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  • Caravans: For The Incurable Travelers

    For caravan lovers, they know which type suits their lifestyle. For the newbie in caravanning, it’s not so often that they find a guide to what should they get. There are basically four general types of these.

    Static Caravans

    Static Caravans usually measures between 20 feet in length by 8 feet in width as well as 38 in length by 14feet in width. These livable places are situated in a caravan park by a few people for the greater part of their time. Static caravans cannot be towed on public roads because it has to obtain a support vehicle behind the caravan. The roads, in addition, are not capable of the caravan’s weight since it can weigh heavier than the allowed. Thus, they can only be transported on lorries. Any location they will transfer to will need the service of a lorry because static caravans carry plenty of modern conveniences which can include: central heating, double glazing and winter insulation.

    Touring Caravans

    Touring caravans can be towed by average cars carrying a tow ball. It can be placed on a caravan park where caravan owners usually pay a nightly fee for a plot for the length of their caravanning holiday. Touring caravans measures from 9 feet in length by 6 feet in width to 16 feet in length x 9 feet in width. They can be towed since they minor footprints compared to static caravans. They are designed to be more compact but cannot carry conveniences such as fridge or /freezers, heating and air conditioning.

    Motorhomes

    Motorhomes on average, are roughly the same range as a touring caravan except for the engine, and its gearbox plus all the functions required to drive itself from site to site. A motorhome is fundamentally a blend of a tourer and a car packed into one neat small package. Motorhomes will vary greatly in size, depending on its purpose; some will measure like the standard touring caravan while some can be bigger like a huge bus.

    Park Homes

    Park Homes and Lodges can be comparable to a static caravan because of their sizes yet they are not so static like the caravan and can be priced higher than the standard type.

    Features such as central heating, double glazing, air conditioning and other extra are considered a standard feature in park homes. Park homes are capable of increased value so they are more like a house which appreciate in value.



    Source by Tara Estacaan

  • Campers, Trailers, and Recreational Vehicles: Know the Difference Before Visiting RV Dealers

    Campers, Trailers, and Recreational Vehicles: Know the Difference Before Visiting RV Dealers

    Have you recently made the decision to purchase a mobile home? These are a great way to add another layer of mobility to your life. But, before you visit the RV Dealers, you should know more about the types of mobile homes available today. The most popular options are the Recreational Vehicle, the pop-up, the trailer, and the truck camper. All of these options have their strengths. Find out which one is best for you.

    The Recreational Vehicle

    Recreational vehicles, also known as motor homes, are usually the largest of the options available from RV dealers, and they come with the most amenities. Depending on what brand and model you choose, recreational vehicles can be as short as a truck or as long as 45 feet. This means that they are also challenging to drive; some states require special licensing in order to operate motor homes. Unlike the other options on this list, they are completely self-powered.

    When it comes to add ons, recreational vehicles have the most versatility. Most motor homes come with a bed, a bathroom, a cooking area, and a small living area. Larger upgraded models can also come with extra beds or bedrooms, full kitchen, living space with sofa and armchairs, and bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Features like extended cabinets, flatscreen TVs, kitchen islands, and hot tubs can also be added.

    If you’re looking for all of the creature comforts of home while on the road, the recreational motorhome might be the best choice for you.

    The Pop-up Camper

    A pop-up is a specialized mobile home that can be folded into a small space and unfolded when parked as part of the pop-up’s set up. It is much smaller and more maneuverable than a motorhome without sacrificing much on space or amenities. Modern pop-ups consist of a frame, a box, a hard roof, pull out bunk beds, and soft walls, which are made of vinyl or canvas.

    Even though unfolded pop-ups share size with motorhomes, they don’t have some of the same amenities. New, high-wall models come with space for cabinets and beds, but there are very few models that come with showers. Special attachments can be purchased to give provide bathrooms. What it lacks in amenities, though, it makes up for in maneuverability and price. Pop-ups are much less expensive than their larger counterparts and can be towed behind a truck or SUV.

    The Travel Trailer

    A travel trailer, also called a caravan or a teardrop, is a small, hard-bodied living space that can be attached to a vehicle. Like campers and recreational vehicles, travel trailers can have many of the comforts of home – a bed, a kitchen, a living space, and a bathroom. Travel trailers tend to be smaller, much smaller than motorhomes. They are generally less than 18 feet long, and they can weigh less than 700 pounds. The smallest teardrop or ultralight models can even be pulled behind cars or motorcycles.

    The Truck Camper

    The truck camper is the smallest mobile home that you’ll find on the RV dealers’ lot. These are made to fit in the bed of a truck. Ultra-small and ultra-light, they are manufactured to provide the necessities – sleeping space, stove or hotplate, sink, and, sometimes, a bathroom, are stacked on top of each other, in order to fit the most in the space. Truck campers allow their inhabitants to go anywhere that a normal automobile would be able to go. They’re popular with individuals on long-term job sites.

    When you visit RV Dealers, your sales associate can help you navigate which of these mobile homes best fits your needs, style, and budget.



    Source by Anders Abadie

  • 5 Top Tips If You Are Involved in a Motorhome Accident

    5 Top Tips If You Are Involved in a Motorhome Accident

    Planning for an accident in your motorhome, is not something any of us wants to do, but it is essential that you are adequately prepared for this worst-case-scenario so, if it does happen, you can keep calm and ensure the situation is dealt with efficiently and effectively for all parties involved.

    Safety should always be a priority when you and your family are involved in a road traffic accident, and the same applies if you are travelling in a motorhome. Our top tips below will guide you through the best practices should the worst happen to you and your vehicle.

    1. Move away from the motorhome

    Find a safe place away from the scene of the accident. If travelling on the motorway, move onto the grass verge at the other side of the barrier to keep a safe distance from the high speed traffic.

    2. Take down the details of the vehicles involved

    Information such as registration numbers, driver details and third party insurance companies. Also note down the damage to the vehicles and any injuries received by the drivers or passengers of all vehicles involved.

    3. Take photos

    If it is safe to do so, and you have your camera to hand, take plenty on photos of your vehicle and any other vehicle involved in the accident. Pay particular attention to points of impact and any tyre marks on the road.

    4. Call your motorhome insurance company as soon as possible

    Inform them of the date and time of the accident, details of the driver (name, address, telephone number) and the circumstances of the accident (when, where and how it happened). They will probably need your policy number and details of the damage caused to the motorhome.

    5. Never admit liability

    Liability is something that the insurance companies will decide and you should not admit to be at fault, or expect another driver to admit liability for the accident.

    Depending on the circumstances of your accident and the level of damage to your motorhome, you may need to call your breakdown service to recover your motorhome from the side of the road. For this reason, you should remember to carry details of your breakdown and recovery service with you in your motorhome at all times, along with the details of your insurance company.

    If you are travelling abroad when an accident happens, it’s still vital that you collect as much information as possible from all parties involved. For further advice on what to do in the event of an accident involving you and your motorhome, whether at home or abroad, contact your insurance provider, who will be able to guide you through the procedure for reporting an accident and making a claim.



    Source by H Robinson

  • Motorhome Replacement Parts Are Instrumental To Safety, Sanitation, And Comfort

    Motorhome Replacement Parts Are Instrumental To Safety, Sanitation, And Comfort

    Traveling in your RV is an adventure every time, whether you are driving across the country or just across the state. In order to ensure your maximum comfort and safety, it is very important to keep your motorhome in excellent repair at all times. This often means purchasing and installing motorhome replacement parts as soon as the need arises. Whether you drive a Class A Fleetwood or a Class B Holiday Rambler, you will find that it is not difficult or necessarily costly to replace and repair parts as the need arises.

    Some of these parts are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle. Your motorhome muffler is a very important part of the overall system; if your exhaust system is not performing at its best, you will notice a marked decrease in power and a marked increase in the amount of fuel you are burning. Fortunately, there are lots of retailers and wholesale suppliers that sell quality mufflers to help you get your RV on the road at maximum performance levels.

    Your lights and your windshield are also very important components to your overall safety. A cracked windshield can decrease visibility, which is a dangerous issue when you are driving something as big as an RV or pulling a travel trailer. The good news is that there are several nationwide services that will replace your windshield promptly, whether you have a Winnebago, an Airstream, or a Monaco. Prices, of course, will vary, according to the size and make of your RV. A Class C windshield, for example, may cost more than that of a Class B vehicle.

    Motorhome lights are for sale through a large number of retailers and suppliers. Your headlights, tail lights, and running lights, make it possible for others to see you in the dark, while increasing your own visibility as well. Interior lights are important for function, ambience, and overall practicality. Contemporary Prevost, Itasca, and other RV’s make use of LED and halogen bulbs because of their practicality and excellent performance qualities. These are for sale through a wide range of wholesale suppliers.

    RV accessories and supplies are also important in the form of ladders and racks. Each RV generally comes with a ladder on the back. This is an important tool for packing and unpacking, making repairs, setting up lighting and satellite dishes, and more. If your ladder is showing wear, it might be time to find an aftermarket replacement. Modern motorhome ladders have been designed to adjust so that you can buy a single ladder that will fit on a wide range of RV’s.

    Racks are often for sale through these same retailers. They mount on the roof, bumper, or ladder of your RV, and can be used to haul bicycles, lawn chairs, recreational equipment, or any other cargo that does not fit comfortably inside the RV. Modern racks have been designed to be installed and uninstalled easily, often requiring no tools at all, and they keep your precious cargo secure throughout your travels.



    Source by Kevin Wynn

  • Self-contained Motorhome or Sleeper Van? Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your New Zealand Holiday

    With a myriad of labels used to describe vehicles for the independent traveller, such as Campervan, Camper, Motorhome, Motor Home, Winnebago, RV, Combi, Kombi, Class-A, Class-B and Class-C to name a few, choosing the right kind of vehicle can be confusing from the outset.

    The common terms used in New Zealand are Camper or Campervan, Motorhome and Sleeper Van. Campers are vans that have been converted for independent travel and contain similar features to their larger cousin the Motorhome. A Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit style of van is popular for these conversions and the finished product is a modern, easy to drive vehicle.

    Motorhomes on the other hand have a cabin built on a van or light truck chassis. Typically constructed from fibre glass, with alluminium skin over plywood occasionally used, the cabin is wider than the chassis base making Motorhomes more spacious. Driving is reasonable straight forward and the models available for rental only require a standard driver’s licence.

    Motorhomes and Campervans are self-contained and support you with the comforts of home, albeit miniaturised. Self-contained vehicles have a sink, hob or cooker, fridge, toilet and shower. The level of self-containment varies but there is a New Zealand Standard (NZS 5465:2001) developed by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA), a body that represents private motorhome owners. The rental motorhome companies are starting to take their vehicle though the certification process and it is worthwhile enquiring about this as you research rental options. The essence of the self-containment standard states a vehicle must be designed to completely meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants for at least three days, be equipped with water storage tanks for drinking and cooking and have waste water holding tanks.

    A Sleeper Van is a Camper that does not meet the self-containment criteria. Beware that this definition is not industry wide and it is not uncommon for a Sleeper Van to be referred to as a Campervan, simply because the vehicle is a van rather than a car. Purpose built Sleeper Vans are frequently constructed from people movers, such as Toyota’s offering, and from station wagons. Because of the type of vehicle used in construction it is uncommon to able to stand. Sleeper Vans can have some elements of self-containment, such as a cooker and small refrigerator allowing lunch or a light meal to be made while out on the road. Sleeper vans, like campers, are easy to drive.

    What makes for the best independent traveller vehicle comes down to personal preference and a balance between cost, comfort and the type of holiday you’re after.

    Perhaps the best place to start is deciding where you want to overnight, as this impact on the type of vehicle that will be suitable and also affects the budget. There are four options for overnighting in New Zealand.

    1) Native Parks – is a network of rural properties and businesses that welcome travellers. You can stay on these properties free of charge, meets the local people and see a bit of their lives. A great way to see NZ beyond the beautiful scenery and they are not crowded. There’s a real mix of people involved from large wineries to small artist plus action and adventure like diving, limestone caving and horse trekking. You do need a self-contained motorhome/campervan. Check out www.nativeparks.co.nz.

    2) Campgrounds – there are a large number of campground that follow a traditional format. In recent years the number of campgrounds has been in decline, so they can get very busy in peak season (Christmas they are at capacity through to the end of February), so it is advisable to book ahead. The following sites might help www.topparks.co.nz or www.familyparks.co.nz.

    3) DoC Campground (Department of Conservation) – typically have fewer facilities than other established campgrounds, so a self-contained motorhome / campervan would make life more comfortable. They are often in very scenic locations and cheaper than privately operated camping grounds. Same situation occurs after Christmas as with other campgrounds. See [http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/003~Huts-Cabins-and-Campsites/Conservation-Campsites/index.asp]

    4) Free / Wild / Freedom camping – just parking up wherever. Rarely permitted in much of NZ, though you can get away with it if you’re sensible. Rules on freedom camping vary from district to district. The Native Parks guidebook highlights what’s permitted in each district. In general terms do not overnight in “No Camping” areas or near established camping ground. It is advisable to be at least 10km from the urban boundary of any town or city. To freedom camp a self-contain motorhome/camper is a must.

    If you prefer staying in camping grounds, but don’t want the hassle of a tent a Sleeper Van may be a good fit. Do bear in mind that an established camping ground costs between $30 – $40 NZD per night for a couple, so it is possible for a Sleeper Van to cost more than a self-contained vehicle with the use of some of the options above on the odd night. If you do want to get away from it all, or you’re looking for more comfort, a self-contained vehicle will be the way to go.

    Past the obvious vehicle rental costs things to consider are whether extra charges for one-way rentals apply, what are the insurance options and whether road user charges for diesel vehicles are included.

    The easiest measure of comfort is size, though it is not the full story. There are many other considerations for comfort and again it comes down to personal preference. Do you need to make up the bed each night? Is there space to have some time out from your travelling companion(s)? Is there an awing to provide shade? How about appliances like microwave and air conditioning (NB power hungry appliances only work when the vehicle is connected to mains power)? These can be found in smaller vehicles so size shouldn’t be the only criteria when it comes to measuring comfort. If you are tall do ask about the ceiling height.

    So there are a number of things to consider when determining what will be the right vehicle for your holiday. As with any purchase it is worth seeking out a company that backs up their vehicle with service and professionalism. These won’t be hard to find, but if you are looking for a starting point there are a few suggestions on the Native Parks website.



    Source by Adrian Tonks

  • Brake Laws – Motorhome and Travel Trailer

    Brake Laws – Motorhome and Travel Trailer

    Most U.S. States and Canadian Provinces have their own laws on the requirement for brakes on a towed trailer. The word trailer also applies to a vehicle being towed behind a motor home. These laws are normally based on the amount of weight being towed. One problem with this is that it might be legal to tow a 2,000 pound trailer with no brakes in the state where you live, but as soon as you cross the state line of a bordering state it is illegal to tow the same trailer without brakes. Add to this your insurance company may not cover you in the event of an accident involving a trailer with no braking system. Again, the most important reason is for your safety and the safety of others.

    The brakes on a tow vehicle or motor home are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the additional weight being towed behind it. This additional weight adds a substantial increase to the distance required to stop safely.

    Travel trailers and 5th wheels come equipped with electric brakes and RV dealers educate the RV consumer on the requirements for adding an electronic brake control to the tow vehicle. Some pop-ups are ordered with brakes and some without. Again, this is often times based on the braking laws for the state you live in. Keep in mind that once you cross a state line it could become illegal. My advice is if you’re going to purchase a pop-up get one that has brakes.

    The real culprit for disregarding braking laws is a motor home towing a vehicle behind it. Most people assume that because of the size of the motor home there is no need for a supplemental brake system on the towed vehicle and sometimes RV dealers fail to communicate the requirement for a supplemental braking system.

    I for one was guilty of towing a vehicle without a braking system for quite some time. A close call, while driving through a major city during rush hour, suddenly educated me on how important it is. Another thing that surprises people is how much the vehicle they’re towing actually weighs. Take your towed vehicle to a set of scales and have it weighed. Make sure it has everything in it that will be in it when you are towing it. After you weigh it double check to make sure the receiver on the motor home is rated to tow that amount of weight and that you aren’t exceeding any of the motor home weight ratings like the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). The GCWR is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded motor home and the fully loaded towed vehicle combined. Most RV chassis manufacturers base their GCWR on the assumption that a supplemental brake system is being used.

    Regardless of the brake system that best suits your individual needs the important thing is that you have one. There are many reasons to have a braking system on your towed vehicle.

    1) It’s the law

    2) It can void your vehicle warranty

    3) It can void your insurance

    4) It will reduce wear and tear on RV brakes and other components

    5) Liability

    But, most importantly it SAFELY reduces the stopping distance and helps to protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others.

    Happy Camping!

    Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101



    Source by Mark Polk