Maintenance Tip: Tire Care

Keeping an eye on your RV tires can not only help you save money, it could save your life. Should you blow out a tire on your motorhome while driving, you could easily lose control of your vehicle. Improperly inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption and lead to replacing worn tires early.

Maintaining proper tire pressure doesn't take a lot of time and effort, just regular inspections and inflation. By checking your tire pressure once a week, you can save not only time, but money. Nobody wants to spend money and time sitting in a tire shop replacing a tire that blew out due to improper air pressure.

Check your tire pressure once a week with a good tire pressure gauge. It is worth it to spend a little more money on an electronic digital or dial type gauge; they measure pressure more accurately than the cheap, stick-type gauges. Always check your tires when they are cold for accurate reading, and use the recommended inflation rate printed on the sidewall of the tire or as listed in the owner's manual.

Visually inspect your tires before heading out on the road or during stops along the way, look for tires that appear underinflated, cracked, or have worn tread. A tire with treads worn out on both sides but with tread in the center indicates the tire has low pressure. If the tread in the middle is worn out, but not the outside edges, the tire is likely overinflated. If the tread is worn irregularly, then your RV's alignment should be checked.

Keep in mind that especially on motorhomes and trailers, which are often driven less than cars or trucks, the tread may look good; but, if the tire is over seven years old, they probably need replacing, as older tires can appear fine but fail due to age. A & S RV Center has tire inflators, tire gauges and tire pressure monitoring systems for your motorhome or trailer. Visit http://www.asrvcenter.com/ or call (248) 373-5811.

High gas prices don't stop RV-ers!

According to a study by the RVIA, 53% of RV owners plan to use their RVs more this summer than last year. 38% plan to use their RVs the same amount and only 9% say gas prices will cause them to use their RVs less.

Many RVers adjust by traveling shorter distances and staying longer at each stop. Others consider the higher food, hotel, and other travel costs they are able to avoid by using an RV and do not change their travel plans at all. On average, RV vacations are 27-61% less expensive than other types of vacations (PKF Consulting).

For more information, check out this article at RV-Pro Magazine. http://rv-pro.com/news/rvia-survey-53-of-rv-owners-plan-to-travel-more-this-summer-than-in-2010

Tip for first-time buyers

Deciding to buy, and ultimately own an RV can be an exciting moment in your life. RVs offer a number of great benefits to those who own them. Today’s RVs also provide travelers with the comforts and convenience of a “home away from home” as they participate in activities and hobbies of interest to families, not limited to camping. Remembering a few simple guidelines can prepare you for the purchase process.


Before you choose an RV, narrow down what kind of features you want in your RV. A & S RV Center offers all types of RVs for sale from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Visit our online showroom for a taste of what you’ll find in our store. You’ll be able to search new and used RVs by type, manufacturer, brand, year and more!

When applying for an RV loan, be sure your credit history is where it should be. A credit score of 700 will allow for the best financing. RVs are considered luxury purchases, so lenders are especially cautious.

Keep in mind that purchasing an RV isn’t as simple as purchasing an automobile. You may need to spend at least a couple of hours at A & S RV Center before you drive away with your RV.

Once you purchase your RV and sign the appropriate papers, you will experience a walk-through orientation. Try not to get overwhelmed with the abundance of information being passed onto you. As thrilling as RV ownership can be, it also takes some preparation. You may want to consider bringing a notebook or another set of eyes and ears with you, so you don’t miss anything!

Above all, remember to enjoy your RV! RVs are the perfect way for families to escape the stresses of everyday life. Packed with essentials—bathrooms, kitchens, and sleeping accommodations—RVs provide a convenient way to travel with all the comforts of home. Plus, RVs have all the “extras” like TVs, stereos, air conditioning and even computer stations and game systems. Contact A & S RV Center at (248) 373-5811 for help deciding which RV is right for you!

"RV Indicator" says economy is improving!

Good news!  The RV industry is typically the first to feel an economic decline and one of the first to see an improvement.  Economists are expecting RV shipments to increase over 8% next year.  Hopefully that means the rest of the economy will see an improvement, too.  For more information, read this article on CNBC.

Michigan RV article

In case you missed it, this article about the Michigan RV industry and the upcoming Novi RV show just ran in the Oakland Press.

RV Types - Motorized

Motorhomes combine all of the amenities of home – kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area – with a motor vehicle chassis. Motorhomes are great for long trips, because they provide access to most features of the RV while on the road. They range in size from 16’ to more than 40’ and can come with or without slide-outs.


Class B Motorhomes

Class B Motorhomes are the smallest type of motorhome, built on a van chassis. They usually have a raised roof or dropped floors, creating full stand-up room inside. They can have gas or diesel engines and usually provide the best gas mileage of the different types of motorhomes.

Size: 16-22 ft

Costs: From $41,000 to $115,000 new

Sleeps: Up to 4

A & S RV Center carries the Road Trek brand of Class B Motorhomes


Class C Motorhomes

A Class C Motorhome looks like a van from the front, with an extra bed over the cab. It provides plenty of sleeping room for the entire family in a vehicle that, like the Type B, most people are very comfortable driving. Class C Motorhomes often come with one or two slide-outs, creating even more living space.

Size: 21-35 ft

Costs: From $48,000 to $140,000 new

Sleeps: Up to 8

A & S RV Center rents Class C Motorhomes.  Visit our motorhome rental page for more information.


Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are built on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis and look like a bus from the front. They are the largest of the motorized RVs, ranging in size from 21’ to over 40,’ with up to 5 slide-outs. A variety of floor plans are available, including bunk beds, bath and a half layouts, and even toy hauler versions. Class A motorhomes include some of the most luxurious brands, often with countertops, top-of-the line appliances, leather furniture, high-end entertainment, and much more. Many people tow small cars behind the motorhome for travel after arriving at a camp site.

Size: 21-40 ft

Costs: $50,000-$500,000+

Sleeps: Up to 6

Class A Motorhomes available at A & S RV Center:

Bay Star - gas motorhome by Newmar
Canyon Star - luxury gas motorhome by Newmar
Ventana - diesel motorhome by Newmar

RV Types - Towables

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between Types A, B, and C motor homes? Or what a fifth wheel is? How about a hybrid trailer or an SURV?

Today we'll focus on towable RVs.  Towables are perfect for those who already have a vehicle capable of pulling an RV.  They come in a large variety of sizes, weights, and floorplans, making them very versatile for whatever type of camping you enjoy.  You can find trailers and fifth wheels up to 40' long with as many as 5 slide-outs or truck campers as small as 8' long, which will fit on the bed of your truck and allow you to travel nearly any where you want. 


Travel Trailer

Conventional travel trailers offer a wide range of floor plans, sizes and conveniences.  They include all of comforts of home - including kitchens, bathrooms, storage, entertainment, sleeping areas.  Some even have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and outside kitchens.  More and more manufacturers are focusing on designing lighter weight trailers to improve fuel efficiency and allow smaller SUVs and cross-overs to be able to tow them.   All tow-vehicles must be properly outfitted with the correct tow equipment, and it is very important to ensure that the loaded RV does not exceed the tow capacity of the vehicle. 

Size: 12-35 ft
Costs: From $8,000 to $65,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 10

Available travel trailer brands at  A & S RV Center:

Trail Runner
Caliber
Shadow Cruiser
Fun Finder
View Finder
Cougar


Fifth Wheel

Fifth Wheels are built with a raised section in front that sets over the bed of a pick-up truck, attaching with a fifth wheel hitch.  These RVs have two level floor plans and up to 5 slide-outs.  Most models have large amounts of inside and outside storage, high ceilings, and spacious floorplans.  Some unique features available include lofts with extra sleeping room, front living rooms, two bedrooms and bathrooms, and king size beds.

 

Size: 21-40 ft
Costs: From $13,000 to $100,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 6



Available fifth wheel brands at A & S RV Center:

Cougar
Mountaineer
Montana
Big Sky


SURV/Toy Hauler

Toy Haulers or SURVs - sport utility RVs - are available as travel trailers, fifth wheels, or even motor homes.  The back of the RV drops down, creating a ramp allowing you to load motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, or other toys into a garage area where they can be tied down and safely transported with you.  Toy Haulers are also great even if you don't have "toys" - the garages can be used for many other purposes.  Some have electric beds that drop down from the ceiling, providing extra sleeping room.  Others have TVs, desks, and chairs, giving you a second living or working area.  Screens are also available for the back end, so you can use the garage as a screened porch.

 

Size: 19-39 ft
Costs: From $21,000 to $58,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 8

Toy Hauler models available at A & S RV Center:

Raptor
Fun Finder Xtra


Expandable/Hybrid

The hybrid trailer is a cross between a traditional travel trailer and a tent camper, with canvas ends that fold out for more sleeping room.   Hybrids still include all of the comforts of a travel trailer - kitchens, bathroom, heat, a/c, even slide-outs, depending on the model - but they are typically lighter and less expensive than traditional travel trailers. 

Size: 19-30 ft
Costs: From $9,000 to $18,000
Sleeps: Up to 8

The Shadow Cruiser trailer line at A & S RV Center has hybrid/expandable floor plans.




Truck Camper

Truck campers are designed to fit into the bed of a pick-up truck.  They can be easily loaded and unloaded, so truck campers are great for people who want to take their truck and explore.  In addition, because the truck camper sits in bed of the truck, it is still possible to tow boats or other trailers.   Truck campers usually have bathrooms, kitchens, storage, and sleeping room for 2 - 6.  Some have slide-outs, generators, solar panels, entertainment centers, and much more.

Size: 8-20 ft
Costs: From $4,000 to $40,000 new
Sleeps: Up to 6

A & S RV Center carries the Lance brand of truck campers.


Folding Camping Trailers

Folding camping trailers, also known as pop-ups and tent trailers, are the smallest and lightest type of towable.  Pop-ups can be easily towed by many common family vehicles and can often be stored at your home or even in your garage.

Size: 8 - 24 ft

Costs:  from $5,000 to $13,000 new

Sleeps:  Up to 8

A & S RV Center has a great selection of pre-owned tent trailers.

For more information on the different RV types, visit the Go-Rving website.