As temperatures drop this winter and more RV and home owners are turning to portable space heaters to warm up, officials in Texas are urging people to take caution.According to the Wilson County News in Floresville, Texas, two RVs were destroyed in a fire caused by an unattended space heater this month at an RV park in Seguin."People who were using space heaters either overloaded it or placed it too close to something combustible," New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department chief ...

The RV industry will spend 2010 reminiscing about its 100 year history throughout the year 2010 with special events and parties planned throughout the year. But RV and camping enthusiasts can learn about the industry's history anytime at the Recreation Vehicle/Mobile Home Heritage Museum and Library in Elkhart, Indiana.According to RV Business, the RV/MH Heritage Foundation relocated the museum to a 56,000-square-foot facility in Elkhart in 2007. It includes a theater, library and a display ...

The multi-media RV Buddies program will be on hand at the 25th annual Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) Super Show in Tampa, Florida, this month.The production team will review various products at the show and will focus on Class A, Class C and towable products for their reports."We could keep three crews hopping through the whole show and still not cover everything," said RV Buddies producer and host Mark Summers. "We are planning to shoot a minimum of a dozen full length, ...

A new survey released by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) has echoed what many have believed throughout the economic downturn - that camping and RVing really is a recession-proof family vacation option.RV Business reports that out of 28 parks that reported on their 2009 camping activity, all but one reported increases. The NASPD says there was an overall increase in camping of 7.38 percent compared to the 2008 figures. The only state that saw declines in 2009 ...

It was a positive sign of recovery for Winnebago this holiday season - workers had to forego their usual one or two week holiday vacations in order to fill a backlog of sales orders.According to RV Business, while most employees did get to take the Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's holidays off, the company did not institute a company-wide plant shutdown this year.CEO and President Bob Olson said that working through the traditional shutdown would allow the company to ...

More than 300 RV parks and campgrounds have earned the prestigious 5W/5W rating by Woodall's 2010 North American Campground Directory.The publication uses a special dual-rating system that looks at both the park's facilities and recreation. Each of the 8,000 parks Woodall's rates each year is visited by a company representative and rated on a scale of 1W to 5W, depending on its quality. The system provides RVers and campers with unbiased insight in a format that is easy to use and understand.The ...

The NBA is using a highly customized RV to tour the country and connect with fans for the third consecutive season.ESPN's RV is a self-contained travelling fan fest that will visit 36 NBA games on selected Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.At each tour stop, NBA fans have the opportunity to tour the RV - parked in a prominent location of the hosting arena - as well as participate in activities such as free throw contests, vertical jump challenges, souvenir photo stations, and more."We're ...

Properly maintaining your RV is the most important thing you can do to keep it running and help it retain its value. Better RVing recently compiled a list of the most important RV maintenance tips, along with what they could cost if you they're ignored.Like cars, RVs need their oil and filters changed at regular intervals. This is necessary to keep your engine running properly and if left undone could eventually cause your engine to seize, which could cost you as much as $10,000. Most manufacturers ...

While carrying a good, old fashioned road map or atlas isn't unheard of yet, many of today's RVers are much more sophisticated and high-tech. From laptops and GPS units to cell phones and state-of-the-art iPhones, there are a lot of cool ways to use technology to make your total RV experience better.The iPhone is one of the most versatile high-tech gadgets on the market. It's part phone and part handheld computer, but can really be anything you want it to be. By simply downloading any ...

Carrying a good first aid kit is important for RVers as well as outdoor and camping enthusiasts. While there are many pre-assembled kits available, making your own ensures you'll have everything you need in case of an injury or an emergency.Camping Life magazine recently compiled a list of must-haves for first aid kits. Writer Rich Johnson says that you should think about what types of injuries you need to be prepared for before stocking up. The most common types of injuries include cuts, ...

The RV industry will celebrate its 100th birthday throughout 2010 with a number of different events and parties. Industry leaders are also encouraging others to plan their own celebrations throughout the new year."The Centennial is an industry-wide celebration that will continue throughout 2010 - including at the 48th National RV Trade Show - and help lift the industry's spirits as it draws positive attention to RVing, helping us stress a positive message about the industry to counteract ...

Driving an RV is nerve-wracking for many, especially those who are new to the lifestyle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says RVs are more likely to rollover than regular cars, due to higher centers of gravity, but offers some advice on avoiding these potentially deadly accidents on NewRVer.com.The NHTSA says that 85 percent of fatal rollover accidents only involve one car, indicating that drivers are often responsible for causing them and can prevent them as well.Excessive ...

Like in a brick-and-mortar home, replacing the flooring in your RV can provide the space with an instant update. According to FullTimeRver.com, the job of removing and replacing carpeting or other flooring can often be a do-it-yourself job.Although there are professionals who specialize in after-market RV flooring, some jobs are small enough - and easy enough - for RVers to attempt on their own.Vehicles without slide-outs are best for do-it-yourselfers, according to the website. The writers ...

The Amazon Kindle was one of the hottest holiday gifts this season, with website Amazon.com reporting it sold more of these high-tech electronic book devices than traditional books despite a pretty hefty price of about $250.While many have made the switch from old-fashioned, paper books already, others have not. However, these space-saving, lightweight devices are perfect for RVers who want to bring their favorite books on the road without worrying about storage or extra weight.The Kindle ...

Scouting out the cheapest fuel for your RV doesn't have to mean keeping your eyes peeled while rolling down the road. There are several more high-tech ways to compare gas prices while you're on the road.Websites like GasBuddy.com, Gasprices.Mapquest.com, FuelEconomy.gov and GasPriceWatch.com let you select a location to find the best prices nearby. These sites are certainly easy to use for many RVers for their pre-trip gas-up and for those who travel with handheld internet access and laptops.The ...

The RV industry will salute the workers who have kept the industry going for the past 100 years with a video tribute at the centennial celebration in June."The RV industry recognizes that the hard-working men and women on the factory floors, in the offices, and out in the field are the heart and soul of our industry," said Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) President Richard Coon. "America's RV workers make products that bring families closer together, and we recognize ...

A little-known government financing program may provide loans for RV park owners who haven't been able to secure financing for improvements and expansions during the recession.The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business Guaranteed Loan Program typically provides up to $10 million in funding for rural businesses that need loans for a variety of reasons, including refinancing, repairs, modernizations, development and expansions.These are the types of loans many RV park owners ...

If you're an old fashioned traveler who likes to depend on road maps to get you and your RV where you're going, or if you spend hours printing out directions before you leave for a trip in your RV, now may be the time to consider a GPS unit.Many RVers who don't have a GPS built-in on their vehicle's dash board think that these high-tech devices are too pricey. But that's simply not the case.Portable GPS units, like the GarminNuvi, range in price from about $135 to $450 dollars each. In addition ...

An unreliable or just plain ugly RV toilet is an easy - and relatively inexpensive - upgrade for your RV.Among the reasons many cite for replacing their RV toilet are inefficiency, poor design, wear and tear, and even where the flush mechanism is placed (hand versus foot pedal flush).Experts suggest looking for an RV toilet with a china base and bowl construction. These RV toilets are easier to clean than the plastic variety that come standard in most RVs, and they'll last longer too.When ...

Sleeping in an RV is no longer considered "roughing it." From great mattresses to luxury linens, RV enthusiasts have a wide variety of products to choose from to make their on-the-road bed more comfortable than ever.An RV mattress does not have to be thin and uncomfortable. Many mattress manufacturers are making versions of their most popular models especially for RVs. One of these companies is Select Comfort, maker of the Sleep Number bed, which allows users to adjust the firmness ...

The annual Mardi Gras celebrations don't get underway for more than a week, but some RVers in Mobile, Alabama, are already ready for the party to begin.According to Mobile's Fox 10 TV, the city's temporary RV city is already filling up. It's located under an overpass and can accommodate nearly 200 campers for the celebration.The RV city's volunteer coordinator, Ike Jimenez, has been working on the plan for months."A lot of phone calls, a lot of emails, a lot of coordination for the types ...

An RV is a major investment and must be maintained from the inside out to retain its value. One of the necessary maintenance duties for RV owners is cleaning the exterior of the vehicle. There are some tips that RV experts suggest for making this often dreaded job go quickly and provide great results.Like washing a car, you should try to wash the outside of your RV on a cloudy day or in a shady spot to avoid any streaking or spotting. Start on top and work your way down and don't forget ...

A recently-opened RV park in Vancouver has announced it still has spaces available for Olympic tourists and it's cutting its daily rate to attract visitors.The Whistler RV Park and Campground has reduced its rates by 15 percent to ensure it's filled up for the Olympics. Sites are available for $135 per night through February 28."The general public, tourism groups as well as the RV and tenting communities are just only getting introduced to our park," said director of marketing Caroline ...

The traditional Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial will lack one traditional Fourth of July staple this year - fireworks.Officials have announced that the fireworks display will be suspended due to an infestation of mountain pine beetles that have caused extensive damage to the Black Hills forests in and around the memorial."Fireworks at the memorial introduce an unnatural, human-caused risk of starting a catastrophic wildfire. This restriction ...

At Your Service--RV Rental RV Rental Offers More Vacation Options Renting an RV from Camping World is one of the best ways to get away, spend time with family and friends and see new sights. Even if you already own an RV, renting a Class A or Class C motorhome from Camping World gives you more options when you are ready to hit the road. Plus, now is one of the best times of the year to rent an RV! Rental rates are more affordable during the “shoulder” seasons compared to the ...

The roads into Yosemite National Park were closed last week due to severe snow and ice and the National Park Service is urging visitors to keep abreast of changing road conditions and to be prepared.All visitors entering the park this winter are required to carry tire chains and be ready to use them at any time, even if their cars have four-wheel drive. These chains improve traction on snow-covered or icy roads and are available for purchase in auto part stores and gas stations surrounding ...

Camping World, the world’s largest retailer of RVs and RV accessories, has partnered with Coleman®, the nation’s number one outdoor supply company, to offer affordable, high quality towable RVs. Several models of conventional and ultra-light trailers are available exclusively to RV dealers with Camping World wholesale and retail affiliations.   The trailers and 5th wheels are designed for camping and outdoor enthusiasts who seek an affordable towable RV built for outdoor ...

The Arizona State Parks Board has unanimously voted to close 13 additional state parks in response to massive budget cuts.Among the parks affected are popular landmarks of Arizona's old west including Tombstone Courthouse and the Yuma Territorial Prison.Popular RV camping destinations Picacho Peak near Tucson, Lost Dutchman in Apache Junction and Alamo Lake will close along with several others.Some of the closures are immediate, while others will come later this year."We don't have a choice. ...

If you're already an RV owner, you know that there are a lot of options when it comes to purchasing a recreational vehicle. From price to size to floor plan, the options are seemingly endless, and there are a few things to think about if you're a first-time buyer or a veteran owner looking for a new RV.NewRVer.com suggests thinking about how you plan to use the RV before making a purchase. If you know you'll be doing a lot of backwoods camping, you may want to consider a smaller RV like a ...

The countdown is on for the Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The March 7th event is the first NASCAR Sprint Cup series race of the year at the venue and RV campsites are already being booked.RVBasics.com reports that a limited number of campsites are available at the speedway's three newest campgrounds for the race weekend.The Legends Reserved Tent, Elliott Reserved and Elliott Reserved Handicapped Campgrounds have just a handful of spaces available for campers ...

Two friends from Washington state have created an environmentally friendly RV to fit their needs as recent college grads looking to live "cheaply and lightly."The American-Stateman newspaper reports that Dave Weaver and Thomas Ruble have converted a 1979 Bluebird International bus into a hip motorhome they can live in while parked in a yard in Austin, Texas.The bus, which runs on recycled vegetable oil, sleeps six and contains a hot-water shower, kitchen, refrigerator and freezer. The ...

Workamper News University and RV expert Terry Cooper are launching a 10-month long online course to teach consumers how to do the majority of their own RV maintenance, installation and repairs.Steve Anderson, editor of Workamper News University says the program will give both beginner and experienced RVers the advantage of knowing all they need to know to be successful while traveling in their RVs.The "Gold Star Club" course runs from February 4 through November 30."An RVer can take the pre-recorded ...

After what's been called the worst year in the history of the RV industry, many experts say a rebound is on the horizon for the year 2010. The manager of the 22nd annual Manufacturer's RV Show being held in Pleasanton, California later this month is one of them.Mike Nohr says the current economic climate bodes well for those in the market to buy a motorhome."It's the 'perfect storm' for RV buyers," Nohr said. "The economy's picking up and more credit's available, but it's too soon for dealers ...

A four-minute video about the RV industry's 100-year history is now available to be viewed online through the special website set up to celebrate the industry's milestone (rvcentennial.org) as well as on Youtube.com.The video, titled "RV Industry Centennial Celebration," provides an overview of the industry's history with commentary by Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) President Richard Coon and RV Historian David Woodworth."The centennial is an industry-wide celebration ...

Locating hard-to-find RV parts recently got a little easier with a new website.According to RV Business, rvpartsource.com came online a few months ago as a consignment site for dealers throughout the United States and Canada to post unwanted parts inventory for consignment sale.It was started to help dealers prevent throwing away valuable parts that were not in immediate demand and that could not be returned to suppliers. The owners say rvpartsource.com provides them with a way to save their ...

As the RV industry finalizes plans for its annual "Advocacy Day" in Washington, D.C., industry leaders say they're hoping to encourage lawmakers to continue with last year's motorhome tax deduction."We will plan to focus our conversations on the renewal of the sales and excise tax deduction for motorhomes as well as including towable RVs and truck campers in the renewal of that tax benefit," said the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association's (RVIA) senior director of government affairs, ...

Individuals who use their RVs for elaborate tailgates may want to tune in to see TLC's new program, Tailgate Takedown.RV Business reports that the show is hosted by former Recreational Vehicle Industry Association and self-proclaimed "Commissioner of Tailgating" Joe Cahn.In each episode, Cahn travels to a different college stadium and chooses three teams for an extreme cooking competition.In addition to the competition itself, the program takes viewers on tours of the competitors' sometimes ...

Camping and outdoor enthusiasts will see a recognizable logo on the bobsleds used by the U.S. Olympic team during the winter games in Vancouver this February.Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has become an official sponsor of the 2010 U.S. Olympic bobsled and skeleton teams, according to RV Business. "KOA is a great company and proving to be an enthusiastic partner," Said Darrin Steele, CEO of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF). "The timing of this couldn't be better as we ...

The unimpressive economy of 2009 may have had an impressive impact on people looking for affordable vacations. Yellowstone National park has announced that it set a record on the number of visitors to the park during the year.RV Business reports that nearly 3.3 million visitors entered the park during 2009, which was 7.5 percent more than the previous year and 3.6 percent more than the previous record set in 2007.Although visitation rates got off to a slow start, park officials say that ...

Winnebago is looking to increase sales of some of its products and to put money back into consumers' pockets at the same time.The company has announced a cash-back incentive they're calling "Dough to Go" that gives buyers $7,000 cash back when they buy a new 2009 ERA motorhome and $6,000 cash back when they buy a new 2010 ERA motorhome, according to RV Business."The ERA is an impressive Class B motorhome that's perfect for downsizers, weekend warriors or anyone looking for a full service ...

More than four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, there are signs that business is picking up and snowbirds are returning to the Mississippi coast.WLOX reports that the Cajun RV park, located on the Biloxi beachfront, is trying to rebuild its pre-Katrina business by luring winter RVers back."I think in the long run, most everything is going to get done," said the park's general manager Jonathan Mikovich. "It's just taking a lot longer than people anticipated it ...

While there is toilet paper that's specifically made and marketed for use in RVs, many people wonder whether or not it's really necessary.RV-friendly toilet paper is supposed to disintegrate quickly to avoid clogging up your sewage system or tank. However, a recent article on newrver.com suggests testing your favorite TP brand to see if it's acceptable for use on the road in your motorhome.RV enthusiasts Russ and Tina DeMaris say they've found that most conventional toilet paper is perfectly ...

Running your RV generator every month is necessary, even when you don't plan on using it anytime soon.According to veteran RV technician Mark Polk, gas generators need to be exercised with at least a half rated load for a minimum of two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load, which can be found in your owner's manual.Your owner's manual will also have information on maintenance intervals. Polk writes on RVtechtips.com that it's better ...

RVers interested in volunteering their time in exchange for free RV campsite hookups at state parks across the country this summer should start exploring their options.The state of Michigan has announced that it is seeking campground hosts for the 2010 camping season.Campground hosts do a number of different jobs at the parks they volunteer in, ranging from directing visitors to their campsites, answering questions about the park, arranging campground activities and performing light ...

Looking for an outdoor-friendly adventure this winter? The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has launched a pilot geocaching program at 12 state parks to introduce people to the trend.Participants in the Texas Geocache Challenge use a GPS device to find a small "treasure" hidden in one of the participating parks.Each "treasure" box contains information about the park, a logbook, small prizes and a paper punch for marking their visit on a geocache passport, according to TexasRVer.com.The ...