motor home : RV Motorhomes

rv motor homes have changed the traveling experience for a lot of families. In the past, RV's have conjured images of retirees on road trips. Today, with modern advance in RVs and motorhome features, traveling has become a real adventure and quite pleasant. RVing has emerged as a popular hobby among all adult age groups, and spans the urban sports tailgate party to boondocking wilderness adventures.

RVing experience has gained appeal among the young as modern recreational vehicles accommodate many contemporary features such as DVD players, GPS, satellite phones and satellite TV. RVs are also available in a growing number of types and designs, though still generally intended as a temporary living quarters during recreational outings, road trips or seasonal use. The most common types of RV's are:

 Motor homes
 Travel trailers
 Folding or popup campers and
 Truck campers

rv motorhomes, as the name implies, have their own motor power, and come in three classess; A, B, and C. More and more families are choosing to rent an rv motorhome for vacation due to the freedom, heightened travel experience and money savings they may offer. Savings in air travel, rental cars, hotels and restaurant dining can significant, based on the duration and number of individuals traveling. RV's are ideally suited for tours having ample windows and seating and can get close to the action! In addition, rv parks commonly offer cable TV and wireless internet, and some State and National Parks offer free rv hookups for water and electricity.

The range of rv accessories that can beautify and advance comfort of your rv motorhome can fit any budget and convenience. You can include the following accessories inside and outside your rv Motorhome: awnings, grills, ladders, tents and camping gear, screens and shades, kitchen implements, bedding, multiuse furnishings, outdoor lightning. For maintaining and driving your rv motorhome efficiently, there are accessories available for; sanitation, electric generators, fans and vents, air conditioners, cleaning systems, jacks and leveling, repair tools, electronics and mirrors.

If you are planning to buy a rv Motorhome then you will find prices anywhere from $10k to $200K depending on type, size and amenities. However, there are many used rv deals to be found, some used very little and maintained in excellent condition. Lots of financing and insurance is available specifically for motorhomes. It is imperative for you to get your rv Motorhome insured and required in most states where registered. You can also sell your old vehicle and get a new rv Motorhome at good rates with the help of the financers. So you can really relax, insurance companies and travel services also provide emergency roadside services that extended to some surprising locations!

by Paul Stratford

motor home : Finding The Best Motor Homes For Sale

There are some things you need to know before buying motor homes. motor homes or motorized recreational vehicles (RVs) come in different classes. Two of those classes are usually confused with each other, those being class A and class C motor homes. It's essential to look at the physical appearance of the motor home in order to determine whether it is class A or class C. Class A motor homes resemble a bus design with a flat or vertical front end and large windows while hand class C motor homes have a truck cab with an over-cab bed, in some ways resembling a camper.

Considered to be top of the line, Class A motor homes measure at about 24 feet or 7.3 meters and can be as long as 40 feet or 12 meters. Their weight can range between 15,000 to 30,000 pounds or 6,804 to 13, 608 kg; the undercarriage may be custom or a 3 to 10 ton truck chassis. Class A motor homes come with each of the luxury amenities you can fathom like a kitchen, a bathroom with shower and a tub, and sometimes a separate bedroom at the back depending o the floor plan of the truck. They also have heating and air conditioning, hot and cold running water, 100-125 volt electrical system, a dinette or living room area complete with couch and recliners, closets and an entertainment center. This is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, some of these motor homes can be more elaborate than homes themselves.

Class A motor homes are usually utilized by famous bands especially when they are in tour. There are also some rich families that own Class A motor homes for vacation and travel. A Class A motor home is perfect for those who can afford its high cost. Most Class A motor homes have all leather interior, a wet bar, big screen TVs, an advanced sound system and other high technology that may not be available to lower income families.

Depending on the model and the floor plan a class A RV can accommodate up to 8 people. But all of this luxury comes at a price. New, lower-end models are sold at up to $50,000 US dollars while larger and much nicer class A RVs can even cost more than any house in many states coming in at about $300,000+. Class A RVs are really very expensive; in fact even used class A RV can still be sold for $30,000-$40,000. If you prefer luxury lines, you may start saving about $325,000 up to over $1 million if you prefer the crème de la crème of all RVs.

Last but not least are Class C motor homes. Class C motor homes can also come in very luxurious models or more economical ones depending on your budget. They are much lighter in weight, ranging only from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and generally run from just under 20 to 44 feet in length. They are constructed on cutaway chassis depending on the model. The cab is usually similar to that of the truck with a bunk above plus a rear bedroom. Just like the class A, Class C motor homes have all the amenities of home including kitchen, bathroom, dinette, heating and air conditioning system, and an entertainment center for additional cost.

Dinettes are not always present in class C motor homes and if ever there is one included, it usually converts into a double bed. If a dinette is not present, two captain chairs are available instead. Sometimes, the motor homes contain a couch and chairs instead of captain chairs. The couch may also be turned into a sleeper couch.

Because of the overcab bed, a Class C motor home can sleep more than a comparable Class A motor home, accommodating up to 10 people are accommodated. The cost of class C motor homes ranges from $50,000 to $170,000.

The common features of Class A and Class C motor homes are their slide-out wherein with a simple touch of a button the wall of the living room expands outwards to extend the living space by several inches.

Another type of motor home is the Class B which is usually referred to as van conversion. Class B motor homes look like pop-top camper vans and are self contained but cramped compared to their big motor home counterparts. The advantage of purchasing a Class B motor home is in terms of handling and size that is if you don't want spacious motor home. They are usually promoted as a place to sleep more than what is deemed comfortable by most people. The class B motor home can also be used as a second car. Its price ranges from $38,000 to $75,000.

motor homes are great for camping, road trips, or just simply living in style. If you are interested in purchasing a motor home, it is definitely wise to take time to do some comparison shopping and research as these motor homes can prove to be very expensive.

by Jo Williams

motor home : Buy motor home parts

Finding motor home parts can be somewhat tedious. There are so many places that offer automotive supplies and yet don't offer accessories and supplies for RV's. With the development and growth of internet online shopping the whole task has become much simplified for those of us looking for motor home parts.

The various categories and brands available to choose from are outstanding. We can buy audio and video systems, electrical, electronic, exterior, exhaust, performance, suspension, steering parts and accessories.

You'll also be able to find those special tool items for your motor home needs things like pressure washers, air compressors, tire gauges and even repair kits for damaged fan belts. If you've ever been stranded 150 miles in the middle of the desert you'll really come to appreciate the specialty products that can purchased for the motorhome.

The interior accessories are what's really fun so put a lock on your wallet as you breeze through the site with your favorite beverage. You'll have fun because of the many items you could actually use. Portable vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, map lights, water conditioners, ceiling fans, windshield covers, utility trays, digital refrigerator monitor and clock are some of the few that come to mind.

by Rolf Rasmusson

motor home : Motor Home Specialist!

Since 1995 Motor Home Specialist has grown from handling just a few pre-owned RVs, to becoming the # 1 Travel Supreme dealer in the nation with over 30 million dollars in annual sales. We are family owned and operated are proud to offer not only the finest Travel Supreme Line-Up anywhere, but also the incredibly luxurious Blue Bird Bus Conversion, Alpine Coach, Safari by Monaco , Gulf Stream , Alfa, Sportscoach and have also become Beaver Coach's newest "Top Ten" dealer. Our luxury diesel line-up, along with our extensive selection of class A and class C gas products, gives us one of the largest and best selections anywhere in the nation.

Along with superior new and pre-owned coaches, we feature a state-of-the-art service and delivery center that is truly first rate. It includes such amenities as a private entrance, 11 climate controlled service bays, and a relaxing customer waiting and dining area complete with a full kitchen and plasma TVs. For added comfort and convenience we have added 21 concrete delivery pads with full hook-ups for your new RV and 50amp service for your trade in if needed. These are available for both new and pre-owned coach customers.

Another great service at Motor Home Specialist is our 5%* consignment program. We have expanded the area to include over 250 spaces, each with 50amp service to keep the units climate controlled during business hours for easy viewing. We offer a great alternative to selling your RV on your own.

If you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, you'll find our web-site extremely user friendly and informative. It includes actual photos of the units, complete details of options, features, and prices. You can always rest assured that the inventory is current as it is updated daily.

Being family owned with a no commission sales staff makes shopping with Motor Home Specialist relaxed and low pressured. We have over 22 acres of quality new and pre-owned coaches as well as innovative, customer oriented facilities. Each coach is opened daily and set up with the slides out, color flyers with prices, and complimentary bottled water in each.

We are conveniently located off of I-35W in Alvarado, just 20 minutes South of Fort Worth. Look for the huge American flag and our full color L.E.D. reader board.

http://www.mhsrv.com/

motor home : Travel is a dream

Rich Experiences Are Still Affordable. RV travel is a dream of many families, retired couples, or just about anyone that wants to experience the freedom and flexibility to journey and explore the great natural beauty of the United States, Canada, the exotic islands of Hawaii, and Europe.

Bates, in business since 1973, extends your expectation in quality and service through our network of locations in the United States and Canada.

The Website incorporates RV rentals, campground reservations, franchise opportunities and RV Revenue Options. Enjoy and Explore!
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Bates RV rental network! RV rentals are one of the most exciting segments of the industry! In today’s dynamic global marketplace, RV’s are a vital part of Travel/Tourism.

The RV rental industry in 2001 was approximately 4.53 billion dollars and senior analysts predict a steady growth over the next ten years.

Our company is the result of 30 years of development by a team that represents more than a century of travel business experience. The company has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, RV News, Entrepreneur, Time-Life Books, Motor Home Magazine, RV Business, Woman Magazine and many more. In 1997, Inc. Magazine bestowed recognition on the Company for its innovative marketing ideas with an Inc. Marketing Award.

Bates continues to develop a distinguished list of rental clientele that include, to name a few, the following: Utah Public Safety Command (2002 Winter Olympics), Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, Life Styles of the Rich and Famous, American Broadcasting Company (ABC), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, Goodyear Tire, and Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

We appreciate your business. We look forward to assisting you in your RV travel and campground arrangements. Remember -- as long as there are great roads that stretch out in the distance, regions left unseen, and mountain ranges to be climbed -- Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc. will be here to take you there!

Bates International © 2006 | All Rights Reserved.

motor home : New Zealand motor home

With Affordable Motorhome and car rentals, you can experience a relaxing New Zealand motor home holiday with plenty of time to enjoy all of New Zealand's superb natural and cultural beauty with a caring family business.

See our beautiful land of national parks, glaciers, thermal springs, stunning winetrails, and amazing art galleries, cafès and restaurants. See our gorgous beaches with slivery, golden, white or black sand. If you like suffing, swimming (with either humans, dolphins or seals), sunbathering or whalewatching, there is a beach to suit you!

With Affordable Motorhome and Car Rentals experience the total satisfaction of traveling in quality motorhomes/campervans/R.Vs at a reasonable cheap price.

Enjoy New Zealand with the freedom of a motor home
Enjoy the freedom of built-in transportation and accommodation with a motor home / camper van / R.V. You'll be able to go where you want, when you want, and are free to see as many new places as you like, in the comfort of one of our fully equipped motorhomes.

Our motor homes are now built by us within our family business. Your comfort assured and the motorhomes are built for more self reliance, with such items as independent heating and solar power panels.

Our office is located in Christchurch, but we have depots in both Auckland and Christchurch for easy service needs, thus omitting one way hire chargers for our client. We offer a shuttle service to and from the Auckland Airport or your Central City accommodation to our depot.

In Christchurch we will happily collect you from the airport or the city, to take you to our depot where your fully equipped motorhome will be waiting for you. We are happy to arrange pick-up and drop-off locations for your motorhome hoilday to suit your requirements, for example, Greymouth, Picton, or Queenstown (relocation fees may apply).

We offer motorhomes/campervans/R.Vs in a varirty of sizes and styles at resonable prices and with personal service. Our prices range from $35.00 (for a Standard 2-Berth in the low season) to $290.00 (for a 6-Berth in the high season). These prices are per day and all include unlimited mileage, diesel tax, NZ GST and standard insurance.

We also have a riverside apartment in Christchurch, that can accommadate up to 5 people, and includes one of our rental cars at no extra cost.

Affordable Motorhome and Car Rentals have a competitive pricing structure, and you deal directly with the owners of a family owned business. Please fill in our quotation form to obtainthe best pricefor your motorhome/campervan/R.V, i.e. long term discounts, relocation specials, and the riverside apartment.

© 2006 Affordable Motor Home Rentals. All rights reserved.

motor home : An Elite Class

Are you thinking about buying a Class A motor home? If you are, then you are probably aware that motorized RVs are classified into 3 different classes-A, B, and C and that each Class has different characteristics and unique features. The Class A motor home is the biggest motor home on the market and it is sometimes considered the most luxurious as well. It has the biggest engine as well. It is can be called a motor coach. A diesel pusher is another name for a diesel powered Class A motor home.

The Class A motor home can be between 24 and 40 feet long-but most of them are over 30 feet long. To fit the definition of a Class A, an RV must have some certain features-namely, a cockpit, a living area, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. You may be wondering how all of these fit in one RV. But, actually most RVs make quite a good use of the space available to them. With hideaway beds and convertible furniture, you can sleep up to 8 people in some Class A motor home models. Another feature that adds quite a bit of space to some RVs is slide outs. Slide outs are motorized extensions which add up to 3 feet to certain areas of the RV. Some RVs have only one, while others have multiple slide outs. This increases the living space on a Class A motor home considerably. An awning on the outside can also give you the illusion of more outdoor living space.

The features in a Class A are what individualizes it. You can make it as basic as you choose, but you can also add features such as ceramic tile, hardwood floors and cabinetry, and even a hot tub. The furnishings can be simple or designer fabrics or even leather. Entertainment centers range from a simple television and stereo, to a couple of flat screen TVs with satellite and an outdoor sound system. Safety features can include a rear view video camera with audio capabilities, audible back up warning signal, adjustable seats and power mirrors.

by Eriani Doyel

motor home : RVing and Boondocking

An inexpensive form of RVing is called boondocking, and is a great way to save money when living a life on the road. Boondocking is a term that refers to a free or very inexpensive place to stay overnight. In today’s world of RVing where gas and other necessities have rising prices, boondocking has proven beneficial. As you grow more experienced with this form of RVing, you will learn the safe locations to park your motor home overnight and the places where you are not welcome. The following guidelines will help you become familiar with RVing and boondocking.

1. Self-sufficiency: When RVing, especially when boondocking, being self-sufficient is key. You need to know how to dry camp, which means you have to have all the electricity and water you may need with you. Remember, the longer the RVing trip you will be on, you will have to be able to maintain yourself and your RV for a longer time.

2. Be Courteous: RVing and boondocking means you will be staying on someone else’s property, so it is better for you to blend in with the surroundings. In other words, be courteous and respectful to their property and don’t pull out the barbecue pit or lawn chairs when making yourself at home.

3. Inexpensive, not Free: Boondocking is an inexpensive form of RVing, not a free form. There are a few campgrounds that offer free hookups, but not many. With this type of RVing you are staying overnight in a parking lot with nothing to be of assistance to you, you must realize you will still have to run your generator for air, water heater, and other reasons.

4. Farther may not mean cheaper!: As you travel in your motor home and are looking for camping locations to boondock, take some time to assess the entire situation. A free campground may actually be farther away from your day trip destinations or attractions, so you will have to spend more on gas traveling to and from the activities you want to participate in.

5. Boondocking and eating: Try to utilize as many disposable utensils, plates, cups and cookware that you can when boondocking. If you do this, as well as invest in frozen T.V. dinners, you will save on electricity and water in food preparation. Make sure you use the proper receptacles when cleaning up, and leave the area as clean as it was when you arrived…if not cleaner!

6. Turn off “power drains”: When you are not using your water heater, for example, turn off the source to save electricity.

7. Make sure you are welcome: This is one of the most important factors to consider when camping and boondocking in your recreational vehicle. You can look online for guides, as well as published and printed literature for frequently updated information about locations and parking lots that welcome you and your RV. You will also be able to find a list of sites that do not welcome motor homes. For example, NOT all Wal Marts welcome RVers!

By Eriani Doyel

motor home : Getting What You Want

The motor home sales market is better than ever. Families and couples from all areas and of all ages are discovering what makes RVing so popular. However, with the price of gas and other items on the rise, it is also important to these buyers that they are treated fairly in a motor home sales experience. They want the motor home that they are buying at a good price with a financing package to match. They don’t want to be pushed around by sales people and cornered into a motor home that they don’t want.

Whether you visit a motor home sales site online or you visit a dealership, you should have an idea of what you want. This means that you should know the difference between a Class A, Class B, and a Class C motor home. You may also want to know which features are most important to you and which don’t matter when you visit a motor home sales office or site.

No matter what kind of motor home you want to purchase, you may be most concerned about the financing. This is the most stressful part of motor home sales for most buyers. However, there are things that you can do to prepare yourself. Online you will find many sites including motor home sales sites which offer motor home financing and tools to help you get that financing. They have online loan calculators which will give you a rough estimate of what your monthly payment will be.

Once you have an idea of how much you can afford for a motor home, you can apply for loan pre-approval. This makes the whole process of buying a motor home much easier and less stressful. You know how much you can afford and the dealership knows what to show you.

When you purchase a motor home, you are purchasing a dealer too. The dealer that you choose will have a great influence on the type of loan you get and the customer service and maintenance after the sale. So, if you feel uncomfortable with the dealer or salesperson, you have the right to leave.

by Eriani Doyel

motor home : Buying a Used Motor Home

When searching for your motor home, you need to be sure you keep your budget in mind. While doing this, also consider the age of the motor home and compare that with the selling price. If you are not sure if the price you are to pay is reasonable, it would be best to shop around from other providers of used motor homes to get a clear idea whether or not similar motor homes are selling at comparable rates.

It is also very important that you bring with you an expert auto mechanic in order to check if the engine of used motor home is still in good condition also to check the overall condition of the vehicle. What looks great on the outside could turn out to be a bad investment.

Ever consider buying in the internet?

As the age of technology makes internet purchasing easier and more appealing, consumers may dabble with the idea of buying via the internet. There are actually three types of sellers on the internet. Dealers who use the internet as their marketing channel, private motor home owners and eBay dealers. However, in buying online, customers need to be very careful during the bidding, you see unused vehicle sold online are being bid on by interested buyers but there are times when the online seller creates faux bidding in order to gain a great lumps of money.

I am not implying that all internet sales are shady. In fact, there are still trustworthy online providers that are very honest in their dealings. There are actually benefits derived from shopping online since you gain access a much wider selection of unused motor homes dealers plus while having the chance to engage in multiple price canvassing. This gives you the opportunity to search for unused motor homes that meet your qualifications and fall within the constraints of your budget. It is crucial to make sure that your expectations regarding the condition, features and options should all be put in writing as part of the agreement to purchase. You should also make sure to add, as part of your purchase agreement, that you reserve the right to have the vehicle inspected by an independent third party and your deposit should be refundable if the vehicle does not pass the inspection or if there are inconsistencies between the written expectations and the vehicle.

How much should I pay?

Price is often the most important issue on your mind when making this kind of purchase. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer of what you should pay toward your motor home purchase. There are factors that affect the prices of the unused motor homes like its age, condition, features, and availability. You can conduct searches on various traders and dealers to get a good approximation of what the asking price should be. You may also try to visit the NADA site and familiarize yourself with the average prices for used vehicles. The lowest retail price shown is equivalent to the discounted or the would-be market value of the vehicle. The wholesale and trade in value is measurably lower, and if ever there are any required expenditures that would be needed to restore the vehicle into its pristine condition then that should be deducted from the low retail price as listed in NADA. In using the NADA site, be sure to add some appropriate optional extras. The only problem is knowing in advance what optional extras and what was included as standard when the unit new. Be conservative when adding the options onto the base price.

What are the important parts to check when buying unused motor homes?

In buying a used motor home or any vehicle, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle. If you are not an expert in vehicles, then consult an expert. You also need to have a notepad or a checklist where to record your observations during the inspection process. This will make your inspection thorough, systematic, and at the same time you will be able to keep track of your findings.

There are multiple areas which you need to inspect like the chassis and the running gear which includes the tires, suspension components, the house or body of the motor home, air-condition unit, refrigerator, heating system, hot water heater leveling system and similar components. Other parts to inspect include the generator, batteries and inverter/converter if applicable. You also need to check the vital components such as brakes and tires and the life span components such as shocks, suspension components, hoses, belts and seals. For this reason, it really is in your best interests to consult a professional for inspection.

by Jo Williams

motor home : 2006 Hawk KW Recreation Vehicle

Becoming a part-time Truck Driver in your retirement and cruise the country in luxury and style is not such a tough life. Of course that is to say when you are choosing your own routes and the back of your truck is a state-of-the art motor home. For about five years now I have been doing just that and have now been to every city in the United States over 10,000 population and it never gets boring.

Having the power of a Diesel Truck and the light-weight features of a motor home on the chassis means that you have all the power in the world and more than you could ever need. In fact, with all that power you can cruise down the highway never breaking a sweat at about 1,000 to 1,500 RPMs and enjoy the robust fuel economy of a truck engine idling down the road.

There are so many versions to choose from, I have very much enjoyed the Kibbi Corporations Renegade Series and also fancy the 2006 Hawk KW recreational vehicles pictured here;

The question is do you buy a regular motor home or do you want a Truck Motor Home with power and dominance, reliability and strength? Well, that is a decision you must make on your own. I have certainly enjoyed the power, strength and reliability of a Truck Motor Home or Tota-Home as the Industry calls them. It is also fun to blow away all those other Motor Homes on the Road and besides who wants to be a Bus Driver in their retirement. Consider all this in 2006.

by Lance Winslow

motor home : RV Rental Industry

We’re Number 1 in the RV rental industry for good reasons. We employ great people trained to serve you the customer. We own, operate, and maintain all our family friendly rental RV’s and we price our rental RV’s fair and square. When you browse this site and book an RV with Cruise America, you are renting directly with the provider and know what you are paying for.

Taking a motorhome holiday may be called renting an RV, motorhome rental, hiring a Motor Caravan or Wohnmobile Mieten, if you are from Germany. Wherever your native land, Cruise America's 33-year reputation of quality service is proof of our commitment to fun family vacations.

Cruise America's Freedom Motorhome Rental Rates include Peace of Mind protection coverage. Just a simple $500 damage deductible per occurrence and up to $1,000,000 in Supplemental Liability Insurance are included at no charge. Other RV rental companies may charge up to $26 per day for similar coverage. Don’t be fooled.

@1996 - 2006 Cruise America, Inc.

motor home : convert a school bus into a motor home.

Start with a really BIG bus. Most school districts are not allowed to run busses once they become fifteen or twenty years old, although they are maintained very well right up to the end. They used to run them until they were 50 years old, but some stoned bus driver in Texas stalled on a RR track a few years back, and the PC thing to do was dump all the old busses. You should be able to find a good assortment at auctions and bus barns in your area.

Start by making it some color other than "international school bus yellow". Choose a conservative color. Keep in mind that when you are done you may want to stay in a motor home park and many KOA's don't welcome 'hippie busses'.

When the exterior is presentable, I recommend two lengths of two by twelve bolted along the outside of the body. These serve several purposes: stiffening the walls and providing a side 'bumper'. A bus will go anywhere: even straight uphill in low gear... Protect your new paint job!

You can anchor the two by twelve's with extra long bolts which
go through the metal walls and then through two by two's which
act as the interior studs.

Be sure to use insulation just as you would in a house.
It serves as sound-proofing as well.

The interior is a strictly personal thing. After I pulled all the seats out I drew chalk lines on the floor where I thought the walls and furniture should be. I spent a fair amount of time walking around inside trying to imagine the problems I might have once it was finished. Once I decided on the final floor-plan, work progressed quickly. Two local contract carpenters did the woodwork while I did the plumbing and electrical.

One of the carpenters set to work on the framing while the other
worked in the shop to build the bench seats and two pocket doors.

After the benches and cabinets were complete we carried them in through the back door of the bus and bolted them to the floor working from the front to the rear.

I decided I wanted to do the interior in Cedar, and the cheapest way to go was to buy several hundred six foot one by four fence posts and shoot them through a planer.

We chose to use forty-five degree angles as we covered the walls.
Kind of a pleasing effect, I think... Here you can see the space saving pocket door installed on the bathroom.

Here you can see the kitchen cabinets, under-counter fridge and space for the range.

And the finished product with cushions, curtains, and a coat of min-wax:
And the TV, of course...

by Bob Sokol

motor home : DREAMER

When you scan through the list of RV industry pioneers it's unlikely that the name Sandra Bate will appear, but for nearly 30 years this extraordinary business woman has been carving out her own niche in the RV rental market. Under her leadership, Bates International, Inc., was the first company to franchise rental services, the first to tie in with airline reservations systems, and among the first to have a vision for how the Internet could enhance the RV rental business.

Sandra Bate is a dreamer and she dreams of innovative ways to facilitate the dreams of those who want to experience the RV lifestyle by renting an RV.

This dreamer has always possessed an entrepreneurial vision and is not easily deterred from her mission. And that spirit was evident in how the company started, taking a negative and turning it into a positive.

While other companies in the industry were either going out of business or hanging on by a thread during the gasoline crisis in 1973, it was this circumstance that gave birth to Bates Motorhome Rental Network and later Bates International, Inc.

In an interview at the Bates headquarters in Las Vegas, Sandra told RV News, "My partner Bill Bate had bought a beautiful motorhome. The motor-home was purchased to use as an office, but it was too big to negotiate the streets and parking areas of Los Angeles. It ended up sitting at the curb. We thought maybe we ought to rent it out.

"We placed an ad in the paper and the phones started ringing and just kept ringing. We couldn't keep up with the demand. So then I started thinking . . . my father had a motorhome and we had friends with motorhomes. We started talking to people about putting their motorhomes in the rental fleet and they all loved the idea."

Sandra convinced them by explaining they could offset their payments with the rental income, and since it was a business they could also gain some tax advantages.

"It worked out real well," she continued. "When we started the business, we operated it from home in Los Angeles."

.Before this Sandra was a student and had met Bill Bate who was a life and disability insurance broker in Los Angeles. "I got my insurance license with the intent to work with Bill in the insurance industry, " she said, "but I never had a chance to use that knowledge because this all happened at the same time. So I've never really worked other than for myself."

Also, at this time fly-n-drive vacations were popular and a real boost to airline and car rental companies' businesses. Sandra saw another opportunity.

Sandra said, "We got in touch with American Airlines and they sent their marketing director for the fly-n- drive program out to visit us."

Sandra laughed as she recalled holding the meeting with American Airline's big wig in the living room of her home. But apparently those surroundings didn't hinder the meeting since a program was put together between the two companies.

"We started generating a lot of business because of that program," Sandra said. "And we were getting calls from all over the country. We thought it would be nice if we could offer rental services at locations besides Southern California." And that idea was a major step in developing Bates into a franchise company. While franchising was still years away, it was a significant step that started the journey.

by Don Magary, Editor

motor home : Discovery 39V

The newest trend in innovative floorplans, full-wall slideouts, has provided an amazing level of livability. While the lengths of larger Class A coaches are fairly standardized, floorplans are perhaps the single most important factor influencing buying decisions -- and Fleetwood's popular mid-line Discovery series is the latest to raise the luxury and comfort bar another notch with the addition of a full-wall slide. At a distance, the exterior of the Discovery's driver's side appears to be unbroken -- until your eyes finally focus on the body's slide seams, separated by a distance longer than some coaches!
The Discovery 39V utilizes a 27-foot-long, 32-inch-deep, streetside slide to maximize residential spaciousness and provide floorplan amenities not always found in multi-slide plans. Fleetwood has ingeniously created an entertainer's dream-coach, eliminating traditional traffic aisles and opening up the interior to comfortably seat and entertain friends and family.

Driving the Discovery was effortless, thanks in part to the Freightliner XC Series chassis with the Cat 7.2-l diesel and Allison 3000MH 6-speed pushbutton-controlled automatic transmission. Developing 330 hp, it pushed the nearly 13-ton Discovery over several 7-percent grades at 46 mph in fourth gear (1,950 rpm) without problems. Passing times (40 to 60 mph) averaged 17-1/2 seconds, while the air-assisted drum brakes and engine brake kept speed in check when returning down extended grades.

Rarely do we get to review a product in inclement conditions, but as luck would have it, we encountered every type of weather -- sun to rain to sleet and snow -- due to an unexpected storm during our trip into Southern California's high-desert communities. The Discovery handled the inclement weather on the road and in camp without hesitation or complaint -- and, most importantly, without leaks. The dual-paned windows and furnaces maintained even, quiet heat throughout the coach without annoying drafts or cold spots, and the ducted dual air-conditioning kept things comfortable when temperatures got warmer.

Adding the full-wall slide floorplan to the diesel platform will undoubtedly boost the Fleetwood's popularity to higher levels as RVers realize the full potential and appeal of this new, open design. With flexibility for entertaining, large families or empty nesters, the Fleetwood Discovery 39V is a tough act to follow -- even in inclement conditions.

For complete details and full test impressions on Fleetwood's Discovery 39V, pick up the September 2006 issue of MotorHome magazine on the newsstand -- then subscribe to MotorHome so you can stay informed on the latest motorhome tests, previews, technical information, products, travel destinations and more.

by Fred Pausch

motor home : Used Motor Home For Sale: A Buyer's Checklist

Do you want to buy a used motor home for sale? Many first (and second and third) time RV buyers do this in order to save money on their RV purchase. But, if you really want the deal to be a good one, you should take the time to check out any used motor home for sale that you are seriously considering purchasing. Not only is it important that it has all of the features and amenities that you are looking for, it should also be in good condition for a RV of its type, age, and mileage. Every used motor home for sale has a history, and that history could be a good one of care and maintenance, or a poor one of neglect and abuse. So, it is vital that you check out any used motor home for sale before you buy it.

First, it is always a good idea to get an overall understanding of the used motor home market and what a “good” price is and what “low” mileage is. You can also find out about the financing and purchasing options available for a used motor home for sale.

Here is a checklist for every motor home you look at:

1. Does it have the owner’s manual? These are not only expensive to replace, they can also give you important information about maintenance and specifications on your motor home.

2. Get out for a test drive in any used motor home for sale that you are considering buying. Listen for unusual sounds and see if the controls are all in working order.

3. Check out the exterior. Peeling or faded paint is an indication that it was not stored properly. Dents, scratches or mismatched paint may indicate an accident. Check for broken parts on doors, railings, etc.

4. Have a mechanic check under the hood and give it a full inspection.

5. The interior should not show excessive wear and tear and the appliances, plumbing and electrical systems should be in good working order.

6. Have a service professional check out the generator and heating and cooling systems.

by Eriani Doyel

motor home : Thatcham Alarm

Thatcham alarm car categories are C1 for alarm and immobiliser and category C2 to 1 for alarm upgrade designed to integrate with an existing C2 immobiliser. Soft top cars should be fitted with a microwave sensor rather than an ultrasonic sensor to protect the interior when the top is down. Some of the best known Thatcham alarms for cars are from Avital, Clifford, Cobra, Gemini, GT, Toad and Viper

Van and Light Commercial Vehicles Thatcham alarm categories are; L1 for alarm and immobiliser and category L2 to 1 for alarm upgrade designed to integrate with an existing L2 immobiliser. Thatcham alarms for vans may require additional doors sensors to be fitted in the cargo area if there is no courtesy light switch as all doors need to be covered by the alarm.

Motorhome Thatcham alarm categories are also L1 for alarm and immobiliser and category L2 to 1 for alarm upgrade designed to integrate with an existing L2 immobiliser. Thatcham alarms for motorhome have additional inputs for sensors such as; PIR to protect the interior with separate ultrasonic sensor in the cab, bike and gas bottles loops, locker, door and window sensors.

Motorcycle Thatcham alarm categories are MC1 for alarm and immobiliser and category MC2 to 1 for alarm upgrade designed to integrate with an existing MC2 immobiliser. Thatcham alarms for motor bikes are more compact with better waterproofing than car or van alarms

HGV Thatcham alarm Heavy Goods Vehicles categories are H1 for alarm and immobiliser and category H2 to 1 for alarm upgrade designed to integrate with an existing H2 immobiliser. Thatcham alarms for heavy goods vehicles are a higher voltage then car alarms and the immobiliser is designed for diesel engines.

By Andrew Jocelyn

motor home : Volvo Powered Tota

Motor Homes to tour America in have been a big hit in the United States. Some of the most exotic looking Motor Homes are those with a Truck front end and chassis with a Motor Home back-end. Generally they call these renditions to the motor home genre; Tota-Homes. And some are extremely nice indeed.

The Volvo Powered Tota-Home by Kibbi, often referred to the famous Renegade Brand, is well known with automobile racing, music singers and corporate traveling exhibit marketing teams. I have about 500,000 miles on two Tota Homes traveling the country, for business and pleasure both. I must say I have nothing but praise for the Kibbi Corporation in Indiana and their Renegade Brand.

There are of course many different options available and deciding which version to pick is probably the hardest thing I do, every couple of years when I upgrade. The Volvo Powered Tota-Home is very cool and sleek and it makes the perfect combination. Volvo Trucks are often revered by truck drivers and comfortable to drive, plenty of power and good reliability. If you are considering a motor home, which is on a truck chassis, then perhaps you should talk to truck drivers and a few Renegade Kibbi Corp Tota-Home owners and see if it makes sense? Please consider all this in 2006.

by Lance Winslow

motor home : Used Motor Homes

Motor homes make vacations more comfortable and convenient. A true home away from home, they have the beauty, elegance, and functional value of any house or hotel room. Be it just for a simple outing or an adventurous trip, motor homes are the best way to travel.

But such motor homes are expensive. To help us buy motor homes at affordable prices, companies and brands provide used motor homes. These homes can be bought at discounted prices, after much inspection. Some companies which provide used motor homes include Motor Homes Used, PPL Motor Homes, RV Online, Trader.com, RV Classified, Motor Homes USA, Martinsburg RV, and RV Registry.

Poulsborv offers both used and new motor homes from companies like Winnebago, Fleetwood, Forest River, and others. All types of motor homes are available: Class A, or the bus type; Class B, or the conversion type; and Class C are all provided at reduced prices.

Motor homes are usually sorted according to prices, types, and models. The companies provide detailed information on all motor homes featured in their websites. The prices, photos, model numbers, and many other things of motor homes are all provided. One can always ask for more information about the models from the respective companies.

The motor homes offered usually come equipped with all comforts and basic amenities such as generators, heated power mirrors, refrigerators, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, and many other things.

Used motor homes are cheaper than the new ones. In good shape, they can help to make our holidays and vacations special.

By Kevin Stith

motor home : Motor Homes for Sale

Looking for a home that’s away from home? For traveling at will without any bonds or schedules, motor homes are perfect.

Some companies which offer motor homes for sale include PPL Motor Homes, RV Classified, Motor Homes on Sale, RV Registry, Motor Homes Used, Recreational Vehicles, Cruise America, and many more.

Motor homes fall into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Before venturing to buy a motor home, you should be clear about what you want. Class A is definitely roomier and larger than the others, while Class C is usually held to be the safest, with air bags and seat belts.

Apart from the type, one also gets to choose between a diesel and a gas-operated vehicle. While diesel motor homes are usually more fuel-efficient, they are extremely noisy compared to the gas motor homes. They are also slower.

Airstream, Elite, Forest River, Country Coach, Fleetwood, Foretravel, Winnebago, Buddy Greg, Damon, are some companies which make high-quality and functional motor homes.

All basic amenities and comforts are normally present in motor homes. Besides the normal features of kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, electricity, some feature a washer and dryer, garden tub, double sofas, and much more.

The prices of motor homes vary according to company and class. Cruise America sells motor homes from different companies. Besides a thorough inspection of its homes, it also offers a 12-month or 12,000-mile limited power train warranty.

Motor homes ranging from 28 to 45 ft are provided by Tiffin Motor Homes. It provides a 10-year period limited warranty too. Foretravel also offers customized motor homes.

Luxuriously furnished and available in different sizes, types, and designs, motor homes are in high demand. Mobile and convenient, they are the best for going on a vacation.

By Kevin Stith

motor home : Motor Home Rentals

Combining beauty with usefulness and convenience, motor homes are the best way to enjoy and stay close to the beauty of nature. And to enable us to have such an enriching experience, companies exist which provide motor homes for rent.

Some of these companies are Poulsborv, Motor Home Rentals, Cruise America, EL Monte RV, Bates International Motor Homes, Abel RV Rental, RV Central, and RV Trader.

The three types of motor homes are Class A, Class B, and Class C. Before venturing to rent a motor home, you should be clear about what you want. Class A is definitely roomier and larger than the others, while Class C is usually held to be the safest, with air bags and seat belts.

Research shows that Class C motor homes are popular because of their safety level, which is the highest among all motor homes. Apart from this, they also have more sleeping capacity and better fuel consumption as well.

Designed for local roads and other conditions, motor homes are available in sizes ranging from 22 feet to 32 feet and even more.

Most motor homes are equipped with amenities like generators, air-conditioners, central heating, microwaves, and other things. They also have comfortable and luxurious bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Rental agencies usually require you to have a current valid drivers’ license before renting you a good-quality motor home. Reservations for renting motor homes can be made online. Some require a minimum down payment which can vary from $150 to $500 or more.

Renting agencies usually charge different rates, which vary from one month to the other depending upon a number of factors. Cruise America has normal rates from June to August, but discounted rates at other times of the year.

Available for all occasions, such motor homes are a perfect way to travel and enjoy your vacation.

By Kevin Stith