Edmonds, WA (PRWEB) January 15, 2008 -- RV enthusiasts are finding ways to keep traveling despite high fuel prices, according to the website RVtravel.com. With gas prices at $3 a gallon or more and RV park fees commonly exceeding $30 a night, the cost of travel by recreational vehicle is at a budget-stretching high. But that isn't stopping most owners of motorhomes and travel trailers.
"Most RVers will travel no matter what," said RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury. "Many RVers dreamed for years of enjoying the lifestyle before buying a motorhome or travel trailer, and they'll find a way to use it in spite of how much gas or campgrounds cost."
One way they afford to keep using their RVs, said Woodbury, is to cut camping fees. "We've done surveys at RVtravel.com -- http://www.RVtravel.com -- to learn the ways RVers are making ends meet, and we've found that more than half our readers have spent at least one night during a recent trip in a truck stop or Wal-Mart parking lot, where the 'camping' is free. Many RVers routinely stay in these places, sometimes several nights a week.
"It's not a meaningful experience with nature, but the money an RVer saves on campground fees can help pay for the next day's gasoline."
And fuel can be a big expense. In a January survey at RVtravel.com, in which more than 2,400 RVers participated, two-thirds said they get less than 10 miles per gallon with their motorhome or tow vehicle. Only nine percent get better than 14 miles per gallon.
"RVers tell us that they are slowing down to improve their mileage," said Woodbury. "They are also keeping their RV or tow vehicle engine tuned, and the tires properly inflated," which also helps stretch fuel.
In response to the demand for more fuel-efficient RVs, RV manufacturers are rapidly introducing European-style motorhomes that can get up to 18 miles per gallon. Winnebago Industries' Winnebago View and Itasca Navion are among the most popular coaches powered with a fuel-stingy Mercedes engine, and built on the efficient Dodge Sprinter chassis.
Travel trailer manufacturers are increasing production of lightweight and ultra lightweight RVs. Most can be towed with fuel-efficient passenger vehicles or lightweight trucks.
Even though many public campgrounds now charge $15 a night and up, and RV parks double that, thousands of places allow RVers to stay for free or nearly free. The website FreeCampgrounds.com -- http://www.FreeCampgrounds.com -- lists more than 1,800 such locations. "Many small towns have campgrounds in their city parks and offer a free stay for a day or two," said Woodbury. "A few even provide utility hookups at no extra charge." Woodbury noted that most RVers are unaware of these places because they are seldom advertised or even promoted by their communities.
RVers interested in keeping up with the latest news about RVs and the RV lifestyle, including tips for stretching their travel dollars, can sign up for the free RVtravel.com newsletter. The online publication is posted on the Web every Saturday and is in its seventh year with more than 73,000 subscribers. Information and a sign up form is at http://www.RVtravel.com .
# # #
Eazy Brothers RV Furniture of Yuma, Arizona Has Opened Its Doors to the World
The Eazy Brothers storefront is now selling its RV furniture and accessories online.
King Brothers Rally for Justice Scheduled in Pensacola
“Caravan of Hope” descends upon Pensacola Rally Seeking Justice.
Justice for Alex and Derek King - A rally is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. on October 17, in Pensacola at the front entrance of the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building. The rally is to show support of Justice for all America's children. The Rev. Thomas Masters and others will be speaking during the rally and attend to show support for Alex and Derek.
Touring The Napa Vineyards
As the wines produced in the Napa Valley continue to grow in prestige, joining the ranks of the finest of Italy and France, so does the expansion of the tourism industry in this region. Its history as a wine-producing district stretches back to the early 19th century. By that century?s end, there were over 140 distinct wineries, each offering their own product. Today, with over 340 wineries, Napa is considered to be among the finest of the AVA?s (American Viticultural Areas). Touring a vineyard is a great way to spend a day on your California vacation.
The Latest in Motor Home Driving: Workhorse to Show New 22,000 lb. GVWR Version of UFO Chassis at Tampa RV Show
The new chassis will be on display at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa Jan. 16 to 20.
New Eco-Friendly Tree Huggerz Campsite Organizer for Tent/RV Campers Brings Convenience to Outdoor Living
Tree Huggerz® Campsite Organizer from Outdoor Concepts is a new personal organizer for campers that brings newfound convenience to the outdoors. Learn more about its features and functionality.
Parkbridge Capital Group Launches Nationwide Search to Purchase RV and Mobile Home Parks
Parkbridge Capital Group, Inc. has launched a nationwide search to purchase high-quality RV resorts and mobile home parks. Lee Meekcoms, President of Parkbridge Capital, states, "People want the benefits associated with a mobile lifestyle without the high overhead. In buying and upgrading these properties to maximize investor return, we also provide tenants with a splendid environment. In short, everyone wins."
NomadISP Experiences Record Growth in RV Industry
This May, NomadISP installed 38 wireless access points at 25 RV parks across the country.
Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results
One of the most famous and popular brands in the wax industry is Meguiar's. Meguiar's has stood the test of time as a brand name.
RV Internet Service
According to the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC), there are approximately 72 million RVs on USA roads today
3M RV/Marine Water Filtration Named Supplier To Land N' Sea Distributing, Inc.
3M RV/Marine Water Filtration, one of the leading suppliers of water filters for recreational vehicles and boats, today announced that it has been named an official supplier to Land N' Sea Distributing, Inc., part of the Brunswick Corporation.
Why Rent An RV?
This year for our vacation we thought that we would try something quite different for us. We usually have our travel agent book us reservations for some resort where we can relax with luxurious accommodations and visit interesting attractions nearby. Most of the time we fly to our destination, but we have driven if it is not more than a few hours away. This year we decided that we would like to try roughing it in an RV. We have never done anything like this before, so we thought that it may be fun.
Touring The Scottish Highlands
Misty Lochs, landscapes rich in history and heritage and tartan-clad locals proud of their unique traditions - in ?bonny Scotland? you?ll discover a country that is refreshingly different from many other UK destinations The city of Glasgow is the ideal base from which to plan your travel adventures through Scotland
RV Vacations Are Least Expensive, Study Shows
Despite record-breaking fuel prices, typical RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs. PKF Consulting, an international consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that "typical RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied."
Gittalong Little Doggie Announces Increase In Sales For Dog Poop Bag Dispensers For Hotels, RV Parks, Apartments & Condo Complexes
Today at the first Pet Product Conference, Gittalong Little Doggie announced Production and Sales Tripling over the past 6 months for Commercial Grade Poop Bag Dispensers for Hotels, RV Parks and Apartment & Condo Complexes.
Touring the Shorelines from Civitavecchia to Rome!
There are many ways on how you can enjoy and even get to Rome. The shore excursions from Civitavecchia to Rome prove to be one of them. In fact, it has become one of the most important ports, as it invites more and more passengers every year.