Latest updates and news on RV Online

December 4th, 2008 by admin

Traveling with your family is a wonderful experience. It is the perfect time for bonding. Although it may be hard to come by affordable family vacations nowadays because of the rise in prices of basic consumer goods and services, there are still cost effective ways of letting your family enjoy quality vacation time together.

One of the best and most popular ways of vacationing is traveling by RV (recreational vehicle). RVs like Class A motorhome, Class B motorhome, Class C motorhome, travel trailer, truck camper, folding camper, Park Model RV etc are convenient and comfortable. You and your family can travel at your own pace while enjoying the luxury of having your own bed or sleeping quarters, your own kitchen, and a clean bathroom with a warm shower. And since RVs allow you to travel on your own schedule, you and your family can stay at a location for as long as you want!

Traveling with an RV is one of the best choices for affordable family vacations. Since new or used RVs  for sale provide comfortable as well as convenient accommodations, you can avoid staying in overpriced hotels. Plus, there is no hassle with check in/checkout times!

For first time RV users, renting an RV is highly advised before purchasing one. Normally, RV store owners will give tips to inexperienced users. Those who are accustomed to traveling in RVs are generally eager to purchase their own RV because they are familiar with the joys that family RV vacations can provide. Purchasing or renting an RV is definitely a long term option for those looking for affordable family vacations.

For those looking to enjoy a fun RV vacation, a little bit of research, whether it is online or asking friends or family, will open your eyes to a variety of affordable and fun vacation packages. These packages give you various options for your family vacations, especially if you have children of varying ages. Sometimes, choosing the right vacation package or option depends on the children: what will engross them, what will make them learn, what interests them.

Additionally, whether renting or owning, an RV gives you the freedom to explore the country like you have never been able to before. You can spend as much or as little time at any location as you choose. You are your own tour guide so you might want to make sure you have the most up-to-date map available and guys…don’t be afraid to ask for directions! However, if you are seeing the country for the first time, there are some states that you just shouldn’t miss.

Discover the Everglades on a Trip to Florida :

An interesting family vacation destination is Florida. There are several Florida RV parks that you and your family can enjoy. These Florida RV parks have activities and events lined up every month, so you and your family can schedule your trip according to coincide with the month that has the most interesting activities. Plus, if you choose to extend your stay and are looking for additional space, some of these parks also offer various cabin choices, all furnished and equipped with the basic cabin necessities. Your family will surely enjoy all there is to offer.

Florida is an exciting place that offers a lot of opportunities for adventure. Vacationing at a campsite will not only assure you that your children will have fun and enjoy their vacation — it will also give them the opportunity to meet new friends. Choose Florida RV parks that offer more than just the usual outdoor perks.

Everything is Bigger in Texas…Including the RV Parks!

Heading west from Florida leads you to the great state of Texas. Texas is another place that’s perfect for your family. Texas is an exciting place that evolves from pine-filled woods to semi-forests to plains and prairies. Known as the Lone Star State, Texas is rich in history and culture. Your family will enjoy the state’s Southwestern atmosphere in any of the Texas RV parks conveniently located at some of the best locations in the state. Many of these parks have RV sites and tenting areas as well as cabins for rent. The cabins are comfortable, fully-equipped and furnished. Like the campgrounds found in other states, these Texas campsites have all the typical amenities and features that most families would enjoy: playgrounds for the children, swimming pools, and basketball and volleyball courts. Camping in these Texas RV parks will give your family the opportunity to visit some of the state’s most interesting treasures like Canyon Lake, Guadalupe River, the Alamo, River Walk, and Fiesta Texas. Campers will also enjoy the beautiful Texan nature trails in some of these parks. Petting zoos, fishing lakes, and several meeting rooms may also be found in some Texas RV parks.

For companies who want to hold their seminars or conferences in a unique atmosphere, some of these campsites also have meeting rooms perfect for family reunions and company get-togethers. And perhaps (for RV owners) one of the most enticing things that these Texas RV parks have includes their designated areas for RV club rallies. All these campsite options offer RV travelers not only fantastic ways to enjoy family vacations. These parks also have the best cost-effective choices for RV travelers.

November 21st, 2008 by admin

No one has experienced the true meaning of leisure travel until they have done it in an RV. Whether you are looking for a recreational vehicle for vacationing and camping, or downsizing your living space, you are going to find that a Holiday Rambler RV is one of your best choices. Roam the country in comfort by taking your home with you. Vacations are less complicated when you can just park your vehicle and go experience that new part of the world you have just discovered.

When choosing a vehicle you will have so many options to consider that you may be overwhelmed. Let your expert RV dealer help you choose from the various models and sizes, as well as the bells and whistles with which they can be equipped. You will be able to customize your vehicle before you ever pay for it. Maybe you want one with three televisions so that everyone in your family will be able to watch what they want. Perhaps you need it equipped with an internet hook-up to allow you to get online while on the road. All of these options, and many more are available to you.

This RV drives so easily that you will not feel as if you are driving something so large. Your family can be in the back playing board games while going down the road, and will probably forget that they are actually moving. That is how smooth a recreational vehicle can be.

When RV shopping, safety is a critical concern. Many models come equipped with air bags. Keeping your family as safe as possible is surely at the top of your list, and you will find that the safety features of this RV are exceptional.

Along with the amenities available, there are many “floor plans” from which to choose. Here, again, you can rely on the experience and expertise of a reputable RV dealer to help you meet your needs. Shopping for an recreational vehicle does not mean that you will have to settle for less than what you want; in fact you may get more than you ever thought possible.

Perhaps you are looking for a smaller version that is the perfect size for couples. There are models available that are just right for two people who just want to get away. Filled with all the comforts of home, you will wonder how you ever vacationed without an RV. You can also have accessories and features added to these models, to make sure you get just what you want.

If you are looking for a travel trailer, you will find that Holiday Rambler has models that can be easily be towed by your truck or car. These trailers are very popular and have great features. With so many options to choose from, there is no reason why you can’t get just what you are looking for.

As you can see, new and used RVs for sale comes in many sizes and styles, including travel trailers. You can be sure that you will create special vacation memories and good times with your family with the right choice of recreational vehicle.

November 18th, 2008 by admin

Motorhome or Trailer that is the question for you.  Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of both, so you will be confident when purchasing a new or used RV. When comparing Rvs, a motorhome or a travel trailer, should you buy a motorhome or fifth wheeler? The advantages and disadvantages of both are studied so that you can make your choice wisely when purchasing an RV. Possessing a motorhome or fifth wheel is an achievement of a lifetime. It can be similar to sojourning with your residence as you search the various sites of our great land, America.

The two commonly known recreational vehicle classes are the motorized and towable. Towable rvs are the travel trailers and the fifth wheel. The RV travel trailer or fifth wheel has the attraction of getting towed by a pickup or a car, thus giving the adaptability of possessing transportation for you when you are parked at your campsite.

A motorhome is a recreational vehicle that is motorized. It has three categories which can either be gas, diesel or Diesel Pushers which are the most costly ones. Converted vans that are large and self-sustaining represent
the smaller types of motorhomes and then there are the ones that are built on the chassis of a truck. The motorized motor home needs a tow car for your transportation after you set up in your campsite.

RVs are styled to your specifications for the best appearance and luxuries you anticipate when possessing an RV. High standard artisanship, venues for entertainment, and keenness to small bits of information can be applied into an RV bearing in mind that each and every amenity comes with a price tag.

A travel trailer or fifth wheel for sale is larger inside than a motorhome of the same size because of the driving area, i.e. a 40 foot trailer or fifth wheel has more livable space than a 40 foot motorhome. Towing a trailer with a car puts a lot of wear and tear on the automobile because they are usually not equipped for heavy duty towing.

The motor home is definitely more money because you are paying for the driving mechanism and chassis. Trailers and motorhomes can be equipped with the same options.

One thing is certain if you talk to a motorhome owner he will tell you that you should definitely purchase a motorhome and the same goes for a travel trailer or fifth wheel owner, he thinks the trailer is the only way to go. No matter what you choose the experiences are out of this world.

November 17th, 2008 by admin

If you are thinking about seeing the country in a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome, there are considerations before jumping into the RV lifestyle full throttle. By preparing for the RV way of life, you can save yourself mistakes that could cost time, money and disappointment. Whether you choose to vacation in your new or used RV or live in a fifth wheel full time, there are decisions that will need to be made. We will address some of the most essential elements of the RV lifestyle in this article, so you can begin your new way of life on the right foot.

What will You use it For?
The first consideration is to determine what you will be using your vehicle for. Are you simply tired of your tent camper and looking for a way to enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style? Do you want a unit that will take you away from the cold winters of your primary residence or allow you to follow your favorite team throughout an entire season? Or is this RV lifestyle going to be a full time endeavor? The answers to these questions will greatly determine the type of travel trailer you shop for and the features that you will want to look for.

What do You Need to Know?
Once you have determined the primary use of your RV, you can begin to educate yourself about the type of vehicle that will best suit your lifestyle. Read up on the types of RV’s that are available and the campsites they can best be accommodated in. Check out the different memberships to RV clubs that can provide you with discounts and deals on various campsites and equipment. Surf the Internet and subscribe to publications dedicated to the RV lifestyle. By learning all you can before you invest in a vehicle and the accessories to go along with it, you can save yourself time and money and ensure that you get the perfect RV that is fit for you.

How can You Check it Out?
Choosing a vehicle is best done by actually trying the unit out in the way that you will be using it most. You try a motorhome on for size by renting one for a short trek. This will give you a good idea of whether the size and amenities will suit your needs and your purpose. RV shows and clubs are another great way to see what’s new and exciting in the world of RV’ing firsthand to determine what will work the best for you. Visit an RV Dealer to explore all of the different vehicles on the lot to see which ones you like the best.

The RV lifestyle can be fun and exciting, but only if you find the RV that will best suit your needs. By following these steps, you can rest assured that the vehicle you purchase will offer you the opportunity to see the country in extreme comfort and style.

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 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 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 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.