Are Caravan Holidays Still Cool?

Caravanning holidays have always had a less than cool reputation. Think of a caravan holiday and rainy weather, pink velour interiors and flasks of warm tea spring to mind. Not really the most inviting of images, especially when there are so many really cool holidays on offer across the rest of the world.

It has always been standard to sneer at caravan owners and those who take caravan holidays. So vehement is the opposition (albeit not entirely serious) that there are many ‘Anti-Caravan Clubs’ around who protest against the clogging up of the roads in the summertime.

Some people have insisted that caravans be banned from the roads from dawn till dusk imposed on the roads. Movements like these were fuelled by self appointed guardians of the British roads like Jeremy Clarkson who earned a living talking about the evils of caravanning and then blowing them up on his TV show.

Of course, there have always been people who have whole heartedly believed that a caravanning holiday is an oasis away from the modern world. A caravan is seen as a place where one could escape from a stressful working environment and somewhere to take family and friends for a well earned break. These people maintained a way of life which became respected by the parts of society which at first mocked them. This element came to the realisation that timeout from day to day life is desperately needed and can be attained regularly by having access to a caravan and a good imagination.

These champions of the caravanning movement have worked quietly away, helping to maintain camping and caravan sites with their presence and extolling the virtue (and cheapness) of a holiday on wheels. Nowadays, more and more people are realising how much sense a good caravan holiday makes, spurred on by celebrities like Jamie Oliver and Kate Moss as well as the desire to explore their own country rather than fly abroad every summer.

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Much More Than Your Grandmother’s Motorhome

Across the country, anyone can see that traditional motorhomes are still popular. From RVs to diesel pushers to travel trailers, millions of enthusiasts are taking these travel vehicles to the streets. But there’s a new kid in town! And this new kid is turning head after head after head! Introducing the Park Model. As summer quickly makes its way here, campgrounds all over the U.S. are stocking up on Park Models to welcome in a new breed of traveler!

These new Park Model RV’s quickly inspire onlookers with feelings of modernism mixed with a rugged design as it is many are designed to take the appearance of a log cabin. These Park Models feature many of the same amenities traditional RV’s offer including a kitchen area, a sleeping area and a sitting area. Many campgrounds are making it possible to rent a Park Model as it is they provide a way for travelers to camp without the need of a tent or their own RV.

Because campgrounds wanting to attract a wider range of campers are introducing Park Models to their camping areas, the demand for Park Models has increased considerably but many RV manufacturers are answering the call. Manufacturers like Damon Corp, Cavco, CrossRoads RV and Forest River have all increased production on Park Model RV’s. Campers wishing to experience a Park Model RV can find them at many camping areas including KOA and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts.

The Barn Yard has attracted many to its Park Model RVs. This Amish builder from the Pennsylvania area produced handcrafted motorhomes with 6 different versions of the Park Model including versions made from log, vinyl or lap siding. These impressive vehicles run between $20,000 and $60,000.

Once delivered and attached to water and electricity, the Park Model is fully operational. And with the advancement of “Green” technology many campgrounds, like the Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park are going solar with their models. Reported energy savings range from 25-75%!

Other manufacturers try to fill more than one niche and offer the ability to pass on savings and high quality products to folks on both sides of the market. Forest River is one such company and continues to build a high volume of park models as well as more traditional motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. Although park models are becoming more popular, consumers on the go may want to stick with a true recreational vehicle. Fully contained, RVs offer all the amenities with the advantage of being easily transportable – taking the family to new and exciting destinations and exploring the countryside while keeping all the comforts of home. Park models are great but don’t offer the freedom and flexibility of a standard RV.

Manufacturing companies are blending the environmental with the affordable to appeal to the younger environmentally savvy crowd that is starting to dabble in RV trips. Green initiatives include solar charging systems, lightweight towables and motorhomes with increasingly better fuel economy. Campgrounds are following suit.

Many of the parks that have been around for decades are shocking many of the travelers by updating their amenities and features. Now, it is not at all uncommon to be able to enjoy fitness centers, swimming pools, dog walks, bocce ball, horseshoes, hot tubs and more all while on the campground property. Plus for those who enjoy a good party, many campgrounds include reception halls and restaurants.

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Enjoy A Trip With Your Toy Hauler This Winter

Don’t put away your toy hauler during the winter months, enjoy its use just as you would during the summer. A toy hauler is ideal for winter travel, carrying your snow mobiles, skis, and other fun winter items. Let the snow fall around you as you drive to your winter wonderland destination.

Before you drive, don’t forget

As you travel with your toy hauler during the winter, there are important facts you should remember before hitting the road. First, make sure you call the destination campground ahead of time to find out if your RV unit and toy hauler will fit on the grounds. Typically, you need 60 by 35 feet of space to park or pull-through. Not all grounds offer this, so make sure yours does.

Also, see what amenities the RV campground offers for you and your aprs-ski adventures. You want to make certain that there are hook ups for your RV and toy hauler that provide electricity, water, and sewer. Some other added amenities that interest you may be wireless internet and cable.

Ask important and relevant questions that address your specific winter travel needs.

Will you travel with friends this winter?

If you will not be traveling alone, but with a toy hauler caravan of friends, make sure the RV park of your destination has enough space for everyone to park and camp. If you and your friends are traveling without children, check to see if there is a kid-free area of the campsite. It may also be helpful to plan meals at nearby restaurants or aprs-ski activities for you and your friends to enjoy.

Plan ahead for a stress free trip

Once you have selected the winter RV spot that you and your friends want to visit, first select a date. Call and check with the RV park as soon as possible to guarantee a spot and that there are enough places for all of the group you are traveling with. Know that there may not be toy hauler space at every RV park.

Get ready to hit the road

Spend some time looking at your winter gear and toys before you pack them. You want to make certain they are safe and ready to use.

- Check your outdoor winter clothing. What are you missing? Boots? Socks? Purchase before leaving your home town to save money.

- It is smart to ask an RV mechanic to look at the engine and give the RV a complete overview before traveling in the cold.

- Take the fully-loaded unit on the road for a test drive before leaving for the real trip.

Enjoy your trip!

Plan ahead and pay attention to timing. Don’t rush on the road. You will get to your winter wonderland and have the time of your life!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

What To Take To An RV Sales Showroom

In your search for the perfect new or used RVs, there are nine healthy tips that you should pay attention to as you venture to the RV sales showroom. By following these suggestions, you will have confidence and not get too overwhelmed with the RV sales people.

Mind your manners and gather good RV sales information.

1. Even if RV sales people, or any sales people, aren’t your favorite folks to trust, be mindful and have manners. You will be surprised what a smile and being kind can do for you.

2. Be aware and knowledgeable of what you want out of your RV sales experience. Know what you want as far as style or size in your new or used motor home. Think about your travel needs and take examples with you of photos of RVs you like.

Know your dealer’s reputation and have a list of questions to ask.

3. Check with the Better Business Bureau before going to any specific RV sales showroom. You want to make sure the dealer is accredited.

4. Be prepared with smart questions to ask the sales person. This ensures that the dealer knows that you know what you are talking about. Know the ins and outs of the type of RV you’re interested in.

Make sure you have patience, and know your budget.

5. Stay cool, calm, and collected under all circumstances. Patience is a virtue. It’s hard to be clear headed when you let emotions take over. Listen to the sales pitch from the RV sales person. See what works for you.

6. Take an accurate budget with you so that you don’t get eager to spend what isn’t available. It’s easy to fall in love with something out of your budget, so stick to it. Take account of all misc expenses that could incur.

7. Try to arrange for your financing before shopping for the RV. Shop around for rates and monthly terms before committing to the offer you receive at the dealership.

You may want to take a trustworthy negotiator along with your courage.

8. Don’t forget to take a person with whom you trust to help you negotiate. Unless, you feel as though this is something you do well.

9. Don’t forget courage. It is up to you to ask the right questions and do your homework so that you’re knowledgeable on the topic of RVs. Don’t say yes to something you don’t truly want.

So, do you feel prepared to buy and ready to travel? Good! Go find the RV of your dreams.

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Is A Fifth Wheel Your Perfect Motor Home?

Fifth wheel RV trailers are RVs that are pulled behind a truck or SUV with a special hitch. They are large motor homes that many families enjoy as their RV lifestyle. Do you think that the fifth wheel trailer is perfect for you?

What is a fifth wheel hitch?

The fifth wheel hitch is a type of gooseneck hitch that makes it easier to pull. The hitch makes it turn more smoothly with added stability. The fifth wheel hitch is built to pull heavier loads, which is important with this RV. When looking at one, you will notice that the fifth wheel hitch takes up the majority of space in the truck bed and requires the truck to not have a tailgate.

Fifth wheel RV trailer description

A fifth wheel trailer is an exquisite RV that is full of luxury and is one of the most expensive. The spacious areas are comfortable for up to eight people (sleeping) and often have more than five slide-outs. You will find that this RV trailer is heavy, and while it feels solid on the road, it may cost more in gas mileage than other units.

The space within the RV is very large, and this includes the kitchen, the sleeping area, and the primary living area. Many full time RVers enjoy this type of motor home.

One benefit to having a fifth wheel is that you can park it at the RV campground and take your other auto out and about.

Towing vehicle description

Often you will see large trucks or even SUVs towing this type of RV. As long as the rear suspension capabilities will work and it balances with the heavy weight of the RV, the towing vehicle should be a good fit. Double check what your current truck’s capabilities are before yo commit to a trailer.

What do you need?

Assess what your travelling needs will be. If it is just two of you, you may decide that such grand space is not necessary and you can save money with a new or used smaller unit. Test drive and explore several other options.

Look at toy haulers, if that is the type of trailer you need, rather than one that has luxury living space. The toy haulers carry toys, such as motorcycles or snow mobiles, to help you enjoy your RV time once at your destination. Take time to look at new and used motor homes and select the best one for you!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

RV Travel Gives You Reason To Hit The Road

Throughout history, people have enjoyed traveling and seeing their surroundings. Ancient people adventured on foot or camel and slept in tents, while the Romans utilized wagons as both means to lodge and maneuver from place to place. In today’s world, the RV has become the ideal form of travel, living life on the road, and experiencing adventure.

RV equals both freedom and being close to nature

When living life on the road in your RV, you will feel free. You will feel as though you are set apart from other drivers. Your RV easily becomes your clutter-free, home away from home. You can bring your pets and leave your worries back on your door step.

One common form of motorhome travel is choosing to become one with nature and stay off of the beaten path. Boondocking in your RV across the countryside, rather than in an official campground, means that you can allow yourself to become closer to nature. Imagine watching sunsets and flights of hummingbirds; imagine waking up to a doe with her fawn; and imagine the intense quiet of being away from the city. All of these experiences will happen to you directly from the window of your RV. This is a nature adventure at its best.

Motorhome time equals family time.

As long as you choose to travel in your RV without the common technological distractions, such as the iPod or video games, you can utilize your travel as quality family time. Rainy day activities can be fun at any time, so make sure you take games, puzzles, books, and other family time activities to maximize together time. Journal your adventures each day, and add photos to your scrapbook. Your adventure will last a lifetime.

Recreational Vehicle travel is as economical, if not more, than regular car travel.

Everyone wants to save money, and by traveling in a motorhome, you will be able to do so. You will save money by cooking inside the unit and not eating out, and you will save money by sleeping on board and not having to stay overnight in hotels. You will also save money on gas by staying a consistent speed on the road. If you haven’t even gotten to the point of purchasing a motorhome, try renting one first.

Take your traveling adventures into your own hands and travel in a recreational vehicle. See America and live a life on the road of freedom. Begin to plan your adventures on the road today!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Class A RV Travel And What To Know

A famous quote that you may have hears is “if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail”. While going the extra mile to plan for your Class A RV trip may not prevent all things unexpected, it will definitely help prevent some. Planning ahead will help give your Class A RV trip structure.

Begin planning your Class A RV trip with a brainstorming session of those who will be joining you. Take notes on ideas of where to go to and attractions to visit. Look at an Atlas and assess your realistic budget, then put those ideas aside that don’t fit this particular trip’s regulations.

Does your Class A RV have a GPS System? Use a real map, too.

Chart your directions first by using a Rand McNally or Triple A online program. They will allow you to plan out your distance and mileage, along with Class A RV accessible roads. This is important even if you plan to go off road and boondock. GPS systems are high technology and many folks rely on them, but the service may not be dependable in all locations.

Craft lists : for meals and for clothing

By planning meals ahead and packing sparingly, you will be ultimately saving yourself and your family money and clutter. Take a look online or at the bookstore to get recipes for RV specific meals. Plan your menus and enjoy the cooking experience.

When thinking of what clothing to pack, check the weather at the locations you will be traveling to and through. Don’t pack excess anything, but be smart in what you take. Class A RV living can be comfy and close quarters, so you won’t want to have it cluttered up with items that are not truly necessary.

Maintain checklists and keep them handy for future road trips. Adjust the lists as you see what meals and items of clothing work and what doesn’t work.

Plan for medications and any medical needs

If you imagine that your trip will be lengthy in time, make sure you plan for prescriptions to be refilled on the road, and craft a specific medical emergency “to do” list. Keep these handy and make several copies.

Pay attention to the detail, and plan your RVing adventure ahead of time. Enjoy the vacation!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Owning An RV Puts Comfort In Your Hands

We all want to travel in comfort and style, but for most of us, travel experiences have been less than comfortable at times. A seasoned traveler knows that few of today’s travel options can really be called a “fun time” as our options like planes, buses and trains have become increasingly hectic. However; there is one option that people love once they try. If you already own an RV or have ever traveled in an RV, then you know just how much more relaxing this kind of travel can be.

There are lots of travel options, and unfortunately, most of them have their own unique limitations and hassles. One of the reasons that so many people have turned to RVs as a mode of travel is that an RV puts you in charge of your travel day and your travel plans.

Knowing that you have a clean place to stay where you can relax often at a moment’s notice is a very powerful and attractive aspect of traveling by RV. The simple fact that one does not have to deal with airplanes, trains, cramped cars or hotel rooms is nothing short of fantastic.

Even expensive hotels are often far more run down and dirtier than they need be. This is another reason that so many people love opting for traveling by RV. In short, it’s all about the comfort that RV travel affords.

No matter how much you spend on a night of hotel, you can never customize your stay quite like you can when you are in your own RV. In terms of customization, one of the key places to start is bedding. As any frequent traveler knows a substandard mattress and pillow can be nothing short of misery itself. RV owners luckily have the opportunity to end their travel day on a high note by using bedding that they are accustomed to and comfortable with. At the end of a long day, few things are better than a relaxing and familiar bed.

If you have ever slept on a memory foam mattress, then you know that it is quite a memorable experience. Foam RV mattresses can easily be installed in any recreational vehicle, and the end result can be nothing short of trans-formative to one’s travel experience and sleep.

For example, if you have ever slept on a memory foam mattress or used a memory foam pillow, then you know just how comfy they are. In fact, you may find that you sleep just as well in your RV as at home once you have upgraded your RV mattress and other bedding.

Marcy Watkins is a travel expert, author of 2 travel books, and daily blogger on the topic of the best travel practices. Whether you are looking for RV mattresses or appliances for your vehicle, Marcy has you covered.

Class B: Is This What You Want?

Did you know that Class B motor homes are the smallest in the RV world? Class B units have a raised roof and are build on a van chassis. You may have heard Class B RVs called van conversions or, simply, camper vans. No matter the size, though, you still have the opportunity to customize your Class B RV to fit your RVing needs.

If you prefer large, spacious motor homes, then the Class B may not be the ideal unit for you. Take some time to look at the positives and negatives of the Class B RV before you commit to buying.

Class B RV Positives

- Its smaller unit size uses less fuel and is easy to maneuver on twisty mountain roads.

- You can park the Class B RV in smaller spaces.

- Use your RV as a second car.

- This type of RV can typically be serviced at any mechanics shop or garage.

- This class can tow another small car or trailer, if needed.

- You have the option to travel to locations that larger RVs cannot venture to.

- You can park or store this size RV unit in your home driveway.

- It is easy to clean and wash, and it takes less time to do so.

- The driving and living areas are connected making it easy to move between the two areas.

- If the space is too limiting, you can upgrade and purchase slide-outs.

Cons to Class B Units

- Storage space is limited, so you can’t pack a lot or store a lot.

- Sleeping room is limited, as is physical living space. It is ideal for one or two people.

- Although space is tight, it gets you out into nature or the world when traveling.

- The beds are typically fold-outs. This means you have to stay clean and put them away each morning.

- Bathrooms are smaller than larger models.

- Some people don’t feel as though this size of RV is good for living full time in the unit, while others are fine with it.

- Prices for new and used RVs vary, so check what you are getting for size vs. amenities.

How to make the decision

Research and analyze what your RVing needs are and then make your decision. Try out different sizes, models, and styles by test driving. Your RVing lifestyle is just around the corner.

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com

Use Your Toy Hauler This Winter

Don’t put away your toy hauler during the winter months, enjoy its use just as you would during the summer. A toy hauler is ideal for winter travel, carrying your snow mobiles, skis, and other fun winter items. Let the snow fall around you as you drive to your winter wonderland destination.

Winter RV camping and what you need to know

When travelling with your toy hauler during the winter months, make sure you know what the RV campgrounds are offering. Towing a toy hauler means that you need added space to pull-through and park. You need at least 60 by 35 feet for your RV and toy hauler.

Also, see what amenities the RV campground offers for you and your aprs-ski adventures. You want to make certain that there are hook ups for your RV and toy hauler that provide electricity, water, and sewer. Some other added amenities that interest you may be wireless internet and cable.

Ask important and relevant questions that address your specific winter travel needs.

Will you travel with friends this winter?

If you decide to travel with a group of friends, you will find that many RV parks offer group rates. Everyone will have ample space and room for his/her toy hauler. There are also parks available that are kid-free, if that is the route you and your friends would like to take. Before hitting the road, see what restaurants are near by or other apres-ski activities.

RSVP as soon as possible

If you (and your friends) have determined the destination that you want to visit, go ahead and call to make reservations. You want to make sure there are enough spots with the appropriate toy hauler space and added amenities available for your entire group.

Get ready to hit the road

- Check your outdoor winter clothing. What are you missing…boots? Socks? Purchase before leaving your home town to save money.

- Make sure you get the entire RV unit and toy hauler checked by a licensed mechanic.

- Take the fully-loaded unit on the road for a test drive before leaving for the real trip.

Have fun on your winter trip!

Leave your original destination in plenty of time, so that you don’t rush. You will get there and have plenty of time to enjoy the snow and all its benefits!

Julie Jacobs travels the U.S. writing about motorhomes, travel trailers, and other RVs. For more information visit PedataRVCenter.com