Ain't No Time Like Summertime
The weather is scorching, and summer has officially started. It’s hard to believe that the year is already halfway over! The days are long, the nights short, and there’s still time to travel and have fun during the hottest months of the year. If you’re planning on picking out a motorhome this summer (or anytime, really), it can be a bit daunting, especially for first-timers or RVers considering something different. Luckily, RV tech writer Steve Froese can help guide you through the different types of coaches on the market and whether you should get a gas or diesel RV.
But what about tires? Or taking care of your tires? We've also included an array of tire information videos, a few new tech toys for your RV, and more.
Safe and happy travels!
The FMCA Team
| |
Join FMCA Today At Our Great Low Price!
Don't forget to hit the great outdoors with an FMCA membership, now available for only $60! Click here to learn more.
| |
Age-Old Questions: Coach Class? Gas Versus Diesel?
Two of the questions I often am asked are, “What type of motorhome should I buy?” and “Should I buy a gas or diesel RV?” So, I thought I’d share some insight.
Let’s start with the first question, including a reminder about available motorhome types/classes:
- Type/Class A — Except for some “Super C” motorhomes and other variations, Type A motorhomes offer the most living space you'll find in a motorhome. (Conventional travel trailers and fifth-wheels may offer even more living space.) Type A motorhomes range from approximately 29 to 45 feet long and may sleep between two and eight people. They provide amenities comparable to what you'd find in a small apartment, along with custom options that can be incorporated during the initial build or as aftermarket additions. Most Type A motorhomes require that owners have or develop a comfort level with driving large vehicles.
- Type/Class B — Type B motorhomes are the smallest class. They also are known as camper vans and resemble a family van. Type B motorhomes range from about 18 to 24 feet long, seating and sleeping up to four people. Type Bs are easy to drive and park and use less fuel than Type A motorhomes. They make dry camping easy for adventurers looking to travel off the beaten path but offer a smaller living space than Type A or C motorhomes. Since Type Bs are smaller, and sometimes less expensive, they make a nice choice as an entry-level RV. They lack the storage and space you see in bigger motorhomes and travel trailers, but they are popular with couples and small families who don’t need the luxuries offered in other classes.
- Type/Class B+ — These are similar to Type B motorhomes, except they are a bit bigger and usually offer upgraded conveniences. They’re a hybrid between Type B and Type C motorhomes, usually consisting of an expanded body that makes them appear similar to small Type C RVs. With the larger body, they have more room for amenities such as a larger bathroom/shower, appliances, and counter space. They may also accommodate more people than a standard B-class RV.
- Type/Class C — These are the middle ground between Type A and Type B motorhomes. They look like a larger version of a van camper, with an overhead cabin above the driver and passenger seats for extra sleeping and/or storage accommodations. Type C motorhomes range from around 19 to over 30 feet long and are offered in a wide variety of sleeping configurations. Type C motorhomes provide more space than Type B units and can come with many of the luxuries you'd expect in a Type A motorhome. The Type C also offers the space over the driver and passenger seats, giving owners more storage or another sleeping spot for travelers. With the overhead bunk included, Type C motorhomes can have a large sleeping capacity.
- Super C — One of the newer classes of motorhomes is the Super C. These motorhomes are largely a hybrid between a Type A and a Type C, and, as is true of Type A units, the most luxurious are built on a diesel chassis. Picture a Type C RV on a large Type A chassis and you should be able to imagine a Super C. Since Super C motorhomes utilize high-end truck chassis, they can be just as luxurious as many diesel pushers. They tend to offer very high-end furnishings. Many consumers prefer this class of RV due to the comfort and luxury appeal. They are available in a variety of sizes and sleeping capacities.
| |
Tire TalkAs the one thing separating the road from your RV, tires are one of the most essential parts to any vehicle. Before each and every trip, always be sure to inspect your tires — you don’t want to have to deal with a blowout during a vacation. Michelin’s The Critical Factor can show you how to prevent blowouts and how to maneuver your RV safely off of the road if it happens. Or, if you need general information about tires, What Every RV Owner Should Know by Michelin Tires covers all of the basics. And, for more instruction, visit Goodyear’s website for a variety of educational videos; you also can read Goodyear’s recall statement regarding its G159 275/70R22.5 tires on the front page.
| |
A discussion of new products on the market to enhance your RV lifestyle.
| |
NTX Series Power Inverters
If you need to power sensitive medical equipment, appliances with variable-speed motors, or newer LCD TVs, you might want to consider a pure sine wave inverter. The Samlex NTX Series Pure Sine Wave power inverters allow appliances and other electronics to operate without interference near sensitive equipment. Four lightweight models range from 1,000 to 3,000 watts and utilize Hypersurge technology to support surge for longer periods of time, allowing the inverters to start demanding loads with ease and efficiency. Price ranges from $454.70 to $929.50, depending on the model. www.samlexamerica.com • (800) 561-5885
| |
Garmin RV 770 GPS Navigator With Dash Mount
Ideal for any RVer’s lifestyle, Garmin’s RV 770 LMT-S utilizes a 6.95-inch touch screen to give you information about road warnings, a directory of RV parks and service centers, and even custom routing based on the size and weight of your RV. By downloading the Smartphone Link app, you can connect your phone to gain access to live traffic news, basic weather information, and even more. The GPS device is also hands-free and supports Bluetooth calling, smart notifications, and a voice-activated navigation system. Price is $299.99. www.garmin.com • (913) 397-8200
| |
FMCA's picks for tips you need now.
| |
|
Fleetwood RV Offers An Inside Look
Fleetwood RV has recently released a series of nine videos to show people how RVs are made — everything from painting to interior design. You can find the behind-the-scenes videos at www.Revgroup.com or on the Fleetwood RV YouTube channel.
| |
RV Geeks: Portable RV Generator Safety
Curious or worried about portable generators? The RV Geeks give an overview of portable RV generators, information about federal regulations, potential dangers, how to safely use them, and what RV owners can do to optimize everyone’s safety. Learn more here.
| |
Testing To Find An RV Hot-Skin Voltage
Have you ever been shocked after touching your RV? Mike Sokol from RVelectricity and the NoShockZone describes how to use a Southwire 40150N non-contact voltage tester to locate hot-skin voltages. You can watch the whole thing here.
| |
Elon Musk's Starlink Satellite Internet For RVers
If you have been following the latest tech news, you likely have heard of Starlink already. Motortrend summarizes what we know about Starlink at the moment and how it can be applied for RV use. You can read the full article here or visit the Starlink website.
| |
Boondockers WelcomeRV owners looking for new overnight spots may want to consider a membership to Boondockers Welcome. This unique program provides access to a network of more than 3,000 host locations across North America. Hosts agree to allow owners of self-contained RVs to stay on their property at no charge for a dry camping — boondocking — spot. Many of the hosts are RVers themselves and do this for the reciprocal privilege of staying with other RV owners as they travel. All hosts ask in return is for a good review after your stay. Although boondocking is at the heart of the concept, approximately 75 percent of the host locations offer electric and/or water hookups, and there may be an additional charge if the guest chooses to use them.
The annual Boondockers Welcome membership fee is $79, but FMCA members who are new to the program receive a 15 percent discount off an annual membership. For additional information, visit FMCA.com/boondockerswelcome.
| |
Join FMCA And Save Today!
As an RV owner, protecting your RV is just one of your many priorities. With our member-only discounts, you can save on insurance for your RV, home, or automobile, as well as pet insurance and international travel insurance. Click here to learn more about all the ways FMCA enhances the RV lifestyle.
| |
|
|
|
|
