Kick the Can and the Class C RV

March 19th, 2012

The Class C RV is one of the most popular RVs available. It’s not the smallest, but it’s not the largest. It’s not the most affordable and it’s nowhere near the most expensive. What it is…is right in the middle and being in the middle often means that a product or service is suitable to the largest number of consumers. What’s the connection between the Class C RV and the old outdoor game most refer to as Kick the Can?

Kick the Can is a game that almost anyone can enjoy. It enjoys the middle ground that defines the Class C RV.

It’s also one of the many outdoor games that were previously recommended as a means of increasing camaraderie amongst the group of RVers at a campground. It can also be used as a means of increasing the camaraderie of the group is traveling by RV en masse. Sadly, some RVers have never played kick the can. Some don’t even know how.

Get out of the Class C RV and Set Up a Game of Kick the Can:

Step One: Gather a group (at least three players) and a can.

Step Two: Place the can in an open area and choose the player that will be “it.”

Step Three: The player being “it” counts to a previously agreed upon number while the other players hide.

Step Four: Once the player who is “it” is finished counting, they attempt to find the other players.

Step Five: When players are “caught” or tagged by the “it” player, they go to jail. (This is a designated spot where caught players simply wait).

Step Six: Players who are not caught attempt to kick the can. Every time the can is kicked, all players in the “jail” are released back into the game.

Step Seven: The player who is “it” attempts to catch all the players and place them in jail before another player kicks the can to release prisoners.

This is the type of outdoor game that can be played by anyone of any age group. There are many more outdoor games that are loved by RVers everywhere. This is just one of many. For additional information on outdoor games that make good choices for RV campgrounds, access previous articles on the topic. Not only will they be a means of getting to know your fellow RVers better, but it will also get you out of the Class C RV.

 

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Used RVs: The Perfect Base Camp for Popular Outdoor Games

March 16th, 2012

Used RVs can be perfect for a lot of things: cooking, gardening, crafting, peace and quiet, music appreciation, art studio in the midst of nature, and much more. One thing that many overlook is your RV’s ability to serve as the perfect base camp for many popular outdoor games. Previously, we listed a number of outdoor games along with the recommendation to incorporate them into the RVing campground community during an upcoming RV trip. This is a terrific method of increasing the community feeling on site as well as increasing the RVers love of RVing.

Capture the Flag is a classic outdoor game that is easy to set up and even easier to pick up, but it’s not the only classic that some are unaware of. For those RVers who found the idea of flashlight tag intriguing, but weren’t sure how the rules should be set up, details can be found below.

Flashlight Tag: Another Popular Outdoor Game to Encourage RV Campground Camaraderie

Step One: You’ll need one flashlight. The person that is designated as “it” holds the flashlight.

Step Two: At the call of the “it” player, the game begins.

Step Three: All players who are not “it” try not to let the player that is “it” tag them.

Step Four: The player who is “it” tries to tag as many players as possible by catching them in the beam from the flashlight.

Step Five: The players who are “tagged” with the beam of the flashlight can either be out of the game or the first player to be tagged can be “it” for the next round.

It’s a fabulous variation on the traditional game of tag. This version, as it is dependent upon a flashlight, is best played at night so it may require adult supervision or be limited to adults/older children as players.

Never underestimate the versatile nature of the RV. It provides for all the necessities of travelers on the road, but doesn’t limit them to activities that are directly RV related. The RV campground is a fantastic place to try new things, or at least, things that are new to you. If you haven’t played tag since you were a little kid, then it’s time you gave it another try. You probably don’t remember what you’re missing.

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Used RVs for Sale By Owner Are An Opportunity to Play

March 12th, 2012

RVers everywhere already know that used RVs for sale by owner are an opportunity to play. Many that jump into the RVing lifestyle discover that the more fun a traveler expects to have, the more fun they will have. The RVing community is close knit, but simultaneously accepting of new RVers. It’s almost as if the entire community is ready and waiting for newcomers. They instantly welcome them into the fold.

Previous articles discussed the opportunity to use classic, outdoor games to encourage the feeling of community amongst RVers at campgrounds. Some RVers responded positively to the recommendation, but were looking for further information on some all time classics. If you are an RVer looking for more ways to enjoy the RVing lifestyle or if you are considering used RVs for sale by owner in an attempt to get out and enjoy life and travel, learn to play.

Capture the Flag Instructions: Perfect Outdoor Game for Most RV Campgrounds

Step One: Divide the players up into teams (2 to 4 teams as even as possible).

Step Two: Provide each team with a “flag.” You can use scarves, Tshirts, etc.

Step Three: Designate the playing area. Divide the playing area into sections; one for each team. Boundaries can be created using landmarks or physical markers like cones, etc.

Step Four: Each team hides their flag in their “territory.” It can be partially buried or covered, but at least one corner must be visible. Once the flag is placed it cannot be moved by the owning team. (It is also recommended that the players agree not to guard the flags too closely. For instance, everyone could agree that players cannot be closer then 10 feet to their own team’s flag at any point).

Step Five: Once the flags are placed, RVers can start the game. They can try to cross into the territories of other teams to find and “capture” their flag.

Step Six: While in another team’s territory, players can be captured. If tagged while in another team’s territory, the captured player must run to the sidelines and perform a task that is agreed upon prior to game start. The task can be anything (10 jumping jacks, the Achy Breaky Heart line dance, 5 somersaults, etc.)

Step Seven: After performing the agreed upon task, the player can return to the game.

Step Eight: The game ends when one team has been able to successfully discover and take the flag of another team and return to their own territory without being tagged.

This is just one of many games that can be used to increase the feeling of community in RVing campgrounds. In addition to generating new friendships, it gets everyone out and actively enjoying their surroundings. The increased camaraderie is a great precursor for additional activities and can even result in the development of long lasting relationships. Many RVers have traveling friends that they meet up with annually or bi-annually that they would never have met if they hadn’t indulged in the community feel of the RVing community.

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Travel Trailers for Sale and Crafting with Kids

March 10th, 2012

Most consumers who are considering various travel trailers for sale aren’t thinking about crafting with kids while on the road. Those who have experience with the versatility of the RV know better. When consumers are window-shopping for travel trailers for sale, they should keep in mind that the set up of the RV caters to minor alterations. Before deciding upon which of the travel trailers for sale will suit the family’s needs most aptly, consider which of the family’s activities will need to be incorporated into the design of the recreational vehicle.

Prospective RV owners and veteran RVers who still aren’t sure of the RV’s extreme versatility, should consider the fact that incorporating your favorite at home activities can only improve on the overall experience of RVing. A family that simply adores movies could consider installing a larger screen TV and transferring all their DVDs to a digital storage device to save space in the vehicle. A family that adores board games will want to be sure to leave space for a stack of their favorite games for use on the road, etc. Many question the propensity RVing holds for crafting with kids and for those who simply don’t think it’s feasible, consider the following easy crafting activities for kids.

Crafting with Kids in the RV:

  1. Making Bouncy Balls: Many aren’t aware of quite how simple this process is. The only ingredients needed to make bouncy balls are borax, cornstarch and glue. For full instructions, type it in to your favorite search engine and scroll through the results.
  2. Borax Snowflakes: This classic allows kids to create their own crystallized snowflakes. Do it after dinner and in the morning they’ll wake up to a finished product.
  3. Making Fondant: Most kids love sweet treats. Make the creation of the dessert just as fun as the eating of the dessert by finding a simple marshmallow fondant recipe online and giving them permission to make a mess in the RV kitchen as they create the after dinner cake.
  4. Jewelry Making: All kids love making beaded bracelets, necklaces, etc. There’s no reason why this particular activity can’t be packaged to take on the road. The tools and supplies are all small, making them easy to carry and load in the RV.
  5. Crocheting and Knitting: If you haven’t yet learned, consider the wide array of video tutorials and how-to articles online. Learn something new with your kids the next time they’d like to get crafty.
  6. Tin Can Stilts: Tin can stilts when looked at as an adult are more aptly described as “walking on tin cans,” but they provide endless entertainment for kids looking for a project. The only items needed for the project are: tin cans, small rope or very strong string, and something to punch a hole in the tin cans so the string/rope can be threaded through. This provides the kids with something to hold onto as they march around with tin cans under their feet.

The list could go on and on. All of the above crafting projects are completely adaptable to the RV. Never limit the possibilities when considering travel trailers for sale. Assuming it can’t be done in an RV is usually a mistake. Crafting, gaming, sewing, reading, and more can all be just as enjoyable by RV as the many outdoor recreational activities that RVing is known for.

 

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Don’t Limit The Possibilities Offered By Used RVs for Sale: RV Gardening

March 5th, 2012

Many consumers considering used RVs for sale are doing so because they have heard they make traveling far more affordable and are a versatile mode of travel while away from home. This is true. This is so very true. Most who are new to RVing aren’t quite aware of just how true this statement is. When considering the possibilities of used RVs for sale, potential RVers should attempt to wrap their brains around the fact that there isn’t much the recreational vehicle can’t do. It was recently suggested that there is something that the RVing lifestyle can’t accommodate: gardening. Today RVers everywhere will applaud the fact that this is a fallacy. RV gardening is absolutely plausible.

Consider these suggested RV gardening methods:

  1. RVers who love to cook have been known to install small herbal gardens from hanging pots above their sinks in the kitchen. Most don’t want to use any extra space for such a project, but in most cases, the ceiling space is completely free so hanging plants are a great option. Placing them above the sink area makes watering easy as any overflow will safely flow straight into the drainage system.
  2. Other RVers find that they enjoy vertical gardening. Full time RVers may install a permanent structure, but it is highly recommended for full time RVers and vacationers alike to consider the usefulness of everyday objects. For instance for the hanging garden, RVers should take a second look at over the door shoe hangers. They are often made of a strong, loose fibered material like canvas that is well suited for plant growth and watering. The over the door hangers make the vertical garden mobile for use when home or in your home away from home. Simply unhook the vertical garden from the hooks that slide over the top of any standard door, move the hooks to the area in which you want to hang the garden and rehang. This particular vertical garden doesn’t take up a lot of space. It simply needs the back of one door or a designated spot on the wall.

Not all RVers are going to be gardeners or cooks who really feel out of place without their selection of fresh ingredients. But the discussion of RV gardening makes it clear that limiting the capabilities of the recreational vehicle is never a good idea. When potential RVers are considering used RVs for sale, they are strongly encouraged to consider the potential for incorporating their own hobbies into the RVing lifestyle they are considering. Once it’s been given a little thought, a solution typically presents itself and it’s all due to the sheer versatility of recreational vehicles.

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RV Manners: Etiquette on the Road and at the Campground

March 1st, 2012

An RV is viewed as the home away from home. It’s often appropriately described as being spacious, fun and… downright obnoxious. Wait. That can’t be right, can it? Many people view RVs as annoying? One way in which RVers can help leave good impressions about diesel pushers, Class A RVs, Class C RVs, and other large sized RVs is to practice good etiquette on the road and at campgrounds. Teach your RV some manners!

RV Manners On The Road and at the Campground

1.    Claim any trash and take care of it prior to exiting any campground no matter how temporary.
2.    Do not attempt to dispose of “metal” trash in the fire. It won’t burn. This refuse must be hauled off or placed in a proper campground provided trash receptacle.
3.    Respect the space of other’s on the road. Don’t crowd smaller vehicles. Everything that can cause a fit of road rage between two smaller vehicles is magnified when the “offense” comes from a diesel pusher or other large RV.
4.    When arriving at a new campground, consider the lateness of the hour and be respectful of the rights of other campers to enjoy a quiet night.
5.    Consider the fact that when an RVer sets up camp, they are setting up their temporary home. Don’t wander through someone else’s campsite. It’s just as rude (or possibly more rude) than wandering through someone’s yard.
6.    Follow the campground rules regarding pets. If pets are allowed, clean up after them.
7.    Respect nature. Leave the campsite just as “natural” as when you arrived.
8.    Do not leave food lying around. No one likes to arrive at their new campsite only to find it is infested with ants.
9.    Drive slowly when traversing campgrounds. You are in transit, but others are already camping. That means there are probably children playing in the area.
10.    Don’t leave your engine idling for more than a minute if arriving or departing early/late. Diesel engines are particularly loud and could, potentially, disrupt the entire campground.

The rules of the road apply to every driver, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving, but it would be very helpful if the few “rude” diesel pusher owners out there would remember the manners they were taught in elementary school. It only takes one or two bad apples to make someone suspect the entire bunch may be rotten. In situations that don’t seem to present an obvious social rule for good manners, consult fellow RVers. Working together to provide a more courteous experience on the road and in campgrounds could really make a difference.

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RV For Sale: What Buying a Recreational Vehicle Says About You

February 28th, 2012

Consumers who are looking for an  RV for sale  generally know what they want. They know exactly what they want. It might not be what the RV buyer next to him is looking for or the one after that, but that’s what is so amazing about RVing. It is the perfect answer to so many different situations.

They could be looking for solidarity with nature. Maybe they want to own an RV so that they can go places they have never been before; places where they can imagine they might be the first to set foot on “that stone” or “that rock.” Some envision places so remote that they could question the very existence of man after sitting and staring at the natural vista for hours on end. This is what can be referred to as the Lone Wolf. The Lone Wolf loves RVing. It offers the potential for escape from almost every aspect of civilization as we know it on the whim of the driver.

Others are drawn to RVs for sale because they are tired of being a Lone Wolf. They are so exhausted from their day-to-day routine that they can hardly function. The monotony of going to and from work and back home again to get ready to go to work again tomorrow is making them absolutely batty. They need to adopt a new lifestyle. A lifestyle that is full of other people; fun and interesting people who enjoy new and exciting experiences. This is what can be referred to as the Almost a Butterfly. It’s someone who always knew they’d enjoy being a Social Butterfly, but they simply never got the opportunity or the gumption to make it happen. There’s no easier way to adopt an entire community all at once than to find an RV for sale and jump head first into the RVing community.

Calling all Lone Wolves: Get rolling in your RV. Take a road that you have never seen before. If there’s no road sign, make your own and post it where you will. You may travel a long distance before deciding to turn around and regroup at home or you may find that you never feel the urge to turn around. Make the road your own and discover what it is you’ve been missing. Simply get away…get away from it all.

Calling all Almost Butterflies: Get rolling in your RV. Visit the local campground. See how people are enjoying themselves. Try the nearest state park. See what’s going on. Meet new people. Make memories. Sit around the campfire and listen. Then talk. Then listen some more. It’s a conversation. There are many, many more in your future. It’s a wonderful life.

Don’t confuse yourself into thinking that you can’t have what you want. Decide what it is that you are missing from your life and then go out and get it. If it can be had, you’ll find it. Chances are you may have to do some looking, but there’s no better way to look for something that’s lost than to get out on the open road and explore. History proves that exploring often precedes great discoveries and finding that RV for sale was the beginning of your great exploration. Now fill the tank with gas, point the RV in the direction of your choice and get started. Your adventure is waiting for you to arrive.

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Motorhomes For Sale: Temptation or Providence?

February 25th, 2012

Consumers in recent years have to wander through life with blinders on. Temptation to spend money is everywhere when there is a certifiable reason to be frugal and there isn’t a much more certifiable reason for frugality than a barely recovering economy. The economic situation isn’t often described as a crisis. Most wouldn’t refer to it as catastrophic, but it’s not healthy. It’s not happy. And it could definitely benefit from a thorough overhaul. 

 

When the recession hit, many families and individuals tightened their budgets and their belts out of necessity. Some lost their jobs. Some endured pay cuts. Some simply knew that the potential for one or the other was going to be “on the table” for the foreseeable future. This frugal, cautious mindset left us with a great many temptations. For some, the temptation is eating out. They were used to fabulous food for every meal followed by a large tip for those who prepared it. After re-evaluating their finances mid-recession, they are supplementing their fabulous fare with classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or skipping it altogether. For others, the temptation is travel. Europe and Ireland and Egypt are calling them back and they never made it to Istanbul. Then there are those who always meant to get an RV. The motorhomes for sale on every corner are calling their name; taunting them with what almost was. 

 

But are motorhomes for sale actually a temptation for those attempting to live within a budget? Or is it more like providence stepping in to give a shove in the right direction? Motorhomes can actually be a very good tool when attempting to maximize a limited family budget without eliminating all the fun and travel. 

 

Many already turned to RVs as their main mode of transportation for vacations and weekend getaways as a solution to a limited travel budget. When considered from this perspective, the motorhomes for sale aren’t taunting wary, tightly budgeted consumers. They are actually calling out and attempting to advise them that there is an alternative. Many can rearrange their finances to accommodate the purchase of a recreational vehicle when they take into account the money saved when traveling for vacations, weekend getaways, family functions, etc. 

 

Motorhomes aren't the only way to save money, but for many, they are the most enjoyable way to save money. Consider your budget. Do some research. Put pencil to paper and work out the math (or use a handy calculator). For most, the answer is obvious once it’s put into perspective. It’s not necessarily temptation that you need to resist. In many cases, it’s simply providence and you need to accept it. 

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Arizona RV Travel: Used Motorhomes for Sale Can Bring Travelers to Quirky Hot Spots

February 21st, 2012

 

When it comes to traveling, one of the favorite modes of travel is the recreational vehicle. Most consumers new to the RV life enter the fold by discovering one of the used motorhomes for sale that suits them. They might be pulled towards one because they see the price posted on the front window and realize just how affordable purchasing an RV can be. It could be that they decide the RV lifestyle might suit them when someone close to them becomes involved and shares tales from the road. Sometimes it’s simply the need for a change that leads people to search out something new and exciting.

Once a traveler decides to make one of the used motorhomes for sale their own, they tend to alter their perception of the words travel and vacation. Traveling becomes more accessible. People who previously found it difficult to come up with a viable vacation plan suddenly have a million and one things on their “places to see someday” list. It doesn’t take new RVers long to discover their “new” used motorhomes for sale can bring them to a whole host of interesting and spontaneous travel destinations; some of which they never even dreamed about visiting until having an RV on hand. Having an affordable and convenient mode of travel at the family’s beck and call is going to result in more frequent travel in almost every situation.

Owning an RV can bring travelers to a lot of different destinations. RVers will find that they suddenly discover outdoor hotspots in their area that they never knew to visit before they owned an RV. New RVers will discover that visiting festivals in their region is suddenly more fun and convenient. RV owners enjoy a drastic increase in the accessibility of many popular outdoor recreational activities. RVers also see an increase in their cultural opportunities as they travel to various national monuments and museums. In some cases, RVers can even get specific and aim for the strange, the weird and the quirky.

For instance, purchase a used motorhome for sale and it could take you to a variety of quirky hot spots. Pick an area and search out the fun and fabulous, the weird and zany and make it into a road trip that will never be forgotten.  This can be accomplished in any state, but for argument’s sake, consider the options in Arizona. Some will question whether or not quirky Arizona museums and attractions is enough of a foundation to result in an interesting, fun road trip. In reality, it will be a lot easier than most travelers expect.

Consider these Quirky Arizona Attractions:

1. World’s Largest Sundial in Carefree, Arizona

2.     World’s Largest Kachina Doll in Carefree, Arizona

3.     The Thing in Dragoon, Arizona

4.     World’s Tallest Fountain in Fountain Hills, Arizona

5.     Four Corners  - where four states meet (Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico)

6.     Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley, Arizona

7.     World’s Largest Petrified Tree in Holbrook, Arizona

8.     Dinosaur Footprints in Moenavi, Arizona

9.     Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum in Phoenix, Arizona

10. The Hall of Flame in Phoenix, Arizona

11. Mystery Castle in Phoenix, Arizona

12. Boot Hill in Tombstone, Arizona

13. World’s Largest Rosebush in Tombstone, Arizona

14. OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona

15. Colossal Cave in Tucson, Arizona

16. Bridge to Nowhere in Yuma, Arizona

17. Bedrock City in Valle, Arizona

18. The Haunted Red Garter Bed & Bakery in Williams, Arizona

19. The Haunted Museum Club in Flagstaff, Arizona

20. Snoopy Rock Natural Rock Formations near Wikieup, Arizona

Apparently, planning a quirky Arizona trip would be easy even for the most detail oriented RVer. This list is long and it’s intense and it’s quirky, but most importantly, it’s incomplete. That means that RVers looking for the strange and different are not going to have trouble finding it. Everyone loves a good art museum and national monuments will definitely make the top of many travelers’ lists, but sometimes it’s time to get a little weird.

 

 

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RV Dealers Recommend Recreational Vehicle Owners Consider Tips on Going Green

February 17th, 2012

 

New RV owners tend to have a lot of questions. The first person they typically turn to for answers are the RV dealers they are already comfortable dealing with. They know that the RV dealers are in the know regarding common destinations, popular recreational vehicle features, tips and hints for maximizing the vehicle’s capacity for comfortable road travel and more. One question that RV dealers report is coming up more and more frequently is the question of going green in the RV.

How can RV owners “go green” while simultaneously enjoying the luxury, comfort and efficiency of their new home on wheels?

Basic Tips from RV Dealers on Going Green in the RV:

1.     Overall Energy Use: Many RVers find themselves stuck in an “on vacation” mindset that leaves their awareness of energy use at home. Paying attention to the use of energy in the RV is important for those who want to implement “green” elements in their travels. Turn the generator off when it’s not necessary.

2.     Tools and Accessories: Access the available tools incorporated into the design to help RVers enjoy their experience. The awning, for instance, can keep the RV a lot cooler and keep the need for “cooling” the RV to a minimum.

3.     Utilize Timers and “Sleep” Functions: Most electronics have programmable timers or “sleep” functions that will offer an auto shutoff designed to minimize accidental power usage. Pay attention to RV accessory purchases and watch for timers and sleep functions. If they are available in the RV, make use of them.

4.     Rechargeable Batteries: Most people use substantially more batteries when they are “on the road” than when they are at home. Switching from regular batteries to rechargeable batteries can make a big difference. 

5.     Drive Slowly: Drivers everywhere are aware that their vehicles get better gas mileage when they slow down on the road, but when you’re in a recreational vehicle the difference can be even more substantial. Generally speaking, 60 mph is an appropriate average speed. Each 5 mph above 60 will result in a noticeable increase in the amount of fuel being burned.

Once RVers have incorporated the basics recommended by RV dealers, there are many “green” tricks that can be quickly and easily incorporated into the RVing lifestyle. One favorite amongst owners of smaller RVs and travel trailers is avoiding the use of paper plates and other paper products with the use of what many are calling the “Go Green Dish Bucket.” The Go Green Dish Bucket allows RVers to use reusable dishes instead of paper plates even when there isn’t a full kitchen included in the RV design. To create the Go Green Dish Bucket, RVers can simply fill a bucket partially with water, add biodegradable soap and hang an extra absorbent towel on the lip of the bucket. It creates a portable sink for easy washing of dishes and greatly decreases the amount of paper waste created while traveling.

More “go green” tips will be posted regularly on the Pedata RV Center Facebook page as well as in the Pedata RV Center blog.  

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