Can You Enjoy An RV Vacation On 100 Dollars A Day?

The Temecula Valley News features a story about Dennis and Georgie Rhein and their mission to enjoy a frugal RV vacation.

The Rheins set out to see if it is possible to take an RV Vacation on $100 a day, a tough task with rising gas and food prices.

To meet their goal required careful planning and a destination not too far from their home. Stocking up on food and supplies and looking for bargains on campgrounds helped stretch the Rheins budget.

Source: The Temecula Valley News

RV Education 101 Offers "Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro" DVD

RV Education 101, a video and RV Information Company, recently released a new DVD titled Drive your Motorhome Like a Pro.

In this video, hosts Mark Polk (RV Education 101) and Lorrin Walsh (Professional driver & author of Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro) provide the tools to help the RV consumer drive their RV like a professional driver. That means professionalism developed by the ongoing awareness of driving motor coaches, and the execution of unique driving techniques needed to become a safer and a more confident driver.

Mark Polk stated "Driving a motorhome, especially for the first time, can be very intimidating. The truth is with power steering, automatic transmissions and great visibility, almost any experienced driver can quickly adapt to driving a motorhome. The question is; are you driving it the right way? Lots of people have been driving motorhomes for many years without a real understanding of the dynamics and driving techniques of driving a large vehicle."

Drive Your Motorhome Like a Pro is a complete video guide to professional driving techniques for beginners and experienced drivers. It takes commercial driving training techniques and converts them to layman's terms, and it explains basic rules you can apply to any vehicle you might drive.

Source: RV Education 101

The Early Show On CBS Travels America In A Winnebago Adventurer

Winnebago Industries, Inc reports they are taking CBS News' 'The Early Show' on the road this summer thanks to a state-of-the-art Winnebago Adventurer. The model shown below is the 2009 Adventurer.

According to Winnebago, they are partnering for the third consecutive year with 'The Early Show' on their summer promotion, Early on the Road. This summer, 'The Early Show's' weatherman and feature reporter Dave Price will visit eight U.S. locations to discover the excitement and beauty of America.

We are proud to partner with CBS News' 'The Early Show' as they celebrate summer, said Winnebago Industries Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Bob Olson. This promotion showcases a Winnebago Adventurer motor home as a key element on this popular morning show. We chose the Winnebago Adventurer because of is popularity, style and innovation. The Adventurer is guaranteed to get Dave and the rest of 'The Early Show' crew to each destination in style and comfort. There is no better way to see the beauty of America than in an RV, and we're excited that 'The Early Show's' nearly 15 million weekly viewers will get to do just that through this summertime promotion.

A top selling Class A gas powered motor home, the Winnebago Adventurer is the total package with innovative floorplans, unique features, plush interior and a powerful chassis. Top-notch entertainment features are also found on this coach, like LCD TVs, the Sirius satellite radio and 10-CD changer just to name a few. Extras also include an electric fireplace, washer/dryer combination and the ultra-comfortable Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort.

Source: Winnebago

The Ultimate In Compact RV Travel

The blogzine Haha.nu features a series of photos of tiny cars. We were captivated by this photo in the series of this little car pulling an travel trailer.

This car and trailer would look meek next to any modern Class A model, but its cute factor would certainly draw the attention of everyone in the campground.

Source: Haha.nu and Boing Boing

The Daily Job Of An RV Sales And Service Manager

To survive as an RV sales and service manager you have to know how to handle both people and machines. You are part salesperson and part mechanic.

The Winona Daily News features a profile of Doug Breza, an RV sales and service manager at Breezee's RV Center in Homer, Minnesota.

Unlike car sales, an RV salesperson is selling a house on wheels. That means you have to know an RV inside and out, from the handling the steering system to dealing with plumbing issues. The customers range from veteran RVers to first time buyers.

The story explores how Breza found a job in the RV industry and what opportunities are available for those who want to work in the business.

Source: Winona Daily News

Buses Converted Into RVs To Gather In Oregon For 5th Annual Convention

Bus to RV conversions can range from opulent rolling homes fresh from the showroom to vintage buses converted with welding tools and dreams.

Popular Mechanics features a story on a gathering ofBus-to-RV owners in Rickreall, Oregon.

The story profiles Ron Rutledge, an Bus to RV conversion owner who took a old 1981 Crown school bus and turned it into a shiny masterpiece. Rutledge built the interior of his RV home himself, from the cabinets to the floor tiles.

If you want to see Bus-to-RV conversions up close for yourself, check out the Bus'N USA 5th Annual Convention June 24th to the 29th at Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall Oregon, just west of Salem, Oregon.

You can find out more at the Bus'N USA's homepage

Source: Popular Mechanics and Bus'nUSA

RVers Fight High Fuel Costs By Staying At Local Campgrounds

RVers are determined to go camping and not let fuel costs dampen their vacation plans. Campgrounds and RV parks are finding that RVers are keeping gas expenses low by staying at local parks rather that traveling out of state.

MLive.com reports that Michigan-area campground owners are still expecting business to be up this year from 2007. The Frankenmuth Jellystone Park Camp-Resort booked the majority of their sites, but mostly to local customers.

To make camping cheaper for RVers, some parks offer storage for campers, allowing RV owners to return for more vacation time without spending gas money hauling their RV back and forth from home.

Source: MLive.com

Can An RV Vacation Be A Green Vacation?

Can an RV vacation be environmentally friendly? A story in the Toronto Star, reports vacationing in your RV can be "greener" than you think.

According to the story, many full time RVers use less gas per-week than full-time commuters. Due to limited space in an RV, travelers only bring what they need and often re-use or recycle items.

A growing market for environmentally friendly RV products offer items ranging from solar panels for power to biodegradable products.

The greenest RV ever might be "Vanzilla", Andy Thomson's 1971 GM motorhome featuring a propane heat and power along with a composting toilet.

Source: Toronto Star

Memorial Day Still A Big Travel Holiday

AAA recently projected the number of Americans traveling during the Memorial Day holiday will drop slightly compared to the previous year, but travel will still be popular despite fuel costs.

AAA estimates that 37.87 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a decrease of nearly 360,000 travelers (0.9 percent) from last year’s total of 38.23 million.

Nearly 31.7 million Americans (83 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to travel by automobile, a one percent decrease from the approximately 32 million people who drove a year ago.

“Many Americans are feeling a financial pinch this holiday weekend from record high gasoline prices and other factors,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “Despite the small decrease, we will still see a significant number of people traveling this weekend. More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will be celebrating the Memorial Day weekend away from home.”

Source: AAA

Renting An RV Helps Buyers Overcome Their RV Driving Fears

MercuryNews.com reports on would-be RV owners who want an RV, yet are afraid they could not handle such a large vehicle. No one wants to be the bumbling RV owner that Robin Williams played in the movie RV.

According to the article, RV buyers need not fear getting behind the steering wheel. An RV dealer can help you pick out the right vehicle for your comfort level and budget.

Cruise America and other RV rental companies offer the chance to rent and try a particular RV style before making a purchase.

Source: MercuryNews.com

RVers Adapt To Fuel Costs And Keep On Traveling

While RVers are concerned about rising fuel costs, StarNewsOnline.com reports on RVers who haven't let pain at the gas pump dull their love of RVing. The fun of RV travel still beats the price of gas.

A big draw to RV travel is the friendliness of other RVers and a sense of community found in each park they visit, something lacking in hotel stays or air travel. RVers find each destination offers the chance to make new lifetime friends.

The choice of different RV sizes opens the door for new RVers. RV dealers are finding ways to match the right RV with a customer's budget and needs.

Source: StarNewsOnline.com

RV Driving Can Be Easy With Practice

While a shiny new RV might be impressive to look at on a sales lot, some buyers awe turns to fear when it is time to drive.

While RV buyers want as much living space as they can afford, getting behind the wheel for the first time can be scary. According to Driving.ca, driving a big RV can be easy.

Some dealers recommend that new RVers start out with smaller models. Automatic transmissions and power brakes take any strain out of RV driving.

After gaining experience, some RV owners find driving an RV is less stressful than driving a car.

Source: Driving.ca

Little Rock Arkansas plans RV park in the city

An RV park near a city waterfront? Not all RVers crave the wide open spaces. Some RV travelers want city lights rather than campfires.

According to TodaysTHV.com, a new RV park under construction in Little Rock, Arkansas is located on the city waterfront.

The 12-acre site for the park in North Little Rock will offer RVers access to the city's shopping and restaurants. The park will have 65 to 70 spaces for RVs.

Source: TodaysTHV

Yuma has a great season thanks to baby boomer RVers and Canadians

YumaSun.com reports that seasonal visitors to Yuma, Arizona reflect a changing RV market.

Recreational vehicle park managers had a good season driven by younger RVers, many from the first wave of retiring baby boomers.

Visitors from Canada arrived in larger numbers thanks to stronger Canadian currency offering more purchasing power.

The new generation of RVers are looking for more upscale RV parks, equipped with Internet access, putting greens, on-site spas, and fitness trainers.

Source: YumaSun.com

RV ownership could reach 8.5 million households by 2010

The Grand Rapids Press in Michigan features a story on the recent Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show.

According to the story, today's RVs are resemble vacation homes on wheels, offering luxuries such as full-size refrigerators, French doors, and even fireplaces.

While fuel costs and a rough economy could dampen the enthusiasm of buyers, the RV lifestyle still has a strong market with retiring baby boomers.

The story also mentions a University of Michigan study that projects RVs ownership to reach 8.5 million households by 2010.

Keeping your RV warm by insulating your windows

While some RVers wait till warm weather to go on trips, others travel year round. RV windows can be drafty during spells of cold weather?

The Low Tech RVing blog offers some simple tips on keeping the cold out by sealing your RV windows using an indoor insulator kit.

Celebrate the holidays with the Airstream Dream Keepsake Ornament

The rounded shape of Airstream trailers are a classic in the world of RVs. Airstream trailers are not only aerodynamic, but beautiful in their own metallic way.

Hallmark pays tribute to famous trailer with the Airstream Dream Keepsake Ornament. An Airstream trailer might not be as cuddly as little stuffed teddy bears or other holiday ornaments, but it does feature rolling wheels and an awning that pulls out.

According to Hallmark..

Remember the call of the open road with this wonderful replica of an Airstream trailer. Just like the real thing, you can extend the blue and white striped awning for some extra shade. The wheels turn, too. Comes with a full-sized Hallmark greeting card, with your personal message.

We give in...it could not be any cuter, even if you stuck little red bows on it.

Source: Hallmark

RV companies and owners start thinking green

With the success of the Toyota Prius and other hybrid vehicles, businesses have discovered that ecologically-friendly products are gaining favor with consumers.

The Durango Herald Online reports on efforts to make RV travel "greener" and energy efficient.

According to the story, effort range from Coachmen RV testing biofuel-powered models to redesigned version of the Volkswagen created by a Canadian designer.

It's not just RV designers thinking about the environment. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association reports that 71 percent of RVers recycle while on the road.

Gulf Stream RV's Tour Master Constellation - RV comfort with a home theater

Remember when movies were less than ten dollars a show and no cell phones were ringing in the middle of the feature? Now you can take that money spent on tickets and overpriced movie popcorn and put it towards an RV with a home theater.

The Gulf Stream RV Tour Master Constellation is the RV for those who love the movies as much as travel. The Constellation features the space and style of a luxury RV with a 46” LCD TV home theater.

Even the worst Hollywood sequel would be a dream to watch in chairs that look this comfy.

According to Gulf Stream...

The Constellation redefines the Luxury Motorcoach market and sets a new standard of sophistication by blending luxurious amenities and advanced electronic features. Built on a raised-rail Freightliner chassis, the Constellation delivers a 400 HP Cummins diesel engine coupled with an updated 3000 series Allison transmission.

This combination provides an amazing 46,860 GVWR. The Tour Master Constellation features a full-wall slide floor plan with beautifully appointed maple hardwood, radius cabinetry, produced by Gulf Stream’s new, state of the art Curve-tec custom cabinet division.

The Constellation’s innovative home theater suite displays a 46” LCD TV and provides a Sony Dream system and personal theater seating arrangement that makes this an entertainment center for everyone to envy and enjoy. When the entertainment has ended, your Master bedroom suite is just a push of the button away. Converting the suite from an entertainment showcase into the bedroom by automatically lowering the Residential King Murphy Bed.

The Tour Master Constellation will be showcased at the 45th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky from November 27th – November 29th in the Gulf Stream Coach display.

Source: Gulf Stream

Earthroamer Xpedition Vehicles - A greener RV?

Most RVs are designed to travel not too far from where the roads are made of asphalt. But what about the RVer who is looking to camp somewhere beyond RV parks and paved roads?

Xpedition Vehicles by EarthRoamer are designed with the adventerous RVer in mind. You can use an EarthRoamer like a typical RV, with hookups for power, water, and other amenities. You can also take an Earthroamer beyond the parking spot of your RV resort and travel to wilder terrain.

According to EarthRoamer...

The best one-word description of an EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicle is freedom. EarthRoamer XVs give you the freedom to travel confidently and comfortably anywhere you want, whenever you want, without concern for the weather or season. It's the freedom to head out on a trail in the middle of Baja to a pristine secluded beach. It's the freedom to camp safely with all the comforts of home high in the mountains - in the middle of winter!

Earthroamer RVs are also designed to appeal to consumers who want a "greener" RV.

Preserving the environment for generations to come is very important to us so we design renewable energy sources like solar and biodiesel into our systems whenever possible. All of our vehicles utilize solar energy as a primary power source for lights and appliances. To us, respect for the environment also includes the need to respect wildlife and others in the environment so we design our vehicles to be fully operational without the need for a noisy generator.

A green RV? Prius owners might need to make more space in the driveway.

Source: Earthroamer