Buying an RV – if you’ve decided this is your best option

Before you buy, if you're looking to buy used, this book may help. The purchases in this post will also help me get a little closer to buying my own RV. It includes information that an appraiser has put together about buying used RVs and what to look for. Click Here!

Or, if you'd rather watch the information about buying either used or new on DVD, check this out. The Insider's Guide to Buying Your Dream RV

Also, if you want information online about buying an RV, you can Click Here!

RVpublications.com - Buying a used or new RV, tips, training, downloads


rvbuyingtips.com - Talks also about insurance, loans, financing, each type of RV individually, and general information on the left hand side of the website.


newrver.com/publish/rvbuying.shtml - many different articles you can click on about what to look for when buying an RV.

rvsleuth.com - Seven most common mistakes and how to avoid them, confessions from an RV dealer, and more info about how to get a great deal and specific RV types.

Attitude - How does this relate to RVing?

Before you roll your eyes and say, "Who are YOU to tell me about my attitude," I'm not. I want you to ask yourself these questions and YOU tell ME whether or not you might benefit from the link below:
1. Am I where I want to be in life (emotionally, financially, spiritually, physically, emotionally)?
2. Am I working towards getting there?
3. Do I know where "there" is?
4. Could it be my attitude holding me back?
5. Is my spouse or someone else in charge of my dreams and the achievement of them?

I'm not going to judge whether you're in need of an attitude adjustment, but I will tell you what I know to be a true success principle: If you want to be ANYWHERE in life, you have to BELIEVE it BEFORE you'll ever SEE it happening in your life.

Do you want to be a full-time RVer? Do you want to own an RV? Do you want to be able to quit your job and live the life you've always dreamed of? Do you think that even before you go on an RV trip that you know you'll have to make a repair on your RV so why even go? Am I afraid of what bad things might happen, so I avoid even renting or buying an RV? Maybe some of the books on the ads on the right side of this blog can make it happen for you. They have very practical information. Or, maybe it's not about practicality, but attitude.

The more I learn in life, the more I realize that success doesn't have to do with your education, family background, financial/physical situation, your past, or your time availability. Success has to do with hard work and, most importantly, attitude - believing you can and will succeed, even if you don't have a plan yet.

If you have decided that you need a little attitude adjustment - remember, only YOU can decide and change that attitude if you want to - but don't know how to change it, this book may help. In purchasing this book, you're helping me achieve one of MY dreams as well - to own an RV myself. How to Succeed with a Winning Attitude - Find Out How to Get Into the Perfect Mindset

Class B RV

Built on Chevy Astro base 33k miles - 6 cylinder engine gets 15 MPG 21 feet - fits in a standard driveway or parking spot big storage trunk and roof AC 100 watt solar panels on roof awning on the side above entrance door.



Never seen such a beautiful class B RV - I don't know the website it originally came from (I found it on picasaweb.google.com under "class B rvs" - apparently it either is or was for sale.) Just don't know much about class B RVs and wanted to check out what they look like.

Many people choose Class B RVs because they are generally shorter and easier to drive as well as cheaper in cost.  For more of a definition, check out my Glossary of Terms.  This is the biggest Class B RV I've seen - generally, they look more like 15-passenger vans.

Some benefits of Class B RVs, other than the above, are:

• They fit in all of the RV campgrounds (including those with length restrictions)
• You don't have to take another driving test and get another driving licence
• They still include the basics - toilet, bed, and the like
• You don't have to feel like a semi-truck on the road
• You can still hear movies or games played in the background, so you feel more included
• They're better on gas mileage
• Easier to park in parking lots or on roadside

Testing, Testing

Just adding google ads and checking to see if it works. By the way, I'm working on the Amazon ads. I know that right now, they have nothing to do with RVs or RVing.

My Other Blogs - dun, dun, dunnnn

I have a Squidoo blog and a HubPages blog as well as this one. There are different things on all of them. If interested or just curious, my Squidoo page is: www.squidoo.com/skaggsrv and my HubPage is: www.HubPages.com/hub/rvparks

I made the Squidoo page and the HubPage as more ways to get the word out to the RV community. The reason I'm doing all 3 blogs, besides what you see in the "about me" section is to benefit the world in my own little way. I want to help RVers and aspiring RVers to get the information, humor, opinions they want/need all in one place. I want to have a different take on things or put different information, so I can find those who connect with the way I present information.

All 3 blogs have different information presented a little differently, so feel free to keep tabs on all of them. I update at least one of them 6 days a week (I still hold the belief that the Sabbath is for God and worship of Him - and always will).  Either that or I will create more hubs and lenses, depending on what I decide will work best.

Plagarism - a little off topic, but I think it could still apply

I belong to a Yahoo group called RV basics and that's one of the questions most recently been controversial. My opinion, as one person brought up God, is that God doesn't condone plagarism. Yet, one the other hand, copying is a form of flattery. I believe that there are so many ways to give others the credit for what they've done, why not. On some of my posts I've copied or paraphrased from other websites, but I make sure that I site the source, unless of course the source is from my own head.

I think that the most successful business owners in the world have copied someone who has been influencial in their lives. Plagarism is something mainly for school, and when you take others' work as your own. As long as you give credit where credit is due, I think there's nothing wrong with copying someone else's work and putting it on your blog, etc.

If anyone has a differing opinion, I want to hear it - or if you agree with me, I want to hear that too.

RV Trip - What to do before your first vacation

First of all, you have to get it registered and get insurance on it like any other vehicle. If you register your RV with www.taxfreerv.com, you can do it legally, but save lots, thousands the site states. To get insurance, check with your auto or homeowner's insurance agent first to see if they will cover your RV. Progressive and GEICO are two insurances that will cover RVs. Also, you can check out rvinsurance.org or rvainsurance.com. The latter website only serves those in America. Good Sam RV VIP membership includes insurance for some RVs.

Also, whether it's a new or used RV, it's always good to have a tune-up. There might be something that passed Safety & Emissions that could prove to be a roadblock to having a fun time on your trip. RVs are generally not anything to toy with when it comes to repairs.

One thing that is not necessary, but I'd highly recommend is buy another set of stuff you'd like to just leave in the RV, so you don't forget it. This might include: sunscreen, bug repellent, extra hair brush/comb and hair accessories, toothbrush, toothpaste, extra pillows and bedding. If you have an RV that has a kitchen, this also might include: salt, pepper, unopened bottle of ketchup/mustard/salad dressing (like Miracle Whip or Ranch, Catalina, Thousand Island, Italian)/mayonnaise/pickles, flatware, plates, cups/glasses/mugs, coffee pot, extra packets of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. If you have an oven in your RV and like to bake, you can leave the following in your RV (in a tightly sealed container so critters don't get to it before you do): flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, favorite spices, oil, shortening/cooking spray, cold or hot cereal/oatmeal. An extra set of clothing that you don't use much might be useful as well.

Though I'm sure you've driven your RV around a time or two, are you truly comfortable with the way it drives, your seat position, etc. It would definitely be helpful to make sure you know where everything is and feel completely natural driving before you're out on the road - possibly near help and possibly not. Take a few test drives to know how to maneuver your new RV.

If anyone would like to comment or add any items, feel free to do so.

A book that can help you with RV travels checklists - there are many in here - can be shown in this blog post. Click Here! Please support my cause of owning an RV someday.

RV - Which type are YOU?

SkaggsRV

If you scored:
15 You're more like a Class "A" RV
10-14 You're more like a Class "B" RV
5-9 You're more like a Class "C" RV
0-4 You're more like a Travel Trailer
-5 to -1 You're more like a Camper
-10 to -6 You're more like a Toy Hauler/Sport Utility RV
-15 to -11 You're more like a Fifth Wheel
-20 to -16 You're more like a Park Model home

Class “A” RV – You’re large and in charge. You like being in control. Yet, you also like being pampered and taken care of by others. You are very competitive and like to be in the lead. You also like to take care of what you own because you like the feeling of ownership. You may not tell anyone, but you want to be respected, and maybe a little feared, by others.

Class “B” RV – You like family togetherness. Unity is more important to you than being in the lead. You would rather have people around you and be crowded (like eating at a table) than have anyone feel left out of the party. You want people to like you, but you don’t want to stand out from the crowd. Helping others is a high priority in your life.

Class “C” RV – You like to travel, but you don’t want to take up too much space doing it. You are a little old-fashioned and environmental. You like the feeling of being out in nature more than you like the feeling of being home sometimes. You like to venture out and do new things, but are a little reserved rather than adventurous. While traveling, you spend more time outside of your RV than in it. You use your RV for the basics, but are off to explore most of the vacation.

Travel Trailer – Others might call you a follower, and you like it that way. You like to see what the world is all about in a controlled environment. You like to spend time in nature, if everything is safe. You observe the world from your safe place, and if you find it is to your liking, you explore your surroundings. You like to stay put at times, even if your friends or family are urging you to step out of your comfort zone.

Camper – You change your mind often. First you like one thing, then you want another. You are very outgoing, but want to make sure it’s safe. You don’t like being alone, and will sometimes do things with others you don’t really like just so you won’t have to be alone. You have a very strong personality when around others, but when on your own, you aren’t quite sure who you are or what you stand for.

Toy Hauler/ Sport Utility RV – You like to play. There’s no doubt about that. You work hard, but play harder. You just try to find the biggest thrills possible within your means. You are not invincible, but almost. Sometimes while playing, you feel invincible, and that has gotten you into trouble a few times (or more). Life is for you to enjoy to the best and most of your ability. You will stretch your ability just for the next thrill.

Fifth Wheel – Sometimes you’re in charge, and you like it that way, but deep down inside you feel a little insecure. You don’t let anyone know you feel this way, except those closest to you. You feel uncomfortable sharing your feelings. You would rather just play, talk, or let someone else talk. When other people talk, you listen; sometimes it beats them knowing how you truly feel about them or what they’re discussing.

Park Model Home – You just like feeling comfortable. While family and close friends are around is when you feel most comfortable. You like nature fine, but you like home better. You only go out in nature when other people you want to spend time with go out in nature. You would rather do what feels natural to you and that is entertaining and making others feel comfortable. You don’t necessarily like being the center of attention, but you don’t mind it for brief periods of time, especially when giving instruction.

This is for entertainment purposes only. I don't know how accurate any of these are, so take them with a grain of salt. If you'd like to take the quiz associated with this, I should have it done by the end of the day, visit my HubPage at: http;//hubpages/hub/skaggsrv

RVing and God

Not to sound too preachy, but I just thought of some ways RVing can be similar with our relationship to God. I’m not going to spout any specific religions’ ideals, so don’t think that is what this is about. I would only be willing to do that one-on-one. Also, please don’t feel I’m attacking you; just hoping you’ll use this information to help you to think. This is not intended to be sacreligious in any way - just thought provoking and interesting.

RVing can be like our relationship with God/church because some people only go once a year. The emotional tie/circumstances don’t allow for more. In other words, some are only half-hearted in both RVing and with God. Others are avid and go RVing or spend time with God year-round.

RVing often involves being in nature, among God’s creations. Being grateful for nature and what God has created can be a powerful form of prayer. Not to mention a powerful way to attract more beauty into all areas of life. God created these creatures and this land for us to enjoy, so why not make the most of it.

How we treat our RVs might be similar or different to how we treat God. Do you take your RV out for a spin every month or so to keep the engine going well, and wash/clean it after every time you go RVing? Do you let cobwebs build up around inside your RV or in your relationship with God?

You can have different views of both. You can think of your RV as a vehicle, a tool, a home, an end to means, your baby, a big hunk of stuff that takes up space, a getaway, a happy memory, a lemon, or many other things. You can also think of God as a vehicle, a tool, your home, useless, mean and demands justice alone, nice gives you mercy and grace, a creator, a person, an omnipresent/omniscient force, a cloud, a destroyer, or many other things.

I'm having technical difficulties - I'm trying to post but am not allowed to

RVing across America

One whole summer of getting in your RV and traveling across America. They say that getting there is half the fun. Well, if you call sitting still on an airplane or in a car for hours or days FUN, then by all means go for it. Now, just compare that to relaxing on a comfortable sofa, or laying on a bed with a soft mattress while traveling from one state to another. Not only do you get to enjoy the great wonders of this country, but you get to enjoy the comfort of getting there as well. Best of all, this is not a short one to two week vacation. It's a whole three months of visiting national parks, museums, amusement parks, baseball stadiums, and historical sites - and not having to pay any hotel nights.

For information about national parks you can go RVing into, check out this blog post.

It looks like the author of this book had the same idea as my husband (who gave me the words to say in this post). RVing Solo Across America . . . without a cat, dog, man, or gun Please support our cause of wanting to own an RV someday soon.

RV dealers/sales

If you've decided on the purchasing an RV route, there are many options:

www.skaggsrv.com - if you're in Louisville, KY area

www.rvtrader.com - all over the USA

www.rvdealersnetwork.com - all over the continental USA and Alaska

www.dexknows.com - To find local dealers

www.rvda.org - if you ARE an RV dealer, or would like to become one

www.dreamrvsforsale.com - For Europeans wanting to RV in the USA for nearly free and South American tours

www.cloverleaf-rv.com - Parts dealer and RV dealer as well - They distribute internationally

www.motorhome.com - Canadian and USA rentals, Worldwide rentals/dealers, RV parks, financing, parts & accessories, manufacturer information, worldwide government tourism information, and worldwide industry links.

This ebook might help with buying an RV from one of the above dealers Click Here! Please support my cause to own an RV!

RV blogs and forums

If anyone is interested in checking out RV blogs and forums on the internet, the way you do this is: do a Google search  and make sure you put in quotes - ie: "RV blogs" or "RV forums"

Yellowstone National Park, Sawtell Peak, Harriman State Park, Earthquake Lake, Big Springs, Johnny's Sack Cabin - heading through Island Park, ID and need an RV park?

For information about Yellowstone and other national parks, click here to go to another of my blog posts.

There is an RV park in Island Park with: RV hookups of all sizes, laundromat, multi-purpose room, pet walk, many social activities, fuel station/convenience store, and attractive landscaped areas. I went to a potluck dinner last night and it looked like everyone, from all over, just had fun like many of them were friends that meet there every year (which actually was the case). I went with family, since my grandparents-in-law own it - that's why I decided to write about it.
Nearby in Idaho, there is: Big Springs, Harriman State Park, Johnny Sack's Cabin, Mesa Falls, and Sawtell Peak. Nearby in Montana: Yellowstone National Park (west entrance, museum, and visitor's center), Nevada City, Virginia City, Ennis, and Earthquake Lake (self-guided history tour).
The contact information is: 5152 North Highway 20, Island Park, ID 83429; phone #s: 208-558-7443 and toll-free 888-558-7443; www.valleyviewrv.com

Changes

I hope you will permit me to be a little personal on this post. Within the past two months, I have had a brother, grandfather, and (3 month old) niece pass away. With each passing, one expected and two unexpected, it just brings to mind how fragile life is. I'm not going to get religious on you, we all have our own beliefs, and I can respect those which are different than mine. Whatever you believe, I hope you treat life (yours and those around you) with respect. We never know when this will be our last day, nor the last day of those we love. I suppose some choose to RV to visit family, or our nature family. I just hope you get in touch with loved ones. If you do regularly, you can never regret visiting them too much. I know I don't feel like I visit my family too much, and after these recent changes, I take the visits when I can get them, even if it is at a funeral. I know one of the reasons I want to start RVing is to making more memories with family and visiting family. I just know time is too precious a thing to waste, and so is family as well as our own lives.