Latest updates and news on RV Online

November 20th, 2008 by admin

Motorhomes, the term depicts the inner meaning itself, a motor vehicle with the homely accommodation. After the stressful working days in a week when you opt to go to the remote place to enjoy your weekends how would you feel if you are traveling in such a vehicles which provides you both transport and sleeping accommodation with your family under same roof. Definitely the journey will become a surreal journey.

Motorhomes are a kind of Recreational Vehicles (RV) which can be used as both the vehicle as well as the home. The different models include Class A motorhome, Class B motorhome, Class C motorhome, fifth wheels, folding camper, truck camper etc. A normal motor home consists of beds, Toilet with removable disposal tank, shower, table, small kitchen with a gas or electric refrigerator and a two-three burner gas stove and grill, a storage area, satellite TV and Internet access.

Recreation Vehicles are built on the air ride suspensions to provide its users a comfortable ride. Most of the RVs have plasma TV’s, surround sound systems, satellite systems to watch your favorite TV show while driving down the road is just a part of the luxury. The facilities in the recreation vehicles vary from model to model. The length of the recreation vehicles can be up to 45 feet. The motorhomes are built to provide you all kinds of homely facilities. It can be found from 2 berths to 6 or more berths according to your requirements. You can choose the size and the facilities it provides, according to your need and obviously your budget.

There are a lot of financial companies which are ready to give the finance support if you wish to purchase  new and used motor homes. The prices of the motorhomes can be varied according to the size and the facilities it offers. Purchasing the RV like motorhome is a lifetime investment. Around 8 million families in USA currently possess the RVs. And the demand moves upwards day by day.

Having the ownership of a motorhome is an experience of a lifetime. Once you got the perfect RV for yourself, camping out with your near and dear ones, friends and family will be easier. You don’t have to pay the hotel accommodation bills, no transport expenses to third parties. The motorhome gives you the ultimate freedom to move anywhere anytime at your own will.

The repair and maintenance of the motorhomes and other RVs are essential steps in guaranteeing the long life of your investment. There are a number of Repair and maintenance for your motor homes. Just make it sure before buying the RV that from where you are purchasing your motorhomes, campervans, holiday mobiles or other types of Recreational vehicles, they are also providing the repairs and maintenances after sales. To lengthen the lifespan of your recreation vehicle it needs regular maintenance also.

November 13th, 2008 by admin

New and used motorhomes for sale are available in many shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. Motorhome models are divided into the classes of A, B, or C. Class A is the largest and most deluxe type or RV, Class B is more compact, and Class C is a lower end model of the Class B motorhome.

Motorhomes are often purchased by families who enjoy traveling. Class A motorhomes are most often purchased by people who stay in their RVs full-time. Most families will purchase a Class B motorhome to use for vacationing.

Class B Motorhome Qualities :

A Class B motorhome for sale is fairly compact in size. It looks much like a standard van. These motorhomes are popular because they can be used as a regular vehicle and can be stored easily in most garages unlike large RVs or trailers.

Mid-sized motorhomes can be purchased from many different locations. The best prices tend to be found online. They can be found in newspaper ads or from dealerships as well.

November 12th, 2008 by admin

Purchasing a used RV can help your family to save money on vacations. Buying a used motor home will allow you to save money on the price of the motor home. You will also save money on hotel expenses, airfare, and meals by using an RV on vacations.

Used RV Options :

You can find a great used RV for your family from many different places. There are many RV dealerships that sell used motor homes. You can also find RVs in magazines, newspapers, and online.

Purchasing a used RV online is often a good idea. You can also rent RVs to get a feel for the type of motor home that you would like to purchase. Online prices are typically lower than prices at a dealership.

There are many different RV styles to choose from. You can choose a large Class A motor home, or a van-style Class B or C motor home. You can also choose between luxury coaches, trailers, standard motor homes, fifth wheels, and truck campers, depending on your family needs for vacationing.

There are different manufacturers making RVs like Fleetwood, Gulfstream, Winnebago, Chevrolet, Cruiser, Keystone, Monaco etc.

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.

October 13th, 2008 by admin

Today, everybody it seems is concerned about the sharp rise in the prices of the fuels and gas in particular. The instant reaction of people is to find out the ways to cut fuel costs and have vehicles that give better gas mileages. A new or used RV for sale is a vehicle in which a trailer is attached to a truck. The trailer, in the interior is made to resemble the rooms of our comfortable house in a slightly more compact environment. People who live and travel in Motor Homes should always try to maintain their vehicles gas mileage.

As the motor home is bigger in size, it consumes more fuel than an average car or an SUV. Moreover, the trailer attached to the rear of the truck is made to look like a real home with nearly all the appliances and equipments. Thus, the trailer has a lot of weight and large amounts of power is wasted in running the motor home that naturally takes its toll on the mileage of the vehicle.

Whenever you speak of using a motor home for a vacation or errands like that in front of a few people, the most common reaction is the question how you can afford to drive a motor home. But to think rationally, this reaction may be wrong. Just think about you using a motor home for a vacation yet you may be pleasantly surprised. If you are a person who loves to take his motor home for a finding a great destination for a vacation every summer, then you may be surprised to see how few mile you have actually traveled using the motor home. Most motor homes give an average mileage of around 8 miles per gallon.

For example: If your destination is 100 miles away and you travel around 12 weekends in summer then you will travel only 100 x 2 x 12 i.e. 2400 miles on your motor home. The increase in cost is only $32.31 per trip and only $463.61 for the year. The projection may be in error because the cost of the gas is always fluctuating. Therefore, would you like to leave your motor home that provides you with so much comfort enjoyment and freedom for just $463.61?

For efficient and economic running of your motor home, the following is some information that will help you to get better output from your motor home.

To get better mileage without spending money for modifications: You must first make sure that your motor home might be a new or used travel trailer, fifth wheel, Class A, Class B, Class C motorhome etc is running well by testing the chassis on a dynamometer. You can also get fuel to air ratio checked. You must also make sure that the air pressure on tires is as recommended. You must also drive slower with gradual starts and stops.

The best speed for fuel economy of a motor home: As you increase your speed your speed, the mileage will drop steadily, because of the increase in resistance of the air as well as the weight of the vehicle. So the slower the speed of the vehicle the better will be its mileage. Hence you must maintain your speed between 50 and 55.

October 9th, 2008 by admin

It is not easy to buy a recreational vehicle. One cannot get an RV on your fingertips. Not only is it expensive, it also entails a lot of scouting around. One of the tried and tested tools that help a customer like you in selecting the best RV is to rely on RV ratings. Make sure you do the best research, consultation and comparison.

The proven integrity of research :
An exhaustive research will familiarize you with the different types or categories of new and used RVs for sale. Also, it would be easier for you to search for ratings, because ratings are usually classified depending on the RV category.

There are a lot of ways to go about with your research. You may want to buy books on RVs. Or you might want to surf the net and join online communities and forum that will help you get information about the advantages and disadvantages of the different brands and kinds of RVs like Class A, Class B, Class C motorhome, travel trailer, park model, toy hauler RV etc. Also, there are websites that are dedicated to helping consumers pick the best RV. Some of these websites have compilations of consumer ratings that they have generated over the years. This should give you an idea as to which RV manufacturing company produces the RV Bestseller.

The helpful insights of consultation :
Never undermine the wealth of knowledge and information you could get from your RV dealer. He is, after all, more than a salesman. He brings with him, years of experience in selling RVs, which means that he has met a lot of customers. Try to find out from him which brand are more popular and which RV satisfies most of the customers. Also, ask for his honest opinion if the RV you are eyeing will really work to your utmost benefit. However, treat all these information as suggestions. Ask more people. That way, you would have a collection of stories of RV experiences.

The necessity of comparison :
After generating information, make your own ratings list based on your needs. Rate RVs based on the considerations that are most important to you. For instance, if you need an RV to be roomy, then rate the available RVs based on their floor sizes. If you need an RV to look classy, then rate the RV according to its exterior finish. If budget is your main consideration, then rearrange your ratings list and see which among the cheaper alternatives offer the most amenities. Whatever the outcome of your list may be, remember that you are the customer. In the end, it is you who will decide which RV to bring home.

RV Dealers :
Would you like to know what RV dealers on a national scale think of certain manufacturers? Anybody serious about purchasing an RV would probably answer, YES! Well you’re in luck, the RVDA (Recreational Vehicle Dealer Association), for fourteen consecutive years has asked dealers to express their level of satisfaction with their manufacturers. The program is called, Dealer Satisfaction Index,(DSI).

The DSI is a tool to help improve dealer/manufacturer relations by identifying how dealers perceive the strength and weaknesses of their manufacturers. RVDA is quick to point out this is not a scientific study. Its aim is to observe dealer attitudes toward their manufacturers, products, policies and procedures. The DSI survey asks the dealers to list the manufacturers of the products they sell and rate them in four main categories; sales, product, management and service-warranty support.

October 7th, 2008 by admin

Buying an used motorhome can be sometimes very hectic and isn’t simple. It can become very difficult when you are planning to live in the motorhome for any amount of time.

For this reason, it is always essential to have some important checklists to go over to see any problems you might be facing after buying a used RV Motorhome. Sellers usually don’t tell you the problems they know of, as the saying goes “Buyers Beware”. The RV dealer will make his commission no matter how long the RV was in use, so it is up to you to make sure you get the best deal.

Not to waste any more time, some key points have been presented to look over when planning to buy a used motorhome.

1. Checking the Engine and Oil : Engine and Oil is the lifeblood for any vehicle. Checking the oil would be a great start to ensure the condition of the engine. If the oil smells burnt, you may have a problem on your hands.

2. Rust Condition : Rust is the natural breakdown of iron and metal. RVs travelling in those parts of the country having snow and salt will be more prone to rust. Purchasing used motor homes from the south can help this rust problem, but they will cost a bit more. If there is structural rust on the frames, it is better to avoid those motorhomes as they are at their end of life.

3. Service Records : Service records will show the proper maintenance of the motorhome maintained by the previous user. It will also show you the number of previous user of that RV. And if they fail to provide any paperwork, its advisable not to settle for that used motorhome.

4. Motorhome Financing : Finance companies offer better options for certain RV builders, on certain models especially those that have low depreciation. The purchase of an used motorhome should be done without a thorough inspection of the finance options attached to that RV.

Learning enough about used motorhomes might be a Class A , Class B or Class C motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer etc to make an educated buying decision is just another good common sense. What you learn before you get the used motorhome will certainly carry over into what you will need to know to keep your motorhome in proper shape.

October 2nd, 2008 by admin

Are you retired and planning to travel occasionally or will you sell your home and live in the RV full-time? There are two basic types of rigs.

1. Motorized RVs have the driving compartment within the vehicle. They are constructed on a motor vehicle chassis.
2. Towable RVs rely on a separate vehicle with a driving compartment.

MOTORIZED RVS :
This is the rig most people think of when they hear the expression “RV.” Generally, it’s called a motorhome, ranging in length from under twenty to more than forty feet. The price can vary from a few thousand dollars for an old well-worn rig to almost a million for a luxurious, customized vehicle. New or used motorhomes for sale are easier to drive and park, plus they afford greater safety since if there is an emergency or anything suspicious in the middle of the night, the owner just turns the key in the ignition and leaves. The trailer owner must go outside to get into the tow vehicle. Generally solo women travelers choose motorhomes for these reasons, although one solo who lives in her fifth wheel trailer (see below for definition) says that she prefers to stay in RV parks, so she always feels safe and doesn’t worry about leaving in the middle of the night.

CLASS A :
The Class A motorhome is often rectangular in appearance. The driver and passenger seats can swivel around and become living room furniture when the rig is parked. The amenities are self-contained bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room, and bedroom. Class As handle more like a car (a very large car for the 30-40 feet rigs) and when you remove the towed car, they back up like a car so the driver doesn’t have to learn new skills. The larger motorhomes usually tow a car behind, affectionately referred to as the “toad.” Although the mileage is poor on the motorhome, the toad gets excellent mileage and is used for local transportation and sightseeing.

CLASS B :
The Class B is built on a van chassis with a raised roof. New or used Class B motorhome for sale are smaller, compact, and very easy to drive. They contain the same lifestyle amenities, but usually on a smaller scale. New ones are expensive, particularly compared to a similar-sized Class C or Class A. The Class Bs have less sleeping space for a small family than other small rigs or trailers.

CLASS C :
The Class C is a truck chassis with an RV unit built on it. The sleeping area is over the driver/passenger unit. Again, the rig contains all the lifestyle amenities but often on a more limited scale than the Class A. The Class C is often used to tow a boat or motorcycle, and can tow a car. This type is the least expensive of the motorhomes.

TOWABLE RVS :
The advantage of the towable RV is that when you arrive at your site, you can unhitch the tow vehicle and use it as your mode of local transportation.

FIFTH WHEEL :
The new or used fifth wheel for sale is a trailer that hitches in the bed of the truck. Depending on the size and construction of the rig, it may be too heavy to tow with a big pick-up truck. Check the weight rating carefully. An overweight vehicle can cause great problems to the tow vehicle, the trailer, and ultimately to your personal safety. You might damage the transmission, axles, tires, and so on.

TRAVEL TRAILER :
The travel trailer, more familiar to most people, hitches to the back of the tow vehicle, which can be a truck, van, or even a heavy car, depending on the weight and size of the trailer. The trailer length varies greatly. The longer trailers tend to sway and don’t complete turns as easily as the fifth wheel. They are also more difficult to back in to a campsite. Less underneath storage is available than in a fifth wheel. Full amenities are in the longer trailers. For the family, there can be more space in the van or heavy car, which makes pulling a travel trailer a more attractive option than a fifth wheel. The travel trailer is generally less expensive than the fifth wheel.

CAMPER :
The slide-in camper is a camper shell that can be removed from the body of a flat bed pickup truck. A “slide-out” side provides more space, but overall space is limited compared to most travel and fifth wheel trailers. This is an excellent rig for one or two people, or it can be used as the tow vehicle for a travel or pop-up trailer for a larger family.

October 1st, 2008 by admin

The key to an enjoyable motorhome experience is that the body type and layout suit your needs.  Once these elements are decided then all other considerations will follow.  Something that looks very attractive in the showroom can be a costly lesson if the bed is uncomfortable, there is not enough storage on board or there are not enough seatbelts.  So, think hard about what the motorhome will have to do to accommodate your personal needs and interests.

Let’s start by getting to grips with some terminology about body types.There are numerous names given to motorhome body styles however below are the most popular terms:

Micro:  As the name suggests, these are the smallest motorhomes.  Usually converted from a small van chassis, for example the Citroen Berlingo or the Fiat Doblo.  Facilities usually include mains hook-up, heating, fridge, water supply (not always hot), plus a simple bed arrangement.  There may not be a washroom or toilet on board.  Despite their small size, they can provide comfortable accommodation for two, which can sometimes be enlarged by attaching an annexe.

Van conversion:  Starting life as a complete vehicle, the motorhome manufacturer converts the body adding windows, a high fixed roof or pop-up roof, plus seating, cooking and washing facilities as appropriate for the model.  Being larger than a Micro, this popular type of motorhome can provide a good combination of usable space, storage and a comprehensive range of equipment.

Coachbuilt:  This is a motorhome for sale where the living area, including the walls floor and ceiling are built upon a chassis cab. The most popular chassis used are Fiat, Ford, Renault, Iveco and VW.  The roof of the cab is cut away and a bed area is built over the cab.  Sometimes these motorhomes are also called ‘overcabs’.

Compact:  The latest class of motorhomes to emerge from manufacturers and currently enjoying good sales both in the UK and abroad.  Usually under 6 metres in length they are look like either a mini low profile or ‘A’ Class and combine the attributes of the van conversions’ manouverability with the layouts and facilities of their larger coachbuilt and ‘A’ class siblings.

‘A’ Class:  The entire Class A motorhome body is built by the motorhome manufacturer including the cab.  Only the motor drive unit and dashboard are sourced from the chassis supplier.  Often the chassis is also modified to allow extra weight, length and storage.  The manufacturers have significant scope to design stylish body styles with practical features such as insulated double floors, garage style storage areas and roomy lounges.  As they are often built to order, customers have more options to personalise their motorhome with additional equipment. Therefore, size for size, these are the most expensive motorhomes to buy.

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.