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Buying a Solar Power Generator or a Portable Solar Power Generator

To help your camping or RV trip even more enjoyable, why not invest in a solar power generator? If you do this then you can create electricity for yourself wherever you are and save additional money on electrical charges for your RV. It also means having electricity when tent camping even if you're miles from an outlet. You can even make your own solar panel for your RV.

Choosing a solar power generator for your camping will mean deciding on what you can carry and your budget. Some are quite large and are meant for RV use only whereas some are portable and can be packed away with other camping gear. The larger ones will mean more power overall whereas the smaller ones might mean a few hours for a few appliances. 

Typically you can purchase a solar power generator that is used for camping wherever you pick up your camping gear or supplies for your RV. To really save money, you may even consider shopping online. This will mean having a larger selection and shopping right from the comfort of home. Often online stores carry more brand names than those you shop in person, and you may even be able to get a used solar power generator from a site like eBay or Craigslist. This will save you additional money.

It's important when you do choose a solar power generator that you maintain it properly. Some mistakenly believe that solar power means never being without power, and some assume that it needs to be in constant direct sunlight for it to work. Each generator is different in how it works and what it needs, but it will need to be maintained and cared for properly. You'll also need to use it according to the instructions in order for it to work, as it should.

Having a solar power generator with you when camping can make your experience that much more enjoyable and even more affordable. You can even charge your batteries with a solar power battery charger. They are designed to last a lifetime and to provide you with enough energy to run your necessary appliance and items like lights when camping, making your vacation safe and enjoyable.

Adam O'Connor

The Long, Long Trailer

Every avid RVer should rent the movie about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez in The Long, Long Trailer. Desi hitched a 28 foot, three ton New Moon travel trailer to the back of a 125-horsepower 1953 Mercury Monterey convertible. 

The movie was made in 1954 and features Desi buying a car and a trailer and hitch. Lucy tried to take some boulders home in the trailer. She also tries to cook a meal while traveling down the road. It's ridiculous and funny especially by today's standards. Take note of some important errors about towing. I don't know if auto manufactures had GCVWR or towing weight ratings then.

Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country 
from coast to coast without seeing anything.  ~Charles Kuralt

Missing America at 75 MPH

Motor Homes are great for the road. The driver can keep driving while someone else fixes lunch or uses the restroom. You can really make time. Think about it, one driver can take a nap while the other driver speeds down the highway at 75mph.

Well it all depends on why you are on the road. If you want to see the country and get some stress relief... this ain't the way to do it. 

No, the interstate does not give you the best view of America. You have the opportunity to feel the pulse of America. You must STOP to enjoy the scene and you can't stop on the Interstate. We highly recommend that you turn the clock back by traveling the two-lane roads whenever possible. Seeing America at 30 to 45 mph and stopping often will teach you how to relax and learn what makes this country wonderful and beautiful. You will cherish what you see. You will meet people and understand much more than TV can show you. 

Often we go only 50 or 100 miles in one day. Try to not get yourself tied down to a schedule and things will happen in a way that you've never experienced before. Don't miss America! It's the greatest land on the face of the earth.

FA$T Today with the high prices of fuel you might think about not traveling so fast. Save by slowing down and getting more miles per gallon. The most enjoyable trips are the ones when you don't know where you are or what time it is. Remember, "Half of the trip is getting there."

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RV's for the handicapped.

Handicapped persons can be handled in an RV designed for their  needs, far better than traveling from motel to motel and restaurant to restaurant. Owners of units that were designed for a handicapped person have a unique situation, because their unit has special features that would be hard to find in the average Motor Home.

Some manufacturers will build a unit to fit your requirements. Check with the manufacturer on line or call. Search the internet for the brand name.

Renting out your coach would offer many benefits. Potential owners with handicapped individuals could rent your unit for a trial run. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the handicapped person.  If you are in the market for a handicapped RV you may want to check out our RV's for the Handicapped pages.

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RVs have many advantages over Motels.

On an RV trip there's no problem with restless kids or meals. Keep the kids happy on the road with readily accessible bathrooms, a well-stocked refrigerator and even VCR's and stereo headsets. Stop at a roadside park to rustle up  a picnic lunch or nourishing familiar foods. There is no need to make sure you are in a town and find a restaurant for lunch.

Keep basic staples and a change of clothes aboard and you're ready to roll when the whim hits you. No suitcases to pack, unpack and lug around every day. You unpack once, sleep in the same bed every night, and gradually add the small touches that turn your rolling house into a rolling home. 

Hit the road without the hassle of hotel bookings, flight delays and crowded restaurants. Restaurants are great for an occasional outing, but eating every meal out is expensive, too formal, and not as relaxing as eating at "home". At the campground build a campfire and rediscover each other in a way that a motel stay can't offer.  Leave the rush of traffic, concrete, noise and lights at the road and enter a world of enchanting nature, soft sounds and peace. 

RVers are the most friendly people you will ever meet. Try spending time with your neighbor at a motel. The atmosphere is totally different. It's even harder to make acquaintances at a hotel. OK, you don't want to chat with your neighbor. You don't know what you are missing.... but that's another story.

When someone sees a Bear or a Deer everyone comes running and the children get excited and so do the adults. That's what I'm talking about. These things happen at campgrounds in National Parks, not at Motels.

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Snowbirds... follow the sun. The RV lifestyle is just right for you.

One of the best ways to "follow the sun" is to travel in an RV. Many retirees have the opportunity to travel and stay for extended periods where they can find  the weather to their liking. Snowbirds leave their house up north and head south for the winter. Some enjoy living the RV lifestyle permanently. RVers refer to these "gypsies" as full-timers. 

Northerners who spend the winter in the Sunbelt are called "Snowbirds".  Florida, Texas and Arizona are the most popular states for snowbirds, but very good deals and less crowed places found in other states are becoming more desirable every year. Another turn of events occurs when southerners go north for the summer. What are they called?  Sunflowers!? or Polar Bears!? or maybe Hotcakes?

Snowbirds can easily turn into fulltimers. They buy an RV lot in the sunbelt where they spend the winter and another one in the mountains for the summer. Another idea is to own Park Models in both areas and travel by car back and forth.

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Three types of RVers.

There are three types of RVers; The "RV-traveler", the "RV long-termer" and the "RV camper". 

The "RV traveler" can be the person who gets two to four weeks vacation and must be on the go to see lots of places or just those RVers who prefer to keep moving. This type of RVer does not stay in an RV Park very long. 

Having a campground membership would benefit this type of RVer if they stopped at associated campgrounds for about 20 nights per year.  This is based on the annual fee or dues plus the $10 per night. Add this cost against the cost of the average campground fee per night (about $28) for 20 nights. The price of buying into the campground (your home park) would be considered an investment with the potential of getting your money back when you sell it. A potential buyer can possibly get a bargain by buying from an individual. Look for ads on this site.

Remember you can always enjoy your Home Park for free during the year. This leads to a decision as to whether you want your home park to be nearby or far away. There are benefits to both. If it's nearby you can go there for weekends every now and then. If it's far away, it might be a beautiful resort where you like to spend a vacation. But, your traveling style would not apply in this case. You would become a long-termer. There are different rules for the various Home Parks and you should be aware of these rules before purchasing a membership.

The "RV long-termer" is a classification that I identify as the snowbird type of RVer or the Full-timer. They escape the cold in winter or the heat in summer and stay for long periods at the same campground or they may just like to go to the same place for relaxation and not move. They like resort type camping. We would suggest looking into buying a deeded lot in a small owner associated park or a RV Resort. The difference here is that you own your lot and can rent it out when you are not using it. See RV Lots For Sale or Rent.

The only way to enjoy the benefits of saving money with a campground membership club is to move every two weeks. You can buy into your home park at a particular location within a days travel of another associated campground and spend two weeks at one, then move to the other and pay the low campground fee, then go back to your home park. It's doable and some do. The rule is that the other campground must be at least 125 miles away, as the crow flies. Before buying a membership you should study the bylaws and covenants and understand the rules.

The "RV camper" is usually young-at-heart and still likes to "rough it". The campground membership tag might not fit, as they usually like to camp in places like State Parks and National  Parks for short weekend type campouts. They enjoy primitive style camping. Some Camping Clubs might have a format for you. You will have to investigate the club and find out what its motives are. Some of these clubs are for singles or women or families or bikers, etc. They all have an agenda.

RV Roadside Assistance – Know What You Need Before You’re Stuck Somewhere! 

What Is RV Roadside Assistance?

RV Roadside Assistance frees you from the hassle of an emergency mechanical breakdown or accident. A good program will look after your family, your RV and all your household cars.  This doesn’t preclude the need for regular RV and motor home maintenance such as checking and flushing fluids on a regular basis and annual or even more frequent brake system and engine inspections by a mechanic.

What Should RV Roadside Assistance Help You With?

§  Emergency towing: you should be able to call your program’s dispatch center 24-7, 365 days per year.

§  Flat tire changes: by simply calling your program’s network of tire providers, their technicians should replace a flat tire with your inflated spare, even if they have to tow you to the nearest professional service center (at no extra cost).

§  Travel delay assistance: your program should refund your emergency travel expenses if you’re more than 100 miles from home and involved in an accident.

§  Lock out service: one simple call and your program should send out a pre-paid locksmith to you right away, wherever you happen to be.

§  Family protection: your program should cover you, your spouse and your minor children.

§  Fuel delivery: your program should provide you with up to 5 gallons of fuel to get you to the nearest service station, free of charge, if you run out of gas.

§  Tips for RV maintenance and winterizing: your program should provide you with tips in print or on their web site for maintaining and winterizing your RV.

A cell phone is necessary in the event that you need to summon roadside assistance. Keep a list of important phone numbers and RV data handy to aid in getting proper service. Carry the service manual for your coach, and the tech service manuals for the manufacturer. You should also keep a supply of visibility items in your RV: reflective triangles, flares, flags and even reflective vests.

Different RV Assistance Programs

The two main options for RV roadside assistance are the AAA and the Good Sam Emergency Roadside Service Program. Many insurance companies, such as Allstate, and campgrounds, such as KOA also offer RV roadside assistance. Coach-Net specializes in emergency road service for RV’s. The best service providers are those that are RV oriented, as they are better acquainted with the unique needs of the RVer.

Why You Need An RV Assistance Program

Without emergency road assistance, an enjoyable tour can rapidly become a costly catastrophe. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable emergency road service available if you own an RV – whether it’s a motorhome, toterhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or camping trailer.

To minimize the need for roadside assistance, review maintenance procedures, service your RV and check system operation before you leave for your trip. In a survey done by Coach-Net, it was found that the majority of operational RV issues are preventable, with engine issues topping the list at 31.7 percent of all calls.

Article by Adam O’Connor

RV Motorhomes and Toterhomes Guide

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