Jeff Johnston

Buying Used

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:42:11 -0400

Shopping for a used RV is like shopping for any other high-dollar used item. You need to do a lot of inspection to ensure your chosen vehicle is a peach of a buy and not a lemon. Here are a few points to remember when looking for that perfect used RV.

Where to Buy: If possible, shop in the driest part of your state or region. For example, an RV stored outdoors in a rain-soaked part of the state has a potential for water damage; however, an RV in a drier region may have sun-faded tape graphics but probably has little water damage potential. That's why desert areas like Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico are prime places to shop for used RVs. Buying in areas where salt is used on winter roads is also something to avoid.

Best Time to Buy: Just as fall and winter are slow times for selling homes, the cold-weather months are prime times to shop for used recreational vehicle bargains.

Finding Parts: Don't worry if an RV is from a manufacturer that's out of business. About 90 percent of the parts in most rigs are commonly used by other manufacturers. Parts for refrigerators, stoves, furnaces, air conditioners, water, LP-gas systems and the like are readily available for almost any brand of RV.

Watch for Water: Water damage is the primary source of used RV problems. Leaks in the roof, below windows and in the rig's underbelly can damage the roof, wall and floor structure in ways that are costly to repair.

When you inspect the exterior of any RV or trailer, check the roof, windows, edge seams and vent tubes for large globs of extra sealant that may have been applied to stop leaks. Inside, make sure you check the ceiling covering for stains, sagging fabric or delaminated vinyl hardboard covering. Check the walls just below the windows for
paneling damage and inspect the floor for soft spots that could indicate body rot lurking below.

Rodent Damage: Look carefully at all of the rig's outside orifices, such as furnace, water heater and holding tank vents, the power cord opening and the refrigerator service panel. These are great places for wasp nests or rodent apartments.

Any such infestations must be
removed and the accessory's function checked before use. Rodents particularly enjoy chewing wiring insulation, so check under the hood carefully. Pull some cabinet drawers out, and look for places where wiring may have been chewed by a rodent or modified by a well-meaning handyman.

Plumbing problems: The plumbing system is the Achilles' heel for many RVs. Holding tanks are literally built into some RVs and are costly to replace. Inspect the plumbing lines, freshwater supply tanks and holding tanks for obvious leaks and cracked or broken lines.

Easy Fixes: Upholstery, curtains, carpet and the like can be brought up to date relatively inexpensively as needed. As in purchasing an older home, what you're looking for is strong bones. Shop carefully and a used RV can save you thousands of dollars you can put toward more forays afield.

Hit the Road!: Special Off-Road Section

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:29 -0400

A long night in a cold, drafty tent or a sleeping bag laid out in the back of a pickup is a fine learning experience. It helps an outdoorsman understand the
value of an RV as a hunting or fishing base camp.

Comfort and convenience are contagious, and today's RVs deliver the goods. Admittedly, the majority of RVs are aimed at families and generic camping-style activities, but RV manufacturers are giving more thought to those who use their products under rigorous conditions. These hunting- and fishing-friendly rigs have features that can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your outdoor
experience. Dealer lots are full of exciting and functional new RV models. Here's a sample of a few that are well worth noting as potential base-camp rigs.

Aliner

Outdoorsmen with a downsized tow rig may find the Aliner an interesting alternative to the usual fold-down tent camper. Whereas a typical tent trailer has a solid roof that lifts and is joined to the body with a tent surround, the Aliner has solid roof sections that tilt up and sidewalls that likewise fold up into place. The entire setup process takes less than a minute, which is really handy if it's snowing or raining.
The hardwalls give the Aliner extra insulation qualities, as well as make it more secure when it's locked up while you're off on a hunt. The 18-foot Expedition Package also includes a large, lockable 32-cubic-foot storage trunk up front, a heavy-duty 2,500-pound-rated axle, a 6-inch lift and larger 14-inch tires. Three large adults can sleep in this rig, or four smaller-sized.

Contact: The Aliner Company (Department OL, 1 Main St., Mammoth, PA 15664; 724-423-7440; www.aliner.com).

Four Wheel

If maneuverability and light weight are important to you, a Four Wheel Campers pop-up may be the best choice. This unit folds low for travel, measuring less than a foot above cab height, which gives it a low center of gravity and allows it to take on the roughest of access roads when used on a four-wheel-drive truck. At camp its roof raises via a spring-loaded mechanism to provide six feet, three inches of interior headroom.

The Grandby is the company's largest model and is designed for full-size, long-bed pickups, yet the unit weighs less than 1,000 pounds fully outfitted, which leaves plenty of capacity on your pickup for towing a boat trailer. Optional arctic-pack insulation gives the upper-wall fabric section
extra resistance to the cold.

This rig is an excellent choice among less complex RVs.

Contact: Four Wheel Campers (Department OL, 1460 Churchill Downs Ave., Woodland, CA 95776; 800-242-1442; www.fourwheelcampers.com).

Four Winds

This is a "toy hauler"-style Class C motor home that's outfitted with an aft-end garage big enough to house a motorcycle. The 28-foot, six-inch Fun Mover with floor plan 27C includes either an electric lift gate with a garage door or a ramp for easy garage loading. A full bath, galley and dining facilities are likewise standard. Full livability features make up the rest of the vehicle for comfortable camping.
The coach is based on a Ford chassis with a 6.8-liter V-10 gasoline engine that provides plenty of power for hauling along a boat or horse trailer.

Contact: Four Winds International Corp. (Department OL, 701 CR 15, Box 1486, Elkhart, IN 46515-1486; 574-266-1111; www.fourwinds-rv.com).

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Keystone

Keystone's 27-foot, 6-inch Tail-Gator Model 251RR trailer is a good example of the new "toy hauler" RVs that are highly popular with hunters and fishermen, and for good reason. These versatile rigs have a garage-style space in back that can store a pair of dirt bikes, an ATV or a small boat. And larger toy hauler trailers can handle a full-size Jeep. The garage space converts to a dining and sleeping area when the cargo isn't aboard for maximum utilization of the interior space.

Full self-containment livability features are built into each Tail-Gator trailer along with the garage space. Keep the rig's overall weight in mind. This one will call for a three-quarter- or one-ton tow vehicle when fully loaded.

Contact: Keystone RV Company (Department OL, 17400 Hackberry Dr., Goshen, IN 46526; 574-535-2100; www.keystonerv.com).

Lance

If the less-than-plush accommodations of the Four Wheel Camper aren't to your liking, the hard-sided Lance Model 820 standard cabover camper may be closer to the mark. Its complete hardwall package provides superb
insulation and tight security when locked up. Arguably the Cadillac of truck campers, the Lance camper has a reputation built on years of good
design and quality construction techniques. Lance designed the Model 820 camper to fit the heavy-duty, short-bed trucks that are so popular with outdoorsmen today. It's fully outfitted with all the comforts of home and doesn't hang way off the back of the bed, so hitching up a boat, ATV or horse trailer is still easy.
At 2,345 pounds dry weight, it's too heavy for half-ton trucks, but a three-quarter-ton pickup should do in most cases and a one-ton truck is a sure bet.

Contact: Lance Camper Manufacturing Corporation (Department OL, 43120 Ventura St., Lancaster, CA 93535; 661-949-3322; www.lancecamper.com).

Nash

When the RV company owner is a die-hard outdoorsman, its products are bound to take on details that make life better for other outdoor enthusiasts. Features that set the Nash models apart from the pack include suspension set up for higher ground clearance, shock absorbers, extra-large water
and holding tanks, freeze-resistant plumbing, front-wall tread-metal stone guards, mud flaps, a dual-battery rack and an extra-heavy-duty chassis with anti-corrosion finish.

Use of higher-rated insulation throughout, a large furnace and insulated, heated exterior storage compartments also contribute to the Nash trailer's all-season appeal.

Contact: Northwood Manufacturing
(Department OL, 59948 Downs Road, La Grande, OR 97850; 541-962-6274; www.nashtraveltrailers.com).

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Starcraft

Starcraft's TravelStar Star Shuttle is another entry in the so-called "hybrid" trailer arena. It's based on a lightweight hard-shell package, yet it has the popular fold-down end bed platforms that provide huge sleeping spaces in the relatively compact trailer. At just 3,101 pounds, the 22-foot, 6-inch Model 17SD trailer can be towed by many small trucks and SUVs.

The unique front-end storage platform/deck is ideal for carrying dressed animals or some extra coolers for game meat. The sturdy aluminum tread-
metal surface is rated to carry loads
as heavy as 650 pounds, and it's large enough to hold an ATV, a stack of firewood or just about any other base-camp needs.

Contact: Starcraft RV, Inc. (Dept. OL, 536 Michigan St., Topeka, IN 46571; 800-
945-4787; www.star craftrv.com).

Winter Prep

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:29 -0400

Hunting season is winding down, and as northern waters freeze over, many sportsmen start thinking about putting their RVs into storage. But before you do, take these simple steps to winterize your RV. It will save you some major hassles (and possibly expensive repairs) next spring.

Antifreeze Up: Completely empty the water system using the rig's built-in, low-point drains, and unscrew the drain plug from the water heater. You can blow the remaining water from the system with an air chuck adapter that allows you to connect an air hose to the rig's water fill fitting. Another option is to buy a couple of gallons of RV-style, freshwater-system, potable antifreeze. Pump it through the plumbing using the rig's built-in winterizing hose and run each faucet until the pink antifreeze appears. If the RV has no winterizing fitting, dump the antifreeze in the freshwater tank and use the water pump.

Prep for Pests: Plug small
external openings with coarse steel wool to keep rodents and insects from getting inside through the furnace
exhaust, water heater exhaust, hose or electrical cord access hatches and similar openings. Don't forget to remove the steel wool come spring! Wrapping the rooftop air conditioner and refrigerator vent housing with plastic tarps will also deter small invaders. In the
interior, sprinkle a handful of mothballs inside cabinets and storage compartments to help keep critters out.

Check the Fridge: Check for any perishable foods forgotten in the cabinets. Left undetected, they'll make a mess and attract rodents.

Thoroughly clean the refrigerator with a mild disinfectant or a bleach-and-water solution to prevent mold and foul smells. Prop the refrigerator and freezer doors open to maintain air circulation.
fill the tank: If the rig is a
motor home, run the fuel tank nearly empty, then top it up right before the coach goes goes into storage. A full tank leaves less trapped air in the tank, which can cause condensation and rust. When filling up, add the proper amount of gasoline or diesel stabilizer such as Sta-Bil (available from an auto-parts store) to preserve the fuel and avoid deterioration problems.

Remove the Battery: Take the battery out, clean it thoroughly and store it inside where it's not subject to freezing. Store the battery in a fully charged state to keep it in better condition.

It's also not a bad idea to buy an
inexpensive trickle-charge "battery maintainer" designed for long-term battery storage that you can leave plugged in and connected.

Cover Up: If your rig is going to be stored outdoors for the winter, cover the roof with a waterproof tarp. Crack open the roof vents to help maintain
air circulation and deter mildew growth. If the tarp is large enough to stretch down the sides, crack open a window or two as well.

Summer Camps

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:27 -0400

The annual Louisville, Ky., RV show is the industry's largest trade-only exhibition. This year a number of interesting new RVs and accessories made their debuts, many of which are likely to be of real interest to sportsmen who use RVs.

RVs and Trailers

Every truck camper's floor space is limited by the inside bed dimensions of the pickup that carries it. To add more space, many camper manufacturers have followed the trend toward slide-out rooms in RVs of all kinds.

Host Industries Inc. has upped the ante by designing its three camper models with optional second streetside slide-outs that move the galley out, creating more aisle space.

The company's Rainier, Tahoe and Yellowstone campers aren't lightweight (they start at 2,950 pounds dry weight), so each will need a pickup with a high gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for safe hauling. A one-ton pickup would be a good idea, as many three-quarter-ton pickups would likely be overloaded by one of these units.

Many RV trailers seem like they've been stamped from the same mold, but Northwood has expanded its line of trailers designed for serious rough-country use. High ground clearance for back-roads travel and extra-strong chassis features such as oversized axles with shock absorbers and diamond-plate aluminum body armor are a few of the standard features of Northwood's Arctic Fox trailer lineup.

Extra-capacity water and LP-gas tanks and dual batteries mean the RV can stay out longer and still supply full livability features. The roof is crowned for water runoff and built heavily enough to withstand deep snow loads.

All holding tanks are insulated and heated against freezing, which is a nice touch for winter forays afield.

Payload Packer

Serious hunting and fishing trips can require bulky equipment. And that gear may also be too dirty or too big to haul inside an SUV. The heavy-duty front porch on the new Starcraft Star Shuttle 17SD trailer features a diamond-tread surface and large tie-down rings for securing dirt bikes and extra coolers.

The compact, 17-foot trailer weighs well under 5,000 pounds, so it can be towed by downsized SUVs and pickups. The RV industry calls this unit a "hybrid" trailer: It has hard sides like a conventional trailer yet it features large, tent-enclosed, fold-down beds that open from each end as in a tent trailer. This gives the Star Shuttle improved security and weather-resistance on the road while offering outstanding living space once the fold-down ends are deployed. The king-size bed platforms can accommodate two adult-size sleeping bags each and the dinette sleeps one, so this compact unit can comfortably sleep five.

Powerful Accessories

Virtually every RV has a converter that charges its batteries when the rig is plugged into shore power or 120-volt AC house current. But many of these converters never quite bring the battery up to its maximum charge, or worse, they overcharge the battery and damage its useful life span.

TrueCharge converters by Xantrex use sophisticated technology to charge batteries in three distinct stages: bulk charge, absorption charge and float charge. Each stage is absolutely essential to bring the battery up to its full charge and maintain its condition over the long haul.

Many generators are heavy, noisy and tough to fit in the smaller RVs
favored by sportsmen. However, the new Camp Power generators from Onan weigh about 107 pounds, are about 19 by 16 by 12 inches overall and can be tucked away into truck campers, small trailers or motor homes. They also produce a noise level well below the USDA Forest Service standards set for national parks, so they won't annoy your buddies or others camped nearby.

The gasoline-powered model is rated at 2.8 kW, while the LP-gas version produces 2.5 kW. Besides being able to charge the RV's batteries and supplyy 120 volts of AC house current for a
microwave oven, TV or other necessities, a Camp Power can also run a 13,500 Btu air conditioner with power to spare. That's handy during summer fishing jaunts when the heat sets in and an air-conditioned environment is what you need to get a good night's sleep.

Contact: Host Industries Inc. (541-330-2328; www.hostindustries.com); Northwood Manufacturing (541-962-6274); Onan (763-574-5000; www. cummins.com) Starcraft (800-945-4787; www.starcraftrv.com); Xantrex (800-446-6180).

Camps That Go Anywhere

outdoorlife-editor — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:26:27 -0400

Getting weathered out on hunting or fishing trips happens to all of us, but how many times has rain or snow forced you to hunker down in a dripping tent or sent you packing for the nearest hotel? Ever wished you could step into a warm, dry place for the night, have a hot meal and still be able to walk out your front door to fish or hunt in the morning? Well, you can when you use an RV as a base camp. Here are the pluses and minuses of each type by price range.

Budget Camping

A fold-down tent trailer is the least
expensive option for comfortable camping digs. It offers a tremendous amount of sleeping and living space for the dollar invested.

+Very inexpensive starter RV. (Prices begin around $4,000 new.)

+Can be easily towed by almost any vehicle. (Sizes start at about 12 feet folded for travel.)

+Full-size sleeping space for four to eight adults.

-Not well enough insulated for extreme cold-weather use.

-Not as secure when locked up due to tent-fabric sides.

-More work to set up and break down due to slide-out bed platform ends and tent enclosure.

Slide-In Comfort
A slide-in truck camper may be the best RV choice for hunters and fishermen because it leaves your truck free to tow ATVs or a fishing boat.

+Highly mobile, can be driven to
remote camps on a four-wheel-drive pickup.

+ Can be unloaded and left in camp, freeing up the pickup for travel.

+Insulated for all-season use. Fully equipped for self-contained comfort.

+ Fairly economical to purchase, starting at about $7,000 to $10,000 for a nicely outfitted model.

-Limited floor space.

-High center of gravity can create uneasy handling on side-tilted roads.
Trailer Living

A travel or fifth-wheel trailer is available to suit almost every size of tow
vehicle. And with the trailer parked in camp, your truck is free for you to run around in. Trailering ATVs or boats is possible behind a fifth-wheel in some states, but a set of racks on a pickup or on top of a cab-high camper shell can certainly support a lightweight aluminum boat or canoe.

+Sizes range from about 16 feet up to 34 feet.

+Excellent interior living space. (It sleeps four adults minimum.)

+Hard sides mean higher security when locked up.

+Affordable prices starting around $9,000 new, or about $4,000 used.

-Towing an ATV or boat trailer is difficult.

-Backing into a campsite is a problem for some drivers.
A Touch of Class

A motor home is the pinnacle of RV comfort. Most models can easily tow an ATV, boat trailer or 4WD vehicle, and they're not as difficult to drive as they may seem. They can haul up to eight occupants and many models
offer massive storage capacity. These features don't come cheap, however, which is why these are the most expensive recreational vehicles.

A "Class C" or "mini" motor home, identified by the van-based cab area and cab-over bed, is smaller and cheaper than a Class A but offers amazing living accommodations for its size.

+Can sleep six to eight adults.

+Size ranges from 22 to 34 feet, so they're smaller and more maneuverable than a typical Class A recreational vehicle.

-Fuel thirsty, averaging 7 to 10 miles per gallon.

-Full-size coach body can still be somewhat intimidating for some
people to drive.

-Most are only available in two-wheel-drive, which can limit mobility.

-New prices start at about $50,000 (but many are available used starting at about $10,000).

A "Class B" motor home is typically a full-size van with an extended-fiberglass top for extra headroom. Most Class B units feature complete self-containment feeatures in a very compact package.

+Very easy to drive and park.

+Can be used as a family's everyday
vehicle.

+Can tow an ATV or boat trailer.

+No larger than a standard van (18 to 22 feet overall).

+Well-insulated and weatherproof.

-Relatively expensive for its size.

-Prices start at about $55,000 new and $10,000 used.

-Limited sleeping space (normally two adults and sometimes three).

-Reduced cargo storage and fluid
capacities, which limit how long you can camp in a non-hookup location.

A "Class A" motor home is the ultimate in comfort and living accommodations. Most are 2WD, and driving them is easy with a little practice.

Maximum living and storage space, and fluid capacities to handle longer stays in non-hookup locations are among the many Class A advantages.

+Capacity to comfortably sleep up to eight adults.

-Fuel-thirsty, averaging six to eight miles per gallon.

-Large size, 28- to 36-feet long, calls for roomy parking space and somewhat limits your campsite choices.

-New prices start at about $60,000. Used models can be $15,000 with widely varying appointments.

Match Your Needs

In the end, the RV you choose really depends on your personal needs. Ask yourself, "What do I really want to use this rig for?"

If you intend to leave an RV on your deer lease for an entire season, then a trailer that you need tow to the site only once each year makes sense. (Better yet, you can split the cost of purchasing one with the other buddies on your lease and save.)

If you have a lot of stuff to tow, a slide-in camper frees up the pickup hitch for towing duties, plus you'll be able to access far more remote areas
if you have four-wheel-drive. However, if you're retired and intend to do a lot of traveling with your wife, family or friends, a motor home may be a better choice.