| Camping in a tent or sleeping on the hard ground isn't | | | | Truck and van campers are more compact than |
| everyone's idea of a meaningful experience with | | | | motorhomes, but offer many of the same features at |
| nature. Nowadays, a camping trip often means | | | | a lower price. Travel trailers, tent trailers, and fifth |
| "roughing it" in a recreational vehicle. | | | | wheelers (trailers with a raised forward section) have |
| It makes sense. Most Baby Boomers have graduated | | | | no engines and are therefore less expensive to |
| from backpacking and even tent camping. A slab of | | | | purchase than motorhomes. They may, however, |
| uneven, rocky soil isn't as forgiving as it once was. | | | | require a special tow vehicle, which can be costly if a |
| Many campers today are looking for something a little | | | | would-be RVer doesn't already own one. |
| more comfy. | | | | A good idea for many first-time RVers, or buyers on a |
| A motorhome, travel trailer, or other RV is like a small | | | | budget, is to start with a used unit. Second-hand trailers |
| cabin on wheels -- usually complete with stove, oven, | | | | are often available for less than $10,000; used |
| refrigerator shower, toilet, beds, heater and 12-volt | | | | motorhomes sell from $15,000 and up. Buyers should |
| electrical power. | | | | take caution when buying used, and never buy off a |
| Smaller units may not have bathrooms or hot water. | | | | shopping center parking lot, campground or other |
| Some rigs, though, have lounge areas, air conditioners, | | | | non-traditional place. It's best, too, before buying a used |
| bathtubs, microwave ovens, built-in color televisions and | | | | unit to hire a RV technician and mechanic to check it |
| generators for extra power. More often than not | | | | out for problems. Repairing hidden water damage can |
| these days, an RV comes equipped with at least one | | | | cost thousands of dollars. |
| slide-out room. Push a button and a side section of the | | | | For those who have never camped in a recreational |
| RV extends out, vastly expanding the interior living | | | | vehicle but are thinking of buying one, it's a good idea |
| space. | | | | to rent one first to see if they're suited to the RV |
| When asked why they like the RV lifestyle, RVers cite | | | | lifestyle. Motorhomes rent for about $600 to $1,200 a |
| the convenience of cooking their own meals, sleeping | | | | week depending on location, model of rig and time of |
| in their own bed and taking a hot shower at any place, | | | | year. Trailers are considerably cheaper. To find a local |
| any time, even in a remote campground. They also | | | | rental dealer, consult your telephone directory under |
| mention that with an RV they are always packed and | | | | "Recreational Vehicles -- Renting and Leasing." |
| ready-to-go. | | | | Before buying your first recreational vehicle, learn all |
| Compared to automobile travel, where motorists eat | | | | you can about the different types on the market. Talk |
| at restaurants and sleep in motels, vacationing in a RV | | | | to people who own RVs and ask them what they like |
| is economical. Gasoline and campsites are the major | | | | and dislike about their rigs. Magazines like Trailer Life |
| expense. Food costs the same as at home because | | | | and Motorhome offer excellent advice; both are |
| you cook your own meals. And even though fuel | | | | available on major newsstands. Hundreds of how-to |
| prices have increased in recent times, most RVers | | | | books and DVDs are available on virtually every |
| say they will keep on traveling. Sales of recreational | | | | aspect of RVing. Check your local library or |
| vehicles in 2005 were at all time highs. | | | | Be sure, too, to attend RV shows that are held |
| Campsites are reasonable -- most from about $15 to | | | | periodically in large cities. These shows are a great |
| $35 a night. A surprising number of public campgrounds | | | | place for would-be RVers who are convinced they |
| are still free or less than $10. | | | | want a rig but still need help deciding which type of |
| There is, of course, an initial investment. Motorhomes, | | | | vehicle best suits their needs and budget. But be |
| the most expensive RVs, sell from $30,000 to | | | | cautious about buying at a show, and don't buy on |
| $300,000 with most between $40,000 and $100,000. | | | | impulse. Special "show prices" will almost always be |
| The over-$100,000 units are favored by "full-timers," | | | | honored two weeks later back at a dealership, no |
| mostly retired couples who live in their rigs much or all | | | | matter what a salesman claims at the show. |
| of the year. Less expensive motorhomes are best | | | | For most RVers, a recreational vehicle is the second |
| suited for part-time RVers. These units may not have | | | | biggest purchase of a lifetime next to a home. And, like |
| wet bars, trash compactors or built-in televisions, but | | | | buying a home, it pays to shop around carefully before |
| they're ideal for weekend camping trips and summer | | | | making a choice. |
| vacations. | | | | |