Freedom, Travel, and the Good Life: New RV Magazine to launch March 1

Today’s fifth wheel trailers are truly a home away from home with large kitchens and even larger living areas. The units range in size up to 40 feet and are able to carry motorcycles, ATVs, and other small vehicles while still having adequate space for the family to camp in style and comfort. A press release earlier this week announced the launch of a new magazine for RVers. To be launched March 1, Fifth Wheel Magazine will focus on keeping fifth wheel and toy hauler owners up-to-date with the latest industry trends and new products and accessories that are making fifth wheeling easier and safer. Fifth Wheel Magazine will review current and new models, provide product information, photographic and video factory tours, fifth wheel safety and general tips and advice from industry experts. In addition to industry news, Fifth Wheel Magazine provides product tips, safety information, and expertise from professionals in the industry. This information will assist current and prospective RVers in making informed buying decisions and staying current with the latest trends and innovations in the industry. Fifth wheel interior. Photo courtesy Fifth Wheel Magazine A stated goal of the new Fifth Wheel Magazine is to bridge the gap between the manufacturers and fifth wheel and toy hauler owners and new buyers. By keeping up-to-date with what the manufacturers are doing and how they are working on new designs and features, the magazine intends to keep fifth wheel owners and buyers informed... Read more

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUARTZSITE QUESTIONS

 By Barry & Monique Zander, the Never-Bored RVers  We’re packing up this morning, but before we head out of Quartzsite to get on the road again, there are some questions posed in last night’s  comments section that I’ll try to answer: “To be happy you must be free; to be free you must be brave.”  This seems like an appropriate occasion to repeat that Norse adage. Some of you are taking this place too seriously.  You can make reservations and you can research everything there is to know about the area and local events, or you can do it like we did.  You drive anywhere within five miles of town, look around, find a place near other RVs parked in the desert and turn off the engine. Your neighbors, who were once as timid as you about the RV experience, will tell you more than you need to know.  It’s that simple. Now, in answer to Chestnuts, the best way to find information about the place, other than putting in “Quartzsite” in your Internet browser, is to call or visit the Chamber of Commerce.  And don’t worry about our landlords, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  They aren’t going to tell you anything that your neighbors can’t. To Drew, who is apprehensive, I refer you to Paragraph 2 above (the one with the italics).  As commenter Thomas said, “It’s truly an experience that should not be missed.”  As for the honey wagon, the service that visits campgrounds to drain the tanks, we’ve heard that it has been available in past years but... Read more

THE “PERFECT STORM” IN PERFECT WEATHER

By Monique & Barry Zander,  the Never-Bored RVers Our first two parts of this brief continuing saga were posted Wednesday.  Time to share more experiences at the awesome Quartzsite show:  PART III – SPENDING TIME AND $$$ Yesterday morning  our neighbor Dean from Sun City, who I had only exchanged about 20 words with Tuesday, knocked on our door to invite us to take a few bags of succulent oranges and grapefruits he had brought from home.  That camaraderie is one of the things we like best about being here in Quartzsite, Arizona. When we left you last, we were wandering the aisles of the Quartzsite RV expo, plus gem & mineral booths, plus the acres of flea market.  After busting the budget Tuesday on items that were on our list of things we More Than Just Gizmos for Sale -- Hundreds of New & Used RVs Are on the Grounds © All photos by Barry Zander. All rights reserved knew we need for our travels over the next two years, on Wednesday we took a very careful approach.  We had listed more items that we wanted to consider – and once again, ohmygod, we made 10 purchases which sent our credit card into shock. But they are items we consider necessary, like a very good water filtration system, collapsible buckets and a plate the grinds garlic into a paste.  Hundreds of dollars rolled off our plastic.  Oh, well.  We’ll worry about it when the bill arrives. The best entertainment of the day is the young man hawking window-cleaning squeegees.  We didn’t buy... Read more

WE’RE IN QUARTZSITE, ARIZONA

 By Monique & Barry Zander, the Never-Bored RVers  Monday we reset our old analog clock to Mountain Standard Time as we crossed into Arizona on our way to the craziest gathering of RVers on the planet.  We are here to visit the big tent filled with everything RV, plus the never-ending booths displaying gems and minerals.  And, we remember from our last visit that the swapmeet is an adventure all its own. To capture what we experience, I’m going to do this as a journal rather than an article, so you can see what we are seeing through our eyes.  NOTE:  Internet service is bad.  We found the library today and got online.  We’ll have another report tomorrow … I hope!   PART I – ARRIVAL Let’s start with Monday driving in from the west.  The first two days of the RV show had ended, and we passed dozens of RVs of every size and condition heading in the opposite direction.   As we neared the town, we began seeing rigs parked in the desert, scattered at random in proximity to hard roads that come to life each year in January for the RV invasion. Then we began seeing huge RV parks, crowded with rigs parked side-by-side, more densely populated as we approached town.  We were amazed, given all those rigs that we had just passed on their way out of town. On suggestion of veteran show exhibitors Ken and Carole Adams we passed the town, turned back westward and then north and drove five miles to a free BLM miles-long camping area.  We pulled in on a narrow path cleared... Read more

Flock to a Birding Festival near You

Flock to a Birding Festival near You There is definitely something majestic about bird watching. RVers are flocking to bird-watching (commonly referred to as birding) as an activity like never before. It’s For the Birds Roseate spoonbill feeding near Port Aransas, Texas © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved Birder, or not, if you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, check out your local birding festival. Most areas have several fairs and festivals going on during the year, and they are an excellent way to enjoy nature, learn something new, and have fun. Birding festivals last from a single day to a full month of outings, activities, and workshops. The most common are over a weekend, and can range from small local events at a nearby park, to large-scale events that bring visitors from around the world, with events spread throughout an entire region. Depending on the specific event, you will have the opportunity to hear knowledgeable speakers, observe live birds up close, take guided walks, get pointers on better wildlife photography, sharpen your identification skills, share experiences with like-minded folks, and even take more exotic outings, such as birding by boat or on horseback. Often there are artists, vendors, children’s activities, and the like. Many birding festivals center on a specific event taking place in the local area, migration being a particular favorite. Another popular theme is the celebration of specific species found locally in a particular abundance,... Read more

Attend a Local RV Show

January through early April is prime RV Show Season. Toy haulers have become increasingly popular in recent years. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved RV Shows present a rare opportunity to view many recreational vehicles without the need to drive from dealer to dealer. You’ll have an opportunity to check out a wide-range of motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, truck campers, conversion vans, and pop up trailers in one location, often at special “show prices”. Some bargains are the real deal; others are simply prices an RV dealer would accept back at the dealership once the show is over. When viewing recreational vehicles, ensure you’re comparing prices of similar models with similar features from different manufacturers. Consider the options, quality, and type of construction, floor plan, standard and optional equipment, features offered, amount of interior and exterior storage, carrying capacity, and reputation of manufacturer and dealer. Not all manufacturers and dealers are created equal! Determine who offers the best bang for the buck but ensure that the dealer provides quality after-purchase service. Talk with other RVers at the show. Many have years of experience and knowledge of different manufacturers and dealerships. Most will be honest and tell you where they’ve received the best deals and quality service. It is always a good idea to visit the dealership’s physical location before you buy and check out their service department. Visit the dealership... Read more

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.” Read more  Read More →

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. Read more  Read More →

Brian Brawdy Show to Launch at The Rally

Little more than a week away, The Rally is fast approaching. I’m heading towards Louisville next Monday to set the SRMR in position for one of the biggest shows in my RV’ing year. The Self Reliant Mobile Residence is my “Just In Case Place.” When “IT” hits, tornado or terrorist attack, man-made or those disasters wrought by Mother Nature the rig is ready to go and stay gone. I designed the SRMR to be fully functional while “Off The Grid” be it boondocking or bugging out, sojourning or surviving. In addition, the Self-Reliant Mobile Residence is a full radio/tv production studio. I have chosen one of my favorite events, The Rally, to launch the Brian Brawdy Show. RVers are the quintessential “off the grid gang” and epitomize the nomadic, self-reliant mindset that will be the focus of my show. With thought provoking attitude about the news of the day, special guests interviews and discussions, the show will focus on surviving and thriving in a century where political, economic, environmental and meteorological challenges face us all. We will be streaming live from the main entrance of the Expo Center daily so stop by and give me your feedback. Please join me at The Rally or in the meantime @brianbrawdy.com Join Brian on Facebook Follow Brian on Twitter  Read More →

The Rally 2010: Passport and Day Pass Options Available

The greatest RV rally in the world is right around the corner and you will not want to miss all of the entertainment and activities planned this year. Held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, July 22-25, The Rally 2010 will feature new RVs, 150+ seminars by the RV industry’s leaders and experts, exhibits, headlining entertainers Bob Newhart and Tanya Tucker, contests, a golf tournament, a youth program, ladies’ social and much more! If you want to take advantage of all The Rally has to offer without parking your RV on site, a Passport admission is available. Or, if you only have time to attend the remarkable exhibitor areas, you can purchase a Day Pass to browse the extensive selection of RV dealers and manufacturers on hand. The Rally Passport is a pricing option available for those who wish to park off-site and drive to the Rally site each day. It’s just like a full reservation – you can take part in all of the festivities, exhibits, RV seminars, and nightly entertainment – without parking your rig at the Rally site. Passports are valid starting Wednesday, July 21 through Sunday, July 25, and are $69.00 per person. Call us at 1-877-749-7122 and ask about a “Passport Attendee” reservation or click here to register and select the “Passport” option. The Rally Day Pass will grant you admission to the indoor and outdoor exhibitor areas only (no seminars or entertainment). Whatever RV-related product you need, you’re... Read more

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