RV Road Trips

Fun Ways To Use Toy Hauler Trailers When RVing

One of the most versatile rigs on the road today is the toy hauler. 

Built with the rear portion designed as a garage, a toy hauler allows you to bring along all the toys that will enable you to combine camping with your favorite hobby.

Whether it be an ATV, dune buggy, or motorcycle, whatever your favorite outdoor toy is a toy hauler can tote it safely!

This past weekend I saw a large triple axle 5th wheel toy hauler backed up to the water's edge. They were unloading a boat off the end of the dropdown ramp that made up the rear wall of the trailer. 

Where is the camera when you need it?

Even owners of motorhomes have latched onto the toy hauler idea.  While still maintaining the level of luxury expected in upper level motorhomes, you can step through a door going toward the rear and walk into a sizable garage space with a full rear wall dropdown  ramp.

How cool is that?

Continue reading: RV Toy Hauler Trailers

Reasons To Remodel A Used RV Rather Than Buying New

A new RV is nice, but is it really cost-effective? 

The RV industry aims at satisfying the needs of most of the people most of the time.  That said, no matter how many new RVs you look at, there will be something lacking or not to your liking in every single one.

Why not buy a used RV and remodel it to your specific tastes?  The cost savings will be significant and the satisfaction that you have exactly what you want will make it even better!

Here are 10 reasons remodeling an RV makes sense (just in case the money savings alone didn't catch your attention).

Leaving Your RV In Arizona? Then It Must Be Registered There

Quartzsite Arizona is a favorite winter RV spot for hundreds of thousands of snowbirds who are desperately seeking relief from the bad weather back home.  At Quartzsite longterm friendships are made, annual reunions take place, and returning year after year is a common occurrence for RVers.

As these wandering fair weather flocks start to age, that annual trek to the southwest becomes more of a chore.  The trip isn't nearly as fun as the time spent at Quartzsite, so many are finding it easier to leave their RVs parked in the desert sun year round.  Then, they return when the festivities start back up in late fall, only to fly or drive north again by early spring.

However, Arizona is known for having some quirky laws that tend to trip people up now and then.  One of them is if an RV stays in the state more than 6 months, the RV must be registered in the state of Arizona.  There are financial repercussions if you try to ignore this bit of legislation.  Oh, and yes they do actually come looking to make sure you have Arizona tags!

Warning: RV Waste Tanks Can Be Damaged When They're Pumped Out

So your next boondocking expedition is all planned out.  You're going to park in the desert, and once a week the honey wagon will come by and pump out your waste tanks.  It's a pretty convenient way to handle the chore of emptying your black and gray water tanks. 

Did you know that an inexperienced vacuum truck operator could apply too much suction and collapse your tanks?

Just to be safe, have the disposal service provide a written guarantee that they will pay for any repairs that may be the result of their services.  Be sure to do this before they hook up to your RV!

RV Show Tips For First-Timers: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Living in Denton Texas for 6 years, the one event we never missed was the Dallas RV Show held at Market Hall.  Whether we were actually in the market for a new RV, or just looking to see what new advances were being offered that year, the Dallas RV Supershow was always a fun experience for us. 

RV shows are a great place to get acquainted with what’s available in the world of RVs. 

The newcomer can wander in and out, inspecting and exploring without having a salesman hanging right over your shoulder.  The salesmen at RV shows know that the crowd is more interested in looking than buying, and they will typically hang back until you go looking for them.

Here are some things you should know before you attend your first RV show...

Continue reading: RV Show Tips For First-Timers

Thinking Of Leasing An RV? Some RV Scams & Shady Deals To Watch For

There's nothing like a poor economy to bring out the worst in business ethics.  It has quickly become a survival of the fittest market with many businesses going to any length to swing a deal. They will use high pressure sales tactics, questionable financing, anything to get  your signature on the dotted line.

Many on the financial banana peel are looking for ways to avoid having their RVs repossessed. 

You may think that leasing your RV would be a way to stay solvent, but you could also be taken for an expensive ride.  Unfortunately, many companies that are approaching owners with this leasing idea are simply looking to make a quick buck -- fully knowing that your RV will be in legal limbo once they've gained control of it. 

RV Tire Failures - How Sun Damage & Flat Spots Dangerously Affect RV Tires

Old RV tires are an accident just waiting to happen.  Head out on the freeway and in short order your trip is ruined because a seemingly good tire explods without warning. 

Many RVs spend most of their life parked.  Long periods of storage under direct sunlight can lead to damage that you can't even see.

Another problem associated with long term storage is flat spotting.  Wondering what that rumbling noise is as you head out?  Your tires have become less than round from sitting in one spot too long. 

To prevent RV tire damage, cover your tires during storage to keep the sun's rays at bay and make sure your tires are properly inflated to prevent flat spotting.  It's a good idea to take your RV for a ride every month to keep the tires in good shape too.

Preparing Your RV Battery For Winter Storage Will Prevent Expensive Damage

The first thoughts that usually flash through every RVer's mind when the first frost of winter comes along are:

• draining the water heater
• preparing the RV for winter storage

There are visions of frozen pipes, expensive damage, and lots of dollar signs -- because to wait one day too long could be very expensive!

However, when it comes to winterization, the RV's electrical system often gets overlooked.  You need to know that batteries can freeze, plates can warp when ice forms, and cases can split and leak acid all over everything.  Preparing your RV batteries for winter storage is just as important as protecting the water system.

My personal preference is to bring the RV batteries into a heated environment and charge them up a couple times during the winter months. 

The Economy Is Forcing Many To Become Full Time RVers

Today's economy has a lot of people scrambling to figure out what to do when the bank forecloses on the house. 

Don't dispair, that RV in the driveway can be your salvation.  The cost of living is a whole lot cheaper in an RV .  Sure beats trying to stick it out in a house you can no longer afford!

Many are taking the plunge and buying used RVs before their financial status bottoms out altogether. 

When you see the writing on the wall, the time has come to make some alternate plans.  First, choose an RV big enough to be comfortable in.  Then, become a full time RVer.

You might find out RVing is a lifestyle you're more suited for than the one you're leaving behind.

If You're Wearing Flip Flops While RVing, You're Cruisin' For A Bruisin'

Cruise control and flip flops... you might be wondering "Where's the connection?" 

For starters, modern electronics have allowed RV companies to come up with pretty fancy cruise control system on RVs.  Take Monaco's Safety Cruise, for example.  Not only does it maintain speed for you, it also monitors surrounding traffic and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain safe separation between you and the vehicles around you. 

Here comes the part about the shoes...  Imagine what happens when you attempt to retake control of your heavy RV only to have your flip flop catch on the pedal -- causing you to fumble and possibly delay your braking just enough to set you up for an accident. 

Flip flops may be a quick and comfortable way to avoid bending down and tying your shoes, but they're not very safe footwear -- especially when RVing.  Heed this RV flip flop warning: tripping, slipping, falling, and even puncture wounds can occur when wearing flip flops while RVing. 

So, keep your flip flops for when you're in the shower.  When you're driving, always wear proper footwear instead.