Fuel prices fail to stall RV sales

OTTAWA - Chris and Feilan Xia Baker like their freedom, are planning to have children, and have aging parents who can't really sleep in tents anymore.

That explains the Ottawa couple's presence Saturday - under constant rain and grey skies - at an RV sale outside Scotiabank Place, where they were scoping out small trailers they can hitch up and hit the road.

"The fuel consumption is going to be a bit high, but nothing like those monstrosities," said Chris, 35, looking toward a section filled with luxury motorhomes and converted buses with six-figure price tags. "The tent trailer is about as domesticated as I want to get."

"The motorhomes sales are still strong," he said yesterday, standing inside a big tent filled with staff and prospective buyers hunched over computers and forms. "People are buying a seasonal campground pass and parking there, instead of driving from place to place."

For many, concern over gas prices is offset by the expensive reality of waterfront cottage property, Mr. Nelson said, adding that since nearly all RVs are manufactured in the United States, the Canadian dollar's rise has brought prices down. Read more about rv sales...

RV Sales: An Economic Indicator?

Mickey and Lucille Anderson's rv hasn't gone anywhere in the past few months. That's because the Pearl couple has chosen to keep it parked because of increased gas prices.

Mickey Anderson says, "It's nice to be able to say, 'honey, get me a glass of tea' while you're driving down the road, but that luxury has a price tag on it, and that's making the payments and filling the tank up."

The Andersons originally bought the rv just under 10 years ago, hoping to let the good times roll during retirement. Well, they both retired in 2006, and all that's rolling are the payments-- the two are still paying it off. And with the rv getting about eight miles a gallon... Anderson says, "I'll probably take a box of kleenex to the pump with me to keep the tears out of my eyes when i see the numbers rolling over."

At Turning Wheel RV in Jackson, sales are down compared with last year. But general manager Dale McGee says he's still optimistic about closing the door on sales. "We're not hurting. We're just tightening our belts and getting ready for more good times. We expect the market to be back booming before this time next year."

The 15 billion dollar industry has had a reputation as a good indicator of the economy in general. That's because, for the past three decades, deliveries of motor homes and travel trailers have dropped before each decline in the U.S. economy. Read more about RV Sales: An Economic Indicator?

Class C RV's

Class C’s range in side from 22 to 35 feet. With a starting rice, the class is affordable and you can get RV loans from either your bank or online.

That is a good price for a new RV but if that is out of your range, consider looking for a used Class C for sale by an owner. You can save a lot of money this way since private owners are likely to be easier to bargain with.

We met a guy Mike while we were camping in Montana. Mike managed to save over 2000 off what a local dealer wanted for the same make, model and age.

To save even more money get a diesel powered Class C motor home RV. Although you will pay more per gallon at the pump. The mileage you get from diesel will make up for the higher price.

Class C Motorhome: The Class C Motorhome, sometimes referred to as a mini-motor home, and provides the conveniences of a larger Motorhome in a scaled-down version and at a lower price. The Class C RV is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section. The size of a Class C Motorhome varies from 20 feet to 28 feet.

These are great RVs to rent and try out for a week or so to see how you like the RV lifestyle before actually committing to it long term. Generally, if you like staying in a Class C and can handle the little problems associated with it, you will most likely be very comfortable in a Class A or bus conversion motorhome. Class C RVs can be rented almost anywhere, so why not give them a try and see if taking your home on the road with you is your cup of tea.

Class C motor homes can also come in very luxurious models or more economical ones depending on your budget. They are much lighter in weight, ranging only from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and generally run from just under 20 to 44 feet in length. They are constructed on cutaway chassis depending on the model. The cab is usually similar to that of the truck with a bunk above plus a rear bedroom. Just like the class A, Class C motor homes have all the amenities of home including kitchen, bathroom, dinette, heating and air conditioning system, and an entertainment center for additional cost.

Dinettes are not always present in class C motor homes and if ever there is one included, it usually converts into a double bed. If a dinette is not present, two captain chairs are available instead. Sometimes, the motor homes contain a couch and chairs instead of captain chairs. The couch may also be turned into a sleeper couch.

Because of the overcab bed, a Class C motor home can sleep more than a comparable Class A motor home, accommodating up to 10 people are accommodated. The cost of class C motor homes ranges from $50,000 to $170,000.

RV Cooking Show Takes to the Road in a Tango Travel Trailer

Livingston, TX (June 18, 2008) - The RV Cooking Show is delighted to travel throughout the U.S. in a 2009 Tango Travel Trailer. Sponsored by Pacific Coachworks, Inc. Tango's parent company, the RV Cooking Show www.RVCookingShow.com will film a new episode in the RV Cooking Show Tango every three weeks, showcasing the ample, well-designed Tango galley.

“For years we’ve been searching for a quality, economical get-about travel trailer that was roomy enough to enjoy extended travels and allows us to live our passion – traveling to new and exciting RV destinations and preparing destination-related dishes in our RV kitchen. The Tango’s signature radius, residential height galley countertops provide plenty of space to create delicious dishes in comfort. We’re thrilled to be able to share this marvelous travel trailer with our viewers,” remarked Evanne Schmarder, producer and host of the RV Cooking Show. Read more...

RVing and gas prices

I don’t know about you, but I have to swallow hard every time I pull into a gas station.
Like almost everyone today who has a powered vehicle, bicycles and Mopeds excluded, I have to check the bank account and credit card balance before unhinging that spout and pouring fuel into my truck.

It’s a little worse than normal in my case because in the back of my truck I have a camper that resists wind. and adds to the torment of driving anywhere these days.
I tell myself I’m saving a lot of money every day by cooking my own meals and at night I can crawl into the bunk and get a good night’s sleep.

So, I decided I better check out some rv reviews to make sure I could find the best possible choice for buying an rv that wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg when it came to fueling my recreational vehicle.

It does make sense in a lot of ways, depending on how much time I spend driving and how long I stay in one place in pursuit of fishing opportunities or just camping by a quiet pond to enjoy the summer weather.

I began this a few years back with a 22-foot Class C motorhome. That was when gas was not so much a consideration as it was a means to an end. Read more....

RV Ratings

J R Consumer Resources has done all the research and provides detailed information and RV Ratings on manufacturers such as Fleetwood, Airstream, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler and many more. To view sample rv ratings chart please click here: RV Ratings can be found at this authority website on recreational vehicles.

Expert: RV shipments expected to remain level in '09

Despite a soft economy, shipments in the recreational-vehicle industry are expected to remain about what they were last year, according to a presentation prepared by Richard Curtin, director of surveys at the University of Michigan.

Curtin presented his projections at "Forecast 2009," an event that took place Tuesday and was sponsored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. During his presentation, Curtin said RV shipments will total approximately 303,100 units in 2009 - nearly identical to the projected total for 2008.

Curtin said seasonally adjusted shipments are expected to reach a low point in the first quarter of 2009, but then are expected to grow throughout the remainder of the year, concentrated first in conventional travel-trailers and closely followed by motorhomes. Read more...