Recreational Vehicle (RV) Sales on the Rise by smgenie
As the baby boomers retire, the recreational vehicle industry has seen an upsurge in sales. For many people, nothing measures up to the independence and flexibility of enjoying the open road in a recreational vehicle (RV). There is certainly much to be said for taking your hotel with you wherever you go, and the savings on hotel costs can more than pay for the initial cost of an RV.
RV travelers realize the cost savings of this type of travel. There are no hotel rooms to book and dining in your RV can save an enormous amount of money compared to eating in restaurants every day. Owning a fifth wheel or travel trailer, whereas you can unhook your RV from your truck, saves you from having to book a rental car. For those in motor homes, many travelers will tow a vehicle behind them.
When considering the purchase of an recreational vehicle, you will be faced with three choices; a fifth wheel which is pulled by a pick up truck and attaches to a wheel inside the truck box (hence its name fifth wheel), a travel trailer which is usually pulled by a truck with a rear hitch, or a motor home. All three types of RV's have their pros and cons and each point will need to be considered based upon your needs and your budget. Other consideration for the RV lifestyle is the price of gas. However, it is still more economical than staying in hotels and eating at restaurants every night.
Traveling in a recreational vehicle or motor home is often a good choice for those who want to travel to different locations; however, it may be less suited to those who visit the same location year after year. Travelers who visit the same location every year may find it more economical to buy a vacation home. Buying a vacation home, and renting it out when it is not being used, can be a good way to both save money on lodging and build equity for the future.
Many RV travelers come to love the freedom of the open road and the easy care lifestyle. Traveling cross-country and stopping a various parks along the way is a wonderful adventure. The traveler can choose to stay a day or as long as they want at a particular location.
A well-known fact in the RV community is the free camping at Walmart. In most states, you are allowed to camp in a Walmart's parking lot for as long as you like. I am sure you have seen recreational vehicles lined up in Walmart's parking lot at least on one occasion. This is a win-win situation for the traveler and Walmart. The traveler has a well-lit place to camp for the night, at no cost, and Walmart receives income from those RV owners who frequent the store. However, recently there has been an uprising among campground owners against Walmart's free camping policy. Therefore, it is well advised that you check with the local chamber of commerce before you decide to stay a week at Walmart.
For information about a RV loan, visit this link RV Loan
Article Source: Recreational Vehicle (RV) Sales on the Rise
Showing posts with label travel trailer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel trailer. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Have an RV You Can’t Afford? Sell it to Suncoast RV! by Salem
If you have a motorhome you can no longer afford you might consider selling it to Suncoast RV. They can help you with the entire transaction and process so you are no longer burdened with a motorhome, travel trailer, or other recreational vehicle.
The economy is tough and many people are being forced to give up their favorite toys. These toys include recreational vehicles like their motorhome, camper, tent camper, and more. These types of recreational vehicles might seem impossible to sell online or in the newspaper because no one else can afford to buy one right now either. You really can get out from under the payments of your motorhome when you go to Suncoast RV. They will buy it from you.
Suncoast RV is located in many places around the nation including, but not limited to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and an RV Sales Florida location. When you sell your fifth wheel to them they will handle all of the paperwork with the transaction also. This way you won’t have to deal with the DMV legalities of the transaction. They will make sure the transaction is legal and occurs quickly for you.
If you still have a loan on your RV through a bank Suncoast RV will also help you with the payoff. They will provide certified funds so you can have your loan paid off. This means you won’t have to worry about a repossession or a problem on your credit. The motorhome you couldn’t afford will show paid off. This does not apply to all motorhomes.
If your motorhome needs RV Service or RV parts and it is not currently running, Suncoast RV will also arrange to come and pickup your camper from your home. This is the most convenient method for most customers. If you obtain a camper through the RV rentals they will bring it to you so you do not have to find an additional driver. The entire transportation person for the trip is taken care of which means more peace of mind for you.
If you are suffering from the economy today there are many reasons you might consider looking to Suncoast RV to sell your motorhome to. They will handle the entire transaction from the paperwork through the DMV, pay off your loan, and even arrange the transportation to pick up or deliver to you.
Salem Hassan is a business-marketing director for BreezeGoSEO.com, an Internet Marketing Agency. Salem writes on a wide spectrum of topics related to family, business, consumer best interests, marketing, and other related topics.
For more information on the services provided by Suncoast RV, please visit http://www.domain.com
Article Source: Have an RV You Can’t Afford? Sell it to Suncoast RV!
If you have a motorhome you can no longer afford you might consider selling it to Suncoast RV. They can help you with the entire transaction and process so you are no longer burdened with a motorhome, travel trailer, or other recreational vehicle.
The economy is tough and many people are being forced to give up their favorite toys. These toys include recreational vehicles like their motorhome, camper, tent camper, and more. These types of recreational vehicles might seem impossible to sell online or in the newspaper because no one else can afford to buy one right now either. You really can get out from under the payments of your motorhome when you go to Suncoast RV. They will buy it from you.
Suncoast RV is located in many places around the nation including, but not limited to Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and an RV Sales Florida location. When you sell your fifth wheel to them they will handle all of the paperwork with the transaction also. This way you won’t have to deal with the DMV legalities of the transaction. They will make sure the transaction is legal and occurs quickly for you.
If you still have a loan on your RV through a bank Suncoast RV will also help you with the payoff. They will provide certified funds so you can have your loan paid off. This means you won’t have to worry about a repossession or a problem on your credit. The motorhome you couldn’t afford will show paid off. This does not apply to all motorhomes.
If your motorhome needs RV Service or RV parts and it is not currently running, Suncoast RV will also arrange to come and pickup your camper from your home. This is the most convenient method for most customers. If you obtain a camper through the RV rentals they will bring it to you so you do not have to find an additional driver. The entire transportation person for the trip is taken care of which means more peace of mind for you.
If you are suffering from the economy today there are many reasons you might consider looking to Suncoast RV to sell your motorhome to. They will handle the entire transaction from the paperwork through the DMV, pay off your loan, and even arrange the transportation to pick up or deliver to you.
Salem Hassan is a business-marketing director for BreezeGoSEO.com, an Internet Marketing Agency. Salem writes on a wide spectrum of topics related to family, business, consumer best interests, marketing, and other related topics.
For more information on the services provided by Suncoast RV, please visit http://www.domain.com
Article Source: Have an RV You Can’t Afford? Sell it to Suncoast RV!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Getting Solar Panels for Your RV! by S Hassan
With the economy having a hard time getting back up from its fall, people are looking for more and more ways to save money. So instead of taking plane trips to the Caribbean, more people are turning to road and camping trips. These types of trips are less expensive than buying tickets for each of your family members and/or friends. But why do the savings have to stop there? You should think about investing in installing solar panels for your RV.
Many people stay away from installing solar panels because they believe its going to cost them a lot. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Most systems are under $1,000 and there are even some that are as little as $200. Most camping stores and websites have the information you need to get one installed in your RV. You can easily find one that fits within your budget. With the gas prices steadily rising, you could save so much more money by switching to PV systems.
When you have solar panels for your RV, you can see that you can go farther and stay out longer on the road. Even if you are at your campsite already, you can use your stereo, microwaves, TVs and even the lights a lot longer without feeling like you need to conserve energy. You have the security that you will not have to spend so much on batteries and fuel for the generator, because the sun will ways recharge your battery or generator for you!
Most generators are loud and can get annoying real quick. With a solar kit in your RV, you won't have to worry about the loud noise of your generator. The PV system doesn't make noise, has practically no moving parts, and don't need fuel other than the sunlight. It is virtually hassle free. Now while someone else is driving, you can enjoy the amenities in the back with no loud noise interfering with your rest!
One thing you should realize is that PV solar electric systems are just at the beginning. There will be lots of improvements along the way. Who knows, it may even power your RV completely. No more fuel, no more buying new batteries! Also, with the world finding new ways to go “green” you can contribute by installing a PV system. Solar energy is a great way to help the environment, and using it for your vehicles, whether to just power the battery or to run it without electricity is a smart and conscious decision.
For more information about RVs, please visit
With the economy having a hard time getting back up from its fall, people are looking for more and more ways to save money. So instead of taking plane trips to the Caribbean, more people are turning to road and camping trips. These types of trips are less expensive than buying tickets for each of your family members and/or friends. But why do the savings have to stop there? You should think about investing in installing solar panels for your RV.
Many people stay away from installing solar panels because they believe its going to cost them a lot. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Most systems are under $1,000 and there are even some that are as little as $200. Most camping stores and websites have the information you need to get one installed in your RV. You can easily find one that fits within your budget. With the gas prices steadily rising, you could save so much more money by switching to PV systems.
When you have solar panels for your RV, you can see that you can go farther and stay out longer on the road. Even if you are at your campsite already, you can use your stereo, microwaves, TVs and even the lights a lot longer without feeling like you need to conserve energy. You have the security that you will not have to spend so much on batteries and fuel for the generator, because the sun will ways recharge your battery or generator for you!
Most generators are loud and can get annoying real quick. With a solar kit in your RV, you won't have to worry about the loud noise of your generator. The PV system doesn't make noise, has practically no moving parts, and don't need fuel other than the sunlight. It is virtually hassle free. Now while someone else is driving, you can enjoy the amenities in the back with no loud noise interfering with your rest!
One thing you should realize is that PV solar electric systems are just at the beginning. There will be lots of improvements along the way. Who knows, it may even power your RV completely. No more fuel, no more buying new batteries! Also, with the world finding new ways to go “green” you can contribute by installing a PV system. Solar energy is a great way to help the environment, and using it for your vehicles, whether to just power the battery or to run it without electricity is a smart and conscious decision.
For more information about RVs, please visit
Friday, October 16, 2009
Toy Hauler Travel Trailer - A Recreational Vehicle Review
Toy Hauler Travel Trailer - A Recreational Vehicle Review
By Jerry Siegel
Toy Hauler Travel Trailers can be a small stepping stone up from the Tent Trailer or a very luxurious move up-town. They are a good compromise when considering price, size, and comfort; there by proving to be one of the most popular Toy Haulers on the market today. Travel Trailers are towed via a heavy-duty hitch at the rear of your tow vehicle.
A Toy Hauler Trailer is less expensive than the 5th Wheel Trailer, starting around $15K. That's quite a jump from the Jumping Jack Tent Trailer that has a price tag around $5K. Don't let the low price fool you, it's easy spend the better part of a years wages on one, if you choose.
Manufactures have responded to the SUV market by producing "lightweight and ultra-light" Toy Hauler Trailers. Yet loaded with fuel, water, and the toys, my 23 footer has a gross weight is near a whopping 10,000 pounds. My experience is that a rig can "comfortably" tow a little more than one half of its rated towing capacity. Keep this in mind if you will be towing in mountainous country. My Dodge diesel is rated at 16,000 pounds towing capacity. Which gives me a little power to spare in the mountains.
Initially, our plan was to park our new trailer in the same space as our little motorhome, but when it arrived we found that it was much bigger than it looked in the dealer's lot. We barely had enough room. With the help of my wife to guide me, we managed, but quickly realized that we had a trailer with almost no-where to park it. The lesson we learned was to be sure to measure your parking space before you buy. Keep in mind your maneuvering room. The corner of our house is quite a bit closer than I remember. It's certainly a tight fit, so I recruit the wife, and I back the trailer in ever so slowly.
Proper hitch set up is very important with Toy Hauler Trailers. Large trailers are subject to catching wind and can be sensitive to proper load distribution. A good hitch will make towing a pleasure for you. Seak the guidance of your RV dealer in setting up your hitch.
When you move up from a smaller unit into a Travel Trailer, the comfort levels really start to rise. The kitchen is bigger, (although ours is kind of small), you can usually sleep up to 8 comfortably. There is actually a bathtub and shower! We love the large living room that is created after the toys are unloaded, and I'm kept entertained by a TV and Stereo System. Some models have a slide-out which provides more room to relax in. No need to worry about having to get up and move to let someone pass by. Some floor plans have the slide-out area converting into dinettes while others slide the couch out for leg stretching.
What I really like about the Toy Hauler Trailer is the extra goodies, especially created for hauling toys. It has a fuel station that can hold upward to 30 gallons of gas and has its own electric fuel pump and nozzle for filling the toys. A 4000-watt Onan generator powers my tools and keeps the lights burning bright while I'm working on the quads. During the day, the large checkerboard awning keeps the rays off my bald head, and believe me; you've not experienced sunburn 'til you've burned the top of your dome. Man that hurts!
Overall the Toy Hauler Travel Trailer gives you the best bang for the buck and is quickly proving itself in the travel trailer market.
Jerry Siegel maintains an informative web site about recreational vehicles know as Toy Haulers, http://www.rv-toy-hauler-info-and-more.com/. Simple put Toy Haulers are RV's with a cargo or garage space. If you have big boy/girl toys and want to take them with you when you travel, this is your RV. Find out what all the fuss is about, visit us at http://www.rv-toy-hauler-info-and-more.com/ and sign up for our newsletter.
(C) Jerry Siegel All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Siegel
http://EzineArticles.com/?Toy-Hauler-Travel-Trailer---A-Recreational-Vehicle-Review&id=3072000
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
RV Secrets "What they do not tell you"
RV Secrets "What they do not tell you" by Rangerrob
Discover the RV Secrets you may not have known about, if you are
considering becoming a Full Time or Part Time RVer.
Take a journey with "Rangerrob" as a Full Time or Part Time RVer, and learn
learn RVing information you may not have heard about.
http://www.rvsecretsonline.com/rvsecrets/
Hello, I am Rob Scribner, known as Rangerrob:
Owner of RV Travel Buddy - Click Here To View
My wife and I have been Full Time and Part Time RVers, and have learned a few tricks and information that other RVers should know about.
This is a fun and informative report for current, and future RVers to enjoy. This is not a slam report. It's a RVers tool, to prevent your new RV freedom from being upsetting.
Let us tell you about what you need to do before, and after you hit the road, as a Full Time or Part Time RVer. Your experience will be better, and we will save you money.
We have covered thousands of miles, and we have gotten surprised a few times. Even after we bought books, and interviewed other RVers. They fail to mention a few items, that would have been nice to know about, before we started. Here is a list of what our Report will cover:
* Full Time and Part Time RV Living
* Trailer or Motor Home?
* Navigation
* Pets
* Internet Services
* RV Parks and Over night stops
* RV Park Memberships
* RV Living in general
* Rules you need to know about RV Parks
* RV Living Traditions
* Item to make your RV living easier
http://www.rvsecretsonline.com/rvsecrets/
Find interesting and informative news and article about RV Libing.
RV Travel Buddy is designed for the Todat RVer.
Visit us at http://www.rvtravelbuddy.com
Article Source: ArticleRich.com
Discover the RV Secrets you may not have known about, if you are
considering becoming a Full Time or Part Time RVer.
Take a journey with "Rangerrob" as a Full Time or Part Time RVer, and learn
learn RVing information you may not have heard about.
http://www.rvsecretsonline.com/rvsecrets/
Hello, I am Rob Scribner, known as Rangerrob:
Owner of RV Travel Buddy - Click Here To View
My wife and I have been Full Time and Part Time RVers, and have learned a few tricks and information that other RVers should know about.
This is a fun and informative report for current, and future RVers to enjoy. This is not a slam report. It's a RVers tool, to prevent your new RV freedom from being upsetting.
Let us tell you about what you need to do before, and after you hit the road, as a Full Time or Part Time RVer. Your experience will be better, and we will save you money.
We have covered thousands of miles, and we have gotten surprised a few times. Even after we bought books, and interviewed other RVers. They fail to mention a few items, that would have been nice to know about, before we started. Here is a list of what our Report will cover:
* Full Time and Part Time RV Living
* Trailer or Motor Home?
* Navigation
* Pets
* Internet Services
* RV Parks and Over night stops
* RV Park Memberships
* RV Living in general
* Rules you need to know about RV Parks
* RV Living Traditions
* Item to make your RV living easier
http://www.rvsecretsonline.com/rvsecrets/
Find interesting and informative news and article about RV Libing.
RV Travel Buddy is designed for the Todat RVer.
Visit us at http://www.rvtravelbuddy.com
Article Source: ArticleRich.com
Friday, October 9, 2009
Motorhome vs. Travel Trailer
Motorhome vs. Travel Trailer
by Salem
Motorhome or travel trailer? If you are venturing out to buy your first RV, or maybe just an upgrade, you have probably already asked yourself that question. There are many advantages and some disadvantages to both. Mostly you need to decide what you want to use your RV to do and where to go and your decision should not be a difficult one.
A motorhome can offer you a little more mobility than a travel trailer. If you travel extensively or are a “full-timer” a motorhome has more of what you are looking for. In a motorhome you will always be in your “home” even if traveling down the highway. Passengers always have full access to beds, kitchen, bathroom, and couch. However, 5th wheelers, when parked, have a much larger living space because of their slide-outs. Most travel trailers and 5th wheelers have slide-outs that almost touch when in travel mode. They open to allow a large and comfortable living space when parked. Motorhomes that have slide-outs are a bit confining when on the road.
External storage room is another important decision factor. 5th wheelers and Class A motorhomes generally have large external storage compartments but other trailers and Class C motorhomes generally lack such large storage areas. Maintenance of your RV is going to be less with travel trailers and 5th wheelers. Motorhomes have a few more “systems”, which means more things that could malfunction. Also, if you have engine trouble with a motorhome, your whole home is stranded. With travel trailers the towing vehicle can be exchanged or replaced. Another small, yet important, contrast is height of motorhomes vs. travel trailers. Trailers are closer to the ground, only 1 to 2 stairs, whereas motorhomes are about 3 to 5 steps above the ground.
The comfort levels of motorhomes and travel trailers are tied if comparing them while both parked. However, while in-motion and during travel a motorhome takes the cake. Travelers can use all the amenities of the motorhome while in motion. A travel trailer with slide-outs may not even be accessible while in travel mode.
Price, which is one of the most persuasive decision factors, is not as easily generalized to motorhomes vs. travel trailers. An average motorhome is generally going to cost more than an average travel trailer but there are many exceptions. There are so many different amenities, luxury levels, and sizes to both categories that price is always circumstantial. Of course, the larger the travel trailer you get the larger the towing vehicle will have to be, a crucial factor to keep in mind.
Last, but not least; safety factors of motorhomes vs. travel trailers. Due to the fact that drivers and passengers are protected by the steel frame of a truck around them, travel trailers are ranked higher in crash protection. However, it is also true that travel trailers are more likely to be involved in crashes. It is fairly common for travel trailers to jack-knife in the road or become overturned. Motorhomes are not too often involved in crashes except sometimes problems with their vehicle in tow.
For more information please visit http://www.myrvlink.com/
Article Source: Motorhome vs. Travel Trailer
by Salem
Motorhome or travel trailer? If you are venturing out to buy your first RV, or maybe just an upgrade, you have probably already asked yourself that question. There are many advantages and some disadvantages to both. Mostly you need to decide what you want to use your RV to do and where to go and your decision should not be a difficult one.
A motorhome can offer you a little more mobility than a travel trailer. If you travel extensively or are a “full-timer” a motorhome has more of what you are looking for. In a motorhome you will always be in your “home” even if traveling down the highway. Passengers always have full access to beds, kitchen, bathroom, and couch. However, 5th wheelers, when parked, have a much larger living space because of their slide-outs. Most travel trailers and 5th wheelers have slide-outs that almost touch when in travel mode. They open to allow a large and comfortable living space when parked. Motorhomes that have slide-outs are a bit confining when on the road.
External storage room is another important decision factor. 5th wheelers and Class A motorhomes generally have large external storage compartments but other trailers and Class C motorhomes generally lack such large storage areas. Maintenance of your RV is going to be less with travel trailers and 5th wheelers. Motorhomes have a few more “systems”, which means more things that could malfunction. Also, if you have engine trouble with a motorhome, your whole home is stranded. With travel trailers the towing vehicle can be exchanged or replaced. Another small, yet important, contrast is height of motorhomes vs. travel trailers. Trailers are closer to the ground, only 1 to 2 stairs, whereas motorhomes are about 3 to 5 steps above the ground.
The comfort levels of motorhomes and travel trailers are tied if comparing them while both parked. However, while in-motion and during travel a motorhome takes the cake. Travelers can use all the amenities of the motorhome while in motion. A travel trailer with slide-outs may not even be accessible while in travel mode.
Price, which is one of the most persuasive decision factors, is not as easily generalized to motorhomes vs. travel trailers. An average motorhome is generally going to cost more than an average travel trailer but there are many exceptions. There are so many different amenities, luxury levels, and sizes to both categories that price is always circumstantial. Of course, the larger the travel trailer you get the larger the towing vehicle will have to be, a crucial factor to keep in mind.
Last, but not least; safety factors of motorhomes vs. travel trailers. Due to the fact that drivers and passengers are protected by the steel frame of a truck around them, travel trailers are ranked higher in crash protection. However, it is also true that travel trailers are more likely to be involved in crashes. It is fairly common for travel trailers to jack-knife in the road or become overturned. Motorhomes are not too often involved in crashes except sometimes problems with their vehicle in tow.
For more information please visit http://www.myrvlink.com/
Article Source: Motorhome vs. Travel Trailer
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
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
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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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