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

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Technorati Tags: Camping, Motorhome, RV

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

Hiring a camper van for a vacation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking new adventures. The lure of the open road and freedom to roam wherever you please is an appealing thought for many. Knowing a little about the history of the camper van can give you that sense of belonging whilst out on the road.

A traditional camper van has a folding roof that pops up to provide room for the sleeping quarters. One of the favorite makes of camper vans has been that of VW. The VW camper van based on the VW Beetle, made its first appearance at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show and the basic design has held the test of time. The vans do around 25 miles to the gallon and offer plenty of internal space.

The VW camper is a firm favorite with the surfing community. It has remained a popular choice for the young at heart for decades and has become a symbol of free spirit for many. Often seen with a new paint job featuring large flowers, these vans have long secured their iconic status and a place in history.

Another of the iconic camper vans were those created by Wally Byam of the Airstream company. Airstream started off in 1936 with a trailer called “the Clipper”. Using aircraft technology to reduce wind resistance and provide optimal strength to weight ratio, the Airstream has become a true American icon.

The first Airstream branded camper van called “the Classic” made its debut in 1979. The company continues to innovate and produce camper vans to this day and has a 10,000 strong international membership of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Over 1000 rallies are held each year by the club.

Camper vans have evolved into what we call motorhomes. As the name suggests, the objective is to create a “mobile home from home”. Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes and are generally classed by the distance between the front axle to the rear axle. This measurement is called the “wheelbase length” and is termed as short, medium and long.

Fuel costs are a definite consideration for many when deciding to hire a camper van. This problem has been taken on board by the rental companies and manufacturers. Many camper van hire companies now offer vans with conversions to LPG. This should at least half your fuel costs.

One thing I should mention is that insurance cover for camper van hire can be expensive and you should know up front exactly what you are covered for. Take time to review the policy. Remember to comply with most hiring insurance policies you should carry out the daily maintenance tasks on the camper as specified by your rental agent.

Don’t overstretch your budget on the camper van hire cost. Part of the enjoyment of a camper van is being able to visit and enjoy new places. If you are a couple, a medium wheelbase camper should provide you with a good overall comfort levels and ease of use.

When hiring or even buying a camper van you should try and arrange a test drive first so that you can decide which style best fits your needs. My personal preference is to use medium wheelbase vans as they tend to offer the best compromise between size and comfort. Whatever van you choose it’s sure to be an adventure.

Technorati Tags: airstream, camper van hire. VW camper, classic camper, classic camper van hire, VW Motorhome

Motorhomes for hire come in all shapes, sizes and prices. The trick is to find a motorhome that meets your requirements and budget. VW Motorhomes are available to hire in many locations but the classic early VW Campers are slow and quite small.  Later bay window campers still have charm but do have more mod cons.

However, if you’re planning a trip in the US, you might want to consider something bigger - possibly not even a VW motorhome at all!

There are several styles and sizes of motorhome to choose from, with varying levels of comfort and price. Smaller vans are easier to handle, but larger vans offer more comfort. If it’s your first time, I go for the largest van that you feel happy to drive, within your budget.

A hightop is basically a van conversion with a specially made high fixed roof. These come in various lengths, short, medium and long wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axle. Motohomes with a medium wheelbase are popular hire choices as they are easier to handle than the long wheelbase versions, but still offer a good level of comfort. Some companies also offer motorhomes hire with folding lifting roofs. These are often referred to as camper vans or pop tops.

Coachbuilt motorhomes (C class) are generally much larger than campers and are more like a house on wheels. Most will have all the comforts of home and often a double bed. Many of the designs have a bed area which sits over the top of the drivers cab as well. Beware though, this type of motorhome can be expensive to run and to hire. They are also more of a challenge to drive.

Fuel costs are a key factor when deciding to hire a motorhome. This problem has been taken on board by some rental companies and manufacturers. Many motorhome hire companies now offer vans that have been converted to run on LPG. This should at least half your fuel costs.

For most people, the hire cost is a definite consideration when looking to hire a camper or motorhome. Don’t overstretch your budget on the rental cost. Part of the enjoyment of the motorhome is being able to visit and enjoy new places. If you are a couple, a medium wheelbase motorhome (such as a VW camper if you’d like a classic or the larger T25) will give you  good  comfort levels, ease of use and at a reasonable price.

Insurance cover for motorhome hire is another cost to factor in.  It can be expensive and you should know up front exactly what you are covered for. Take time to read and review the policy. Remember to comply with most insurance policies you should carry out the daily maintenance tasks on the motorhome as specified by your rental agent.

You’ve booked the motorhome hire, now what - and where.

It depends on what type of holiday you are looking for. If you are using the motorhome as a base to visit new places then to get the most out of your hire, it’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance. This means that you will know each day where you are going and don’t waste any time deciding where to go while on your holiday.

Of course for some of you, there will be no set route and hiring a motorhome is all about enjoying the open road and finding a new adventure every day.

More accurately, from the UK to India and back in a VW T5, but the English couple who took the trip (Michael and Helen) called their website/blog RTW.

It’s a great account of the journey, with useful information on visas, borders and regualtions as well as the places they visited, conditions they found and the timing of the trip. it would be a very useful resource for any of you planning an extensive trip in a VW Motorhome camper.

One key point was their decision to go for a VW T5, rather than a type 2 70’s VW camper. They did try a bay window VW camper on a test trip, but found it slow and cold and were very converned abut reliability on what was planned to be an adventurous trip - overland to India via Scandinavia, Russia and rhe ‘Stans’ (Kashakstan etc).

http://rtw2007.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html

One final point; if you are going to do a trip - do a blog, it’s a great way of recording the journey and sharing it with family and friends as you go.

Closer to home, this family restored their VW motorhome and use it for exploring New England

http://www.vwcampersforever.com/travels-with-vw-campers/vw-campers-for-families

Technorati Tags: VW camper van, VW Motor Homes VW t5