Posts Tagged ‘lightweight travel trailers’

Lightweight Travel Trailers

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Who prefers lightweight travel trailers in today’s RV industry where Class A’s and Fifth Wheels and even some of the smaller RVs offer all the conveniences of home? Does anyone still prefer the lightweight travel trailers or are they a thing of the past? Would it surprise you to discover that smaller, compact travel trailers are among one of the most popular of the RV types currently available?

Lightweight travel trailers are prized for their unique ability to make things easier in several ways.

The RVer who wants to make a really quick trip, casual trip might not want to pack up and rev up his big Class A. Some Class A and/or fifth wheel owners also own lightweight travel trailers. They love their large, comfortable RV, but they also truly appreciate the smaller size and ease of maneuverability offered by their small RV option.

The use of the lightweight travel trailer doesn't just decrease the amount of fuel required for a trip in comparison to some of the larger RVs…it drastically decreases it. The travel trailer isn’t only smaller, but it also requires a much smaller tow vehicle in comparison to larger RVs and larger towables.

Lightweight RVs are also preferable for many who are attempting to get away from the campgrounds and settle directly into the woods or the desert. The small towable travel trailers are easily worked into the landscape in comparison to larger RVs that are often very difficult to manage off road and/or out of an organized/official campground.

Then there is the issue of storage. One of the main complaints about ownership of recreational vehicles is that you have to consider storage and there isn’t always a convenient solution. With the lightweight travel trailers, there is almost always a convenient solution. It’s much easier to find appropriate storage opportunities with the smaller towable RVs than when attempting to find indoor or even outdoor storage for some of the larger RVs. It’s greatly appreciated when the RV can simply be pulled into a side yard or a full size garage.

Still unsure whether lightweight travel trailers have anything to offer for your specific situation? Call in and discuss the many merits of the littlest of RV options with one of our well-trained representatives. The use of smaller travel trailers isn’t always necessary, but it’s a benefit in so many situations that you may as well check into it; especially considering the affordability of this particular RVing option.

  

Lightweight Travel Trailers Offer More than Ever Before

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Lightweight travel trailers are sometimes relegated to the sidelines when new RVers are considering their options. They don’t keep it in the same category with the Class A, the Class B, the Class C or the fifth wheel. But lightweight travel trailers are often the best solution to RVing needs.

Advantages of lightweight travel trailers include:

  1. Gas mileage: lightweight travel trailers are light. That’s why they’re called lightweight. And this is an advantage when it comes to buying gas. This is a particularly important factor to consider when gas prices are as high as they have been in recent years.
  2. Ease of storage: lightweight travel trailers are small. That makes them easy to store and easy to move here and there. They don’t require a huge financial investment for renting huge garages or storage spaces as some larger RVs do.
  3. Maneuverability: many RVers don’t want to worry about how they are going to get their RV here and there. They want to have the comforts of home on the road without making it more difficult to drive. Drivability is important and lightweight travel trailers are easier to maneuver than most other RV options.
  4. Price: Smaller, lighter travel trailers are typically one of the most affordable options for those who are looking to get into a recreational vehicle. It’s like the starter home of the RV industry.

If you’re in the market for a recreational vehicle be careful to consider all the options. If you find yourself relegating one type of RV to the sidelines check again to make sure that you have set it aside for a valid reason. You don’t want to overlook something that could possibly be your best option. And when it comes to shopping for a new or used RV, lightweight travel trailers can be a terrific option for many who simply want to get out on the road and make it as easy as possible. It’s small, lightweight, easy to store, offers great gas mileage (depending on your tow vehicle), they’re pretty easy to get used to towing and they’re price is almost always affordable. So check them out in addition to the other RV options you are considering.

Do You Want A Fifth Wheel RV? It May Be The Ideal Unit For You.

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Did you know that fifth wheel trailers are luxurious RVs that are pulled behind a truck or SUV with a special hitch?  Do you think that you are a family that would enjoy living the fifth wheel RV lifestyle?

Hitch description

A gooseneck hitch is the type of hitch used for fifth wheel trailers.  It is a large hitch built into the bed of the truck made to tow heavy loads.  There is no tailgate in the truck for stability.  This hitch allows the fifth wheel to maneuver more smoothly during turns and while on the road.

Fifth wheel RV trailer description

The fifth wheel trailer is one of the most luxurious and priciest RVs on the market today, offering bi-level living spaces and several slide-outs.  Up to eight people can sleep comfortably in this unit.  One drawback is that due to its weight, the fifth wheel recreational vehicle often costs more in gas mileage than other RV units.

You will be impressed with the size of the fifth wheel in all of its living areas.  This includes the kitchen and sleeping spaces.  Full timers love this type of unit.

One benefit to having a fifth wheel is that you can park it at the RV campground and take your other auto out and about.

Types of towing vehicles

Typical towing vehicles are large trucks or SUVs, as long as it has the appropriate hitch and the ability to tow heavy duty.  Check your vehicle’s rear suspension capabilities, and make sure the 5th wheel weight is balanced before driving.

Which motor home is ideal for you and your RVing needs?

Assess what your travelling needs will be.  If it is just two of you, you may decide that such grand space is not necessary and you can save money with a new or used smaller unit.  Test drive and explore several other options.

Look at toy haulers, if that is the type of trailer you need, rather than one that has luxury living space.  The toy haulers carry toys, such as motorcycles or snow mobiles, to help you enjoy your RV time once at your destination.  Take time to look at new and used motor homes and select the best one for you!

Travel Trailer – Visit Your National Park

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Plan a travel trailer trip to one of America’s natural National Parks.  There are plenty of options of parks for you to choose from.  All will offer different activities, sites, and amenities to match your travel trailer and fifth wheel needs.  So whether you choose to visit the Grand Canyon with your travel trailer or another park, you will have a well-worth it excursion.

What should you look for in selecting a National Park as a travel trailer destination?

Before selecting the RV park that you want to take your travel trailer to, assess the distance that you want to cross.  Begin with your point of origin and make sure your budget can cover the costs to get you and your travel trailer to and from your destination.  There are options for you to choose from throughout the United States.  You should even check to see if there are discounts available for visiting more than one park within certain distances from one another.

Spend some time researching the numerous National Parks that exist in your travel trailer trip range.  There is the infamous Grand Canyon or Rocky Mountain Nation Park.  You may wish to take your travel trailer beachside to Canaveral National Seashore or Biscayne National Park, or you may select a park that has historic relevance, such as the Independence National Historic Park.

What National Parks are located nearby?

There are several ways to discover what parks are located near your point of origin.  The best website and resource is the U.S. National Park Service.  You can find a park by entering your state or search parks by attractions.  Other tools or resources to find parks are online, book stores, or local library.  If you are a member of an RV club with your travel trailer or a member of the American Automobile Association, check there, too.

Try camping in the park in your travel trailer

Many parks offer tent and RV camping areas.  Some have hook up options, while others do not.  Take a look online to make sure the campground or park that you select has camping options to suit your travel needs.  You may have to reserve a spot, so it is wise to spend time online or call the park service directly for more information.

Begin planning your RV trip ASAP

When planning a national park vacation, spend ample time preparing for your trip.  Learn the history of the park, its amenities, and the anticipated travel time.  By doing this, you will have time to enjoy the entire RVing experience!

Dealing with Health Needs on the Road in Your Class C Motorhome

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

The RV lifestyle is grand! You go places, see things, and there seems to be no end to the fun traveling in your class C motorhome. No one likes to think about going to the hospital when they are enjoying their freedom on the road. Of course, emergency trips to the hospital are one thing, but you can plan ahead if you know you will need medical support as you travel.

Before you go

  • As you plan your trip, look up what health care facilities, clinics, and hospitals are available in the major cities along your route.
  • Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers and keep them handy.
  • Check them out on the Internet to see their ratings.
  • Find out if the hospitals take your health insurance.
  • Learn if the hospitals are accredited.
  • Look up RV parks in the area, or find out if the hospitals have a place for you to park your lightweight travel trailers. Sometimes you can “boondock” in the hospital parking lot.
  • Keep your health insurance information in a handy place.
  • Check with your family doctor to catch anything that might be serious before the trip.
  • If you are on medications, and you will be on the road longer than a month, get copies of your prescriptions to use along the road.
  • Keep a list of all of your meds to give to any health care provider you may need.
  • Take your doctor’s contact information and the phone number of your pharmacy with you.

Eco-friendly Camping in RVs

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

What kind of camping gear do you need to make your motorhome eco-friendly? If you page through the green camping gear catalogs on (recycled) paper or online, you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of things vendors try to convince you is necessary to be a responsible citizen.

Americans do love their stuff! But, stocking up on every item the sellers want you to buy defeats part of the purpose of going green by spending more money on more stuff for your RVs.

Use up what you have

People who went through the Great Depression in the 1930s said:  “Use it up, wear it out, make it do.” What do you already own that you can use in your lightweight travel trailers? If what you have adequate bedding, and/or sleeping bags, the wiser thing is to use them until they wear out. As long as what you have is not creating havoc with the environment, you don’t need to buy something new to take its place.

Get your “cheap” on

  • Start looking for used gear at flea markets, and yard sales. Feel free to haggle for items – it’s part of the fun.  Maybe you’ll find some LED light fixtures for your Class B RV, or some non-toxic bug repellent.
  • Check online at EBay, freecycle.com, Craig’s list, or other similar web sites. The bargains people have found on these sites are legendary.
  • Share camping equipment. Form a camping gear cooperative to share the equipment, and the fun. Consider jointly purchasing your high-end items such as a solar oven.
  • Don’t go into debt for anything. It seriously increases the size of your carbon footprint.

These are some inexpensive ideas for beginning the green journey. Enjoy the ride.