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)

Recreation Vehicle

TPWD: Recreational Vehicle (RV) Group Packages Maincontent Local Navigation Supplemental Information search print friendly Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involved Shop FAQ Calendar Español Experience Texas Fishing & Boating State Parks & Destinations Hunting & Wildlife Land & Water Doing Business Home State Parks & Destinations Parkinfo Facilities Rv Facilities Links: Skip Links Park Facility Main Page Campsites : Sewer, Electric, & Water Hookups Electric & Water Hookups Water Hookups Drive-up Sites with No Hookups Walk-in Tent Sites Hike-in/Backpacking Sites Boat-to Sites Wildlife Management Areas that allow camping Lodging & Other Indoor Overnight Facilities : Bed & Breakfasts Cabins & Group Lodges Limited Use Cabins Lodges & San Solomon Springs Court Group Barracks, Bunkhouses, Dining & Recreation Halls Screened Shelters Recreational Vehicle Group Packages Parks & Historic Sites - Anchor Links: Skip Links New State Park Hours State Parks & Destinations Main Find a Destination Frequently Asked Questions Historic Sites Park Reservations Campsites & Facilities Park Maps Activities Park of the Month Volunteer, Concession, & Employment Information Texas State Parks Pass Downloadthe RV Group Brochure . ( PDF 425.4 KB ) Recreational Vehicle (RV) Group Packages Texas State Parks are rich in natural beauty and cultural history. Texas has 11 eco-regions with a wide variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rugged canyons and mountains. Many State Parks feature spectacular lakes and rivers where you can go boating, fishing and swimming or just enjoy a relaxing float. Other parks offer wonderful trails for hiking, biking, birding and horseback riding. With such a wide variety of natural wonders you can plan a group RV outing to satisfy any taste. When you stay at a Texas State Park you can always depend on friendly, knowledgeable staff and safe surroundings. And with more than 120 State Parks in Texas, you can take a day trip from your campsite to explore another State Park or State Historic Site in the area! Texas State Parks also include more than thirty State Historic Sites, each one revealing a fascinating glimpse back in time. Visit a frontier fort, see prehistoric rock art or climb aboard the only surviving U.S. battleship to have fought in both world wars. Many sites also offer tours, special events, re-enactments and living history presentations to bring Texas history alive. If you're staying at a State Park be sure to drop by a nearby Historic site for a visit. Many of our parks have facilities that are ideal for groups of RVs. During off-peak periods, some of these parks are offering special benefits for RV Groups. Some of these benefits include: Day and/or overnight use fees Group facility use Special programs by park staff Reservations available up to 11 months in advance For more information on RV Group packages contact the Group Reservation Desk at (512) 389-8900 to make your group plans now! The Central Reservation Center (C.R.C.) is is staffed from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. The C.R.C. is closed Saturday, Sunday and major holidays. The Texas State Parks Pass and the Parklands Passport or “Bluebonnet Pass” cannot be used to further discount these special promotions. More RV Related Information: More information on RV'ing from the Texas State Park Guide . Contact Us | Help | Accessibility | Media | Site Policies | Complaints | Intranet | State of Texas | TRAILS Search | TexasOnline | Compact with Texans Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Toll Free: (800) 792-1112, Austin: (512) 389-4800 Content of this site © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Last modified: January 13, 2006, 6:00 pm

RV Parks Dining/Entertainment Activities

Members | RV Parks General Info Visitors Center Accommodations RV Parks Dining/Entertainment Activities Attractions Day Trips Event Calendar Our Community Historic Yuma Mexico Online Store General Info Dining/Entertainment Activities Attractions Day Trips Event Calendar Our Community Historic Yuma Mexico Photo Library General Info Visitors Center Accommodations RV Parks Dining/Entertainment Activities Attractions Day Trips Event Calendar Mexico Group Services Theme Tours Membership List General Info Relocation Our Community Event Calendar Mission Statement Contact Us Visitors Center Online Store Buisness Name Description Address Adobe Village RV Park 928-345-1154 yumaparks@aol.com Senior park, full hookups, horse shoes, shuffle board & more. 11350 South Payson Drive Yuma, Arizona 85367 Araby Acres RV Resort 928-344-8666 Fax: 928-341-1049 arabyacres@aol.com 55+, 2 Pools, 2 Spas, Small Pets Only, Planned Activities, Cable TV 6649 East Highway 80 Yuma, Arizona 85365 Arizona Sands RV Park 928-726-0160 Fax: 928-726-0286 azsrvp@aol.com Park like setting with trees, grassy space, large patios. Pets welcome. 5510 East 32nd Street Yuma, Arizona 85365 Arrowhead RV Resort 928-785-3648 Fax: 928-785-3648 scolb2@aol.com Check us out, we've expanded. We now offer 153 sites, a larger rec hall, pool and spa. We are also close to two golf courses! 30115 Wellton-Mohawk Drive Wellton, Arizona 85356 Atlasta Mobile & RV Park 928-783-1925 Fax: 928-783-1925 Come stay with us & enjoy the fun! 415 May Ave. Yuma, Arizona 85364 Bonita Mesa RV Village 928-342-2999 Fax: 928-342-4614 bonitamesa@aol.com Where the fun spends the winter 9400 North Frontage Road Yuma, Arizona 85367 Blue Sky RV Park 928-305-3901 Fax: 928-305-4001 BlueSkyRV@APL.com Close to golfing, shopping mall. Tent and minivan sites.Close to golfing, shopping mall. 10247 South Frontage Road Yuma, Arizona 85365 Chaparral Mobile Home Park 928-783-7245 Fax: 928-783-7245 Mobile and RV sites, great location, all amenities, furnished rentals. 1674 South Avenue B Yuma, Arizona 85364 Cactus Gardens RV 928-342-9188 Fax: 928-342-9542 cactus@digitaldune.net Clean, friendly, lots of activities, donuts & coffee, reasonable rates, big breakfast on Wed. and Sat! 10657 South Avenue 9E Yuma, Arizona 85365 Capri RV Park 928-726-0959 Fax: 928-377-9233 capri@digitaldune.net RV Park with full ammenities: full time activity director, close to downtown shopping, within walking distance of Mall and restaurants. 3380 S. 4th Ave. Yuma, Arizona 85365 Cocopah RV 928-343-9300 Fax: 928-329-8271 Your destination resort. Play golf on our 18 hole golf course, swim, shuffleboard, horseshoes, tennis and crafts of all kinds. 6800 Strand Avenue Yuma, Arizona 85364 Country Breeze Mobile Home Park 928-726-4922 Fax: 928-344-3452 Wonderful park with large spacious lots, paved streets, and pool. 11448 South Avenue 9E Yuma, Arizona 85365 Country Roads R.V. Resort 928-341-1144 Fax: 928-344-1130 www.countryroadsyuma.com Gated community. 5707 East Highway 80 #170 Yuma, Arizona 85365 Del Pueblo RV Park & Tennis Resort 928-341-2100 Fax: 928-341-2110 delpueblo@earthlink.net RV resort and tennis courts. 14794 South Avenue 3E Yuma, Arizona 85367 Desert Holiday RV Park 928-344-4680 Best location in town, modem access and pet friendly 3601 South 4th Avenue Yuma, Arizona 85365 Desert Paradise RV Resort 928-342-9313 desert@digitaldune.net The name says it all. Full activities and friendly faces. 10537 South Avenue 9E Yuma, Arizona 85367 El Prado Estates RV Park 928-782-4006 Fax: 928-978-0613 Newly remodeled, paved roads, lowest rates, farming area and green fields. 6200 East Highway 95 Yuma, Arizona 85365 Foothill Village RV Resort 928-342-1030 Fax: 928-342-0150 foothill_village@mhchomes.com Senior RV Park, gazebos & palm trees, view of a beautiful Gila Mtns. 12705 East South Frontage Road Yuma, Arizona 85367 Fortuna de Oro 928-342-5051 Fax: 928-342-4720 fortunadeoro@cs.com 13650 North Frontage Road Yuma, Arizona 85367 Lucky Park Del Sur 928-783-7201 5790 West 8th Street Yuma, Arizona 85364 Martinez Lake RV Park 928-783-9589 Fax: 928-782-3360 info@martinezlake.com Visit with us about fishing or anything that interests you. Star Route 4, Box 41 Yuma, Arizona 85365 May Avenue Park 928-783-0883 Fax: 928-783-0883 304 May Avenue Yuma, Arizona 85364 Mesa Verde RV Park 928-726-5814 RV and Mobile Home Park located in downtown Yuma. 3649 South 4th Avenue Yuma, Arizona 85364 Pioneer RV Park 928-785-3579 yumaparks@aol.com RV Park in Wellton. 28595 East County 11th Yuma, Arizona 85365 Rancho Rialto Park Model & RV Park 928-345-2147 Fax: 928-345-2169 Finday@aol.com 55+, gated community, mountain views, all amenities, open all year, Manufactured/Park Model & RV lots 11322 South Avenue 12 E Yuma, Arizona 85367 Rolle's Lynda Vista RV Park 928-782-9009 Fax: 928-783-8258 Friendly Family Owned 55+ Community, In-town, Pets are Welcome. 2900 West 5th Street Yuma, Arizona 85367 Shady Acres 928-783-9431 Fax: 928-783-9431 shadyacersrv@juno.com Older - well established park, shade trees, rose bushes, and flowers. 1340 West 3rd Street Yuma, Arizona 85364 Shangri-la RV Resort 928-342-9123 Fax: 928-342-3513 rvresort1@aol.com A full amenity resort where friends meet friends and spend the winter. 10498 East North Frontage Road Yuma, Arizona 85365 Southern Mesa RV 928-726-5167 Fax: 928-341-0287 18540 South Avenue 3E Yuma, Arizona 85365 Suni Sands RV Resort 928-726-5941 suni_sands@mhchomes.com RV resort with pool, spa, planned activites, and a walkway to Wal-Mart. 1960 East 32nd Street Yuma, Arizona 85365 Sun Ridge RV Park 928-345-4280 yumaparks@aol.com 281 spaces, senior park, with full hookups. 10347 East 34th Street Yuma, Arizona 85365 Sun Vista RV Resort 928-726-8920 Fax: 928-726-1629 funtimes@sunvistarvresort.com Yuma's Finest 55+ Resort, Complete Recreational Facilities & Full Activity Calenadar. 7201 East Highway 80 Yuma, Arizona 85365 Sunset Palm RV Park 928-345-1159 yumaparks@aol.com 117 spaces, senior park, with full hookups. 11450 South Payson Drive Yuma, Arizona 85365 Twin Palms Mobile & RV Park 928-782-2063 Located near shopping, gas stations, drug stores, and fast food restaurants. 2660 West 16th Street Yuma, Arizona 85364 Western Sands RV Park 928-342-6133 Senior park, recreation hall, low rates opened all year. 10459 South Frontage Road Yuma, Arizona 85365 Westward Village RV 928-726-1417 RV & Mobile Home Park with retail shops attached. Near major shopping and medical center. 3300 South 8th Avenue Yuma, Arizona 85365 Windhaven RV Park 928-726-0284 Fax: 928-726-6622 Where the fun never set 6580 East Highway 80 Yuma, Arizona 85365 Home | Contact Us | Website Help | Site Index | Members | AOT | Hot Links © 2002 Yuma Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Yuma Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to partner with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT)

RV Accessory

Product Descriptions Product descriptions from our Sponsors andContributors The Adventure Learning Foundation is supported solely through donations and contributions. Without the support of generous private and corporate sponsors our expeditions and virtual classroom would not be possible. Please contact us for more information regarding sponsorship opportunities. Join the Virtual Classroom by making a donation or registering your classroom today. Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines Wallenius Wilhelmsen is a market leader providing a global service in ocean and inland transportation solutions. They have a fleet of over 60 modern vessels and 600 transporters. The company, whose roots date back to the 19th century ship-owning business, is a specialist in Ro-Ro transportation. WWL has committed to providing ALF with international shipping of our Expedition Vehicle from continent to continent. PowerBright.com Power Bright develops and manufactures 12 Volt & 24 Volt DC to AC Power Inverters in both Modified & Pure Sine Wave. In addition we manufacture Step Up & Down 110V-220V Voltage Transformers. Through their website voltageconverters.com, they are t he world's largest voltage converter distributor. Power Bright has provided ALF with a 500w Step up/down voltage transformer to allow our explorers to use their 110v equipment around the world, even in countries where the voltage is 220. Telenor Satellite Services Telenor Satellite Services is one of the world's leading providers of global mobile satellite communications, offering a full range of land, mobile, maritime and aeronautical services via the INMARSAT satellite network. Telenor Satellite Services offers high-quality voice, data, e-mail, fax and telex services. Solutions such as remote LAN/WAN access, e-mail, e-commerce, Internet & Intranet access, image transfer and "store and forward" video can now be used wherever needed as well as high quality voice and fax. Telenor Satellite Services is providing an M-4 Inmarsat-GAN terminal for high speed Internet access via the satellite network and is also providing all of the satellite airtime during each expedition. Lonely Planet Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. All Lonely Planet products are intended for adventurous, independent travelers. These include guidebooks, phrasebooks, walking guides, atlases and maps. The guides cover the must-see spots but also encourage travelers to get off the beaten track to really get to know the place and people they are visiting. Lonely Planet has provided books and guides for each expedition to be used by the Adventure Learning Foundation Explorers. Princeton Tec Princeton Tec is recognized worldwide as an industry leader for personal lighting products. Founded in 1975, today Princeton Tec is a diverse global company, committed to developing high quality products for the personal lighting industry. Manufactured in the USA, Princeton Tec products offer waterproof integrity, a lifetime warranty, and the highest power-to-weight ratio in the industry. Pegasus Imaging Corporation Pegasus Imaging Corporation delivers research-driven digital imaging software development tools and compression technologies to a wide variety of industries. Pegasus has provided ALF with software to prepare expedition photos for the Virtual Classroom. The JPEG Wizard and PICShow create smaller, faster downloading images without compromising quality. Simple Star Simple Star makes easy to use personal media software that enables people to manage, make and share personal media in fun and creative ways. Simple Star has provided ALF with the PhotoShow software to create multimedia slideshows from our expedition photographs. Moon Handbooks Avalon Publishing Group Moon Handbooks arent your average guides. For more than 30 years, these books have appealed to an eclectic group of travelers, from backpacking students to solo adventurers to families on vacation (and a budget). With expert writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon Handbooks ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experienceand a few new stories to tell. Our explorers have a set of Moon Handbooks for our Central America Expedition. Olympus A world leader in the development and application of sophisticated optical technology, Olympus has created innovative solutions for consumers, health care and industry for over 80 years. Olympus has provided the explorers with a D-490 Zoom digital camera to use for posting expedition photos to the online photo album. Bushnell Bushnell has been the industry leader in high-performance sports optics for over 50 years. Bushnell has provided one of their new Perma Focus binoculars. The binoculars will allow the explorers to have a better view of the wild animals found on safari and of the 2001 African Eclipse. General Ecology, Inc. General Ecology, Inc., a worldwide provider of drinking water purification systems, has provided the Foundation with a Nature Pure Undersink Purifier with Faucet for installation in the expedition vehicle. The Purifier will provide clean water anywhere the explorers travel. The system removes microbiological contaminants naturally without creating waste water. When traveling without their vehicle, the explorers continue to rely on the First Need Portable Purifier for their fresh water needs. ADCO Products ADCO Products is an RV cover and soft-goods manufacturer. ADCO has provided ALF with an SFS Aqua-shed RV Cover to protect the expedition vehicle from the elements. All of ADCO's products can be ordered through Camping World. Victoria Industries Ltd Hijacker Victoria Industries Limited has been manufacturing an ever expanding line of products for the Recreational Vehicle Industry since 1967. Victoria has provided their five (5) step Aluminum Camper Step for use on our expedition vehicle. This will make entry into the camper much easier and the steps fold up for easy storage when not in use. Fan-tastic Vent Corporation Fan-tastic Vent Corporation provided the high efficiency thermostatically controlled ceiling vent fans installed on both our original and custom Expedition Vehicles regulating the temperature inside the camper. Incorporated in 1984, the company began the production of a patented 12-volt high efficiency ceiling fan. Products are marketed primarily to the recreation vehicle industry worldwide. AIRE AIRE provided the explorers with a Caracal Inflatable Kayak a lightweight high performance boat. AIRE designs and manufactures inflatable kayaks, rafts and catarafts utilizing their unique AIREcell systema separate airtight inner tube (AIREcell) with a highly puncture and wear resistant outer shell which makes their boats safe, durable and easy to repair. An environmentally friendly, glue free process with our AIREcell system insures a long lasting and tough high performance AIREcraft. Xantrex Xantrex and Store4power.com is a one-stop-shop for compact, portable power products and accessories. A user-friendly site provides information on battery charging, and portable and backup power solutions. XANTREX has provided a RV2012 - a 2000-watt Inverter with 100-amp Charger together with a RC7 Controller. Store4power has donated a Jazz 500 and a Portawattz 140 power inverter to Adventure Learning Foundation. The inverters provide the Foundation's explorers with household electricity from the expedition vehicle's battery to run things like laptops, satellite terminal and other equipment. In-Sink-Erator In-Sink-Erator is the worlds largest manufacturer of food waste disposers and hot water dispensers for home and commercial use. In-Sink-Erator has supplied the HOT-1 Instant Hot Water Dispenser to provide the expedition vehicle with instant near-boiling 190 F water water right at the kitchen sink. The low profile and compact nature of the HOT-1 makes it the right accessory for our kitchen. VENTLINE For over 30 years, Ventline has been an industry leader and sets thestandard in range hoods, roof vents, and monitoring systems for recreationalvehicles. Ventline has provided the monitoring panels for holding tank andpropane levels, as well as an exhaust fan for the expedition vehicle. Manchester Tank Manchester Tank is a leading manufacturer of low-pressure vessels for propane,air, refrigerant, and industrial applications in North America and Australia. Manchester Tank has provided a 30# horizontal propane tank for our expeditionvehicle. KC HiLiTES KC HiLites has been a dominant force inautomobile auxiliary lighting for over 30 years. They have designed,engineered and manufactured the most advanced auxiliary lighting available. KCHiLiTES have provided the off road auxiliary lighting installed on theexpedition vehicle. Superwinch Superwinch manufactures a wide variety ofelectric winches and have sold over two million units worldwide. Superwinch has provided the top of the line S9000 winch installed on theexpedition vehicle to allow for self recovery if the vehicle gets stuck. Paramount Manufacturing Paramount Manufacturing provided the sleep system (queen size mattress)installed in the expedition vehicle. Dometic Corporation Dometic Corporation is a leadingsystems supplier to the recreational vehicle and pleasure boat industry. Dometic provided the Horizon Case Awning installed on exterior of the expeditionvehicle. Dometic/Tundra Dometic/Tundra has provided the top of line T80 Refrigerator/freezer to be installed in the expedition vehicle to provide safe storage of all the expedition perishables. Link Manufacturing, Ltd . Link Mfg., Ltd. is a manufacturer andmarketer of high quality, suspension and tire pressure maintenance systems forthe transportation industry. For the expedition vehicle, Link Mfg.provided the Cat's Eye to make checking the air pressure in our dual tires fastand easy. Kinro Kinro is the premier manufacturer of aluminum and vinyl windows anddoors for recreational vehicles and manufactured homes. Kinro provide allof the windows installed in the living cabin of the expedition vehicle. Mitsubishi Fuso Mitsubishi Fuso supplied the FGmodel, four wheel drive medium-duty cabover that is the chassis of ourexpedition vehicle. Deka East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. Deka has provided two 198ah Deka Sea Mate RV AGM batteries to power the cabin of the expedition vehicle. The Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are the perfect fit for expedition use as they can handle the deep discharge of our power demands, yet are spill proof and leakproof no matter how rough the road that we travel. Thin-Lite Corporation Thin Lite Corporation is a leader in the production and manufacture of 12 volt DC fluorescent lights the solar, trucking and RV industries. Thin Lite has provided for all the lighting needs of the cabin of the expedition vehicle. Blaupunkt Blaupunkt is a full-line audio manufacturer with products in radios, speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, navigation and mobile video. Blaupunkt has provided for our audio needs by donating a AM/FM MP3/CD Player, 10 disc CD Changer and speakers for the expedition vehicle. Blue Sky Energy, Inc. Blue Sky Energy, Inc., has provided a Solar Boost 2000E charge controller and battery temperature sensor that will safely allow a 30% increase in the power generated from our solar array. MTI Industries, Inc. MTI Industries, Inc. manufactures alarm systems for homes, recreational vehicles and boats that monitor gas, CO2, smoke and intruder alerts. MTI has provided for the safety of our explorers by donating a carbon monoxide alarm and a propane/LP gas alarm. Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company Shurfo manufacturers small high performance pumps and fluid handling systems for many industries, including recreational vehicles. Shurflo provided the water pump, faucet, filters and accessories now installed in the expedition vehicle. Atwood Mobile Products Atwood Mobile Products designs and manufactures products for Recreational Vehicle and other mobile application for more than 90 years. Atwood is the largest supplier to the American recreation vehicle industry. Atwood has provided a high output stove top for our explorers to cook their meals while on expedition. KYOCERA Solar Inc. Kyocera is one of the world's largest vertically-integrated producers and suppliers of solar energy products. Kyocera supplied two 120 watt solar panels to provide all the power necessary to charge the batteries and operate the equipment in our expedition vehicle. VIAIR Viair Corporation is a manufacturere and worldwide distributor of high performance 12 volt air compressors and air accessories. Viair has provided the air compressor, tank and accessories installed in the expedition vehicle to keep it rolling along. FireAde Source FireAde 2000 is a Multi-Featured Fire Extinguishing Agent and Control Medium that combines the benefits of 6 different chemical technologies all in one product. Our expedition vehicle carries 2 fire extinguishers for safety. RKRP Inc. RKRP manufacturers RV Accessories and RV Leveling and Stabilizing Equipment. RKRP has provided 2 sets of levers for use when setting up camp in our expedition vehicle. Tuffy Security Products Tuffy Security Products manufacture extremely heavy duty security lockboxes and products built to withstand a lifetime of abuse. Tuffy is supplying our expedition vehicle with lockboxes for all of our security needs. Thetford Corporation Thetford Corporation manufacturers a wide range of sanitation products and has supplied a 200CWE cassette toilet for the expedition vehicle to save space by eliminating the black water holding tank. Paneltronics Inc. Paneltronics specialize in electrical control panels, instrument panels and instrument clusters. The expedition vehicle utilizes circuit breakers manufactured to our specifications to protect our electronic equipment. Webasto Products Webasto Products North America is a leading manufacturer of roof and temperature management systems providing increased comfort in vehicles. Webasto has provided the Airtop 2000 air heating system installed in the cabin of the expedition vehicle. ARB 4x4 Accessories ARB is Australias largest manufacturer and distributor of 4x4 accessories. ARB USA has provided the recovery equipment to be used in conjunction with our winch. STIEBEL ELTRON Stiebel Eltron manufactures environmental control and system engineering for the building industry and is the largest manufacturer of water heaters in Germany. Stiebel Eltron has donated the tankless electric water heater installed in the expedition vehicle. Duo Form Plastics Duo Form Plastics has provided the surround and pan used in the bathroom of the expedition vehicle. Unicell Body Company, Inc. Unicell is a creative manufacturer whose major products are fiberglass truck bodies. Unicell incorporated our design specifications to build our custom cabin and living quarters for our expedition vehicle. Yokohama Tires Yokohama Tire Corporation is the tire provider for our Mitsubishi-Fuso FG 4x4 Expedition Vehicle. They have provided the rugged 10 ply tires that will take our expedition vehicle around the world. Truck-Lite Truck-Lite is the sponsor of our LED vehicle lighting for the exterior of the Expedition Vehicle. LED lighting lasts for 100,000 hours and eliminates the need to replace burned out light bulbs. Truck-Lite has also provide interior lights of the cab of the EV so that the explorers can read their maps at night and hopefully not get lost. Keen Footwear Keen Footwear manufactures a full line of waterproof performance footwear for both the adventurer and urban outdoorsman. The footwear gives attention to design details while staying rugged yet comfortable. Keen has provide our explorers with Newport Sport Sandals that provide great traction both on land and on wet surfaces. Visual Link Spanish The Visual Link Spanish program by The U.S. Institute of Languages provides our explorers with an interactive Spanish language program on CD-Rom that will help our explorers master the Spanish language to better communicate with the people they meet throughout the Americas. Marshall Gas Controls Marshall Brass Marshall Gas and Brass are divisions of the S. H. Leggitt Company producing high quality, competitive products for the LP gas, RV and plumbing markets. The two divisions have provided our expedition vehicle with gas controls for propane cooking and for hookup of our outdoor barbeque. Eberhard Hardware For more than 100 years, Eberhard has been an industry leader providing high-quality hardware for for industrial, vehicular and specialty use. Eberhard provided assistance with door hardware and folding steps for our expedition vehicle. Topline Manufacturing Topline manufactures a large line of aluminum accessories for the Rv and automotive market. Topline provide assistance to ALF through use of a bunk ladder to provide easier access to the bedroom. Patrick Industries Patrick Industries offers a multitude of different manufactured products from their 15 manufacturing divisions including laminated products such as the vinyl laminated luan that we utilized to cover the walls and ceiling inside the expedition vehicle. Kwikee Products, Inc. Kwikee Products Inc. are manufacturers of many products that have become essentials on today's RV. For us, Kwikee provided a slide out battery tray to make access to the batteries more convenient. Marinco Marinco's divisions are leading manufacturers in electrical systems for boasts and RV's. Marinco has provided ALF with AC Power Inlets, Cordsets for electrical power and a MiniVent 1000 Solar powered exhaust ventilation to help circulate the air inside the expedition vehicle. Go Power! Electric Inc. GoPower! has been providing equipment for the solar market for over 15 years. Go Power! has helped ALF by supplying a DC Fuse Block with an extra heavy duty DC rated fuse to protect our inverter and power supply system in the expedition vehicle. Conferr For 40 years Con-Ferr has produced the ultimate in heavy-duty roof racks, the "Porthole Roof Rack". The Porthole Roof Rack was provided along with holders for our off-road lights and hi-lift jack. The Rack is designed and built for superior strength and rigidity for maximum cargo security in extreme off road conditions such as will be experenced during the World of Wonders Project. Scepter Scepter we specialize in designing and manufacturing unique molded plastic products to meet the needs of our customers around the world. Scepter developed the first plastic Jerry Can which are rustproof, unbreakable, non-corroding. Scepter has provided ALF with cans for back-up diesel fuel and water storage. Camco Manufacturing Camco Manufacturing helps RV and homeowners with their wide variety of products. Camco has help out ALF with vent covers, chemicals, hoses and accessories to make handling our fresh and gray water systems easier and environmentally sound. Knaack Manufacturing Co. Knaack Manufacturing Company is a leading manufacturer of job site storage equipment and WEATHERGUARD truck and van equipment. For the expedition vehicle, Knaack has provided an Underbed aluminum storage box. Quick Cable Quick Cable develops, manufactures, and sells specialty electric connectors, cables, tools and related products for commercial and industrial equipment which is battery-powered, battery-started, or uses batteries to condition or store electrical power. Quick Cable provided ALF with cable and connectors for the electrical system of the expedition vehicle. Inca Plastics Since 1959, Inca Plastics Molding Company has been an industry leader for RV Waste and Water Tanks. Inca has provided ALF with 2 gray water tanks and a 60 gallon water tank for the expedition vehicle. DPI Gold Coast Gold Coast RV Products manufactures top quality RV accessories at surprisingly affordable prices. Gold Coast provided ALF with an Open Air Screen Room for the expedition vehicle. Eagle Creek Eagle Creek is a manufacturer of quality travel gear. They have provided our explorers with Independent Journey Backpacks to carry all of their supplies while exploring Africa and around the world. Forrest Tool Company Forrest Tool Company has provided a Max Ax tool for the Expedition Vehicle. The Max ax is the ultimate emergency preparedness tool designed to be carried as standard equipment on four wheel drive and off road vehicles and pickups. It incorporates seven basic hand tools into one compact and versatile unit . The Ride-Rite Division of Firestone Industries The Ride-Rite Division of Firestone Industries have provided the Foundation with Air Helper Springs for installation on the expedition vehicle. Ride-Rite air helper springs are heavy duty, quality air springs designed to become an additional weight supporting element of the vehicle's suspension system which allow the expedition vehicle to carry all necessary equipment without fear of overloading the vehicle while allowing optimum handling and performance EV Solar Products EV Solar Products offers renewable energy solutions for every situation. They specialize in the design, installation, and sale of fully integrated solar electric, wind, water pumping and emergency back-up systems for all residential and RV applications. EV Solar Products has provided and installed a solar panel, inverter and meter to provide electrical power to the Foundation's expedition vehicle. Cobra Electronics Corporation Cobra Electronics Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of two-way mobile communication products designed to keep families and companies in touch. Cobra has a 40-year track record of innovation and award-winning products, and leads the industry in developing many technology "firsts." Cobra has provided the Foundation with two of their microTALK line of Family Radio Service communicators which feature high performance and an extremely compact design to make it even easier for our explorers to stay in touch while they're on the go. Sun Performance Products Sun Performance Products is a manufacturer of accessories for Jeeps and Off-Highway vehicles. Sun Performance has provided a QuickAIR Deflator and Compressor for installation in ALF's Expedition Vehicle. The Deflator is a tool that will allow the explorers to air down quickly while monitoring the tire pressure. The Compressor will be used to keep the tires filled to the optimal pressure in all types of driving conditions. Talkeetna Air Taxi Talkeetna Air Taxi has been flying visitors, climbers and explorers in Alaska for over fifty years. They hold a special concession for glacier landing operations in Denali National Park. Talkeetna Air Taxi provided flight services to our Alaska Expedition, including an aerial tour of the Alaska Range and a glacier landing in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater. The MILEPOST The MILEPOST logs all major highways and most secondary roads, from the 1,488-mile Alaska Highway to the 1.6 mile Anchor River Road. The MILEPOST includes logs of attractions, activities and services along 88 scenic highways and roads in Alaska, Yukon Territory and other parts of Western Canada. It also includes general information on the region as well as the Inside Passage. . Morris Communications Corporation has provided copies of The MilePost and Logbook to help the Explorers find their way around the far north. Rainbow Symphony Inc Rainbow Symphony Inc. is a leading supplier of 3D glasses and has been manufacturing quality paper eye wear and specialty optical products for over twenty five years. Rainbow has provided our African Expedition with Eclipse Shades which will be provided to the students in Zambia so that they can safely view the sun and the solar eclipse. J & L Self Defense Products J & L Self Defense Products offer a full line of personal safety equipment as well as law enforcement equipment and supplies. J & L has provided the explorers with key chain pepper spray units for peace of mind and which we hope will never be necessary. Home Sponsors

motor coaches to Albany,

Williams Transport Motor Coach Service - About The Service About The Service The Williams Transport Motor Coach Service is a wholly-owned, independent business of Williams College, whose goal is to serve the Williams College student body by providing reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for students during breaks in the academic year. During Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Dead Week, Spring Break, and at the End of School, the Motor Coach Service runs luxury motor coaches to Albany, New York City, and Boston. Our motor coaches seat at least 55 adults in individually reclining seats and are equipped with a lavatory, VCR, televisions, a separate baggage compartment and a mobile phone. Motor Coach Service History It is our understanding that the Bus Service (as it was known) was originally founded and run as a for profit business in the late 1970's by Steve Case'80, current Chairman of AOL Time Warner. Upon his graduation, the Bus Service was continued by other Williams students. At some point at the end of the 1980's / beginning of the 1990's, the Williams College Council assumed control of the service and changed its name to the CC Bus Service. In the mid-1990's, the Bus Service was not well organized. Rumor has it that the buses left when the driver decided the bus was full (there was no set departure time) and the service chartered old, uncomfortable, un-airconditioned school buses. With the service in serious financial trouble in early 1998, freshman Phil Swisher'01 was named the service's new director. During Swisher's tenure as Director, the Service became profitable and was greatly improved by the replacment of old school busses with new, luxury motor coaches (hence our current name: CC Motor Coach Service). In Spring 1998, Swisher added Boston Logan and North Station routes and expanded the service to include Hartford in fall 1999. For the first time, students were able to charge their tickets to their term bill in 1998 and new professionally printed tickets were used. During the 2000-2001 school year, Swisher expanded the CC Motor Coach Service to include 111 scheduled departures, which covered over 315,000 passenger miles. Upon Swisher's graduation, Drew Newman'04 was appointed the new Director of the CC Motor Coach Service. Through the outstanding computer coding abilities of Joe Masters, the CC Motor Coach Service is being dramatically improved once again. Starting with the 2001-2002 academic year, the service utilized a new online Ticket Reservation, Processing, and Printing system, which will streamline operations and save paper, time, and money. Directorship of the Service, now independent of College Council and renamed Williams Transport, was appointed to Chris Upjohn '07, who worked with Drew Newman and Joe Masters on the implimentation of a new E-Ticket system that will further streamline the Service. During the course of the next three years we look forward to initiating new ventures to better serve the Williams student body. Williams Transport Motor Coach Service 1756-6 Baxter Hall Williamstown, MA 01267 2001 Drew Newman