Archive for November, 2009

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Some Great Toy Hauler Destinations

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Now that you have your toy hauler, you will be looking for ATV trails. There are many trails in the United States with widely varying scenery, and complexity.

Take a look at Ocotillo Wells

Take your toys to California and ride in the Ocotillo Wells Recreational Area. You’re looking at 80,000 acres of desert for off-highway trails. It is operated by the California State Parks. There are no fees for camping or day use, but no hookups are available. You can get maps with the trails clearly marked. Pamphlets give you directions for self-guided tours. The small town of Ocotillo Wells has some amenities such as fuel, restaurants, and a grocery store.

Ride the Paiute Trail in Utah

One of the highlights of this trail is the fabulous scenery. The trail was rated by Dirt Bikes magazine as one of the best 15 trails in the country. It is safe for family-type riding.  In addition to the beauty of your surroundings, there are fishing spots, and wildlife along the trail. There are small towns that offer some services.

El Camino Del Diablo in Arizona

This is not the trail for beginners. In fact, it is one of the most challenging trails you will encounter. There are a little more than 100 miles of hot sand trail. The track winds through a National Wildlife Refuge, a National Park, and a military practice range. At one place, the trail passes within a mile of the border of Mexico. This is the one to test your mettle!

There are many places to ride. Check the web for trails near your destination.

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Creative Ways to Use Your Toy Hauler Garage

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Toy haulers are a relatively new kid on the block among recreational vehicles. They are designed with a “garage” for All Terrain Vehicles, Off-Road Vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, jet skis, or any other kind of large “toy” that a person might take to play with on vacation. But, does a toy hauler’s usefulness need to be limited to carrying the big toys?  Maybe not.

Recreational uses for the garage on your toy hauler

You might fit out your garage with a fitness area complete with a hot tub. This could be useful even if you never hit the road with your trailer. The hot tub could be coupled with a barbeque grill, and a bar to host parties for your friends. Maybe you could fix it up as a rainy day room complete with activities for kids, stereo, and DVD player.

The garage can be used for practical purposes

The toy hauler garage would make a satisfactory studio for crafts. There is plenty of room for storage in which you could keep the supplies, and the finished products. It could equally well serve as a sewing room. In this case, the storage might include a built in wardrobe. Telecommuters could transform it into an office area to work in on the road, or they could take the toy hauler on a business trip and have all the comforts of home.

When is a garage not a garage? Can you come up with some creative ideas?

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Kids with Disabilities in Your Travel Trailer

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Traveling with kids can be challenging at best. But, if your child has special needs, you will want to be particularly well-prepared before you take a trip. Your travel trailer will make your trip easier before you begin since your child will be living and sleeping in familiar surroundings no matter where you may be parked.

Make arrangements ahead

Thorough preparation will also eliminate much of the stress of traveling. Depending on your child’s disability, you may want to include her in the groundwork. Make a checklist of things you are looking for in a campground, and let her check them off for each site. Discuss which one(s) are most suitable for your family. Pull out the road maps and engage your child in finding your destination, and a good route. The ownership in the trip this gives your child is priceless.

On the road

A good list is the beginning of a good road trip. For a child with physical disabilities, you will want to note in advance handicap accessible rest areas along your travel route. Be realistic about how much time you will need at each stop, and plan your driving day around it.

Keep a separate list for the extra things your special needs child requires, and have them in an easy to reach place. This includes any assistive devices, and medications. Add some favorite toys and books where appropriate. There are many Internet sites with travel game suggestions to help keep everyone entertained.  Whatever else you do, have fun as you build some great family memories.

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Service Animals Can Join You in Your Travel Trailer

Friday, November 27th, 2009

What do a dog, a Capuchin monkey, a pot-bellied pig, a cat, a rabbit, a miniature horse, birds, and snakes have in common? If you guessed that they could all be service animals, you would be correct.  Some pull wheelchairs, while others detect seizures. A dog may alert a hearing-impaired person to the doorbell, or the telephone. Cats and ferrets help people with PTSD. There are animals who aid people with depression, anxiety, and other invisible disabilities.  Another thing they have in common is they can tour with you in your travel trailer, and accompany you at your stops along the way.

What the law requires

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses, including campground owners, to allow service animals to escort their human being. It is unlawful for a business to assess a fee, or to charge a special deposit for helper animals.  If the owner of a business asks you if the animal is a pet, and what he does, you must answer. You do not however, have to present any certificates or proof.

What you must do

You must have your animal under control at all times. Supervise your animal’s interactions with other people, and discourage people from feeding, playing, or petting a service animal that is working. Any damage incurred by your animal must be compensated for. If your dog’s behavior is aggressive, or if he engages in unwarranted barking, snarling, or growling, the campground owner can ask you to leave. With attention and care, your service animal can make your travel trailer trip pleasurable and profitable.

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Fredericksburg, Texas: a Great Destination for You and Your Class C

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Fredericksburg is arguably one of the prettiest spots in the Texas Hill Country. There is something for everyone including Class C RVers. It’s definitely worth your while to visit.

Baron Otfried Hans Meusebach founded Fredericksburg as part of his mission to help German immigrants. Many of the Germans who settled Fredericksburg were liberal, educated people who were escaping from the consequences of the 1848 Revolution. These immigrants were extraordinary, and even made a peace treaty with the Comanche tribe; it is one of the few treaties never broken.

Whatever you like to do is probably available in Fredericksburg or nearby. In addition to the historical activities in town, you can visit the nearby famed LBJ ranch and National Park. There are museums in town, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Events Calendar offers concerts, theater, and tours.

This is also Texas wine country, and you can sign up for winery tours. Restaurants are many and varied. Hondo’s is the place to find genuine Texas cuisine and atmosphere with live music. The Altdorf Biergarten Restaurant serves authentic German fare with a variety of beers and ales.

Shoppers will head for Main Street where they will find 200 shops ranging from clothing and souvenirs, to gourmet food, liquors, and wine. Rustlin’ Robs Texas Gourmet Foods offers samples of their great Texas delicacies.

There are eight RV Parks and resorts in and near Fredericksburg, and the people of Fredericksburg are hospitable Texas-style. You’ll want to make your reservation early.

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Does a Class C RV Fit Your Lifestyle?

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

When choosing a Class C RV for your family, it is helpful to consider the various benefits in order to make an informed decision. A recreational vehicle is a big expenditure and you want to study the market in light of your family’s needs before you invest in one.

Many Class C RVs have the same conveniences as a Class A motorhome, but the Class C costs less. They are a good choice for quick weekend trips as well as for longer family camping vacations because many of them are equipped to sleep 6 – 8 people.

A Class C is relatively economical to drive – and gets even better mileage if the driver follows the optimal road trip practice of keeping the speedometer at 55, or even a little slower. It’s less stressful for the RV and for you if you take it easy on the road.

Generally, the Class C is easier to drive and handle if you have it packed properly. Make sure you distribute the weight of your gear evenly. There is less storage space in a Class C than other motorhomes, so plan to pack light.

Another advantage of the Class C RV is that it is easy to try before you buy because it is often used for rentals. Test several models before you make a purchase. You’ll have a better idea of what you like.

If you look for a reputable dealer, and take your time making your decision, chances are   you will enjoy your Class C RV for a long time.

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Supporting Your RV Habit After the RV Sales

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Even if fulltime RVing is your life dream, every day life requires something besides a dream to in order to keep on the road. What can you do to make money while you are traveling? Creative road warriors have discovered a number of ways to stay solvent.

Internet Income

Some folks generate an income via the internet. There are many options as long as you have a computer, and a good internet connection. One possible income generator is e-Bay. Building web sites is another moneymaker.

There are telecommuting jobs for virtual office assistants and work at home opportunities like writing web content. A word of caution here: although there are legitimate work opportunities on the World Wide Web, there are likewise numerous scams. Be wise and investigate before you get involved. Never give a company money for the dubious privilege of working for them.

Hand Crafts make Money

People who have artistic gifts use them to create things to sell. Knitters, crochet aficionados, artists, photographers – all can use their gifts to make money. Almost anything you can do at home, you can adapt to do on the road.

Take your work on the road

Still other travelers spend part of the year in one place working. They may be campground hosts (called workamping), nurses or seasonal workers. Temp agencies can help sometimes, and there is a web site dedicated to helping RVers find work.

Working RVers have the best of two worlds. You shouldn’t let finances keep you from your RV dream.

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After the RV Sales; Loving the Lifestyle

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

What do people love about the fulltime RV lifestyle? There are many things that draw folks to life on the road.

Love of travel is a given for folks who are fulltime RVers. They might winter in Florida, and summer in New York. Maybe they spend a year studying Native American culture, or the following historic sites of great American writers. They just can’t get enough of traveling.

Another love is for nature and the treat outdoors.  They may wander from Canada to Mexico and from California to Maine and never tire of the wonders in our National Parks.

Meeting people is another of the top reasons people love to RV. Most say that RVers are among the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.  You’ll find people who enjoy a peaceful, simple life on the road. They’re glad to have freedom from all the stuff and clutter that they had accumulated over a lifetime.

There are other reasons why people love their RVs, too. They like sleeping in their own beds every night, even when they’re traveling. Their bills and taxes are lower. Traveling keeps their minds sharp and they are constantly learning new things on the road. Some of them even enjoy gardening on a limited scale.

Wouldn’t you like to meet these people? Try renting an RV, and see if you can find your own reasons for loving the lifestyle.

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How to Make a Wise Toy Hauler Purchase

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

No matter how attractive the toy hauler is, if the parts you cannot see are not well constructed it may not be good value. As a trailer or fifth wheel that is carrying extra weight in the garage, you would do especially well to look at the chassis of any toy hauler you are thinking of buying.  Taking the vehicle to a competent mechanic should be a part of your purchase agreement.

You may not be able to see the chassis of the toy hauler, but a well-constructed one makes the difference when you are riding down the highway with a full load of toys. The best chassis is one that is custom made to fit your specific motorhome. A semi-custom chassis is an already made chassis modified to make it stronger. Both are a good choice.

The frame is another important component that you cannot see. The best ones are constructed with steel beams, and have support from cross beams. With your toy hauler, you need strong frames due to the weight you will be pulling. When you look at the walls, search for either wood or aluminum, both hold up well unless they are spoiled by moisture, or in the case of wood, bugs. Find out how the inner walls are constructed.

Check this out yourself. Talk to some RV manufacturers to find out how they build their motorhomes, and shop around. You may be able to buy a great used RV for sale by owner, or find a dealer who sells used toy haulers. It’s worth your time to investigate.

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Accessories for Your Toy Hauler

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

You can purchase a number of different accessories for your toy hauler. There are items to make life easier, articles that will keep you safer and some which will help protect your investment. There is also equipment that will make your life more comfortable.

A rock and mudguard unit for your truck will protect your investment. Look for one that can be easily installed and quickly cleaned. A good cover is also in this category, and there are many from which to choose.

Good, sturdy wheel chocks will keep your vehicle steady and safe whether you are doing routine maintenance, loading and unloading, and while you are parked. Tie down racks will keep your bikes and other toys immovable, and contain your extra water, gas, and propane tanks safely in one place.

Wall organizers safely store cans, or boots and helmets. Some come with a clothing bar so that all of your outdoor gear is in one place. A camper jack will help attach, and detach your truck and toy hauler, and they are available in either manual or electric.

If you’re camping in a spot where there are a lot of insects, a screened room to attach to your toy hauler will make life more relaxed. You can enjoy your meals without swatting at flying insects. An air purifier might be a good investment if you suffer from allergies.

There is even a magazine for toy haulers, http://www.toyhaulermagazine.com/  that can help you find everything from accessories, to destinations, to kindred spirits. Check out what’s available. You will be pleasantly surprised.

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