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Motorized mansions / Drivers and crews on the NASCAR circuit are helping fuel a growing demand for top-end RVs Drivers and crews on the NASCAR circuit are helping fuel a growing demand for top-end RVs" / SFGate Home Business Sports Entertainment Travel Jobs Real Estate Autos SFGate News Web by Motorized mansions Drivers and crews on the NASCAR circuit are helping fuel a growing demand for top-end RVs Susan Fornoff, Chronicle Staff Writer Saturday, August 6, 2005 now part of stylesheet -- More... Printable Version Email This Article More H&G Articles The Latest Green Gardener -- When the work day is done for Kevin Hamlin, he looks forward to plenty of wife Patti's cooking, a bit of remote surfing on the flat-screen TV and a good night's sleep in the Hamlins' king-size bed. Never mind that the setting for the Hamlins' domestic bliss rolls. With Kevin on the road 100 or more days of the year as crew chief for Jeff Burton's No. 31 Cingular car, the couple (and their three dogs) live the NASCAR lifestyle in the roaming community of luxury RVs that drivers and crews call home. And, really, with amenities like these, who wouldn't? "Double sinks, two-burner stove, microwave convection oven," Patti points out on a tour of the Hamlins' 45-foot Newmar Essex when it was parked at Infineon Raceway for June's Dodge/Save Mart 350. "Big refrigerator-freezer, Corian counters, plasma TV, washer-dryer. Full shower, full bathroom. King-size bed, cedar-lined closet, another TV. Lots of storage, with oak woodwork crafted by the Amish in Michigan. "We looked at a lot of motor homes. A lot of them can get really high-tech and modern looking. We liked this one because it has a more homey feel. It's very comfortable." At about $350,000, it also cost more than the house on 2 1/2 acres the Hamlins own back in Mocksville, N.C. -- but not nearly as much as the granite-countered, designer-furnished, million-dollar monsters that many of the circuit's drivers call home on the road. Actually, "motor coach" is what they call them, a fairy-tale-derived term that helps distinguish them from those pumpkin campers of old. More and more, it's the luxury model that's driving $14 billion a year in sales of RVs, the most popular search term on EBay last year. "High-end RVs are a small portion of the total RV market, but it's the fastest growing segment," says Ken Sommer, media relations director for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. "Today's high-end RV is fully loaded, it has all the bells and whistles, the high-tech entertainment system, high-tech gadgets, plasma screen TVs, surround sound, hookups to the Internet, gourmet kitchens, designer interiors, and, especially, slideouts. "Slideouts, where you have a button on the wall and the wall slides out to expand the interior of the living room or bedroom, are the hot thing today -- at our trade show, we just saw an RV with five slideouts. These alone are sparking sales." In 1992, fewer than 100 of the 203,400 RVs sold cost $200,000 or more; 10 years later, 11,600 of 311,000 RVs sold cost $200,000 or more. And that 11,600 increased nearly 20 percent over the next year. California's weather, state parks and even film industry make the luxury RV market particularly strong here. "I just wish I could bring my hot tub along," says Stanton Barrett, a Busch Series driver and Hollywood stuntman who takes his Fleetwood American Eagle out on the racing circuit. "With all the injuries from my stunts, I thought it would be good to be able to soak, but I just couldn't fit it in." Barrett actually does his own RV driving, unlike NASCAR's more prosperous drivers and top crew, who will board a team jet and head home (generally North Carolina) after Sunday's Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis to work on their cars, then reboard the team jet on Wednesday to head for Watkins Glen, N.Y., and the next race. By the time they land, often with families in tow, the luxury motor coach has arrived and been parked at a track-designated, security-patrolled area with RV hookups where the likes of Jeff Gordon and Al Unser Jr. can comfortably plant their families while shuttling to and from the nearby garage area. "The alternative is for the family to stay home and me to stay in a hotel,and that gets too hard," says driver Joe Nemecheck, whose Newell has four slideouts to comfortably house wife Andrea and their three kids. "This way, everybody's got their own space and their own toys, and we can spend time together." "The great appeal to them is to get to go home in the evening and be with their spouses and children," Sommer says. "A lot of them say it helps with their performance to be able to do that. That, and not having to pack and unpack the way you would in a hotel." For drivers and support personnel, the RV alternative runs laps around the hotel life. Access and egress at tracks hosting huge NASCAR events is notoriously horrendous, adding wasted minutes to the ride to a decent hotel. Drivers and crew often find themselves with short gaps in the workday that don't warrant leaving the track but do lend themselves to a quick nap in the motor coach or game of checkers with the kids. Like many frequent travelers, drivers worry about food poisoning and prefer the familiarity of a home-prepared meal. But here's something most of us don't have to think about: the emotional needs of our families while we're out risking our lives at speeds nearing 200 mph. "If anything happened to me, I would know that my family's in a place where they'd get the right support," Nemecheck says. The security comes not only from the 100 rolling homes congregating at most races, but from Motor Racing Outreach, a nonprofit Christian ministry that trucks around in a 53-foot hauler that carries, outreach staff member Monte Self says, "everything from foosball to TV" plus a fitness trailer for drivers and a staff for their kids. "On a typical weekend, there are about 37 kids here," says Self, who with his wife, Melanie, directs the community center. "It's nothing for a driver and his child to come to the community center and lie on the floor and play cards together." The Selfs sometimes lead field trips to nearby cities, and the families are by no means stuck at the track. All carry a "satellite vehicle" of some kind on the back. Stanton Barrett fits a Mini Cooper and two motocross bikes into a trailer; the Hamlins, who love wine-tasting and married at Chappellet Winery in St. Helena in 2003, tow a Chevy truck and have a pair of golf-cart-like vehicles for zipping around inside the track. RVs, of course, are not as much fun as race cars to handle or to park. "You don't need a special driver's license," Sommer says, "but you do need some training, which is usually provided by the dealer in a video or classes. The most important thing to remember is that driving an RV is different, but it's not difficult. Islands at gas stations are places where accidents might occur, because turning is going to be different, and backing up also takes practice." No wonder rear-view cameras have become standard equipment on even mid-priced RVs these days. And those popular slideouts can expand the RV for living and contract it for driving, a time when bigger isn't better. Even with single-digit gas mileage, Barrett guesses that he's saving money via luxury RV over planes, hotels and rental cars. When asked why a Californian wouldn't choose to live in a $300,000 RV rather than a $500,000 condo, he said he couldn't think of any reason. "I would live in one!" he says. "The only thing is your storage space. But I think if I got out of racing and wanted to travel a little, a motor home could be as nice as a home, especially if you spend a million or two." A million or two, figures Barrett, would get him more "cool stuff" and longer showers. "If your water tank's as small as mine," he notes, "10 minutes and you're out." E-mail Susan Fornoff at sfornoff@sfchronicle.com . Page F - 1 Get up to 50% off home delivery of the Chronicle for 12 weeks! From Serramonte Ford Acura 2003 TL $24,888 Dodge 2004 Neon $9,488 Dodge 2004 Neon $10,488 Dodge 2001 Dakota $14,488 Dodge 2004 Other $17,988 Dodge 2004 Dakota $20,588 Ford 2005 Focus $13,988 Ford 2005 Focus $14,288 Ford 2000 Mustang $9,688 Ford 2002 Taurus $8,988 Ford 2005 Taurus $17,188 Ford 2005 Econoline E350 $25,888 Ford 2005 Econoline E350 $25,988 Ford 2005 Econoline E350 $20,888 Ford 2005 Escape $25,288 See more from this dealer About Top Autos View All Top Autos Back To Top San Francisco Chronicle Sections Datebook Commentary Sports News Bay Area Home&Garden Business ©2006 San Francisco Chronicle | Privacy Policy | Feedback | RSS Feeds | FAQ | Site Index | Contact

RV parks in central

River View RV Park Looking down on the River View R.V. Park and Lake Marble Falls from the air. River View R.V. Park is located on the Waterfront of Lake Marble Falls, on the South side of the lake near the bridge on Hwy 281, in Marble Falls, Texas. The Park is only 45 miles northwest of Austin or 80 miles straight north of San Antonio. It offers great views of the lake, the bridge, the park and the lakefront restaurants across the lake. It is within easy walking distance to shopping, the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe, Chili's Restaurant, Jamine House Cafe and the Hampton Inn.. This photo was taken from the south side of the park looking toward the bridge and Lake Marble Falls with the city of Marble Falls on the other side of the lake. 49 Paved Level Sites - 20 Pull-thru Water, Electricity, Sewer, Free Cable TV 650-ft. of Waterfront on the Lake 5 Boat Docks and Piers Bank Fishing, BBQ Pits, Picnic Tables Sparkling Clean Bath House-Club Room Convenient to 18 Hole Golf Course Pets Welcome on Leash (2 pets maximum per RV) Boat Ramp, Tennis, City Pool - 3 Blocks away View with lake and waterfront restaurants in the background River View RV Park's many mature shade trees and the breeze off of Lake Marble Falls help make this park one of the prettiest and one of the most comfortable RV parks in central Texas. River View RV Park Information: Prices are based on 2 people per RV. Extra Persons: $3.00/day per extra person except holidays, then $5.00/day per extra person. Daily : $30.00 , Spaces 21 thru 26 are $35.00 per day Space 45 is $40 per day (motorhome only) "Good Sam Club Members Discount on Daily Basis" Weekly: Stay 6 Nights, Get 7th Night "Free" Monthly : $360.00 , Spaces 21 thru 26 are $380 per month Space 45 is $400 per month (motorhome only) Reservations will be accepted with deposit. *Prices subject to change without notice until confirmed. Manager/Owner Bill & Sonya Smyrl (830) 693-3910 Hwy 281 Marble Falls, Texas 78654 Email: rvpark@touringtexas.com Highland Lakes Home Page Marble Falls Home Page Lake MarbleFalls Home Page Visitors since July 6, 2000 FastCounter by bCentral

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Yosemite National Park Reservations | Yosemite National Park | Yosemite Camping | Yosemite Valley | Yosemite Accommodations | Yosemite Cabins Home Features & Amenities Campsite & RV Site Rates Cabin & Yurt Rates Resort Facilities Resort Map Directions & Yosemite Maps Testimonials & Reviews Yosemite Camping Guide Yosemite Pines Area History Things to do in Yosemite Kids Page Rules & Regulations Related Sites Site Map Yosemite Cabins Description of the cabins we offer... MORE >> Testimonials Yosemite Valley lures travelers with the mystique of its rustic gold rush towns, the awe of Yosemite National Park's sprawling landscape and tumbling waterfalls, and the sport of its winding rivers and trails... MORE >> Yosemite Reservations Yosemite Camping Reservations are Online or by phone at (877) 962-7690 for the Best Yosemite Camping and Yosemite Lodging Experience Ever! The Finest Yosemite Camping in the Yosemite National Park Area! MORE >> contact us Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging 20450 Old Highway 120, Groveland, California 95321 Phone: (877) 962-7690 Phone: (209) 962-7690 Fax: (209) 962-4378 yosemite@yosemitepinesrv.com Ranked 8th Best RV Park to See in the World by the Travel Channel Just 22 Miles to the West Entrance of Yosemite National Park Yosemite Camping Reservations are Online or by phone at (877) 962-7690 for the Best Yosemite Camping and Yosemite Lodging Experience Ever! The Finest Yosemite Camping in the Yosemite National Park Area! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Howdy, Travelers! The name's Grover Goldpebble and I'm here to be your Yosemite vacation and Yosemite lodging guide on this online prospectin' tour of Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging - The Finest Yosemite Camping Around! Are you looking for Yosemite Camping Reservations or Yosemite Lodging ? Well, congratulations, pardner! You've just struck gold...Yosemite Lodging and Yosemite Camping Gold, that is! Welcome to Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging in Groveland, California. This park offers the smart camper or RVer an affordable camping choice when looking for the best in Yosemite camping, Yosemite lodging and Yosemite camping reservations . Friends, I've hiked all over Yosemite, California pannin' for gold, so I know a bit about Yosemite camping and Yosemite lodging. When I hitch up the ol' RV for a trip to Yosemite National Park , I always stake my claim to a great campsite or cabin rental at Yosemite Pines RV Park and Campground! Finding lodging and camping in Yosemite National Park area and the High Sierras has never been easier. Visiting and camping Yosemite National Park has never been more fun, thanks to the superb lodging and camping in the Yosemite National Park area provided by Yosemite Pines . Whether you roll up in an RV, pitch a tent, or rent a cabin, the Yosemite Pines RV Park and Campground offers all the amenities you need to make your Yosemite vacation the trip of a lifetime! Yosemite Pines is set on over 30 landscaped acres, just minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park. After a day of sightseeing and hiking at Yosemite National Park, you can come back to Yosemite Pines to kick up your boots and truly relax in our peaceful Yosemite campground setting! A GOLDMINE OF THINGS TO DO Enjoy a comfortable, affordable alternative to the usual Yosemite Park lodging at Yosemite Pines . The resort makes a perfect "home base" for singles, couples, and families exploring and enjoying the wide range of activities in the Yosemite area. You can even pan for gold, pardners! Set out on gold-mining and gold-panning toursor visit deep, dark caverns where miners did their work Read More YOSEMITE SIGHTS Yosemite Pines is just minutes from Yosemite National Park on Route 120, with its breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You'll find dozens of wonderful spots for hiking and trout fishing. Or "shoot the rapids" of the challenging Tuolume River. Within just a few miles, you can explore historic ruins, listen to live music, tour the Jamestown Railroad, peruse art galleries, shop for antiques, crafts, and just-for-fun gifts and souvenirs... And Much More YOSEMITE ACTIVITIES Whether you like to get out on foot, on the water, or on horseback (or even if your idea of exercise is opening your eyes after a nap) you can have it any way you like it when you make Yosemite Pines your alternative to Yosemite National Park Lodging and Yosemite Camping Reservations . Read More Let Us Hear From You NOW Guests looking for Yosemite National Park Lodging and Yosemite Camping Reservations can just click on our simple-to-use online reservation form to learn about the great alternative Yosemite Park Lodging and Yosemite Camping this resort has to offer. Even our sunsets are golden! Home | Features & Amenities | Campsite & RV Site Rates | Cabin, Tent, & Yurt Rates | Resort Facilities | Resort Map Directions & Yosemite Maps | Testimonials & Reviews | Yosemite Camping Guide | Yosemite Area History | Things to do in Yosemite Kids Page | Rules & Regulations | Related Sites | Yosemite Cabins | Yosemite Reservations | Useful Readings | Contact Us | Site Map

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RV Trader Online Contents Home Search Browse Place An Ad · modify your ad · renew your ad Find a Dealer Buyer's Guide Subscribe Help My RV Trader RV Insider Resources Financial Services NADA RV Values Insurance Products for the RV Lifestyle RV Transport Warranties RV Donation Generators RV Lots and Properties for Sale Campgrounds/Resorts RV Rentals Loan Calculator RV Links Escrow Dealers Sign Up Now! Demo Login Password Forgot your password? Click here . Links Find recreational vehicle links quickly by browsing the categories below. If you would like to see a link added, CLICK HERE . Camping Magazines Total Links this Category: 2 Out West Newspaper Chuck Woodbury roams the back roads of the American West in his "motorhome newsroom." Two-Lane Roads quarterly A nostalgic backroads adventure. Travel writer Loren Eyrich by-passes the Interstates, exploring the two-lane roads in his RV. Funny signs, offbeat attractions, rural mailboxes. If you would like to see a link added " CLICK HERE ". Pick Up an RV Trader Magazine Today! | Search | Place an Ad | Find a Dealer | Resources | Site Map | | Contact Us | About Us | Help | Privacy Policy | Fraud Prevention Tips | Visitor Agreement | Security Center | 2006, Trader Publishing Company All Rights Reserved. This document is strictly for informational, non-commercial purposes. Aero | ATV | Auto | Auto | -- Boats | Collector Car | Cycle | Equipment | Merchandise | RV | Truck | TraderOnline || Apartments | Homes | Jobs | Lodging | Parenthood | Vacation Rentals AutoExtra.com | AutoMart.com BoatTraderOnline.com | Boats.com | YachtWorld.com | Soundings | Nor'easter | PassageMaker HarmonHomes.com | Homes.com | NUMBER1EXPERT.com | DistinctHomes.com

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RV Parts and Supplies  You are here: About > Travel > Camping > RV Resources > RV Parts and Supplies Travel Camping Essentials Find A Campground Campground Reviews Camping Recipes Camping On A Budget Camping Lessons Topics Advice for Beginners Campground Directories Campground Reviews Campground Cooking Camping Tips Camping Gear Planning Your Trip Outdoor Destinations Outdoor Events Outdoor Work Photo Galleries RV Resources Summer Camps National Parks Outdoor News Buyer's Guide Before You Buy, Compare Campground Directories 2006 Editions Gift Ideas for Campers Camping Gear Reviews Essential Camping Items Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Camping newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Camping > RV Resources > RV Parts and Supplies RV Parts and Supplies A list of online retailers of RV parts, supplies, and accessories. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Camper Capital RV parts and accessories, Garland, TX. RV Protection Products Products for the RV and auto industries, Mill Creek, WA. RVProtection.net Retailer of after-market RV products and services. Cummins Parts and Service A parts and a service locator for Cummins engine owners. CheapHitches.com Seller of Draw-Tite, Reese, and Hidden Hitch hitches and other towing products and accessories. RV Add Ons Gauranteed low prices on RV parts and accessories. MaxxAir Vents Makers of RV vents and cooling systems. Mark's RV Supplies RV parts and accessories. RV Supply Warehouse Retailer of RV accessories and equipment. Discount RV Parts .com Parts, supplies, and accessories for RVs. Carefree of Colorado Makers of awnings, shade and sun control, and other comfort products for RVs and campers. Reese Products Hitches and towing accessories. Girard RV Products Makers of automatic awning systems for motorhomes. Obsolete Parts An alphabetical list of companies that may have that hard-to-find RV part or accessory. Camping World Online catalog of RV supplies and accessories. Fiamma Catalog Makers of box awning for motorhomes. Hitch-Web Your online source for all kinds of trailer hitches. Manchester Tanks Manufacturer of propane and other pressurized tanks. RV Source An RV parts and accessories locator, not a retailer. Sunbeam Trailer Products 12 volt flourescent lighting systems. The RV Workshop RV parts and accessories, New Tripoli, PA. Wheel Wedge Protects your RV from rolling, slipping or moving. Winnebago Parts Parts for all Winnebago built vehicles, Hanlontown, IA.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Cardinal Sins of Campers Illinois Camping Destinations Camping Basics Lesson 11 Dad's Best Chicken Fingers Lakewood Camping Resort Headlines RV Parks Ready For Mardi Gras Attention RVers and campers. New Orleans is preparing for Mardis... Camping Recipe of the Week The next time you fire up the skillet to make... Top 10 Cardinal Sins of Campers Camping is supposed to be a relaxing outdoor experience. However... Staying Warm Sunnycamper posted in the Camping Forum that she had recently...