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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

Join a RV Chat Room or Forum

While your RV dealership provides excellent services to care for your RV, chat rooms and forums offer the opportunity to join a community of fellow RVers and get an inside perspective on the lifestyle.  The scope of information you can discover on forums extends from candid reviews on campgrounds to discussions regarding troubleshooting problems that involve your model of RV. 

In order to post comments on most of the forums or chat rooms, you must register and create a user name.  The ones we found were free and open to the public, and the best ones have rules that monitor the conduct of its members and reserve the right to remove any inappropriate posts.  As a general rule, the sites cannot be used as a method for selling items and are not open to commercial businesses. 

 

You can join a forum that is dedicated to your particular type of RV such as sites set-up for owners of fifth wheels, Class A or Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, folding trailers, or toy haulers.  The topics covered are extensive and only limited by the questions that members bring to the forum.  Examples of topics on one site for Class A motorhomes included breakdown information, helpful tips for new owners, and a discussion on towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. 

There are also forums that primarily deal with repairs for RVs and provide helpful tips for DIY projects.  Several sites allow you to send in pictures along with a detailed description of an issue to get help with diagnosing and repairing the problem.   

Chat rooms can be live and permit you to converse with someone in real time.  The whole point of both forums and chat rooms is to discover new information, leverage the experience of seasoned RVers, and share tips and ideas to enhance the RV lifestyle.   

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. 

First RV Trip? Start a Checklist

One of the things that seasoned RVers recommend to beginners is that they take the time to plan ahead before setting out on the open road.  This doesn’t mean you have to lose all of the spontaneity of your trip, but it does help to ensure you are prepared for whatever you face along the way.  The best way to start is by making a checklist of everything you want to bring along with you as well as keeping a detailed account of the routes you will be taking and the campgrounds where you plan to stay.  Check out the online reviews to see what kind of reputation the campgrounds have.  Will you get good service? Is it a good value?

Take the time to browse through RV and travel guides and search the Internet to discover useful information about the areas you will be visiting.  Plan to bring along the most up-to-date maps and a GPS if at all possible.  Additionally research various campground locations to get an idea of the amenities they offer and the costs.  Whenever you are given the opportunity, make reservations beforehand.   

If you will be traveling through an area and just require overnight parking, check online for websites that list locations to free or minimal cost parking availability.  Many Walmart stores and other large retailers (no hookups) allow you to park overnight in their parking lots as do many casinos, and some rest areas. 

A good rule for RVers is to be prepared for the unexpected.  As part of the standard supplies in your RV, you should include:

·         Flashlights, batteries, candles, and matches. 

·         A fully stocked first aid kit and insect repellant (bring along an emergency backup supply of all medications).

·         Small tool box equipped with the sort of tools that will help to maintain the safety and wellbeing of your RV and do not forget a tire pressure gauge.

·         Entertainment such as playing cards, games, CDs, books, toys, and DVDs.

·         Cell phone and charger.

·         Emergency contact numbers for family members, doctors, and insurance company. 

 

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. 

Planning a RV Friendly Route

 

Technology has made it easier than ever to conveniently plan a fun-filled, trouble-free RV trip and can help you to avoid any unexpected pitfalls along the way.  These advanced RV route planners can be accessed through the Internet or used on a smartphone or tablet and give you the ability to create a fully customized trip.  The best ones use the most current data available and many offer satellite views of parks and campgrounds.  Rand McNally offers a popular one through the iTunes store.

A RV route planner is a handy tool for both beginner and seasoned RVers and provides an abundant amount of information about the route you wish to travel.  Most allow you to choose options that include taking the scenic route, adding in points of interest along the way, and letting you factor in the amount of miles you want to travel each day.  You can use filters to adjust your route to avoid toll roads, steeply graded mountainous roads, or roads that have narrow bridges, tunnels, or low clearance that may give you trouble. 

Route planners will calculate the distance between your chosen campground sites as well as the distance between gas stations, rest areas, and restaurants along the route.  Generally you have the option of printing out a copy of your route or having it emailed to you.  Some route planners even let you download the pre-planned trip into your GPS. 

Additionally most provide detailed information about campgrounds and the amenities they offer.  Other tools may include calculating mileage and fuel costs along with travel times.  Some RV route planners let you convert an address to or from GPS coordinates to figure out your exact destination.  For the most part, these sophisticated planners can be a big help and provide an opportunity for fully customizing your trip while taking into account a whole host of factors. 

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. 

RV Camping in our National Parks

We are all more than eager to start planning vacation time now that the good weather is finally here.  A popular destination for enjoying our highly diverse, beautiful country is to travel to one of the National Parks, but before you go, be sure to research what each park offers in terms of RV friendly sites.  This is where the Internet can be a great help in providing all kinds of information and tips.  You can even download a free copy of the National Park Service's complete guide to every park, national landmark, and historic site in their system. 

You want to keep in mind that most of the National Parks offer a variety of different camping options.  Some campgrounds accept reservations in advance while others operate on a first-come, first-serve basis (or a combination of the two).  Furthermore some National Park campgrounds do not provide electric, sewer or water hook-ups.  These offer a wonderful rustic camping experience for the whole family, but you will want to be aware of that beforehand so you know what you are getting into and are prepared.

One the easiest way to make your plans is to use one of the online reservation sites for the National Parks.  Reservation.gov handles advance reservations for camping and lodging as well as activities for the National Parks or the U.S. Forest Service that includes 2,500 federal areas and over 60,000 facilities.   The handy search parameters allow you to put in a state or a particular park you wish to visit, the length of your RV, and the dates of your stay.  It brings up a description of each campground in your criteria and tells you whether it has hook-ups, RV sites, available openings, and much more. 

Once you narrow down your selection of a campground, you can read all about the park and the natural features and activities in the area.  There is a map that shows the layout of campground and lets you take a look at a short description of the different campsites.  

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. 

Considering a Class A or Class C Motorhome?

Motorhomes are a preference for many RVers and truly offer a “home” on wheels.  The luxurious amenities available on today’s motorhomes are magnificent and will more than please the most discerning buyer.  Since it is such a sizable investment, it is smart to stick with a quality, brand name and to use a reputable dealer.   

One commonly asked question from those new to RVs is “what is the difference between a Class A or Class C motorhome?”  The easy answer is that a Class A motorhome is considered to be the top-of-the-line and resembles a sleek-looking bus with plenty of windows.  It is the largest sized motorhome on the market and can typically range from 26 to 45 feet long.  Class C motorhomes mostly have a van cab which gives them the appearance of a camper, and they generally range in length from 20 to 32 feet.   

Determining which style best suits your needs depends on several things.  If budget is your primary concern, then a Class C may be the better choice as they are usually more economical than a Class A motorhome.  Another question you might want to consider is how you plan to use the motorhome.  If the motorhome will be used for long, extended stays, then you may want to consider the more sizable Class A that is equipped with features that can provide all the comforts of home. 

Just as there is a difference in size, there is a difference in fuel economy.  Class A motorhomes weigh between 15,000 - 30,000 lbs. while Class C motorhomes are lighter in weight and range from 10,000 to 15,000 lbs.  The weight difference alone gives Class C the edge in better fuel economy.  Other questions to ask yourself are where you are likely to take the motorhome to as many State and National Parks have small campgrounds with narrow access where size may present a problem.  Also do you want a fully winterized vehicle for all-year use?  These questions are just a start of what to consider before you buy, which is why it is a good idea to work with a trusted RV dealership in your area. 

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.