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...

High Gas Prices Hitting Boat, RV Sales

Gas prices have made getting to and from work or school difficult, but they're also hurting those gassing up motor homes, boats and other recreational vehicles.

CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports at $5 a gallon, it takes about $750 to fill up the Allegro bus, making it a pretty slow seller at Rick's RV Center in Shorewood.

"For the larger motorhomes, it is a tough market," said Rick's general manager Jeff Pilon. "Like I said, the pool of buyers has definitely shrunk down."

And it's not just motor home sales that are being affected by the skyrocketing cost of fuel. Boat sales are also being squeezed.

Cathy Santogrossi of Fox Valley Marine said sales are down, but they have not plunged.

A study by Michigan State's Marine Research Center found that "1 percent of boat owners didn't plan to use their boat in 2008 due to the high cost of fuel." Read more...

Draft plan: FEMA may use travel trailers in new disaster

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government may house disaster victims in travel trailers again this hurricane season as a last resort, despite promises never to use them again because of high levels of formaldehyde found in trailers used after the Katrina catastrophe.

Only the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency can approve the use of such trailers, and they must meet the agency's requirement for minimal levels of formaldehyde, according to a draft of the agency's five-page 2008 hurricane-season plan, obtained by The Associated Press. Also, disaster victims could stay in the trailers for only six months.

Hurricane season started June 1 and will last through November. Forecasters predict the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season will be busier than average, with a good chance of six to nine hurricanes forming, including two to five major ones.

The Bush administration and FEMA came under heavy criticism for the response to Katrina in 2005. About 1 million people were displaced because of the hurricane and thousands were sent to emergency travel trailers. It was later discovered that the trailers had high levels of formaldehyde — a preservative commonly used in building materials. Prolonged exposure can lead to breathing problems and is also believed to cause cancer. Read more...

Airstream Trailers

You may have noticed the big Airstream trailer on the steps of city hall and wondered what it is for.

The shiny silver RV is part of a national project to document the unique stories we all have to tell.

StoryCorps is a national project that started in New York City, but has spread wings in tiny trailers that travel the U.S. Learn more...

Olympia banning overnight RV parking on city streets (The Olympian)

Olympia social workers will be telling people who live in campers on city streets it's time to move on.

Buying an RV can be an exciting adventure for you and your family. The fact that you can take your modern "home" anywhere you like is a huge benefit and will make vacationing so much easier and more enjoyable. Many people buy an RV for the occasional trips, but increasingly families are buying them to spend long vacations or even full summers traveling around the country to see the grand sights.

One of the best ways to get the most efficient miles out of your RV is to check the tires both before and after you take your trips. Since you are probably traveling far distances each time you get into your RV, you need to be aware that the tires may not be able to handle such distances every time. You are likely to be traveling in unfamiliar terrain, so you should be on the lookout for extensive wear and tear on your tires each time you head out.

You are going to spend a lot of money for your RV so it is best to know how to get the most out of it. A recreational vehicle can travel quite a distance, even in one quick vacation. Although they are made to drive numerous miles, they are still susceptible to the every day wear and tear that they will inevitably face as the overall mileage 5ACincreases. This could end up costing you a lot of money if you are constantly fixing something that is going wrong due to the increased mileage on the vehicle. The cost of gasoline is no small factor here either!

An RV is more than just another vehicle. It takes a lot of work, even more so than a typical car. However, if you treat your RV right and take it in for the proper tune ups and oil changes as well as check the tires routinely, you will find you get more out it 4CFbecause it will always be running properly when you and your family want to take that long awaited road trip.

For practical RV and camping readiness information, please visit http://www.rv-camping-preparation.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning issues that help you with camping and buying that RV you've dreamed of.

2008 RV manufacturers

Motorhomes

Motor homes provide absolute comfort and luxury during a journey, one can simply park the vehicle most anywhere they feel like and sleep in it. These recreation vehicles are equipped with a television, sofas, bed and more electronics as well as furniture so as to give the complete feel of a house.

These fully equipped motorhomes are categorized and classified into various classes depending on their size, and the number of features and luxury they provide. There are basically three types of motor homes.

Class B motor Homes: This is the second type of motor homes. They are spacious as well as lighter than the class A motorhomes. The main advantage of class B motorhome is that it has the properties of both class A and Class C Motorhomes. Its shape is somewhat similar to a van, and can accommodate a maximum of four people easily.

There are a number of web sites on the Internet that provide complete knowledge of the Motor homes. These web sites can be used to consult and review any number of motor homes available.

Have RV, will travel; but probably not as much as before

High gas prices crimp RV lifestyle

Recreational vehicle owners and dealers and Oregon campgrounds all feel the pinch

When Hubert and Barbara Walsh retired seven years ago, their first RV trips from Florida to Oregon cost $390 one way. Last month, it cost $1,180.

The Walshes have made the RV journey from their home in Tallahassee, Fla., to Hubert's mother's place in Tigard at least twice a year since they retired in 2001.

Now, the couple say they may have to cut back their visits to once a year or come up with a different mode of travel.

Evidence of the RV industry's slide is everywhere -- from recent bankruptcies of two RV builders in California and Washington to the sparsely filled RV campgrounds along the Oregon coast over Memorial Day weekend. RV dealerships across the state are dealing with a glut of unsold units.

Unstoppable gasoline prices have not only put off many would-be buyers, they also have braked many who already own or forced them to take some detours in their habits. Read More...

Class C Motorhomes

The real fun with recreational vehicles begins with the motorized kind. These are the bigger, better boys of the pack, and also among the more expensive ones. A motorhome, as it is popularly called, can belong to any of 3 Classes. Class A Motorhomes are either gas or diesel powered, with the diesel Class A motorhomes being referred to as Diesel Pushers and often the most expensive and luxurious of the RV types. Class B Motorhomes or van conversions are a large self-contained van, which includes living accommodations, and are the smaller version of the motorhomes. Class C Motorhomes are built on a truck chassis. They are cheaper than the other two types, yet offer excellent amenities and ample space. Read more about a Class C Motorhome.

Winnebago Ratings

Winnebago Industries is one of the oldest and most well-known names in the recreational vehicle industry. The company, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa manufactures motorhomes and self-contained RVs for leisure and outdoor recreational use. The company was started in 1958 when John K. Hanson convinced a California company to open a travel trailer factory in the then economically depressed rural area of Forest City. Read more about Winnebago Ratings.

Airstream Taps SURV Market with PanAmerica

Airstream Inc. has combined aspects of its Classic travel trailer and the modernistic International CCD floorplan to create the 34-foot, triple-axle PanAmerica sport utility travel trailer (SURV), a first for the Jackson Center, Ohio, manufacturer. Read more about Airstream Motorhomes.

Toy Hauler

Toy hauler trailers are divided into two separate compartments with the storage section opening directly to the outside to allow for easy access to the cargo. Toy Haulers or living quarter trailers are designed with you, your sport, and all the creature comforts in mind. Toy Haulers offer something very unique to the RV buyer, not only do they provide the feature of living quarters, but also a garage area in which to keep items such as motorcycles, atv 's such as 4 wheelers, small boats, golf carts, and similar items. Toy haulers are the RV of choice for the outdoors enthusiasts who love their toys. The reason they are so appreciated by their owners is because toy haulers are versatile. Toy haulers are a popular item year in and out. Read more...

Mini Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are sometimes referred to as mini-motorhomes, which are scaled-down versions of Class A motorhomes. They range in weight from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and stretch from 20 feet to 35 feet in length. Class C motorhomes are generally constructed on a van chassis. Read more about mini motorhomes.

RV Consumer Ratings Guide

This new update offers more detailed charts, best selling model charts, and the most up-to-date information on the ever-changing RV industry. As if all this were not enough, www.jrconsumer.com now offers consumers a FREE bonus E-book, “How to Buy an RV and Save Thousands!” with every purchase! “Don’t spend your hard earned money without knowing what you are spending it on!” says author, Randall Eaton. Good advice from a man who has dedicated years to researching the industry inside and out. Learn more about the RV Consumer Ratings Guide.

State parks provide storage sites for RV's

LANSING -- State park officials are looking at ways their customers can save gas this summer in an effort to bolster a potentially sluggish Michigan tourist season due to high fuel costs.

Campers with travel trailers, motorhomes or trailers with boats will be able to park them at no cost for 15 days in strategically placed lots at specified parks.

Officials say parking a trailer rather than towing it home and returning in, say, two weeks can save up to a third in fuel costs when travelling to the Upper Peninsula. Read more...

FREE RV Special Report!

If you're considering buying a new RV or a used RV this report is a must read. This report covers; motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers. In our, "Learn How To Spot A Well-Built RV" you will learn how RVs are constructed and types of materials being used. You will also learn what questions to ask and important buying tips that could save you thousands of dollars during the negotiating process.

Want to own a travel trailer?

The term “travel trailer” loosely describes any and all trailers used as a home away from home. The fact that they are trailers means that they are towed, rather than self-propelled. Beyond that, the class is wide open. There are luxurious travel trailers; there are travel trailers that scream out their owner’s impoverished status. Somewhere in between you have seen hundreds on the Interstate.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from a small bedroom on wheels to the equivalent of a Class A motorhome without the engine and transmission. Many units feature a slideout to quickly extend the unit's living space. Small trailers may weigh less than 2,000 pounds and can be pulled with a wide selection of compact vehicles. Read more...