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Author: Ryan Miller

  • A Snowbird’s Best Friend: 4 RV Types Ideal for Migrating South this Winter – Updated For 2023

    A Snowbird’s Best Friend: 4 RV Types Ideal for Migrating South this Winter – Updated For 2023

    Updated For 2023

    Trade the snowflakes for sunshine this winter and plan your next escape in your RV. If you’re a “snowbird,” that means you’re a winter RVer who will take the warmth down south or out west any day over the wintry weather up north. Your RV gives you the chance to spread your wings and get outside, relax, and have fun during the next few months. Now is the time to shop for your next vehicle so you can plan to visit these warm weather destinations for winter RVing. RV Trader is sharing the four best types of RVs for snowbirds, with some of the top models from different vehicle types, so you’re ready to hit the road this winter.

    1. Fifth Wheel

    Fifth wheels are rigs you can tow with a larger vehicle, so you might want to travel not quite as far to your snowbird destination. However, you can save money against higher-end, larger RVs, while getting all the space and the comforts of home, like a kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and bathroom. You also have plenty of storage space, which is important if you’re packing up your belongings for a stay all winter.

    Popular Fifth Wheel Models for Snowbirds: Grand Design Solitude, Heartland Bighorn, Keystone Montana

    2. Travel Trailer

    As the name implies, these RVs are meant to get around. They can be a more affordable option, and give you the basics even with less space. Look into options that have bedrooms, kitchen space, and a bathroom. Plus, another bonus—they’re easier to tow with a truck or SUV. If you’re only snowbirding for part of the winter, you should consider a travel trailer.

    Popular Travel Trailer Models for Snowbirds: Forest River Alpha Wolf, Keystone Hideout, Winnebago Micro Minnie

    3. Class A

    Class A vehicles are among the most popular models of RVs for snowbirds, since these large coach motorhomes are meant for longer stays and going further distances during the winter months. There’s also no need to tow or bring another vehicle, just pack up your things and head out. While you’ll find listings with higher prices for the higher-end, luxury vehicles, some common Class A features include a large living space, kitchen, dinette, den or entertainment area, bedroom, and bathroom.

    Popular Class A Models for Snowbirds: Newmar Ventana, Thor Outlaw, Tiffin Phaeton 

    4. Class C

    Class C is meant for adventuring snowbirds, and are ideal for duos or solo travelers, though you can find some models that can accommodate small families. With a smaller design, these vehicles are much easier to maneuver and take off on a road trip. And what they lack in room, you can still get the basics like a sleeping space or kitchen setup. They’re also much friendlier on the wallet and less pricey with fuel.

    Popular Class C Models for Snowbirds: Coachmen Leprechaun, Jayco Greyhawk, Winnebago View

    When you’re ready to migrate south for the winter, pick out the right RV for the trip. Be sure to check out RVTrader.com to see the nation’s largest inventory of new and used recreational vehicles.

  • 6 Warm Weather Destinations for Winter RVing – Updated For 2024

    6 Warm Weather Destinations for Winter RVing – Updated For 2024

    Updated For 2024

    With temperature drops, shorter days, and other early signs of winter, RVers like to take off with their vehicles and head for warm and sunny destinations. It’s easy to see why, with so many popular destinations in the South and West that offer campgrounds and attractions for RVing “snowbirds” to visit. In addition to popular campgrounds for winter RVing, don’t miss out on warm weather destinations that can extend the RVing season year-round. To help you find these locations, RV Trader is sharing six warm weather destinations for winter RVing.

    1. Everglades City, Florida

    Skip the steps for winterizing your RV and make plans for a warm weather stay in the Sunshine State at Everglades City.  You can visit Everglades National Park, with over a million acres of park with wetlands and waterways invite RVers to find recreation and relaxation while taking in the unique biodiversity within the area. The Everglades is best experienced when you do some wildlife watching, as there’s a chance you may see an American alligator, Florida panther, or West Indian manatee. You can also hike, bike, boat, and fish while you’re there. With plenty of RV options for camping with full amenities, you could take a longer stay. And in the winter, you’ll find there’s less chance of rain after the passing of the wet season.

    Everglades

     

    2. Quartzsite, Arizona

    If you’re looking to dodge the rain, sleet, or snow this winter, then you should definitely consider Quartzsite, Arizona as a warm weather camping destination. This gem in the desert is popular among the RVing community for one of the biggest recreational vehicle shows held in January, the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show, also known as “The Big Tent.” With campgrounds that have RVs specifically in mind, plus dozens of filling stations, grocery options, restaurants, recreation areas, and unique attractions, you won’t run out of things to see and do. During the winter months, there’s always something going on. Plus, Quartzsite also isn’t far from a number of major Southwest cities, making it easier and less expensive when staying for a longer trip.

    Quartzsite

     

    3. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

    If you hit the road in your Class A motorhome or other type of RV, plug in Truth or Consequences into your GPS. You’ll find that this small town with an unusual name near the Rio Grande river in New Mexico has plenty to offer RV enthusiasts in the winter months. This includes a chance to warm up and heal in the area’s hot springs. Camp out at an RV park and explore the town’s history and namesake (it’s from an old NBC Radio program), and enjoy hiking and biking excursions. Plus, you’re not far from White Sands National Park, which has powdery white sand dunes that you cannot only explore, but actually sled on.

    Truth or Consequences

     

    4. Twentynine Palms, California

    Palm trees are a pleasant sight in wintertime, and as an RVer you can expect a warm welcome at this Southern California destination. Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County is also a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, which makes for a great visit during the winter. There you can hike throughout the landscape, climb boulders within massive rock formations, check out a cactus garden, stargaze, and go horseback riding. Bring your new or used camper or larger motorhome and stay at a nearby RV resort with full hookups. You’re also not far from the famous Palm Springs, so in case you decide to take a mini road trip from this desert oasis, there are plenty of tourist attractions to keep you busy. 

    Twentynine Palms

     

    5. Las Vegas, Nevada

    There are plenty of stunning attractions along the strip in Las Vegas, plus campgrounds and hiking on the outskirts of the city. About an hour drive from Las Vegas out in the Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada has 46,000 acres for RVers to explore and camp overnight during the warm winter months. In case you don’t feel like boondocking with your vehicle, RVers can enjoy camping with power and water hookups. You’ll appreciate the amazing geology in the region, with bold and bright red Aztec sandstone that resembles a fire under the sun. You’ll also find petroglyphs, or rock art, from the indigenous Anasazi that’s lasted over a thousand years. While you’re there, put on your hiking boots and enjoy outdoor recreation that might otherwise be risky in the red hot summer months. 

    Valley of Fire

     

    6. Big Bend National Park, Texas

    The Lone Star State is home to Big Bend National Park, which is spread out over 800,000 acres that let you feel like you have nature all to yourself during winter RVing. In the daytime, temperatures are mild and the air is dry with sunshine. However, at night in the desert, temperatures can still drop to freezing in parts of the park, so it’s still worth knowing tips for winter RVing in the event that it gets cold out after dark. The Park’s Rio Grande Village Campground comes with complete hookups, or you could check out several of the other nearby camping accommodations. While you’re there, do some hiking and biking on the trail system, make your way around the mountains and Rio Grande River, and do some winter stargazing with clear skies above.

    Big Bend National Park

     

    Get more out of your RV during the winter with a camping trip to these warm weather destinations. It’s the perfect time of year to escape the cold, soak up sunshine out in a desert, and beat the crowds at a national park. If you’re searching for your next new or used RV, be sure to check out all the listings on the nationwide marketplace RVTrader.com.

  • 6 Ways to Compare Listings When Buying RVs Online

    6 Ways to Compare Listings When Buying RVs Online

    RVs offer endless adventures with camping, road trips, and get-togethers with family and friends. Choosing the right vehicle for you might be tricky at first, especially with so many RVs on the marketplace. It’s important to know the basics of researching and buying an RV, consider how you plan to use your vehicle, and keep an eye on the market (you might find a better deal on an RV during the off-season). To help you make the best purchase decision among all the available options, RV Trader is sharing six ways to compare listings when buying RVs online.

    1. Compare RV Listings by Vehicle Type

    Are you familiar with all the different types of RVs that are available on the marketplace? Do your research and get an overview of the different recreational vehicles, which have various features and designs. RVs can be motorized or towable, which requires you to consider the towing capacity of your current vehicles. RVs differ by size and length, amenities, and storage space. You should consider how you’ll use your vehicle, how far you’re going to be driving, and how many passengers you’ll have in your vehicle. For example, if you’re planning to take a long trip for several months with the whole family, you might want to look at listings for large Class A motorhomes for sale.

    2. Compare RV Listings by Price

    You can set the parameters of your search and narrow down your results right away by looking for vehicles by price. Know what your vehicle budget is and how much you’re willing to spend. On the RV Trader marketplace, you can find vehicles exclusively by price range, setting a minimum and maximum amount on your search filter. This will also give you a better idea of the general market value for vehicles. Once you get a feel for the marketplace prices, compare the prices on listings that appeal to you, and consider the vehicle’s value for the listing. Keep in mind that you may be able to negotiate with the seller to lower the price on a vehicle, so you can search for vehicles that may be priced slightly higher on the marketplace.

    3. Compare New and Used RV Listings

    You should take into consideration the benefits of buying a used RV when you compare listings. With a new vehicle you’ll get the best version of that model on the market with the latest design features and technology, along with less risk of immediate maintenance and upkeep needs. However, you can expect to spend less money when you buy used RVs for sale. A new vehicle will depreciate much faster during the first year or two of ownership than most used RVs that have been around for several years. If you’re looking for a hands-on project that involves fixing up and personalizing a vehicle, a used RV may be the way to go. Just make sure when you reach out to a buyer that you get some clarity on the vehicle’s maintenance history and repair needs.

    4. Compare RV Listings by Description

    When you’re searching through RV listings, the seller should have an informative and transparent description of the vehicle. While vehicle type, category, make, model, trim, year, new vs used, and price will all be immediate giveaways, there should be more info on these details when comparing listings:

    • Length
    • Fuel Type
    • Mileage
    • Floorplan
    • Sleeping Capacity
    • Slideouts
    • Vehicle Weight
    • Add-Ons


    The listing should have plenty of photos and videos of the vehicle at all angles, and with the vehicle in action on the road or campsite. If it’s used, the description should give you a better idea of any defects or flaws the vehicle might have, like dents and dings. 

    When you create a MyTrader account, use the “Saved Search” feature to easily compare all the listings you like. This also makes it easy to set popular search filters to find more vehicles and add or remove vehicles on your list as you shop.

    5. Compare RV Listings by Dealer or Private Seller

    Provide some direction with your search by deciding whether you want to compare listings from dealers or private sellers. Before you reach out to a dealer or private seller on a specific listing, make a list of questions regarding vehicle specifics so you’re getting an RV with the exact features you want. Dealers are your reputable local experts when it comes to selling RVs. Plus, you might get exclusive deals or warranties on vehicles that aren’t offered by private sellers. However, with a private seller, you might find a unique vehicle on the market that you wouldn’t find from a dealer and get a better price, especially if you can negotiate on the cost. When you compare listings, you may notice the benefits of online reviews in your search, as customers can give feedback on dealers and private sellers and the shopping experience they provide.

    6. Compare RV Listings by Location

    Location is an important factor when searching for your next RV. Ask yourself how far you’re willing to go to find your next vehicle, noting that it may cost more money the further you travel to get your vehicle back home. You can compare listings that are local by searching based on how close an RV is to your location by mileage. You will have a greater selection to choose from if you expand your search further and look for vehicles nationwide. Look at the listing and see if there’s a delivery option. It will be one more fee to consider, but it may be worth the price and less of a pain than transporting the vehicle yourself.

    Comparing RV listings doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, it can be really exciting! This is your chance to see what vehicles are out there, and which one could end up parked in your driveway at home. If you’re ready to start searching for your next new or used RV, be sure to check out all the listings on the nationwide marketplace RVTrader.com.

  • Best Autumn Meals to Cook Over the Campfire

    Best Autumn Meals to Cook Over the Campfire

    Colorful leaves, crisp air, and starry skies at night—the autumn camping season is here, inviting RVers to gather around the campfire for an enticing feast over a flame. You can taste the flavors of fall with tips for cooking at your RV campsite (if your campground allows open fires for cooking), and nothing’s better for warming up you and your family and friends than hearty dishes with seasonal ingredients. Plus, many of fall foods can be conveniently prepared using a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet while you’re camping out at destinations for a quick autumn RV trip. RV Trader is sharing the best autumn meals to cook over the campfire.

    Apple and Sweet Potato Hash

    Recipe by Fresh Off The Grid

    You’ll Need:

    • camp stove
    • cast iron skillet or Dutch oven

    Ingredients:

    • 4 slices bacon
    • 1 medium sweet potato
    • 1 granny smith apple
    • 1 teaspoon thyme
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 2 eggs

    Instructions:

    1. Slice the sweet potatoes and apple into small chunks.
    2. Place bacon in the skillet over the flame, cooking until it’s crispy and then flip. Place on a towel-lined plate.
    3. Cook the sweet potato and apple, and add a pinch of salt in the skillet and sauté until soft. Chop the bacon and add it to the skillet and sprinkle with thyme.
    4. Push the hash together to make two wells and cook the eggs within the wells.

    Brussel Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce


    Recipe adapted from I Am Baker

    You’ll Need:

    • Dutch Oven or cast iron skillet

    Ingredients:

    • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
    • 4 Strips bacon, diced
    • 1/2 cup candied pecans, chopped
    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1/2 cup maple syrup
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

    Instructions:

    1. Place Dutch oven or cast iron skillet over fire.
    2. Combine the Brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt, and pepper in the Dutch oven, toss, and flatten into an even layer.
    3. Bake until crispy, turning halfway through.
    4. In the skillet, add bacon and cook until crispy on both sides. Remove bacon bits and drain on a towel.
    5. Remove skillet from flame and add bourbon and balsamic vinegar. Place skillet over the flame, scraping up browned bits from the skillet, and stir with sauce.
    6. Bring the bourbon to a boil, then add maple syrup and brown sugar, stirring constantly until sauce begins to thicken.
    7. Remove from heat and add to cooked Brussel sprouts, bacon, and candied pecans.

    Campfire Chili and Cornbread


    Recipe adapted from HonestlyYUM

    You’ll Need:

    • Dutch oven

    Ingredients:

    • 3 pounds ground beef
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 1 green bell pepper, diced
    • 8 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
    • 1 6-oz tomato paste
    • 1 16-oz can can of kidney beans or black beans
    • 5 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons ground chipotle powder
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1 can of beer or water
    • 2 8.5-oz boxes of cornbread mix
    • Salt and pepper

    Directions:

    1. Heat up Dutch oven over a flame.
    2. Cook the ground beef until it browns, breaking it up with a spatula.
    3. Add the onions, garlic, and bell pepper and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft.
    4. Add the chili powder, chipotle powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
    5. Add the can of beer and beans and continue to cook. Season with salt and pepper.
    6. Make the cornbread mix in a bowl and pour over top of the chili.
    7. Cover with lid and continue to cook. Poke the cornbread with a skewer, if it comes off clean it is done and the chili is ready to serve.

    Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole

    Sweet Potato Casserole
    Recipe adapted from Greens & Chocolate

    You’ll Need:

    • Dutch oven

    Ingredients:

    • 4 sweet potatoes
    • 1/4 cup butter, melted
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • Kosher salt
    • 2-3 tablespoon brown sugar
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Chopped pecans

    Directions:

    1. Heat up Dutch oven over a flame.
    2. Scrub potatoes. Slice into thin pieces, stopping 3/4 of the way through the potato.
    3. Whisk together melted butter and maple syrup.
    4. Brush butter/maple mixture onto each sweet potato.
    5. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
    6. Cover the Dutch oven and bake over the flame.
    7. After the potatoes have softened and slightly browned, top with brown sugar and continue to bake.
    8. Top with marshmallows and pecans.

    Pumpkin French Toast

    pumpkin French toast
    Recipe by Do It Yourself RV

    You’ll Need:

    • cast iron skillet

    Ingredients:

    • 4 eggs
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
    • 1/2 loaf of sliced bread

    Directions:

    1. Heat up a cast iron skillet over flame.
    2. Beat the eggs, milk, puree, and spices together. If it’s too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
    3. Dip the bread into the mixture and drop it into the cast iron skillet to toast both sides.
    4. Service with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or any other toppings.

     

    Make adjustments to these recipes and ingredients based on your own tastes, remembering that cooking over a campfire can be much hotter than a conventional oven. When you get these delicious dishes down, learn how to cook Thanksgiving dinner on a campfire. If you’re ready to find your next new or used RV, be sure to check out all the listings on the nationwide marketplace at RVTrader.com.

  • 10 Destinations for a Quick Autumn RV Trip – Updated For 2023

    10 Destinations for a Quick Autumn RV Trip – Updated For 2023

    Updated for 2023

    It’s easy to see why fall is loved by so many RVers—the colorful foliage, cooler camping outside at national parks, fun at fall festivals, road trips to pumpkin patches, and Halloween attractions. By the end of October, you may be thinking it’s too late to join in on the top RV activities for the fall season, but that’s not the case. There’s still plenty of time for an inexpensive day-long outing or a simple weekend getaway without much planning, RV Trader is sharing 10 destinations for a quick autumn RV trip.

    1. Amicalola Falls State Park — Georgia

    A true gem that’s often overlooked against the larger national parks in the Appalachian Mountains, Amicalola Falls State Park is near the North Georgia Mountains and features the majestic 729-foot Amicalola Falls. RV camping includes pull-in and back-in sites, though it’s worth noting the road only accommodates small RVs versus larger models. The park provides easy access for hiking on the Appalachian Trail, plus you can partake in archery, zip lining, lodging with dining, and camping fireside under the stars.

    2. Craven Farm — Washington

    For a family RVing venture in the Pacific Northwest, add Craven Farm in Snohomish, Washington to your list. With a nearby RV campground, you’ll have easy access to catch the tail end of their Fall Pumpkin Patch Festival, which runs through Oct. 30th. There, RVers can take their little ones for pumpkin picking, fall foods, and some of the most inventive activities and games you’ll find at any autumn event. Check out Craven’s Alice in Pumpkin-land maze, a kids corn maze with hayrides, petting zoo, mini golf, human foosball, and hit targets with their apple cannons.

    3. Hoosier National Forest — Indiana

    If you’re in the Midwest and looking to get out in nature this autumn, Hoosier National Forest in the rolling hills of southern Indiana is a prime destination for fall colors. The forest is located within Charles C Deam Wilderness, a designated wilderness area that’s unspoiled and less crowded than many national parks. Bring your camper and set up for a weekend of hiking, biking, and horseback riding, or relax and put away your cares as you take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

    4. La Union Corn Maze — New Mexico

    Roam through the Southwest to La Union Corn Maze in Anthony, New Mexico, where every weekend through the beginning of November you can enjoy your favorite fall activities. Located near the borderlands of Texas and Mexico with nearby RV campgrounds, you can make a day of it at their 12-acre maze and 18-acre pumpkin patch. Add to that fall foods with New Mexico cuisine, and family and kids activities like giant jumping pillows, pig races, and much more.

    5. Redwood State Park — California

    The enchanting Redwood State Park provides a different take on leaf-peeping in the fall. While you won’t get the same array of colors you’d find back east, you will see autumn sunshine reflect through the tallest trees in the world. There are a number of campgrounds and places to park your RV nearby, so set aside some time to get a glimpse at these giants in the forest while out hiking in the crisp fall air.

    6. Rocky Mountain National Park — Colorado

    Autumn brings aspen leaves colored golden, orange, and red at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. RVers will find a dedicated camping location for you and your vehicle nearby with hookups, but if you want to take a simple scenic day drive, that option is on the table too. For a longer trip, consider hiking, biking, and wildlife watching with elk roaming among the vistas in this stunning park.

    7. Salem — Massachusetts

    Full of small town New England charm, Salem, Massachusetts has a bewitching history and so much to do at the end of October before All Hallow’s Eve. This is your chance to camp out with your RV and hit the town to visit a number of top-rated attractions focusing on local lore surrounding the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Take a tour of haunted houses, look out for ghosts, and visit the Salem Witch Museum while you’re there. And be cautious when driving on local haunted roads.

    8. Sleepy Hollow — New York

    You may know Sleepy Hollow best from the legendary tale by Washington Irving, featuring the Headless Horseman. Today, Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown are top RVing destinations, especially in the fall as the Hudson River Valley lights up with jack-o-lantern displays. If you’re the type of RVer that enjoys haunted roads, Sleepy Hollow also makes it easy to get in the spirit of the season with an array of haunted mansions and graveyard tours during October.

    9. Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch — Texas

    The Dallas Arboretum goes big for Halloween, with 100,000 pumpkins and gourds on display throughout the park. Camp out at an RV park down the road with your family, and visit the park for a quick day trip this fall. You’ll see pumpkins surrounding Cinderella’s carriage, pumpkin houses in a pumpkin village, and clever recreations with gourds paying tribute to other children’s stories.

    10. White Mountain National Forest — New Hampshire

    An autumn classic and one to add to your top destinations for fall foliage, White Mountain National Forest is a favorite among RVers in New Hampshire. Experience all the glory of fall’s colors along Kancamagus Highway, or simply “The Kanc.” You can check out campgrounds with hookups while you’re there, or just keep cruising down the road, amazed by all the scenery.

    Celebrate the best of fall’s offerings with a quick getaway in your RV. You’ll get more out of your vehicle and the season by partaking in these once-a-year traditions at these top destinations. If you’re looking for your next new or used vehicle, be sure to see the nationwide selection on RVTrader.com.

  • 5 Benefits of Online Reviews When Buying an RV

    5 Benefits of Online Reviews When Buying an RV

    Shopping for a new or used RV for sale, and trying to find the right vehicle for your needs and hobbies, can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. When considering all your options on the marketplace, online reviews can be a big help when it comes to narrowing down your choices, as they provide reliable feedback on vehicles and sellers. Here are RV Trader’s five benefits of online reviews when buying an RV.

    1. Get a Better Idea of What the RV Offers

    With so many different types of RVs, including various makes and models with different features that seem like they change every year, online reviews can help you keep up with the market. Reviews can give you valuable insight on what a specific vehicle offers, helping you determine if it’s something that will complement your RV lifestyle. For example, reviews can give you more details on a vehicle’s space, features and accessories, mileage and fuel capacity, technology, camping features, maintenance requirements, long term reliability, and more. Beyond listing descriptions that give you the basic info on what a vehicle offers, you’ll get more details based on an RVer’s experience with these features, and all the pros and cons.

    2. Understand All the RV’s Features and Add-Ons

    There’s plenty to consider before buying an RV, and reviews go into further detail on the usefulness with the endless number of accessories and add-ons that come with an RV. They can also point out the additional items that you may need to purchase, which is important when you set your budget and know how much you’re willing to spend on your vehicle. While a salesperson may try to talk up these features, reviews can provide feedback on how necessary these bonus components are for the RV. Plus, you can break down whether you may need these accessories and add-ons based on how you’re using your vehicle. For example, you may or may not need the latest sound system or driving technology, items for towing, awning and camping add-ons, and so on.

    3. Compare RV Models with Online Reviews

    Online reviews help you narrow down your selection on the marketplace, making it easy to compare RV models. And with a few models of RVs in mind, reviews can help you pick out the vehicle that’s right for you. You’ll get personal recommendations from customers on a specific model that are worth serious consideration when shopping, rather than just all the rundown of the model’s most attractive features from a salesperson. And even if you’re flexible with shopping preferences and up for purchasing any type of RV, the more reviews you read can make a specific RV model seem like a more obvious choice over competing brands with positive reviews. 

    4. Get Feedback on RV Dealerships

    Not only will you get more details on different RVs on the market from customers, online reviews also provide insight on RV dealerships. Sites like RV Insider provide feedback on thousands of RVs and personal shopping experiences with dealerships. This is helpful when determining where you should purchase your RV based on price, quality of selection, customer service, financing, communication with the seller, and special sales offers. Online reviews can tell you if a dealer has been reliable and trustworthy, or if you should avoid them and look somewhere else for your RV.

    5. Online Reviews Provide Unique RV Insights

    For the most part, online reviews will give you honest opinions on RVs based on personal experiences. Whether you’re looking for travel trailers, larger motorhomes, or another RV, reviews aren’t going to shy away from telling you what’s great or terrible with a make or model. However, it is important to note that you shouldn’t rely solely on a single online review to make your purchasing decision.

    There are lots of factors to consider when buying an RV and, with online anonymity, there is a chance that you’ll encounter exaggerated reviews from users with an axe to grind against certain brands or dealers. Instead of letting one bad review influence your decision, look for common themes in ratings and comments. It’s one thing if a single dissatisfied customer puts a particular RV model “on blast,” but another if every user reports the same bad experience.

    Find the RV you’re after with the help of online reviews. While your final decision shouldn’t be based exclusively on the comments from other shoppers, they should be worth considering when comparing different RVs on the market, and learning exactly what a model has to offer. When you’re ready to purchase your next new or used RV, be sure to see all the nationwide listings on the online marketplace at RVTrader.com.

  • Famous RVs Featured in 10 of Our Favorite Movies

    Famous RVs Featured in 10 of Our Favorite Movies

    From campy comedies to action-packed adventures, RVs have rolled on to the big screen in a number of Hollywood movies. When you plan your next RV trip, set aside time for movie night and watch these favorite flicks starring new and vintage vehicles and RVs that are out of this world. Here are RV Trader’s famous RVs featured in 10 of our favorite movies.

    1. Fleetwood Southwind – The Blues Brothers

    The Blues Brothers set records with the number of vehicles destroyed during the movie’s multiple car chases, including the Fleetwood Southwind. Decorated with bull horns and desert scenery, the vehicle belongs to the Nashville Country and Western musicians the Good Ole Boys. The RV takes a dip in deep water after an incident involving super glue and the gas pedal.

    2. Nomanisan Staff RV – The Incredibles

    Disney Pixar’s animated feature The Incredibles is a favorite for all ages, packing laughs with adventure as the superhero family saves the day. In the movie, they make their escape from the Nomanisan Island headquarters after hijacking a white and blue-striped RV. The getaway vehicle takes flight with the help of their superpowers, and gets beat up on the road in a tense landing scene.

    3. Winnebago Brave – Independence Day

    The 1990s summer blockbuster Independence Day stars Will Smith and Randy Quaid (who appears later on this list as another memorable character). In the midst of an alien invasion, Quaid leads the charge with a fleet or RVs bound for Area 51 in the desert. You’ll see the 1967 Winnebago Brave, living up to its name on the screen.

    4. Winnebago – Lost in America

    Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty headline the ’80s comedy Lost in America as a married couple that (sort of) deal with a midlife crisis and hope to find themselves on the road. After losing their jobs and getting rid of their house, they travel cross-country in a Winnebago. The two take a gamble with their money and all the risks while out on the highway in this now-retro RV.

    5. Fleetwood Southwind Storm – The Lost World: Jurassic Park

    Steven Spielberg’s sequel to Jurassic Park keeps you on the edge of your seat as an angry T-rex terrorizes dinosaur explorers in their Fleetwood Southwind Storm. The vehicle featured here is a customized mobile lab with modified trailers, making it suited for scientific research. Spoiler alert: not much from the vehicle is salvaged when it’s parked in the path of a T-rex during a frightening scene that’s literally a cliffhanger.

    6. Fleetwood Pace Arrow – Meet the Fockers

    RV trips can bring families together, however, things get messy when meeting the in-laws in the Meet the Parents sequel, Meet the Fockers. Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller roll down the road in the dysfunctional family’s Fleetwood Pace Arrow motorhome before they hit some bumps along the way. And while the family reunion has many awkward encounters in this cringe comedy full of errors, the Pace Arrow sure does shine on screen.

    7. Ford Condor II – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

    Now considered a Christmas classic, this outrageous comedy that’s part of National Lampoon’s Vacation movie series includes memorable lines and moments that will leave you laughing with tears. The Griswold family Christmas is nearly ruined as Clark (Chevy Chase) gets an unexpected visit from cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his beat up Ford Condor II that has seen better days. Eddie plans on parking in the driveway for the snowy winter, but things take a turn for the worst after an explosion involving RV sewage and Santa’s sleigh.

    8. Forest River Georgetown 359 and Flxible Clipper — RV

    The always charismatic Robin Williams turns into an RVing dad wishing to restrengthen family bonds on a road trip out west in the slapstick comedy RV. Williams’ character and his family take a spin in an over-the-top Forest River Georgetown 359 with a giant “Rent Me” inscribed on its side. They encounter mishaps and a community of fellow RVers, including a couple driving a cool collector’s RV—a vintage 1948 Flxble Clipper.

    9. 986 Winnebago Chieftain 33 — Spaceballs

    When it’s time to take an intergalactic voyage to rescue a distressed princess from an evil empire, you can trust on a 1986 Winnebago Chieftain to help you complete the mission. That’s basically the premise to Spaceballs, a cult classic ’80s parody of Star Wars. The high-flying Winne is refitted as a spaceship known as “Eagle 5” in the movie.

    10. Coachmen Encounter – We’re The Millers

    Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston’s characters smuggle contraband and cross the border with a fake family in a Class A Coachmen Encounter in the comedy We’re The Millers. They use the Coachmen as a decoy to fool the authorities as if they’re on vacation, leaving no trace of their real misdeeds. However, things don’t go without a hitch, as they run into border agents, the cartel, and a venomous tarantula. 

    These 10 titles feature famous RVs that light up on the big screen. Watch these movies with your family and friends the next time you’re at the RV park or camping out at night with your vehicle. And if you’re ready to find your next new or used RV, be sure to check out all the listings online at RVTrader.com.

  • 4 Tips for Preventing RV Theft

    4 Tips for Preventing RV Theft

    As an RV owner, you love your vehicle and the lifestyle it offers: the open road, exploring nature, and meeting a community of fellow campers. To protect your vehicle, you should take precautions against thieves who seek to break into your vehicle, steal valuable belongings, and even take off with your RV or travel trailer. However, you can rest assured that there are ways you can keep your vehicle secure. RV Trader is sharing four tips for preventing RV theft.

    1. Secure Your RV

    There are a number of ways you can keep your RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel secure with physical deterrents to prevent theft. Break-ins happen when you least expect them, and when there’s an opportunity that makes it easy for a thief to steal your belongings. Take these steps to secure your RV:

    • Keep your keys on you at all times 
    • Lock your doors and windows
    • Pull the shades down
    • Leave a light on at night
    • Keep your possessions out of sight and stowed away
    • Utilize RV alarms and door codes

     

    For more protection, install a steering wheel lock on your RV to prevent a thief from driving off by blocking their ability to make turns when attempting to steal your vehicle. You can also install a hitch lock, coupler lock, or kingpin lock on your hitch to prevent your camper from being hooked up to another vehicle.

    2. Park Your RV in a Secure Place

    If you’re worried about a thief breaking into your vehicle when it’s on the street or in your driveway, park your vehicle in a secure space; a locked home garage with a door code is a safe bet, especially if you have security lights or motion sensor alarms. At home, you can also keep your vehicle secure behind a locked gate in your backyard, or surrounded by other parked vehicles in your driveway or on the street.

    For a longer period of time, you can consider keeping your vehicle at a storage lot with security guards, cameras, fencing, and alarms. At the campsite, don’t park your vehicle out in the open; instead, keep it out of plain sight and turn the hitch away from the direction of the road so it makes it difficult for a thief to hook up and drive off.

    3. Know Your RV Neighbors

    Before you plan a trip with your RV, do some research on your destination to get a better idea of how secure it may be for leaving your vehicle unattended. When you arrive at a campsite, get to know your neighbors, build trust, and communicate with them to let them know who will be using your vehicle. If someone suspicious is hanging around your RV or campsite, a fellow RVer may be able to help you out and deter a thief. It’s also a good idea to camp around more people to prevent a thief from trespassing and breaking into your unattended vehicle. And if you’ve followed tips for making your RV pet friendly, “Fido” could actually help keep your RV secure and frighten off an intruder. You could always put up a “beware of dog” sign as one extra step for security.

    4. Track Your RV

    Make the most of today’s technology by utilizing mobile apps to keep your RV safe from theft. Use a GPS with a tracking sensor attached to your RV to stay on top of its location. If you install a security system with cameras mounted on your RV, it may offer a mobile app with a live feed so you can keep an eye on your vehicle when you’re away. And if someone does take off with your vehicle or trailer, or belongings inside your RV, always report the theft to the police and/or a park ranger. Mobile apps with tracking features may be able to help them in their investigation and track down your RV and possessions in the event that they’re stolen.

    Take precautions and follow these big four tips to help keep your RV and travel trailer secure. And before you purchase your RV, it’s a smart idea to stay alert and follow tips for avoiding scams when buying online. When you’re ready to buy your next recreational vehicle, be sure to see all the new and used nationwide listings online at RVTrader.com.

  • Shoppers Should Keep an Eye Out for RV One at the Hershey RV Show

    Shoppers Should Keep an Eye Out for RV One at the Hershey RV Show

    Guest Post by RV One

    It’s an annual tradition for thousands of RV enthusiasts to make their way to Hershey, Pennsylvania, for America’s Largest RV Show, anxious to check out the newest offerings from RV manufacturers, dealers, and other suppliers. The 2022 show is being held September 14th through the 18th, and dealers will be bringing their A-game to attract shoppers. Here’s how one dealership plans to excite buyers at the Hershey RV Show:

    Showcasing Popular Brands in Multiple Locations

    RV One Superstores, part of the family of dealerships in the RV Retailer group, will follow up a strong 2021 show and be in full force at the Hershey RV Show this year, hosting displays in multiple spaces throughout the show. Their Entegra Motorhome display will be available in space E1, Newmar rigs in space E6, Aurora RVs in A1, Zinger and Redwood brands in F6, and Twilight RVs in F7. Shoppers interested in these brands should definitely plan to stop by these locations to get more information on these models.

    Check Out Hershey RV Show Specials

    As part of their commitment to being the best, RV One is offering the following special perks for Hershey RV Show customers:

    • A large selection of America’s favorite brands
    • RV Complete VIP membership with every RV purchase
    • Special RV show interest rates for buyers
    • Top dollar trade-in values
    • Price Lock Guarantee on all new units ordered at the Hershey RV Show

    Here’s a closer look at just a few of these special incentives:

    A Chance to Win a Free RV

    During the length of the Hershey RV Show, everyone has the chance to win a free RV. This year, RV One is giving away a 2022 Geneva Class C motorhome from THOR. Be sure to enter to win the Geneva Class C motorhome.

    RV One Price Lock Guarantee

    Sometimes a dealer will give you an initial quote, but when it’s time to pay, they cite higher material costs, fuel costs, delivery expense, and rising labor costs to justify a higher final price. These can be valid claims, but it can be difficult for RV consumers to understand or afford. That’s why RV One offers a Price Lock Guarantee, a commitment to buyers that they will lock in your price, even if it goes up between order date and delivery date.

    Trade-In Top Dollar

    Anyone can say they will give you top dollar for your RV trade-in, but this dealership can actually deliver. Because RV One’s network covers such a vast market, almost every RV is in-demand somewhere at any given time, which means they can deliver on giving you top dollar for your RV trade-in. This larger reach gives RV One the ability to view your trade-in value within a broader market picture, giving you the best value possible.

    RV Complete VIP Membership With Every RV Purchase

    Every customer who purchases an RV from RV One will receive an RV Complete VIP Membership, which provides exclusive protection for their RV. The all-inclusive benefits can be accessed through a mobile app on your smartphone and include:

    • Roadside assistance
    • Technical assistance
    • Windshield repair
    • Lockout assistance
    • Paintless dent repair

    It also lets you:

    • Schedule maintenance on your RV
    • Contact the dealership with questions
    • Find campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts
    • Access the RV LIFE Pro suite of tools

    Everyone is thrilled to be making their way to the Hershey RV Show, and RV One is planning on making a big splash as well. Be sure to stop by, meet the team, and learn more about how you can find your next RV.

  • Breaking Down Your Number 1 Concern with Electric RVs: Range & Infrastructure

    Breaking Down Your Number 1 Concern with Electric RVs: Range & Infrastructure

    September 9th is World Electric Vehicle (EV) Day, a day that celebrates sustainable mobility and changes coming to EV industries. Despite the special occasion, some campers are hesitant to consider electric RVs.

    RV Trader recently held a survey on social media, asking our followers their number one concern with electric RVs. Participants answered that a lack of range and infrastructure to support these vehicles was their main point of skepticism. To help RVers fully understand electric RVs, we’re breaking down your primary concern while providing insights into what improvements are being made. And for more information about electric vehicles, visit our EV Resource Page.

    When we asked “What do you think is the biggest issue with electric RVs?” we received thousands of responses, with most RVers sharing feedback like this: 

    “We don’t have the power grid to support them.”

    “Initially range; then aged battery fatigue; battery replacement cost, and impossible battery recharge from an overburdened electrical grid.”

    “Lack of adequate infrastructure.”

    “You would need a charging station every 50–100 miles.”

    “Range, battery degradation over time.”

    “Trees don’t have outlets.”

    Previously we’ve covered the benefits of electric RVs, including their innovative designs, low maintenance, and how they’re an eco-friendly alternative, among other advantages. However, the market is still in the early stages of developing electric RVs, noticeably lagging behind other EV industries, partly due to vehicle size and infrastructure needed. Yet public concern about the effect of greenhouse gasses from gas-powered vehicles is incentivizing manufacturers to develop more EVs to meet the interests of an expanding consumer base.

    Electric RVs are starting to appear on the market, though many are still in their early phase of development. Bloomberg recently reported that Winnebago is developing an electric RV, or eRV that can reach a 125-mile range. Meanwhile, Thor has introduced eRV concepts using a lithium-ion battery pack, hydrogen fuel cell, and solar roof to reach 300 miles before needing a recharge. Green Car Reports shared that Thor’s electric RV meets an expectation that RVers have that they would like to be able to travel 5–6 hours from home before needing to recharge a battery.

    Charging stations for electric RVs are becoming more evident at RV parks and fueling stations, but still aren’t widespread. On-board, portable hydrogen fuel-cell systems would mitigate the issue involving a lack of charging infrastructure for EVs, but distributing these fuel cells could be difficult. Aside from this, there remains a gap in the market for larger types of electric RVs, including motorhomes and fifth-wheels.

    All of this said, the RV industry is starting to make headway when it comes to improving EV infrastructure, and even beyond the early electric RV concepts. Support is coming from manufacturers, dealers, RV organizations, the government, and RVers that are eager to purchase EVs as they become more accessible in the market.

    The RV Industry Association and the Federal Highway Administration are showing their support for developing and building a national network of charging stations for electric RVs by utilizing grant and incentive programs provided by local and state governments. This is part of the effort to promote and ensure Americans have access to outdoor spaces while supporting new electric technology with RVs and other vehicles, and reducing harmful carbon emissions.

    These infrastructure improvements, which would improve accessibility for electric RVs, would help increase the visitation to America’s campgrounds and parks, which already contribute $689 billion to the U.S. economy and support 4.3 million jobs. The state allocation of funds from these incentive programs would improve electric grid systems for RVs, supporting a broader infrastructure for you to enjoy the great outdoors and travel further. Recipients of these funds would include private campgrounds and dealerships.

    When you combine this with an increase in demand from the public for EVs in the market, manufacturers have plenty of opportunity to capitalize and develop vehicles with greater charging ranges. This also implies that as the EV market expands, there will be a higher availability of charging stations and longer lasting batteries.

    Right now, it’s understandable to have concerns about the current limitations with EVs in comparison to their fuel-powered counterparts. But as World EV Day approaches, it’s worth considering the improvements being made. When you look at the many advantages these vehicles present, and the direction the world of RVing is headed, the future looks bright for electric.

    If you’re ready to purchase your next new or used RV, be sure to shop from all the nationwide listings on RVTrader.com.