Outdoors in the Fall: Things to Do and Places to Go

By RV Trader
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont display some of the most spectacular fall foliage you’ll find in the country. Peak leaf peeping season falls between early September and mid-October. Cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and colorful landscapes make fall an ideal time to RV in New England.

Maine
For spectacular autumn views, take a drive up Route 1 from Old Orchard Beach along the scenic Maine coastline where you can enjoy detours for spectacular photography opportunities and explore areas such as downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely drive through Acadia on the Park Loop Road, without the hordes of bumper-to-bumper tourists you would see during the summer.

The campgrounds and RV parks located near Baxter State Park, home of Mount Katahdin. With over 200 miles of hiking trails and various ponds and lakes for boating, outdoor enthusiasts can truly experience “The Way Life Should Be” while camping in this region of northern Maine.

New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s White Mountains National Forest is another magnificent destination for your autumn RV adventure. This family-friendly region offers a variety of attractions for kids, including the Conway Scenic Railroad and gondola rides up beautiful Wildcat Mountain. The 1200 miles of ATV-accessible trails make New Hampshire the off-roading headquarters of New England.

Vermont
Active RVers can also enjoy over 700 miles of hiking trails and an extensive network of biking roads throughout the Green Mountains of Vermont. Plus, fall is peak harvest time in Vermont, so be sure to stop at one of the many roadside farm stands you’ll see along the way, offering tasty treats like native apple cider and real maple syrup. Better yet, pick your own apples fresh off the branch at a local orchard.
There’s nothing quite like the beauty of nature’s changing palette in New England. Crisp autumn air and carpets of freshly fallen leaves provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable RV road trip.

Sun RV Resorts in Maine: Old Orchard Beach KOA, Wagon Wheel RV Resort & Campground, and Wild Acres RV Resort & Campground.

Sources

2015 Not Back to School Roadschool Rally a Tremendous Success

In September, 2015, 45 renegade RVing families choose NOT to send their kids back to school and instead, converged on Branson for 4 days of family friendly fun, local attraction touring, educational seminars and the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded friends.  The 2015 Not Back to School Roadschool Rally was a tremendous success with kids and adults alike enjoying activities that included:

The RV Olympics
RV Trader’s Movie Under the Stars
Let’s RV’s Internet Connectivity and Apps Roundtable Discussion
Color Me Amazing Fun Run
Time4Learning’s Mathletes Sunday Social
The Instant Pot Demo by Katie Graham
Xscapers Smart Weigh Seminar
Matt Smith’s Going Solar
A Donut Sendoff from the National Pilot Car Association

and the Main Event, Lazydays 80’s Retro Prom!

Attendees also participated in field trips to the Titanic Museum, Jonah, The College of the Ozarks, and Shoji Tabuchi. 

Visit the Fulltime Families Youtube Channel for a video recap of this event and make plans to join us at future events:

Cruisin’ Cali – San Diego California, Jan 7 – 10th, 2016
Sweetheart Soiree – Tampa, Florida Feb. 11 – 14th, 2016
4th Annual FtF Roadschool Fieldtrip to Legoland, FL Feb 12th, 2016
To reserve your spot for these events, visit www.fulltimefamilies.com


Fulltime Families is the resource organization for families living and dreaming of full-time or extended RV adventures. 

The membership club, which aims to support the unique needs of family full-time RVers, hosts rallies across the country, runs a large social media platform to encourage and connect traveling families, and supplies resources and mentoring for families looking to transition from a traditional lifestyle to a fully location independent mobile lifestyle.
Kimberly and Chris Travaglino, founded the organization in April 2009, when they noticed a lack of resources for younger RVers while exploring the full-time RV lifestyle for their own family.

Since it’s inception, Fulltime Families (or FtF as it’s referred to in the RVing world) has hosted 9 nationwide events, several large scale field trips to theme parks, kicked off many nationwide programs for RVing families and facilitated hundreds of meetups across the country.

For more information, go to www.fulltimefamilies.com 

is hosting three winter events in 2015 – Make plans to join us! Click here for more details. http://fulltimefamilies.com/slideshow/its-rally-time/










Kimberly Travaglino is the author of “How to Hit the Road”, a comprehensive step by step guide for making your family’s full time RV dreams a reality. She is the co-founder of Fulltime Families, a company that supports risk takers, pioneers, and enlightened families blazing their own path across the country.

Are you headed to the 63rd Annual California RV Show in Pomona, California?



Are you headed to the 63rd Annual California RV Show in Pomona, California? 

Check out RV Trader’s booth (#11 & #12) for a chance to win one of our awesome prizes!

Make sure to check out all of these awesome RV manufacturers at the show too!

Winnebago 3013 http://gowinnebago.com/
Itasca 4003 http://goitasca.com/
Winnebago Touring Coach 4010 http://winnebagotouring.com/
Dutchmen 2005 http://www.dutchmen.com/
Evergreen RV/
Lifestyle Luxury
1004 http://www.goevergreenrv.com/
http://www.lifestylelrv.com/
Fleetwood RV 3023, 4006 http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/
Heartland 3001, 1010 http://www.heartlandrvs.com/
Holiday Rambler 3012 http://www.holidayrambler.com/
Jayco/Entegra Coach/
Highland Ridge RV
2001 http://www.jayco.com/
Leisure Travel Vans 3016, 4016 http://leisurevans.com/
Monaco 3012 http://www.monacocoach.com/
Newmar 3007 http://www.newmarcorp.com/
Nexus RV http://www.nexusrv.com/
Pleasure-Way 3015 http://www.pleasureway.com/
Roadtrek 4009 http://www.roadtrek.com/
Thor Motor Coach http://thormotorcoach.com/
Starcraft 2006 http://www.starcraftrv.com/
Grand Design RV 4008 http://www.granddesignrv.com/
American Coach 1005 http://americancoach.com/

Check Out These October & November RV Events!



Looking for an RV show to head to this month? Check out these awesome upcoming RV events:
St Johns Fall RV Show

Oct 8-11, 2015

63rd Annual California RV Show
Oct 9-18, 2015

Oct 15-18, 2015

Oct 30-Nov 1, 2015
Oct 30-Nov 1, 2015
November 05 – 08, 2015
Nov 12-15, 2015

Roadtrek will Roll Out Latest Product at Pomona

Kitchener, Ontario-based Class B builder Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. will showcase its newest product offerings at the California RV Show in Pomona, including the all-new Zion SRT and the new EcoTrek lithium power modules.
According to a press release, Roadtrek will have over 15 models across its full lineup on display at this year’s show, including the Zion SRT, the second model to be built on the Ram ProMaster chassis; the XL edition on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis that provides an additional 18 inches of rear storage; and the EcoTrek power module with VoltStart technology that takes the ability to boondock to “an entirely new level.”
The Zion SRT is based on a regular length chassis with a 159-inch wheelbase. Features include a full kitchen galley with a two-burner propane cooktop, 5.0 cubic foot refrigerator and a microwave. Just like the original Zion, the SRT offers large storage capacity including a space-saving slideout pantry, large pot drawer and under cabinet shelving. Designed for a couple or single traveler, the Zion SRT also comes equipped with a spacious permanent bathroom with shower and a rear power sofa that converts to a queen size bed.
“These are exciting times at Roadtrek, we have a ton of great new products and features that are changing the way our customers see RV travel,” said President and CEO Jim Hammill. “The California RV show has always been one of our biggest selling shows and we know this year will be no exception as we have had tremendous response to the EcoTrek product. It’s the No. 1 item people are asking for right now.”
The EcoTrek lithium power modules enables the user to become completely energy independent, using 90% of available power before any voltage loss will occur. Available in 200-, 400-, 800- and 1,600-amp hours, it can also be combined with the mass solar power systems and the proprietary VoltStart auto start battery protection system for even greater off-grid flexibility.
Also on display at this year’s show is the CS Adventurous on the extended XL chassis featuring the newest options that include a drop-down rear power cabinet for additional storage and a removable headboard with shelf.  For the adventure seeking RVer, Roadtrek has equipped many of its 4 x 4 model with solar panels.
Roadtrek will be displaying in Booth No. 4009 at the Oct. 9-18 Pomona show. For more information visit www.roadtrek.com
This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com.

RV Breakdowns – What is the real risk for your RV?


The future of RV Repairs could be changing.

What is the real cost of having an RV Breakdown?
While the answer to this question depends on your specific RV, statistics show that the average costs associated with repairs are skyrocketing, landing at $100 per hour or more for labor alone. Many RV owners fail to factor in the cost of parts, however, which generally run 2 times the cost of labor. In other words, for every hour or $100 in labor spent, the cost of parts will average $200, for a total of $300 per hour in total.
Today’s RV is a true testament to our modern ingenuity, but the technological advances in recent years have come with an unusually high cost of ownership.  The wear and tear your vehicle endures during travel makes it much more susceptible to costly breakdowns. One of the most popular questions the modern RVer faces, then, is how to accurately prepare for RV failures and the overwhelming costs that accompany them?  To answer this, ask the following questions:

What are the Odds?It is a common misconception that newer RVs will not break down. In fact, 3 out of every 10 RV’s will break down by only their 2nd year on the road! 8 out of 10 will break down by their 5th year, and nearly every RV on the road will suffer a major mechanical failure by their 8thyear.

What are the Costs?  We mentioned above that the average repair will cost $300 per hour between parts and labor, and when all is said and done, the actual dollar figures associated with RV repairs are surprising. An engine repair can run you upwards of $30,000, while even a simple refrigerator repair averages out at $3,500.  RV experts find that the costs of mechanical breakdowns are often overlooked, leading to the popularization of budget planning and protection products for RV travelers.
How do I Protect Myself?  RVWarranties will step in to pay for the most common repairs your vehicle will face, and offer a wide array of coverage options to suit your desired level of risk. New or used, motorhome or towable, there is an RV Extended Warranty available to protect your budget. In the past, RV Warranties were a hotly debated topic in the community, but the internet has provided RVers with access to affordable and trustworthy protection options.
One of these online providers of RV Extended Service Contracts, commonly referred to as RV Warranties, is Wholesale Warranties. This company has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, and has been featured on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America for the last two years in a row. The RV Warranty Experts at Wholesale Warranties offer consumers cost-effective options for safeguarding their vehicles against the increasing cost of RV repair.
Jeff Shelton, the owner of Wholesale Warranties, attributes the growth in popularity of RV Warranty contracts to rising repair costs and new consumer benefits. He states, “RVers are noticing the cost of RV maintenance and repairs rising, and they’re searching for ways to protect themselves from incurring the financial burden of a blown engine, lost generator, or dead appliance. To accompany our comprehensive coverage options, Wholesale Warranties has also recently launched our sister site, RVRepairDirect.com, and the response has been overwhelming.”

How do I make sure I get the best repair service? 
RVRepairDirect.comis an online tool RVers can use to find affordable and reliable RV Repair Facilities in their area through an interactive map feature, and comprehensive review system. While the RV Warranties offered by Wholesale Warranties allow you to take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility in the United States or Canada for work, they provide their customers the added benefit of RVRepairDirect.com, and will personally help warranty users find a trustworthy and cost-effective facility in their area. Jeff Shelton calls this “…the future of RV Repair. For our customers, RV Warranties and RVRepairDirect.com are all about convenience and peace of mind.

While they can take their RV to any repair facility in the country, most choose to use the site because of the convenience and the fact that we have the more influence than anyone in the industry.  We don’t represent just one customer, we represent thousands of customers, and not just policy holders, but anyone with access to the internet.   We have noticed that customers dissatisfied with their service have dropped by at least 80% since we started the RV repair review process.  We understand that the claim and repair process will never be flawless, but this has been a huge step in the right direction.”

It is impossible for anyone to know how much any specific RV will cost in future breakdowns, but more RV protection tools exist now than ever before.  RVs are built for leisure, travel, and enjoyment, and knowing that you are protected from the costs of RV breakdowns as well as the uncertainty of choosing a repair facility can allow you to truly embrace this peace of mind.

Whether to purchase an RV protection product or not is a personal choice, but it never hurts to know your options. For more information on mechanical breakdown protection or choosing an RV Repair Facility in your area, visit www.WholesaleWarranties.com.

This article was provided by www.WholesaleWarranties.com.

Ready to Trade? We Have The Guide For You.


Odds are, youre browsing this newsletter because youve been thinking about upgrading to something bigger, newer or altogether different. Whether its a trailer, motorhome or coach, if youre serious about trading your RV anytime soon, you could probably use some insightful tips. 

Rest assured, Newmar has you covered with The Complete RV Trade In Guide.

This comprehensive, two-part series takes an in depth look at every aspect of the process, from determining the right time to trade to prepping your RV for maximum return.  Its essential reading for anyone entering the trading marketplace or simply exploring the possibility. 

Built to a Higher Standard

As one of the industry’s most iconic names, the legendary Dutch Star is in a league of its own. Combining high-end luxury features, breathtaking exterior styling, ample power and a wide variety
of floor plan options, Dutch Star has remained one of North Americas best-selling diesel coaches year after year.
The 2016 Dutch Star is engineered to outperform and out-deliver every other motor coach in its class. More Floor brings full tile flooring to the flat-floor slide outs in the kitchen, living area and
master bedroom. The all-new STAR Foundation adds strength and support to an already stout Freightliner® chassis. Finally, Dutch Star boasts Newmars Cathedral Ceiling, which adds six
inches of additional headroom in the rear master bath.

Learn more about the 2016 Dutch Star Diesel MotorCoach

NFL, MLB Stars Appearing at RVIA’s Calif. Show

Sports fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a meet-and-greet session with baseball’s Steve Garvey and Jim Abbott, and football Hall-Of-Famer Eric Dickerson at the 63rd Annual Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) California RV Show at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.
According to an announcement, Garvey is called the “Iron Man” for setting the record for National League consecutive games played with 1,207 straight appearances. During his illustrious career, he was a 10-time All-Star and 1974 National League MVP.
Abbott, the left-handed pitcher for the Angels who was born without his right hand, won 18 games for the Angels in 1991. One year later, Abbott was given the Tony Conigliaro Award, given annually by the Boston Red Sox to a Major League player who overcomes an obstacle and adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage.
Dickerson, who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1999, played for the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Raiders and holds the NFL’s single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards that was set in 1984.
Guests can meet Jim Abbott at 11 a.m. on Oct. 10 and Garvey at 1 p.m. to get autographs and take photos. On Oct. 11, Eric Dickerson will be greeting fans at 12:30 p.m. and will be available for photos and autograph signing.
The California RV Show will feature more than 1,300 new RVs, 48 manufacturers, and 17 dealers, plus food and educational seminars, including the “Best of Show” displaying 20 unique RVs. The show provides a free trolley and also offers mobility scooters, wheelchairs and kids wagons for rent at the entrance.
The show runs Oct. 9-18 at the Fairplex in Pomona, Gate 9. Show hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. Adult admission is $10; children 17 and under are free. Active military personnel are free with ID. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Purchase tickets online at thebestrvshow.com. For more information, call 818-248-6600.
The show is produced by the RVIA, the national trade association representing RV manufacturers and their component parts suppliers who together build more than 98% of all RVs produced in the United States.
This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com.