Used RV

Sell your used RV, Motorhome, 5th wheel or trailer with RV Registry -- World Wide Web Listing Information Your RV will be listed on the Web (including picture) until it’s sold for only $228.95 . Listings are placed on-line within one business day. Once you have submitted your listing, please mail a sharp photograph of your RV to: RV Registry 747 North 120th St. Omaha, NE 68154 Enter your information in the areas provided below. Required information is show in red. Your Information (Address and zip code will not appear in listing): Mr. Ms. First Name Last Name Address City State Zip or Postal Code Country Home Phone Number Office Phone Number Cell Phone Number Fax Number Internet E-Mail Address (example: joeuser@aol.com) RV Information: Class A Diesel Class A Gas Bus Conversion Class B Motorhome Class C Motorhome Fifth Wheel Travel Trailer Tow Vehicle Other Class Year Make Model Length Interior Color Exterior Color Miles Price Additional Information - 50 Words Maximum: Agent Information: N/A Andrew Stortz Ann Dorador Becky Laman Brianna Logan Mgr. Chrissy Jackson Clint Elliott Dan Williams James Anest Phoenix, AZ Jeremy Workman Ken Swanson Lyndi Cleaver Mattie Johnson Nick Marino Patty Mitten Rick Thomas Sarah Lacy Valerie Watts is Agent working with me Billing Information: I prefer to pay with my credit card Credit Card Type: Name on Card: Credit Card Number: Expiration Date: January February March April May June July August September October November December 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Please call me for billing information. Phone number and best times to contact me are below: I prefer to call RV Registry at 1-800-546-8373 (between 8am and 4pm CST) to supply my billing information. I prefer to mail a check to RV Registry at: RV Registry 747 North 120th St. Omaha, NE 68154 Be sure all your information is correct before submitting. Your data will appear on the WWW the next business day after your billing information is submitted. Please don't forget to send a sharp photograph of your vehicle. . We appreciate your business. Be sure all your information is correct before submitting. If you discover an error or want to make changes after submitting, E-Mail RV Registry at service@rvregistry.com or call Customer Service at 1-800-546-8458 (8a.m.-4p.m. CST). You may cancel within 48 hours for a credit to your card, less $5.00 data entry charge. Your data will appear on the WWW the next business day after submission. Please don't forget to send a photograph of your car. . We appreciate your business. Visit other Echo Services Sites for Cars for Sale , Boats for Sale and Vacation Rentals . © 2004 Echo Services, Inc. disclaimer All rights reserved. Comments? e-mail service@rvregistry.com

Luxury RV

RV Motorhome Loans by Excel Credit - Your source for luxury RV Motorhome financing Click Here for Boat Financing Call Toll Free 1-800-337-7774 home contact sitemap Home Rate Quote Form Online Application Warranty Quote Tax Deductibility Payment Calculator Warranties Privacy Policy Employment Affiliate Program RV Survey FAQs Boat Financing RV Financing Direct - Open Roads Forum Posted: 11/15/2004 9:23am I agree with those that have worked w/ Excel Credit & John Hood - we did the same and it was 1/2%-3/4% LESS than what our dealer was telling us. Enjoy your new coach Tammy & Tom Posted: 11/15/2004 9:16am I also financed through Excel and John Hood. They were one of the few willing to finance my older MH. Very personalized service working with them. ~~~~~~~~~ Also try Excel Credit. They are an operation out of Florida and I worked with a gentleman named John Hood. Extremely competitive, reliable, and professional. Posted: 10/28/2004 6:46pm I second Excel Credit and John Hood. Very professional from start to finish. Self, Wife, 3 Boys, 2 Dogs 2002 Winnebago Adventurer 35U W20 8.1L Posted: 10/28/2004 6:58am Try Excel Credit, ask for John Hood, easy to work with and he will lead you every step of the way..They are on the Internet. No affilliation in any way... Happy Trails. Itchn2go Posted: 10/14/2004 6:41pm Try Excel Credit - they also go by RVFinancingDirect.com. They're based in Florida and were a pleasure to deal with. The gentlemen I worked with - John Hood - was very professional, efficient, and extremely knowledgable. I got 5.25% back in May over 15 years with 10% down. Self, Wife, 3 Boys, 2 Dogs 2002 Winnebago Adventurer 35U W20 8.1L Posted: 9/25/2004 6:44pm We used Excel Credit. Their website is: rvfinancingdirect.com. Dealt w/ John Hood who is extremely patient, helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. They even took care of my registration in California although our motorhome was purchased from a private party in Arkansas. ~~~~~~~~ Excel Credit,,Johnny Hood...great to work with..Good miles and Happy Trails. Itchn2go Posted: 8/9/2004 12:13am I'll second (or third) rvfinancingdirect.com which is Excel Credit as Todd mentions. I worked w/ John Hood and his assistant Michelle. They are based in Florida and was fantastic to deal with. Very thorough and conscientious. Just financed through them and the transaction was very smooth. Self, Wife, 3 Boys, 2 Dogs 2002 Winnebago Adventurer 35U W20 8.1L Posted: 8/8/2004 9:46pm I also used RVFinancingDirect.com on my used MH. Responsive, hands-on folks. They are actually "Excel Credit." SneakySnake: George & Coleen Posted: 8/2/2004 3:58pm I went with Excel Credit over the internet. http://www.rvfinancingdirect.com Worked with Johnny Hood who was very patient and fantastic to work with. They took care of everything - even my DMV as my 2002 coach was purchased from a private party from another state. I locked at 5.25% for 18 months back in early May. As you know, interest rates have climbed almost a 0.75% to 1.00% since then. Self, Wife, 3 Boys, 2 Dogs Posted: 8/3/2004 9:38am I think most companies that want your money play games. As an example, I purchased an HP printer/copier/scanner/fax machine this Sunday, tried to install but found out it doesn't come w/ a USB cable - a major component in connecting this to the computer. I had to buy this separately on Monday. Cost me more money. Think of the car dealerships that advertise their loss leader only to find out that they "sold" that one but will gladly sell you something close that's much more expensive (hence more profit). Let me be very clear, however, that the people at Excel Credit are fantastic - very curteous, professional, and consciencious. I will definitely work with them again in the future when the need arises. Worked with Johnny Hood who was very patient and fantastic to work with. They took care of everything - even my DMV as my 2002 coach was purchased from a private party from another state. I locked at 5.25% for 18 months back in early May. As you know, interest rates have climbed almost a 0.75% to 1.00% since then. Self, Wife, 3 Boys, 2 Dogs Posted: 6/25/2004 8:30am give Excel credit a call at 1-800-337-7774 they do boats and RV's good luck Greg aka SeaDog (Black Rock Ranger) 96 Winnebago Adventurer 34 W/SO Harley Ultra Classic Posted: 5/26/2004 9:26pm I got a lock on a 15 year fixed loan at 5.25% from Excel Credit. That was 2 weeks ago and interest rates have since climbed about 0.5%. The loan was w/ 10% down payment(including tax and registration in the loan amount). They were great. Worked w/ John Hood who is very knowledgeable and professional. Self, Wife, 3 Boys, 2 Dogs Posted: 5/26/2004 10:00am Bought our 40' TSDP new, got 4.9% from excel credit, 20 years 10% down. Went very smooth! Just got a 161K loan (after 10% down) from Excel Credit at 4.9%. Rate last week was 5.25%. FICA score must be >700. Good Luck. Steve,Kathy,Josh & Morpheus the Basenji Posted: 4/12/2004 5:39pm Hi, I used Excel Credit, Longwood, FL and they prequalified. They held the quoted interest rate for 90 days. The amount you qualify for was good for 180 days. The phone is 1-800-337-7774. Interest rates change after unit is five years of age. RTJ49 _____ Crusin You can do better than 6.3%. I posted the following elsewhere on tips for RV financing. ~~~~~~~~~` I used Excelcredit last month on my purchase of a new Dutchstar. 4.25% fixed first 3 years, then prime plus .50 for next 17 yrs. 20% down payment. Prime today is 4.00. Fixed was 5.25 I opted for the lower fixed rate first 3 yrs, then variable because we know we will be selling this coach in 4 to 6 years. To me it doesn't make any sense to try to build equity in a rapidly depreciating asset that I will be selling 5 years into a 20 year loan. John Hood was my guy at Excel Credit. Easy to work with and very professional. They placed the loan with Wachovia Bank. Prepayment penalty if paid off in less than one year. None thereafter. (800) 337-7774 www.RVFinancingDirect.com Dexter & Cherie 2004 40ft Dutch Star Posted: 3/4/2004 5:31pm Hi, I used Excel Credit, Longwood, FLA. 1-800-337-7774 So far nothing but great service. I purchased a 1997 Foretravel. I also had approval for a 1990 Bluebird. The Bird would have cost an additional 1/4% on the interest rate, as it was over eight years old. There have no problems with Excel. Real nice people to deal with! Good luck RTJ49 1997 U320 Foretravel BACK TO TOP Your comments are important to us! Please tell us about your experience with Excel Credit. ***WE FINANCE FUN*** HAVE SOME!!! Home | Rate Quote Form | Online Application | Warranty Quote | Tax Deductibility | Payment Calculator Warranties | Privacy Policy | Employment | Affiliate Program | RV Survey FAQs | Contact Excel Credit 505 Wekiva Springs Rd. #200 Longwood, Fl 32779 [in Florida] (407) 862-2225 [toll free] (800) 337-7774 ©2005. Excel Credit® is a Registered Trademark of Excel Credit, Inc. No portion of this site may be reproduced. Site design by Design4dot.com

RV Supplies

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.

Mobile Home Sales

How to Buy a Manufactured Home Manufactured Housing Institute in Cooperation with The Federal Trade Commission's Office of Consumers & Business Education [Graphic Omitted] [Graphic Omitted] Manufactured Housing Institute 1745 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, Virginia 22202 703-979-6620TABLE OF CONTENTS1. WARRANTIES & OTHER PROTECTIONS FOR THE HOME PURCHASER Federal Construction and Safety Standards The Manufacturer's Warranty The Retailer's Warranty Appliance Warranties2. PLACEMENT & SELECTION OF YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME Placing Your Manufactured Home Placing Your Home on Your Own Land Placing Your Home in a Rental Community Buying a Manufactured Home in a Planned Community Choosing a Manufactured Home Buying a Manufactured Home3. SITE PREPARATION, TRANSPORTATION & HOME INSTALLATION Site Preparation Transporting Your Home Installing Your Home4. INSPECTION OF YOUR NEW MANUFACTURED HOME Installation Inspection General Inspection5. YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME SUMMARY Warranty Protection Placing Your Home Choosing Your Home Installing Your Home Inspecting Your HomeINTRODUCTIONA home is probably the single most important purchase you will make inyour lifetime. In recent years, nearly one-third of all newsingle-family homes bought have been manufactured homes. TheManufactured Housing Institute and the Federal Trade Commission's Officeof Consumer and Business Education developed this booklet to guide youthrough this very critical purchasing decision.If you are thinking about buying a manufactured home, this guide is foryou. It will tell you about manufactured homes and how to go aboutchoosing one that meets your needs and your pocketbook. You will learnhow a home is transported to a site, how the site must be prepared, andhow the home is installed on the site. You also will learn aboutmanufactured home warranty protection. By following the guide'ssuggestions, you should be able to avoid some possible pitfalls whenbuying a manufactured home.The term "manufactured home" was adopted in 1980 by the the UnitedStates Congress to describe a type of house that is constructed in afactory to comply with a building code developed by the Department ofHousing and Urban Development (HUD). In the past, manufactured homeswere called "mobile homes," a term that many people still use. However,"mobile" is no longer an accurate name because fewer than five percentof such homes are ever moved off the owner's original site.WARRANTIES & OTHER PROTECTIONS FOR THE HOME PURCHASERFederal standards and written warranties protect buyers of manufacturedhomes.Every manufactured home now offered for sale has a small red and silverseal that certifies that the home has been inspected during constructionand meets federal home construction and safety standards. Thesestandards were developed to assure a suitable level of performance inevery manufactured home constructed in the U.S. Such standards, togetherwith the manufacturers' warranties, serve to protect you -- the homebuyer.FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDSSince mid-1976, all manufactured homes have been constructed to meet thefederal building standards adopted and administered by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development. This national code iscalled the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.The code regulates manufactured home design and construction, strengthand durability, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. It alsoprescribes the performance standards for the heating, plumbing, airconditioning, thermal, and electrical systems.The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Actalso requires that you receive a home owner's manual when you buy yourhome. This manual will explain, among other things, what to do ifsomething goes wrong with your home. Some of the important subjectscovered in the home owner's manual include: * general maintenance; * safety (including a fire safety checklist); and * state agencies involved in enforcing the federal manufactured home standards.THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTYWarranties vary among different manufacturers. Ask to see the warrantieson the manufactured homes that interest you and compare them before youbuy. All retailers are required to have copies of the manufacturers'warranties that are offered on the homes they sell, and they will makethem available to you if you ask to see them. By reading the warrantybefore you buy your home, you can make sure the home you buy is coveredby the kind of warranty protection you want.[Graphic Omitted]When you buy your manufactured home, you will receive the manufacturer'swritten warranty from your retailer. The manufacturer's written warrantyusually covers substantial defects in: * workmanship in the structure; * factory-installed plumbing, heating, and electrical systems; and * factory-installed appliances (these also may be covered by appliance warranties).It is important, however, to understand that the manufacturer's warrantywill not provide coverage for problems resulting from: * lack of proper installation or maintenance; * accidents; * owner's negligence; or * unauthorized repairs.Therefore, to make sure that your home's warranty will be honored,carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing,maintaining, and repairing your home.In many cases, the retailer will perform service under themanufacturer's warranty. However, it is the manufacturer who has thefinal responsibility. Be aware that if the retailer must order partsfrom the manufacturer to make a warranty repair, shipping and deliveryof those parts may affect the amount of time it takes to get service.Before you buy your manufactured home, ask to see the written warrantiesoffered on the homes the retailer sells.Manufacturers warranties cover many, but not all, types of potentialproblems.The answers to the following questions should help you get the kind ofwarranty protection you want: * What warranties come with the manufactured home? You may get warranties from the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the appliance manufacturers. * What exactly does each of these warranties cover? What do they not cover? * Do the manufacturer's or retailer's written warranties on the home cover transportation and installation? If not, are installation and transportation covered by separate written warranties? * How long do the warranties last? * How do you get warranty service? * Who will provide service under the warranties? * Where will the warranty service be performed?Consider these important questions about warranty coverage before youdecide which home to buy.Implied warranties are unspoken, unwritten promises created by statelaw.Ask to see all warranties in writing. Make sure you understand whooffers the warranty, who performs the service, and what is and is notcovered before selecting and buying your manufactured home.In addition to any written warranty offered by the manufacturer, you mayhave certain "implied warranties" when you buy a manufactured home. Animplied warranty is an unspoken, unwritten promise that a product is fitto be sold and used for its intended purposes--for example, that amanufactured home is fit to be sold and lived in. These impliedwarranties protect you even if no written warranty is offered by themanufacturer or retailer. Most states allow sales that exclude impliedwarranties ("as is" sales). However, some states do not permit a sellerto exclude or limit implied warranties. Contact your state or localconsumer protection office to ask about implied warranty protections inyour state. When buying a manufactured house, especially a used one,make sure you know whether it is being sold "as is" -- with no impliedor written warranty.[Graphic Omitted]THE RETAILER'S WARRANTYA retailer may offer a written warranty on a home. Written warrantiesare not alike. But, typically, the retailer's warranty will tell you: * the terms of the warranty; * what you must do to keep the warranty in effect; * what you can reasonably expect from the retailer; and * that the home has been installed according to manufacturer specifications and local regulations.The warranty also will guarantee that the home has a HUD inspection sealand that optional appliances and equipment have been properly installed.Remember, ask to see the retailer's warranty before buying to check onwhat it does and does not cover.You should know that a retailer's warranty will not provide coverage forproblems that arise from: * owner's negligence; * owner's failure to provide proper notice for service; and * unauthorized repairs.[Graphic Omitted]APPLIANCE WARRANTIESThe appliances in your home also will be covered by warranties. In manycases, these warranties, along with use and care manuals, are providedby the individual appliance manufacturers. In addition, some statesrequire that the home manufacturer's warranty cover the appliances thatcome with your home.Read the appliance warranties and note the duration and terms. Inaddition, check instructions in the warranty about how to get service.In most cases, the quickest service can be obtained from the appliancemanufacturer's authorized service centers. Check the use and careinformation on the appliance warranties for a list of such servicecenters or service agents. However, if warranty service is not availablefrom the appliance manufacturer or its servicer, contact your retailerfor assistance. The home manufacturer's warranty, if any, may providewarranty service for your problem.The retailer may offer a written warranty, but not everything will becovered.PLACEMENT & SELECTION OF YOUR MANUFACTURED HOMEManufactured homes offer a wide variety of styles and prices.There is a manufactured home to fit almost every pocketbook. Some modelsare designed for those whose budget limits them to a lower-cost home.Other models have such higher-priced features as cathedral ceilings,formal dining rooms, and woodburning fireplaces. The home can be asingle-section unit or a larger multi-section unit. Multi-section homescome from the factory in two or more parts that are joined at the site.A single-section home comes from the factory as one complete unit. Withmore than 150 companies building manufactured homes in more than 400factories, and with manufactured home sales centers located throughoutthe United States, you have an opportunity to choose from a wide varietyof home styles.PLACING YOUR MANUFACTURED HOMEBefore you select and buy your home, you should decide where it will belocated. There are three basic options you can consider. First, youcould plan to place your manufactured home on land you own or intend tobuy. If you choose this option, you must consider zoning laws,restrictive covenants, and hookup regulations. Such restrictions mayprevent you from placing a manufactured home on a particular piece ofland. Second, you could plan to place your manufactured home on a leasedhomesite in a manufactured housing development, in which case thecompany managing the development will normally take care of theseconsiderations. Third, you could decide to buy a home already on ahomesite in a planned community. Then, of course, you would not be facedwith the typical placement concerns.PLACING YOUR HOME ON YOUR OWN LANDIf you own or plan to buy land for your manufactured home, there areseveral matters you should consider.Zoning. In cities and suburban areas, and in some semirural areas, youmay face zoning requirements that must be met. In certain areas, theremay be a prohibition against manufactured homes, or certain requirementsregarding their size and exterior appearance. You can find out if thereare any restrictions or requirements by contacting the local community'splanning and land use department. Consult your local telephone directoryfor the office nearest you.Restrictive Covenants. Restrictive covenants are limitations in propertydeeds that control how you can use the land. These may include arequirement that homes be a certain size or a prohibition that lands notbe used for certain purposes. The title search, conducted when you buythe land,may reveal information about such restrictions. Sometimes,however, the restrictions are described in ways that are difficult tounderstand. You may want to check with an experienced real estateattorney to see if there are any restrictive covenants that would keepyou from placing your home on the land you are considering.Utilities. Although a manufactured home comes complete with plumbing,electrical, and heating systems, it must, like all homes, be connectedto electrical,. water, and sewerage facilities. If your site is in awell-developed area, all necessary utilities may be available, subjectto connection charges. Find out exactly what utilities are available andhow much it will cost to connect your home to all utility sources.Contact your local public utilities division for information aboututility services in your area.[Graphic Omitted]Make sure the the applicable zoning laws and the deed on your land willallow a manufactured home to be placed there.[Graphic Omitted]There are a number of important questions to consider when placing yourmanufactured home in a rental community.Electrical Facilities. Electricity is usually available in all areas.But if the area where you plan to live does not have ready access toelectric power, connection could be quite expensive. Check with thelocal power company to find out whether electricity is readilyaccessible.Water Facilities. In many locations, there may not be localgovernment-supplied water lines. If there is no water, you may have todrill a well. Do not assume that all drilling will provide water. Checkwith a local well-drilling company about costs and whether success isguaranteed. Also, check with local health authorities to make certainthere are no problems with the quality of the water in the area.Sewerage Facilities. Many areas still rely on septic tank systemsinstead of a city or county sanitary sewerage system. If you cannotconnect your home to a sewerage system, you must check with localauthorities about installing a septic tank. Properly installed septicsystems can work quite well. But sometimes they cannot be used; forexample, where the soft is not able to absorb the discharged waste. Formore information, contact the local health department or the officeresponsible for granting building permits.PLACING YOUR HOME IN A RENTAL COMMUNITYYou may want to place your home on a leased site in a communityespecially planned for manufactured housing. Placing your home in such acommunity usually involves fewer practical problems.If you are interested in a rental community, visit the ones in the areawhere you wish to live. In addition, some manufactured home retailersmay operate their own rental communities, so you may wish to ask theretailer for information and advice about them. Find out what eachcommunity offers and the differences among them, including the financialaspects, such as rental and installation costs and any miscellaneousservice charges.There also are several questions you will want to ask before decidingupon a particular rental community. * Is a written lease required and, if so, for how long? * What are the charges for utility connections or other services? * Do the community's rules require that it be responsible for installing your home, or can you let your retailer do the job? * What charges will be made for installation? Who will be responsible for ground maintenance, snow removal, refuse collection, street maintenance, and mail? * What are the community's rules and regulations? For example, are pets prohibited? Can you accept and live with such rules? * Are there any special requirements or restrictions when you sell your home? * Are there any provisions to protect you if the owner of the manufactured home community where you lease your homesite sells the property for another purpose? If you must move because of a sale, will the owner help with relocation expenses, or is private or public assistance available?[Graphic Omitted]Buying a home in a planned community is another option to consider.BUYING A MANUFACTURED HOME IN A PLANNED COMMUNITYYou may want to consider another alternative and buy a home that alreadyis located in a planned community. As with a rental community, there arefewer practical problems involved because you do not have to concernyourself about placement.But be sure to check into the costs, services, and rules of any plannedcommunity before you buy. You should consider the matters mentioned onpages 10-11, such as who is responsible for utility connections, ifthere will be any restrictions on resale of your home, and whether youcan live with that community's rules.[Graphic Omitted]Check the community's rules to see if you can live with them.CHOOSING A MANUFACTURED HOMEThere are several matters you may want to consider when choosing a home.How do I want my home to look? You may select from a variety of exteriordesigns, depending upon your taste and your budget. External sidingoptions come in a variety of colors and materials including metal,vinyl, wood, or hardboard. You also may select such outside designfeatures as a bay window, a gable front, or a pitched roof withshingles. Awnings, enclosures around the crawl space, patio covers,decks, and steps also are available.What size home and floor plan do I want or need? Manufactured homes areavailable in a variety of floor plans that include spacious livingrooms, dining rooms, fully equipped kitchens, one or more bedrooms,family rooms, and utility rooms. Depending upon your needs and the sizeof your lot, you can choose a single-section home plan or a largermulti-section design. Homes range in size from 400 to 2500 square feet.[Graphic Omitted]Check state laws; they may limit the movement of your home afterinstallation.Can I move my home to another location or even another state? If thereis a chance that you might relocate your home to another state, find outabout state laws covering transportation of manufactured homes. Somestates, particularly eastern states, have certain regulations, such asweight, size, or width limitations, that may prevent you from movingyour home. Before you purchase, check with the appropriate authoritiesin the states through which you may want to transport your home.Of course, if you do move your home you will be faced with extraexpenses. Besides transporting costs, which include licensing fees totake your home through a state, you again will have the cost offoundation construction, installation, and utility hookups.What interior options and features are available? Manufactured homeshave many options and features for a variety of floor plans. You alsocan choose color and quality options for carpets and wall coverings; andyou can choose other features such as custom cabinets, window designs,and wood-burning fireplaces. Some home models and manufacturers offermore custom options than others. Ask your retailer what options areoffered on homes he sells.What appliance packages are available? Most manufactured homes are soldwith a refrigerator and range. But some appliance packages may includemicrowave oven, trash compactor, garbage disposal, washer/dryer, andbuilt-in indoor grill. Central air conditioning also is an option.[Graphic Omitted]Be sure your energy package is designed for the climate zone where yourhome is located.What energy-efficiency options are available? The National ManufacturedHome Construction and Safety Standards require separate energyefficiency levels for the three different temperature zones of theUnited States. However, you may wish to increase your home's energyefficiency. There are a variety of optional energy packages available,such as increased insulation, double- and triple-glazed windows,sheathing products, self-storing storm windows, and "high-efficiency"water heaters, furnaces, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Ask yourretailer about available energy-saving features and their costs. Youespecially should note the "heating certificate," which specifies thetemperature zone for which the home is designed, and the "comfortcooling certificate," which specifies the appropriate central airconditioning system for the home. Both certificates are located on theinside of the home. You should not place your home in a climate zone forwhich it was not designed.[Graphic Omitted]What written warranty coverage is offered on the home, itstransportation, and its installation on the homesite? Nearly allmanufacturers offer a written warranty on the home itself. There are,however, important differences among warranties. For example,manufacturers' warranties may exclude coverage of installation andtransportation (although reliable retailers or contractors usually offerwritten warranties on these services). Although you may never need suchwarranty services, it is a good idea to check the coverage of anywarranties that are offered before you buy.BUYING A MANUFACTURED HOMEMost likely you will buy your home from a retail sales center, althoughtoday, in some states, you also could buy your manufactured home from areal estate agent if the home is already located in a community. Someretail sales centers are owned and operated by a home manufacturingcompany, but most retail businesses are independently owned andoperated. They sell homes built by several manufacturers.You should. use as much care in choosing your retailer as you do inchoosing your home and its features. This is because the retailer willhelp you choose your home and, if you wish, custom order it from thefactory. In addition, the retailer usually will be the one responsiblefor having your home delivered and installed. The retailer also mayarrange for financing and insurance for your home. Finally, after youmove into your home, your retailer often will be the person you contactfor warranty service.One of the best ways to find a reputable retailer is to talk withfriends who live in manufactured homes and get their recommendations.You also might ask them to recommend a home manufacturer. You may wishto contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out if a particularretailer or manufacturer has a record of unsettled or unresolvedcomplaints on file. You also may wish to contact your state manufacturedhome association and request the names and addresses of manufacturers orretailers in your area.Compare warranties offered by various manufacturers and retailers.SITE PREPARATION, TRANSPORTATION & HOME INSTALLATIONProper site preparation and installation are necessary for comfort,durability, and correct functioning of your home.Make sure the transporting company warrants its services in writing.Before your home is installed, you must ensure that the site has beenprepared properly. If you are placing your home on your own land, yourretailer can provide advice on how to prepare the site.If you will be living in a rental community, the community manager willprobably take care of site preparation. Before signing your lease, askabout this and any other costs.SITE PREPARATIONIf you are having your home installed on your own land, you areresponsible for site preparation. However, it is a good idea to ask yourretailer (or whoever is going to install your home and warrant theinstallation) to inspect the site prior to installation to make surethat everything has been prepared properly.Here are some guidelines that must be followed in preparing the site. * The site must be accessible by the truck transporting your home. * The site must be as level as possible. * The precise site area must be cleared of trees, rocks, and any other surface debris. * The soil must be graded and sloped for water runoff. * The soil must be compacted so that the foundation will not sink or shift on loose earth fill.Although you may be able to do some work yourself, such as removingtrees and shrubs, most site-preparation tasks, such as grading andcompacting the soil, require technical expertise. You will need tocontract for expert assistance to ensure that your home is installed onfirm land that adequately drains.TRANSPORTING YOUR HOMEIn most instances, your home will be transported first from the factoryto the retail sales center. At the center, your retailer will use achecklist to make sure your home arrived undamaged, and if any problemoccurred while your home was being transported from the factory, it willbe repaired before delivery to your homesite.If any damage occurs while the home is being transported to your site,the company transporting your home is usually responsible. Therefore,you should check for damage as soon as your home is delivered. If youfind any damage, contact the transporting company immediately.[Graphic Omitted]If you allow your home to be transported by a company that does notprovide a written transportation warranty, it may be difficult to obtainfree repairs, if any are necessary. Therefore, before you purchase yourhome, make certain that the transporting of your new home is protectedby a written warranty.INSTALLING YOUR HOMEAfter you have chosen the retailer and your home, have complied withlocal building and zoning requirements, have obtained state inspectionswhen necessary, have properly prepared the site, and have gotten goodwarranty protection on the home and its transportation and installation,you are ready to have your home installed on a homesite. This alsorequires. careful attention.[Graphic Omitted]Every manufacturer is required by the federal standards to provideinstructions for installing your home. However, the actual installationtypically is not within the manufacturer's control. Therefore, theinstallation of your manufactured home is not covered by themanufacturer's warranty.These cautions are not designed to worry you, but rather to alert you tothe importance of installation. Hundreds of thousands of manufacturedhomes are installed on sites each year without major problems. Youshould not have problems if your home is installed by a reliableretailer or by a company that specializes in manufactured homeinstallation.Check for damage as soon as you receive your home and report anyproblems to the retailer or transporter as soon as possible.The manufacturer's written warranty on the home usually will not coverproblems that are caused by improper installation.Usually, the retailer will install your home or contract with aprofessional installation crew to do the work. In most cases, the priceof your home will include the cost of installation by such qualifiedprofessionals. Be sure to check this with your retailer before you signthe sales contract. If installation is not included in the price, youmay have to contract with a separate company to install your home. Askyour retailer for the names of such companies.[Graphic Omitted]Clarify in writing what installation services are provided, who isproviding them, and who warrants the work.The retailer should spell out in writing the full scope of installationservices that are included in the price of your home. This should assureyou that everything is covered and that there will be nomisunderstandings about who is responsible for what.Regardless of whether the retailer or a separate company installs yourhome, you should follow several guidelines. * Discuss with the contractor the steps involved in installation so you understand them. * Have the contractor write these steps into the contract. * Ask if there is a written warranty covering your home's installation. If not, then ask to have it put in writing.By following these guidelines, you will know exactly what you are payingfor, how to check your home to see that the work has been done properlyand, equally important, what kind of warranty protection covers eachstep.Installing your home involves six steps. The price of your home usuallyincludes all of these steps. Therefore, ask to see an itemized list inwriting before signing the contract to purchase your home.[Graphic Omitted]1. Transporting Your Home From the Retailer's Sales Center to Your Homesite. As noted earlier, the manufacturer normally is responsible for transporting the home from the factory to the retailer, and the retailer is usually responsible for getting the home to your land. However, if the roads are not adequate or there are obstacles that will make it difficult to get the home to your site, your retailer may be unable to accept responsibility for delivering your home. Be sure to check the route to your homesite for such things as low-hanging tree limbs and loose rocks.[Graphic Omitted]2. Constructing a Foundation for Home Placement. In addition to following the manufacturer's instructions and complying with local law, find out if the institution financing your home (or the rental community in which you place your home) has foundation requirements. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Administration (VA) also have special foundation requirements. Remind your retailer about the kind of financing you are using so that all applicable foundation requirements will be met. If you place your home on your own property, you have the option of choosing from a number of different foundation types. Several types of foundations are available, from concrete slabs to full basements. Remember, local codes reflecting the different climates and soil conditions must be followed. A professional installer will know which foundation codes are required by local law or what is required by your financing institution.3. Leveling Your Home. It is essential that an experienced crew installs your home to assure that it is leveled correctly. Leveling is one of the most important steps in setting up your home. It must be done according to the manufacturer's specifications. If your home is not level on its foundation, the weight of the home will not be distributed evenly. Poor leveling could result in such problems as doors that do not open and close easily or floors or walls that buckle. If any of these problems do occur because your home was not properly leveled, the manufacturer's warranty will not cover the repairs. Remember, the manufacturer's warranty only covers problems resulting from faulty construction. Insist on walking through the home before the installation crew leaves to check for signs that your home may not be level. Guidelines for checking whether your home is level and properly installed are provided on page 21. Leveling is critical and must be performed by a professional crew. Walk through your home before the installation crew leaves to assure that the home is level. After installation has been completed and you have checked out the installed home, it is very important to periodically recheck the leveling of your home. This is important because, over time, such things as foundation supports may settle unevenly and create an un-level condition. Such conditions can, in extreme cases, cause serious damage to the walls and floors. Normally, you should recheck leveling about 60 to 90 days following installation and, perhaps, once a year after that.[Graphic Omitted] Anchoring your home to the ground should be done by experts.4. Securing Your Home to the Foundation. It is not sufficient merely to place your home on a properly constructed foundation. There are certain minimum requirements that should be met. To ensure that your home does not shift and become damaged, it must be anchored to the ground according to the manufacturer's instructions or as required by local codes. Anchoring should prevent severe winds from damaging your home. Although your home will come with instructions for properly securing it to its foundation, anchoring is not a do-it-yourself project. Talk with your retailer about anchoring, and be sure that your home's installation includes this very necessary step.5. Finishing Your Home. Once your home is secured to the foundation, finishing work may be needed, such as an enclosure around the crawl space or landscaping. If your home is a multi-section, finishing may include applying molding and joining carpet on the interior or completing work on the exterior siding.6. Connecting Your Home to Utilities. Installation services should include connecting your home to the necessary water, electrical, gas, and sewerage lines. If this is not included in your installation price, you will have to contract for these services yourself. Your retailer can tell you how to make arrangements for utility connections. Alternatively, you can obtain the information from the local government agency that oversees building permits. This chapter outlined the process of site preparation, transportation, and installation. The installation guide that comes with your home provides more detailed information. The important point to remember, however, is that although this guide is informative and detailed, it is not designed to enable you to install your home yourself. Leave installation to the professionals.INSPECTION OF YOUR NEW MANUFACTURED HOMEWhen you take possession of your new home, the first thing to do is tocheck it over thoroughly. It is important to discover problems early andreport them to the retailer or the installer within the warranty's timelimits.INSTALLATION INSPECTIONFirst, check to see that your home was installed properly. If you arepresent during installation, ask the installation crew manager to walkthrough your home with you to assist in identifying problems and toanswer your questions.Listed below are some areas you should check to make sure your home wasinstalled properly.Open and close all interior and exterior doors. If a door does not openand close smoothly, it may indicate a need for a minor hinge adjustment,but it also may be a sign that the home is not level. Immediately callthis to the attention of the person responsible for installation.Examine the entire house. Look at the walls, the floors, and theceilings. Be certain that all faucets and appliances work.GENERAL INSPECTIONYou will want to make your inspection of the home in an organized way. Agood strategy is to inspect the outside of your home first and thencheck the interior, carefully going through each room. Manymanufacturers provide a checklist in the owner's manual of items youshould inspect. You should fill out the checklist and return it to themanufacturer as soon as possible.As you make your inspection, jot down on paper every item you thinkrequires service. When you are finished, make copies of the list -- onefor you, one for your retailer, and an extra copy for the manufacturer.It is also a good idea to put the date of your inspection on the list.[Graphic Omitted]Carefully inspect your home for any problems as soon as it is installed;make sure that it is level-check doors, windows, and drawers.YOUR MANUFACTURED HOME SUMMARYThis checklist can help you remember all the points to consider inchoosing, buying, and installing your home.Read and compare all warranties offered on the homes that interest youbefore deciding to buy.The following is a summary of "How to Buy a Manufactured Home." Itprovides you with some questions to ask the retailer or yourself beforemaking your purchase. You can find more information about the questionsbelow by referring to the listed page numbers.WARRANTY PROTECTION * What warranties are offered by the home manufacturer, the retailer, the transporter, the installer, and the appliance manufacturers? (pp. 4-7) * Are the warranties in writing? (pp. 4-7) * Do you know what is and is not covered by the warranties? (pp. 4-7) * Who performs the service under the warranties? (pp. 4-7)PLACING YOUR HOME * If you intend to place your home on your own land, are there zoning regulations or restrictive covenants that prohibit the location of a manufactured home? (pp. 8-9) * Are electric, gas, water, and sewerage lines available on your homesite, or will you have to make other arrangements to provide necessary utilities? (pp. 9-10) * If you locate your home in a rental community, who will be responsible for ground maintenance, snow removal, and other such services? (pp. 10-11)CHOOSING YOUR HOME * How do you want your home to look? (p. 12) * What size home and floor plan do you want or need? (pp. 12-13) * Will state laws on transporting oversize loads prevent you from moving your home? (pp. 13-14) * What custom options and features are available? (p. 14) * What appliance packages are available? (p. 14) * What energy-efficiency options are available? (p. 14)INSTALLING YOUR HOME * Will someone inspect your site prior to installation to see that everything has been prepared properly? (p. 16) * Is your site accessible by the trucks transporting your home? (p. 16) * Who will transport your home to the homesite? (pp. 16-17, 18) * Does the transporting company provide a written warranty for any damage that occurs during transporting? (pp. 16-17) * What foundation options are available and required? (p. 19) * Will there be an experienced installation crew to ensure that your home is properly leveled and secured to the foundation? (pp. 19-20) * Will your home need any finishing touches, such as landscaping? (p. 20) * Who is responsible for securing utility connections? (p. 20)[Graphic Omitted]Remember that installation is the key to durability and properfunctioning of your home.INSPECTING YOUR HOME * Have you thoroughly checked over your home, both inside and out? (p. 21) * Do all the doors, windows, and drawers close properly? (p. 21) * Do all appliances and faucets work? (p. 21) * Did you make a list of all problems when you moved in, and did you report them to your retailer and manufacturer? (p. 21)

RV travel appeals so

RVIA - Media - Press Release: RV Vacations Are Least Expensive, Study Finds RV Vacations Are Least Expensive, Study Finds Contact: Ken Sommer Director of Media Relations (703) 620-6003 ext. 304 ksommer@rvia.org -- Fran Connors Barton Gilanelli & Associates (215) 592-8601 fran@bartgil.com -- RESTON, Va. -- Even when fuel prices rise, RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs. PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that "typical RV family vacations are on average 26 to 74 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied." Even factoring in RV ownership and fuel costs, the study reveals that RV vacations are more economical than those taken by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship. "Regardless of gas prices, RV owners still get a bigger bang for their buck when compared to other types of vacations," says Richard Coon, president, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). "Affordability is a key reason why RV travel appeals so much to families." PKF analyzed major costs that would be incurred by families taking nine different types of vacations to such popular travel destinations as the Grand Canyon; Orlando, Fla.; Cape Cod; Napa, Calif.; and Alaska. PKF selected three types of RVs typically used by families for vacation purposes–a folding camping trailer, conventional travel trailer and Type C motorhome. "In all cases, RV trips were more economical than other vacations analyzed, regardless of trip duration, distance or region of the country," says Kannan Sankaran, PKF's lead researcher for the study. "Even when fuel prices rise, our data show that each RV vacation would still be significantly less expensive," Sankaran explained. "While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, fluctuations in fuel prices aren't significant enough to affect a family's decision of whether or not to take RV trips over other types of vacations." According to the study, fuel prices would need to triple to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel. Vacations using a personal car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants–the least expensive of the non-RV travel options–were found to be 36 percent more costly on average than going by RV. The study showed, for example, that a family of four traveling from Washington, D.C. to Dennis Port, Mass. for 10 days with their folding camping trailer in tow, staying in campgrounds for the local average of $25 per night, would save 54 percent, or $1,696, over the same trip taken by car, staying in hotels averaging $120 per night and eating in restaurants. Taking the same vacation by motorhome would save $974, or 34 percent, over going by car. On a trip from Atlanta to Orlando for a week, a family of four would save $1,658, or 53 percent, by traveling in their motorhome and staying in campgrounds averaging $27 per night, rather than flying, renting a car, staying in hotels averaging $125 per night and eating in restaurants. A week-long family vacation towing a conventional travel trailer from Salt Lake City, Utah to the Grand Canyon compared to the cost of taking the same trip by airline, renting a car and staying in a rental property would be $2,820 or 70 percent less expensive. Shorter getaways were also found to be more economical by RV. For example, a family taking a three-day vacation from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lancaster, Pa. would save $271–or 31 percent–by towing a conventional travel trailer, rather than going by car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. The savings would be even greater–$1,049 or 62.2 percent–for families taking the same trip by motorhome rather than flying. According to PKF, renting an RV is the most affordable way to tour Alaska. The study shows that 14-day RV rentals were less than half the cost of Alaskan all-inclusive cruises, including roundtrip air fare, and 69 percent less expensive than trips involving air fares, car rentals, hotels and restaurants. In addition to major expenditures required from the start to finish of each vacation, PKF factored in an estimated cost of ownership of the RVs analyzed. Research included documenting average ownership periods, residual values, annual days of use, insurance and applicable IRS interest deductions for second-home mortgages. "RV travel offers great value and affordability," says Coon, "but there are other key reasons to travel by RV, too. RVs are a comfortable, convenient, stress-free way to travel, enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with family." The PKF study considered only quantifiable economic factors, not the comparative quality of each vacation. As a result, the convenience, flexibility and quality family time cited as major benefits of traveling in an RV could not be addressed. To learn more about RV travel, consumers can order a free "getting-started" DVD or CD-ROM at GoRVing.com or 1-888-Go RVing. They can also surf the website for lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. Or write to: RVIA, P.O. Box 2999, Dept. P, Reston, VA 20195. RVIA (rvia.org) is the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States. RV Vacations Save Money How going by RV reduces family vacation costs vs. other vacation types, according to a comprehensive study comparing travel expenses to popular U.S. destinations: Vacation Type Itinerary Amount Saved By RV Folding Camping Trailer vs. Car / Hotel Denver to Grand Canyon 54 percent Type C Motorhome vs. Airline / Rental Car / Hotel Atlanta to Orlando 53 percent Travel Trailer vs. Airline / Rental Car / Rental Home Washington, D.C. to Cape Cod 43 percent Vacation Type Trip Duration Transport Mode / Accommodation 3 Days 7 Days 10 Days 14 Days Car towing a Folding Camping Trailer / Campgrounds $508 $1,125 $1,605 $2,317 Light-Duty Truck or SUV towing a Travel Trailer / Campgrounds $623 $1,376 $1,963 $2,837 Motorhome / Campgrounds $647 $1,491 $2,127 $2,996 Personal Car / Hotels or Motels $903 $2,182 $3,125 $4,222 Personal Car or Airplane / Rental Property $1,514 $2,725 $3,570 $4,281 Airplane or Rental Car / Hotels or Motels $1,678 $3,044 $4,406 $5,742 Cruise Ship Vacation NA $9,399 $7,425 $9,053 All-Inclusive Package Vacation NA $5,156 $7,125 $9,285 Source: Leading tourism research firm PKF Consulting. When vacationing by RV, a family of four can spend up to 74 percent less compared to other vacation types. RV vacations were found to offer big savings over travel by car or plane with hotel accommodations or rental properties. Even the most expensive RV trip is one-third the cost of a cruise excursion and one-fifth the cost of an all-inclusive package getaway. For more information, contact RVIA's Ken Sommer at 703/620-6003, extension 304. Back to "RVIA Current News" RECREATION VEHICLE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 1 896 Preston White Dr. - P.O. Box 2999 - Reston, VA 20195-0999 - 703/620-6003 - Fax: 703/620-5071