The Fun Times Guide to RV Road Trips

http://thefuntimesguide.com/ftg_brightlogo_icon.gif The Fun Times Guide to RV Road Trips http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/ Part RV blog, part road trip blog... The Fun Times Guide to RV Road Trips is yet another fun-filled adventure of Jim & Lynnette, who are part-time RVers and take many RV trips from the U.S. to Canada. Other writers include Karen and her hubby Jim who are full-time RVers, as well as Curtis and his wife Mary who have been full-timers twice, and they're gearing up for #3. The Fun Times Guide to RV Road Trips http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/ Part RV blog, part road trip blog... The Fun Times Guide to RV Road Trips is yet another fun-filled adventure of Jim & Lynnette, who are part-time RVers and take many RV trips from the U.S. to Canada. Other writers include Karen and her hubby Jim who are full-time RVers, as well as Curtis and his wife Mary who have been full-timers twice, and they're gearing up for #3. en Copyright 2009 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:20:26 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTripshttp://feedburner.google.com Is Your RV Too Wide To Legally Be On The Road Without An Oversized Load Permit? <p><a title="You can see how this large motorhome takes up the entire lane! photo by turtlemom4bacon on Flickr" rel="lightbox[gallery12]" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/large-motorhome-takes-up-entire-lane-by-turtlemom4bacon.jpg"><img width="280" height="229" align="right" title="You can see how this large motorhome takes up the entire lane! photo by turtlemom4bacon on Flickr" alt="large-motorhome-takes-up-entire-lane-by-turtlemom4bacon.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/large-motorhome-takes-up-entire-lane-by-turtlemom4bacon-thumb-280x229-9443.jpg" /></a>Your Class A motorhome is probably loaded with some really nice features. </p> <p>I bet the salesman was eager to point out how wide and spacious it is, too.  With a body width of 102 inches, there’s no more knocking knees with the person sitting across from you -- even when the slideouts are retracted and you're traveling down the road. </p> <p>The same thing can be said for RV trailers these days as well. Many large luxury units are also built on a 102-inch wide platform.</p> <p>One thing the salesman probably failed to mention is the fact that in many states your motorhome or RV trailer exceeds the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm">maximum width limit</a> for motor vehicles.  That's right, in most states, anything over 8-1/2 feet wide requires a special <a target="_blank" href="http://www.permitcompany.com/?gclid=CPzpxL-z85cCFRxNagodd0_IDQ">oversized load permit</a> every time it will be moved.  That is, unless you live very close to a qualifying interstate highway.  Some states limit an RV's width to only 8 feet wide!</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/rv_size.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/SkEXzjIYH84iBYXbv6lhj-pQEYA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/SkEXzjIYH84iBYXbv6lhj-pQEYA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/SkEXzjIYH84iBYXbv6lhj-pQEYA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/SkEXzjIYH84iBYXbv6lhj-pQEYA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=_CA8YvyV4z8:HEs2ENll1ns:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=_CA8YvyV4z8:HEs2ENll1ns:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/_CA8YvyV4z8/rv_size.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/rv_size.php Driving Tips Alabama Arizona Georgia motorhomes predicaments travel trailers Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:20:26 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/rv_size.php RV Driver Training: It's Worth Going Back to School! <p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/first-time-driving-rv-motorhome.jpg" rel="lightbox[gallery37]" title="Firest time driving this RV - behind the wheel of a motorhome. photo by Lynnette at TheFunTimesGuide.com"><img width="280" height="187" align="right" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/first-time-driving-rv-motorhome-thumb-280x187-9251.jpg" alt="first-time-driving-rv-motorhome.jpg" title="Firest time driving this RV - behind the wheel of a motorhome. photo by Lynnette at TheFunTimesGuide.com" /></a> Most truck drivers earn their wings, so to speak, in <a href="http://www.truckschool.com/" target="_blank">truck drivers school</a>. The industry has proven that the best drivers are those who have completed an accredited course that includes all aspects of the truck driving profession.</p> <p>Many RV setups can almost match an 18-wheeler in size. In fact, most high-end luxury coaches these days are actually based on the same vehicle that is used to transport passengers commercially all around the country: the Greyhound bus. (Actually, this is true for practically any "coach" type bus you might be chartering for cross country travel. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.prevostcar.com/cgi-bin/pages.cgi?page=market_tour">Prevost</a> is the brand that immediately comes to mind, but there are others.)</p> <p>So when you consider that many RV owners and drivers are well into retirement, or those who only get behind the wheel of such a large vehicle when they head out on the highway a couple times a year, the idea of some specialized RV training seems pretty reasonable.</p> <blockquote><p><img align="left" src="http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/red-arrow-right.gif" alt="" />Read: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gorving.com/pubs/rv_driving_differe.cfm">RV driving is different -- not difficult</a>.</p></blockquote> <p>Some states even require you to upgrade your driver's license before you can operate an RV. For example, California requires that you obtain a non-commercial Class B license if your motorhome is over 40 feet in length.</p> <p>A good RV driving school can teach you all the same skills that the professional truck drivers need -- including how to make a daily safety inspection to ensure that your RV is ready to hit the road, and how to handle your RV in many different situations.</p><p><em>Here's how to find RV training schools, seminars, and courses in your area.</em>..</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/06/rv_training.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9eeM4sxvLeWQUw14cmhAzgW32nA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9eeM4sxvLeWQUw14cmhAzgW32nA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9eeM4sxvLeWQUw14cmhAzgW32nA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/9eeM4sxvLeWQUw14cmhAzgW32nA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=IhnYHuERmd8:ju1FVf-r3-w:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=IhnYHuERmd8:ju1FVf-r3-w:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/IhnYHuERmd8/rv_training.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/06/rv_training.php Driving Tips insurance motorhomes predicaments travel trailers Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:23:52 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/06/rv_training.php RV Driving Tips: Towing A Trailer Requires A Whole Different Way Of Driving <p><a title="A pickup truck towing an RV travel trailer. photo by thomasbrandt on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-travel-trailer-by-thomasbrandt.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="A pickup truck towing an RV travel trailer. photo by thomasbrandt on Flickr" alt="rv-travel-trailer-by-thomasbrandt.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-travel-trailer-by-thomasbrandt-thumb-280x210-8975.jpg" /></a> Pulling a trailer, no matter what type or size, means you need to take on a whole new persona.</p> <p>Quick movements, jack-rabbit starts, and last-minute stops must be removed from your behind-the-wheel activities.</p> <p>Nothing will get you into trouble faster than momentarily forgetting you have this huge mass of weight behind you. In most cases, that weight is capable of easily pushing you where you don't want to go.</p> <p>With today's very <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/superduty/">powerful diesel pickup trucks</a> it's quite easy to have a truck matched up to a trailer that weighs well over twice what the truck weighs. Of course, the trucks are rated to handle this amount of load and it's perfectly legal. You just need to take this additional weight into consideration in how you drive.</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/towing_trailers.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hHnRneXWJyPDIojjVsEtEuaylPs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hHnRneXWJyPDIojjVsEtEuaylPs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hHnRneXWJyPDIojjVsEtEuaylPs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hHnRneXWJyPDIojjVsEtEuaylPs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=YCSbRecuGUY:yJuvnptBy1k:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=YCSbRecuGUY:yJuvnptBy1k:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/YCSbRecuGUY/towing_trailers.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/towing_trailers.php Towing travel trailers Thu, 28 May 2009 12:23:00 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/towing_trailers.php RV Slide Out Guide - The Pros & Cons Of RV Slideouts <p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-living-room-slide-out-open.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="The kitchen, living room, and dining room area inside an RV with the slideout open. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide.com"><img width="280" height="186" align="right" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-living-room-slide-out-open-thumb-280x186-8880.jpg" alt="rv-living-room-slide-out-open.jpg" title="The kitchen, living room, and dining room area inside an RV with the slideout open. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide.com" /></a> All it takes is a walk through an RV equipped with multiple slide out room extensions and you’ll be ready to sign on the dotted line and make one your own. </p> <p>The feeling of openness and the ability to have more than one person standing in the RV's living room at a time will dismiss that closed-in feeling instantly.</p> <p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-bedroom-tight-space.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="The cramped bedroom inside an 'expensive' motorhome we rode in. photo by Lynnette at TheFunTimesGuide.com"><img width="280" height="186" align="right" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-bedroom-tight-space-thumb-280x186-8866.jpg" alt="rv-bedroom-tight-space.jpg" title="The cramped bedroom inside an 'expensive' motorhome we rode in. photo by Lynnette at TheFunTimesGuide.com" /></a> A bedroom slideout is probably the most desired slideout of all because the bedrooms inside RVs are notorious for being cramped.<br /> <br /> Having lived full time in RVs for over 3 years, the extra space provided with multiple slideouts really makes the difference between simply existing and living comfortably.<br /> <br /> However, as with all things, there are some trade-offs when you choose a super deluxe model RV with huge wall expansions.  For instance, there are some times where the slideouts create more problems than they’re worth!</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/rv_slide_out.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_ZwiQr75lqXJkC43E1ZbURThr20/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_ZwiQr75lqXJkC43E1ZbURThr20/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_ZwiQr75lqXJkC43E1ZbURThr20/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_ZwiQr75lqXJkC43E1ZbURThr20/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=ByiOrqq9stQ:ztMWLkb_3YQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=ByiOrqq9stQ:ztMWLkb_3YQ:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/ByiOrqq9stQ/rv_slide_out.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/rv_slide_out.php RV Maintenance Issues leaks Wed, 20 May 2009 17:56:33 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/rv_slide_out.php No More Fleetwood Travel Trailers <p>Fleetwood travel trailers have officially become limited edition RVs.</p><p>On March 9, 2009 Fleetwood stopped producing new <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/travel-trailers/">travel trailers</a>.</p><p> </p><div align="center" id="pic-center"><a title="A Fleetwood travel trailer at Bullyans in Minnesota. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimes Guide" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/fleetwood-rv-trailer.jpg"><img width="395" height="296" align="" title="A Fleetwood travel trailer at Bullyans in Minnesota. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimes Guide" alt="fleetwood-rv-trailer.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/fleetwood-rv-trailer-thumb-395x296-8832.jpg" /></a></div> <p> </p><p><em>Here's the scoop...</em></p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/fleetwood_travel_trailers.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/4OT5JX7QQ9KhXvtfZ6-BRqgUX1I/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/4OT5JX7QQ9KhXvtfZ6-BRqgUX1I/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/4OT5JX7QQ9KhXvtfZ6-BRqgUX1I/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/4OT5JX7QQ9KhXvtfZ6-BRqgUX1I/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=fgYPxONiVL0:PQec0sodHjE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=fgYPxONiVL0:PQec0sodHjE:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/fgYPxONiVL0/fleetwood_travel_trailers.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/fleetwood_travel_trailers.php Makes & Models of RVs Fleetwood travel trailers Sun, 17 May 2009 19:58:31 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/fleetwood_travel_trailers.php RV Travel Journals: Photographs & Memories Of Your RV Roadtrips <p><a title="An RVer writing in a travel journal. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide.com" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-travel-journal.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="An RVer writing in a travel journal. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide.com" alt="rv-travel-journal.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-travel-journal-thumb-280x210-8622.jpg" /></a> Some common experiences on RV roadtrips...</p> <p>Jenny caught her first fish today -- a walleye that weighed in at 3.5 lbs.  While she was out with dad in the boat, Jimmy fell asleep on the beach and oh what a sunburn!  Simple memories like these seem so clear and neverending at the time they take place.  <br /> <br /> Today, we drove through the cornfields of Iowa.  We stopped and watched a bright yellow crop duster  swoop down, almost touching the ground as it flew back and forth across the field.  Like magic, it lifted up at the end of the field missing the telephone wires by what looked like inches!<br /> <br /> The only problem: years later, as time passes by, these memories fade.  Kids grow up and move on with their lives.  Grandparents pass on.  The family evolves, and those precious moments from those earlier years often are forgotten.<br /> <br /> So what a thrill it would be to be able to pick up a book, sit out on the porch and immediately return to special times from the past.  Wouldn't it be great to be able to relive those special moments?</p> <p><em>This </em>is the benefit of journaling your RV experiences in a travel journal! </p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/travel_journal.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HTnPu1F00vGrqJHnZzMw00gzQn4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HTnPu1F00vGrqJHnZzMw00gzQn4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HTnPu1F00vGrqJHnZzMw00gzQn4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HTnPu1F00vGrqJHnZzMw00gzQn4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=9ZVwG4OC0Bs:fgnkkujWIM8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=9ZVwG4OC0Bs:fgnkkujWIM8:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/9ZVwG4OC0Bs/travel_journal.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/travel_journal.php Fulltime RVing Fun RV & Roadtrip Stuff Gifts & Gadgets For RVers books computers and Internet hobbies and crafts Thu, 07 May 2009 10:21:20 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/05/travel_journal.php WARNING: RV Scams You Should Be Aware Of Before Buying A New Or Used RV <p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rvs-motorhomes-for-sale-at-rv-show-by-Jeff-Henshaw.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="RVs and motorhomes for sale at an RV show. photo by Jeff Henshaw on Flickr"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rvs-motorhomes-for-sale-at-rv-show-by-Jeff-Henshaw-thumb-280x210-8493.jpg" alt="rvs-motorhomes-for-sale-at-rv-show-by-Jeff-Henshaw.jpg" title="RVs and motorhomes for sale at an RV show. photo by Jeff Henshaw on Flickr" /></a> For those new to the world of RVing, there are numerous opportunities to be "taken in" by the glitz and glamor of RVs and the RV lifestyle.  Perusing RVs in a dealership’s showroom or at an RV show nearby can effectively cost you quite a few dollars! </p> <p>There’s an overwhelmingly large variety of RVs to chose from, and if you don't have a firm idea of what you're looking for, you can easily be lured into buying something that is a better deal for the RV salesman than for <em>you</em>! </p> <p>To play it safe, you should always have an idea in the back of your mind of what’s most practical for your particular situation.  <br /> <br /> Like most auto dealers, RV salesmen work on commission. Therefore, the more money they can get you to pay for something, the more money they earn. </p> <p>Being knowledgeable in a car purchase is fairly easy.  With online pricing guides such as <a href="http://www.kbb.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Blue Book</a>, you can enter the sales lot armed with enough information to keep the final dollar figure within a reasonable margin of what would be considered a good deal.  <br /> <br /> <em>However, RVs are a different matter...<br /> </em></p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/buy_rv_scams.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nyczLmr5cAihUwf1s5_JybDO-tY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nyczLmr5cAihUwf1s5_JybDO-tY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nyczLmr5cAihUwf1s5_JybDO-tY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nyczLmr5cAihUwf1s5_JybDO-tY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=vSdw7pSBqNk:PO_5HyKkKB0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=vSdw7pSBqNk:PO_5HyKkKB0:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/vSdw7pSBqNk/buy_rv_scams.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/buy_rv_scams.php Buying a New or Used RV rv shows Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:03:41 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/buy_rv_scams.php How To Properly Load And Tow An RV Travel Trailer (Hint: Get An Equalizer Hitch!) <p><a title="Towing an RV trailer with a pickup truck. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide.com" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/pickup-truck-towing-rv-trailer.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="Towing an RV trailer with a pickup truck. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide.com" alt="pickup-truck-towing-rv-trailer.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/pickup-truck-towing-rv-trailer-thumb-280x210-8286.jpg" /></a> There is nothing scarier than having a trailer whipping back and forth behind you.  I speak from experience, as it happened to me several years ago.  I was towing a trailer with 2 motorcycles on it when it got out of control. </p> <p>That utility trailer forced me back and forth across 4 lanes of freeway before I was able to slow down and regain control!</p> <p><a href="http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm" target="_blank">Many states require trailer brakes</a> on any trailer over 1,500 lbs.  This trailer was not required to have brakes, but it was still enough weight to overpower the mid-sized car that I was driving.<br /> <br /> I learned that day that how you load a trailer is critical when it comes to safety, handling, and the ability to comfortably travel without worry.  That, and the importance of an Equalizer Hitch.<strong><br /> </strong></p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/equalizer_hitch.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-e7LdzQLIO6QrRvzBljNbjfvzJM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-e7LdzQLIO6QrRvzBljNbjfvzJM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-e7LdzQLIO6QrRvzBljNbjfvzJM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-e7LdzQLIO6QrRvzBljNbjfvzJM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=bpflJPtpvTo:kvZ1-6q9oCM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=bpflJPtpvTo:kvZ1-6q9oCM:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/bpflJPtpvTo/equalizer_hitch.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/equalizer_hitch.php Towing travel trailers Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:42:35 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/equalizer_hitch.php How To Handle An RV In High Winds, Turning Corners, And Backing Up <p><a title="An RV camper after it was involved in a highway accident. photo by Cuppojoe on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-camper-after-a-highway-accident-by-Cuppojoe.jpg"><img width="280" height="186" align="right" title="An RV camper after it was involved in a highway accident. photo by Cuppojoe on Flickr" alt="rv-camper-after-a-highway-accident-by-Cuppojoe.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/rv-camper-after-a-highway-accident-by-Cuppojoe-thumb-280x186-8284.jpg" /></a> Being involved in an accident is never a good thing, especially when you're driving a recreational vehicle. </p> <p>With emphasis placed on having the largest possible living space, while maintaining the lightest possible weight, many RVs don’t handle accidents well.<br /> <br /> Following these few simple defensive driving techniques will greatly increase the likelihood that your RV lifestyle won’t be cut short because of an unfortunate accident that probably could have been avoided -- <em>if</em> you had just done things a little differently.</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/rv_driving_tips.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CB4cYVcFzd5d86p47Gt0g8PKZeA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CB4cYVcFzd5d86p47Gt0g8PKZeA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CB4cYVcFzd5d86p47Gt0g8PKZeA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CB4cYVcFzd5d86p47Gt0g8PKZeA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=VJFNnunVuKs:7Z0KXSBCg5c:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=VJFNnunVuKs:7Z0KXSBCg5c:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/VJFNnunVuKs/rv_driving_tips.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/rv_driving_tips.php Driving Tips insurance moving travel trailers Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:49:33 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/rv_driving_tips.php Long Term Boondocking Takes Some Preparation <p><a title="Boondocking in the Tahoe National Forest. photo by RickC on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/boondocking-in-Tahoe-National-Forest-by-RickC.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="Boondocking in the Tahoe National Forest. photo by RickC on Flickr" alt="boondocking-in-Tahoe-National-Forest-by-RickC.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/boondocking-in-Tahoe-National-Forest-by-RickC-thumb-280x210-8108.jpg" /></a> Looking to try some long-term camping in your RV without breaking the bank? </p> <p>There are lots of places to stay that won’t cost you much, but you have to be prepared to fend for yourself -- because cheap means no amenities!<br /> <br />  </p> <p><strong>Places To Park<br /> </strong></p> <p>Camping on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html">Bureau of Land Management land</a> is a common practice for those looking to get away from the cold long winters of the north.  There are many areas specifically set up to provide a place to park your RV for months at a time.  The one issue is that, In many cases, all that’s provided is a place to park.<br /> <br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ltvas.html">Long Term Visitor Areas</a> will allow you to stay 14 days for a fee of $40.  You can also get a 7-month permit for $180 if you choose to stay the whole season.  With these permits, you can move from one LTVA to another as often as you wish.  <br /> <br /> At the LTVA’s, you can expect to find a dump station and a nearby source of water.  They may even have a telephone available, but that varies from location to location.  Beyond these meager items, you're completely on your own.<br /> <br /> If you want to avoid the crowds, most BLM land is open to free camping as well.  The only requirement is that you can spend no more then 14 days in one spot.  Known as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/recreation_activities/camping.html">dispersed camping</a>, by relocating to a new spot at least 25 miles away, you can stay in the area as long as you like. </p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/rv_boondocking.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/is3H0oH8MbgMo1Ga-TIgLjdQl7E/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/is3H0oH8MbgMo1Ga-TIgLjdQl7E/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/is3H0oH8MbgMo1Ga-TIgLjdQl7E/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/is3H0oH8MbgMo1Ga-TIgLjdQl7E/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=CSATnTBD_4A:0PlvFMH7ugE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=CSATnTBD_4A:0PlvFMH7ugE:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/CSATnTBD_4A/rv_boondocking.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/rv_boondocking.php Destinations & Attractions Fulltime RVing Green RVing RV campgrounds RV camping tips Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:19:56 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/04/rv_boondocking.php RV Delamination And Cracks: Both Are Serious Issues <p><a title="A motorhome with delamination problems. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide, compliments of Bullyans" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/motorhome-with-delamination-problems-bullyans.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="A motorhome with delamination problems. photo by Curtis at TheFunTimesGuide, compliments of Bullyans" alt="motorhome-with-delamination-problems-bullyans.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/motorhome-with-delamination-problems-bullyans-thumb-280x210-7796.jpg" /></a> About 20 years ago, a new method of RV construction came on the market: smooth fiberglass exterior walls constructed by sandwiching <a target="_blank" href="http://www.crossroadsrv.com/line/c_construction.asp">an outer skin</a> of smooth fiberglass with the frame structure and Styrofoam or fiberglass insulation in the middle and the interior wall paneling on the interior.  <br /> <br /> With adhesive between the different layers, it was intended to create a bonded single unit wall panel that greatly decreased the labor involved with building an RV. </p> <p>An additional benefit was the fact that the new sidewalls had better aerodynamics. Plus, the new smooth look improved the sale of RVs from trailers to motorhomes.<br /> <br /> As with many new methods it all looked real good in the beginning.  But soon, a few bugs came to the surface.  After a few years, some of the early models started having problems with the ply’s or layers of the wall structure starting to come apart (or delaminate).</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/delamination.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6MMhxGfN6DY5o04sMZ5MZGEIEbI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6MMhxGfN6DY5o04sMZ5MZGEIEbI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6MMhxGfN6DY5o04sMZ5MZGEIEbI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6MMhxGfN6DY5o04sMZ5MZGEIEbI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=hfni55lfCy4:YPAxk4FNID8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=hfni55lfCy4:YPAxk4FNID8:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/hfni55lfCy4/delamination.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/delamination.php RV Maintenance Issues predicaments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:16:31 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/delamination.php Using Biodiesel & Vegetable Oil As RV Fuel <p><a title="A biodiesel fuel tank. photo by rrelam on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/biodiesel-fuel-tank-by-rrelam.jpg"><img width="210" height="280" align="right" title="A biodiesel fuel tank. photo by rrelam on Flickr" alt="biodiesel-fuel-tank-by-rrelam.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/biodiesel-fuel-tank-by-rrelam-thumb-210x280-7660.jpg" /></a>In today’s society, most of us are becoming more and more aware of things that are “green” and trying to find ways to modify our habits that will help to lessen our dependency on foreign oil -- and maybe make a difference in the quality of life as well.  <br /> <br /> If your RV or tow vehicle happens to be powered by a diesel engine, one step in the right direction would be to make an effort to find and use biodiesel or vegetable oil as fuel.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.biodiesel.org/"><br /> </a></p><p><em>Here's what you need to know...</em></p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/green_rv_fuels.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/l6olJmanyAqaVVsp8m8wOj6yk8c/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/l6olJmanyAqaVVsp8m8wOj6yk8c/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/l6olJmanyAqaVVsp8m8wOj6yk8c/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/l6olJmanyAqaVVsp8m8wOj6yk8c/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=kVjyxl_N4Mw:_M5uTTexEcY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=kVjyxl_N4Mw:_M5uTTexEcY:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/kVjyxl_N4Mw/green_rv_fuels.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/green_rv_fuels.php Fulltime RVing RV Maintenance Issues gas and fuel Green RVing Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:13:53 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/green_rv_fuels.php RV Cruise Control Issues & How Monaco's Safety Cruise Monitors The Road 500 Ft Ahead <p><a title="Close-up of a cruise control switch. photo by merfam on Flickr" rel="lightbox" href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/cruise-control-switch-by-merfam.jpg"><img width="280" height="210" align="right" title="Close-up of a cruise control switch. photo by merfam on Flickr" alt="cruise-control-switch-by-merfam.jpg" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/cruise-control-switch-by-merfam-thumb-280x210-7632.jpg" /></a> We’re all familiar with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_control" target="_blank">cruise control</a>.  You press a button, and your vehicle maintains that set speed. </p> <p>This is both good and bad.  On flat and level roads, it's great.  But when you hit a hill, the cruise control will do everything to keep that set speed -- come hell or high water.  This may mean that it downshifts and causes your RPM to skyrocket, while pushing harder and harder to maintain your set speed.  <br /> <br /> A driver's first reflex is to tap the brake and take back control of the gas pedal.  The same is true whenever a driver changes lanes and pulls in front of you only to slow down; again, the brake shuts down the cruise control.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.monaco-online.com/" target="_blank">Monaco</a> has come up with a cruise control system for its motorhomes that does more... <em>much </em>more. </p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/monaco_safety_cruise_control.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Ok9C1S_sCPV9GbaEHzMK0y00CCo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Ok9C1S_sCPV9GbaEHzMK0y00CCo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Ok9C1S_sCPV9GbaEHzMK0y00CCo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Ok9C1S_sCPV9GbaEHzMK0y00CCo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=oKfjox_2WzE:zKNOGcVH8Xc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=oKfjox_2WzE:zKNOGcVH8Xc:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/oKfjox_2WzE/monaco_safety_cruise_control.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/monaco_safety_cruise_control.php Gifts & Gadgets For RVers Makes & Models of RVs RV Maintenance Issues cruise control Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:56:11 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/monaco_safety_cruise_control.php Dodge Sprinter - A New Platform For Class B Motorhomes <p>For many years the 3 main suppliers of small Class B motorhome base vehicles have been:</p> <blockquote> <ul> <li><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/new-dodge-sprinter-van-by-el-finco.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="A new Dodge Sprinter van. photo by el finco on Flickr"><img width="280" height="187" align="right" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/new-dodge-sprinter-van-by-el-finco-thumb-280x187-7488.jpg" alt="new-dodge-sprinter-van-by-el-finco.jpg" title="A new Dodge Sprinter van. photo by el finco on Flickr" /></a>the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/eseries/">Ford Econoline</a> cargo van<br />  </li> <li>the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chevrolet.com/express/">Chevrolet Express</a> cargo van<br />  </li> <li>the <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Sportsman">Dodge Tradesman</a> cargo van</li> </ul> </blockquote> <p>The Ford and Chevy are still very common amongst Class B manufacturers, but the Dodge Tradesman is no longer being produced.</p> <p>In its place is the <a href="http://www.dodge.com/en/2008/sprinter/" target="_blank">Dodge Sprinter</a> van which has been brought over from Europe where it originated as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.  An identical van is produced by <a href="http://www.fl-sprinter.com/" target="_blank">Freightliner</a> as well.</p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/dodge_sprinter_van.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/wti2Fm5ljqnDXYL0V3iiKqcEyrA/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/wti2Fm5ljqnDXYL0V3iiKqcEyrA/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/wti2Fm5ljqnDXYL0V3iiKqcEyrA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/wti2Fm5ljqnDXYL0V3iiKqcEyrA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=Gulebv9USKk:rI3JiL54VZI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=Gulebv9USKk:rI3JiL54VZI:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/Gulebv9USKk/dodge_sprinter_van.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/dodge_sprinter_van.php Buying a New or Used RV Makes & Models of RVs motorhomes Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:55:41 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/dodge_sprinter_van.php RV Values: How To Find Out What Your RV Is Really Worth <p>Whether you're selling your RV or looking to buy one, the one piece of information that is critical to your being comfortable with the deal you're about to make is knowing what your RV is <em>really </em>worth.  <br /> <strong><br /> </strong></p> <p><strong>RV Dealership Sales Tactics</strong></p> <p>If you're making a deal at an RV dealership, salesmen are pros at juggling numbers so that you’ll be awed at how low the monthly payment will be.  They’re counting on the fact that the majority of people are more concerned with how much of their monthly budget will go toward payments on their new purchase than what the actual full price is.  <br /> <br /> The RV dealer's favorite ploy is to pump up what they’ll allow you for your trade-in.  On their form, it will appear that they are giving you almost as much as you paid for your trade-in when it was new.  The catch is: they have gone from working on a much reduced sales price for a new RV to the full sticker or MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) price. </p> <p>The difference in today’s economy between the sticker price and the price you could buy it for if it was a cash deal, with no trade-in, could easily be many thousands of dollars.  It <em>could</em> be as much as 25% or more off the sticker price!</p> <p>With this fuzzy math method of calculating the price you're really paying, it’s to your benefit to go in with as much understanding of actual value as you possibly can. </p> <p>So, before you let a salesman at the RV dealership get you into that chair in his office, you should know ahead of time what your trade-in is worth, and what the RV you're interested in buying is really worth. </p> <p>That way, you will know the bottom line that you are willing to accept <em>before </em>he even starts the routine of going back and forth to the sales manager to get an OK because he’s "practically giving it away and doesn’t have the authority to close the deal on his own."  <strong><br /> </strong></p> <p><strong> <div align="center" id="pic-center"><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/a-reputable-rv-dealership-bullyans-rv-minnesota.jpg" rel="lightbox" title="Photo of a reputable RV dealership in Minnesota: Bullyan's. photo by Curtis"><img width="399" height="191" align="" src="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/a-reputable-rv-dealership-bullyans-rv-minnesota-thumb-399x191-7220.jpg" alt="a-reputable-rv-dealership-bullyans-rv-minnesota.jpg" title="Photo of a reputable RV dealership in Minnesota: Bullyan's. photo by Curtis" /></a></div> </strong></p><p><a href="http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/02/nada_rv_values.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Pf7Ot6QkYTx6WDidIssMhijwbFY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Pf7Ot6QkYTx6WDidIssMhijwbFY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Pf7Ot6QkYTx6WDidIssMhijwbFY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Pf7Ot6QkYTx6WDidIssMhijwbFY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=2KW2BpER4KA:9WdregEtAwU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?a=2KW2BpER4KA:9WdregEtAwU:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToRvRoadTrips/~3/2KW2BpER4KA/nada_rv_values.php http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/02/nada_rv_values.php Buying a New or Used RV rv pricing Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:54:19 -0600 http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/02/nada_rv_values.php