RVC Outdoor Destinations Offers Experience Like No Other

New Outdoor Experience is Like a Full-Service Hotel – Without the Hotel

MEMPHIS, TN – Start with beautiful natural outdoor environments that include mountain, wooded, lake-side and ocean-side locales. Add services and amenities generally associated with full-service hotels and you have the genesis for the ultimate outdoor experience that is RVC Outdoor Destinations.  

Whether you arrive in an RV, an SUV, a sports car or a bicycle, RVC Outdoor Destinations offers you a uniquely outstanding outdoor experience. Each destination offers multiple RV hookups and buddy sites, but that is where the similarity to traditional RV parks and cabin/cottage rentals ends. 

RVC Outdoor Destinations feature cottages, Yurts and classic Airstream trailers for rent, and most destinations are on the water and offer water views. 

Destinations include concierge service, a comfortable lobby, convenience stores, grab-and-go food, fitness centers, game rooms, saline swimming pools, free WiFi and cable, coffee and wine bars, boat launch and slips, golf cart rentals, fishing, bark parks, nature trails, horseshoe and bocce ball courts, fire pits, grills and picnic tables all located in thoughtfully landscaped environments. 

“Through our locations and breadth of service offerings, we have positioned our properties as the ultimate in outdoor lodging destinations,” said Yale Spina, Vice President of Operations for RVC Outdoor Destinations. “Whether you’re an experienced RV’er, a veteran outdoorsman or have only experienced the call of the wild via the Discovery Channel, you will have a distinct and enjoyable outdoor experience.” 

“They’ve taken the fun out of flying, and so many outdoor properties do not offer modern amenities,” said Spina. “So we’ve created an enjoyable destination where you can bring your pet and enjoy the outdoors in a well-designed environment with premium amenities, exceptional service and pleasant accommodations.”  

RVC Outdoor Destinations are open and accepting reservations in Pine Mountain, GA (just outside Callaway Gardens), Carrabelle Beach and Carrabelle Boat Club (along the coast, just south of Tallahassee). Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs, AR, and Live Oak Landing in Freeport, FL (on Choctawatchee Bay in Walton County) are scheduled to open late summer 2010.  

About RVC Outdoor Destinations: RVC Outdoor Destinations owns and operates a unique recreation brand, offering a better outdoor vacation experience, with service and amenities similar to a full-service hotel, scaled to fit in a natural outdoor environment. RVC Outdoor Destinations has locations throughout the Southeastern United States.   For more information visit www.rvcoutdoors.com

Source:  RVC Outdoors Press Release

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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia | Beautiful Places to Visit

The stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park lies in the Lika region of Croatia. The park is surrounded by the mountains Plješevica, Mala Kapela, and Medveđak, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. The 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes, which are separated by natural dams of travertine, are situated on the Plitvice plateau. Waterfalls connect the lakes, and the tallest waterfall is Veliki Slap at 70 meters (230 feet) tall. The Plitvice lakes area boasts a large variety of interesting and colorful flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking the many pathways and trails, or exploring the lakes by boat. The park itself has 3 hotels and a campsite, otherwise visitors can find accommodation at any of the number of villages and cities nearby.

Two Fighter Jets Chasing UFO in Britain Captured on Video

A cameraman accidentally captured two British fighter jets pursuing what looked like a UFO. The dramatic video clip is about 30-second long, which is believed to have been taken from a West Midlands service station car park in Britain.

“This is one of the best videos I’ve seen. It could be a new drone – that might explain the military jets,”  the Sun quoted expert Nick Pope, who probed UFO sightings for the Ministry of Defense.

“But you don’t normally test-fly secret projects in daylight. Alternatively, this could be the real thing – a UFO in our airspace and military aircraft scrambled to intercept, probably due to it being tracked on radar,” he added.

This is the “UFO” as seen from the video.

Two British fighter jets were chasing the “UFO”.

The British defense ministry refused to comment on the alleged sighting, but confirmed it would scramble jets to meet an air threat.

Watch the short video clip here, it’s interesting!

15 Places in the World that Look Unreal! WOW!

These 15 places look like photoshopped images; they look unreal but they really exist in the world.

1.Giant’s Causeway, Ireland:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.The Wave, Arizona, US:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.Dry Valleys, Antarctica:

4.Rio Tinto, Spain:

5.Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US:

6.Cave of Crystals, Mexico:

7.Dotted Lake, Canada:

8.Tessellated Pavement, Mauritania:

9.Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia:

10.Cappadocia, Turkey:

11.Vale de Lua, Brazil:

12.White Desert, Egypt:

13.Blood Pond Hot Spring, Japan:

14.Stone Forest, China:

15.Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves, Austria:

 








Funky Downtown

Glow in the Dark Pets? YIKES!

 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Me-yow! This cat has a glow — for a good cause First fluorescent cat in U.S. will aid endangered species ... and humans, too

By Michael Inbar

TODAYshow.com contributor For brightness, glowworms got nothing on Mr. Green Genes. And for fright factor, neither do black cats. The 6-month-old feline may look like a standard-issue orange tabby in the comfort of daylight, but he turns a ghoulish shade of fluorescent green under the shroud of darkness!  But there’s no need to get spooked; Mr. Green Genes is not a ghastly creation out of a Halloween horror story. The glow-in-the-dark cat is the result of a genetic experiment gone right, not awry; he was cloned at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans to aid endangered species ... and down the line, humans as well. The phosphorescent feline made his national television debut on TODAY Thursday. The studio went dark and Mr. Green Genes’ ears, nose and eyes glowed under an ultraviolet light. The green gene

Betsy Dresser, senior vice president for the institute, explained to TODAY’s Amy Robach the process of producing a kitty that strangely glows, but is otherwise as normal as any of its brethren. “Two of our scientists at the center worked together with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,” Dresser said. “They introduced a gene that would then produce a protein that glowed fluorescent green.”

While it’s certainly a neat scientific parlor trick, Dresser told TODAY the research that led to the glowing cloned Mr. Green Genes is vitally serious — both to combat animal diseases via gene therapy and, later, to increase the possibility of inserting good genes into humans while taking bad genes out.

But to verify that the gene implants were working, scientists needed to try them out on a cat, because the animals have much of the same genetic makeup as humans. And to see if the genes actually made it into the finished, cloned cat, a gene was inserted that produces a fluorescent protein.

“We wanted to know for sure that we could insert this gene into a cell and have it multiply,” Dresser explained. “If nothing glows, we wouldn’t know if the gene was really inserted. So, because it glows, we know we inserted the gene and were successful with that technique.”

The nose glows

While Mr. Green Genes pawed playfully and rolled on his back for handler Kelly Trimble, Dresser explained that all the cat’s skin cells glow with the green fluorescent protein but, because it’s a furry critter, only the eyes, ears and nose display wattage under ultraviolet. “If we were to shave him, he would glow totally,” Dresser told Robach.

Dresser was also quick to note there is nothing cruel and unusual involved in producing a cat that glows in the dark. “It’s totally harmless,” Dresser said. “He’s just a normal cat; he doesn’t know he’s glowing.”

As host Amy Robach looks on, Mr. Green Genes’ handlers prepare to expose the cat to an ultraviolet lamp.

Normal or not, Mr. Green Genes might one day be considered a pioneer and hero in the advancement of genetics. For example, in endangered animal species that carry a gene making them prone to a specific disease, that gene could be pulled out at the embryo stage to give the species a better chance at surviving and prospering. 

For mankind, it might lead to new innovations in treating diabetes, Dresser said. “In a diabetic human, there are genes that make insulin. If we can insert genes that make diabetics produce their own insulin, then we hope to stop diabetes.

“It’s helpful to both animals and humans,” she added.

But that’s the future. In the present, Mr. Green Genes can look forward to a normal life — unless he’s exposed to a black light, the secret of his glow is safe.

And Mr. Green Genes’ offspring might have a bright future too, Dresser said. “We’ll breed him and we’ll see if his kids glow, too!”

Wouldn't this be great for our hairy friends on our camping trips.  No chance of him getting lost in the dark!  What a novel idea!

 

Source:  MSNBC

Extreme golf shot ... off a 430m cliff ($1 million prize)

This is the hardest golf shot in the world, from the top of a 430m mountain, over a forest and onto the green below.

But should any golfer be able to make what has been dubbed 'the Everest of golf shots' with a hole in one they will pocket a prize of $1million (£660,000).  Yeah, this shot is going to take a lot of balls!!  I'm jus' sayin'!  Now this would be a successful camping trip!

The Extreme 19th hole is part of the Legend Golf and Safari Resort in South Africa on the top of the impressive Hanglip Mountain.

At 587m it is the longest Par 3 in the world and balls take 30 seconds to to reach the green from the 430m mountain tee.

Don't expect to get there on a golf buggy either, the tee is accessible only by an helicopter ride.

"Golfers are invited to tee-off from the edge of the mountain in an attempt to hit a hole-in-one on the 19th located at the bottom of the cliff." said a spokesperson for the course.

"A hole-in-one will soon earn the lucky golfer $1m. Well I don't know about the "soon" part! The Extreme 19th, makes for a very unique and exciting golfing experience."

Legend Resort 

Reasons Why RV Traveling Is Growing Popular

Travel has always been an enjoyable recreational activity, and the reasons why RV travel is growing popular is no great mystery when the topic is viewed in detail. With the growing population of baby-boomers nearing retirement age, RV travel is growing popular with an entire generation of Americans that find themselves with an excess of available free time and a desire to see the country in comfort. To travel by RV is to exclude the stresses associated with commercial transportation, not to mention avoiding the hassles of increased security measures implemented since the tragedy of 9/11. Added to this is the fact that hotel and restaurant reservations are not necessary for RV travelers, and it becomes easy to see why RV travel is growing popular.

For those that travel frequently or on vacations of extended duration, RV travel is growing popular because it enables a significant savings when compared to conventional travel. Lodging and dining costs are slashed for RV travelers, and even the high cost of gasoline seems small when compared to the price of airline tickets, baggage fees and car rental expenses. RV travel is growing popular because it allows travelers to enjoy destinations and activities at their own pace, with no restrictions placed on personal schedules other than those self-imposed. This aspect of RV travel is an especially important reason why RV travel is growing popular because those traveling by commercial means are often hampered by the demands of following a strict itinerary. The amount of money that is generally saved by using RV travel can translate into enabling a much longer trip with the ability to participate in more activities. In short, an traveler gets more bang for their buck when traveling by RV.

Every traveler likes to be as comfortable as possible during their excursions, and RV travel is growing in popularity by allowing travelers to create an environment that is most suited to meet personal needs. Comfort items that cannot be taken along on conventional vacations are easily transported with an RV, including items such as bicycles or small boats that would otherwise need to be rented while on vacation.

RV travel is growing popular because it takes the hassle out of traveling with children, and can make life much easier for senior citizens on the road. An RV traveler can also take their beloved pets along without the associated worries that result from separation anxiety.

There's no better time to buy an RV!  Let American RV help you with your RV purchase!

Why Go RVing?

It's Easy On The Pocketbook

Free time shouldn't cost a lot of money. Owning an RV makes economic sense by significantly reducing costs associated with travel. Many RV models allow a family of four to save up to 74 percent on vacation costs compared with other forms of travel. That calculation takes into account RV ownership costs, including payments, insurance, maintenance, tires, tax breaks, registration and depreciation. Want to take a family of four to Disney World for a week? Traveling to Orlando in a typical family motor home will cost you 53 percent less than flying, renting a car, staying in a hotel and eating out, according to Go RVing. A trip to the Grand Canyon in a folding camping trailer will cost 70 percent less than driving and using hotels and restaurants.

It's A Healthier Lifestyle

RV families enjoy walking, biking, jogging and hiking. According to a Campfire Canvass survey, 70% of RVers say they walk more when on RV trips than when they are at home. RVers also say they specifically travel by RV to participate in outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks.

Increasing activity while on the road, escaping stress, recharging batteries, and bonding/reconnecting with family members all help to explain why RVers feel happier and healthier than if they didn't RV. RVs reduce vacation stress by allowing travelers to control their own schedule and timetable, by keeping the family relaxed in familiar surroundings, and by making spur-of-the-moment getaways possible by leaving the RV packed with the staples needed to head out of town with little planning. And, since rest contributes to overall physical health, sleeping in a familiar, comfortable bed plays a major role in recharging the body's batteries.

And, maintaining normal eating patterns is not easily accomplished while waiting in airport terminals, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants. RVs make mealtime decisions easy because not only are they equipped with on-board pantries and cabinets for non-perishable storage, ovens/stoves and microwaves for cooking, and refrigerators/freezers to store your favorite meal ingredients.

Travel With Creature Comforts

Fully equipped kitchens and baths, central air and heat, TVs, VCRs and surround-sound speakers give today's RV travelers all the amenities of home. Many RV units also are equipped with slide-out sections expanding the living, bedroom, kitchen, and

Some of the modern conveniences and creature comforts available in many of today's RVs include:  

• 
  
  
  Choice of twin, double, queen, or king-sized beds, and bunk beds for the kids
• 
  
  
  Refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher
• 
  
  
  Full range with oven
• 
  
  
  Trash compactor
• 
  
  
  Satellite dish
• 
  
  
  Internet-ready computer station
• 
  
  
  Closed-circuit rear-view camera for backing up
• 
  
  
  Washer and dryer
• 
  
  
  Outdoor entertainment center
• 
  
  
  Global positioning systems
• 
  
  
  Driver's seat with built in heat and massage
• 
  
  
  Bring The Family Pets
  Full bath and shower or tub

Travel can be stressful, especially for pets and their owners. According to a survey conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, 48% of the nation's 8.3 million RV owners travel with their pets, with dogs topping the list. RV travel eliminates the inconvenience of boarding, crating, or shipping pets. Instead, the beloved member of the family rides first class in an RV complete with windows for a breath-taking view, enough room for walking around, and a soft place to nap.

Escape To The Outdoors

Traveling in an RV can help foster a love for the outdoors. RV owners surveyed by Robert Hitlin & Associates cited teaching children a respect for nature as an important benefit of family RV camping. Of those who camped as children, 95% said it had a positive impact on their adult lives, helping them develop an appreciation for the outdoors and insight into different people and places.

In an RV, you can experience the great outdoors up close. Whether your passion is hiking, canoeing, attending festivals, or camping with the kids, RVing is a fun and affordable way to experience these activities more often. 

 Retire in Style

Seniors find that today's RV's make travel and camping comfortable and accommodating, even for those with physical restrictions. Many of these "condos-on-wheels" have slide out rooms that expand their interior space by about one-third at the push of a button. On-board closets and storage space eliminate the need to pack, unpack and carry bulky suitcases. Fully equipped kitchens help older RVers follow special diets and vacation more economically by avoiding fast-food eateries and high-priced restaurants. 

RV travel also fosters a sense of community, offering mature travelers a valuable network of friends who share common interests. Especially popular among seniors are camping clubs, which provide an active social network on the road. Camping clubs hold annual conventions, regional rallies, campouts and other events to bring RVers together. 

There's no better time to buy an RV! Let American RV help you with your RV purchase!

Source:  Gather.com

Solar Powered Tent Glows When You Text It! What??

Designers have come up with a tent which they say would be easy to find in a crowded festival field, because it glows when you sent it a text message or get closer.

The "Orange Solar Tent" would also use solar power to charge your mobile devices and could even heat your sleeping service.

It also has a touchscreen LCD display which shows energy generated and consumed as well as providing a wireless internet signal. Unfortunately the tent is still at the concept stage.

So as you struggle to find your old fashioned tent at Glastonbury this year, console yourself with the thought that in a couple of years it won't be a problem ... you will be too old to go to festivals.

A spokesperson for Orange UK said: "Our vision of the concept tent recognises the revolutionary effect cutting edge solar technology and wireless communication could have on festival goers’ camping experiences."

Excellent conceptual idea for the lovers of hiking. English mobile operator Orange has recently presented their vision for the tent of the future. Well even it was just tent it could be purchased at least for a stylish appearence. But it has enough benefits. This miracle tent made from photovoltaic fabric capable of storing solar energy (an excellent replacement of cumbersome photovoltaic panels!). Subsequently, with the help of this energy you could charge mobile devices – just put them in a special pocket. The tent is equipped with LCD-screen as well. Also it’s very convenient to look for a tent in the dark or in a large tent camp – you just need to activate it via sms or RFID-technology, and a tent will light up with a soft yellow light.

Another advancement is Glo-cation technology. This enables campers to find their tent using an SMS message or automatic active RFID tech. So if you’re having trouble finding your tent, sent a text, and the Glastonbury will glow for you.

There is yet another feature known as groundsheet heat. It is an internal heating element that is embedded within the tent’s groundsheet, and this underfloor heater will automatically come once the interior temperature falls below a certain level.

Kaleidoscope Strategist, Finn McKenty, said: “The development of photovoltaic fabric will revolutionise festival tent design, in working with Orange we have created a vision for a solar tent that we believe is a great glimpse of what’s to come.”

Ian Smith, Head of Sponsorship, Orange UK, said: “Since becoming Official Communications Partner of Glastonbury Festival in 1997 Orange has strived to enhance the camping experience through a variety of sustainable initiatives. Our vision of the concept tent builds on this heritage and recognises the revolutionary effect cutting edge solar technology and wireless communication could have on festival goers’ camping experiences.”

Whilst currently only a concept, the vision of the Orange Solar Concept Tent has been designed to celebrate Orange’s 11th year at Glastonbury. This year, Orange Chill ‘n’ Charge tent will be at Glastonbury again, providing 600 mobile phone charging points, free internet access and live music. The Orange Chill ‘n’ Charge tent will be open from Friday to Sunday, 10am-10pm.

With all these features, who wouldn’t want this cool concept to become a reality?  But doesn't camping  usually mean you leave the comforts of technology behind?   These little jewels would be great for festivals though, or as something to entertain the kids while you are sleeping comfortably in the RV!

For all the latest updates from the field go to www.orange.co.uk/glastonbury, for more information about Glastonbury Festival go to www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

JakPak: The camping coat that doubles as a tent - Bizarre!

A bizarre coat has been launched which doubles as an odd looking single man sleeping bag and tent.

By day the JetPak is a normal-looking waterproof coat, but at night it can be folded out to make a waterproof sleeping bag with a tent over the head.

This means anyone wearing the £165 jacket - which goes on sale later this year - can easily set-up camp whenever they are when they get tired, as long as they don't mind looking a bit odd.

The JakPak is being marketed at extreme campers as well as an emergency precaution… but it could also come in handy if you are constantly getting lost on nights out.

 

A spokesperson for JakPak said: "JakPak design incorporates a waterproof sleeping bag, minimally-structured tent and insect netting into a comfortable jacket.

"It creats an instant dry habitat that is ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts, people living in areas prone to natural disaster, sports fans who will not be held back by a little rain, and anyone else in need of shelter."

I still say it would be much more comfortable just to take the reliable RV!  =)


Source: www.jakpak.com

Vacation Adventures: Yeah Right Sir, sure you can Shove a 500lb Ox into a 2'x2' Overhead Compartment. Go for it! (Flight Humor)

In terms of demand, 2009 went into history books as the worst year the airline industry has ever seen, according to the IATA Chief Executive. The following comical video also reinforces why it has become more and more stressful for Americans to fly.  With the added stress we are under due to terrorist threats and attacks, our patience are running quite thin.  It's like our patience gas gauge is permanently stuck on "E" and there aren't any gas stations on the maps for miles!  Wait.....I know I had a point in that scenario somewhere!  Oh yeah.....  Me? Well, I should actually probably start the SSOS (Sarcasm Society of the South) Club. 

This stand-up comedy act by Brian Regan on the subject of Flying shows the audience many reasons why, #1, I could never be an airline attendant - I would be fired my first day, no doubt!  And secondly, I always spend my entire flight just watching and observing people, and it never ceases to amaze me just how....well stupid....some people can be with the obvious!  How many times have you just kicked back in your seat watching someone (in total amazement) doing something really stupid or annoying right next to you on a plane, and you tell them in your head just how stupid they really are.  You want to just turn to them and say "hello, sir??  Seriously???"  or "Um m'aam, do you plan on doing that the entire flight?  Because if you do, I'm going to take a sedative... or three ...or maybe I'll just backhand you momentarily!"  This is why I find this video pretty freakin' hilarious. I can very easily relate to these topics...especially the one where Brian is discussing a man on a plane trying to stuff a YAK into a 2'x2' overhead compartment for 20 minutes while he holds up the entire line of people trying to make their way to their seats and the actual plane departure!  Come on man....give me a break!!  Use that little  brain of yours...yeah you can stuff that peanut brain in that little 2x2 compartment and then maybe you'll have room in your head for the big OX...I'm jus' sayin'.  It makes you wonder....can he really be that stupid or is he doing it just because he can & he wants to annoy us? 

So by now you are probably wondering why I am rambling endlessly about airplanes & oxen, and asking yourself just when and how I will ever tie that into camping or RV-ing.  Well, I'm glad you asked!  =)  I was just thinking about what a hassle it is to fly anymore period.  And that brings me to the fact that we should all be camping and RV-ing so we can actually escape the stress and "enjoy" our vacation. I say we take it all back to nature!  Who's with me? 

Yeah so I'm running on 72 hours of work and literally "no" sleep, so please forgive my aimless babble!  I am literally falling asleep in my blog as I type, and I drool in my sleep....which is so NOT good for the keyboard!  I'm sure the thought of that makes Mr. Microsoft cringe....sorry Mr. Gates!   Soooo my dear friends, I will leave you with this little piece of entertainment as a reminder of why you should be camping instead of flying..............Enjoy!!

So next time you are planning your vacation, just remember...avoid the hassle and Go Camping America or go buy an American RV!  =)

Redneck Camping for Dummies

Most of you RVer’s will probably agree with the “vehicle access” part of this camping spoof video and all you campers will think this is a camping trip gone wrong. Originally made as an advertisement of sorts for Kotulas, but this camping redneck video is more of a redneck camping for dummies spoof. Enjoy this comical view of camping and the great outdoors. I love the section on calling your woman and pretending you are not having a good time. I've gotten those calls before! Ha!

If you are looking for a camping getaway of your own, check out this RV Vacation site for some great ideas!  And perhaps you might want to take their advice and "drive" up to your campsite in an RV!

Redneck Camping Guide - Click here for more blooper videos

Homer Simpson Buys an RV & The Simpsons Get Back to Nature

The TV show the Simpsons has been on the air for years and has provided us with many laughs. This video is no exception.  If you've ever been to an RV lot, you'll enjoy this clip. You can't help but feel sorry for Homer when the RV dealer runs his credit in this first video clip, but take a look at what RV is actually in his budget.  You gotta love Bart's sarcasm!  This is an entertaining lesson for new RV salesmen....don't show your customer the best deal on the lot "first".  HA!

Get your RV Travel Trailer, Motorhome or Fifth Wheel at American RV!

RV Vacations Depend on Solar to Keep Costs Down, Footprint Small

Thursday, April 01, 2010 at 9:40:00 AM - by Jeanne Roberts

Because the economy isn’t quite as horrid as 2008, when many families decided that “staycations” were the best option dwindling household budgets could provide, a few RV owners are making plans to take their vehicles back on the road this summer.

Traveling across the country by recreational vehicle is less expensive than renting motel or hotel rooms, or spending an entire week at a resort. It is, however, still costly, largely because of fuel prices, which fell in January – though never below last year’s low – but now seem to be rising again in preparation for summer travel plans.

Little can be done about fuel costs, but RV owners can lower travel costs, and their environmental footprint, but taking advantage of the literally hundreds of solar RV options on the market, like solar lights, air conditioning, hot water and even solar radios and televisions.

Speaking of lights, how about powering up your RV evenings with a string of solar LEDs? Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the lighting string clips to the RV awning, and contains an automatic timer, allowing the lights to run from dusk to dawn with no intervention needed.

You can also buy a solar security light that weighs five pounds and will, after charging for four hours, run for up to eight hours to provide 2X illumination around your home-away-from-home (ideal if you happen to overnight in the boonies). Installation is so easy a newbie with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers can get it up and running in five minutes.

For owners of older RVs, air conditioners now come in a solar-powered variety, meaning more cool for fewer fuel dollars, and a really tiny environmental footprint as well. Made by such companies as Airxcel of Wichita, Kansas, the solar-powered AC units are affordable and relatively easy to install.

If you have roof space left over, consider solar hot water heating, for another cost-reduction strategy. Because most of the bathing, washing and cleaning will be done once the RV is parked, solar hot water systems make an ideal RV addition, allowing you to heat the water all day and use it abundantly at night.

RV equipment manufacturers also offer solar-powered food refrigeration. The most revolutionary, in terms of performance versus wattage required, is the SunDanzer. At 8 watts, or 12 volts, this system will cool enough food for an average family, and one model – which hooks directly to solar panel – is used in third world countries for keeping medicines cool at very low cost. The only difference with the SunDanzer? It opens from the top, like a conventional freezer.

Lastly, for hardcore offroad enthusiasts, a solar cooker can be used to purify water from a standing pond or water source of questionable quality. Simply attach an inexpensive device, called a Water Purification Indicator, or WAPI, to determine when the water from the cooker is safe to drink. No more hours of boiling, or precious fuel burnt, and the solar cooker can also be used for food, outside the RV, to allow air conditioning or fans to maintain a livable temperature inside the vehicle.

To save even more energy, and reduce your carbon footprint, switch all bulbs to CFLs, use rechargeable batteries running off solar power for your hand-held electronics, flashlights and small appliances, buy local foods where possible, sort recyclables, and burn propane instead of natural gas where possible.

Source:  Cooler Planet

Get your RV Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel or Motorhome at American RV!