So you have at last purchased the car that you have always dreamt of. Only problem is, the deal has been made in the other corner of the country. Well, you do not have to view it as a problem, as there are many car transport services that help you transport your car from any one point to another. If you are unclear and uncomfortable dealing with car transport services, the following tips may help you deal better with your car transport company.
The Cost Factor
The first question you have to ask the car transporter is: what will be the total cost of car transportation? Here you have to do some homework and ask for quotes from several auto transport companies so that you can compare the rates. The cost of transporting your car is usually calculated on the basis of the following information that you need to supply to the auto transport company:
* Origin and destination points
* Type of vehicle to be transported
* The date of departure
* Type of transport service you want such as door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal etc.
Mode Of Payment
Enquire about the payment method. Most of the auto transport companies will not demand a full advance payment, but others may request a deposit fee that should not exceed 25% of the total transportation cost. Either cash or check is generally accepted, but in case of credit card payment you may be required to pay a surcharge of 2 to 3%.
Go Through The Contract In Detail
Do not go by the verbal promises of the auto transporter, and be sure to put everything in black and white on paper. Make sure that there is a clause regarding the penalties the company has to pay if it cannot deliver your car within a specified time period. Similarly you may have to pay some penalty if you cancel the contract after a certain time limit. But this should not exceed $250.
Enquire About Insurance
Your car should be insured against any kind of damage by the car transporter. Demand a copy of this insurance and know beforehand the type of the coverage, whether it is primary or secondary. If any damage occurs on transit, your car insurance provider will be responsible for paying for the damage. However, if you place any personal article inside the car, the auto transport company will not be responsible for their damage or theft.
Check Thoroughly At Time Of Delivery
Do not be in such a rush when receiving your car, and make sure to examine your car carefully and slowly for any damage. Take note of the mileage in addition to the condition of the car, such as the car roof and bumpers. Instances of damages are rare; still if you find any, make a list of all damage and obtain the driver's signature on it.
Friday, December 18, 2009
3 Warnings Before Switching Auto Insurance Companies
We've all been bombarded with ads, emails, commercials, and billboards saying how much we can save on our auto insurance by switching to another company. It's a competitive industry. Just because another company is offering a better rate doesn't mean you should rush to call and cancel your insurance and switch. There are a few things you need to make sure of before you do.
Here are a few things to watch out for before you switch your auto insurance to another company.
If you've been with one company for many years and they offer a credit that waives the first accident you have, you may want to stay or see if the other company can match it. Sometimes this is referred to as good driver discount or a longevity discount or accident forgiveness. The company rewards you for your loyalty by waiving the first accident you have.
This discount can be pretty significant. Since most accidents can raise your rate by 40% for 3 years the potential savings could be several hundreds of dollars over that 3 year period. But when you switch companies, you lose this credit you've built up. If you have an accident with that new company how much are you going to regret not having that accident forgiveness by seeing your rates jacked up by 40%?
Another thing to be mindful of is to make sure the company you are switching to is not offering you just a teaser rate for the first 6 months to get your business and then bump you up 6 months later once they've got you on their books. Since auto insurance is a profitable industry, companies may offer you a low ball rate to get you to switch and then once they've got you increase your rates at the renewal. If the rate the new company quotes seems too goo to be true do more research. Check out insurance forums or search Google for "XYZ insurance + Reviews."
Watch out for hidden fees. This is one that can surprise you. Some companies charge you for making monthly payments - usually $3-$5 a month. Over the course of a year that comes out to $36-$60. That one fee can take a big bite out of your potential savings so make sure you factor that into the rates you are comparing. Make sure you are really saving money when you switch.
Two other things to keep in mind when shopping around for auto insurance are the new company's website and hours of operation. Make sure their hours work with your hours. If they are only open from 8-5 and you work 8-5, when are you going to be able to call them if you have a question or need to make a claim? If you do all your business online you want to make sure the company you are looking at has a capable website that can help you 24 hours a day.
You can save money by shopping your auto insurance around. Just be sure to keep in mind the things I've mentioned to make sure the deal you're looking at is really a great deal.
Here are a few things to watch out for before you switch your auto insurance to another company.
If you've been with one company for many years and they offer a credit that waives the first accident you have, you may want to stay or see if the other company can match it. Sometimes this is referred to as good driver discount or a longevity discount or accident forgiveness. The company rewards you for your loyalty by waiving the first accident you have.
This discount can be pretty significant. Since most accidents can raise your rate by 40% for 3 years the potential savings could be several hundreds of dollars over that 3 year period. But when you switch companies, you lose this credit you've built up. If you have an accident with that new company how much are you going to regret not having that accident forgiveness by seeing your rates jacked up by 40%?
Another thing to be mindful of is to make sure the company you are switching to is not offering you just a teaser rate for the first 6 months to get your business and then bump you up 6 months later once they've got you on their books. Since auto insurance is a profitable industry, companies may offer you a low ball rate to get you to switch and then once they've got you increase your rates at the renewal. If the rate the new company quotes seems too goo to be true do more research. Check out insurance forums or search Google for "XYZ insurance + Reviews."
Watch out for hidden fees. This is one that can surprise you. Some companies charge you for making monthly payments - usually $3-$5 a month. Over the course of a year that comes out to $36-$60. That one fee can take a big bite out of your potential savings so make sure you factor that into the rates you are comparing. Make sure you are really saving money when you switch.
Two other things to keep in mind when shopping around for auto insurance are the new company's website and hours of operation. Make sure their hours work with your hours. If they are only open from 8-5 and you work 8-5, when are you going to be able to call them if you have a question or need to make a claim? If you do all your business online you want to make sure the company you are looking at has a capable website that can help you 24 hours a day.
You can save money by shopping your auto insurance around. Just be sure to keep in mind the things I've mentioned to make sure the deal you're looking at is really a great deal.
3 Tips For Buying Seized And Reposesed Cars
What is your perception of seized and reposesed cars? For far too many people seized and reposesed cars hold a certain stigma and they tend to think that these are all vehicles that’s been battered and bruised. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of these vehicles are in top condition and are in fact the very same vehicles that second hand dealerships are selling.
Seized and reposesed cars are primarily cars that government agencies and private financial institutions lay claim on. The government agencies will usually lay claim on a vehicle if it was used in criminal activity or even if it’s a recovered stolen vehicle that’s not reclaimed by the original owner. The financial institutions in turn lay claim on vehicles where the owner fails to make his monthly payments. These vehicles, as you can imagine, are usually still in top condition and sometimes they are virtually brand new.
As good a deal as these seized and reposesed cars are, there are some pitfalls that you need to watch out for. Here are three invaluable tips that will help you in finding and purchasing a quality reposessed car:
- Do Your Homework…
Firstly you need to do your homework about the cars you are interested in. Make sure you know exactly how much you can get it for both new and second hand. Secondly, do your homework about the company you are buying the reposesed car from. If it’s at an auction make sure you check out their credentials and that they are actually selling reposesed cars. Many companies who claim to sell seized and reposesed cars are only making these claims to get you through their front door or into their website.
- Finding them is half the job done…
Finding decent seized and reposesed cars is probably the biggest challenge. There are some good websites that keep and maintain a database of all the seized vehicles that are for sale throughout the USA. Only a handful of these web services are actually connected to the various agencies and auction houses. Be careful of websites that only act as a middleman – make sure the give you direct access to their database that will enable you to search for specific vehicles and their locations. Finding the best deals is all about the quality of the website you are searching on and their database. Some dealerships claim to sell bargain reposesed cars, but it’s usually just an incentive for you to buy. Go instead to the source. Go and buy where the dealerships buy. This is where you will find the real deals.
- Be auction sassy…
When you do find your dream vehicle at that unbelievable price, you still need to be vigilant – especially at auctions. If you are not very good with cars and engines, then ask someone who is to accompany you. Check the vehicle thoroughly before bidding starts. Auctioned vehicles are sold ‘as-is’. If a third party grades or examines the vehicles, make sure they are reliable, especially at online auctions. And when you bid…don’t get caught up in the bidding. Fix your price and don’t bid above that!
If you just can’t afford that car that you really want, then seized and reposesed cars might just be what you are looking for. This is by no means an inferior source. Dealers and wholesaler have been buying their stock from these seized and repossessed auctions for a long time. With the internet these databases are available to the general public and you no longer need any special ‘contacts’ to get access to this great resource. Providing that you are vigilant and you do your due diligence you can’t really go wrong.
Seized and reposesed cars are primarily cars that government agencies and private financial institutions lay claim on. The government agencies will usually lay claim on a vehicle if it was used in criminal activity or even if it’s a recovered stolen vehicle that’s not reclaimed by the original owner. The financial institutions in turn lay claim on vehicles where the owner fails to make his monthly payments. These vehicles, as you can imagine, are usually still in top condition and sometimes they are virtually brand new.
As good a deal as these seized and reposesed cars are, there are some pitfalls that you need to watch out for. Here are three invaluable tips that will help you in finding and purchasing a quality reposessed car:
- Do Your Homework…
Firstly you need to do your homework about the cars you are interested in. Make sure you know exactly how much you can get it for both new and second hand. Secondly, do your homework about the company you are buying the reposesed car from. If it’s at an auction make sure you check out their credentials and that they are actually selling reposesed cars. Many companies who claim to sell seized and reposesed cars are only making these claims to get you through their front door or into their website.
- Finding them is half the job done…
Finding decent seized and reposesed cars is probably the biggest challenge. There are some good websites that keep and maintain a database of all the seized vehicles that are for sale throughout the USA. Only a handful of these web services are actually connected to the various agencies and auction houses. Be careful of websites that only act as a middleman – make sure the give you direct access to their database that will enable you to search for specific vehicles and their locations. Finding the best deals is all about the quality of the website you are searching on and their database. Some dealerships claim to sell bargain reposesed cars, but it’s usually just an incentive for you to buy. Go instead to the source. Go and buy where the dealerships buy. This is where you will find the real deals.
- Be auction sassy…
When you do find your dream vehicle at that unbelievable price, you still need to be vigilant – especially at auctions. If you are not very good with cars and engines, then ask someone who is to accompany you. Check the vehicle thoroughly before bidding starts. Auctioned vehicles are sold ‘as-is’. If a third party grades or examines the vehicles, make sure they are reliable, especially at online auctions. And when you bid…don’t get caught up in the bidding. Fix your price and don’t bid above that!
If you just can’t afford that car that you really want, then seized and reposesed cars might just be what you are looking for. This is by no means an inferior source. Dealers and wholesaler have been buying their stock from these seized and repossessed auctions for a long time. With the internet these databases are available to the general public and you no longer need any special ‘contacts’ to get access to this great resource. Providing that you are vigilant and you do your due diligence you can’t really go wrong.
Using the Sun to Power Your RV
Jumping in your RV and leaving the rat race for the weekend is an American tradition. Did you know you can provide power to your RV with the sun while getting away from it all?
The Sun is Everywhere!
One of the biggest misconceptions regarding solar power is that it is limited to large panel systems on roofs. Au contraire! With new nanotechnology, solar power systems will soon be applied with the paint you use to improve your home. That’s still two or three years away, so what about now?
If you enjoy taking the RV out for an excursion, you can use solar power to provide your electrical needs. Whether you are going camping or to a NASCAR race, it is an exceedingly simple process.
Unlike homes, RVs run on direct current electricity. This makes them perfect for solar electricity since solar systems produce direct current electricity instead of alternating current. Put another way, there is no need for bulky converters to flip the electricity from direct to alternating. Instead, you can use the sun to power up your batteries directly.
Portable solar systems consist of pop-up solar modules with four or five panels. Essentially, they look like small ladders with solar panels instead of steps. You just pop them up on the roof of the RV or in an area where the sun hits them. The systems tie directly into your batteries and power them up during the day. Super easy and super clean.
The real advantage to solar RV systems has to do with noise. The traditional method for recharging your RV batteries is to turn on a generator and generators can be very loud. Even the quietest generator makes enough noise to make you feel like you live next to a construction site. Solar systems make no noise at all. There are no moving parts, just the sun beating down on the panels. You’ll never know they are even there.
If RVing is your thing, portable solar modules are worth taking a look at. With high fuel prices, you need to save a buck wherever you can.
The Sun is Everywhere!
One of the biggest misconceptions regarding solar power is that it is limited to large panel systems on roofs. Au contraire! With new nanotechnology, solar power systems will soon be applied with the paint you use to improve your home. That’s still two or three years away, so what about now?
If you enjoy taking the RV out for an excursion, you can use solar power to provide your electrical needs. Whether you are going camping or to a NASCAR race, it is an exceedingly simple process.
Unlike homes, RVs run on direct current electricity. This makes them perfect for solar electricity since solar systems produce direct current electricity instead of alternating current. Put another way, there is no need for bulky converters to flip the electricity from direct to alternating. Instead, you can use the sun to power up your batteries directly.
Portable solar systems consist of pop-up solar modules with four or five panels. Essentially, they look like small ladders with solar panels instead of steps. You just pop them up on the roof of the RV or in an area where the sun hits them. The systems tie directly into your batteries and power them up during the day. Super easy and super clean.
The real advantage to solar RV systems has to do with noise. The traditional method for recharging your RV batteries is to turn on a generator and generators can be very loud. Even the quietest generator makes enough noise to make you feel like you live next to a construction site. Solar systems make no noise at all. There are no moving parts, just the sun beating down on the panels. You’ll never know they are even there.
If RVing is your thing, portable solar modules are worth taking a look at. With high fuel prices, you need to save a buck wherever you can.
Top 2 Reasons Why Motorhomes Are The Wave Of The Future
Did you know that motorhomes have been gaining rapidly in popularity over the last few years? It's true. If you've driven on the freeways recently, you might have noticed that there are an awful lot of people taking to the roads of America in their new homes on wheels (motorhomes). This country is huge and so are the number of attractions that you could see in a motorhome. Motorhomes have always been popular among the more mobile of our population, but recent models have shown that manufacturers have been producing incredible automotive works of art. Here's the 2 reasons why motorhomes are the wave of the future.
1)Retirement. There is a huge amount of the US population that is considering retiring in the next few years. Baby boomers have worked all their lives and have been spending their money like there is no tomorrow on all sorts of travel accessories. Motorhomes are no exception. One of the biggest things that all retirees want to do after they finish work is travel. Motorhomes provide future domestic travelers with lots of transportation options. Seeing the country (or even the world) in style is possible with a motorhome.
2)Cheap Mobility. Let's be honest here, gas prices are expensive. They've been expensive and probably will remain so for a long time. However, 2 or more people traveling in a motorhome can see a lot of things for relatively little money. Imagine how much money it would cost you in airplane tickets to fly to each destination individually? A lot more than the gas it costs to navigate from city to city. A tank of gas, financially, doesn't go as far as it used to, but it certainly isn't that bad considering all the place it can take you.
There is a lot more to motorhomes than just what's been covered here. In fact, there is a ton more of material available out there about motorhomes. Get informed before deciding to invest in a motorhome.
1)Retirement. There is a huge amount of the US population that is considering retiring in the next few years. Baby boomers have worked all their lives and have been spending their money like there is no tomorrow on all sorts of travel accessories. Motorhomes are no exception. One of the biggest things that all retirees want to do after they finish work is travel. Motorhomes provide future domestic travelers with lots of transportation options. Seeing the country (or even the world) in style is possible with a motorhome.
2)Cheap Mobility. Let's be honest here, gas prices are expensive. They've been expensive and probably will remain so for a long time. However, 2 or more people traveling in a motorhome can see a lot of things for relatively little money. Imagine how much money it would cost you in airplane tickets to fly to each destination individually? A lot more than the gas it costs to navigate from city to city. A tank of gas, financially, doesn't go as far as it used to, but it certainly isn't that bad considering all the place it can take you.
There is a lot more to motorhomes than just what's been covered here. In fact, there is a ton more of material available out there about motorhomes. Get informed before deciding to invest in a motorhome.
The GMC Collectible Motor Home
In the 1970's, General Motors entered the RV market. Drawing on the exuberance of the times, the company set out to create the ultimate American Motor home.
Their aim was to produce a top-of the-line vehicle with cutting-edge design and construction, not just another competitor in the already crowded vacation vehicle market.
The common design in this era was a boxy, ungainly and top-heavy unit on a truck chassis. The GMC vehicle was intended to be a completely new design in every way.
Design work began in 1970, with the market introduction planned for 1973. "Doesn't look like a box or ride like a truck" was the GMC ad slogan.
The new vehicle would be unusual for this era in several ways. First of all, it was to have a front wheel drive, a rare concept in cars of that day and unheard-of in mobile homes.
The drive train and suspension were taken from the design of the Oldsmobile Toronado. The 265 horsepower 455 cubic inch Oldsmobile engine was attached to a Turbohydramatic 425 transmission with torsion bar suspension.
The rear suspension was a product of GM's bus design, using dual swing arms, one leading and one trailing, with a single air spring on each side.
Instead of a auto body steel, the body was to be made of lightweight aluminum and molded fiberglass-reinforced plastic such as was used in the Chevrolet Corvette.
The front wheel drive and independent swing arm rear suspension brought great improvement to the standard motor home design.
The lack of drive shafts and axles underneath the coach allowed a very low floor height, leading in turn to a low overall vehicle height and lower center of gravity.
Aside from easier entry and exit, this reduced rollover risk and wind resistance and made the vehicle much safer and easier to operate for buyers accustomed only to car driving.
A six-wheel braking system, with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on all four rear wheels, further enhanced drivability.
Previous motor home design focused mainly on the use of the vehicle as a temporary home once it had reached its destination, an extended stay in a mobile home park or a camping spot.
Ease of getting to the destination was of secondary concern, and cumbersome handling on the road was taken for granted. GMC made a special point of targeting this feature for improvement by adding visibility from the driver's seat with a panoramic expanse of glass.
The motor home was featured in 23 foot and 26 foot lengths, fairly small even for this era.
Nowadays, much larger models are common. The motor home's interior design was compact, with no permanent sleeping areas in the original design. All beds were converted from seating areas when required.
Hot water was provided by water heaters using engine coolant loops, which produced water so hot it could actually present a scalding hazard since coolant temperatures usually exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The refrigerator was powered by a standard automotive battery, adequate only for overnight use before recharging.
The prototype was first displayed in May 1972 at the Transpro '72 trade show in Washington, D.C. Production started in 1973 with two models, Model 230 and Model 260, 23 and 26 feet long respectively.
They were sold with a finished interior for the public as well as unfinished to other RV manufacturers such as Avion and Coachman, who then provided their own interiors before reselling to consumers.
30 different floor plans were available, and models were priced from $35,000 to $40,000.
The GMC vehicle changed slightly over time, the most notable alteration coming in 1977 when the 455 cubic inch engine was replaced by a 403 cubic inch model in response to the energy crisis.
This decade caused hardship for all RV manufacturers as the increased price of fuel pushed large gas guzzling vehicles out of the market.
The GMC motor home had never sold at high volumes, and the company decided that the RV production facilities could be more profitably used to make light trucks. After the manufacture of 12,921 vehicles, production of motor homes was discontinued after the 1978 model year.
Almost immediately after production ceased, GMC motor homes became collectors' items, with owners' associations being established to provide parts and service for these vehicles.
Small manufacturers and garages developed a cottage industry servicing them. In 1992, as General Motors prepared to scrap all remaining tools and parts, Cinnabar Engineering purchased all the motor home manufacturing supplies and negotiated a deal to continue to provide parts for the discontinued vehicles.
In 1992, a monthly magazine called GMC Motor home Marketplace was introduced, and in 1994 Cinnabar started publishing a quarterly newsletter called GMC Motor home News.
The vehicle's futuristic design has even found a place in pop culture: Mattel Toys created die-cast versions of the GMC motor home for its Hot Wheels line.
More than 50 different GMC Hot Wheels are available, and in 1977, Mattel released three toy GMC versions in a Barbie Doll Star Traveler promotion.
In an amazing example of customer loyalty and product durability, more than 8,000 units are still registered by owners.
An internet search of "GMC Motor home" produces 771,000 results, as sites advertise motor home parts, engines and upgrades as well as classic car rallies for owners.
Used GMC motor homes sell for $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the condition of the vehicle.
Their aim was to produce a top-of the-line vehicle with cutting-edge design and construction, not just another competitor in the already crowded vacation vehicle market.
The common design in this era was a boxy, ungainly and top-heavy unit on a truck chassis. The GMC vehicle was intended to be a completely new design in every way.
Design work began in 1970, with the market introduction planned for 1973. "Doesn't look like a box or ride like a truck" was the GMC ad slogan.
The new vehicle would be unusual for this era in several ways. First of all, it was to have a front wheel drive, a rare concept in cars of that day and unheard-of in mobile homes.
The drive train and suspension were taken from the design of the Oldsmobile Toronado. The 265 horsepower 455 cubic inch Oldsmobile engine was attached to a Turbohydramatic 425 transmission with torsion bar suspension.
The rear suspension was a product of GM's bus design, using dual swing arms, one leading and one trailing, with a single air spring on each side.
Instead of a auto body steel, the body was to be made of lightweight aluminum and molded fiberglass-reinforced plastic such as was used in the Chevrolet Corvette.
The front wheel drive and independent swing arm rear suspension brought great improvement to the standard motor home design.
The lack of drive shafts and axles underneath the coach allowed a very low floor height, leading in turn to a low overall vehicle height and lower center of gravity.
Aside from easier entry and exit, this reduced rollover risk and wind resistance and made the vehicle much safer and easier to operate for buyers accustomed only to car driving.
A six-wheel braking system, with disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on all four rear wheels, further enhanced drivability.
Previous motor home design focused mainly on the use of the vehicle as a temporary home once it had reached its destination, an extended stay in a mobile home park or a camping spot.
Ease of getting to the destination was of secondary concern, and cumbersome handling on the road was taken for granted. GMC made a special point of targeting this feature for improvement by adding visibility from the driver's seat with a panoramic expanse of glass.
The motor home was featured in 23 foot and 26 foot lengths, fairly small even for this era.
Nowadays, much larger models are common. The motor home's interior design was compact, with no permanent sleeping areas in the original design. All beds were converted from seating areas when required.
Hot water was provided by water heaters using engine coolant loops, which produced water so hot it could actually present a scalding hazard since coolant temperatures usually exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The refrigerator was powered by a standard automotive battery, adequate only for overnight use before recharging.
The prototype was first displayed in May 1972 at the Transpro '72 trade show in Washington, D.C. Production started in 1973 with two models, Model 230 and Model 260, 23 and 26 feet long respectively.
They were sold with a finished interior for the public as well as unfinished to other RV manufacturers such as Avion and Coachman, who then provided their own interiors before reselling to consumers.
30 different floor plans were available, and models were priced from $35,000 to $40,000.
The GMC vehicle changed slightly over time, the most notable alteration coming in 1977 when the 455 cubic inch engine was replaced by a 403 cubic inch model in response to the energy crisis.
This decade caused hardship for all RV manufacturers as the increased price of fuel pushed large gas guzzling vehicles out of the market.
The GMC motor home had never sold at high volumes, and the company decided that the RV production facilities could be more profitably used to make light trucks. After the manufacture of 12,921 vehicles, production of motor homes was discontinued after the 1978 model year.
Almost immediately after production ceased, GMC motor homes became collectors' items, with owners' associations being established to provide parts and service for these vehicles.
Small manufacturers and garages developed a cottage industry servicing them. In 1992, as General Motors prepared to scrap all remaining tools and parts, Cinnabar Engineering purchased all the motor home manufacturing supplies and negotiated a deal to continue to provide parts for the discontinued vehicles.
In 1992, a monthly magazine called GMC Motor home Marketplace was introduced, and in 1994 Cinnabar started publishing a quarterly newsletter called GMC Motor home News.
The vehicle's futuristic design has even found a place in pop culture: Mattel Toys created die-cast versions of the GMC motor home for its Hot Wheels line.
More than 50 different GMC Hot Wheels are available, and in 1977, Mattel released three toy GMC versions in a Barbie Doll Star Traveler promotion.
In an amazing example of customer loyalty and product durability, more than 8,000 units are still registered by owners.
An internet search of "GMC Motor home" produces 771,000 results, as sites advertise motor home parts, engines and upgrades as well as classic car rallies for owners.
Used GMC motor homes sell for $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the condition of the vehicle.
RV Camping
RV camping can make for a great trip almost anywhere, but I think it is best in the west. In many areas, you can just drive into the desert, and stay free for up to two weeks. It's true of most BLM (Bureau Of Land Management) and national forest lands, and many state forest lands too. You have to move every two weeks, but how far is open to interpretation, and mostly yours will be accepted.
Long Term RV Camping on BLM Land
RV camping, or "boondocking" is growing in popularity. In fact, the BLM has begun to establish special areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. A permit fee is around $140 now, but this allows you to stay up to six months, and you get pump stations, dumpsters and water. People are living in some of these areas. It's cheaper than paying property taxes or rent for a lot to park on.
RV camping is common in Winter in Arizona. One of the largest gatherings of "boondockers" is in Quartzite. Several hundred thousand people spend at least part of the year in their RVs here. It's near the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. Surrounded by BLM lands, Quartzite is famous for gem shows, swap meets, and the multiplying of its population each winter.
If you ask around when you are in the desert southwest, you'll find there are RV communities that form every winter. Some of these temporary towns like "Slab City" in California, have bookstores, grocery vendors, and other businesses run by RVers. Once summer returns, these boondock communities disappear, and reappear again the following winter.
Other RV Camping Opportunities
Just look around, and you'll find "hidden" places where you can park your RV for a week or a month in the desert southwest. Some are inexpensive, other's free. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, for example, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, and has nice hotsprings and plenty of wildlife. An annual permit costs $30, but you're limited to two weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). You can stay outside the fenced area free, but then you don't get the hotsprings and shaded picnic tables.
For information on other areas, contact the Bureau of Land Management. They can tell you what's available under their jurisdiction. Also, the Woodall's campground guide lists campgrounds that are free. Keep your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest. Finally, ask around. Other RVers will give you the best information on RV camping.
Long Term RV Camping on BLM Land
RV camping, or "boondocking" is growing in popularity. In fact, the BLM has begun to establish special areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. A permit fee is around $140 now, but this allows you to stay up to six months, and you get pump stations, dumpsters and water. People are living in some of these areas. It's cheaper than paying property taxes or rent for a lot to park on.
RV camping is common in Winter in Arizona. One of the largest gatherings of "boondockers" is in Quartzite. Several hundred thousand people spend at least part of the year in their RVs here. It's near the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. Surrounded by BLM lands, Quartzite is famous for gem shows, swap meets, and the multiplying of its population each winter.
If you ask around when you are in the desert southwest, you'll find there are RV communities that form every winter. Some of these temporary towns like "Slab City" in California, have bookstores, grocery vendors, and other businesses run by RVers. Once summer returns, these boondock communities disappear, and reappear again the following winter.
Other RV Camping Opportunities
Just look around, and you'll find "hidden" places where you can park your RV for a week or a month in the desert southwest. Some are inexpensive, other's free. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, for example, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, and has nice hotsprings and plenty of wildlife. An annual permit costs $30, but you're limited to two weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). You can stay outside the fenced area free, but then you don't get the hotsprings and shaded picnic tables.
For information on other areas, contact the Bureau of Land Management. They can tell you what's available under their jurisdiction. Also, the Woodall's campground guide lists campgrounds that are free. Keep your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest. Finally, ask around. Other RVers will give you the best information on RV camping.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
