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October 26th, 2008 by admin

One of the most successful entrepreneurial stories in the RV industry comes from the heart of a small, simple Amish community town of Nappanee, IN.

In 1971, amidst a community of horse and buggies, James F. Shea chose to embrace opportunity at a time when consumers were wary of purchasing “luxury” items. The vision and fortitude of Jim Shea led him to create his first mobile home prototypes in an old, abandoned sauerkraut factory. In just a short time, within that factory an astounding 12 Fairmont homes per day were being produced. Just as remarkable is the Gulf Stream state-of-the-art RV facility campus today which has become a large part of the Nappanee community employing over 1500 people.

In the mid-1970’s, a few years after Fairmont’s originated and sustained solid growth, Jim Shea’s three sons, Jim, Jr., Brian and Dan joined him in the business. The three young men were to learn every aspect of the business.

In 1983 Gulf Stream Coach was established. The Shea Family’s mission for Gulf Stream was to produce an exceptional variety and quality of Motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels for sale. Gulf Stream’s advanced technology in woodworking and manufacturing soon took the company to new heights; making them one of the leaders in manufacturing in the RV industry today.

With the same entrepreneurial spirit that their father held, Jim, Brian, and Dan Shea assumed the day-to-day responsibilities of the company in the 1990’s. The three brothers managed the company in close association with the founder, their father, and were actively involved in the operations, product development, customer service, manufacturing and with customer interaction/satisfaction. However, by centering their duties in three different areas Jim with housing, Brian with motorized, and Dan with towables, the three can bring more of the same dedication and hard work that their father instilled but in three fold.

Their inspiration comes from watching and imitating companies such as Toyota or Honda and their success in satisfying their customers with quality products. The brothers also became interested in bringing new quality initiatives into the RV/housing industry and teamed up with a number of higher learning institutions. Through this commitment in training, Gulf Stream has built one of the finest management teams with similar philosophies, work ethics and devotion as James F. Shea, Sr. instilled in the organization.

At Motor Home Specialist you will find an incredible selection of class B, class C and class A diesel pusher RVs by Gulf Stream. The Class B and C line-up are made up of the Vista Cruiser, Vista Cruiser Mini and the all new Vista Cruiser ET or Euro Touring Cruiser. These three models offer an incredible variety of floor plans, features and options. Some are available with gas or diesel drive trains and full body paint. These RVs are packed with features and always sale priced at Motor Home Specialist.

The class A diesel pusher line-up starts with the Gulf Stream Yellowstone. This is an incredible luxury diesel with an affordable price tag. Enjoy Yellowstone features like 7’ 6” ceiling heights, in certain models, as well as three roof A/C units and full wall slides. At Motor Home Specialist you’ll also commonly find aluminum wheels, GPS, LCD TVs and much more. The Gulfstream Yellowstone RV for sale is built on a raised rail chassis and also has a large diesel generator. The Yellowstone is a must see diesel RV. You wont’ believe the value!

October 25th, 2008 by admin

If you’re buying a new or used rv make sure and read our rv buyers guide first - it could save you a lot of money and hassle. There are a few things that one should consider when choosing a dealer from whom to purchase one of the most expensive machines on the market.

The single most important issue to consider is to determine how long the rv dealer has been in business. The longer the better. When a company is established and in one place for a long time it’s because they are doing something right. That’s the kind of dealer you want, one with a reputation to uphold. One that will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and you don’t squeal any complaints to the neighborhood they intend to be in for a long time.

Well established RV dealers tend to have a much better handle on parts availability, and the repair of weird difficult to diagnose problems, both under warranty and on older coaches. The dealer that can swap your hot water heater in an hour instead of a day is valuable when you are short on time or live full time in the rv like we do.

Well established dealers also work better with you when it comes time to trade your rv in and get another one. They love repeat buyers and will often reward you with a great experience and price. Established rv dealerships have better mechanics and ones who stick around for the long term. Often when certain difficult repairs are to be made, like adjusting the valves on your $20,000 diesel engine, ONLY a very experienced mechanic should be involved. If they make a mistake you may not know it for a year. By then it will be too late and difficult to prove who is at fault. Visit RV insurance for help choosing affordable RV insurance.

Rv dealerships that have well established product lines can often beat even the little dealerships with their lower overhead “dealership in an abandoned field” strategy. Warranty repairs are very important on new motorhomes and fifth wheels. The RV has millions of moving parts and EVERY one of them is susceptible to being assembled incorrectly, made of inferior materials, or open to premature wear. You want a good dealer behind you when this happens.

If you are purchasing an expensive RV, might be Cruiser RV, Challenger RV, Dolphin RV, Gulfstream RV, Winnebago RV etc or your first rv, they can be extremely valuable in terms of free, helpful, money saving information. One strategy is to decide on two equally qualified rv dealers, and let them fight over me with price and availability of the actual rv unit . So, take the time to find a good, competent, affordable, rv dealership.

October 24th, 2008 by admin

RVing is a favorite pastime for many families. Cruising through the Midwest, climbing the Rocky Mountains and discovering unbeaten paths are what sparks a family to purchase an RV. It represents a future of family vacations and building memories.

Perusing the RV sales lot allows a future RV owner to dream big. Brand new RVs look perfect and have that mesmerizing new car smell to the fullest extent. There are different models like Park Model, toy hauler, travel trailer, truck camper RV etc and different manufacturers like Fleetwood, Gulfstream, Keystone, Winnebago, Ford, GMC etc. Many times, a family will purchase a new RV of at least half or more of the value of their house. What seems like a romantic idea at the moment quickly becomes a realistic problem.

Families eager to take their new baby out for a road trip quickly curb their adventure until they have saved up enough money for gas. In addition to the poor gas mileage of RVs, the rising price of gas has many families barely commuting to work without testing how far the car will go on empty. The strain of higher gas prices only promises to increase with the summer travel season approaching, which lessens the possibility of traveling across the country.

So what becomes of the family dream of road trips and vacations? During the winter months, the RV sits dormant. However, families who have invested so much do not want to put their RV out in the cold. What do they do? One answer is renting an RV storage space.

Many RV storage spaces provide covered parking or garage parking. Another benefit of RV storage is that the facility should provide security by way of a fenced perimeter and restricted access to only allow tenants to enter.

RV storage also solves the puzzle of where a family can keep larger RVs when not in use. Many homeowners associations and cities do not allow long term parking for trailers, abandoned vehicles or RVs. Even if parking the RV on the street is allowed, it can be an eyesore to the neighbors and to the RV owner.

One way many families compromise the desire to take their RV on the road is by using RV storage camps. At an RV camp, campers can hookup their RV to water and electric lines and park their RV on the grounds.

It is also common for families to tow along a small SUV or car for short drives around the camp site or touring the area. Brining along a secondary vehicle is less hassle than unhooking water and electric lines from the RV. Driving an SUV or car will also save oodles of gasoline, which does help save money. Driving a small family SUV or car will also save time and allow the family to drive in and park in areas that might not have been accessible to large RVs.

RVs are also being sold by owners who no longer use them. Buying a used RV is one way to offset the high cost of new RV vehicles. However, one should do their homework on a used RV in order to make sure there is no history or accident. Having a check up done on the vehicle is also a wise decision and if the seller does not go along with having a check up, then you may be best to avoid the transaction all together.

Whatever you decide, there are many ways to buy an RV for a bargain and several options for parking your RV in between travels.

October 23rd, 2008 by admin

With Fuel prices climbing and the economy on shaky ground, should you even consider buying an RV now or should you wait until the economy gets better? The answer to this question might surprise you.

The recent skyrocketing fuel prices and the falling value of homes have impacted both RV owners and the RV Industry. In the past 6 months 2 major RV manufacturers have shut their doors permanently. Quite a few people who recently bought new RVs at the highest monthly payments that they could qualify for are now regretting their decision to get the RV of their dreams. In other words they over bought their RV and they are now paying the price for it.

Is this all doom and gloom for RVers and potential RVers? The answer is a resounding NO! If you were ever thinking about buying an RV or upgrading to a different class of RV, now is the time to do it. Because this is where the basic concept of Supply and Demand (also known as price and demand) you learned in your Economics class in high school kicks in. To put it in RV terms, when fuel is high, the demand for RVs goes down.

With less demand, the RV dealers are going to do everything they can to get rid of those new RVs (in other words they will accept less money for them). The high fuel prices have also caused panic amongst some current RV owners. These owners have hastily made the decision to sell their RVs because they believe that they will no longer be able to afford to use them.

This has created a buyer’s market for RVs. Whether you are planning to buy a new or used RV, branded RVs like GMC RV, Cruiser RV, Volvo RV, Winnebago RV, Gulfstream RV etc, you will be able to get a lot more for your money. Of course you are going to have to still negotiate the best price you can for what you want, but now more than ever you are in the driver’s seat during these negotiations. Depending on what type of RV you are going to buy, the money you save on the purchase price could pay for your fuel for quite awhile.

In some cases you may have to finance your RV purchase. When financing, remember the finance company will give you a loan for as much as you want (based on your credit). But, just because they are going to give you that much credit does not mean that you have to use that much credit. You might believe you can afford the monthly payments. But, you need to ask yourself if you can comfortably afford the monthly RV Loan payments and still have money left over to pay for the other costs of owning an RV such as fuel, maintenance, storage and of course camping. In other words don’t overbuy.

Now, let’s address the concerns of the cost of going camping in your new RV. The biggest cost, depending on the type of RV you have will be fuel. This would be a major concern if you are planning a 3,500-mile cross-country trip. Now, even for the most avid RVer is not the time to spend the summer seeing the whole US (unless you have deep pockets).

You won’t regret your decision about buying an RV. Just plan ahead and don’t put a financial strain on yourself as this will diminish your enjoyment.

October 22nd, 2008 by admin

In Hollywood, the cross-country family trip is often used as an easy way to get laughs. Most people chuckle when they picture Chevy Chase’s poor family crammed into the metallic pea Griswold family station wagon from National Lampoon’s Vacation, even as we sympathize. After all, how many of us were forced to sit for hours “on the hump” in the back of the family sedan with two siblings complaining bitterly each time one of your legs crossed into “their space”? And all of this in the guise of taking a fun family vacation!

Certainly, cars have continued to become more comfortable and luxurious with each passing year, and the number of SUVs available means it is no longer a necessity to take the family’s compact car on vacation at all. Let’s be honest though, if you’ve ever sat in the back of an SUV (or any car) with two other people, it stops feeling comfortable after the first twenty minutes or so. For this reason along with countless others, many families choose to skip the driving experience entirely and schedule a flight instead. However, with escalated airport security resulting in long delays, cramped seating on the planes, limits to what can be carried on the plane, and maybe even a touch of nostalgia for the car trips of our youth, the siren song of the open road begins to have increasing appeal.

If you are a parent who doesn’t want to hear, “Mooooooommmm, he’s touching me,” for several hours straight or a retiree longing to take that dream cross country vacation at a leisurely pace, there is a clear choice, a RV. Recreational vehicles, or what my family always referred to as motor homes, are no longer the gaudy rolling trailers with cheap fixtures and cramped spaces that many people picture. Imagine those rolling luxury hotels that rock stars travel in with features like plush carpeting, ceramic tile, cabinets designated to store wineglasses, LCD televisions, retractable awnings, and even storage for motorcycles. Many of them have a level of opulence so enthralling that you’ll be tempted to live in it, even while it’s parked in your driveway! The added bonus is that you never have to deal with the hassles of staying in a hotel, such as checkout times, missing reservations, or noisy people in the adjoining room.

Once you decide to purchase a RV, the next choice is the model. There are new or used Gulf Stream RVs, Winnebego RVs, Fleetwood RVs and more. With such a large array, it’s important to do a lot of research into what features you want and the reliability of the various manufactures.

Now that you’ve found your dream vehicle, you are probably ready to jump right in and purchase it. After all, when you are buying something new, there can’t be that much of a variation in price from dealership to dealership, right? Surprisingly, the cost variance when comparing new motor homes with identical features can actually be more than the disparities you’d find when buying used recreational vehicles with vast mileage differences.

These price changes aren’t limited to only the most expensive models either. The same Gulf Stream Independence model 8330LS that costs over $90,000.00 in Indiana can be found for $87,000.00 in North Carolina, $66,000.00 in Minnesota or $63,000.00 in Pennsylvania. Certainly once you do some more in depth research, you may locate some options on the $90,000.00 model in Indiana that aren’t on the $63,000.00 version in Pennsylvania, but there is little doubt that the dealership charging less would be able to get you the vehicle of your dreams without tacking on an additional $27,000.00 for similar options.

Realizing all of that, it makes perfect sense that your first family vacation in the new RV could be a cross country trip bringing it home from the dealership with the best price!

October 21st, 2008 by admin

Renting an RV is perfect if you’ve dreamed of touring California in an RV, but thought you couldn’t because of the cost or hassle of owning an RV. RVs allow you travel where you want and when you want from the comfort of your substitute home. There are different models available like Class A motorhome, Class B and Class C motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper, toy hauler motorhome and brands like Gulfstream RV, Fleetwood RV, Winnebago RV, Ford RV, GMC RV, Volvo RV etc.

The most popular type of rented RV is the Class-C motor home. It is easy to drive and has beds, a toilet, shower, heat and air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Folding camping trailers, travel trailers, and truck trailers are also popular. You can rent your RV one-way or two-way, and you can ask for a discount if you’re renting it for the long haul. Some RV rentals also provide a fly-and-drive package so you can fly into California and then rent the RV.

Rental companies exist throughout California, but you’ll probably have the best luck around Los Angeles or San Francisco. Searching the Internet is probably the easiest way to find a Californian RV rental agency. KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, provides a list of its preferred RV rental agencies in California, by city, on its Web site.

Rental rates in California are cheapest between November and March and in October with prices starting at around $63 a day for over 40 days. Prices per day decrease the longer you rent them, but increase with the quality of the RV. The most expensive time to rent an RV in California is between late June and early September with prices starting at around $117 a day for over 40 days.

Before you set out for adventure in California, find parks that will let you park your RV there. Maps are available for sale on the Internet and KOA also provides a list. Don’t be afraid to shop for the best bargain and ask for all details about mileage fees, insurance, and other extra fees you might not expect. The more you plan ahead, the less worry during your trip through California.

October 20th, 2008 by admin

It seems that people can never get enough of traveling across the country in travel trailers and RVs and the reasons are many. To some, its like taking their home with them when they travel and in an RV or trailer they can bring many comforts of their home along with them. Traveling by new or used RV might be a Park Model RV, truck camper, fifth wheel trailer, Class A, Class B or Class C motorhome etc has many benefits such as stopping when ever you want and having a mobile kitchen to cook with. Somewhere along the way someone decided to fit a satellite TV system in their RV and the rest is history, because now more and more people are doing it.

It didn’t start out that way, because in the beginning people would use a standard TV with bunny-ear antennae and hope to have reception in the places where they stopped but that all changed with the advent of satellite TV. The first pioneer of the RV satellite TV system was a man named Bob Stacy who had the idea to invent a small satellite dish that had a motor on it that he could use to adjust its reception with. It turned out that it worked so well that he started a company to manufacture and market them that he named Motosat and it did quite well.

The idea took wind and more and more people began to install the motorized satellite dishes, so they could enjoy satellite TV when they were on the road. There were still some short sides to this system, such as the fact that the dish had to be taken down and set back up every time the RV hit the road, so it wouldn’t be blown off of the roof of the RV. The other problem that RV owners faced was the fact that the satellite TV system couldn’t pick up signals while the RV was traveling down the open highway.

People could get around this problem by pre-recording programming on a receiver that DVR capabilities and then playing the programming back when they were traveling but that still left them with substantial limitations. For one thing, travelers couldn’t access the weather channel to check out the road conditions that they were approaching as they traveled and this was a real problem for RV drivers, because their size makes them more vulnerable to precarious weather such as high winds. Recently however; one satellite service provider has come up with a solution to this problem by developing a satellite antennae that will receive satellite transmissions on the road and they call it Mobile Dish.

Its a service provided by Dish Network and it currently has one-hundred channels in their viewing repertoire. Now with this state of the art satellite system travelers can truly take their home with them when they travel. One problem when traveling down the open road is that the sight-seeing isn’t always optimal and if there are bored children in the vehicle it can make the trip a little rough. Having one-hundred channels to surf through during the times when sight seeing isn’t enough to keep passengers occupied now means that traveling with kids on board is no problem.

October 17th, 2008 by admin

Travel Trailer is a type of Rv for sale. Buying a used travel trailer can be a scary prospect indeed. But, armed with a little information and the attitude that the right trailer is out there for you, you can get through the buying process and come out on the other end with a fantastic used travel trailer!

First, you must know how much trailer you need to suit your situation and how much you can handle in terms of price and towing capability. I can’t help you much with price–you’ll have to decide beforehand what you range is, but you can research what trailers are available for what prices on the internet. As far as towing capability is concerned, you need to be concerned with two numbers–GTW (gross trailer weight),which is the maximum weight your vehicle is designed to pull, and TW (tongue weight); that’s the downward force (measured in pounds) your hitch ball can support. Both of these figures can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and should be topmost in your mind when considering which trailer you can tow.

Now to the fun part; once you have decided some of your basic needs, you can start shopping! You may have used RV dealers in your area. That’s great news since you will have a wider selection and a salesperson to offer suggestions and recommendations. Of course if you don’t, you can find plenty of used trailers for sale through your local classifieds and online. Don’t be shy–see a lot of trailers; it’s the only way to find the one that’s just right for you!

Once you do find a trailer to consider, there are a lot of things to keep in mind; I suggest making a checklist to remind yourself what you are looking for and to take notes about the features and condition of each model you see.

Starting with the exterior, look for dents and dings, rusted spots, rusty or loose screws. Check if the exterior compartments are clean and dry. Inspect the roof; are the rubber seals cracking or discolored from water/sun damage? Are the vent covers secure? Is there a roof rack? Check any awnings and pullouts to see if they operate smoothly and look to be in good repair. Is the awning discolored or mildewed? Is it large enough?

Moving inside, check the doors; do they close securely? Check the hinges and handles and locks. Is there a pull out step? Does it work well and store securely? Are the windows in good condition? Do they operate smoothly and lock securely? Are all the screens in place? Are they in good repair?

Consider the interior walls and flooring. Are there signs of water damage, including discoloration and soft spots? Do you like the colors? Are the walls or flooring marked with stains?

What is the condition of the furniture? Are all the appliances in working order? Turn everything on and check it’s performance. The refrigerator and freezer will take a few hours to fully cool, but if this trailer is on your “short list,” be sure to check them. Turn on all faucets to check for leaks; check the water heater and all holding tanks for leaks by filling them with water. Check if the bathroom is big enough. Lay down on the bed; do you feel comfortable in the sleeping space? Are the closets big enough? Can you see your family vacationing happily in this space?

If so, then you know all your hard work has paid off, and you have found the perfect travel trailer for your family! If not, you know your checklist has weeded out another poor choice, and you are that much closer to finding your trailer. So, get out there and get to work; your next family vacation could be in your very own perfectly used travel trailer.

October 16th, 2008 by admin

The siren’s call of the great outdoors attracts millions of truck campers each and every year. Campgrounds across the country are filled with people looking to get out of their concrete jungles and into the fresh air and foliage that camping delivers. The accommodations that campers utilize are as varied as the homes from which they come.

Some might opt for a minimalist experience where a simple tent, campfire, and a fresh catch provide sustenance and shelter for the duration of their stay. Others like to bring all the comforts of home with them, and the easiest way to do that is with the help of an RV (recreational vehicle). The biggest RV’s can have every amenity you can imagine, from satellite televisions and hot tubs to waterbeds and wet bars. But they also have a big price tag and low gas mileage, and their size can make them difficult and intimidating to drive. For those who are looking for the camper experience without the size and price tag of a full sized RV, van campers fill the void and offer an affordable and manageable option.

Van campers - known officially as Class B Motorhomes - are customized cargo vans that have been converted into a functioning camper. By raising the roof slightly, and extending the length only a few feet, what was once a normal passenger van can now house a sleeping area, room to eat and cook, and even a bathroom. The amenities alone are enough to make van campers very popular, and it is their driving characteristics and price tag that make them a welcomed option for many prospective campers.

Available in two and four-wheel drive, van campers are as simple to drive as any large passenger car or sport utility vehicle. Unlike full sized RV campers, which are difficult to drive, especially in an urban setting of heavy traffic (and forget about parallel parking!), van campers can easily maneuver through any and all conditions, from muddy back roads to Broadway. Owners of large RV’s are often surprised to learn that some campgrounds and destinations are off limits to them due to their large size and massive footprint.

The larger RVs for sale often find themselves relegated to the outskirts of the campground (or parking lot, or town!). Van campers can go anywhere a car can go, so their owners can go just about anywhere they want to go - and it does not hurt that it can easily be stored in your garage or driveway when not in use. In fact, they make a great second automobile that offers room for many passengers or cargo.

Of course, when compared to their full sized RV counterparts there is a trade off to be made, and what van campers possess in positive attributes they lack in one important element: space. But the smaller interior does not necessarily mean that a van camper is equally lacking in amenities. Kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities aside, heating, air conditioning, and televisions make van campers as fun as a night at home or in a hotel.

Speaking of hotels, van campers are not just for spending time on the campground. If it is the open road you crave then a van camper can help make your cross country road trip into an affordable reality. Not only can you save a small fortune on hotel rooms, the fuel economy of a van camper can help you see the country on a shoestring budget.

If you are considering the purchase of a recreational vehicle then you owe it to yourself to investigate the available models of van campers. With their smaller size, easy driving characteristics, fuel efficiency, and nearly unlimited accessibility to roads and destination, van campers have so much to offer in such a small package.

October 14th, 2008 by admin

The U.S. is a vast nation with a wide network of national parks and historic landmarks that appeal to many travelers. What better way to see some of America’s most notable spots than with a motorhome? Motorhomes are, basically, homes away from homes in which travelers can pack their family and friends for a prolonged road trip in style.

Each motorhome model varies in features and accessories like for example Class A motorhome differs from Class B, travel trailer differs from fifth wheel, toy hauler differes from park model RV etc but can usually sleep up to eight passengers comfortably, making the motorhome a cost-saving and efficient way to see America up close and personal. If you’re just getting into motorhome travel or have been vacationing in motorhomes for years, be sure to hit up these popular trips for motorhome trekkers:

Yellowstone National Park :

Perhaps more than anywhere else in the country, you’ll find a plethora of motorhomes in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is home to some of the country’s most celebrated wonders, including wildlife, geysers and hot springs. No matter what time of year you head to this well-trafficked national park, you’re sure to find something to hold your interest.

One of the reasons that so many travelers choose to vacation in Yellowstone from motorhomes is because of the scarcity of camping sites and hotels within the park itself. Campers often have to book their campsites months in advance, and even hotels can be hard to afford, if they are available. However, a motorhome offers comfortable accommodations anywhere, anytime, facilitating a worry-free trip for all involved.

Route 66 :

Route 66 is the nation’s most celebrated cross-country roads, which connects the east coast to the west coast and back again. The route, which was made famous in the mid twentieth century through popular culture music and artifacts, winds through scenic towns, such as Flagstaff, Arizona, and takes travelers through mile after mile of America’s beautiful country side. Folks in ne wor used RVs can drive into one of the many RV parks or they can pull into a parking lot for a few hours of sleep before taking in another day of this historical landmark highway.

Interstate 95 :

How can you get from Key West to Bangor, Maine without turning right? Find Interstate 95! I-95 is the one and only road that connects the east coast’s southern-most point to its northern-most point, making it one of the nation’s most travelled highways. Drivers will roll through countryside, wine country, sunny beaches, and steep mountains while taking their motorhomes up and down I-95. Plus, with the copious truck stops along the way, motorhome travelers will always have a safe place to pull over for a night’s rest.

No matter what you plan to do with your motorhome vacation, be sure to take a full tank of gas, fridge full of snacks, and camera. You’ll love winding through the country’s back roads, speeding along the highways, and stopping for a comfortable night’s rest - even when a hotel isn’t in sight. Efficiency, comfort, and style are three attributes for which motorhomes will always be known.