Dan Gamel Inc., one of the nation's largest RV dealers, is liquidating inventory and will close its six locations, including the one in Anderson.

Owner Dan Gamel on Friday blamed high gas prices, the housing slump and credit crunch for his decision. Gamel's other dealerships are in Bakersfield, Modesto, Rocklin and Fresno -- the company's headquarters, where he has two RV locations.

Gamel expects to sell off about $70 million in stock.

The decision comes six months after Gamel, 57, returned to the helm of the corporation that carries his name. Gamel started in the motorhomes RV business when he was 18 and opened his first dealership in Fresno when he was 27.

"I don't hold anyone accountable for anything in my life but me. I made this decision," Gamel said. "There are some things outside of my control, like the price of fuel, the housing crisis, the financial crisis. These things hurt Americans, and when Americans get hurt, it comes out of their discretionary income." Read more about rv manufacturers shutting down...

J R Consumer Resources has done all the research and provides detailed information and RV Ratings on manufacturers such as Fleetwood, Airstream, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler and many more. To view sample rv ratings chart please click here: RV Ratings and information about RV Reviews and all the top recreational vehicle manufacturers as well can be found at this authority website.

Motorhomes are available from most capital cities or major tourist destinations. There are a large range of motorhomes to choose from to suit all tastes and needs. Motorhomes are the most popular and come in different types. Motorhomes with a van-style front are termed Class-C units. Motorhomes are seen everywhere throughout the country. There is the convenience of jumping in and going with no setting up involved it is like a home away from home.

Motor Homes, also referred to as RVs or recreational vehicles, have greatly increased in popularity in recent years and are an excellent way to experience comfortable road travel. A favorite of frequent travelers as well as retirees and families, motorhomes include all the amenities of home with interiors ranging from the economical to the elaborate. Class C motorhomes give you the freedom to roam the United States at your own pace, in a homey, comfortable environment. Why vacation any other way? Motorhome manufacturers offer over 1000 new models and there are over 50 years of earlier models to chose from. Whether you are one of the 8000 people a year who buy a new motorhome or prefer to buy a used motorhome, the following information will help you ask the right questions.

Teardrops are the new pop-up tent camper. Unlike pop-ups, teardrops are ultra lightweight at around 700 pounds and can be towed by virtually any vehicle with a hitch. Even the Mini Cooper, VW Beetle, or Smart Car can tow most models of teardrop camper trailers. RV Dealers have lots full of travel trailers and motor homes, but none of these products is suitable for the consumer that drives a subcompact car to save money or to protect the environment. Teardrop camper trailers, which have a minimal impact on the gas mileage of the tow vehicle, are an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to larger recreational vehicles.

Several manufacturers, such as Little Guy Worldwide, are even shipping their teardrops to locations as far flung as Sweden, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, and the northern-most Canadian provinces located near the Arctic Circle. According to Scott Hubble, Director of Marketing for Little Guy Worldwide, "We had one customer take a ferry ride with his small pickup truck from an island off the coast of Newfoundland and drive over 1,000 miles to come pick up a demo trailer in Canton, Ohio. His 5-hour ferry ride turned into a 24-hour bumpy boat trip when the ferry ran into a major storm during its crossing. Now that's a committed customer."

Modern updates such as rear-mounted propane gas tailgating grills, AV packages that include portable satellite dishes and big screen televisions, and even all-terrain packages that enable the trailers to be taken off-road have increased the appeal of these tiny teardrop campers.

There are two things to remember at the Land Yacht Harbor:

Every resident should help take care of the Harbor’s 60-plus acres in north Thurston County.

And everyone should participate in some of the social travel events planned by the Washington Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International.

Life at one of the world’s largest communities for owners of Airstream travel trailers and motor homes doesn’t have to be complicated, said Carol Ortiz, one of the caravan club’s vice presidents. Work together. Play together. That’s about it.

The Washington Unit is part of Region 10, which includes Canada, Alaska and some of the Northwest, and the region is the largest slice of the international caravan club, Ortiz said.

While the Washington Unit has about 700 members, there are 200 occupied residential lots at the Harbor. “You have to be an Airstream owner to move in,” Ortiz said.

Harbor resident and club member Larry Alvar summed up what it means to participate in the Airstream lifestyle and community: “I pledge to be an active member and not just an old goat sitting on my couch,” he said. “It’s fun to be a part of what’s going on.”

The brand name Airstream is most often associated with the classic, tubular “Silver Twinkie” style travel trailer. While dozens of Airstreams are at the Harbor, the first ones were built in the 1930s by Los Angeles businessman Wally Byam, who encouraged fellowship and adventure. At the Harbor, both attributes are evident. Read more...

The winding roads lined with big, moss-draped oaks and neatly landscaped lawns could snake through any upscale subdivision. A path lined with azaleas leads to a clubhouse with pool and Ping-Pong tables, next to two lakeside swimming pools. The entrance is gated and manned.

According to a report in the Gainesville Sun, this is the new face of the RV park - or RV resort - where, according to industry statistics and reports from local parks, a new breed of RV user is pushing for fancier rigs and fancier places to park them.

"The population is aging, and the generation retiring today isn't the same as the generation that came before it," said Roseanne Mayer, vice president of Elite Resorts Management Inc., which developed a resort in Salt Springs, Fla., and plans to build another one like it in Hawthorne. "Baby boomers are used to having more. As they retire, they continue to expect more."

She said Salt Springs, which sells lots to RV owners who then may rent them to other campers, doesn't have any lots for sale. She said she also expects the 599 lots planned for Little Orange Lake in Hawthorne to sell quickly.

Elite Resorts isn't the only entity seeing the effects of a growing and changing RV market. Lots in Grand Lake RV and Golf Resort in Orange Lake are booked through the end of the month, according to a park manager.

Virginia and Tom Slavin, both 79, who spend their winters in Grand Lake and their summers in Connecticut, said that fact alone signals an uptick in RV use over the past several years.

"When we first started coming here, there would hardly be anyone else in the park," Virginia Slavin said. "Now, it's hard to get in. There are more and more campers every year."

A 2004 study by the University of Michigan commissioned by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) showed that roughly 8 million U.S. households own an RV. People aged 35 and younger represented the fastest-growing group of RV owners.

"The Baby Boomer market is definitely helping to fuel the demand, but it's not just retirees," said Kevin Broom, RVIA spokesman. "There are a lot of working folks with families who are doing this on the weekends."

Mayer said the trend is definitely visible at Salt Springs and at Elite Resorts' other sites throughout Florida.

"When we first got into this business, we thought we'd get snowbirds," Mayer said. "We do, but we also get a lot of people from Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami and other places in Florida who just want a place to come relax on the weekends. On warm weekend days, the pool is just packed with kids."

In addition to amenities such as a pool and a boat launch, Elite Resorts at Salt Springs offers lots large enough to accommodate large motorhomes, Mayer said.

There are more up-scale RV parks or communities being planned than ever before. The RV lifestyle has kicked into high gear and RV owners have a lot of options now days.

Class C Motorhomes can be a home on wheels, or a home away from home. Be certain in what the purpose is for your Class C Motorhome some of these motorhome are considered a true investment. You need to figure out what your budget is and stay with in it. Motorhomes come in many different options there are the Class A, Class B, and Class C you can also choose from diesel or gas.

Many consumers go with used cause they were already hit with depreciation factor. That is what the recreational vehicle value is, in a new model as soon as you drive off the sales lot it decreases in value. But in a new model you get to design you motorhome to your personal needs and wants and this adds value to it.

A motorhome sales specialist is there to assist you every step of the way. The 40 foot diesel pushers can either be designed to accommodate 4 or your whole family, with all the different option you can specialize your motorhome. Motorhomes are available in 16-40 feet, so what helps to determine what size are your amenities and accommodations, so of course the more you want the bigger you will need. The size also determines how many it will sleep.

Class C: Class Cs are between Class As and Class B it is known as the mini RV and is built on a car chassis with a cab attached resembling a van. The length of a Class C is 20-31 feet and priced at $60,000.

Class C Motorhome: Sometimes called a mini-motorhome, these units have a van front end and are easily recognizable. In size they fall somewhere between a Class A and Class C.

Say RV in some circles and the only answer you will get is “Winnebago.” Winnebago Industries of Iowa, USA is surely a major name in the motorhome industry. Their vehicles have been gracing America’s roads for decades and their reputation in the field is very good. They are currently producing two lines of motorhomes; the Winnebago brand and the Itasca brand. J R Consumer Resources, Inc. has put together Winnebago Ratings so that you can make a better and informed decision on which RV you purchase.

Some would think that this makes Airstream the only way to go. Not so. The RV Comparison Guide rates Airstream at the top of the travel trailer charts, but there are many factors to consider in your own personal tastes that may make one of Airstream competitors, such as Jayco and Bigfoot, a better fit for you. Learn more about Airstream Ratings.

Prices for "mini motorhomes" (class C’s) start at around $60,000 and climb from there, depending on the base production van as well as the amenities added in the conversion. Thus, class C’s offer most of the amenities you look for in a motorhome without the higher price tag. Read more...

Motorhomes have long been a preference for travelers who enjoy the convenience and luxury of hitting the road without leaving the comforts of home behind. However, now, more than ever, it is a living preference for many Americans as well. Of the approximate 9 million RV owners in the US, more than 10 percent are living in their recreational vehicle full time! Read more about Motorhome Living.

This no-nonsense, consumer based company continues to exceed expectations, providing strong, unbiased information; a veritable “who’s who” in the world of recreational vehicles. “I thought your book was magnificent!” says one consumer. “Your RV Comparison Guide and rating charts helped us select the right RV manufacturer. Thanks so much!”  Read all about the RV Consumer Ratings Guide.

If you’re looking for a trailer that’s heavy duty you’re going to want to get a Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch.  Used mostly for heavy loads such as livestock, Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches are always up for the task. If you look at one real close you’ll notice that they’re more or less like the ones used for large semis. Just by seeing that you’ll know what they’ll be capable of doing.

A cool tool can be found here: Calculate the Cost of your RV

This tool will help you in deciding how much you can afford to spend on your dream RV / Motorhome.

Ok, it's just about summer time and that means RV Season!  J R Consumer Resources is a company that is devoted to posting reviews and ratings for the RV Manufacturers Industry.  They can help you in selecting the right RV for your needs.  The have written the RV Comparison Guide which Rates RV Manufacturers in North America. Their Rating Guides Feature: Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers & Toy Haulers.

They do have a free version also. If you're considering buying a new RV or a used RV this report is a must read. This report covers; motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers. In our, "Learn How To Spot A Well-Built RV" you will learn how RVs are constructed and types of materials being used. You will also learn what questions to ask and important buying tips that could save you thousands of dollars during the negotiating process.  Learn more about this company.

Ready to hit the road and have some fun? A small recreational vehicle might be the perfect choice for you. The phrase "small recreational vehicle" describes a vehicle created with one purpose in mind: to have fun. One might consider go-carts, off-road motorcycles, ATVs and jet skis to fit the bill. While these examples are certainly fun, they are not really small recreational vehicles.<br><br>Fifth wheel campers and pop-up trailer campers are true examples of small recreational vehicles. They offer the comforts of home while you are the freedom of the open road. You probably wouldn't be terribly comfortable sleeping on a motorcycle, or cooking breakfast in a go-cart.<br><br>With each new camper introduced, designs have improved and space has expended. As a result, traditional small group or family campers are moving away from the "small" category.  Read More...

I have to put in my teeth guards because I grind my teeth really hard when I am asleep.

We are a Consumer Based Company that Rates RV Manufacturers in North America.
Our Rating Guides Feature: Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, Travel Trailers & Toy Haulers.

Don't spin your wheels driving from one RV dealership to the next only to hear the salesperson say, "This manufacturer or model is the best built". Don't be misled or lied to, get the facts about the industry and be an educated buyer. Are you considering a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler? Would you like to know how the RV manufacturers in North America compare to each other regarding customer satisfaction, quality of construction, resale value and price? Don't spend months or even years trying to figure out who's who in the industry.