a collection of articles by Bob Masters
| Buying an RV - Listen to Your Heart | |
| Learning from experience usually is very expensive. Buying an RV can be like buying a house; a motor home can cost even more and you get far less. Do your research both on the Internet and talking to users and, when you can find them, ex-users. |
Married couples should create objective lists of their needs, likes and dislikes and relate them to the choice of type and style of RV. Finally, find a salesperson with whom you can relate and in whom you can trust. |
| Choosing Your First RV | |
| How to consider the many factors dictating the kind of RV to buy and achieve maximum enjoyment at minimum cost. How is the RV is to be used, such as annual vacations versus weekend campouts, or if the RV is to become a |
permanent residence? Are children involved (can be a critical factor)? An RV can be a great enjoyment if it is the right RV. |
| Family Vacations on a Budget | |
| It typically costs 25 to 75% less to vacation in an RV at a nice resort than flying or driving in the family car. The convenience and comfort can be priceless as well. Tips on how to save money and have more enjoyable family vacations. |
A new RV can cost anywhere between $4000 for a folding camping trailer to well over $400,000 for one of those huge motor homes. Even if you don't own an RV they can be economical to rent. |
| How to Learn to Safely Tow a 5th Wheel RV | |
| Towing a 5th wheel is deceptive; it is so easy you can forget you have that huge hulk behind you. You need to learn to judge specific distances and clearances, the limitations of your side mirrors and how to back that thing into a tight spot. You need to learn to always anticipate what the other drivers are going to do to avoid rear enders. |
Safe driving can boost your fuel mileage and provide an immediate payout. Check your weight (the vehicles, that is) and get an expert instructor, preferably a semi-truck driver. |
| Plane, Train, Bus or Car? | |
| Transportation in the USA has changed significantly. Airlines must charge much more in their attempts to stop losing money and their reduced services have made flying an unwelcome hassle. Amtrak is showing a new zest for life with the increased costs of fuel and the hassle of flying and can even be less expensive under many circumstances. |
Busses are still the least expensive way of getting there -- if 'there' is where you want to go. Your family car will take you almost anywhere but your RV, especially for a family of four on an overnight trip, is a hands-down winner. |
| Preparing for an RV Trip with Children | |
| Children on an extended trip can either be a drag or a joy for both the adults and the children. Proper planning, with the children's participation, well in advance can make a significant difference in how enjoyable the trip will be for all. Knowing the children's 'hot buttons' can also be of significant help in planning the trip. |
Building scrapbooks, including child's drawing and photographs taken by the child help make the trip more exciting but allow the child to have cherished mementos afterwards. |
| RV Slide-outs - the Good and the Bad | |
| In trying to decide if we should buy a fifth wheel trailer with or without slide-outs we did some research on the Internet. We found many complaints about slide-outs but culled the list to 6 serious complaints. Conversations with actual owners of fifth wheel trailers with slide-outs, combined with assurances from our salesman, |
weighed in favor of the slide-outs. Now, two years later we are still very happy and grateful we chose to get the fifth wheel trailer with slide-outs. |
| RVs Then and Now | |
| Selecting an RV requires good sense, an understanding spouse, a good salesman and unflagging control over your emotions. There is no question that RVs are an added burden on your family's budget. |
What is every bit as important are the benefits your family receives from RVing together as a family. Many things can be measured in dollars but, we think, the RVing experience is priceless. |