RVT.com RV Trader Blog

Pack Extra Fun into RV Weekend with Kids

Unplugging your kids — and yourselves — from the electronic devices that command so much of their  — and your — attention to spend the occasional weekend focusing on each other is a great way to build family togetherness. It’s that chance to build and strengthen family ties that leads many families to purchase their first RV. And it’s the fun families have together while traveling in their RV that makes them die-hard members of the RV Nation.

Spicing up your family RV weekends with a few special treats and activities will build memories and create fun family traditions that you and your kids will look forward to every time you head out in your RV. Try these ideas adapted from FamilyFun magazine.

- Prop Charades. Use objects found in your RV — a paper towel tube, pillow, cereal box, fork, etc. — as props for family charades. Players must use the prop to act out their clue while others guess. A paper towel tube might be a pirate’s spyglass or Statue of Liberty torch.

- Tiny Treasure Hunt. To make hiking more fun, give each person a small bag to fill with things they find along the way. Create a list of things to hunt for or go freestyle and compare treasures when you get back to your RV. Ideas: acorn top, funny shaped stick, colored leaf, interesting stone, etc. You can also take a big bag and pick up litter during your hike to protect the outdoors.

More ideas next time.

RVs Are Memory Makers

“We’re memory makers.” That’s how Robert J. Olson, head of Winnebago Industries, defined recreational vehicles in an interview on U.S. News & World Report/Money online. Olson was trying to explain why RVing has endured even during our country’s lean times.

RVing is the quintessential family activity — mom, dad and the kids piled into a small space, working together to survive in the wild, bonding, depending on themselves and each other. It doesn’t matter that the modern “wilderness” includes electric and sanitary hookups, a pool, Wi-Fi, a playground, mini golf, a small grocery and a host of other not so primitive amenities. And it doesn’t matter that the RV in which your family is “roughing it” is equipped with all the comforts of home — a fully-stocked kitchen, spacious living room slideout with plasma TV and surround sound, its own bathroom with shower, comfortable sleeping berths for everyone and plenty of storage to hold all the kids’ toys. What matters is that RVing brings families together.

RVing takes you away from all the distractions of normal everyday living and helps you focus on what’s truly important in life — your family. RVing offers opportunities for parents to teach and children to learn and in the process build self-confidence. RVing offers opportunities for families to play together and parents and children to bond. Parents who have found memories of RV camping trips with their families want to share that experience with their own children. Buying an RV is a wonderful way to build family memories.

There’s an App for That! Smartphone Aids for RVers

One of the joys of RV life  is the ability to get away from it all. RVing can be an opportunity to unplug for the hectic demands of everyday life and relax. But RVers are practical folks. If there’s a smarter, faster way to way to go from over-programmed to laid-back, you can count on RVers to have found it. Instead of being hounded by technology, RVers are harnessing it to make travel easier, safer and more interesting.

When they want a peaceful weekend, RVers may switch the ring tone on their smartphone to mute, but they’re definitely taking their phones along. The myriad new RV-oriented apps available for smartphones have turned smartphones into very handy portable travel aids.

If you haven’t cruised the app store lately, you’ll find a wealth of great new apps tailored to travelers in general and RVers specifically. Trailer Life magazine is the latest of several RV publications available as an iPhone app. Check out the latest RV news, destination reviews and camping products while you’re on the road. Need a place to hook up for the night? Use an app to find an RV campground.

Many states have apps with info about places to go and things to see. There are apps that provide info about the historical markers you pass as you’re driving down the highway. You can even use your smartphone to connect to the Internet and check out the latest results of your RV ad search on RVT.com. Now that’s a smart phone!

Who Owns RVs? Interesting Stats About RV Nation

Step aside Stephen Colbert. We may not be sponsoring an Olympic team this year, but the RV Nation is alive and well and growing stronger every day! RV owners stretch across the depth and breadth of the nation’s demographics. U.S. RV ownership levels have reached record highs in recent years. According to the University of Michigan’s Survey Research Center, one in 12 Americans who own a vehicle also own an RV. The RV Nation is 8 million strong and growing. RV ownership has increased by more than 58% since 1980.

Who owns RVs? According to RVIA, the typical RV owner is 49, married with kids, a homeowner with an annual household income of $68,000. New RV owners aged 35 to 54 are the fastest growing segment of the RV Nation. Affordability, low living/travel expenses, family values, superior comfort and portability are the main draws attracting people to the RV lifestyle.

The recession actually increased RV ownership. RV manufacturers did hit a small bump in the road, but they were among the first to rehire and even increase their work force to keep up with RV demand. Any minor losses in new RV sales were made up in increased used RV sales, particularly on online RV sales sites like RVT.com. RV buyers looking for a cheaper lifestyle or inexpensive way to travel with their families are finding great used RV bargains on RVT.com. Isn’t it time you discovered what your neighbors know and explore the joys of RVing?

More RVers Enjoy Wintering in Canada

As anyone who has been watching the Olympics knows, Vancouver doesn’t fit Americans’ typical view of Canada in winter. With temperatures far more moderate than those in many U.S. states, Vancouver isn’t the frozen land of ice and snow most Americans imagine. Caught between towering, snow-capped mountains and a gorgeous island-dotted bay, Vancouver is an amalgam of cosmopolitan sophistication and rugged outdoor wilderness. Temperate winter weather and a favorable exchange rate have many RVers heading for Vancouver instead of the American sun belt in winter.

A country of avid RVers, Canada has always been a welcoming RV destination. RV parks are well maintained and many parks in temperate British Columbia are open year round, particularly at popular destinations like Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum. Vancouver Island, dubbed “the island” by locals, attracts a growing number of full-time RVers — both Canadians and Americans – who enjoy the slower pace and quieter island lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle across the water in Vancouver. Outdoor activities, an extensive walking path system, interesting museums and lovely scenic views of the ocean and inland waterway are among the winter delights on Vancouver Island.

For Canadian RVers, wintering in Canada rather than the U.S. offers considerable financial benefits, not only in exchange rates but in medical insurance costs. By wintering in Canada they avoid hefty out-of-country insurance surcharges. For Americans, a winter in Canada is a unique opportunity to make friends with our foreign neighbors and enjoy the outdoors.

RV Camping Promotes Family Activity, Fights Child Obesity

Michelle Obama launched a national program last week aimed at fighting childhood obesity. About 32% of American children and teens are obese or overweight, according to government statistics. Childhood obesity significantly increases a person’s risk of developing weight-related health problems like diabetes and high cholesterol. People who are overweight as children are more likely to struggle with weight problems as adults. And with more than 25% of U.S. adults already struggling with obesity, what’s good for your kids will be good for you.

For outdoorsman and adventure journalist Eugene Buchanan, the “Aha!” moment came when he read that U.S. children and teens spend an average 44 hours sitting in front of TVs, computers or video games. Building on his own family experiences, Buchanan has written a guide to help parents plan and execute outdoor travels and activities with their children. His new book, Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids, shows parents how to make outdoor activities with their children happen. He provides plenty of helpful tips on how to handle the logistics, avoid the pitfalls, maintain patience and maximize the fun while camping, fishing, hiking, skiing and paddling as a family.

Buchanan’s favorite way to keep his own family active? RV camping. Buchanan uses RVing as a launch platform for many of the outdoor activities he enjoys with his children. He recommends RVing for families inexperienced with the outdoors. An easy and comfortable way to get your kids — and yourself  — up off the couch and moving, buying an RV is an investment in family togetherness.

The Joy of Owning a Recreational Vehicle

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.

RV Basics — Buying Your First RV

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!