Get the latest information, tips, and advice on purchasing and maintaining your motorhome, travel trailer, or RV of any type. Also, we will try to bring you information on all the most up-to-date accessories and gadgets for you to take RVing with you on your next trip or vacation.
Friday, March 7, 2008
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.
Article Directory: Article Dashboard
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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
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
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
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?
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
Friday, January 4, 2008
RV'ing in the Winter?
RV'ing in the Winter?
By Edwin J. 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 Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edwin_J._Hill
http://EzineArticles.com/?RVing-in-the-Winter?&id=901911
Friday, December 7, 2007
Winter RV Battery Storage
Winter RV Battery Storage
By Mark Polk
The two most common causes for RV battery failure are undercharging and overcharging.
Undercharging is a result of batteries being repeatedly discharged and not fully recharged between cycles. If a battery is not recharged the sulfate material that attaches to the discharged portions of the plates begins to harden into crystals. Over time this sulfate cannot be converted back into active plate material and the battery is ruined. This also occurs when a battery remains discharged for an extended period of time, like during storage. Sulfation is the number one cause of battery failure. The second leading cause of battery failure is overcharging. Overcharging batteries results in severe water loss and plate corrosion. With that said let's look at how to properly store your RV batteries.
Before we talk about storing the batteries we need to talk about battery safety. Lead acid batteries contain sulfuric acid which is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns or even blindness. And the hydrogen gas that batteries produce when they're charging is very explosive. When you work around batteries you need to wear goggles and gloves, remove all jewelry and do not smoke or use any open flames.
Caution: If you accidentally get battery acid on your skin, flush it with lots of water and if it gets in your eyes flush with low pressure water for 15 minutes and call a doctor.
When you put the RV in long term storage it's a good idea to remove the batteries and put them in storage too. This is quite simple to do. The first thing we want to do is visually inspect the batteries for any obvious damage. Any fluid on or around the battery may be an indication that electrolyte is leaking from the battery. A damaged or leaking battery should be replaced immediately. Whenever you remove any battery always remember to remove the negative terminal or cable first, and then the positive cable.
Battery Tip: When you remove a battery turn off the ignition switch, all electrical switches, and any battery disconnect switches before you disconnect the battery cables. Whenever you remove any battery cables label them first so you remember how they go back on the battery. When you reinstall the battery do it in the reverse order. Install the positive cable first and then the negative cable.
Clean the batteries with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water if necessary, i.e. use one pound of baking soda to one gallon of water. Now you can check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water if necessary. The minimum level required is at the top of the plates. If it's below the plates add enough distilled water to cover the plates before you charge the battery.
Test the battery state of charge with a voltmeter or hydrometer and charge any batteries that are at or below 80%. An 80% charge is approximately 12.5 volts for a 12 volt battery and 6.25 volts for a 6 volt battery. Lead sulfation starts when a battery state of charge drops below 80%. After charging the batteries check and fill each cell to 1/8 inch below the fill well with distilled water. Overfilling cells will cause battery acid to overflow.
Caution: Batteries should only be charged in a well ventilated area and keep any sparks and open flames away from a battery being charged. Check the electrolyte levels before and after charging batteries.
A discharged or partially charged battery will freeze much faster than a charged battery. Store the batteries in a cool dry place but not where they could freeze. Batteries in storage will loose a percentage of current through internal leakage. It's not uncommon for a battery to discharge up to 10% a month when it is being stored. Cold temperatures slow this natural discharge process down and warmer temperatures speed the process up. Test the
stored battery state of charge every month and charge batteries that are at or below an 80% state of charge.
Completely charge the batteries before re-installing them next spring. For optimum performance you can equalize the batteries after they are fully charged. An equalizing charge is an increase in charging voltage similar to a bulk charge to convert any crystallized lead sulfate back into its original components.
If you decide to leave the batteries in the RV while it is in storage remember to check the state of charge monthly and charge any batteries at or below an 80% charge. Some RV converter multi-stage chargers and aftermarket chargers are designed to maintain a float charge on the battery without removing the batteries from the RV. Remember, for the converter charger to work the RV will need to be plugged in to electricity.
For more information on RV batteries check out our Deep Cycle Battery Care & Maintenance DVD.
Happy Camping,
Mark Polk
Copyright 2007 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/?Winter-RV-Battery-Storage&id=868308
Monday, October 15, 2007
Buying A New RV?
Purchasing A New Recreational Vehicle
By Shaan RandowWhen looking to buy a new recreational vehicle think about what you would do if you were going to purchase a new car.
You certainly aren't going to take the first deal you're offered. You certainly aren't going to purchase from the first dealer you visit without comparing prices. You certainly wouldn't go without any idea of the value of the vehicle beforehand.
It is very important that you go armed with information when you're thinking about purchasing a new recreational vehicle. This is some serious cash you're going to be spending and you want to get the best possible deal. Recreational Vehicle dealers must make a large profit on the sale of each vehicle. They don't sell the numbers that car dealers do so they have to make the maximum mark up on each vehicle.
There are many sites online that can be a help to you with finding the actual MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) of a new recreational vehicle. Recreational Vehicle dealers, like car dealers, buy their vehicles wholesale due to the number they buy, they have a fairly wide profit margin generally 15% to 35%. The dealer price you see on the vehicle isn't necessarily what he has paid for it with incentives he receives from the manufacturer.
Make sure that you visit at least three recreational vehicle dealers with the same or similar vehicle. When you're spending potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars on a motor home you want to make sure you are getting the best deal. Deals do differ from region to region and from dealer to dealer.
Don't become attached to any one recreational vehicle. Again, when you're talking potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars it's a business deal and not one where you should wear your heart on your sleeve. Remember, this is a new vehicle, and if you bypass this one the factory can always build another exactly like it.
Make sure that you do a little research into the dealers after sales service. Many dealers are your best friends during the deal, but then lose interest in you afterwards. You will want to check with friends and family that own recreational vehicles and perhaps with the Better Business Bureau before you purchase. Also, RV blogs and forums are a good way to get information about a particular dealer.
About the Author: This article courtesy of http://www.rv-traveller.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=15689&ca=Recreation
GPS Navigation Systems For Your Next RV Trip
GPS Navigation Systems: Ditch The Paper Map For A GPS Navigation Device
A GPS navigation device can save you time by helping to guide you to your destination. You don't need to waste time looking at a map or stopping to ask for direction along the way. Instead, you'll have instant access to your directions in real-time format.
It is cumbersome to look at a paper map while driving. The only safe way of looking at it is to pull over to the side of the road or get a passenger to read it for you.
For female drivers who drive alone or at night, traveling with a gps navigation system offers safety and prevents them from getting lost. They don't have to stop at unknown places to ask strangers for direction.
The GPS navigation system is like having a map that is constantly updated with the latest information. No more guessing is involved. The GPS device gets its information from a large bank of data that is constantly being updated to ensure accuracy.
For the most complete navigation, choose a system that gives you both audio and graphical directions. This allows you to see the map on the screen as well as to hear the specific spoken directions. Some GPS navigation systems integrate the radio speaker system to speak to you. Before purchasing a GPS device, be sure to think about your need for audio and visual guidance.
There are various brands, features and types of GPS navigation systems to choose from. More sophisticated systems obviously will cost more than simpler models. Some units are portable and can plug into the cigarette lighter. Others require technical installation. Keep in mind that some manufacturers will void the warranty unless the unit is installed by a certified dealer. As technology is constantly evolving, you should purchase a GPS navigation device that is upgradable.
Think about how you will be using your GPS navigation system. Some units can tell you where the nearest point of interest. For example, you can ask to search for the nearest grocery store and the GPS device may be able to give you several options along with directions. Stucked in a traffic jam? Use a GPS navigation device to help find alternative routes. If you want to get your destination in the quickest way, a GPS system can give you direction and time of travel.
GPS navigation devices are becoming cheaper. You can get a basic one for less than $200 and it can do much more than paper maps. Isn't it time to ditch the paper map for a gps navigation device?
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GPS navigation device is becoming an indispensable gadget that most people don't leave home without. There are gps navigation systems to suit every budget and needs. Check out our top resources on the latest car gps navigation systems at http://www.gpstrackingsys.com/art-nav
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Motorhome Hire - The Luxury Travel is a Click Away
Motorhome hire hire is not a new concept. However, the designs and the furnishing of these luxury vehicles have really got much better than the earlier prototypes. Now, motorhomes are fitted with all the latest equipments and furnishings, so that the travelers do not feel out of home or any kind of discomfort.
Nowadays, there are different companies that provide motorhome hire services and each supplier has a line of luxury goods or ergonomic fittings that enhance comfort, improve functionality, create more space, and give more room to move about freely. The new age motorhomes are sure to delight anyone who loves traveling and comfortable journey.
Some of the common features that you would find in any kind of motorhome hire services are:
A well equipped bathroom – The bathrooms in the current line of motorhomes are spacious and well-furnished. Some have showers separated from the bathroom, so that the bathroom do not get tied up when there are two or more people traveling in the motorhomes.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tire Blow-Out on your RV
RV Tire Blow Out - How to Protect Yourself
By Keith A. Williams
Most RV tires do not fail due to excessive wear but due to deterioration over a period of time. I had a spare tire on my Hitchhiker II which had never been used ---yet it disintegrated while mounted to the rear of the trailer and covered, so I know it can happen!
Warren Hull's ezinearticles article titled "RV Tire Protection" covers the situation rather well. That article gives some tips on ways to retard the inevitable deterioration.
The bottom line to protecting yourself from the problems associated with a tire failure is simple:
Replace the tire before it causes a problem!
The next question, "When do I do that?" is not as simple to answer.
It has been said that RV tires should be replaced after about six years, regardless of the condition of the tread. My experience with my previous trailer would indicate that number is about right. Had I done so, it would have saved me a lot of inconvenience and some minor damage to the trailer.
But last week, I had a failure of a tire which was barely five years old! And it was on the north side of the trailer, winter and summer. My personal feeling is that a tire should last six, seven, or eight years.
I'm hoping that this failure was a fluke. If another one fails this year, it's straight to the tire store for a new set!
Tires have a date code molded into the sidewall, so it is easy to know the age of our tires. The code is four digits, with the first two being the week of the year and the second two being the year the tire was manufactured. Example: A tire with the date code "0607" would have been made in February (sixth week of the year), 2007.
The four-digit code went into effect in July, 2000. Prior to that, the date code was a three-digit code, with the year being represented by a single digit.
If your tires have a three-digit code, don't be surprised if they fail! They're over seven years old and definitely will not last forever.
Copyright 2007 Keith A. Williams
The author is a part-time RVer who has learned about tire failures and date codes by experience.
He has published other RV-related articles which you may find educational. His websites are also useful: http://countyparks.us reveals the "hidden secret" of county parks. (So far, it doesn't live up to its full potential, but bear with him.)
Two others relate to the RV Awning Travel Lock which he markets ---again, because of a very unpleasant experience. You can visit them here: http://awninglock.com and http://awninglock.info The info there could save you a big mess and hundreds of dollars.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_A._Williams
http://EzineArticles.com/?RV-Tire-Blow-Out---How-to-Protect-Yourself&id=646451
Monday, July 16, 2007
Tips for RV Trips
Tips for RV Trips
By Ray Smith
It’s always a pleasant adventure to drive down in your RV across the open roads and enjoy the natural beauty to your hearts content. RVs have become an indispensable item for people who love to embark on long journeys to the wildernesses and great outdoors. Indeed it is much better than the boring journeys in your cold old car – its so much fun to enjoy the comforts of home while traveling across scenic locations fro your dream vacation. However, one of the major challenges that are faced by all RV owners is to drive safely and successfully on open roads.
Just because of its sheer size it is often more difficult to drive a recreational vehicle compared to a car or even a truck. Particularly, when you are on the highway, it is important that your motorhome blends in well with the smaller cars that are much more agile and your car doesn’t really block the road and create trouble for other drivers on the road. When you are driving recreational vehicle it is important that you are well aware of the road and traffic rules. There are various points that you need to be particularly careful about when you are on the streets in your RV.
Be Patient: Always keep in mind the size of your recreational vehicle, it is not your small car that you can blaze through the road. While on your recreational vehicle it is important to be patient and drive slow. Recreational vehicles are just not the type to drive aggressively at a high speed. Its just like you are adding wheels to your home and driving it along, so you need to give due consideration to its bulk and keep the speed in control. For those drivers who are a bit impatient it is often difficult to adjust to this slow moving giants but for a safe travel it is important that you adjust your mindset. Try to keep your speed below 10 miles per hour. 10 miles per hour would be relatively good speed for a RV that would keep things under control yet cover enough ground in short span.
Plan and Create Your Road Map: If you can plan your road map well that would probably save you more than half the trouble with your RV. Try to avoid interstates and highways that are particularly known for high-speed traffic. Also, it is very helpful, if you can plan your tour to avoid driving through busy cities during rush hours. Try to avoid the more commonly used routes and find alternative routes that has relatively less traffic and often offer better natural view. However, it is also important that while deciding on these alternative routes, you have complete information about these routes so that you don’t get stuck at some point due to narrow or bad road conditions.
Never drive in bad weather: Bad weather conditions put up a challenge for all drivers irrespective of the type of vehicle they are driving and the challenge is even greater if you are driving a RV. Motor homes and recreational vehicles generally do not take to bad weathers and are particularly difficult top drive during high strong winds. It is advisable to take off the roads during bad weather and drive another day once the weather has calmed down.
Avoid Slopes: Try to avoid slopes, both uphill and downhill when driving your RV. It becomes very difficult to drive up steep slopes and also to control your RV while moving downhill. Even if it requires you to travel a few extra miles off your route it is always better to do so than to take the risk of moving up or down the slope.
Towing Vehicles: Towing a vehicle is a common practice for RV owners but it makes driving an RV all the more difficult. You need to be doubly cautious when you have a towing vehicle along with your motor home. It is advisable to detach towing vehicle when you need to backup your RV. Unhook the towing vehicle and park it safely, then ask someone to guide you, when you back up the RV.
Campground Reservations: Always try to make your campground reservations in advance. Use the campground directories to locate and plan the campgrounds that you would use for your overnight stays. If you are going to stay at a campground where you have never stayed before, it is also wise to do your reservation for just one night to ensure that the campground meets your requirements than to do a longer reservation for cost cutting.
RV trips are meant for enjoyment and pleasure. Following these basic guidelines would definitely be helpful to ensure road safety and better organize your RV trip for hassle free enjoyment.
This article is written by Ray Smith, a marketing expert with years of experience in different industries and specialized knowledge on SEO and Internet marketing. Used RV Motorhomes For Sale
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Sunday, July 15, 2007
RV's And Campers
By Tony Harries
Motorhomes, also referred to as RVs or recreational vehicles, have greatly increased in popularity in recent years and are an excellent way to experience comfortable road travel. Unlike a commercial vehicle, RVs have full power steering and automatic transmission. Motorhomes offer excellent performance for their size and weight with diesel power for the majority of vehicles today, offering excellent fuel efficiency.
RV’s and Motorhomes are the ideal form of travel for those who like to spend their vacation time going camping in the mountains, running on the beach, or sightseeing along the highways and byways.
Motorhomes are a popular way to follow sporting events around the world, they are also ideal for shows and events, where you can be on-site close to all the action yet with your luxurious home-from-home there with you.
A motorhome is the ideal family vehicle, the driver’s compartment is connected to the cabin so that, even on the road, your whole family is together. Fully-equipped with a toilet, hot shower, air-conditioning, water tank plus a small kitchen including fridge, stove and oven, giving you complete freedom and flexibility.
Motorhomes usually have a 240 volt power inlet which can be hooked up to power the larger appliances such as air conditioners and microwaves. The on-board fresh water tank holds approximately 120 litres and will last between two and four days before it needs refilling.
Motorhomes are easy to drive but different to a car, Take things at a steadier pace and try to anticipate braking and cornering to make the journey more comfortable and reduce the number of complaints from the navigators.
Motorhomes have limited through-vision and some none at all so you soon start to rely on the mirrors. Small coastal and country roads get congested during the holiday periods and you have to be more aware of narrow bridges and roadside hedges as the motorhome is wider than a normal car.
Motorhomes, or motorized recreational vehicles (RVs), come in different classes.
Van campers, also known as Class B motorhomes, are basically small RVs created from a standard conversion or mini van and usually feature a raised roof. These motorhomes are the least expensive RVs to own and operate, and are generally also the easiest to drive around town as well as on the highway.
The size of a Class B RV usually varies from 16 feet to 21 feet, it gets you on the road to adventure in a compact size that's fun and easy to drive, for a price ranging between $33,000 to $75,000.
Class A motor homes are generally thought of as top of the line among RVs. As the largest and most elaborate of the RVs, similar in stature to a bus, this class is, of course, the most expensive, with some sporting sticker prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Depending on the model and floor plan, Class A RVs will sleep up to 8 people. But a decent used Class A motorhome can usually be found for below the hundred thousand dollar mark or so.
All RVs are incredibly well insulated, and because they’re only small compared to, say, a house, keeping them warm or cool is a cinch.
The quality and appointments of RVs continue to improve, with owners realising they can travel with all of the luxuries of home.
There's one way to check out motor homes before you choose one to buy, and that's by renting several and taking them on trial runs.
It's a good idea to rent different models from different manufacturers to see what features you like, what you don't like, and how the models handle on the road and in the campground. Then you can make a more informed decision when you purchase a motor home. Check out your local area for the best deals on renting.
So, whatever model you choose just have fun and enjoy!
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Tony Harries
www.jacksworldshop.com/Rv-And-Campers
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