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| Making the Most of Motohome Parks by Peter Lenkefi Motorhome camping has become one of the favorite pastimes next to resorts. It offers the convenience of a home in a camping site and with a low budget of say $120 one can have a nice motorhome with all the amenities of a standard home.Another great advantage of the motorhome is that you can easily move ffrom one place to the other without having to unpack or pack anything. You have all your facilities mounted aboard the vehicle and in a matter of minutes you are ready to camp or leave.Motorhome parks are ordinary camping parks but more designed to suit campers with motohomes. They have special parking lots and sometimes well demarcated plots to serve as parking lots and dweling places.We take a view at the top motorhome parks and the facilities they offer.Abbeyville RV Park located in Abbeville, LA , has excellent park facilities. It has 55 sites, all shady and therefore conducive for camping. They also serve a variety of cuisines to campers who may not bring along their own food. Abbeville allows you to explore the city of Abbeville and its suroundings to enjoy its shops, musuems and scenic byways.Betty's RV Park found at Abbeville, Louisiana offers enhanced features for campers in motorhomes. It has been rated as one of the top 25 RV Parks in America and the Most Fun Small Private RV Park in the United States.Betty’s provide a private atmosphere for campers and therefore suitable for researchers and people who need to have have some quite time as they camp in their motorhomes. From this park, you can easily access all the nieghboring cities. The park is only 20 minutes from Lafayette and 2 hours drive from New Orleans.Internet users will love this park as it features a Free WI-FI.Natalbany Creek Campground & RV Park at West Amite, LA is another great place for motorhome owners who are seeking a serene place to make camp. Natalbany Creek Campground has large cabins to serveeas off vehicle accomodation for families who need to spend some time at the park. There are also single cabins that can accomodate 2 people. These rooms have baths, kitchens and beds..There are also kitchen cabins,bunk beds and sitting rooms.If you rent the cabin, you are entitled to the use of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and sitting room. All the rooms have cold and water and linen and towels are provided. There is also AC, heating and cable tv. There are some few rules that you should observe at motorparks. Rememebr that the electrical power should not be overwhelmed so do not bring high wattage gadgets as that may consume a lot of power and lead to outage or drop in current.If you did a pit for any purpose, ensure that it is covered hard before you leave the place so no one falls into it.Keep noise to the minimum especially between 1 am and 7am when many people would be asleep.Before you leave the park, ensure that all fires have been put out and that there is no smoke.Lastly, try to avoid fuel spills as that can lead to a fire outbreak.Motorparks are interesting places to spend a vacation. They provide full scale amenities at half the cost and help you to enjoy the woods in the comfort of your home. About the Author For more more information about motohome parks please visit http://www.luxury-motor-homes.net |
| An Introduction to RV Insurance by Elizabeth Morgan Insurance coverage for recreational vehicles (RVs) can be a complicated issue. RVs combine many aspects of regular traveling vehicles with aspects of a home. There are several issues that need to be considered when purchasing RV insurance. First, all conventional car insurance issues must be covered. Second, it is a good idea to insure items inside the RV as well. Other issues arise for people who live predominantly in their RV and do not have a permanent residence anywhere else. The definition of an RV is somewhat loose. An RV is traditionally viewed as a motor home, but many travel trailers, fifth wheels, and tour buses are considered RVs as well. Since RVs are motor vehicles, they must be covered for conventional car insurance issues such as liability, collision, and uninsured or underinsured motorists. It is a legal requirement to have liability insurance, which covers all damages and bodily harm that is caused by the insured RV motorist. This protects people who the RV owner may collide with, and guarantees that they will receive compensation. Collision insurance covers any damage done to the RV when a collision occurs. This includes situations in which the RV collides with an object or an object collides with the RV. It is a good idea for RV owners to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as well. This type of coverage protects the RV owner from having to pay for any damages caused by another vehicle driven by someone who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.RVs usually include appliances; it is a good idea, though it is not legally required, to insure these as well. The main difference between RV insurance and standard car insurance is that RV insurance policies can cover appliances and personal items in the RV. Plumbing, electrical problems, and other issues can be covered by RV insurance policies. Other items in the RV -- like TVs, stereos, or furniture -- can also be insured. This is similar to homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Usually, people must ask for coverage of internal items because the law does not require it. People who live in their RV full time and do not have a permanent residence have additional options. Many insurance companies offer full time coverage specifically designed for people who live in their RV. These types of policies often provide total vehicle and home insurance for the RV. It is important for RV owners to purchase appropriate coverage for their vehicle. Many RV owners foolishly purchase the bare minimum of coverage, and then have to pay out of pocket for costly repairs on appliances and other items inside the RV. About the Author RV Insurance Info provides detailed information about RV insurance quotes, policies, and companies, RV rental insurance, and more. RV Insurance Info is the sister site of RV Rentals Web. |
| Conversion Van Camping Advice by Steve Gillman Conversion van camping doesn't give you the luxury of life in an RV, nor the discomfort of sleeping in a tent. It can be tough to safely heat a van at night, but it's cheap compared to an RV, and you can go places they cannot. We spent more than 25 nights sleeping in our conversion van last year. Life In A Conversion Van Make your van into something that's useable for you, especially if it's going to be your residence for days or weeks at a time. For my wife and I, this meant having space to move around. We took out the two middle seats which, I convinced Ana, would be good armchairs for the living room. Then we had enough space for dressing or cooking. The bench-seat in back folds out into a comfortable bed, so we were all set for camping. When traveling, you need a system of organization to keep your space inside the van livable. After our first long trip, we noticed the many things we never used. We got more efficient after that. We're also able to keep the space open, despite carrying many things, by using plastic storage tubs you can buy almost anywhere. They stack well, and if you need more room at night, you can put them on the roof. They're rainproof with the lids snapped on. Heating A Conversion Van Camping in a van can be cold at times, as it was for us in the deserts of Arizona last winter. We started the van and cranked up the heater once in a while, but only for brief periods. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is just too great to leave the car running while you are sleeping. We also cooked to heat up the van. Our propane camp stove burned very clean. Any time it was cold, it was time to cook dinner, breakfast, or tea. This heated up the van nicely. Again, because of carbon monoxide, I wouldn't recommend ever sleeping with a propane burner going. Still, sometimes a quick warm-up is all you need before you crawl under the blankets for the night. The secret to heating a conversion van when camping is to give up. Enjoy meal time warm-ups, but unless you have electric power, I don't know of a safe way to heat a van all night. Instead, you can heat yourselves. Wear warm clothing. Bring more blankets than you think you'll need. Prepare a thermos bottle full of hot coffee each night, so it will be waitng for you in the morning. You get to warm the van when you make it, and warm up yourselves drinking it for breakfast. Advantages Of Conversion Van Camping Traveling and camping in a conversion van costs less than in an RV. The initial cost is a lot less if you buy used, as we did, and the cost of driving it is substantialy less. We averaged 18 miles per gallon on our last cross-country trip. Most recreational vehicles are lucky to get half of that, and they're very expensive to maintain. Compared with tent camping, a van is much more comfortable. Even if you backpack, you are probably going to drive some kind of car to wherever you go. With a van, you can come inside if it starts to rain. If you're backpacking a long way from home, you can save on motels on the drive to and from the trailhead. Camping can be more comfortable in an RV, but not in all ways. It's nice, for example, to park anywhere. We've taken naps in parking lots, and nobody was the wiser, thanks to tinted windows, curtains, and the inconspicuousness of a van. At a free campground in Florida we got the best spot, on a bank overlooking Lake Talquin, because our van was small enough to fit there, unlike most of the RVs. It's great to be able to drive anywhere. In the conversion van, camping wherever we are when it gets dark is no problem. Finally, some larger RVs drag a car around because the big rig just isn't practical for daily driving. Our coversion van is a second home AND our primary vehicle for shopping or going to work. That's flexibilty.
About The Author Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com. |
| RV and Camper Awnings by Alison Cole One of the most enjoyed activities by millions of Americans is traveling via recreational vehicles, or RVs. RVs can provide all of the comforts of home as well as the ability to visit thousands of destinations. RVs can range from small, pull-along trailers to mammoth driving trailers. One way to increase energy efficiency and beauty on a traveling trailer is through the use of an RV awning. You can generally choose from two styles of RV awnings; those that can be rolled up, and those that stay open with the awning fabric and roller tube exposed. The most popular type of RV awning is probably the conventional type. Most experts will agree that the overwhelming popularity of the conventional RV awnings is because they are much less expensive than other types. These types of awnings do not fit directly against the RV’s sidewall, therefore causing a potential danger in high wind situations. Window RV awnings, however, do fit snugly and tightly against the RV and, depending upon how tightly they are rolled, can have a much better resistance against wind. RV camper awnings can provide many of the same benefits as home awnings. They can add charm, elegance and functional qualities to your home. Energy efficiency is a huge plus when considering a camper awning. In many cases, you can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% and you can imagine the utility savings. Some people enjoy traveling in their RVs for leisure, while others choose to make the RV their primary residence. In either case, camper awnings are certain to make your motor home feel more like a comfortable and inviting place to live and entertain. You can start your search for a camper awning by contacting any local awning installation company; most of these companies provide awnings for both homes and RV’s. Awnings Info provides detailed information about retractable, canvas, window, RV, patio, aluminum, deck, and commercial awnings. Awnings Info is the sister site of Gazebos Web. |
| Shipping cars or motorhomes by sea freight by Richard Hack If you are ever looking to ship your car or motorhome overseas,or purchase a classic car over the internet, you need to considerhow much it will cost, and how you are going to go about seafreighting it. There are many freight forwarding companies outthere, but not many whom are specialised in carshipping like Taurus Logistics. Make sure whomever you use,you understand all the terms on the quote, and if not have themexplain in writing what it all means. A good freight forwardershould total the quote for you and note any exceptions. Dependingon whether you are a buyer or a seller you need to consider whois paying for what, in respect to costs associated with shippingyour car. The easiest way as a seller is to sell the car Ex works, this means you do not need to trouble yourself withany of the details or costs for the sea freight.As a buyer Ex works is also preferable as it give you control over whomyou are using and makes sure there are no unforeseen costsinvolved. Buyers should also consider Marine Insurance Have theowner professionally steam clean and vacuum the car to remove ALLsoil and organic matter. Ship no personal effects or otherbelongings in the car Use a company that responds quickly to yourenquiries, and specialises in car shipping Look to purchase carsclose to a main sea port in the country of the seller. Or havethe seller responsible to get it to por. Keep all copies ofdocumentation like “bill of sale” etc. This will beneeded for your Customs clearance. Sellers should consider In theUSA power of Attorney will be needed to be give to the freight forwarder for the export documentation. You will needthe title of ownership to authorise export. Countries all havedifferent regulations regarding car importing so it is best youcheck these with your local vehicle authorities. If you need anyassistance feel free to contact the Author. richard.hack@tauruslogistics.co.nz About the Author 18 years in the freight forwarding and logistics industry. Specialist in out of gauge and project cargo. |
| RV Vacations: Ten Tips by Jill Ferrer of Your R Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun and you'd like to try it, but you aren't sure if it's for you. Well, it's a growing industry. Annual RV retail sales topped $14 billion in 2004. As baby boomers take to the road, the RVing pastime and lifestyle are becoming increasingly popular. If you have a hint of the RV itch, then here are 10 common reasons for taking an RV vacation: Getting Back to Nature: If you are interested in the great outdoors, an RV is a great way to vacation. You can visit state or national parks, tour famous landmarks and simply enjoy some fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike or go fishing. Try white water rafting or canoeing. Play some golf, go swimming, ride your bike. Get some exercise or simply do nothing but enjoy your surroundings. The Comforts of Home: In an RV, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the great outdoors with more creature comforts than tent camping. Whether you own an RV or try a rental, most RVs are well equipped. You will likely have a kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove, a TV and VCR, beds, living and dining areas and bathroom with shower. Many RVs have slide out rooms that increase the living area at the touch of a button. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of the rain if the weather changes, and turn on the air conditioner if it gets too hot. Family Matters: Family members of all ages tend to connect with each other when they are away from their normal routine enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Remember that family togetherness can be a double-edged sword. While the RV is comfortable, it is a small living area for a large family. If you are renting, bear this in mind in choosing the size of your rental RV. During the day, try to spend time outdoors or in different activities, so that each family member gets a bit of personal space and time for themselves. But the minor logistics can be managed. The general consensus among RVing families is that an RV vacation tends to bring the family closer together with more communication and the sharing of good times. Cool for Kids: An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There are likely to be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories, songs and stargazing. And most kids think it's pretty cool to be in an RV "home on wheels". Campgrounds: There are many choices in campgrounds and RV parks. In peak season and tourist areas, you should make reservations. Look for the amenities that are important to you. Campgrounds may have swimming pools, lakes, boating, fishing ponds, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, game rooms, walking or bike paths, tennis courts and activities for kids and adults. You may find dances, barbeques, contests or other entertainment. RV Clubs are worth joining to get campground discounts and other services. Consider the size and setting of the campsites and check out overall campground ratings in campground directories. Also consider proximity to other attractions or landmarks that you want to visit. Flexibility: In an RV, you have the flexibility to change locations if you get the whim. But take this with a grain of salt. For popular destinations, you may not be able to pick up and find another campground without a reservation. You also want to strike the right balance between seeing different areas, the amount of time spent driving and ensuring you have enough time to relax. Cautions aside, an RV can give you a lot of freedom and spontaneity. rvmarts.com/rvtravel/ ">RV travel appeals to an inner pioneering spirit and allows you to create your own adventure as you go along your way. You can explore the country at your own pace or take off for last minute mini-vacations, tailgating events and weekend trips.Affordability: The question of whether it is cheaper to take an RV vacation doesn't have a "one size fits all" answer. The comparison really depends on the type of vacations you would take instead, as well as the way in which you plan to RV. For a one-time trip, you can compare the costs of renting a suitable RV to the costs of hotels, airfare or other means of travel. Or if you are considering regular RV vacations, you may want to purchase a motorhome or towable trailer. In this case, you would need to factor in operating costs, maintenance and the purchase price. In an RV, you can save money by cooking meals at home vs. dining out. You can minimize expenses if you take advantage of activities and amenities already included in the campground rate. Fuel expenses can be managed by reducing the distances traveled and staying longer at a given campground or park. Driving the RV: Driving yourself gives you control over where you go and the pace of your travel. You don’t have the hassle of airline counters and keeping to schedules. You can stop and take a break when you choose. You don't need a special license to drive an RV. Sure, it takes some getting used to -- but the number of RVs on the road should tell you that it is doable. Practice on your own (or with one other person) before you load up your passengers. Take advantage of any classes available through your dealer or one of the many RV organizations. How about a relaxing vacation for a change? How many times have you returned from a trip saying you need a vacation from the vacation? Now don't kid yourself - if you are the type who likes to schedule all the details of a trip, that's not going to change simply because you are traveling in an RV. But in choosing an RV vacation, you may shift your thinking and be more apt to use your time off as an opportunity to truly relax and unwind. Test out the RV Lifestyle: The RV vacation may serve as a test drive to gauge your overall interest in the RV lifestyle. There are RVers who spend several weeks per year in rvmarts.com/rvtravel/ ">RV travel. Other RVers take off for months. Snowbirds are RVers who make an annual trek to warmer climates for the winter season. And then there are fulltime RVers whose only home is their RV. Many of these people started out by vacationing in an RV as a way to try out the RV lifestyle. About the Author Copyright 2005 Your RV Lifestyle, all rights reserved. Publication permitted if resource info and links are intact. About The AuthorJill is a fulltime RVer and editor of www.your-rv-lifestyle.com, where you can find more tips on choosing, affording and enjoying your RV lifestyle. |
| travel the world in a motor home makes cents by Tom Have you been looking for the best sourced opinion regarding motor homes. When you're in the hunt for better-quality information on motor homes, it will be tricky extricating the best information from unprofessional motor homes proposals and guidance so it is important to know ways of moderating the information presented to you. Roadtrek: The Motorhome That Drives Like an SUV! With Roadtrek class B motorhomes and camper vans, enjoy all the comfort and conveniences of a larger motorhome with the ease and efficiency of driving a van. What follows next are a few tips that we believe you should use when you are searching for information concerning motor homes. You need to realize the recommendation we give is only pertinent to internet help on motor homes. We do not give you any guidance or tips for researching in 'real world' situations. Protect Yourself Technology Retailer sells personal security products, including self defense security alarms, child safety items, nanny cams, and Mace sprays. 90-day return policy. A great tip to pursue when you're presented with help and advice regarding a motor homes website would be to confirm the sites ownership. This could reveal the people behind the website motor homes authorizations The fastest way to determine who owns the motor homes site is to look for the 'about' page. All reputable sites providing information about motor homes, will nearly always have an 'about' or 'contact' page which will list the site owner's details. The info should make known some key points about the site owner's capability. You can then make a judgement about the vendor's qualifications and experience to give recommendations about motor homes. About the author: hugh campbell is the webmaster for http://www.1st-in-motor-homes.info |
| Your RV Lifestyle - Try It First! by Jill Ferrer Whether you are contemplating an RV purchase or an RV lifestyle, it's critical that you know what you are getting into. As fulltime RVers, did a lot of research before we jumped in. We really talked through what we wanted, and took steps to "try it on for size" before we made major decisions. Renting an RV was one of these trial techniques. RV Rentals are a great way to travel by RV without actually owning one. You can vacation, see new places and learn more about your RV lifestyle firsthand. It's a good idea to rent an RV before you buy. Here are some tips for renting an RV: Plan where you want to go. Consider places you want to see, and how much time you have. Depending on season and popularity of your destination, you may need to make campground reservations. Decide on the right mix of travel time and stopping time. We suggest you allow some "down" time with no particular agenda. Moving everyday or constantly driving long distances, leaves little time to relax or fully explore your destinations. Remember the interests of everyone going on the trip. Perhaps you have a mental picture of enjoying the great outdoors, fishing in peaceful solitude. You envision old-fashioned good times and bringing the family closer together. Before you get too carried away...make sure the rest of the family is on the same wavelength. Otherwise, your trip will be less than ideal. Consider the type of RV you want to rent. If you can rent a model that is similar to one you are considering for your RV lifestyle, your "trial" will be more realistic. Most RV Rental companies rent motorhomes. Class C "cab over" motorhomes are typical, but smaller class B (camper vans) and larger Class A motorhome rentals are often part of the line-up.Pop-ups (tent campers) can be rented from many places. Towable fifth wheels and trailers may not be as prevalent, but can be found at a growing number of companies. And many companies rent RV units designed to tow large gear (some brand names include Fun Mover, Toy Hauler and Raptor), which have space in the back of the unit for motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, maybe equipment or inventory you use in a job on the road. More lifestyle choices! Research RV Rental Locations: Are you going to rent near your home? Or will you travel to a pick up location? What are you going to bring? This might make a difference in where you go, as well as where to rent. Note that many RV rental companies rent RV livability packages -- which include kitchen utensils, pots and pans, linens, towels, and the like. Some also rent bicycles, folding chairs and grills. And some RV rental companies accommodate fly/drive renters by providing helpful transportation from a nearby airport. Will you need a separate car?If you do, ask your RV rental company if they allow you to tow one behind the motorhome -- some companies do not permit towing, or have limited liability. If you do tow a car with a rented motorhome (or it's your car/truck towing the rented RV), educate yourself on weight limits and safe towing equipment. If your RV rental agency allows towing, they should be able to help you. Compare -- Collect some price quotes and start comparing. Note what you are getting with each quote, and add in additional expenses you will incur, so that you have an apples-to-apples comparison. Compare the things you care about: Can you tow a car for day trips?Does the RV rental firm allow pets?What mileage is included?Add in your estimated fuel expenses.Are insurance costs included? What is covered? What's the deductible? Is there optional coverage available? Check your personal insurance policy to avoid paying for coverage you may already have. What is the deposit and deposit return policy? Are there prep, cleaning or other additional fees? What type of air conditioning and heating? Is there a generator? Do you care? How big is the rental RV? Does it have slide- outs? It's good to have adequate space for the number of people traveling. How many does it sleep comfortably? Is a TV, VCR, or Tape/CD player included? And so on. Read the rental agreement before you book the reservation, and make sure you understand the terms and conditions. Make sure you know the refueling policy for the return, so you don't have any surprise costs at the end of your wonderful trip. Pay close attention to the walkthrough of the RV. Your rental company should spend sufficient time with you to explain how everything works. They should run through things like hooking up at a campsite, starting the generator, how to use appliances, and everything else in the RV. Take notes, ask questions, ask to have things repeated. Know where to find the manuals on various components. Have the phone number(s) for the RV rental dealer, including a number to use in emergencies. If you have questions or need a bit of help on the road, just ask a fellow RVer. If you have never been RVing, the one thing that is sure to stand out is just how friendly and helpful "RV people" are. Copyright 2005 Your RV Lifestyle, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.Publication is permitted provided the resource information at the end of the article remains intact, and links are live. Please notify the author via the Contact Us form at http://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com, providing a link to the location of the article, or a copy of the newsletter. About the Author Jill is the editor of www.your-rv-lifestyle.com, where you can find more advice for choosing, affording and enjoying your RV lifestyle. |
| Free RV Camping at Casinos by William Smith There's nothing that will spark the interest of RVers like the prospect of free overnight parking. Places such as Wal-Mart parking lots, and truck stops, are well known freebies, and if you are on the move in your RV, enlarging your list of possible free overnight camping locations will increase your options. What is especially encouraging is that Casinos as a whole are RV friendly. Even though Rvers are gradually gaining awareness of the free parking possibilities at Casinos, it is not a well-known option. Many states permit Casino operations to one degree or another. I consider Casino RV parking to be an under utilized resource. Although I have never been inside a Casino, and have zero interest in gambling, I have no personal objections to parking on their lot, and enjoying a meal at their restaurant. If you have moral objections to gambling, then this may not be the camping opportunity for you. You’ll find that most Casinos will allow free overnight parking and some limit your stay to a few days. A few Casinos require that you be a customer in order to park; not an unreasonable requirement. There are some Casinos that allow no overnight parking, or require that you park at their adjoining RV campground at their regular nightly rates. You'll also find a few Casinos that offer free dump stations, and even a few that offer hookups on site. Locating Casinos is not as simple as one would think. I have prepared a list of a few hundred with names, addresses and telephone numbers, and posted the list at www.HappyVagabonds.com. Keep in mind when reading this list that a few of the entries are not Casinos at all. Some states permit a limited number of slot machines in a business and then the establishment adds the word Casino to their business name. Many of these business are bars with a few slot machines and do not have the parking space to accommodate an RV. Simply call ahead to avoid embarrassment and wasted time. Add Casino parking to your list of free RV camping places. Stop at a Casino, enjoy the food, and entertainment for a couple of hours, then head on to your next destination after you have had a good night’s rest. William Smith has lived and traveled full-time in an RV for over twelve years. Visit HappyVagabonds.com for more information about free RV parking at Casinos |
| It’s Family Camping Time by ARA (ARA) - While many aspects of camping have changed over the years, the true joys of camping have remained the same -- spending quality time with the family and relaxing in the great outdoors. Camping is not just roughing it anymore. Camping is a wonderful activity enjoyed by millions of families each year. For many, camping is a family pastime. Some peoples' earliest childhood memories involve family camping trips and many still remember the excitement of catching their first fish or the thrill of touching a frog. Many who didn't experience camping are now trying to pass along what they missed to their kids. Brad and Amy Herzog, of Pacific Grove, Calif., didn't grow up camping, but over the past eight years they have created memories for their own family that will last forever. Brad recalls the first trip he and his wife took in an RV, which lasted ten months. They talked, traded stories and bonded while they traveled together across 48 states. During this time, Brad authored "States of Mind," a book which chronicles their travels and experiences in small towns across America. "In the wake of world events, people value three things: quality time with family, a safe and comfortable way to travel, and the chance to discover America," Herzog explains. "In my mind, RVing covers all three." Brad and Amy now have two young children and say they have a greater understanding of the significance and importance of family time. There are plenty of activities the family can enjoy while camping. Everything from storytelling to stargazing is fun when done together. If everyone can't agree on one activity, members can break off and do different things or just sit back and relax. Items that can help enhance your fun outside and also offer educational opportunities include a sketch pad, a star guide or magnifying glass. Despite all your preparations, you can't depend on Mother Nature to provide you with perfect weather for your outdoor activities. If your camping trip includes an RV, you'll be able to bring along some entertainment options. Compact disc or DVD players, VCRs and video games can provide welcome diversions in the RV. Allowing children to play a video game or watch a movie at night might just make the trip more pleasurable for everyone. Comfort and Convenience One of the lures of RV camping is the ability to bring the comforts of home with you on your trip. Large RVs and motorhomes have installed generators that provide electrical power, but many of the smaller, towable RVs do not come equipped with the ability to run life's modern amenities. Spotting this need, Onan, a power generation products company, recently introduced Camp Power, the first installed generator designed specifically for towable RVs. Camp Power provides power for microwaves, televisions, air conditioners and other items when camping. With the help of generators, camping doesn't mean roughing it. Fresh coffee can be made in the morning and children can watch their favorite cartoons during breakfast. And generators provide power to cooking appliances when a campfire is out of the question and allow food to remain fresh and be stored safely in a small refrigerator. The Herzog's have found a generator makes camping with their two young children a breeze. "We are able to warm up bottles, cook food, camp anywhere and have any kind of family friendly amenity needed," Herzog explains. Discover America The versatility of traveling in an RV lets campers go where they want to go, whenever they want to go there. Whether it's a beach in Florida or skiing in Colorado, RVers can have all the comforts of home with them. "RVing is an inspiring and educational way to spend time with your family," Brad says. His children are both under the age of two and already have traveled to many places in the United States. They camp together a few months out of every year and hope they've created a family tradition that their two children will someday be able to share with their kids. For more information on RVing or Camp Power, check out www.funroads.com. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content
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| Remote Camping without Roughing It by ARA (ARA) - "Roughing it" is the phrase that probably comes to mind first whenever someone mentions the term remote camping. You may even imagine camping as relying on just an open flame to prepare a hot meal, treating your few remaining batteries as if they were a precious commodity, and hoping there's the faintest hint of a breeze to cool you down on the hottest of summer days or the warmth of the sun to thaw you on the coldest. Fortunately, when you leave the campground behind in search of your favorite remote destination, your trip doesn't have to look like an episode of "Survivor." Recent innovations in the world of power generation are now allowing you the chance to enjoy the best of all worlds -- the ability to unplug from the campground and enjoy some of the country's most beautiful sites without losing the convenience of everyday electronic devices. "Many remote camping guides flat out tell you to leave the Mr. Coffee at home," says Karen Zellner, manager of RV Marketing at Onan, a power generation equipment company. "But with the introduction of products like Camp Power by Onan, remote campers can not only pack that coffee maker, they can also bring along a microwave oven, a DVD player and even take refuge from a brutally hot afternoon by turning on an air conditioner." Camp Power is the first installed generator designed specifically for the smaller, towable RVs so popular with many of today's campers. Compact enough to install under a bench or inside a cabinet and extremely quiet, these generators will dramatically change towable RV camping in the future. "So often that scenic vista or hidden oasis isn't close to the campground. And families are often hesitant to disconnect their RV and really explore so their camping experience is limited to the area nearest the electrical hook-up," said Zellner. "The recent advancements in generator technology now allow the camper towing an RV to enjoy the same experience and freedoms as the operator of a larger coach motor home with installed power." "The great appeal of RVs is taking the comforts of home with you," said Ken Sommer, of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "RVs are great for campgrounds, but it's a real treat to get out to a remote location and explore the public lands that are available." Hunting and Fishing Outdoor sports enthusiasts are another group that can benefit from having a quiet mobile power supply in their towable RVs. In most cases that favorite fishing hole or lucky hunting ground is nowhere near an electrical hookup. So the outdoorsmen without power are forced to either travel some distance from the campground to their destination or disconnect their RV and be left without a way to power the features that lead them to purchase the unit in the first place. "RVs can serve as a base camp for both hunting and fishing and provides tremendous versatility," said the RVIA's Sommer. "If you're at a fishing spot and not catching anything, you can just pack up and try elsewhere." In addition to making the whole experience easier, there are some practical implications of having power when hunting and fishing. "For starters, you can clean and cook your own fish in the kitchen," Sommer added. With continued development and diminishing access to private land, RVs will prove even more essential to hunters who are being forced to travel well off the beaten path in search of elusive game. And although they are removed from civilization, by bringing along power, spoilage can no longer be given as their excuse for returning empty handed. In fact, many hunters now bring freezers with them so they can quickly preserve any meat they've bagged and keep it safe for future consumption. Camping with Kids Remote camping isn't just for hearty outdoor enthusiasts either. Many families seek the thrill and serenity of camping in dispersed locales. Whenever remote camping with children, having adequate power is important -- especially if the kids have never camped before. Smaller children can become easily frightened and the added lighting a generator allows you to operate can help alleviate most fears. While darkness isn't usually an issue with older kids, boredom can be. Many adolescents aren't quite ready to simply enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Experts say allowing them to power up a PlayStation for a quick game or letting them watch a movie in the camper before bed might just make the trip more pleasurable for everyone in the family. In addition to making the camping experience more comfortable, Zellner says having power while remote camping is a safe move. "Taking along extra safety features like campsite lighting and communications systems can provide early warning of severe weather and reduce some of the stresses associated with being so removed from civilization," she said. Playing It Safe It's important to keep safety in mind when using a generator at a remote site. To prevent the risk of fire, only generators with a USDA Forest Service approved spark arrester muffler are allowed on federal land. And always be sure to consult park authorities before using your generator as some local regulations may apply. RVing is a great way to pursue your passions whether it's hunting, fishing, kayaking, astronomy, antiquing or any family activity. But without power, the freedom, flexibility and control of going where you want to go when you want to go is often lost. To learn more about unplugging and playing in the nearly 200 million acres the U.S. Forest Service manages, click on www.fs.fed.us. Two other great sites that can help you plan a memorable experience with your towable RV are www.recreation.gov and www.funroads.com. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content
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| Burn up the road this summer RV Camping from Oregon to Virginia by Gianni Avellino RV Camping is alive and well from Southern California to Florida, its time you get out your camping checklist and make sure you have a healthy supply of goodies before venturing out to your favorite RV camp be in Yosemite, Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. All around the world RV campings in parks or a resort is the in thing to do summer or winter just pick your site and join the club. Rick Strunz writes from Texas: My rvmarts.com/rvtrailer/ ">RV trailer experience at Pismo Beach was the best, my only RV and camping tip is to bring a map or guide along and have all the equipment and gear on your list checked off, if not hope your not to far out in the country and close by a Wal Mart or camping store. A good RV accessory to have with you is a camping recipe so you can utilize that with your on board kitchen and make yummy meals while enjoying the scenic views of the San Diego beach coastline, suck it up baby its free. While out on the road no matter where in the world you’re from make sure you have plenty travel insurance, always better safe then sorry is my thought.If your RV camping think of joining a RV club, especially if you’re a frequent road hog, just lease an RV and get a membership with the countless clubs around your city. About the Author Gianni Avellino is a successful author and publisher of http://www.discount-camping-gear.org. Get information on camping gear, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, furniture, and cookware. |
| Types of Motorhomes by Peter Lenkefi Though there may be several designs and flavors of motorhomes, they are technically classified as type A, type B, type C or bus conversions. All the types are motorised homes but each has different features and capacity to suit different purposes and budgets. A motohome can measure 21 to 45 feet. The type A is the largest of all and comes loaded with facilities and high end equipment for long trips and can be used as permanet abode by any person. It is built on special chassis and may cost $57,000 to $1.4 m.It has a gallery, living area, sleeping quarters, permanent sanitary facilities. There is power, back up batteries, water holding tanks and an onboard generator.The class A is highly spacious and that allows it to have extra comforts like a refrigerator, washer-dryer, large-screen TV, computerized leveling system, satellite navigation system, satellite dish, slideout room extension and large storage bays.One major disadvantage of the class a type is that it is not manoeverable due to its length and bulkiness. Again, it is too low and therefore unsuitable for rugged environments. The type B is like a converted van and can be said to be the smallest in the range of self contained motorhomes. It is basically a truck which had been modified to have sleeping, living and dining rooms. The price range for this class is between $42,000 to $73,000 and measures 16 to 34 feet.The class B is easy to drive and therefore manoeverable. If you need to do a lot of turning and visiting small communities on the trip, this is the ideal one as it can driven around any corner and also manage sharp turns. It is suitable for short stay camping and smaller groups of say 3.The limitation is that you have less space, and a low ceiling which means you cannot transport objects that stand tall. You also have a small gas tank which will require refueling a lot.Type C is a small motorhome mounted on the chassis of a van. It also offers a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Though they can offer all the comforts of class A motorhome, they look crammed. The type C cannot have full size beds but come with bunker types. They are easy to manoevre and can manage sharp turns or narrow roads.It cost about $48,000 to $139,000 and measure 20 to 35 feet.The bus conversions are full size buses converted to a motorhome. This type is most suitable for large group camping. Their large size enables them to have luxury sofas and most of the bulky comforts of a home.They scost between $100,000 to $1m and measure 35 to 45 feet.The choice of a motorhome will depend on so many factors including budget, your needs assessment and whether or not you ned manoeverability or not. About the Author For more more information about types of motorhomes please visit http://www.motor-home-tips.com |
| 10 Wide Open Tips For Food Safety In The Great Outdoors by Terry Nicholls 10 Wide Open Tips For Food Safety In The Great Outdoors Terry Nicholls Hiking, camping, and boating are good activities for active people and families. However, if the food isnt handled correctly, food-borne illness can be an unwelcome souvenir. 1. Choose foods that are light enough to carry in a backpack and that can be transported safely. Keep foods either hot or cold. Since its difficult to keep foods hot without a heat source, its best to transport chilled foods. Refrigerate or freeze the food overnight. What foods to bring For a day hike, just about anything will do as long as you can fit it in your backpack and keep it cold -- sandwiches, fried chicken, bread and cheese, and even salads -- or choose non- perishable foods. 2. Keep everything clean. Remember to bring disposable wipes if youre taking a day trip. Water is too heavy to bring enough for cleaning dishes! 3. Its not a good idea to depend on fresh water from a lake or stream for drinking, no matter how clean it appears. Some pathogens thrive in remote mountain lakes or streams and theres no way to know what might have fallen into the water upstream. Bring bottled or tap water for drinking. Always start out with a full water bottle and replenish your supply from tested public systems when possible. On long trips you can find water in streams, lakes, and springs, but be sure to purify any water from the wild, no matter how clean it appears. 4. If youre backpacking for more than a day, the food situation gets a little more complicated. You can still bring cold foods for the first day, but youll have to pack shelf-stable items for the next day. Canned goods are safe, but heavy, so plan your menu carefully. Advances in food technology have produced relatively lightweight staples that dont need refrigeration or careful packaging. For example: ==> peanut butter in plastic jars; ==> concentrated juice boxes; ==> canned tuna, ham, chicken, and beef; ==> dried noodles and soups; ==> beef jerky and other dried meats; ==> dehydrated foods; ==> dried fruits and nuts; and ==> powdered milk and fruit drinks. 5. If youre cooking meat or poultry on a portable stove or over a fire, youll need a way to determine when its done and safe to eat. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness, and it can be especially tricky to tell the color of a food if youre cooking in a wooded area in the evening. Its critical to use a food thermometer when cooking hamburgers. Ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli, a particularly dangerous strain of bacteria. Illnesses have occurred even when ground beef patties were cooked until there was no visible pink. The only way to insure that ground beef patties are safely cooked is to use a food thermometer, and cook the patty until it reaches 160° F. Be sure to clean the thermometer between uses. 6. To keep foods cold, youll need a cold source. A block of ice keeps longer than ice cubes. Before leaving home, freeze clean, empty milk cartons filled with water to make blocks of ice, or use frozen gel-packs. Fill the cooler with cold or frozen foods. Pack foods in reverse order. First foods packed should be the last foods used. There is one exception: pack raw meat or poultry below ready-to-eat foods to prevent raw meat or poultry juices from dripping on the other foods. 7. Camping supply stores sell biodegradable camping soap in liquid and solid forms. But use it sparingly, and keep it out of rivers, lakes, streams, and springs, as it will pollute. If you use soap to clean your pots, wash the pots at the campsite, not at the waters edge. Dump dirty water on dry ground, well away from fresh water. Some wilderness campers use baking soda to wash their utensils. Pack disposable wipes for hands and quick cleanups. 8. If youre planning to fish, check with your fish and game agency or state health department to see where you can fish safely, then follow these guidelines for Finfish: ==> Scale, gut, and clean fish as soon as theyre caught. ==> Live fish can be kept on stringers or in live wells, as long as they have enough water and enough room to move and breathe. ==> Wrap fish, both whole and cleaned, in water-tight plastic and store on ice. ==> Keep 3 to 4 inches of ice on the bottom of the cooler. Alternate layers of fish and ice. ==> Store cooler out of the sun and cover with a blanket. ==> Once home, eat fresh fish within 1 to 2 days or freeze them. For top quality, use frozen fish within 3 to 6 months. 9. If using a cooler, leftover food is safe only if the cooler still has ice in it. Otherwise discard leftover food. 10. Whether in the wild or on the high seas, protect yourself and your family by washing your hands before and after handling food. Copyright c Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
About The Author Terry Nicholls is the author of the eBook "Food Safety: Protecting Your Family From Food Poisoning". For more tips like these, and to learn more about his book, visit his website at http://tinyurl.com/3fr2t yourguides@cogeco.ca |
| Motor Home Accessories by Peter Lenkefi Once you own a motorhome, there will come the need for some accessories to either enhance the performance of the vehicle or to replace a defective one. There are several accessories to buy when it comes to motorhomes including trailers and tires, camping equipment, towing equipment, refrigerators, camping supplies, RV televisions, carriers ladders, leveling jacks, interior and exterior lights, sun visors and wheel covers. For motorhome owners there is the need to give your vehicle maximum protection from the water with high quality undercoat that will ensure that it is protected form rust. The motorhome may also need to be fitted with plumbing accessories so you don’t have to hassle too much over defective taps and storage tanks. You can purchse all of your plumbing from local stores and have it fixed up by a plumber. If you are renting, then you can be on the lookout for a motorhome that has the following accessories as these will ensure you have a comfortable stay. You should inspect the motorhome you want to rent for the following accessories: beds, wardrobes, sofa, and storage space, living/ kitchen accessories, televison shelf,etc.If your motor home has not got a roof vent, you can arange to have that have that accessory so you can have circulating air to prevent stuffiness in the rooms. Perhaps the most purchased accessory for motorhomes is a trailer which needs to be carefully researched before puchase.Before you buy a trailer for your motorhome, be sure to check out the following points to make you get a good deal and also to make sure you buy right.First find out if the trailer meets the towing capacity of your vehicle. If it exceeds, you will put extra drain on engine of your vehicle which may lead to a beakdown or shortened life span.Check to see the maximum load the trailer can carry and see if it is enough for the type of load you want to carry most of the time. Examine the trailer design to see if it will fit the shape and length of the items you want to carry. Double-axle trailers are good for sail boats whilst single ones are good for light items like a tent kit. Buying accessories for a motorhome follow the same mechanics like you do for any other purchse. The best recommendation is to determine your needs and buy appropriately so you have uninterrepted use of the items during your camping. About the Author For more more information about motor home accessories please visit http://www.motor-home-accessories.net. |
