People often choose to drive as opposed to flying when traveling because it is a cheaper form of travel. While this is true, there are ways to maximize your travel savings when on a road trip.

Do Not Speed: This rule is absolutely on the top of the list, because it concerns the most expensive part of your road trip, the gas. Driving 10 or more miles per hour over the speed limit will really begin to lower your miles per gallon and you will spend a lot more on gas during your travel experience.

Correct tire inflation: Get your tires at the right level; they are the part of the car that hits the road when you travel. If the tires are under inflated they will cause more friction and lower your fuel efficiency when you travel.

Gas cards: Since you know you’re going to be spending a hefty amount on traveling get a gas credit card. A ton of large gas station companies like Shell offer them. When you use a gas credit card you can save some significant cash on your travel expenses.  (Just remember to pay it off quickly)

Use that smartphone: If you have an iPhone, BlackBerry or Android enabled smartphone, use it. A lot of great apps (Applications or software) can aid you in traveling, to find cheap things. Where is a great app that will tell you the cheapest gas located near you.

NO ATM fees: When road tripping people always need a little cash, for everything, food, drinks, tolls. Remember to get a good amount of cash at your bank before you leave so you do not have to pay large ATM convenience fees on your travels. Also, remember to get cash back, which is feeless!

Snacks: Going on a trip with the kids? Avoid buying a bag of chips every time you stop for gas and buy some apples, nuts or some other healthy snack at the grocery store before you leave. It will keep the kids and you happy and healthy as you travel.

Have you ever considered a rental motorhome for your vacation? If you’ve yet to catch the RV bug, there are plenty of reasons to take your family away in a motorhome or other type of RV. For a start, RV rentalcan take you off the beaten track to beautiful locations far from the nearest motel. Most RVs are more comfortable than an average motel as well (after all, it’s your bedding and towels you’re using), and you never have to check out in a hurry – or lug heavy baggage around. Almost one in twelve families own a motorhome and many of them say the experience has strengthened their family bond.

If you do already own an RV, camper rental gives you the chance to try out a different model or to trial an upgrade before deciding what to buy next. Want to see what all the fuss is about a Damon RV? Take it for a week’s vacation and find out.

If you’re looking to rent a motorhome, you could start with the most popular type – a Class C cabover-style, or alcove motorhome. Most RV rental companies will supply late model year vehicles and all the big brands are usually available: Fleetwood, Damon, Monaco, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler etc.

Perhaps you would like to try a Class A ‘bus-style’, or integrated motorhome, instead.  Most rental motorhome outlets provide vehicles with all the features you would expect as standard: dinette, couches, shower, toilets, heaters, sink, range, microwave, fridge, TVs and DVD units, to name just a few.

Motorhome rentals are not the only RVs available at most rental lots or private camper rental sites. Providing your towing vehicle has the right specifications, you could try out a 5^th wheel or a range of towables, such as tent trailers and toy boxes (for those who want to take their Jet Ski or motocross bike for a vacation too).

Of course, one of the main considerations you need to make before you rent a motorhome is how big it’s going to have to be. If you’re travelling with your partner on a retirement vacation, a compact 19 foot model will be more than adequate. But if you are looking to bring the extended family of seven away, a 39 foot 5^th Wheel might be a better bet. Before you rent an RV, be sure to check out the detailed floorplans that all rental motorhome providers should display. You may be surprised at the extra space that some RVs conjure up, especially if they include slides.

When renting an RV, you will need to produce proof of age and your driver’s license although, in most states, you won’t need to take any special test (though test drive facilities are often provided for you to get familiar with your chosen vehicle).

There are some other important things you will need to consider before you rent an RV. Are you a smoker, do you have a dog that won’t leave your side or are you planning to visit Mexico? Many RV rental lots will not allow you to smoke in their vehicles or travel to Mexico. Pets are sometimes permitted, but usually carry a supplement for the extra cleaning involved.

On the subject of cleaning, camper rental usually requires a deposit against damage or cleaning costs. Make sure you return your RV as you found it to get your deposit charged back.

With more than 400 RV rental outlets nationwide, there is no shortage of options for the full-time RV’er or weekend camper alike.

Now that summer has officially started, it’s time to prep your RV for long trips on the road. If you have been an RV owner for quite some time now, you know that getting your RV ready for summer takes more than just the usual checks. Here are some tips for you to get your RV ready for summer:

Check Under the Hood

If you kept your RV away for the winter, then you must be ready to put in extra work to bring it out from storage. It is very important that you look under the hood to check the engine. By doing this, you can check the oil, coolant, brake fluid and water levels in the engine as well as spot any torn hoses. If you are not confident enough to do this, you can always bring your vehicle to a mechanic…but who needs to spend a lot for a simple check-up? There are DIY instructions for RV engine checkups online you can refer to when carrying this procedure out.

Check What’s On The Outside

As important as checking the engine, you also need to check all the outer systems of your RV. See to it that all your lights are functioning and secure a replacement for busted ones. If you have a rear view camera installed, be sure to also check if it is still operational. Vents and cabinets must also be inspected to clear any nests that insects leave behind.

Checking your tires is imperative. There are air pressure gauges specifically available for RV tires in the market today and if you don’t already have it, it’s best to invest in one. Having a blowout on a trip can be life-threatening so make sure your tires are in tip-top shape.

Don’t Forget the Inside

Batteries should also be checked and maintained. Be careful not to undercharge or overcharge the batteries before setting out.

Secure all the cabinet doors and drawers inside the cabin. You don’t want things falling off while you are on the road. Also, see to it that all the other equipments inside the RV are functional. Clean the airconditioner and double-check the smoke, gas, and carbon monoxide alarms.

Also, inspect all the hoses on board your RV. Water leaks can be destructive and repairs can be quite costly so don’t simply ignore wayward hoses or small leaks.

One of the major concerns of RV owners is the holding tank maintenance. No one wants to live in a stinky RV so see to it that you stock up with basic disinfectant, toilet papers, and cleaning products.

Drive Away!

Upon complete check up of your RV, you can now start packing and get ready for a fun-filled adventure on the road. Be sure to take everything you need without overloading your RV. Remember, the lesser weight, the more mileage you cover.

1998 Coleman/Fleetwood popup tent trailer for the Destiny/Grand Tour Series (all models) owners manual. This is the actual trailer manual from Coleman/Fleetwood from 1998 scanned into PDF. The models covered in the Destiny/Grand Tour Series are:

• Niagra
• Bayside
• Grandview SP
• Grandview
• Sun Ridge
• Westlake
• Rio
• Mesa
• Cheyenne
• Sea Pine
• Taos
• Redwood
• Santa Fe

Enter your email address below to instantly download the 1998 Coleman/Fleetwood All Models Owners Manual:

Enter your email address to download 1998 Coleman/Fleetwood All Models Owners Manual

RVHobby also has the Coleman Lift system repair manual available for download.

By request, here is the 1983 Coleman popup tent trailer (any model) owners manual. This is the actual trailer manual from Coleman from 1983 scanned into PDF.

Enter your email address below to instantly download the 1983 Coleman All Models Owners Manual:

RVHobby also has the Coleman Lift system repair manual available for download.

The Coleman lift system is a very interesting animal. Hard to find information and manuals for, hard to find parts. Since I had such a hard time, I decided to scan and post the manuals that I found when I was fixing my 84 Coleman and post those repair documents here on RVHobby.com for you. Enjoy!

Enter your email address below to instantly download the Coleman and Fleetwood Lift Systems Repair Manual:

Parts list: http://www.fft-inc.com/korkwerks/1968_1995/tableoc.htm

If the parts list link above doesn’t work try a google cached copy: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.fft-inc.com/korkwerks/1968_1995/tableoc.htm

De-winterizing your Motorhome Water System usually comes around as a task in the spring time. This simple process of de-winterization is basically the removing all traces of the RV antifreeze that (you hopefully) used to protect your water system (so you didn’t crack your pipes or water heater!).

Here are the quick simple steps:

1. Put several gallons of water into the fresh water tank.
2. Turn on the on-board water pump, and open a cold water tap.
3. Allow the water to flow for several minutes.
4. Connect the water hose to your city water supply inlet. Turn on the supply.
5. Open all taps one by one and allow the water to flow for several minutes.
6. Flush the toilet several times.
7. Now open the water heater bypass and fill the water heater with fresh water.
(You may want to allow a few gallons to flow through the water heater, then let it drain completely before re-installing the water heater drain plug)
8. Run water through all the hot water faucets.

That’s it! Pretty simple and painless, and you saved your RV Water System from damage and costly repairs.

UPDATE: Thanks for everybody’s interest – this RV sold!  If you are interested in selling your RV, click here and post it in our free classifieds.

A friend of mine has determined that he would like to sell his 1990 Fleetwood Bounder Class A Motorhome for a smokin $6700.  Lock, stock and barrell this coach comes furnished with everything you need to hit the road (Wish mine had!).  Silverware, plates, small appliances, mixing bowls, cookware – already in the cupboards and drawers.

Just bring your clothes and imagine how much money that could save you!  (In this economy, who doesn’t want to save cash?)

Interior is in good condition except for about two spots that had some water damage. The leaks were repaired and there is no water getting into the coach, but there is a stain on the ceiling around the TV antenna and some slight damage on the passenger side “A” pillar.

This motorhome has been stored outside (in El Cajon, CA) for most of its life but now resides in Arizona and the finish is oxidized. It needs some elbow grease to bring the finish back up to a shine. The chrome is all good, and the decals are mostly intact with some minor peeling. There is minimal rust underneath Aside from the external finish, this coach needs very little work to be considered very good.

Check out the pictures below.

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Detailed Specs:

• 1990 Fleetwood Bounder 34C
• Self-contained Class A motorhome
• Date of manufacture: Feb 1990
• 36,550 actual miles since new
• Drives very nice
• Cruises easily at maximum legal speeds, even on moderate upgrades
• Chevrolet 454 engine, runs great
• K&N air filter
• Maintenance records
• 8 cu. ft. gas/elec. refrigerator
• 6 gal. gas/elec water heater with DSI
• 6.5 KW Onan generator
• 2 roof air conditioners
• 2000W inverter
• 2-6v house batteries (need replacement)
• Electric step
• Hydraulic leveling jacks (4 point frame mounted)
• 4 tires on rear axle brand new 12/31/09
• Front tires new Dec 2006 (less than 3,000 miles)
• Leaf spring rear suspension with air bag ride levelers
• Coil spring front suspension with air bag ride levelers
• 15,000 lbs. GVWR
• 19,000 lbs. GCWR
• Class 3 receiver hitch
• Bicycle rack for 2 bikes included (hitch mount)
• 4 tire covers included
• Sleeps up to 6
• Twin beds in rear bedroom
• Couch and dinette make down into beds
• Undercounter coffeemaker
• 4 burner propane cooktop
• 16″ propane oven
• Microwave oven
• 30A shore power hookup

UPDATE: Thanks for everybody’s interest – this RV sold!  If you are interested in selling your RV, click here and post it in our free classifieds.