Solar Power Your Home and RV

How Long Will You Be In The Dark When The Lights Go Out?

When the power goes off leaving you with no TV, Internet, or email you have a lot of time on your hands. Thankfully there are batteries, so my trusty computer will still work for a few hours Looking out my window I can’t see any lights in the neighborhood so at least I know it isn’t just my house that’s in the dark. In addition, there are cars running up and down the street, so I know at least it wasn’t the dreaded electromagnetic pulse blast.Is it another terrorist attack or the end of the world. All these kinds of thoughts run through your mind when the lights go off. A feeling of loneliness and fear that grips you to the core.

Our government assures us there is no inflation. Anyone who goes to the supermarket or the gas station can gauge the validity of those claims for themselves. When the power goes off in the middle of the night it’s impossible to know why, but when America runs out of energy we should all know why. This lack of power also brings to mind the recent spike in oil prices and the resulting sticker shock at the pump.

America has some of the greatest proven reserves of oil in the world

America has some of the greatest proven reserves of oil in the world, but due to unproven and sometimes dis-proven environmental concerns we aren’t allowed to explore, drill, or pump at anywhere near full capacity. We have one of the world’s largest supply of coal, but for the same tenuous reasons its use is maligned and restricted. We are the preeminent designer and builder of nuclear power plants, but due to unsupported safety concerns we haven’t licensed or built a new plant for decades. We have the technology and the space to build refineries that don’t pollute; however, the all powerful environmental lobby has blocked the construction of a new one for over thirty years. So when the price hits $5 a gallon and the lights go out don’t sit in the dark and wonder why.

Instead of oil and coal and nuclear we are told that America’s future energy needs will be met by ethanol, solar, and wind

Instead of oil and coal and nuclear we are told that America’s future energy needs will be met by ethanol, solar, and wind. Our massive use of ethanol, which is a very inefficient energy source, has driven up the price of corn worldwide causing food prices to escalate. This in turn has contributed to the current unrest which is driving up oil prices. The same environmentalists who campaign against oil, coal, and nuclear also work to block the construction of solar power plants in the vast deserts of the Southwest. The same politicians who work for the demise of our traditional forms of energy fight the construction of wind farms if they happen to be anywhere near them. All three of these boondoggles have received billions in federal dollars, tax breaks and incentives for decades and the answer to our energy needs are still blowing in the wind.

The only growth industry left by the government is the government. It is powered by its own inactivity. America’s energy policy seems to manufacture an energy crisis. Typing away on my battery operated computer by the flickering light of an oil lamp, the vision of America’s energy future seems almost as dark as the scene outside my window in a blackout. We’ve allowed demagogues preaching a false gospel of man-made global warming chanting songs of pollution hysteria while serving sacraments of social guilt to give our enemies a choke-hold on our energy artery. The next time you pull into a gas station as you pump your fuel look at the price. Remind yourself we have a Secretary of Energy who thinks the price should be at European levels and a President who has said energy prices will skyrocket under his programs. Now ask yourself, if that’s their plan, what’s yours?  The President said we would have “Change We Can Believe In.”

This is some of the reasons why the RV industry is booming. Most are Riding out the Recession by living in a RV. For some that don’t want to give up their home and want an alternate or get away plan, the RV provides both. I have more customers ask me about solar power for their RV and I tell them samlexsolar. Everything you need to know and buy is there at reasonable prices. I do not know who would be the best for your home because I do not sell them. That would be something you would have to Google and shop around. Most of our customers use samlexsolar at General RV, I have been told eBay has some deals. Click on samlexsolar to download a brochure.

It is time we all start thinking about our own power source whether it be a gas or solar generator for the home, fifth wheel and travel trailer. All motorhomes and most toy haulers come with a generator. Solar power generators are not as expensive as they use to be and a much better investment. Here is a link to Portable Solar Power Systems, and Photovoltaic Power Generators, and Portable Solar Generator Systems  When the power goes out, it won’t be at my house.

Barbara Andrews.

Your First RVing Adventure!

Hooking Up For The First Time

RVers are some of the friendliest, most helpful people you will ever meet. Don’t be surprised if you pull into your site and your neighbor, whom you never met, is right there to assist you with hooking up, leveling and offering advice. Never be afraid to ask for help – everyone was a first-timer at one time. RVers often ask to tour your RV if it’s a model they are unfamiliar with and likewise will invite you in to see theirs.

A Basic Campground Setup Checklist: 

RVs vary, so this checklist is not meant to be all-inclusive. It is just a list of the high points to be sure you have it covered when you first take to a campground in your RV.

• If you’re new to RV camping, at check-in, ask if the campground provides an escort service for first-timers. A seasoned staffer will guide you to your site and assist you in getting parked and leveled.
• Determine if you need to back in or if it is a pull-through site. Know where your water, electrical and sewer hookups are on your RV. Position the RV so you have easy access to the hookups on the site.
• Survey your assigned site. Be sure there are no low-hanging branches or other obstacles that will interfere with the RV. If you have a slideout or awning, be sure there is room on either side for those to fully extend.
• Once you are positioned properly on your site, apply the parking brake if you have a motorhome (as a safety precaution, slideouts will not operate if the parking brake is not engaged).
• The ground is not always flat, so level your RV as necessary, using blocks or stabilizing jacks if your RV is equipped with them.
• Chock the wheels securely to keep the RV stable on the site.
• If you are in a towable RV, disconnect the unit from the tow vehicle and stabilize the trailer hitch.
• Manually pull the entry steps out or if yours are electronic, turn the switch off so the steps stay out when the door is closed. (Don’t forget to turn the switch back on before leaving or to pull up your steps before driving away.)
• If you have slideouts, remove the travel locks or brace bars. Whenever you are operating slideouts, keep all windows closed for safety and have someone on the outside watch for people, clearance and obstacles in its path.
• Make a connection. Plug the electrical shore power cord into the campsite receptacle that matches the amperage requirements of your RV. Electrical adapters may be needed, but keep extension cord use to a minimum.
• Switch your refrigerator to the AC setting to draw on the electricity rather than your propane.
• Always use a white potable RV drinking water hose. Attach it to the tank on the side of your unit and run the other end to the campground water supply. Turn on the water and check for any leaks.
• When you are hooked up to a water supply, you don’t need the 12-volt water pump, only the pump to draw water from the fresh water tank when an external source is not available.
• If you have sewer service at your site, wear latex gloves to remove the cap from the sewer hose valve and attach the sewer hose to the sewer drain outlet. Be sure to turn it so the locking tabs securely lock in place. Place the sewer hose seal in the campground sewer connection. Attach the other end of the sewer hose in the seal and securely connect.
• Prop a rock or sewer hose support under the hose to create a slight slope from the RV down to the sewer connection so everything drains smoothly.
• If you are hooked to a sewer connection, you can open the gray water tank valve to allow sink and shower water to drain directly into the sewer. It is the smaller of the two valves. Never leave the black water tank valve open.
• Turn the main LP gas supply valve on at the tank or bottles.
• Now it’s time to set up the exterior of your home away from home. Put an outdoor carpet mat down if you have one.
• Set up the lawn chairs.
• Put the awning out per the manufacturer’s instructions – be sure to close and secure your awning if storms or winds are expected.
• Now relax and enjoy your getaway.

TIPS:

Water Regulator – Very Important
Don’t leave home without it ….. very important to add to your RV Camping Checklist! Most campgrounds and RV parks don’t tell you, but their water pressure can go up to very high pressures at different times of the day and night. This high pressure can severely damage the plumbing and even burst the water lines in your RV causing a flooded RV. You can pick up a water regulator at most RV stores and at some RV park stores. They attach to the water faucet on the outside of your RV screws on to your water hose. Make sure to get the high volume one so your water pressure will still be good for taking showers. They are rated at 40 lbs.

RV Holding Tanks
Understand your RV holding tank and how to dump it properly before going on your trip. The RV park or campground is usually not a good place to practice the first time you hook up your hose. Try to find a dump station in your area to practice. You can often use a clean-out hole on your home’s sewer connection if you know where it’s located. When we arrive at an RV park we usually leave the black tank closed and only let the grey water pass straight through to the outside sewer. If you let the black tank fill up you will avoid toilet paper from building up a pyramid in the tank and you will be able to flush it out well with a full tank. If you don’t do this your tank could possibly build up with toilet paper and eventually plug it up. It’s not a fun job getting it unplugged. We always close off the grey water the night before we leave the park so we’ll have some shower water to flush the hose out when emptying the RV holding tanks the next morning.

When you’re ready to dump you might want to first practice with the grey water holding tank. Let just a little water out at first to make sure there are no leaks. Do not empty the grey tank yet. Go now to the black tank and dump it next. Open the valve all the way when the tank is empty and then switch back to the grey tank and finish flushing the hose with the grey water. That way your hose will be a lot cleaner. Make sure your dump hose is in good shape. They don’t last very long and develop holes and cracks quite often. Handling this hose a minimal amount of times is a good thing. I use the Flex Products. I like them the best because the hose collapses into its own holder to carry around with caps on each end. No fumbling around trying to dig it out of a bag somewhere or trying to cram it back into a storage bin.

Have a great Adventure!  And don’t forget the bug repellant.

Barbara Andrews

 

Daytona Bike Week & Toy Haulers

Everybody needs a Break | Bike Week Get Away!

Daytona Beach is gearing up for bike week where thousands of bikers sporting their Harley Davidson, Choppers and Crotch Rockets either race or rumble to East Central Florida sporting millions of dollars in cycling hardware and thousands of beautiful biker chicks. Bike Week has been a tradition since 1937 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Spring Break and Bike Week are big events for the March time of year.

Daytona Bike Week, also known as Daytona Beach Bike Week, is a motorcycle event and rally held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida. Approximately 500,000 people make their way to the rally area for the 10-day event. The festivities include motorcycle racing, concerts, parties, and street festivals. The event is usually held on the first full week of March 9-18, 2012 and contends with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as the most popular motorcycle rally in the United States. Daytona Bike Week 2012 Schedule

People who go to Daytona Beach, by car this weekend will probably wish they hadn’t — they’ll definitely stand out in a crowd. The city is taken over by half a million motorcycle enthusiasts enjoying Bike Week. The economy may not be at its best, but bikers aren’t passing up the chance to soak up some sun and rev up their engines for the biggest motorcycle event in the country.

It’s more fun when you actually have a motorcycle to be part of the roar, the noise, to get out there and ride alongside people. Not only is Bike Week becoming more family-friendly, but it’s more diverse as well, with more women participants. There’s even a “sisterhood bikeride” in which 35 to 50 women ride together. Right On Sister’s!  Everybody should go whether you have a bike or not, at least once, just to take it in and see what it’s all about. I have been several times and it is AWESOME!

Heartland Road Warrior Toy Hauler | A luxury Fifth Wheel with a Garage

Load up the bikes and head to Daytona. You don’t have to worry about hotel accommodation’s. There is a whole lot going on at the RV Parks and Campgrounds. You can always dry camp because the toy hauler has a generator and a gas station for your toys. Heartland toy haulers has a reputation of RV designs that inspire, construction that endures and value that is always affordable. Heartland protects your investment with one of the highest RV resell values in its class. This is why Heartland has been featured in so many major RV magazines over the years like Trailer Life, RV Lifestyles and Gypsy Journal.

We are living in a time where it has become increasingly important to take care of what we have been given. Heartland is doing our part to reduce waste, increase efficiency and minimize any negative impact to our environment from our building processes.

Heartland’s Patented 88 Degree Turning Radius Design is perfect for short-bed, extended-cab trucks Eliminating the need for expensive slider hitches! You never need to pass up the perfect camp site again for fear of not being able to back in safely.

A place for everything and everything in its place. Heartland’s Diamond plated tool box is the perfect solution for holding loose tools to keep them from rolling around or it is even large enough to accommodate some commercial tool cases/trays or tool rolls.

One touch operation of our power awing makes set-up a snap. Enjoy spending time on your patio area, not spending time fighting with a manual awning.

Heartland engineers RVs to maximize headroom everywhere possible. We feature a full six foot plus ceiling height in the bedroom area. Taller ceilings equate to taller showers, wardrobes and overhead storage possibilities.

There is truly no comparison between traditional electric jacks and Heartland’s Hydraulic Landing Gear. Faster, Stronger and more convenient than traditional electric jacks. Be sure to watch the video of a head to head race between our Hydraulic VS their electric.

Nothing looks worse than an ugly bare fifthwheel hitch sticking out from under a well designed front cap. Our hitch cover looks great and helps protect the hitch from the elements while also improving aerodynamics.

Never drag your garden hose inside again to rinse down the black tank from inside. Keep your hose outside where it belongs and enjoy the built-in Black Tank Flush to assist in flushing all the solids out of your black tank without all the mess and hassles.

The right tire for the job. You wouldn’t put the wrong tires on your car or truck, so why wouldn’t you put properly rated Radial Tires on your trailer. Enjoy safer towing, longer wear and a better ride for your belongings.

Enjoy the sleek, modern looks and functionality of Heartland’s slam baggage doors. Oversized pull latches open easily. The tight automotive rubber seal protects your belongings from moisture and Heartland’s compartments are keyed for security using unique keys and locks.

One of Heartland’s most famous innovations, this docking center holds all of the coach’s system hook-ups including the satellite; phone; cable; city water fill; black tank flush; exterior hot and cold shower; winterization valves, and all-tanks pull handles (no more crawling under slide-outs to reach the handles!).

The wall structure is made of Welded Lightweight Heavy Gauge Aluminum and all the empty space between structural members is filled with block foam insulation then sandwiched between layers of luaun plywood and fiberglass in a lamination procedure that ensures a strong, lightweight, durable sidewall protecting your investment for years to come.

Enjoy the beauty of your Heartland Hardwood cabinets without unsightly exposed hinges. Our Hidden Hinges are Spring Loaded to assist in opening and to spring/snap closed. Our hinges are also easily adjusted for perfect operation.

Heartland’s steel ball-bearing drawer guides not only provide the smoothest possible operation, but are able to hold more than 30 lbs. as witnessed by this cinder block!  You will not find any of the cheap, import drawer guides like the competition offers in our coaches!  These deeper drawers are designed to fully extend past the cabinet faces, so no more scraped knuckles trying to get to the back of them.  It’s simply the best drawer system in the industry!

How can you get a good nights sleep on the thin, springy or saggy mattress found in most RVs. Sleep like a King or Queen on our Country Rest Pillow Top Memory foam mattress. Did we mention it measures 12 inches tall and fits standard sheet sets.

Protect your family with Food Preparation Certified Non-porous solid surface countertops. Other countertops can stain easily and more importantly absorb germs that can then be transferred to your family and guest making them sick. Heartlands solid surface countertops virtually eliminate this risk.

There are many more features on the Road Warrior to list but, I will end it here and say hope to see you at Daytona Bike Week.

Barbara Andrews.

The RVing Lifestyle Appreciates You!

A Special Thank You For Your Comments!

Thanks for the kind words everyone! I appreciate all your comments, you’re sharing, and you’re support. I have so many comments that I can’t possibly reply to everyone with my work schedule so I will try to answer all questions in this post. I use a free WordPress blog with a simple theme called Spectrum. I do not and will not have ads on my site but, I do not mind WordPress or Adwords using a text line for their ads. This is a free information site that I started for my customers at work to help them, I am very happy that everyone else enjoys the information. I work for General RV Center in the Jacksonville Florida area; I’m a Sales Consultant with 12 years’ experience. I’m also a computer technician with many years’ experience rebuilding, repairing and upgrading computers.  I am knowledgeable in Microsoft software and Operating systems, htlm and xml with that being said it does not make me an expert just knowledgeable and happy to help anyone that need it.

I have had several comments from people having issues opening my site with the text, images and format. I can assure you it is not on this end. It has to do with your browser settings, multiple browser usage on your computer. You could have a Worm or Trojan or both. If you have a hacking problem, it will be with your computer and not WordPress.  You may have a Keylogger Worm that your virus program will not notice because it has been corrupted. The only way to get rid of a worm is to reformat your operating system, you cannot restore it because it will also restore the Worm or Virus. I use only one browser, Firefox as my default and Google as my search engine to have fewer problems. You also have to limit the cache, which is your Offline Storage. I limit it to 250MB that’s it and I clean it at least 10 times a day. I do not have a theme on my browser or do I change color or text.

Blogging Tips

Keywords, Tag Clouding, and Pinging are important to your traffic. Here are some free SEO tools and Ping-o-Matic that have really helped me. WordPress has just about every plugin you can think of, Google it. I like WordPress blog themes the best. The WordPress dashboard is fairly easy to use and has many tools that you will need to learn, it’s not that hard. For those that do not know htlm, WordPress would be best for you, it is free take advantage of that until you get to know your way around. I always have my keywords in every articles in bold letters especially the first and last sentence, and at least 3 keywords linked to my home page.  I link related sites to the article. I think the most important tip is to follow other blogs and leave a comment. That will link you with the crawlers. Good Luck to you all and thank you very much! All my contact information is listed on my “About” tab on the Home page. Please keep the comments coming; they are appreciated. 

Barbara Andrews.

Upgrade Your Life by Camping!

Camping as a Family Bonding Activity

Reserve a week end to connect to the people who mean the most to you–Your family. When outdoors, sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows, family’s become close in a way that you can’t possibly at home with the distractions of TV, phone and computer. Whether your are in a RV or tent the results are the same. Every kid loves sleeping in a tent under the stars – and every adult likes the break from their BlackBerry.  The importance of family bonding, whether it be with family, friends, or any acquaintance. Bonding is so important for success and happiness at all levels.

The world is in hyper-speed, and we all need to slow down and work on our bonding. From the simplest of things, like an all out weekend adventure, and anything in between, like playing kids games, or any other kids activities. The future of our children and everyone’s happiness depends strongly on this one simple task, and yes, family bonding is that simple and very do-able. Have fun and let the kid in you out! Who knows what might come of it.

Do you sometimes feel like you hardly know your family members anymore? With each one of you leading busy lives: dad spends 10 hours slaving away in the office, mom spends 8 to 10 hours at her  job, and the kids are each busy with schoolwork and after-school activities. It’s about time you found the time to do something enjoyable together as one tightly-knit family unit.

National parks are always a good place for camping as they offer plenty of amenities and are always dramatic. No matter where you live, you should be able to find a camping place that suits you. Keep track of the weather if you don’t want to spoil the fun. Schedule out your activities beforehand as it will also help to avoid your family from getting fed up. Ensure to arrange your activities so that all ages can partake. You can do all sorts of activities together such as hiking, animal or tree spotting, fishing, crafting with nature, treasure hunts, in addition to playing games.

Ensure to have a backup indoor activities plan, in case of  poor weather. There is nothing more annoying than having your camping adventure destroyed by the rain. Starting a custom of camping with your family will  inspire them, a lifetime love of the outdoors and a strong respect for Mother Nature. Moreover, you will be building plenty of memories that they can treasure for life, and a strong craving to pass this type of family togetherness and union, to their own children.  Don’t forget the marshmallows.  Barbara Andrews.

Good Clean Dirty Fun!

Western North Carolina in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

If you are looking for something to do with the family. Plan your next Vacation or Trip to Franklin  North Carolina mining for gems. Here is a link to several RV campgrounds.  A good place to start for the basic information is at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s Gem Mining Page. However, there is other information that is important to know as well. First, know that at only a few of the mines will you be mining in native dirt. Most mines are “salted/seeded” with the tailings from other mines overseas. About the only completely native operations remaining that I know about in the area are Mason’s (not to be confused with Mason Mountain) and Cherokee. Some of the others will offer a combination of native and salted material, while with others you may be dealing with entirely salted material.

What does this mean for you, and how should you base your decision on where to go? Personally, I prefer to go for the native stuff at Mason’s, I have not been to Cherokee yet but, plan to this May. Although you will not find nearly as much, you have the chance of finding something VERY good. This option is best for purists, serious rockhounds, and those with good attention spans. With the salted material, you will find much more, but as it is stuff that has already been gone through, your chances of finding something extremely valuable are quite slim. However, it isn’t to say it is all junk (especially if you buy some of the more expensive salted buckets), and you may get more than your money’s worth. Keep in mind, however, that with salted it is more of a grab-bag than true mining. But if you only have a little time and are just interested in the experience and coming home with some souvenirs that look neat, and particularly if you have children in your party, the salted operations may be a better choice.

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine – My favorite mine! This is the only dig-your-own operation where you are allowed to go into the mine itself to dig your own dirt… this place can be a lot of work (especially in the early spring when things can be very muddy), but tons of fun and definitely worth it! For adults, it is $30 a day with no admission fee, $15 for kids, and once again, bring cash. They also have food and drinks for sale at very reasonable prices. The water is very cold as their site mentions, but they do have extra gloves on hand, which really come in handy. This mine is in a really beautiful location, but is a bit out of the way– be sure to look for the yellow signs directing you to the mine, as the area is very easy to get lost in. This mine is actually open all year round, weather permitting, but be careful about attempting the roads (Airport to Olive Hill to Upper Burlington) if the weather is snowy or icy.

This mine was opened to the public in 1942, and a long time before that, it was once mined by Tiffany & Co. The sapphires that come out of here are mostly in the lavender to pink color range (it is mostly sapphires, rubies seem very rare. Though of course they are the same mineral, corundum crystals, only true red ones are called rubies, the rest being sapphires). You can get some very valuable stones out of here– the small facet quality pink sapphires that come out of here can run up to $400-500 a carat or more. Most of the stones you will find here will have a hexagonal shape, often enlongated. Most will have some coating on them, but keep your eyes out for any hint of that pink or purple coloring. As the mud here is quite tough, you will have to put extra effort into making sure your stones are cleaned. Good material in the mine tends to run in horizontal layers. Look for lighter grey soil, rather than the deeper red, and if you find a good location– keep an eye out for lots of mica in the screen, and sapphires in the vein material– dig around there in the same layer. The staff is very helpful– you may come across some older reviews bashing the place, but since the new management has taken over, things are agreed to be  MUCH better.

With regards to the mining itself, be SURE to completely clean your dirt in your screen. Most operators at the mines will pound this into your head, anyways, as it is something that causes many to miss seeing gems. You may be on the lookout for different things at different mines, so if you have no clue, ask for help or to see some samples before starting (and at many places the staff will also help you by looking through your “tailings,” i.e., the stuff you have already gone through). As an important rule of thumb though, bear in mind that rubies and sapphires will often have a six-sided shape and are heavy compared to other stones. You may want to bring a container for holding your finds, even though mines will usually provide them if needed; a Ziploc will work just fine, as will film canisters and medicine bottles for smaller stuff.

I’ve found that it is a good idea to bring a small hand shovel, as well. Some mines provide them, but some don’t, and they really come in handy for getting dirt from the buckets into your screen. Depending on the time of year and the weather, things like sunscreen and insect repellent can be useful to bring too. Basic materials like the screen, and shovels at dig-your-own operations, will be provided. Be sure that you know your destination mine’s accepted methods of payment– if it is cash only, you may find yourself backtracking quite a ways to find an ATM. Though it might seem obvious, be sure to find out the hours and season of the mine you wish to visit; April-October is the usual season, but  Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine are open all year. Bring plenty of fluids and snacks.  Barbara Andrews.

Lifestyle of the Not So Rich And Famous

Where Strangers Become Friends & Friends Become Family

RVers and Family campers are known as the “Friendliest People in the World”.  Strengthening family bonds through shared activities in the out-doors!  For some, home is where they park their RV. I love to see the joy in people when delivery day has come. The tedious RV research and search is over finding that perfect unit or close to perfect unit to meet the family needs and wants. The vacation or outing has been carefully planed schedules have been shuffled to get away from it all. Picking up the RV is truly a happy occasion especially for the first time buyer trekking into new territory.

I would like to feature the Pime Time LaCrosse bunk house since it is one of our biggest sellers at General RV.

LaCrosse Features

ETERNABOND CONSTRUCTION
LaCrosse Luxury Lite is built with Prime Time’s Eternabond Construction Technology. Every wall, floor and slide-out roof is made up of welded aluminum framework that is then laminated together in order to build a stronger, longer lasting Recreational Vehicle.

WALK ON ROOF
LaCrosse has a fully walkable roof system with 5″ crowned trusses. A one-piece insulated air conditioning duct system is blanketed with a generous layer of R-14 fiberglass insulation.

THERMAL PACKAGE PLUS
LaCrosse’s enclosed underbelly is heated with a 2″ heat duct vented from your furnace to protect your enclosed holding tanks, water lines, and dump valves from the elements during colder weather.

BUS STYLE SLAM BAGGAGE DOORS
You don’t have to buy a Diesel Motor Home to get the security and convenience of Bus Style Slam Baggage Doors.  These 1″ thick doors also have a uniquely keyed lock that won’t be the same as your neighbors.

ELECTRIC AWNING
You will love the push-button convenience of Prime Time’s electric awning.  Complete with adjustable arms to allow for water drainage, you will find this feature standard on LaCrosse models.

ELECTRIC STABILIZER JACKS
Prime Time takes the work out of leveling your trailer with the convenience of Electric Stabilizer Jacks.  Luxury and value are combined with this LaCrosse standard feature.

30″ WIDE ENTRY DOOR
LaCrosse offers one of the widest entry doors on any Lite Weight travel trailer. This 30″ wide model makes it easy to carry large items like coolers without banging and scraping your hands.

MAX SLIDE
No sacrifices are required with LaCrosse.  Incorporating over 13 feet of floor space, the MAX Slide Room offers a full size Air Mattress Hide-A-Bed and the industry’s largest U-Shaped Dinette.  Live (and sleep) like a king with MAX Slide.

UNIVERSAL DOCKING STATION
LaCrosse provides Best In Class convenience of having all your water connections, cable connections and outside shower in a lockable, all-in-one, easy to use compartment.

“EZ TOW” AXLES
LaCrosse offers EZ Tow – another Prime Time innovation designed to minimize the vertical “bouncing” effect that is transferred to the tow vehicle when traveling over rough road surfaces, potholes, or railroad crossings.

ALUMINUM WHEELS
We think you will agree, LaCrosse Luxury Lite will look awesome pulling into the campground with it’s automotive styled aluminum wheels!

OUTSIDE KITCHEN OPTION
Outside entertainment and dining is easy and convenient with Prime Time’s innovative Outside Camp Kitchen.  You’ll find a sink with running hot and cold water, a large refrigerator, a slide-out stove, and tons of storage for all your essentials.

DSI GAS/ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
The Atwood 6 Gallon Gas/Electric water heater is designed to provide a maximum amount of hot water. This remarkably efficient model recovers water at the rate of 18 gallons/hour!

EASY ACCESS LOW POINT DRAINS
No more crawling under your trailer and trying to unscrew awkward cap fittings. With a simple ¼ turn, these easy to reach drain valves allow you to quickly and easily drain your water lines and fresh water tank.

LP QUICK DISCONNECT
Hooking up an LP gas grill or other LP burning appliance is convenient with the LP Quick Connect fitting that runs to the back of every LaCrosse.

OUTSIDE ENTERTAINMENT
Your entertainment options are multiplied with LaCrosse’s exterior television hook-ups and stereo speakers.

SOLID SURFACE COUNTERTOPS
LaCrosse’s E-Stone countertops are a uniquely engineered product that combines an amazing residential look with lightweight durability specifically designed for use in a Recreation Vehicle. E-Stone is certified to meet strict UL flame spread and impact requirements.

POTS and PANS DRAWERS
The amount of galley drawers in a LaCrosse is “second to none”. You will find in every floorplan a 12″ Deep X 19″ Wide pot and pan drawer underneath the gas oven. In the case of the 318BHS model a second pot and pan drawer is located underneath the refrigerator!

LARGE KITCHEN PANTRY
LaCrosse’s abundant kitchen storage is complimented with extra convenience by making the kitchen pantry shelves removable so you can decide what goes where when “loading up” for your next trip.

HIDE-A-BED WITH STORAGE DRAWER
Without a doubt, the style, comfort, and convenience of LaCrosse’s air mattress Hide-A-Bed is tops in the industry. Customer’s love the huge, additional storage drawer built in under the sofa seat.

AIR MATTRESS SOFA
Your comfort and convenience is ensured with this Air Mattress Hide-A-Bed.  Plus, the engineers at Prime Time have incorporated a highly convenient storage drawer and worked closely with our suppliers to create a folding mechanism that eliminates pinch points.

MAX SLIDE
No sacrifices are required with LaCrosse.  Incorporating over 13 feet of floor space, the MAX Slide Room offers a full size Air Mattress Hide-A-Bed and the industry’s largest U-Shaped Dinette.  Live (and sleep) like a king with MAX Slide.

87″ BOOTH DINETTE
Because of the additional room that MAX slide provides LaCrosse is equipped with a GIGANTIC 87″ booth dinette. There is plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy meal time or game time!

FREE STANDING DINETTE OPTION
With LaCrosse’s MAX Slide, the free standing dinette and chairs are a popular option. LaCrosse offers so much more room to maneuver the chairs and dine in comfort verses the competitor’s free standing dinettes!

“DO MORE” DINETTE
LaCrosse’s dinette table drops down to the perfect height to serve as a coffee table or it can easily fit through the entry door for use underneath the awning!

SLEEP & PLAY
Upright it’s a comfortable lounge area complete with drink holders.  Laid down, it’s an extra large sleeping area.  There’s no need to accept a simple bunk room when you can have the industry’s most versatile accommodations – Sleep & Play – found in select LaCrosse models.

Here are some videos from Prime Time I believe you will enjoy if you are looking for that perfect travel trailer bunk house. Barbara Andrews.

The LaCrosse 296 BH

2012 Prime Time RV Tracer 2900BHS

Start Your Engines!

Reblogged from safford rv:

• 
• 
• 
• 

It’s the week that hundreds of thousands of people wait for each year. Press play below, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. In a clip from the 1976 Daytona 500 – a finish that some consider the greatest in NASCAR history – you can’t help but get sucked in….

Awesome, huh?  I know Mr. B was at the edge of his seat watching that.

Read more… 598 more words

Jacksonville Vacation Hotspots

Visit Jacksonville, Florida and the Osceola National Forest

Jacksonville, Florida is an excellent city for a southern vacation. The city offers visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. From fine dining to outdoor recreation, Jacksonville has something for everyone.

The city is one of the largest, in area, in the continental United States. Jacksonville covers over 840 square miles. the only city that is larger is Anchorage, Alaska. Within this city there are a wide variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can enjoy relaxing at a spa. Jacksonville also has plenty of shopping opportunities, including malls and fun boutiques. In addition, Jacksonville has plenty of fine dining, with fresh seafood and more. After spending a day enjoy the city, visitors can also enjoy the exciting nightlife of the city.

Jacksonville, in addition to having a large area, also has thousands of acres of parks and preserves. The city covers area on three rivers, including the St. Johns River. Between the rivers and the the parks, there are numerous options for recreation. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve has trail and wildlife watching opportunities. Visitors can also hike to the Fort Caroline National Memorial, which commemorates Florida’s French colonists. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is a great destination for mountain biking in Florida, and it also has a beautiful beach.

Visitors to Jacksonville will love the miles of beaches. There are over 20 miles of beaches for visitors to Jacksonville to explore. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is a boardwalk, great for walking and views of the coast. Jacksonville Beach’s beautiful white sands are another popular destination to enjoy all of the fun of the Florida coast.

Travelers can enjoy all different types of water recreation, including surfing, swimming and more. Wildlife watching cruises are another way to enjoy the Florida coast, and can include views of dolphins, manatees and sea birds. The beaches also provide access to golf courses. Visitors can also enjoy taking a trolley ride to Jacksonville’s beach neighborhoods.

The beautiful Osceola National Forest is also a great destination for visitors to Jacksonville. The forest covers almost 200,000 acres in northern Florida. This National Forest preserves beautiful woodland and swamp ecosystems, which include cypress, bay swamps, longleaf pine and a great place for RVers and tent campers.

Visitors to the Osceola National Forest can enjoy plenty of recreation, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, swimming and more. Ocean Pond is a great lake destination within the forest, which is a great destination for swimming, boating, fishing and more. The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the Osceola National Forest, is a great option for hiking. The trail passes through the forests many beautiful ecosystems, including streams. Many of the streams on the trail have bridges for crossing, but some still require a little wading during the rainy season.

Jacksonville and the nearby Osceola National Forest is a great vacation destination for all not because I live here but, because it truly is a unique place.  Located in northern Florida Jacksonville has great beaches, and lots of beautiful outdoor recreation. Visitors will enjoy the white sand beaches, the hiking and other recreation in the forest and city’s acres of parks and preserves. Jacksonville has a little something for everyone.

National Park Overview:

Nearly two hundred thousand acres of the original Florida are waiting to be explored in the Osceola National Forest. These forested woodlands and swamps provide many opportunities for a wide range of visitor experiences such as camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and many more. Some recreational activities require a pass or permit.This “flatwoods” forest is a mosaic of low pine ridges separated by cypress and bay swamps. Visitors enjoy quiet, peaceful woodlands named in honor of the famous Seminole Indian warrior, Osceola.Created by Presidential proclamation July 10, 1931, this new “forest” had been cutover and heavily burned. A management plan was developed that focused on establishing new growth through reforestation. Fire controls were implemented to ensure the survival of the young trees. During the 1940′s a new concept, prescribed burning, was developed, and managed fires began to be used to reduce the fuels and lessen the threat of wildfire. In the 1960′s, management in the USDA Forest Service national forests was expanded from managing primarily for timber production to include managing for range, water, recreation, and wildlife, with an emphasis on the “multiple use” of forest resources. Wise stewardship has left the Osceola National Forest with an abundance of natural and cultural resources. Today the forest is managed for multiple uses on an ecological basis with the mission of “Caring for the Land and Serving People.”

Camping:
	Ocean Pond CampgroundOcean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. Sixty-seven campsites are available for tents, trailers, or motor homes. Many of these campsites are waterfront sites allowing guests to enjoy the water or fish right from their campsite. A beach area, boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are located in the campground. No sewer hookups are available; however, a sewage dump station is located near the campground entrance. Electrical hookups are available at 19 of the sites. Fees vary from $8.00 to $18.00 depending on campsite.Hunt Camps Hunting is a very popular activity on the Osceola National Forest. General gun season runs from mid November to early January and during that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. A total of nine hunt camps are located on the forest and are open year round to the public. Two of the hunt camps have toilet and water facilities year round and toilets are provided at the remaining seven camps during the hunting season. Primitive Camping Primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the national forest except at Olustee Beach. However, camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground during hunting season. A primitive camp shelter is located along the Florida National Scenic Trail and is available on a first come first served basis. Group camping Large families and small groups will enjoy the secluded ?Landing Group Area? which is available by reservation only. A maximum of 50 persons is allowed at this area where your group may enjoy swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, or just visiting with friends and family. Facilities include a sand beach, boat launch for small boats, picnic shelter, large group grill, and restrooms with showers. Reservation can be made by calling the Osceola Ranger District Office at (386) 752-2577. The fee is $50.00 per 24-hour period.
Trails:
	Florida National Scenic TrailA 23 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail meanders its way through the Osceola National Forest. There are 20 boardwalks located on this section of the hiking trail that offer a drier view of swamps and wetland habitat. A primitive camp shelter is located along the Florida National Scenic Trail and is available on a first come first served basis. The trail also passes through the Olustee Battlefield. Olustee Battlefield is a state Historic Site where Confederate soldiers pushed back Union troops in route to Tallahassee. A reenactment of this historic event is held each February.Located at the Battlefield is an accessible portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The Nice Wander Loop Trail consists of 3 loops of 0.9 miles, 1.2 miles and 2.1 miles that are accessible with assistance. From the trailhead parking area the trail follows an old road past the fire tower and through an open picnic area of the Olustee Battlefield Museum. The trail then passes through lovely pine flatwoods to the top of the loop. Watch for the white-ringed trees indicating Red-Cockaded Woodpecker nesting sites. Olustee Battlefield Trail The Olustee Battlefield Trail lets you discover what life was like for soldiers who fought in the Battle of Olustee. This loop trail walks you through the events that led up to the battle, the tactics used during the battle, and the aftermath, all from personal accounts, diaries and letters from soldiers who fought in the battle. Trampled Track Trail A short .1-mile barrier-free historic trail is located at Olustee Beach. This trail shows the history of a sawmill and community that thrived along the shores of Ocean Pond at the turn of the century. Mt. Carrie Trail Visitors can stop at the Mt. Carrie Wayside and discover a new experience along the one-mile barrier free trail. This is a place where unique species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and the gopher tortoise make their homes. One has to only search for sounds and enjoy the beauty while standing in this longleaf pine forest.
Fishing and Hunting:
	The Osceola National Forest is a wildlife management area, in which the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manage hunting and fishing activities. A $26.50 Wildlife Management Area Permit is required for all hunters (except those indicated as exempt) to hunt in this area. A Quota Hunt Permit may also be required during certain time periods or for certain game species. General hunting information may be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission?s website, or in the current Hunting Handbook available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Office or their various subagents. For specific regulations that pertain only to the Osceola Wildlife Management.Freshwater fishing is available in the streams and ponds of the Osceola National Forest. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also regulates fishing and produces a Fishing Handbook that outlines specific rules, bag limits, licensing, and health advisories. This handbook is available at the same locations as the Hunting Handbook.Hunting and Fishing licenses and permits for residents and nonresidents are available at county tax collector?s offices and their sub-agents, such as sporting goods stores or other retailers selling hunting and fishing equipment. 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA or 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA. If you decide to vacation in Jacksonville stop by General RV Center and say hi. Barbara Andrews.

Shipping Container Home

Business is Booming with Shipping Container Homes

If you are interested in off-grid living and want to spend less money than you would for an RV then you might want to consider this option. Some of these home can be quite fancy or as rugged as you want. Steel shipping containers are the temporary homes of countless consumer items being transported all around the world. Items are packed into the cargo containers in their country of origin, then shipped to wherever they’re destined to be sold. Once they’re emptied at the appropriate port, many of these cargo containers simply sit around empty or get melted down for re-use. But recently, they’ve found new lives as homes and other types of buildings.

Perhaps the two most appealing aspects of building with shipping containers are the affordability and the green construction factor: shipping container homes are far less expensive than new-material traditional homes, and reusing them rather than melting them down significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the steel containers. Shipping container homes have been constructed in London, Scotland, Amsterdam Canada and New Zealand, and the eco-friendly trend has recently caught on in the U.S. The steel cargo containers are nearly indestructible, and provide a frame that is mold, fire and termite-proof and structurally superior to wood framing.

What’s more, the containers can be found in every port in the world. Eighteen million ISO containers are manufactured to specifications from the International Organization for Standardization and are used worldwide to transport products on ships. Once the containers are unloaded at docks they are typically left there, since it’s expensive to ship them back to their point of launch. In 2006 alone, the U.S. acquired 7.5 million shipping containers from China and returned just 3.5 million. The leftover 9,000 ton steel containers typically get melted down, which takes 1,000 kilowatt hours of energy per pound.

Steel shipping containers as a construction material are practical and affordable, and a superior solution to 2012 alignment for shelter. The benefits of building with shipping containers are numerous but at the top of the list are: structural superiority, affordability, durability, aesthetics that subscribe to our contemporary era, and the ease by which prefabricated buildings can be created with containers and then moved about. In general, traditional construction is too slow, too expensive, too wasteful and too antiquated.

Container-based homes are usually constructed at a cost of about 60% to 70% of a traditional home. Depending upon the location, construction times can be as little as two weeks for a smaller prefabricated structures, or six to eight months for larger residential projects. And these buildings have a lifespan that far exceeds traditional construction. By recycling shipping containers we gain the benefits of working with steel without contributing to any adverse environmental impact from the production of new steel.

Ecopods claim to not only be thinking outside the box; they’re re-inventing the box. These small, eco-friendly structures are designed to be used as add-ons or temporary use buildings, such as guest bedrooms or home offices. But it’s easy to imagine using it as a primary residence, as long as you don’t mind living in a small space. The cargo container buildings are designed to be off-grid and as ecologically sound as possible, incorporating recycled and recyclable material. The pods can be moved just about anywhere with ease, and the hydraulic-powered deck/door is designed to keep the structure very secure when it’s not in use.
Canadian group BARK Collective wanted to show the world what great Canadian design is all about. They came up with a remarkable cabin that can be packed up and shipped on a train, a truck, a ship, an airplane or a helicopter while being unrecognizable as anything other than a shipping container. But once at its destination, it opens up into a comfortable, if rather small, living environment. There are accommodations for a family of four and one pet to live off the grid in style. Now that is truly AWESOME! Barbara Andrews.