rvandcampingplus.com Blog

Sway Control Hitches Go Towards New Trend

2006-12-30T16:47-05:00

In the world of recreational vehicles (or also very popular known and called as RVs), a new kind of trend is spurting out. And according to some news, the RV industry is advancing and using a new chain style kind of weight distribution. This is also actually integrated sway control hitch systems which would surely be helping out owners and drivers of recreational vehicles. Who knows? Learning more about this new kind of sway control hitch could certainly be a big help in keeping your recreational vehicle's Mazda auto parts looking new and performing up to their maximum capacities.

They call the new kind of RV technology the E2 and it is a creation of Progress Manufacturing Inc. This one is quite unique for it has the capacity to actually combine the rigid trail brackets, which are already proven to work well, with the hitch that has a trunnion type of style. Together, they work as the E2, and this now provides a new kind of alternative for hitches with chain styles that is free from hassle and easy to use. The E2 also has got a weight distribution feature and also boasts of an integrated two-point Sway Control feature. Progress does say that E2 is the very type of hitch that those owners of RVs would be liking. After all, the E2 could be used so as to be quite effective and very economical as a sway control option.

Jed Anderson is the chief head honcho of Progress and on the E2, he describes this one by saying, "It is important for dealers and RVers to be familiar with integrated sway control systems because RVers are starting to ask for sway control. People are realizing that integrated sway control gives you more value for your money." He also does add, "The hitch was really well received at the show; we are able to explain the benefits of the E2 to a lot of people. Most people were excited about the easy installation, hook up, and built-in sway control."

This new E2 would be available in the market come the summer of next year.

About the Author

Tom Bailey is a consultant for one of the country's leading auto parts stores. He is also an editor of a reputable publishing company in his area. He is currently based in Atlantic City, New Jersey with his wife and 3 children.

Frugal RV Traveling Tips: Keeping an Eye on the Road - and Your Budget

2006-12-30T16:45-05:00

by John Noble

Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning and research ahead of time, it's easy to save even more - without ever feeling like you're pinching pennies.

One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the "shoulder seasons" - before and after prime travel time - when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions.

Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any time of the year:

1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas

Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn't have to look any further than her own backyard to find her heart's desire? Well, we're not suggesting camping out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far away that you've always meant to check out.

You'll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you're bound to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.

Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource for researching local and state information and attractions - and most of it is free!

2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage

It's a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you'll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a "less is more" policy.

For example, you don't have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the first day's travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you've reached your day's destination.

Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your gas mileage.)

Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags - not only do they take up less space, you can reuse them once they're empty!

3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware - A More Economical Approach Overall

Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the easy way to go - and might even seem economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they'll certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.

Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when you're starting out on your RV trip.

Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up even the simplest road fare!

4. Drive Less, Stay More - Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts

When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays.

By driving less and staying more, you'll receive an additional benefit: It's much more relaxing to know that once you've turned off the ignition you're settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you'll be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the area.

Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you'll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you might not hear about otherwise ... and don't forget to look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!

5. Stop and Shop - At Local Discount or Dollar Stores

When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands -- depending on the season. You might not save much money there, but there's nothing better than freshly picked produce.

Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it's a great way to get to know the local neighborhoods and people.

Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy - you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family member at someone's yard sale!

Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:

- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks
- Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks
- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel
- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes - instead of RV stores
- Avoid buying your RV "supplies" - like toilet paper - that claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money and buy the cheap stuff.
- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don't eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV's refrigerator
- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go
- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look at a "Trailer Life Campground Directory" at your local library to compare camping fees.
- Plan!!

About the Author

John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky River RV Inc - a California-based sales and service RV dealership featuring Itasca and Airstream RV, motor home and travel trailer units. For 100% customer satisfaction and personal customer care in new and used RV sales, repair/service, parts and RV rentals that has placed Sky River RV 'a cut above the rest' in RV dealers in California go to http://www.skyriverrv.com

Enjoy A Mobile Life: Be An Extended RV Traveler

2006-12-30T16:41-05:00

by Suzanne Macguire

For those who are to retire in the next two years, planning an RV purchase would be one of the most rational decisions in order to spend the leisure hours of retired life. Retirement period in a person's life is ideal to engage himself/herself in an extended RV travel. Being free of all our professional obligations, we can enjoy a family tour around the country and still feel at home. An RV is just the right option for people who miss their home a little too much. With enough space for your near and dear ones, you can never feel to be out of home!

It's not altogether a bad idea to at least try being an extended RV traveler at least once. In this course, you might discover that living in a house with all your possessions isn't that important after all. On the other hand, you might start feeling that actually living in an RV does not tantamount to spending a vacation. But an important point to note here is that you get to spend quality time with your loved ones. After all, this is what you had been trying to do for so many years- enjoy each other's company!

It's essential to make early preparations if you plan to become an extended RV traveler. First and foremost, you should make proper arrangements for your house's security. Your house should not look deserted by its exteriors while you are away. This is essential for your house's safety when you are on an extended tour. Besides, once you are satisfied with the security arrangements of your house, you can enjoy your extended vacation to the full.

Talking of an extended RV travel, an essential factor must be taken into consideration. This factor is none other than your own budget. Meals and fuel are the basic areas of expense that needs to be taken into consideration before embarking on any journey. A careful analysis of the expenses incurred in an extended RV tour would reveal that it is actually much less than staying in a hotel. Generally, savings over hotels is 40% or over if you plan to travel in an RV. With your budget under your control, your extended RV vacation can never be a failure. A little expense is involved in camping your RV at the camping ground but this is much less compared to your boarding accommodation expenses in a hotel.

Extended RV travelers are sure to enjoy their mobile life, touring the country at the same time. I am sure that once you have the RV experience, you cannot opt for anything else. With your all your living necessities under one roof and your near and dear ones close by you, homesickness can hardly crop up within you. You can enjoy your mobile lifestyle according to your convenience. Different models of RVs provide you various options to spend your vacation in style. If your budget is limited, you can choose small RV motorhomes equipped with all the basic amenities. You can even buy a second hand rig and sell it off once you return from your extended RV travel. And for those who have no complaints about their budget, a luxurious RV motorhome, loaded with all the comforts your mind can imagine, is always close at hand. So take the plunge right now and gear yourself to become an extended RV traveler.

About the Author

Suzanne Macguire is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries. RV motorhome dealers

A Perfect Choice For Your Second House

2006-12-30T16:38-05:00

by Wain Roy

When you consider the road as your home, the word "quality" takes on new grandness. People want to spend more times with their families and to be in control of their travel plans. The camping experience is about getting out to the great outdoors, spending some quality time with family and friends, and avoiding the acts of day-to-day life. Going outdoors and communing with nature seem to be one of the solutions, which can be greatly attained by motorhome traveling.

An RV is a shortened form that is used to describe a recreational vehicle. A recreational vehicle often called as a mini mobile house, is fairly commodious to meet the day to day conveniences like bed, refrigerator, television, etc which you enjoy at home. A recreational vehicle generally refers to a dual-purpose vehicle, which can be used as a temporary or a full time home and a motorhome. Typical RVs contains beds, table, storage areas and food preparations. Larger RVs comes with more modern amenities. The whole intention of buying RVs is mainly for recreational purposes.

Hundreds of thousands of RV fancier each month look for products and services to add on their recreational vehicles. Motorhomes are also very popular and are preferred by many for a number of reasons. Comfort and hassle-free journey top the priority list of anyone who plans a vacation or an outing. The manner of traveling got revolutionized with the invent of RVs. It's a perfect example for the old saying "home away from home."

If you are interested in buying a new or used motor home soon, it is perhaps wise to begin by examining their different types. Check out the motorhome vehicles' categories, in order to consider which one will better cover your present or future needs. There are three basic types of motorhomes, also called recreational vehicles which are generally used for vacating purposes; hence the term "recreational." Class A motorhomes consists of bus-type custom body vehicles build on a truck chassis and look like busses. Class B motorhomes are mainly van campers and travel trailers, while finally Class C RVs are called mini-motorhomes and due to their smaller size are much easier to handle on the road and fit nicely in large car parking spots. Each class has its own advantages for the individual buyer depending on a few factors including how many people will be using the RV and how it is going to be used.

RVs are like mini apartments and are available in various styles and price ranges. Some of the motorhomes are inexpensive where as few are very expensive. With the growing years, motorhomes have become more comfortable and more luxurious since the release of the first RV.

RV and motorhomes with its plush interiors, warm and cozy ambience, always draw attractions to people. Motorhomes are the ideal form of travel for those who like to spend their vacation time going camping in the mountains, running on the beach, or sightseeing along the highways and byways. So get hold of a new RVs and motorhomes and be a proud owner of it. Choose your recreational vehicle, which has innovative design, and quality construction to enable you to get the most out of your camping experience, while you get the most for your money.

About the Author

Wain Roy is an internet marketing professional expert in various industries like real estate, web design, finance, medical tourism and RV dealers

How To Decide On The Right Foods And Cooking Accessories For Camping

2006-08-27T23:36-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Camping is a great way to get away from stress and get back to nature. Planning what to bring on the trip may seem difficult because aside from the regular gear that you will need, you also have to consider what type of food to bring and what tools you will need to prepare it. There are ways to make planning your camping menus a lot easier.

What Cooking Tools Do I Need?

There are a few basic tools that every camper should bring with them. One of them is a camp stove, so you will be able to prepare hot meals. There are various kinds to choose from.

The best kind to get is one that allows you to adjust the heat, so that you will be able to boil, simmer and fry. The next thing that you will need is a good set of cookware. Depending on what you will be cooking, you should be sure to include a pot to boil water in and a fry pan. You will also need to bring a lot of water with you, not only to cook with but also to drink.

What Types of Food Should I Bring?

Since camping may also include a lot of physical activity, such as hiking, boat rowing or swimming, it's important to keep your strength up by eating 3 meals a day.

Breakfast: Include milk, so that you can have cold cereal in the morning. If you prefer a hot breakfast, brings eggs, since they are a good source of protein and easy to cook. You can either fry them or boil them.

Lunch: For lunch, you might want to make sandwiches. Instead of bringing a loaf of regular bread that can be easily crushed, consider tortillas or pita bread. Another bonus to bringing this type of bread is that they are flat, so they are easy to pack. If you don't want to bring cold cuts, consider peanut butter as an alternative. It's easy to pack and provides a good source of protein.

Dinner: Dinner will probably be your biggest meal. Some people like to fish when they go camping and plan to eat their catch, while others have to rely on what they bring. Good dinner foods to bring with you are dried beans, cheese, rice or couscous and bouillon cubes. Beans are an excellent source of protein and rice and couscous provide energy giving carbs. You can simmer beans and rice or add extra water and bouillon cubes to make a hearty soup. Bring a small collection of spices with you, like salt, pepper, garlic powder or other spices that you enjoy to season your food with.

By planning easy meals to prepare on your camping trip, you will be able to eat well while enjoying getting back to nature.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as RV Accessories and Camping at http://www.rvandcampingplus.com

How To Find Camping Beds For All Occasions

2006-08-27T23:29-04:00

by Gregg Hall

The opportunity for a restful night is appealing to campers today, as people realize their need for a good night's sleep. Camping beds come in a wide range of sizes and comfort levels. Now campers can choose from an ultra-light backpacker to the creature comfort car camper. Models of camping equipment, with exciting new features, emerge daily. With the right choices, spending the night in the woods can include the same comforts enjoyed at home. Thanks to the increased development of quality camping beds, campers have dismissed the fear of a possible sore back with each camping venture. They are free to concentrate on their enjoyable camping experiences.

Foam Camping Beds

For years backpackers have used rolled foam camping beds. These beds are durable enough to be used for cooking in camp. They double for a table when needed to keep cookware free from dirt and sand. These reasonably beds are light and warm, a gentle comfort for backpackers.

Self-Inflating Camping Beds

Thermarest, a line of self-inflating camping beds, provides more warmth than foam mats, and they are of comparable weight. A layer of air, held between two layers of insulation, keeps a camper warm. Self-inflating beds give extra cushion, sorely needed when rocks and sticks lie beneath the tent.

Full Inflating Beds

Full inflating beds offer even more warmth and protection, but their weight and bulk restricts usage to groups who are car camping. These inflatable beds are a luxury for campers, who bear the burden to transport them to their campsite. Nevertheless, sleeping in these beds out under the stars is as comfortable as any bed in your home. When inflated, these beds occupy as much space as a standard mattress. It takes a lot of air to fill them and they are susceptible to punctures. A night on the cold, hard ground could be a possibility.

The Classic Cot

Another alternative to the inflatable camping bed is the classic cot. It is appreciated by car campers and base camps, as well, for it is comfortable, sets up quickly, and maintains the camper at a high level, well above the cold. These cots are much too heavy for backpackers. They are perfect for family-sized or wall tents. They take up too much space for smaller tents.

Hammocks

Hammocks are light and make a small bundle. With the right rain fly, a good hammock might even replace a tent. A hammock is great for a backpacker, who can easily assemble a rain fly using a tarp and a few pieces of rope. It is not wise to use a hammock during cold weather, as hammocks do not store heat. Heat escapes from hammocks and is absorbed by the surrounding air. Summer is the time for using hammocks.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as RV Accessories Plus at http://www.rvandcampingplus.com