Archive for April, 2009

RV Travel Essentials: Extension Cords & Adapters

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Millions of travelers hit the road every year in RV’s and motor homes. Vacations in an RV traversing the country are popular, affordable and educational. Viewing new places as you drive along the highways stopping in various towns, big and small helps travelers really understand the culture of the United States. Recreational vehicles also become home to many workers who travel from one construction site to another, following the available work. Before you set out on an RV road trip or make your life on the road, make sure you have the proper equipment. An important motor home staple item is an extension cord and set of adapters, for power when you need it.

Don’t roll up after a long day on the road, and be just an inch too short to hook up your RV or motor home. Now you might think you can use just any extension cord, or even several strung together with on the end to solve the problem. That’s a mistake with potentially serious consequences. Using an extension cord not made for RV power is a fire hazard and can damage your RV’s power equipment. This risk is not worth taking, especially when there are specialized extension cords that are designed for the specific power requirements of today’s recreational vehicles and motor homes

For a more in depth look at why a long extension cord needs to be heavy duty you need to understand some fundamentals about electricity. Though wire is highly conductive, it still presents some resistance to electricity flowing through it. And the longer an extension cord, the more resistance produced. That resistance creates heat which in turn can create fire – a hazard for you and your RV.

The solution is to buy the correct equipment. Depending on the application, an RV extension cord can be from 15 to 50 feet long. With the correct extension cord you will always be able to reach power sources and always feel safe.

Extension cords help provide electricity to your RV as well as power to any generators you may use. For long stays on the road you will want to run your microwave for quick meals, a radio for music and sports, fans for cooling down and even television. Also, if you’re traveling in the winter months or in colder locales, an RV extension cord can help power a generator for extra heat.

For people permanently living in recreational vehicles and motor homes, quality extension cords and RV adapters are a basic necessity. Electricity ensures that you can make food, stay warm and light the area around your camp. An RV extension cord rated for all types of weather and made with durability and longevity in mind is a smart option.

When you travel in an RV or motor home, you might stop at a residential area, a campground, or even an in-town parking area. Often there will be a power source to hook up to. Look for a pole or electrical box with an outlet. This is likely the power source for your RV. If you’re staying in a campground, the grounds keepers or camp hosts should have more information on the cost of the electrical hookup, and the type of extension cord and adapter needed.

Depending on where you travel and when you travel, there are certain conditions you should expect. Anticipate different hookup types at different RV campgrounds. You should have an RV specific adapter so you know you can hook in to the campground-provided power source. Specifically, the types of outlets you might encounter are 15A, 30A or 50A outlets. Expect weather to fluctuate between rain and heat. An all-weather RV extension cord should be water resistant, heat resistant and durable.

For maximum convenience consider the extra features offered by premium RV extension cords. Planned or not, many travelers find themselves pulling into a campground or rest stop after dark. Campgrounds are not always well-lit, so a motor home adapter and extension cord with a lighted end is essential for late-night power set up. Extension cords with ends that light up when current is flowing help you know that your equipment is working properly. No need to walk from your RV to your hookup over and over, the lighted end signals a working connection.

Another convenience found on premium RV extension cords is foldaway nylon handles on both male and female connectors. You will find it easier to connect and disconnect your RV extension cord or adapter with far less effort and stress.

As a final recommendation, consider personalizing your extension cord. Often campers lend equipment to other campers needing help hooking up and getting settled in. Having your name, personal slogan or other identifying legend printed down the entire length of the cord will ensure that it makes its way back to you.

A vacation or lifestyle in an RV or motor home can be rewarding and fun. Make sure you have the correct equipment so you can enjoy the sights. Milspec Direct provides RV extension cords and RV adapters that are all-weather rated, have lighted ends and patented Pro Grip™ handles.

Milspec Direct is a <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=”http://wwholesale” target=”_blank”>www.milspecdirect.com”>wholesale extension cord provider of Pro Glo lighted end extension cords, adapters and custom printed extension cord products.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/rv-travel-essentials-extension-cords-adapters-882664.html

Make food while staying outdoor with great camping stoves

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Most camping enthusiasts love to make food outdoors, but it’s not always as easy as it sounds. Anyone who has tried making food over a campfire knows how difficult it is to avoid burning everything black.

Today there are many alternatives that are much better than your classic campfire. Just try to take a look in the many outdoor shops and see their wide selection of camping stoves. Not only are there classic gas stoves, there are also multi stoves and much more.

Not only is it easier to use a camping stove than it is to use a campfire. In many cases it is also the only alternative since campfires are illegal in many places because of the risk of forest fires and so on.

When you have to buy a camping stove, you have to consider many things. First of all, you must consider where you are going to use it, how long you are going to use it and what kind of cooking you will use it for.

As you can guess, you don’t need the same camping stove for an expedition to the Himalaya Mountains as you do for a short trip with friends in your backyard. Think about how much bulk you can carry and what fuel capacity you will need.

Unfortunately you can most often carry less on long trips – and that’s when you probably need the extra fuel capacity unless you have a way of re supplying on the way. It might therefore be a good idea to consider a camping stove that can use many different types of fuel or one that can work with natural materials like wood for example.

As previously said, you also need to think about what you will use the camping stove for. Will it only be used to heat water or do you want to prepare gourmet food on it? Depending on what you want, you will need a different kind of camping stove.

If you just need to heat water, you will probably be just fine with a pot and a lit. That’s all you need to heat water, so why carry any more than that? Quite the opposite is the case if you want to make gourmet food while out in the wilderness. If you want to make gourmet food, you will probably need several pots, pans and so on, but always remember to think about how much you can carry.

My personal preference is something in the middle. A bit more than the pot to heat water for tea in, but not as much as a complete gourmet solution with lots of pots and pans. In my experience, it’s quite possible to make great food with a simple camping stove. All you need to do is to prepare some of the ingredients from home, so you don’t need to juggle with the complicated parts of the menu when you feel tired and hungry after a long day in the wilderness.

Daniel Robertson loves staying in the nature. He also loves food, so who would be better to write about camping cookware ?

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/make-food-while-staying-outdoor-with-great-camping-stoves-888249.html

Solar Powered Camping Gear

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

During the summer months camping is one of the funnest things we can do with our time and with our families. Whther you truly rough it with any comforts, or you decide to take the RV or the generator, spending time in nature with friends or family is totally freeing and relaxing.

Many people are starting to use solar powered lights and heaters when camping, making it easier to cook and spend time with each other at night. There are some great advantages to using solar powered camping gear.

1 of the main advantages of solar powered camping gear is that you can avoid things like lanterns, that use oil and/or batteries. the solar powered light practically pays for itself after just a few trips. And there is no need to risk fires or burns on tents.

Another great solar powered item is the solar powered heaters. They can be used anywhere, inside tents, or in rafts and canoes as well. Simply let the heaters and lights cgarge in the sun, and you are ready to go.

Solar Powered Camping Gear - Go To The Solar Powered Camp Site

1 of the most widely used solar powered items is the Solar Powered radio’s. They are known to work much better than regular radios. They last for many, many hours when fully charged. You can get radio stations from all over due to the specially made solar panels. But there is something eles that is truly awesome.

These solar powered radios have plug-in’s on them that will aloow you to plug in things that have to run on electricity. Although you can most anything to work with solar energy, sometimes we already have items that use electricity, and when you can plug these items into something solar powered, why not?

Some of the main items that can be plugged into the solar powered radio’s are:

Coffee makers

Small TV’s

Laptops!

Battery Chargers

Phone Chargers

Microwaves

And all kinds of convenient items. 

As a matter of fact there are ven solar powered battery chargers that just need to be left out in the sun. Than they charge using nothing more than the natural power of the sun. 

There is also water purification equipment that can be used with solar power. There is the Steripen solar power charging kit that comes with a carrying case that has a full  solar panel side on it, making it easy and convenient to charge your  CR123 batteries.

For more information on the many great solar powered camping supplies and survival gear, just follow the link bhelow:

Solar Powered and Survival Camping Gear

Joshua Mintz is dedicated to providing relevant, unbiased ,and up-to-date information to Internet Marketers and Website Owners. Currently giving away a $97 E-Course for New Marketers @
http://www.cashematics.infoArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/solar-powered-camping-gear-890853.html

Finding a Hotel in Rio, Brazil

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Are you looking to take a relaxing vacation in a new and interesting place? If so, you definitely need to check out Rio, Brazil. However, if you’ve never traveled to Brazil before, the process of finding a good hotel in the area may seem intimidating. But the truth is, it’s not that difficult to find a hotel in any region where you’ll be visiting, thanks to the information that’s available both online and through your local travel agent.

In order to narrow down your search for the perfect hotel in Rio, you’ll want to make up a checklist of things that you’re looking to do while you’re in the area. This will help you to narrow down your choices in hotels. For example, if you know that you’re going to be spending the majority of your time in one specific area of Rio, you’ll want to make sure that you find a hotel in that area so that you don’t have to rely too much on outside travel sources. By comparing your list of what you want to do on your vacation with the hotel options in your area, you’ll narrow down your selection considerably and make the process a lot easier.

One of the first things that you can do to find a hotel in Rio is to look through the internet travel sites. These sites have a wealth of information about the hotels that are located in the area, as well as what amenities the individual hotels offer. However, it’s important to remember that when you’re checking out hotels online, you’ll want to do a little extra background research on them before you decide to book your vacation with any particular hotel. If you want to make sure that you’re really getting the best deal on a hotel package, look for reviews and information from people who have stayed in the hotel before. These unbiased looks at the hotel will let you know what others have experienced and what issues you might have with the establishment.

In addition, you shouldn’t book a hotel online until you visit with your local travel agent to see if there’s anything he or she can do to help you find a more competitive price or a package deal on the hotel of your choice. Since many people are using online information to book their own vacation plans, many hotels are actually raising the rates they advertise online and offering travel agencies better deals that they can offer to people who are looking to travel to Rio.

When you work with a travel agent, you might actually find that you’re able to get a room at the hotel you want, in combination with flights and transportation arrangements for a package price that’s even more reasonable than anything you might be able to find online. Just to make sure that you don’t shoot yourself in the foot financially, by jumping the gun before booking your travel on your own. Instead, take the time to check in with a travel agent to see what deals they’re offering at the moment.

Find out more about visiting South America at SpanishCountryTravel.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/finding-a-hotel-in-rio-brazil-888994.html

First Up Gazebo — Pros And Cons

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

The so called first up gazebo is commonly referred to the most simple type of a gazebo - a polyester or plastic material cover held by steel slot-together poles that spreads above the frames construction thus forming a roof. With that said one may wonder what is so irresistible in it that makes millions of people flock to just about any type of sport events with their first up gazebo in hand. Here are the Pros:

  1. A first up gazebo is cheap and easy to make. As the frames are, in majority, made of aluminum, it not only lowers the price substantially but also makes it possible for many to construct their own from basic materials found everywhere. The designs of the frame are easily obtainable or made by examining an already built gazebo.
  2. Light-weight of the whole unit. With the exception of the bigger ones, even a kid can carry a first up gazebo. It fits on car roofs nicely and is easily relocated when necessary.
  3. Protection from weather just about anywhere. Sun light, rain, even hailstorm — if the first up gazebo is well made and well positioned it provides basic shelter to anyone under it. Most of the cover materials used effectively stop 90% of the Sun’s UV rays.

And now the Cons:

  1. Short durability. Gazebos of this type are flimsy and can get damaged by heavy winds, even if located and positioned properly. The supporting ropes help but it is now always practical or possible to use those. Repairs to the steel frame are often necessary due to the big number of exposed mechanical assemblies.
  2. Hazardous to the unaware. Most of you have probably seen footage of gazebos flying around in storms, out of control. With their effective parachute shape they can quickly turn into dangerous missiles if one is not careful to secure them on time.
  3. Everyone else has the same. Not so much of a Cons but we can’t ignore this fact — thousands of people own the same design! There’s no much room for originality and that is evident at major sport events, unless you’re willing to spend a lot of time customizing your cover.

First up gazebo is definitely something to consider depending on your needs for outdoor shelter in variety of conditions while spending little money, but make sure you think it over well and if you decide to go for it, practice setting it up in your backyard first!

To find out more useful information about different outdoor and garden gazebos, canopies and tents, visit http://popupgazebo.co.cc.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/first-up-gazebo-pros-and-cons-890145.html