| Enjoying your Caravan / RV |
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RVs are truly a family travel and camping vehicle for all seasons. But, remember RVs aren't just for camping.
With all the comforts of home on board and ample storage space, these versatile vehicles are the perfect complement to just about any sport, hobby or activity you already enjoy.
Hunting and Fishing
Whether you're going with "Old Granddaddy" at a secret fishing hole or stalking big game in the mountains, an RV is a great base camp. After a long day in the field, a nourishing meal, hot shower and restful sleep in a comfortable bed is just what's needed before the fun begins the next day.
Cycling
Bicycles and motorbikes can be towed in their own trailers or mounted on the nose or tail of the RV to be readily accessible for local touring. Caravans for Hire has mountain bikes you can rent with your caravan/RV.
Shopping Excursions
Whether it's browsing flea markets, finding the best bargains at outlet malls or searching for the perfect antique, an RV is the ultimate "shopping cart" with plenty of room to store your purchases.
NASCAR Events
RVs and NASCAR go hand in hand. From infield parking to special camping areas convenient to track, race promoters make RVers feel welcome! Watch the race from a lounge chair on the roof, with a television on hand for instant replays and a refrigerator close-by for instant refreshments. Then enjoy socializing with other fans who make the circuit via RV. Ameirican RV Rentals has a Raceway Package Special, check it out.
Tailgating
An RV is the ticket to enjoying the big game. Why fight crowded highways leading to the stadium? Arrive early and stay late, tailgating with friends, your favorite recipes, all the comforts of home and a television to catch the pre- and post-game shows.
Winter Sports
Cold weather doesn't have to mean the end of RV fun. From skiing to snowmobiling, RVers can enjoy their favorite activity and return to the comfort and warmth of today's heated, thermostatically-controlled vehicles. There's plenty of storage for skis, boots, poles and bulky clothing.
The first and most
important step in choosing an RV is to consider your personal interests, needs
and, as always, your budget. An RV should take you where you want to go, and let
you do what you want to do when you get there. Your needs will be different if
you are only going to use it on an occasional weekend than if you are planning
to be a fulltimer. The more extensive the use, the tougher and larger the
vehicle will have to be.
Who will use it? You alone, or with traveling companions? How many? Where will
you go? When? If you travel in the summer, you will want an awning, and probably
air conditioning as well. In the winter, heating considerations become
paramount.
The amount you spend on your RV should be in proportion to the frequency and
duration of your trips. Consider sales tax, insurance premiums, gasoline, etc.
What size RV should you get? Do you prefer to travel the back country, or would
you rather camp in a fancy RV Resort? The size of the coach will depend on where
you want it to take you. Again, personal interests are important. Do you want to
go into small, out of the way places? Then a smaller RV is better. If you want
more living comfort and amenities, and prefer larger luxury resorts, then go
with the larger vehicle. If National Parks are your goal, a smaller rig will
probably be your best bet, as some parks have size restrictions. Most RV
"resorts" will accommodate coaches of any size.
Be
sure that the vehicle is rated for the weight
you wish to add. Overloading of the motorhome is one of the prime causes of
tire failure. Know the maximum hitch weight the
towing vehicle can safely carry. Be sure that a fully loaded towed
vehicle does not pack too much weight for the truck pulling it. Even though a
truck/car can easily pull a vehicle, it may be another story when it comes to
braking. You can check our Towing Laws page for more
information about towed vehicles, widebodies and more.
Consider eating accommodations. Are you a gourmet cook who will want to take
there own specialized pans along, or is eating out your idea of heaven? It will
make a difference down the road. Caravans For Hire provides Housekeeping
Kits (dishes/pots/pans/bed linens/towels) at nominal fees.
The information presented here is for those who are just starting out RVing. Here's everything you'll really want to know to get started.
The trip day arrives: Your RV is now ready -- c'mon down and pick it up. This is the day when you have your "walk through", when you will learn how to operate and maintain your RV. It's sort of like get in, turn the key, and start having fun. It's really not all that difficult and our friendly staff will answer all your questions and doubts. These are exciting times!
The first thing that will happen is a "walk through" by someone of our staff. Be sure to take all the time you need to learn everything there is to know about the unit you rented. Our staff will tell you about each item, show you, and let you do it. Too many people do this way too fast. Don't! Consider at least taking notes. There will be far more than any mortal can remember from this session. Caravans for Hire has an online manual you can print out too.
Now the exciting part: You're going to drive this unit home. If you are a first timer it'll be a bit of a white knuckle experience just driving it home. But once you get home, you'll have ample time to go through each of the parts of the motorhome, and actually operate each appliance so you'll have a feel for the basics. Pretty soon you'll start to get comfortable with the unit, and can move on to the next step -- loading it up with your own gear.
To know more about electrical systems, sewers, propane, awnings, etc. check our RV Manual page.
Sewer hoses come in 10 or 20 foot length hoses. If you have a 20' hose only, you'll be parked right next to the sewer. If you have a 10' hose, you'll be miles away. Tip: Take a 20' foot hose, cut it so you have a 6' hose and a 14' hose. Also carry a 10' hose. That gives you anything from 6' to 30'
Water hose: Use this to fill your water tank.
Water pressure regulator: The cheapest insurance you can get.
- Note the vehicle weight ratings for your RV, you really should weigh your vehicle to find out what the real story is.
- Lug nuts on RVs: Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten them periodically. Tighten them to about 85 pounds.
- Dual Tires: Be certain that both tires, if not the same type, are within one fourth inch (diameter) of each other at maximum inflation. Otherwise they will wear unevenly.
- Check your trailer brakes. Check preloaded bearings and grease them.
- The Hinsley Hitch for large travel trailers will greatly improve the stability for those who tow regular trailers.
- Fifth Wheel drivers: Don't over extend the landing gear. If you do, it will bend. Use blocks to build up the space below them.
- If you use caster wheels in the back of an RV to protect against the long overhang, rubber wheels will last about a day. Use steel!