Putting Solar Panels on Your Camper

As ever more campers wander away from the city in their own recreational vehicle, they discover that all of their modern conveniences take a lot of electricity. This is no problem if you are plugged in at a campground, or if you move frequently and the batteries charge while you drive. For other times when you park in an out of the way locale for days, the castle lights can really grow dim as the batteries slowly wear down. Two solutions suggest themselves. The first is to bring a gas powered generator, and run it for a few hours at a time to replace the energy used up. This will cost a lot of money for fuel and will create noise pollution.

The problem with gasoline powered generators is that they tend to be darn noisy, and they cost money for fuel. Many people opt for silence, and want to use the power of the sun to charge their system. That is where RV solar panels come in. With a properly installed system of the right size, you will never run out of electricity.

The solar panels in a camper solar setup come in different sizes, like two feet by three feet or two feet by four feet. They will have a rating, such as 80 or 120 watts, which you can use to calculate how many panels you will need. These arrays of photo-voltaic cells can be wired together in series to match whatever charging requirements you have.

Quite often, the panels are mounted on the roof and attached so that they can be raised to catch the light of the sun when in use. The disadvantage to these is that the reailer needs to be properly positioned so they face the correct way, and this is not always possible. A second method is to place the solar rv panels on stands on the ground, and run the wire over to the trailer. This way, as the sun moves the panels can be repositioned.

The sunlight gets converted to DC current, which flows down the wires to the charge controller. If the batteries are full, the charge controller won’t let any more power pass through and saves the batteries from being ruined by overcharging them. AS soon as the battery level drops, the controller allows current to flow through.

The batteries need to be deep cycle rv batteries, which typically are what most motorhomes, campers and trailer already have. You may need to add more batteries for extra storage capacity, depending on how much electricity you will be using.

You might want to include an inverter, to change twelve volt direct current into one hundred ten volt alternating current. You will need one of these if you plan on making microwave popcorn or running any other normal household appliances. Some motorhomes and holiday trailers have inverters built in.

If you are buying a new RV, you can pick a model with these parts included, or have the dealership order them and get them installed professionally. If you are the handy man type, you can find all of your components yourself and do it yourself. A trip to the RV dealership might still be a good idea, since you can ask them questions and they will help you decide how big of a system to install.

The Holiday Rambler Motorhome: Buying Used

When it comes to buying that first recreational vehicle, it’s a good idea to find out whether or not this is the lifestyle that you’re really looking for. Life on the road is heaven for some and…well, not heaven for others. The freedom to fly by the seat of your pants makes things more interesting for many RVers, but others may find they just don’t like the opportunity for changes in their well laid out plans. It all depends on the personality of the individual. Make sure the RV lifestyle suits your lifestyle before you adopt it as your own!

Tip Number One: Do you research. All those years of doing your homework has prepared you for this day…you know how it goes. Get the information you need to make the right decision before it’s decision time! If you’re a first time RV buyer it’s even more important. Familiarize yourself with the various types of RVs, the different models, the customer satisfaction related to each and the different aspects of the options that would suit your needs.

Tip Number Two: Choosing an RV that is no older than 5 years will make your life a lot easier. It’s just easier to get financed for a vehicle that is 5 years old or newer. Also be aware that loans and loan terms will vary per lender so make sure to shop around!

Tip Number Three: Be aware of the status of your credit report. Know your own credit history. Don’t let any “credit” related surprises make your life more difficult when you thought things were in order. You’ll need to have your employment info, your credit history info, down payment and monthly payment amounts, and loan requirements. A side effect of the RV purchase that you might enjoy is that it usually effects your credit score positively.

One of the aspect’s of RV’ing that is more prevalent than other forms of vacationing is the spontaneity factor. Many individuals decide when they hit the road that they will land wherever the road takes them and will just head off with no itinerary whatsoever. The fact that all you need to do is pack food and other supplies makes it so easy to just hop behind the wheel and take off. Some people even have certain articles of clothing that always stay stored in their used Holiday Rambler motorhomes. Why shouldn’t they? After all, most luxury RV’s come with stacking washer and dryer units in them.

There are so many options when it comes to planning your vacation itinerary. However, the fact that you oftentimes encounter some fascinating, yet little known spots while you are just “cruising”…taking in the sites along the way is what makes the spontaneity factor such a great part of owning an RV. Whether you plan your trip or let the open road lead your way, the RV is absolutely a worthwhile part of the vacation package.

Where to Find Your Next Motorhome

If you’re looking for a used motorhome for sale that suits your purchase requirements you’re ready to take advantage of a flooded market. There are plenty of options when it comes to pre-owned RVs! If you’re in a good situation to purchase…you’re definitely in a good spot to take advantage of the current market.

Not only will the current market provide plenty of options when it comes to used motorhomes available for purchase, but you can find fabulous prices. You can look in a variety of places to find used motorhome listings: the Internet, printed publications/advertisements, consignment lots, and/or recreational vehicle parks.

Online: Online searches can provide you with an almost overwhelming number of results from varied sources. You can find private sellers, huge warehouse wholesalers, and virtually everything in between. One great advantage to the online shopping experience is convenience. From your own home, you can educate yourself about the types of used motorhomes for sale on the market today, and start to narrow down which one you think is right for you. There is no sales pressure when shopping from your own home. Make sure that the seller you decide to deal with is reputable before money exchanges hands, especially if buying from a private seller. Many consumers buying all kinds of products can be taken advantage of by dishonest individuals. This is one reason why many consumers choose to shop with well-established companies when buying online: those who have been in business a few years at least, and have a good customer service record. If you are making your purchase long-distance, expect to travel to complete the sale and drive it home.

Print & Publications: This category includes newspapers in addition to those publications created specifically for used vehicle sales promotion. This is one of the easiest ways to discover used motorhomes available locally; giving you the benefit of seeing the RV up for sale in person prior to the purchase. Local buying usually means that you’ll get a chance to talk to the previous owner, as well, which can make a big difference when it comes to ascertaining the condition of the vehicle, maintenance history, etc. The safest way to avoid post-purchase is to pay an outside mechanic to inspect the vehicle prior to purchase. It’s worth the time, effort and money especially since many used purchases are AS-IS.

Consignment Lots: Consignment lots are for sellers who either cannot or do not want to invest the time in selling their used motorhome themselves, so they pay a fee to have a consignment service sell it for them. Often with a private seller, personal pride or sentimental attachment can cloud their willingness to be flexible on pricing. This is eliminated by removing them from the picture. As long as the consignment lot is able to make a profit, they are often willing to negotiate.

RV Parks: Inquiring or just looking around at a campground or RV park is a great way to discover used motorhomes for sale that are still being used by their owners, many of which may not have been discovered by other buyers. This gives you the advantage of really being able to see what the used motorhome looks like when its fully set up and operational.

Get the RV that’s right for you; no matter which venue you find it in make sure you aren’t afraid to ask questions and negotiate. Don’t be scared that you won’t get the RV in question…there are plenty on the market. The price is part of the deal…the perfect RV at the wrong price is NOT the perfect RV! Good luck!

ATV YAMAHA RHINO: Profiling the Hidden Dangers of ATVs

The Yamaha Rhino ATV serves as the perfect example of the hidden dangers of all terrain vehicles. While ATV recreational activity is growing in popularity, there’s another side to this seemingly carefree fun. Many groups are speaking out vociferously against ATVs. Among them are such noted institutions as Safe Kids Worldwide, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Two Dangers of ATVs the Industry Fails to Highlight

Design Flaws: What makes many ATVs such as the Yamaha Rhino so dangerous are their design flaws. With a narrow wheel base and a high center of gravity, they are prone to tipping over. This can be particularly dangerous when riding models such as the two-seater Yamaha Rhino because it is larger than most ATVs. Larger means heavier, so if it tips over, it can cause a much more severe injury – literally crushing a rider to death, for example — than a lighter ATV.

Insufficient Safety Equipment: Most ATVs aren’t sufficiently outfitted with safety equipment. In case of an accident, this can be particularly serious, especially to children. Minors, by their very nature, are prone to riding without safety equipment – even when it is available.

Often severe injuries occur on a Yamaha Rhino when drivers and passengers instinctively put their arms and legs outside of the vehicles when they tip in order to brace for a fall. Consequently, many deaths and catastrophic injuries have resulted from riding a Yamaha Rhino ATV.

YAMAHA RHINO ATV: Safety Precautions You Can Adopt

Control Engine Size: Safety experts advise those with children, particularly, to limit the engine size of any ATV they’re thinking about buying or riding. Engines larger than 90 cubic centimeters in general should not be ridden by children. They’re just too dangerous. Safety Gear: Always suiting up in safety gear such as goggles, a helmet and over-the-ankle boots is one of the best things ATV riders can do. In models such as the two-seater Yamaha Rhino, which often has no doors, this is particularly important.

Planning Crossroads Sunset Trail RV Review

Are you interested in taking an RV trip? If you are, you will want to take the time to properly and fully plan for and prepare for your upcoming trip.

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

In conjunction with improving your overall satisfaction, proper planning and preparation, for an RV trip, reduces the amount of worry or concern you may have about doing so. For example, by creating a checklist in advance and going through that checklist before your trip, you can make sure that you have “all of your ducks in a row.” This is likely to provide you with a sense of comfort and security, which can help improve your chances of having a truly fun and memorable RV trip.

Although NASCAR races are, by far, one of the most attended events by RV owners and renters, other sporting events are popular as well. Due to the popular pre-game event of tailgating, traveling by RV to an NFL football game is a great idea. There is nothing better than throwing a tailgating party while having many of the comforts of home. Many other football fans wish that they had more than the back of a truck.

Aside from using an RV to plan long distance trips to catch up with friends or relatives, the next most popular activity is that of camping. RV camping is a great way to experience the outdoors, without having to give up all modern day luxuries. In terms of camping, those traveling in RVs have a number of options. Perhaps, the best option is that of an RV park. RV parks are designed with motor homes in mind. Another option is that of public campgrounds with RV accommodations.

Last Minute RV Trip

One of the most important things to do for an RV trip involves mapping out your route. In all honesty, it doesn’t matter whether your trip is planned a few hours before you leave or a few weeks before, it is important to know where you will be going. Of course, you can be spontaneous along the way, like by taking a side trip, but having an intended route planned out is ideal for safety, security, and comfort. It can also help to prevent you from getting lost when you are unsure of your surroundings. Speaking of which, be sure to pack a map or having a GPS installed in your motor home.

As nice as it is to be spontaneous and hop in your motor home and leave at the last minute, it is still important to be prepared. Proper preparation, even for last minute trips, is not only important for your safety, but for overall enjoyment as well.

Buying Used Makes Diesel RVs Affordable

For those looking for an affordable way to enter the world of recreational vehicles, buying a used diesel motorhome can be a financially smart decision. First year depreciation is high on motorhomes just as it is in cars. Therefore buying a used diesel motorhome can save buyers up front without sacrificing much in the way of quality.

Due to the high rates of depreciation in the first few years; it’s a great time to purchase used. In addition you’ll still have a fairly new vehicle and you’ll find the maintenance and repair issues minimal in comparison to older RVs. RVs that are only a few years old are typically still in fairly good cosmetic condition depending on their previous owner’s treatment. Purchasing older than a few years can still be a good idea, but you should check available reviews of the RV as well as look into the warranty and consult a mechanic prior to purchase.

No matter how “old” your purchase is you should know exactly what you’ve got coming in terms of warranty. You’ll be depending upon your RV during many, many trips and vacations in the years to come and nothing is worse than having mechanical issue on the road. And breaking down in an unknown area can be dangerous. Knowing your warranty can lower the stress of unexpected repair to ensure that you get the most enjoyment possible out of your RV. Because of the issue of warranty many buyers choose to purchase from a large dealer.

Getting your RV from a seller that can offer a manufacturer’s warranty offers several benefits. One reason is that they are usually larger companies; and larger companies typically know their product and know what their purchasing resulting in a well maintained inventory. It’s not in the best interest of the company to sell unreliable products and many often have certified mechanics on hand to offer written vehicle inspections prior to purchase. Larger companies also often offer customer satisfaction guarantees or extended warranty options with the purchase of a recreational vehicle. Purchasing from a larger company also offers the additional protection that comes with local and state regulations enforcing rules of conduct and accountability for product quality.

Buying a used diesel motorhome is a wise decision for more reasons than just lower pricing. Diesel motorhomes, used and new, are generally the best products available in the RV market. All classes are the classic design of a self-contained vehicle and living space. Therefore, your living areas, bathroom, etc. are accessible to passengers at all times, although wandering around the motorhome while it is in motion is not safe or recommended. More importantly, these offer owners the ability to just get up and go as their whims, needs, or safety demands. Most diesel engines get a higher mileage rate than gas engines, making them more cost effective to operate. As far as comfort is concerned, these are the best of the best for cross-country voyages, or groups larger than three.

When it comes to luxury, the diesel RV can’t be beat. Models range from simple to extravagant. Budget conscious buyers can opt for less features to obtain the lowest price while those looking for extreme comfort and class have many options to choose from. Some used diesel RVs have as many amenities as a luxury home. For the majority of buyers, their purchase will fall in the middle of the two extremes, but the spectrum is wide a varied to suit the needs of every buyer.

The Time to Buy RVs…Right Now

Like countless other industries, the recreational vehicle industry has recently taken a downturn. As financial markets slump and basic living costs rise, more and more Americans find an extra strain put on their flexible spending. This does nothing to help the sales of recreational or luxury items, such as high-end motor homes. Particularly now that gas continues to fluctuate, sales gas and diesel dependent vehicles are affected.

For some buyers, however, this may be as good a time as ever to buy…possibly even better than ever. There are several types of recreational vehicles that do not require any more gas consumption than owners already use driving their cars.

Pop up trailers, and truck trailers that are pulled by vehicles already in use can make only a small change in the level of gas consumption. Some smaller models can even be pulled by compact cars that offer an even greater advantage when it comes to conservative gas usage. Towable units offer the added advantage of being able to be easily un-hitched when traveling so the unit can be set up at the campsite and the vehicle can be used to travel around town/sight see without the added weight of the unit (no matter how small). This particular type of RV has not seen the same downturn in sales as the larger, high end models.

Additionally, for those buying on the used market, this may be a better time than ever to be buying. As homeowners across the nation are pinched more and more to make ends meet, many turn to selling their non-essential commodities as a way to make some extra income. RVs are one such commodity that many individuals are hoping to sell. The demand for these RVs is relatively low right now. The demand for luxury items are down across the economic board right now.

Buyers of used luxury products in today’s economic climate are at a distinct advantage. With an obvious lack of demand, RV prices are falling far below the numbers seen a couple years or even several months ago. Dealerships and RV manufacturers offer special deals and incentives to increase sales during times of low sales/demand. If they’re patient, savvy shoppers can find a fantastic deals in the current market.

Americans like to travel. And Americans like to vacation. While current economic times have put a damper on both of these for many, the RV can make a big difference in making travel and vacation a viable option even during financially hard times. They’re budget friendly; they give consumers access to travel without high priced airline tickets or overnight lodging. They even cut back on the sometimes ridiculous cost of feeding your family on the go. So, while now is the best time to buy an RV due to low demand and high supply…it might not be for long. It won’t be long until more and more people start to realize that the RV is the answer when it comes to vacationing and traveling without a high price tag.

Recreational Vehicle Dealership: Shop for the Dealership First

Most people have the tendency to put in some due diligence and do some research before committing to making any major purchase. Buyers rarely purchase the first home that their real estate agent shows. They want to shop the market and see what’s out there. The same holds true when it comes to finding the right recreational vehicle dealership to handle the purchase of a motorhome or travel trailer. There are a number of things that you should take into consideration when selecting the dealership that is going to earn your business.

Getting to the right RV dealership means getting to the dealership that’s willing to work for your business. Expecting them to work for it doesn’t make you difficult; a good dealership expects to work for your business! There are a lot of RV dealerships out there; especially in highly populated areas so you’ve got choices.

First check out their basic company history. Do they have a history? How long have they been in business? This is a particularly appropriate question if you’re talking about used RV dealerships. A history of successful business indicates that they’re doing something right.

Another important issue when it comes to choosing the recreational vehicle dealership is customer service. Do they take care of their customers after the sale? Too often buyers are forgotten about as soon as the keys are handed over. A good dealership realizes that true customer service begins after the sale. Are they going to be there to help you with any problems or questions once you’ve driven off the lot?

Do the salespeople follow the philosophy of salesmanship? The best recreational dealership takes pride in their staff, and if they’re worth their weight in salt, they are going to make sure that their staff is all about earning that customer’s business and has a strong customer service ethic. That dealership owner better realize from the start that his sales staff is a direct reflection of the dealership. If they want to earn your business, the salesperson needs to sell themselves and then sell the dealership before they ever sell the recreational vehicle.

Another feature of a good recreational vehicle dealership is overall presentation. Some aspects include cleanliness and organization. Is the showroom customer friendly? Are there comfortable places to sit while waiting? Is the sales floor clean and polished? Are the restrooms clean and stocked? That may sound silly, but there are some real pig sties out there! Is the lot full of vehicles, or does it at least look they have ample inventory to offer enough choices for their customers? These seemingly small and even insignificant points are tell tale signs that can indicate pride in ownership and how much that dealership is really trying to earn your business.

Motorhome Hire Scotland

Visiting Scotland and hiring a camper van or motorhome is becoming a popular choice for people within and for those who travel to the UK. The reasons are many, but may include the rugged coastline, open wilderness, high mountains and stunning lochs. Here are some routes that take you to the Hebridean islands.

Easy access to the Hebridean Islands is one reason why many people choose to hire a motorhome in Scotland. Glasgow to Oban and then on to one of the main Hebridean islands is a popular route. Glasgow to Oban only takes around 3 hours. Plenty of time to acquaint yourself with the motorhome. You’ll definitely enjoy the Loch Lomond National Park and the welcoming campsites. The fresh air, the relaxed atmosphere and the perspective of adventure are the key ingredients at the beginning of any motorhome trip.

Mull is the second largest Hebridean island and a marvelous motorhomers destination. An abundance of wildlife can be found here. Home to the famous Golden Eagles, you may also see otters, Minke whales and dolphins around the islands. The island is a great place to also get out of the motorhome and take a walk among the peace and quiet of the hills and near deserted bays.

A well known tourist route is to drive along the Mallaig road towards the camping sites of Arisaig, where you will find plenty to see and do. Surrounded by stunning scenery, this area is a must see for all who visit the Hebridean islands.

As we near the end of the tour, take in one last island to complete this tour of the Hebrides. Board the ferry and head on over to Skye, another island full of history. There is the famous Tallisker distillery open for visitors on the island and a large number of sights related to the Gaelic history of the place. After you have seen all that Skye has to offer, take the bridge back to the tour starting point of Glasgow.

The journey back to Glasgow is very scenic and one that you will remember for a long time. Some amazing scenery with the backdrop of impressive mountains and ancient walls. This is a real stop for camper vans, before you enter Loch Lomond Park once more. This is a great route for those new to hiring a campervan for their vacation and for those who have yet to take a tour of the Hebridean Islands.

Making the Decision to Purchase an RV Diesel Pusher

Purchasing a new diesel pusher involves some serious research on the part of the consumer, especially if they are a “first-time” buyer. There are so many choices when it comes to brand and options available on the market, that you owe it to yourself to do the due diligence required to educate yourself before making that purchase. Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started in the right direction. Consider what all a new diesel pusher has to offer when addressing your needs.

If you realize that fuel efficiency and power are two things that separate the diesel pusher from the ordinary gasoline engine, then those two aspects alone should be a heavy influence in the decision making process. This is especially true if a lot of your travels are going to take you through hilly terrain and/or if you plan on doing any towing. This definitely equates to more bang for your buck.

In a matter of luxury, any comparison between the plush class A diesel pusher versus the less well appointed class C will reveal that the amenities are much nicer in the class A and have commanded a large amount of interest from buyers in general. With this extra touch of luxury, traveling with your family will be far easier and more comfortable, making the rough life slightly less rough.

Naturally, a new diesel pusher will be more expensive than a gasoline powered RV, but with a rising level of fuel efficiency, you will be better off and conserve more fuel over the lifetime of the vehicle, making up for the extra cost over time. Naturally, it is a question of budget, but there are many lenders that have financing packages available for diesel pushers that are somewhat favorable and they have done a good job of establishing relationships with local RV dealerships that can help you attain your dream of a diesel pusher motor home.

If you’re not comfortable with the idea of driving such a large piece of machinery, there are classes and instructional driving courses that can help you maneuver safely. In the modern day, manufacturers of motorhomes have added in so much safety equipment and made driving them so easy that there is little extra safety courses or extra steps that you need to take.

Additionally, the floor plans available for utilization is vastly more varied than it used to be, allowing individuals and families to purchase a motorhome that fits the lifestyle of the user. With so many different floor plans to choose from, you will not have a problem suiting your family’s needs.

Pedata RV Center Is Ranked As a Top 10 Holiday Rambler Motorhome Dealer and has amazed its customers with its massive inventory of diesel pushers and RVs available for purchase. With our attention to customer service, we can provide you with all of your RV needs. Since we are one of the nation’s foremost vehicle wholesalers, you can save many thousands of dollars on your RV purchase, whether new used, gas or diesel.

With our tremendous inventory, low prices and commitment to impeccable customer service before, during and after the sale, it is not surprising that we are recognized as one of the top 10 Holiday Rambler dealers. With thousands of RV dealerships competing for the title, it is not easy to stay on top year after year the way that we do.

« Previous Page — Next Page »