Editor's Tip

Southern Living, Sep 2005 by Murphy, Morgan

When a friend suggested I try RVing, I thought to myself, why rent or buy a recreational vehicle? You could spend that money on hotel rooms, plane tickets, and rental cars and probably come out ahead. Besides, I reasoned, who wants to be behind the wheel all day, trying to keep some lumbering, overgrown pickup truck from blowing off the road in a light breeze? I thought if I drove a camper I'd soon find myself hollering, "Thelma! Where are my Sansabelt pants?"

Oh, but how wrong I was.

Campers are cool. Really. Go inside one. Even Airstream's smallest camper (pictured at left), the Bambi, amazed our staff with its myriad features. Need to cook dinner? The stove, sink, countertop, microwave, and running water are right there. Want to take a shower? Step in to the bathroom, and start singing. Feel like bringing the tots along? There are two beds. How about a tailgate party? Roll out the built-in awning, and fire up the grill. Before you plan an RV trip, check out our tips and little known RV facts below. Good luck out there. -MORGAN MURPHY

Fun and, yes, hip recreational vehicles are making a campy comeback.

Tip #1: Save a Bundle

According to an independent study of recreational vehicles, a typical family of four can save up to 70% on an RV trip as opposed to traveling by plane or car and staying in a hotel.

Tip #2: Pack Like a King

Don't worry about traveling light. Take extra clothes, toys, the grill, the dogs, and maybe even the next-door neighbor. Packing heavy is half the fun.

Tip #3: Rent Before You Buy

Not sure how big an RV you need? Rent one, and see how you like it. Then think about the size of your family, how many days you want to travel on average, and what fits your budget. Prices range from $4,000 for a folding camping trailer that sleeps eight to a $400,000 bus built for a rock star.

Tip #4: Do a Little Research

Check out Web sites such as www.newrver.com and www.rvknowhow.com for handy articles, tips, and resources for people new to RVs. Also, contact Go RVing at 1-888-467-8464 or www.gorving.com for a free video and helpful information from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. Use Internet chat forums such as www. rvamerica.com. They have message boards for full-time RVers, towable RV owners, women who own RVs, beginners, and more.

Tip #5: Staying in Touch Is Simple

New RVs are high tech. Cell phones, Global Positioning Systems, wireless Internet hookups, and home-theater systems are all available to keep you plugged in to the outside world.

Tip #6: Don't Be Afraid To Buy a Used RV

Prices will be significantly lower, and old RVs are suddenly retro chic. For proof, check out Douglas Keister's book Silver Palaces (Gibbs Smith, Publisher, $24.95).

Tip #7: Slow Down and Enjoy

Driving an RV is supposed to be funnot a race to "make good time." Pull off at interesting stops. Get to the campsite before sundown, which makes it easier to park, plug in, and relax.