NEWBIE RV TRAVEL TIPS

Like many other products, RVs are known by a variety of names, depending upon where you live (or where you're headed).

These names include: Motorhomes, Campervan, Motorcaravan, RV, Camper, Motor Caravan, Camping Car, Caravan, Truck Camper, Motor Home, Recreational Vehicle, etc. In this site we use three terms intermittently: RVs (or Recreational Vehicles), Campers and Motorhomes.
Most motorhomes are comfortable, self contained vehicles that are easy to drive. They come in a range of sizes, the main types are usually called class A motorhome, class B or class C.

Other types of motorhome abound, but these three types are especially suited for a RV vacation, and are the main types most readily available as rentals. They are available from most capital cities and major tourist destinations in many countries throughout the world.

If you have ever wanted to meander gently through the countryside, visit local art galleries or museums, go to major sports events, wander through quiet country roads, walk on deserted beaches enjoying the fresh air, visit quaint, out-of-the way sites, - all in style and comfort, then a motorhome vacation is for you.

Motorhomes are tremendous fun to drive while also offering complete vacation freedom and flexibility. They are terrific for singles, honeymooners, families, retirees, groups of friends and just about everybody else.

Campers can be luxuriously appointed and can include satellite navigation, online Internet connection, central heating, air conditioning, bathrooms with showers and toilets, refrigerators and freezers, microwave, TV, video, DVD, stereo, radio, generators, awnings, automatic transmission, power steering and much more.

While others may be more basically equipped, many come in quite a compact package, not much larger than a standard sized van, and so are easy to maneuver around, even in congested cities.

All motorhomes share a commanding driving position that allows greater visibility for driving and for viewing the countryside. This adds to the safety and pleasure of a motorhome vacation.

There is a type and style of motorhome to suit everybody, including 4 wheel drive models for outback and off road touring. If you feel adventurous, why not try a RV vacation in the African bush. You're guaranteed the thrill of a lifetime.

As you are self contained you are able to purchase local produce along the way, such as fruits, cheeses, wines and delicacies of the region, from local markets, specialty shops and supermarkets. Cooking out adds a lot of extra fun, and for me personally is one of the greatest joys of a camper vacation (Find some great outdoor cooking recipes right here).

Snacks and hot or cold drinks are available all the time, whether you're stationary or mobile, and the vehicles make great grandstands at sporting events.

You are assured of a comfortable bed and an exciting new view every time you stop at a new destination. Best of all, as there is plenty of storage space, you only need to unpack once, even if you plan to move around a lot.

In short, motorhomes are a great, cost effective way to tour in comfort, style and security wherever your fancy takes you.

Get yourself into the camper travel mindset, and make the most of your holiday. Ignore timetables and deadlines and never worry about finding a hotel with a vacancy at the end of a long hot day of travel adventure.

Imagine the luxury of going where you want, when you want, with your own home-from-home - enjoy the FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY& FUN of a RV vacation.

Follow these basic RV tips, techniques and guidelines for a great vacation.

Outdoor recreation vehicles are getting more popular by the year! Due to growing concerns regarding air travel, many people prefer to spend their vacations on wheels. Modern campers are elaborate mobile lodging machines, able to carry all the comforts of home and to offer a unique vacation experience.

As more and more travelers prefer driving vacations, many are discovering RV travel for the first time - and the FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY& FUN that RVs have to offer.

For those thinking about RVing for the first time, we have compiled a small list of
RV travel tips and techniques you should take note of as you get started:

RV Tip #1: RV Driving is Different - not Difficult

If you're an experienced car driver, you already have the skills necessary to drive a motorized RV. Most have the automatic transmission, power brakes and steering you're accustomed to. With proper attention to the differences - such as vehicle size, height and weight - you'll find it fun and easy to take the wheel of a camper vehicle.

RV Tip #2: 10 Basic RV Driving Tips & Precautions

RV Tip #3: Protect the Environment

	Recycle as you travel. Take note of campground recycling categories: they may be different from those you use at home.
	Keep campfires small to minimize the amount of ash and pollution. Don't put anything into the fire pit that will not burn, such as plastics, foils, and metals. Observe fire rules, which may change each day with weather conditions.
	Your favorite music may be your neighbor's noise pollution. Observe quiet hours for generators, boom boxes, and noisy games.
	Leave campground showers, the dump station, and the campsite as clean as you found them.

RV Tip #4: Camp Naturally

Work with nature. In hot weather, use natural shade, awnings and canvas covers. In cold weather, park where the RV will be protected from north and west winds

RV Tip #5: Driving on Graded Roads

The ideas following are general ideas. Be sure to read your owners manual for any specific driving instructions that the manufacturer recommends prior to leaving on your trip.

Unless your RV travels are very limited, sooner or later - whether your travels take you to Europe, New Zealand or the US - you're going to find yourself going up and down pretty steep roads. This can be a different driving experience, especially if you are new to RVing.

On the way up, grades can cause engine overheating and extensive wear and tear, while the other side run poses the risk of failed brakes and losing control. You can, however, use your transmission to make the trip up and down mountains much easier, safer and enjoyable.

Your actions will differ depending on whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, but the approach uses the same logic. Going up, you should strive to keep your engine and drive train operating in the most effective range of its power curve. Heading down you should effectively use the drive train to maintain control while preserving your brakes.

Engine type (gasoline or diesel), transmission, engine capacity and vehicle weight will all determine optimal engine speed and gear selection when climbing any particular grade. You must keep your RPMs in the power range by downshifting as necessary. Start by building up some speed and dropping out of overdrive as you approach the slope, and if you are going to be in the mountains for a while, stay out of overdrive. With an automatic transmission you may not have to do anything else, just let the tranny take over. With a manual, downshift whenever your tachometer indicates that you are in the lower part of your power range.

Watch the engine temperature, slow down and gear down to reduce heat build up. Be prepared to pull off if possible to prevent over heating, and if you do, leave the engine running for a few minutes at fast idle to keep your coolant circulating. If you have a temperature gauge on your transmission, watch it also; you don't want to ruin your fluid by letting it overheat for any length of time. Again, pull off and idle if necessary.

Heading down the other side, it's all about control. Holding down your speed is essential for safety. The longer and steeper the grade, the more you should use your drive train to maintain speed control. Using brakes alone can cause them to overheat and lose their effectiveness when you most need them. On grades of 5% or less, running with overdrive disengaged may be sufficient, but steeper hills will likely require lower gears.

A common rule of thumb is to use the same gear going down as you used on the way up. This may vary with your weight and vehicle; you'll learn as you gain experience, but start slow and in control.

With an automatic transmission you will need to drop it into lower gears yourself. Keep an eye on your engine speed and use your brakes to avoid red-lining or going too fast. But do not ride your brakes; apply them in short hard bursts to reduce your speed.

These are general ideas. Be sure to read your owners manual for any specific driving instructions that the manufacturer recommends.