Saturday, May 31, 2008

Class C Motorhomes

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.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Winnebago Ratings

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

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Airstream Ratings

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!

Read more about Airstream Ratings.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Guide for Travel Trailers

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...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Motorhome Living

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.

Friday, May 23, 2008

RV Consumer Ratings Guide

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.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Monaco Coach Corporation Announces Cash Dividend

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...

Monday, May 12, 2008

Classes of Motor Homes and RV's

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.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Plan Ahead For A Fun Filled Family Camping Experience

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'

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...

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Small RV's

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.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Talvor Motorhomes Business Boom

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?

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

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Driving an RV to the Panama Canal

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

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

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?

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.