For Those Looking At Used Caravans; Some Buying Tips
Caravans are becoming an evermore popular buy for many families in the UK for the freedom they offer and the increased affordability of holidaying. Before you head to the dealership and buy the all singing, all dancing model however it may be worth considering used caravans as a more cost effective buy and in some respects a testing ground to ascertain whether the world of caravanning is really for you. There is however a wide variety of problems that can occur when buying used caravans; above all you need to take as much care with your purchase, as if you were buying a car or house.
Unfortunately some of the used caravans on the market today are of questionable quality. This is not normally the case at professional dealerships as they have standards to meet but private sellers can sell substandard used caravans. That is not to say that all private sellers are selling poor quality outfits, there are many out there who have loved and cared for their caravans and try to ensure its quality at the time of sale. Ultimately you must assess the seller to establish whether they are a caravanner that has cared for their outfit or simply someone trying to make a quick buck.
In addition, when looking at used caravans it is essential to check the maximum towing weight of the car you intend to tow the outfit with. Of prime importance is to tow safely and if your car is underpowered, you may have to reassess whether this is the right caravan for you. As well as the towing weight of your car you should check the tow bar of the used outfit carefully checking for any signs of rust or excessive wear. If the tow bar proves to be faulty it is advisable to walk away from the deal, the last thing you want is the outfit becoming detached while in transit.
Used caravans pose separate problems to new ones, of ultimate importance is to recognise any structural problems that may become apparent in years to come. When checking you should ensure that the caravan’s walls are glued together and not just stapled, the glue will help to keep the outfit watertight. As well as the walls it is advisable to check the fixtures and fittings like the cupboard and sink for structural stability and decent levels of support.
Most important when looking at used caravans is to check how well the outfit is sealed. Excessive moisture inside the caravan can be considered a death knell for an outfit leading to damp, rot and eventual structural instability. As part of your checks you must ensure that the sealing around the edges and corners is effective, you can do this by squeezing the panelling at sealed points to assess the adherence to both adjoining surfaces. As well as the walls it is fundamental that you check the sealant around the window frames, doors and the seals between the floor and walls. If you happen to find any water inside the outfit it is advisable to walk away, not only can damp be expensive to remedy but can also lead to the complete destruction of the caravan.
Finally it is important to check the chassis of any used caravans you may look at. Most caravanners will tell you that slipper springs are worth avoiding and instead you should look for shackle type fixings with shock absorbers. In addition it is also worth checking the tyres for wear, they fall under tread regulations and excessively bald tyres may be an added expense, although you may be able to receive a discount from the seller.
By following this advice you should be able to avoid the poor quality used caravans out there, finding yourself and outfit that will provide you with years of pleasure and enjoyment. Remember that purchase is not the final step; you must undertake regular maintenance to prolong its life. The perfect caravan is out there, by using these tips you should be able to find it.
Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into what checks must be made when looking at used caravans.
Motorhomes; Access To The Open Road And Better Holidays
Motorhomes grant the freedom of the open road without having to tow a caravan behind you. Meaning your holidays are that more enjoyable and efficient as you have a means of travel and a place to rest your head. Whether you are choosing to purchase motorhomes or are planning to hire one for a holiday, it is advisable to read on.
Generally motorhomes can be divided into three distinctive categories. Those in the industry refer to these as Classes A, B and C. Class A as their name may suggest are the largest and most opulent of the motorhomes on the market today. Correspondingly Classes B and C relate to size and the amenities contained within the home. While C class are the smallest of the motorhomes available, generally they are the cheapest.
Class A motorhomes are often the homes capable of full time living, whether hiring or buying it must be remembered that these types of motorhomes will enable you to live in them for extended periods comfortably. If you have a large family it is strongly advised that a Class A motor home should be utilised for your holidays. While you may be slightly apprehensive of driving one of these leviathans of the road it is surprising how easy modern motorhomes are to drive. In addition to this ease of driving, Class A’s are extremely comfortable, strangely, at times you will feel like you are driving a sofa rather than a large RV.
When you are looking at motorhomes for purchase it is advisable to make the decision only after careful deliberation. In many cases it may even be worth finding a company that rents motorhomes and hiring a similar model to gain an understanding of what it is like to live in the space and drive around for a period of time. By doing this you can receive a better idea of how to use your home from home and also how it will serve the holiday needs of you and your family.
With the high prices of hotels, motorhomes are becoming an evermore appealing option for those who travel regularly. By keeping your bills down while travelling, having a home on wheels can give you more time and money to sped visiting attractions and simply enjoying yourself. With a wealth of campsites all over the world a motor home will grant you freedom of movement and normally an outstanding setting for your stay. Also, by removing the stresses of finding accommodation while travelling, you can make your trips that much more relaxing and enjoyable, meaning you can make the most of your holiday time.
With a fully kitted out kitchen, making sure you have provisions is essential. While many may not want to cook for themselves while on holiday it is enjoyable to have a space that at least gives you the option of cooking for yourself; once again, this will save you money as you will not have to eat out all of the time, making your holidays more cost effective. If you are a fan of al fresco cooking, all you need to do is take a barbeque with you and you have the option of pulling up at the side of the road, firing up the coals and cooking in a wondrous setting whilst enjoying a bottle of wine.
The freedom granted by motorhomes is clearly the most powerful lure for many. Travelling under your own steam and in your own vehicle allows you to get off the usual tourist routes and to construct a holiday that is as unique as it is enjoyable. While the initial outlay may be great, the value of motorhomes is hard to quantify. Naturally you will save money on eating out and accommodation but you will also have better, more fun and free holidays.
Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into the different types of motorhomes and how they can help you have funner, freer holidays.
Hitch Mounted Rear View Cameras: Nice or Neccesity?
With all of the high tech gadgets available to today’s consumer, it can be difficult to figure out which gadgets are of real benefit to us and which ones are nothing more than toys with large price tags. Just look at all of the camera systems we can get for our vehicles. I mean, do you really need to watch “I Love Lucy” reruns while you’re driving 80 MPH on a crowded freeway?
While you may not need satellite TV in your car, there is one type of camera and video system that can really get you out of a jam or tight spot, as it were. It’s called a rear view camera; the most convenient of these are hitch mounted, and they can literally save your life and vehicle. What the rear view hitch mounted camera does is feed live video into the cab of your vehicle of your trailer, RV, or anything else you are towing. When you are not towing, the hitch camera can be used as a back up camera. As you can imagine, this system can prove to be invaluable.
There are several different types and styles of hitch cameras. Most are priced under $250, but there are some pricey ones on the market. Roadmaster has a compact system with a small, 3.5 inch monitor that can quickly be set up on your dash or console. There is no heavy installation involved with this system, and the price is a little over $180. SkyMall has a less expensive trailer camera. The monitor for this system attaches easily to your visor. There are even some systems available that have two cameras: one for the back of your vehicle and one for the front of your trailer.
The installation for each type of camera differs somewhat. Some cameras install directly above the license plate which requires a little drilling and cutting. Other cameras only take a few bolts and attach directly to your trailer hitch. After you have mounted the camera, it’s only a matter of running the wiring into the cab of the vehicle. With most systems, there is not a whole lot of installation that is involved with the monitor. The monitor for most systems is removable and merely sits on or attaches temporarily to a surface near the driver’s seat.
Remember; knowing what is going on behind you while you are carrying a heavy load can save your life.
Emily Sandberg is a camping enthusiast who spent many a happy weekend camping in her family’s used travel trailer. When she’s not towing anything, she covers her hitch with a hitch cover from Trailer Hitch Universe.
How To Choose The Best RV Solar Panels
No matter what you are planning on doing, there is probably a solar system available to help you generate power. On increasingly popular choice is RV solar panels, which can help you run these large vehicles off the power of the sun. If you are interested in helping to save money as well as help the environment, you should research your options for what kind of RV solar panels are available.
RV solar panels are a component of an electrical system which converts light from the sun to electricity. This electricity is used to charge the RV batteries and are capable of running all the basics in your RV, including the lighting and appliances. On great advantage of using RV solar panels is that you can travel to a wider variety of locations. No longer will you have to worry about finding a source of power for your vehicles when you travel. As long as the sun is shining, you will be taking your power with you.
Thousands of companies in countries around the world now offer different RV solar panels for your convenience. When you decide to make the purchase, spend time researching which options are available to you so you can buy the best system and the lowest possible price.
Silicon Solar
Silicon Solar have a wide range of RV solar panel kits and can cater with providing anything from a single 15W amorphous solar panel up to the top of the range RVMaxx 330W RV Solar Power Kit. This can provide enough power to run most of your small appliances.
Alpine Survival
Alpine Survival is one of the top choices for people looking to purchase RV solar panels. The RV solar panels that they sell are durable, lightweight, and easy to transport. One of the benefits of these and other top of the line solar panels is that they continue to generate electricity even if they are in partial shade.
Even the clumsy need not worry about the durability of Alpine Survival RV solar panels. You can pack them up and transport them without worrying about breaking them. They are so durable that it has been reported that dropping them and stepping on them still does not cause them to be ruined (although I would not recommend trying)! These RV solar panels have a unique design with lightweight construction and a nylon fabric covering which allows the entire unit to be folded into the size of a book. This makes them perfect to store and transport.
Mr. Solar
Another brand to consider when purchasing RV solar panels is Mr. Solar. They sell many of the most high efficiency brand names and kits, including such reliable names as Sharp, Sanyo, Photowatt, Mitsubishi, BP, GE, and more. This selection of RV solar panels and kits will ensure that you can find the exact one you want for your RV.
If you love to travel, RV solar panels are the perfect option. Your trips will be more convenient because you will no longer have to base your destination on where you can find a power source. Not only that, but you will save money by reducing your use of a traditional gas generator. With rising fuel prices, RV solar panels make practical sense for any traveler.
Jon Kelly is a published author who writes articles and reviews on solar power and its applications. If you would like to find out about solar power and learn more about solar panels.please visit: http://www.worldsolarpanels.com
Used Caravans, A Buyer’s Checklist
For those new to the world of caravanning used caravans are often the best choices as the initial outlay will be less and if you do change your mind depreciation will not be a large factor. Dealers are probably the best place to start when looking for used caravans, do not expect to find pristine models however, many dealerships do not in fact have clean models, the majority of maintenance work does not begin until a sale has been made. You can however spot a good used caravan from a bad one at this stage, here are some helpful pointers.
So starting with ways to find quality used caravans.
First and foremost you need to see whether the used caravan has a full service history, much like buying a car, having a record of work undertaken on the caravan can be extremely useful. In addition, it is also important for all used caravans to have full documentation such as the handbook and literature associated with any of the equipment.
While used caravans are rarely kept in a pristine condition, it is still possible to take a detailed look around all of the nooks and crannies to look for dirt and possible instances of damp and mould. It is also advisable to judge the seller, if going private this is especially important as a keen caravanner will be able to sell you a ‘van that they can recommend personally. The same can be said for dealers, if they have a good idea of how a ‘van performs on a trip, this can be useful knowledge.
Speak to your friends and others with experience of caravans. They may be able to recommend a specific dealer or even give you information on the best model or layout for your needs. As well as personal recommendation read some magazines articles on which models are best. It is worth remembering however that the majority of ‘van reviews occur when the model is new and for only a short period of time, they will rarely give information on how a ‘van performs after a number of years.
Test everything when you are looking at used caravans, this includes doors and locks, the cupboards and even the toilet. Some of these things can be expensive to replace so knowing if they work before you buy can be extremely useful. Ultimately you want to find caravans that have been used well but not so much so that they seem neglected. A well used caravan may have some useful additions and shows that it has been loved and cared for; go on your first impressions and should not go far wrong.
In terms of spotting bad caravans;
Use you nose. If the ‘van smells musty or damp it is probably worth being wary, do not confuse damp with smells from the waste water system, this can be easily remedied if cleaning fluids are used. If there is no warranty from the dealer you should find out why, and most probably walk away. Check carefully for exterior cracks and damage that may indicate that the caravan has not been well cared for. Replacements parts and repair work can be extremely expensive so bear in mind any costs that may be encountered after purchase. Also check the chassis for warping and damage and whether any work has been undertaken that looks bodged. Fixing the work of a DIY happy caravanner can be extremely time consuming and costly.
If you follow this advice it should be possible to find many used caravans that meet your requirements. Before you know it you could be enjoying touring holidays and great times in your new home from home.
Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into what factors to consider when looking at used caravans for a caravan holiday.
Hitch Your Trailer: How Trailer Length Affects Towing Stability
Imagine this scene: you and your family are out enjoying your brand new travel trailer. Not only is your trailer new, but so is your shiny new towing vehicle. Let’s say that’s a heavy duty diesel pickup truck, and it’s an extended, four-door cab that has plenty of room for your wife and your kids.
This really a big part of the traditional American Dream isn’t it? Quality family time with a recreational vehicle, getting away from civilization, but doing it in the comfort of a brand new travel trailer. I don’t think it could get much better.
There’s only one problem. It’s a windy day. When you were picking up your new travel trailer at the dealership the other day it never occurred to you just how scary it could be to tow your nice long trailer down the highway in a serious cross wind.
Dealing with the wind is a fact of life if you’re going to be any kind of RV enthusiast, so make sure you understand how to tow safely in it.
It really all comes down to the length of your trailer relative to the length of the vehicle you’re using to tow it with. Think of it this way - it’s all about leverage. If your trailer is long relative to the wheelbase of the vehicle you’re using to tow the trailer, you could be in for an interesting vacation.
A travel trailer has a broad profile in the wind, so if mother nature is blowing hard, or if you’re getting passed by tractor trailers at high speeds, your trailer basically acts as a sail. It’s not unlike carrying a piece of four foot by eight foot plywood.
If you’ve ever had that experience you know what I’m talking about. The plywood acts like a sail and it can drag you all over the place if you don’t know how to handle it.
The same way it takes strength to handle that plywood in the wind, it takes a long wheelbase on your tow vehicle to handle the tug of a relatively long travel trailer. If you’ve got a twenty-three foot boxy trailer and you’re pulling it with a small SUV, chances are you’re going to get jerked around quite a bit.
But, that same small SUV would have no problem at all with a small folding tent trailer. It’s all relative.
As a general guideline I’d suggest that you could pull a trailer approximately twenty feet long as long as your vehicle has a wheelbase of at least 110 inches. So that’s about nine feet of wheelbase to handle twenty feet of trailer.
If you want to get a longer trailer, I’d recommend that you have at least four inches of wheelbase for each additional foot of trailer length. That way you’re always making sure to keep the ratio of trailer length to wheelbase high enough.
One last thought is you should not only consider the total length of the trailer, but also the distance from the coupler (or tongue) to the axle of the trailer. There will be a big difference in stability for a trailer where that coupler to tongue distance is really short, compared to one where it’s really long.
Jeremy teaches people about hitch covers and also advises them on the right way to set up a trailer hitch.
Helpful Tips For Caravan Owners
Once you have been to the caravan dealership and found your ideal caravan there are certain tips that can make your caravan holidays that more enjoyable. Studying the forecourt of the dealership can be an arduous affair, deciding on the size and type of caravan you want as well as taking into account the towing power of your car. The dealership will naturally want to sell you their best models but remember to keep the choice yours and only come away with an outfit that suits your purposes. For travellers, here is a list of helpful hints that can make your caravan trip easier.
Experienced caravaners and even advisors at the dealership will most probably advise you to make a list of the fundamentals that you will need on your trip and to laminate it. This way, before you embark on any caravan holiday you have a list that you can check against before you leave, as it is laminated, all you have to do before your next trip is to wipe it clean and start again.
Towing, as most dealership professionals will tell you is one of your most important concerns on any caravan holiday. Part of this is to ensure your wing mirror extensions are securely attached. A handy hint is to strap the extensions on diagonally as this makes them fit far more snugly.
The caravan dealership should make you acutely aware of the security issues surrounding owning a caravan. Naturally you will need to keep your outfit locked up when you are not using it but an added piece of advice is to keep the handbook and instructions with you rather than in the caravan, this way the thieves will have a harder job re-selling your caravan after they have stolen it. A helpful hint for travellers is to keep a disposable camera in your car just in case an accident occurs, this way you can take an immediate record of the accident in case there are any insurance issues.
Storing your caravan during the winter can be fraught with problems; it is hardly an option to head down to the dealership every year to buy a new one and hence maintaining your caravan is essential. One way to keep your fridge in good condition is to keep the packets of silica gel that come with new shoes. By placing these in the fridge when it is not in use, smells and mould will be kept to a minimum. Not only will this prolong the life of your fridge but also make cleaning your caravan easier. An addition to this is to ensure all of the water in your caravan is drained over the winter, the damage caused by frost and freezing can be catastrophic.
Flies are a constant gripe of the caravanner; it is often the case that after a long journey the front window of your caravan is covered with dead flies. Many will endure the constant scraping and cleaning every time you head out on a journey but there is an easier way. By fixing cling film over the front window all you will have to do on arrival is to remove the cling film and hey presto, the window will be clean. Another cleaning tip is for those who want to remove the dealership stickers, rather than scrubbing with water, applying a small amount of petrol or lighter fluid the stickers will make the stickers come off easily.
Hopefully these tips have helped the caravanner make their ownership more enjoyable. Ultimately they make life easier and should prolong the life of your outfit, after all, a caravan is a large investment and securing this investment is important. If you want years of enjoyment and brilliant holidays, these tips should help you.
Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into ways that your choice of caravan dealership can mean extra hints and tips for your holidays.
A Look At The Pleasures Of Caravan Ownership
There are thousands of keen caravanners out there who enjoy all the pleasures of a caravan holiday but have not yet headed to their local dealership and experienced the thrill that is owning a caravan. But why are so many people heading to their local dealership and forking out for these mobile homes? Currently the pursuit is experiencing a boom as people shy away from foreign holidays and instead chose to use a caravan and holiday at home.
Another reason more people are heading to their local dealership, a caravan provides its owner with freedom of destination. With so many great sites abroad and at home, a caravan will help you see them all. Added to this, a caravan will let your family holiday for a much cheaper sum. Without having to pay for lodgings, and just paying for a spot in a campsite, holidays can be made far cheaper, giving you more money to spend on enjoying your off-time.
Your local caravan dealership will tell you that a caravan can give you all the fun and freedom of camping but from the comfort of your own home. If you like to travel on a shoestring but enjoy the finer things in life a caravan could be for you. A caravan allows you to take all your creature comforts with you when you travel. This way, you never have to worry about the accommodation; you can focus on the location and having a great time.
Before you head down to the dealership there is a vital decision that you must make, whether to invest in a caravan or a motor home? Naturally there are advantages and disadvantages of both. A towing caravan allows you to leave the outfit at the site and use the car to tour the local area, a motor home means you must take everything with you at all times. A caravan is also the more cost effective option, with motor homes costing more to purchase and maintain. A motor home of course takes away the danger of towing, but as any dealership will tell you, a short course can settle your towing nerves.
Once you have made the decision to head down the dealership and purchase a towing caravan, there are other considerations to be made. Whether to buy new or used is the first major debate. The dealership forecourt is a great place to start if you really have no clue what kind of outfit to purchase, while the dealer may try and impress on you an overpriced model, it will be useful, at least on your first visit just to look around and see what is out there. Do not buy; tell the workers at the dealership that you are purely there to research a future purchase.
New caravanners tend to neglect the importance of a car in their purchase. While the dealership may you want your to roll away with an all singing, all dancing top of the range model, if you have a 1.2 litre little hatchback you are never going to pull it. Thankfully there are many websites on the internet that offer a matching service, all this requires is to enter the details of your towing vehicle and it will produce a list of caravan models that your car will be able to tow safely.
If buying used there are many more factors to take into account. When visiting the dealership it is like buying a used car. You will need to take a careful approach and consider many things. Inspect the caravan in detail and look for signs of neglect. Of especial importance is to look for damp as this will ruin an outfit wholly and structurally weaken it.
Hopefully this article has gone some way to educating the caravanner in the process of caravan ownership. Today as this pass time becomes more popular, by following this advice you could join the masses and experience the unbridled pleasures of caravanning.
Caravanning expert Thomas Pretty looks into what considerations to make before heading to your local caravan dealership.
Keep Dry When You Are Camping With A Camper Awning For Your RV
If you enjoy going camping in your RV then you know what a camper awning is and how much they are needed while traveling in an RV. An awning is a great way to extend your living space and provide an outdoor space that feels like the comforts of indoors. Your awning attaches to the RV and rolls out to provide protection from the sun and weather elements.
Most people who own an RV also have awnings attached to their RV to provide the protected space they need while lounging in the afternoon heat. The awning is a tough weather resistant accessory that will last for many years if it is protected and taken car of. When your awning is not in use it is important to roll it up and return it to the side of your RV. This is to protect your awning from being over exposed to the sun and having the colors fade away.
If you have an old owning that you would like to replace there are a few things you will need to do before you are able to order your awning. First, your going to want to measure the width and length of your awning and decide if you want a new awning that is exactly the same size. Often times people will choose to get a longer awning when it is possible, this way they can further expand their outside coverage area of their awning.
When ordering your customized RV awning you should look at several different types of rollers, fabric, and arms. These three pieces will combine to make the perfect awning for your RV. After deciding on the design of your awning it is time to order your new awning. You will need to have your measurements and style choices ready for the sales associate. Make sure to order all the necessary parts and pieces that are required to install the new awning after the old one is taken down.
After your awning order arrives it is time to measure, measure, measure. Especially if installing the new awning is going to cause you to drill anything, it is an essential idea that you know your measurements before you get started installing the new RV accessory. Another important idea that does not always go over well, is to look at the directions. Most awning kits will include specific instructions on how to successfully install the awning.
After you install the awning it is time for you to sit back and enjoy your new built in shade. No matter how rainy or sunny the day is, you will always be able to find a comfortable place to relax outside of your RV.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as rv accessories at http://www.rvaccessoriesplus.com
Why You Need A Camper Jack If You Own A Camper
A camper jack is the perfect addition to a pull camper. Anyone who has ever tried to load a camper onto a truck with a this type of jack can attest to its ability to simplify the whole situation.
Camping is a great way for families to spend some quality time together and because of high airplane ticket prices, more and more families are choosing to do more economical vacations like camping. Some families choose to camp using just tents and sleeping bags, while other families would rather drive their truck and pull a plush camper behind them. The more wealthy campers own large RVs that they use for their camping adventures.
The trouble with camping in a tent is that you are always exposing yourself to the elements. So if it is raining, you are likely going to get rain in your tent. Your clothes will get all wet and you could end up having a horrible trip. One advantage to this type of camping is that it is the most economical.
Camping with an RV and camping with a trailer are pretty similar, except that RVs are usually priced significantly higher than a pull camper. A downside to having a pull camper is that you are going to constantly be attaching and detaching the camper from your truck every time you stop to spend the night somewhere. That is where the camper jacks come into play.
With the help of a camper jack you will be able to simplify the process of connecting and disconnecting your camper from your truck. Most camper jacks can handle up to 1000 pounds, they contain bearings and gears that help to optimize the easy of use. These 1000 pound capacity jacks are considered the basic jacks that even the smallest of campers could use to help with transferring.
For larger jobs you can find twice the capacity in heavy duty camper jacks. These jacks hold up to 2000 pounds. This type of jack is best used for larger campers and for campers that need to be hoisted significantly off the ground in order to attach it to a truck.
Rieco Titan manufactures some of the top camper jacks including both the basic jack and the heavy duty jack. If you are in the market for a camper jack, make sure and take your time researching the jack. You can do your research online or by calling the local parts stores. After your research is complete you will have a better idea of how a camper jack works and who offers the best prices. The Internet is also a great source for purchasing your jacks.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as rv parts and accessories at http://www.rvaccessoriesplus.com
