Archive for the ‘RV News’ Category

Don’t Miss This: Experiencing Arizona by RV

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

Every seasoned RV traveler is suddenly all ears when they hear the phrase, “Don’t miss this.” This particular phrase usually comes out of the mouth of someone who has been in the area as a traveler or a resident and has specific info to share. It’s human nature. If someone enjoys a moment or an experience or a location or RVing campground, they want to share that memory. For some this means that they’ll post a Facebook status about how much they liked it. Others will conduct a photo shoot and slather the Internet with their experience through numerous photo hosting galleries, Instagram, Pinterest and other various photo-based social media sites. A different type of photographer may create a small photo album of photos for their own use. Many travelers will end up recording the experience in writing through blogging or traditional journaling. Regardless of the method of memory recording, there’s one thing that holds true for approximately 99% of the public and that is that they will share their experience vocally. Thus the universal awareness of what is to come when a fellow traveler starts off with, “Don’t miss this!” 

 

For instance, are you traveling to Arizona in your recreational vehicle? Well, don’t miss this…

 

  1. Grand Falls in Northern Arizona: Travelers are most likely to see water flowing in the Spring or after heavy rainfalls upstream. This is a unique scenic view; particularly when the water is flowing. 
  2. Havasu Falls: On the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Grand Canyon National Park. Many view this hike and location as a hands-on Grand Canyon experience that can never be replaced. 
  3. Horseshoe Bend: Just south of Page, Arizona, this is one of the most photographed locations on the Colorado River. 
  4. The Wave: Located on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, which are located in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness on the Colorado Plateau, Arizona. The Wave must be seen to be believed. 
  5. Antelope Canyon: Near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon will necessitate arranging for a guide, but is well worth the effort. It is a testament to the fact that Nature is an artist. 
  6. Fossil Springs: Near Strawberry, Arizona, this spot is prized for both the hike and the opportunity to swim beside the gorgeous waterfall at trail’s end. 

 

It is very rare for an RVer or any traveler, for that matter, to see everything there is to see in any one location they visit. That’s why it’s so important to listen closely when seasoned travelers suddenly feel the need to share. RVers should never completely ignore another traveler’s, “Don’t miss this.” There’s nothing more telling than a memory so strong that it can’t be held back. Travelers are just naturally compelled to share the moment with someone who may shortly appreciate it fully. 

Pedata RV Center Expects to See Positive Response from RVers Regarding 2012 GoRVing Advertising Camp

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Pedata RV Center expects to see positive response from RVers regarding 2012 GoRVing advertising campaign. The new campaign debuted at the National RV Trade Show on November 29, 2011.

Pedata RV Center urges RV buyers to access the plethora of information available through the GoRVing website. The website offers helpful information on the following RV related topics: types of RVs, tools for calculating RV savings, activities and campgrounds accessible for RVing, recipes for on the road, and other helpful information.

Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center said, “There are many outlets for RV information. We often recommend GoRVing.com because it is easily navigated and caters to all types of RVers.”

Accessing information from a variety of outlets is important when RVers are considering a purchase, planning a vacation, making RV meal plans, etc. In addition to the online article library offered through the Pedata RV Center website and the interactive learning capabilities of the Pedata blog, RV owners can benefit from personal contact with any of the Pedata RV Center professionals.  

Pedata RV Center sells used RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and motor homes. Their full inventory is accessible online, and due to their low overhead costs they are able to offer competitive pricing in their industry. Easy access to industry and recreational vehicle information allows consumers to have access to the specific knowledge they need to ensure their purchase results in long term satisfaction.

For more information on Pedata RV Center, or current trends in the RV industry, visit Pedata RV Center online at pedatarvcenter.com or contact Gerard Pedata:

Contact: Gerard Pedata
Company: Pedata RV Center
www.PedataRVCenter.com
Phone: 1-888-545-8314 or 520-807-0900
Email: sales@pedatarvcenter.com

The Frugal RVer on Maximizing RV Budget: Easy Homemade Cleaning Supplies Drastically Decrease Costs

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Frugality isn’t always born out of necessity. Sometimes it is simply a choice. Some of the wealthiest people in the world claim that they only achieved financial security as a result of their own personal need to be frugal in all things. Being frugal doesn’t necessarily mean going without everything that is needed or even simply wanted. It does mean that as little money as possible is spent on the items and/or services being purchased.

One need that is acknowledged almost unanimously is the need for appropriate cleaning supplies. In general, humanity prefers to be clean. In today’s society that means accessing 3, 5, maybe even 12 or more specific cleansers from the nearest household goods store. Most purchase the necessary cleansers without questioning the costs, but the frugal RVer is going to stop and consider. They want to ensure that no unnecessary purchases are being made that will eat into their RV budget.

This consideration is warranted. The costs can be substantial. While some immediately accept that the expenditure is necessary, others will pause and look for other options.

These other options are actually becoming more and more popular. The use of more “natural” products that can be made in the home (or the recreational vehicle) is popular because they can save consumers a lot of money, but that’s not the only reason. Products that are made by the consumer contain no unknown ingredients. The consumer is aware of everything that was used during production. Most believe that avoiding mainstream cleansers will drastically reduce the amount of problematic chemicals that are infiltrating both lives and bodies with detrimental effects on the general health. To put it simply, homemade cleansers are seen as a way to save money and decrease the amount of harmful chemicals in the household or recreational vehicle.

RVers interested in replacing store bought cleansers with homemade cleaning products can begin with laundry detergent as it sees the most use in an average household or recreational vehicle. 

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Approximate Yield: 576 loads

Approximate Cost: $6.00

1 bar of soap (any kind you want)

1 cup of Borax

1 cup of washing soda

A big pot (that holds more than 2 gallons)

A grater

A funnel

A long spoon

2 empty gallon jugs/containers

When making cleaners it is recommended that the utensils, pots, bowls, etc. used for the process be set aside for this purpose and not used for food preparation or serving.

Step 1: Use the cheese grader to grade your bar of soap directly into the large pot.

Step 2: Pour a gallon of water into the pot with the soap. Turn the burner to medium high and cook until the soap dissolves into the water.

Step 3: Add additional ingredients – Borax and washing soda.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil so it will coagulate. Once it does, turn off the heat.

Step 5: Add another gallon of water (cold) and stir.

Step 6: The detergent should thicken during the cooling process. Allow up to 24 hours for the mixture to thicken completely.

Step 7: Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a container/s. (2- one gallon jugs are recommended).

RVers who find that making their own household cleaners is right up their alley can find plenty of options for homemade cleaning products online with simple instructions. Laundry detergent is one of the most popular and easiest to produce for the first-timer, but for the RVer ready to move on to the next step Hand Soap is recommended. Save money, decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals and know that in the event that soap suddenly becomes unavailable, you and yours will still be clean. There’s really no negative side to this particular scenario.  

 

The RV Traveler: Phoenix, Arizona

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

 

RVing is becoming more and more popular. Some very firmly insist it’s because it is the only way to maximize a limited vacation budget. Others argue that RVing provides the most versatile means of travel. Then there are those who insist that the RV is the only way to enjoy spontaneous travel while avoiding logistical issues like the lack of reservations for accommodations and last minute airfare hikes. Some simply respond to the discussion by saying the recreational vehicle is the best way to spend quality time with loved ones on a regular basis.

Many will attempt to weigh the options, consider the facts, compare RV owners and RV trips and opinions on the RVing lifestyle, but today, no one is here to prove anyone right or wrong, but simply to agree with all of the above. The RV lifestyle is so right for so many people because it is accommodating of so many different needs. Stop worrying about why the RV is the right answer and enjoy the fact that it is the right answer. RVers should stop worrying about why they love the RV lifestyle and start planning their upcoming trips.  

One popular RVing destination is Phoenix, Arizona. RVers who aren’t sure of the draw that brings so many to the area should consider this sample itinerary from a trip made to Phoenix on Valentine’s Day weekend 2012:

Chosen Campground: Desert Sands RV Park, 22036 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85027.

The Itinerary:

Friday –

Local museum tour of downtown Phoenix: The Arizona Science Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, and Heritage Square.

Lunch: The Welcome Diner. The food was amazing and the diner was simply “cool.” First timers must try the Blue Sky Soda over ice cream.

Dinner: The Roosevelt – the perfect place to go at the end of a long and wonderful, but exhausting day of touring multiple museums. This unique eatery is located in a reconfigured house where diners seem to feel completely at home. One of the many must-haves at The Roosevelt is grilled cheese and tomato soup. 

Saturday –

Breakfast: The many dining choices of downtown Phoenix brought us back to the area for breakfast at Palatte. RVers with the chance to visit this particular dining destination will find that the vacation seems to start when you walk in the door. Must-haves include: buttermilk griddlecakes and apple fritter French toast.

After breakfast, the local light rail system provided convenient transportation to The Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park where the Language of Flowers Valentine’s Weekend Flower Show was in full swing. (This special exhibit focused on the ancient meaning of flowers as well as the meaning when given in a bouquet with other flowers. It also featured chocolates and candy from a local baker/candy-maker as well as jewelry from a local artisan). It was the perfect nod to the upcoming Valentine’s holiday while still spending time enjoying the local hot spots and regional flair of Phoenix. After spending the morning in the beauty of the botanical gardens, it was time to experience downtown Scottsdale. Scottsdale was full of local art, exhibits, and unique shopping.

Lunch: Stax – this local eatery was fun and interesting. It’s recommended that sweet potato fries and corn off the cob be paired with an Ostrich or Moroccan Lamb Slider.

Saturday afternoon and evening were spent at the Arizona Best Fest at the State Capitol Museum. In preparation for Arizona’s official birthday on Feb. 14th as well as 100 years of statehood, the Arizona Centennial Commission created an event encompassing historic exhibits, hands on activities, musical performances, fireworks and more.

Sunday –

Feeling that the past two days had offered a fairly good general overview of the local hotspots and culture, it was time to get moving and enjoy the outdoors. The extensive number of recreational activities available in the surrounding areas has been a major factor in making Phoenix the travel destination that it is today. Mountain biking was the activity of choice for the day and the Pemberton Trail in the McDowell Mountains provided us with the perfect trail complete with gorgeous scenery of the desert foothills. The 15.4-mile loop would be easily enjoyed by any biker, novice to expert. Landmarks to watch for while enjoying this trail include: the fountain of Fountain Hills and the silhouette of Weaver’s Needle in the Superstition Wilderness. After spending the morning biking, lunch was a relaxing affair back at the RV. After lunch, Tempe Town Lake offered the chance for some more relaxed outdoor recreation with kayak lessons and paddleboats.

The weekend was packed full of sights, activities and local hot spots. The Phoenix area is confirmed as an easy place to enjoy a spontaneous trip, but shows definite promise for an extended stay vacation. There’s still much more to see and do in this popular RV hotspot. 

RVing Tips for the New Year: How to Get Organized on the Road in 2012, Part 3

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

Previous articles in the series discussed how to keep your RV and the items stored inside the vehicle organized. Organized RVs allow travelers to maximize the “home on the road” potential of the recreational vehicle. Thorough organization can make a big difference both during trip preparation as well as during the actual travel, but the RV isn’t the only thing that needs to get organized. Now it’s time to focus on the RVer. No matter how organized the RV gets, the disorganization of the RVer can throw a big wrench into any trip.

Getting organized doesn’t mean every trip has to be completely planned. Some trips may not be planned at all. Many RVers enjoy the spontaneous aspect of their RV travels. Thanks to your 2012 New Year’s resolution to get more organized on the road, your spontaneous travels will now benefit from your newly organized RV life, but what about when you do have an actual plan?

There are many opportunities for RVers to organize their travels without losing the unique spontaneity that draws so many to the industry. RVers should carefully consider each and weigh its benefits in relation to their own travel habits.

Tips for Organizing RV Travel Planning:

1.     Bucket List: Consider your “bucket list.” If you don’t have one, make one. Most people will have “places to see” on their list as well as activities that would be very well suited to an upcoming RV trip. Sadly, without the list to consult, many RVers would overlook the opportunity to do something or see something that they’ve always wanted to see. Having a desire to travel to a certain destination or complete a certain activity in writing greatly increases the likelihood that it will be completed.

2.     Prioritize: Consider the amount of time that you have available for travel at the beginning of each year. If you are a school teacher that takes the summer off for travel, your travel itinerary will be quite different from that of a businessman who takes off 2 weeks each Fall in addition to stolen weekends away and bank holidays. Know how much time is available so the time can be spent on the trips and activities that will bring the most enjoyment. Too often RVers have their first scheduled vacation approach more quickly than they expected. They throw together a spontaneous (and fun) trip that is not what they had in mind for the year. The trips they really wanted to take end up on next year's list of “places to go and things to see.”

3.     Budgeting Tips: Set aside your travel cash in a separate account that is not easily accessible. This will decrease the probability that you will dip into it for everyday living expenses or unexpected costs. Consider the complete cost of travel: necessary vehicle maintenance, fuel, food, and entertainment.  Financial surprises should never be allowed to disrupt your RV travel.

4.     Maintain a Maintenance Schedule: Many RVers do not like to travel on a set schedule, but even the most spontaneous of RVers should consider making themselves stick to a maintenance schedule for their vehicle. Write it down, add it to the calendar on your phone, advise your mechanic that reminder phone calls would be appreciated…do whatever it takes to keep yourself to a schedule. This will result in a recreational vehicle that is always road worthy and ready to go for any scheduled (or completely spontaneous) trip.

It is possible to increase the amount of satisfaction gained from RVing simply by increasing the amount of organization used when planning trips (both pre-arranged and spontaneous). Even the most impulsive RV traveler can increase the level of organization in their travel plans. Take the tips and hints that will maximize the use of the recreational vehicle, the limited vacation time available and, of course, the specific amount of money available for a travel budget. A general lack of organization often results in a general waste of the above limited resources. To avoid this type of unnecessary waste, simply consider actually following through on this year’s resolution to get organized on the road.

RVing Tips for the New Year: How to Get Organized on the Road in 2012, Part 2

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

 

If you read part one in the RVing Tips for the New Year series you probably already feel more organized, but you haven’t quite succeeded in accomplishing this New Year’s resolution just yet.

 Assuming that you’ve following through on the first three tips, you have already accomplished a lot including:

 Pulling items out of the RV that are specific to certain trips; on most trips they are just taking up much needed space.

 Making packing lists for common destinations and “types” of trips that you take frequently.

 Re-evaluating your year round RV storage.

 This is a great start, but you haven’t yet reached the end of the road for your New Year’s 2012 resolution to get the recreational vehicle more organized.

 More Tips for Getting Organized on the Road in 2012:

Don’t get stuck in a packing rut. Spend some time figuring out the best way to pack your year round items in the RV storage space. Maximizing the room you have by carefully considering the permanent items makes a difference. Simply rearranging can often drastically increase the effectiveness of basic RV storage.

2.     Take full advantage of available tools that are particularly suitable for RV life. For instance, if your family is accustomed to watching movies frequently you could consider making it a common RVing activity with an external hard drive for storage of digital copies of the family’s favorites. Many external hard drives are small enough to carry easily in one hand, making them an easy addition to any trip. Many RVers often find themselves relying on the common smart phone. If you haven’t yet, you should consider the benefits of various applications: mapping, entertainment and dining out locating and review, finding the cheapest or nearest gas, routing your trip and more. The list of applications that offer potential benefits to RVers is almost endless. Look into it and find a few that are going to make life easier and more organized for you in 2012.

 There’s a reason that “Getting organized” is a universally popular and repetitive New Year’s resolution. It actually does make life better and more enjoyable. So it just follows logically that if RVing is a part of your life, getting it organized will only increase the fun you’ll have on your favorite trips. Getting your motorhome organized and following through on the tips we’re discussing will make your RV a more comfortable place.

 In Part 3 of the RVing Tips for the New Year series we’ll wrap this up so you can go ahead and mark it off your list of New Year’s resolutions. 

Pedata RV Center Releases Tips for Incorporating Technology On the Road

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Pedata RV Center releases tips for incorporating technology on the road. The number of features and optional design elements available to RV buyers means that there’s always a model that can accommodate the technical needs of travelers.

The RV is known for being versatile. This is one more aspect of the recreational vehicle’s versatility: it can be customized to suit the needs of the owner or traveler. Ways in which technology can be incorporated on the road vary almost as widely as they do in the typical household:

Tip Number One: Consider the external hard drive. Using an external hard drive to store digital files of movies, music, photos, etc. while traveling not only cuts down on the space needed to pack these entertainment items, but it allows travelers to drastically increase the variety they include in their “on the road” entertainment libraries. Many RV owners transfer their entire movie/music library to an external hard drive and have it available on the road.

Tip Number Two: Working on the road. Many RVers are full time before they even retire. These individuals work from the road. This means that they have technological needs that have to be met regularly. The use of wireless through cell phone services is becoming increasingly popular. RVers should consult their phone’s service provider for possible Internet solutions they could access while on the road.

Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center said, “Computers aren’t being left behind anymore. They’re headed out on the road with RVers. They’re a means of entertainment as well as being the source of many RVers’ regular incomes.”

Pedata RV Center sells used RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and motor homes. Their full inventory is accessible online and due to their low overhead costs they are able to offer competitive pricing in their industry. Easy access to industry and recreational vehicle information allows consumers to have access to the specific knowledge they need to ensure their purchase results in long term satisfaction.

For more information on Pedata RV Center, or current trends in the RV industry visit Pedata RV Center online at www.pedatarvcenter.com or contact Gerard Pedata:

Contact: Gerard Pedata
Company: Pedata RV Center
www.PedataRVCenter.com
Phone: 1-888-545-8314 or 520-807-0900
Email: sales@pedatarvcenter.com

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RVing Tips for the New Year: How to Get Organized on the Road in 2012

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

 

It’s a brand new year. For many that will mean creating a brand new list of New Year’s resolutions. While there are many “popular” resolutions, one of the most common is the desire to become more organized. This particular resolution is seemingly universal mostly because it can be applied to nearly any aspect of your life. You may be thinking about getting more organized at work. You might be thinking about getting more organized in your approach to schoolwork. You could even see the New Year as the perfect time to get more organized on the road and that means getting your recreational vehicle in order.

Staying organized in your RV will mean less last minute purchasing on the road, more relaxation and less stress, an increased feeling of “home” while traveling, and a less stressful arrival back at home after a trip. Here are a few suggestions that will be helpful as you try to be more organized while RVing this year.  

Get Organized on the Road in 2012:

1.     Make lists. Sit down and take a little bit of time to put together packing lists. Label each list with a common destination or “type” of trip. Compile the list so that items specific to that location or activity will not be left behind when you jump in the RV for a spontaneous getaway. Don’t include items that will be kept in the RV permanently.

2.     Carefully consider what you have in your RV. Are there any items that are rarely used? If so, remove them. Keep them in a convenient location and only pack them in the RV for trips during which they will be necessary. If you complete tip number 1 thoroughly you won’t have a problem remembering to pack them for those during which they will be useful.  

3.     Now carefully consider those items that you have “missed” while RVing. This is your home on the road. Outfit it accordingly. Just because your motorhome came with a microwave and didn’t come with a blender doesn't mean that’s the best setup for you. Customize what you store year round in the RV to suit your personal tastes and needs. It will enhance your RVing experience and make it feel more like home.

RVing can be a lifetime love. Don’t overlook what a little organization can do to maximize the experience.

Watch for Part 2 of our Getting Organized on the Road in 2012 series. Checking this particular resolution off your New Year’s resolution list will take some effort, but it is well worth it in the end.

 

Pedata RV Center Publishes RV Tire Safety Article for Free Online Access

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Pedata RV Center publishes RV tire safety article for free online access. There are many issues related to tire safety that are easily overlooked. One of the most commonly overlooked issues related to RV tire safety is that travel trailer tires have to checked and re-checked just as often as full size RV tires.

Having low tire pressure can decrease your gas mileage, and it can also leave the driver and passengers in danger on the road. Careful and diligent maintenance regarding tire safety will drastically decrease the probability that there may be a blow out on the road.

Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center said, “RVers often cite blow outs as the one thing that could ruin their trip. But this doesn’t always lead them to be dedicated in checking their tires prior to departure. Even though it is a common worry…the lack of proper tire maintenance continues to be a common problem leading to road trouble.”

Pedata RV Center offers free online access to any and all blog posts and articles in the website’s online article database. Interested consumers are encouraged to access information and leave comments and questions or even concerns about specific upcoming RV trips. Experienced professionals contribute regularly and monitor the blog comments.

Pedata RV Center sells used  RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and motor homes. Their full inventory is accessible online and due to their low overhead costs they are able to offer competitive pricing in their industry. Easy access to industry and recreational vehicle information allows consumers to have access to the specific knowledge they need to ensure their purchase results in long term satisfaction.

For more information on Pedata RV Center, or current trends in the RV industry visit Pedata RV Center online at www.pedatarvcenter.com or contact Gerard Pedata:

Contact: Gerard Pedata
Company: Pedata RV Center
www.PedataRVCenter.com
Phone: 1-888-545-8314 or 520-807-0900
Email: sales (at) pedatarvcenter.com

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Pedata RV Center Cites New Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) Research Showing Growth In RV Ownership

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Pedata RV Center cites new Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) research showing growth in RV ownership. Research conducted by the RVIA also indicates strong purchase intentions amongst the latest RV Consumer Demographic Profile. Richard Curtin, RV industry analyst and director of consumer surveys at University of Michigan, conducted the study.

Highlights of the Study Include:

-    The number of RV owning households is at a new peak of 8.9 million; up from 7.9 million in 2005.
-    Almost 8.5% of American households report ownership of a recreational vehicle of some sort; up from 8% in 2005.
-    According to the study 21% of American households intend to purchase a recreational vehicle.
-    70% of current RV owners plan to purchase another RV to replace the old one.
-    14% of households that have never owned a recreational vehicle in the past plan to purchase one in the future.

Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center said, “This study is extremely positive regarding both the current state of the industry as well as the future of the recreational vehicle industry. We see the reality reflecting the numbers presented by the RVIA everyday.”

Pedata RV Center sells used RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and motor homes. Their full inventory is accessible online.  Due to their low overhead costs, they are able to offer competitive pricing in their industry. Easy access to industry and recreational vehicle information allows consumers to have access to the specific knowledge they need to ensure their purchase results in long term satisfaction.

For more information on Pedata RV Center, or current trends in the RV industry visit Pedata RV Center online at www.pedatarvcenter.com or contact Gerard Pedata:

Contact: Gerard Pedata
Company: Pedata RV Center
www.PedataRVCenter.com
Phone: 1-888-545-8314 or 520-807-0900
Email: sales (at) pedatarvcenter.com

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