What You Need to Know About Toy Haulers

by admin | Oct 3, 2022 | Traveling

Heading to the mountains, lake, or whatever countryside haven you have access to on the weekends is unbeatable. Loading up ATVs, canoes, dirt bikes, fishing equipment, golf carts, kayaks, snowmobiles, and the like on cumbersome equipment racks can make getting to your destination more stressful than necessary.

If you’re an outdoor adventurer who has dealt with this predicament, keep reading to see if a toy hauler is right for you and your crew.

What is a Toy Hauler?
A toy hauler RV combines mobile living space and an equipment hauler into one convenient package with extremely versatile layouts. The back of a toy hauler opens into a ramp for loading your equipment. Toy haulers are also great for boondocking, dry camping, and tailgating.

Understanding the basic differences between each RV type can improve your buying experience. Toy haulers are available in four models: travel trailers, 5th wheels, cargo trailers, and motorcoach toy haulers.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are typically less expensive than other toy haulers, as you are only paying for the interior amenities instead of an engine. Many have living space as well as storage space for toys. Travel trailers only need to be detached from the hitch, making them ultra-convenient. They are excellent for easily loading bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and camping equipment. However, they are generally not designed to transport larger toys.

Smaller travel trailers combine living space with garage space, so they must be unloaded upon arrival if you plan to use the interior living space. Travel trailers are a wonderful way to upgrade your tent camping experience.

5th Wheel Toy Haulers

Fifth-wheelers connect to the bed of a truck using a jaw hitch, which creates greater stability. They also offer more living space and optional features, such as storage areas and fold-up beds or sofas. If you’re interested in something for long-term living, fifth-wheelers might be the best option for you.

When deciding between a travel trailer or a fifth-wheeler, it helps to consider your tow vehicle and its capabilities. A sizeable truck is necessary to tow most fifth-wheelers when fully loaded.

Cargo Trailer Toy Haulers

These haulers only provide storage space; they do not have a living area or sleeping compartment. You can load and unload your cargo without difficulty, as these haulers have a side entry door and a ramp. Cargo haulers work well for anyone who has accommodation sorted and only needs a safe enclosure for their toys.

Motorcoach Toy Haulers

With an all-in-one setup, motorcoach toy haulers offer the utmost in convenience and luxury. They also come with the highest price tags. Since a motorhome combines living space and toy hauling space into one vehicle, there is no need to worry about hitching or towing a vehicle. The main drawbacks of motorcoaches are that they come with the highest price tag and the lowest gas mileage.

Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Toy Hauler

How much your camping toys weigh will play a major role in determining the right toy hauler for you. Always assess the towing capacity of your vehicle before making a decision.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight a trailer can handle when fully loaded. If you buy a toy hauler with insufficient GVWR, you’ll need to reduce your weight by leaving something behind at home. Surpassing the GVWR has the potential to create issues with your vehicle’s suspension and can void your RV’s warranty.

Consider what you plan to use your toy hauler for and check to see if the structural design and capacity are right for your purposes. Take a look at the ramp design and strength, too. If you plan to use a toy hauler for snowmobiles, you’ll want a toy hauler complete with four-season weatherization.

Toy Hauler Maintenance

Whatever type of toy hauler you purchase, creating a preventative maintenance schedule will set you up for the best experience. Check your RV for signs of water damage and perform a deep cleaning before trips. In the off-season, store your RV in a clean and dry place to maximize its lifespan.

With toy haulers, regularly oiling the hinges on the garage’s entry ramp is key. The systems that hold the auxiliary vehicle should also be properly maintained, so nothing slides around while you travel. Economy RVS in Maryland offers professional maintenance and repairs for your RV toy hauler needs. Call our service director at 301-884-8472 with questions or to schedule.

Toy Hauler and RV Stores in Maryland

If you’re in or around MD and searching for new or used RV toy haulers and campers near me, visit Economy RVS in Mechanicsville, MD to find the right RV for you. Wherever you’re located, you can browse our inventory of new and used RVs online. Economy RVS has been in the RV business for more than 25 years, and we’ll be happy to help you find a great toy hauler for all your adventures and answer any questions as you decide.

Best (In the Fall) Leaf-Peeping Travel Destinations

by admin | Sep 6, 2022 | Traveling

From September to November, America the Beautiful is illuminated in hues of red, orange, and yellow as the trees hit their autumn stride. If you’re planning an RV trip to see some of the best fall foliage in the nation, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite destinations.

1. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

No list of the best fall foliage viewing spots would be complete without mention of the Smoky Mountains. Peak foliage season usually hits this stretch of forest between mid-October and early November.

To see the colorful autumn leaves on trees that stretch up to 4,000 feet, drive your RV or camper throughout the region via the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway, or Clingmans Dome Road. Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in Tennessee, gracing guests with sensational views of the fall foliage.

You’ll also want to visit Great Smoky National Park in Gatlinburg to take in more than 100 native tree types, including hickories, red maples, scarlet oaks, sugar maples, and sweetgums. Hike trails in the park to view the beauty of the trees and stunning waterfalls.

2. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

When fall foliage comes into view, the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is the place to be. One of the most popular ways to take in the leaves is on a drive along Skyline Drive, a 105-mile route through the Shenandoah National Park with 75 overlooks.

Driving from one end to another takes approximately three hours – give or take, depending on how often you’re stopping to take photos and soak it all in and how busy it can get on the fall weekends. Hiking will provide even more views, and the Stony Man Trail is a fan favorite.

3. Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondack Mountains region of New York offers 5,000 square miles of stunning fall colors for leaf peepers and has one of the longest viewing seasons to boot!

According to the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, the projected best times to see peak fall foliage in each region are as follows:

• End of Sept. through first week of October: Lake Placid Region, Saranac Lake Region, Tupper Lake Region, and Whiteface Region
• First and second weeks of October: Adirondack Experience It, Lake George Region, Adirondack Hub, & Malone Region
• Third week through end of October: Lake Champlain Region, Adirondack Seaway, Adirondack Coast, & Adirondack Tug Hill

4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of our nation’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Grand Canyon National Park, is a popular destination year-round. We think fall adds a crown of glory to this national treasure, as the infamous bands of red rock are framed in gorgeous fall colors on the aspens, birches, and oaks.

The colors really come alive in late September and early October. By visiting in the fall, you might even be lucky enough to experience fewer crowds with families back in school-year schedules. You’ll also enjoy milder temperatures than in the heat of summer.

5. Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania

A lesser known (at least on the national scale) landmark nestled in the Keystone state is the Pine Creek Gorge, affectionately known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The 47-mile canyon cuts through the Tioga State Forest.

Visitors can opt to peep the fall leaves on a bike ride along the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail or by hiking trails in the wilderness of Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park.

6. Stowe, Vermont

The entire Northeast corridor is arguably the greatest place for fall color seekers, and the town of Stowe is nicknamed “Fall’s Color Capital.” If you’re ready for the quintessential New England fall vacation, make plans to stay in Stowe. The area boasts an extensive trail system where you can enjoy the outstanding colors. You can also check out the views by paddling a kayak or canoe in the river or reservoir.

7. Traverse City, Michigan

This lakeside landing place is a prime place to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. White sandy beaches border the shores of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, where there are several stunning vistas to take in the beauty of fall. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers 13 hiking trails of varying levels. Fall is a great time to take a hot air balloon ride to capture an even better view of the brilliant display of colors that the Traverse City trees put on each fall.

8. Fayetteville, West Virginia

With so much of its land encompassed by lush forests, West Virginia is a spectacular place to take a scenic drive and see the fall colors at their prettiest. Mid-October is prime viewing time for leaf peeping in Fayetteville, where visitors can also enjoy a charming shopping district and restaurants. A drive over the New River Gorge Bridge is a must for great views and picture-taking opportunities.

9. Great River Road

Whether you’ve driven along the Great River Road that runs along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana before or it’s still on your bucket list, fall is a great time to make the trip! Splashes of red, orange, yellow, and gold can be seen from vistas at parks along the way.

One option is Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa, where you’ll enjoy looking out from 500-foot bluffs over the river valley. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, an unusual structure built in 1929 that goes from Madison, IL to St. Louis, MS, is known as one of the area’s top spots to peep fall leaves.

10. Maryland Scenic Byways

If you’re native to Maryland, you’ll likely be traveling on some of Maryland’s Scenic Byways this fall. Pardon our bias, but we think Maryland has its fair share of vibrant fall colors to enjoy whether you’re passing through or want to make a weekend getaway destination in any of the state’s charming towns or cities.

The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway covers 419 miles of Eastern Maryland’s coastal roads, where you’ll take in beautiful views. Another beautiful drive on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is the Harriet Tubman Underground Byway. This three-to-four-hour drive covers 125 miles of country roads from Cambridge to Goldsboro and is part of the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop.

New and Used RVs For Sale Near Me in Maryland

The best way to experience all of the colors of fall is with an RV or camper that allows you to travel as often as you’d like. With room to sleep, eat, bathe, and relax, your new or used RV can be your dreamy home away from home in every season.

If you’ve been searching for used RVs for sale near me in MD, check out the inventory at Economy RVS in Mechanicsville, MD. We have been selling new and used RVS in Maryland for more than 25 years, and our team would be delighted to answer questions and help you to find the RV that is best for your needs.

Financing options are available to ensure you can be on the road as soon as you’d like. Contact us or stop by today to find the RV or camper you need to make the most of the fall travel season!

True Life: Our Experience in Our RV!

by admin | Jul 7, 2022 | Traveling

Are you new to RVing and wondering how you’ll make it on the open road? How are all the details going to come together? Not quite sure? That’s quite alright. Everyone was new at some point, and those who love the RV lifestyle are often eager to share what they’ve learned and why they love it!

We recently interviewed our friends, the Gardners, about their experiences in an RV, and we hope you enjoy hearing what they had to say.

Name: Michael, Melissa, and Thomas Gardner

Hometown: Southern Maryland

How long have you had an RV?

We bought our first RV in February 2022, but previously we stayed with my parents in theirs for many years.

Tell us about the type of RV you own.

We have a 2022 Coachmen Freedom Express 326BHDSLE travel trailer. We love it!

If you travel with pets, tell us about your pets. How was their adjustment to life on the road? Any tips for other pet owners looking to start RVing?

We travel with one pet, a 5-pound Pomeranian named Casper. We take him everywhere with us, so he is very familiar with camping and loves to look out the window and bark at everything!

How have you made your RV feel like home?

We’ve added some décor and pictures to make our RV feel more like home.

Is there a place that you regularly visit? What do you like about going there?

We regularly go to the “farm.” It is our family’s land located in Charles County, MD. It’s our second home, and we love being so close to family!

What are some of the top places that you’ve visited or must-visit suggestions for others?

We really liked (visiting) Bethpage Camp-Resort in Urbanna, VA; Frontier Town in Ocean City, MD; and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge, VA.

What are some of the places still on your RV bucket list to visit?

Someplace in the mountains is on our bucket list to visit!

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at your destination?

My husband Michael sets the camper up when we arrive. The first thing I do is usually walk Casper and watch him set up. 😊

What advice would you have for someone who is buying their first RV?

Definitely have an idea of the things that you want or don’t want. We looked at several options prior to buying ours to get an idea of things we wanted or had to have!

What would you name as some of the biggest perks of traveling and/or camping in an RV?

The memories that are made with friends and family! Having a place that is yours to relax and enjoy. While traveling, it’s nice to have the bathroom when/if needed.

Taking the occasional break to experience all the beauty and wonder that our nation’s campgrounds, parks, and natural sites have to offer is important – and you won’t regret doing it in an RV.

If you’re searching for “new RVS for sale near me” or “new campers for sale near me” and you’re located in Maryland, take a look at our inventory at Economy RVS in Mechanicsville, MD. We have an incredible selection of new and used models that will make it easy to find the perfect floor plan for you and your family. Shop our deals online or visit us in person. Contact Economy RVS today if you’re ready to find the right RV for your family!

Check Out These 7 Summer Vacation Spots – Off the Beaten Path

by admin | Jun 3, 2022 | Traveling

The United States is home to many off-the-beaten-path locations that are not yet known around the world. While our country’s mainstream destinations have earned crowds that flock to see them year-round, plenty of summer vacation spots are brimming with beauty and waiting to be discovered.

If you’re not a fan of crowds or simply looking for new spots to visit, today we’re rounding up a few summer vacation spots across the nation. What would you add to the list?

1. Rock City, Georgia

Just outside of Chattanooga, TN is a 200-million-year-old rock formation that will thrill the heart of anyone with a desire to explore. Young children won’t want to miss the fairy tale-esque caverns. Other highlights include a 90-foot waterfall, a suspended bridge, a 1,000-ton balanced rock, and Ruby Falls – the deepest and tallest waterfall on earth. Cave adventures and zipline tours are available with advance reservations. If you hike to the top of Lookout Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of seven states!

Rock City also offers special events year-round, like the Southern Blooms Festival and summer music weekends.

2. Seal Rock, Oregon

Oregon’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway is a favorite drive for many Americans, and rightfully so. Truly breathtaking scenery awaits you around every bend in the road. The town of Seal Rock itself is home to less than 2,000 residents and has a host of delightful shops, art galleries, and restaurants to explore when you visit.

Seal Rock RV Cove is located a few minutes south of Newport, a small fishing town, and makes a great summer stop for RVers. Seal Rock RV Cove features dog-friendly beaches and gorgeous tide pools.

3. Baxter State Park, Maine

Summertime is magical just about everywhere in the state of Maine, and Baxter State Park is no exception.

Located at the northern tip of the Appalachian Trail, it is home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine. If you’re an avid hiker with the proper equipment and skills, check out the Knife Edge Trail, a famed and exhilarating 1.1-mile rocky hike with 2,000-foot drops on both sides.

Other hikes will afford you views of the gorgeous lakes in the park, and come nighttime, you’ll have spectacular views of the stars with a lack of light pollution.

4. Moab, Utah

When you plan a summer vacation to Moab, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of two of Utah’s National Parks: Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. The gorgeous landscape in Moab features miles of red rock formations, open space, thousand-foot canyons, and snow-capped mountain peaks.

A drive to the overlook at Dead Horse Point around sunrise or sunset is another must when in Moab. Adventure awaits in pretty much whatever form you’re interested in: biking, canyoneering, four-wheeling, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, rafting on the Colorado River, ziplining, and more.

For a more low-key day or evening, you’ll find great restaurants, shops, parks, the Moab Golf Club, and the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park & Tracks Museum.

5. Assateague Island, Maryland

The Assateague Island National Seashore in between Maryland and Virginia is one of a handful of places in the United States where horses freely roam on miles of sandy beaches. You’ll be able to spot lots of other wildlife at Assateague State Park, and just remember to keep your distance from the majestic horses as they are indeed wild. Hiking and bike trails are available, as well as canoe and kayak launching areas.

Maryland is known for its blue crabs, and you’ll have an abundance of crab shacks to choose from if you’d like to try steamed crabs or crab cakes. The iconic Assateague Crab House is located just outside the park’s campgrounds.

6. Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Home to some of the darkest skies and brightest stars on the eastern seaboard, Cherry Springs State Park has frequently been named one of the top seven places on the planet for stargazing.

The park is open from mid-April through the end of October and offers private guided star tours by a local astronomer for anyone who would like some expertise as they take in the stunning night sky here.

7. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village, lies in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state and is easily accessible from US Route 2. The charming mountain town is peppered with pastel-colored buildings and authentic beer halls that make it seem like it should be in the Bavarian Alps. Leavenworth has great places to hike, bicycle, and rock climb.

New and Used RV Dealers Near Me in Maryland

If you’re planning your summer vacations and find yourself itching to upgrade your RV or purchase your very first RV, give Economy RVS a call at (301) 884-8400 or stop in to see us along Route 5 at 29020 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD. If you’re searching online for new or used RV dealers near me, you can also check out our inventory of new RVS and used RVS online to find something to suit your needs.

Economy RVS has something for every budget in our ever-changing selection of travel trailers, fifth wheels, popups, toy haulers, and expandable trailers. Our experienced team can help you with financing for your unique situation, and you may fill out a consumer credit application on our site.

With so many types of new and used RVs to choose from at Economy RVS in southern Maryland, you are bound to find one equipped with all you need to make memories this summer and for years to come. Wherever the open road is calling you to go, we’re here to help you get there!