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.

RV Accessory "The Convertible

Tailgate Cargo Box - the Hottest New Truck/SUV and RV Accessory Source: Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC Tailgate Cargo Box - the Hottest New Truck/SUV and RV Accessory "The Convertible Box" Now Available GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 30, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC announces the launch of the company's patent-pending convertible box. A first of its kind, the Tailgate Cargo Box(TM) provides practical storage and transforms into two durable tables. It's perfect for any occasion. The Tailgate Cargo Box attaches to a standard two-inch receiver hitch and is comprised of an excess cargo carrier and cargo box. The Carrier is made of steel and can be used separate from the box. The Box is made of aluminum and is clear powder coated to help prevent weathering. The Box locks into the cargo carrier for secure transporting. "This product has so many uses for any type of event. It's multi-versatile -- cargo box, carrier, tables and bench, all in one, saves space and time with no tools required," said Daniel Morris, founder of Tailgate Cargo Box. "With the popularity of tailgating, this product simplifies the tailgating experience. It's not just for the tailgater, this box can be used by everyone from campers, hunters, construction workers, exhibitors at trade shows, to the armed forces." The box is great for carrying collapsible chairs, coolers, tents, tools, luggage, etc. Tailgate Cargo Box has a smooth finish which allows you to personalize your box with your favorite team or company logo. The Tailgate Cargo Box is simply an amazing product. You have to see it to believe it! Daniel Morris created TCB after spending countless tailgating Saturdays packing and unpacking his truck. Carrying tables, chairs, coolers and other items for tailgating simply took up all our space. There had to be a way to eliminate packing/unpacking time and save space. Well, we didn't eliminate any items, but created more space. Plus when you are finished tailgating, working, or camping, the box can be removed from the carrier and stored as is, ready for the next event. According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), rising truck and sport-utility sales (SUV sales passed autos sales in 2002) have been accompanied by booming sales of aftermarket components. This trend, accompanied by record-breaking attendance at events such as college football games, validates the ever-increasing truck/SUV enthusiast population. Tailgate Cargo Box will ideally complement the needs of the truck/SUV and RV community who desires a solution to excess cargo needs with added versatility. The Tailgate Cargo Box is now available and can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at www.tailgatecargobox.com . About SEMA SEMA represents the $29 billion specialty automotive industry. Founded in 1963, the trade association has more than 5,200 member companies. It is the authoritative source of research data, trends and market growth information for automakers and the specialty auto products industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, 91765-3914; call 909/396-0289; or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com . About Tailgate Cargo Box Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC is located in Taylors, SC. (East of Greenville, SC.) For more information log on to: www.tailgatecargobox.com , or call (864)-346-3644. Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC is an official member of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1332 CONTACT: Tailgate Cargo Box, LLCMedia InquiriesDaniel Morris864.346.3644info@tailgatecargobox.com Keywords: AUTOMOTIVE Other News Releases from Tailgate Cargo Box, LLC Tailgate Cargo Box - the Hottest New Truck/SUV and RV Accessory - Nov 30, 2004 Related Industry: Automotive News [ Today's News ] [ Wire Services ] [ Fax Services ] [ IR Connect ] [ About Us ][ ContactUs ] [ Home ] © 2005 PrimeZone Media Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Recreation Vehicle Insurance

Recreation Vehicle Insurance from Aon Recreation Insurance -- Home | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map   About Us Request a Quote Insurance Coverage RV Seminars & Rallies Newsletters & Articles Customer Service Why do you need a special RV insurance policy? The differences between a standard auto policy and a special RV insurance policy are startling. If you don't have a specialty-RV insurance policy, you'll find that you probably have somemajor gaps in coverage. Aon Recreation Insurance—the nation's leading RV-specialty insurance agency since 1966—has an impressive panel of insurance companies to offer you. Request Your Insurance Quotes -- -- Shop for RV, Auto, Boat & Other Coverages at the Same Time Registration State: Select Alabama Alaska Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Georgia Florida Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Total licensed drivers in household: Select 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation Safety RV Insurance & Safety Articles: Pre-Trip Checklist 34 Fire Facts That Could Save Your Life Proper Load Distribution & Weight Safety(GVWR) Other articles: Boats/PWC Snowmobiles Insurance Motorcycles/ATV Medical Emergencies View Articles by Topic Safety Courses & Rallies Aon Recreation Insurance offers courses on RV safe driving and fire safety, and seminars on RV insurance and medical emergency preparedness. Our coursesand seminars are presented at rallies across the country. View RV Rally Schedule Make RV Safe-Driving Course Reservation -- More Than Just RV Insurance To help you make the most of your outdoor adventures,we provide protection for all your recreation insurance needs. RV Boat/Personal Watercraft Auto Medical Emergency Plus Medium-Duty Truck Umbrella Liability Motorcycle/ATV Collector Car Snowmobile More Coverages Customer Service Pay Your Bill Report a Claim Request Proof of Insurance Change Your Address Email Newsletter Enter your email address to receive Aon Recreation Insurance's newsletter with safety tips, industry news and RV lifestyle information. Don't miss an issue. -- (We will not share your email address.) View Sample Issue News Alert Do you own a home or an RV and at least one auto? Find out how to protect these valuable assets with umbrella liability insurance. Read more... Insurance License Information © 2005 Aon Recreation Insurance

Diesel motor homes offer

Welcome to Adobe GoLive 6 Should I buy a Gas or a Diesel Motor Home? This question confronts most motor home buyers at some point in their RVing experience . By Len Souza (03/2004) Today’s motor homes all have many attractive features. Multiple slide-outs, large basement storage, attractive graphics on the outside with full body paint on most diesels and even some high end gas rigs. There is a wide array of models, floor plans and sizes to choose from. Whether you are a first time buyer or someone who is “upgrading” from a current unit, you will have a good old time sifting through the market place for that “Perfect Motor Home”! I would like to preface this discussion by stating that: No one NEEDs a motor home; they are a luxury--not a necessity. Most of us just want one! All motor homes share several common features, such as: roof or basement A/Cs, water heaters, furnaces, stoves, refrigerators, entertainment systems, slide-outs, etc. Indeed many of these devices are identical in either a gas or a diesel application. In recent years, motor homes have become much more sophisticated and luxurious. They kind of take everyone’s breath away! Along with this entire splendor have come higher prices, higher weights and more complexity of use and more difficulty in serviceability. Not everyone can afford a new gas powered motor home; even fewer can afford a high priced diesel pusher. To address this reality and expand the market, manufacturers have introduced a number of entry-level gas rigs and entry-level diesel rigs. (Diesel powered motor home sales are approaching 50 % per year; this is a real growth trend in the RV business.) The number one question that faces today’s motor home buyers is: Should I buy a gas motor home OR should I splurge a bit (or a lot) and buy a diesel pusher? In what follows I have tried to lend some objectivity to all of the subjectivity and emotion that surrounds this question. I will point out some of the relative strengths and weaknesses of either choice or decision. (My discussion will be limited to Class A motor homes with a length of 32 ft to 40 ft. Beyond these parameters my comments still apply but I choose not to discuss and compare the merits of $65,000 dollar rigs nor $400,000 and above luxo models.) Motor home engines: This is the one area that really distinguishes the two types of Class A motor homes . GAS---- There are two common gas engines used in motor homes. There is the Ford V 10, 6.8 L unit rated at 310 hp & 425 ft/lbs of torque and the very popular Chevy Vortec V8, 8.1 L unit rated at 340 hp & 455 ft/lbs of torque. The Chevy engine is coupled to an Allison 5 speed tranny while the Ford engine is coupled to their 4 speed R100D tranny. These gas engines can only deliver these hp ratings at relatively high RPMs-3, 600 to 4,200. The life expectancy for these engines, before major overhaul, is projected at approximately 125,000 miles. Diesel---- There are two major suppliers of diesel engines, Caterpillar and Cummins. The common diesel engines used in motor homes are of a wide variety. CAT makes the 3126E 7.2 L (recently re-designated as the C 7 series), with 330 hp and 860 ft/lbs of torque. They also make bigger engines in the C 12 to C14 series; these are large displacement engines and offer hp ratings in the 400 to 525 hp range with torque ratings of around 1,000 to 1,500 ft/lbs. Cummins offers several families of engines starting with the small block ISB 5.9 L 300 hp with 600 ft/lbs of torque. Next they have the ISC series 8.3 L with hp ratings of 330 hp with 950 ft/lbs of torque or 350 hp with 1,050 ft/lbs of torque. Then you have the ISL series 8.9 L with 350 to 400 hp and 1,200 ft/lbs of torque. Next comes the ISM 500 series, 450 to 500 hp, 11 L with 1,450 ft/lbs of torque. And finally they introduced the ISX twin cam family that has 15 L displacement, 525 hp and 1,650 ft/lbs of torque. This latter monster engine is only offered in very expensive coaches, which as I said earlier are excluded from this discussion. The typical diesel engine delivers it s peak horsepower at the relatively low (2,100 to 2,250) RPM range and their peak torque is produced in the 1,200 to 1,400 RPM range. The life expectancy of diesel engines, before major overhaul, is generally conceded as being well over 500,000 miles. Diesel engines all incorporate the use of Inter Cooled Turbo Chargers. The benefit here is that unlike gas engines that lose 3 % of their power for each 1,000 ft of elevation—diesel engines do not lose any of their power up to 7,000 ft of elevation. This makes them pull very strongly in mountain terrain where gas engines strain badly because of the loss of power and the much lower torque. The high torque ratings of diesel power plants give them the strength to maintain a steady pull at a speed, though decreased--- is very easy to live with. You are not crawling up steep grades by any means. Transmissions--- Gas rigs have typically used light truck, 4 speed trannies. In recent times the Workhorse chassis has used the Allison 5 speed tranny in combination with the 8.1 L engine. Some entry-level diesels also use a version of this tranny. Almost all diesel pushers today use the Allison 6 speed transmission—either the 3060 or 4060, which is gifted with a very “smart” adaptive control computer, that electronically shifts and locks up 6 close ratio gears. This sophisticated tranny is a rugged contender to handle the high torque and horsepower ratings of today’s diesel power plants. Chassis’---- Until recent times it was easy to find gas motor homes that were over loaded beyond their GVWR loaded weight ratings. The capacities have gone up form 17,000 lbs to 22,000 lbs and now even 24,000 lbs. Some gas rigs with 3 slide outs are still challenged with limited Combined Carrying Capacities (CCC), however. Some are limited to less than 1,000 lbs! In the case of diesel chassis’, there are several players. Freightliner, Spartan, Workhorse R Series and some proprietary chassis’ from Country Coach, Monaco and Foretravel. These chassis’ have GVWR s of 24,000 to over 40,000 lbs and they provide ample CCC ratings even though they are burdened with the added weight of 2, 3 or even 4 slide-outs. Diesel pushers are all much heavier than their gas counterparts because of the huge weight increases due to the much heavier engine and the tranny. The chassis’ also weigh a lot more because of the steel reinforcement needed to handle all of that torque and horsepower. A typical diesel engine weighs 3 times more than a gas engine, 1550 lbs vs. 500 lbs! The Hull or the House---- The bodies of all motor homes are very similar in construction materials and assembly techniques. They all are made with either steel or aluminum tubular or C channel member framing in the skeletal structure. The walls are mostly made with external fiberglass that is gel-coated and they have Luan interior walls that are used to “sandwich” Polystyrene foam insulation within them. The wall structures are generally “Vacuum Bonded” together to form a substrate. The roofs and floors incorporate similar construction, but utilize thick plywood or ribbon board in the floor underlayment and thinner plywood in the ceiling structure. These, of course are all covered with appropriate floor and ceiling coverings. Most diesels and some gas units have a continuous sheet fiberglass exterior roof covering. Most gas units have a vinyl rubber roof covering called “Tuff Brite”. All diesels, with the exception of the entry-level models, come with full body paint—that means no decals. Whereas gas units use decals for their external graphics décor. Capacities--- Diesels have fuel tank capacities in the 100 to 150 gallon range as opposed to the 75-gallon tanks found in the gas rigs. Diesels usually provide 15 to 20 % more capacity in the holding and H 2 O tanks. The diesel pusher usually has more under/bay storage than a gas unit for a given length; this is due to the fact that the typical diesel chassis was designed to provide more “pass through” storage. The Generator that all motor homes come equipped with is usually in the front of a diesel chassis between the side rail structures. This also frees up more storage bay space. It must be pointed out that the proliferation of multiple slide-outs rooms decreases some of the storage space in the bays of all motor homes. Braking Systems---- Gas motor homes use hydraulic disc brakes with ABS. Diesel motor homes offer air brakes w/ABS & with either drums or a combination of drum and discs--plus exhaust brakes or exhaust retarders. Diesels offer superior braking systems, especially when descending long steep grades. One diesel maker uses hydraulic disc brakes (no air). While another uses air over hydraulic disc brakes. Tires and Wheels---- Gas coaches used to come with 16-inch wheels (Ford), Chevy offered 19.5-inch wheels. Now everyone has 19.5-inch wheels and Workhorse introduced the 22-inch wheels, the same diameter that is standard on all diesels. Although the diesel tires have much larger profiles and much heavier weight ratings than those found on gas rigs. This is due to the much bigger GVWRs that are offered in diesels. Large wheels and large tires, combined with a decent suspension system, provide an improved ride and handling capability. Service Costs---- Diesels are more expensive to service and maintain than gas power trains. Gas rigs have 6 or 7-quart oil capacities while diesels have 24 to 28 quart capacities. On the other hand the change-interval mileage is 3,000 miles for gas; in diesels this mileage has been extended to 15,000 miles and beyond. The filters required for a diesel engine service are many and much more expensive. The diesels Air Brakes are source of high expense when they need service. The various fan belts on a diesel are much more expensive than the automotive belts used in a gas engine Cost of purchase---- Here is the area where the “boys and their toys” are separated. The wannabes and the folks with enough assets and or credit go their separate ways here. Gas coaches cost quite a bit less than a comparably equipped diesel. It’s hard to not end up here in an exercise of comparing apples to oranges. There are entry-level diesels with small 5.9 L engines and austere interiors that do come close to the price of the high-end gas models—in the $130,000 range. I would prefer the highline gas coach with the 8.1 L engine to these entry-level diesels. Now having said that, I would not buy a gas motor home that had a length of much over 36 feet. Anything over 36 feet is best powered by a diesel engine with a displacement of at least 7.2 to 8.3 L. Justification---- You have to ask yourself the question: Is a diesel pusher worth the extra money that it costs you versus the gas coach? To the many buyers who have purchased a diesel, the resounding answer is YES! It would appear that the RV ownership fantasy is never quite realized until you finally get to own a diesel! A newbie might wonder if they can travel all over the United States and Canada with a gas motor home. They might even wonder if its less fun in a gas rig than it is in a diesel. The answers are, in my opinion, yes you can travel anywhere that a diesel can take you and no, diesel owners don’t have more fun than anyone else. There are certain bragging rights that accompany diesel ownership and you will be more rested and generally have a more comfortable ride over a day’s 400-mile drive. The diesel owner may fly by you on the highway, but at the end of the day he will probably not arrive at the same RV Park more than 5 or 10 minutes before you do. Len Souza RVerAdvocate BACK MAIN MENU

Luxury Motor Home

Autopedia: RV Rentals RV Rentals | Resources | Clubs | Dealers | Manufacturers | Rentals | Parts/Accessories | . Please report any dead or new links immediately. Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems, Inc - In business since 1973, Bates extends it's motor home rental services to over 100 cities throughout the United States, Canada and 18 foreign countries. Cruise America - RV's rented by the Cruise America include motorhomes, camperhomes, motorcycles.blazers, and buses. El Monte RV Center - Nationwide locations for rental of motorhomes. Great American RV Australia Maui Motorhomes Motorhomes Worldwide : Australia Britz Campervan Rentals Australia & New Zealand - Motorhome, Recreational Vehicle & Car Hire Canada Alldrive Canada Inc. - We offer a wide selection of Rental Vehicles, ranging fron Motorhomes and Campers, to 5th Wheel Trailers and Vans in Vancouver and Calgary. Canadream Campers - Calgary, Alberta motorhome and RV rentals. Motorhome Vacations - Ontario Germany DRM - Start your European Motorhome Tour at the Heart of Europe - Germany. RV-Camp.com - RV-Rental in Europe - Germany. New Zealand Brits: New Zealand Rentals and Tours - One of the largest recreational vehicle agencies in New Zealand, Australia and Southern Africa. A perfect way to explore the breath-taking scenery that New Zealand has to offer is in a Brits:New Zealand campervan, motorhome or 4x4 vehicle. South Africa Campers Corner Camper Rental - Campers, motorhomes, minbuses, and 4x4's in South Africa. USA AK ABC Motorhome and Car Rentals Alaska Economy RVs - Family operated fleet of non-smoking motorhomes in Anchorage, AK. Alaska Panorama R.V. Rentals - Set your own pace traveling through Alaska's mountains, forests and wild rivers in an Alaska Panorama motorhome that's right for you. Great Alaskan Holidays Motorhome Rentals - Great Alaskan Holidays - the best motorhome rental company you will find anywhere. At Great Alaskan Holidays, the "extras aren't extra", everything you need for a safe and comfortable trip is included with your rental. AZ Bates Motor Home Rental Network CA ABC Motor Home Rentals, RV Rentals, Class A Rentals, Class C Rentals Altmans Winnebago - Southern California motor home rentals, sales, and service. Best RV Rentals - Menteca California Rentals - Why look for a California car or RV rental or hotels when California Campers can provide complete transportation and accommodations from Los Angeles and San Francisco with a Volkswagen Westfalia camper rental? Norm's RV Rentals - Poway CO Bates Motor Home Rental Network Mountain States RV - Aurora, CO - mailto:mtnstsrv@eazy.net Nolan's RV Rentals - Rental Information Page Ride the West RV Rentals - Rent a luxury motorhome in Denver, CO. CT Longview RV Rentals - Windsor Locks - mailto:sweetretreat@customcpu.com FL Bates Motor Home Rental Network - Orlando, FL Suncoast RV Center TradeWinds RV, Inc. ID Bates Motor Home Rental Network IL Fourwinds RV Motor Home RV Rental Adventures - Motorhome rentals in the Chicago area. IN Bates Motor Home Rental Network LA Bates Motor Home Rental Network MA AAA Wickers Sales and Rentals - Topsfield Rent N Roam - Shrewsbury MD Recreation World Inc. - Annapolis - mailto:recworld@severnapark.com ME Call of the Wild Inc. - Oxford MI Marshall RV - Marshall Roseville RV Center Roseville RV Center is located NE of Detroit. MO Loveall RV's of Columbia - Columbia - mailto:info@loveallrv.com Shoemaker Travel Trailers - Bevier - mailto:rentals@shoemakerrv.com MT Bates Motor Home Rental Network NC Carolina Coach & Camper Hawleys Camping & Cycle Center - Fayetteville - mailto:sales@hawleyscamping.com Thomas RV Rentals - Charlotte - mailto:gft990@prodigy.net NM Bates Motor Home Rental Network NY NV Bates Motor Home Rental Network Carson RV - Carson City - mailto:questions@carsonrv.com Sierra RV Rentals - Reno - mailto:info@sierrarv.com OH Bates Motor Home Rental Network OR Bates Motor Home Rental Network Motorhomes Rentals - Oregon - Located in the middle of the great nine western states in the U.S. and just south of the Canadian districts of British Columbia, and Alberta, we make it easy for you to get to the best vacation sites in western North America. PA Reicharts Camping Center - Hanover, PA SC Sonny's Camp -N- Travel Mart TX American Dream RVs - Dallas-Austin area Texas company offering motor coach rentals, full service charters and storage. UT Bates Motor Home Rental Network WA Bates Motor Home Rental Network | Resources | Clubs | Dealers | Manufacturers | Rentals | Parts/Accessories |