Archive for the ‘Fifth Wheel’ Category

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5th Wheel Toy Hauler

Monday, December 26th, 2011

The 5th wheel toy hauler is a bit of a conundrum for some RVers. There’s a lot of confusion. There are also several myths that should be discussed in order to get a clear idea of the 5th wheel and even more specifically, the 5th wheel toy hauler.

Some believe that the 5th wheel toy hauler is simply a way to transport recreational toys. The 5th wheel or toy hauler is a great way to transport toys back and forth to hot recreational spots, but it’s in no way limited to being functional during transport. The 5th wheel toy hauler is also designed to accommodate the other needs of the RVer.

The 5th wheel toy hauler is often believed to be deficient when it comes to luxury and amenities. This is also not true. The 5th wheel toy hauler is actually one of the most luxurious of RV options. Many come with the same options and amenities as the Class A RVs.

Another myth is that the 5th wheel is difficult to pull/maneuver on the road. Many fifth wheel owners beg to disagree. The 5th wheel is often cited as being much more maneuverable than other large RVs. The 5th wheel also comes with the added benefit of allowing the tow vehicle to unhitch. This allows owners to travel about the local areas/destinations without needing to tow their RV through small, local roads and local entertainment venue parking lots, etc.

Don’t ignore the 5th wheel toy hauler’s benefits because you are afraid to try something new. It is great for hauling recreational “toys.” We’re not trying to say it’s not. It’s one of the most popular aspects of this type of RV. The information we want you to walk away with today is that the “toy hauling” is an added benefit. It’s not the sole function of the 5th wheel. The fifth wheel is a full recreational vehicle experience with all the amenities available in the industry. Not sure what those are? Check into the options.

One of the easiest ways to get a grip on what’s out there is to peruse an extensive inventory. The Pedata RV Center online inventory is one of the most extensive and due to the fact that the full inventory is accessible online, it makes comparing and contrasting various options available in today’s market easier than ever. Check it out today.  

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Fifth Wheels Are the Best Method for RV Travel

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

I’ve purchased more than my fair share of recreational vehicles and of all those that I’ve owned and made use of, fifth wheels are my favorite. Fifth wheels might not be the best choice for EVERY RVer, but they are definitely the best choice for me and I would have to guess that their advantages would make them the best option for a pretty big group of RVers.

The advantages that I appreciate about fifth wheels include:

  1. Increased mobility without a decrease in the interior space – I love the fact that the fifth wheel offers the spacious floor plans and amenities of the most luxurious Class As, but also offers the drastic increase in mobility that comes with being able to unhitch, set up camp and take off around the local area in your tow vehicle.
  2. Wide price range – I’ve owned multiple fifth wheels in my day. Some might say that this makes me indecisive or flighty. (I’ve had my share of accusation flinging). I prefer to think of my multiple purchases as a means of gaining a great understanding of multiple RV types. I am able to say definitively that I like fifth wheels the best. I can also say that it is more affordable to than many assume due to the wide price range of fifth wheel trailers.
  3. Increased on the road storage space – Many refer to fifth wheels as toy haulers. This is because they are immensely popular amongst those who utilize their RVs as accouterments on their recreational outings. The fifth wheel is particularly well suited for storage of additional recreational vehicles (ATVs, four wheelers, three wheelers, dirt bikes, sand buggies, etc.) while on the road. It’s another aspect of the fifth wheel’s versatility.

Still not sold on the fifth wheel? You don’t have to be; as I said in the very beginning it’s my favorite. It doesn’t have to be yours. The array of RVs available out there is almost staggering. When you take into consideration the type of RV, the size of the RV, the class of the RV, the available amenities, etc. you can pretty much have whatever you want. The trick is figuring out what that might be. Test drive, research, contact a recreational vehicle professional and ask questions, discuss the matter with other RVers…it doesn’t matter how you go about it. You find out which RV best suits your lifestyle. Then get in it and get on the road! You won’t regret it. 

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5 Favorite Christmas Movies to Enjoy in Your Fifth Wheel Camper

Monday, December 5th, 2011

You’re headed out in your fifth wheel camper. You have the typical preparations handled. You have checked each and every maintenance issue off of your list. You are a veteran RVer and you know what you’re doing. You are positive that you haven’t forgotten anything. And then you remember that you’ll be on the road in your recreational vehicle for Christmas. You can’t celebrate the season without your favorite Christmas movies…what do you do?

You can enjoy your favorite shows and movies of the season on a handheld device like an iPod. You can also access them through a hard drive on your laptop computer. Both of these are easily stored in even the smallest of fifth wheel campers. Some of you probably own a fifth wheel camper that has entertainment options included in the layout. All you have to do is make sure to bring the movies. If you really want to do something different, you can try watching them projector style in the midst of your “middle of nowhere” camping trip. It’s a surprisingly unique experience to watch the “old favorites” in an entirely new setting: the great outdoors!

What are 5 of the Best Christmas Movies to Enjoy in your Fifth Wheel Camper?

  1. A Charlie Brown Christmas: You can’t start off the Christmas season without watching this quick flick and it’s best to finish the season with it as well.
  2. A Christmas Story: This is a classic. We all love Ralphie. And no one will be able to forget the consequences of Flick jumping directly from the double dog dare to the triple dog.
  3. Miracle on 34th Street: Whether you love the original version or the remake, this story is a must for every Christmas season.
  4. The Grinch: We recommend incorporating both the Dr. Seuss version AND the Jim Carrey version.
  5. A Christmas Carol: There are so many versions, and the important part of this movie recommendation is to get the story in, but the Jim Carrey version (again) is quite good.

Not sure if you can enjoy the Christmas movie classics while you’re on the road? Why not? You enjoy everything else while on the road. If the Christmas season is one of your “loves” then learn to accommodate your favorite traditions in one of your favorite locations…your own fifth wheel camper. You’ll find it easier than you expect.  

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Fifth Wheel Owners Share “Favorites”

Friday, November 11th, 2011

Fifth wheel road trips are becoming more and more popular. Many view the fifth wheel recreational vehicle as a toy hauler exclusively. They don’t recognize it as a luxury or a place of comfort on the road. These individuals are becoming more and more wrong as RV manufacturers continue to increase the level of comfort available through a good fifth wheel choice. 

The fifth wheel is not exclusively advantageous for those who want to cart around recreational toys. Many agree that it’s the “best choice,” and their reasons are all different. 

Jim B. of Chicago said, “I own a fifth wheel. It’s not the only recreational vehicle I’ve ever owned, but it’s the one I’ve enjoyed the most. I love the spacious interior and being able to unhitch.” 

Eliza D. of Seattle said, “The fifth wheel lets you feel particularly ‘at home’ on the road. Once you’ve set up camp and unhitched I feel like a have a real home base to work from.” 

Ned P. of Miami said, “The only thing my fifth wheel lacks that my custom home had is a fireplace and as soon as we park and set up camp, we can pull out the fire pit or the barbeque. We don’t feel like our choices are limited when we step away from our ‘home’ and step into our ‘home away from home’ at all.” 

Gina W. of Abilene said, “The fifth wheel seems designed just for me. I think it’s almost hilarious to see what types of people find themselves attached to a fifth wheel model. It’s the best type of people watching…it must appeal to all kinds!” 

What’s your favorite thing about the fifth wheel in your life? Do you love the interior space? Do you feel that the unique design elements offer more privacy? Do you enjoy being able to drive around smaller, local roads in your tow vehicle after unhitching? Do you like the “toy hauling” aspect? There are so many features that draw people to the fifth wheel that it can sometimes be difficult to put your finger on just why you have to have one, but once you’ve got it…you’ll likely never be happy with any other type of recreational vehicle again. 

Are you unable to pinpoint your “favorite” thing? We may be able to help. If you love the Class A, you’ll probably love the availability of luxury features that come with the fifth wheel. If you love the Class C you’ll probably love the versatility of the fifth wheel. If you love the Class B you’ll probably love the ability to keep it simple with a fifth wheel. If you love your travel trailer, you’ll probably love the ability to unhitch your fifth wheel and move around without it. 

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Fifth Wheel Road Trip Recommendations

Monday, October 17th, 2011

 

You just purchased your first fifth wheel. It’s actually your first recreational vehicle. In the past, you depended upon scheduled trips and rental RVs. But now that you have your very own fifth wheel you’re starting to realize just how fun spontaneous trips can be. And you’re right. One of the major beauties of the recreational vehicle is that they accommodate spontaneous travel perfectly.

Here are a few “spontaneous” trips that other fifth wheel RV owners have successfully completed:

  1. The General Sherman tree: The world’s largest single stem tree (by volume).  It’s a Giant Sequoia in California’s Sequoia National Park. The General Sherman stands 275 feet tall. The trunk is estimated to weight more than 1,800 tons.
  2. The USS Lexington Museum: This is not your typical museum; it’s an actual World War II era aircraft carrier. Never been aboard an aircraft carrier before? Visitors get to wander through the various mazes and tunnels, climbing ladders and enjoying the unique experience offered aboard the USS Lexington.
  3. The Alamo: Located in San Antonio. Texas, construction on the Alamo began in 1724 making it a true historic site. San Antonio and the Alamo played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. A memorable battle in 1836 led to the commonly heard phrase, “Remember the Alamo.” Visitors can access a plethora of amazing facts and artifacts throughout the mission.
  4. Old Faithful: This popular geyser is located in Yellowstone Park. It erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. Eruptions last 1 ½ to 5 minutes. Eruptions reach up to 184 feet. It’s a site that will not be forgotten.

No matter where you live or how much time you have, there is always something that will make for a great spontaneous fifth wheel trip. Ask around in your community. Find other RV owners and find out what they’ve done locally. Discuss tourist plans with visitors to your area when you run into them. It’s amazing how often individuals can spend their entire lives in a certain area and never even think about visiting popular tourist sites. People make international trips to see the Grand Canyon, yet there are individuals who live within hours who have never thought to make the trip.

It’s easier than you think to overlook interesting RV day trips and regional highlights. Make an effort to locate sites of interest near you and make the most of your recreational vehicle. Have you been planning any fabulous “someday” spontaneous fifth wheel trips? Share your ideas. Have you already been on a great spontaneous trip and have tips to share? Get in touch. We’d love to hear all about it. 

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Fifth Wheel RV

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

The fifth wheel RV is one of the most popular options amongst today’s RVers. The reason for its popularity is most likely its versatility. It is unique amongst RVs because it can fulfill so many different roles.

The Fifth Wheel RV is the perfect option for:

1. Young singles: Many young singles embrace their opportunity to travel on a whim and spend holidays and time with friends who also have time off from school and/or work. The fifth wheel is easily adapted to accommodate additional occupants. It easily accommodates the various needs of multiple users with little to no difficult adjustments. It has many widely appreciated basic features including: slideouts, popular appliances, full baths, kitchens, outdoor recreational additions like barbeque grills, and much more.

2. Young Families: Little ones not quite old enough to trust wandering in the outdoors? The Fifth Wheel RV provides plenty of entertainment opportunities for the young ones “indoors” so that Mom and Dad will have a little bit of time to relax without being constantly on the look out for the little guys’ safety in the “woods” or at the “dunes” or at the “beach,” etc.

3. Families with Newborn Babies: Still need to have the opportunity to let your new baby sleep, but don’t want to miss out on the family vacation? The Fifth Wheel RV is the perfect answer. Many 5th wheel designs offer the opportunity to have a closed bedroom door that can allow for the quiet and privacy that your baby will need for naptime even while you enjoy being close to and involved in the activities and fun of the family vacation.

4. Retirees: Retirees, single and married, enjoy the open road. Many prefer the extra freedom offered by the Fifth Wheel RV because they can set up camp, and take their unhitched tow vehicle off and about exploring the local areas. It makes it much easier to enjoy all aspects of the trip and it also decreases the overall cost of the trip through decreased gas prices.

5. Multiple Family Vacationers: Some enjoy vacationing with close friends or family and need to access recreational vehicle options that provide them with the chance to house more than one family in one unit. The fifth wheel offers many designs, some of which can do justice to the needs of more than one family. Many are surprised to find just how many people can comfortable sleep in a fifth wheel trailer. And the opportunities for privacy are also much more thorough than you may first guess.

Check out the different Fifth Wheel RV options and see how many of the items on your checklist can be fulfilled easily and immediately. You’ll want to work with the recreational vehicle that most easily meets all of your needs and the Fifth Wheel RV just might be the one!

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Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler: Recommendations for the Cook

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Fifth wheel toy hauler owners find themselves in a great many places. The sand dunes are a popular landing spot. The mountains are a popular landing spot. The desert is a popular landing spot. The lake is a popular landing spot. The thing about the fifth wheel toy hauler is that it’s versatile. That’s why so many people find themselves attached to it.

It sleeps a high number of people comfortably. It hitches to a tow vehicle and can be unhitched for local travel after the fifth wheel toy hauler is set up at the campsite. It is the perfect method of transport for popular recreational vehicles like dirt bikes, sand rails, quads, etc. These items are often great methods of extra entertainment once the fifth wheel toy hauler is set up and the campsite is in place.

So you’ve got the road trip down. You’ve got your on site entertainment. But what about the food? What are you going to eat now that you’ve got yourself all set up in your remote location?

While we recommend the fun of junk food, fast food and drive thrus as much as the next guy…it’s not really very convenient when you are towing a fifth wheel toy hauler. The most convenient is to stock your RV before you depart. You’ve got a full kitchen in most fifth wheel toy hauler RVs so take advantage of it. You’ll find that stocking your kitchen will make it easier to keep everyone full and happy with the eating choices at hand.

Don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen while you’re on vacation, but still want to enjoy “fresh” and healthy foods? Aim for salads. Go light because you know that you’re also going to be incorporating a lot of junk food in addition to your planned meals.

Stock your favorite salad accouterments and keep them on hand. Let the family and friends accompanying you on your road trip do it salad bar style and make their own salad. Some good suggestions for great salads?

-        A variety of lettuce (spring mixes, baby spinach, romaine, green leaf, etc.)

-        Feta Cheese and/or Parmesan Cheese

-        Croutons

-        Bacon or bacon bits (or you can actually cook up the bacon and keep fresh bacon crumbles for your salads

-        Cucumbers

-        Tomatoes

-        Carrots

-        Sunflower seeds

-        Dried cranberries

-        And more.

You get the idea. In addition to the salad bar option you can do side salads with all your regular meals in order to keep things on the healthy side and keep everyone from feeling heavy from the lack of “normal” food on the road. Easy side salads include: Caesar salad, Chicken Caesar salad, Spinach Strawberry salad, Steak and Spinach salad, etc.

Have fun! Your RV is outfitted to provide you with everything you might need. Don’t feel limited…you’re not!

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RV Fifth Wheel

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

RV Fifth Wheel driving tips are a little unique due to the special hitch and the fact that many fifth wheel trailers provide the same space and interior area as the largest and most luxurious Class A’s.

Driving tips for the RV Fifth Wheel:

  1. First and foremost, you have to remember that you are towing a large trailer. Make sure the vehicle doing the towing is capable of handing the load. The truck must be rated to handle the load you are going to be requiring it to haul.
  2. Have a checklist that you go through before departure to make sure there’s nothing “going on” that will lead to danger on the road. Include the following: electrical system (*check brakes, lights, running lights, etc.), mirrors (make sure they are adequate to provide you with the view that you need to drive safely), etc.
  3. Know how to hitch and unhitch the trailer. You’ll want to do this frequently in order to set up camp and then drive the truck around sightseeing, etc.
  4. If your 5th Wheel has slideouts make sure to inspect the campsites that you choose to make sure they will be accommodated before setting up. You won’t want to hitch up again and move over 5 feet after finding out you didn’t remember the kitchen slideout, etc. Watch out for trees, hookups, etc. Be especially careful to inspect the area when you set up camp in the dark.
  5. Be very careful of the overhead clearance of your vehicle. Most highways and major gas stations can accommodate even the largest 5th wheel trailers, but some of the older overpasses and/or mom and pop gas stations/convenience stores may pose an issue.
  6. Don’t rush. Don’t let anybody on the road make you feel you need to speed or go faster if you’re not comfortable. Take you time to make sure you’ve got the room to get where you’re going and to make sure you’ll have the room to turn around/maneuver when necessary.
  7. Be aware of the 5th wheel’s size during passing, merging and other simple maneuvers.
  8. The easiest way to get comfortable pulling a 5th wheel is to practice. Practice makes perfect just like in any endeavor.

Access some of the online forums with other newbie RVers looking for driving tips. You might even find someone asking for specifics regarding driving the exact model of recreational vehicle that you are considering purchasing.

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Fifth Wheel Campers and Cooking on the Road

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

Fifth wheel campers are convenient for many reasons and one of the most popular reasons for loving recreational vehicles while on vacation or road trips is the ability to cook while away from home. In addition to being a budget-wise move, it is also typically a much healthier method of feeding yourself and your family while you’re on the road.

What can you cook while you’re on the road? In most cases, you can cook exactly as you would be cooking if you were at home in your own kitchen (the one not on wheels). Fifth wheel campers on today’s market are outfitted with as much or as little “extras” as owners prefer. So the exact kitchen appointments will depend upon your model and your choices during the buying process.

What do we recommend? We recommend that you come up with some favorite “on the road” menu items and mix them in with some of your regular diet fare. This way you can have some fun and eat different foods without abruptly changing your diet entirely. For instance, a family that enjoys fairly healthy meals at home may have a little trouble adjusting to an about face in their diet while on the road that consists of mainly junk food and drive thrus. This type of eating could leave some or all members of the family feeling sick or sluggish. And that’s no fun when you’re supposed to be off having a fun vacation.

Here are a couple fun and easy “vacation” meals that you can incorporate while on the road:

  1. Hobo dinners: stop at a road side stand and gather fresh vegetables to use and then stop at a nearby grocery store for fresh ground meat and aluminum foil. If you have a campfire or grilling area at your campsite you can cook them traditionally in the coals, but hobo dinners can be just as yummy cooked inside your fifth wheel campers’ oven.
  2. Smores: again, you can gather your ingredients easily at any grocery store. You’ll just need graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows. You can cook them on sticks or unbent hangers over the campfire at your campsite or you can improvise with a microwave. Just make sure to put a plate underneath them before you heat them up in your fifth wheel camper’s microwave.

But what about the “normal” foods that will keep your stomachs from feeling like you’ve abandoned them right when they’re feeling they need you most? Take advantage of your fifth wheel camper amenities. Do you have an oven and a refrigerator? Make a meal plan before you leave and have your fridge stocked. If it’s a longer trip, make meal plans as you go and stop at grocery stores to restock periodically. Just because you’re on the road in your RV doesn’t mean that you have to drop everything about your normal eating habits. You’ve got the tools you need right in your fifth wheel campers! Use them.

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Used Motorhomes for Sale: Avoid the Around the Corner Sale

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Used motorhomes for sale are available on nearly every corner. The sheer accessibility of some used motorhomes for sale make them seem more advantageous to potential buyers. But potential buyers should be careful not to mistake an easy purchase with a good purchase. The recreational vehicle is a major purchase that can bring a lot of fun and happiness into the lives of RV owners. But it’s vital that the new RVer consider that the RV for sale on the corner might not be the best RV for them even if it is…just around the corner.

We are all at least a little bit susceptible to an easy deal. And when it comes to used motorhomes for sale that means something nearby that we don’t have to go searching for. At least that’s the immediate assumption of new potential RV owners. But it’s a mistake.

Used motorhomes for sale are actually available across the nation. And sometimes it is best to purchase a used RV from someone who is definitely NOT in your area. Your new RV may not even be in state. But this isn’t a top consideration. The top consideration when looking at used motorhomes for sale should be:

  1. Price
  2. Sleep Accommodations: how many people does it sleep?
  3. Type: fifth wheel, Class A, Class C, Class B, travel trailer, etc.  
  4. Accessories and features: if there are important accessories or features that are particularly important to you don’t let them pass you by. Make sure the RVs you are considering have them as an option. Don’t think that just because the motorhome for sale on the corner or down the street is nearby that it’s okay to buy it even though it doesn’t have the features you are looking for in your new or used RV.

Make a list of what you are looking for and if you happen to find used motorhomes for sale in your area (or on the corner down the street) that fulfill your requirements then by all means…check them out and consider purchasing them. But never feel limited to the options available in your local area. You have access to nearly unlimited options through reputable dealers who are used to selling RVs to out of towners…and out of staters. They’ve got the process down. Check out what they have and then discuss the details after you’ve found exactly what you want. The number of long distance used RV sales is much higher than those occurring locally. And there’s a reason for that. You’re much more likely to find what you’re looking for!

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