RVIA EXPO, LOUISVILLE KY

Linda and I are getting the motorhome ready for our annual trip to Kentucky to attend the RVIA show in Louisville to gather information on the general state of the RV industry, and to view new products at the show.  We will be reporting on events as they occur, here on RV.net blog. Read more  Read More →

Tips on choosing an RV dealer

Would you purchase a recreational vehicle from any RV dealer? Does the dealer make a difference? You bet it does! Not all dealers are reputable or have good customer service records. Ardell Brown RV Camping World, Draper, Utah. Photo courtesy KSL Choosing the right RV dealer is important both at the time of sale and later down the road when you have your RV serviced or repaired. Following are seven things to look for when choosing an RV dealer: 1. Customer service Unfortunately, a common complaint in the industry is that RV dealers are more interested in selling you a product than keeping it serviced after the sale. Finding an RV dealer with a proven track-record of customer service is of utmost importance. When you spend thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on an RV you want to ensure before the sale that the dealer will provide outstanding customer service. After your RV breaks down is not the time to learn that the dealer is more interested in your money and getting you off the lot than providing quality service. One way of determining an RV dealers value is by finding out if they’ve received any manufacturers’ customer service awards. Do your homework before the sale and choose an RV dealer with a proven track record for quality service. 2. Dealer’s history Secondly, taking time to research the background and history of the RV dealer could save you money and heart-aches in the long run. The longer the RV dealer has been around, better! If a dealer has... Read more

The Headlight Flash. What Does It Really Mean

The flashing of one’s headlights is something we have seen for years throughout Europe.  It was, and is, used to generally signal the intention to overtake another vehicle.  Kind of a heads-up and to ensure the vehicle being passed was aware of this action.  For this use, nearly all the vehicles sold in Europe for the last forty plus years were equipped with a momentary headlight switch built into the directional signal. Read more  Read More →

Driving An RV. How Old Is Too Old?

A Lug_Nut pondering thought.   A while ago, while staying in an RV resort, I got to thinking about the aging population.  Of those that enjoy RVing today many are in the upper middle age group.  This is particularly true when looking at the people that own larger RV’s like motor homes and 5th wheel trailers combinations.  Despite the average age of people that own RV’s in the U.S. being in the mid forties, one must realize that RV;s include everything from a tent trailer and up. In the larger class of both motor homes and trailers there are many owners that are 65 years old and older.  This may be partially due to the cost of some of these rigs.  For the investment required, the average working person could not possibly reap enough benefits from it given the available free time their job may offer.  Then of course there is the affordability.  Life is backwards, by the time you can afford what you want, you are too old to enjoy it.  Well, that may fit most cases, but with an RV that may not hold true. So, how old is too old to operate a motor home or trailer combination?  There is no correct answer.  There is a time when one must quit.  This time is when one may become either physically or mentally unable to operate their vehicle in a safe manner for all concerned.  This does not only affect aging drivers, but applies to all.  But, we will look at those that are caused by age. What actually causes this to happen to an otherwise healthy senior citizen?  His eye... Read more

The Accuracy and Worth of Onboard Fuel Monitors

As reported by Lug_Nut .  Last week we looked at needed dash instruments and readouts required in the operation of your RV or tow vehicle.  This week we will examine an option that may be a somewhat luxury that many already have, the fuel mileage onboard computer.  Does it work and does it provide a value? Fuel consumption computers are found on many vehicles sold today including many RV chassis.  These display digital readouts of such things as instant MPG, current MPG since last reset, estimated remaining fuel range and more.  While all may have somewhat questionable accuracy they are still very useful.  In addition, one has to also remember that the calculations do not include consumption from the generator or any fuel burning heaters or boilers. Unfortunately their accuracy can not be adjusted.  This is due to their method of calculation.  While gasoline and air intake are burned at a theoretical weight ratio of 14.7 to 1, it is subject to vary depending on conditions and the exact fuel properties.  Temperature for example, alters the volume to weight ratio of both fuel and air.  So repeatability is not necessarily possible.  One day’s event may well be more accurate than another. Even industrial electronic flow meters with temperature compensation are generally only accurate to a + or – of about 0.5 %, and these are far too expensive and delicate for such an application.  But, for what they are and do, the automotive fuel consumption computers work pretty... Read more

Do You Use and Appreciate Overnight Casino Parking?

Another Lug_Nut view.  There are many casinos throughout the country, many of them welcome  RV’ers to park and stay overnight.  While there are non-RV friendly locations like Atlantic City and Reno, the majority have out the welcoming mat for these large rolling homes.  Unfortunately their hospitality sometimes is abused by a small minority.  These abuses have, and may lead to restrictions or even total RV parking bans.  So what are these abuses and how can we stop or reduce them? Aging RV’s that may not even be fit for the road are parked for extended periods of time, some appear not even occupied.  Some of these derelict vehicles house mobile gypsies that have no intention of entering the casino or its other facilities for the purpose of spending money.  It’s just a place to park free. A small percentage of RV’ers seem to believe it is okay to park there, disconnect their car, or trailer, and take off to go to other locations in the area.  Some of them visit relatives throughout the day and use the site only to return and sleep.  I have witnessed units being left unattended for several days as people must think it to be a handy storage site.  Most of these abusers do not give the business establishment any return, they just take.  One person I met that stayed several days in a casino parking lot, when asked if he had any luck, stated “They won’t get me in there, I’d rather spend my money elsewhere than give it to them.”   A number of RV’s that... Read more

One RV Travelling Pet Peeve

A Lug_Nut pet peeve.  When travelling with many RV’s, 5th wheels, large class A’s and towing combinations, finding a place to stop can be challenging on many roadways.  In that regard interstate highways offer the best places, the rest stop.  These pull offs provide ample maneuvering space and large parking spaces for both trucks and RV’s.  Additionally you can always find a little grass, designated the “Pet Walking Area” for Fido to stretch and take a potty break.     Want to stop for lunch at a restaurant?  Cracker Barrel offers RV parking at their many locations throughout the country and they are usually located within sight of the interstate highways.  RV parking can be found at the rear of the restaurant.  For large class A coaches towing, some of these may not be long enough.  So you may have to take a look first.  On some routes this chain is very abundant, for example my wife and I counter 49 Cracker Barrel locations off I75 from the Ohio/Michigan border to Fort Myers Florida.     At both rest stops and Cracker Barrels, over night parking may be allowed depending on the location.  Check for signage, ask the manager or inquire with the security staff if you are considering staying over night.  This, of course, is the same courtesy you would use to stay in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Most rest stops have separate parking for autos and trucks/RV’s.  Some have three sections, autos, trucks and RV’s.  The later offers the RV owner a truck free area. ... Read more

RV Fuel Efficiency, Cruise Control Vrs. The Operator

A Thought from Lug_Nut. First introduced by Chrysler in 1958, Autocruise, or cruise control, was a primitive device to automatically maintain a given travel speed.  It basically was a vacuum controlled linkage that was connected to the throttle valve on the carburetor.  If the vehicle speed dropped below that of the set speed, the linkage would simply pull the throttle valve until the desired speed was accomplished. Over the years, and with the coming of the electronic controlled engines, the cruise control advanced rapidly in newer technology.  Now the cruise control is a highly developed micro processor controlled device commanded by the onboard ECM (Electronic Control Module).  It is now capable of being programmed to manage the fuel delivery in a manner most efficient for fuel consumption while still maintaining a given desired vehicle speed. Read more  Read More →

A Well Kept Secret. The Best RV Shows in The Country

A Lug_Nut tip.   RV shows throughout the country each year create excitement and attract tens of thousands of eager enthusiasts.  For the price of the admission you can view all the latest products from million dollar rigs to the latest five dollar camping gadget.  This is the one stop spot where you can view all, or certainly most, of the RV manufacturer’s offerings.  It is a place that makes comparing different rigs far easier.       If, however, you are really interested in buying a particular unit, be it a motorized or towed vehicle, better get there early, and if possible not on a weekend.  Viewing and getting the sales people’s full attention can be very challenging when they are besieged by the crowds.  New designs and high end units are normally flooded with people, many of whom have no intention of buying, let alone even affording, such a rig.  But, for the admission they paid, they feel entitled to view all. There are, however, other RV shows that go on throughout the country that you may not know about.  These shows, many of which deal with the higher end products, are more personal and are aimed at the RV buyer that may be looking at moving up.  In general they attract only hundreds, not tens of thousands.  There is no admission charge to go to one of these events and personal attention from any or all of the vendors is assured. These unique shows can be found at select RV resorts across the country.  Resorts such as RiverBend Motor Coach Resort,... Read more

The Lug_Nut RV Trivia Challenge #11. Give It A Try!

The Lug_Nut Trivia Challenge No 11 deals with a mixed bag of RV related topics. Keep in mind, this is not an I.Q. test, it is a trivia requiring some guess work.  So, get a pencil and paper to record your answers.  When you have completed the 10 questions and scored your answers, please post your results in the comment section found at the very bottom.  Good luck. Read more  Read More →

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