The Wonderful Blog Which You ve Never Seen

If you decide to buy your next motorhome from an RV dealer for whatever reason, you will need to do a little homework to make sure that the dealer you choose will be there to give the support and service that you will require after the sale is completed. Not all dealers are reputable and have good customer service records. So choose your dealer wisely and carefully in advance of the sale. Here are some things to look for when choosing a dealer:

* Give a call to the local Better business Bureau and ask about the number of complaints filed against a dealer. If there are several of them listed, then it’s a good idea to cross this dealer off your list right away.

* Find out the background of the dealer. How long have they been in business? How long has the current owner had the company? Sometimes, RV dealers are sold and the great customer support that used to be there under the previous ownership disappears when the new owners take over. So be careful when dealerships have changed hands not too long ago.

* Talk to experienced RV and motorhome owners in the area and get their impressions of the dealers you are considering. There may be local RV clubs that can help you learn more about the dealers in your area. One thing is for sure though. If a dealer is not taking care of it’s customers properly, you will hear the loud chorus of complaints from local RV owners loud and clear. Keep in mind that an isolated complaint does not necessarily mean that the dealer is not worth considering, but when you see a clear pattern forming of customer dissatisfaction, it’s best to stay away from that dealer altogether.

* If all else checks out like you want, make a visit to the dealer and just walk through the lot and service area to get your impression of the way they run their business. If they seem to have only a few service techs and they don’t look very busy, this could be a sign that the dealer doesn’t have the best service personnel. So even if they take your coach in and try to fix it you could be making several returns just to have the same problem repaired. Also just see how you feel about the overall impression that you are left with at that dealer. Sometimes, it’s something that we can’t even quantify, but if you just don’t get a good feeling there, it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, a common complaint in the industry is that RV and motorhome dealers seem much more interested in selling you a product than keeping it serviced properly after the sale. But by doing some advance homework you can help minimize these problems before they arise by choosing an RV dealer that will continue to support your motorhome long after the sale is completed.

Jim Johnson writes on many consumer related topics including motorhomes. You can find out more about used motorhomes for sale and class c motorhomes for sale by visiting our Motorhomes Review website.

Tags: campground, camping, motorhome, recreational vehicle, RVcampground, camping, motorhome, recreational vehicle, RV

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You have seen them as they go down the highway. They are the behemoths of the motorhome and RV industry. They are bus conversion motorhomes. People often associate them with traveling entertainers, politicians and corporations because they are used a lot by those folks. Of all the options for traveling on the open road the bus conversion is by far the most luxurious. But there are disadvantages to consider too. Here is the list of both advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Advantages:

1. Durability. These vehicles are built to last from the ground up. You just can’t kill them. They generally outlast any other type of RV made by a long shot.

2. They are easy to handle and drive. Although they are huge vehicles, the suspension has been tuned to make them surprisingly easy to handle as they go down the road.

3. If you are into features and luxury appointments, this the motorhome for you. It’s a rolling mansion on wheels.

4. The engines used for bus conversions are very powerful and you should not have any problem with not having enough power to pass other vehicles or tow a vehicle behind. It’s comforting to know that when you step on the accelerator the power is there to do what you need.

Disadvantages:

1. Price. If you think Class A motorhomes can be pricey, you haven’t seen anything yet. The most recognized bus conversion companies include Newell, Bluebird and Prevost and their bus conversions can run well into the millions of dollars so they won’t be in everyone’s price range.

2. Cost of repairs. Although they can be the most durable of RVs, they also can be the most expensive to repair. They also can’t be repaired by the local auto repair shop, so you have to be able to get them to a facility that can handle them properly if they need repair. Just buying a bus conversion does not end your investment. Be sure to factor in plenty of money for needed repairs or buy an extended warranty that can put a cap on your repair costs.

3. If major repairs need to be made you will have to stay in a motel during that time as your home will be in the reapir shop.

As you can see the advantages are many and the disadvantages mainly revolve around financial matters. If you have the money to buy one of these fabulous machines, you probably won’t be disappointed. But if it will be a stretch for you to buy, you may want to look at a Class A motorhome instead.

Jim Johnson writes on many consumer related topics including motorhomes. You can find out more about motorhome dealers and used motorhomes by visiting our Motorhomes Review website.

Tags: campground, camping, motorhome, recreational vehicle, RVcampground, camping, motorhome, recreational vehicle, RV

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Every time I leave the pavement, I take along my trusty hiking pack - even if I have no intention of hiking. Doing this has become a habit rather than a conscious decision. My pack goes with me when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even when I drive out of town. I’ve been a boy scout and a United States Marine so I suppose I have learned to be prepared for almost anything. My pack is full of items I hope I will never need.

What’s In Your Hiking Pack? As an outdoor enthusiast, you have complete control over what you carry or what stays in the car - such as a cell phone, do you carry one? I wouldn’t dare go in the backcountry without all of the items listed below as “Highly Recommend.” What’s In My Hiking Pack? Here is my list split into two categories with the weight of each item in ounces:

Highly Recommend: Cell Phone (5 ounces), First-Aid Kit (9), Flashlight (4), Food - Beef Jerky (4), Insect Repellent (3), Map & Compass (4), Multi-Tool (9), Pack (24), Signal Mirror (1), Spare Vehicle Key (1), Sunglasses & Sunscreen (2), Water, Waterproof matches (1), Waterproof windbreaker (24), Whistle (1). Total weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces, not including water.

Nice to Have: Bandana (1), Binoculars (12), Cash & ID (1), Disposable Camera (4), Emergency Blanket (1), Extra Batteries (4), GPS Unit (10), Hand warmers (1), Hunting knife (8), Lighter (1), Lip Balm (1), Mini-Umbrella (10), Paper & Pen (1), Rangefinder (8), Road Flare (4), 12 feet of rope (2), Saw (7), Toilet Paper (1), Two-Way Radio (7), Work Gloves (2). Total weight: 5 pounds 2 ounces.

The total weight of my hiking pack not counting water, is 10 pounds 14 ounces. My pack has a shoulder harness system that takes the weight off of my lower back and distributes it evenly across my shoulders and upper back. I hardly notice my pack when I’m wearing it. One last point, if you carry something - make sure you know how to use it.

We’ve all heard quotes about being prepared, such as “Chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur and “The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” - Joe Paterno and “Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.” - Euripides. I suggest carrying a well thought out pack is a good habit and a good outdoor life-skill. One day it may save a family member, an outdoor companion or even you.

Plan ahead before you venture into our backcountry, even if you plan to be gone only an hour or two. It makes good sense. With just this small amount of planning you’ll get the most out of your backcountry experiences. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time.

Get Outdoors!

Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter “FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055.

Tags: backcountry, camping, hiking, hiking pack, pack list, recreationbackcountry, camping, hiking, hiking pack, pack list, recreation

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