Author: praveen.pothuganti@traderinteractive.com

Ford has long been a staple of recreational vehicle manufacturers, providing their E-series cutaway chassis vehicles for a wide range of RVs, according to a report by Examiner.com. Entering 2016, many of those vehicles will also be built on Ford Transit cutaway chassis frames starting with the new Winnebago Fuse.

The Winnebago Fuse, a Class C motorhome, is built on the new Ford Transit cutaway chassis. Class C motorhomes include vehicle frame, suspension, powertrain and cab, with the living area accessible behind the driver’s compartment.

According to Ford, the all-new Transit cutaway offers customers additional options for lighter-weight chassis in Class C motorhomes – a segment where Ford is already a popular choice with the Ford E-series cutaway the top-selling chassis in this market.

The new Transit family of cutaway chassis frames offers more flexibility to manufacturers to build RV vehicles that meet a wider range of adventure interests for today’s families, says Ford.

“Many of these customers are interested in outdoor adventures like kayaking, mountain biking, snowboarding and such — more national park than RV park,” explains Yaro Hetman, Ford brand manager for Transit, Transit Connect and E-series. “Sales of smaller Class C motorhomes have been on the rise for the last few years as younger, more active buyers enter the market.”

In addition to Winnebago, other manufacturers building motorhomes on the new Transit platform include Thor Motor Coach and Coachmen RV, a division of Forest River Inc.

For the full story click here.

This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com.

If you’re looking to vacation in prime vacation destinations with world class customer service and outstanding amenity packages, then Sun RV Resorts is your one-stop-shop! With an impressive collection of over 45 luxury RV resorts and campgrounds in 16 states across the United States, Sun’s portfolio caters to all-ages and families, including active 55+ guests.

As an RVer, there is important information to convey about your rig to an RV resort or campground when reserving a site for your getaway. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 Site Types

RV sites will vary in size, so it’s important to make sure you’re booking one that will fit the length of your rig as well as accommodate any room for slide-outs.  Some RV sites are also large enough to accommodate a tow behind vehicle, so you’ll want to keep this in mind if RV resorts and campgrounds are stating that they offer sites longer than 45 feet, which is the length limitation on the longest domestic recreational vehicles available to purchase.

Another option to keep in mind during your travels is whether RV sites are pull-through or back-in. A pull-through RV site is just as it states, one that you can drive into and exit on the other side. A back-in site is a little more complicated because if you’re unable to back-in your rig it will be more difficult to hook up the sewer and water hoses as well as the electricity lines since the utilities are meant to be set up on the driver’s side of the RV.

  

·         Electricity: Most campgrounds and RV resorts offer 30-amp service for pop-up campers and travel trailers or 50-amp for larger RV’s. It’s possible to step the power source up or down with designated electrical cords and adapters, allowing 30-amp units to use a 50-amp power source and vice versa. It is always best, however, if you can book a site with the proper power source for your particular RV.

·         Water: Water hookups allow RVers to connect their rigs directly to a campground or RV resorts fresh water supply. Only the most rustic/remote campgrounds do not offer this service.

·         Sewer: A full hookup connection at an RV park or campground will include a sewer connection on your RV site, which allows you the convenience of dumping your tanks as needed without leaving your campsite.

·         Cable and WiFi: Connections to cable television and WiFi are hit and miss when it comes to most parks, but at Sun RV Resorts, we offer cable service and our free Simply Sun WiFi service at almost all of our locations.

  

Although all of the RV resorts and campgrounds in the Sun RV Resorts portfolio, and others across the county, offers sites with plenty of room for multiple slide-outs, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind before setting up your rig. Inquire about the specific campsite that you’ve been assigned to ensure there is enough room on either side of the site to fully extend your slides or awnings. Obstacles, such as trees or utility hookup posts, can wreak havoc on your rig and not allow your slide-outs to fully extend out.

Purchasing an RV is a major decision, so it isn’t uncommon to “try before you buy” by renting first. Even a short-term rental period can be very informative to your commitment to embrace the RV lifestyle. Sun RV Resorts offers select locations with fully prepped RV rentals right on-site, so you can experience an RV without the added fuel expense of driving it yourself or having to set everything up. This is ideal for first-timers looking to get their feet wet in the RVing world.

  

The helpful, friendly and knowledgeable team members at Sun are always willing to lend a helping hand in locating your site and assisting with setting up your rig. From directing you as you back-in and leveling your rig to assisting you with your various hookups, we believe in exemplary customer service and going the extra mile for all of our guests!

With a little bit of planning, your vacation can avoid the classic pitfalls of road tripping and be the best experience possible. Here are five tips to make sure that getting there really is half the fun.

Try to book hotels and estimate how long it takes you to get from point to point in advance so you can set a pace that won’t wear you out. A service like Roadtrippers can help you plan your trip and even calculate fuel costs.

• Gas up at exits that feature multiple gas stations. The competition will ensure that you get a cheaper price than exits with only one.
• Try to keep your luggage as light as possible, which will make your vehicle lighter and help with fuel economy.
• If you’re the type of person who gets lost easily, invest in a GPS device before your trip to avoid wasting fuel on lengthy detours in the wrong direction.
• Use cruise control and obey the speed limit. Safe driving can actually help you save fuel.

Make Sure Your Car Is Roadworthy

Keep Everyone Happy

Eat Healthy

Unfortunately, it’s easy to pig out on fast food while you’re on the road. Instead, think about making your own food and bring it along in a cooler. If you’re driving long distances, healthy snacks like mixed nuts or a turkey sandwich will give you a bit of energy as you drive. Making your own food also helps you determine what your kids eat if you’re making a family road trip.

Planning an amazing road trip does not need to be a headache. With these simple tips, your family can have memories that last a lifetime.

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

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

St Johns Fall RV Show

Oct 8-11, 2015

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

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.

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 2^nd year on the road! 8 out of 10 will break down by their 5^th year, and nearly every RV on the road will suffer a major mechanical failure by their 8^thyear.

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.