Posted by on Mar 09, 2012
The number of full-time RVers and RVers who take to the road for extended periods is on the rise; and whether you combine RVing with your work life or travel exclusively for the joy of discovering new people and new places, it’s essential to stay connected to clients and customers, as well as friends and family back home. Advanced mobile technology, smartphones, Wi-Fi and satellite communications make keeping in touch via the internet easier than ever before.
Before hitting the road for an extended RV trip, you should review available internet connection options and choose those that will best meet your needs. In making your choice, consider the type of RV traveling you plan to do. If you usually park your RV in the shadow of a city, you shouldn’t have any trouble accessing the internet via campground Wi-Fi or your 4G smartphone. On the other hand, if you prefer to take the road less traveled and camp in remote or mountainous areas, you may want to investigate satellite access. Because internet connection opportunities are likely to vary during your travels, it’s a good idea to set up more than one internet access method before you leave home.
Next time we’ll give you a run down on some of the more popular internet options for RVers on the move. You can find links to RV satellite and internet providers on RVT.com’s RV accessories page.
Posted by on Mar 07, 2012
People with disabilities who enjoy traveling, camping and the outdoors have frequently had to face an additional hurdle before they could enjoy RVing. Most standard RVs, which are built to maximize space utilization, are not built to provide the handicap-accessible features needed to accommodate wheelchairs. Wheelchair use necessitates wider doorways and hallways, larger bedroom spaces to provide appropriate wheelchair turning radius, adjustable counter and table heights, grab bars, lower sinks, appliance access, entry lifts and other features that are not included in standard RV models. Without such aids the RV lifestyle has been problematic for people with disabilities.
RVers with disabilities have had to rely largely on more expensive custom-built RVs to participate in the fun of RV traveling and camping. There are companies like Newmar that specialize in adapting RV travel to the needs of the disabled, but greater demand is taking handicap accessible RVs mainstream. RV manufacturing behemoth Forest River has added a handicap-accessible model to its popular V-Cross travel trailer lineup. The handicap access V-Cross is specifically designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs with wider entry doors and hallways; kitchen and bath modifications; remote controlled slide-outs, awnings and power jacks; grab handles; wiring for lift systems and more.
For more information, rallies and special events tailored to disabled RVers, visit the Handicapped Travel Club website.
Posted by on Feb 10, 2012
As much as you love your RV, as you spend more time traveling in your motorhome you’ll start to notice little things that would add to your comfort or convenience. Most RV owners develop a wish list of improvements they’d like to make to their travel trailer. Winter is the perfect time to start an RV remodeling project and make a few of your wishes come true.
Use these tips to plan your next RV remodeling project:
1. Before you get started, compare your wish list to your motorhome. If your “I wish my RV had” list is extensive or includes more than a couple of expensive projects, you might be smarter to trade in your current rig on a new — or newer — RV. Take your wish list and go shopping on RVT.com. You could find a new or used RV that has everything you’re looking for — no elbow grease required!
2. Tackle functional projects before decorative ones. Increasing closet space or kitchen counter space will have a greater impact on your RV lifestyle than upgrading the flooring or wall coverings.
3. Use quality materials and construction techniques to ensure that the finished project will enhance your RV lifestyle and increase the resale value of your motorhome.
4. Make use of vertical space. Most people concentrate on floor space which is limited in an RV and neglect wall space or the space over doorways and windows (great places for bookshelves or curio racks).
Posted by on Feb 08, 2012
The winter months are a good time for RV remodeling projects. Even small remodeling projects can add value to your RV when you decide to sell your rig; but the primary reason to engage in RV remodeling projects is to improve the comfort and convenience of your motorhome or travel trailer while you are using it. There are two ways to go when remodeling your RV. You can have the work done by a professional RV remodeler or, if you’re handy, you can do the work yourself.
If you decide to go the do-it-yourself route, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Do some online research about the RV remodeling project you plan to tackle and be honest in your assessment of your skills. A poorly executed remodeling project will not only detract from your enjoyment of your motorhome, it can decrease the value of your RV. That said, there are many online sites and books that provide step-by-step instructions for common RV remodeling projects.
Choose RV remodeling projects that fit your lifestyle. Something that catches your eye at an RV show may not be practical for everyday RV life. Put remodeling projects and project materials to the following tests:
– Is it durable?
– Will it be easy to maintain?
– Will it be easy to use?
– Does it offer flexibility?
Next time: Tips for planning RV modeling projects
Posted by on Feb 03, 2012
The tailgating has already started in Indianapolis as people gear up for the Sunday night kickoff of Super Bowl 46. The Super Bowl is the most watched television event of the year — and the only one where people stay tuned for the commercials. Last year 111 million Americans tuned in to watch the ultimate gridiron classic; and 7 out of 10 Americans are expected to be glued to their flatscreens this year. Many of those flatscreens will be in motorhomes as legions of RVers join the 300,000 fans gathering in Indy to celebrate America’s national pastime and participate in biggest tailgate party of the season.
Demand for RV parking spaces at the Super Bowl has increased so rapidly in recent years that this year the NFL has designated an additional two massive parking lot complexes exclusively for RV use. Of course, it will cost you. Premium RV parking in NFL lots within easy walking distance of the stadium and dozens of scheduled tailgate parties will set you back $900. And that’s on top your $2,000 (and up) Super Bowl tickets. If you don’t mind stretching your legs, you can cut your parking fees in half. RV parking at the municipal center costs just $500.
But the cost of parking is of little consequence to RVing football fans. Being part of the biggest football tailgate party of the year is worth the price of admission!
Posted by on Jan 25, 2012
Launched early last year, RVNN.TV is the first internet television network devoted exclusively to the RV world and the RV lifestyle. A just-announced partnership with Roku, maker of the top-selling internet TV set-top box, is expected to expand the network’s reach to more than 3 million new viewers. Roku customers will now be able to enjoy the RV network’s full line of RV programs on their flat-screen TVs via high-speed internet. If you’re a member of the RV Nation, RVNN.TV is definitely worth a look.
The all-RV content on RVNN.TV offers viewers an interesting and varied mix of programs on every aspect of the RV life, including news reports on the RV industry, information on new RV models and features, reviews of new RV accessories, do-it-yourself tips, updates on RV technology, RV travel destinations and the RV lifestyle. On RVNN.TV viewers will find more than a dozen programs on a wide variety of subjects of interest to RV owners, RV dealers, RV shoppers and people who are curious about the RV lifestyle.
Among the programs currently offered on RVNN.TV are shows on geocaching, practical RV cooking tips, traveling with pets, RV gadgets, do-it-yourself RV maintenance and remodeling tips, video walk-throughs of new RV models, communications technology for RVers, information on RV volunteering and workamping, and much more. Tune in and see for yourself!
Posted by on Dec 23, 2011
Happy Holidays from all of us at RVT.com.
No matter where your RV travels lead you this holiday,
safe journeys and happy trails!
RV owners and RV campgrounds pull out all the stops during the holidays. RV resorts and campgrounds sparkle with Christmas lights. Holiday potlucks bring RVers together and put RV travelers in the holiday mood. The sound of carols lingers on the air. Motorhomes are strung with colored lights. Santa and his sleigh fly across travel trailer rooftops. Icicle lights drip from RV awnings, and colorful wreaths decorate doorways.
Indoors, limited display space can make decorating your RV for the holidays a challenge; but there are many simple, inexpensive ways to make your RV look festive for the holidays. If your RV needs an infusion of holiday spirit, try these suggestions. (Tip: Use painter’s tape or Command hooks to hang decorations. They remove easily without damaging surfaces.)
– Fill your RV with the sounds and scents of Christmas. Set your Christmas playlist for continuous repeat and light a few cinnamon or gingerbread-scented candles.
– Display swags of artificial garland around the door or above the sofa.
– Decorate a small tabletop tree.
– Hang Christmas stockings from kitchen cupboards.
– Edge the ceiling with Christmas lights.
– Decorate windows with cling-on snowflakes.
– Trade-in everyday table linens for holiday-themed placemats and napkins.
– Toss a Christmas-themed throw over the sofa.
– Display Christmas hand towels in the bathroom.
– Fill a clear bowl with candy canes.
Posted by on Dec 02, 2011
Looking for gift ideas for the RVers on your holiday shopping list? You’ll find lots of great RV gifts at the RVT.com discount store. Continuing our previous post, here are some more great gifts for RV owners:
> If you’re planning to sell your current RV and upgrade to a newer or bigger RV this winter, ask Santa to put a Nikon Coolpix digital camera or Flip UltraHD Video Camera under the tree. Perfect for taking RV photos and filming a video walk-through of your rig when you list your RV for sale on RVT.com; both cameras are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for capturing memories while you’re RVing.
> Quality RV covers protect your RV from damage when you’re not on the road. A “must-have” for every RV owner.
> New Air Portable Ice Maker with soft-touch controls is an attractive, energy-efficient workhorse with no-drip technology that makes up to 35 pounds of ice per day.
> Camco RV Olympian Propane Camp Fire features realistic ”logs” that mimic the natural look and cozy ambience of wood campfires. Safe for use even when ground fire restrictions are in force, it connects to a standard LP gas cylinder.
> Magellan Pro RoadMate GPS Navigator is the perfect “co-pilot” for RV travelers. Designed to meet the needs of RVers, the RoadMate takes your rig’s height, width, length and weight into consideration when mapping routes. It comes pre-loaded with point-of-interest and RV campground info.
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