Latest updates and news on RV Online

September 30th, 2008 by admin

More and more people are choosing recreational vehicles to satisfy their desire to spend more time outside the city. If you like going outside the urban area in the weekends, to spend your holidays in the middle of the nature, to enjoy a camp or just to travel from city to city in an across the country holiday, a recreational vehicle is the perfect solution for you.

What makes a recreational vehicle special and different compared to other cars is that a RV (or recreational vehicle) represents an enclosed car that can be used as a car and as a mobile home in the same time.

Most of them are used by families for holidays, but there are people that actually live in RVs. While they do not offer the most luxurious conditions in the world, buying a  used RV for spending your holidays is a way cheaper solution that staying at different hotels. And while you always have a place to live, you can also benefit from the RV’s mobility and chose where and when to go. No other vehicle will offer you greater freedom than a recreational vehicle (RV).

The market for RVs is very wide and there are many models to choose from. The recreational vehicles themselves are divided in several classes, based on their size and functionality. There are three main categories of RVs: cars belonging to the A class, B and C class of recreational vehicles. The Class A  motorhomes are also refereed to as the luxury caravans as they offer the largest amount of space and incomparable comfort levels. Most class A recreational vehicles are built on truck or bus chassis, ensuring great car body strength and a lot, a lot of personal space.

RVs belonging to the A RV class are also the most expensive and you should only buy one if you have a very large family and you all travel together in the same time. However, because A class recreational vehicles are so large, it is very hard to navigate such a vehicle throughout cities and they are very hard to park and travel in reverse. They are only meant to travel on country roads and to be parked in camping areas where the available space allows it.

The next class of recreational vehicles is the B class. Class B motorhome is usually a van that has had a series of modifications to be converted into a recreational vehicle. While not offering the same amount of space and comfort levels as an A class RV, a B class is more convenient to drive, to park and to maintain. Its initial price is lower and the maintaining prices are also less than larger RVs.

Recreational vehicles belonging to the C class are situated somewhere in between the A class RVs and the B class RVs. They are also built on small truck chassis like the A class recreational vehicles, but they are somewhat smaller in dimensions. They only have a car-like front, but the entire back of the C class RV is taken by the living area. If you want to buy a recreational vehicle and you are not satisfied with the amount of space offered by B class RVs, then a C class RV is the perfect solution for you.

September 29th, 2008 by admin

Toy Haulers, also commonly called Sport Utility Trailers, are an increasingly popular type of towable trailer designed for people who want to take their “toys” with them while they camp or attend an event such as a motocross race; snowmobile competition; or the special weekends and weeklong gatherings for people who like to ride dirt bikes, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, etc.

A toy hauler motorhome for sale has a large cargo area, usually in the back of the trailer that can tow and store “toys” such as four-wheelers, snowmobiles, any type of bike, jet-skis, dune buggies, go-karts, canoes, etc.

The built in ramp is usually as wide as the trailer itself so it is easy to load and unload. One of the biggest benefits of a toy hauler trailer that people appreciate is the security it provides for their four-wheelers, etc. because in today’s world, it is not uncommon for people to steal those types of things if they are left unattended or out in an open area. Another big benefit is they eliminate the need to tow a separate trailer for their bikes, etc.

Other than the cargo area, toy haulers are pretty much like any other new or used travel trailer or fifth wheel except the living area will be smaller. They also usually come with (or have the option of adding on) at least one generator, a fuel tank and a larger than normal water tank.

Some people who own toy haulers put furniture in the cargo area when they are going camping somewhere and are not taking any “toys” with them. The cargo area then becomes a spacious living room. I know a few people who do this, because although most toy hauler manufacturers take into consideration that a user will not always have something in the cargo area and therefore provide fold down beds and seating, my friends prefer seating that is more home-like so some of their family room furniture gets loaded in their toy haulers when the toys stay home.

What’s the difference between a toy hauler travel trailer, a popup model, and a motorized model?
This is the most commonly found toy hauler and the most popular. There are two types: a toy hauler travel trailer and a toy hauler fifth wheel travel trailer.

From the outside they look nearly identical to a regular towable travel trailer or a regular 5th wheel travel trailer, with the exception of a ramp (almost always on the back) for loading and unloading the “toys.” Another clue to whether or not a towable travel trailer or a 5th wheel is conventional or is a toy hauler is the paint job it has. Toy haulers often have distinctive paint trim details that may look like flames or racing stripes. On the inside they look like normal travel trailers or fifth wheels too, although some have special themed interiors that make them look like a racing fan’s dream world.

Other than the cargo area in a motorized toy hauler, there are not a lot of differences between a motorized toy hauler and any other similar sized motorized camper. One thing to consider is whether or not you want a separate vehicle to use. Many people prefer a towable toy hauler because the towing vehicle they have is often a truck and that truck has a bed that is usually big enough to haul at least one of the pieces of equipment they have brought with them. For example, there may be a need to haul a canoe to the river because accommodations near the river were not available.

This option is best for people who don’t have a lot of large “toys” to haul, people on a limited budget, or those who have a towing vehicle with limited capacity. The area for hauling the “toys” is usually not protected from the weather but is either an exterior flatbed extension of the popup that is on the front or rear of the camper, or uses the reinforced top of the camper as the hauling area for equipment such as a four wheeler.

September 26th, 2008 by admin

Canada is a huge country. It’s hard to imagine the size. If you board a flight in St. Johns on the east coast of the province of Newfoundland and fly to Halifax, Nova Scotia it will take almost 2 hours. Then fly from Halifax to Vancouver British Columbia it takes 8 hours. And that is at 900 km (540 miles) per hour. Yes Canada is huge.

Canada covers 5 time zones. To drive a vehicle from Calgary Alberta on the trans Canada Highway to Vancouver it takes 12 hours. To drive from Vancouver to Victoria via a ferry it takes approximately 3 hours including waiting in line. BC ferries operate all over the province. Of course you can travel by VIA rail across Canada and not need to worry about the driving. A wonderful trip is from Edmonton through the beautiful Rocky Mountains in the observation car. You’ll never forget it.

For visitors flying from Europe who want to rent a car and drive from Alberta to Vancouver, staying in hotels along the way, you are in for an exceptional vacation. Traveling by road is easy along the Trans Canada Highway. A good many folks from Europe chose to fly to Edmonton or Calgary in the province of Alberta, rent a motor home and drive through the Rocky and coast Mountain Ranges with Whistler as their destination. RV rental agencies are located in Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta, and the Langley area in Vancouver.

Couples who like lots of space and/or who are traveling with friends or family may consider renting vehicles with sleeping accommodations for 8 people, adequate sized washrooms and plenty of good features. Be sure to inquire if the vehicle comes equipped with an axe as these come in handy chopping wood for the campfire.

Motor homes come in three sizes :
Class A motor homes are ones that resemble buses.

Class B motor homes are a little smaller.

Class C motor homes are the most common.

Also available are the truck mounted campers. Small but excellent.

Another option is the folding campers. Smaller yet but simple.

The many styles available offer room for up to 8 people. You can rent units with slide outs allowing for a very interior. One thing a person should realize. The larger the vehicle, the more space it requires. The Class A is a beauty, however if you are trying to park it in a small site it may not fit.

British Columbia is very heavily treed. Big trees. Some parks do not de-limb the trees more than 11 feet so this can be a problem when trying to fit in. For a couple who do not require a lot of elbow room, consider a camper conversion or a truck camper. These are really handy, can be parked almost anywhere and are very mobile. BC has a forestry campsite system where these units work perfectly with the layouts.

Your RV dealer will help select the proper vehicle for you. They will take you through the unit making certain you know where everything is and you know what to do in emergencies. All you need to do is load your belongings, stock up on food and hit the open road.

September 15th, 2008 by admin

Buying a used recreational vehicle is a bit like gambling at the race track: When you win, you could win big. But, there’s always the chance you could lose! Fortunatately, unlike at the race track, with a little homework and patience, you can increase the odds of winning dramatically. When buying a used RV, you gamble that you’ll get a well cared for rig that will serve you well.

A used RV has already depreciated considerably in value, even if it’s still the current year’s model with barely any miles. The fact is, once a new RV is driven off the sales lot, it’s a used vehicle, and its value nosedives. That’s bad for its current owner, but good for a buyer. This applies to all RVs, whether travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, motorhomes, truck campers, etc.

Buying a used RV makes sense for RVers on a budget. Dollar for dollar they will get more RVs for far less. Instead of a brand new 24-foot Class C, the same investment may buy a recent model 30-foot Class A packed with extras. And if the used RV has been well cared for, it may look and drive virtually like new, and reward its new owner with years of service. RVers on a tight budget can often buy a well cared for used pop up trailer for a fraction of its price when new.

It’s essential to examine a used vehicle with a fine-toothed comb, whether it’s being purchased from a dealer or a private party. Generally, you will have some guarantee from a dealer about the quality of a used unit. If the refrigerator quits 100 miles down the road, you will likely have some recourse. But if you bought the RV from a private party, you’re goin’ to either pay for the repair yourself or dine on warm food.

The best advice on buying a used RV is to examine a potential rig carefully, from top to bottom, front to back, and inside out. If you’re not an expert on what to look for, hire someone who is. To just take a fast glance and trust what you’re being told is like betting on a three legged horse. You’re cruisin’ for a brusin.”

And have some patience when looking for your rig. Start your search for a travel trailers, fifth wheeler or motorhome well before you need it. Look at dealer’s lots and shop the newspaper classifieds. Don’t buy something off the corner of a shopping center parking lot. Con artists operate from places like this, and you could get taken for a very bad ride.

The best deals are often on a rig being sold by a private party who bought his or her RV and then couldn’t use it, or who used it very little. Some older couples buy an RV for fulltiming and then discover the lifestyle is not their cup of tea. So they sell their RV, sometimes in just-like-new condition. Other times, people buy on impulse and then discover they don’t have time to use the vehicle. In either case, you may “steal a deal” on a barely used RV.

Another valuable book, available both as a download or in print form, offers step-by-step instructions on how to negotiate with an RV dealer for a new or used RV. Author Bob Randall is a former RV industry executive and sales manager for a large RV dealer. In this book, he spells out exactly how an RV dealer makes his profit, and how much of a price reduction a buyer can demand and still get the deal. Anyone who is planning to buy a recreational vehicle should get this.

September 11th, 2008 by admin

When you are buying a used RV or Recreational Vehicle it is really advisable to measure every step that you take forward. You should check each and every part of a used RV because buying a used RV is a huge temptation and a smashing deal only if you get a RV in a good condition that is when you get worth of your money. The trend of owning RVs is really catching on but do not hurry. Do not buy an RV if you have never traveled in one since there have been people who made the mistake of buying an RV and then they had to sell it off because they did not like it.

Used RV: Value and Budget
Buy used RV and if it is done with a lot of analysis the kind of money you gain is just unimaginable because newer models of recreational vehicles are coming in the market everyday. Therefore the value of a new RV depreciates as soon as it is drove out of the dealership so the one who is buying a used RV is almost buying it for half the price and believe me, there have been numerous cases wherein the used RV was sold off after an year in the same price as it was bought. But everyone doesn’t strike a gold pot and there are scientific reasons behind that. If you just look at the exterior of the vehicle and do not pay attention to the details of its parts and accessories, then that is what will take your happiness miles away from you.

When buying a used RV do keep in mind your requirement as to which kind of RV you want for yourself considering the places you venture into and the place you would garage it in. You also have to chalk out a budget accordingly that would not tighten up things too much. Look for an RVs that has been well maintained; ask for records, paperwork and the recent repairs that the RV went through so that you can look through at the potential problems. Check the basics and not the cosmetics, which you can get done later if the vehicle runs fine.

Used RV: Accessories and Parts that should be checked

* When you are buying the RV check the year, make and model of the RV so that you have a fairly good idea about the features that your vehicle would have.

* Look for dents, dings, scratches and stains on the surface of the RVs.

* Leaks can be detected if the walls are warped or stained usually in the corners, near the windows, vents and along the floor of the RV.

* Check if the generator works right which would show when the RV is started. The right voltage should be 110 to 125 volts.

* The lighting should also be working fine at least the fluorescent ones should be bright. Fans in the RV should be well lubricated.

* The hinges of the door should work fine and there should not be much rust or wear.

* Do check the engine and see if it starts at the first try, if it doesn’t then it is not worth it. The best thing would be to ask for a test drive which would expose all the drawbacks that the RV has and when you are driving listen for some bumping, grinding, creaking or clanging, if you can hear any of this do not take it.

* When driving it also check if the RV has power enough to take you up a steep hill or if the engine behaves weirdly when hot and worked.

* Check if accessories like refrigerators and air conditioners by switching them on for fifteen minutes and then check if the interiors remain cold or not. Check the stoves and ovens as well along with the water faucets, Flooring, windows, seating, microwave, television, stereo and phone, though all of these are secondary.

* Check if the locks and the controls of the RV are working fine. Parts like the steering, the tires and the exhaust should be in a very good condition.

* The battery of the RV, the rear ladder and awning should also be in good condition.

September 9th, 2008 by admin

“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 used 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 RVs 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 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 recreational vehicles.

September 7th, 2008 by admin

Nothing beats a great camping vacation in an RV. The nice thing about vacations with RVS is that you can pretty much go wherever you want, without the annoying hindrances of reservations and schedules. Not to mention standing in line at a busy airport - no thanks!

RV travel trailer is the perfect solution for affordable and extended family travel. With an RV you’ll be able to go wherever the road takes you, and at a cheaper price at that. According to a recent cost comparison study of vacation travel, RV vacationing is more affordable than traveling by car, airline, or vacation cruise ship. Even when you factor in the costs of owning your own Recreational Vehicles, a whole family of 4 can spend up to seventy percent less when traveling with an RV.

Before you start your camping trip, make sure you plan everything first. One of the nice things about camping with an RV is that you’ve got more room to work with than when you’re traveling in a typical car. Take anything and everything you think you’ll need along with you for your camping vacation. Pack plenty of food and supplies for everyone, you don’t want to be caught in the great outdoors without the necessary supplies.

In the US the used RV is growing to be very popular, and ownership has recently hit record highs. A total of around eight million homes in America have at least one RV, which is a fifteen percent jump over the last five years. More and more people in America are starting to take advantage of their RV especially when camping in the great outdoors.

You’ll find a wide variety of RVs available, there’s something for everyone. All RVs are built according to high quality standards that are sure to impress. RVs come in many different sizes with a wide variety of features. There are single, double, and triple slide out floor plans. Some RVs feature convenient amenities like quality appliances or comfortable couches. These kinds of things can really make your vacation a lot easier.

September 3rd, 2008 by admin

RV loans and financing are the trickiest part of purchasing an rv, especially if you are buy used rvs. Financing is typically where many dealerships make extra profits at your expense, often through special add-ons, higher rates, or special dealer fees, they pass on to you at inflated costs. Many of the larger RV dealers offer good rv financing in-house and should at least be compared and considered. They often have such a large volume of applications that are specially targeted to RVs, that they can compete with typical banks and credit unions.

Follow these steps and you will come out ahead. First, settle on an rv that you want without discussing financing, settle on a price, agree to a trade in value (if you have one), then tell the salesman you are willing to discuss any financing options they have but do NOT tell them or show them the terms you have already gotten approval for from your bank or other rv loan financing source. Spend a little time now seeing what they offer BEFORE you visit the rv lot and get an rv loan.

RVs loan interest rate – Your interest rate will vary because it depends on many factors, which include your loan total, expected down payment, credit profile and the value of your RV. Most companies will want to process your rv loan application BEFORE discussing terms. This is normal and since most companies can complete your application in less than an hour, it shouldn’t be an issue.

Minimum rv loan amount – I rarely see loans processed in amounts less than $10,000. The value of the rv is just not worth the risk to the bank if they have to repossess it. It costs the bank the same amount to repossess your $9,000 pop-up trailer as it does to repossess a $400,000 class A diesel coach. With the big coach they have something that is easy to sell. With the pop-up, they do not.

RV makes that can be financed – Many banks only want to loan on large, expensive Class A motorhomes or buses. If you are buying a class B motorhomes, class C motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, park model, truck camper or van conversion, ask up front, before you get into the lengthy application, if they loan on that kind of vehicle. If they just stare at you when you say 5th wheel, or if filling out an online application there is not “drop down” box that contains the word “5th wheel” for vehicle type, then move on.

Financing older rv’s – It can be quite difficult without perfect credit to finance an used rvs. Some companies will go back 12-15 years on a real solid class A with a serious legitimate survey or appraisal on it. Other companies will not touch anything older than 7 years regardless of value or credit score. The point is ask FIRST if they loan on your year rv so you don’t waste time filling out an application for an rv loan that will lead nowhere.

Getting an rv loan AFTER you bought the rv – Some banks have a cash recapture program that allows you to buy an rv using your cash, like when you stumble on a great incredible deal or distress sale and need to by it that day, then they give you the loan later and take possession of your title until payoff. This can typically be done up to 4-6 months after the rv purchase.

September 1st, 2008 by admin

Over the past few years, there has been a sudden increase in the number of new RVs (Recreational Vehicles or Motor Home) that have been sold. Many people wanted to buy a RV because they thought it was right for them, but after a season or two, they have understood that RVing is not for them and they have decided to sell their vehicles.

So if you ever wanted a RV, you have thought about owning one, but you never had the money to buy a new one, this can be the perfect moment to buy a used RV. Because the market for second hand RVs is full of vehicles that have been bought in the last years, you can find a RV at a very good price.

People that have decided that RVing is not for them are trying to sell them quickly and this, of course, means that used RVs come with very good prices. There are many bargains on the market and the only secret is to know where to look for used RV and to have some time to search. Buying a used RV from someone that has used it for only a season or two has the advantage that the vehicle is in a very good condition and its aspect is almost perfect.

So what are the best places to look for used RVs you may be asking?

Well, you can start your search with the local newspaper and local Pennysaver, as there are changes you would be finding a used RV somewhere near you. If you find one, you can consider yourself lucky. If the local newspaper does not offer you a used RV, you can use the Internet to search for one.

Buying privately has the advantage of the low price on the used RV, but if something goes wrong with the car there is little legal action you can do against the seller. Otherwise, you can buy a second hand RV from a local second hand car dealer, You will it a little more expensive, but you can be sure that you have someone to go to if something happens to the RV within the first months of use.

When looking to buy used RV privately, there are some advice you should follow.

Always meet with the RV’s seller at his own house. Once there, you can visually inspect the RV to see if everything he had told you on the phone is true. Be suspicious if he insists of meeting you somewhere else and the seller does not want to show the vehicle to you until you sign the contract.

Look at all the visual elements on the RV, both interior and exterior. If the seller says that the used RV has only done a few trips in its lifetime, it should be in a pretty good condition.

Its interior is very important and by its aspect you can tell if the owner had been maintaining it properly or not. When discussing the details about the RV and the papers, ask him if he has all the used RV’s keys. If he has them all, chances are that the used RV is indeed his and not stolen.

September 1st, 2008 by admin

Whether you are looking for a new RV for your traveling experience, you will find everything you need from a trusted and caring dealer. They will supply you with all necessary information about the different makes and models, and any available accessory packages. Traveling is fun and you should be assured that the RV that you will spend your time in is 100% compatible with your needs.

An RV allows for traveling, sightseeing and some terrific adventures. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy their experience of a lifetime. This is where a used RV comes into play; choose an RV that fits your budget, and add accessories for your comfort. A used RV can be just as nice as a new one, and provides you with many of the same amenities.

Used RVs typically come with a warranty and are inspected and prepped to provide the same performance as a new one. The difference is the price. The savings you realize on a used recreational vehicle will enable you to buy an RV and travel anywhere you desire with confidence and extra cash. A road trip is a great experience, and dealers realize that making you happy and comfortable with the RV provides you both with satisfaction.

Think about the warm, crackling fires and the fresh outdoor air; hear the sounds of wildlife far off in the distance. This is what you should be concerned with while traveling and camping. Used RV dealers rely on their expertise to provide you, the would-be country roamer, with a worry free experience. Let them find the perfect RV for you and your family.

RV dealers provide information that can help you with specific concerns and questions. They answer your questions in a way that helps you understand every feature or specification about the vehicle. Buying a used RV is just as easy as anything else you have ever purchased. If you wish to enjoy yourself and seek out new adventures, RV traveling and camping is
exactly what you need.

Used RV units help you achieve total comfort and luxury by providing stoves, refrigerators, air-conditioning, heat, shower facilities and microwaves. What more could you possibly need to be comfortable in your wanderings? You can have a cell phone and internet access with a satellite dish. Stay in touch with friends and relatives and still have the freedom to ramble the continent.

Ask any questions that you have of the dealer when you visit. If you have further concerns, just call and ask an associate to help answer your questions. Dealers are pleased to help you before, during and after your used RV purchase. Recreation and travel go hand in hand; take that first step to happiness by investing in a used RV, and follow the road less travelled.