Exciting News From the Good Sam Club

The Good Sam Club is serious about growing the club and bringing together more friends, more fun and, of course, lots of great savings.  We would like to show our sincerity with the announcement of some great new club benefits and the opportunity for great savings on RV accessories at Camping World.

Here are some of the new and expanded benefits available to Good Sam Club Members:

• Good Sam Club members will enjoy EXTRA savings at GoodSamClub.com with a NEW feature called “Golden Halo” savings.   Each day the website will showcase a unique savings opportunity on RV products and services exclusively for members!  Look for this great new savings benefit starting Monday, April 18^th.

• Beginning in June, long-standing Good Sam Club members will gain access to a whole new way of saving at Good Sam Parks.  Members who have been active continuously for one year or more can go on-line to GoodSamClub.com and register for Good Sam Park rebate coupons.  These coupons are good for extra savings on future stays at any Good Sam Park.  As a long-standing member, you can also take advantage of seasonal or last minute camping offers available through participating parks.  Visit the site as often as you like.

• Good Sam members will receive the new and improved HIGHWAYS magazine.  Starting in June, the newly expanded book will include MORE of what you love like tech tips, how-to, chapter news, new product information, games, recipes and special offers for members!

• Join Good Sam at the greatest RV show on earth.  “The Rally” sponsored by Good Sam has been expanded and will feature top name entertainers, RVs on display, fun and educational seminars, tons of products at great prices and more.  The Rally will kick off in July in Redmond, Oregon with its new format and will feature country music superstar Vince Gill.   In 2012 the club will host three rallies conveniently located across the country.

• Good Sam has begun the aggressive expansion of our Good Sam Park network.  Club members already can enjoy terrific savings at over 1,700 Good Sam parks.  Each week more parks will be added to the network with the goal of over 2,000 by year end!  More parks equal more savings.

• Good Sam Club members can now enjoy 10% off installation fees at Camping World every day.

• Enjoy EXCLUSIVE members only savings on Good Sam endorsed products like Emergency Road Service, Vehicle Warranty protection and RV insurance.  These negotiated group rates are available ONLY to Good Sam Club members and offer savings of up to 30% and more.

• Good Sam Club members can renew your membership on-line at GoodSamClub.com or CampingWorld.com and save 5% off the regular one-year renewal rate.  Sign up for automatic renewal on-line and save an additional 5%!  Look for this great new savings benefit starting Monday, April 18^th.

In addition to these new Good Sam Club benefits, see these exciting announcements to spread the word about the great fun and savings available to you as a member: Read the rest of Exciting News From the Good Sam Club »

7 Step Process to a Wise RV Buying Decision

Buying an RV is a major purchase decision. We don’t take the decision to buy a house lightly, and buying an RV is no different. You need to do your research and be well informed to make the best buying decision possible. Let’s take a look at my 7 step process to a wise RV buying decision.

Step 1: Try before you buy
This is perhaps the most important step of the process. It can be difficult to determine if an RV is right for you if you have never used one. Plan a weekend or week-long trip and rent an RV to try it before you buy. Renting an RV can be a good indicator to gauge if an RV is in your future. Another option is to spend a weekend at a campground that rents RV’s already set up on site. My only caution is that you don’t confuse not liking RV’s with not understanding how an RV works. If the rental dealer doesn’t give you a thorough orientation of the RV, or offer an instructional DVD you should consider purchasing a RV training DVD prior to renting the RV. Knowing how everything on the RV works can make the experience much more enjoyable.

Step 2: Attend an RV show
RV shows, like boat shows, are intended to introduce the new model year RV’s and to help disseminate RV related information to the RV consumer. RV shows are usually scheduled during the slower time of the year, the winter months, to help jump start the selling season. RV dealers from miles away will bring their wares to these shows. For the buyer RV shows put everything you need to see and learn about under one roof, making it the ideal environment to conduct research and make informed RV buying decisions.
RV shows aren’t just for RV dealers to showcase their products. They are a great source for information from knowledgeable representatives on every aspect of the RV industry. You will find information on campgrounds and RV resorts, aftermarket RV products, RV accessories and free RV seminars. Some of these seminars might be helpful in making your buying decisions. Check with the show office on seminar topics and times.

Step 3: Which type of RV is right for you and your family?
RV’s come in numerous types, sizes and price ranges. Know which type of RV is right for you and what price fits your budget. Take the time to research your specific needs, and how you plan to use the RV. If you plan to travel cross-country a motorized RV might make more sense than a towable RV. If you plan to go camping in the backwoods, off the beaten trail, a pop up, truck camper or toy hauler would probably make more sense. If you plan to travel and live full time in the RV a 5th wheel trailer would be a wise decision. The right type of RV is out there, you just need to find it.

Step 4: New Vs. Used?
This is a major consideration before you purchase an RV. To assist you with this decision think again about how you plan to use the RV and what your budget is. If you only plan to take a couple of weekend trips, or use it for one or two weeks out of the year, a used RV might be best for you. If you plan to travel and live fulltime in the RV you should probably consider a new RV. In either case, consider your financial situation; it won’t do you any good to own an RV if there isn’t enough money leftover in the budget to enjoy it.

Step 5: Do your research
Buying an RV is a major investment, similar to an automobile or your home. You need to do your research before you buy. There are lots of RV manufacturers and RV brands to choose from. You can research manufacturers on the internet, request brochures, take factory tours and attend local RV shows to learn more about all of the options you have. Consider how the RV is constructed, how long the manufacturer has been around and how long the warranty period is good for before you buy.

Step 6: Buy from a reputable RV dealership
A reputable RV dealership will have a professional sales, parts and service staff to take care of all of your needs. This is an important consideration during and after the purchase of your RV. It’s important that you select the right type, floor plan and brand of RV for you and your family, and that there are qualified technicians to service the unit after the sale. A reputable RV dealership can make your RV ownership experiences much more pleasurable.

Step 7: Protect your investment
When you purchase your RV consider some other factors that will help protect your investment. I recommend looking into some type of extended service contract that goes beyond the manufacturer warranty period. There are numerous plans available, so shop around for the best deal. Get specialized RV insurance coverage. It’s different from your home and auto policy. When you need specialized RV coverage you’ll be glad you have it.

So what are you waiting for? Find out when the next RV show will be in your area and make it a point to attend. Oh, and don’t forget to wear some comfortable walking shoes! After you purchase your RV load your belongings, the family and pets and head out to explore this wonderful country we live in, and build some lasting memories with family and friends.
Welcome to the wonderful world of RV’s!

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Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
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What is a Quartzsite?

If you can't find it in Quartzsite, it doesn't exist! © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

They’re gathering again. They’ve been rolling in since November by the thousands. Most of them camp in the desert that surrounds a town that’s essentially a truck stop on Interstate 10. By mid-January, they’ll transform the place into Arizona’s third largest city.

This little Arizona town has become famous for luring Snowbirds who like to browse amid recreational vehicles and RV products; and gems, minerals, crafts, and hobby shows—and the “mother of all swap meets.”

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