Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 30, 2012
The rustic “pop-up” camper you remember from your youth has undergone a major overhaul over the past few decades. Light-weight and compact for easy towing, today’s folding trailers transform into spacious, comfortable living spaces packed with attractive features that make camping a pleasure. But the new ultra-light folding camping trailers take these versatile towable RVs to a whole new level (see our previous post).
Today, we continue our rundown on the best new ultra-light folding trailers:
If you’re looking for a folding trailer that can stand up to hard use and rugged terrain, search RVT.com for the Campa ATT (for all terrain trailer). With a stainless steel chassis rated to 5500 pounds, this is a military-grade survival trailer that has everything you need for major expeditions into the back country. Prices start at $14,750.
Specializing in ultra-light RV trailers, Scarab RV offers a 300-pound model that is light enough to be towed by a cruiser class motorcycle. Basically tents on wheels, Scarabs lack the amenities of other folding trailers, but they can’t be beat for light-weight towing.
In the ultra-light class, the design award has to go to the Opera camping trailer designed by Dutch designer Your Suite in Nature (YSIN). YSIN gives the functional Conestoga wagon a dash of Sydney Opera House flair. Elegant white “sails” enclose a state-of-the-art RV that features electrically adjustable beds, indoor/outdoor kitchen, teak veranda and many luxury amenities. Fully equipped, Opera weighs in at 2,315 pounds and retails for between $32,000 and $38,000.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 27, 2012
There’s a new breed of folding camping trailers popping up at RV shows that is nothing like the pop-up trailers you camped in when you were a kid. Sleek and stylish, these new versions of the old ”pop-up” RV are ultra-light, ultra-comfortable and packed with lots of luxury amenities that lift folding trailers to new heights in the RV hierarchy. Providing a convenient and affordable way to camp in high style, the new folding trailers are particularly popular with 20 and 30-somethings that enjoy participating in active outdoor sports. One model can even be towed by a motorcycle.
When you’re shopping online on RVT.com, look for the following cutting-edge folding camping trailers. (Search tip: Using advanced search, input folding trailers under RV type, enter the model name and make sure you click on new & used to include RV dealer listings.)
If your recreational interests require hauling a lot of gear, Brevard’s Sylvan Sport Go camping trailer is definitely the way to go. Made in North Carolina, this light-weight version of the Sylvan Sport offers maximum hauling versatility and can be pulled by small cars. An all-aluminum frame supports a comfortable tent system that features self-inflating custom air mattresses. Weighing in at a mere 840 pounds, the Go can carry up to a dozen bikes, kayaks, even an ATV. The model retails for around $8,000.
More folding trailer RVs next time
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 20, 2012
When you attend an RV show, you’ll notice that many RV manufacturers and RV dealers offer special show discounts to encourage RV shoppers to BUY TODAY! As you cruise the displays at an RV show, you’re apt to see offers for special low show prices, discounts on premium features or free upgrades. The catch, of course, is that show deals are usually only available during the show, pressuring you to make a quick decision and buy now. If you go ahead and buy your RV at the show, you’ll kick yourself when you get home if you find out you could have gotten a better deal on the same RV on RVT.com.
So how do you tell if you’re being offered a legitimately great deal? Use RVT.com Price Checker to compare the deal you’re being offered to RV listings on RVT.com. Enter details about the RV you want to buy into our handy Price Checker, and Price Checker will instantly show you the NADA book value of the vehicle and pull up comparable RVT.com listings. Price Checker gives you access to both new and used RV listings, including RV dealer ads on RVT.com. Often RV dealers offer online discounts that are just as good as and sometimes better than deals available at RV shows.
If you have a smartphone, use RVT.com’s free iPhone app to access RVT Price Checker from the show.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 18, 2012
If you’re shopping for an RV, RV shows are a great way to see what’s on the market and compare models from different manufacturers. You’ll get the most out of an RV show if you do a little homework on RVT.com first. If you’re new to RVing, start with our RV Buyer’s Guide which gives you an overview of the different types of RVs available. Then browse through our online RV listings to narrow your search. While you’re browsing, make a list of features you like.
Before the show, check the show website for seminar schedules and download a map. RV shows cover a lot of ground, so mark “can’t miss” RV dealer displays and booths on your map before you head for the show. Put on some comfy walking shoes, grab a backpack for carting literature, and don’t forget your smartphone (or take a notepad and digital camera).
When you arrive at the show, start by visiting a large RV dealer where you can make side-by-side comparisons of motorized and towable RVs. After deciding which type of RV you want to buy, walk through comparable models by different manufacturers. To keep all the information about a particular RV together, make your notes on the literature you collect. To help jog your memory, snap photos of the RV models and features you like best.
Check the RVT.com RV show calendar to find an RV show new you.
Next time: Are RV show prices as good as they sound?
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 16, 2012
A sure-fire cure for the winter blues is headed for a convention center or fairgrounds near you. January kicks off the start of the year-round 2012 RV show season. Winter and early spring are prime RV show months. RV manufacturers and local RV dealers want to introduce new features and show off new RV models before the start of the spring travel season.
Whether you are new to the RV lifestyle, an experienced RVer planning to upgrade to a newer model or a dedicated RV traveler contemplating a switch to a different type of RV, attending an RV show is a great way to start your search for your next RV. RV shows typically feature hundreds of RV models, allowing RV shoppers to make direct comparisons between similar RV models offered by different manufacturers. With hundreds of vendors in attendance, RV shows are also a great place to check out the newest RV supplies and accessories. RV shows also offer a full schedule of informative seminars on a wide range of subjects such as how to buy an RV, RV towing tips, RV maintenance, RV cooking tips and recipes, greening your RV, even RV feng shui.
RV shows are massive weekend events that cover a lot of square footage. Buy a multi-day ticket (check online for ticket discounts) so you have plenty of time to see everything and take in a few seminars.
Next time: How to make the most of RV shows
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 13, 2012
According to a recent J.D. Powers & Associates survey, price negotiation is the part of the vehicle-buying experience shoppers find most frustrating and least satisfying. Traditionally, the power in price negotiations has rested with the vehicle seller; but online resources are giving RV shoppers greater power when they negotiate the purchase of new and used RVs.
Using helpful information found on online RV classified ad sites, consumer reports, and NADA price guides, RV shoppers are arming themselves with better price intel before beginning negotiations with private RV sellers and RV dealers. According to J.D. Powers, last year nearly 80% of vehicle shoppers researched purchase options and prices online before making their purchase. That online research is paying off. Armed with better price information, RV buyers are driving harder bargains and negotiating better purchase prices.
A valuable price-negotiation tool, RVT.com Price Checker allows RV shoppers to instantly obtain the NADA retail book value of any RV. That’s a very handy figure to know and a good starting point for RV price negotiations, but RVT Price Checker also offers a comparative RV listing feature that RV buyers are finding even more valuable. Using search criteria, RVT Price Checker pulls up all similar RV listings on RVT.com, allowing RV buyers to instantly compare features and prices of RVs currently listed on RVT.com and negotiate the best price for their new RV.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 09, 2012
With more than 54,000 RVs, trucks and trailers listed for sale, RVT.com provides RV shoppers with the best online RV selection on the web. And we make it easy for you to find and buy the RV of your dreams. With a click of your mouse, you can quickly search our online RV listings by type, brand, state or city right from our homepage.
Using RVT.com’s handy Advanced Search feature, RV shoppers can easily narrow their search to specific parameters and search for RVs by year of manufacture, RV length, price, region or zip code. On RVT.com, RV buyers can also sort online RV ads by whether the vehicle is new or used, fuel type, number of slides or specific key words if you’re looking for a specific feature. We’ve also made it easy for RV bargain hunters to track down the best deals by providing easy-click paths to RV bargain listings.
With one-stop shopping on RVT.com, RV shoppers save time and money. If you’re shopping for a travel trailer, 5th wheel, truck camper or folding trailer, you’re going to need a truck to tow your new RV. On RVT.com, RV shoppers can buy both RVs and new and used trucks. (For truck ratings and information on sizing, click resources, then tow trucks on our homepage.) RV shoppers may even be able to negotiate a package deal or a price discount by buying their RV and truck from the same RV seller.
Posted by Ashley Gannon on Jan 04, 2012
In a 2011 consumer survey conducted by the University of Michigan for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 1 in 5 American households expressed interest in purchasing an RV. The two fastest-growing demographics in the RV Nation are retiring Baby Boomers and empty-nesters over the age of 55 and singles and young couples under age 35. The increasingly diverse RV buyer pool has spurred RV manufacturers to introduce a greater range of feature choices that allow RV buyers to customize their RV purchase at the factory or dealership level.
Personalized living space is one of the hottest RV trends for 2012. Using multiple and deeper slides, RV manufacturers have been able to abandon the traditional shotgun layout and introduce exciting new L-shaped floor plans in select 2012 RV motorhomes and travel trailers. The new floor plans provide RV buyers with greater flexibility in creating living spaces that suit their lifestyle.
Greater use of panoramic views, picture windows and skylights is brightening up RV interiors and creating a more fluid bridge to the natural world outside. Specialized built-ins and more efficient use of vertical space are giving RV owners the storage space they need for prolonged trips and full-time living. In recognition of the increasing interest in full-time RV use, RV manufacturers are offering full-sized kitchens and bathrooms as an option in a greater range of RV models. New RVs are also coming off the production line fully wired to accommodate advanced electronic, digital and wireless technology.
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