Handy Apps for RVers

At Pikes Peak Traveland, we are all avid RVers and try to keep up with the latest technology especially when it involves making traveling in our RVs easier.  Since most of us now have a smart phone, it is worth knowing a few time-saving, convenient apps that are available for Android or iPhone users.

As most of us have been in the situation where all we need is an overnight spot to park our RV, this Walmart Overnight Parking Locator app can help to save you time by locating such a spot.  It gives you the location of a Walmart anywhere in the U.S. and tells you whether it allows overnight parking in their lot.  The app provides the address and phone number of the particular location you are interested in.  To get it, visit the Google Playstore or the iPhone app store to download the latest edition.

Another useful tool is the website addresses for locating sanitary RV dumping locations in the U.S. or Canada.  If you just google RV dumping sites, you will bring up a couple of very good websites.  They not only allow you to search by state so you can find the closest one, but provide the dates they are open.  In addition they have information such as whether they are open to non-registered guests, and if there is a fee, and you will know in advance if they have potable and rinse water (non-potable) available.

Another Android or iPhone app is a locator for truck stops throughout the country.  One of the Android apps lists both independent and chain stops.  It has information on the street address, plus Interstate exits, food service, number of parking places, and RV facilities (special island, dump, propane). The app will mark your gps location on the map so that you can easily find locations nearby.

For more information on these apps see:

http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2014/02/rv-apps.php

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Looking for Quality Service or Repairs on Your RV?

At Pikes Peak Traveland, we not only sell new and used fifth wheels, travel trailers, motorhomes and more but we also operate one of the top RV service and repair departments in the area.  Regardless of the type of job required, we have the capability to take on very large, complex repair jobs, general maintenance and warranty service as well as hitch and tow package installations.

When needed we are more than happy to provide estimates and will work with your insurance company. Our service department has plenty of experience with large insurance jobs, such as hail damage, water damage, accidents and more.

The staff is made-up of highly qualified RV technicians that are trained to give you the best service for your RVs.  With today’s modern complexities and the industry’s rapidly changing technologies, it is important to make sure your RV is being serviced by someone who knows and understands the various systems.

Our technicians are constantly learning and researching the latest troubleshoots and with our “never quit” attitude, they work to ensure your RV is fixed right the first time. Whether you need electrical work, satellite system programming, tow bar installation, roof replacement or any other service performed, rest assured we have what it takes to complete the task.

In addition to our reliable repair services, we also offer excellent deals on routine maintenance and tune-ups.   Furthermore if you have never attended one of our spring or fall, Prep Your RV Seminar clinics, you need to make a point to do so.  These seminars are designed to give you all the tips you need to get your RV ready in spring to get back on the road, or come fall, to make sure it is properly winterized.  If you are not interested in doing it yourself, we can provide the service.

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

History of the Travel Trailer

At Pikes Peak Traveland, we have served the greater Colorado Springs area since 1982 and have seen trends in the RV industry come and go.  It got us thinking about the history of travel trailers and the evolution of the “home on wheels” over the last hundred years.

The travel trailer has its origins from the caravans of the Romani people, known as Gypsies that spent most of their lives traveling around Europe in horse drawn caravans.  In 1880 the first leisure trailer was built by the Bristol Carriage Company and was 18 feet long.  It was bought by a famous author of teenage fiction, Dr. William Gordon Stables, who traveled throughout England in it and later wrote a book detailing his travels.

In America as cars became more affordable and more roads were built during the 1920’s, travel trailers were introduced to the public and their owners become known as ‘tin can tourists’.  The popularity of travel trailers continued to increase as they became better designed and more livable (now called house trailers) and partly due to the development of the National Parks system.  People now had a new destination to take their travel trailers.

For those interested in the history of the RV industry, you may want to consider a trip to The RV/MH Heritage Foundation’s RVs Founders Hall in Elkhart Indiana.  The Hall is open to the public and displays trailers, photos, and memorabilia dating back to the 1920’s and 30’s.  The museum takes you through the chronological and technological advancements of the industry from before WW I to the present day.

The RV/MH Heritage Foundation also maintains a library that archives thousands of volumes of periodicals, records, and photos of the history of the RV/MH industry.  It is the only library that is dedicated entirely to the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.

Sources:  rvmhhalloffame.org/museuminv.cfm, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_trailer

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Safety Upgrades for Travel Trailers

If you own a travel trailer, there are some simple upgrades you can do to help ensure your valuables and trailer is protected from theft. Thankfully it is not very common but trailers have been driven away by complete strangers as well as belongings stolen from storage compartments when a trailer is parked in a campground or even when stored for the winter.

One of the things you may want to consider is a trailer hitch lock that is specifically designed to prevent theft.  The lock clamps into the coupler and prevents your hitch from going over any size ball.  If you buy one, make sure it completely covers the coupler so it cannot be lowered over a ball.

If you don’t want to bother to get a trailer hitch lock, you should at least run a cable lock system through the wheels on one side in order to lock them together.  Once you have prevented the wheels from moving, no one is going to be able to move your trailer either.

Another thing you may not be aware of is that the valuables in your storage container might not be as safe from theft as you think.  Many storage containers have a generic lock and key system that is used on up to 75% of the travel trailers on the road.  Add to that fact, master keys for the units are easy to obtain at dealerships.  To find out if you have one of these commonly keyed storage compartments, check to see if your locks and keys have CH751 printed on them.  If they do, think about replacing the locks.

The good news is that several manufacturers have addressed the problem with a wide variety of high-quality locks.  The new locks are fairly easy to install or you could have it done by your dealer.  In addition you can find them at most RV dealerships’ parts and accessories store or online.

Source:  rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2011/02/rv_locks.php

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

What to Look for When Buying a Used Travel Trailer

If you are thinking about purchasing a used travel trailer, there are several things you need to inspect to make sure you know what you are buying. The good news is that it is easier to buy a used trailer than a used motorhome as you will not have to take into account the engine and drive train.

One of the first things to look for in a used travel trailer or fifth wheel is for any sign of water damage or leaks. Visually inspect the trailer’s interior for water stains, soft spots or peeling wallpaper and focus on ceiling corners, around the windows and along the sides of the floor. Open all of the closets, cabinets, and drawers to make sure they are free of dry rot. Check windows to make sure they open and close properly as well as the door.

Now get out and look at the siding for signs of any separation or loose panels and the roof for any obvious damage. Examine the seals on the roof to make sure they are in good shape. Take a look underneath the trailer to check out the condition of the frame. You do not want to buy a trailer that has a badly rusted frame or cracks, broken welds or impact damage. In fact once you buy, it is a good idea to have the wheel bearings inspected and repacked if it hasn’t been done recently, and while you are at it, have the electric brake system checked out.

Another thing you want to look at in a used trailer is that the appliances are clean and in working order. When you buy from a dealer, make sure it is part of your sales agreement that everything is in good working order including the water heater, water pump, water lines, furnace and A/C.

Keep in mind that buying a used RV from a reputable dealer may be your best assurance that you are getting a quality travel trailer that has already been inspected and serviced. A high-quality RV dealer should be staffed by RV certified and master certified technicians and will be able to provide any additional services you may require on the RV.

Sources:
rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/06/used_travel_trailer_fifth_whee.php, rvforum.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=428:buying-used-trailer-or-fiver&catid=38:buying-an-rv

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help. We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around. Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.

Why Get a Travel Trailer?

We understand that a RV is a large investment so you want to make sure you get it right. Although according a recent study conducted by the University of Michigan, “Seventy percent of current RV owners plan to purchase another RV to replace their current unit in the future”. So while it is probably true that this will not be your last RV, you will still want to find the perfect fit for your needs right now and a travel trailer may be it. They make up an impressive 80% of all towable RV sales.

While each style of RV has pros and cons, the travel trailer has its advantages. To start with, a travel trailer is typically less expensive and requires less costly maintenance and upkeep than a motorhome. In addition many of today’s trailers can be towed with a SUV or van but you do need to buy a trailer in the weight range of your tow vehicle unless you have decided to purchase a new vehicle. Keep in mind many larger travel trailers will require a truck to tow.

A lot of what determines the RV you buy should be the type of activities you intend to do with it. For families that want to purchase a RV to use for camping trips, a travel trailer makes a lot of sense. You can just pull them into a campground, park it, and then enjoy all the amenities of your “home”.

The tow vehicle is easily unhooked and now provides a convenient way to get around. With a motorhome, if you are not going to just park your RV and stay put, you will need to pull a vehicle behind for the times when you want to get out and sightsee or run to the store for supplies. Additionally a typical tow vehicle and travel trailer will get better gas mileage than a motorhome.

Source:
rvia.org/?ESID=trends

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help. We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around. Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.

Save Money by Boondocking

For those that are new to the RV lifestyle, the term boondocking may be unfamiliar. It is sometimes referred to as dry camping, but simply means to park your RV in a location that has few or no amenities. This can be done as a quick one or two night stop or something that is done in a more deliberate manner over a longer period of time. The obvious advantage is that it is generally free or costs very little as compared to a full service campground.

Often quick, overnight parking is something you do when you are on your way to someplace and require a stop in-between your destination. You can find information on free (or for a small fee) RV parking with few or no amenities on the Internet or in RV magazines. Examples of this type of accommodations are truck stops, malls, restaurants, casinos, and some rest areas. Keep in mind that many of these spots are not places to bring out the awning, lawn chairs and other equipment to clutter up the lot.

The other type of boondocking is when RVers make the decision to deliberately set up camp in an area that does not offer any services. These are often beautiful, out of the way locations that are not within an organized park or facility. To find such a location, you can contact a US National Park Service, National Forest Service, or a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office to see if they have suggestions. Additionally, these agencies publish maps that are on the Internet.

There are also a couple of directory services and guidebooks that specialize in providing good boondocking locations or you can use detailed maps to find places. It can be a fun alternative to staying in campgrounds but is challenging as you may need to learn how to conserve your water and energy resources.

Sources:
roadslesstraveled.us/boondocking/

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help. We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around. Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.

Can You Afford to Be a Fulltime RVer?

While it is certainly not for everyone, some people dream of the day they can take their RV on the open road and not look back. Making the move to become a fulltime RVer can be an experience of a lifetime but is something that should be thought out carefully beforehand.

One of the first things to consider is can you afford it. Today many people work remotely and have the ability to still make an income while on the road. If that is your situation, than affordability may not be an issue. For others, if you are retired or do not plan to work, you need to take into account the money you have coming from pensions, other income, or social security.

Your living expenses should be less than what you paid to live in a traditional home as you will not have property taxes, HOA dues, and utility bills but you do need to figure how much it will cost. If you still owe money on your RV or vehicle, you need to include that cost into your living expenses. Also add in insurance, health care, membership fees, cell phones, and other monthly commitments.

Look over past grocery bills to estimate how much you spend on food. Include in your budget money for entertainment, clothes, laundry, mail forwarding and miscellaneous expenses. You will also need to have money earmarked for maintenance on your RV and vehicle and annual registration fees.

Now add in cost for gas, propane, and camping fees. Both camping fees and fuel costs will fluctuate with where you stay and the miles you travel. In addition cost will vary as to the type of lifestyle you live and many of these decisions will be based on your income.

It is helpful to research other people’s experience with RVing fulltime. You can check out forums, blogs, and chatrooms on the Internet or get books. One tip an RVer mentioned that may seem obvious but is sometimes forgotten is to remember to take your time. There is no hurry and staying in a place for a while actually can save you money by reducing gas consumption and other travel expenses.

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help. We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around. Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.

Solar Power Your RV

Do you want to try and get off the grid or at the very least save some money? Now that solar power is becoming mainstream there are more options than ever available for RVs. An RV solar system can help to reduce the time that you live off of your generator and is a great solution for people that boondock or just want to go “green”.

A big advantage to solar-power systems is that they have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. They are safe and reliable and do not create the noise or smell of a generator. Furthermore you decide how big of a system you want and how much you want to spend. Solar can be used to power just a few devices or to completely power the RV.

So what does a solar-powered system consist of? RV systems will have one or more solar panels, a charge controller, batteries and the parts required for installation and hookup. An article from Trailerlife.com explains that solar panels are rated by their watts of output and that the “wattage rating is determined by multiplying the panel’s peak power voltage by its peak power amperage.”

You may wonder how big of a system you need to power your RV. To find out how much energy you use, one of the leading RV solar providers recommends that you boondock your RV and do not use the AC generator or shorepower. Now under normal usage see how long it takes to run your batteries down. The company takes that information and calculates approximately how many amp-hours you consumed on an average day and how many solar panels would be required to provide the same energy. They estimate that the average RV consumes between 75 and 150 amp-hours of energy a day.

Sources:
trailerlife.com/camper-trailer-news/trailer-gear/rv-solar-power/
amsolar.com/home/amr/page_19

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help. We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around. Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.

Load Your Travel Trailer Properly

It is important when towing a travel trailer that you load it properly to avoid trailer sway and give yourself more control over the trailer. By taking the time to evenly distribute the weight when loading the trailer you can help to alleviate any problems. According to Aol Autos, “If you ever notice the trailer starting to sway or whip, let off the gas and hold the steering wheel straight. Do not brake, speed up, or try to counter the sway.”

One way to effectively load a travel trailer is to spread the weight from side to side and from front to back based on your trailer’s load specifications. According to the Your RV Lifestyle website, weight distribution is critical and you should, “know your Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), obtain measurements of specific wheel position loads and set tire pressure appropriately.” You are also trying to keep the center of gravity low and have all cargo secured to prevent it from shifting while the trailer is moving.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles says that hitch weights for travel trailers should be on average at least 10% of the trailer’s gross weight to ensure smooth handling and can go 15% or higher in some cases. If you tow a large travel trailer, your hitch weight is determined by capacity of the tow vehicles and the hitch. Heavy trailers should be towed by a pickup truck or heavy-duty van. Always keep in mind that if you do not follow your specific recommendations, you may find yourself in the unpleasant and potentially dangerous position of a trailer fishtailing across lanes.

You can research on the Internet or check the yellow pages to find a public scale where you can bring your trailer in to have it weighed. Furthermore remember that the suggested speed for safe towing is no higher than 55 MPH and it is the law in many states. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the trip along the way to help guarantee a safe arrival.

Sources:
autos.aol.com/gallery/towing-tips/#!slide=51302
your-rv-lifestyle.com/towing-tips.html
dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help. We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around. Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.