By Chuck Woodbury
Camping in a tent or sleeping on the hard ground isn't everyone's idea
of a meaningful experience with nature. Nowadays, a camping trip often
means roughing it in a recreational vehicle or what most people call
an RV. It makes sense. The baby boomers hit 40 years ago and a slab of
uneven, rocky soil isn't as forgiving as it once was. Many campers
today are looking for something a little more comfy.
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a difficult task. If you need help finding the right motorhome insurance
company, you might try calling RV America Insurance. RV America writes
all types of insurance for RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, and more.
RV America can be reached at 800-400-0186. RV insurance from RV America
can include Total Loss replacement, Emergency Expense Coverage, and more)
A motorhome, travel trailer, or other RV is like a small cabin on wheels,
usually complete with stove, oven, refrigerator, shower, toilet, beds,
heater and 12-volt electrical power. Smaller units may not have bathrooms
or hot water. Some rigs, though, have lounge areas, air conditioners,
bathtubs, microwave ovens, built-in color televisions, and generators for
extra power.
When asked why they like the RV lifestyle, RVers cite the convenience of
cooking their own meals, sleeping in their own bed, and taking a hot shower
at anyplace, any time, even in a remote campground. They also mention that
with an RV they are always packed and ready-to-go.
Compared to automobile travel, where motorists eat at restaurants and
sleep in motels, vacationing in a RV is economical. Gasoline and campsites
are the major expense. Food costs the same as at home because you cook
your own meals. Overnight accommodations are reasonable, usually from
about $5 to $25 a night. A surprising number of public campgrounds are
still free.
There is, of course, an initial investment. Motorhomes, the most
expensive RVs, sell from $25,000 to $250,000, with most between $35,000
and $80,000. Low-priced units are usually not as well constructed as the
high-priced models, although it may not be apparent from outward
appearances. The over $80,000 units are favored by full-timers, mostly
retired couples who live in their rigs much or all of the year. Less
expensive motorhomes, $20,000 to $50,000, are best suited for part-time
RVers. These units may not have wet bars, trash compactors or built-in
televisions, but they're ideal for weekend camping trips and summer
vacations.
Among the least expensive motorhomes are those built on the chassis of
small trucks. The advantage of these micro-minis, besides price tags
often under $25,000, is their gas mileage, typically around 15 miles
per gallon. The disadvantage is that space is often limited, and the
units may be underpowered.
Truck and van campers are more compact than motorhomes, but offer many
of the same features at a lower price. Travel trailers, tent trailers,
and fifth wheelers (trailers with a raised forward section) have no
engines and are therefore less expensive to purchase than motorhomes.
They may, however, require a special tow vehicle, which can be costly
if a would-be RVer doesn't already own one.
A good idea for many first-time RVers, or buyers on a budget, is to
start with a used unit. Second-hand trailers are often available for
less than $10,000; used motorhomes sell from $10,000 and up. But be
careful when buying a previously owned rig: get a lemon and you'll likely
spend a wad getting it into shape.
For those who have never camped in a recreational vehicle but are thinking
of buying one, it's wise to rent one first to see if they're suited to the
RV lifestyle. Renting is a good idea, too, for those with less than a few
weeks a year to camp. Motorhomes rent for about $350 to $750 a week depending
on location, model of rig and time of year. Trailers are considerably cheaper.
To find a local rental dealer, consult your telephone directory under
"Recreational Vehicles c Renting and Leasing".
Before buying your first recreational vehicle, learn all you can about the
different types on the market. Talk to people who own RVs and ask them what
they like and dislike about their rigs. Be sure, too, to attend RV shows that
are held periodically in large cities. These shows are a great place for
would-be RVers who are convinced they want a rig, but still need help deciding
which type of vehicle best suits their needs and budget. For most RVers, a
recreational vehicle is the second biggest purchase of a lifetime next to a
home. And, like buying a home, it pays to shop around carefully before making
a choice.
Chuck Woodbury is the editor and publisher of Out West, America's on-the-road
newspaper. Woodbury travels the West by motorhome, writing about the people
and places he encounters along the way. A one-year subscription to the quarterly
newspaper is $11.95 from 408 Broad Street, Suite 11, Nevada City, CA 95959.E-mail:
outwestcw@aol.com.
