Picking your Camping Vehicle.  Things to consider

    1. Size matters only to you.  Large or small if the RV fits your needs  Its good.
    2. Shop around, there are Good RV's New or Used and there are several types.
        These include, Tent Trailers, Travel Trailers, Hybrid Travel Trailers, Fifth
        Wheels, Motor Coaches, Class A Motor Homes, Class C Motor Homes and
        Class B Motor Homes (Vans) and Pickup Campers. Descriptions of each follow.

Tent Trailer..The Tent trailer is an easy to fold down small trailer that can  be towed
 behind a smaller vehicle, such as a Ranger Pickup or a Mini Van.  Most come with
a small Refrigerator, Counter Top stove and Galley.  Some of the trailers have slide
out rooms.  These are great for a family first starting out.  Small investment and
room for the children.  Although we full timed in one for 19 months. these are really
made for mostly short camping trips.  For further information stop by most RV
Dealers where Tent Trailers are sold and you will be given a lot of good information.

Travel Trailer..The Travel Trailer comes in all sizes designs and shapes.  Some with
Slide out rooms to give you more space.  These are heavier than the Tent Trailer and
need to be pulled by a larger Tow Vehicle such as a larger pickup or SUV.  Most all of
these trailers come with a full Galley, Stove and Oven, Microwave, and Refrigerator.
Small to large Bathroom. Double to Queen bed and plenty of sleeping space for the
family.  Cost wise you can pay a little or a lot depending on the features that you
select.  These all tow behind the Vehicle as any tow able trailer does.  Further
information cam be obtained at any RV Dealer that carry Travel Trailers.

Fifth Wheel Trailer..These Trailers are meant to be pulled by a pickup.  The trailer
hitch is located in the pickup bed so that part of the trailer will come over the pickup
bed and it will tow a little differently than the normal travel trailer. Like the travel
trailer these come in all sizes shapes and have many features to fit your needs.
the master bedroom is normally in the front over the Pickup bed.  Making sure you
have the right size pickup to tow these trailers is very important.  Further information
can be obtained at any RV dealer that carry Fifth Wheel Trailers.

Class A Motor Homes & Coaches..These Motor Homes come in various lengths from
small to large.  Depending on what you want you can have all of the comforts of home
in these Motor Homes.  They come Gas or Diesel powered.  Driving  one of these you
are overlooking the traffic the front end is flat with no over the cab compartment that
distinguish these from the class C Motor Home.  Motor Homes cost a little more money
than the travel trailers since they are a complete vehicle that you drive.  Good prices
can be found if you shop around.  Check with several RV dealers and owners before
buying one.

Class C Motor Homes...Like the Class A Motor Home these also come in various
Lengths. They can be either diesel or Gas.  The front end of the Class C is much like
sitting in the front end of a Pickup. The Bed or entertainment center is located over
the top of the cab much like a camper.  These also can have all the same features as
the Class A with all the comforts of home. some of the better known names are
Minnie Winnie, Tioga and Jayco.  See your RV Dealer for more information on these.

Class B Motor Homes..These are small Motor homes no larger than the size of a large
Van.  They have only some of the items that you would find in a regular motor home.
The advantage is they are economical to drive and for overnight camping they work
very nicely.  They may have a small galley Countertop stove and small sink.  They may
have a Porta Potty that can be stored under the counter or under seat or bed.  These do
not have a large sleeping capacity for a whole family. For more information see your
local RV Dealer

Truck Camper..The Camper is carried on the back of a pickup.  Depending on the size
of pickup that you own will depend on the size of the camper you would buy.  The Bed
is over the cab.  They have a small galley with stove and refrigerator and sink. Some
Newer ones will have a slide out and small bathroom.  These are easy to drive and
they are also limited on the amount of people that they can sleep.  For more information
see your local RV Dealer

Things to take with you camping the load list.
Cellular Phone for emergencies,  Your clothing, Food, Medications if you need them,
Make sure you have Drinking Water, Flashlight, Blankets or Sleeping Bags, Make sure
your Propane tank is full if your rig has one, Check Tires, Water, Oil, and your rig out
if you are going on a trip. Make sure you have your insurance and licenses and any
paperwork you may need.  Make sure you have emergency numbers for your doctors
and health insurance.  Make sure someone in your family knows where you are going
and when you will be back.  Be sure they have contact numbers.  This is an incomplete
list since each camping trip will require some other different things such as tools that
you may need to set up a satellite dish or make a quick repair etc.

Things to remember to do when getting into your campsite and leaving your campsite
When arriving at your campsite inspect the Electrical box and make sure the breaker
is in the off position before plugging in. If you have an AC tester once you have plugged
your rig in check to make sure that there is no problems with the electrical feed.  Most
home supplies stores have a tester that will work in any AC outlet in your rig. Check
water faucet turn it on for a couple of seconds to make sure there is no dirt in the line.
use a in line water pressure gauge to make sure that the water pressure is set at
no more than 40 PSI.  If sewer is available hook up your sewer hose but leave your
dump tanks closed until they are full or until you are ready  to leave the site.  Dump
Black Water (Sewage) first then the Grey Water (dish water) next.  Some people
leave the grey water valve open while camping since this fills up much faster than the
black water tank. When arriving turn on your propane and when you leave turn it
off. Some do travel with the gas on. Just remember when filling up with gas/diesel
your propane should be off.  One of the first things to do of course is make sure your
rig is level once you get into a site. A simple Level can help you set levels from front to
back and side to side.  Some motor homes and trailers have automatic leveling.
If you raise your RF TV antenna remember when leaving to put it down.  I've
seen many RV'rs leaving a park with the antenna up.  If you have an Awning
when leaving make sure it is secure and locked in place.  Be sure to unhook
Water, Electric, Sewer and satellite if you have a dish on a stand. Make sure your
refrigerator door is locked when you get ready to travel. That all loose items are
secure. Closet doors, cupboards, and drawers all closed and secure.  If you have
a dog or cat make sure it is secure.  Some common sense things to check as well
check Tires, proper air pressure is the best prevention for getting a flat tire. Check
all the fluids in the engine, Water, Oil etc. when you are ready to go do at least one
walk around the rig to be sure everything is okay.  If towing be sure that the hitch is
locked, safety chains hooked up, Lights and brakes are working.  There are other
things that I know I might have left out, however these are the essential things for a
safe trip.

Towing a Car (Toad)
Depending on laws that are being passed a Towing assist brake is required in
many states when towing your car with all four wheels on the ground.  Check
Check with the AAA for the latest laws in your state. check tow bar to make sure
it is secure, and lights are hooked up. If you have a Brake assist make sure it
is working properly.

Camping Cabins and Condo's

If you find that you do not own an RV but would love to have the complete camping
experience consider a camping Cabin or Cottage, or Yurt, these come with all the
amenities that you would expect.  Some parks also have rental trailers as well.

Camping Organizations where you can get further information:

Thousand Trails Camping Resorts, Good Sam Club, KOA Campgrounds,
National Park Service , RV America, I Rv Too, . Camping World.
Woodall Camp info,  RVLinks, RV NET,  RPI, , Elks Campgrounds,
Resorts of Distinction    Equity Life Styles,
These are just a few of the places you can get further information on my links
page you will find other resources.

Hope these tips help return to the main page.   Revised 03-17-2009