Tag Archives: Travel

Highland Ridge Roamer RF347RES

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Roamer RF347RES

2016 Roamer RF347RES rear living room.While it has been on the market for close to a year now.  I wanted to take the time to review one of my favorite RVs at this time.  The Highland Ridge Roamer RF347RES.  This rear entertainment/living room fifth wheel RV offers comfort and livability.  The Roamer line of 5th wheels are designed with the seasoned traveler in mind. You’ll find floor-plans designed for extended use that maximize space while keeping weight to a minimum. Wide body construction and 42” deep slides lend a sense of space that’s just not achievable with lesser products. From brand name appliances to Corian counter-tops, you’ll find feature content that the accomplished RV owner will appreciate. Rugged construction, top quality materials and leading edge innovation. If you’re serious about the RV lifestyle, this is your fifth wheel.

Equipped with a slide out King master suite up front with under bed storage, large slide glass door wardrobe, dresser, closet with washer/dryer prep, and a solid privacy door. The private bathroom features a residential sized shower with glass shower enclosure, medicine cabinet, linen cabinet, and porcelain toilet. The living area features opposing slide outs that offer plenty of room.  The main slide offers dual wall hugging recliners as well as a free-standing dinette table and chairs.  The rear entertainment center is backed by a large window that allows plenty of natural light in. Here a large 50″ LED TV on electric lift can be found.  As well as a sound bar entertainment system and electric fireplace.  The new ‘L’ shaped sectional style sofa features a built-in tri-fold sleeper sofa, and is very comfortable to relax on.  The highlight of this exciting four season Open Range RV, is the kitchen. Roamer RF347RES kitchen area. With the help of a large solid surface counter top area, the kitchen feels separated from the living area.  All the essentials of home can be found here.  Including a large side by side residential stainless steel refrigerator with ice and water.  A stainless steel three burner range with oven, large over the range stainless steel microwave, high-rise faucet, and plenty of storage, can be all found in the kitchen.  A fully ducted 15K BTU AC, direct heated and enclosed underbelly, along with a fully ducted high performance furnace, will keep this Roamer RF347RES comfortable all camping season long.  Outside features include a true auto leveling system with lock arm stabilizer bars, a rear roof ladder, outside security lights, raised cap for stack-able washer/dryer installations, power patio awning with LED lighting, full view entrance door, aluminum wheels, outside convenience center and much more.

Camping in style, Roamer RF347RESIt’s not so much camping as it is glamping.  But this exciting Roamer RF347RES is ready to be towed to your favorite camping spot.  For more information about one of my favorite RVs or to schedule an appointment today to see one.  Contact us here or at 800-722-1236.

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AAA sees Gas Prices Falling for Summer 2015

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Lower gas prices may be on the way for U.S. consumers by this summer if refinery maintenance ends smoothly and crude oil remains relatively cheap, AAA said in a news release.Gas pump with money  As reported by the St. Augustine Record, the travel company’s release said it is even possible that gas prices will return to near $2 per gallon in some areas, as long as there are no unexpected problems in the meantime.

 

AAA does not expect the national average to rise above $3 per gallon this year. “There is a real hope that gas prices could drop significantly in time for the busy summer driving season,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. “The overall outlook looks good for drivers, and with any luck we will avoid the types of problems that often lead to higher gas prices at this time of year.”  Many refineries have completed seasonal maintenance, though unexpected problems could still occur. Many refineries and wholesalers will switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline by May 1 to meet EPA clean air regulations.

 

The cost of crude oil is likely to be the most important factor influencing gas prices over the next few months. At the close of Friday’s formal trading, WTI settled at $49.55 per barrel — 68 cents higher than the week before. Many experts believe that crude oil prices may drop further due to abundant supplies, but international conflict, declining production or other issues could result in higher prices.
This article originally appeared on RVBusiness.com

Highland Ridge RV – a new home to Open Range RV

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open-range-rv-horsehead-logo-dark-highland-ridge-rvSince the acquisition of Open Range RV by Jayco RV. Changes have been minor just as promised from both RV manufacturers.  However with new business licensing requirements. A new stable has come to Open Range RV.  Highland Ridge RV is now considered the new home of Open Range RV. A new website will be up and running shortly; highlandridgerv.com.

Open Range RV and Jayco entered into a Letter of Intent with Jayco Corporation near the end of February 2014.  With similar cultures and dedication to both their customers and dealers. The acquisition of Open Range RV by Jayco will have a result that everyone will benefit from.  Both companies have a track record of exceptional growth in RV sales over the past couple of years. As an Open Range dealership, we look forward to a great new opportunity to introduce this innovative RV product to our customers.

highland ridge rv company logo, parent company of open range rvSo be on the lookout for Open Range travel trailer or fifth wheel camper by Highland Ridge RV. New ownership but the same quality built, innovative designed RV for the camping family.

Safe travels and Happy RVing!

RV & Camper News

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News from around the  RVing and camping lifestyle.

– Coal Township, PA :  Coal Township is asking for the public’s opinion on a proposed new ordinance, which could add a five-percent admissions tax to recreation parks such as the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, Newsitem reports.  At its meeting Thursday night, the township’s board of commissioners voted 3-1 to advertise the ordinance, which has yet to be drawn up, for the admissions tax. Newsitem explains, the tax would apply on all activities allowable under the Commonwealth’s Local Tax Enabling Act “which would include, but is not limited to, campgrounds and outdoor recreation parks.”

– Gettysburg, PA :Gettysburg Bike Week celebrates 13 years of riding through historic Pennsylvania this year with rides, entertainment, vendors and more July 10 through 13 at Granite Hill Campground Resort.

– Washington DC : The 16-day federal government shutdown last October frustrated and angered RVers when federal lands became inaccessible. Now a study estimates that the shutdown of National Parks cost nearby communities $414 million in visitor spending.

– Arizona : Hibernation season for Arizona bears has evidently ended early, with reports of two bear sightings. In mid-February campers spotted a black bear near Peppersauce Campground outside of Tucson. In January a hunter reported seeing a sow and cub at Fort Huachuca.

– Richland County, Mont.: health officials say they’ve had enough. According to the officials, “85 to 95 percent of RV parks” in the county are out of compliance with health laws so the county is dragging them into court to get them to clean up their acts. One hot-button issue: gray water. “Gray water out of your sink actually carries more pathogens than out of your toilet,” claims Terry Murphy, local compliance officer. There are 18 licensed RV and mobile home parks in the county.

– Mission, TX :Police in Mission, Texas, may have broken up a ring of thieves who specialized in stealing Ford F-250 pickups and selling them in Mexico. Police staked out Mission Bell RV Resort in February, where pickups had been previously stolen, and netted four adults and a juvenile who were charged in connection with at least one truck theft.

~ News From The Weird ~

– PUNTA GORDA, Fla. : Police arrested a Punta Gorda couple prowling an RV park Friday night while their children wandered through some nearby woods, Fox 4 reported.
Michael Scott Butcher and his wife, Sarah, were found by security guards at Water’s Edge RV Resort claiming to be looking for lost truck keys. When they wouldn’t leave, the couple was arrested for loitering or prowling, as well as possession of drugs.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

RV News and Tidbits

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* Thanks to Amazon.com’s “CamperForce,” Kentucky’s Green River Lake State Park stays open through December, instead of closing in November. CamperForce is Amazon’s description of its seasonal workforce who live in RVs to be near their shipping facilities, in this case a warehouse at Campbellsville.

* Kansas officials say they’ll close highway rest stops near Russell to save water. Water usage has doubled to 1.6 million gallons at the stops since 2011.

* U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) introduced legislation on Dec. 3 to increase the federal gasoline tax by 15 cents from 18.4 cents to 33.4 cents per gallon.
The bill, H.R. 3636, also known as the “Update, Promote, and Develop America’s Transportation Essentials (UPDATE) Act of 2013,” would phase in the increase throughout the next three years.

* Lippert Components Inc. (LCI) has partnered with Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. to provide designer furniture for RVs. LCI will offer a full line of Ashley sofas, sectionals, theater seating and recliners to the RV industry

* ROBERTSDALE, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Emerald Coast RV Center LLC of Robertsdale for nine serious safety violations following an inspection at the recreational vehicle sales and service facility on Highway 59 South. Prompted by a complaint, the agency initiated an inspection in August, resulting in proposed penalties of $41,000.
The serious safety violations include the employer’s failure to ensure workers utilized fall protection systems while working on top of recreational vehicles; train workers on powered industrial truck operations; provide proper machine guarding; ensure adequate guarding on electrical boxes; and use temporary wiring properly. Additionally, the employer was cited for failing to train workers adequately on hazard communication, provide a list of hazardous chemicals on-site, reduce compressed air for cleaning to less than 30 pounds per square inch and secure compressed gas cylinders properly. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

~RV News From The Weird~

* When a St. Helena, S.C., RV owner found his stored RV hooked up to electricity, he disconnected it. To his surprise, he found power hooked back up the next day. It was then he found a man living in the rig, who confessed to police he’d been holed up in the RV for two months after being kicked out of his mother’s home next door. The unwelcome tenant was charged with burglary and grand larceny.

* Turkey starts RV blaze: Firefighters called to a fifth wheel fire in View Royal, B.C., report it all started when a turkey was left unattended in the rig’s oven. In an understatement, the fire chief told the local paper, “It’s another ad for not leaving your cooking unattended. That turkey will be inedible.”

* An attempt to break the world record of how many marshmallows can be eaten in a minute will take place at the Central Illinois Recreational Show in Peoria, Ill. The show runs February 28 through March 2. The winner will need to eat more than 25 marshmallows to beat the record.

* A traffic stop Monday of a motor home on I-80 in southeast Nebraska led to the seizure of nearly 95 pounds of marijuana, according to North Platte Bulletin.
Nebraska State Patrol spokeswoman Deb Collins told North Platte Bulletin that a dog detected the odor of drugs coming from the recreational vehicle, and a search led to 94.7 pounds of marijuana in 43 bundles, located in an empty water tank beneath the bathroom floor of the motor home.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

** Information gathered from CampingPA.com

Family Vacation…Did I really just see that?

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Just came across this awesome article and wanted to share it with our readers.  This is really, really cool.  Would love to see this going down the road.

national lampoons vacation motorhomeKeith Boreani started out about 11 years ago, renovating an old school bus.
As reported by the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette, raising the $5,000 to buy the bus was the easy part. Finding partners to help him do the job was a challenge. Nobody could quite grasp the vision that Boreani had for the old hulk. Boreani figured he could rent it out as a party bus, but the plan didn’t pan out.
You can’t keep a guy with crazy automotive ideas down, though, and Boreani, who’s in pharmaceutical sales, has a vision for a whole new fleet of vehicles that will never make a lot of money but will turn plenty of heads.  The first vehicle in the fleet has recently been completed. Boreani bought a 1971 Winnebago, with a big W on the side and 75,000 miles on it.  “It wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t pretty,” he said.  But he had an idea to make it really outrageous. Working with an Angola airbrusher, Harry Martin of Hairydidit, he converted the old motor home into a combination of Clark Griswold’s hideous green station wagon and Eddie’s hideous motor home from the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movies.  The green station wagon is painted on the side, complete with a dead grandma wrapped in a tarp and strapped to the roof. There are plenty of Walley World characters and tons of painted rust on the side, front and rear.

So if you see this unique motor home going down the road, be sure to wave hello to Sparky!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Are you enjoying your RV?

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Family Camping Fun with RV

Enjoy RVing.

Regardless of which make, model, brand or style of RV that you own. One thing every RV has in common is that RVs take camping to the next level, they’re loaded with amenities that make camping an incredible experience. Here are three easy ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of your RV when you’re on the road. And I hope that you are getting all that you can out of your current RV.

1.  You have a kitchen so cook a feast!

Go gourmet in your RV. When you have tons of cabinetry for storing ingredients, a spacious refrigerator, and 3-burner stove, you’re set to cook like a chef. Have hotdogs and burgers one night, but plan a night where you break out the spices, the premier cuts of meat, the vino, and a homemade dessert. There are tons of RV cooking resources that can help you find RV-friendly gourmet recipes. There is always something for everyone out there.

2.  There’s tons of sleeping space, so bring your friends.

In an RV, there’s way more sleeping space than you might ever use.  Why waste the space, the more the merrier. Grab your friends (or your kids’ friends) and bring them along. Memories are made when you get big groups together.

3.  Make the most of entertainment systems.

Whether your RV has flat screen TVs inside, outdoor TVs, or both, you get the best of both worlds. Roughing it, while being able to laugh along with your favorite movie or TV show. Don’t feel guilty using (and loving) your TVs. Invite the neighbors (campers in the spots nearby) over for movie night or put the game on the outside TV. Camping is about making and sharing time with family and friends!

Let us know if you have any other ideas about how to get more out of your RV!
Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

#camping,#rving,#happycamper

RV Hall of Fame reaches fundraising goal!

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The RV/MH Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame reaches fundraising goal at last-minute…

ELKHART — The leadership at the RV/MH Hall of Fame is ready to reach for the lighter.

In the final day of the “burn the bank-note” push to raise $150,000 by April 30, the hall was still $20,000 shy of what it needed to get a $50,000 matching grant from the Ingram family.

With 12 hours left to go, one unidentified donor stepped forward with $5,000, and another came up with a donation of $15,000, according to Darryl Searer, president of the hall.

”On behalf of the hall’s board of directors, I would like to thank all of those who contributed and helped us achieve this success. I continue to be amazed by the generosity of those who believe in the hall’s mission and continue to open their hearts and pocketbooks. We cannot thank them enough,” Searer said in the written announcement of the successful fundraiser.

At the top of the list of generous donors is the family of Robert “Boots” Ingram, who have postponed some debts and offered matching grants to retire other debts, bringing the hall back from the brink of financial ruin and shutdown a little more than two years ago.

Between the $150,000 in matching grants from the Ingram family and the money donated by others, the hall will be ready to burn the note for their loan from 1st Source Bank, a loan that stood at $840,000 in early 2012.

The city of Elkhart forgave roughly $115,000 in fees owed by the hall, which also helped reduce the stress on the museum, hall of fame and events center near C.R. 17 and the Indiana Toll Road.

Wednesday morning, May 1, Searer said, “I spoke with Tony Ingram last night with the good news and was assured that the $50,000 check is in the mail and we’ll be able to pay off the bank loan soon. As soon as the Ingrams’ check arrives, the bank loan will be retired with a blazing ‘burn the bank-note’ ceremony.”

Congratulations to the RV / Motor Home Hall of Fame….

Article from The Elkhart Truth (elkharttruth.com)

Boomers rolling into Retirement in RVs

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Baby Boomers love RVing!

Baby boomers have long been recognized as a generation on the move and many of them have plans to pick up the pace even more in retirement.

They’re flying overseas for exotic African safaris, European river cruises and walks atop the Great Wall of China.

But they’re also staying closer to home, getting an up-close-and-personal view of the nation they grew up in, perhaps along two-lane roads, stopping for the night at some secluded campground. For those trips, many will use recreational vehicles.

RV sales have spiked in recent years due to several factors, including an improving economy and more boomers retiring.

“RV sales will benefit as aging baby boomers continue to enter the age range in which RV ownership is highest,” noted the authors of a 2012 report from the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

Boomers are drawn to RVs because they have, in general, always been drawn to travel.

Baby boomers, in fact, are America’s most traveled generation, even to this day, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute.

“When they were younger, baby boomers traveled more than older people, and now that they are older, they travel more than younger people,” according to a recent report from the institute.

The increase in interest by baby boomers has certainly been good news for RV dealers and manufacturers, but destinations, too, are adjusting to the influx of boomers.

RV travel is still camping, but many baby boomers are now accustomed to traveling in style so campgrounds are modifying their offerings as a result.

Many RV resorts have in recent years added wellness centers and exercise classes — two trends that have long been popular with baby boomers. Others offer concierge service, elegant dining halls and lighted tennis courts.

Some resorts have added live shows and musical acts to draw in boomers.

The Rocky Fork Ranch Resort in Eastern Ohio offers an indoor pool, fitness center and sauna.

Baby boomers also enjoy their technology so many campgrounds now offer cable TV and free Wi-Fi. It’s not exactly roughing it, but it’s certainly something many boomers don’t want to surrender while away from home.

“The baby boomers have arrived … and RV parks and resorts are responding by providing a greater variety of activities and entertainment,” Paul Bambei, president and CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds recently told RV Business magazine.

The RVs themselves these days also allow for luxurious travel. The big ones can be 40 feet long and cost $200,000 or more.

Some have maple cabinetry, satellite-fed LCD TVs, washer and dryers and even fireplaces. All in all, “camping” isn’t what it used to be and boomers are enjoying the change.

information written by RICK ADAMCZAK, The Daily Reporter

RV Lifestyle: Tips for beginners and vets

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There’s never been a better time to take up the RV lifestyle.

Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a snow bird or an RV full-timer, there’s an RV to suit any travel budget and taste.

With baby boomers reaching retirement age, more and more people are taking to the road with their motor homes, RVs or travel trailers. The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association recently reported that nearly 8 million American households have an RV, motor home or travel trailer and that there are as many as 30 million RV enthusiasts in the U.S.

Seeing the country in an RV offers many benefits for travelers seeking an affordable and exciting way to spend quality family time. According to one study, a family of four can save up to 74% traveling by RV over more conventional travel. And with more than 16,000 public and privately owned campgrounds in the US, there’s a site to fulfill everyone’s vacation fantasy, whether it’s an oceanfront view, hiking trails, casino gambling or tennis.

6 Tips for Successful RV Travel
RV travel is easy to learn, and once you’ve got the hang of it there’ll be no going back! Here are six helpful tips that will come in handy for both beginning and seasoned RV enthusiasts:

    1. Map Your RV Travel Destinations
      A large part of the RV appeal is the exhilarating freedom of the open road — to go wherever you want, whenever you want. But it helps to have a solid travel plan in place. If you know where you’re heading, you can determine the route that will offer the most interesting sights.Look in RV and other travel guides, contact tourism boards in states you’ll be passing through, and search the Internet.Make sure to bring the correct road maps, and a GPS system is a good idea as well, especially if you’re new to RV travel.

      Carefully designing the route you’ll be taking will make it easier to do spur-of-the moment things like checking out that oddball museum you just spotted on a roadside billboard!

    2. Have A Checklist? Just Checking
      During your pre-trip prep, in addition to working out what needs to be in the RV, put together a thorough checklist of things to do when setting up at an RV campground.There are the basics:

      • Locate all campground connections
      • Make sure your RV is level
      • Properly hook up your water, gas and electric systems

      Don’t forget comfort concerns, like making sure you packed your favorite CDs and DVDs, and those new lawn chairs.

      Equally important, you should have a second checklist of things that have to be done to break camp and set up your RV for departure (Quick hint: when you think the job is done and everything is ready, check again).

    3. Be Prepared with a “Just-For-The-RV” First-Aid Kit
      Always make sure you have a fully stocked RV first-aid kit, and keep it in an outside storage compartment.Your RV first-aid kit should include basic medical supplies:

      • Bandages
      • Ointment
      • Over-the-counter pain reliever
      • Insect repellant
      • Scissors
      • An emergency supply of must-have medications

      Plus the following extras for your RV:

      • Flashlight and extra batteries
      • Paper and pens
      • A disposable camera in case you have to take photos of an accident site.
      • Cell phone and charger

      If you don’t feel up to the task of putting together an RV first-aid kit yourself, an extensive range of ready-made first-aid kits is available for purchase.

      Don’t forget to include a list of important contact information, including family members, doctors, insurance agents, etc. [Editor’s note: Leave a copy of your itinerary and your contact information with a family member or friend, in case you need to be located in an emergency.]

       

    4. RV Camping with Kids and Pets
      If your RV travel includes children, make sure to set aside time during the day for outdoor activities, as even the roomiest RV can be confining for kids.And give each child his or her own space in the RV (no matter how small) for toys, games and personal stuff.RV travel is a unique opportunity for your children to see new and different places and faces. There are often plenty of other kids at campgrounds – but be sure to walk around a new campground with your children when you first get settled there. They need to know how to find your campsite and navigate the RV grounds. If you plan to bring the family pet, check beforehand to confirm that pets are allowed at the RV campground.
  1. A Little Help From Your Friends
    When in doubt, ask your fellow RVer. However well-traveled you might be, odds are there is someone you’ll meet along the way who has been somewhere you haven’t, solved a problem you haven’t yet encountered, or spotted an out-of-the-way delight you’ve never heard of.No matter how much research you’ve done, there’s bound to be an RV campsite you haven’t read about, a storage system that has escaped your notice, or a funny anecdote that you’ll laugh about for years to come.The new folks you meet may or may not become close friends for life, but they are an important part of your RV journey.
article written by John Noble from about.com