Posted by RV Pro on Feb 08, 2010
Prepped and armed with the RV buying information suggested in our last post, you spent the weekend at the RV show or maybe you visited a local RV dealer to “try on” a few RVs for size. Getting a feel for the physical space available in different RV models is key to finding the RV that’s right for you. But if you looked at the retail prices pasted on those RV windows, you’re probably still reeling from sticker shock. That’s why you buy your RV online from North America’s most trust online RV seller, RVT.com. On RVT.com you’ll find new and used RVs for sale from both individual owners and RV dealers at huge savings over retail lot prices.
Buying an RV online is easy on RVT.com. You can search our RV classified listings by model type and even limit your search to either new or pre-owned recreational vehicles if you desire. When you’ve narrowed your choice down to a specific make or model, use RVT Advanced Search to find all RVs for sale that match your criteria. Advanced Search allows you to shop by RV category, make, model, year, fuel type, RV length, price range and more. You can find RVs for sale locally and in your state or region. Join My RVT free and you can save and organize your search results. We’ll even notify you when a match to your search criteria is posted.
With thousands of online RV listings, you’re sure to find the RV you want on RVT.com.
Posted by RV Pro on Feb 05, 2010
It’s RV show season and folks across the country are crowding into convention halls and fairgrounds to check out the newest RV models and hot new features for RV traveling. RV shows also offer folks shopping for their first RV a great opportunity to check out different RV models. A little prep work before you go will help you get the most from an RV show and ensure that you return home armed with the info you need to buy the right RV for you and your family.
Bone up. If you’re new to RVing, you’ll find there are two basic RV types: towables and motorized with several different models in each category. RVT.com’s handy RV Buyers Guide gives you a description of each RV model including size, cost range and features.
Narrow down. Make some basic decisions about the RV you want to buy. Motorized or towable? Gas or diesel? How many must it sleep? Make a list of features you can’t live without and a list of features you’d like to have if the price is right.
Pre-shop online. Do some pre-shopping online to compare RV models, features and prices. Photos and videos in online RV ads let you take a virtual tour of different RV models to help you narrow your shopping list.
You’re ready for the show. Walk through the RV models on your list of finalists. Sit in the seats, lie on the beds, reach in the cupboards, get a feel for the space.
Next step: Buying your RV online
Posted by nancy@mccordweb.com on Feb 03, 2010
If you don’t have an RV then you may not know why RV owners love their recreational vehicle. Here are eight reasons that RV owners love the RV lifestyle.
1. Freedom – you can travel when and where you want in your mini portable home.
2. No Bed Bugs For You – with bed bugs being a real problem in many highly trafficked holiday destinations and being found in the poshest hotels, you don’t have to worry. You’re sleeping in your OWN bed.
3. Camaraderie – RV owners are friendly, when you stay at a campground or RV area, you are bound to meet others who love the freedom that an RV lifestyle brings. Many RV’ers travel in club groups and share vacations year after year.
4. You always have a bathroom – don’t wait in line for the bathroom you’ve got built in convenience.
5. Save money – with restaurants costing sometimes an arm and a leg, save your money by eating breakfast and lunch made in your portable kitchen in your RV. With the savings you can afford to splurge on dinners out at your new destination or on your way.
6. Move around – you won’t get cramps when you’re riding in an RV, as a passenger you can move around, watch TV, read a book, take a nap, and prepare a snack. We do remind you though be safe and when you are seated buckle up!
7. Travel on your schedule – want to explore where you’ve landed? With an RV you set your schedule. No more hassle at the front desk asking for another night or paying a premium to stay over on the weekend. You are in charge stay or go when you want.
8. Stretch out – no more living out of a suitcase! You can pack as much or as little as you want, you’ve got the space to stretch out and spread out your belongings. With more space you can pack more than the essentials.
Posted by nancy@mccordweb.com on Feb 01, 2010
There is a lot to consider when buying your first RV. Putting your budget aside, there are many other significant factors that will help you select the perfect RV for your needs.
Let’s take a look at two of the RV categories along with their pros and cons.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes (classes A, B and C, etc.) are a distinct type of RV and are generally constructed as a single unit with the living area connected to the cab or driver’s area. This type is ideal for families taking summer vacations. The parents can be upfront driving while the kids are in the back playing, sleeping or watching a movie or TV. Obviously, if you need to use the restroom it’s also very convenient.
Trailers or 5th Wheel
On the other hand, attaching a RV trailer or 5th wheel to your car/SUV is perfect for retired couples or other dedicated RV enthusiasts who live in their RV. The advantages of having a car or small truck pulling your RV are as follows:
- Car repairs and parts-replacement are much cheaper than for a motorhome
- There are more car/truck repair shops around than specialized motorhome repair shops
- If there are extensive repairs for your car, you don’t need to rent a motel room while you wait
- It’s cheaper to replace your car/truck than a full motorhome
- When settling down for longer periods, it’s easy to park your trailer and then drive your car for shopping/sightseeing
Whatever you choose, make sure you start your research based on your projected travel plans and needs. Happy shopping!
Posted by RV Pro on Jan 29, 2010
Move over gramps! That sharp-looking motorhome that just cruised into the space next to yours is more likely to be owned by someone in his 30s or 40s than a retiree enjoying his golden years. RVs used to be associated with the silver-haired set, but no more. Today, it’s folks in their 30s and 40s who are driving up RV sales.
RV buyers under age 35 are the fastest growing segment of America’s RV Nation. RV owners in their 40s now outnumber RVing seniors who have passed their 55th birthday. While Baby Boomers have been swelling RV ownership ranks for years, nearly 1 in 9 American families led by 35 to 54-year-olds now owns an RV. High RV ownership rates extend across the 40-year age span from 35 to 75. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) estimates that America’s RV Nation is 30 million strong and growing!
It’s not surprising then that RV sales rose 23% last year despite the country’s economic problems and are predicted to increase by 27% this year. No wonder investment guru Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. invested $40 million in RV manufacturer Coachmen Industries when stock prices hit a recession pothole in 2008. Buffet’s faith in the future of the RV industry has certainly paid off, and your investment in an RV will too. Online RV sales offer plenty of variety and excellent prices. Isn’t it time you joined the RV Nation?
Posted by RV Pro on Jan 27, 2010
Gardeners may spend their winters pouring over seed catalogs, but RVers spend their winters pouring over maps and travel brochures. Of course, many RVers plan their next trip while enjoying their current travel destination. But a fair number of RVers tied to school and work schedules store their RVs during the winter and wait until spring to hit the road.
Whether you plan on the go from your RV cockpit or from the comfy confines of your living room sofa, there are a few planning tips guaranteed to make your next RV trip enjoyable:
> Get out the maps. Maps give you an instant bird’s eye view of possible routes making trip planning easier. Use regional multi-state maps to plot main routes, but don’t neglect to check state and local area maps. State and local maps provide greater detail and pinpoint local attractions, scenic byways, parks and campgrounds.
> Use the Internet. The Internet is a great resource for finding areas that promote an activity you’re interested in; for instance, finding bike trails or canoe liveries. You can check out area attractions, including hours and prices and even make reservations and print directions.
> Visitors centers. Always stop at the visitors center when you cross a state line. You’ll find lots of great brochures and money-off coupons for popular attractions. Some visitors centers are staffed and will help you locate activity information and plot directions.
> Word of mouth. Don’t be shy about asking other RVers about what to see and do. You may discover a rare gem.
Posted by RV Pro on Jan 25, 2010
Consider it a testimony to the popularity of RV travel. Love-lorn bachelor Jake Pavelka, star of the fourth season of ABC’s popular The Bachelor series, loads up this season’s bevy of beautiful hopefuls tonight and strikes out on a week-long RV tour. Temporarily trading in his pilot’s wings for keys to a luxury RV, Jake and the gals sample RV life in a rented de luxe Class A motorhome.
Admittedly, the group will be experiencing the high end of RV life. The Bachelor, after all, is known for immersing its contestants in the finer things of life. But it should be interesting to see where they go — producers promise that the gang will tour “some of the wildest places imaginable” — and whether RV travel helps the group pull together or whether the closeness tears them apart. RV travel is known and enjoyed for its ability to bring families together, but Jake and his beauties certainly aren’t your typical “family.”
Teasers for the show do make it sound like RV travel manages to advance the cause of love. Producers did say that some of the comments overheard from the back of the RV were enough to “make these grown men blush.” Check out the new episode tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern on your local ABC station.
RV rentals are a great way to checkout different RV models and see if the RV lifestyle is for you. Find RV rentals and great buys on new and used RVs on RVT.com.
Posted by RV Pro on Jan 22, 2010
RVs are going green. Consumers are scaling back on their expenses but not their lifestyle. RV buers want comfortable spaces and great features tied up in an energy-efficient, fuel-efficient package that’s cheap to operate – and RV manufacturers are working hard to deliver. In the last week we’ve talked about new energy-saving construction techniques and materials, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. New technology and innovative ideas are finding their way into mainstream RV design and construction. Here are some of the new green RV features to watch for:
> LED lights are being featured in both exterior and interior lighting applications. LED lights consume just one-quarter of the electricity required by conventional lighting, and lamps last more than 10 times as long.
> Fuel cell technology manufactured in Germany is getting a test run in the U.S. Light-weight, compact fuel cells have the potential to replace generators as an RV energy source.
> Energy Star appliances are becoming standard.
> Light-weight composites and sustainable materials like bamboo are being used in the construction of counters, cabinets and flooring.
> Light-weight aluminum frame/foam cushion furniture and beds are being created especially for RV use.
> Double-pane, tinted acrylic windows with integrated roller blinds keep RVs cooler on hot, sunny days.
> Integrated solar energy roofs will eventually replace mounted solar panels.
> Retractable wind turbines that can be raised onsite and lowered during travel will provide an additional RV energy source.
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2007 Dutchman 26L-DSL Valley View, TX
2005 R-vision Trail Vision 35BH Ludington, MI
2004 Four Winds Hurricane Canton, GA