There are an increasing range of Motorhomes, from the huge, coach and truck based models, to the compact campervans like VWs.

Class A Motorhome

A totally custom motorhome body mounted on a chassis supplied by a truck manufacturer. Normally, these are the most expensive motorhomes. A purpose built body with incorporated cab offers the utmost spaciousness and typically includes beds which can be left permanently made up such as an over cab ‘pull-down’ double bed above the front seats

Class C Motorhome

A custom motorhome body mounted on a conventional chassis and cab supplied by a truck manufacturer, usually with a fixed in place bed or storage area over the cab, although this space can sometimes be too claustrophobic for adults as headroom is restricted and may be more suitable for children. This style of motorhome is also known as C-Class. The manufacturer uses the chassis & cab of the base vehicle and builds a new body onto the back of it; these make up the largest proportion of motorhomes at present although A Class ownership numbers are rising fast. The part of the body extending over the cab is known as the ‘over-cab’ or ‘luton’. An alternative, called a ‘low-profile’ has a much smaller over-cab space that is used purely for cabinets & storage purposes

Campervan

This is a small motorhome (such as the VW Campervan) with either a fixed roof or an elevating. Broken down as follows, High Top - The option motorhome, which takes the whole of a kombi base vehicle, kits it out with an assortment of necessary fixtures and fittings and then adds standing room via a high roof.

Elevating Roof The elevating roof motorhome also uses the equivalent kombi base vehicle to the “high top” and has a similar layout and equipment. The roof can be raised when on site to allow the use of the available standing room and then lowered for traveling and storage.

5th Wheeler

An extension on the front of the motorhome section extends over the tow vehicle, and usually mounts onto a turntable, or “wheel” - hence the name “5th Wheeler

James Hunt
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/a-guide-to-motorhomes-10025.html

Technorati Tags: class c motorhomes, motorhomes, vw motorhome campers, VW motorhomes

How else are you going to peel the kids (and the hubby?) from the TV and the xBox?

Duration : 44 sec

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Technorati Tags: Camping, Motorhome, RV

This text is a small guide that will serve to explain the parts of an RV electrical scheme that is rigged to function on renewable power.  The objective is that you will be comfortable enough with the parts to install your own RV solar panels.  I will explain each part.

Battery – most   are 12 volts. They frequently say 12V, but in reality they are 13.8 volts.  The voltage embossed on the surface has been rounded down.  This won’t affect you, since most  things made to employ 12 volts are actually designed for 13.8.  Note that one of the most electricity hungry devices in an RV is usually the microwave oven.  If you’re planning  on getting one in your RV, you’ll almost certainly need at least 3 batteries, as a normal   estimate knowing the power requirements you’ll face for the standard microwave and battery capacities.

Battery Cables – don’t ever undervalue the importance  of high-quality , thick battery cables.  DC electrical energy is notorious for requiring large cables.  This is because the resistance inherent  in any cable you’ll employ has more loss than would happen for AC power.  Always make sure to obtain high-quality thick cables.  See references to AWG (Wire Gauge charts) to discover how big  of cable you’ll need  based on your power requirements.  OKAY!  Let’s move on.

Inverter – The electricity that came from the RV solar panels will be fed into this box , where it will get transformed from DC to AC electricity, which is what most applicances will need .  A TV , for instance , if not specially intended to run on DC power, will require AC (like you’d obtain from an electrical outlet in your house ).

AC Breaker Panel – You’ll want a panel on the AC side of the inverter that is alike or even the same as the panel in your cellar at home that is full of circuit breakers.  These will trip when power usage exceeds the ability of the breakers, just like blowing a fuse, only without the hassle of having to put back the fuse… just reset the tripped breaker.  Note that these can be, but frequently aren’t needed on the side of the inverter fed by the batteries and RV solar panels.  Protection is recommended, but usually a fuse is enough here.

Because I’m not one who is into taking advantage of anything but solar, I wouldn’t normally use a generator, but at times they are handy .  I apologize, Mother Earth.

Charge Controller – The electricity produced by your RV solar panels will be required to be regulated when charging your batteries.  The reason is that a batteries is only able to fit into it so much of “juice”, and your RV solar panels may make them rupture , spill or blow up without a charge controller!  Not good !  It’s sure a safety problem and can be very boring , but if you really want to, you can check the battery charge levels by yourself.  Don’t underestimate their importance .

That’s about it.  Look for future write-ups concerning the significance of other parts, and how to install them.  For additional info on RV Solar Panels, be sure to visit newenergytips.com.

Technorati Tags: RV solar panels

A 1984 Volkswagon vanagon camper for sale in fayetteville arkansas. This model is a good option for budget driving and camping. it’s a good basic buy for a first camper - or for a couple who want to do a long trip and then sell the camper.  There’s more space than the earlier VW campers and the ride is better.

See VW t25 camper for a guide on what to look for when you’re buying a Vanagon.

Duration : 1 min 21 sec

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Technorati Tags: Vanagon, VW t25, VW vanagon

VW motorhome campers are small - particualrly when compared to the huge RV motorhomes available in th US. If you’re planning a trip, its worth considering how you’ll cope with manoevering a very large vehicle, the amount of fuel it will use and how it will influence the type of great outdoors experience you’ll have. This is an informative account of roaming Utah in a VW Motorhome camper.

“I’m in a warm and cactus-studded desert, slouched comfortably in a camp chair, savoring a paisley-tangerine sunset. To my left, shrimp the size of plantains are sizzling on a hibachi. To my right, beer is chilling in a slushy cooler. And behind me stands my home, my wheels and the linchpin of my retirement dreams: a Volkswagen pop-top camper.

Like a lot of Boomers, I’ve envisioned my rapidly approaching golden years as not just active, but mobile: I yearn to explore the national parks of the West, trace what remains of Route 66 or meander down the Baja Peninsula, camping each night on deserted beaches. (In my fantasy, there are no bandits, armed drug gangs or time-share touts.)

But after once watching the proud new owner of a monstrously large motor home wedge it between two pine trees while trying to turn around in a Yellowstone campground - for all I know, it’s still stuck there - I see myself behind the wheel of something a bit more modest, easier to drive and less punishing at the pump.

For someone who grew up in the 1960s and early ’70s, that means only one thing: a VW camper van.”

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Technorati Tags: RV, VW Camper, vw motor home, VW Motorhome

International Truck and Engine, an Illinois-based leading producer of medium trucks and heavy trucks for various markets has recently worked in conjunction with Conquest Motorhomes, a division of Gulf Stream Coach and one of the leading manufacturers in the RV industry. The collaboration of the two companies will make International Truck and Engine the sole supplier of cab and other chassis parts for the Class C diesel motorhomes manufactured by Conquest Motorhomes. Gulf Stream Coach is ordering about 625 International DuraStar chassis system that will be installed in Gulf Stream Coach’ Class C diesel motorhome models including Super Nova and Gladiator (Enduramax). According to International, their supply of chassis systems “underscores the significance of the market opportunity, with the relationship projected to expand over time.”

Steve Guillaume, General Manager of Medium Truck, International said: “This partnership is a tremendous growth opportunity for us. The Class C motorhome market represents a substantial portion of a growing industry – approximately 33 percent of the total motorized RV market. Once again, International is challenging convention as this is a great opportunity to leverage the scale of our core business and generate growth outside of the commercial trucking sector.”

“When a leader in the commercial truck industry collaborates with a leader in the RV industry to build a great product, RV customers are going to be the big winners. Moreover, our industry is coming into its sweet spot for growth as population and demographic trends favor long-term RV market growth.” said Jim Johnson, Vice President of Operations, Conquest Motorhome Division, Gulf Stream Coach.

Gulf Stream Coach has chosen International Truck and Engine because of the Class 6 International chassis, which features the company’s superior engineering and quality service. In addition, Class 6 International chassis is also equipped with some innovative electronic features including the International Diamond Logic Electrical System and AWARE Vehicle Intelligence. According to International Truck and Engine, customers choose Gulf Stream Coach’s Super Nova and Gladiator (Enduramax) models with their International chassis because of its numerous advantages such as superior gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity; best-in-class towing capability of up to 13,000 pounds; roomiest cab in the category, including an ergonomic interior design; proven, durable diesel engine offering, which is the 300-horsepower International VT 365; exterior mirrors that are 42 percent larger than traditional mirrors for enhanced rear visibility; and smooth ride, handling and maneuverability for drivers and passengers, just like Jeep suspension bushing provides smooth and comfortable ride for Jeep vehicles.

International Truck and Engine will commence their full-scale production of chassis systems early in June.

Lisa Ziegler
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/international-to-supply-chassis-for-conquest-motorhomes-rvs-131249.html

A rather different VW motorhome - this is thr Alpine Express, custom pro-streeted Econoline van at Vanfest 13, Aylmer Ontario.

Duration : 0:1:15

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Smile! VW camper fans at Vanfest 2008 - standing by their vans - a wry and highly affectionate look at the world of VW motorhome. Although standing by your van is a very important part of what goes on, there are competitions, entertainment and a whole host of other activities at VW camper and motorhome events.

Duration : 0:2:42

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Technorati Tags: 2008, by, camper, campervan, man, splitscreen, Stand, Tammy, transporter, vanfest, volkswagen, vw, Wynette, your