Archive for the ‘Recreational Vehicle’ Category
Friday, December 26th, 2008 |
Ready to hit the road and have some fun? A small recreational vehicle might be the perfect choice for you. The phrase “small recreational vehicle” describes a vehicle created with one purpose in mind: to have fun. One might consider go-carts, off-road motorcycles, ATVs and jet skis to fit the bill. While these examples are certainly fun, they are not really recreational vehicles.
Fifth wheel RV and pop-up trailer campers are true examples of small recreational vehicles. They offer the comforts of home while you are the freedom of the open road. You probably wouldn’t be terribly comfortable sleeping on a motorcycle, or cooking breakfast in a go-cart.
With each new camper introduced, designs have improved and space has expended. As a result, traditional small group or family campers are moving away from the “small” category. Although today’s small models are still the best choice for family trips, new design enhancements allow greater comfort and flexibility, without forcing the user into maneuvering a monstrosity akin to an NFL team bus or rock star tour bus.
The lasting appeal of RV for sale lies in their portability and readiness, rather than the amount of cargo they can carry. With just a few hours preparation, a small recreational vehicle is transported into a home away from home, while you’re away from home. Small recreational vehicles are perfect for the “get up and go” types of travelers that don’t like a lot of planning and preparation. They offer nearly as much freedom and flexibility as a tent, with firm walls and a ceiling to give added security and protection from the elements. After exploring new surroundings, a small recreational vehicle offers a cozy place to return and rest up before the next big adventure.
One could argue that pop-up Folding campers RV and trailer campers aren’t true small recreational vehicles, because they don’t provide the recreation. They do however make it possible to find your recreation in more places and in more ways than you might imagine. You can travel the country in your small recreational vehicle and see more of the world–instead of watching the world pass you by.
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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 |
If you’re new to the whole RV lifestyle, you’ll soon discover that RV resorts have a unique vocabulary. You may want to brush up on your terminology so that you don’t confuse your mobile home with a motor home for sale, or your Class A with your Class B.
RV Basement: Sounds like a rec room under your RV, doesn’t it? It actually means the living room in your RV is built above the chassis, allowing for extra storage space under the floor. Many of these are designed so that the storage space is accessed from either side for easy access. These units are taller than most and the driver needs to be aware of the height limitations when driving.
Electrical: This term denotes that both electricity and water are available at the RV park.
Extended Stay Site: Some parks only allow campers to remain for short periods of time, in the case of an extended stay site, individuals can remain for up to an entire season at a time.
Federal Parks: These are RV parks run by the National Forest Service, NFS, or the National Park Service, NPS. If you’re looking to save some money, often times these facilities offer work programs in exchange for a reduced rate.
Fifth Wheel: Instead of being towed behind a truck with a standard hitch, fifth wheel trailers have a hitch that sits directly over the rear axle of the truck, right on the truck bed. They vary in length from 18-40 feet and can only be towed by a pickup truck.
Full Hookup: These park offer all of the common trailer hookup amenities including electricity, sewer and water.
Mobile Homes and Motor Homes: These terms are often confused, but describe two very different types of homes.
A mobile home is not a recreational vehicle and is not allowed in Arizona RV Parks. It can be towed to a trailer park or retirement community and set up usually on blocks. It is not meant for touring or moving on a regular basis.
A motor home is a motorized recreational vehicle that can be driven as opposed to being towed. It comes complete with a fresh water tank, and holding tank for waste water.
RV Classes:
Class A Motor Homes: These are shaped similar to a bus, and are powered by gasoline or diesel. They may range anywhere from 22 to 40 feet in length. The bedrooms are usually located to the rear of the unit and the main living area closer to the driver seat.
Class B Motor Homes: These units are similar to a standard van with a raised roof. They generally have a couch that converts to a bed, a small toilet and an icebox.
Class C Motor Homes: From the front, these look like a van, but the double bed is found above the cab. They are available in lengths from 20 feet up to about 36 feet.
Slideout: These are very common in newer RV’s and are very handy when it comes to creating additional living space. You park your trailer, extend the slide out and presto, your kitchen, living room or bedroom instantly widens by a few feet.
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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 |
Jumping in your RV and leaving the rat race for the weekend is an American tradition. Did you know you can provide power to your RV with the sun while getting away from it all?
The Sun is Everywhere!
One of the biggest misconceptions regarding solar power is that it is limited to large panel systems on roofs. Au contraire! With new nanotechnology, solar power systems will soon be applied with the paint you use to improve your home. That’s still two or three years away, so what about now?
If you enjoy taking the new or used RV out for an excursion, you can use solar power to provide your electrical needs. Whether you are going camping or to a NASCAR race, it is an exceedingly simple process.
Unlike homes, RVs like fifth wheel RV, folding camper RV, toy hauler motorhomes, Park model RV etc run on direct current electricity. This makes them perfect for solar electricity since solar systems produce direct current electricity instead of alternating current. Put another way, there is no need for bulky converters to flip the electricity from direct to alternating. Instead, you can use the sun to power up your batteries directly.
Portable solar systems consist of pop-up solar modules with four or five panels. Essentially, they look like small ladders with solar panels instead of steps. You just pop them up on the roof of the RV or in an area where the sun hits them. The systems tie directly into your batteries and power them up during the day. Super easy and super clean.
The real advantage to solar RV systems has to do with noise. The traditional method for recharging your RV batteries is to turn on a generator and generators can be very loud. Even the quietest generator makes enough noise to make you feel like you live next to a construction site. Solar systems make no noise at all. There are no moving parts, just the sun beating down on the panels. You’ll never know they are even there.
If RVing is your thing, portable solar modules are worth taking a look at. With high fuel prices, you need to save a buck wherever you can.
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Monday, October 6th, 2008 |
RVs and motor homes are suitable for people from very diverse backgrounds. The variety of sizes, features, and functionality is great with Class A, B, C, conversion vans, travel trailers and camper vans being available. Eighty manufacturers supply the RV dealers in the North America, making more than ten distinct classes of motor homes for consumers to consider for their open-road travels and secondary housing.
Following the devastation of areas of Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricane season, thousands of domestic refugees found themselves living in RVs and motor homes as emergency accommodation. Motor homes and RVs fulfill this role perfectly, being suitable for mobile, temporary, emergency, and medium-term accommodation. For this application, any RV works well, although park models, Class B, and used 5th wheel trailers are probably best suited to this task.
If your work takes you on the road a lot, an RV may be a superior alternative to paying expensive motel fees, or maintaining multiple apartments. You have the convenience of all the on-site facilities you may need, you can cook your meals at only slightly greater cost than in a house, and you have the comfort of sleeping in your own bed.
New or used motor homes for sale and trailers can be suitable for living in while undergoing renovations or building a house, and save you the considerable cost of maintaining two houses while this continues. You need not move off site to do this, although you can choose to at any time should the realities of construction work prove too trying on your patience and nerves.
Depending on your requirements, either option of towing a hitched trailer or driving a fully integrated motor home can save you money. In the case of motor homes, it is generally more cost-effective to buy the vehicle with the home built around it than it is to buy a trailer with all of the same features, as well as a vehicle suitable to tow such a load. Regulations vary between states and classes, but the rule of thumb is that your load should never exceed the weight of the vehicle pulling the load. To do otherwise is generally quite unsafe. On the other hand, a trailer-style RV has the advantage of letting you unhook the towing vehicle when you don’t wish to move your home about. This lowers driving costs, increasing your fuel efficiency significantly.
Always feel free to consult your RV dealer on what class vehicle best suits your needs, especially if cost is one of the major issues. The best dealerships are familiar with their products and client needs, becoming certified as reliable by manufacturers and consumer protection programs like the Better Business Bureau; they are awarded these qualifications for good reason.
For campers, college students on road trips, and retirees, staying in the camper van, conversion van, or motor home allows you to pack less and do more while staying safer, warmer, and dryer, taking all the creature comforts with you. Freedom of the road is more relaxing and secure than ever.
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 |
Truck Campers have grown up. If your impression of pickup campers dates to the 1970s and involves memories of cramped, spartan living conditions, you need to take a fresh look at today’s models. These units can be classified as true recreational vehicles because they offer so many of the amenities found in motorhomes and travel trailers. Plus, they’re a very cost-effective way for families to hit the road on camping excursions.
Let’s start with the basics. A pickup truck camper is a self-contained RV that slides into the bed of a standard truck. Truck campers are manufactured to fit virtually all models of pickups, from short- and long-beds to some ‘mini-trucks.. Because the camper attaches to the pickup truck, you can tow a separate trailer containing all of your toys: bikes, motorcycles, jetskis, ATVs, and so on. Since most states do not allow towing two separate units (such as a travel trailer and toy trailer hitched together), the pickup truck camper is an ideal choice for those who like to take all their toys with them.
Once at the campsite, the truck camper can be used while mounted on the pickup, or it can be taken off and set up on its jacks. Today’s pickup campers put technology to use, providing electronic jacks for ease of setup and stabilization. You no longer have to spend a long time on tedious hand-leveling before you can enjoy your vacation.
Pickup campers range in length from about 8 to 12 feet, but manufacturers have devised new ways to expand the interior living space so that some models can accommodate up to seven people in three separate sleeping areas. In order to do this, manufacturers now offer truck campers with side entry doors, which allows for the addition of a pop-out sleeping tent at the rear. They also offer ’slideouts,. in which a portion of the wall pushes outward as much as three feet, increasing floor space.
A major improvement in truck campers is the wide variety of options now available. Gone are the days when pickup campers were paneled in dark wood and equipped with rustic furnishings. Today, you can choose from interior dér palettes with names such as ‘waterfall. and ‘mineral wash.. You also can add amenities such as a solar panel, backup camera, entertainment system, satellite dish, awning, air conditioner and portable barbecue grill. At the same time, you can count on retaining standard features, such as a queen bed in the cabover section, full bathroom with shower, galley with stove and refrigerator, and dinette that converts to an additional bed.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008 |
Recreational Vehicles are seeing an unprecedented boom in sales in recent times. If you are in the market for an RV, your choice is made difficult only because, you are literally pampered for choice, as there are so many choices. One has to thank the RV wholesalers for the remarkable growth of the RV market. The RV wholesaler is the vital link between the manufacturer and the retailer. The RV wholesaler is the one who to a large extent, determines the price of a RV. Whether you are looking for top names in 5th wheels, toy haulers or travel trailers, RV wholesalers have them ready – at a price, of course.
RV wholesalers, like in the case of most other wholesalers of other products, play an important role in the promotion of the product, in this case an RV. Manufacturers depend on wholesalers to provide even service facilities to RV owners. RVs do cost a lot and just in case you are looking for a used RV, there are wholesalers doing just that, as there are wholesalers for used RVs too. With RV wholesalers, there is another advantage. If you happen to know one of them well, you can get you vehicle directly from the wholesaler. You will be spared of the margin that a retailer would have put on you.
RV wholesalers are easy to locate. Just surf the Internet and dozens of RV wholesalers will be listed. You can go through the websites of leading RV wholesalers. They announce fabulous discounts from time to time and if you are a lucky retailer or customer, you can get the RV you always dreamed about, at fabulous prices.You can always get to know more about RV wholesalers either through RV dealers or retailers.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 |
Fleetwood RV has a long history in the RV industry - over 50 years now. They’re known for being one of the more customer-oriented companies.Overall, company personnel are known for caring about their products, as well as the customers who buy them. Fleetwood has even sent technicians to attend RV rallies, just to talk to people (and maybe even do some minor repairs while they’re there).
Fleetwood has its own owner’s club, called the Travelcade Club. There are currently about two dozen local chapters of the club. The chapters have frequent events and get-togethers, including Rallies and Regional Roundups. They also run Travelcades (caravans) to various destinations, with members getting discounts off commercial rates.
One of the challenges in considering this brand is that they build an almost bewildering line of RVs. There are multiple lines and models. Plan to spend some time at the dealer sorting through all your options, to find the one that’s right for you.
First, you have to decide if you want a motorhome or a towable RV.
Motorhomes are obviously more expensive. Fleetwood motorhomes range from about $90,000, all the way up to a half-million dollars.Towables are much more affordable, ranging up to the mid-five figures. Of course, you’ll need a good tow vehicle as well.
The most expensive line Fleetwood makes is the American Coach line. These are top-of-the-line, luxury coaches. They’re actually branded separately, under the American Coach name. Models include the American Heritage, American Eagle, American Dream, and American Tradition.
Fleetwood’s other motor homes are Class A and Class C motorhomes. (The company doesn’t make any Class Bs.) They’re available in both diesel and gas.he company’s line of towables is much more affordable than the motorized line. Prices range from around $20,000, up to about $60,000 or so.
There are lots of models, and literally dozens of floorplans to choose from.This brand has one of the widest range of models among all RV manufacturers.So take your time, and make sure you pick the exact one that’s right for you.
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Thursday, August 14th, 2008 |
” Fivers”, “Fifth Wheels” and “Fifth Wheel Trailers” are all phrases that refer to a single style of recreational vehicle. The stems from the design and way of hitching the trailer to the truck.
The hitch is placed in a tow vehicle bed almost directly over the tow vehicle’s rear axle. This adds a great deal of stability and towability to the trailer. Since the hitch is mounted over the rear axle of the tow vehicle, a pickup truck or medium duty truck is used to do the towing.
Fifth wheel rvs usually range in length from about 20 feet to over 40 feet long with the bigger models becoming a real dwelling when they are fully set up for camping.
These rvs are almost always constructed with a cut out section in front to allow the hitch pin to extend over the tow vehicle bed to reach the hitch. This extended area used for the main bedroom although a few have located a living room area in this spot.
The full profile fifth wheel rv comes with everything you would need in adwelling. Fullsize recliners andloveseat along with a bigscreen tv and entertainment center are part of the lounge area optons. Larger designs include a computer desk and sometimes a fire place.
The “galley” will have a refrigerator-freezer combo, a range with oven and a microwave stove to handle the meal preparation. Upscale rvs feature solid surface counter tops and other luxury touches to rival the finest kitchen found in any dwelling.
Bathrooms also range from the simple to the sumptous. Glass walled walk in showers are not unusual in the larger units.
The upstairs bedroom may feature a queen or king size bedplaced in a slide-out with storage under the bed. Larger trailers a dresser and larger closet across the very front of the trailer.
Heating is done with a gas forced air heater ducted throughout the living area. A roof mounted air conditioner keeps the inside cool during the hotter days.
One common feature of this style of rv is the ample storage both within and underneath the living area. Most recent include a ample “basement” storage area in the forward area of the rv. This allows for inclusion of all the things that make a fifth wheel home while away from home base.
Today’s fifth wheel trailers offer the ultimate in travel trailer living. They have maximum living space, easy towing, and reasonable prices for the full time rv’er.
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Friday, August 8th, 2008 |
This is a brief introduction to the Class C Motor Home, type of recreational vehicle, intended to provide essential information for choosing the best new or used RV .
The Class C motor home, or mini motor home, is a recreational vehicle built on a cut-away van or truck chassis, including the cab. Many Class C motor homes are roughly the size and shape of rental moving trucks.It differs from the Class A motor home in that the Class C chassis comes with the cab from the manufacturer. Another distinguishing feature of the Class C is the bed compartment over the cab.
Though the exception, manufacturers are building very large Class C motor homes on semi truck chassis. These units are every bit as large, luxurious, and expensive as Class A’s.
Class C Motor Home Pros:
1. Easy to drive, similar to a large moving truck.
2. Driving and living compartments are connected. No need to get out of the RV during stops.
3. Living area accessible even while moving.
4.The RV consumer Group generally considers the Class C a safer motorhome than Class A because of the cockpit construction.
5.Can tow vehicle behind or support a carrying platform on hitch receiver.
6.Smaller windshield and curtain separating cockpit makes unit easier to heat and cool than a Class A.
Class C Motor Home Cons:
1.Largest models can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
2.Some models may be too large to drive, alternate local transportation may be required.
3.Requires large storage area when not in use.
4.Even the largest models may not satisfy the fulltimers’ need for space.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 |
“RVing,” so to speak, is something that many people dream about. Driving down the open road in a recreational vehicle with everything that you need right at your fingertips can be an unforgettable experience. RVs will make your vacations better, and enhance your life in extraordinary ways. Owning an RV can be very freeing, allowing you the ability to have limitless adventures, whether camping or traveling. If your first recreational vehicle is going to be a used one, do your research. Used RVs, in great condition, are sold everyday; the key is in knowing where to find them.
Used RVs are typically sold by RV dealers. Finding a dealer that has a good reputation for selling used vehicles is not hard to do. Ask people that own an RV if they have a dealer that they can recommend to you. Let your friends know what you are looking for. Word of mouth is an excellent way to locate a dealer who will treat you right.
RV dealers will often have perfectly good used RVs on the lot that have been traded in for bigger and better models. Find out if they have one that had just a single owner before being traded in. Be sure that you walk through the RV, that is has the accessories you want, and that everything is in working condition. Don’t forget to test drive it as well. Your RV dealer will help you with every step, and answer any questions that you might have.
Finding a used recreational vehicle in great condition ss not difficult to do. Be sure that you are looking in all of the above places, and you will locate the vehicle of your dreams. That next family vacation does not have to be a distant dream; make it a reality and take your family on the best vacation they can imagine in a great used RV.
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