unique as the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailers of yesterday! The little silver bullets flowing down our freeways and back roads roll into camping sites all over America to still catch the eyes of the people along the way. This may have been invented in America, but they have reached traveling campers all over the world.
The inventor of this amazing trailer was a young man from a little town called Baker, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest corner of America. As a young boy, Wally Byam would travel often with his Grandfather who led a mule train. During these many mule train escapades, outdoor living and travels became a way of life for Wally Byam and he took in all, he could on these adventures. Wally went on to graduate with a law degree in 1923, but never practiced law. Instead he began working in a handful of other professions, along with publishing. Due to a wrongly written article on a camping trailer model, done by a writer under him, Wally corrected the article mistakes and started to build his own camper model plans.
With better articulations, done on the trailer model plans by Wally over a period of time, it was not long until these trailers were invented in 1934 and named Airstream for the reason of moving down the road like a stream of air.
In 1936, the Airstream Trailer Company came out with the Clipper model that really began the Airstream's familiar looks and original camping travel trailer comfort's. The Clipper was the original one of the riveted aluminum body and could sleep four, because of a tubular steel-framed dinette that could convert into a bed. There was advanced insulation and ventilation system, a type of air conditioning using dry ice, electricity throughout and its own built in water supply.
In 1979, the ever popular Airstream Travel Trailer expanded into the motor home industry, very similar to the original Airstream Travel Trailer, there was still the riveted aluminum construction, but with improved aerodynamics. In 1989, there was the introduction of laminated fiberglass construction, patent front and rear end caps. Today, the original model of trailers still roll down the roads along side the newer versions of the best selling Airstream motor homes still being created on the current market demand.
Keggy Cass loves the open roads and especially traveling when taking all the conveniences along for the trip. One catch though, he does not get to spend near enough time on the open roads. Browsing this website is a good second choice: http://www.camperbargain.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Safety Tips for Getting Ready to Pull Out
Safety Tips for Getting Ready to Pull Out
By Edwin J. Hill
Inexperienced people think the job's done once the trailer is hooked up. I think there's a lot more to towing a travel trailer safely. It's more a matter of common sense than anything else.
I'm a believer in checking, double-checking and checking once more. My family sometimes gets impatient with me but, then, I've never had an accident with an RV
I make sure the coupling, itself, is secure. I check the safety chains, the break-away safety and the electrical hookup.
Part of checking the electrical hookup is checking all the lights. I turn on the parking lights on the tow vehicle and have someone stand behind the trailer. I have them confirm to me that the running lights and tail lights are working. Together, we test each turn signal as well as the brake lights. If they're not working, I don't drive!
I go inside the trailer and make sure everything that needs to be secured is secure. I check all the cupboard doors and drawers. Any doors must be locked in place. Anything that could fall is secured.
I like to walk around the trailer twice. The first time, I check all the compartment doors to make sure they're all locked. I also make sure the trailer steps are folded up and out of the way. On this trip around the trailer, I check all the hookups again. I make sure the truck mirrors are adjusted for trailer towing
The second time around, I try to get at least 30 feet away so I can easily see under the trailer to the other side. I have discovered things hanging down that needed to be secured. Other times, I have noticed something lying on the ground that needed to be picked up. It's during this once-around that I check to make sure the truck and trailer are level.
It may seem like unnecessary overkill. However, I have found something wrong just often enough to make me keep on doing it.
In the name of safety, I recommend you do the same!
Ed Hill was introduced to "camping" by the US Army nearly half a century ago. Since then, he has traveled across most of the United States and parts of Europe using a variety of tents and RV's. Ed is now sharing that love of RV travel in his blog, http://www.EnjoyRVTravel.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edwin_J._Hill
http://EzineArticles.com/?Safety-Tips-for-Getting-Ready-to-Pull-Out&id=909705
Thursday, January 24, 2008
RV Shows
RV Shows
By Mark Polk
Each year, around this time, the RV show season starts. RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to introduce the new model year RV's and to help disseminate RV related information to the consumer. These shows are usually scheduled during the slower time of the year, the winter months, to help jump start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer, RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about RV's under one roof, making it the ideal forum to conduct research and make informed RV buying decisions.
I mentioned that RV dealers will come from miles around. This includes many local dealers from the area in which you live. If at all possible you want to find a dealer that is within a reasonable distance from where you live. As bad as it sounds, if you buy from an out of state dealer or one far from home, the local RV dealer may not give you the best service after the sale. The most important concern here is that you deal with a reputable RV dealer.
A good place to start your search for a reputable RV dealer is at a local RV show. When you attend an RV show don't be afraid to ask questions about the RV dealership and the products they offer. For starters you need to find a reputable RV dealer with a reputable, professional staff. A reputable dealer wants your business and they want you to return to them for future business. I have been in many RV dealerships that I wouldn't hesitate to do business with and I have been in others that I couldn't leave soon enough. Remember, you're at the show to check out the dealer as well as the product and you should plan to visit the RV dealer's physical location before you buy. If at all possible talk to some other people who have dealt with the dealership in the past. Don't be afraid to ask them to give you a tour of the dealership. Look at the service department. Do they have certified technicians? Do they have the capability and facilities to do routine maintenance and warranty work on the units they sell? Look at the Parts and Accessory department. Do they offer a good selection of parts and accessories? Do they have a good selection of RVs to choose from? How long have they been selling certain manufacturer brands? How long have they been in business?
There are some great deals offered at some RV shows and with all of the excitement, and a good salesperson, it's easy to make a hasty purchase. If they can offer a great deal at the show, chances are they can offer a great deal after the show, unless the offer included a manufacturer discount or rebate for show dates only. Let them know you might be interested in a particular unit or deal, but you want to visit the dealership before you buy.
There is a lot of ground to cover at an RV show and a wealth of information available. Not only will you find a good selection of RV dealers to check out, but there will be every make and model of RV imaginable too. RV shows are a great place to do some comparison shopping. Keep in mind that RV's are available in entry, mid-line, and high-end models. When comparing prices, make sure it is apples to apples. One RV may look like another one, but you need to compare the options, construction, equipment and features they both have to offer. See who offers the best deal but remember if the dealer goes out of business next month, or isn't equipped to work on the RV, your best deal may turn out to be a bad deal.
RV shows aren't just for RV dealers to showcase their products. RV shows are a great source for information, from knowledgeable representatives, on every aspect of the RV industry. You will find information on campgrounds and RV resorts, aftermarket RV products, RV accessories and free RV seminars. Some of these seminars might be helpful to you in making some of your buying decisions. Check with the show office on seminar topics and times.
RV shows are also a good place to talk to RV manufacturer representatives and other industry experts. Many of the RV manufacturers send knowledgeable representatives to assist RV dealers with their products. Don't be afraid to talk with other RVers at the show too. Many of these people have years of RV experience and knowledge of different products.
Buying an RV is a major decision. To make the best buying decision possible you need to do your research and be well informed. I would like to offer you ten tips to making an informed RV buying decision.
1) If you're not absolutely sure an RV is right for you try renting one before you buy.
Rule number one for owning an RV is you have to use it. It can be difficult to determine if an RV is right for you if you have never used one. Plan a weekend or week-long trip and rent an RV to try it out. Renting an RV can be a good indicator to gauge if an RV is in your future. But I caution you, once you get the RV bug it's hard to get rid of.
2) Know which type of RV is right for you and your family before you buy.
RV's come in numerous types, sizes and price ranges. Know which type is right for you and what price fits your budget. Take the time to research your specific needs, and how you plan to use the RV. If you plan to travel cross-country in the RV a motorized RV might make more sense than a towable RV. If you plan to go camping in the backwoods, off the beaten trail, a pop up or truck camper would probably make more sense.
3) New or Used?
This is a major consideration before you purchase an RV. To assist you with making this decision consider how you plan to use the RV and what your budget is. If you only plan to take a couple of weekend trips, or use it for one week out of the year, a used RV might be best for you. And, it won't do you any good to own an RV if there isn't enough money left in the budget to enjoy it.
4) If you buy a towable RV make sure you have a tow vehicle that can safely tow it.
You might find your dream RV only to discover your tow vehicle can't tow it. If you already own the vehicle you plan to tow with determine how much it can safely tow and shop for an RV based on that information. If you plan to buy a tow vehicle select the travel trailer or fifth wheel trailer first, then buy a vehicle that can safely tow it. RV dealerships should have trained personnel to assist you with matching the tow vehicle and trailer.
5) If you plan to purchase a motorized RV drive it before you buy it
Driving a motorhome for the first time can be a little intimidating, but it's important that you test drive it before you buy it. You want a motorhome that you feel comfortable driving because you will spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Check out all of the controls, the view, mirrors and make sure it performs the way you expect it to.
6) Do your research
Buying an RV is a major investment, similar to an automobile or your home. You need to do your research before you buy. There are lots of RV manufacturers and RV brands to choose from. You want an RV dealer and a manufacturer that will stand behind the product after the sale. You can research manufacturers on the internet, request brochures, take factory tours and attend local RV shows to learn more about all of the options you have.
7) Buy from a reputable RV dealership
A reputable RV dealership will have a professional sales, parts and service staff. This is an important consideration during and after the purchase of your RV. It's important that you select the right type of RV, floorplan and brand for you and your family, and that there are qualified technicians to service the unit after the sale. A reputable RV dealership can make your RV ownership experiences much more pleasurable.
8) Protecting your investment
When you purchase your RV consider some other factors that will help protect your investment. I recommend looking into some type of extended service contract that goes beyond the manufacturer warranty period. There are numerous plans available, so shop around for the best deal. Get specialized RV insurance coverage. It's different from your home and auto policy. When you need specialized coverage you'll be glad you have it.
9) Now that you own it, where can you use it?
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, RVIA states that there are approximately 8,500 RV parks and campgrounds located near national parks and forests, popular tourist attractions, along interstates and in cities and small towns. With the Internet you have instant access to most of these public and private campgrounds, RV Parks and RV Resorts. Other good resources are travel guides, magazines, campground directories and state tourism boards to help plan your next RV trip.
10) Back to rule number 1
I mentioned earlier if you own an RV you need to use it, otherwise it's just a large lawn ornament. So, pack up the RV, the kids and the pets and head out to explore this wonderful country we live in and build some lasting memories with family and friends.
So what are you waiting for? Find out when the next RV show will be in your area and make it a point to attend it. Oh, and don't forget to wear some comfortable walking shoes!
Find an RV show near you:
http://www.rvia.org/AM/customsource/INCL_Shows.cfm?section=local_shows&all=1
Happy Camping,
Mark J. Polk
Copyright 2008 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101
RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/
Sign up for your free "RV Education 101" Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Polk
http://EzineArticles.com/?RV-Shows&id=927223
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Full Timing In Your RV
Full Timing
By Jewel Hughes
Full-timing. It means you no longer have a stationary house. But instead a house on wheels. It means you can travel the states, or you can chose to remain parked in Rv parks.
Would I recommend this way of life? Most defiantly There really is no stress involved. You come and go as you please. The lifestyle is a wonderful choice for all. We have actually saved money so far this year. We sold everything including our house so we no longer have house payments or repairs. No electric, gas, garbage bills.
Oh you may say we must spend a lot of money on gas/diesel. Na not really about 100 a month.
And according to our insurance company you cannot stay parked in one spot for over 6 months or you are not a full timer. I think the longest we have stayed in one spot was 2 months when we where selling our home.
So tell me has this ever been a thought for you? Did you act on it? If not WHY?
Some things others have said on the subject and my responses:
My friend has just bought a RV. I believe my husband and I are too old for it.
R=Thats neat to bad you think you are to old for it. As you could have some great times together.
I don't think anyone is to old for this life style yes as we get older some things become more challenging. But if your in good health I say Go for it. If you are the adventures type you wont regret it.
This is an interesting thought for future years...Hubby and I have discussed traveling when he retires but now we are tied to a home, mortgage and two kids still in school...but it is always nice to dream! LOL
Yes do dream one day it will be your turn to hit the road and ride away into the sunset or into the sunrise!
Have you ever thought about Writing Your Life Story?
If you answered yes Jewel has the perfect web site just for you.
Jewel Says, "Writing your life story can be very rewarding, but a lot of people assume that no one will want to read their life stories. People also get overwhelmed at the big picture of writing their life story, That's why I have created an online course that will guide you through writing your life story."
This course is put together so that the assignments assist you with writing your life in stages, from before you were born to where you are now in life. The class also has many hand-outs that will assist you with family trees, time lines, house floor plans and so much more. Because it's online you can complete it at your own pace.
Have a look: http://www.writing-your-life-story.com/
If you have any questions feel free to contact Jewel at: info@writing-your-life-story.com
I work from home: http://findingthegoodstuff.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jewel_Hughes
http://EzineArticles.com/?Full-Timing&id=941350
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Diesel Motor Home vs Gasoline Motor Home
Diesel Motor Home vs Gasoline Motor Home
by J Bond
When considering the purchase of a motor home, one needs to decide whether to buy gasoline (petrol) or diesel. Essentially, there will be very little difference between the two in terms of the interior comforts and road performance, however, there are differences that one needs to consider before making a purchase.
To begin with, price is going to be a consideration since diesel motor homes will cost more than motor homes run on gasoline. There are new super chassis gasoline models available (Ford and GM) which present excellent buying. They have excellent carrying capacity and are less expensive than diesel. Alternatively, some of the more popular diesel motor homes include, Monaco, Newmar, Holiday Rambler and Fleetwood.
Oil and maintenance are also considerations when deciding whether to purchase a diesel motor home or gasoline model. Generally, oil changes and maintenance are less expensive on the gasoline models with an oil change on a diesel motor home costing between $175-$250. However, diesel motor homes tend to ride quieter because the engine is in the rear on most. Another advantage that diesel motor homes have over standard gasoline models is the cargo carrying capacity. Diesel models can carry more cargo and this includes heavier materials in the interior of the motor home such as Corian counter tops, china toilets etc.
Additionally, diesel motor homes usually have superior transmissions and pac brakes. These are important considerations if you intend to do a lot of mountain driving. Another important factor to consider when buying a motor home is the longevity of the vehicle. Diesel motor homes tend to run forever whereas in the long run, gasoline motor homes will generally require much more maintenance.
So there you have it! Make sure that you fully understand the fundamental differences between a diesel motor home and a gasoline motor home before making your purchase. You will also need to research a variety of companies who offer these motor homes for sale to ensure that you are paying the right price for your vehicle. Whether you decide to go diesel or gasoline, the flexibility that motor homes bring to your holiday adventures will be both exciting, flexible and extremely comfortable.
To access more information on motor homes click on the link in the resource box or go to: www.motorhomessite.com
More resources can be found at: www.motorhomessite.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
by J Bond
When considering the purchase of a motor home, one needs to decide whether to buy gasoline (petrol) or diesel. Essentially, there will be very little difference between the two in terms of the interior comforts and road performance, however, there are differences that one needs to consider before making a purchase.
To begin with, price is going to be a consideration since diesel motor homes will cost more than motor homes run on gasoline. There are new super chassis gasoline models available (Ford and GM) which present excellent buying. They have excellent carrying capacity and are less expensive than diesel. Alternatively, some of the more popular diesel motor homes include, Monaco, Newmar, Holiday Rambler and Fleetwood.
Oil and maintenance are also considerations when deciding whether to purchase a diesel motor home or gasoline model. Generally, oil changes and maintenance are less expensive on the gasoline models with an oil change on a diesel motor home costing between $175-$250. However, diesel motor homes tend to ride quieter because the engine is in the rear on most. Another advantage that diesel motor homes have over standard gasoline models is the cargo carrying capacity. Diesel models can carry more cargo and this includes heavier materials in the interior of the motor home such as Corian counter tops, china toilets etc.
Additionally, diesel motor homes usually have superior transmissions and pac brakes. These are important considerations if you intend to do a lot of mountain driving. Another important factor to consider when buying a motor home is the longevity of the vehicle. Diesel motor homes tend to run forever whereas in the long run, gasoline motor homes will generally require much more maintenance.
So there you have it! Make sure that you fully understand the fundamental differences between a diesel motor home and a gasoline motor home before making your purchase. You will also need to research a variety of companies who offer these motor homes for sale to ensure that you are paying the right price for your vehicle. Whether you decide to go diesel or gasoline, the flexibility that motor homes bring to your holiday adventures will be both exciting, flexible and extremely comfortable.
To access more information on motor homes click on the link in the resource box or go to: www.motorhomessite.com
More resources can be found at: www.motorhomessite.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
Friday, January 18, 2008
Are You Looking for the Perfect RV?
Are You Looking for the Perfect RV?
by Ed Hill
Is there really such a thing as a "perfect" RV? Well, it depends. There could be a perfect RV for your personal situation, your income, your travel schedule - right now. But, any of those things could change overnight! And, with that change, your perfect RV would no longer be perfect.
So, how do you choose the RV that best meets your needs? First, you need to understand that your needs will change over the years. Second, your first RV will probably be the first of a series of many different types of RV's you will have over the years.
The good news is that you will enjoy every one of them for a variety of reasons. Some you will like better than others. It is often said that the two best days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys the boat and the day he sells it. Some RV's can be like that, too.
So, what are your needs right now?
* Are you single? Married? With kids?
* What kind of time do you have in which to travel with an RV?
* Do you prefer a two-week vacation once a year or a series of three- or four-day outings spread throughout the year?
* Do you have a place to store an RV?
* What is your travel budget?
* What about your budget to buy an RV?
There are countless other questions to be answered in your quest for an RV that will meet your needs right now. Each question has an answer that will point in one direction or the other. The chances are excellent that the answers won't all point in the same direction. That means that, whatever you do decide to buy, it will be a compromise.
Sometimes, the compromise will be between various factors in your lifestyle. The compromise might be between you and other members of the family. "Perfect" will be pretty hard to find but there will most likely be several options that are "pretty good."
Another thing to remember is that you might come to love one of the options you didn't think you would like at all. You bought it because your spouse wanted it or it was a great deal you just couldn't pass up.
In the next couple of postings, I'll talk about RV's that are motorized vs. those that need to be towed. They all have their advantages and disadvantages - depending on your lifestyle at the moment.
Motorized RV's
There are a few things to think about before you decide whether a motorized RV is the best choice for you. First, how often will you be traveling? Remember, an RV is about living space away from home. Between trips, it has to be stored somewhere. You'll also be paying license fees, taxes and insurance - whether you're driving it or not! And, some engine and transmission parts can start to deteriorate if they're not used for long periods.
If your travel schedule allows you to take several short trips throughout the year, a motor home is a great way to travel. One person can drive while the other takes a nap - on a real bed! Or, makes a sandwich in the kitchen - while going down the road at highway speeds. Or, uses the bathroom. A motor home can make the trip, itself, enjoyable and relaxing. You can actually get up and move around unless, of course, you're driving.
The design most easily recognized as "a motor home" is the Class A. These motor homes are designed from the ground up as motor homes. The outline shape of the Class A is, basically, a box on wheels. It makes the most efficient use of the square footage by concentrating on living and storage space. Speed and handling are secondary. It's a compromise between the comfort of your house and the ability to drive down the road. Like all other compromises, it doesn't do either job very well.
However, the motor home lifestyle takes that compromise into account and becomes something you enjoy for its own sake. You know that the Class A motor home will never handle like a sports car. You also know it will never be as comfortable and spacious as a house. But, you don't care because you enjoy the freedom of having your own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom wherever you want it to be. None of the other RV types can quite match a Class A in this area.
The downside is that a Class A motor home is more expensive to buy and maintain. It is larger than most other vehicles on the road and harder to drive safely. Depending on the size, you could be somewhat limited on where you can park for the night. Some older campgrounds are unable to handle the larger units. Every choice involves making compromises as to living space and comfort vs. size and ease of handling.
The next type is the Class B motor home. It is, basically, a van that has been modified to serve as a compact motor home. Storage space is at a premium and the variety of floor plans is limited. You can only do so much with so little space.
However, being a standard-sized van makes the Class B usable as a "daily driver." Fuel and other operating costs are lower. It's much easier to drive because of the smaller size. You can also have it serviced at your local car dealership. However, it is not a good solution for a family with children. The Class B motor home is best for a couple who enjoy being close together for hours at a time.
The motor home that fits between the large Class A and the compact Class B is known as the Class C motor home. Basically, the Class C is a van cab and chassis with a motor home body built in place of the van body. Nearly all of them have a cab-over design with a bed built in above the driver and passenger seats.
Class C motor homes can be found in an amazing variety of sizes and floor plans. Being based on a van chassis, it can be serviced by your local car dealership like any other van. It's also a lot easier to drive than the full-sized Class A and a lot less expensive!
A disadvantage of the larger Class C's is that the chassis is not as capable of handling the size and weight as a Class A chassis is. There is not as much storage space or load capacity. However, the Class C motor home can be a great family RV. In fact, that's where you see most of them being used.
One more choice in the motorized market is the pickup camper. The camping unit, itself, slides into the bed of the pickup and turns it into a type of motor home. If the pickup is a 4×4, the pickup camper can go places most other RV's can only dream about.
The advantages are that the pickup can be used as a pickup when you're not actually on the road. In fact, many people drive to their campsite and off-load the camper. That gives them the comfort of a camper while making the pickup available for other uses. The smaller size of the slide-in camper makes it a lot easier to store between trips. It can be loaded onto the truck in a matter of a few minutes.
What's the downside? First, they're limited by the size of the pickup bed. You can do only so much with the available space. There is very little storage space. The pickup, itself, should be a heavy-duty 3/4 or a 1-ton to handle the weight and size of the camper. There are slide-in campers available for 1/2 ton pickups but they're lighter and smaller units without many luxury features.
That does it for the motorized RV's. If you're going to travel often, a motorized RV is a wonderful way to travel. As you can see, there is a huge variety of sizes, shapes and floor plans available. If your travel schedule or preferences dictates only once or twice a year, you may well wish to consider the great towable RV's out there.
Towable RV's
Towable RV's have their own unique advantages. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that they cost a lot less. They don't need as much maintenance as motorized vehicles do. Insurance costs are lower because the trailer is considered to be part of the tow vehicle when on the road.
Another advantage is that the tow vehicle can be used for normal, day-to-day driving chores when you're not traveling or camping. The major caveat is that it has to be able to safely tow the trailer.
Let's look at the trailers, themselves. We'll start with popup campers. Quite a few manufacturers produce popups in various sizes and styles. In most cases, they have canvas or nylon side walls. This pretty much limits these units to fair weather use.
Compared to other towable RV's, popups are the least expensive. This allows more families to enjoy camping without having to sleep on the ground. Many of them have built-in stoves and iceboxes. The beds fold out providing sleeping area for several people.
Many of them are light enough to be towed by a car or a small pickup. Camping trips can be relatively inexpensive because the vehicles, themselves, are economical.
The primary limitation is the level of comfort and convenience they offer. Luxury features cost money and add weight to any RV. Popup trailers are a great way for younger families to get into RV travel affordably.
Another type of popup trailer is one with hard sides that either fold or telescope down to create a more easily towed unit. They weigh more than "soft" sided trailers but offer more weather protection and comfort items.
Next in the lineup is the travel trailer. This is a huge category that ranges from about 14-38 feet in length. Some are light-weight units with few luxury features. At the other end of the scale are heavy, super luxurious trailers that require a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
As you move up the scale, increasing numbers of them are designed to be four-season RV's. Many have slide-out sections that greatly increase the living space when set up in a camp ground.
The travel trailers attach to the tow vehicle at a point near the bumper. The larger ones need a sway-control system to keep the entire unit under control. Side winds from weather or other large vehicles can cause a trailer to sway out of control if it's not controlled by a sway-control system.
A popular solution for sway control is a fifth-wheel trailer. In the fifth-wheel system, the hitch and pivot point are over the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That means, of course, that the tow vehicle has to be a truck.
In most cases, the master bedroom and bath are in the front section up over the bed of the truck. Various floor plans divide up the rest of the living space and offer varying levels of luxury and comfort.
Due to the design, fifth-wheel trailers tend to be heavier which requires larger trucks. They're also more expensive. However, the safety and stability of the fifth-wheel system makes it worthwhile for those who can afford them.
A relatively new RV trailer is the toy hauler. Initially, the toy hauler was designed as a utility trailer for toys that also included some very basic living quarters. The biggest change in the toy hauler market came when the guys' wives wanted to go along without giving up living comfort.
Today's toy haulers can haul a lot of toys while offering amazing levels of comfort and convenience. They're available in regular tow-type, (or, bumper pull) designs or as fifth-wheels. The larger ones are all fifth-wheel units.
With that, we have covered the major types of towable RV's. There are some others out there that don't fit neatly into any one of the major categories but they're the exception rather than the rule.
Making the Choice
Now comes the time to start narrowing the search. Once you've decided whether you want a motor home or a trailer, you start looking at the various choices with that category.
If you have no idea where to start, ask someone who owns an RV similar to what you think you'd like to buy. RV people love to talk about their RV's.
For example, let's say you see an RV in a gas station that looks interesting. Just walk over there and ask the owner about it. It will amaze you how many of them will be perfectly willing to show it off and tell you all about it!
Tell them you're planning to buy an RV. Ask them what they like best about theirs. Ask them why they decided to buy that particular brand or that type. Ask them if they would buy it again and why. Again, you will be surprised how many of them will be happy to tell you what they can.
Another excellent way to further your research is to rent an RV. Drive to a campground only a short distance away and set up camp for the weekend. A couple of nights in an RV will tell you a lot about it.
The reason I suggest going only a short distance away is that, if you are new to RV'ing, you will think of things you should or could have brought along. It's not all that far to drive home, grab what you need and come back to spend the rest of the weekend in the RV.
While there, walk around and look at other units people have brought. Stop and talk to several owners. Again, RV people like to talk about their RV's. You'll walk away with more information than you ever thought you'd get.
A few weeks later, rent another RV that's quite different from the first one and go off for another weekend. After a few outings like that, you will have gotten a much better idea of what works for you and what doesn't.
I, personally, like camping over 3-4 day weekends. You can go many different places and do a lot of fun things without using up all of your vacation days at once.
Most of the larger cities offer exhibitions for camping, outdoor recreation or other leisure activities. There, you'll be able to see many different units on display, side-by-side. This gives you a great opportunity to contrast and compare them.
Sooner or later, the time will come to just do it! Think about all the people you've talked to and the camping experiences you've had. Choose an RV that looks like it will do the best job of meeting your unique needs and go for it!
Then, take it out and use it every chance you get. Travel with RV'ing friends or take guests along. Make it a fun part of your life and you'll come to love the RV'ing lifestyle like I do.
Maybe we'll cross paths in some campground somewhere. I look forward to it!
Ed Hill was introduced to 'camping' by the US Army nearly half a century ago. Since then, he has camped his way across most of the United States and parts of Europe using tents and a variety of RV's. In addition to RV'ing, Ed is sharing his love for RV travel in his blog, http://www.EnjoyRVTravel.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
by Ed Hill
Is there really such a thing as a "perfect" RV? Well, it depends. There could be a perfect RV for your personal situation, your income, your travel schedule - right now. But, any of those things could change overnight! And, with that change, your perfect RV would no longer be perfect.
So, how do you choose the RV that best meets your needs? First, you need to understand that your needs will change over the years. Second, your first RV will probably be the first of a series of many different types of RV's you will have over the years.
The good news is that you will enjoy every one of them for a variety of reasons. Some you will like better than others. It is often said that the two best days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys the boat and the day he sells it. Some RV's can be like that, too.
So, what are your needs right now?
* Are you single? Married? With kids?
* What kind of time do you have in which to travel with an RV?
* Do you prefer a two-week vacation once a year or a series of three- or four-day outings spread throughout the year?
* Do you have a place to store an RV?
* What is your travel budget?
* What about your budget to buy an RV?
There are countless other questions to be answered in your quest for an RV that will meet your needs right now. Each question has an answer that will point in one direction or the other. The chances are excellent that the answers won't all point in the same direction. That means that, whatever you do decide to buy, it will be a compromise.
Sometimes, the compromise will be between various factors in your lifestyle. The compromise might be between you and other members of the family. "Perfect" will be pretty hard to find but there will most likely be several options that are "pretty good."
Another thing to remember is that you might come to love one of the options you didn't think you would like at all. You bought it because your spouse wanted it or it was a great deal you just couldn't pass up.
In the next couple of postings, I'll talk about RV's that are motorized vs. those that need to be towed. They all have their advantages and disadvantages - depending on your lifestyle at the moment.
Motorized RV's
There are a few things to think about before you decide whether a motorized RV is the best choice for you. First, how often will you be traveling? Remember, an RV is about living space away from home. Between trips, it has to be stored somewhere. You'll also be paying license fees, taxes and insurance - whether you're driving it or not! And, some engine and transmission parts can start to deteriorate if they're not used for long periods.
If your travel schedule allows you to take several short trips throughout the year, a motor home is a great way to travel. One person can drive while the other takes a nap - on a real bed! Or, makes a sandwich in the kitchen - while going down the road at highway speeds. Or, uses the bathroom. A motor home can make the trip, itself, enjoyable and relaxing. You can actually get up and move around unless, of course, you're driving.
The design most easily recognized as "a motor home" is the Class A. These motor homes are designed from the ground up as motor homes. The outline shape of the Class A is, basically, a box on wheels. It makes the most efficient use of the square footage by concentrating on living and storage space. Speed and handling are secondary. It's a compromise between the comfort of your house and the ability to drive down the road. Like all other compromises, it doesn't do either job very well.
However, the motor home lifestyle takes that compromise into account and becomes something you enjoy for its own sake. You know that the Class A motor home will never handle like a sports car. You also know it will never be as comfortable and spacious as a house. But, you don't care because you enjoy the freedom of having your own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom wherever you want it to be. None of the other RV types can quite match a Class A in this area.
The downside is that a Class A motor home is more expensive to buy and maintain. It is larger than most other vehicles on the road and harder to drive safely. Depending on the size, you could be somewhat limited on where you can park for the night. Some older campgrounds are unable to handle the larger units. Every choice involves making compromises as to living space and comfort vs. size and ease of handling.
The next type is the Class B motor home. It is, basically, a van that has been modified to serve as a compact motor home. Storage space is at a premium and the variety of floor plans is limited. You can only do so much with so little space.
However, being a standard-sized van makes the Class B usable as a "daily driver." Fuel and other operating costs are lower. It's much easier to drive because of the smaller size. You can also have it serviced at your local car dealership. However, it is not a good solution for a family with children. The Class B motor home is best for a couple who enjoy being close together for hours at a time.
The motor home that fits between the large Class A and the compact Class B is known as the Class C motor home. Basically, the Class C is a van cab and chassis with a motor home body built in place of the van body. Nearly all of them have a cab-over design with a bed built in above the driver and passenger seats.
Class C motor homes can be found in an amazing variety of sizes and floor plans. Being based on a van chassis, it can be serviced by your local car dealership like any other van. It's also a lot easier to drive than the full-sized Class A and a lot less expensive!
A disadvantage of the larger Class C's is that the chassis is not as capable of handling the size and weight as a Class A chassis is. There is not as much storage space or load capacity. However, the Class C motor home can be a great family RV. In fact, that's where you see most of them being used.
One more choice in the motorized market is the pickup camper. The camping unit, itself, slides into the bed of the pickup and turns it into a type of motor home. If the pickup is a 4×4, the pickup camper can go places most other RV's can only dream about.
The advantages are that the pickup can be used as a pickup when you're not actually on the road. In fact, many people drive to their campsite and off-load the camper. That gives them the comfort of a camper while making the pickup available for other uses. The smaller size of the slide-in camper makes it a lot easier to store between trips. It can be loaded onto the truck in a matter of a few minutes.
What's the downside? First, they're limited by the size of the pickup bed. You can do only so much with the available space. There is very little storage space. The pickup, itself, should be a heavy-duty 3/4 or a 1-ton to handle the weight and size of the camper. There are slide-in campers available for 1/2 ton pickups but they're lighter and smaller units without many luxury features.
That does it for the motorized RV's. If you're going to travel often, a motorized RV is a wonderful way to travel. As you can see, there is a huge variety of sizes, shapes and floor plans available. If your travel schedule or preferences dictates only once or twice a year, you may well wish to consider the great towable RV's out there.
Towable RV's
Towable RV's have their own unique advantages. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that they cost a lot less. They don't need as much maintenance as motorized vehicles do. Insurance costs are lower because the trailer is considered to be part of the tow vehicle when on the road.
Another advantage is that the tow vehicle can be used for normal, day-to-day driving chores when you're not traveling or camping. The major caveat is that it has to be able to safely tow the trailer.
Let's look at the trailers, themselves. We'll start with popup campers. Quite a few manufacturers produce popups in various sizes and styles. In most cases, they have canvas or nylon side walls. This pretty much limits these units to fair weather use.
Compared to other towable RV's, popups are the least expensive. This allows more families to enjoy camping without having to sleep on the ground. Many of them have built-in stoves and iceboxes. The beds fold out providing sleeping area for several people.
Many of them are light enough to be towed by a car or a small pickup. Camping trips can be relatively inexpensive because the vehicles, themselves, are economical.
The primary limitation is the level of comfort and convenience they offer. Luxury features cost money and add weight to any RV. Popup trailers are a great way for younger families to get into RV travel affordably.
Another type of popup trailer is one with hard sides that either fold or telescope down to create a more easily towed unit. They weigh more than "soft" sided trailers but offer more weather protection and comfort items.
Next in the lineup is the travel trailer. This is a huge category that ranges from about 14-38 feet in length. Some are light-weight units with few luxury features. At the other end of the scale are heavy, super luxurious trailers that require a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
As you move up the scale, increasing numbers of them are designed to be four-season RV's. Many have slide-out sections that greatly increase the living space when set up in a camp ground.
The travel trailers attach to the tow vehicle at a point near the bumper. The larger ones need a sway-control system to keep the entire unit under control. Side winds from weather or other large vehicles can cause a trailer to sway out of control if it's not controlled by a sway-control system.
A popular solution for sway control is a fifth-wheel trailer. In the fifth-wheel system, the hitch and pivot point are over the rear axle of the tow vehicle. That means, of course, that the tow vehicle has to be a truck.
In most cases, the master bedroom and bath are in the front section up over the bed of the truck. Various floor plans divide up the rest of the living space and offer varying levels of luxury and comfort.
Due to the design, fifth-wheel trailers tend to be heavier which requires larger trucks. They're also more expensive. However, the safety and stability of the fifth-wheel system makes it worthwhile for those who can afford them.
A relatively new RV trailer is the toy hauler. Initially, the toy hauler was designed as a utility trailer for toys that also included some very basic living quarters. The biggest change in the toy hauler market came when the guys' wives wanted to go along without giving up living comfort.
Today's toy haulers can haul a lot of toys while offering amazing levels of comfort and convenience. They're available in regular tow-type, (or, bumper pull) designs or as fifth-wheels. The larger ones are all fifth-wheel units.
With that, we have covered the major types of towable RV's. There are some others out there that don't fit neatly into any one of the major categories but they're the exception rather than the rule.
Making the Choice
Now comes the time to start narrowing the search. Once you've decided whether you want a motor home or a trailer, you start looking at the various choices with that category.
If you have no idea where to start, ask someone who owns an RV similar to what you think you'd like to buy. RV people love to talk about their RV's.
For example, let's say you see an RV in a gas station that looks interesting. Just walk over there and ask the owner about it. It will amaze you how many of them will be perfectly willing to show it off and tell you all about it!
Tell them you're planning to buy an RV. Ask them what they like best about theirs. Ask them why they decided to buy that particular brand or that type. Ask them if they would buy it again and why. Again, you will be surprised how many of them will be happy to tell you what they can.
Another excellent way to further your research is to rent an RV. Drive to a campground only a short distance away and set up camp for the weekend. A couple of nights in an RV will tell you a lot about it.
The reason I suggest going only a short distance away is that, if you are new to RV'ing, you will think of things you should or could have brought along. It's not all that far to drive home, grab what you need and come back to spend the rest of the weekend in the RV.
While there, walk around and look at other units people have brought. Stop and talk to several owners. Again, RV people like to talk about their RV's. You'll walk away with more information than you ever thought you'd get.
A few weeks later, rent another RV that's quite different from the first one and go off for another weekend. After a few outings like that, you will have gotten a much better idea of what works for you and what doesn't.
I, personally, like camping over 3-4 day weekends. You can go many different places and do a lot of fun things without using up all of your vacation days at once.
Most of the larger cities offer exhibitions for camping, outdoor recreation or other leisure activities. There, you'll be able to see many different units on display, side-by-side. This gives you a great opportunity to contrast and compare them.
Sooner or later, the time will come to just do it! Think about all the people you've talked to and the camping experiences you've had. Choose an RV that looks like it will do the best job of meeting your unique needs and go for it!
Then, take it out and use it every chance you get. Travel with RV'ing friends or take guests along. Make it a fun part of your life and you'll come to love the RV'ing lifestyle like I do.
Maybe we'll cross paths in some campground somewhere. I look forward to it!
Ed Hill was introduced to 'camping' by the US Army nearly half a century ago. Since then, he has camped his way across most of the United States and parts of Europe using tents and a variety of RV's. In addition to RV'ing, Ed is sharing his love for RV travel in his blog, http://www.EnjoyRVTravel.com
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Monday, January 14, 2008
RV Parks: The Perfect Halting Station For Your Rig!
RV Parks: The Perfect Halting Station For Your Rig!
by Suzanne Macguire
RV travel can be a memorable experience, provided you make proper arrangements for it. Traveling in an independent RV is mostly hassle-free but one essential thing should never be overlooked, i.e. the need for requisite number of camping grounds on your way. Without the availability of camping grounds, RV travel cannot really be possible. Recreational vehicle parks fulfill the camping requirements of the RVers. From parking site to service building, sanitary facilities to sanitary waste station, RV campgrounds house all the facilities needed to make the journey of the RVers a delightful experience! Recreational vehicle parks are placed at specific locations, especially in agricultural or open spaces; highway commercial or highway service; or commercial recreational areas. RV campgrounds are not located in any area zoned residential or in a floodplain. Besides, the environmental conditions play an important role in deciding the suitability of a place to be converted into an RV campground. Soil conditions, groundwater level, drainage and topography should be congenial to the health and safety of the occupants. Sites exposed to pollution, adverse influences, unpredictable flooding, subsidence or erosion are not ideal for camping. Once the site for an RV campground is confirmed, preparations to fix some of its loopholes must be taken care of. Exposed ground surfaces in all parts of the park should be paved, or covered with stone screening or other solid materials, or protected with a vegetative growth that is capable of preventing soil erosion. Size and density of a recreational vehicle park be large enough to allow enough parking spaces for RVs. The minimum gross area required for a RV park is five acres while the maximum park density should not exceed 12 rvs per gross acre. Each RV site should contain a vehicle pad of concrete or asphalt paving. Entrances and exits to recreational vehicle parks should be designed keeping in mind the safe and convenient movement of traffic into and out of it, so as to minimize friction with free movement of traffic on adjacent streets. A well maintained RV campground houses all possible recreational facilities such as management headquarters, toilets, dumping stations, showers, water-supply, coin-operated laundry facilities and many others as permitted. Throughout America and Canada, RV sites are aplenty. There is no dearth of entertainment, food and friendly service, which allows the RVers an even more pleasurable ride. So, hurry up if you are still planning to buy your rig. In fact, you do not need to invest huge amounts to buy an RV. If you have a tight budget, you can also buy used RV Motorhomes and have the experience of a lifetime!
Article source: ArticlePros.com
About the author Suzanne Macguire is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries. http://www.rv-n-motorhomes.com/ |
Friday, January 11, 2008
RV'ing in the Winter?
RV'ing in the Winter?
by Ed Hill
Most people think of RV travel and camping as summer time activities. Let's face it, tents and most of the smaller trailers aren't set up for winter use. There didn't used to be a huge demand for it.
People brought out their camping vehicles and equipment in the spring and put it all away in the fall. Then, they'd hunker down for the winter and count the days until the nice weather appeared once again in the spring. There wasn't a lot of thought given to four-season use of that stuff.
But, in recent years, more and more people are using their RV's year-around. The demand for "four-season" coaches has skyrocketed. Of course, where there's a demand, there will be manufacturers willing to meet it!
I live near Phoenix, Arizona. Our campgrounds (RV Resorts!) are jam-packed during the winter months. These people we call "snowbirds" come down here from really cold country to spend the winter. Many of them live in their RV's.
While it's true that we don't have the really cold weather complete with snow and ice, we do frequently see the temperatures get below freezing at night during the winter. The RV's have to be able to keep their occupants warm and protect the RV systems from the cold.
I don't know if you've noticed it, but I've been seeing more and more RV's on the road around the holidays. Maybe it's the security hassles or the increasing costs of air travel that have more people hitting the road. Maybe it's the cost or inconvenience of hotels that causes people to take their RV's instead. Whatever the reason, increasing numbers of people are choosing RV travel for the holidays.
There are other reasons people use their RV's all year. Trade shows, dog shows, concerts and many other exhibitions are occasions for people to get together. These days, it's pretty common to see the parking lot partially filled with RV's - no matter what season of the year it is.
According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, a lot of Canadians spend their winter months in an RV park in Yuma, Arizona. One of the reasons for that location is so that they can slip across the border into Los Algodones, Mexico and have expensive dental work done for a lot less money.
So, what's involved in the design of a four-season RV? First of all, the sidewall and roof insulation is thicker, giving greater protection from cooler temperatures. A lot of people don't realize that this same feature keeps the unit cooler in the summer! Many of the RV's can also be ordered with double-pane windows for further insulation.
Another important feature is that the underside is enclosed and insulated. In many of them, the heating ducts run under the floor which keeps all the plumbing and sensitive systems from freezing when the heat is on. The valves for the waste tanks are normally located within this heated and insulated area, as well.
RV's of today are a far cry from those of just 10 years ago. They're being used for more than just summer vacations. RV travel has become a larger and more important part of our national lifestyle. One day, it will be commonplace to live part-time in a house and part-time in an RV.
Now, that will be fun!
Ed Hill was introduced to 'camping' by the US Army nearly half a century ago. Since then, he has camped his way across most of the United States and parts of Europe using tents and a variety of RV's. In addition to RV'ing, Ed is sharing his love for RV travel in his blog, http://www.EnjoyRVTravel.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
by Ed Hill
Most people think of RV travel and camping as summer time activities. Let's face it, tents and most of the smaller trailers aren't set up for winter use. There didn't used to be a huge demand for it.
People brought out their camping vehicles and equipment in the spring and put it all away in the fall. Then, they'd hunker down for the winter and count the days until the nice weather appeared once again in the spring. There wasn't a lot of thought given to four-season use of that stuff.
But, in recent years, more and more people are using their RV's year-around. The demand for "four-season" coaches has skyrocketed. Of course, where there's a demand, there will be manufacturers willing to meet it!
I live near Phoenix, Arizona. Our campgrounds (RV Resorts!) are jam-packed during the winter months. These people we call "snowbirds" come down here from really cold country to spend the winter. Many of them live in their RV's.
While it's true that we don't have the really cold weather complete with snow and ice, we do frequently see the temperatures get below freezing at night during the winter. The RV's have to be able to keep their occupants warm and protect the RV systems from the cold.
I don't know if you've noticed it, but I've been seeing more and more RV's on the road around the holidays. Maybe it's the security hassles or the increasing costs of air travel that have more people hitting the road. Maybe it's the cost or inconvenience of hotels that causes people to take their RV's instead. Whatever the reason, increasing numbers of people are choosing RV travel for the holidays.
There are other reasons people use their RV's all year. Trade shows, dog shows, concerts and many other exhibitions are occasions for people to get together. These days, it's pretty common to see the parking lot partially filled with RV's - no matter what season of the year it is.
According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, a lot of Canadians spend their winter months in an RV park in Yuma, Arizona. One of the reasons for that location is so that they can slip across the border into Los Algodones, Mexico and have expensive dental work done for a lot less money.
So, what's involved in the design of a four-season RV? First of all, the sidewall and roof insulation is thicker, giving greater protection from cooler temperatures. A lot of people don't realize that this same feature keeps the unit cooler in the summer! Many of the RV's can also be ordered with double-pane windows for further insulation.
Another important feature is that the underside is enclosed and insulated. In many of them, the heating ducts run under the floor which keeps all the plumbing and sensitive systems from freezing when the heat is on. The valves for the waste tanks are normally located within this heated and insulated area, as well.
RV's of today are a far cry from those of just 10 years ago. They're being used for more than just summer vacations. RV travel has become a larger and more important part of our national lifestyle. One day, it will be commonplace to live part-time in a house and part-time in an RV.
Now, that will be fun!
Ed Hill was introduced to 'camping' by the US Army nearly half a century ago. Since then, he has camped his way across most of the United States and parts of Europe using tents and a variety of RV's. In addition to RV'ing, Ed is sharing his love for RV travel in his blog, http://www.EnjoyRVTravel.com
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
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