About RVing in Fargo, ND and Detriot Lakes, MN

When you travel with your travel trailer or fifth wheel camper, there are several ways to save money on gasoline expenses normally associated with traveling. McLaughlin RV & Marine in Fargo, North Dakota and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is proud to share the following fuel saving recommendations published by GoRVing.com

Your Pocket Need not Fear the Pump

When it comes to miles per gallon, size isn't all that matters; today's lighter weight models are getting better mileage and are more fuel efficient than ever. Check out how savvy RVers save fuel:

Tips to Conserve Fuel

• Camp closer to home. With more than 16,000 campgrounds nationwide, RVers can enjoy the outdoor experience whether they travel five miles or 500 miles.
• Stay longer in one place. Many RV parks are vacation destinations in their own right, offering pools, playgrounds, hiking trails, entertainment centers, organized activities, convenience stores and so much more.
• Cook your family favorites in the convenience of an RV, to avoid the high costs of eating out.
• Drive 55 instead of 65. Keeping speed constant and lower saves fuel, saving you money.
• Pack lighter by not topping off fresh water tanks until at the campground and by purchasing firewood and other camping materials on-site to keep the RV lightweight while traveling. Be sure holding tanks are dumped before heading out to further lighten the load.
• Inflate tires properly and conduct regular maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.
• Use the grade of fuel recommended by the engine manufacturer to increase miles per gallon.
• In the summer months, travel earlier in the day when the weather is cooler and the vehicle air conditioning is needed less.

Some other facts to keep in mind:

• Fuel is typically only the fourth largest expense on a road trip, behind lodging, food, vehicle payment and maintenance.
• Airfares and hotel rates also rise when fuel costs increase and fuel surcharges are added. You can avoid those costs in an RV.
• Fuel prices would need to more than triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.

Since you are interested in the RVing lifestyle, everyone at McLaughlin's wants you to know that there are several ways to participate including Buying a New RV, Buying a Used RV and Renting an RV. McLaughlin RV & Marine in Fargo, North Dakota and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is proud to share the following recommendations published by GoRVing.com

Buying

Whether you're a would-be or a seasoned RVer, the reasons to buy are endless: from family bonding to affordable getaways to spontaneous road trips. Here are some of the top reasons why there's never been a better time to buy:

• In today's economy, there are great deals available on new RV models. Consider pre-owned units for more savings.
• Financing is readily available for qualified borrowers.
• You may qualify for a tax deduction because the interest on your RV loan is generally deductible as second-home mortgage interest.
• RVs are more fuel efficient than ever.
• Even when fuel costs are up, RVers can enjoy the same experience closer to home to save on fuel.
• The sooner you buy, the sooner you can enjoy years of savings and adventures.

Pre-Owned RVs

Buying a pre-owned RV is a great way to make your vacation dream a reality for less. Whether you're looking for a towable RV or a motorized RV, check with an RV dealer who often receives a unit as a trade-in on a new vehicle. Buying a pre-owned RV makes buying the RV of your dreams even more affordable because you'll pay considerably less for a pre-owned unit than a similarly equipped new unit.

Just like buying a pre-owned car or truck, most RV dealers provide a thorough pre-delivery inspection of the used RV. You can visit your local dealer to compare units and features and to find out about extended service agreements.

Renting

An RV can be a significant investment, and it's important to make sure it's the right fit for you. There's no better way to try before you buy than by renting.

RV rentals let you try various types and learn which one best suits your needs. Many people rent RVs simply for the fun, freedom and flexibility of taking RV trips to a special event or destination. More than 460 national chain outlets and local RV dealerships rent RVs, including state-of-the-art, late-model-year units.

A growing number of campgrounds offer on-site RV rentals. Most RV rental companies provide housekeeping packages (dishes, pots, pans, etc.) for a nominal fee. Even if you're driving or towing an RV for the first time, features like automatic transmissions, power brakes and power steering make it easy for experienced drivers to adjust to the difference in size, height and weight.

When you travel with your travel trailer or fifth wheel camper, there are several ways to your choice to enjoy the RV Lifestyle will have minimal impact on the environment. McLaughlin RV & Marine in Fargo, North Dakota and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is proud to share the following Go Green RVing article published by GoRVing.com

Go Green in Your RV

Being green is only natural for RV travelers. A recent survey showed that more than two-thirds of RVers minimize water use on trips, almost half recycle more on RV vacations than on other types and nearly half turn off home utilities before they hit the road. In addition, 94% of all RVers travel with 2-7 people, meaning the vehicles get more people miles per gallon.

Did you know that 80% of RVs sold in the United States are actually non-motorized, and 30% of RV owners have a diesel tow vehicle or motorhome, promoting greater fuel efficiency? New ideas and technologies are being employed by the RV industry to create a growing market of products that are:

• Lighter. New materials and eco-friendly space-age composites are making a difference in fuel efficiency.
• Smaller. While there will always be big boys out there, manufacturers are starting to produce more small units with many desirable on-board amenities.
• Hybrids. Chassis manufacturers have developed diesel/electric hybrid engines, boasting improved MPG of 40% over comparably sized gas motorhomes.
• Aerodynamic. Manufacturers are making sleeker front ends to address wind resistance.
• Eco-Friendly Components. RV manufacturers are making increased use of green textiles, power-saving LED light fixtures and eco-friendly sealants and components.

It's not just RV manufacturers that are going green, but RVers as well. Right now, almost 20% of RVers say they use solar panels to power some of their on-board systems.

RVers have a responsibility to protect the environment. Help preserve the great outdoors for future generations by following these conservation tips:

• Keep your RV on roads that it is equipped to handle.
• Keep RV and tow vehicle engines well-tuned to conserve energy and reduce emissions.
• Always use marked RV campsites.
• Recycle as you travel. Take note of campground recycling categories; they may be different from those you use at home.
• Minimize the use of disposables. Mix your own cold drinks from powders, and assign a mug to each family member rather than using paper cups. Discard excess packaging at home.
• Keep campfires small to minimize the amount of ash and pollution. Don't put anything into the fire pit that will not burn, such as plastics, foils and metals. Observe fire rules, which may change each day with weather conditions.
• Use nontoxic cleaning supplies and tank additives.
• Where pets are permitted, keep them indoors or use a screw-in stake. Tying them to trees can damage fragile bark.
• Work with nature. In hot weather, use natural shade, awnings and canvas covers. In cold weather, park where the RV will be protected from north and west winds.
• Leave the campground showers, dump station and campsite as clean as you found them.
• At the end of your trip, dispose of all trash properly.

RV vacations are more environmentally friendly than fly/drive/hotel vacations, according to a study comparing total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions or carbon footprints. PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism, found that families of four taking RV vacations generate less CO2 than families traveling on a plane, renting a car and staying in a hotel.

With nearly one billion tourists crisscrossing the globe every year, it's more important than ever for travelers to minimize their individual impact on the Earth's natural and cultural treasures. Taking a green approach to travel is important to protect the places you love to visit, not just for yourself but for those who come after you and for the people who live there long after youu2019ve gone home.

Your Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel RV is an important investment, an investment in your quality of life and also a financial investment. Please read the following article about RV Specific Insurance for more information about protecting your RVing lifestyle. McLaughlin RV & Marine in Fargo, North Dakota and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is proud to share the following information on RV Specific Insurance published by GoRVing.com

Protect Your Investment, Get the Facts About Specialized RV Insurance

Why choose Specialized RV Insurance? Because you want to protect your investment as well as those you love. Your RV, whether it's new or has some great road-trip miles on it, is a special vehicle requiring special consideration. Just as you wouldn't go to your family doctor for a toothache, you shouldn't go to a general insurance company to insure your RV.

An RV is a home on wheels. Specialized RV Insurance is a unique blend of auto and homeowner's insurance coverage, yet the price is typically comparable or less expensive than standard auto insurance.

What's Special About Specialized RV Insurance?

The extent of coverage is the major difference between a standard auto policy and a specialized RV policy. Specialized RV policies accommodate the unique risks involved in the RVing lifestyle. As you and your insurance agent put together your customized RV package, keep the following coverages in mind for combination into a comprehensive policy:

• Total Loss Replacement (TLR). With TLR coverage, also called Replacement Cost Coverage, if your RV is totaled, the insurance company either replaces your RV with a new one or pays you your initial purchase price, depending upon the age of your unit at the time of loss. Generally, this policy is in effect for the first five model years. After that, because of age, many companies convert TLR policies into Purchase Price Guarantee or Actual Cash Value policies.
• Purchase Price Guarantee (PPG). In case of a total loss of the RV, this policy will reimburse owners for the amount paid for the unit as written in the policy toward the purchase of another unit. Some insurers extend this policy for the life of the vehicle, while others offer it for the vehicle's first 10 years and then convert to an Actual Cash Value policy in the 11th model year.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV). These policies will pay the prevailing depreciated, fair-market value of your RV in case of a total loss. ACV is the most common type of policy offered to RV owners.
• Vacation Liability. This type of coverage extends to you while your RV is parked. If someone is injured at your campsite, your liability exposure is covered up to the specified policy limits.
• Full-Timer Coverage (FTC). FTC works like a homeowner's policy for RVers who live in their vehicles full-time and who can be left with potential liabilities exposure, including personal liability and additional living expenses. FTC policies protect full-timers' unique needs.
• Diminishing Deductible Coverage. Designed to reward good drivers by reducing comprehensive and collision deductibles by 25% of your original deductible for each claim-free year until the policy reaches a zero deductible. If a loss occurs after four claim-free years, you pay no deductible on your claim.
• Personal Contents Coverage. Covers personal property, such as housewares, tools, clothes and sporting goods. A homeowner's policy may provide coverage, but there are often limitations to coverage for off-premises property, items in storage or belongings damaged in a collision. RV specialty policies replace stolen or damaged items at full replacement cost.

Other Benefits of RV Specialty Coverage

• Add-Ons and Tow Dollies Included. Most RV specialty policies automatically cover items like awnings, antennas, external racks and satellite dishes for no additional charge. Additionally, tow dollies and trailers are often included in coverage.
• Agreed Value Coverage. Offered for classic coaches and bus conversion vehicles that don't have a standard market value. With a bill of sale or qualified appraisal, you can lock in the coach's value up front. This protects your investment in the RV without the worry of depreciation in the event of total loss.
• Free 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance. With most policies, insurance companies will cover the towing of your RV to the nearest qualified repair facility, regardless of cost. These policies are often extended to the tow or towed vehicle, as well, if it's being used in conjunction with the RV.
• Emergency Travel Expense. If your RV is incapacitated because of a covered loss, most RV policies cover the cost of a rental car and/or hotel room while your RV is being repaired. If your RV is not repairable, the policy can cover airfare to return you and your family home.
• Experienced RV Claims Handling. While you may never experience a serious loss with your RV, specialized RV insurance companies give you peace of mind knowing that your claim will be handled by professionals with RV experience, not simply standard auto adjusters.
• Additional Discounts. Be sure to ask about all discounts offered by an RV specialty insurance carrier. Membership in an RV club, supplemental braking systems or completion of a safe driving course are just some of the discounts available on a state-by-state basis.

How Do I Find a Specialized RV Insurance Provider?

There are a variety of ways to find the specialized RV product best suited to your needs. RV clubs, the Internet and many RV dealerships can put you in touch with one of the national companies that specialize in coverage for RV owners.

The specific coverage you purchase may vary slightly from the descriptions listed above. Your policy is your contract, so be sure to read it carefully.

The Final Word

If you currently own an RV, review your policy to be sure you have the protection described above at a reasonable price, and then perhaps field another quote for comparison. If you are thinking of buying an RV, be sure to discuss the availability of these coverages with an RV-experienced agent or insurance company. Protect yourself by properly insuring both your investment and the RVing lifestyle you enjoy with specialized RV insurance.