One of my jobs as a business owner is to pay attention to what people in the community need and help them out where I can.  Obviously I am looking to make a profit, but I also feel as an entrepreneur that it is my responsibility to help out as many people as I can.

So when I heard a lot of grumblings about the lack of RV storage in our community, it got me thinking that it might be a service that I could provide.  It seemed really simple, and all I would have to do is have a building with a garage that was heated, right?

After doing a bit of information gathering, it turns out that it wasn’t going to be that easy.  There were a number of other things to think about besides the building.  Some of the more important things that came up were building security, insurance (in case of natural disasters and damage of RVs while in my care) and drafting a storage contract.  It was turning out to be a little more work than I had anticipated, but I was up for the challenge.

In fact, after being open for a few short months now, our first building is just about at capacity.  I think that we will build another storage facility during the summer next year to be prepared for next fall.  I think it was a good business decision to get into the RV storage business.

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There is nothing better than a stretch of open road, driving in your RV to a new or old, favorite destination. With the bleak economy, it seems like a poor time to take off in your motor home. However, there has never been a better time.

With oil dropping below $35 a barrel and gas prices across the country at a record low for several years, there has not been a better time to hit the road especially as spring approaches. There are over thousands of RV parks nationwide near wonderful attractions just waiting for you to explore them.

California is a beautiful place to begin starting with the Redwood National Forests in Northern California down to the sunny shores of beautiful San Diego. Along the way, stop by the wine country of Napa and Sonoma. While there, you can also see a petrified redwood forest, the Calistoga geyser, the old Spanish missions, or enjoy the delectable foods and views of the area.

As you drive your RV further south, you will be impressed by the beautiful beaches of Monterey, Carmel, Morro Bay, and Santa Barbara. California is filled with many amusement parks, museums, and beautiful vistas. In San Diego, you can go to Old Town or take a trip to their World famous zoo. No matter where you drive in California, you are sure to find rewarding destinations.

Utah is also another popular destination. The canyons of southern Utah are magnificent. While exploring Bryce Canyon and Zion’s Park you can hike, golf, picnic, and take beautiful landscape photographs. Northern Utah offers some spectacular views and activities. Skiing is amazing in Park City during the winter and the Alpine slide offers adventure to summer visitors. This lovely community also offers wonderful dining and fun shops.

After Utah, Colorado offers equally impressive country to travel through with your motor home. Steamboat Springs is a beautiful town nestled into the mountains in Northern Colorado. It is a popular ski area during winter offering beautiful powdered snow and wonderful trails. The spring and summer months offer beautiful vistas of wildflowers. There is also hiking, rafting, and climbing in the area.

Colorado also offers beautiful sites at the Rocky Mountain and Pike National Forests. On the other side of the Country, the Northeast offers some amazing places to visit. This area is rich with American Heritage, whether you are stopping in Boston or traveling down to Charleston, South Carolina. In Boston, you’ll want to take some time to do the freedom trail.

Along the way you’ll see America’s first Navel ship the USS Constitution (Old Iron Sides), Bunker Hill, and the Old North Church where two lanterns were hung to signal the British were coming by sea. You will also go by Durgin Park, one of the oldest, if not the oldest, restaurants in America. Old meets new in Boston as you cross through the Common and head out to Newbury Street.

As you continue your RV trip south, Washington D.C. is a must stop destination. Our Nation’s capital is a most see place. The majority of museums are free and it would take you weeks to explore the rich sites throughout the city. Whether you are interested in natural history, environmental history, or American history, you can find a free museum to spend your days.

There are countless places to go across the country. Whether you are traveling within your own state of driving across country, the best part of driving your RV there is brining a little part of home with you.

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Exploring the countryside and national attractions in your RV can be a wonderful, mind-expanding adventure. To get the best motor home for your needs visit the motor home sales store online at www.bankstonmotorhomes.com

By astratton

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There are many factors to consider when buying a recreational vehicle. To begin with, there are two major types, which are further broken down into a variety of vehicles each with its pros and cons.

The first type of RVs is the motor home and the second type is the trailers. When considering which type to buy, it is important to keep in mind your budget, lifestyle, amenities and the amount of time you plan to stay in the trailer. The benefit of any recreational vehicle is the freedom to take to the roads while bringing a little bit of home with you.

Beginning with the simplest type of vehicle are the smaller towable trailers (including campers). The most affordable type are the folding camping trailers and the truck campers. Prices for these begin around $5,000 new but used ones begin as low as $2,000 for older models.

These units offer basic amenities such as cold storage/refrigeration, cooking range, fresh water tanks, propane tanks, dining area, and sleeping accommodations. These trailers are great for the weekend warriors looking to get out of suburbia and into the great outdoors. Truck campers, obviously need a truck, but some pop up trailers can be pulled by even compact cars.

Moving up the chain is the traditional travel trailers. These units tend to be bigger, although some trailers are as short as 10 feet, and they come with a pricier tag beginning about $10,000. These RVs must be towed by vehicles that can handle the load and often need load distribution and sway control devices to stable it during transport.

However, the amenities that these trailers offer are much nicer than their smaller pop up cousins. The nicer units can top $125,000, but come with expendable walls that increase the living area when the trailer is parked, showers, miniature kitchens, bathrooms, septic tanks, and their own electrical system.

If the load distribution and sway control are still a problem to this option, purchasing a 5th wheel can be the solution. The down side is that 5th wheel trailers need a special truck hitch, but towing is much easier. The other types of RVs are the motorized homes. These units combine the living space and the vehicle for convenience and luxury.

There are three classes of motor homes: A, B, and C. At the top end is the 30 to 45 foot behemoth Class A RVs. These vehicles begin at $100,000 and can cost up into the millions complete with granite counter tops, queen-size beds, and flat screen plasma televisions (or, essentially, the Ritz Cartlon on Wheels).

The next two classes (B & C) are a combination of miniature Class A’s or converted vans. They can begin in the $30,000 and top $150,000. The price varies based on the type of amenities that you want. The basic units have the necessities including refrigeration, cooking ranges, water closets, and sleeping accommodations.

There are definite benefits to these RVs compared to their trailer cousins. Passengers can move within the trailer (and even use the bathrooms) without having to stop. They are easy to move and you do not have to worry about to vehicles.

The down side is your home is attached to your transportation so getting around town can be tricky unless you are towing a car. Motor homes also tend to be a little more expensive and when they break, the whole vehicle is out of service. So, whether you are a weekend warrior or a long road hauler there are plenty of options for a recreational vehicle. These units are so customizable that you never have to leave home again, while seeing places you’ve never been.

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The first type of RVs is the motor home and the second type is the trailers. Consider your budget, lifestyle, amenities and the amount of time you plan to stay in the trailer before you buy one. Visit www.bankstonmotorhomes.com.

By astratton

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Have you ever considered buying a motor home? Have you ever stopped to look at the options you have? If so, you know that when you are ready to purchase one, you have a number of ways you can do this. For instance, you can purchase a motor home from a dealer. You can purchase one through a showcase. You can purchase one during a motor home convention or an auction. You can even deal personally with a motor home owner.

If you have always wanted to own a motor home, purchasing a motor home from an auction may sound appealing. The question is not whether you can purchase a motor home from an auction but rather should you purchase one from a motor home auction. If you want to know if dealing with an auction site is the best thing for you, whether you a purchasing a vehicle, truck or motor home, you need to look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with auctions. These pros and cons are going to influence your decision and it’s best to have the knowledge before you start the process.

Two Positive Reasons For Dealing With A Motor Home Auction

Many people who choose to participate in an auction do so for one big reason: prices. Many auctions have very affordable prices. Auction houses/companies will set a minimum price they will choose to sell a piece at and then bidders can raise the price by placing their bids. The last person to bid is the winner of the auction. When bidding is done this way, you can often get a great deal.

Another reason you should go with an auction to purchase your motor home is you never know what you will come across. When you start dealing with auction sites, you’ll often see motor homes that have owners taking part in consignment programs. It’s also not unusual to find a used car dealership selling on motor homes that have been traded in in for a new car. Keep in mind that inventory/stock changes every time the auction is held. For some people, this is just part of the excitement of searching for the perfect motor home.

Two Negative Reasons For Dealing With A Motor Home Auction

As much as it is a positive to see unknown motor homes in the auction, it’s also considered a disadvantage. Why? When you dream of having and owning a motor home, you often have some idea of what you want yours to look like. When you search an auction site for your motor home, you are limited to what is being showcased and auctioned off. However, never settle with a motor home you are not happy with. Keep returning to the auction sites until you find the motor home that screams to you and is what you wanted.

Many auctions sites will advertise that all products are sold “as is”. When you purchase a motor home, you don’t know what you are getting. Many auction sites will allow perspective buyers to look at the motor homes and check them out. However, if you are unable to do this, bid with caution. You don’t want to bid too high and realize that the motor home you purchased is in dire need of repairs or has to be upgraded to use.

It doesn’t matter where you choose to buy your motor home. However, if you choose to purchase one at an auction site, you know you’ll be taking a gamble. It can either pay off or cost you more money than you wanted to pay in the first place. It’s a risk that some people can afford to take while others choose to stay on the sidelines and look elsewhere.

Our number one tip is to ask as many questions as you can about the road worthiness of the vehicle. Ask about accident damage, service history, required repairs etc. The more you know the less risk you are taking. If possible get answers in writing and then you may have cause for redress if you have been mislead.

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You can access a great selection of used travel trailers for sale at auction or fixed price by visiting our us at travel trailer for sale. Why not take a look today?

By mbpage

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Recreational vehicles provide much joy and entertainment to their owners. But to keep the fun going and their RV running smoothly, owners need to take the proper steps to maintain it.

RVs require a good amount of attention and a little extra maintenance. After all, caring for an RV is like maintaining both a motor vehicle as well as a home. But following a simple up keep routine after the end of each adventure will keep your motor home looking nice, feeling comfortable, and running fluently for your future excursions.

The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere because your battery died or because your engine overheated. To prevent this from happening make sure you take care of the engine and drive train of your motor home just as you would your favorite car.

Change the oil regularly, refill all fluids, keep the battery from corroding, and check the tire pressure. Remember that recreational vehicles are generally used for long road trip and rack up a lot more miles than the average car used daily, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself changing the oil or doing other routine procedures much more often.

As far as the home part of the motor home is concerned, one of the most common problems that occur is moisture buildup. Moisture buildup resulting from shower and kitchen stove use causes staining and mildew issues. This can be avoided by always opening the roof vent and using the bathroom fan when showering.

It may be helpful to close all other doors, windows, and vents while showering to ensure that the moisture flows out of the roof vent. Also, avoid cooking or boiling water on the stove, especially in cold weather. Opt to use your microwave instead. If you must boil water on the stove, make sure the roof vent is open and possibly some other windows as well.

Like your permanent home, drains will get clogged and need to be clean out. The trap of the bathroom sink will need to be detached and cleaned out manually every other month while the shower drain can be blasted clean using the high pressure mode of your basic garden hose. Before storing your motor home away for the winter all water lines must be drained. If lines are not drained before storage and temperatures drop low enough, the remaining water may freeze, expand, and possibly burst the pipes or water lines.

If this happens repairs or replacements may be pricey, so it is more cost efficient to take preventative measures. Draining the water lines before winter includes disconnecting the ice maker and water feed lines, draining and flushing the hot water heater, and flushing the entire system with RV specific antifreeze.

Also, before storage remember to unplug all appliances and disconnect all batteries. This is important because some devices continue to use energy even when switched to the off mode. You will want all battery to be well charged so that you can take off on your next adventure without delays. Many people also cover their RVs in storage with tarps to protect it from ice and water damage. This will keep your motor home looking clean and new.

Probably one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to maintain your recreational vehicle is to give it a good cleaning after each trip. Make sure you leave no food that will spoil or attract rodents or bugs. Also remove all cans of liquid that might expand and explode with freezing temperatures. Cleaning the RV inside and out after every trip will help you get on your way in comfort the next time you want to travel.

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Your motor home can provide you many happy years of outdoor fun and adventure as long as you take the time to keep it in shape. When you need RV accessories to upgrade or maintain your motor home, visit www.bankstonmotorhomes.com to access the free catalog.

By astratton

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Here is how you become an expert at RV living: You head out on the road, and way out somewhere in the boonies you realize you forget everything you need. A trip to the nearest town 100 miles away and $100 later, you learn, “I should have brought that”!

Next summer you remember the disaster last time, and you pack all the things you’ll ever need on the road. Then, out on the road, you think of a million things you forgot to bring.. AGAIN.

Repeat these steps over and over again, and the 10th time, you will be a packing expert. Unfortunately, there’s no better way to do it. You have to just keep a list, and keep adding to it every time you forget again. To save a little of the forehead smacking and needless detours to Wal-Mart, here is a list of absolute essentials that you should always have in your RV.

* First Aid Kit

Never leave home without it! You’ll need a decent first aid kit with band-aids, gauze, ointments and painkillers to treat any problems that bite you along the way. A simple, basic kit will do; you don’t need anything fancy.

* Cell Phone And Charger

Sure, cell phones are annoying; but we should consider ourselves lucky to have them. They have saved more than a few lives, as well as a few motor homes stranded by the roadside. Make sure you have important numbers in there, including AAA or other services you might need.

* Flashlights And Batteries

This is the number one thing folks forget, and it’s probably the simplest. Bring along flashlights, lanterns and some other lighting devices, and don’t forget batteries! They won’t work without them. All you need is one night barbecuing by moonlight, and you’ll never forget this again.

* Matches

Matches are also easy to forget. Unless you were good at Boy Scouts and you can rub two sticks together, you’d better have them. Make sure you stock up on extras for when you run out, or you’ll find yourself paying for dinner at a local restaurant so you can fill your pockets with theirs.

* Plates, Cups And Silverware

While we’re talking about cooking, you might want to have something to eat off of. Not everything is finger food, so you should bring plenty of forks, spoons and knives. If you’re in a pinch, go with paper and plastic; but if you can, go with the real thing. You can help cut down on your trash, and you won’t need to bring so much.

* A Cooler

Bring a cooler and pick up ice along the way. You can keep all your food fresh and drinks cold. If you’ve ever sat by the fire after a long day of hiking with only warm beer to drink, you’ll understand the importance of the cooler. Make sure the cooler you buy is big enough to hold everything you will need.

* Bottled Water

Always bring plenty of bottled water. This will help during the long drives, as well as when you’re parked in your RV. You never know if the drinking water will be good or not, and in the desert west of the US it is easy to get dehydrated. Stock up before you go and keep some with you at all times.

This will get you started, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Keep yourself a list and add to it whenever you think of something else. Over the years, your list will grow, and you’ll be on an RV packing expert in no time.

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Your next road trip doesn’t have to be a rough lesson in survival outdoors. Travel in comfort when you go exploring in your RV motor home. For great deals on motor homes, visit www.bankstonmotorhomes.com.

By astratton

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When my husband and I got married, we went to Cancun for our honeymoon.  Now, 15 years later, we are going back for a couple of weeks.  Of course, this time we are bringing along two kids!  We love going to the beach and just hanging out.  It is one of the few things that we can do on family vacations that is actually somewhat relaxing.  My husband’s parents are also coming along.  They volunteered to watch the kids during part of the vacation so that my husband and I can have some time to ourselves.

We decided to get a couple of Cancun rental cars.  We figured that would be easier than trying to cram 6 people into a cab every time that we wanted to go somewhere.  I also feel that it is a bit safer for the kids.  I can always make sure that they are in the back seat and that they are always buckled up.

We went on a family vacation to Florida a couple of years ago.  We tried doing a tour of all of the amusement parks but it’s hard to stay on a schedule with kids.  We ended up checking out rental cars in Orlando.  That turned out to be much easier than dragging the kids around on buses!

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