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.