Handy Apps for RVers

 

At Pikes Peak Traveland, we are all avid RVers and try to keep up with the latest technology especially when it involves making traveling in our RVs easier.  Since most of us now have a smart phone, it is worth knowing a few time-saving, convenient apps that are available for Android or iPhone users. 

As most of us have been in the situation where all we need is an overnight spot to park our RV, this Walmart Overnight Parking Locator app can help to save you time by locating such a spot.  It gives you the location of a Walmart anywhere in the U.S. and tells you whether it allows overnight parking in their lot.  The app provides the address and phone number of the particular location you are interested in.  To get it, visit the Google Playstore or the iPhone app store to download the latest edition.       

Another useful tool is the website addresses for locating sanitary RV dumping locations in the U.S. or Canada.  If you just google RV dumping sites, you will bring up a couple of very good websites.  They not only allow you to search by state so you can find the closest one, but provide the dates they are open.  In addition they have information such as whether they are open to non-registered guests, and if there is a fee, and you will know in advance if they have potable and rinse water (non-potable) available.   

Another Android or iPhone app is a locator for truck stops throughout the country.  One of the Android apps lists both independent and chain stops.  It has information on the street address, plus Interstate exits, food service, number of parking places, and RV facilities (special island, dump, propane).  The app will mark your gps location on the map so that you can easily find locations nearby.

For more information on these apps see:

http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2014/02/rv-apps.php

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Looking for Quality Service or Repairs on Your RV?

At Pikes Peak Traveland, we not only sell new and used fifth wheels, travel trailers, motorhomes and more but we also operate one of the top RV service and repair departments in the area.  Regardless of the type of job required, we have the capability to take on very large, complex repair jobs, general maintenance and warranty service as well as hitch and tow package installations.

When needed we are more than happy to provide estimates and will work with your insurance company. Our service department has plenty of experience with large insurance jobs, such as hail damage, water damage, accidents and more. 

The staff is made-up of highly qualified RV technicians that are trained to give you the best service for your RVs.  With today’s modern complexities and the industry’s rapidly changing technologies, it is important to make sure your RV is being serviced by someone who knows and understands the various systems.

Our technicians are constantly learning and researching the latest troubleshoots and with our "never quit" attitude, they work to ensure your RV is fixed right the first time. Whether you need electrical work, satellite system programming, tow bar installation, roof replacement or any other service performed, rest assured we have what it takes to complete the task.

In addition to our reliable repair services, we also offer excellent deals on routine maintenance and tune-ups.   Furthermore if you have never attended one of our spring or fall, Prep Your RV Seminar clinics, you need to make a point to do so.  These seminars are designed to give you all the tips you need to get your RV ready in spring to get back on the road, or come fall, to make sure it is properly winterized.  If you are not interested in doing it yourself, we can provide the service.   

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Buy Any Part You Need Online or in Our Store

As one of Pikes Peak Traveland’s many services, we have made it easy for RV owners to buy parts and accessories for their RVs.  Not only do we own and operate one of the most complete RV parts stores in Southern Colorado, we also run an extensive online retail shop.

Even if you are visiting or live in the Colorado Springs area and plan to shop at our brick and mortar store, you can get a head start by browsing our online store to get an idea of our huge inventory.  The online shop is set up to search by manufacturer, type of part or accessories, or to submit a question regarding your RV to our parts’ professionals.   The categories include: Hitch and Tow, Inside Your RV, Outside Your RV and RV Maintenance.  We even allow you to track your package once you have placed an order. 

In addition to being very convenient, we know that everyone is looking for a good deal so we are pleased to offer Pikes Peak Traveland’s price matching.  It is simple, if you find a part for less at another online site or store, please call us at 719-596-2716 and we will work to match the price.  We do require that price match purchases are done through our store, and we may not be able to extend this offer on certain parts and accessories.

You will find our parts department is staffed by a friendly group of knowledgeable and experienced people who understand RVs.  Furthermore since we specialize in hard to find parts at Pikes Peak, we have a saying that goes, “if we cannot find it, then most likely it is no longer available.”  We welcome you to come and browse through our shop whenever you are in the area and have a cup of coffee on us.  

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Come Meet our Latest Addition – The Four Winds Chateau

It is official! We are a Thor Motor Coach Dealership and Pikes Peak Traveland will carry two of their top-selling models.  The greater Colorado Springs area can now shop conveniently with us for a Four Winds Chateau Class C or a Vegas RUV motorhome. We encourage you to read our blogs to learn more about the exceptional features that have made Thor Motor Coaches one of the best motorhomes on the road.

If you are in the market for a new motorhome, the Four Winds Chateau is a great choice in a Class C and comes in a variety of sizes and multiple floor plans that are sure to fit any lifestyle.  Built with comfort in mind, it is one of the best-selling motorhomes in its class and is smartly designed to deliver unsurpassed space, style and function.

The Four Winds Chateau is built with a Ford or Chevy chassis and comes in a range of sizes from 23 feet right up to 33 feet.  It has a slick fiberglass exterior with a standard graphics package and a 5,000 lb. capacity trailer hitch with a 7-pin round connector.  The large rotocast MEGA-Storage™ compartment ensures you have plenty of space to safely store your extra cargo and the power patio awning with integrated LED lighting gets you outdoors in style.

The floor plans of the Chateau capitalizes on providing living, sleeping and storage space that offer all the comforts of home.  The motorhome is equipped with amenities such as Denver Mattress beds, optional leatherette captain's chairs in the cockpit, and residential vinyl flooring throughout.  For strength and durability, it has a fully welded tubular steel floor system as well as a fully welded tubular aluminum roof and sidewall cage construction.      

The Chateau’s beautifully designed kitchens come with laminate countertops, 6 cu. ft. double door refrigerators in most models, and a 3-burner gas cooktop and microwave oven.  We invite you to come down to Pikes Peak Traveland and take a look at the Thor Motor Coach’s beautiful Four Winds Chateau Class C or the Vegas RUV motorhomes.

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

The Latest News from Pikes Peak Traveland

There have been several interesting new developments at Pikes Peak Traveland over the last couple of months.  One piece of news is we are now an official dealership for Thor Motor Coach and we will carry two of their top-selling models, the Four Winds Chateau Class C and the Vegas RUV Class A motorhomes.  Another exciting additional to our inventory is the newly designed Open Range’s Light series 5^th wheel and travel trailer as well as we have brought back the newest, up-dated KZ’s 5^th Wheel Durangos.

The new Open Range’s Light series offer the ultimate value in lightweight towing complete with all of the luxurious features found in traditional travel trailers or 5^th wheels.  It is specifically designed for late-model half-ton pick-ups, and the units provide more room and less weight than any other comparable brands on the market.  The extraordinary Light series is a 4-season unit that is loaded with high-end amenities and a choice of some exceptional floor plans.  You really need to see one to get an idea of the beautiful, well-laid out comfort these RVs offer. 

Another addition to Pikes Peak Traveland’s inventory is we have brought back the newly designed Durango 1500 5^th wheel as well as the Durango Gold that represents their higher-end offering.  There have been several updated changes and advancements made to the KZ’s that should resonate with customers.  The Gold offers increased livability and luxurious design features that are sure to please. 

We encourage you to come in and see the great deals we are currently offering in our Fall Blowout Deals sale.  While you are here, take a look at the Thor Motor Coach’s beautiful Four Winds Chateau Class C and Vegas Class A motorhomes as well as the beautiful new Open Range’s and KZ 5^th Wheels we now have in inventory.

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

It’s Official – We are a Thor Motor Coach Dealership

Pikes Peak Traveland is pleased to announce that we are now an official Thor Motor Coach dealership.  This is exciting news for us and for our customers in and around the greater Colorado Springs area as Thor manufactures beautiful motorhomes.  Our dealership will carry the Four Winds Chateau Class C and the Vegas RUV.  Over the next two blogs we will share some of the exceptional features that help to make a Thor Motor Coach one of the best on the road.

The Vegas RUV is a new class of vehicle recently introduced by Thor that is a recreational utility vehicle, hence the term RUV.  The Vegas comes fully equipped with all of the amenities to make traveling fun and easy and offers a smaller, more compact design. This also means it is a more fuel efficient motorhome. 

While the Vegas is somewhat like a Class C motorhome, it is technically considered a Class A and is built on a Ford E-350 chassis with a 6.8L Triton V10 engine.  It has a 5,000-lb towing capacity trailer hitch and a fully welded tubular steel floor system and fully welded tubular aluminum roof and sidewall cage construction to ensure durability.  With heated/remote exterior mirrors, reclining/swivel leatherette captain's chairs, integrated side view cameras and 16" tires with stainless steel wheels, just to name a few of the features, this is a premier motorhome that is built to ensure your upmost comfort while driving or relaxing in it.  

Although it is 25 ft. 6 in. - 26 ft. 6 in. in length, the Vegas boasts smartly-designed floor plans that feel very spacious and an exterior rear MEGA-Storage™ Compartment.  The motorhome comes standard with leatherette furniture, 3-burner gas cooktop and a convection microwave oven.  It is equipped with an LED TV and DVD player and offers an optional exterior 32” LED TV.  From its great looking exterior to a beautifully decorated interior, the new Vegas RUV is one you need to come in and take a look at.

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

What to Look for When Buying a Used Travel Trailer

 

If you are thinking about purchasing a used travel trailer, there are several things you need to inspect to make sure you know what you are buying.  The good news is that it is easier to buy a used trailer than a used motorhome as you will not have to take into account the engine and drive train.

One of the first things to look for in a used travel trailer or fifth wheel is for any sign of water damage or leaks.  Visually inspect the trailer’s interior for water stains, soft spots or peeling wallpaper and focus on ceiling corners, around the windows and along the sides of the floor.  Open all of the closets, cabinets, and drawers to make sure they are free of dry rot.  Check windows to make sure they open and close properly as well as the door. 

Now get out and look at the siding for signs of any separation or loose panels and the roof for any obvious damage.  Examine the seals on the roof to make sure they are in good shape.  Take a look underneath the trailer to check out the condition of the frame.  You do not want to buy a trailer that has a badly rusted frame or cracks, broken welds or impact damage.  In fact once you buy, it is a good idea to have the wheel bearings inspected and repacked if it hasn’t been done recently, and while you are at it, have the electric brake system checked out. 

Another thing you want to look at in a used trailer is that the appliances are clean and in working order.  When you buy from a dealer, make sure it is part of your sales agreement that everything is in good working order including the water heater, water pump, water lines, furnace and A/C. 

Keep in mind that buying a used RV from a reputable dealer may be your best assurance that you are getting a quality travel trailer that has already been inspected and serviced.   A high-quality RV dealer should be staffed by RV certified and master certified technicians and will be able to provide any additional services you may require on the RV. 

Sources:

rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/06/used_travel_trailer_fifth_whee.php,  rvforum.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=428:buying-used-trailer-or-fiver&catid=38:buying-an-rv

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

History of the Travel Trailer

At Pikes Peak Traveland, we have served the greater Colorado Springs area since 1982 and have seen trends in the RV industry come and go.  It got us thinking about the history of travel trailers and the evolution of the “home on wheels” over the last hundred years.  

The travel trailer has its origins from the caravans of the Romani people, known as Gypsies that spent most of their lives traveling around Europe in horse drawn caravans.  In 1880 the first leisure trailer was built by the Bristol Carriage Company and was 18 feet long.  It was bought by a famous author of teenage fiction, Dr. William Gordon Stables, who traveled throughout England in it and later wrote a book detailing his travels. 

In America as cars became more affordable and more roads were built during the 1920’s, travel trailers were introduced to the public and their owners become known as ‘tin can tourists'.  The popularity of travel trailers continued to increase as they became better designed and more livable (now called house trailers) and partly due to the development of the National Parks system.  People now had a new destination to take their travel trailers.

For those interested in the history of the RV industry, you may want to consider a trip to The RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s RVs Founders Hall in Elkhart Indiana.  The Hall is open to the public and displays trailers, photos, and memorabilia dating back to the 1920's and 30's.  The museum takes you through the chronological and technological advancements of the industry from before WW I to the present day.

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation also maintains a library that archives thousands of volumes of periodicals, records, and photos of the history of the RV/MH industry.  It is the only library that is dedicated entirely to the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.

Sources:  rvmhhalloffame.org/museuminv.cfm, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_trailer

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Safety Upgrades for Travel Trailers

 

If you own a travel trailer, there are some simple upgrades you can do to help ensure your valuables and trailer is protected from theft.   Thankfully it is not very common but trailers have been driven away by complete strangers as well as belongings stolen from storage compartments when a trailer is parked in a campground or even when stored for the winter. 

One of the things you may want to consider is a trailer hitch lock that is specifically designed to prevent theft.  The lock clamps into the coupler and prevents your hitch from going over any size ball.  If you buy one, make sure it completely covers the coupler so it cannot be lowered over a ball.  

If you don’t want to bother to get a trailer hitch lock, you should at least run a cable lock system through the wheels on one side in order to lock them together.  Once you have prevented the wheels from moving, no one is going to be able to move your trailer either.   

Another thing you may not be aware of is that the valuables in your storage container might not be as safe from theft as you think.  Many storage containers have a generic lock and key system that is used on up to 75% of the travel trailers on the road.  Add to that fact, master keys for the units are easy to obtain at dealerships.  To find out if you have one of these commonly keyed storage compartments, check to see if your locks and keys have CH751 printed on them.  If they do, think about replacing the locks. 

The good news is that several manufacturers have addressed the problem with a wide variety of high-quality locks.  The new locks are fairly easy to install or you could have it done by your dealer.  In addition you can find them at most RV dealerships’ parts and accessories store or online. 

Source:  rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2011/02/rv_locks.php

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Why Get a Travel Trailer?

We understand that a RV is a large investment so you want to make sure you get it right.  Although according a recent study conducted by the University of Michigan, “Seventy percent of current RV owners plan to purchase another RV to replace their current unit in the future”.  So while it is probably true that this will not be your last RV, you will still want to find the perfect fit for your needs right now and a travel trailer may be it.  They make up an impressive 80% of all towable RV sales. 

While each style of RV has pros and cons, the travel trailer has its advantages.  To start with, a travel trailer is typically less expensive and requires less costly maintenance and upkeep than a motorhome.  In addition many of today’s trailers can be towed with a SUV or van but you do need to buy a trailer in the weight range of your tow vehicle unless you have decided to purchase a new vehicle.  Keep in mind many larger travel trailers will require a truck to tow. 

A lot of what determines the RV you buy should be the type of activities you intend to do with it.  For families that want to purchase a RV to use for camping trips, a travel trailer makes a lot of sense.  You can just pull them into a campground, park it, and then enjoy all the amenities of your “home”. 

The tow vehicle is easily unhooked and now provides a convenient way to get around.   With a motorhome, if you are not going to just park your RV and stay put, you will need to pull a vehicle behind for the times when you want to get out and sightsee or run to the store for supplies.  Additionally a typical tow vehicle and travel trailer will get better gas mileage than a motorhome. 

Source:

rvia.org/?ESID=trends

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

A Top Name in Travel Trailers

Even though we have sold the best names in new and used RVs to the Colorado Springs area since 1982, we are really excited about some of the new travel trailers we have recently added to our inventory.  Early last year we partnered with KZ Recreational Vehicles to become a dealer and continue to carry a good selection of their top-quality KZ travel trailers.

So what helps to set KZ travel trailers apart from some of the other names in travel trailers?  The KZ Company, which is located in Indiana, has every part of their RVs built by regional craftsmen or carefully selected from a reliable source.  The company’s philosophy is to build each RV as if it was being built for their own families. Benefits such as easy to buy replacement parts and good warranties have helped the company to acquire a group of loyal customers and repeat buyers.

Currently at Pikes Peak Traveland we carry the KZ Sportsmen Show Stopper, the Spree, the Spree Connect and the Spree Escape.  The Spree and the Spree Connect are both backed by KZ’s two-year warranty.  To give you an idea of the quality, the Spree Connect has amenities such as a comfortable queen-size bed, extra-large bunk beds, a great kitchen design with plenty of storage, and beautifully glazed hardwood cabinet doors.  The trailers range in sizes from 23’ 7” to 35’ 6”, and with 13 floor plans to choose from, you are sure to find one that works for your family.  Also the contrasting wood plank flooring makes this an extremely well-designed unit.

Another model we are pleased to carry is the KZ Sportsmen Show Stopper.  This trailer is a tremendous value in overall quality, price, and innovative features, and also offers the big bunks that sleep up to eight comfortably.  The living area in the trailer is enhanced by large slide-outs to create the perfect entertainment space for family and friends.

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

New Trends in Travel Trailers

 

 

For those that have never shopped for a travel trailer or if it has been some time ago, you will be glad to hear they just keep getting better.  Today’s travel trailers offer more amenities than ever and continue to make better use of the available space while adding many practical, money-saving features. 

One of the latest trends displayed at a recent RV trade show in Louisville, Kentucky was an outdoor kitchen designed primarily for travel trailers and fifth wheels.  The kitchens were fully equipped with a sink, small refrigerator and stove top or grill.  Believe it or not, a few models even came with a flat screen TV.

Another new trend found at the show was an add-on outdoor deck made from interlocking flooring of laminate or teak.  Similar models had a retractable mat that was used to make a patio floor.  Both options came with a convenient storage container.  In addition several companies featured porches that are attached to the side of a trailer and accessed through a door wall in the master bedroom. 

If you are in the market for a new travel trailer and think there is a good chance you will upgrade it in a few years, keep in mind that several features can add to the resale value down the road.  Slideouts are one example of this as they may bring a higher resale price than trailers without one, and even though they cost more initially, they generally are worth the investment. 

 

Also you will find that green technologies such as solar panels, RV wind turbine-powered electrical systems, and other energy-efficient components are increasing in their popularity.  There is even a travel trailer designed with a radiant heat system to name but a few of the latest, innovative trends in the RV industry.  

Sources:

theseattlervshow.com/blog/trends-for-2014/

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Solar Power Your RV

Do you want to try and get off the grid or at the very least save some money?  Now that solar power is becoming mainstream there are more options than ever available for RVs.  An RV solar system can help to reduce the time that you live off of your generator and is a great solution for people that boondock or just want to go “green”. 

A big advantage to solar-power systems is that they have no moving parts and require very little maintenance.  They are safe and reliable and do not create the noise or smell of a generator.  Furthermore you decide how big of a system you want and how much you want to spend.  Solar can be used to power just a few devices or to completely power the RV. 

So what does a solar-powered system consist of?  RV systems will have one or more solar panels, a charge controller, batteries and the parts required for installation and hookup.  An article from Trailerlife.com explains that solar panels are rated by their watts of output and that the “wattage rating is determined by multiplying the panel’s peak power voltage by its peak power amperage.”

You may wonder how big of a system you need to power your RV.  To find out how much energy you use, one of the leading RV solar providers recommends that you boondock your RV and do not use the AC generator or shorepower.  Now under normal usage see how long it takes to run your batteries down.  The company takes that information and calculates approximately how many amp-hours you consumed on an average day and how many solar panels would be required to provide the same energy.  They estimate that the average RV consumes between 75 and 150 amp-hours of energy a day.

Sources:

trailerlife.com/camper-trailer-news/trailer-gear/rv-solar-power/

amsolar.com/home/amr/page_19

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

Can You Afford to Be a Fulltime RVer?

While it is certainly not for everyone, some people dream of the day they can take their RV on the open road and not look back.  Making the move to become a fulltime RVer can be an experience of a lifetime but is something that should be thought out carefully beforehand. 

One of the first things to consider is can you afford it.  Today many people work remotely and have the ability to still make an income while on the road.  If that is your situation, than affordability may not be an issue.  For others, if you are retired or do not plan to work, you need to take into account the money you have coming from pensions, other income, or social security.

Your living expenses should be less than what you paid to live in a traditional home as you will not have property taxes, HOA dues, and utility bills but you do need to figure how much it will cost.  If you still owe money on your RV or vehicle, you need to include that cost into your living expenses.  Also add in insurance, health care, membership fees, cell phones, and other monthly commitments. 

Look over past grocery bills to estimate how much you spend on food.  Include in your budget money for entertainment, clothes, laundry, mail forwarding and miscellaneous expenses.  You will also need to have money earmarked for maintenance on your RV and vehicle and annual registration fees. 

Now add in cost for gas, propane, and camping fees.  Both camping fees and fuel costs will fluctuate with where you stay and the miles you travel.  In addition cost will vary as to the type of lifestyle you live and many of these decisions will be based on your income.

It is helpful to research other people’s experience with RVing fulltime.  You can check out forums, blogs, and chatrooms on the Internet or get books.  One tip an RVer mentioned that may seem obvious but is sometimes forgotten is to remember to take your time.  There is no hurry and staying in a place for a while actually can save you money by reducing gas consumption and other travel expenses. 

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.  

Save Money by Boondocking

For those that are new to the RV lifestyle, the term boondocking may be unfamiliar.  It is sometimes referred to as dry camping, but simply means to park your RV in a location that has few or no amenities.  This can be done as a quick one or two night stop or something that is done in a more deliberate manner over a longer period of time.  The obvious advantage is that it is generally free or costs very little as compared to a full service campground. 

Often quick, overnight parking is something you do when you are on your way to someplace and require a stop in-between your destination.  You can find information on free (or for a small fee) RV parking with few or no amenities on the Internet or in RV magazines.  Examples of this type of accommodations are truck stops, malls, restaurants, casinos, and some rest areas.   Keep in mind that many of these spots are not places to bring out the awning, lawn chairs and other equipment to clutter up the lot. 

The other type of boondocking is when RVers make the decision to deliberately set up camp in an area that does not offer any services.  These are often beautiful, out of the way locations that are not within an organized park or facility.  To find such a location, you can contact a US National Park Service, National Forest Service, or a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office to see if they have suggestions.  Additionally, these agencies publish maps that are on the Internet.

There are also a couple of directory services and guidebooks that specialize in providing good boondocking locations or you can use detailed maps to find places.  It can be a fun alternative to staying in campgrounds but is challenging as you may need to learn how to conserve your water and energy resources. 

Sources:

http://roadslesstraveled.us/boondocking/

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

What to Do When Your RV Breaks Down

Any time you experience a breakdown on the road it is not a good thing but when it is your RV, it can be an even bigger deal.  One thing an owner can do to try and prevent a roadside breakdown before it occurs is to keep up with routine maintenance and not put off any needed repairs.  Get in the habit of taking the RV to your dealership to have the yearly tune-ups and service done by their experienced, certified RV mechanics.   

Do keep in mind that if you do have a breakdown and call for roadside assistance; be sure to let them know the type of RV you have as it will require special equipment to tow it.  Now the next question is where do you tow it to have the work done?  If you own a Class A motorhome with a diesel engine you can have it brought in to a repair shop that works on trucks.  Basically what you are looking for is the services of a qualified, heavy-duty diesel mechanic. 

For a Class C or gas-fueled Class A motorhome, an auto service center or car dealership should be able to handle the repairs.  If you have a travel trailer that has broken down, it may be something to do with the wheel bearings, axle, or lights.  This type of work can be handled by most any repair shop.   

As a precautionary measure, many RV owners opt to purchase a separate insurance policy to cover towing fees for the RV in the event of a breakdown.  At Pikes Peak Traveland, we offer customers the opportunity to join our new 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Technical Support program known as Roadside/Tech24.  Once you become an RV Club or Roadside/Tech24 member, you will enjoy a 10% discount on every night you camp at a KOA campground, the world's largest network of family-friendly campgrounds.

Source:

http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/08/rv_roadside_assistance.php

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Tips for Towing a Travel Trailer

Particularly for new RV owners or when using a different tow vehicle, it is a good idea to review tips on how to safely tow a travel trailer as the experience can be like learning to drive all over again.  Experts recommend that you take the time beforehand to practice maneuvering the RV in a parking lot to go over basics such as parking, backing up, and making turns.  One thing to remember is every maneuver you make should be done in a deliberate manner.  Try to eliminate any sudden moves and consciously be aware of the weight you are pulling behind you. 

Check to make sure your tow hitch is rated to handle the weight of your trailer.  If not, be sure to replace it with a higher class hitch.  The California Department of Motor Vehicles has published a helpful pre-trip inspection checklist that drivers should go over before getting on the road and towing a travel trailer.  Their recommendations are to make sure that:

·         The pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact.

·         The hitch coupler is secured.

·         Spring bar hinges are tight with the safety clips in place (load equalizer or weight distributing hitches).

·         Safety chains are properly attached.

·         The electrical plug is properly installed.

Another suggestion from experienced RV drivers is to have your brakes inspected by a mechanic a few weeks before your trip as they are an essential part of your safe driving.  Once on the road, be sure to allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you to give yourself adequate time to stop.  Additionally if your trip will take you through steeply graded roads, downshift the vehicle while going both up and down hills as well as lower your speed. 

Sources:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/vehicle-towing/trailer/travel-trailer-towing2.htm

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs forsale.