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If you’re considering a road trip, take a walk on the wild side and drive up the Alaskan highway, or Alcan. Alaska may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think of a motor home vacation, but that’s why it might be one of the best.

The 1,543 miles of the Alaskan highway may seem intimidating, and while the weather can be rough, if you go during the right time and exercise caution, you could end up with one of the most memorable trips of your life. The Alaskan highway is dotted with helpful amenities and locals. Grocery stores are ample and include free RV dumps and some include electricity, to keep everything in your motor home running. Locals are often friendly to tourists, offering advice and tips on how to safely navigate the icy roads.

The people you meet in Alaska will also make for a unique road trip experience. The extreme climate means that people have to work together and be tough in order to survive. The camaraderie there is unlike anywhere else in the United States. If you’re very particular about safety, the highway is now all asphalt and has been reconstructed at many points to make for a smoother drive. During frost heaves, ice forms and thaws, creating ruptures in the highway surface.

These are repaired often, but you might still hit them occasionally on your trip. Being attentive can help you spot them before getting your RV caught. Staying alert and driving safely are enough to help you navigate the twisting roads. Switching drivers can also add ease to the trip.

Gas is readily available at reasonable intervals along the Alcan, but stations can sometimes close early and open late. Try and fuel up before nightfall. Be sure that your RV has had a recent engine check and oil change. Also check your tire pressure often as well as the spare.

The biggest threat the Alcan poses is to your wheels, so treat them well. It would probably be wise to even have an extra full-sized spare handy for your motor home. You can never have too many tires.

The highway gets busy with tourists in the summer, but the weather is ideal, ranging from cool to warm. September and May are less crowded and you’ll only experience a slight dip in climate. There will be many stops, campsites, and sights to check out along the way.

Some highlights include many golf courses, the world’s largest glass beehive, Williston Lake. But one of the greatest joys of driving a recreational vehicle through the Alcan is experiencing some of the most untouched wilderness in the world. A trip through the Alcan via RV will be a memorable, adventurous experience. It’s a great way to break away from the traditional (and bland) road trips to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. If you really want to see some wild beauty from the inside of your motor home, give the Alaskan highway a try.

The Alaskan highway offers spectacular views, extreme climates, great people, and memorable adventures; ideal for motor home exploration. Visit Bankston Motor Homes to start your unique road trip experience. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com .

You might think that all recreational vehicles are giant energy-wasting gas guzzlers. And while you probably don’t want to make your daily work commute via RV, taking a motor home vacation is not going to punch a hole through the ozone layer. If you think that recreational vehicles are just eco-hazards on wheels, you’ll be surprised to know that there are many ways to convert your motor home into an earth-friendly vehicle. A few simple tips, like the ones here, can help ensure that your RV trip is environmentally friendly.

1. Don’t waste fuel. Maximize your RV’s fuel efficiency by checking the tire air pressure, keeping your vehicle up to date on oil changes and maintenance, and driving safely. If your vehicle is in top notch condition, it will get better gas mileage. Having maps or a GPS system handy will also help minimize unnecessary driving if you happen to get lost. They can also help when you’re having trouble finding a suitable campsite for your motor home.

2. Plan your travels according to the weather. If it’s cold, head south. In the heat, drive north. That way you’ll stay comfortable and not have to rely on running costly, energy-sucking air conditioners and heaters. To optimize the climate inside your RV even further, consider having solar panels installed on the roof. They can help your motor home run on sun power. Make sure your RV is well insulated and sealed also.

3. Rough it out. Your motor home may be outfitted with the latest technology and comforts, but you didn’t drive hundreds of miles away from home to eat another TV dinner. Avoid using TVs, microwaves, and any other energy-consumer if you really don’t have to. The same is true for battery operated devices. You don’t want to drain them either. Use the opportunity to learn how to cook over an open flame, build campfires or play board games instead of watching DVDs.

4. Turn your RV into a recycling center. Just because you’re on the road, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t separate aluminum and plastic. Don’t use disposable items if you don’t have to. Buy reusable glasses and dishes and wash them once finished. You can also outfit the inside of your RV with recycled goods and furniture. Sharing and trading goods with fellow campers you meet along the way can also be helpful.

5. Learn how to conserve necessities. Besides energy, you can also learn how to adapt by conserving water and food. Once you begin your travels, you’ll find there are times when you simply have no easy access to certain items, making you more aware of how you use them.

6. Dispose of waste appropriately. If you create waste, make sure you dispose of it properly. Sometimes you just can’t recycle or reuse something. When that happens, make sure it gets put in a trash bag. Also, invest in some eco-friendly products to clean up your mess. With some careful planning and attentiveness, your motor home can become a green machine. Ignore the finger wagging commuters in SUVs. Talking to fellow RV enthusiasts on your travels can reveal even more ways that you can contribute to the environment.

Do you think motor homes are not for tree-huggers? Find tips on protecting the environment during your motor home vacation, and search for your new motor home at Bankston Motor Homes. http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com.

Many families choose to travel up the east and west coast during the summer. Since there are many reputable companies that offer motor homes at an affordable price, many travelers choose to travel via motor home because of the flexibility and the affordability. A motor home can allow a family to travel up the coast in a comfortable manner. Most companies can provide travelers with a motor home of a variety of sizes, so that the family can be comfortable during their vacation. The vacation can be enjoyable and relaxing; and families can bond while experiencing many tourists’ attractions along with the natural surroundings. Many tourists choose to vacation in a motor home because this form of travel can allow individuals to avoid long lines at airports. In addition, travelers don’t have to move luggage around or worry about traveling from hotel to hotel. Most motor homes come equipped with amenities such as automatic transmissions, microwaves, air conditioners televisions, clothes washer and dryer, convection oven, showers and even a generator.

The East Coast
If you decide to travel up the east coast, vacationers should visit cities such as New York and Washington DC. New York has interest for everyone such as opera, world renowned restaurants, theatre, art collections and shopping. Visitors can park their motor home in the outskirts of the city and take the subway to leafy Central Park, see the top of the Empire State Building. Or perhaps, the family wants to travel to Washington DC and see landmarks such as the White House and Capitol Hill. Washington DC also has national museums surrounding the National Mall. You can also tour one of the oldest cities, Boston, which has beautiful architecture, world class museums and monuments such as the city’s two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail. You can also take a tour of Cape Cod’s Atlantic beaches. In Philadelphia, you can see where independence was declared and the Constitution was signed, and also understand why these documents are so important. In between touring cities, you can also go to the rural areas and see the foliage and the many trees and plants throughout the east coast. You may even want to travel to Maine and see many lakes and streams in the area.

The West Coast
If you are interested in touring the west coast, you can travel between the Pacific and the San Gabriel Mountains. You can see cities such as Los Angeles and all the tourist attractions associated with that city, such as Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, and Disneyland. Or you could go to San Francisco and see the Nation’s largest Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and partake in the restaurant scene. You could also travel up to Napa Valley and partake in the many vineyards. Tourists may also want to tour, the many beaches and parks throughout the west coast.

Whether your choice is the east or west coast, a motor home can be an optimal, efficient and affordable way to travel, especially for a large family. You can have a comfortable and exciting trip with your family.

Whether you want to visit the east or west coast, Bankston Motor Homes offer you a comfortable and flexible travel. You can spend time with your family and offer them a nice holiday trip. For types of motor home, services and booking, visit http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com/ and get the best deal.

There’s never been a better time to convert to solar power. North Americans are only too aware of the ramifications of the continued use of non-renewable energy sources. Global warming and greenhouse gases are terms understood by even the youngest of citizens. The possible impact of ignoring the warnings could have devastating consequences for future generations. “Solar how to” is on the minds of many social and environmentally-conscious individuals.

Environmental concerns extend beyond the front door. RV travelers have become increasingly aware of the benefits of converting to solar power. Many have become traveling ambassadors for the cause. They stand to set a new trend when it comes to relying less on hydro-electric energy and more upon natural sunlight when traveling.

* The number one reason that RV vacationers are reluctant to go solar is the notion of cost.

* The second is the perceived hassle involved. Both of these may be misconceptions. RV owners may find on closer review that the cost is not as great as believed. The long term savings will likely far outweigh the initial cost of conversion. Plus, the greater travel options may decrease the hassle involved in RV traveling.

Solar power is energy generated from the sun. Solar how-to for RV’s involves the placement of solar panels atop the roof of the vehicle. The panels reflect the sun’s rays and help convert it into energy. This energy can produce heat, electricity and even cooling.

The benefits of converting an RV to solar power are tremendous. Just a few of them include:

* Less reliance upon access to an electrical outlet. One of the first things RV travelers look at when planning a trip itinerary is electrical accessibility. Many campgrounds have limited numbers of sites with electricity. This can sometimes make it challenging to find a convenient travel route. Conversion to solar power eliminates the need to plan travel around electrical access. Solar power opens up more campground options. It also makes outback RV travel a possibility.

* RV solar systems can be tailored to fit needs. Power needs differ according to RV size, number of appliances, etc. Some travelers may wish to simply run an engine battery on solar power. Others may decide to convert all parts of the vehicle, including hot water heaters and kitchen appliances to solar energy. All of these needs can be accommodated by installing the right kinds and number of solar panels.

* Solar systems can be expanded as needs change. RV owners may want to start by converting batter power to solar energy. As other appliances are added or switched over, more or larger solar panels can be added to accommodate the expansion.

* Cost savings. Total savings will depend upon the extent to which an RV is used. Frequent travelers stand to save the most money in the long run. Travelers who spend weeks or months traveling each year stand to save thousands of dollars. The savings realized are twofold. First, reliance upon outside energy sources is reduced. Plus, the need to pay extra for campsites with electrical outlets is eliminated.

Almost any and every make and model of RV can be converted to solar energy. The age of the RV doesn’t matter. However, newer vehicles may be more easily converted than older models. The type of conversion kit needed will depend upon the size of the RV. The number of appliances and the size of the battery will also play a critical role.

Solar how to kits for RV’s are available where RV’s are sold. Kits are also available online. It’s important to determine exactly what your particular needs are before you purchase a solar power kit. It’s important to have your solar kit installed by a professional unless you have experience in this area. Incorrect installation may reduce performance level or cause malfunction within your RV.

Video instructions for your next solar project. Solar How To. information is free and available to you.

Thousands of recreational vehicle owners have joined the movement toward a greener earth. Thanks to solar how-to technology, RV owners have more options when it comes to travel. More of them than ever are harnessing the energy of the sun instead of relying on non-renewable energy sources. Using solar energy to power a camper or fifth-wheel is both environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.

RV solar kits make converting to solar power convenient and economical. Do-it-yourselfers with advanced handyman skills can save even more money installing their own solar panels. It’s important to note that installing solar panels may not be a job for a novice. Incorrect installation could lead to poor performance or damage to the vehicle. Self-installation may sometimes nullify a warranty. Be sure to clarify this before beginning.

The first thing the advanced do-it-yourselfer should do is assess his power needs. This can be considered a “pre-step” in the installation process. Determining power needs will reveal how many solar panels are needed to deliver the correct amount of energy. Those panels must actually be able to fit on top of the vehicle and still meet those needs.

The panels will need to be installed in a place that doesn’t disrupt the function of the vehicle’s roof components. It helps to find a place where wiring can be run easily, such as close to a vent. Solar panels must be approximately six to eight inches from the edges of the roof.

1) Start by disconnecting all power sources in the vehicle. This includes the battery.

2) Cover the solar panels. Simply leave the wrapper on if the panels come wrapped in paper or cardboard. Otherwise, cover them with something non-transparent. The panels will begin to generate a charge prematurely if not covered.

3) Prepare the installation location by marking the perimeters of the panels on the roof. A laser sight can help ensure that the panels line up.

4) Drill holes where needed for the mounting hardware. Make sure to locate and avoid any interior wiring before drilling.

5) Insert the mounting hardware into the holes and secure. Fill extra space around holes with sealant if needed.

6) Place the solar panels into the mounting hardware. Secure or tighten according the directions on the packaging. Different types of panels have different hardware so follow instructions carefully to avoid damage.

7) Install the regulator in the interior of the vehicle. It’s usually best to mount it within a wall.

Guide wiring from the panel(s) on the roof to the regulator inside the vehicle and connect. Follow instructions carefully to avoid injury and ensure optimal performance.

9) Connect wires from the regulator to the battery. Again, follow instructions carefully. Polarity must be correct.

10) Reconnect the battery.

11) Uncover the solar panels. Power should begin generating right away if the sun is shining even partially.

The guiding principles behind all types of solar kits are the same. The variations are found in the mounting hardware. Do-it-yourselfers should have a thorough understanding of how the hardware works before beginning. Proper installation is critical to the performance of the system. Human error may result in damage to the system itself or injury to people. Improperly secured panels may loosen during travel or break away altogether, leading to an accident.

Solar kits can be expanded as needs change as long as there is space atop the roof to install another panel. Simply add another when power demands increase. RV solar kits typically cost between one and five thousand dollars. This may sound like a great deal of money at first. However, frequent travelers almost always find that the kit pays for itself within several months to a few years.

Besides saving money, solar-powered RV travel is not reliant upon finding places to camp that have electrical outlet access. Even remote camping becomes a viable possibility for those with the desire for an extreme experience. Solar how-to technology opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to enjoying the environment. It also helps to ensure that the environment is there for long-term appreciation.

Video instructions for your next solar project. Solar How To. information is free and available to you.