Most people who are new to RVing and have just recently bought their first RV may be too excited to get out there on the road that they do not think about how much cargo they are loading. Every unit, whether it is an RV, camper, trailer, or a toy hauler, has its individual weight limits. It’s one thing to have everything you need, but to have too much cargo on a trip can be dangerous. This can be the difference between a safe, enjoyable experience and a disastrous nightmare.

Before you set off on the road, make sure you know the manufacturer weight ratings for your vehicle. These include the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). Never exceed these weight limits that are set. They are there for a reason. Exceeding them would put a great risk to you and your family. Also note that you can be within the vehicle weight ratings but still exceed the axle rating. To avoid this, weight each axle separately and make sure the weight in your vehicle is distributed evenly. (more…)

With the economy having a hard time getting back up from its fall, people are looking for more and more ways to save money. So instead of taking plane trips to the Caribbean, more people are turning to road and camping trips. These types of trips are less expensive than buying tickets for each of your family members and/or friends. But why do the savings have to stop there? You should think about investing in installing solar panels for your RV.

Many people stay away from installing solar panels because they believe its going to cost them a lot. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Most systems are under $1,000 and there are even some that are as little as $200. Most camping stores and websites have the information you need to get one installed in your RV. You can easily find one that fits within your budget. With the gas prices steadily rising, you could save so much more money by switching to PV systems. (more…)

When you finally decide on going camping, the next step is figuring out what type of camping you would want to do, either camping in a tent or choosing to stay in an RV. It all depends on how you feel, whether you want to rough it on the ground or stay comfortable in an RV. Both choices have their pros and cons. For some people it’s not as easy as just flipping a coin, some may think staying in an RV isn’t really camping, while others feel like staying in a tent will just keep you up and unable to sleep.

Cost can be a factor to choosing either option. If you are on a budget, purchasing or even renting tents, sleeping bags, and other accessories that you may need to “rough it” can be much, much cheaper than buying or renting an RV. If you go camping on a regular-basis, however, an RV can be a good investment since it can get you from A to B pretty well and most of the necessities already come with it. (more…)