RV Repair Articles

A good RV service provider should always remain fully stocked and must carry a complete line of parts and accessories for all your RV needs. And they must have experienced staff always ready to schedule an appointment for repairs or installations of essential accessories specializing in fast, expert repairs and installations offering knowledgeable help for those who prefer do-it-yourself.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Keep-Your-RV-Serviced&id=5933167 – Feb 16, 2011

For many people, a Recreational Vehicle is a ticket to wide open spaces and travel. However, it is important for people to realize that they must keep up with the regular maintenance requirements of their vehicle in order to avoid expensive RV repair in Portland. There are actually quite a few different reasons that a motor coach will require repair.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Your-RV-Running-a-Little-Rough?-Call-an-RV-Repair-Shop-Today!&id=5883518 – Feb 08, 2011

Choosing a repair center properly is very important. In this article you will find some pointers to help you do that.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Choosing-The-Correct-RV-Repair-Center&id=6861323 – Feb 12, 2012

All RV repair shops are not alike. As is true for repair shops for your car, some places are better than others. You need to know what to look for when you want repairs done. In truth, it’s not as difficult as you may think. Some very simple and quick research will enable you to make the correct decision. It will save you money and extend the life of your RV.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Properly-Select-the-Best-RV-Repair-Shop&id=6873948 – Feb 10, 2012

If going on a road trip is part of your summer plans, make sure to stop by a caravan repairs company before driving out. You will want to make sure everything works properly before starting out on a long journey.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Damaged-Caravans-Are-No-Fun-to-Drive-When-Your-Family-Is-Along-for-the-Ride&id=6645980 – Oct 24, 2011

RV Maintenance plays an important role in preserving the value of ones RV investment. However a small visit to the RV maintenance station can cost you several dollars. To save up on that at the same time keeping your RV in good repair, a few precautions can be followed.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Keep-Your-RV-Well-Maintained-For-The-Road&id=5933054 – Feb 16, 2011

Inspect those roof vent seals or you may have to deal with water damage, mold, mildew, or worse. Read on to see how I solved our leak situation.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Secrets-to-a-Weather-Tight-RV&id=6465954 – Aug 01, 2011

Motorhome replacement parts are available through a wide range of retailers and suppliers. They are very important in the overall upkeep of your RV, which keeps it safe and comfortable throughout your travels.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Motorhome-Replacement-Parts-Are-Instrumental-To-Safety,-Sanitation,-And-Comfort&id=6576312 – Sep 21, 2011

Safety, comfort, and convenience are all objectives for which quality replacement RV parts have been designed. Whether you are repairing the mechanical systems of your vehicle or upgrading your interior accessories, you will find a wide selection of products to help you enjoy your RV.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Replacement-RV-Parts-Give-Your-Motorhome-A-Boost-In-Comfort-And-Safety&id=6614855 – Oct 09, 2011

When your RV is in a trailer park or a campground, you can usually just hook a garden hose to an available water bib, allowing instant flow within your RV and also filling up your water storage tank. In most cases the in-park system has enough pressure to ensure your water system works properly. However, for those instances where the park system is low on pressure, or you have to get your water supply from non-pressurized system such as an underground source of nearby body of water, your RV is equipped with an onboard water pump. Sometimes they go bad, but you can fix it yourself. See how here.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Recreational-Vehicle-Water-Pump-Replacement,-You-Can-Do-This-Yourself&id=6061787 – Mar 10, 2011

This article explains the procedure to replace old awning fabric with new fabric. By following these steps you can easily replace the fabric on your own without calling any professional.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Replace-Your-RV-Awnings&id=6396185 – Jul 02, 2011

There are tires that are put to waste rather than use them as recycled stuffs beneficial to our everyday day to day life. Both overused and unused tires are sometimes used for various purpose that open doors for environmental degradation that causes different kinds of diseases and negative social issues. That is why we need to take good care of our tires or else, it will put to waste and someone might take advantage of it bringing an adverse effect on our environment.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Proper-RV-Tire-Care&id=5662862 – Jan 05, 2011

If you have a family who loves to go out-of-town trips and adventures, you should consider getting an RV or Recreational Van. This is going to make things very convenient for you. An RV will be your home while you’re on the road. It makes you not have to go looking for a motel or sleeping in tents when you want to go out camping. It gives you all that freedom to go wherever everyone wants to at any particular time. You won’t have to worry about going to the toilet or stopping for a meal. In your RV, you can do practically do everything you would do at home, except that you’ll be in one place after another while having a good time.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-an-RV—Brand-New-Or-Used?&id=5668135 – Jan 05, 2011

RV awnings are useful, handy and very easy to use, they provide you with extra outdoor living space in the summer, and protections the elements, especially the sun, in warmer months. RV awnings come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. Some can be pre-brought as a standard size, while some can be made to measure.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Researching-and-Buying-RV-Awnings&id=5727170 – Jan 15, 2011

Place a single ice cube in a paper cup and leave it in your freezer and check it daily to be sure there had not been a power failure at the campground while you were away for the day, or that nothing else has happened to cause the frozen foods to partially thaw and re-freeze again. If the freezer has been working well, the ice cube should retain its original shape.

http://ezinearticles.com/?RV-Refrigerator-Tips&id=5729189 – Jan 15, 2011

The only way that you can ensure that your RV fridge lasts for a long time is if you maintain it well. Even though the technology that is used in building these refrigerators is reliable you can only have your fridge working in good condition for a number of years if you take care of it.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Maintain-Your-RV-Fridge&id=5748052 – Jan 18, 2011

It is possible to get companies that in business specifically to offer RV insurance. These insurance are put in place to protect and owner of the recreational vehicles. What’s more each of these companies has put in place policies and a number of options that any individual can choose from.

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-To-Know-About-RV-Insurance&id=5748493 – Jan 18, 2011

Thinking of buying a Motorhome? What do you need to look for…

http://ezinearticles.com/?Motorhomes-For-Sale—How-To-Choose-Correctly&id=5808598 – Jan 27, 2011

Recreational vehicles, a home away from home, are great for exploring places. However, as brand new RVs are quite expensive, it would be a good option to invest in used motor homes. You just have to take care of a few aspects while purchasing a second hand vehicle.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-Used-Motorhomes—Points-to-Remember&id=5849659 – Feb 03, 2011

Below is a list of items we take with us on every camping trip. We recommend them to friends and customers, we trust them with our families, and we’re sure you will trust them too. Everything here is available at our store, or you can order online and get it delivered right to your home.

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Things-Every-RV-Camper-Needs&id=5860804 – Feb 04, 2011

If you’ve ever been in an accident you know how distressing the situation can be. If you haven’t yet been in one, consider yourself lucky. After an accident several different things may run through your mind and some of these things should be followed through with and some should not.

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Not-to-Do-in-a-Car-Accident&id=5945106 – Feb 17, 2011

RV replacement parts will keep your RV running smoothly and ensure that you are continuing to enjoy the comfort and luxury of your home away from home. Keep your traveling home in great repair so you can enjoy every minute in your RV.

http://ezinearticles.com/?RV-Replacement-Parts-Keep-Your-RV-Feeling-Fresh-and-New&id=6103865 – Mar 23, 2011

Recreational vehicles, or RVs, as they are called, are large vehicles that can be either towed or driven into the great outdoors to use as base camps for family adventures. They provide shelter, comfort, safety, security, and many of the luxuries we urban dwellers have become used to as a part of normal 21st century life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-for-Winterizing-and-Storing-Your-RV&id=6133311 – Mar 31, 2011

If you love to go around in your mobile home or you intend to live in it for a long time, mobile home accessories are important to help you take care of your investment. The best home replacement parts are easy to find if you know where to look.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Mobile-Home-Accessories-Help-You-Enjoy-Your-Investment&id=6227912 – Apr 30, 2011

Replacement motorhome parts have been designed to be installed in RV’s to keep them safe and comfortable, even after your motorhome is no longer new. It is important to the safety of your vehicle to replace certain parts as they wear out, like your seat belts, wiper blades, and your brakes.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Replacement-Motorhome-Parts-Are-Important-to-the-Maintenance-of-Your-RV&id=6303209 – May 26, 2011

Your RV is most likely your second highest investment after your house. So knowing which repair facility to trust your investment with after a mishap, accident, or just standard aging problems can be a task at hand. So just were do you start to find the right RV body shop.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Finding-the-Right-RV-Body-Shop-Service-for-You&id=6309149 – May 29, 2011

Buying an RV is a big step and it should be a mutual decision. If your wife is hesitant here are a few tips to bring her along.

http://ezinearticles.com/?But-My-Wife-Doesnt-Want-An-RV&id=6309176 – May 29, 2011

RVs or the motorhomes, are the perfect vehicle for those who love to travel and explore, and lead a camping lifestyle. They have all the features of a full fledged compact apartments, i.e, a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom and a living room. Since they come at a hefty price, you can still buy them if you consider buying second hand.

http://ezinearticles.com/?RVs—Perfect-for-A-Camping-Lifestyle&id=6310056 – May 30, 2011

You and your family can’t wait to hit the campgrounds and the highways in a new motorhome, but don’t buy one without doing a bit of research. A motorhome is a big investment, too big to make on the spur of the moment. Avoid making a serious (and costly) mistake; educate yourself first-and then go shopping.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Researching-Motorhomes-Online&id=6430530 – Jul 17, 2011

Comfortable, even elaborate traveling is available whenever you acquire a RV (recreational vehicle) motorhome. Large space, beautiful design, kitchen, bath and bedrooms, all offering the conveniences and sense of your home. A RV motorhome can be a sizeable investment, conceivably among the foremost purchases you will make inside a entire life and it shouldn’t be handled without the benefit of first running a comprehensive look at of motorhome reviews.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Motorhome-Reviews—You-Might-Lose-Thousands-Without-Them&id=6446036 – Jul 23, 2011

A travel trailer is regarded as the best selling variety of recreational vehicle travel in Canada and America, a trailer transported with a vehicle for the use of traveling and even to use as a dwelling. Properly studying the travel trailer reviews is extremely important to protect yourself from distress with your purchase and possible harm to the vehicle you could be selecting for towing your travel trailer.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-Trailer-Reviews—Never-Buy-Before-You-Try&id=6446043 – Jul 23, 2011

Recreational vehicles are designed to be a cost effective option for frequent travelers. With various facilities, they offer great comfort and convenience during the outdoor vacations. When choosing a used motorhome, you must keep some important points in mind.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-To-Choose-A-Motorhome-For-Outdoor-Vacation?&id=6469287 – Aug 02, 2011

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RV Vacation Articles

RV trips or vacations differ from standard vacations because there are no hotels in your itinerary… places that feed you and keep you supplied with the things you need. When you travel by RV, you need to plan in advance to make certain you have all the supplies you’ll require while you’re away from home. Yes… your RV needs to be fully stocked. And that takes careful planning.

http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Well-Stocked-and-Fully-Supplied-RV-Assures-That-You-Will-Enjoy-a-Successful-Trip-or-Vacation&id=6454864 – Jul 27, 2011

Being able to enjoy ourselves and go on vacation is always a way to help anyone stay young longer especially mentally. If you are a senior and want to travel around the country now because you find yourself with the time to do so, you should follow these few tips to help you better plan for and enjoy you time. This is especially true if you are planning to travel in an RV. You want to be able to enjoy yourself without going bankrupt at the same time. Traveling for seniors can help alleviate the boredom that comes with retirement and alleviate the affects that aging can have on a person’s mood and personality.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Enjoying-Life-As-a-Senior—Traveling-in-an-RV!&id=5839064 – Feb 01, 2011

Recreational vehicles are designed to be a cost effective option for frequent travelers. With various facilities, they offer great comfort and convenience during the outdoor vacations. When choosing a used motorhome, you must keep some important points in mind.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-To-Choose-A-Motorhome-For-Outdoor-Vacation?&id=6469287 – Aug 02, 2011

Whether you live in an RV, a house, an apartment, or whatever, these days a part time job is needed to keep ahead. Lots of people are trying to work at home. But what are the best part time jobs out there? Now since I live and travel in an RV year round, and like the freedom of that, internet jobs are the best option for me.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Part-Time-Jobs—Particularly-For-RV-Living!&id=6821042 – Jan 16, 2012

RV travel is fun… exciting… interesting… and generally affordable. However, it can cost “a small fortune” to buy a RV that you want to take “on the road.” That said, you have to determine if you’re better served by renting a RV instead of buying one. And the answer may be “yes,” “maybe,” or I’m not really sure.” Don’t fret… the correct answer is about to become obvious.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-It-Really-Make-Sense-to-Rent-a-RV-for-Travel-or-Vacation?&id=6460494 – Jul 29, 2011

There are many people who chose to travel across the country with their fifth wheel and toy hauler RV units. These types of recreational vehicles are perfect for a summer vacation and a winter vacation. A travel trailer vacation can be fun for everyone in your RV party, and you will find that these types of motor home vacations are easy to plan.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Fifth-Wheel-And-Toy-Hauler-Vacations-Are-Easy-To-Plan&id=5959029 – Feb 19, 2011

With summer vacation is near, people are starting to prepare for sun and fun. Travel agencies, airlines, resorts and hotels are buzzing with reservation calls from vacationers. If you have gone through with these year-to-year process and they make your vacation less and less exciting, then make this summer a different experience for you and your family – Travel Trailer!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-Trailer-Ideas,-Fun-Things-You-Can-Do-With-a-Travel-Trailer&id=6225756 – Apr 29, 2011

Travel RVing is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences an adventurous soul can undertake. There are hundreds of accessories to consider for your RV if you wish to further enhance your journeys and keep your home on wheels safe and in tip top condition for many trips to come.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-RVing—Accessories-For-Enhancing-Your-RVing-Experience&id=6313962 – May 31, 2011

There are several different types of new and used travel trailers and rvs available for people to enjoy traveling around by road for vacation or retirement. Before investing in one, future owners should familiarize themselves with the popular options. Finding the right recreational vehicle can make a big difference in enjoyment level.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Different-Types-of-RVs-and-Travel-Trailers&id=6821134 – Jan 16, 2012

Travel trailers are better known as caravans. You might have seen vehicles being attached to the back of trucks. They are caravans.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Owning-Travel-Trailers&id=7013472 – Apr 20, 2012

Insights on traveling via RV with your best friends in tow. Pets are not always dogs and/or cats.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-RVing-With-Pets&id=6269201 – May 14, 2011

If you own a camper then you are probably thinking about camper awnings. These are great additions for any camper. Sometimes its hard to realize all the extra benefits camper awnings can add to your trip, but don’t worry we are going to go through some of the top camper awnings features in this article including the follow: The 2 types of camper awnings, camper awnings as a Florida room, how to double your camper sleeping space with one of these awnings.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-Of-Camper-Awnings-for-Your-Next-Camping-Trip&id=5786281 – Jan 24, 2011

Are you a full-time RV driver who travels long distances without a lot of sleep? Did you know that this could be dangerous to you and others on the road? Getting enough sleep when traveling in new or used RVs for sale is necessary to be fully safe when driving.

http://ezinearticles.com/?RVs-For-Sale-And-Why-You-Need-Sleep-When-Traveling&id=5823708 – Jan 30, 2011

Renting a motorhome is becoming an increasingly popular thing to do, for the kind of people who just want to escape the city and venture into the great outdoors. The travel and nomadic way of life, even just for a short time, is attractive because of the stress-free lifestyle it offers. The renting of motorhomes usually happens in the summertime when kids are out of school for the holidays and parents want to spend some quality time with them outside the home.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Motorhome-Rental-Vacations&id=6045399 – Mar 07, 2011

Travel RVing is taking a look at the towable travel trailers known as Teardrop Campers. The distinctive shape of the trailer –rounded in the front and tapering toward the rear –makes it appear to be a teardrop lying on its side. But there will be no tears from the RV enthusiast who is looking for inexpensive long week-end getaways once the Teardrop has his/her attention. Teardrops are lightweight, economical, affordable, practical and more fun than you can imagine.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-RVing—Teardrop-Travel-Trailers—A-Lot-of-Bang-for-the-Buck&id=6468062 – Aug 02, 2011

Travel RVing is looking just a little ahead to the autumn season. Colorful foliage and cooler temperatures make fall a favorite time for RVers to hit the road. However, with Halloween just around the corner, some RVers might imagine that they could miss out on a genuine Halloween experience.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-RVing—How-to-Have-an-Unforgettable-Halloween-RVing-Experience&id=6509662 – Aug 21, 2011

If you have already traveled a fair amount in the United States you’ll have noticed the large number of motor-homes or RVs on the road. These are a popular way to travel since you can use the vehicle to travel large distance in relative comfort. When fatigue sets in it’s easy to stop for the night at a campground or empty parking lot and turn in for a bit of rest in the built-in bunks or beds you’ll find in RVs of all shapes and sizes.

http://ezinearticles.com/?RVs-and-Road-Trips-In-North-America&id=6520135 – Aug 25, 2011

Travel RVing is way past ready – are you? College football season is here. Are you ready to experience the ultimate sports weekend? There can be no equal to tailgating at your favorite school’s game in an RV.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-RVing—NCAA-Football-Tailgating—Giving-It-the-Old-College-Try!&id=6542120 – Sep 05, 2011

Travel RVing is fascinated with the assorted varieties of pets that RVers take along on their travels. Seventy five per cent of RV travelers take along their furry family members (well, most are furry) and wouldn’t consider being without them. Of course, the vast majority have dogs or cats. But some walk to the sound of a different drum…

http://ezinearticles.com/?Travel-RVing-With-Unusual-Pets&id=6704442 – Nov 19, 2011

When it comes to spending quality time with your family, one of the ways to do it is by holding camping trips. What makes a better trip than by using a camper trailer. With it, convenience is also packed on your trip. You will be able to bring everything to make travelling seem like tagging along with you the comforts of your very own home that the children, most especially, will want to experience while as the trip progresses

http://ezinearticles.com/?Camper-Trailer-Trips:-Have-Nothing-But-Awesome-Trips&id=6819021 – Jan 16, 2012

Going to different places is truly an awesome experience. In a country endowed with large mass of land such as Australia and US, there are many areas that deserve to be visited and enjoyed for their breath-taking views. Meanwhile, it is always enjoyable to explore such places with a group. Hence, using a camper trailer is a perfect idea for such undertaking. Travelling or camping with a number of people while having the comforts similar to an actual home is truly a best-of-both-worlds experience.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Camper-Trailer—Remains-To-Be-A-Preferred-Vehicle-For-Group-Recreational-Trips-Up-To-Now&id=6823916 – Jan 17, 2012

When you travel you have few priorities you need to arrange before you arrive, namely accommodation and transport. Highly populated countries will tend to have an abundance of public transport you can rely on to get you from A to B, however in countries like New Zealand where the population is small, just 4.2 million residents, you will need to arrange a hire vehicle to get you around, so why not combine your accommodation with your transport and hire a rv.

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Advantages-Of-A-RV-Vacation-In-New-Zealand&id=6850217 – Jan 30, 2012

After I retired from the Franchising Industry, I decided to take my mobile corporate command center and convert it into a full-time RV Motor Coach. I’d been traveling around and setting up franchises in the mobile car wash and truck wash business for some 10-years, and several of those in my mobile office on wheels. When I sold the company, it occurred to me that there was still more of America I wanted to see.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-RV-Advice-for-US-Travelers&id=6855685 – Feb 02, 2012

Communication when traveling in your RV can be complicated by remote locations and limitations of some services. Our 4 communication tips when traveling in an RV address some of these issues and how to resolve them. Please pay particular attention to tip #4 as it is extremely important in an emergency.

http://ezinearticles.com/?RV-Tips—4-Communication-Tips-When-Traveling-In-An-RV&id=6878981 – Feb 13, 2012

When you need to go on a road trip such as during summer vacation, one of the cheapest ways of doing it is by using RV rentals. Since most of these vehicles have sleeping and cooking facilities, you will not have to spend too much money getting accommodation or food where you are going. This also has other benefits as well.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-You-Can-Use-a-Camping-Trip-to-Bond-With-Your-Family-and-Friends&id=6882863 – Feb 15, 2012

What are the reasons for such a difference in price of RV travel trailers. The whole list would be huge, but in this article we will discuss two of them.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Price-Of-A-Travel-Trailer&id=6893458 – Feb 20, 2012

Today we are seeing an increase in lightweight travel trailers. No, not the ones that say lightweight, but rather the true small lightweight camper.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Rebirth-of-Lightweight-Travel-Trailers&id=6901061 – Feb 23, 2012

There have been many changes in the RV industry over the years. Dutchmen Manufacturing was responsible for one of the biggest changes ever. They started building travel trailers with previously major options, standard. It redefined how travel trailers would be built.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dutchmen-Manufacturing-Redefined-The-Travel-Trailer-Industry&id=6910340 – Feb 28, 2012

Family vacations are priceless, they create many childhood memories that are never lost and they give parents the opportunity to form stronger bonds with their children. A popular type of family vacation that has emerged due to the recession is a “staycation”. This involves staying within the borders of your country and enjoying all it has to offer. Many people choose this option because it is cheaper and sometimes even more fun. If you are thinking of a staycation, try to get cheap RV rentals, it covers accommodation and transportation, all in one price.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cheap-RV-Rentals-for-the-Family-Vacation&id=6961494 – Mar 25, 2012

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Yellowstone National Park

    Fantastic! Yellowstone is one of the most recognized  of the destination in National Park system! Old Faithful is a must see, the wildlife is also a must see, great geological formations and quite a few other sites to see. There are many excellent campgrounds in and around the location but you will need to reserve ahead during the high season.

Grand Canyon National Park

    The canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. It is the most breath taking view of a canyon you will ever see. It was made by the Colorado River which flows through. There are many campgrounds in the area to choose from.

Redwood National Park

    Redwood National and State Parksis where visitors will find the world’s tallest trees, these majestic tress that inspire visions of mist-laden virgin forests bordering crystal-clear rivers. The thing to know is that the parks also include vast prairies, oak woodlands, and nearly 40 miles of rugged coastline, all of which are home to wildlife diversity and cultural traditions. You won’t want to miss this! There are plenty of campgrounds in the are where you can stay.

Crater Lake National Park

    Your family will find a beautiful lake with blue color with cliffs surrounding that are nearly two thousand feet high; also 2 islands; and a violent volcanic in the past. It is a place of wonderful beauty. Campgrounds are available in the area.

Colonial Williamsburg

    This area is very historical and includes Colonial Williamsburg which is located in 301 acres, and has 88 18th-century building. There are also hundreds of houses, shops and government building which were reconstructed on their original foundations. Some buildings can be viewed by the public, while some are private residences and offices that can’t be viewed. A flag indicates that the site is open. Camping in this area gives you access to the historical sites.

Blue Ridge Parkway

    The scenery is fantastic and rv sites make the Blue Ridge Parkway a very populare destination within the National Park System. Split-rail fences, old farms, the mountains, meadows and overlooks with endless views make the Blue Ridge Parkway an awesome drive with many stops. The highway has a wide variety of campgrounds, with a great deal of areas to picnic and trails for hiking are also abundant.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

    Mount Rushmore has been carved into the face of the mountain not far from Keystone, South Dakota. This U.S. treasure includes 60-foot sculptures of the heads of the United States presidents Abraham Lincoln for one, another is Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson is also there and George Washington is another. The entire site covers abouth 1300 acres and is above sea level by 5,700 feet.

Arches National Park

    Arches Park has over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the Delicate Arch which is world-famous, and also has many other unusual rock formations. There is millions of years of geologic history exposed in the area. The wonderful features of the park result in contrasting colors, land forms and textures that is different from anywhere else in the world. There is camping available in the area.

Fort Wilderness, Walt Disney World

    The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are one of the original accommodations at the World Resort Walt Disney. A popular destination for travelers since 71 when it opened, this Resort features fully-equipped campsites where you can camp out in comfort. A vacation at the location of Disney  is an international favorite pastime. A great camp out in the great outdoors of sunny Florida.

Fall Foliage review is a great trip

    In the autumn, nature there is a brilliant show of color in many areas within the U.S.A. There are bright yellows to reds that jump out at you, the leaves transform, revealing rich and vibrant hues. From the New England in the eastern part of the northern United States, to the eastern part of the south and in the central USA, the season begins in early September in the northern regions and ends in southern locations in late October or the begginning of November. People make the trip to these areas to take in the foliage view. The splendor of the plants is fantastic and an RV is a great way to travel through these areas.

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The RV lifestyle has many advantages, which is the reason why we are a part of it. But campgrounds, especially those in bad neighborhoods, are not immune to crime.

Criminals have invaded every aspect of our society. The highest crime rates are in the nation’s challenged areas, but it also shows itself in upper class neighborhoods and at RV parks where thieves may see an opportunity to break into an RV for its contents.

Most RV parks are secure enough that you don’t have to fear criminal activities. What crime is reported generally consists of theft of items left outside, or break-ins into RVs. The majority of crimes are committed at state and national parks. Yellowstone, for example, is considered a high crime area during the summer months when thousands of people from all walks of life converge on the park. Besides bears and buffalos,  human predators roam the park and commit crimes against campers. Crime such as shootings, drug abuse and sales, robberies and burglaries are reported each year.

Statistics are kept by government agencies, not by RV parks. Most chain or private RV parks have very little to no crime that takes place inside of the park. Some parks, however unfortunate, are located in bad parts of local communities. Most RV parks were built in rural areas because of the cost of real estate, but over time the neighborhood may become industrial or run down.

The Crime Free RV Parks Program was developed to deal with criminal activities in RV parks. Launched in1999, the organization offers a unique approach to fighting crime by bringing police officers and RV park owners, managers, and residents together. The program is designed specifically for the RV park community. This police sponsored program is designed to be very easy, yet extremely effective, at reducing criminal activity in RV Park communities. For more information visit www.crime-free-association.org/rv_parks.htm

Individual RVers, meanwhile, are purchasing more alarm systems. Manufacturers offer different levels of protection, depending on your budget. Prices for alarm systems range from hundreds of dollars to many thousands. A top of the line alarm system usually includes an engine immobilizer, perimeter and ignition detection, and a battery back-up power supply.

The alarm you choose should have sensors on all doors and windows. Some alarms will also go off if the engine hood is lifted, deterring thieves from trying to disconnect the battery to deactivate the alarm.

Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors inside the RV will detect movement from anyone who gains access to an RV. Some alarms allow the RV owner to turn off this feature so pets can roam free. This kind of motion sensor is more expensive to manufacture, so you may pay more for an alarm with ultrasonic sensors than you would for one with PIR sensors. Both methods are effective in preventing theft and other shady activities.

Some alarms include remote controls so the unit can be activated or deactivated from a distance. Other features may include a panic alarm that can be used should you walk in on a burglary or other crime in progress.

Additional information about RV security systems is available by contacting your  dealership. Some insurance companies, too, will provide information and indicate which alarm systems might qualify you for a premium discount.

For more information visit http://www.rvburglaralarmsecuritysystem.com/ or www.rvsecurity.net

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OUR COMPANY POLICIES

RETURNS:
There will be an INDUSTRY STANDARD 15% Restocking fee on all returned merchandise.

EXCHANGES:
There are no charges for exchanges where the returned product is in 1st quality saleable condition, as it was received.

RETURN AUTHORIZATIONS:
You must receive an RA# (return authorization) from a customer service representative prior to returning any products. Shipments will only be accepted by our offices or warehouse and must be properly marked with a current RA#. An RA# is good for 10 days only and must be requested by the customer within 7 days of having received their merchandise.

CREDITS:
Credits may be offered in Cash or Credit at our discretion.

FACTORY FLAWS & HOLES:
As you know, We are a wholesale distributor of Blank products, Our minimal margins do not allow us to be as lenient as a retail store who
mark up their products considerably.
Having said that, and in order to stay consistent with FACTORY NAME BRAND policy, Holes and Flaws detected after a garment has been decorated (printed and/or embroidered) may not receive full credit.
Full Credit or Refunds will only be made on products when called in within 2 days of receipt. Discretion may be used by Customer Service on a case-by-case basis after the 48 hour grace period.
It is recommended that you order 2% over on all Tees and Sweats in order to allow for the INDUSTRY STANDARD flaws ratio. While you can return these flaws, we do not want you to miss a deadline or be caught short of product for a special event. With our inexpensive
pricing structure, you should always be safe, rather than sorry.

MAIL FEES:
All return mail fees are paid by the consumer unless written permission is received from the customer a service representative who determined otherwise in the best interest of both parties.

UNDERGARMENTS:
Personal Orders on Ladies’ Undergarments, Panties, Briefs, Shorties & Bikini models may not be returned or exchanged. Retailers, with proper state sellers permits may exchange sizes and colors of the un-opened product. (see Return Authorization policy above)

SITE DATA UPDATES:
Our Management Team proudly sets some of the Highest Standards, Morals, Values, and Ethics for our company in the shirt industry.
*Keeping our site current is also very important to us. In order to provide more rapid site updating, our Website, Product Data Base, Pricing, and Shipping are provided by an outside (3rd party) source. We apologize in advance if this causes you any inconvenience.
Although rare, on any given day, Pricing, Data & Programming errors may occur due to constant updating. They may come from Programming, Hosting, Servers, and Computer Malfunctions.
Since out of our control, we accept no responsibility for these occurrences and will not be held liable to match prices or ship quantities that are reflected incorrectly on our website that were not intended, misleading, malicious, or known by us.
Prior to us completing your order and/or charging your credit card, should we see an order with incorrect pricing, we will contact you immediately with your corrected pricing and purchase options.
We always appreciate any inconsistencies that are pointed out to us promptly so that we can correct an error at once.

PRINTING PROMOTION:
All Print Promotions are based on a 3-week turn-a-round time. We are often able to finish jobs in under 2 weeks. This program is made available by printing during automated-press DOWN TIMES. Faster print production may be available for a small charge; call customer service. Art, Films & Screen charges are not included in the promo prices quoted online.

SHIPPING DEADLINE:
Orders “received” prior to 1 pm CST will be shipped the same day. Placing an order prior to 1 pm CST does not guarantee we will receive it instantly. Due to ISPs and e-mail, if your order has special importance, you may want to call customer service immediately after placing your order online to discuss your shipping options. Orders received by us after 1 pm CST are shipped the next business day in the fashion you have selected online.

UPS SHIPPING GUARANTEES:
UPS does not guarantee its “Ground” shipments to be delivered on a certain day or at a certain time. UPS provided shipping charts that estimate delivery days that do not count the ship day.
UPS does guarantee Air shipments, yet, UPS Guaranteed “AIR” shipments, also, do not include the ship day. Example: 2nd-day air packages, shipped on Monday will be guaranteed by UPS to arrive on Thursday.

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Apparel Printing FAQs

Why is the design studio not loading?
How do I know if the image I’ve uploaded is copyrighted?
Are Rush deliveries free as well?
How do I contact your company?
I disagree with the subject matter on some shirts. Can I request for them to be removed?
I would like to purchase a shirt in an unlisted style or color. Is this possible?
Where can I find public domain images or alternate recourses for creating designs that I can upload to the design studio?
Do you have bulk discounts?
Where can I update my account information?
Can I save a design to use at a later date?
Where can I find a sizing chart for the product I would like to customize?
Can I re-purchase an order that I’ve made at a previous time or date?
I have private information in my account. How do you use this information and can I delete my account if I feel it necessary?
The colors of the garments don’t look exactly like those in the Available Color Options area on the product page. Why?
I would like to return a purchase that I’ve made. How do I proceed?
I believe there is an instance of copyright infringement on your behalf or that of a customer for whom you’ve printed a personalized garment. How do I proceed?
I’m seeing taxes added to my order. Is this correct?
Can I add special notes and requests to my order?
I would like to consult with your company to have my shirt professionally designed. Is this possible?
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

1. Why is the design studio not loading?

Our apparel printing design studio is a powerful flash-driven engine tailored to make the design process as easy, and fluid for designers of all types. Because of this, the most common reason for being unable to access the design studio is incompatibility with non-flash-capable devices. If you are unable to obtain access to a computer to utilize the design studio, you may contact our printing team to consult and aid you in the creation of your custom garment.

Our design studio is cross-browser compatible, however, it does require an up-to-date flash player that can be installed in just under a minute.

If you continue to have problems accessing the Design Studio, you may contact us via the Help Desk at the bottom right-hand side of the website for further troubleshooting.

2. How do I know if the image I’ve uploaded is copyrighted?

If you are uncertain if the image that you’ve uploaded is copyrighted, the best practice is to err on the side of caution and avoid uploading it. There are many beautiful images across the internet and it can be challenging to determine if you’re breaking the law by using them. If you would like further information on how to investigate the ownership of an image, visit this handy recourse 4 Easiest Ways to Tell if an Image is Copyrighted.

3. Are Rush deliveries free as well?

Only Standard deliveries are free. Rush Shipping on an order would incur a flat rate fee to offset the cost of having the items at your door by the day on the delivery date forecast on the homepage. If you have any further questions about shipping times or request specific shipping methods, we advise that you contact us via the help desk at the bottom right-hand side of our website.

4. How do I contact your company?

We promise that customer service should NEVER be out of reach. For that very reason, you can contact us at any time and at any location on this website via the Customer Service Help Desk on the bottom right-hand side of the browser window. The Help Desk is formatted to work on all browsers and is mobile-friendly on all devices. It is within the Help Desk that you can either contact us via email or send us a chat message.

If you prefer to contact us via your favorite social networking site, you can find the links at the top of the page to the left of the search bar.

You may also call us toll-free. Under the circumstances that we are unable to reach the phone, we ask that you leave a detailed message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

5. I disagree with the subject matter on some shirts. Can I request for them to be removed?

Our company takes great pride in catering to all audiences, and all demographics regardless of age, religion, political belief, etc. Simply put, we must all be able to co-exist in the world of today with a healthy respect for different people, with different ideas and beliefs.

6. I would like to purchase a shirt in an unlisted style or color. Is this possible?

YES. If you would like to purchase a design in an unlisted style or color, we ask that you contact us via the help desk at the bottom right-hand side of the website. We pride ourselves on not sacrificing the quality of our product to achieve a cheaper price, and for this reason, the artwork used in our apparel is created to be optimal for the most universal styles and cost-effective color options.
Please be advised that the prices might vary from these products to those available for customizable apparel. The process in which the garment is printed differs from one style/color to the next and will result in the standard printing cost attributed to custom orders.

7. Where can I find public domain images or alternate recourses for creating designs that I can upload to the design studio?

There is a multitude of repositories for Public Domain images on the internet. Here is a selection of what we’ve found to be the most user-friendly and comprehensive.

Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps boasting the largest collection of public domain images in one place, the Wikimedia Commons is unrivaled in its categorization of images and re-use attributes.

Pixabay

A favorite, Pixabay has proven itself to be extremely easy to navigate. From Commercial to Private use, the 65,000 photos and illustrations on Pixabay are there for you to use and without any attribution.

deviantART

A resource like no other, deviantART connects you directly with the artist. Everything from photography to digital art, deviantART is likely to have exactly what you are looking for. BE ADVISED… Not all the images present on deviantART are public domain and commercial use friendly. Before using an image, investigate the source. Don’t hesitate to ask the creator of the image, more often than not the artist is humbled by your appreciation of their hard work.

OTHER RECOURSES:

Pixlr

If you want a more powerful image editor that you can use without downloading, signing up, or being burdened by ads, Pixlr is the online answer. Shadowing even Photoshop Express in capability, Pixlr will give you prevailing image editing ability without sacrificing ease of access. The images you create or edit are a breeze to download and then apply to YOUR garment in our design studio.

Wordle

Perhaps one of the most unique algorithm-based image generators on the internet, Wordle will turn words that you input or all the words on a website into a beautiful and customizable word cloud. The images you create on Wordle are YOUR property and thus you can obtain the images and simply use our design studio to remove the background for a custom garment like no other!

easel. ly

A conundrum in creativity, the easel. ly website is tailored towards the creation of infographics. However, this translates to a wonderful recourse for various kinds of designs that you can easily create, download, and then add to your very own garment in our design studio

8. Do you have bulk discounts?

Yes. We recommend contacting us for a consultation on your bulk order. We will accurately quote you a price, but we’ve found that we can often save you some money by seeing your design and tailoring your quote to the most cost-efficient printing method. If nothing else, your feedback will be invaluable towards making your next visit to Heartland Apparel Printing that much better!

9. Where can I update my account information?

You can edit your account information by clicking either the My Account link at the top of our website or in the third column in the footer. It is in this area that you can view or edit any account information that we have on file. This includes but is not limited to your Name, Email, Address, Shipping information, Previous Orders, Saved Designs, and opting out of receiving newsletters from us.

10. Can I save a design to use at a later date?

Yes. After you’ve created a design, you can click Save Design in the top menu of the design studio. If you have not already signed in or created an account, it will ask you to do so at this time. You may access your saved artwork via your account details.

11. Where can I find a sizing chart for the product I would like to customize?

Upon finding the garment which you would like to modify, navigate to the bottom of the product page and simply click on the Click to View Size Measurements button that is in the product description.

12. Can I re-purchase an order that I’ve made at a previous time or date?

Yes. You can find your previous orders in the My Account area linked at the top of the website. On the right-hand side of the screen, you will see a link to Order History, it is here that you can click the icon that looks like a piece of paper with a magnifying glass to view previous order details OR click the green circular arrow icon to re-order a purchase that you’ve made at an earlier date.

13. I have private information in my account. How do you use this information and can I delete my account if I feel it necessary?

Our company is committed to protecting your privacy. The only time when your information will be given to a third party is for the delivery of your purchase. We recommend reading our current PRIVACY POLICY if you have further questions. If you choose to delete your account, you may either remove all of the information contained within or contact us to do a full deletion of your account.

14. The colors of the garments don’t look exactly like those in the Available Color Options area on the product page. Why?

The design studio is for demo purposes only. We’ve striven to match the colors as close to the actual thread pigment present in the garments that they’re printed on. However, there are always factors out of our control. Examples of common causes for color variations are the viewer’s screen resolution, the type of graphics card present in the user’s computer, flash-based encoding settings, etc. The design itself will be color-matched flawlessly, but for the purpose of seeing the exact color a garment will be printed on, we recommend consulting the color options link on the product page as it is a much more accurate representation.

15. I would like to return a purchase that I’ve made with your company. How do I proceed?

Heartland Apparel is committed to customer satisfaction. Please review our current RETURN POLICY to see how the team can assist you in your order. If your purchase is eligible for a return, contact us via the help desk at the bottom right side of the website, or email us. We will see to it that we assist you as promptly as possible.

16. I believe there is an instance of copyright infringement on your behalf or that of a customer for whom you’ve printed a personalized garment. How do I proceed?

Our company takes great lengths to uphold copyright law both on our behalf and that of our customers.

Our current copyright notice present when a customer uses the Upload Your Own Art Module in our design studio reads as follows:

Any art or images you submit for printing must have been created by you, or are art or images you have the legal right to use. Art or images that are owned by others require that you have legal rights to reproduce or publish them. We will not print your art or image if it is obscene, offensive, defamatory, or discriminatory. We reserve the right to reject printing your art or images. If we receive a legal claim against us for using or printing your art or image you agree to pay us for any losses we incur including but not limited to legal expenses.

If you believe that an article of clothing is manufactured by our company via the Upload Your Own Art module, please contact us as quickly as possible so we can take the appropriate course of action.

If you believe that there is an instance of copyright infringement on our behalf, please facilitate us with the necessary information by contacting us. We are as equally as arduous in the investigation of such claims as we are in upholding the laws governing them prior to the creation of a product and throughout its distribution. There are many instances where we’ve used public domain imagery on merchandise, and this follows a meticulous vetting of its source and ownership. In instances where we’ve created a design that is inspired by copyrighted material, we’ve diligently worked to stay within the confines of fair use in both creations of one of a kind original artwork which is considered to be transformative in nature and often reemphasized by the legal right to parody as governed by copyright law itself.

17. I’m seeing taxes added to my order. Is this correct?

If you are currently a resident of Texas, yes. Texas law requires that we charge a sales tax to all customers residing within the state. If you are not a resident of Texas, and the price in the shopping cart is reflecting taxes included, please contact us as soon as possible as out-of-state customers are exempt from Texas sales tax on orders.

18. Can I add special notes and requests to my order?

Yes. While you are checking out, there are several opportunities for you to add your own order notes. This includes a text area that you can update while specifying your shipping details, payment info, etc.

19. I would like to consult with your company to have my shirt professionally designed. Is this possible?

Yes. If you would like professional assistance in designing a garment, you may contact us for a consultation. Be advised that this might incur extra charges as we will be contracting with a professional graphic designer who will create a one-of-a-kind piece of imagery for your apparel needs.

20. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Well, if a woodchuck could chuck wood, a woodchuck would chuck all the wood that a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood!

If you just smiled… Good! Here at our company, we pride ourselves on making the creative process as easy and as fun as possible. If you are not smiling and enjoying your visit with us today, let us know and we will see to it that we answer any questions or concerns that you might have. This FAQs guide is fueled by the love and support we’ve received from each of you. Keeping us up to date on any ideas that you might have will see to it that every visit to our website is better than the last!

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By following these basic guidelines, you can enhance the camping and traveling experience of both you and those around you. Your time spent at the campground will be more enjoyable and the time spent getting there will be safer and more pleasant. After all, getting there is half the fun.

The Ten Commandments of Camping RV Etiquette
Avoid eyesores. Don’t run unnecessary laundry lines through your campsite.
Avoid clutter. Keep your belongings within the boundaries of your site. When you depart, leave nothing behind.
Care for pets. Clean up after your pet. Don’t let it run loose. Don’t leave it alone.
Control wastewater. Never dump black or gray water on the ground or in streams and lakes.
Check hoses regularly for leaks. Hose down the dump station area after you use it.
Drive safely and courteously. Obey campground speed limits.
Use a backer to help you park. If you arrive after dark, use your parking lights to find your site. Give every other moving thing the right of way.
Maintain cleanliness. Keep your campsite clean. Leave restrooms, showers, laundry rooms, and dump stations clean. Don’t throw cans or other items that don’t burn into your campfire. Clean lint from dryer vents. Obey litter laws. Follow the adage, “Leave it cleaner than you find it.
“Respect living things. Never cut living trees for firewood. Follow the campground’s rules for deadwood. Don’t vandalize the natural beauty we’re all there to enjoy. Leave it as you found it.
Respect personal space. Don’t walk through other camper’s sites.
Keep alcohol within your site, unless the campground prohibits it completely.
Respect quiet hours. Turn off your exterior lights when you retire for the night. Keep radios and televisions turned down. Avoid using loud voices. Never run generators after quiet time.
Supervise children. Know where your children are and what they are doing at all times.
Have fun. The first nine commandments are not designed to hamper your enjoyment. They are simply variations of the Golden Rule. Always treat other campers the way in which you would like to be treated. This way, everyone will have a good time.

The Ten Commandments of Driving RV Etiquette
Buckle up. Don’t fall prey to the false security of driving a “home on wheels. ” It’s only your home when it’s not moving. When driving, do as you would when you’re behind the wheel of a car. Wear your seatbelt.
Avoid busy downtown areas. The last place you want to drive a large RV is in a crowded downtown area. Turns are harder, maneuvering is restricted, and the chance of getting dented and dinged is increased. You will be more likely to find surrounding traffic less tolerant, and you certainly don’t want to get caught in a traffic jam you can’t escape from.
Avoid rush hour traffic. Schedule your travels for light times. Steer clear of the 7-9 a. m. and 4-6 p. m. rush. RV travel is designed to be leisure travel.
Stay out of the way of the rat race. Maintain a safe following distance. The old standard of a car length for every ten miles per hour doesn’t apply here. You need much more distance to stop the extra weight of an RV.
Never, ever tailgate, especially at night. Your higher headlights can be blinding to the driver in front of you.
Signal turns and lane changes early. You have a lot of vehicles to move. Most people can accommodate you with enough forewarning.
Clear passed vehicles completely. Learn to judge your clearing distance accurately. Getting an “all clear” signal from the car you’re passing help, but don’t count on getting it.
Signal early and pull back in slowly. Stay in the right lane. When driving on two-lane highways, stay in the right lane. Sacrifice passing slow vehicles if it means you will slow the faster vehicles behind you.
When on a three-lane highway, use the center lane. This helps you avoid merging traffic.
Signal to passing trucks. Let truckers know when they’ve cleared your rig after passing. Usually, three flicks of your high beams are universally understood as the signal that it’s safe to change lanes.
Pull over when holding up traffic. Don’t allow your slower speed to hold up those behind you, especially when climbing steep hills. If you notice traffic building up behind you, pull over and let them pass.
Park in clear areas. Don’t block other vehicles. Find that nice, big open space in an isolated part of that mall parking lot. A few extra steps are better than finding your egress hampered by surrounding cars.

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Before you take delivery of your recreational vehicle from a dealer, you should always demand a pre-delivery inspection and orientation. You need to receive assurances from your dealer that the new RV is fully functional, properly serviced, and safe to operate. The pre-delivery inspection should actually take place before you arrive to pick up your new rig. A quality dealer will usually invest a full tank of fuel, a filled LP-gas tank, and nearly 24 hours of operating and testing all the major systems, appliances, and functions of the RV to this comprehensive preparation. Better dealers will also provide new buyers with essential items not provided by manufacturers, including an electrical adapter plug, potable water hose, water pressure regulator, holding tank chemicals, RV toilet tissue, and a sewer hose with adapter and clamp. If not, the buyer should be certain to purchase these items himself before taking delivery of the rig. Upon arrival, the buyer should expect to spend no less than an hour or two participating in a thorough orientation and walk-through of the RV’s components and systems. In checklist form, this orientation should include:

Instruction in all operations.
Explanation of the standard warranty coverage.
Explanation of the owner’s manual.
Review of maintenance requirements.
Owner’s manuals for all components.
Familiarity with the coach’s electrical system.
The location of and replacement procedures for fuses, relays, circuit breakers, and solenoids.
Actually starting, driving, and braking the vehicle, with an explanation of cold- and hot-weather starting procedures.
A test drive or test tow, including towing of a dinghy vehicle, if you plan to use one. Practice hooking and unhooking a tow vehicle.
Review of safety procedures.

A fire escape plan, including operation of the escape window. Specific instruction should take place on the following systems and components: AC generator.
AC generator circuit breakers.
Air conditioners.
Black- and gray-water dump valves.
Circuit breakers.
Coach batteries. Dash electrical components, including:
Lights, Wipers, Gauge instruments
Audible and visual warning features
The meaning of all indicators
Electrical distribution panels.
Electrical shore-power cord.

Engine compartment, including:
Engine oil
Hydraulic fluid
Transmission fluid
Coolant level
Leveling-jack
hydraulic reservoir
Fuel filters
Fan belts
Hoses
Air filter

Filling the fresh water tank
Fire extinguisher
Furnace
Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
Icemaker
Inverter circuit breakers
Leveling system
Power converter
Refrigerator
Sewer dump hose
Shower
Toilet
Transfer switches
Water Heater
Water hose
Water pump
Water purifier

Add any other options you’ve chosen to add to your new RV, and you should have a pretty comprehensive list. Make sure the dealer not only demonstrates everything for you but also allows you to practice operating things yourself. Watch them do it. Do it yourself. If you’re still not certain, do it again. Many dealers also offer a free camping weekend at a local campground. If so, take advantage of it to give your new rig a thorough run-through under actual camping conditions. If not, then definitely plan to schedule a short camping excursion on your own for the same purpose. It’s better to find out about any bugs or quirks your RV may possess in this way than to discover problems while on a lengthy trip.

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One of the premier birding hotspots in the country, if not the number one hotspot, is the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas. This special place plays host or has played host – in the sense of vagrants, to an incredible variety of bird species, 485 to be exact. Its unique geographical reality places it at a critical junction of habitat types which allows this area to become truly magical in the imagination of every birder.

When one considers the fact that this biotic crossroad is built around four distinct and unique environments, one begins to understand why the RGV is held in such high esteem as a bird Mecca. To the north, one encounters a relatively temperate climate, while to the south the picture is radically changed by a subtropical presence. The same is true for the east-west component: arid to one side and coastal/coastal prairie to the other. All this, combined with the fact that two principal flyways, the Mississippi and the Central, join together/or split (depending on whether we are looking at a Spring or Fall migration) just to the north of the Valley and you fully realize what makes this four or five-county area so wonderfully diverse. One can’t deny it, the birds just love this place! The birding community has been known for eons in this legendary corner of our world and has made names like Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Bentsen, Rio Grande State Park, Sabal Palm Grove, and still others, synonymous with colorful birds and warm memories.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, for example, is the only National Wildlife Refuge in the entire Refuge System to have
broken the 400 barrier; that is a record 400 plus bird species within its boundaries. Its sister Refuge, Santa Ana, is not far behind. With credentials such as these, it is no wonder why the RGV attracts so many to its fabled landscapes. The Valley’s avian resource has sparked the interest of photographers also. The Valley Land Fund Photo Contest, an annual and unique pairing of private landowners and serious shutterbugs, for example, has become one of the most prestigious and lucrative contests in the country. Although birds aren’t the only attraction during this competition, they are the most photographed category. Certain species of birds found in the RGV are found either nowhere else or only in a few other places in the United States. Species like Hook-Billed Kite, White-Collared Seedeater, Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Tamaulipas Crow, Brown Jay, Couch’s Kingbird, and Ringed Kingfisher haunt the bright dreams of avid birders. Other RGV specialties also call to the birder s heart: Muscovy Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Red-Crowned Parrot, Green Parakeet, Red-Billed
Pigeon, Ferriegenous Pygmy-Owl, Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Long-Billed Thrasher, White-Tipped Dove, Tropical Parula, just to name a few. Certainly, more tropical species, although not present every year, are becoming more and more regular as time goes by. So much so, that any trip could produce birds like Clay-Colored Robin, Masked Duck, Northern Jacana, or Blue Bunting, for example. But, for a truly remarkable note, one need only turn to the growing list of vagrants that have at one time or another been found within the Valley confines: Roadside Hawk, Crane Hawk, Jabiru, Collared Forest-Falcon, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Stygian Owl, Green-Breasted Mango, Green Violet-Ear, Masked Tityra, Grey Silky Flycatcher and the list goes on and on.

Almost any time of the year will produce good to great birds here in the Valley. Fall and Winter are a good times for vagrants and errant gulls, while the summer is the obvious heart of the breeding period. Many bird species will produce a number of clutches each year, well into the hot months of the season. Early spring (late March-the beginning of April) is a wonderful time to witness the hawk migration, and on its tail feathers follows the bulk of the season s migration, everything from warblers and vireos to grosbeaks and buntings. The coastal areas seem to be the better place to be during this latter segment of the northerly rush of birds to their breeding grounds, while the central Valley boasts the best hawk migration vantage points. And where will the vagrants show up? Almost anywhere! What is the best way to bird the Valley? The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival held each November in Harlingen will give you an in-depth introduction to the area s habitats and birds and also will offer the advanced birder the opportunity to “mop up” any omissions to one’s quest.

The same can be said for the Texas Tropics Nature Festival held each April in McAllen. Other opportunities are also available. The two National Wildlife Refuges provide a variety of tours during the bulk of the year, as does Bentsen Rio Grande State Park. Check their staff for details and scheduling. Another good source of information is the local Chambers of Commerce. Harlingen, for example, can provide you with a Valley-wide checklist. If you are searching for rarities or a list of unusual birds present in the area contact the local Rare Bird Alert maintained by the Frontera Audubon Society. Just get out there and enjoy! The birds are waiting and, believe me, you will enjoy it. Just think, you could be on the brink of a new way of viewing our world and, in particular, this Magic Valley of the Birds.

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Are you interested in taking an RV trip? If you are, you will want to take the time to properly and fully plan for and prepare for your upcoming trip. As nice as it is to hear that should properly plan for and prepare for your upcoming RV trip, you may be curious as to what the importance of doing so is. After all, you may only be interested in visiting the next town over for a day or two. Even in these types of situations, with short RV trips, it is still important to properly plan and prepare. One of the many reasons why you are encouraged to properly plan for and prepare for your upcoming RV trip, no matter where you are going or for how long, is because of safety. If your motor home breaks down, will you be able to get assistance right away? Those who own their own RVs are encouraged to invest in RV insurance or at least roadside assistance. For those renting RVs, it is important to determine, ahead of time, if roadside assistance is included in rental fees. When traveling, it is always best to prepare for the worst.

Another reason why you should properly plan and prepare for your upcoming RV trip is for your loved ones. When you take the time to do the proper amount of planning and preparation, your loved ones can take comfort in knowing that you are safe and out of harm’s way. This is ideal if you have children who will be staying behind. In fact, you may want to create a mini itinerary for yourself to leave behind; include what stops you plan to make, when you will check in, as well as when you will return. Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should take the time to properly plan for and prepare for an upcoming RV trip is so that you can have a good time.

If your planning and preparation are rushed, you may find yourself missing important supplies. For example, what would happen when you went to take a shower and realized that you forgot the towels, and so forth? Not only can this result in additional expenses on the road, but it is also a huge inconvenience. In conjunction with improving your overall satisfaction, proper planning and preparation, for an RV trip, reduces the amount of worry or concern you may have about doing so. For example, by creating a checklist in advance and going through that checklist before your trip, you can make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row. This is likely to provide you with a sense of comfort and security, which can help improve your chances of having a truly fun and memorable RV trip.

As highlighted above, there are a number of reasons why you should take the time to properly plan and prepare for your next RV trip. The good news is that it is relatively easy to properly plan and prepare for an upcoming RV trip. For example, make a checklist of what items you would like to pack, which items you will need to buy, stops you would like to make along the way, and so forth. Traveling by RV can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous and frustrating if the proper steps are not first taken.

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Whether you are going camping, touring, or even vagabonding, a camper trailer will provide a traveler with all the amenities found in the comfort of today’s modern homes. There are various types of homes on wheels, or mobile homes, such as motor homes, truck campers, fifth-wheel trailers, and travel trailers. The type of recreational vehicle (RV) you are going to buy for your family or for yourself, depends on a few factors. These factors are primarily, the cost, your current vehicle’s towing capacity, and the amount of living and sleeping area you are going to need.

The fact is an RV bought new from a dealership will generally depreciate faster in the first few years from its purchase date, but the RVs value can hold its own if it is well maintained. For this reason, the smart modern vagabonds will commonly buy their mobile homes used. If you can learn to recognize what to look for when you are shopping for a used camper trailer, then you just might be able to find yourself a great deal and save a few dollars. While you are shopping for your used camp trailer, the different types of RVs you will encounter are, class A motor homes, class B motor homes, class C motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, folding camp trailers, sport utility recreational vehicles, and the good old truck camper. The type you are going to focus on will depend on your budget, the vehicle you are currently driving, and the space required. Unless you are looking at class A, B, and C motor homes you will need a towing vehicle.

The class A motor home is the most expensive and the biggest recreational vehicle, such as a bus converted into living quarters, the class B motor home is smaller and is built on a van chassis, and the class C motor home is a van with a cutaway chassis as the camper. If you own a car, then you can shop around for travel trailers and folding camp trailers. These types are generally smaller and lighter and enable the use of a car for towing. For the pickup truck owners and depending on the truck’s load and tow capacity, you can then start looking at the larger camp trailers. With a pickup truck, you can still buy the lighter, smaller trailers if you wish, that depends on your comfort level, this way you will have more room in your truck box to carry supplies around. The truck camper is unique in its own way since it fits inside a pickup truck’s box. These vary in size and weight depending on your truck’s load capacity and you can also tow a trailer or boat with the truck camper style. Lately, RV manufacturers have been building sport-utility camp trailers. As the pickup truck camper, the sport utility camper is unique since it has its own garage to store your toys. The sport utility trailer comes in various sizes and is also built as class A, B, and C. If you decide to purchase a camp trailer, you are going to have to do your homework and look up your car or truck towing capacity. There are two numbers you will have to know about your towing vehicle and that is, the gross trailer weight (GTW) and the tongue weight (TW) capacities. The GTW is the maximum weight your vehicle is designed to pull and the TW is the weight your hitch ball can support. These two specifications can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This is very important to know since the insurance company you are dealing with might reject any accident claims due to not complying with these specifications while hauling your camp trailer.

Once you have decided on the type of used RV you will be shopping for, start reading through the classified ads in your local newspapers, magazines, and on the Internet. You can also visit local RV dealerships since most of them will have used RVs on their lots. When you are ready to go look at your future used RV, bring a checklist of things to look for. When you are looking over your prospective RV, spend a little time doing it, don’t buy on impulse, this can be a costly mistake. You can even call the seller ahead of time and have them prepare the RV for inspection, prompt them to fill the water storage tanks, start up the refrigerator and freezer, have the propane tanks and power hooked up, and basically have it ready as if the camper was going to be used immediately. If the seller agrees to your request, give them a few hours to do so, the refrigerator and freezer should be cold by the time you get there. If the seller refuses to prepare the camper for your viewing, then be suspicious of damages or broken-down appliances in the camper. Once you have arrived at the campers seller’s location, start your inspection. Have a thorough look at the underneath of the camper looking for rust spots, leaky holding tanks, and any damage due to bottoming out. Check the tires, their threads, and brake controller if applicable (knowledge on brake controllers is not that important but good to know). Do a scan of the campers shell, look for dents, rusty spots, separations in the seams, and rusty or loose screws. Open up all the compartments and have a look inside for damage and especially dampness. Make sure the compartment doors shut tight and are not loose. If the camper is a folding type, inspect the canvas and screens; look for holes and patches, check the seams and surface for brittleness and rot. If the camper is a hardtop, have a look at the roof, look for markings where water might have collected, and inspect the joints and rubber seals. Depending on the weathering and age of the camper, these seals will start cracking and water may be able to seep into the camper. While looking over the roof, make sure that all the racks and vents are tight and secured. If there are any, find out where the battery or batteries, and propane cylinders are stored. Check that the batteries are well charged and holding their charge. If there are any hydraulic or electric motors make sure that they are properly running and are doing the work that they are designed to do, such as lifting the camper up and down for leveling. Check to make sure that the propane tank(s) are not leaking, you will smell propane if the connectors on the tanks are not holding or are loose. The exterior lights on the camper are very important for safety and laws while driving on public roads, make sure that the turning and brake lights are functioning well.

After thoroughly inspecting the exterior of the camper, you can then start with the interior. Once you have entered the camper, check the entrance door to see if it securely closes and look for signs of leaking; do the same for all the windows. Check all the hinges, handles, and locks on all the windows and doors. In the kitchen, check all the appliances to assure that they are working properly, listen for strange noises or smells, and look them over for damage. Turn on the water faucets to make sure the pump(s) is working and if there is a hot water heater you will know if it is working properly due to the temperature of the water. In the bathroom, if the camper has one, make sure everything in it is secured and has not become loose during the camper’s travel. Look for the ventilation fan and make sure that it is working properly, this is important because the moisture from the bathroom should always be vented out. Have a look at the toilet, make sure that it can hold water and that it is flushing properly, it will smell during your travels if it malfunctions. Depending on your taste and comfort zone, have a look over at the furniture and bedding to assure that they are in good condition. Finally and most importantly, check the floor and inside all storage compartments for moisture and mildew. The floor around the sinks, tub, shower, and toilet are more likely to have water damage due to spillage. Check that the floor around these areas is not softened or even rotten by water damage.

Once you have given your potential camper a complete inspection and you are satisfied with all its working components, sit in it for as long as it takes for you to feel comfortable. Look at its layout and all the amenities it has to offer and let yourself relax until you feel satisfied that it is the right camper for you. If it’s not and you cant feel it, don’t worry there are many more used campers available to you. However, a rule of thumb when making a purchase of such value is, to go look at more than just one model of the camper. You can have fun and learn more as you inspect the various models available to the vagabonds. When you find the right camper and it has met all of your standards, hook it up and hopefully, we will see you on the road with a smile on your face!

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If you are on I-75, I-85, I-20, or I-85, make a stop in Atlanta. For RV parking, just drive 25 miles outside on I-75 and exit 122 in Cartersville, GA. There you will find the Allatoona Campground They have full wood campsites with some full hookups. There is a 1/4 mile white sand beach and a marina with a launch ramp and boat rentals, a recreation building with a sundeck, a swimming pool, a barbecue area, a children’s playground, a general store, tiled bathrooms, laundry, and cabins if you have anyone with you who doesn’t want to sleep in the RV.

What to eat while you’re there. Of course, it is always preferable to eat like a native, those are the restaurants where all of the best food is. One of the best restaurants for down-home southern cooking is Mary Macs Tea Room. Located at 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE and it is open for lunch. The best items on the menu are fried green tomatoes, okra, greens, grits, fried chicken, crackling cornbread, and sweet potato pie.

The main attraction when visiting Atlanta is the World Of Coca-Cola. You will learn how Dr. John S. Pemberton, an Atlanta Scientist invented this soda originally as a cure for headaches. You will find an old-fashioned soda fountain from the 1930s and the Taste Of The World Soda Fountain, a unique dispenser that shoots soda 20 feet in the air and will land in your cup with pinpoint accuracy. Another suggested stop on your Georgia tour is Savannah, GA. Savannah was an important port during both the American Revolution and the Civil War. It was under British rule during the American Revolution and the United States took full control during the Civil War. Waterway RV Park is located off I-95 exits 14, 15, and 16 in Richmond Hill. They have full hookups, phone hookups, a general store, a boat ramp, restrooms, and a laundry facility. You can also try Bellaire Woods Campground, locate at 805 Argyle Rd on Georgia Hwy 204 which is 2 1/2 miles west from I-95. They offer some full hookups, cable tv, shady pull-thrus, security, a laundry facility, propane service, a playground, showers, a playground, propane service, showers, a fishing dock, a swimming pool, and a boat ramp.

Of course, when you are in Georgia, you must eat southern food. Try Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House, located at 107 W Jones St. There is a real Mrs. Wilkes and it is a real house, however, it has no sign on the front. They serve only lunch and the locals know that you have to start lining up in the front at 11:00 am. You can also try Crystal Beer House which has been open since 1933 and is located at 301 W Jones St. There you will find such favorites as crab stew, fried oyster sandwiches, deviled crab burgers, and over 80 choices of beers. If you love historic homes, visit The Hamilton-Turner Mansion and the Owens-Thomas house. The Hamilton-Turner Mansion is located at 330 Abercorn St. You can call for hours of operation. The Owens-Thomas House is located at 124 Abercorn St. Call for their hours of operation.

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Great American humorist, Kin Hubbard once said The safest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket. But when RV living is your way of life, saving every penny may not be as easy as you might expect. The following RV tips are sure to help you save, and even earn, money while enjoying the RV way of life.

Ways to save money
1. Get more bank for your tank. Enjoy better gas mileage by practicing these simple driving tips: Slow down. The faster you drive, the lower your fuel economy will be.
Inflate – Proper tire inflation is a sure way to improve your gas mileage
Lighten your load – Eliminating excess RV weight increases your fuel efficiency
2. Stop and shop. Forget about stocking up on everything you need for your entire trip by buying in bulk beforehand. Instead, shop often and locally. You’ll not only reduce the weight of your RV and get better fuel economy but also save money by skipping the national chains and shopping for produce, meat, dairy, and other items at local discount and dollar stores.
3. Eating in is in. Skip the restaurants and eat in. Your meals not only will be more affordable, but also they will be healthier than those bought at the fast-food restaurants and old-fashioned diners along the highway.
4. Go green. Use plastic, not paper. Although paper products are easy to use and even easier to throw away, why not go green while on the road? While the initial investment of purchasing a set of washable and reusable dishes may cost more upfront, not having to continually purchase paper plates, cups and utensils will save in the long run.
5. Try boondocking. According to Jack and Julee Meltzer, authors of The Smart RVers Guide to Saving Money: Have More Fun RVing For Less Money, boondocking, or dry-camping, usually entails staying somewhere that offers no hook-ups (water and sewer) at little or no cost. Whether it’s a parking lot or in the desert on public land, some RVers only boondock. Most RVers, however, stay at a campground every few days in order to empty their tanks, do laundry and fill up on freshwater.
6. Make house calls. If boondocking isn’t your style, why not turn your RV road trip into an opportunity to visit with family and friends? Be sure to be respectful and always ask before showing up; however, most close friends and family would be delighted for an impromptu visit that doesn’t involve clean sheets and extra towels. Parking your RV in the driveway shouldn’t be a problem; just make sure to ask if there are any city ordinances requiring parking permits in the neighborhood.
7. Join the club. RV membership clubs like The Good Sam Club, KOA, Passport America, Camp Club USA, Happy Camper, and Escapees offer a wide range of benefits to their members, including substantial discounts on campground fees. Do your research before embarking on your journey to see what deals and discounts you can find on the road.
8. Get online. RV forums can be found on numerous websites. And while you’re surfing, try finding online coupons, codes, and discounts for all of your other necessary RV purchases.
9. Save money on storage by selling your stuff. Save that monthly storage unit fee and make some money at the same time. Before embarking on your road trip, hold a sale and eliminate all of your unused belongings, then donate whatever is left to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army. In addition to a little extra income, you’ll receive a deduction on your taxes.
10. Investigate your policies. Research your insurance policies to ensure you are getting what you need at a price you can afford. Whether you’re looking at your RV insurance options or trying to find discount RV insurance coverage for your vehicle, sometimes changing your provider or premiums can save you money. The RV lifestyle is one of the most affordable ways to travel and experience all that the country has to offer. Utilize these helpful tips for RVing on a budget, and make every dollar stretch for miles.

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We all know that living in an RV is something that can be extremely fun and rewarding; however, there are a few things that you need to think about. Just the idea of purchasing an RV, traveling everywhere, living anywhere that you want is something fantastic, and believe it or not, RVs are extremely comfortable nowadays. In this article, we are going to explore some of the tips and tricks to make sure that you can live comfortably in your RV!

One of the first things that you are going to have to do whenever you are deciding whether or not to live in an RV is to weigh out the pros and cons of whether or not owning a house would be worth it. There are some amenities that you have with a home that you would lose when you leave your house, but remember, you do not have to sell off your house if you do not want to. Whenever you live in an RV, there is absolutely no backyard that you have to keep up. That alone is one thing that is incredible, as most people hate yard work so that might be a pro for you. No more gutters, driveways to clean out or you will not even have any neighbors. Those can go be pros or cons, no matter which way you look at it.

One thing that a lot of people who live in RVs full-time have said is that they are all around happier. They do not have any stress at all and to be honest, that is the way that it should go. RVs are luxury items nowadays and if you are buying one to live in full-time, you should get one that has everything that you want in it. You do however have to worry about the fact that you might feel like you are falling completely out of contact with your friends and family. However, that should not be a worry any longer, for there are a ton of different ways that you can keep in touch, everything from messaging systems via the internet or even using your cell phone. Mailing a letter is a great way to ensure that you stay in touch too. Banking is going to be an issue as well, you want to make sure that you go with a bank that is worldwide or at least nationwide so you can find a branch easily. However, getting your bills and where you will get your medical attention should you get hurt are some things you should be thinking about.

The internet is definitely something that is incredible if you have a laptop and do not have the means to quit bringing in money, there are a ton of different home-based businesses available that just need an internet connection. So wherever you park your RV that night, you can still work! As you can see there really are a lot of good reasons why you should live in your RV. However, you always want to make sure that you check your pros and cons and that you weigh them out to see if this option works for you. Living in your RV is not for everyone, just remember that. Before you go buy an overpriced RV to live in consider all the pros and cons as they apply to you.

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There are any number of ways to see the USA. An RV road trip is one way you might want to consider. Americans love their road trips…. and our foreign friends seem to like them pretty well too when they visit. Much of the U. S. is easier to see by road than by using buses or trains. A rental car has usually been our vehicle of choice when we take road trips far from home, but recreational vehicles are also an option. There are plenty of places that rent RVs for a week or a month. You may find these recreational vehicles called RVs or motor homes. Outside of the U. S., they are often called caravans. Whatever you call them, they are self-contained accommodations on wheels complete with beds, a kitchen, toilet, and shower.

Until recently we had never considered an RV road trip for a number of reasons. The top two reasons are that RVs don’t get good gas mileage, and if you don’t own one, they are a little expensive to rent. Then we had the opportunity to take an RV road trip with friends, and we saw the positive side of this kind of travel. In the U.S., RVs come in sizes from a little bigger than van size to really large, so you have to consider that you will be driving a vehicle bigger than what you’re used to…. maybe lots bigger. We discovered that this was not quite as limiting as we thought. Most attractions and stores have parking lots that accommodate even the largest rig. You have to watch height limitations at gas stations and road underpasses, and narrow lanes can be intimidating… but once you’re used to it, you will travel just as quickly in an RV as you will in a car. Stopping for the night is not a problem. There are RV parks all over the country, and many county, city, and National Parks have spaces for recreational vehicles, so there is no problem finding a place to park for the night. There are even some large store chains that allow you to spend the night in their parking lots… though that is not really a very scenic option.

You need to learn a few things about full hook-ups and partial hook-ups for the night, but your rental agent will give you the basics you need… and the people you meet in RV parks are friendly and helpful. There are plenty of websites specifically about the RV experience and RV road trips where you can find lots of information if you’re interested in trying it once. One nice thing about this kind of travel is that once you’ve got your RV set up, you have your clothes and food with you all the time. No need to go find restaurants…. though you could if you didn’t want to cook. You will meet lots of friendly travelers…. people in RV parks seem to like to talk to each other and share their experiences. You might even find that it doesn’t cost you any more than a rental car and hotels or motels along the road, and you might find an RV road trip a whole new kind of adventure that you like.

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Vacation is always fun. Minus the expenses that the adults have to cover, people go on vacations for various purposes. While flying is the faster way to go, traveling by land can be just as fun and you wouldn’t even notice the time passing by as you get to enjoy the sights. But if you’re tired of the whole sightseeing thing, there are other ways how to make your road trip go by faster while you are in the car. Here are some suggestions on what you can do on your next road trip. – Play games Nobody is too old for fun games! Whether you are traveling with family members in different age brackets or on a road trip with your young at heart friends, there are games that you can do inside the car that can provide hours of entertainment, fun, and laughter. You can bring prizes with you too. They can be real prizes or just fun silly prizes. The game can be about plate numbers you see, the sights you see outside the window, games about music, and many more.

Music trip – You can have fun for hours listening, or better yet, singing along with your favorite tunes. Pop in a CD or connect your iPod and there will never be a sleepy moment inside the car. You can even turn this into a game similar to Don’t Forget the Lyrics, or the classic Name That Tune.

Mini comedy club – Turn your car into a mini-comedy club! Have a round-robin of takes and have each other bring out their favorite jokes or tell some of your funniest stories.

Food trip – All those laughs and singing can get you really hungry. Stock up on snacks in the car so you can immediately have a bite when you want to.

Photo ops – If you see a great sight, and there will definitely be plenty, hop out of the car and take souvenir photos.

Stopovers – Apart from using the bathroom, make your stopovers a food trip experience to try and explore the different food offerings from different areas. Try to stay away from typical fast food places such as Mcdonald’s. Take this as an opportunity instead to try out something new and exciting for your palette.

RVs – Use RVs if you can so your road trip can have an element of camping adventure in it. Especially for long drives, RVs can provide homey comfort to some extent. With an RV, you can go just about anywhere, even the woods or the desert.

Lastly, follow traffic rules. It’s not fun to be getting tickets in every city you run into, so obey traffic laws and you should be well on your way to vacation and road trip fun. As they say, sometimes it’s not about the destination, but about the journey. Have a fun-filled road trip that family and friends will look forward to year after year. What is truly important in a road trip is your sense of adventure, and being able to say yes and have fun when the opportunity presents itself.

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Your RVs fat. There, I said it. Come on, who are you kidding? Look at the way it leans to the side. I don’t suppose you noticed that it’s taking you greater distances to stop and longer to accelerate, did you? And just look at all that gear onboard, stuff falling out of every cabinet, exterior compartments full to capacity, even that never-used storage pod on the roof is full. Geez, what are you keeping in there anyway? All the symptoms add up. You need to put that RV on a diet. Despite such visible warnings, the best way to tell if your rig is, well, heavy is to hop on a scale at your nearest weigh station. Drive long enough on the highway and you’re sure to find one or look in the Yellow Pages for the one nearest you. Once there, prepare yourself for some frank discussions about your RV weight, for the scale tells no lies. Are you exceeding what your motorhome can carry? Is your pickup safely able to transport that fifth wheel loaded to the heavens with who only knows what? Whether it’s that cuddly little pop-up or a behemoth diesel pusher, overweight is overweight, and such a condition, just like for us folks, comes with consequences. An overloaded RV is taxed beyond capacity, with the extra weight affecting everything from the brakes to the tires to the chassis. Basically, you’re asking your poor vehicle to do more than it should, which means greater (and faster) wear and tear, added mechanical costs, sluggish performance, so-so braking, and the like. Get in an accident with an overloaded RV and you might find yourself liable, not to mention voiding any future warranty and insurance claims. I guess what I’m saying here is that unlike your cousin Eddie, it’s not cute to be overweight at least not in an RV. It’s time to drop some pounds, and here’s how.

Everyone is prone to overpacking. After all, how can a reasonably-minded person be asked to leave home their Motown record collection and complete set of World Book encyclopedias? Add that to that big family of yours that you’ve been toting around lately, an excessive amount of gear for any contingency, and those irresistible souvenirs you picked up along the way, and the family RV can get hefty in no time. However, those who have been around the proverbial block (and truck scales) enough times should know all about this weight gain phenomenon. It’s the newbies that are most prone to overdoing it. Everyone bringing items onboard should be asking themselves the same question: Do I need it? If that answer is a definite yes, then it makes the cut for now. One of the perks of living in the 21st century is the opportunity to pick up just about anything you would need on the road, so resist the urge to stock up. You’re not braving a winter in your cabin, you’re in a home on wheels. So, for those requiring groceries, some extra batteries, or additional sunscreen, chances are there’s a place nearby where you can get it. The bottom line is don’t feel so pressured when packing, which can add to bringing along too much. Food is one of the biggest overindulgences when it comes to packing. How many canned goods does it take to tax an RV?

How about all those cases of soda, an unusual attachment to canned hams, and a week’s worth of meals and snacks for every member of your crew? Sure, we don’t want anyone to starve, but be reasonable. Create a menu for the trip and buy/bring only what you’ll need. For longer trips, break down the groceries and meals into equal parts, so you can do a little shopping from the road to avoid an overloaded condition. If there’s a wok, food processor, and cappuccino maker tucked in those cabinets, chances are you’re the type who has trouble saying no. I certainly don’t want to deny you a favorite coffee drink, but an RVs galley and accompanying campfires lend themselves to more simplistic cooking. If you cant make dinner with that onboard stove, oven, or microwave, skip it. Extra cooking gadgets are just too cumbersome to warrant. Limit yourself to one or two nice skillets, a few reasonably size pots, cooking utensils, and enough plates, bowls, and glasses for everyone. Besides, we both know you hate stir fry. To keep things fair, every passenger gets one bag. They can fill it as they like, but that’s the limit of what they can bring, just one, lonely bag. If your trip to the weigh station reveals that you’re gasp! underweight, then you can definitely rethink the one-bag rule. But for now, thems the breaks.

Help the younger set pack bags sensibly, and tell Tommy his dumbbells can’t come. Play around with ways to substitute lighter items for heavier ones. Do you need a 5-pound bag of flour or will a zip-lock with just enough for that cake recipe be enough? Are those jumbo bottles of ketchup, mustard, and Mayo really necessary or would individual servings, like those found at fast food places, do the trick? Opt for paper plates over the heavier place settings from home; plastic utensils (rewash for multiple uses) over silverware; rent bikes at the campground over toting along with your own. Chose plastic over glass; aluminum over metal. Think lightweight and you’ll soon be lightweight.

Watch those tanks! Anyone driving around with full tanks is crazy. Any idea what full fresh, black, and gray water tanks weigh? Not sure? Well, it breaks down like this: Water = 8.4 pounds per gallon, Gasoline = 6 pounds per gallon, Diesel = 8 pounds per gallon, LP = 4 pounds per gallon. Now do a little math. A 100-gallon freshwater tank weighs in at more than 800 pounds. Oh great, now there’s no room for your Aunt Edna’s spice loaf. Unless you’re planning on boondocking, keep water levels low, and fill up only what’s needed. Holding tanks with no-vacancy signs cramp the style of life onboard, so dump whenever possible. Here’s a philosophical point to consider. Just because you have the space to put things, doesn’t mean you should use it. Most larger motorhomes feature cavernous exterior compartments, walls lined with cabinetry, and enough nooks and crannies to double your RV weight if you put your mind to it. Fill up all those vacancies and you’re bound to plump up your RV beyond its ratings. Furthermore, factor in such supplementals as those bikes in the carrying rack and that storage pod full of all those non-essentials, you’re asking for even more trouble. Remember, this is not a competition; no one will think less of you if you leave a few storage compartments empty. Your RV’s weight is serious business. Many of these vehicles are pretty heavy to begin with; you needn’t make the problem worse with a willy-nilly approach to stocking them. Bring only what you need, weigh in occasionally to make sure you haven’t gained any unwanted pounds, and you’ll be on the fast track to a slender hood.

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Defensive driving is a sequence of easy and straightforward techniques that allows you to expect possible hazards and gives you a plan for dealing with them. There are various defensive driving tips you can learn from defensive driving schools or even on the internet. The one simple tip is to always drive attentively. It is also essential for you to obey the traffic laws. Being a responsible driver always react quickly to avoid accidents. You can avoid accidents by staying out of the way of large vehicles, especially trucks and tankers. It is also very useful to take extra care at intersections. It is also important to always prepare yourself to stop your vehicle suddenly to prevent collisions.

A very important defensive driving tip is to communicate your interactions with other drivers by giving signals early, signaling constantly, and canceling your signal after making the move. Always give your car indicators before changing your lanes. It is calculated that 10% of accidents are caused by too little distance between the vehicles, so always keep a distance from other vehicles. If your road and weather conditions are not good always increase the distance from another vehicle. Driving while nighttime is really dangerous and it is calculated that it causes four-time higher death rates than daytime. At night times, it is recommended to you to leave wider spaces between you and other vehicles. If there is any fog or smoke on the road, turn on your fog lights and low beam headlights to watch clearly on the roads. Fogs lights help you a lot in fog. While diving in rain it is important to know that at the start of rain roads are usually slippery so always drive slowly. Heavy rain is also the main problem while driving because you can not see clearly outside and maybe your vehicle tires can begin to hydroplane so drive slowly in these conditions and turn on the double indicators. Special skills are needed for driving in snow and ice. If your brakes are anti-lock use them firmly otherwise avoid using ordinary brakes, only use them when you are about to hit something.

The most important tip is to always maintain your vehicle. Always check the fluids of your vehicle weekly. An important defensive driving tip is to use seat belts and also child safety seats to prevent any bad situation. The other important defensive driving tip is to avoid distractions. While you are driving don’t need to read or write anything. While driving use headphones and Bluetooth to answer the calls. If you feel tired or sleepy while driving it is necessary for you to take a break from driving by parking the car on the roadside. Never overtake vehicles when you are on curves, narrow roads, bridges, near schools, hospitals, and factory gates. By following these defensive driving tips you can save yourself from many accidental situations. Defensive driving tips are basically for the safety of your life. In many countries there are various defensive driving courses are available which you can take and polish your skills.

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It’s possible to travel across North America by RV and never pay for a campsite. RVers who are prepared for boondocking or dry camping (camping without hook-ups), can find a free place to park and sleep for the night almost anywhere following these eleven simple suggestions.

1. Examine the possibilities. Whether city or rural, scout out the area for potential free camping locations that would suit you.
2. Look for and respect signage. Avoid any area with No Trespassing or No Overnight Parking signage. Note that a sign that reads no camping may only be posted to ensure that tents aren’t set up but, as long as overnight parking is allowed, an RV may be okay.
3. Ask permission. Whether public property or private, ask around, (nearby neighbors, at the town hall, etc. ) and find the person who can give permission. Ask for it as nicely as possible.
4. Be friendly and honest. Let people get to know you and your intentions. Take the time to chat and let people get to know you, how and why you are traveling, and that you only need a spot to park and sleep overnight. If you call it camping, they may envision you setting up a tent, a campfire, and creating your bathroom behind a tree. Mention that you have your own toilet on board. If they’re interested, consider offering a tour of your camper. Tell them you can only travel this way if you don’t pay for camping every night. Talk about some of the other free camping situations you’ve had recently.
5. Keep your RV and yourself in good, clean, neat, and presentable condition. People will judge you by your appearance. If it looks like you take good care of yourself and your RV (even an older model) it tells them you will be considerate of their property too.
6. Befriend security guards and local police. Parking lots for stores, casinos, public transit stations, etc. that are open 24 hours often have security guards. Talk to them. Let them get to know you. Tell them up front how long you plan to stay, about your plans to shop in the store, eat in the restaurant, or take the subway into town in the morning, and what you hope to see in the area. Offer them a coffee. They have boring jobs and will enjoy the interaction and may even keep an eye on your RV while you’re absent. The same holds true for policemen, especially in a small town.
7. Ask locals. Ask the person at the local visitors center, the clerk in the grocery store, the gas station attendant, the person at the side of the road cutting his lawn, or anyone who lives in the area if they can think of a place you might be able to spend a night or two in a free, secluded, safe area? Personnel at a store that sells outdoor gear can be a great resource. Even if you’re not a fisherman, ask where you might be able to fish (and camp) in the area for a few days. Talk to everyone you meet. We’ve even been invited to camp in people’s driveways.
8. Be inconspicuous. Don’t set up your lawn furniture, barbecue grill, etc. unless the setting is appropriate and you know it’s permitted. If the best you can find is an overnight curbside parking spot, don’t sit there with your interior lights on and music blaring into the night. Spend your time away from the RV, perhaps in a nearby park, and come back only to quietly and immediately go to sleep. Then, get up early and move back to the park. If possible, choose a different parking spot, at least a block away, the next night.
9. Don’t push your luck or overstay your welcome. Even when you have permission to camp, keep to your promised time frame, whether that is one night or two, just enough to see the area. If the property owner thinks you’ve moved in for the season, or his neighbors start asking questions, you will spoil it for others who may ask for the same favor in the future and for yourself should you ever want to return.
10. Have a Plan B. Even when you think you won’t encounter a problem you may get a knock on the door after dark to ask that you move. Don’t argue and agree to move right away. Decide ahead of time where you will go if this happens, perhaps the local campground but always ask for a suggestion as well. Chances are this isn’t the first time this person has encountered this situation and may be aware of a nearby suitable place you can go. We’ve had this happen and both security guards and policemen have given us directions on where we could go camping nearby where it was both safe and lawful.
11. Show gratitude. Make this a positive experience for everyone. If someone has helped you find a great free campsite show your appreciation. Stop in to say how good it was, say goodbye, drop off a treat, or send a postcard or thank you note within a few days.

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If you and your family are planning a trip, an RV will help you. Rent one for your first outing and then figure out what kind of RV is right for your family. There are classes A, B, C, and fifth wheels. Add to that those that have to be pulled and those with storage for toys like motorcycles, bikes, and watercraft. There are RVs with bunk beds for the kids and RVs with room for just two. You can spend as much or as little money as you have available. Maybe you want to start with a pop-up camper. That’s a big step up from sleeping in a tent. You have your own air conditioning and, sometimes, even a bathroom. From there, the sky’s the limit; literally.

Today RVs can cost as much as one million dollars each. Some are even equipped with garden tubs or Jacuzzis. Once you have decided how much to spend and whether you are either renting or buying your RV, it is time to decide where you are going to go in it. The possibilities are endless. First of all, you will need to know where you are going and plan what highways to use. Remember that an RV is a lot larger than a car and more difficult to handle in traffic. You might decide you would rather take the interstates and use a car to check out the smaller roads. When you figure out where you want to go and how to get there, you need to know where you are going to stay. You cant park an RV just anywhere. Cities have ordinances about stopping overnight in parking lots and, in some states; you can’t even stop to sleep in a state rest area. You will need to know where the RV parks are that can handle your particular type of recreation vehicle. Some parks only allow Class A RVs; some cater to pop-ups or small pullers.

You will need to plot your travel based on how many miles you plan to drive per day. It is a good idea to take the RV out for a few trial run before you set off on the big trip. Always remember that an RV needs extra turning room and has to make a wide swing to turn into a road or a parking lot. There are blind spots that you cannot see without making use of all your mirrors and your rearview camera. Always watch the other guy as closely as possible because you can’t stop an RV very quickly. When you do have to put on brakes, make certain your family is strapped in tightly because it is possible for things to go flying through the body of the RV if they aren’t secured well before travel.

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As I wrote about before, my mom and dad recently bought an RV and they already had a boat, so we got right on planning a long weekend getaway for the fall. Well, it’s fast approaching and I am getting ready making lists, and starting to pack. Hitching up the boat and RV is the guy’s job, but getting everything else is up to us gals. We plan the meals, prepare for rain or shine and create the itinerary to get the most family fun out of every trip. Here’s what we have planned for our trip to boat and RV in Rockwood, TN:

Meals
Even with all the conveniences of the RV, we still want to keep meals pretty simple. Who wants to spend their precious vacation time cooking, right? We have a beef brisket we will smoke, hamburger patties made up to the grill, and pork steaks. We are making potato salad, pasta salad, and coleslaw for a few side dishes and we’ll have some chips. This is the nice part about RV traveling-we have the fridge there to store the stuff ahead of time. For breakfast, we have mostly danishes, donuts, and other grab-and-go items. On the last day, we have biscuits and gravy, which we can also make beforehand. We also got the ingredients for smores and my sister will make brownies and rice Krispie treats.

Clothes
A fall trip is simply wonderful. Often it’s warm enough to enjoy boating and playing in the water a little but cools off in the evening to make a campfire just perfect. You don’t sweat through dinner and the mosquitoes are all but a memory. However, you have to pack for all seasons. You may or may not need swimsuits and it’s just as likely you’ll need sweatsuits and rain gear. So, to summarize, bring it all. Again, this is when it is super-handy to have the RV, there is so much more space to keep it all.

Itinerary
Like the clothing, you kind of need to prepare for it all. What will you do when it’s pouring down rain or freezing cold? Or what if the mercury is approaching 90 degrees? We are hoping for the best and preparing mainly for somewhere in the middle, which means a lot of hiking in the mornings and boating in the afternoons. But, we’re also ready to shift gears if swimming becomes possible or if we are trapped under tarps to stay dry. Scrabble by the campfire anyone? A boat and RV trip are all about rolling with the punches and we all have a great attitude about going. We’ll have a great time, rain or shine. Taking the boat and RV to Rockwood, TN may just be our best family vacation yet!

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