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.

Fuel Efficient Motorhomes

Imagine what you could do with a vehicle that has the spacious comfort and convenience of a larger motorhome but with much better fuel economy and drive ability. Whether driving cross-country or just cross-town, enjoy the convenience of having your own kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom in a vehicle that fits in a normal parking space.

You will love to drive any one of the Tioga or Jamboree 24ft DSL Class C. Both are powered by a Mercedes Benz^® 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine, on the nimble Sprinter chassis for an extraordinary driving experience, admirable fuel-efficiency and outstanding comfort. With its contemporary styling and clean lines, both the Tioga DSL and Jamboree DSL has been created for connoisseurs of modern design. The bold exterior styling from front cap to end cap will cause heads to turn wherever you go. Both models are rated for 20 miles per gallon fuel consumption with a sleeping capacity of 4 people. If you are going to cruise America, this would definitely save money on fuel.

The Fleetwood RV Construction

1. Fleetwood’s Tuff-Ply Roofing Technology is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market and also resists radiation by reflecting sunlight to reduce chalking. White roof material minimizes heat build-up, keeping the temperature cool and comfortable.

2. Reliable Tuffpex Plumbing runs throughout each vehicle creating a durable seal on all internal tubing. TuffPEX plumbing is tough, can withstand cold temperatures, is flexible and corrosion resistant. The TuffPEX system is an industry leader in quality plumbing.

3. Tuff-Coat^® Fiberglass Composite resists UV rays, cracks and impacts. Fleetwood uses one seamless, solid piece of exclusive Tuff-Coat^® fiberglass composite for each outer wall.

4. Vacu-Bond^® Sidewalls, Floors And Ceilings ensure a strong, weather-resistant structure, framed in aluminum or steel. The Vacu-bond^® process is unmatched by many competitors.

5. High Density Block Foam Insulation is precisely cut to fit between framing members. This insures maximum insulation throughout the vehicle.

Fleetwood RV has been building motorhomes and helping adventurers see the world for several generations. Fleetwood RV, is a leading manufacturer of Class A and Class C recreational vehicles. The Company has one of the best and longest standing distribution networks in the industry.  Also is my favorite motorhome.

P.S. All local Jacksonvillian’s  Don’t forget about the Big RV Show 9th thru 12th @ the Jacksonville Equestrian Center 13611 Normandy Blvd Jacksonville, Florida. There number is 904 573-3150. Hope to see you there!!  Barbara Andrews.

Solar RVs On The Road

Why Install Solar Panels for RV?

The Recreational Vehicle (RV) allows you to stay wherever you want without any worrying about hotel bookings and changing your next destination at your own will. In fact, you are free to drive the vehicle wherever you want. However, you are often restricted to the nearest camp, as you need to recharge your vehicle’s battery. In addition, you may use your vehicle’s battery to charge your other appliances on regularly basis. It is important to know that regularly draining your vehicle’s battery may reduce its life. However, you can save your vehicle’s battery from being damaged and even save your time and move ahead towards your destination by purchasing a solar panel for RV.

Solar panels for RV’s are easy to pack, as they are flexible and light in weight. Generally, a single RV solar panel is able to generate about 70 to 90 watts of electric power. It is more than enough for your 25ft RV, however if you have more number of small electric appliances, then you may have to build a higher capacity of solar panel. it is better to install a single solar panel in your RV at the initial stage and then install few more on the basis of your requirements.

If you are a regular traveler during summer, then you have to consider a few things. First, you have to fit a solar panel for RV along with battery temperature controller to control the temperature of your vehicle’s battery and second, if you install solar panels at the roof, then it is important to have a solar panel that has a rating of minimum 17 volts to bear the excessive heat.

The independence it gives you, the comfort of being at home no matter where you go and so much more. Up until now, RV owners have generally used gas generators for power or have paid for an electrical connection at places where they stop. These last comes at around $20 a night and can spell quite a bit in terms of expenditure in the long run. A great alternative instead would be solar panels for RV. There are a range of RV solar panels to choose from. The small ones are those that can help charge the smaller batteries around your RV. The bigger ones are those that can power up your entire RV. This includes high wattage appliances like the TV, satellite connection, a microwave and any other electronics that you have on board.

The main advantage of solar panels for RV are that they will serve their purpose even in the most remotest of locations and even when you have to make unscheduled stops in the middle of nowhere for a break. Different panel sizes are available from around 65 watt panels all the way up to 130 watts. These RV solar panels are available in a range of mounts allowing you to permanently fix them to the top of your RV. There are also those that come with strong suction cups and these can easily be removed for maintenance work and remounted.

You don’t have to worry about these panels once they are mounted. They are strong and can stand all sorts of rough weather. Solar panels for your RV are also shock resistant panels. A lot of work has been done on this technology and today they are much lighter in weight and much more effective. In terms of price as well, you can now get yourself a kit for approximately $1000 to $4000 depending on what system or power you want. The expense may seem high, but it will pay for it self in the long run.

Besides the lighting benefits of solar panels for RVs, there are a few other ways in which they work well. They are great for those camping sites where generators are not allowed. There is absolutely no noise emitted from these panels. This makes them very eco-friendly. The fact that they come with a battery backup means that you will be able to have power even on the most cloudy days. Also considering there is a huge variety of panels available you will find use for them on campsites, to charge batteries, cell phones, a portable radio as well as flashlights. A solar panel can be used along with other means of power generation.

Once you take on this project, you will find that buying solar panels is not all that difficult, as there are a range of retailers selling panels in every conceivable size and shape. You will just have to assess your needs and decide on your purchases accordingly. Each retailer will have a different price for the solar panels that they sell. The best bet is to go online and check on the availability. The kind of discounts available there are unmatchable.

A solar power battery charger is also something you should pick up. Remember that these batteries will be exposed to a great variety of temperatures and they should be maintained accordingly. The best way to get the most out of your RV solar panels is to lay them at an angle on the top of your RV. This will get them working brilliantly at normal temperatures. Laying them flat can cause a power fluctuation.

Understanding how RV solar panels work will help you have a better understanding of how good the product can be. These panels convert the rays of the sun into electricity. This is done through the batteries that are incorporated in these mechanisms. The great thing about solar panels on an RV is that you are no longer limited to a range of destinations that have great sunshine or electricity. Your travel horizon is significantly expanded. Of course, the cost too comes down significantly. Their convenience is undeniable in terms of freedom of movement as well as the savings you will make on electricity connections at RV camps.  Barbara Andrews.

Family Campers Loving Life!

Strengthen Family Relationships

Whether you are tent camping or RV camping the results are the same. Today’s fast-paced life often leaves busy parents searching for opportunities to spend quality time together as a family. Increasingly, families are discovering that vacationing in an RV is the best way to cement family relationships while having a great time. Bringing the family closer together was the top answer for parents when asked what are the most important benefits of family RV camping. Other highly ranked responses were providing a learning experience, teaching kids to respect nature, broadening their horizons, and developing wholesome values.

In a recent research study conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, nine out of 10 current RV owners said RVs are the best way to travel with the family. Perhaps even more significant, 62 percent of survey respondents who have never owned an RV said they also thought that an RV is the best way to take a family trip.

Why do RVs appeal to so many families? Most importantly, RVs allow parents to reestablish relationships with their children by removing life’s daily distractions. On an RV trip, families are not faced with the interruptions of routine home life, yet they have all the comforts of home. RVing families are able to enjoy each others company and kids are free to be themselves, without the distraction of soccer practice, swim team or piano lessons. Owning an RV also means every weekend can be a vacation, allowing quick getaways with minimal preparation and planning.

It takes a lot of energy to cope with the hectic pace of everyday life. The entire family has to have time to put everything on hold, except the family relationship. The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together. Many parents also supplement their children’s learning during their RV travels.  43 percent of families cite visiting a historic location for educational purposes. Science and nature centers, zoos and museums were also frequently mentioned. The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together.   Barbara Andrews

Living Large In A Tiny Home

American Innovation!  Give us lemons and we will make lemon-aid with a Tiny Home.

Another option for full time RV’ers or any one that wants to down size. There’s a movement in tiny homes on wheels sweeping the nation. The real estate collapse, the economic downturn, burning out on 12-hour workdays – many people are rethinking their ideas about shelter – seeking an alternative to high rents, or a lifelong mortgage debt to a bank on an overpriced home. Many people have lost their homes and living with family members. Americans are fed up and doing something about it.

There are over 150 builders who have taken building homes to another level, creating tiny homes (under 500 sq. ft.). Homes on land, homes on wheels, homes on the road. There are over a thousand photos, showing a rich variety of small homemade shelters, and there are stories (and thoughts and inspirations) of the owner-builders who are on the forefront of this new trend in downsizing and self-sufficiency. Some are living utility free with solar power and well water. I believe it is the only way to live. I am very excited about these Tiny Homes.

Many people have decided to scale back, to get by with less stuff, to live in smaller homes. You can buy a ready-made tiny home, build your own, get a kit or pre-fab, or live in other movable shelters such as RV’s. There are numerous blogs and websites with news, photos, and plans for tiny homes. If you are thinking of scaling back here’s a different approach, a 180º turn from increasing consumption. there are builders, designers, architects (no less), dreamers, artists, road gypsies, and water dwellers who’ve achieved a measure of freedom and independence by taking shelter into their own hands.

Barbara Andrews.

The Perfect Toy Hauler Solution

The Idaho Tote Dolly. Is the perfect solution for RV’ers who want to take along their 4-wheelers, motorcycles, golf carts or any other recreational equipment. Also you can turn your Pickup truck into a flatbed.  The Idaho Tote is equipped with a Pressure Sensing Steering Axle (PSSA). When pressure is applied from turning, the wheels will automatically steer! The Idaho Tote has an onboard compressed air system which is used to change the position of the axle when traveling forward and rearward.

Affixed to the axle system are 2 Firestone air bags. One is inflated when traveling down the highway. The other will be inflated when you shift into reverse. In addition to the normal stop, turn and tail lights in the electrical plug (which needs to be installed on the rear of the unit to which the Tote is attached) a 10 GAUGE WIRE WITH AN INLINE 30 AMP FUSE is used for the charge wire system. The other is wired into the backup light system. Your onboard batteries in your camper or motor coach are used for the charge wire system. The axle system is designed with king pin slope; this creates posture which makes the wheels want to steer.

Many RV’ers want more options to accommodate their budget. Bigger is always better and to some less is more. If you already have a fifth wheel and want to take your toys  and are considering a toy hauler you might want to look at the Idaho Tote as an alternative. Most RV’ers that I talk to on a daily basis want as much space as the budget will allow. Toy haulers are more expensive than fifth wheels also you are giving up living space to allow for your garage.

If you are the RV buyer that wants the Big Mack Daddy toy hauler with ALL the living space, garage space and bells and whistles, that unit is available for 89 to 100 thousand dollars. In our economy that buyer very seldom walks through our doors. For the most, people are trying to save money and the Idaho Tote will allow you to do that. As a matter of fact you don’t have to have toys to purchase a toy hauler at all. I sold one to a guy that wanted to put a stripper pole in the garage area for his girlfriends. The funniest part of that story is our service department installed it for him.

I personally love the Big Mack Daddy toy hauler. If you want to browse the toy hauler inventory to see why click on toy haulers on the side bar of my blog. If you want a brochure of the Idaho Tote.    Barbara Andrews. Orange Park, Florida.

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

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.