5 Aug, RV traveler newsletter

The frugal RV traveler newsletter only free e-zine dedicated to affordable adventure join, travels Boondocking and save money on your RV, simply complete the form below. You are able at any time opt-out.

After so many requests I decided to write and publish a regular e-zine/newsletter. "Ahhh... regular?"I hear you nachdenklich.Wie of this Shunpiker is that preferred to travel in the direction the wind blows you "get ever it together", to publish on a regular basis?

Admitedly that is what has stopped me from this venture so far. But, as a subscriber to other e-zines for some time now, I have come to recognize that many monthly first published at the end finally writing on a random basis much more.

I don't promise one thing something of interest for report - only...., as often as I, sooner, not later than have to write.I think that you don't want to hear from me, just because it the first of the month. want to know that when you open my mail, is NEWS in it that can ist.Wer of interest for you predict it will be how regularly? non this Shunpiker!

I can promise to along an easy-to-read format, you send the links and information you want to travel, Frugaly, camping, Boondocking and outdoor adventure travel.

Back from newsletter to the economical-rv travel home.

RV resources

Here is an assortment of RV resources: products, websites, companies and services that are relevant for the RV lifestyle. We are interested in providing helpful information to the RVer, such as the various links included below.

If you have a website related to the RV lifestyle and would like to exchange links with us, please complete our link exchange form. We appreciate your input and suggestions for additional RV resources.

Buying an RV: A great RV buying resource! Don't miss it.

Books for the RVer: Great RV resources - the popular Next Exit, Casino Guides, Cookbooks, Owner's Handbooks, RV Trips and more...

Buy or Sell an RV: RV Classified Listings

RV DVDs The easy way to learn everything you need to know.

 

Good Sam VIP RV Insurance Make sure your insurance is designed for the RVer - providing all the necessary coverage to fit your lifestyle.

RV Storage: Nationwide directory of RV storage facilities.

1st Choice RV offers Southern California RV rentals, including luxury motor home rentals in Los Angeles.

Expert Mobile Car Detailing: Service, tips, and tricks of expert mobile car detailer from Orange County California.

American RVer is an entertaining TV-style show with three segments including interviews, technical tips, product evaluations, and sometimes a cooking piece.

Aussie Campervans offers rentals of a variety of 2WD and 4WD recreational vehicles in Australia.

Campground Cooking E-Book Download now and cook tonight!

Chips Away Mobile Windshield Repair: Look for Bill and Shirley at rallies in TX, LA, OK, KS, MO and campgrounds in Colorado summers. If they are not attending as vendors, look for their other Glasweld Glass Restoration System rally team members who are professionally trained and certified. If you are travelling anywhere around the country and get one of those nasty rock chips feel free to call (713-822-4429 or 713-822-1526) and they will attempt to help you find a qualified repair tech who can help you.

Dummy's Guide to Buying a Pre-Loved RV The guide was written by Les Doll, a working Certified RV technician, with years of RV construction and maintenance experience. Insider's tips in a guide you can download right now!

You never know when you might need help on the road -- an ounce of prevention is well worth it. Don't wait until it's too late.

Everything about RVing: Great information on camping, RVing and what to see and do while you are traveling.

 Foldtuk: Check out this innovative way to store, freeze and heat make-ahead food and leftovers. Handy for RVers.

Gift Ideas for RVers

The Scoop on Wild Birds and Feeders: Lots of information on the intriguing world of bird watching through bird feeders, bird baths and bird houses. How To attract the wild birds you want to see.

WriteSlice.com: Entertaining and practical articles from mid 40's RVing retirees who bugged out. Join their travels and investigation to find a warm place in their new life.

Factory Tours

Festivals.com

Life Insurance endorsed by Good Sam

Happy Camper Discount Camping: Get 50% off camping rates at participating parks.

Handicapped Travel Club The Handicapped Travel Club, Inc. was formed in 1973 to encourage RV traveling for people with a wide range of disabilities. The HTC encourages people with disabilities and their families to travel, to meet and to share information on making recreational vehicles accessible for the disabled. "Fun and fellowship" is our motto.

Hydrogen-Generators-USA.com: Hydrogen generator kits and parts for DIY'ers to help save fuel on your gas or diesel vehicles. Learn how Hydrogen-On-Demand works and will lower your emissions. Find out 12 things you should know before you purchase a hydrogen generator.

Mod My RV:
All about making modifications to your RV. It?s an online community where fellow RVers and enthusiasts can share the mods they have made to their RVs, or ask questions about mods they would like to do.

My RV Link:
Find and compare RVs. Get the latest RV News and research RV Guides.

Nada Guides

Passport Campground Discounts

Prest-O-Fit is your source for high-quality RV accessories including RV Sanitation Products, Step Rugs, Patio Rugs and Interior Rugs.

 Reserve America: Campground reservations and more RV resources at this helpful site.

AmericaOnWheels.com: A site devoted to RV/campground trip planning.

Ford RV Refrigeration: Certified Training in the field of RV Refrigerator Cooling Unit reconditioning. Hours can be used for recertification with RVDA-RVIA. RV Service & Sales & Refrigerator Manuals also available.

RV Transport: What you need to know.

Harvest Hosts is the first membership program of its kind in the United States to provide RV owners with FREE overnight stops at wineries and farms across the country.

Love the Outdoors An Outdoor Guide for Camping, Hiking and RVing.

Love RVing: Useful recreational vehicle information from camping etiquette to choosing an RV, renting, joining an RV club or tour, volunteer & work opportunities, health & wellness, and pre-departure checklists.

RVLivin.com: Expansive RV forum on the web.

Membership Campgrounds: Discount camping and membership campgrounds may be help you save money. We share our thoughts on this subject.

RV Camper Guide: Information about RV campers, trailers, motorhome vans, RV parts, accessories and more.

RVer's Computer Help: Free computer help to RVers and Travelers.

RV Motorhome Answers: Help from an RV technican, with information on different aspects of an RV plus a contact page for your questions.

RV Protection offers RV warranties and many more RV resources.

RV Resources Directory The RV world at your fingertips.

RV Service Finder at Funroads.com Find RV resources such as RV service, appliances, maintenance and repair.

RV Shows

XM Radio The best radio on radio...commercial-free. Get The Best of SIRIUS Free for 3 months when you purchase any XM radio.

Thousand Trails: Membership campground club. Sign up for a free stay to check things out. Tell them we referred you.

ToyBox Covers: RV Covers, Motorcycle Covers, parts, accessories and more.

Why is my PC so slow?

Who's RVing?

More Links to RV Resources

 Great gear from an innovative company. Get 20% Off Any Single Regularly Priced Moosejaw Item Sitewide with coupon code 206!

RV Books for your RV lifestyle

 

We cannot say enough about how RV books, which helped us when we started on our lifestyle RV. Read at the very beginning we lived about those who learn to validate get our dream - ideas to our thinking. And then we learn more about our skills improve and get different perspectives. As a result, we think that we are well informed decisions.

Here is a selection of RV books about the basics of RVing, camping and campsites, full-time RV lifestyle, buying an RV, RV maintenance, travel and even recipes for the road.Use the personal experiences of those who have "been there, done, the".Und miss the guides to help you plan your trip and stops.

DVD: Better Business Bureau: buying a recreational vehicle: Learn to make the right choice when buying an RV in this 50-minute DVD of RVtravel.com and the better Business Bureau.

Avoid buying the wrong RVErhalten you finance expert advice as you an RV and avoiding that a common mistake which you ?upside Down? on a loan can leave.Chuck Woodbury, a veteran login ID and recognised RV industry authority, advise you what you are looking in a new or used RV

Drive your mobile home like A Pro
This is a help as i.e. should lead, provide drivers with the know you drivers need to a safer and more secure to werden.Perfekt for both beginners and experienced riders. Next stop and login ID's friend

The 2010 next exit details exactly what you'll find at each end along the Interstate: petrol stations (including the brands and offer diesel), campsites, truck stops, casinos, laundries, retail stores (by name) shopping centres, cinemas, factory outlet malls, drugstores, hospitals, rest areas and more.

And with the 2010 login ID's friend, can RVers determine whether a travel Centre welcomes you staying for one night, when it has a dump station, propane, Internet access and what RV-mechanical services are provided.Packed two best-selling RV Books for additional savings.

10 Minute tech, volume 3

Get the latest, simple solutions for all kinds of crazy RV Herausforderungen.Einfach to do and money saving ideas.

This RV book has hundreds of innovations, tips and tricks to your RV lifestyle fun, easy and safe.

Repair and maintenance manual

This RV book is an industry standard for nearly 15 years gewesen.Und now it has even yet updated more pages for the latest equipment, accessories and techniques.

Easy to understand, troubleshooting tips and step-by-step procedures to save money.

DVD: Work on the RV road

Learn how income to earn during RVing.Author and work camping experts Jaimie Hall shows what you need to know to gain employment or run your own business while traveling with a recreational vehicle.

Support your RV lifestyle
This is a great Buch.Autor Jaimie Hall has spent the last ten years full time of RV travel and work along the way.And what have you learned in this well written, well organized book is written.

A great resource based on real experience.Jaimie is well known as an expert on the work of RV lifestyle.

Fulltiming for new and used RVers

If you think about the street beat full time in a recreational vehicle, then this is should be essential reading book.

It is the most current and comprehensive guide to full time RVing emerging full-time login ID packed with Verything know muss.Selbst experienced RVers ever written for enough valuable information, tips and tricks to the many justify price this book times over.

The complete book of Boondock RVing

Yearn to camp in the wilderness next to a babbling mountain stream or a remote panorama view? this is the complete guide to the camping without connections (aka "dry camping").

Whether you plan will experience an occasional overnight stay in a parking lot or a longer stay to spend in the wilderness, how your rig for Boondocking upgrade to find great camping to manage waste, save electricity and water and store in complete RV comfort and Bequemlichkeit.Ihre to increase independence and save money.

Whether it trip operate and maintain your rig design, purchase a new RV or guidance, it helps quarantined.we are big believers in relevant research to do, when it comes to deciding the RV Lebensstil.Hier some more RV books and publications.

 

RV Road service:

No one likes thinking need RV Road service. But let's face it - your RV is a great investment. If something goes wrong while on the road, it certainly helps when you can trust your emergency road service. A RV breakdown is different than a car – it pays to available resources have specialized help. Finding include coverage, reliability and reputation.

How you around for emergency road service shop, here are some points of comparison are exploring:

You should get help quickly emergency dispatch service - a call. Should have access to 24 hours to help every day. Research how long it should be sent for the service, should. You don't want RV towing - any old towing service. Reliable service should care to the type of RV involved are to send with the resources to specialized towing equipment and personnel. Look for to carry unlimited distance. Vehicles covered - should cover for all your household vehicles and all members of your household can get. RV road offers flat tires - service generally to a qualified technician, an apartment with your spare change to send.Many RVers don't have a spare you, look for companies with a network of contacts to a new replacement tyres for suchen.Am roadside mechanical repairs - for minor repairs, you should be posted, located a mobile mechanic to fix the problem.Other benefits according to your requirements and include other features might jump starting important Lockdown protection, battery, fuel delivery, technical support hotline, trip interruption coverage and medical referral assistance.

Many RVers report positive experiences with this program, citing both quick response and qualified Personal.Es is definitely a popular service for peace and protection.

 

Motor home versus fifth wheel

 

Mobile home versus fifth wheel? This is a decision that has many a login ID, especially those who are at Fulltimers bound clueless.

The bottom line is that there no "right answer".the pre-and disadvantages must be weighed according to the RV lifestyle, individual preferences and priorities.

For example, compare a class A motor home versus fifth wheel RV, here are some of the factors to consider:

Class A motorhomes are usually more convenience and look out move on down the road – great captain's chairs comfort large views by an expansive front Windschutzscheibe.Sie simply have kitchen, living room and bathroom facilities while going on the road or for fast roadside stops.

Class A motorhomes mean in the rule you need to drag to do errands a car and visit - so now you have two engines/transmissions to maintain. With a fifth wheel truck, you can avoid some vehicle maintenance expenses.

And then there is the subject of gas mileage. Yes, the camper will use much fuel. But so is a large truck.Compare potential MPG for the long journey to take from the RV from point A to point b.But forget the day to day trips over city, once you your goal - reach now you the tow truck vs. dirty will compare the select behind the motorhome tow.

Fifth wheels seem generally more living space and much more of a "homely" sense to haben.Diese distinction can hold in many cases, although pretty spacious ist.Wohnmobile tend the 4 slide motorhome, narrower slides as fifth wheels for the simple reason that people want to move the location entered the motor home even during the slides.It is less a necessity in the fifth wheel move while the slides in sind.Wie you make comparisons, it is worth considering how things look within the (including access to cabinets, etc.) If the slides are retracted.

We found offer mobile homes tend to be larger capacity and space - but this can be on type and size of the camper and fifth wheel are all types and sizes of campers and 5th compared abhängen.Es wheels with ongoing engineering changes and innovations.

As you look around, be sure, an important point of comparison - and verify that the RV to make adequate capacity seats safe to use.

Depending on your lifestyle, you can view both toys road freight forwarders. There are some creative design decisions have your toys and to bring along with you.

What is RV versus fifth wheel and truck - easier to drive? That depends on the size, weight, quality and design of the vehicles and is usually a question of individual Geschmacks.Wir arguments on both sides of the fence heard.

We have also heard general characterization, an RV better for those RVers, is often who move, and fifth wheel is better for those to stay for a longer period.This may or may not be for everyone right sein.jedoch as a practical matter...If your regular routine the RV park for months at a time in a single location, consider figures twice, to maintain a camper of the engine.Campers will be dangers.

Stairs might be important since you think an RV versus fifth wheel.So, should the entry steps, handrails and to remember that you can use always downstream step stool or platform need weiter.Denken you once are an extra step in the RV in an RV, things usually all on one level.The most fifth wheels will have received a few stairs to the field of bathroom and bedroom.

Mobile homes and a tow vehicle are now usually more expensive than a fifth wheel and LKW.Aber again, all depends it how fancy you receive with your RV and tow vehicle.

Compare other things height clearance, capacity for towing and implementation among belongings, holding tank capacity, generator and the quality and reputation of the manufacturer.There are a variety of designs, trademarks within any RV: campers, fifth wheels, trailer, truck campers and so on.

What suitable could be potentially problematic for more frequent and longer journeys for occasional use.The weekend trip or full-time lifestyle is different from a cross-country. underestimate the quality as you your decisions treffen.Und definitely do your homework in RV versus fifth wheel, brands and models to vergleichen.vermeiden you the trap of being "penny wise and pound foolish".

Back to the question motorhome versus Sattelkupplung.Der best advice we can give your is kind of RV lifestyle carefully to prüfen.Es is the decisive factor when deciding on the best choice for you.

3 Aug, is A small mobile home your best choice

 

We drive a small motorhome ? a Class B (van size) camper. Pictured here, our 1990 Roadtrek offers everything we need in an RV in a very compact space. 

Our home away from home. We named her
"Sweet Surrender" after the John Denver song.

If you like the idea of the frugal adventure RV lifestyle that I describe on this site and you?re looking for an RV that best fits the bill to take you to the places I?m suggesting, then I recommend you look for a small motorhome.

If you're like some of our friends, you may be asking how we can live in such a small space. The answer is, "We don't. We cook our meals in the RV and sleep in it but, unless it's raining, the great outdoors is our living room and dining room."

When looking for a small motorhome, you do have a few choices:

Class B (van-size camper) Class B-plus (slightly wider van-size camper) Pop-top van Truck Camper Small Class C (preferably under 27 feet in length)

Small motorhomes have become the fastest growing segment of the RV industry in recent years and with the recent hike in fuel prices this trend is bound to continue.

Increasingly popular, lightweight RVs that are towed - such as small trailers and tent trailers provide the cheapest option of all. Some can even be towed behind a small fuel-efficient car and are possibly the most frugal option of all.

When it comes to small trailers, you CAN afford to join an elite group where the best "used" trailers include "classic vintage" models.

Many people, including good friends of ours, pull a mid-size trailer and are able to access many of the same camping areas we do. However, the overall length, when combined with a tow-vehicle, will prevent you from exploring many of the roads we take in our small motorhome. The solution, of course, is to un-hitch the trailer and explore the road by car or truck before bringing the trailer in.

The many advantages of driving a small motorhome can be broken into 2 categories: frugal (or cost saving) advantages and adventure advantages.

Better fuel economy. Can access narrow forest roads and other dirt roads leading to free dispersed camping areas. Can ?sneak-a-sleep? wherever overnight parking is allowed. With a larger RV, many people leave the RV behind and drive a tow vehicle to explore the area. With a small RV, your home and food is always with you so you can save on restaurant meals. If, while exploring, you find a great overnight spot, you can stay without having to backtrack to get your RV. Since every storage area in an RV seems to get filled, the less storage space you have, the less "stuff" you bring or are tempted to buy on route. (We still always bring stuff that doesn't get used.) Can be used as a primary or secondary vehicle when not traveling. With the recent escalation in fuel prices, a small RV should hold its value better than a larger model. Easy to drive and park. Allows you to explore what's down a narrow road without fearing that you may not be able to turn around. If you find a great spot, your home is with you so you are free to spend as much time as you like. You can be more spontaneous. Since all your gear is with you, if you find a wonderful hiking trail, camping area, or meet up with people, you can take advantage of opportunities without having to return to home base. With less indoor space in a small motorhome, you're likely to spend more time outdoors which, after all, is the idea, isn't it?

Here is a comparison of the pros and cons (in my opinion) of the various types of small motorhomes:

Pros:

Most trucks have higher clearance and perhaps even 4-wheel-drive and will allow access to rougher roads and more areas than any other small motorhome. You may already own a truck and the financial outlay for the camper to add to it is much less than for a motorized RV. If you already own a truck, additional savings include not having to insure or pay for annual license fees on another motor vehicle. Some truck campers are made to fold down to a lower profile resulting in better fuel efficiency. The camper can be removed from the truck and left set-up at a campsite while you take the truck for a drive. (From our experience this is usually just tricky enough that it?s not a feature you would take advantage of very often.) When not traveling, you can remove the camper and have use of the truck as a primary or secondary vehicle. You can upgrade to a newer truck, if you like, but still keep the camper and just transfer it to the new truck.

Cons:

When you are in the camper you don?t have access to the driver?s seat to drive away without going outdoors first...could be a safety and inclement weather issue. A truck camper is higher than a class-B or class-C RV so getting in and out of the camper will mean climbing more steps.

Pros:

When not traveling, it can be a primary or secondary vehicle with seating for 4 to 6 people. No wasted space - on most models the driver and passenger seats turn around to become part of your living space while camping. Some B-plus models offer a slide-out for additional space In an emergency, you can get to the drivers seat from within the camper very easily and drive away from trouble. Most are built more aerodynamically so they get better gas mileage than either a truck with camper or a class-C. Can be parked in any regular parking space that will accommodate a van or extended van. Easily becomes a second vehicle when not traveling. Some models look more like a conversion van than an RV.

Cons:

Very compact space. Not much storage. The ceiling height and the bed may not be suitable for tall people. Sleeps fewer people than a Class C or truck camper. The bed generally has to be taken down in order to seat more than two for dinner. Usually more expensive to buy than a Class C.

Pros:

Most have a more spacious living area than either truck camper or class-B. More space means more storage space. Slide-outs for additional space are available on some models. No wasted space - the driver and passenger seats become part of your living space when camping. In an emergency, you can get to the drivers seat from within the camper very easily and drive away from trouble.

Cons:

Not very aerodynamic, so poor fuel economy.
Always looks like an RV and generally more bulky so, when not traveling, is not as suitable as a primary or secondary vehicle.

This page describes small motorhomes only but you'll find an excellent description of the differences between all types of motorhomes at RV Living Unlimited.

If you're not ready to buy, there are few affordable rental options but there is finally one that I've found: Lost Campers is based out of San Franciso, California. Although their vans don't have all the amenities (water, toilet, extra battery power, etc.) of a motorhome, they are an affordable way to experiment with the boondocking lifestyle, especially when combined with free campsites throughout the southwest.

When you're ready to buy, look for the best used RV you can afford - especially if this is your first RV purchase. You'll find out, as you use it, what your likes and dislikes are so buying new is not an option until you've spent some time on the road. A new RV can also be very expensive and will depreciate faster than most other vehicles would. Check the used RV ads to see for yourself; whereas, a used RV will depreciate much more slowly.

Nervous about buying used? Here is an excellent e-book that I highly recommend.

The type of small motorhome you end up with may be determined as much by what is available in your price range as any decision you make based on preference. Any of the RV types described above will work fine. We've owned two Class B campers (Roadtreks) since we started traveling nine years ago. Both were purchased because we found them at a reasonable price.

The only thing we would change, given the option, would be to have a higher clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. That could expand our horizons even farther. Although some Class B and C campers now offer these features, they are generally quite expensive. For this reason, when we're ready to shop for our next small motorhome, we may find ourselves looking seriously at a truck camper.

I guess we should try that change soon, while we're still in our fifties and still able to manage those extra steps.

Return from Choosing A Small Motorhome
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Their RV shop

This RV store includes a variety of items. The recommended products are acquired only a selection of the many popular elements of RVers or for RVers.

RV Books:Browse book selection for issues such as RVing RV basics, camping and campsites, national parks, the RV lifestyle, fulltiming, RV tech tips, shopping, an RV, RV planning travel and Kochbücher.nutzen you the advice of experts and the personal experiences of fellow RVers.

Outdoor gear:

Here a selection of the dealer with a wide selection of clothing and other equipment is made for the RV lifestyle:

RV store educational videos/DVDs:
"A picture is a thousand words".Zu these videos and DVDs offer accordingly to learn an easily understandable way, remember!) DVDs for campers, 5th wheels, hibernation and mehr.Box sets are a great value.

RV products include things for your RV and for you. check out the variety of elements to your RV lifestyle pleasant make.

RV resources:A range of RV products, websites, companies and services that are relevant to the RV lifestyle.

Login ID gift ideas:Here are a few things to note when Comtemplating gifts to or from one login ID geben.Ormybe only to yourself buy!

RV publications:Here is a selection of journals, popular camping directories, books and publications with RVers.Read more about the RV lifestyle, fulltiming, trip planning and more.Great books such as the next exit and login ID's friend

Login ID's Notebook software!:This is a really nice software program for all possible RVing Dinge.Mehr as a journey log includes this RV product a weight and balance calculator, automated alerts and user-friendly features to maintenance expenses, track addresses and events.