RV Travel Security By

RV Travel Security Visit our sister site FabulousFoods.com Tuesday January 24, 2006 Email This Page To A Friend! RV Travel Security By Mark J. Polk For one minute, try to think the way a criminal would think. If you were at a rest stop looking for your next target or victim, what would you look for? Let's pretend for a moment that you were going to target a vehicle. Which would be more appealing, a car whose owner stopped for a quick bathroom break or an expensive looking Class A motor home, whose owners are out walking their dogs? I don't have the mind of a criminal but this is an easy choice. That expensive looking RV probably has expensive contents inside like, jewelry, cameras, and a laptop computer. Okay, we have come to the conclusion that we, the RVers, are the prime target for the criminal mind, so what can we do to protect ourselves? That's what this RV security checklist is for. To give you some ideas on how to protect yourself and you're personal belongings when you're traveling in your RV. Don't stay overnight at a rest stop. Rest stops attract criminals. If you stop at a rest stop it should only be for a short break and then back on the road. Lock the RV and take turns using the facilities, always leaving someone in or close to the RV. Always be on the look out for anything or anyone that looks suspicious. Keep your cell phone handy in case you need it and don't open the door for anybody, unless you know who it is. Rest stops aren't the only place you need to be concerned about. Every time you stop to refuel there are certain precautions you need to take. It's easy to be vulnerable to a thief at a gas station or a truck stop. I have a bad habit of leaving my wallet on the console of our Class C motor home. The door isn't locked and your spouse is taking advantage of the time to walk the dogs. This is how quickly it can happen. Get in the habit of locking the doors whenever you or someone else is not physically in the RV. Most robberies occur at night and most travel related robberies occur at rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores and ATM machines. Try to schedule most of your stops during daylight hours, and whenever you stop be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't look right leave. Wal-Mart or other parking lots where you might stop to get a few hours of sleep can present security problems too. You should always park in a well lit area and the entry door of the RV should be facing where most of the activity is. A thief prefers to work where it is dark and where it is least likely to draw any attention. Close your curtains or blinds so it's not possible for someone to look inside. Don't open the door for anybody unless you know who it is. If it's a security guard ask for identification before you open the door. As much as we would like to believe that campgrounds are 100% safe and secure don't let your guard down. You don't need to be paranoid, just use some common sense. Don't leave expensive equipment lying around unsecured. Vehicle tow bars, hitches, bicycles and other items need to be under lock and key. Keep any valuables inside the RV secured and out of sight. It's a good idea to purchase a small fire proof safe to store valuables and important paperwork in. The safe might protect your valuables from the hazards of a fire but it will still need to be stored in a secure, out of the way place, inside the RV. Always lock the RV when you're not physically at the campsite. Do not store valuable equipment in outside storage compartments. Believe it or not, a vast majority of RV's use the same exact key as yours for outside storage compartments. If you store valuables, like golf clubs, fishing gear or tools in the outside compartments you may want to have the locks changed. Before you leave on a trip make sure your Emergency Roadside Service Plan is current. In the unfortunate event that you breakdown on the road, try to pull off in as safe a place as possible and call for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help arrives. It's unfortunate that we live in a day and age where we need to take these added measures to protect ourselves. I don't want you to feel like everybody you meet during your travels is a thief or has bad intentions. Just use common sense and be aware of what is going on around you. Plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun! Happy Camping, Mark Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education 101 . He also hosts the RV Savvy segments on RVTV , which airs on the Outdoor Channel. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and maintain your RV. Our goal is to make all of your RVing experiences safe, fun and stress free. For more information, visit www.rveducation101.com . Sign up today for one of our FREE informative and fun Newsletters . RV / Camping Budget Travel Travel Tips Kitchen Tips Low Carb Low Fat Desserts Holidays/Parties Vegetarian E-Mail address subscribe unsubscribe Home | Budget | Adventures | Globetrotting | Weird Wanderings | RV & Camper's Corner | Galavanting Gourmet On the Water | Travel Books | Community | Tips © Enigma Communications™ 2006 About Us | Advertising Opportunities | Privacy Policy

RV Parts Superstore at

RV Stoves/Ovens, Microwaves & Parts Home | RVs for Sale | Sell Your RV | RV Insurance | RV Parts | About PPL | RV Service | Map | Contact PPL RV Stoves/Ovens, Microwaves & Parts Prices valid thru 01/27/06 Click on menu items below for faster lookup: Stove-Cooktop-Vent Hood Parts Parts - Magic Chef - Knobs Cooktop Covers - Atwood Parts - Ventline - Fan Blades Cooktop Covers - Suburban Parts - Ventline - Filters Cooktops - Atwood Parts - Ventline - Range Hood Motors Cooktops - Magic Range Covers Cooktops - Suburban Range Covers - Atwood Counter Top Extension Range Covers - Magic Chef Microwave Dish Cover Range Hood Outside Vents Parts - Atwood - Grate Clips Range Hoods - Elixir Parts - Elixir Jensen - Fan Blades Range Hoods - Ventline Parts - Elixir Jensen - Filters Ranges - Atwood - Wedgewood Parts - Magic Chef - Grate Clips Ranges - Maytag ( Magic Chef ) Parts - Magic Chef - Grates Ranges - Suburban Parts - Magic Chef - Handles Order online, call PPL's RV Parts Superstore at 1-800-755-4775, or visit our Houston, TX location to take advantage of these sale prices. Nationwide shipping available. For additional items not listed below visit our Full RV Parts and Accessories Catalog . Please Note that Sale Prices are most likely to be lower than Catalog Prices RV Parts Home About PPL's RV Parts Superstore Return Policy STOCK # DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY ORDER Return to Menu Stove-Cooktop-Vent Hood Parts CLICK HERE REPLACEMENT and REPAIR PARTS for RV Stoves and Range Hoods Call PPL at 1-800-755-4775 for Parts Info Return to Menu Cooktop Covers - Atwood 72-8033 GAS COOKTOP COVER - 2 BURNER DROP-IN COOKTOP COVER - WHITE $35.29 72-8039 LP GAS COOKTOP COVER FOR 3 BURNER DROP-IN - STAINLESS STEEL ...Regularly $78.91 On Sale for Only $74.95 $74.95 Return to Menu Cooktop Covers - Suburban 72-9046 BI-FOLD S.S. STOVETOP COVER-W/SIDE WIND GUARD,2-BURN DROP-IN ...Regularly $63.99 On Sale for Only $49.87 $49.87 72-9047 BI-FOLD S.S.COOKTOP COVER-W/SIDE WIND GUARD,3-BURN DROP-IN ...Regularly $70.00 On Sale for Only $59.73 $59.73 Return to Menu Cooktops - Atwood 72-1495 LP GAS COOKTOP - RV 2 BURNER DROP-IN COOK TOP - BLACK ...Regularly $127.00 On Sale for Only $109.75 $109.75 72-1494 LP GAS COOKTOP - RV GAS DROP-IN 2 BURNER COOK TOP - WHITE ...Regularly $127.00 On Sale for Only $109.75 $109.75 72-1496 LP GAS COOKTOP-RV 2 BURNER DROP-IN COOK TOP-STAINLESS STEEL ...Regularly $132.69 On Sale for Only $119.75 $119.75 72-1498 RV GAS COOKTOP - DROP-IN 3 BURNER COOK TOP - BLACK ...Regularly $163.00 On Sale for Only $144.75 $144.75 72-1497 RV GAS COOKTOPS - DROP-IN 3 BURNER COOK TOP - WHITE ...Regularly $163.00 On Sale for Only $144.75 $144.75 72-1499 RV GAS COOKTOPS - DROP-IN 3 BURNER COOK TOP -STAINLESS STEEL ...Regularly $170.00 On Sale for Only $149.75 $149.75 Return to Menu Cooktops - Magic 72-4832 MAGIC (WAS MAGIC CHEF) RV COOKTOP 3 BURNER DROP IN ...Regularly $178.00 On Sale for Only $159.75 $159.75 Return to Menu Cooktops - Suburban 72-9042 SUBURBAN DROP-IN COOKTOP - 2 BURNER - STAINLESS STEEL ...Regularly $135.95 On Sale for Only $104.95 $104.95 72-9043 GAS COOKTOP - SUBURBAN DROP-IN - 3 BURNER - STAINLESS STEEL ...Regularly $176.95 On Sale for Only $139.56 $139.56 72-9059 PROPANE COOKTOP-SUBURBAN SLIDE-IN-3 BURNER - WHITE PORCELAIN ...Regularly $212.00 On Sale for Only $179.50 $179.50 Return to Menu Counter Top Extension 14-8453 FOLD AWAY RV COUNTER TOP EXTENSION-OAK $32.19 Return to Menu Microwave Dish Cover 14-8469 MICROWAVE COOKING DISH COVERS - PREVENTS SPLATTERING $5.09 Return to Menu Parts - Atwood - Grate Clips 72-8356 LOCKING GRATE CLIP FOR ATWOOD, 1 PER PACKAGE ...Regularly $1.40 On Sale for Only $0.59 $0.59 Return to Menu Parts - Elixir Jensen - Fan Blades 67248 FAN BLADE FOR JENSEN 12 VOLT - JRP1002R ...Regularly $9.99 On Sale for Only $7.69 $7.69 Return to Menu Parts - Elixir Jensen - Filters 31-1775 GREASE FILTER 8-1/4 IN X 10 IN ...Regularly $8.73 On Sale for Only $6.79 $6.79 Return to Menu Parts - Magic Chef - Grate Clips 60657 STOVE GRATE CLIPS FOR MAGIC CHEF - PACKAGE OF 8 $7.99 Return to Menu Parts - Magic Chef - Grates 60689 STOVE GRATE FOR MAGIC CHEF WITH LOCKING SPRING CLIP ...Regularly $29.49 On Sale for Only $26.99 $26.99 Return to Menu Parts - Magic Chef - Handles 738051 MAGIC CHEF REPLACEMENT OVEN HANDLE-FITS ALL 16,18,&22 SERIES ...Regularly $33.92 On Sale for Only $21.99 $21.99 Return to Menu Parts - Magic Chef - Knobs 738052 MAGIC CHEF KNOBS- SET OF 4 BURNER KNOBS & 1 THERMOSTAT KNOB ...Regularly $34.49 On Sale for Only $29.64 $29.64 Return to Menu Parts - Ventline - Fan Blades 31-8377 6IN FAN BLADE FOR VENTLINE 12V RANGE HOOD ...Regularly $9.29 On Sale for Only $4.59 $4.59 31-1767 FAN BLADE FOR 115V VENTLINE RANGE HOOD ...Regularly $8.99 On Sale for Only $4.59 $4.59 Return to Menu Parts - Ventline - Filters 318334 INSIDE GREASE FILTER FOR RANGE HOOD 8in X 8in $9.39 Return to Menu Parts - Ventline - Range Hood Motors 67249 12 VOLT MOTOR #RP1003R FOR VENTLINE RANGE HOOD VENT-90037-1 ...Regularly $36.95 On Sale for Only $21.99 $21.99 Return to Menu Range Covers 728018 CAMCO RV STOVE TOP COVER 43559 - ALMOND $74.99 63871 CAMCO STOVE TOP AND CUTTING BOARD COMBINATION $33.97 72-8130 CAMCO STOVE TOP COVER - INCREASES COUNTER SPACE - WHITE ...Regularly $74.99 On Sale for Only $63.78 $63.78 728013 CAMCO STOVE TOP COVER-INCREASES COUNTER SPACE-BLACK ...Regularly $71.19 On Sale for Only $63.78 $63.78 728404 CAMCO STOVE TOPPE - DECOR-MATE - CUTTING BOARD - ALMOND $51.29 72-8077 CAMCO UNIVERSAL STOVE TOPPER SILENT TOP - ADD COUNTER SPACE $40.29 72-8408 STOVE TOPPERS-DECORMATE POLYETHYLENE-WHITE-SERVING SURFACE $51.29 Return to Menu Range Covers - Atwood 72-8076 RANGE COVER - BI-FOLD COVER FOR ATWOOD RV RANGES-BLACK ...Regularly $64.59 On Sale for Only $53.98 $53.98 72-8031 RANGE COVER - BI-FOLD COVER FOR OLD ATWOOD MODELS - BLACK ...Regularly $45.49 On Sale for Only $34.67 $34.67 Return to Menu Range Covers - Magic Chef 72-8410 RANGE COVER - BI FOLD - BISQUE - FITS 22 SERIES COOKTOPS ...Regularly $56.99 On Sale for Only $48.49 $48.49 72-8409 RANGE COVER BI-FOLD - BISQUE - FITS 16 & 18 SERIES ...Regularly $56.99 On Sale for Only $51.39 $51.39 Return to Menu Range Hood Outside Vents 318327 LOUVERED VENT - OUTSIDE REPLACEMENT FOR VENTLINE RANGE HOOD ...Regularly $5.49 On Sale for Only $4.69 $4.69 31-8397 OUTSIDE LOUVERED VENT - V2018-01 - POLAR WHITE $5.49 318329 OUTSIDE LOUVERED VENT FOR RANGE HOOD - #V2018-2 -COLONIAL ...Regularly $5.99 On Sale for Only $5.39 $5.39 318328 OUTSIDE VENT FOR RANGE HOOD #V-2111-11, COLONIAL WHITE $8.39 31-8383 OUTSIDE VENT FOR RANGE HOOD - V2111-18 - POLAR WHITE $8.39 Return to Menu Range Hoods - Elixir 60199 ELIXIR/JENSEN RANGE HOOD - 12V - ALMOND ...Regularly $128.95 On Sale for Only $88.89 $88.89 Return to Menu Range Hoods - Ventline 61106 VENTLINE RANGE HOOD 115V-ALMOND-12IN W X 20INL-WITH LIGHT ...Regularly $80.95 On Sale for Only $73.79 $73.79 61107 VENTLINE RANGE HOOD 12V ALMOND-12IN W X 20IN L-WITH LIGHT $64.99 Return to Menu Ranges - Atwood - Wedgewood 72-4044 ATWOOD/WEDGEWOOD VISION RANGE/17 INCH OVEN - PIEZO LIGHT $514.00 Select residential or commercial. Residential Commercial 72-4049 ATWOOD/WEDGEWOOD VISION RANGE/21 INCH OVEN - PIEZO LIGHT $544.69 Select residential or commercial. Residential Commercial Return to Menu Ranges - Maytag ( Magic Chef ) 72-4931 MAYTAG (MAGIC CHEF) RV RANGE 22 IN. 3 BURNER WHITE W/PIEZO ...Regularly $359.99 On Sale for Only $319.65 $319.65 Select residential or commercial. Residential Commercial 72-4829 RV RANGE MAYTAG ( MAGIC CHEF ) 16IN-3 BURNER BISQUE-NO PIEZO ...Regularly $312.00 On Sale for Only $289.65 $289.65 Select residential or commercial. Residential Commercial 72-4831 RV RANGE MAYTAG (WAS MAGIC CHEF) 16IN-3 BURNER WHITE W/PIEZO ...Regularly $327.00 On Sale for Only $299.65 $299.65 Select residential or commercial. Residential Commercial Return to Menu Ranges - Suburban 72-4933 22 in 3 BURNER LONG RANGE - WHITE TOP BLACK DOORS ...Regularly $497.00 On Sale for Only $459.00 $459.00 Select residential or commercial. Residential Commercial No representations or warranties, either expressed or implied are made as to the accuracy of the information herein. Sale Prices limited to in-stock quantities for some items. Prices valid thru 01/27/06. Telephone Order Lines are open until 5:30pm Mon-Fri Central See Below for Hours of All other Services PPL's RV Parts Superstore 10777 Southwest Freeway (Highway 59 South) Houston, Texas 77074-9829 713-988-5555 1-800-755-4775 Hours: 8-5:30pm Mon-Fri 9-4 Central Saturday PPL Home | RV Parts Superstore Home | About PPL | Parts Return Policy Request Parts Catalog | Photo Tour | RVs for Sale | Sell Your RV | Contact PPL PPL Motor Homes Houston, Texas All Rights Reserved, 1997-2006

Vacation Vehicle

-- "Alamo Rent A Car is one of the largest value oriented rental car companies offering lowest rate guarantee for leisure vacation car rental deals, business rentals and discounted weekly specials in over 1000 locations including Orlando, Miami, Florida, Las Vegas, Maui, Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, California, Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Colorado, Houston, Kansas City, Maine, New Jersey, Washington DC. Virginia, Seattle, Chicago, Phoenix, Arizona, Salt Lake City, Boston, and more! " ALAMO PRESS RELEASES ALAMO PRESS RELEASES Return to Alamo Press Releases Index ALAMO ANNOUNCES TENSI AVIATION AS NEW GENERAL SALES AGENT FOR POLAND Traveling to the United States Becomes Easier for Polish Tourists Fort Lauderdale, FL, Oct. 8, 1999 Alamo Rent A Car announced today the appointment of Tensi Aviation as the new General Sales Agent for Poland. General Sales Agents are independent companies designated to represent Alamo Rent A Car in foreign markets when dealing with sales, marketing and reservation activities. "The appointment of Tensi Aviation as our General Sales Agent in Poland is perfect for such an emerging market," said Nick Harwood, senior director, international sales. "We already have a strong relationship with Tensi Aviation and look forward to them assisting us in increasing our profile in this region. Since Tensi has been working with us in Hungary for more than five years, they understand Alamo's commitment to the leisure market and its 'Drive Happy' philosophy," he continued. Alamo's products for the Polish market make renting with Alamo as easy and worry free as possible. For instance, "Alamo Gold" is a product available for North American rentals, which includes collision damage waiver (CDW), extended protection (EP), state/local taxes, airport fees, up to three additional drivers and one tank of fuel. This custom designed leisure product allows renters to get on the road quickly and easily, allowing more time for vacation fun. Polish travelers to the USA and Europe will be able to reserve an Alamo vehicle at competitive rates and receive prepaid reservation vouchers paid for in zloty. Additionally, renters can use their Polish driver's license to rent their cars, thus eliminating the need for an international driver's license - something other rental car companies often require. "We are excited about the prospect of representing Alamo Rent A Car," said Mr. Barna Tarnoczi, Managing Director Tensi Aviation. "Alamo's leisure market commitment corresponds with Tensi's existing network and expertise and I feel confident that we can continue to provide the highest level of service to Alamo customers." Tensi Aviation is based in Warsaw and can be contacted on 48-22-8280204 Monday to Friday from 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Alamo Rent A Car, well established in the United States and internationally, is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary of doing business. After opening its doors in 1974 with only 100 cars in two Florida locations, the company has grown to a fleet of over 150,000 cars in a network of cities, particularly in such U.S. vacation destinations as Florida, California, Hawaii, Navada and Arizona. Alamo, which specializes in meeting the needs of leisure travellers, operates the world's largest car rental plaza in Orlando, Florida and is among the largest in many other U.S. sun destinations. Alamo, owned by AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), currently serves more than 15 million travelers a year through 103 locations in the United States and Canada, and more than 400 international locations in Europe and Latin America. home | about alamo | travel agents | contact us | affiliate program | site map | privacy policy | user agreement © Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc. pdwap01.vanguardcar.com

Used RV Classifieds (

More selling power than just used RV Classifieds Home | RVs for Sale | Sell Your RV | RV Insurance | RV Parts | About PPL | RV Service | Map | Contact PPL Used RV Classifieds ( Click Here for a special Money Saving Internet Offer! ) Our used motorhome prices are based on the experience that comes with sellingover 13,000 RVs since 1972. Used motor home prices from a motorhome priceguide are just a small part of PPL's appraisal of your RV. The right asking price is critical for you to get the top dollar for your RV. The information below will help explain why PPL Motor Homes has grown to bethe largest RV Consignment dealership in the USA. Valuable free e-mail service if you are buying, selling or own an RV ( Click here for photo tour of PPL) Click here to see used RVs for sale RV Consignment Specialist Selling your RV is not a side line at PPL...it's what we've been doing since 1972. We do not sell any new RVs. Selling new RVs could distract us from our focus on selling your consigned RV. Blue Book Prices Find out how to obtain Blue Book prices for used RVs. Free RV Appraisals PPL understands the recreational vehicle market. Learn how you can take advantage of our experience to have your RV correctly priced. Please call today to arrange an appointment to meet with one of our RV appraisers. 713-988-5555 or 1-800-755-4775 We May Already have A Buyer for Your RV Chances are, PPL already has a buyer for your RV and we know how to get them interested in buying your used RV whether it is a diesel pusher, class A motor home, class C motor home, travel trailer, or 5th wheel. Advertising You might be surprised by all the ways we advertise your recreational vehicle to reach potential buyers. Our extensive RV advertising enables a fast sale at the best price for you. Trade-ins or Cash Purchases PPL makes it simple for you to do an RV trade. PPL can also pay you immediate cash for your RV. This means you won't have to delay the start of your next adventure. RV Financing Long term motor home, travel trailer and fifth wheel financing for the buyers of a used RVs can seal the deal in many cases. Extended Warranties The extended warranties offered by PPL on many RVs is another reason many buyers prefer to buy a PPL consigned RV. Detailing A clean, bright used RV will sell quicker and command a better price. Learn about PPL's professional detailing service. See how spending a little can put additional money in your pocket. Customer Comments We ask every buyer and seller what we are doing right and what we could improve on. We are proud of what our customers say about our no hassle consignment sales program. (Many of these comments are included here) Experienced Staff RV pricing, advertising, marketing, detailing, financing, extended service agreements, and trouble free closings all happen because of our experienced RV Sales staff. No Cost Unless Sold There is no commission due until your RV is sold. Once your RV is sold, the commission is 10% of the selling price. The minimum commission is $1475 for diesel pushers, motor homes and van conversions and $975 for travel trailers and fifth wheels. How to Get Your RV Listed for Sale Easy step by step details on how to get your RV priced and listed for sale at PPL's huge RV consignment dealership. Join the thousands who have benefited from this powerful RV consignment sales system. PPL Motor Homes 10777 Southwest Freeway (Highway 59 South) Houston, Texas 77074-9829 713-988-5555 1-800-755-4775 Hours: 8-5:30pm Mon-Fri 9-4 Central Saturday PPL Home | RVs for Sale | Steps to Buy | Sell Your RV | Insurance RV Parts Superstore Home | Service | About PPL | Photo Tour | Contact PPL PPL Motor Homes Houston, Texas All Rights Reserved, 1997-2006

Used RV

The Most Complete RV Resource Recreational Vehicle Recreational Vehicle (or RV) is a term used in North America to describe a large enclosed piece of equipment with wheels designed to be moved from place to place for people to temporarily live in and be protected from the elements while away from their permanent home. While RVs are intended for brief leisure activities such as vacations and camping, some people, especially retirees, live in their units and are known as fulltimers. RVs can be rented in major U.S. and Canadian cities. There are different classes of vehicles generally labelled as RVs: A truck camperTruck Camper - unit is affixed to the bed or chassis of a pickup truck. Folding Camping Trailer - also known as a pop-up trailer; a light-weight unit with sides that collapse for towing and storage Travel Trailer - heavier unit with rigid sides designed to be towed by most vehicles by means of a bumper or frame hitch Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer - designed to be towed by a pickup truck equipped with a special hitch in the truck bed Park Model - designed for occasional relocation and will require a special tow vehicle and a highway movement permit Motorhome ("Winnebago", a product of the Winnebago Company that dominated the market for many years, was long a synonym for a motorhome, but this usage has faded in recent years.) Class A Motorcoach - constructed on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis, typically resembling a bus Class B Campervan - built using a conventional van, to which a raised roof has been added Class C Mini-motorhome - built on an automotive manufactured chassis with an attached van cab section Toterhome, a motor home built around a semi truck chassis such as a freightliner. This type of motor home allows you to pull large and heavy trailers while having all the conveniences of a large motor home A minimal RV typically contains beds, a table, food preparation and storage areas. Larger models add full bathrooms, refrigerators, living areas, master bedrooms, etc. Some RVs are very elaborate, with satellite TV and internet access, slide-out wall panels, and awnings; many RVs can cost in excess of $100,000 and some can cost over $1 million. These high end RVs typically need to be financed by banks or specialized lenders. Many RVers stay at RV parks, most of which feature electrical, water and sewer service (full hookups), as well as cable television and wireless Internet. Amenties often include swimming pools, gamerooms and even destination-resort activities such as horseback riding. Advantages of RVs include not having to move one's things in and out of motel rooms, not having to rent multiple motel rooms, and the fact that preparing food saves money compared to eating in restaurants. At the same time, an RV provides more organized living space and better protection from the weather than a tent. Children also tend to like RVs. Disadvantages of RVs include low fuel economy for the motorized RV or tow vehicle, lack of maid service as experienced in motels (maid service is available at a few high-end resorts), and larger RV models can be hard for the novice to drive or tow. Some people also live in RVs because they lack funds for more conventional housing. Similarly, RVs ? specifically, trailers which strongly resemble travel trailers, but usually with fewer amenities ? have been used to temporarily house victims of natural disasters. A notable example is Hurricane Katrina; the federal disaster relief agency FEMA has ordered large numbers of such trailers to house victims of the storm in Louisiana and Mississippi. Some people craft their own RVs out of cars, vans (vandwellers), or used passenger and school buses. Elkhart, Indiana, is known as the "RV Capital of the World" because it is home to many RV manufacturers, including, Forest River, Heartland RV, the Damon Corporation, Four Winds, Hy-Line, Keystone, Monaco, Sun Valley, and Travel Supreme. Many other manufacturers, including Dutchman, Gulf Stream, and Jayco, can be found in the nearby towns of Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, and Wakarusa. In 2005, these locales experienced a boom because of the large number of trailers ordered to house Hurricane Katrina victims. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.