Every Dream Has A Theme

What exactly is this elusive thing called theme?

The theme of a fable is its moral. The theme of a parable is its teaching. The theme of a piece of fiction is its view about life and how people behave.  In fiction, the theme is not intended to teach or preach. In fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. In other words, you must figure out the theme yourself.

Most of us dream picturing ourselves in a theme that we long for before it becomes a reality. So what exactly is an RV lifestyle anyway?   All sorts of things: RV camping trips, full-service tailgating, a great way to follow NASCAR races, extended vacations, a seasonal home, fulltime RV living…and the list goes on. In fact, there is no list. Your RV lifestyle is what you want it to be.  Its your dream and your theme.

Ask Yourself What You Want

We’re not talking about any in-depth evaluation of inner motives here. Just a little time thinking about what you want out of your RVing experiences. Try the drill of “Who, What, When, Where, How & Why?”

Who! Who else is in this theme with you?  What’s important to them?  Let’s say you’re thinking about buying a camper for affordable RV vacations. Enjoying the great outdoors. Bringing the family closer together. Fishing in peaceful solitude. Just Good Old-fashioned fun. Before you get too carried away… make sure the rest of the family is on the same wavelength. Continue that mental picture in your mind. The specific questions you ask yourself will depend on your circumstances.

What are you going to use an RV for?  How often?  To go where?  For how long?  Will you stay in one place awhile or move every couple days?  If you’re changing to a new RV, what do you want to be different?  What has to be the same?  Are you looking for a change in rig or RV lifestyle?  Are you considering upgrades or accessories (solar panel, awnings, RV furniture, camping supplies)?  What features are important to you?

When do you want to do this?  What time of year, at what point in the future, does it matter?

Where are you going to keep the RV?  Where do you want to go?

How does this fit with other hobbies and interests you have or want to explore?  Do you need to take golf clubs, bicycles, motorcycles, ATV’s, or fishing gear with you?  How are you going to afford it?

Why are you thinking of RVing?  As your everyday lifestyle, or a family vacation, or a way to winter in warmer climates?  Is this for retirement, for now, or a bit of both?  Is the RV to make your NASCAR passion or tailgating more enjoyable?  Is it to try something new and see if you like it?

This is not a test.  Enjoy all this world has to offer. There are no right and wrong answers. You don’t need answers at this point. But Asking yourself some questions starts momentum. It triggers possibilities. It gets ideas rolling around in your brain. Some conversations held with the people who are in this theme with you.

Learn. You have probably heard the expression “Getting there is Half the Fun”. A perfect theme for the RV lifestyle itself. Well, it’s also appropriate in the context of checking things out. The learning about RVing, the anticipation – is truly half the fun so enjoy every moment and good luck with your dream.  By the way, don’t think you have to figure it all out. You will learn as you go  it’s part of RV living.  And it all starts when you take ACTION. So, go ahead and ACT and enjoy your RV lifestyle.

Barbara Andrews, Orange Park, Florida

Motorized Toy Hauler

Enjoy Life And Take Your Toys With The Outlaw

The Thor Motor Coach Outlaw was the original Class A toy hauler and is continuing on the same road toward even more innovation this year. Some new choices for 2012 make this bad-boy Outlaw the class hero when it comes to hauling the big toys and living large!

The Outlaw has cool graphics on the outside and a cozy contemporary feel on the inside with loads of room.  Choose from two different models each featuring a loft bedroom above the cargo area with a queen size mattress, nightstand, extra storage space and an optional 19″ HD LCD TV.  You’ll also find plenty of room in the bathroom and a fully equipped galley to prepare all of your favorite meals.

When it comes to packing up your toys, you’ll find the rugged ramp door and pneumatic lift system a breeze.  Select a comfortable electric queen lift bed as an option in your garage space if you plan on taking along your entire posse.  There’s also a premium sound system with exterior remote in the garage.  Get on the most wanted list for RV living with a 2012 Outlaw toy hauler Class A motorhome by Thor Motor Coach today!  Barbara Andrews, General RV Center  Orange Park Florida.

Toy Haulers For The Active Sportsman

A Toy Hauler is exactly what it sounds like it is.  It is a large trailer to haul large toys in.  Of course the toys we’re talking about are ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, valuable classic cars and the like.  In this case we’re not talking about boats though smaller watercraft could be hauled in a toy hauler rv.  I just don’t think they build a trailer that big!  The difference between a Toy Hauler, a regular trailer, and a travel trailer, is that they are both combined!  Depending on what you haul helps you choose your hauler.  There are Toy Hauler rvs that are more RV than trailer, and others that are more trailer than RV.

Toy Haulers are excellent for the traveling sportsman.  Instead of having to get a hotel every time you go to compete, you can stay in your own comfortable RV.  It not only saves money, it saves time and is more comfortable because you are staying in your second home and your own surroundings.  These trailers come in many varieties.  Some are convertible from “garages” into living space.  The beds either fold up against the walls or hook up to the ceiling and the kitchenette is a small sink and maybe a cupboard or two in the front of the trailer.  Often, the beds are convertible into couches to give plenty of seating for eating and other entertainment during the day.  There are also options available for entertainment, including a place for a television for movies and video games, etc.

Toy Haulers offer you the freedom to do what you enjoy in style and comfort. Every floorplan has been designed to give you room for all your “toys” and accommodate the needs of your active lifestyle. How awesome is that?  The Toy Hauler is my favorite RV. It is so versatile that you can turn the garage area into a second bedroom or any room you like. Most fifth wheel models come with a 10, 12, or 14 foot garage and if that isn’t enough space their are models with open floorplans but, not as attractive or convenient since you have to fold your sofa and booth into the wall.

Toy Haulers are so popular now that it’s difficult to find a used toy hauler in some areas. I have a waiting  list of customers in Florida looking for both types. Luckily, you can shop online to find the one that’s right for you. You can also get a much better idea of how much the model you’re interested in costs new and used. Make sure you do a thorough inspection of the used toy hauler before you purchase it. You should look at the brakes, tires, shocks, suspension, hoses, belts, seals, and batteries and of course the over all ware.

Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers

Travel Trailer Toy Haulers

This is just a few pictures to give you an idea. There are many different models and floorplans to choose from.

Work and Play Toy Haulers, available in both travel trailer and fifth wheel models, are known for their sturdy build, ample cargo space, comfortable living quarters and flexible floor plans. Some additional features available on Work and Play models include one piece aluminum roofs and full steel 4 ¼ inch C-Channel roof trusses for strength and durability, vinyl interior cargo walls for ease in cleaning, a RV door with screen for enjoyment of the outdoors and insulated ceilings for increased efficiency. We are excited to offer Work and Play Toy Haulers to our customers at General RV Center.  Barbara Andrews, stop by and see me @ General RV Center Orange Park Florida for more information on this topic.

FAMILY VACATION COST COMPARISON

FIRM QUALIFICATIONS
PKF Consulting is a management consulting firm with a network of ten primary offices
located throughout the continental United States and is a member of Pannell Kerr
Forster Worldwide, a network that includes over 250 affiliated offices in 75 countries
around the world. PKF serves clients worldwide, with a staff that consists of nearly 100 professional consultants and specialists. PKF has over 90 years of experience and recognition in all phases of professional assistance and counsel to service industries and specifically to the tourism, hospitality, and recreation industries. The Alexandria, Virginia office of PKF Consulting prepared this study.

FINDINGS
In a Summer 2008 study, PKF found typical family RV vacations on average to be 27
percent to 61 percent less expensive on a per day basis than the other types of
vacations analyzed (not including the cruise vacation). A list of the types of vacations,
by mode of transport, and their costs is presented. Type A diesel
motorhome vacations were found to be slightly less expensive than air/hotel vacations,
but more expensive than car/hotel and airline/rental unit home/condo vacations. It is
significant to note that the data used in this analysis factored in vehicle ownership costs.
In many cases, the RV vacations were more economical than the other vacations
analyzed, regardless of trip duration, trip distance, or region of the country where the
vacation takes place. Including ownership costs:
The average cost per day of the camping vacation using a folding camping
trailer was found to be about 45 percent less expensive than the cost of
comparable* car/hotel combination vacations; about 61 percent less than
the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation; and about 47 percent less
than the cost of the comparable air/rental home or condo vacation.
The average cost per day of the camping vacation using a lightweight
travel trailer was found to be about 37 percent less expensive than the
cost of comparable* car/hotel combination vacations; about 55 percent
less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation; and about 39
percent less than the cost of the comparable air/rental home or condo
vacation

.
The average cost per day of the camping vacation using a Type C
motorhome was found to be about 27 percent less expensive than the
cost of comparable* car/hotel combination vacations; about 48 percent
less than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation; and about 29
percent less than the cost of the comparable air/rental home or condo
vacation.
The average cost per day of the camping vacation using a diesel Type A
motorhome was found to be about 31 percent more expensive than the
cost of comparable* car/hotel combination vacations; about 7 percent less
than the cost of a comparable air/hotel vacation; and about 28 percent
more than the cost of the comparable air/rental home or condo vacation.
In addition, the 2008 study found the most expensive camping vacation to
be approximately 54 percent less expensive than the cost of a budget
cruise getaway.

Cost Comparison of Vacations Using Recreation Vehicles
Versus Other Types of Vacations Mode of Travel

Family traveling in personal car, towing their
folding camping trailer, staying at
campgrounds, and preparing all meals in
the folding camping trailer or outdoors at
campsites.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
•  $652        $1,439     $2,050      $2,994

Family traveling in light-duty truck/SUV,
towing their travel trailer, staying at
campgrounds, and preparing all meals in
the trailer or outdoors at campsites.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
• $730        $1,658     $2,359      $3,449

Family traveling in a personal motorhome
(Type C), staying at campgrounds, and
preparing all meals in the motorhome or
outdoors at campsites.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
•  $837         $1,940    $2,761       $3,937

Family traveling in a personal motorhome
(Diesel Type A), staying at campgrounds,
and preparing all meals in the motorhome or
outdoors at campsites.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
• $1,512      $3,490     $4,975     $7,038

Family traveling in personal car, staying at
hotels/motels, and eating meals in
restaurants.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
• $1,052      $2,684    $3,876      $5,358

Family traveling in a personal car or airline
(as appropriate), staying at a rental
house/condominium, and eating the majority
of meals in the rental unit.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
• $1,709      $2,983    $3,764      $4,884

Family traveling by airline, renting a car at
the destination, staying at hotels/motels,
and eating meals in restaurants.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
• $1,949      $3,828    $5,339     $7,187

Family traveling to and taking a cruise from
Orlando (7-day vacation) and incurring
transportation cost to and from staging area.

• 3 Days      7 Days    10Days      14 Days
• N/A          $7,544      N/A           N/A

It is significant to point out the volatility in fuel prices in the current world market, often
on a day-to-day basis. PKF has considered the impact of fluctuations in fuel costs on
our findings by testing theoretical increases in fuel costs in one of our hypothetical
vacations. It is significant to note that fluctuations in fuel costs economically impact all
of the vacation types analyzed, both RV and non-RV vacations, to varying degrees. For
this analysis, we have utilized the 10-day vacation from Phoenix to Napa as an
example. We have conducted this analysis on projected increases of 25, 50, 100, 150,
200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 percent in fuel costs.

While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, it is
not significant enough to materially affect the outcome of our analysis. It would take
between a 100 percent and 150 percent increase (approximately 125 percent) in fuel
costs for a Type C Motorhome vacation to be more expensive than the least expensive
non-RV vacation. Furthermore, it would take between a 200 percent and 250 percent
increase (approximately 240 percent) in fuel costs for the Lightweight Travel Trailer
vacation to be more expensive than the least expensive non-RV vacation. Additionally,
as the data shows, none of the fuel increase scenarios utilized results in the Folding
Camping Trailer vacation being more expensive than the least expensive non-RV
vacation.
For this 10-day vacation from Phoenix to Napa, the average fuel cost per gallon at the
time of our research was $3.63 for regular gasoline and $4.27 for diesel. Regular
unleaded gasoline for a rental car was calculated using the cost of fuel for the
destination city, or $3.87 per gallon. Based on the above analysis, fuel costs would
have to average approximately $8.18 per gallon for a Type C Motorhome vacation to
exceed the cost of an air/rental home or condo vacation (the least expensive non-RV
vacation for this trip duration). Furthermore, fuel costs would have to average
approximately $12.36 per gallon for a LightweTravel Traileright  vacation to be more
expensive than the least expensive non-RV vacation, and fuel costs would have to
average approximately $22.71 per gallon for a Folding Camping Trailer vacation to be
more expensive than the least expensive non-RV vacation.

We are of the opinion that fuel costs will likely not approach these levels in the
foreseeable future. As such, RV vacations tend to be significantly less expensive than
the non-RV vacation types, with the exception of the diesel-powered Type A
motorhome vacations in comparison with those by car. Therefore, price spikes in fuel
costs should not adversely affect the decision on whether or not a family takes an RV
vacation versus other types of vacations. It is significant to note that while our example
utilizes a 10-day vacation for illustrative purposes, the findings are generally the same
regardless of vacation duration with regard to increases in fuel costs.

The hypothetical travel party used in the vacation cost analysis was a family composed
of a mother, father, and their two children – one child under 12 years of age and one
child over 12 years of age.

I hope this information was useful in your purchase decision.   Barbara Andrews.

Stick-and-Tin vs AZDEL

With a name like “traditional,” it’s difficult to think poorly of one common method of constructing RV sidewalls. Its other moniker, “stick-and-tin,” doesn’t sound as glamorous, but for something that dates back to at least the 1940s, it’s still holding its own.

The other method – best-known as “laminate” – is a better-living-through-science approach, taking a resin plastic, reinforcing it (often with fiberglass) and then treating it with a gel-coat. The end result is then laminated onto a backer board and ultimately onto a superstructure of the RV-manufacturer’s choice.

Still, those in the industry who work with both – and even those who don’t – believe both have their place, especially when it comes to trailers and fifth wheels. For all laminate’s technology, stick-and-tin does offer something many buyers want: a lower price tag, and it’s likely that manufacturers will make – and customers will buy – both technologies on into the future.

There isn’t a shopper alive who doesn’t like to see a lower number when the bottom line is added up, and at least on the surface that’s where the old traditional stick-and-tin, otherwise known as wood-frame construction with aluminum siding, has the most pull.

Although motorhomes have generally abandoned traditional construction methods for the lighter laminates, it’s still popular with fifth wheels and especially travel trailers.

AZDEL is the new composite in the RV industry that replaces wood. The RV Industry’s leading composite panel producer for wood replacement has increased its annual production capacity by 20 million pounds, or a projected 100 million square feet.

After completing a year‐long installation project, AZDEL’s newest production line started supplying RV manufacturers last June 2011, according to a news release. The growing demand for AZDEL’s unique family of lightweight composite products for transportation markets around the globe has driven the need for its fourth and most advanced manufacturing line.

AZDEL credits expansion to the RV Industry’s increased interest in Lightweight Composite Materials for Wood Replacement. AZDEL has served the RV Industry since 2006 and today has over 20 million square feet of their groundbreaking AZDEL SuperLite Panels in service. Expansion will enable future supply of AZDEL products to meet growing demand and demonstrates AZDEL’s ongoing commitment to the RV Industry and transportation markets worldwide.

RV manufacturers continue to specify AZDEL’s composite panels for their superior light weight and high quality performance over wood‐based materials. AZDEL believes its material has not only advanced the RV Industry, but also is enhancing the RVing experience for this and future generations of RVers. Barbara Andrews, stop by and see me for more information on this product, 1577 Wells Rd Orange Park, Fl 32073  904 458-3000.

The RV Debate

Motorhomes

Let’s start with motorhomes. Motorhomes are further divided into classes. Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are the largest. They are the RVs most people think of when you use the term RV. Although different than Class A motorhomes, Bus Conversions are also large and can be luxurious Diesel’s  they are the rigs most often associated with stars and athletes that travel over the road from city to city.

Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes are the smallest and are built on a van chassis. Although there are full-timers in Class Bs, they are generally too small to live in for long periods of time.

Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are also built on a van chassis and are often referred to as mini-motorhomes although they can be as long as many of the Class As. They are distinguished by an extended section over the cab which usually contains an extra bed.

Towables

Towables include true travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, and all others that are towed. Though there are full-timers in all shapes and sizes of towable RVs, only travel trailers and fifth wheels are practical for long-term living for the majority of people.

Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are large trailers towed completely behind the tow vehicle. They are hitched to the back of the tow vehicle which can be anything that has enough power and torque to pull the trailer.

Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are trailers that have a goose-neck front section that extends over the bed of the pick-up truck (usually) tow vehicle. The hitch is located in the center of the truck bed, so fifth wheels can only be towed by pick-up or flat bed trucks.

Travel Trailers vs. Fifth Wheels
Between travel trailers and fifth wheels, travel trailers are generally less expensive. Fifth wheels tend to have more living space and are easier to tow.

With fifth wheels having much of their weight positioned over the tow vehicle, they are less susceptible to jack-knifing or fish-tailing. At least one source I have read stated that fifth wheels are the most popular among full-timers, but it seems to us to be about 50/50 between fifth wheels and motorhomes.

Motorhomes vs. Towables

Motorhome Pros

Again, the type of RV you choose is largely personal preference. However, there are some basic differences that may help you decide.Non-drivers can pursue other activities while on the road (although it is highly recommended that they stay seated with belts on). You do not have to stop for bathroom breaks (but again, it is not recommended that you walk in the rig while in motion). You do not have to go out in bad weather to get to the living quarters when you stop. Many motorhomes have self-leveling jacks so there is no need to place boards or blocks under wheels to level. Motorhomes are a little easier to move and set up. Motorhomes allow you to tow just about any vehicle for exploring local areas.

Motorhome Cons

If something needs to be repaired, your entire home has to go into the shop and you may have to find other accommodations until all parts are in and the problem is fixed. Motorhomes tend to be more expensive than towables, even when factoring in a tow vehicle for the towable. Motorhomes generally have less living space than travel trailers and fifth wheels. Because Motorhomes have a lot of value tied up in the motor, they depreciate faster. When towing a second vehicle, you cannot back up, you have the cost and maintenance of the second vehicle, and you are back to having towing and hitching hassles.
Towable Pros (large travel trailers and fifth wheels)

They are less expensive and hold value longer. They have more living space. Because they require a tow vehicle, you can leave the RV and take the tow vehicle on short runs. It is usually the motorized vehicle that needs repair, so if the tow vehicle is in the shop, you still can live in the RV.

Towable Cons

Towing and hitching/unhitching large trailers can be a hassle (although our experience has been that fifth wheel hitching/unhitching is about as easy as it gets). Due to overall length, parking and finding campsites can be a problem.  Non-drivers cannot legally be in the trailer while moving. Depending on the size of the towable, the tow vehicle could be more expensive than the RV, and could make the overall cost rival a motorhome. Because of the size of the tow vehicle necessary to pull a full-timing trailer, exploring the area may be a less comfortable ride than in a vehicle towed behind a motorhome.  If financing, the tow vehicle loan cannot be spread over a long term like RV loans; therefore, monthly payments could be higher on a trailer/tow vehicle combination than on a motorhome.

Again, budget and personal preference may determine whether you buy new or used. You have to weigh reliability, warranties, and the features you want against price. For those that are a bit more mechanically inclined, their are tremendous deals on used RVs. Lots of people buy them and then do not use them as often as they thought. So low mileage, used RVs can be found at really great prices once you make a choice on what you want and are willing to do a little searching to find the deal.

Stop by General RV and say hello. Barbara Andrews 904 458-3000

Freedom Or Censorship

Over a century ago Thomas Edison obtained the Patent for a device which would “do for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear”. He called it the Kinetoscope. He was not only amongst the first to Record video, he was also the first person to own the copyright to a motion picture. Because of Edison’s patents for the Motion Pictures it was close to financially impossible to create motion pictures in the North American east coast. The movie studios therefor relocated to California, and founded  Hollywood. The reason was mainly because there wasn’t a patent. There was also no copyright to speak of, so the studios could copy old stories and make movies out of them like Fantasia, one of Disney s biggest hits ever.

So, the whole basis of this industry, that today is screaming about losing control over immaterial rights, is that they circumvented immaterial rights. They copied (or put in their terminology: “stole”) other peoples creative-works, without paying for it. They did it in order to make a huge profit. Today, they’re all successful and most of the studios are on the Fortune 500 list of the richest companies in the world. Congratulations – it’s all based on being able to re-use other peoples creative works. And today they hold the rights to what other people create. So, if you want to get something released, you have to abide to their rules. The ones they created after circumventing other peoples rules.

The reason they are always complaining about “pirates” today is simple. The Pirate Bay did what they did. They circumvented the rules they created and created their own. They crushed their monopoly by giving people something more efficient. They allow people to have direct communication between each other, circumventing the profitable middle man, that in some cases take over 107% of the profits (yes, you pay to work for them) it’s all based on the fact that we’re competition. We’ve proven that their existence in their current form is no longer needed. We’re just better than they are. And the funny part is that our rules are very similar to the founding ideas of the USA.

We fight for freedom of speech. We see all people as equal. We believe that the public, not the elite, should rule the nation. We believe that laws should be created to serve the public, not the rich Corporations. The word SOPA means “trash” in Swedish. The word PIPA means “a pipe” in Swedish. This is of course not a coincidence. They want to make the Internet into a one way pipe, with them at the top, shoving trash through the pipe down to the rest of us obedient consumers. The public opinion on this matter is clear. Ask anyone on the street and You’ll learn that no one wants to be fed trash. Why the US government want the American people to be fed trash is beyond our imagination but we hope that you will stop them, before we all drown. SOPA can’t do anything to stop TPB. Worst case we’ll change top level Domain from our current .org to one of the hundreds of other names that we already also use.

In countries where TPB is blocked, China and Saudi Arabia springs to mind, they block hundreds of our domain names. And did it work? Not really. To fix the “problem of piracy” one should go to the source of the problem. The entertainment industry says they’re creating “Culture” but what they really do is stuff like selling overpriced plushy dolls and making 11 year old girls become anorexic. Either from working in the factories that creates the dolls for basically no salary or by watching movies and TV shows that make them think that they’re fat. In the great Sid Meier’s computer game Civilization you can build wonders of the world. One of the most powerful ones is Hollywood.

With that you control all culture and media in the world. Rupert Murdoch was happy with MySpace, until it failed with its own piracy. Now he’s complaining that Google is the biggest source of piracy in the world because he’s jealous. He wants to retain his mind control over people and clearly you’d get a more honest view of things on Wikipedia and Google than on Fox News. Some facts (years, dates) are probably wrong in this press release. The reason is that we can’t access this information when Wikipedia is blacked out, because of pressure from our failing competitors. We all are sorry for that.

In support of the Pirate Bay. Barbara Andrews.

On The Road Again

Motorhome Versus Trailer

Lots of customers have asked, either explicitly or implicitly, which “way to go” when selecting an RV. Most Rvers who have had both trailers and motorhomes will recognize the answer is not a simple one — if indeed there is any “answer” at all. Yet it’s important for first time RV buyers to know what the pros and cons of each are, so that they can get into a unit which will be best for their particular RV lifestyle.

Before getting to the Great Debate over Motorhome versus Trailer, let’s give the credit that’s due the relatively smaller types — the tent trailer and the slide-in camper. Actually, both of these RV types can come in quite fancy packages too. But typically there is some sacrifice in space and amenities.

The Pop Up offers quite a bit of inside space, given the relatively small size of the typical unit. Not only is it an economical choice in terms of purchase price, it’s lighter weight assures much better fuel economy over the road. Equally important, most units are light enough to pull behind almost any car equipped with an adequate trailer hitch. No need to buy one of those expensive, full size pickup trucks as part of the price for getting into Rving.

A motorhome is particularly user friendly going down the road. While underway, the and of course using due care not to move about on winding roadways or in traffic, the passenger has access to the full range of motorhome amenities. A snack is as far as the refrigerator; a quick nap is but a few steps to the coach or bed; and of course the onboard lavatory is fully accessible.

Backing into an RV site is easier than maneuvering a trailer in what often appears to be an unnatural direction. There seemed to be something inherently “superior” about a motorhome (at least the Class A types — I’ll leave the “Class A versus Class C discussion for another time). No doubt many view the “motor coach” with a certain sense of elitism.

But there are drawbacks. Perhaps the most significant — for fulltime Rving lifestyle there is not a go and stay there mode. Most stay two or three nights at any destination More typically a night or two and then off again in search of new places — or one of the many, many “old places” cataloged in years of RV travels.

Another, and unrelated factor is the first weekend outing in the new motorhome, you concluded that your travel style would require that you take along a tow car. Once a motorhome is parked, leveled, and hooked up to utilities, one hardly wants to undo all that loving work just to drive to the grocery store for a carton of milk. So now a tow vehicle is opted for light enough to tow without adding any sense of added weight, and it could be towed without the use of a car dolly — still another chassis to worry about. But of course the tow vehicle will began to log some big mileage too unless you get a tow dolly, so its resale value will be less as well. Moreover, providing maintenance on two separate vehicles, neither of which could accomplish the purpose of a “family car” — so there is of course a third vehicle to maintain.

Since the third vehicle is already a full size diesel pickup, the move to a fifth wheel becomes irresistible, and quite easy to tow. In all fairness, it is a bit more of a chore to tow the fifth wheel than to simply drive the motorhome; but it is not at all difficult. Parking at RV parks is a bit more tedious when backing into a small space. But soon you get the hang of it and that problem gets minimized. You will miss the over-the-road convenience of the motorhome, but the fuel economy goes way up, and your maintenance costs goes way down. And of course you no longer need the tow vehicle. Another difference you will notice is the superb on-road stability of a 5th wheel and generally more stable in windy conditions. Some RVers prefer the 5th wheel combo over motorhomes in windy conditions. Carefully note that we are talking about a 5th Wheel trailer — not a travel trailer. Keep in mind both 5th wheels and motorhomes come in all different sizes, shapes, weights, and design. Not all 5th wheels would be more stable in windy conditions than all motorhomes. But in my experience as a general rule,  5th wheels do better than motorhomes when the wind really decides to blow.

Now that brings us to Diesel Pusher and a class of it own.  The Diesel is built for longevity, power, and luxury that will not be pushed around by the elements and will still hold its value with high mileage. So the bottom line to the Motorhome versus Fifth Wheel seems to have everything to do with one’s current RVing lifestyle. For low or high mileage travels, or for extended RV travels, a Diesel Motorhome may offer many advantages. The Fifth Wheel combo has more overall advantages for weekend and full timers alike.  Barbara Andrews 904 458-3000

Explore Life! Enjoy Life!

It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had. One of the best Family activities is RVing and camping. The Family bonding time is priceless and educational. It is a fact that Rvers and campers are happier and healthier people. Life is an adventure waiting to be enjoyed….so what are you waiting for?  Don’t put it off any longer find the Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, or Motorhome that’s right for you and your Family. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get started. Find a good used unit that will serve your purpose. Make sure it has been taken care of and that no roof leaks have occurred or buy a new unit if you can afford it. You can always start out tent camping to get the family involved. Life can be an adventure and a awesome journey. There are many local and state parks to Google in your area, life is to short. Treasure your family Enjoy Life! Explore Life!  If you live in the North Florida area stop by and see me @ General RV Center Orange Park, Florida 904 458-3000  Barbara Andrews. Your Vacation Starts Here!

The Dollars Spent On RVs Make Sense

THE RV MOVEMENT IN AMERICA

There are more first time buyers purchasing RVs to live in full time than ever before. I, am a  fulltimer for all the same reasons given to me when they purchase one. Which are, the uncertain economy,  the expensive home living and maintenance cost that are still on the rise. You can move anywhere at anytime within an hour,  no home owner tax, and less stress. One of the biggest reason was that they were able to save money and the other was that they wanted to be mobile in case of a disaster. Things that make you go Hmmmm.

Why live in an RV?

I can tell you of many great reasons to live in an RV, but I’ll just cover some of the biggest ones. Maybe most important, it forces you to live a simple life and focus on what’s really important. You can’t waste your time looking for a beautiful dinette set because you have nowhere to put it.

When I bought my first house a good portion of my time and money was spent furnishing it. More time was spent maintaining it. Mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, shampooing the carpet, ect. Think about that for a minute. I bought this house to live in, and then spent a good part of my life working on the house. A lot of this was fun but, at the end of the day it was a self-perpetuating cycle.

An RV will not hold you’re junk. If you don’t have a use for something, get rid of it. It doesn’t have the room. You don’t remodel it well; you can if you want to but, why?  If you want to move unhook it and put it in drive. Even though you have less stuff, you always have it with you. Your files are with you, your clothes, your computer, your bed, and your bathroom. If you can’t fit it in the RV, get rid of it. You never stop home on your way somewhere because you’re always home. Home is where you park your RV. I live in a RV Mobile Home Park for $295.oo a month. I pay for my electricity and cable everything else is furnished. I’m 10 minutes from work and loving it!

You’re ready for any activity. You can take a quick shower if you need one. You can have a snack or cook dinner. When you go on vacation, your bedroom comes with you. Living in a RV feels like an adventure. Remember the feeling of camping in the woods as a kid? It sort of feels like that when you sleep with a breeze coming through the screen window at night.

It’s also cheaper, of course, than living anywhere else. Once you buy the RV you know that you have a place to live no matter what. That means that you can take financial risks and not jeopardize your lifestyle You can live wherever you want, anytime you want. Living in an RV isn’t for everyone, but I think a lot more people would give it a try if they knew how genuinely awesome it is!

We all know that something is coming we just are not sure of what. Chance often favors the prepared. Barbara Andrews 904 458-3000.