You load up your new or used travel trailer, fifth wheel or RV with family, food, toys and fun. You turn out of your driveway. As your house fades behind you, so does the stress of every day life. For a few days you are getting away, you are free. You enter the freeway. You turn up the radio and sing along – the whole family is singing along, so loud you almost don’t hear the sirens behind you. The speeding ticket costs over $100.00 and puts you in a foul mood. This is how your vacation is started?

Most people speed. Some people speed a lot, others speed a little. It’s just a matter of whether or not you get caught. One way to prevent a speeding ticket is to set the cruise control so you foot doesn’t get too heavy or you don’t race down hills without realizing how much you’ve accelerated. You’ll also end up saving gas by staying at a steady speed and saving gas equals saving money.

For larger Class A RVs, new and used travel trailers, windy roads can become dangerous, so be sure to slow down as much as you need to so your vehicle stays steady on the road. Swerving because of the wind can endanger both you and other drivers. Remember, there are generally more policemen closer to cities and towns than on wide-open stretches of highway.

Next scenario. You look down to put in a CD, when you look up, the light is yellow. You hit the gas pedal to make it through, but the light turns red and you see a flash. In a lot of cities there are now what’s called a red light camera. These are triggered when a vehicle runs a red light. They are usually set up to capture a picture of driver, vehicle and license plate.

Tickets are mailed to the owner of the car and can sometimes cost over four hundred dollars. There are many organizations that are trying to have these cameras removed on the basis that there is no actual witness to the ‘crime’ and cameras can malfunction, incriminating innocent people.

Another probable cause of a ticket: you are driving along, you are positive there are no police around, so you speed up. There are no lights, no sirens and you enjoy your vacation. You get home and a few weeks later, a speeding ticket shows up in the mail.

Speed cameras are authorized by the police department but are generally run by a third party. The legality of these tickets is being questioned. Once again, without an authority figure monitoring them, there is no way to tell if the radar is accurate.

Because cities and towns are struggling with the recession and reduced budgets, you could find yourself the victim of a ticket because the city needs money, not because you are endangering your life or that of another person. You have the right, if you get a ticket while driving a new or used travel trailer or RV to contest any ticket you get. The bad part is if you choose to do that, you usually have to show up in court in the state the ticket was issued. However, it may be worth it to protect your rights. If you were unfairly accused, bring in witnesses who were with you and let the government know you understand these speed traps and cameras are not always reliable and that there was no one present to record the event. But of course, the best way to avoid a ticket is to obey the law.

Learn more about new and used Travel Trailers, RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

July shipments continue to top last year’s sales according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) most recent report. Manufacturers shipped 19,800 units in July almost doubling the amount shipped in July of 2009, brining the annual total to more than 256,000 units shipped.

While July’s shipments were approximately 26% lower than June’s, this trend is normal as dealers are beginning to make room for 2011 models. Staying on trend, towable RVs were by far the most in-demand model. Some of the popularity is due to newer, lighter-weight models that can be towed behind midsize vehicles and SUVs. The convenience of these travel trailers has opened up the market to a wider buying audience.

RVIA’s report that was published by RV Business, broke down sales for July in the RV Industry:

* Travel Trailers – 12,600 (+48%); 2010 total: 94,100 (+79% YTD)

* Fifth-Wheels – 4,000 (+48%); 2010 total: 34,100 (+89%)

* Folding Camping Trailers – 1,100 (-15%); 2010 total: 10,500 (+31%)

* Truck Campers – 200 (+100%); 2010 total: 1,700 (+54%)

* Class A – 1,000 (+150%); 2010 total: 7,500 (+188%)

* Class B – 100 (0%); 2010 total: 1,000 (+67%)

* Class C – 800 (+100%); 2010 total: 6,900 (+109%)

It’s been a very positive year for the RV Industry. January saw a slight turning around in consumer interest. Whereas last year, consumers were keeping their money tucked away, this year is showing that spending is beginning again. Sales are not back up to pre-recession numbers, but they are continuing to increase over last year.

In fact, all indicators show that 2011 will continue the trend of RV sales growth. As long as consumer confidence doesn’t wane towards the economy, there is no reason RV dealers can’t continue to reach new consumers and those that are looking to trade in older model RVs.

To its credit, when times were tough, the RV industry didn’t let it get them down. Instead they were proactive and spent money on advertisements and promotions. For example, GoRving.com launched their ‘Ambassadors of Affordability,’ a collection of furry critters intended to educate consumers of the savings that can be had by traveling by RV. RVIA has spent time and money promoting the centennial year of RVing.

If trends continue as forecasted, the country should see a continued expansion of RV sales forces, dealerships and manufacturers. RV enthusiasts are feeling more confident in the economy and investing in travel and recreation once again.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

RV safety doesn’t just involve having your Class A motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel inspected before you leave home. Yes, it is important to have your vehicle inspected before you leave on any long vacation or exploration. It is also important to have your oil changed and your tire pressure checked. However, just as important is making sure you will be safe once you arrive at your camping destination.

Wild animals, especially in areas where grizzly bears are common and have become familiar with humans, can be a threat. This was demonstrated earlier this summer outside of Yellowstone Park when a bear left a camper dead and two others injured. The main problem in this situation is bears have begun to associate humans with food. When that happens, bears may get aggressive with humans in order to get to food.

By familiar with food, it’s not always a case of someone leaving food out for wildlife, or attempting to feed them by hand. Sometimes the problem is a lot subtler than that. Sometimes people don’t properly store their food at campsites and bears, squirrels, mice and more might get into it. Once they realize that campsites mean food, they can become aggressive animals, teaching their offspring how to ‘hunt’ at campgrounds. This almost always leads to bears being put down. Be sure to use bear lockers or bear canisters when camping in the wild. It protects the animals and protects you. If you are in grizzly territory, ask rangers the safest place to camp.

Wild animals generally hunt during the early hours of the morning or in the evening. They see things that move quickly as prey. Mountain lions have been known to attack people who have been jogging, dogs or cats that are out playing and more. When human habitat has encroached on their prey, or during hard years where prey is scarce, cougars will turn to other sources.

If you are out during these hours, hike at a steady pace. Children should be kept close, within eyesight. Crowds tend to deter animals from attacking. Dogs should also be kept close or on a leash. Their innocent explorations might draw a mountain lion towards you.

Layers of clothing are always important on any backcountry excursion. Weather changes quickly. In the coarse of an hours, you may go from 70 degrees and sunny to a hailstorm. If you don’t have the right clothing, hypothermia could set in. In the Rocky Mountains, snowstorms can hit up until July and again in early September. In desert climates, dehydration can become a concern. Take lots of water no matter where you are. Keep matches with you in case you need to start a fire for warmth or as a signal for help.

GPS units are great when there is reliable service. However, there may be places where batteries run out or you don’t get service. Always have a backup. Have a map and familiarize yourself with it before you start your hike. Always have a compass and know how to use it. These basic measures can save your life.

No matter where you choose to spend your Recreational vehicle vacation, stay safe. Know the terrain, know what animals are potential threats – bears, mountain lions, mice, and snakes and do your best to prevent an encounter. Be sure to have lots of layers, water and matches in case you do get lost. Let someone know where you plan on being and have fun. It’s wild out there!

Learn more about RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.

RVs are popular for a lot of reasons. One is they help bring down the costs of vacations. The second is they pack in a lot of people whether that’s family or friends. They carry your personal belongings without an extra charge. More and more people are turning to RVs as an alternative to regular air and hotel travel.

But when it comes to taking care of your RV you have to treat it like any vehicle. Follow the manufacture recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle and you’ll typically avoid the majority of common issues. But there are times when “things” will pop up.

You might find at one point after you’ve purchased a RV that you are just not getting the gas mileage that you are supposed to get when you’re on the road. Manufacturers typically provide a basis that you can aim for regarding miles per gallon on the highway and miles per gallon in the city (they differ due to frequent stops and starts in the city, of course).

A couple quick checks might resolve the problem. Take the time to look over your RV before you head out on the road. This means all aspects of it. Most problems are easy to take care of without the help of a mechanic. To improve fuel efficiency:

-Tire pressure is a simple way to improve fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure before you head out and be sure all tires have the same tire pressure. Uneven tires will cause wearing on one side and reduce your mpg.

-How old are your tires? Do they need to be changed? This can be determined by a quick glance, which should reveal whether or not the tread is worn, if there are any bulges or cracks. Spare tires should be changed every few years regardless of whether or not they have been used as they can crack on the inside due to being out in the weather.

- visual wheel alignment

- Take a look at the engine. If you don’t know much about vehicles, have a mechanic take a look at it.

-Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or on new vehicles, every 6,000 miles. If you don’t, you run the risk of having your engine seize up. Dirty oil can be damaging to your vehicle.

-Rotate tires and balance them. This will make sure tires wear evenly which improves how your vehicle runs.

- check condition of gas cap (you don’t want any of your gas evaporating because you don’t have a tight seal)

-Brakes not only stop your car, but if your brakes aren’t working properly, they can cause a ‘drag’ and eat away at your fuel. Replace brake pads and brakes as needed.

-Make sure your fuel injection system is running properly.

Hopefully you’ll see a dramatic difference in your vehicle’s fuel economy after the above list is completed. You might be able to shave a few off your list if you’ve recently purchased a used RV. Just look through the documents you received or that came with the vehicle. You should find a maintenance record. And if you’re lucky…some of these services may have been performed recently. Then you’ve got one less item on your to do list!

Learn more about RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.