Class C Motorhomes

A Review Of The All New 2007/2008 Hyundai Sonata

2009-12-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

The 2007 Hyundai Sonata is a stylish new vehicle. While the old version reminded many car patrons of a Jaguar in terms of style, the 2007 version looks even better, with a front lamp that resembles an Audi and a backside that looks like an Accord. The thin roof pillars and the driver's upright position also contribute to its esthetic value.

Aside from its impressive styling, the 2007 Sonata is a smooth ride. It's interiors are spacious and comfortable. The driving position it excellent. Passengers will appreciate the ample head and leg room at the back, even for large adults. The wide door openings and expansive footwells make it easy to enter or exit the car. The seats themselves are very comfortable although some have suggested putting in firmer padding for those long-distance drives. http://www.ourismanhyundai.com

The Sonata is also a quiet ride and can easily suppress wind rush. And while the engine note tends to increase with speed, the sound isn't really annoying though the tires sometimes thump over ridges.

In addition, the Sonata's balance control is superb. It reacts smoothly to small road imperfections and comfortably handles ridges, sharp bumps and fast curves.

The 2007 Sonata, which is the smaller of Hyundai's two midsize sedans, comes in three models. The Sonata Limited trim is the top-line model and has a 235-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic as well as heated front seats, automatic climate control and fine leather upholstery. Like the Limited, the Sonata SE also has a 235-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the Sonata GLS has 162-hp 4-cylinders and a choice of either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All models are equipped with ABS and traction/antiskid control as well as front-side and curtain-side airbags.

Overall, the Sonata's advantage over other cars of its class such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima is that combines comfort, spaciousness, sophisticated design and reliable performance as well as a reasonable price.

In a nutshell, the 2007 Sonata is a bigger, sharper and more technologically advanced version than the 2006 model, which was re-designed and launched as an all-new model last year. This year's Sonata promises to be even more highly regarded than the 2006 version, which is no mean feat considering that last year's Sonata was a certified darling of the automotive press.

According to MotorWeek, the 2006 Sonata was the "Best Family Sedan," Popular Mechanics bestowed upon it its "Safety Excellence" award, Consumers Digest regarded it as a "Best Buy" and Kiplinger's Personal Finance called it "Best in Class." In addition, the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study ranked the Sonata among the top three mid-size cars of 2006 while the National Highway Traffic Survey Administration gave it a rating of five stars, the highest possible mark, in its crash test rating for front and side impacts.

There is still room for improvement, though. For instance, big people complain that it's difficult to get into the driver's seat since the steering wheel does not tip up far enough. For extra comfort, an armrest between the two front seats would be nice.

A Lesson About The Good Old Trucks

2009-12-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

A man named Gottlieb Daimler built the first ever-motorized truck back in 1896. He was a German automotive pioneer who also invented the very first motorcycle, as well as the world’s first taxi. Daimler’s truck consisted of a four horsepower engine, a belt drive, one reverse speed and two speeds for going forward.

In early times, the intended use and purpose of a truck was for industrial reasons. They were used to haul things, and as new needs developed, so did new types of trucks. In early times of war, trucks were used to move ammunition and troops from one place to another, as well as to transport the injured and causalities among the soldiers.

Trucks were also invented that could be used for commercial purposes such as logging, farming, and later to mix and pour materials such as concrete. Later on, huge trucks were invented for the sole purpose of hauling other trucks and vehicles from their place of manufacture to sales centers all over the world.

Today, trucks are used for a myriad of reasons, and many different types of people own and drive them. Farmers everywhere use trucks to haul hay and small farm equipment, to move cattle as well as supplies. Those in the landscape and lawn maintenance industries also use trucks; wherein trailers are attached to the trucks in order to get lawn equipment from job to job.

Trucks are not only used for job related tasks, boating enthusiasts also utilize them. There are not many reliable cars that are going to be able to pull a large, recreational type boat, and where would you put the skis, ice chests and other necessities if the trucks’ spacious bed were not available?

Trucks are made by a number of vehicle manufacturers. There are the regular size passenger trucks that seat only two people, and the large extended cab trucks that can seat five people comfortably. There are the plain trucks that come with just the basics, and trucks that come fully loaded with every available option.

Some people enjoy the sport of four wheeling, and so they purchase trucks that allow them to drive over rough terrain and through bogs of mud! These trucks are equipped with 4-wheel drive, while other trucks not intended for this purpose would come standard with 2-wheel drive.

When in search of a truck, you will need to examine your needs, and also determine exactly what the truck will be used for. If you have a large family, then a truck would probably not make a good primary vehicle for you. However, if you need a solid piece of transportation that can be utilized to haul things around, and that you can attach a trailer to, a truck might just be a worthwhile investment.

A Century Of Harley Davidson Legacy

2009-12-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1903 was very impressive. The founders, Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson, began at a prototype with a small engine- so weak that it cannot conquer the Milwaukee hills. But, all things must have started from small beginnings. And that was exactly what happened to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Schoolboys, as they can be considered, Bill and Arthur may have been born to give contribution to the motor industry.

The concept of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was very advanced at that time considering that fact that these two individuals were living in the period where horses were still the main form of transportation and automobiles were still developing. Bill and Arthur lived in an era where motorcycles were still in infant stage. What was more surprising was that, Bill and Arthur were still too young to be founders of a company then.

The prototype may be considered a success but could not produce more power to be efficient in hills. As resourceful as they were, Bill and Arthur made stronger engines that produced more power and speed.

That very same year, Harley-Davidson made its very first sale. Two years later they had made 11 motorcycles. And in 1908, they had made 154.

As the years went by, the company had produced and sold more and more units. Harley-Davidson, which started at a small backyard of a modest home, grew to become a motorcycle empire in a very short span of time.

Innovations after innovations and awards after awards, Harley-Davidson Motors had increased its reputation as the leader in the motorcycle industry.

Harley-Davidson was one of the 2 motor companies that had been commissioned to mass-produce motorcycles for the government to be used for First World War and the Second World War as well.

Within the 100 years of the company’s existence, they had been challenged with so many trials. The company’s sale went off in some periods but they regained on the next. The company’s quality had been compromised but they had regained it. And like the toughness of the motorcycles they built, the company had remained tough.

After more than a century of motorcycle manufacturing, Harley-Davidson is among the most sought after motorcycle brands around the world. They have created several models that are truly world-class. Harley-Davidson will continue to manufacture quality motorcycles that are indeed an exiting machine to ride.

2009 Buick Enclave: From Concept to Reality

2009-12-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

General Motors has been taking a beating for over a year now due to sales dips, make/model image problems, and labor and legacy issues. Truly, if there was a better time to jumpstart the company, I don’t know what it would be. Fortunately, someone in GM’s walnut-trimmed boardroom is getting the message: build what we want and we will buy it. The Buick Enclave, a luxury SUV making the rounds of the U.S. auto shows, appears to be one such winner.

I realize that I am in the minority of car critics, but I think that Buick is on the right track. The Lucerne, a full sized car based on the Cadillac DTS, is a beauty and Buick’s next newest model, the mid sized Lacrosse, is another attractive looking car. Still, Buick’s remaining fleet has been scaled back with only two SUVs and one crossover vehicle, the Terraza, left. At times it isn’t clear what plans GM has for its “near luxury” division, but if the Enclave is one example, then Buick has a promising future.

Without having pictures available to show you, it can be difficult to describe the Enclave. When I viewed pictures on various web sites, I couldn’t help but think that the Enclave was similar to the Subaru B9 Tribeca. Before you get your knickers twisted in a wad, the Enclave is a swan in comparison to the ugly Subaru.

Sporting a front end akin to the Lucerne, the back end looks a lot like the Tribeca. Overall lines are somewhat car like but the Enclave certainly does sport an SUV look with calmer lines.

What we know about the Enclave at this point is fairly limited. The vehicle sits on a 119 inch wheelbase and is powered by a 3.6L V6. So, it appears that Buick will replace the smaller Rendezvous with the Enclave and keep the larger Rainier. Or, perhaps, the Rainier will be retired altogether.

The Enclave has all the amenities a Buick owner is accustomed to including: leather appointments, power everything, OnStar, a variety of entertainment options, responsive handling, and a quiet cabin. Pictures reveal 21” tires with seven spoke wheels. Seating is for six, spread out over three rows. No couch seating either; individual bucket seats are planned for all six passengers.

There is no official word yet whether the Enclave will see the light of day at least in its present interpretation. Still, the vehicle is a fresh look for a refreshed division, something that Buick certainly needs in order to keep the momentum going.

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Review

2009-12-18T12:17:00.002-08:00

The verdicts are in: the completely redesigned 2007 version of the Hyundai Santa Fe is bigger and better than previous models, boasting more power, bigger leg room, a more sophisticated style and an elegantly designed interior that reflects a thoughtful eye for detail.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is regarded as a "crossover SUV" since it is built with a car's unibody construction instead of the traditional body-on-frame construction of a regular truck. Nonetheless, it is comparable to any SUV out there in terms of practical, everyday use.

The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe blends naturally into the suburbs unlike last year's model, which sort of stood out like a sore thumb. It is also more spacious and can now accommodate up to seven passengers, especially with its brand-new third-row seating. In the past, third-row seating was an exclusive feature to minivans and larger utility vehicles, but not this year as manufacturers have figured out how to install a third row into smaller SUVs.

In addition, this year's Santa Fe also offers improved fuel economy and power, whether it's the GLS, SE or Limited trims. All Santa Fe models offer safety features such as six airbags, active front head restraints, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the government-mandated Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Within the year, Hyundai will also equip all Santa Fe models with standard XM satellite radio and optional Bluetooth hands-free telematics, and an optional navigation system will be available sometime in 2007.

The Santa Fe GLS has a 185-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, a 112-watt audio system with six speakers and an MP3 player, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated power side mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a roof rack. It also offers an option for four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, a power sunroof and heated front seats.

The Santa Fe SE has a 242-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 and five-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, fog lights, and secondary audio controls on the steering wheel. There are also options for a power driver's seat with power lumbar, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system, featuring a 252-watt stereo system with seven speakers and CD-changer/MP3 player functions, as well as a 115-volt power outlet.

The Santa Fe Limited has leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat with power lumbar support, and dual-zone automatic temperature control with an outside temperature display. Chrome accents on the grille and exterior door handles, as well as a body color rear spoiler, set the Limited model apart from the SE and GLS. There is also an option for a more powerful 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound system with 10 speakers and CD-changer/MP3 capability.

In a nutshell, the 2007 Santa Fe has everything that a mid-size SUV needs and at a more competitive price at that. Competition among SUVS is tight in terms of power, fuel economy, space and other benefits, but the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe fares well when ranged against other SUVs in the market.

2007 GMC Yukon: Still Too Much?

2009-12-18T12:17:00.001-08:00

I realize I may be stepping on some toes, but please hear me out. The upcoming, new from the ground up, GMC Yukon is certain to be perceived by some as being too much…in size, that is. With fuel prices at an all time high and consumer sentiment shifting to smaller vehicles will the GMC Yukon be considered outdated even before it hits showroom floors in Spring 2006? Let’s take a look at many of the changes planned for the all new Yukon and then you can decide for yourself.

General Motors has been itching to release the Yukon and a host of other full sized GMC/Chevrolet models to the public as soon as possible. Some find this odd, particularly since fuel prices are high and demand for large vehicles is on the decline. Still, there is good reason why GM wants you to take a closer look at upcoming offerings including the 2007 GMC Yukon, their big SUV:

New from the ground up. Ask anyone who purchases large trucks and SUVs and they will tell you that owning one with the latest technology is often a deciding factor in purchasing a new model. GM is right on schedule with the update; however as with any “older model” vehicle currently on the market sales typically decline as a new model is prepared for release.

Engine efficiency. The 2007 Yukon’s two V8s will produce greater horsepower than the previous engines, but they will register an increase in fuel economy. How so? General Motors is incorporating Displacement on Demand technology, which deactivates some of the cylinders at low loads for increased fuel economy. You may recall a more basic version of this technology being applied to Cadillac models in the early 1980s; that particular V8-6-4 technology was ahead of its time and GM had to pull it back then as the engines did not do what was intended for them to do. Now, more than a generation later, General Motors has worked out all the kinks and has vastly improved on the original idea.

Safety. Roof mounted side curtain air bags will now be made available for all three rows of passengers. GM has been on a major offensive over the past half decade or more in stressing safety, a big seller for any vehicle. A better ABS system and StabiliTrak, GM’s premier handling system, will also be included.

Technological improvements. Rear camera systems, power fold and tumble rear seats, and an improved navigation system are some of the updates. The interior of the 2007 Yukon is actually larger than preceding models.

While General Motors can only wish that fuel prices were lower, the company is hoping that each of their new models can take a greater slice of the shrinking big truck/SUV pie. With new models from Ford still a year or two away, the Yukon is poised to cut into Expedition sales as well as take back sales lost to Lexus. Even with high fuel prices in place, there will likely always be a core market of people who need a vehicle of the Yukon’s size; General Motors knows this and has updated their line of vehicles to keep pace.

2006 Jeep Commander: 7 Passenger Trail Trekker

2009-12-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

Jeep has finally done it. A 7 passenger trail rated Jeep is now available at a dealer near you. Long a maker of manly SUVs, the Commander holds true to form as it can easily be taken off road as well as down the highway. Unlike more pedestrian models, the Commander looks every bit the rugged vehicle that it is. For Jeep fans who need the extra room the Commander offers space not available in any Jeep since the Wagoneer was retired a generation ago. Let’s take a look at the 2006 Jeep Commander, the focus of this review.

So, why build a seven passenger Jeep? To give customers a choice, that’s why. With existing models able to carry only five passengers or less, the Commander meets the demand for a larger model. Instead of losing sales to GM or Ford, Jeep is now able to offer a vehicle that will keep customers from leaving for bigger and roomier models.

The Commander looks a lot like the Cherokee, which was retired in 2001 after an 18 year run. The boxy Cherokee was a favorite with many and the Commander successfully incorporates the Cherokee’s look and body style.

As it is, the Commander is not a huge beast. At just two inches longer than the Grand Cherokee, the Commander makes use of available space without adding a tremendous amount of bulk.

Key features of the Commander include:

3 engine choices: a 3.7-Liter V6; 4.7-Liter V8 MPI; 5.7-Liter HEMI® Multi-Displacement

2 transmission choices: a pair of five speed automatics

3 four wheel drive systems

Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

3 Sound Systems: AM/FM Stereo with CD Player and Changer Controls; an AM/FM Stereo Radio w/In-Dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 Player; or a DVD-based GPS Navigation System with 6-CD/MP3 Changer

Leather trimmed or bucket seats

Supplemental Side Curtain Air Bags In All Rows

The usual accouterments including air conditioning, bucket seats, power everything, etc.

Jeep gives owners the option of owning a traditional rear wheel drive Commander or 4x4 models. Base price for the entry level Commander starts at just over $28,000 while the fully loaded Commander Limited retails at just under forty thousand. Prices for the Commander are on par with those in its class.

I like what Jeep has done with the Commander and think that you will too. I am, however, holding my breathe as Jeep prepares to introduce its first non-trail rated model [sacrilege] next year; in the meantime the Commander carries on the Jeep tradition with much distinction and aplomb.

2006 Honda Element: Unique Freak?

2009-12-18T12:02:00.001-08:00

I admit it. When I saw my first Honda Element a few years back I thought it was one of the most hideous looking vehicles on the planet. Then I saw the Scion xA and Scion xB, so I quickly relegated the Element to third place. I confess that my earlier feelings about the Element have changed, possibly because I see so many of them on the road these days and perhaps because I see its usefulness. No matter, the Honda Element is a unique looking vehicle and it is a lot less freakish than what you or I may think.

Freedom from convention. That is the saying on Honda’s web site when it comes to labeling the Element. In many ways, this marketing slogan is true. Who says that any vehicle has to conform to what you expect? True, past radical models failed miserably. The Ford Edsel and VW Thing are two that come to mind. Yet, the times are different and a truly “rad” look is in. Real in, if you know what I mean.

The Element does have a practical side to it. Although it is shaped like a breadbox and equipped with two large doors as well as two smaller doors [reminds me of the Saturn ION], the 4WD LX Element has just about what any driver needs for just under USD$20K: ABS; theft deterrent; air conditioning; cruise control; power windows, doors, mirrors, and locks; and a AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers and a clock. Standard powertrain include a feisty 2354cc I4 mated to a 5 speed manual transmission; a four speed automatic is optional but considering that this car is geared toward young people you can pretty much count on the manny tranny winning drivers out over the automatic.

Many of the components for the Element are borrowed from the Civic to give it more of a car like ride, while keeping its truck like appearance. Open all four doors at the same time and the Element evokes a strong resemblance to “suicide doors” that were standard on the 1960s era Lincoln Continentals as well as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Honda was likely thinking that this design would make it easier for passengers to retrieve all of their gear without popping up the rear hatch and crawling in. Indeed, everything in the Element is easily accessible and the vehicle was designed for the outdoorsman.

Prices start at around $17,500 for the base 2wd model and climb to just over $21,500 for the fully equipped 4wd version. Compared to the average SUV, the Element is priced very competitively and opens up a niche of buyers that Honda hopes to exploit.

Whatever you think of the Element’s looks the vehicle is an attention getter. Judging by the sales, it is a hit with the young crowd.

10 Auto Insurance Myths You Should Know About

2009-12-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

The truth about fallacies of many car owners believing that the insurance premium coverage for their new car is covered, and maybe the truth just might make you change course.
(1) "No-fault insurance means, is it not my fault?" That means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault. No they don’t!

(2) "Can the color of my car affect my insurance rate?" No!
What do influence your rate are your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, engine size, credit history and driving record.

(3)"If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages…right?" Wrong!

Your car is your responsibility! And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, you still will receive a mark on your insurance record and your insurance premium could possibly go up.

(4) "Is my insurance rate is set by the government?" No!
The government has nothing to do with your car insurance rate. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.

(5) "I recently paid my insurance premium. Is my new car I just purchased is covered?"

Not necessarily. Most automobile policies require that the policyholder notify the insurance company or agent within a specified number of days, if indeed coverage is desired for the newly purchased vehicle.

(6) "Is it a fact that male driver under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance?" Yes! Male driver under 25 years old can potentially pay more for car insurance than female drivers. However, across the board, teenagers and mature adults pay more for auto insurance, due in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.

(7) "Can my credit score have any affect on my insurance rate?" Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when deciding to increase or renew your auto insurance coverage.

(8) "Even without comprehensive coverage, am I still covered for theft, windstorms, and hail and deer accidents?" Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance, which covers accidents involving objects, that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.

(9) "Can my personal auto insurance cover both my personal and business use of my car?"

If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use as well. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.

(10) "I've never had nor been involved in a car accident, do I still need automobile insurance?" Yes!

Some drivers are lucky enough never to have been or to be involved in an accident. However, if by chance you do have an accident; your risk of losing everything is great. Car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event an automobile accident occurs. It's also a legal issue - you are required, by law, to have some basic form of auto insurance, and failing to do so carries some fairly strict punishments.

6 Tips For Saving Gas

2009-12-18T11:36:00.001-08:00

In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.

Tip#1 - Start Carpooling

Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.

Tip#2 - Public Transportation

If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.

Tip#3 - Price Shop

Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.

Tip#4 - Get Moving

You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.

Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car

It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.

Tip#6 - Check your Tires

It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.

These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.

5 Motorcycle Security Locks

2009-12-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

One of the worst fears of a bike owner is the thought of having his bike lifted. He would like to have a bike lock that cannot be broken or picked. Fortunately, there are a whole range of bike locks that are available in the market. You just need to pick the right one. Here are five locks that are quite popular:

1: ABUS Granit Extreme 59/180HB: This German brand lock is 16 mm thick and comes with the following features:
--- Square parabolic shackle with a hardened steel construction for maximum resistance against bolt-cutters
--- Double locking cylinder with more than a million key variations
--- Runner cover to sheathe the shackle
--- Sliding cover to shield keyhole from dirt.

The only disadvantage of this lock is that it large and cumbersome to carry

2. Bully U-shaped Disc Lock: This is a strong lock and is not easy to pick. Its important features are:
--- Double-roller-bearing locking mechanism,
--- Hardened anti-drill discs
--- Eight-disc hardened steel cylinder
--- Specially heat-treated alloy steel construction
--- Keyhole cover to keep dirt out
--- Soft plastic to cover the shackle

3. Cobralinks Cable Lock: This is tough cable lock, and not easy to break. Its important features are:
--- Hardened stainless steel links covering seven strands of top-quality aircraft cable
--- Available in lengths of 6, 8, 10 & 12 feet
--- Diameter of ¾ and 1 inch
--- 10-15 pound weight
--- Rolls up to make a11 inch coil
--- Three keys included with patented setup

4. Kryptonite New York Disc Lock & Fahgettaboudit Security Chain: This chain and lock combo is marketed as the ultimate motorcycle lock. The hexagonal chain links made of triple-heat-treated steel are shaped to ward off attacks from bolt-cutters, saws, chisels and hammers. They have narrow inner width that does not encourage leverage assaults.

The New York Disc Lock is no less impressive. It has a:
--- Hardened half-inch steel shackle
--- Disc-style cylinder
--- Steel sleeve over the crossbar
--- Double deadbolt locking mechanism
--- Sliding dust covers

5. MasterLock Python 6-inch Adjustable Cable Lock: The makers of this lock market it as "the world's first fully adjustable locking cable that's always the right length". The cable that is six foot and comprises multi-strands works is easy to use. To use it, the bike owner needs to
-- insert the cable into the lock
-- pull tight
-- turn the key.

3 Warnings Before Switching Auto Insurance Companies

2009-12-18T11:29:00.000-08:00

We've all been bombarded with ads, emails, commercials, and billboards saying how much we can save on our auto insurance by switching to another company. It's a competitive industry. Just because another company is offering a better rate doesn't mean you should rush to call and cancel your insurance and switch. There are a few things you need to make sure of before you do.

Here are a few things to watch out for before you switch your auto insurance to another company.

If you've been with one company for many years and they offer a credit that waives the first accident you have, you may want to stay or see if the other company can match it. Sometimes this is referred to as good driver discount or a longevity discount or accident forgiveness. The company rewards you for your loyalty by waiving the first accident you have.

This discount can be pretty significant. Since most accidents can raise your rate by 40% for 3 years the potential savings could be several hundreds of dollars over that 3 year period. But when you switch companies, you lose this credit you've built up. If you have an accident with that new company how much are you going to regret not having that accident forgiveness by seeing your rates jacked up by 40%?

Another thing to be mindful of is to make sure the company you are switching to is not offering you just a teaser rate for the first 6 months to get your business and then bump you up 6 months later once they've got you on their books. Since auto insurance is a profitable industry, companies may offer you a low ball rate to get you to switch and then once they've got you increase your rates at the renewal. If the rate the new company quotes seems too goo to be true do more research. Check out insurance forums or search Google for "XYZ insurance + Reviews."

Watch out for hidden fees. This is one that can surprise you. Some companies charge you for making monthly payments - usually $3-$5 a month. Over the course of a year that comes out to $36-$60. That one fee can take a big bite out of your potential savings so make sure you factor that into the rates you are comparing. Make sure you are really saving money when you switch.

Two other things to keep in mind when shopping around for auto insurance are the new company's website and hours of operation. Make sure their hours work with your hours. If they are only open from 8-5 and you work 8-5, when are you going to be able to call them if you have a question or need to make a claim? If you do all your business online you want to make sure the company you are looking at has a capable website that can help you 24 hours a day.

You can save money by shopping your auto insurance around. Just be sure to keep in mind the things I've mentioned to make sure the deal you're looking at is really a great deal.

3 Tips To Ensure A Safe Car Shipping Transaction

2009-12-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

With the world becoming more and more globalized, there has been a increase in business for car shipping companies to ship all types of vehicles ranging from motorbikes to lorries, trucks etc. Online car sales and car auctions have also contributed to an increase in demand for car shipping services.

As a result, today there is a wide range of car shipping companies to choose from. But how do you go about picking a car shipping service that is suitable for your car? Here are a few tips to bear in mind.

1. Enclosed Or Not Enclosed

You will need to decide whether your car needs to be enclosed in a container or not during shipping. Generally enclosed containers are more expensive but the advantage is your car will not need to suffer from wind, rain, debris etc during transportation.

I would recommend to use an the enclosed method of transportation if your car is a brand new one or is expensive. An example would be a vintage car or an expensive sports automobile.

2. Shipping Routes

You may need to check with the car shipping company whether they can deliver to your house. Some shipping companies only deliver to major cities and certain pickup locations after which you are expected to go there to collect the car.

Other car shipping companies will charge an additional fee to ship it to your house. So it is important you check with the company before hand the shipping arrangement.

3. Car Inspection

Most car shipping companies will have a car inspection checklist before and after the car is shipped. You want to go through that checklist and make sure your condition of the car is checked correctly before shipping.

You can take your time to inspect the car after it has been shipped to check for any damages to your car.

5. Car Shipping Insurance

You may want to check with the car shipping companies on the shipping insurance coverage on your car and the cost involved. Most car shipping companies include insurance in the total shipping cost but some don’t and will require an additional charge. So make sure you know the insurance coverage and the cost if needed.

3 Tips For Buying Seized And Reposesed Cars

2009-12-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

What is your perception of seized and reposesed cars? For far too many people seized and reposesed cars hold a certain stigma and they tend to think that these are all vehicles that’s been battered and bruised. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of these vehicles are in top condition and are in fact the very same vehicles that second hand dealerships are selling.

Seized and reposesed cars are primarily cars that government agencies and private financial institutions lay claim on. The government agencies will usually lay claim on a vehicle if it was used in criminal activity or even if it’s a recovered stolen vehicle that’s not reclaimed by the original owner. The financial institutions in turn lay claim on vehicles where the owner fails to make his monthly payments. These vehicles, as you can imagine, are usually still in top condition and sometimes they are virtually brand new.

As good a deal as these seized and reposesed cars are, there are some pitfalls that you need to watch out for. Here are three invaluable tips that will help you in finding and purchasing a quality reposessed car:

- Do Your Homework…

Firstly you need to do your homework about the cars you are interested in. Make sure you know exactly how much you can get it for both new and second hand. Secondly, do your homework about the company you are buying the reposesed car from. If it’s at an auction make sure you check out their credentials and that they are actually selling reposesed cars. Many companies who claim to sell seized and reposesed cars are only making these claims to get you through their front door or into their website.

- Finding them is half the job done…

Finding decent seized and reposesed cars is probably the biggest challenge. There are some good websites that keep and maintain a database of all the seized vehicles that are for sale throughout the USA. Only a handful of these web services are actually connected to the various agencies and auction houses. Be careful of websites that only act as a middleman – make sure the give you direct access to their database that will enable you to search for specific vehicles and their locations. Finding the best deals is all about the quality of the website you are searching on and their database. Some dealerships claim to sell bargain reposesed cars, but it’s usually just an incentive for you to buy. Go instead to the source. Go and buy where the dealerships buy. This is where you will find the real deals.

- Be auction sassy…

When you do find your dream vehicle at that unbelievable price, you still need to be vigilant – especially at auctions. If you are not very good with cars and engines, then ask someone who is to accompany you. Check the vehicle thoroughly before bidding starts. Auctioned vehicles are sold ‘as-is’. If a third party grades or examines the vehicles, make sure they are reliable, especially at online auctions. And when you bid…don’t get caught up in the bidding. Fix your price and don’t bid above that!

If you just can’t afford that car that you really want, then seized and reposesed cars might just be what you are looking for. This is by no means an inferior source. Dealers and wholesaler have been buying their stock from these seized and repossessed auctions for a long time. With the internet these databases are available to the general public and you no longer need any special ‘contacts’ to get access to this great resource. Providing that you are vigilant and you do your due diligence you can’t really go wrong.

3 Reasons Why Suzuki Scooters Are Great

2009-12-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why Suzuki scooters are very popular in the market? Here are some reasons why a lot of people are very satisfied with their Suzuki scooters.

Excellent Design

Suzuki scooters are known for their stylish designs that come in bold colors like blue, gray and black. It is evident in their sleek bodies and fantastic engines that can provide both a comfortable ride and an exhilarating performance. These scooters have a stepped seat and an adjustable backrest that will keep the rider comfortable through long distances. Suzuki scooters are also good for two. They have concave floorboards that would give both the rider and the passenger ample leg room. Suzuki scooters also have an impressive suspension as well as an aerodynamic fairing that will provide the rider with a lot of protection from the wind.

Suzuki scooters also come with a lighted underseat storage compartment as well as three other front compartments that are within the rider’s reach. Not only does it provide comfort during trips, it conveniently stores the rider’s things in strategic locations. The front compartments can hold keys or change that the rider can easily access when he needs it. The underseat compartment can hold bigger items as well as things that he would like to secure.

User-friendly and Efficient

Suzuki scooters have liquid-cooled engines that do not make a lot of noise and can offer strong acceleration. They also use an advanced fuel injection system that can make it easy to steer. Even better, they come with an automatic clutch and v-belt that would produce a smooth and effortless acceleration. It also has a great set of breaks that will never let the rider down. Using this scooter will also lessen gas expenses. It has a mileage of 75 miles per gallon. With the increasing price of gasoline, this should be a very big consideration.

Durable and Reliable

Most of the people who have used Suzuki scooters are very satisfied. According to these Suzuki users, their scooter has never let them down. Most of their scooters are more than two years old. And, they have traveled a lot of worry-free miles using these vehicles. Aside from a change of tire after around nine months of use, no other repairs have been done on their scooters yet. A lot of users also commended this product for having a very tightly capped oil gasket that does not leak at all. In fact, one user even mentioned that he could take his Suzuki scooter in the living room after use.

The best thing about Suzuki scooters is the price. With such a fantastic list of qualities, one will find the price too good to be true. It will literally give the customer a bang for his buck. Its 400 cc scooters, for example, cost as low as $6,000 which is very cheap when compared with the prices of other high-end scooters. With their low prices, impressive performance and beautiful designs, what more can one ask for?

5 Hand Tools You Can’t Live Without

2009-12-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

A well equipped work shop is the first step to making sure you are ready and able for any do-it-yourself home improvement project. With a few basic workhorses, you can saw, nail, sand, shape and sharpen the way the pros do it.

The Top Five Tool List

There are thousands of tools on the shelves of the hardware store and the work benches of seasoned do-it-yourself gurus, but it you were to break them down into categories, they all do some of the same things. So with five basic pieces of hardware as your foundation, you can build anything and then work from there to build your own workshop.

The first power tool to have is a circular saw. With this you can cut straight lines and large curves. Setting a board along the top of two saw horses, can create a work area to hold wood being cut.

Next, for larger wood working projects a table saw or radial arm saw is in line. Choosing one that rotates to different angles is important if you plan to cut picture framing or crown mouldings for your home. The angles allow you to create the 45 degree mitre cuts for a perfect fit.

Third, the well- equipped workshop has an electric sander. All of this work could be done by hand, but the electric belt sander gives each piece of wood a professionally finished look. It prepares long strips of moulding or the edges of table tops and other furniture for staining or painting.

Fourth, every wood working work shop should have a router. This handy tool allows you to make woodworking patterns and grooves that take a piece of furniture or moulding from that plain look of the Shaker style to the ornate French provincial elegance.

Finally, maintaining your saws and other tools is easier with a grinding wheel or knife sharpener. These will allow you to maintain blades and keep them cutting the fine details and patterns that take your handicraft up a notch from amateur to professional.

Solid Brands for Solid Quality

There are some brands of tools that the name alone creates an image of quality. Makita, Ryobi, Rockler, Rockwell, Sears Craftman, Snap-On, Hitachi, and Rigid are all names you can rely on. The prices in these brands vary a little, but with any of them you can count on a quality tool that will last decades. It is worth the investment.

Adding On

Once you have stocked your workshop shelves with the basics, you can add some of the luxuries that make the jobs easier and smoother. Of course there are the smaller devices such as gluers and clamps that keep projects together while you work. But to that you can add electric nailers, dovetail jigs, jet tools and more to make life easier.

A well organized workshop with all of the basics is the ideal way to work. Perhaps your first big project can be building the workbench that will serve as your foundation for many more projects to come.

5 Great Tips On Dealing With Car Transport Companies

2009-12-18T11:06:00.002-08:00

So you have at last purchased the car that you have always dreamt of. Only problem is, the deal has been made in the other corner of the country. Well, you do not have to view it as a problem, as there are many car transport services that help you transport your car from any one point to another. If you are unclear and uncomfortable dealing with car transport services, the following tips may help you deal better with your car transport company.

The Cost Factor

The first question you have to ask the car transporter is: what will be the total cost of car transportation? Here you have to do some homework and ask for quotes from several auto transport companies so that you can compare the rates. The cost of transporting your car is usually calculated on the basis of the following information that you need to supply to the auto transport company:

* Origin and destination points

* Type of vehicle to be transported

* The date of departure

* Type of transport service you want such as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal etc.

Mode Of Payment

Enquire about the payment method. Most of the auto transport companies will not demand a full advance payment, but others may request a deposit fee that should not exceed 25% of the total transportation cost. Either cash or check is generally accepted, but in case of credit card payment you may be required to pay a surcharge of 2 to 3%.

Go Through The Contract In Detail

Do not go by the verbal promises of the auto transporter, and be sure to put everything in black and white on paper. Make sure that there is a clause regarding the penalties the company has to pay if it cannot deliver your car within a specified time period. Similarly you may have to pay some penalty if you cancel the contract after a certain time limit. But this should not exceed $250.

Enquire About Insurance

Your car should be insured against any kind of damage by the car transporter. Demand a copy of this insurance and know beforehand the type of the coverage, whether it is primary or secondary. If any damage occurs on transit, your car insurance provider will be responsible for paying for the damage. However, if you place any personal article inside the car, the auto transport company will not be responsible for their damage or theft.

Check Thoroughly At Time Of Delivery

Do not be in such a rush when receiving your car, and make sure to examine your car carefully and slowly for any damage. Take note of the mileage in addition to the condition of the car, such as the car roof and bumpers. Instances of damages are rare; still if you find any, make a list of all damage and obtain the driver's signature on it.

3 Considerations When Looking For Used Car Auto Loans

2009-12-18T11:06:00.001-08:00

If you have made the decision to purchase a used car, no doubt it is a decision that will save you a great deal of money. Once you decide on a used car that you want, you may then want to start looking at the used car auto loans that are available to you. If you want to get a good loan for your used car, you will need to consider your financing carefully and weight all of your options. Many times, excited buyers get so excited about purchasing their car that they forget to look over the used car auto loans carefully. The following are considerations to keep in mind you are going to purchase a used car with used car auto loans.

Get Financing First
Whenever you are going to purchase a used car, you want to make sure that you qualify for used car auto loans before you go through the final details of purchasing a car. It is important that you make sure that you are approved for the financing you need before you show up at a dealership ready to buy. If you do not have the money up front when you go to a dealership, you may not be able to get a great deal. But if you have the money with you, many times you can get a better deal on your used car.

Check the Financing Contract
Before you decide to sign on any used car auto loans, you should be sure that you have read the entire contract, including all of the fine print. Many times, there are qualifications that you are not aware of or penalties for paying the loan off early. Often, these lenders may include terms that allow them to raise the interest rate if you miss even one payment. If you take the time to read the used car auto loans contract before you sign it, you will not have any unwelcome surprises coming your way in the future.

Beware of Feeling Uncomfortable
When you are dealing with used car auto loans, you should listen to any bad feelings that you may get. If you feel uncomfortable with the terms or the interest rate, you should probably forget that loan and go on looking for used car auto loans that you can feel comfortable with.

If you keep these considerations in mind when getting used car auto loans to purchase a used vehicle, you will be able to purchase your car with peace of mind. Just taking time to get your financing in the beginning and checking out the terms can save you many problems in the long run. Remember that you can never be too careful when you are dealing with used car auto loans.

RV Awnings – Options To Add Comfort To Your Vacation

2009-12-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

RV awnings add something extra to the experience of travelling and spending time in different areas of the country. You might think that putting up an awning each time you stop takes away time from your vacation, but once you see the awnings suitable for RVs, you will want to buy one. You can find these awnings for sale at retailers that specialize in the sale of awnings and at retailers that deal in RV sales. If something should happen to the RV awning, you won’t have any difficulty finding replacement parts. If you own an RV, you owe it to yourself to check out the line of RV awnings.

Once you install RV awnings, you can leave them there. You simply winch them in and out by hand or by pushing a button if you have a motorized awning. For RV’s, retractable awnings operate by means of a 12 v battery, so you don’t need an electrical hook up to use one. You can also get an RV awning replacement that has lighting included, which makes for the ultimate outdoor setting when you stopped for the night. Enjoy your meal outdoors in the dark or enjoy the beautiful sunset from under the shade of your awning.

The canopy support of RV awnings is well able to withstand the force of the wind and the weight of water from the rain. The material won’t sag or flap in the wind keeping you awake all night. There are manufacturers that use the Awnbrella technique that blows the awning upwards, thus eliminating any possibility of sagging. This also helps avoid the problem of looking for an RV awning for sale or a replacement part when the fabric in your awning sags too much.

If you choose Awnbrella as your choice in RV awnings, you will have an aluminum awning made of anodized extruded aluminum. The high temperatures used in creating this type of RV awning for sale ensure that it won’t rust and will resist corrosion from the weather. You do need to have poles to keep this RV awning from sagging and experts recommend that you do not place the posts on the ends of the canvas. The total weight of the poles is only four pounds, which means you won’t have any difficulty getting them in place when you stop for the night.

RV awnings help to reduce the heat and humidity inside the RV by as much as 70%. They help to make your motor home a more comfortable place to spend a vacation when you can relax outdoors under the awning and not have to worry about the UV rays of the sun. You can get RV awnings for just about any size of camper and if you have problems there are RV awning replacement parts available as well. However, chances are you won’t need to look for those for a long time.

Recreational Vehicle Ownership

2009-12-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

The joy of recreational vehicle ownership hasn't been dimmed by rising gas prices. As late as August of 2005 recreational vehicle sales were seeing only a very small affect of rising gas prices. Sales of recreational vehicles in 2004 were the highest see in twenty five years. The popularity of recreational vehicles doesn't seem to be waining at all. In fact, there is an RV and MV (Manufactured Vehicle) hall of fame located in Elkhart Indiana.

Today's motor homes or recreational vehicles have all the comforts of home, and then some. With luxury leather recliners, granite floors, washers and dryers, plasma TV's and looks of professionally designed spaces recreational vehicles are a stylish and comfortable home away from home.

There are several different types of vehicles considered "RV's". The first is a truck camper which is a unit affixed to the bed or chassis of a pickup truck. Then there is the folding camping trailer, or pop-up trailer. A travel trailer is a unit that is towed by another vehicle. A fifth wheel travel trailer is designed to be towed by a pickup truck. A motor home or what is frequently called a Winnebago which resembles a bus.

The process of purchasing a new recreational vehicle is somewhat like purchasing a new car. A recreational vehicle dealer will sometimes take advantage of an uniformed customer. There are huge markups on recreational vehicles by all dealers. The only way to come out with a fair deal is to do your homework before you buy.

There are several fixed prices when you are looking at new recreational vehicles. The dealer price, the taxes and any motor vehicle fees. As with a car, the only option left for the dealer is to play with the profit margin. As recreational vehicle dealers sell way less than car dealers do they must make a much higher profit margin per vehicle. As it is widely known that used recreational vehicles have a huge depreciation you don't want to overpay for your vehicle.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Sales on the Rise

2009-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

As the baby boomers retire, the recreational vehicle industry has seen an upsurge in sales. For many people, nothing measures up to the independence and flexibility of enjoying the open road in a recreational vehicle (RV). There is certainly much to be said for taking your hotel with you wherever you go, and the savings on hotel costs can more than pay for the initial cost of an RV.

RV travelers realize the cost savings of this type of travel. There are no hotel rooms to book and dining in your RV can save an enormous amount of money compared to eating in restaurants every day. Owning a fifth wheel or travel trailer, whereas you can unhook your RV from your truck, saves you from having to book a rental car. For those in motor homes, many travelers will tow a vehicle behind them.

When considering the purchase of an recreational vehicle, you will be faced with three choices; a fifth wheel which is pulled by a pick up truck and attaches to a wheel inside the truck box (hence its name fifth wheel), a travel trailer which is usually pulled by a truck with a rear hitch, or a motor home. All three types of RV's have their pros and cons and each point will need to be considered based upon your needs and your budget. Other consideration for the RV lifestyle is the price of gas. However, it is still more economical than staying in hotels and eating at restaurants every night.

Traveling in a recreational vehicle or motor home is often a good choice for those who want to travel to different locations; however, it may be less suited to those who visit the same location year after year. Travelers who visit the same location every year may find it more economical to buy a vacation home. Buying a vacation home, and renting it out when it is not being used, can be a good way to both save money on lodging and build equity for the future.

Many RV travelers come to love the freedom of the open road and the easy care lifestyle. Traveling cross-country and stopping a various parks along the way is a wonderful adventure. The traveler can choose to stay a day or as long as they want at a particular location.

A well-known fact in the RV community is the free camping at Walmart. In most states, you are allowed to camp in a Walmart's parking lot for as long as you like. I am sure you have seen recreational vehicles lined up in Walmart's parking lot at least on one occasion. This is a win-win situation for the traveler and Walmart. The traveler has a well-lit place to camp for the night, at no cost, and Walmart receives income from those RV owners who frequent the store. However, recently there has been an uprising among campground owners against Walmart's free camping policy. Therefore, it is well advised that you check with the local chamber of commerce before you decide to stay a week at Walmart.

Purchasing A New Recreational Vehicle

2009-12-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

When looking to buy a new recreational vehicle think about what you would do if you were going to purchase a new car.

You certainly aren't going to take the first deal you're offered. You certainly aren't going to purchase from the first dealer you visit without comparing prices. You certainly wouldn't go without any idea of the value of the vehicle beforehand.

It is very important that you go armed with information when you're thinking about purchasing a new recreational vehicle. This is some serious cash you're going to be spending and you want to get the best possible deal. Recreational Vehicle dealers must make a large profit on the sale of each vehicle. They don't sell the numbers that car dealers do so they have to make the maximum mark up on each vehicle.

There are many sites online that can be a help to you with finding the actual MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) of a new recreational vehicle. Recreational Vehicle dealers, like car dealers, buy their vehicles wholesale due to the number they buy, they have a fairly wide profit margin generally 15% to 35%. The dealer price you see on the vehicle isn't necessarily what he has paid for it with incentives he receives from the manufacturer.

Make sure that you visit at least three recreational vehicle dealers with the same or similar vehicle. When you're spending potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars on a motor home you want to make sure you are getting the best deal. Deals do differ from region to region and from dealer to dealer.

Don't become attached to any one recreational vehicle. Again, when you're talking potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars it's a business deal and not one where you should wear your heart on your sleeve. Remember, this is a new vehicle, and if you bypass this one the factory can always build another exactly like it.

Make sure that you do a little research into the dealers after sales service. Many dealers are your best friends during the deal, but then lose interest in you afterwards. You will want to check with friends and family that own recreational vehicles and perhaps with the Better Business Bureau before you purchase. Also, RV blogs and forums are a good way to get information about a particular dealer.

Motor Home Ownership

2009-12-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

Today's motor homes or recreational vehicles have all the comforts of home. If your wallet can afford it, they come with plasma TV's, washers and dryers, ceramic tile floors and granite countertops and with spaces that are professionally designed.

The best known type of motor home is the Type A, or recreational vehicle. This is the roomiest of all motor homes, the largest, and the most expensive. They come fully equipped with all the luxurious amenities as listed above, plus some. Some recreational vehicles come with custom stained glass and large garden/tub showers. Recreational Vehicles come up to 45 feet in length and generally range between $85,000 used and $400,000 new. Don't forget, they get somewhere between 5 and 8 miles per gallon. This is another consideration. If you can't swallow that type of gas mileage you may want to consider another form of motor home.

A Type B motor home category includes van campers and travel trailers. The van campers generally range from 18 feet to 22 feet in length and can comfortable sleep four. A fully contained van camper can have a shower, toilet, kitchen, TV, couches and beds. The beds are close together, affording less privacy than a travel trailer or recreational vehicle. Most only have enough head room to allow for full standing in the center of the vehicle. Much smaller than the Type A motor homes they have less storage area. The van campers range in price between $43,000 and $70,000.

Travel trailers come in sizes 16 feet to 38 feet. They range in price from $6,000. for a used trailer upwards to $45,000 for a new travel trailer. You can generally find a fairly wide range of amenities in travel trailers. The larger the size the more you can sleep and the more likely you will be to have a private bedroom area.

A lot of travelers like the fact that they can park their travel trailer in a trailer park and take their vehicle touring the area. It does however take lots of practice learning how to properly drive with a travel trailer hitched to the back of your SUV.

When you are considering the purchase of a new motor home there are some of the same considerations you have when purchasing a new car. Remember, a dealer can take advantage of an uneducated customer. Do your homework. Know how much you should be paying before you visit the dealership. Ask to see the MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) for the vehicle. Remember, dealers receive nice incentives from manufacturers so they have a 15% to 35% mark-up.

Don't take the first deal that you are offered. Visit two or three dealerships. Make sure that the dealership you buy your motor home from has good follow up service. A lot of dealers are your best friends while you're buying the motor home. Once they've sold you the motor home they don't want to be bothered. Check with the Better Business Bureau and family and friends who have motor homes.

Motor Home Extended Warranty

2009-12-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

You will find that any motor home that you buy will come with a warranty of some sort. Of course, the warranty will vary depending on whether you buy new or secondhand. New vehicles will attract a longer term warranty than secondhand vehicles, however, at some point the warranty on either vehicle will expire, leaving you exposed to the risks of paying for expensive repairs should something happen to your vehicle after that expiration. And guess what – something normally does happen!! You can, however, protect yourself against this by taking out an extended warranty on your motor home.

For many motor home owners, an extended warranty provides peace of mind and with companies offering extended warranties directly to owners via the internet premiums have come down a lot, thus making an extended warranty quite reasonable. You will find that dealer’s extended warranties are much more expensive because the insurance companies must raise their price to cover the commission paid to the dealer. Online companies don’t have this commission to pay and can therefore offer a better price.

When buying an extended warranty make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. The most reputable companies are underwritten by “A” rated insurance companies, rated by Standard & Poor and others. Do not buy a motor home extended warranty from a company that will not disclose the rating of the company that backs the policy. You will find that extended warranties are available on new and used motor homes, however if a vehicle is very old or has very high mileage, you will not be able to take out a motor home extended warranty.

The cost to protect yourself from expensive repairs will vary on motor homes so here are a few guidelines to assist you.

1. Generally, you will pay more for diesel engines and then depending on the location of the engine, you will pay more or less. Generally rear engines are more expensive.
2. Most companies will exclude Renault built engines.
3. Some modifications on engines will void warranty, however the cost of coverage will be more if a turbo charger is added.
4. There will be a surcharge added for every year added over the first few years of age of the vehicle. With mileage, the surcharges will start earlier.
5. Any accessories added such as satellite dishes, TV, stereo etc…will incur a surcharge.

The best way to find out the cost of a motor home extended warranty is to contact a few companies and get a full run down of all aspects of the policy. In this way you can make an informed decision and then choose the policy that you feel suits you best.

Official wants to delay RV law

2008-07-01T03:01:00.000-07:00

"I'm asking that the ordinance not become effective for a couple more months just to give us some time," Councilwoman Rhenda Strub said.

Strub convened a group of leaders from the county, Tumwater and some social service agencies to find homes for the RVs.

"We're looking at partnering with churches and social service agencies to take one or two of these RVs," she said.

Owen would be the coordinator.

The council moved last month to ban RV parking on city streets after getting complaints about seven RVs and motorhomes that have been parked for months near the Olympia Transit Center on State Avenue — taking up parking spaces, dumping sewage and running generators.

The law would ban RV parking between 3 and 6 a.m., or for any 24-hour period, including weekends and holidays. People could obtain a permit for parking for up to seven days within a quarter of each year.

Violators would be charged $75 for each offense, and after the third offense the vehicle could be impounded.

Assistant City Manager Subir Mukerjee said parking staff members and police would enforce the law. If passed tonight, the law could go into effect in 30 days.

Homeless RV residents said they have nowhere else to go. Other jurisdictions ban RV parking. In interviews earlier, some RV residents said they would move to another space if provided.

"The sense I get from most of them … they'll actually be probably happier than where they are," Owen said.

Formerly a part-time worker for the Family Support Center, Owen last week began receiving $5,000 emergency funding from United Way to work full time on finding homes for the RV campers. That funding will last for up to two months. Read more...

Is the RV all that important?

2008-06-25T07:36:00.000-07:00

A year ago there was a difference of almost $100,000 between the average Christchurch City Council RV of $260,000 (set by council valuer Good Earth Matters in August 2004), and the average home price of $354,000 (April to June average for the council's area as calculated by state-owned valuer Quotable Value).

Now, the average RV for the council's area, according to the latest round of three-yearly valuations released in November, is $377,434. This compares with an average dwelling price in the three months to May 31 of $362,981 after a year of little or no price growth in most areas.

So most prices are close to, but not quite meeting, the current valuation.

The change from last year to now shows up the shortcomings of using the blunt instrument of the RV - a local authority taxation tool - in the finely tuned and fast- changing property market.

Christchurch valuer Mark Shalders, of DTZ, warns against putting too much store by the RV.

"We don't think rating values offer a particularly valuable guide to prices,"Shalders says. "There's better ways of valuing a property."

Shalders says one of the shortcomings of relying on RVs is that they are set on a certain date, and do not reflect market changes until they are done again three years later. Read more...

Travel Trailer RV's

2008-06-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Travel trailers, also often called caravans in many places outside the U.S., are small trailers that can be used as living quarters while traveling. Travel trailers are actually a part of a large family of vehicles having the same characteristics. Also belonging to this group of vehicles are the pop-up trailers, teardrop trailers, motor homes, and truck campers. Collectively, these vehicles are called recreational vehicles, or RVs.

The different kinds of recreational vehicles share several characteristics, so how can one differentiate a travel trailer from the others? Unlike motor homes that are vehicles in themselves, travel trailers are not. Instead, travel trailers are designed to be towed by other vehicles by means of a bumper or trailer hitch. One wouldn't mistake a travel trailer for other towable RVs because of their style and their size.

Travel trailer lengths usually range from twelve feet to about forty feet. Those that are below eighteen feet in length are often called small travel trailers. These travel trailers are usually the simplest and can accommodate about four people at most. Small travel trailers would not weigh more than 3,000 pounds and thus can be towed by a family car or a small pickup truck.

Many travel trailer builders, in their quest to provide utmost satisfaction for their customers, also provide options for personalizing your chosen trailer with interior decors using varied design schemes. As a result, the upholstery, carpeting and windows’ stylish and beaming appearances make up an appealing and unique trailer that is sure to catch the discerning eyes of buyers.

Manufacturers of different trailers with state-of-the-art designs and engineering also provide warranties to assure you of a secured and long-lasting RV experience.

In transportation and temporary living accommodations for travel, recreation, and camping, small travel trailers are the best option to meet the level of comfort and convenience needed by small families or even older couples who are enjoying their retirement. You can still feel as if you are in the comforts of your home; these trailers also come equipped with the necessary amenities such as a small kitchen area, a bathroom, comfortable sleeping and dining areas, and even entertainment facilities.

Though simple and engineered to be lightweight, small trailers are also loaded with cooking facilities as well as a refrigerator, heating, air conditioning, a self-contained toilet, a shower, water tanks, and a separate electrical system. These trailers also feature slide-out rooms so you can enjoy additional space.

RV Rentals

2008-06-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

My folks have been retired for five years, and they’re spending their golden years on the road. There have been trips to China and Peru and a train tour of Canada. This year, they’re sticking closer to home — an RV tour of California with the Kelly clan.

“We’re a small company,” said Tom Franks, Director of Comfort Coach RV in Oceanside (760-554-7390; rvrentalssandiego.com). “Each of our coaches is privately owned. Not only do you have a rental company maintaining and managing the coach, but you also have an owner, who has a vested interest in maintaining it. And because these are privately owned coaches that people have purchased for themselves, they’re loaded with features and amenities — nicer upholstery and cabinetry, in-motion satellite receivers, surround-sound speaker systems...”

Franks said, “We carry both Class A and Class C. The Class C is the most popular family coach. It’s made on a van chassis and drives like a van. There’s a bed above the driver’s head and a queen-sized bed in the bedroom, and the sofa folds into a double bed, so it can sleep up to eight.” The Class A slept six people, but Franks suggested that it was a step up. “It’s a bus-style coach, so you sit up above the traffic and enjoy a great view. It will have more slide-outs, so you’ll have more living space.”

Neither model, said Franks, is difficult to drive, and neither requires a special license — you just need to be at least 25 years old. “You’ll be sitting up higher and more to the left than you’re probably used to. You need to allow additional braking distance, and because you don’t accelerate as quickly as a car, you need to allow additional time to get into traffic. We give renters a complete orientation and make sure they know how to operate everything.” Read more...

Class C Motorhomes

2008-06-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Are you considering buying a new or used Class C Motorhome? There are many rv manufacturers that build class c's and you are probably wondering how to decide which one to choose.

Well, our friends at J R Consumer Resources, Inc. have created an RV Comparison Guide that rates and compares 99% of the manufacturers in the recreational vehicle industry.

Buying an RV can be one of the most rewarding purchases you’ll ever make. Imagine having the freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want in a luxurious home on wheels. Unlike the unfamiliar setting of a hotel room, your RV allows you to bring along the comforts and joys of your everyday life such as your own pillow, favorite board games, golf clubs and other familiar comforts. There is no need to make hotel reservations or try to decide where to eat.

See what Google News has to say about Class C Motorhomes.

RV Ratings

2008-06-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

When shopping for a new RV, how do you know what manufacturer to choose from? There are so many! Would a comparison guide with many RV Ratings help you in your decision process? Learn more about the recreational vehicle industry with our RV Comparison Guides.

Fleetwood lays off 300 workers at Indiana RV plant

2008-06-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Munson said that weakening consumer demand primarily because of high fuel prices prompted the layoffs in Decatur and the layoffs of another 128 workers at a plant in Paxinos, Penn., and 34 workers at the company's Riverside plant. Both of those plants make gasoline engine RVs. Read more...

RV campgrounds reap benefits of high gas prices

2008-06-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Recreational vehicles aren’t exactly known for their fuel efficiency. In light of high fuel prices, conventional wisdom would suggest RV and camper trailer sales — and usage, for that matter — would be taking a hit right now.

However, as camping enthusiasts decide to remain in the area rather than travel abroad, local RV campgrounds are thriving. Camper and RV dealerships, meanwhile, are finding ways to make ends meet, said officials.

“I think we’ll probably just ride it out,” said Becky Shockley, an official at Cross County RV Center in Mattoon. The fuel situation “hasn’t put the business at a standstill by any means. We’re still selling on a regular basis.”

More than half of Cross County’s sales are to out-of-state customers — especially “snowbirds”: people who travel in RVs to warmer climates in the fall and winter months, said Shockley.

“Motor homes and larger luxury fifth-wheel (trailers), those are not affected” by the gasoline prices, she said.

Cross County also continues to sell larger units to traveling workers — such as those installing oil pipelines or cell towers — who invest reimbursements from their employers in mobile homes rather than spend the money on hotels, said Shockley.

But sales of smaller “weekender” RVs and campers have declined, she added. “We can see a little slowdown there” because of the fuel crunch, Shockley said.

The situation is almost the reverse at Owen Motor Sports near Charleston, where smaller units are selling better than larger RVs and fifth-wheel trailers. The gasoline hike “has slowed down everything, but it seems like the used units and small units are moving (because) people are staying closer to home,” said Jarrod Moran, general manager. Read more...

Man gets second chance at Storey RV ordinance change

2008-06-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

Troy Regas will get another chance to pitch his RV park request to the Storey County Planning Commission.

Regas, who owns more than 200 acres in northern Storey County along the Truckee River, lost a request to the planning commission to approve a rewritten ordinance that would have allowed him to put an RV park on land he owns.

The Planning Commission last month heard Regas' request, but the motion to approve the retooled ordinance died for lack of a second. Read more...

Skillet cooks up scrumptious grub in Airstream trailer

2008-06-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Skillet food cart reopened after a brief closure through the slow winter months on January 15. Owners Danny Sizemore and Josh Henderson have worked in the food service industry for most of their professional lives and are happy to be running with a clean bill of health from the Health Department after a short hiatus last year.

As opposed to most food carts that funnel money to the city by way of food vendor permits, Skillet operates on private land, giving them higher profits and the ability to choose their vendors on something other than price. They are thus able to support local agriculture, products of which make up sixty to seventy percent of the menu. This percentage is likely to rise when summer farmers markets open, allowing them to become an organization that serves the community food, and serves the community well.

The restaurant operates from an Airstream trailer loaded with about 60,000 dollars worth of culinary equipment, including fryers, salad stations, and extensive refrigeration units. Operating in such a small space keeps their overhead costs down, another way they save money to achieve specific, community-focused goals. Read more about Airstream...

Campground Ratings

2008-06-04T07:57:00.001-07:00

We have actually pulled into some campgrounds when we were traveling in our RV and made a quick U turn and left. It was easy to see at a glance that these campgrounds were not someplace you would want to spend the night, not to mention several days. Even if you research the campgrounds website or some campground directories before leaving on a trip there is no guarantee that it will be a safe, clean quality campground. So what can we do to know in advance that the campground you are 585planning to stay at offers a clean, safe environment for you and your family?

There are several large, reputable organizations like AAA, Wheelers RV Resort & Campground Guide, Woodalls and Trailer Life who rate campgrounds on an annual basis. These campground ratings are based on important considerations like the campgrounds facilities and services, cleanliness, visual appeal, user experience and more. The rating systems may be slightly different, using stars or a numbered rating system, but the bottom line is where the campground stands when it comes to meeting industry standards.

So, when youre searching through campground directories and websites for that perfect place to stay, check the ratings before you make any plans. These campground rating systems can sure make you feel better about choosing a clean, safe campground to stay at.

RV BlueBook

RV Owners Staying Closer to Home This Summer (WHNT-TV Huntsville)

2008-06-03T12:52:00.001-07:00

A lot of north Alabama RV owners say they'll spend their summer closer to home because of ever increasing fuel prices.

RV

Olympia council considers RV parking ban (KNDO - KNDU Tri-Cities)

2008-06-03T12:42:00.001-07:00

Associated Press - June 3, 2008 12:25 PM ET OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The Olympia City Council is considering a ban on RV parking on city streets.

Travel Trailer

83317

2008-06-03T12:34:00.001-07:00

Motorhomes

2008-06-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

The motor home is also known as recreation vehicles or RV's as they are capable of providing all possible facilities that one can get in a traditional home. Motorhomes can be considered as a mobile home or a house on wheels.

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.

One can get huge amount of information regarding the class A motor homes and motor homes in general from the numerous online websites that provide information regarding these luxury coaches. The motor homes that run on diesel are comparatively more economical due to the cost of the diesel. However both these motor vehicles are equally spacious and equally powerful.

High diesel prices force some RV owners to cut back

2008-06-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

For Laurie Potter, the breaking point came last week when she drove into Napa and found diesel selling for $5.25 a gallon. Her commitment to the RV lifestyle crumbled.

Some people might be able to swallow paying $450 to fill a pickup, but she’s not one of them, said Potter, who had been riding in a Dodge Ram pulling a trailer

Now she’s selling both. “There is a threshold for anything you do,” she said. “It’s not worth it to me anymore.” In the future, she and her husband will stay in motels when they travel.

Parked on her pad at the Napa Valley Exposition RV park was a new Nissan Versa, an economy car purchased the day before on Soscol Avenue.

Her Ram got 10 mpg pulling the trailer.

With the Versa “they said 38 on the highway,” she said.

Skyrocketing gas and diesel prices are hitting every motorist in the pocketbook, but none more so than RV owners. Some of the biggest homes on wheels burn a gallon every seven miles.

Read More...

Class C Motorhomes

2008-05-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

So what should one expect from an Class C Motorhome? Well, a typical RV, even in its most humble manifestation, would include beds, a table, and food preparation and storage areas. Larger RV models come with full bathrooms, refrigerators, and living areas, master bedrooms, etc. Some of the more expensive and more elaborate RVs feature satellite TV and Internet access, slide-out sections, and awnings. Read more about Class C Motorhomes.

Winnebago Ratings

2008-05-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

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. Soon after, the factory was purchased by five Forest City residents and Hanson became its president. The name Winnebago came into use in 1960. Read more about Winnebago Ratings...

Airstream Ratings

2008-05-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

There is one RV on the road today that never fails to be noticed. It isn’t the biggest or the most luxurious but by far, it is the most distinguishable. It almost is certain you will never hear anyone say, “What is that silver thing?” It’s an Airstream, of course! For 75 years, Airstream travel trailers have been towed across the US and around the world and over 70% of all Airstreams ever made are still on the road today!

Guide for Travel Trailers

2008-05-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

If you like RVs but can’t justify using it all the time, then maybe a Travel Trailer would be more right for you.

A travel trailer isn’t what you would expect like an RV. The biggest difference is you would pull the Trailer with a truck. In not so many words, a Travel Trailer is like a mobile home. But since they are designed to be dragged around, they’re meant to be beat up and they can take it, let me assure you.

Travel Trailers comes in many shapes and sizes. Some are just meant for a place to sleep while others can act as a full-blown house and come with every single luxury you can think of. Your budget will change drastically depending on what you’re thinking of buying. Read more...

Motorhome Living

2008-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Motorhomes have long been a preference for travelers who enjoy the convenience and luxury of hitting the road without leaving the comforts of home behind. However, now, more than ever, it is a living preference for many Americans as well. Of the approximate 9 million RV owners in the US, more than 10 percent are living in their recreational vehicle full time! Learn more about Motorhome Living.

RV Consumer Ratings Guide

2008-05-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

So what does a good consumer information company do when their customers are happy? J R Consumer gives them more! 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.

Monaco Coach Corporation Announces Cash Dividend

2008-05-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

COBURG, Ore., May 15, 2008 -- Monaco Coach Corporation announced today that its upcoming quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share will be payable on June 13, 2008 to stockholders of record on May 30, 2008, and represents its eighteenth consecutive quarterly cash dividend since the Company declared its initial cash dividend on February 23, 2004. The Company's Board of Directors declared the dividend on May 14, 2008. Monaco Coach Corporation has approximately 30 million shares outstanding. Read more...

Classes of Motor Homes and RV's

2008-05-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

RV means Recreational Vehicle. From the moment that name was coined, it has been a work in progress. There are now three almost distinct classes of motorhomes, Class A, Class B, and Class C, and who knows how many classes of towable travel or camping trailers. There are the little SUVs which, once the back seats are folded down and you stretch out qualifies as a Class B motorhome or camper; and there are ATVs which in the minds of many aren’t good for anything but recreation and doctor bills.

Plan Ahead For A Fun Filled Family Camping Experience

2008-05-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home. For others, it is backpacking into the mountains and sleeping in the open elements with nothing over your head but the stars. It could even mean foraging for your food (hopefully you'll come across a good trout stream!). My definition of camping falls on the more comfortable side of the two, loving the camping experience, but needing to have some basic comforts also.This article will give you a few tips that you can use no matter what kind of camping you enjoy!

Starting With A Plan

A great camping trip starts with a great plan! Planning out your camping trip will help you be prepared and build excitement way before time to head to the hills (or the beach!). Make sure that you include the whole family and let everyone have a part in deciding what you'll need to bring to make this a great adventure and a pleasurable experience. Camping with your family is a great way to build a closer relationship between parents and kids. Good quality time spent without the distraction of the TV, computer and video games can make for some great memories and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. You'll experience quality time for everyone involved.

Deciding Where To Camp

One of the first things you will want to decide is where you are going to camp. Do you prefer "roughing it"? This means no electrical hookups, no camp host or camp store, and bathroom facilities means "the woods"! For most campers, I would recommend an established campground. State Parks provide some of the best campgrounds available and they are usually very well maintained and reasonably priced. You will have the security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area maintained and as safe as possible. In choosing the campground, you will also want to look into what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the nearby vicinity. I would recommend you pick up a good campground directory such as Woodalls campground guide and directory to help you decide where to camp.

Selecting Your Gear

Once you've found the perfect location, you will then want to begin to plan what to take with you. Will you be camping in a tent, "pop-up" type trailer or possibly an RV? Shop around; see what is offered and what will work the best for you and your family. Be sure you include everyone in this decision. It makes for some great excitement and will have everyone looking forward to the first time you try out that new tent or camper. Also, if everyone has a part in this decision it limits the number of complaints that you may hear about later on! Do you plan on using a sleeping bag? Remember that an adult size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all! If you will be tent camping, another thing to consider is having a mattresses or foam padding under the sleeping bags. Foam padding usually folds up to a compact size and is much easier on the back than sleeping right on the floor of the tent. It just might be worth the extra trouble to pack it along to insure a good nights sleep! I would also recommend a large battery operated lamp for your tent. Another great idea is for everyone to have their own flashlight, in case any get separated from other members of the family during trips to and from the bathroom facilities (or woods!).

Use A Camping Checklist

A camping check list makes every trip much more enjoyable in several ways. First, the whole family gets involved together in creating your camping check list. Making out your check list long before the trip is kind of like starting your vacation early. It builds up the excitement and anticipation when everyone begins to think of items they want and need to bring. Second, check lists help you organize and pack your camping gear. The check list reminds you what to bring, and where to pack it. Third, check lists help you remember to take everything with you. No one likes to get to camp and find out they forgot some important item (even though you will probably will forget something!). Fourth, check lists help you remember what NOT to bring next time. This is important, because each trip is a little different, so make notes on your check list about what camping gear you used, what you didn't and what you wish you had taken. This lets you plan to make your next camping trip even better.

Planning Out Your Meals

Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you want to bring your own grill or use the outside cookers which may mean waiting your turn? Don't forget to take the can opener if the food that you are taking with you will require one. Don't forget cooking and eating utensils. Remember, you don't have to wash paper plates and plastic cups! If you decide to use these type items be sure you dispose of them properly and don't leave your trash for someone else to pick up! Meals that can be cooked at home ahead of time, and travel well in a cooler, will save a lot of time especially on the first night of your trip. Precooked meats will last longer in the cooler than raw meats, especially if you use block ice in your cooler. It will last much longer than cubes. If you're an ice cream lover, nothing is better than home made ice cream on a camping trip. Depending on where you'll be camping, you can bring along your electric ice cream maker or your "old fashioned" hand crank ice cream churn. Of course you'll want to make sure you have access to a local store that has ice! If you're in an area inhabited by bears, special precautions must be taken with both your food and garbage. if you're in an established campground, place your food in the special bear-proof receptacles at night. If you leave food in your vehicle, a hungry bear will find a way to get inside it, and he doesn't care what kind of damage he does to your vehicle! It's always a good idea to talk with the local Park Ranger about wildlife in your campground area.

What About Your Drinking Water?

The water around organized campgrounds is probably safe. Their water is usually privately treated or it is supplied by a near by city treatment plant. The water from lakes, springs, rivers and streams however, is untreated and can carry a lot of bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause illness. Water that runs rapidly over gravel, rocks, and plant life appears clean and limpid, but this is no guarantee it is safe for you. Your best bet to ensure you and your family's safety is to always treat any water obtained from unfamiliar sources, such as all the sources mentioned above. It is not that hard to do and it takes so little time. There are many different ways to treat water, but boiling water is probably the most common method used. It is best to boil it for more than 10 minutes at a steady boil. If you are camping in a wilderness type area where treated water is not available, then be sure to bring your own. Don't forget to add that to your checklist!

Clothing Considerations

Bring extra clothing along. If the weather is different than you had planned on, then you'll be glad you did. Don't forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and then be grateful and glad when all goes well. And finally, one last important item.....a camera to capture those memories!

Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping experience!

The Author loves spending time camping in the Florida panhandle and the North Georgia Mountains. Trout fishing and photography rate very high on this authors list. Please visit my website: http://www.mycampstore.com

Winnebago's new leader remains 'bullish'

2008-05-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Winnebago's new leader remains 'bullish'

FOREST CITY — Bob Olson doesn’t have any illusions about the challenges facing the company he “took over” Monday.

Winnebago Industries’ new chairman of the board and CEO is blunt when he says the Forest City-based RV manufacturer is facing a myriad of issues ranging from plunging consumer confidence to high gas prices to uncertainty caused by the perceived national housing crisis to the upcoming presidential election. Read more...

Small RV's

2008-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ready to hit the road and have some fun? A small recreational vehicle might be the perfect choice for you. The phrase "small recreational vehicle" describes a vehicle created with one purpose in mind: to have fun. One might consider go-carts, off-road motorcycles, ATVs and jet skis to fit the bill. While these examples are certainly fun, they are not really small recreational vehicles.

Fifth wheel campers and pop-up trailer campers are true examples of small recreational vehicles. They offer the comforts of home while you are the freedom of the open road. You probably wouldn't be terribly comfortable sleeping on a motorcycle, or cooking breakfast in a go-cart.

With each new camper introduced, designs have improved and space has expended. As a result, traditional small group or family campers are moving away from the "small" category. Although today's small models are still the best choice for family trips, new design enhancements allow greater comfort and flexibility, without forcing the user into maneuvering a monstrosity akin to an NFL team bus or rock star tour bus.

The lasting appeal of small recreational vehicles lies in their portability and readiness, rather than the amount of cargo they can carry. With just a few hours preparation, a small recreational vehicle is transported into a home away from home, while you're away from home. Small recreational vehicles are perfect for the "get up and go" types of travelers that don't like a lot of planning and preparation. They offer nearly as much freedom and flexibility as a tent, with firm walls and a ceiling to give added security and protection from the elements. After exploring new surroundings, a small recreational vehicle offers a cozy place to return and rest up before the next big adventure.

One could argue that pop-up campers and trailer campers aren't true small recreational vehicles, because they don't provide the recreation. They do however make it possible to find your recreation in more places and in more ways than you might imagine. You can travel the country in your small recreational vehicle and see more of the world--instead of watching the world pass you by.

Robert Davis writes for several web sites, especially http://rosuf.com and http://dicez.com.

Talvor Motorhomes Business Boom

2008-05-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Brisbane, Australia, April 19, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Talvor Motorhomes’ rapid growth has made them the largest Australian recreational vehicle manufacturer in their class. Talvor’s 2007 expansions contributed to an incredible 1200% increase in manufacturing capacity over the last three years.

The business doubled their production space, and also invested in a dedicated store front, inventory management and materials handling equipment, giving RV enthusiasts even greater access to Talvor, quality campervan manufacturer Australia.

After less than three years operation, Talvor’s annual vehicle output has increased to over 500 per annum. “We are now able to provide a wider range of RV solutions to meet our client’s needs even more efficiently, which is a great result for everyone involved,” said Paul Truman, Business Manager.

Talvor manufactures Motorhomes and Campervans for both commercial and private use. “We have vehicles to suit all needs” Mr Truman said. The Talvor fleet ranges from the economical two berth HiTop and Hippie Campers to the luxurious four and six berth flagship vehicles, the Euro Elite and Euro Deluxe. Read more...

Are motorhomes the wave of the future?

2008-05-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Did you know that motorhomes have been gaining rapidly in popularity over the last few years? It's true. If you've driven on the freeways recently, you might have noticed that there are an awful lot of people taking to the roads of America in their new homes on wheels (motorhomes). This country is huge and so are the number of attractions that you could see in a motorhome. Motorhomes have always been popular among the more mobile of our population, but recent models have shown that manufacturers have been producing incredible automotive works of art. Here's the 2 reasons why motorhomes are the wave of the future.

1)Retirement. There is a huge amount of the US population that is considering retiring in the next few years. Baby boomers have worked all their lives and have been spending their money like there is no tomorrow on all sorts of travel accessories. Motorhomes are no exception. One of the biggest things that all retirees want to do after they finish work is travel. Motorhomes provide future domestic travelers with lots of transportation options. Seeing the country (or even the world) in style is possible with a motorhome.

2)Cheap Mobility. Let's be honest here, gas prices are expensive. They've been expensive and probably will remain so for a long time. However, 2 or more people traveling in a motorhome can see a lot of things for relatively little money. Imagine how much money it would cost you in airplane tickets to fly to each destination individually? A lot more than the gas it costs to navigate from city to city. A tank of gas, financially, doesn't go as far as it used to, but it certainly isn't that bad considering all the place it can take you.

Author: rvfinancing.com

Driving an RV to the Panama Canal

2008-05-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Texas couple explores Central America in a traveling home.

On the day my husband, John, and I retired, we packed up our rescued mutt, Brindle, and headed south in our second-hand motorhome. It was our first RV trip, and neither of us really understood the workings of this ugly, 22-foot rolling home with a bed over the cab.

We wanted to explore and decided we could see the United States when we were too old to drive to more exotic locations. I wanted to see the Panama Canal. When I told John, he thought I meant Panama City, Fla., but I soon set him straight. Read more...

Monaco posts $8.5 million loss in first quarter

2008-05-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

COBURG — Monaco Coach Corp. lost $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2008, or 28 cents per share, executives reported Wednesday.

That compares to a $1.5 million profit for the same period a year ago, when the company reported earnings per share of 5 cents.

Monaco CEO Kay Toolson blamed the losses on “plummeting consumer confidence,” which is causing prospective customers to put off buying new RVs. Further, the company’s sales, as well as the industry as a whole, were hurt by “a difficult consumer lending environment,” he said. The RV industry is one of the largest private employers in Lane County.

The company expects to lose money again in the second quarter, though not as much, executives said. Losses are expected to be 15 to 20 cents per share in the April-June quarter, they said. And it’s hard to see how the market will improve much before the November election, President John Nepute said in a conference call with analysts.
Read more...

Monaco Coach Corporation Reports First Quarter Results

2008-05-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

First quarter 2008 revenues were $252.4 million, compared to $322.2 million in revenues for the first quarter of 2007. First quarter 2008 gross profit was $15.8 million, compared to $36.0 million a year ago. Operating loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $12.8 million, compared to operating income of $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2007. Net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $8.5 million, compared to $1.5 million net income a year ago. For the first quarter of 2008, diluted loss per share was $0.28 versus earnings per share of $0.05 for the same period last year. Read more...

What are Class C Motorhomes?

2008-05-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

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.