We knew that we did not have a ton of money to spend and therefore, we knew that we could not purchase a top of the line RV with all the amenities. Since I was handy, I was convinced that we could modify any RV to meet our lifestyle needs. Since we already had a 1 ton truck, we used that as a base line for our decision and decided on purchasing a 5^th wheel that we could tow. The next few pieces of the puzzle were not as clear. Since my wife was teaching online, we knew that we needed Internet access. That meant that we needed to be able to have internet connectivity from our RV, power a laptop, and a printer while on the road. Additionally, we also knew that we wanted to stay connected to the world and have satellite TV, Sirius satellite radio as well as other amenities.

As we began to figure out how we were going to do all of this, one thing became clear. We needed power and lots of it. The challenge of full time rving for us was that we were also travelling with two dogs.  For most this would not be much of a challenge, however, our dogs were Rottweilers. Upon researching the best ways to travel with dogs we quickly found out that most RV parks would not allow us to stay with our dogs. Apparently Rottweilers have bad reputations and are considered an insurance risk. Traveling without our dogs was not an option for us so things became even more complicated. If we were not going to be able to stay at RV parks, where were we going to get the power we needed for all of our required amenities? Thus began my research for a solution to our power problem.

I immediately though that RV solar panels could be the solution. I was right, but the problem was a bit more complicated than just bolting on a few solar panels. In order to make the solution work, I needed to know how much power I was going to use on a daily basis so that I could properly size not only my solar panels, but also the battery bank that I would need to store the energy collected, as well as the inverter that I would need to convert that energy from DC to AC power. Each system was a part of the overall solution.

Ultimately, I ended up modifying my entire RV. I added a large bank of 6 Volt AGM batteries properly wired to output 12 Volts for the RV. Attached to the batteries and wired into the RV electrical outlets was an inverter that transformed the DC battery power to AC for all the appliances that I needed and also charged the batteries when we were plugged in at an RV park. Lastly, and most importantly, I utilized solar panels to charge the batteries. For the most part, we did not stay at RV parks. The solar panels once properly sized for our needs kept us going and allowed us enough power to live the lifestyle that we wanted while on the road.

Today I consider the solar panels that we purchased the best investment that I ever made. They allowed us to camp in style wherever we wanted without having to rely on costly RV parks. They constantly keep my batteries charged and maintained as long as there is sun available. Additionally, they allowed us to live the lifestyle that we wanted to live while on the road without compromise.

 If you are interested in accomplishing a similar project and would like more information on how to accomplish the same tasks, please visit us at http://www.solarrvpanels.com.

Coleman Pop Up Campers are a great way to get your feet wet in the outdoors!  If you’ve been pitching a tent when you camp and would like to move up a notch or two on the comfort scale, you can’t go wrong with one of the best pop up campers on the market:  Coleman pop up campers. 

If you’re thinking of purchasing a Coleman pop up camper, and wondering what steps to take, here are some suggestions to help you avoid analysis paralysis!  First, before you set foot outside your front door, determine your camping budget.  Things to consider include the number of times per year you’ll use your new (or new to you!) Coleman pop up camper, and how many years you plan to keep it.  You’ll want to make sure that buying a pop up camper makes more sense for you than an occasional camper rental.  Then take a look at your annual camping budget overall.  How much do you spend for gas to get to your location?  Do you pay extra for recreational needs when you get to your camping location, such as boat rental?  What are campground fees and other expenses?  Will you need to purchase or modify a vehicle to tow your new Coleman pup up camper?  What is the tow rating for your vehicle?  That part is super important as it will limit your tow capacity.  Next, determine what portion of this budget is for the new Coleman pop up camper itself.  Does this portion include insurance for the new camper?  Once you’ve factored in all the details, you should be left with the dollar amount you can spend on a pop up camper.  Write this number down!  Consider this number carefully.  When you’re confident with this number, and ONLY then, have some fun shopping for your new pop up coleman camper! 

Take a general look at Craigslist and in your local newspapers to see what is available, to get an idea of the Coleman popup model you like.  Do you need the bare bones basics or do you prefer all the creature comforts?  Will you be camping in summer warmth only, or need winter warmth?  As you narrow down your needs and look at available models, you’ll be making a list of the models you see, the prices, and you’ll naturally be drawn more in one direction more than others.  If you can afford  a new,Coleman camper,  you might want to visit some dealers, clutching tightly the piece of paper with your budgeted figure!  It can get pretty overwhelming there on the showroom floor as you look at all the Coleman pop up campers options!

Here are a few suggestions for additional reading:

Click Here:  Pop Up Camper Blue Book Values
Click Here:  Pop Up Camper Values

When you’re considering insurance for your recreational vehicle you’ll need to gather the information prior to purchasing the the recreational vehicle for sale. Before you go rving, you’ll be looking at recreational vehicles such as new and used rvs, new and used tent trailers, pop up trailers, and all models of new and used campers for sale. Talk to the recreational vehicle dealer that specializes in new and used recreational vehicle sales about the rv or travel trailer accessories included so you can make a complete list for your recreational vehicle insurance needs. Insurance for recreational vehicles should not be overlooked, and is an important consideration in your budget.

Recreational vehicle dealers are knowledgeable about insurance needs for your recreatonal vehicle.  The insurance options available for recreational vehicles vary widely.  When you consider your budget for your recreational vehicle you’ll need to decide your tolerance for risk and loss.  As you might expect, the less you pay for recreational vehicle insurance, the more risk of loss you are exposed to.  This is where the recreational vehicle dealer can really help out by projecting the expenses for typical problems you might experience when rving.  On the lowest cost end of the scale for recreational vehicle insurance you’ll want to protect yourself from any damage you might cause to other people.  Just like driving a car, when you’re driving a recreational vehicle you need collision insurance.  And with new motor homes you’ll need a lot more than the bare bones insurance to protect your major investment! 

Which company provides the most comprehensive insurance recreational vehicle at the lowest cost?  Be resolved in your right to determine this answer!  Do not be pressured by a recreational vehicle dealer that needs to make recreational vehicle sales!  Your recreational vehicle dealer may offer insurance for your recreational vehicle.  Just like shopping for auto insurance, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best deal!  Plan your trip to the motorhome dealer in advance.  Make a list of the information you need to gather, and be firm with yourself and the rv dealer that before you are ready to go rving you will take the simple steps of gathering information, comparing that information, and making informed, pressure free decisions.   Remember that even if you were to pay cash today for your new motor home or used recreational vehicle, the expense of insurance will last the entire time you own your recreational vehicle….  Make an informed decision!

• Class A New and Used Diesel Recreational Vehicles
• Class A New and Used Gas RVs
• Class B Recreational Vehicles
• Class C  Motorhomes
• Fifth Wheel Trailers RV’s
• Fifth Wheel Toyhaulers
• New and Used Travel Trailers
• Hybrid Travel Trailers
• New and Used Pop Up Trailers – Campers
• All Truck Campers
• New and Used Park Models
• New and Used Cargo Trailers

Here’s a fantastic time saver for setting the blue book value of any RV, Camper, Travel Trailer or Recreational Vehicle.  Click the links above, which go to eBay Motors, and are already dialed in to the search terms.  The links display current prices.  When you to the search results, take note at the upper right side of the page on eBay, and you’ll see the term “See Completed Listings”.  Just click on “See Completed Listings” and you’ll see the results of previous sales for the types of campers and recreational vehicles you need to compare.  You’ll see the exact dollar amount that the sales have completed for, if the item was sold.  This is a very important aspect of determining the blue book value of any recreational vehicle, trailer or camper – the current market prices!  You can start the process of establishing the blue book value of a recreational vehicle or camper by consulting the book value published as a starting price, such as the online Nada Guide (only for certain newer years, not the old or vintage campers.) Then fine tune your blue book value by taking a look at the actual market conditions!  If you are selling an item that’s in demand, and the supply is low, you have a better chance of getting blue book value when you sell.  On the other hand, if the supply is plentiful and the demand low, you’ll need to consider selling at a competitive price, which may be below established blue book values.  This is more of an art than a science, good luck!

Take a minute and browse eBay today!

Tags: Recreational Vehicles on eBay, RV’s on eBay, Trailers on eBay, Campers on eBay

Related Posts:  Class B RV

Are you working on a vintage trailer restoration project?  How is it going for you?  Did you know that there’s an entire website for Vintage Trailer Supply?  It’s easy to locate those hard to find vintage trailer parts!!! Trailer awnings really make a vintage trailer look sharp, so why not find the lovely trailer awning you need?

If you need ideas and supplies for restoring your vintage camper trailer, you’ll love the Vintage Trailer Supply website!
Click Here: Vintage Trailer Supply

What type of vintage trailer do you have, and what projects are you working on?  Is this what you’re looking for?  What do you need for your vintage trailer restoration project?  Here are some of the items you can find on the Vintage Trailer Supply site:

• Vintage Trailer Windows, Doors, Vents Restoration
• Vintage Trailer Chassis Restoration
• Table Parts, Curtain Hardware, Interior Lighting, Cabinet Hardware
• Vintage Trailer Moulding and Trim for Restoration Projects
• Vintage Trailer Baggage Compartments and Front Doors – Replacements and Upgrades
• Electrical, Plumbing, Propane, Appliances for your Vintage Camper Trailer Restoration Work
• Polishing Aluminum, Caulks and Sealants, Rust Preventers, Cleaners for your Vintage Campers
• Vintage Awnings, Rivets and Fasteners For Exterior Restoration Projects

Please leave a comment and share with us about the vintage camper trailer restoration project you’re working on, and if you’d like to show of some pictures we’d love to post them!

tags:vintage trailer restoration related posts: Vintage Trailer Slideshow,  Vintage Camper Trailer Rentals  Vintage Trailers Sales Prices

1. Tennessee Vintage Trailer Rally at Misty River Cabins and RV Resort May 14 – 16 2009 
2. Southern Indiana Vintage Camper Rally at Sullivan Park and Lake June 11, 12, 13, and 14 2009
3. Indiana Vintage Trailer Rally at South Bend South Bend KOA July 30 – August 2, 2009

Do you know of any other vintage camper or trailer rallys planned for 2009?  Or, any vintage camper or trailer events?  Know of any vintage trailer or camper parades or shows?  Please leave a comment, we’d love to share info about your 2009 Vingate Camper or Trailer Rally, Parade, Event or Show!

Technorati Tags: Vintage Trailer Rally, Vintage Camper Rally, Vintage Camper Parade Show Event

Related Posts:  Vintage Campers on eBay

Powered by WebRing.

There are so many interesting vintage camper and trailer websites! You can also check out the blogroll on this site. Do you have a website or blog about vintage campers? Let’s exchange links! Just leave a comment and get the ball rolling!

Read some more: Vintage Campers on eBay

Just to let everyone know that we have set the date for the 2009 Indiana Vintage Trailer Rally at the SouthBend IN KOA. The dates are July30-31-Aug.1-2 2009. Make plans to be there. this is a small campground so don’t delay! Any comments or guestions email us at lacyjune [at] csinet.net (replace the brackets with they usual @) or call (219)754-2656. Thanks again Mike and Sandy – Your wagonmasters!

Here’s the link for the 2009 Indiana Vintage Trailer Rally Campground: KOA Campground Info:

Pictures from last year’s rally: Vintage Trailer Rally 2008 Pictures  You’ll need to log in to the Yahoo Groups to see the pictures.  This is the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vintage_Trailers_USA_Network/ group.  If you’re not already a member, why not join today? 

Need nearby accomodations?  Check Travelocity

Read about another vintage trailer rally:  Vintage Camper Rally in the Smoky’s 2009
May 14-16, 2009

Know of any other upcoming vintage trailer rally’s for 2009?  We’d love to know!  Please leave a comment!

Technorati Tags:2009 Vintage Trailer Rally, SouthBend IN KOA Vintage Trailer, Vintage Camper Trailers

Misty River Cabins & RV Resort has graciously offered to host the 2009 Tennessee Vintage Camper Trailer event. If you will be joining us for the first time, you are in for a wonderful treat! Misty River Cabins & RV Resort is the Tennessee Campground of the Year 2008-2009. Here is just a sample of what Misty River Cabins & RV Resort has to offer:

• 72 full hookup RV Sites with cable & WiFi service Pool & Hot Tub.
• BBQ Shack by the Pool & Game Room
• Private Bath Rooms and Laundry facilities, No gym showers here!
• 2000 feet of river access to the Little River for fishing, tubing and swimming.
• Close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

The vintage camper trailer rally dates are from Thursday May 14 till Sunday May 17, 2009.  Here is just a sample schedule for the vintage camper trailer rally:

Thursday May 14, 2009: Early vintage trailer group member arrivals can set up and hang out with other vintage campers, no events are planned for this day.

Friday May 15, 2009: Start the morning off with a nice hot cup of Joe in the Club House. The rest of the vintage campers arrive today. This is a great day to walk around the park, get the low down on how to do some new things to your trailer, hang out with old and new friends, do a little sight seeing, shopping, hiking or just relax!

Saturday May 16, 2009: This is The Big Day! After having your morning coffee, everyone will get ready for the Big Open House and Swap Meet. This event is the best part of the whole rally. We will invite the public, vintage camper owners and those who want to be, the Press and everyone else to come on down and visit with us from 11am till 4pm only! In that 5 hour period, every one of them will be coming to see your trailer! We will also hold a swap meet at the same time, so you can all drag out all of those great collectables and vintage trailer related items to sell at your site.  We will be having a pot luck dinner in the club house at 6pm.

Sunday May 17, 2009: It has been a great weekend but it is now time for us to start packing it in for the drive home.

Misty River Cabins & RV Resort is offering a reduced “Group Rate” fee of $32.00 + tax, per site, each night to stay at the park with a two night, Friday and Saturday minimum. These sites are available on
a first come first serve basis and must be reserved before APRIL 30, 2009 for the reduced rate. All sites are “full hook-up”.  Cancellations must be made with Misty River at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival in order to receive a refund. If you would like to extend your stay at Misty River, they have graciously extended the group rate to all rally attendees for 4 day prior to and 4 days after the rally. You can order and pay for those nights when you make your reservation. If you want a camp site next to someone else, we would suggest that you make the arrangements with Misty River at the time you pay for your site.

Important information, please read:

Sales:
Vintage items, camping goods , old trailer parts and other such items are more than welcome for the swap meet on Saturday and may be sold at no expense if you are camping at Misty River. If you wish to place a for sale sign in your trailer at the event with the hopes of selling it, you are more than welcome to. Anyone wishing to sell new & old trailers related items at the event and not camping will be required to register with Misty River and pay a sellers fee. No other individual or business may advertise, promote or hand out business card or flyers at the event without the express written permission of Misty River Cabins & RV Resort.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in May
Diane & Jimmy Felton
Vintage Trailers USA Network (The Vintage Trailer Yahoo Group!)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Vintage_Trailers_USA_Network/

Misty River Cabins & RV Resort
5050 Old Walland Hwy.
Walland TN 37886
(865) 981-4300

Visit the Misty River Cabins and RV Resort

Technorati Tags: Vintage Camper Trailer Event, Vintage Camper Trailer Event 2009, Vintage Camper Club, Vintage Trailer Group, Misty River RV Campground Tennessee