Posts Tagged ‘road trip’

Securing New Tires For Vacations

Procuring tires generally is confusing. It’s difficult to know where to start, and particularly if you haven’t bought tires before it’s doubtful you have a feel for what you’re looking for. I’ll bet this resource will assist you acquire your next pair of tires. This is the information we would give to our kids if they asked how to buy tires.

Step 1: Look at the tires currently on your car. Inspect the volume, brand, model #’s etc… Look at the sidewall of the tire for almost all this information. Don’t worry about understanding what it all means at this point. Be sure you jot it down on a piece of paper for reference though. Are you sure you need new tires? Be sure to check for that.

Step 2: Place a call to your favorite tire shop and say: Greetings, I currently drive a 2003 Honda Civic and I’d like to see what you have in stock that would fit my car? (substitute your make and model naturally) Grab something to write on, and jot down everything they tell you. Make sure you know the exact price which includes installation, and all the detailed info on the tires. They might not volunteer the information but,find out what the manufacture suggested mileage is. NOTE: Not all shops can tell you right off the bat what kind of tires to get for your car. Good thing you have all the details of your current tires. Now they should have no trouble giving you the info you need.

Step 3: Call around to a few other tire shops and compare the prices, mileage, and other factors of the tires.

Step 4: Based on the information, get you list down to three tires that would work for you. Look up the details of your tire possibilities in a search engine and see what people are saying about each tire. Read buyer blog posts, automotive magazines, just about anything on the topic will do.

Step 5: You’re now prepared to make a decision on tires for your vehicle.

Hopefully you learned something by reading this guide. Did you learn something in your tire quest? Let us know in the comments! Best Wishes!

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Prepare For Your Trip With New Tires

Investing in tires generally is complicated. It’s so troublesome to understand where to start, and particularly if you haven’t bought tires before you probably don’t understand the specifics of what you need. I know this asset will aid you purchase your next set of tires. This is the information we would give to our kids if they asked how to buy tires.

Step 1: Look at the tires currently on your car. Inspect the dimensions, name, model #’s etc… You can find most of that information on the sidewall of the tire itself. You might not understand it all at first, but that’s no problem. Make sure you copy the information down so you have it when you need it. Are you sure you need new tires? Be sure to check for that.

Step 2: Put in a call to your favorite tire shop or one near by and say: Hi, I own a 1998 Honda Civic and I’d like to see what you have in stock that would fit my car? (replace your make and model naturally) Ensure you’re ready to take down the information they give you, and write down everything they say. Don’t hangup until you have the exact price inclusive of installation, and all the detailed info on the tires. You might have to ask but,check out what the manufacture suggested mileage is. NOTE: Not all shops can tell you right off the bat what kind of tires to get for your car. That’s exactly why I had you copy down your current tire information. Now they should have no trouble giving you the info you need.

Step 3: Call around to a few other tire shops and compare the prices, mileage, and other factors of the tires.

Step 4: Now that you’ve got some solid information, whittle your notes down to a few possible tires. Look up the details of your tire possibilities in a search engine and find out what the customer reviews say. Read customer comments, trade blogs, any information you can find on the specific tire.

Step 5: You’re all set, you’ve done your homework and are ready to make a tire purchase.

Hopefully you learned something by reading this guide. If you learn something you’d like to share during your tire purchase please leave a comment so others can learn as well. Thanks!

Before you hit the road this summer on a road trip or vacation, make sure you get new tires. For more information just visit http://kansascitycarworld.wordpress.com/

The Lightweight Travel Trailer Becomes a Friend to Environmentalists

With the environment still a hot topic for conservationists, lightweight travel trailers have become a great means of travel for those who want to conserve money and gas while still getting out to explore the world. While the world is scaling back on the size of cars and living space, they are also taking a closer look at how to conserve while traveling.

Lightweight travel trailers have been on the market for a while, but recently their popularity has been growing as people are traveling closer to home and looking for ways to save on vacation travel expenses. Lightweight travel trailers are relatively inexpensive, and able to hitch onto a mid-size vehicle. Size ranges from six feet to sixteen offering ample space for families, or comfort for one.

People who crave solo adventures will find a good match with lightweight travel trailers. On the most basic end you get a bed and a bit of space for storage. The queen sized beds offer a great night sleep for singles, couples or a furry friend. Larger models, while still lightweight can fit up to four people, yet can fold away into a relatively small space.

Past models of lightweight travel trailers had to be pulled by an SUV or truck, which can up the cost of the trip in gas money. Newer models work well with mid-size vehicles making them available to a wider range of consumers. Gas mileage is improved not only by weight but by design. Wind is reflected off the lightweight travel trailer, making these some of the best designed RVs on the market.

Lightweight travel trailers don’t always look like the traditional image of an RV. Pop-up campers are closer cousins to tents than RVs. They fold away for storage but pop-up to offer cooking space, and a refreshing shower after a long sticky day playing in the outdoors.

Teardrop campers are perfect for simplicity. You can throw in your gear and have a ready-made bed no matter where you are. If you spend months at a time on the road between places, this is a great way to get around. Exhaustion accounts for poor reflex time and can lead to accidents. Having a place to sleep is a safe move that won’t cost you a ton in hotel bills.

GoRVing has enlisted third parties to study the environmental effects of RV travel vs. regular air and hotel travel. The results are that RVing can save up to as much as 60% off regular travel. Those who want to upgrade their lightweight travel trailer to cater to the environment can use solar panels and recycle water for additional savings. Outfitting the beds with bamboo sheets also helps.

People who love to get out on the road but aren’t fans of bugs and unexpected storms will love these lightweight travel trailers. Snuggle down and listen to the wind pass by or the rain fall down. Because lightweight travel trailers offer so much convenience at low prices, they have become a favorite of people who love to get outdoors and explore. People who buy lightweight travel trailers tend to be fit and active.

RV shows have reported a growing interest in the lightweight travel trailer. The savings only add up the more you use the trailer. As your adventures pile up, so do the great memories.

Lightweight travel trailers are here to stay. Whether you buy new or used, the benefits they offer will only enhance any trip you take.

Contributed by Jim Tolar. For more information on motorhomes or the RVing lifestyle, visit Beaudry RV, recognized leader in the RV industry.

Class B RVs Lead the RV Industry in Adaptability

How did Class B RVs get their name? We don’t know because there’s nothing about them that deserves a ‘B’ ranking. Set up as a luxury van, Class B RVs are as easy to drive around town as they are on the highway. They can be parked more easily off back-country roads than a Class A RV and still offer the conveniences of sleeping, cooking and relaxing in the vehicle.

Class B RVs and essentially pimped out vans. They are extended through a panel system to create room for all the basic living essentials. From simple to lavish, Class B RVs have a kitchen, bathroom, recreational area and bedroom built in. Designed for couples, most models offer great travel space for two, however the roomier designs let you bring another couple or the kids for the ride.

Class B RVs are often looked at as the money savers of RVs. Because they are more streamlined than a traditional RV, their gas mileage is decreased, running at 18mpg. The ability to use Class B RVs as both a get-away vehicle as well as a car for running errands in town makes this a great choice for those who can only afford one family vehicle but want a way to head out on longer vacations as well.

When traveling with more than one person, everyone is generally on a different schedule for restroom stops and hunger pangs. All of this is solved with the built in bathroom and kitchen. Kids won’t be begging for a restroom stop five minutes after you’ve pulled out of the restaurant. It cuts travel time down and keeps everyone happy.

Class B RVs measure 16-21 feet from bumper to bumper. Their size makes them easy to park in the busiest streets and easy to navigate through jam-packed events. They also work well when you’re heading to baseball and football games, concerts or a beachside vacation.

Buying a Class B RV won’t break the bank. The starting price of around $30,000 is a lot cheaper than trying to buy a new car and paying for hotel and airfare for ten years of family vacations. It’s an investment that will reward you with fond memories and adventures you can create through spur of the moment decisions to stop at unknown places, or a well planned itinerary that takes you exactly where you want to go and when. Used vehicles can also be a great investment, just be sure to have them checked out thoroughly first.

One of the benefits of owning an RV is that it meets the requirements for a second home tax break. Most tax programs are set up to help you with this, as are accountants and tax accounting specialists. Financing deals allow you to spread out payments over 15 years, so the Class B RV becomes no bigger an investment than a luxury car.

Because Class B RVs are really extended vans, they come with all the comforts of driving a car. Power steering and cruise control are standard features that make you feel like you’re in a car not an RV.

We give Class B RVs as Class A ranking. As far as we’re concerned, Class B RVs are the best vehicle on the road for an around-town car and on-the-road adventure vehicle. They are easy to maneuver, have better gas mileage than a Class A RV and will be taking you where you want to go for years to come.

Contributed by Jim Tolar. For more information on RVs or the RVing lifestyle, visit Beaudry RV, recognized leader in the RV industry.

Buying a Fifth Wheel Will Make Sure You Aren’t Called a Third Wheel

Being called a third wheel isn’t generally a compliment. It usually means you aren’t wanted. But when you own a fifth wheel, everyone will want to be around you and travel with you. Fifth wheels are one of the roomiest RVs on the market with plenty of space and privacy for all.

The maximum number of slide-outs, five, can add an extra fifteen feet of space when parked. The ceilings on fifth wheels are known to be built higher than other models, for a spacious feel. There are a variety of amenities that come with the top-of-the line models, including custom cabinetry and detailing from bathroom sinks to shower tiles.

Bring your closest eight family members or friends on a trip to a hidden paradise or down to Disney World. RVs make memories, while allowing you all the creature comforts of home. Up to 40 feet in length, RVs can be outfitted as a second home.

The price tag may not seem cheap, but with quality comes cost. $20,000 hits the low end for fifth wheels while a million can easily be reached depending on the amount of custom work that’s done to the RV. However, the unique features of the fifth wheel, like the convenient bedroom or living room that stretches over the truck bed, offer additional space or private retreats.

If some of the family likes exploring but others prefer to spend time at camp cooking and relaxing, the fifth wheel can be detached from the truck to suit everyone’s needs. Take the truck out for an afternoon excursion while the night owls catch a nap.

Similar to hotel accommodations, fifth wheels have showers, living rooms, bedrooms. Entertainment is a no-brainier with state of the art equipment that brings in TV, internet, movies, audio and more. If you dream of it, you can probably take it in a fifth wheel.

For those who don’t own a monster truck, lightweight models make it easy to attach to half ton trucks. New lightweight models have all the same amenities as more traditional models.

A fifth wheel isn’t for everyone, but it is for the exclusive, for those who like to live life at a certain level. Family and friends can pile in, or this resort can be a private nest for couples, turning a bedroom into an office. Time fades away in a fifth wheel as you travel at any speed you like, lingering in magical locations or speeding away from bad weather.

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Which RVs are Best for You?

RVs have been around since the early 1900′s. Everyone has their own idea of what the RV lifestyle is, but the truth is, there’s an appeal to RVs that reaches every American, whether they have ever stepped foot in an RV or not. RVs symbolize the freedom of exploration this country was founded on and there are RVs for every type of person and every type of need.

The insides of Class A RVs are a lot plusher than college dorms, and a lot larger. They span 30-40 feet with copper pounded sinks, custom cabinetry, queen and king sized beds, tile floors and luxurious showers. It’s no wonder celebrities travel in Class A RVs. With a price tag that can fly up over a million dollars, Class A RVs are for the elite traveler.

A more family-minded vehicle is the Class B RV. They run a little smaller, from 17-19 feet, but are built on a van chassis. Class B RVs have all the essentials for life on the road, including a kitchen, self contained toilet, electricity and more. There’s no reason not to visit Yosemite or the Everglades. Pack up the kids; don’t worry about baggage fees as you take everything you need with added room for souvenirs.

Class C doesn’t mean there’s any compromise in quality or travel style. In fact, Class C RVs can accommodate ten people without flinching. There’s an extra bed above the cab of the van, sofas and sleeping space in the rear. All basic amenities are included in these RVs from fresh water, to electricity and propane. If you’ve been itching for a reunion of any sort, this is a great RV for it.

If you love to hike, spend your time daydreaming about your next hiking or biking adventure, but want a safe dry place to crash at night, then consider towable RVs. These RVs hitch to a truck or SUV and some even work with mid-size vehicles. Asking price starts at $15,000, and while some are best suited for the solo trekker, others comfortably fit six likeminded adventurers.

travel trailers are a great solution for organizations, clubs or family outings that require a bit of space. They can be found on the lower end of the pricing spectrum, starting at $10,000. Fill the space with golf clubs, tennis request, fly fishing poles or games for the family to play. Then sit back and watch the miles drift away.

Folding camping trailers do just that. They fold down for easy storage and pop up for the next adventure. A dry bed waits for you every night no matter where your travels take you. These are work best for minimalists who don’t need a lot, but spend a lot of time on the road, or as a towable tent of sorts.

RVs rank cheaper for travel expenses than hotel and air vacations. With so many options on the market, why not head to your local RV dealer to find out which RVs fit your needs? There’s no better time to travel than now.

Contributed by Jim Tolar. For more information on motorhomes or the RVing lifestyle, visit Beaudry RV, recognized leader in the RV industry.

Class A RVs Earn a Gold Star

Class A RVs are more than a home away from home. They are luxury on wheels. The enormity of Class A RVs makes them feel as if they are an extension of your primary residence. There’s no reason, with all the custom furnishings they come with, not to spend more than a few months on the road.

These vehicles aren’t cheap. There’s a reason they start at $50,000. If you were going to design the most elaborate vehicle for the road with all the comforts of home, this would be it. Let your wildest dreams outfit the vehicle and the cost of a class A RV can soar over a million dollars.

Why would anyone spend a million dollars on an RV? Because they can. Because when you pull into a resort, a spa or a rock concert in a Class A RV, you are giving a certain amount of respect. In fact, you may be mistaken for a rock star, actor or actress. You don’t have to tell anyone the truth. traveling by Class A RV comes with its own set of conveniences. You can stop anytime you like to get a breath of fresh air. Any town or monument that catches your eye, you can spend as much or a little time as you like exploring it. When you’re done, head back to your RV where all the custom details make you feel as if you’ve come home.

The kitchen makes it easy to cater to every food critic. Cook or order in. You won’t feel the need to stop at a restaurant for food; you’ll want to spend as much time on the road in your Class A RV as possible. Standard amenities include a 70 inch sofa with sleeper bed, DVD player, 32 inch LCD TV, Euro chair and more.

Bathrooms haven’t gone without consideration in Class A RVs. They can also be custom designed with tub, shower and porcelain toilet. A skylight brightens the atmosphere whether you’re washing your face or soaking in the bath.

The bedroom offers a 19 inch LCD for a little relaxation before bed or early in the morning when you want to ease into the day. Don’t worry, there’s plenty other sleeping room for kids and kid’s friends, or a fun boys/girls-only getaway.

Outdoor space is covered with patio awnings, making it a perfect place to sit back and watch the sunset. Patio lights ensure play time doesn’t have to end when the sun sets.

If everyone owned a Class A RV, there’d be a lot more vacation time and a lot less time working. It’s okay to play.

Contributed by Jim Tolar. For more information on RVs or the RVing lifestyle, visit Beaudry RV, recognized leader in the RV industry.

Tasmania Road Trip

Tasmania is separated from the mainland Australia by Bass Strait. Tasmania has dense rainforests, golden beaches, towering mountains, historic sites and miles of winding tarmac, the perfect formula for a spectacular road trip Tasmania.

If you’re planning to bring your own vehicle for a road trip Tasmania, you can take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. If you prefer renting a car for your road trip Tasmania, you can fly into Hobart or Launceston and choose from rental agencies. Distances are short and main roads in excellent condition, making your road trip Tasmania a pleasure. Just be aware of restrictions on driving on gravel or dirt roads once you get off the beaten trail.

For a road trip Tasmania, you can go to Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park and the beaches around the Bay of Fires. Be sure to pack enough food, water and weather gear as weather in Tasmania can quickly change.

Allow at least a fortnight to make your way around the entire Tasmania. You can go to Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park and the beaches around the Bay of Fires. Be sure to pack enough food, water and weather gear as weather in Tasmania can quickly change. If you prefer bars and restaurants, head for Salamanca Place in Hobart and the famous Saturday street market. Tasmania oozes history. Take some time wandering the city streets in Hobart to check out the old Georgian buildings and a day at the former penal colony at Port Arthur.

Driving around the Tasmania is a highlight. A quick trip to the top of Hobart’s Mount Wellington is great fun, as are the road between St Helens and Launceston (via Scottsville) in the north-east, and the drive in to Cradle Mountain. The hardest parts are keeping at least one eye on the road and avoiding the local wildlife in Tasmania. There are reduced night time speed limits in Tasmania for this reason.

Prices for commodities are the same or slightly more expensive in Tasmania. But with plenty of budget accommodation options and short driving distances, road trip Tasmania shouldn’t cost a fortune. Giving yourself time to explore in a road trip Tasmania, and you will be rewarded by discovering a very different side of Australia.

Need more information on Tasmania? Visit the Indie Travel Podcast for excellent travel advice for Tasmania.

How To Plan A Road Trip

Road trips are a cool way to get around your own country and see all sorts of new things. They’re also fantastic for exploring new countries too. You can do a bit of road trip planning, get behind the wheel and get started with your own awesome tour; you’ll see all sorts of things that others won’t because you’re travelling independently.

I advise a minimalist approach when it comes to planning a road trip. You obviously need a little structure, but the fun is really in the random things you find along the way. By deciding only your final destination and the amount of time you have to get there, you open yourself up for all sorts of possibilities (and save yourself a crazy sprint at the end of your road trip).

When planning, definitely plan on taking snacks. One problem we face though, is that snacks are often high in sugar, which means we’ll be getting energy slumps that can negatively effect our safety while driving. Look for farmers’ markets which make great stops and also allow you to stock up on tasty, fresh fruit and veges: the will taste better than in the supermarket! Remember to pack a plastic bag for rubbish and avoid throwing things out of the car. Even organic produce can negatively impact some environments.

When choosing drinks, think about the sugar and caffeine content. You might want a pick-me-up, but do you want the several extra toilet breaks? Water and juice are usually good options for any trip – keep the coffee for the coffee break.

In terms of budget and fun, the more the merrier. This isn’t always true in terms of comfort though! Four or five people can be a bit of a stretch, so a group of three or four is the perfect match of splitting costs and sharing space. It’s always nice to be able to lean on someone’s shoulder and fall asleep in the back seat.

The more people you have, the more road trip planning you feel you need to do. This isn’t neccessarily true though. If everyone chooses one key thing they want to see or do, you can plan for all of them and allow the rest of the time for random stops and diversions … that’s the key of any road trip in any case! Ensure you leave time for the random and, most importantly of all, have fun.

Learn more about road trip planning. Stop by http://indietravelpodcast.com where you can find out all about budget travel and what it can do for you.

Towbars for Motor Vehicles

The vast network of highways and roadways that crisscross the country attract countless motorists out onto the pavement every year, many of them yearning for some adventure or thrill just on the other side of the horizon. It is with that notion of adventure that many people end up choosing to bring with them as much of their possessions (or at least the necessary ones) as possible.

In that sense, many drivers choose to have a towbar installed in their car, which makes it possible to tow a trailer or other vehicles and thereby bring along the maximum amount of items with them on the road.

Towing a trailer properly isn’t quite as simple as it seems, however, and it’s important to make sure that your towbar meets certain standards of performance. Also known as a tow hitch, your towbar needs to be able to manage high degrees of stress and put up with pulling a significant load, able to guarantee that the vehicle and the trailer move more or less in sync with each other.

Of course, it isn’t just any kind of towbar that can perform that way. You need to make sure that the towbar you have installed already, or that you want to install, meets the standards of the industry and furthermore to hear what a professional in the field has to say before deciding what kind to choose and what sort of trailer to use with it.

Basically, towbars come in two forms: there are those with a tow ball mounted on a tow bracket, and another kind that involves a tow pin and corresponding jaw that fit to a trailer loop. The first kind is better for articulating the movement of the towing vehicle and the trailer which is a major consideration when towing, while the second type does not allow for such great coordination, though if you allow enough slack in the tow pin you can come closer to successfully articulating the movements of both.

A receiver towbar is one which generally includes a removable tow ball, whereas a fixed hitch will generally have the tow ball and all built right into the frame of the vehicle. In all cases, the hitches are connected directly to the chassis of the vehicle, allowing for heavier objects to be towed. Certain towbars built with a square receiver sockets which enable the weight to be more evenly distributed during towing, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

The most crucial aspect of using your towbar comes at the moment of loading the tow ball, and it is of the utmost importance that horizontal and vertical loading be carried out with precision. Even the slightest error here can have bad results, and if you do not know what you have to do in this regard then be sure to consult somebody that does have experience in loading hitches, thereby reducing the risk of hurting others on the road or incurring damage to property.

For the absolute safest in towbars, there is a special variety referred to as a Lunette Ring. This model is comprised of a pintle hook and the Lunette Ring itself, and these are best for people towing large loads and/or operating on rough ground such as in rural areas.

Byron Jonas understands that tow bars are an important accessory for a vehicle, which explains why he got qualified advice before installing a towbar on his vehicle.