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Caravans
/ RV Classes & Definitions |
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CARAVANS FOR HIRE
HAS ONLY MOTORIZED UNITS |
Caravans or Campers -as they are called in Europe and Australia -
are called Motorhomes or Recreational
Vehicles (RV) in America. They fall into two
general categories:
Towable RVs include:
Folding Camping Trailers (also known as Tent Trailers, Soft Top or Hard Top), Truck Campers, Travel Trailers
and Fifth Wheels.
Motorized RVs include: Class A, Class B and Class C Motorhomes,
and Luxury Buses.
Recreation Vehicles comprise a whole
family of vehicles that combine transportation and temporary living quarters for
recreation, camping and travel. Some provide a simple place for sleeping and
eating, while others are virtually luxury lodges on wheels. Please read our Caravan
/ RV Glossary page for more information.
Driving the vast majority of RVs requires no
special license and is easier than many newcomers think. Experienced
automobile drivers already have the skills to drive a motorized RV. With
proper attention to the size, height and weight differences, experienced drivers
find it fun to take the wheel.
RV conveniences range from the basics --
like running water, cooking and bathroom facilities, and a power source (either
electricity or liquid propane) -- to added comforts such as air conditioning,
entertainment systems and slideout rooms. 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.
Families agree that economically speaking, RV
travel adds up: convenience and comfort plus low costs. RV
travelers don't have to worry about departure requirements, fine print,
refundable tickets, special fare restrictions. They can plan daily costs without
hidden surprises in tips, taxes, fees, penalties and add-ons.
RVing and kids go hand in hand. An RV trip is
the ideal mode of vacation travel with children. RVs keep kids happy while on
the road with entertainment options like VCRs for watching videos, audio
headphones for listening to tapes, kitchens to prepare favorite meals and
snacks, plenty of elbow room and nap space and bathrooms for those frequent
"potty breaks."
First-time RVers will be surprised by all the
modern conveniences and creature comforts available in many of today's RVs
including:
- choice of twin-, double-, queen- and
king-size beds
- central heat and air-conditioning
- full baths with showers
- refrigerators and freezers w/ice
makers
- microwaves
- full ranges with oven
- trash compactors
- washers and dryers
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- basement storage
- TVs and VCRs
- stereo systems with CD players and
headsets
- satellite dishes
- computer ports
- internet accessibility
- closed circuit cameras for backing
up
- even hot tubs!
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Towable
RV
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A Towable RV is a RV
designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle (car, van or pickup truck)
and of such size and weight as not to require a special highway
movement permit. Towable RVs do not require permanent on-site hook-up.
Today's market
features a large selection of vehicles capable of towing a RV --
conversion vehicles, SUVs, light trucks, most full-size and many
mid-size cars -- with sophisticated engineering packages providing
greater towing power, superior maneuverability and braking.
Any Drivers
License that is valid for an automobile is appropriate for these
motorhomes. Regardless of size, personal use of recreation
vehicles do not require a commercial drivers license. With a
little practice, experienced drivers find it easy to learn to tow an
RV.
They fall in four
types:
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Folding
Camping Trailer
(also known as Tent Trailer, Soft Top or Hard Top) |
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Travel
Trailer |
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Truck
Camper |
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Fifth
Wheel |
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When driving a
towable RV, you should always:
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Adjust and
use all rear view mirrors. Before leaving on a trip, sit in
the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road
views.
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Account
for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels
will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
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Allow more
time to brake, change lanes and enter a busy highway, since
bigger vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.
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Match the proper
tow vehicle to your RV. Most full and mid-size family cars
can pull a trailer; so can today's popular vans, sport utility
vehicles (SUVs) and light-duty trucks. Check the owner's
manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul
and the maximum load weight it can pull.
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Use the right
trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly.
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Connect brakes
and signal lights. Always check that the trailer's brakes,
turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with the towing
vehicle's.
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Back up with
care. By placing your hand at the bottom of the steering
wheel, the trailer will move in the direction you turn your
hand. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the
right. Once the trailer is moving in the proper direction,
avoid any sharp movements of the steering wheel. Slowly steer
the vehicle into its desired direction.
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It is also a
good idea to have someone outside the vehicle assist the
driver in backing up to avoid any obstacles not seen in the
mirrors. If another person is not available, the driver
should inspect the area behind the vehicle. By evaluating the
situation before backing, drivers can avoid surprises and
accidents.
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| Motorized
RVs |
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| A Motorized
RV is a RV built on or as an integral part of a self-propelled motor
vehicle chassis, combining transportation and living quarters in one
unit.
Any Drivers License that
is valid for an automobile is appropriate for these motorhomes.
Regardless of size, personal use recreation vehicles do not require
a commercial drivers license.
Experienced automobile drivers
already have the skills to drive a motorized RV. Automatic
transmissions, power brakes and steering are typical features.
With proper attention to the
differences in vehicle size, height and weight, you'll find it fun
and easy to take the wheel of a motorhome. Towing skills are also
readily acquired.
They fall in four types:
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Luxury Bus
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Class A
Motorhome |
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Class B
Motorhome |
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Class C
Motorhome |
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When driving an
RV, you should always:
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Adjust and
use all rear view mirrors. Before leaving on a trip, sit in
the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road
views.
-
Account
for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels
will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
-
Allow more
time to brake, change lanes and enter a busy highway, since
bigger vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.
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