Archive for Class B Motorhome
Visit the Daytona 500 in a Roadtrek Class B Motorhome
The Daytona 500 is the Big One: Speedweeks finale, largest purse on the NASCAR circuit (two million dollars!), and the most watched motor race in America. All NASCAR fans have dreamt of a trip to Daytona Beach for the “Superbowl of Stock Car Racing”, and some return year after year, but many prospective and first time visitors find themselves turned off by the hassles and high prices of the limited local accommodations. Anyone frustrated with the choice between crowded campgrounds and expensive hotels, should consider the affordable alternative of bringing their own home; a Roadtrek Motorhome.
The Roadtrek has been the best-selling class B motorhome in America for over twenty years, and is known as reliable and roomy choice for any family. Sleeping up to four (including king-sized master-bedroom) with its own kitchen, changing room, bathroom, and (in most models) private eating nook, the Roadtrek offers all the amenities of a full-size RV with the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. The Roadtrek is the perfect choice for modern American road-tripping; an affordable vehicle that has interior space and luxury like a motorhome but gas-mileage and handling comparable to a regular SUV or van.
There will be 200,000 or more visitors at Daytona this year for “The Great American Race”, and they all need someplace to stay. Hotels and motels fill up fast and often demand that reservations be made far in advance, so arriving in a motorhome is a good choice for those who want to go at their own pace while saving money. There are many options for motorhome hook-ups in Daytona, including International Campgrounds and RV Park, Finishline RV, and South Daytona RV Park and Botanical Gardens. All have basic hook-ups and most include extras like swimming pool, laundry service, and wi-fi. Although varying in price, location, and amenities, they (and a dozen others in the greater Daytona Beach area) are all considerably cheaper than staying in a motel and offer more comfort and luxury than trying to camp out with just a car or van.
Although the Big Race is the big draw for most visitors, there are plenty of things to do before and after the race. As the name suggests, Daytona is well-known for gorgeous beaches, but families looking for freshwater fun may also enjoy Daytona Lagoon, a massive waterpark with twelve rides, two miniature golf courses, and several swimming pools. Daytona also has many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as museums of photography, science, and local history. Of course, Orlando is only an hour away, so visiting mammoth parks and attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios is always a possibility before, during, or after Speedweeks.
All NASCAR fans should take a trip to the Daytona 500 at least once in their lives, and with the comfort and affordability of traveling in a Roadtrek Motorhome, this could be the year for many who might not have dreamed it.
What do You Need? A Conversion Van or Class B Motorhome.
At first glance, a conversion van and a Class B motor home may look very similar. Both are based on commercially produced vans manufactured by major automakers. However, the levels of modifications vary and the two classes of vehicles serve two separate purposes. A purchaser looking for the features of a conversion van would not be happy with a Class B motor home.
Conversion Vans
The conversion van starts with a basic commercially produced van and adds after-market accessories. Companies specializing in the conversion van market commonly add these accessories although some vans are still converted as do-it-yourself projects. Dealers often use the conversion van company name when marketing these vans.
A conversion travel van can include a raised roof sometimes known as a “high top.” This makes it easier to move around within the van. Other features commonly added include luxury seating, entertainment centers including televisions and stereos, coolers or refrigerators and mood lighting. This type of conversion van makes long road trips more comfortable especially for larger groups. Some conversion vans offer comfortable seating for as many as eight people.
Conversion vans serve a number of specialized purposes along with offering road-trip comfort. Some conversion vans are equipped to provide access to people who utilize wheelchairs for mobility. These conversions commonly include lifts for wheelchairs and special brackets to hold the wheelchair stable during travel.
Some specially equipped conversion vans serve as mobile workplaces. These vans often include raised roofs to make it easier for workers to move about. Often the vans receive specialized upgrades specific to the workers using the vehicle. This can include cell phone and mobile computer connectivity for a salesman or satellite communications equipment for a remote television crew.
Class B Motor Homes
A Class B motor home utilizes the body of the van as the exterior of the vehicle. Almost all of Class B motorhomes feature a raised roof allowing the traveler to walk around within the vehicle. The rear portion of the van serves as the living quarters of the motor home and often features seating the folds out into a bed, a cooler or refrigerator, a dining table and entertainment items such as a television or stereo. Some Class B motor homes offer a toilet but few offer any shower facilities.
Class B motor homes offer the most economical camping experience for the recreational vehicle enthusiast. The vehicles can be used as a second vehicle by the family and can be parked in a normal garage or parking spot. Other advantages include better fuel economy than most recreational vehicles, an ease of driving not found in larger campers and a lower cost of acquisition.
This vehicle does have some limitations as a recreational vehicle. The Class B motor home offers comfortable camping for two people although some campers offer enough space for one or two children as well. The campers provide little storage space for the recreational items and camping supplies and are usually limited to short camping excursions.
Common Traits
Conversion vans and Class B motor homes are both commonly based upon full-sized vans. This makes the vehicles capable of towing trailers, if necessary. Dealers and maintenance shops associated with the van manufacturer can handle maintenance to the engine and drive train. Both versions of the van have become popular with people who “tailgate” or picnic in the parking lots of sporting events because of the comfort and amenities they offer.
Going to the Big Game in a Class B Motorhome
Traveling to New Orleans to attend the Big Game in February 2013 will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all involved. One way to make the experience even more fun and memorable for a group of family and friends would be to make the journey in a Class B van. A Class B motorhome’s size makes it both compact enough to conveniently maneuver yet spacious enough to comfortably transport loved ones and accommodate guests for a massive tailgate party or a small gathering before the big game.
Class B motorhomes offer the maneuverability of a large van coupled with the convenience of a full sized recreational vehicle. Most newer model Class B motorhomes have a height of between nine and ten feet. The widths on newer models run between six and seven feet, and the lengths of the homes run between eighteen and twenty feet. Most class B motorhomes can sleep two to four people, so they are ideal for an immediate family’s trip to the The Big Game. Newer models have a freshwater capacity of between twenty-five and thirty gallons, a gray water capacity of up to twenty gallons, and a black water capacity of up to ten gallons. The interior packages of the newer class B motorhomes are customizable to individual needs. Most come with a spacious area for the driver with an interface similar to that of a standard Sport Utility Vehicle. Some even come with a convenient five-inch rearview camera to assist with backing and parking, a major convenience when considering the traffic and parking situations that will infiltrate New Orleans in February. Class B motorhomes can also come with hand-made cabinetry, couches, stoves, refrigerators, sinks, and high-definition televisions, a great option for watching the pre game coverage by the sports analysts.
The Big Game is scheduled for Sunday, February 3, 2013 and will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This will mark the tenth time New Orleans has hosted the The Big Game, the most of any city. However, this will be the first time New Orleans has hosted a The Big Game since the Superdome’s damage from 2005′s Hurricane Katrina and since its major renovations in 2011 including the selling of the naming rights to Mercedes-Benz and the addition of Champions Square, an outdoor, 121,000-square-foot plaza that is sure to be the site of much excitement come The Big Game weekend.
The festivities associated with the The Big Game are slated to begin on Tuesday, January 29 with the annual The Big Game media day. For only the second time in history, a limited number of spectator tickets were made available for the media event for the The Big Game where players, coaches, and performers associated with the game and halftime show are interviewed by the press. Unfortunately, however, there are no parking lots that are advertised as being available for motor homes for the media day event
Fortunately, there are activity options for Class B motorhomes in the New Orleans area. There is a KOA campground in the New Orleans area that offers several amenities including fishing options and several golf courses nearby. A secluded campground will offer great preparation for the exciting The Big Game weekend ahead.
Parking for Class B Motorhomes will be limited on The Big Game Sunday, with only three lots offering parking for recreational vehicles. Two of the lots are located five blocks away (north and east of the Superdome), and one is located four blocks north of the Superdome. The lot five blocks north costs $650, the one five blocks east costs $1125, and the one four blocks north costs $75. All three parking lots allow tailgating, a The Big Game tradition that will be made all the better with a Class B Motorhome.
Escaping the Winter in my Roadtrek Class B Van
I own a Class B RV—a Roadtrek 210. For two years I have roamed the country, Midwest and Deep South, with shorter trips into Ohio, New York, the Middle Atlantic states, and New England destinations. My Roadtrek 210 has taken me away from the “frozen north” into the “hospitable south” and provided weeks of extraordinary luxury.
The Roadtrek Class B Van is just what the doctor ordered. It’s built on a Chevy, gives me outstanding gas mileage, and provides all the necessary comforts of home on the road. Granted, it isn’t as spacious as a Class A diesel pusher, but that’s okay: I don’t need a Jacuzzi on the road, and my wife and I, now in retirement, have long since “graduated” our children to RVs of their own. And then that diesel gets all of six miles to the gallon, a major problem with what fuel sells for now.
It has heat; it has A/C. It’s got a sound system and cable provisions. It doesn’t have a luxurious bathroom, but it’s sufficient for our needs when other alternatives are not available. We have a spacious kitchen and serving area (so long as we’re not both standing there at the same time). And we can move around without having to bend.
We have the same king-sized bed we have at home. We’re just careful to raise the back bumper to elevate our bodies when sleeping. The captain’s chairs are comfortable to ride in and to swivel and play games. We’ve modified our 210 to remove one of the chairs and replace it with cabinets. When we travel, and because we don’t have children with us, we want as much closet space as we can get. There’s no overhead bunk space to waste and every possible cubic inch of space inside the RV is well-planned and fully-used.
The unit comes equipped with both 12V DC and 110V AC. It has an installed generator that runs the microwave and other electronics when we’re not connected at a campground. There’s enough water onboard for dishes and flushes; there’s enough propane to cook all the meals we need to. And a refrigerator that operates on 12V, 110V, and propane adds to the mix.
Outside, there’s a very large awning. It allows a table and chairs to be set and protects us from most of the rain and all of the sun. We have added screening for when the double-wing doors are open.
Where can we go? Anywhere. We do trips before the white stuff begins to fall. I could drive it in the snow, but why bother? We climb into it, point the nose south, and take on a new annual adventure. What can we do when we get there? That’s why I carry my laptop and put it on local websites for interesting places to visit and outstanding places to eat.
And the very best part of all? This Roadtrek Class B Van fits in a single parking space. We can overnight in a retailer’s parking lot. We can take it downtown to run errands. Even when we’re connected at a campground, we’re free to move back on the road and to a new adventure in mere minutes.
Entertainment Options for A Class B Motorhome
Dreams of having a mobile entertainment hot spot can be at the tips of your fingers. This is a possibility when turning a class b motorhome into a mobile entertainment hotspot. Conversion vans are wonderful for creating mobile hot spots. There several reasons why.
The first is that there is a lot of room inside of this vehicle to hold the equipment necessary for entertainment. Secondly, the size is big enough to fit a lot of entertainment inside yet small enough to be mobile. This means that with a little bit of the imagination a true entertainment Mogul can convert a class b motorhome into the city’s best entertainment hotspot.
This is a time when making money is very important to many families, having a class b motorhome is a wonderful money maker. There are several different types of entertainment options that a class b motorhome owner can use in order to turn their vehicle into cash in their pocket.
Mobile Internet Café and Study Groups
Having an internet cafe is very important for many reasons there are many individuals who do not have access to the internet in their homes. A mobile internet café would mean that the class b motorhome would have to have WI-if installed. A wonderful idea for the café is to host study groups or parties for colleges. High school, standardize test, and other study group parties would also be great uses for the café. Hosting internet cafe study groups are awesome money makers in cities with large college populations.
Karaoke Bars and Amateur Talent Nights
Another option for a class b motorhome entertainment spot is a karaoke bar. This is an event that could create an outdoor club type atmosphere without the overhead. Filling the vehicle with audio equipment will attract customers passing by to take advantage of singing and dancing to their favorite song. Having snacks or drinks available will increase profits. Sponsoring talent nights can give customers an alternative to visiting the same clubs and inspire visits by winning prizes. Who doesn’t like to watch local talent? Hosting birthday parties and other social parties can bring singing and dancing right to the doorstep of guests.
Mobile Movie Theater and Love Mobile
A movie theater is a wonderful idea for this type of vehicle. For individuals and who are interested in having a private romantic time. For customers, riding in the back of a class b motorhome while watching a movie can create those 1960’s drive in theater feeling. The greatest quality is that there is someone driving the customer around so they can sit back and enjoy themselves.
Gaming Competitions
In today’s world, everybody’s looking for that gaming partner. Hosting a gaming center is ideal for conversion vans. Having the inside draped in black will create a cozy effect to make the gamer feel like they are in the game. Hosting competitions along with game debuts will generate the profit that any mobile business needs.
Used 2012 Pleasure-Way Plateau – RV of the Month
If it has been awhile since you have looked at the Class B category of RVs, you will be pleasantly surprised at the 2012 Pleasure-Way Plateau RB. The lavishly comfortable, stylish decor, speaks volumes when it comes to all things the Pleasure-Way Plateau offers. This is truly a pleasurable way to extend your camping excursions, because the Plateau has a fuel capacity of twenty-five gallons and an auto transmission complete with cruise control.
Exterior/Interior Features
The Plateau Class B motorhome offers all the deluxe Mercedes-Benz category chassis expectations with a high performance diesel engine, disc brakes, and traction and stability with its all season tires. The Class B Plateau come in weighing a little more than 11,000 pounds and has a combined water tank capacity of 72 Gallons. This includes fresh water, grey water, black water and an additional hot water bypass tank.
• An Expansive Wall of Windows in the Plateau Adds to the Spaciousness
• The Plateau Overall length of 22’ 9” and width of 7’ 8”.
• Keyless Entry System
• Deluxe Sliding Entry-Way Doors.
• Deluxe Awning
The 11,000 BTU Penguin roof air conditioner keeps the Plateau comfortable on hot days and warm on cold nights and the two 22” LCD TVs and DVD players adds entertainment value. The mobility features in the Plateau is part of the charm with this Class B motorhome. The hushed color tones of the interior compliments the overall beauty of the Plateau, with several choices of interior options.
Galley Style Kitchen
The kitchen offers the very best home-like amenities like a sliding pantry, soft closing drawers, durable corian countertops, and a recessed stainless steel sink. The appliances are top grade RB standard appliances. The carpet is loose lay and the memory foam interior cushions just add to its overall technology of the seating areas. A convenient flip-up counter can be used for computers or snacks. There is also a dining area located between the kitchen and the driving area.
• 2-Burner LP Flush Mount Stove
• Convection Microwave
• 3.8 Cubic Feet Refrigerator
Bathroom/Bed Room
Complete amenities and the comforts of home are offered with the Plateau’s bathroom and its bedroom. Privacy and convenience is the key with the single bathroom and rear bed room. These amenities include:
• Stand-Up Shower
• Sink
• Toilet
• Extra Storage Cabinet
• King-Sized Bed
• Under-The-Bed-Storage
• Closet
• TV
Additional Features and Warranties
The Pleasure-Way Plateau can be purchased just under $120,000 and comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile coach warranty. Additional Features include:
• Porch Light
• Winegard Directional TV Antenna
• Frameless Awning Style Windows
• Running Board for Hose Storage (Sewage)
• Upgrade Package
• Choice of Interior Colors, Cabinets and Fabrics
• Park, City Water and Exterior Shore Power Hook-Ups
• Fresh Water Fill with External Locking Capabilities
• Exterior Shower
• 110 Volt Electrical Receptacles
• Complete Hitch and Wiring Assembly
• AM/FM CD Radio
• LCD Flat Screen Televisions (2)
For Further information of the Pleasure-Way Plateau RB Class B Motorhome and a complete list of the available options and features please contact or visit Dave Arbogast Van Depot.
10 of the Top RV Campgrounds in Ohio
Many American families love the freedom of camping. For some that means packing up a tent and roughing it for a while, while for others it means loading up in a class b motorhome and hitting the highways, being completely self-reliant for many weeks. Some of the most beautiful places in Ohio can be reached while camping, check one or more of them out today!
10. South Bass Island State Park
Those looking for a chance to get away from it all and still be close to the water will enjoy a stay at Put In Bay, Ohio. This campground offers great views and access to Lake Erie, and boaters will find that this park offers easy access to boat docks without the hustle of nearby Oak Point.
9. Mary Jane Thurston State Park
Anglers will especially enjoy staying at the 591-acre state park that offers some of the best fishing in the state of Ohio in the Maumee. Campers will find many nooks and crannies just begging to be explored. This park features a historic canal that history buffs will enjoy.
This park offers many activities that are waiting for your arrival. Hikers and photographers will love exploring Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave. Archers will love competing on this campgrounds archery range. The park has nine hiking trails that wait for you to discover them. Many artists work near you and wait for your arrival.
If you enjoy playing in the water the 5,800-acre state park offers opportunities to boat, fish and ski. Do not forget about the fun of camping in the winter and this park offers a great opportunity to do just that with abundant opportunities to snowmobile, ice skate, cross country ski, ice fish and ice boat.
Equestrians and mountain bikers both enjoy camping at this campground near Bainbridge, Ohio. The park features 18.2 miles just for trail riding and 12 miles of paths for mountain biking. After you have worked up a lather, then cool off at the 1,000 foot sandy beach with outstanding swimming facilities. Some of the best pheasant, rabbit, white-tailed deer and duck hunting are located on the adjacent public lands.
6. Cowan Lake
The beautiful water lilies make this park one of the most beautiful in the nation, and it is located right in the great state of Ohio. In addition, the 1,075-acre park offers great opportunities to fish, sail, canoe and swim. Many campers enjoy hiking through the mature woods filled abundant birdlife.
Anglers get an early start at this campground that offers some of the best early spring saugeye fishing to be found in the state. They can also enjoy catching catfish, largemouth bass and crappie. The campground offers a great 18-hole golf course complete with 10 ponds and 52 sand traps. The park also features great equestrian, mountain biking and snowmobiling trials.
4. Evergreen Park RV Resort
Guests at this campground enjoy a luxurious camping experience with buggy rides and an indoor heated pool with a large hot tub. There is much to be explored near this campground so come ready to explore the Amish country. Several nearby theaters give regular performances. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is also located nearby.
3. NASCAR RV Resorts at Indian Creek
Something exciting is always happening at this resort with campground pig roasts being a regular feature. This park also has regular bands playing. It has its own miniature golf course just waiting for someone to challenge you. The ice cream at this campground is outstanding. The pool is large and kept very clean.
2. Beachwood Acres
Located near Lake Cowan, this beautiful park is filled with activities that everyone will enjoy doing. Adults and children alike will delight while digging for gemstones at this park. Enjoy walking to the nearby hiking trails, ample fishing opportunities and playing in the heated swimming pool.
1. Shady Trails Family Campground
Antique lovers adore visiting the wide variety of shops near Hillsboro, Ohio, while the children are playing in the pool and the largest game room of any campground in the state.
Number 1 Class B Motorhome Dealer
Their motto is “All of our vehicles are driven to satisfaction.” That pretty well sums up the guarantee of Dave Arbogast and his time at Arbogast Conversion Vans in Troy, Ohio. Arbogast had dream in mind when he purchased the a car dealership there in 1992. Before the first year had gone by he could see that the original facility and location just weren’t big enough for what he was planning. He purchased 35 more acres the very next year and that was the beginning of a new modern facility and with it an expanded dream.
The dealership grew by leaps and bounds. Soon a building for pre-owned vehicles went up, then a facility for boats and RV’s. The business just kept growing. First there were new vehicles, then used vehicles, then RV’s, the boats and then conversion vans. One of the latest adventures has been in that ever-popular market of fifth-wheel trailers and other travel homes and motor homes. The reasons for this rapid expansion are many. Every vehicle is guaranteed. There is certainly something here for everyone, every budget, every family, every need, every adventure. The inventory is expansive. There are many dealerships all over the United States that offer the same vehicles and watercraft and motor homes that Arbogast offers. But one important convenience stands out with the Arbogast dealership. Everything they offer can be found at one location. That’s a hard deal to beat.
Arbogast has received awards and commendations for every product they carry and every manufacturer they represent. He has certainly earned his place as an industry leader in every facet of the business. Another reason for their success is the availability for you to have you vehicle picked up and brought to the facility for service and also to receive delivery anywhere of a vehicle you purchase.
With all the awards and achievements it just seems to follow that the Arbogast dealership would classes as the #1 Class B Motor Homes in all the state of Ohio. The offer everything in motor homes from Airstream Interstate to Roadtrek RS Adventurous to Winnebago Era. This is the place for the best deals you’ll find in class B motor homes.
So there you have it, many reasons for the fast expansion and the continual growth of the Arbogast dealership. Dave Arbogast says those reasons are all true, but he adds one more thing. The real reason for the explosive growth and success of the dealership lies in these two words: Customer Satisfaction.
The Perfect Class B Motorhome
Looking for a spacious RV that can fit your family perfectly but can’t spare the price for a Class A or C motorhome? If you’re considering on investing on these vehicles, a viable option would definitely be the Winnebago Era, regardless of the type of RV you’re looking for or the specific requirements or demands that you have. Winnebago Era can easily meet one’s standards and provide complete amenities for the whole family.
Winnebago is an industry-leading motorhome company that offers an extensive range of RVs, RV parts, cars, trucks and boats. They offer both brand new and used vehicles in order to support the cost variable of each and every client. With this, you’ll have a myriad of options to choose from despite your tight budget. Traveling with your family on-road or touring a country can be extremely fun, however, without the right transportation vehicle; this experience may turn into a stressful and boring trip.
One of the many models that Winnebago has in their garage is the Winnebago Era Class B motorhome. This particular model is designed to be very versatile, simple and easy to drive, and very fuel-efficient thus maintaining your gas costs to a minimum. It takes full advantage over the power and capabilities of the Mercedes Sprinter 3500 chassis and takes you to an entirely new adventure that may seem impossible to trek with an RV. The Winnebago Era is also integrated with the SmartSpace principle that helps maximize the interior of the vehicle while fitting it with fully-furnished amenities. The RV’s interior comprises of elegantly decorated tabletops and cabinet furnishings with stylish and classy materials, including Metro and Fusion. The operating sofa and bed is engineered to be very comfortable for the family, with spacious and cleverly installed beds and windows. The rooms are also incorporated with 22-inch LED TV that you can spend time in when bored or to help you quickly fall asleep. The bathroom is designed with a properly leveled shower with a flexible handle.
Overall, buying the Winnebago Era class B motorhome can surely be a smart investment for future years to come, especially for families who are mostly on road and traveling in different cities and countries. The Winnebago Era class B is definitely a good machine with a good price.
Cross Country in a Winnebago Era
Winnebago ERA motorhomes give you and your spouse or family an excellent way to travel which pays for itself. Never be constrained by the hotel system again. Set your own schedule as you travel in style with this exclusive brand. Also, buying a motorhome allows you to be truly adventurous going as far as your imagination will take you. You can spend family time camping, racing, hiking, hunting, fishing in all areas of the country, and come “home” to luxurious surroundings. Winnebago motorhomes are designed with the customer in mind.
Winnebago Industries works to constantly innovate and improve their designs to accommodate virtually any situation. Their engineers make use of every piece of furniture for maximal functionality and space preservation. Winnebago Industries has stayed in business for over 50 years due to this commitment to constant improvement and making features that cause owners to enjoy their motorhomes.
Safety is always a primary consideration when constructing a Winnebago Era and designers pay strict attention to every aspect of safety. In addition, Winnebago Industries has received the RV Dealers Association Quality Circle award every year since that organization began giving that award. The name Winnebago has become synonymous with quality.
The components used in Winnebago motorhomes are made by top manufacturers and are optimized for fuel efficiency. This is important for the frequent traveler as gas prices can impact the cost of your motorhome vacation. There is also a commitment from the Winnebago company to use environmentally friendly components whenever possible. Some Winnebago motorhomes get better gas mileage than some SUVs.
People who buy class b motorhomes typically enjoy the outdoors. Give your family a gift of family time and memory making by purchasing the ultimate motorhome, a Winnebago. When you purchase this prestigious brand, you can be sure you are making an investment in a recreational and functional vehicle that will carry you through many years to come. Whether you are ready to retire and tour the US in style, or purchase a motorhome for your young family’s vacations and sightseeing, we can find a model of motorhome for you. Choose the floor plan and accoutrements that meet your traveling needs and experience the simple luxury of a Winnebago. If you are going to purchase a motorhome, purchase a brand that has proven its serious attention to safety and quality. You will be so glad that you did!