Rv Buying Guide: How To Choose A Recreational Vehicle

So you have decided to buy an RV. When getting to our RV dealership to select an RV for sale, there are so many to choose from that you just don’t know which one would be right for you. They have RVs that you drive, RVs that you tow, RVs using diesel and ones that use gas.

With all these available options, you can certainly find something to fit your needs. To narrow down the search, make a list of your personal preferences you would like in a RV. If you are having trouble making a decision, contact our RV dealership.

Topics To Ask To Narrow Down Your RV Choices

Trip Length: Deciding on the length of your trips can help you determine if you need a large or small RV. If you are going on short trips to local sites or spending a weekend or two a year on a camping trip, you can choose a smaller RV. Longer trips, especially cross-country adventures, would require a larger RV to bring more supplies as you will be spending more time in the vehicle.

Towing: Some people don’t mind towing other vehicles behind their car or trucks. Other people hate the way their driving changes due to having something hitched on the back. Decide whether you would feel comfortable towing your RV or driving one.

Sleeping Arrangements: Will it just be you and your spouse in the RV, or will you also have the kids and grandkids along on your trips? Determining how many people will be using the RV on a normal basis will help you pick the right one that has plenty of sleeping places as well as extra storage.

Camping Preferences: Another important topic is deciding on whether you love being out on your own in the wilderness when camping or do you prefer to be around other people. This helps you determine if you will need to bring along an RV that has a generator when out on your own or one with full hookups for when you are at an RV park.

Price: Always have a firm budget in mind when you are searching for an RV to purchase. Price ranges can start at $14,000 and go up $100,000.

Types Of RVs

Once you have a list of the things you want in your RV, now is the time to choose just the right one. There are several different makes and models of trailers: travel trailers, toy trailers, fifth wheels and motor homes.

Travel Trailers: These types of trailers can be towed behind your vehicle, so you will need to know the towing capacity of your truck or SUV. They are affordable and are perfect for destination-type camping as you can unhitch it anywhere. You will have hookups for gas, electric or water, but will need a generator if camping in remote places. Smaller types, called toy haulers, are perfect when you are looking for something to haul your recreational equipment.

Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels are also RV trailers that you can tow. The difference is that these trailers extend over the bed of your truck. Very similar to travel trailers, they offer more cargo room and living space. A fifth wheel is a great RV when you are planning an extended stay vacation or want to spend more time living in the RV.

Motor Homes: Motor homes give a variety of options for the full-time RV adventurer. You can drive or tow a motor home, or use your motor home to tow your car or truck. Passengers can move around and do things while the motor home is moving, giving more freedom and allowing you to be independent. Most motor homes have a generator along with hookups. Motor homes come in three classes depending on their size: Class A, Class B and Class C.

Financing For RVs

Not everyone has the extra cash on hand to purchase a RV. For this reason, you can get great financing with affordable interest rates. For you to qualify for most RV loans, you will need to have a good credit rating and a down payment of at least 10-percent of the value of the RV — including taxes and tags. You can also trade-in other vehicles for the down payment to the RV. Most RV loan terms are from seven years to twenty years depending on the loan amount and age of the RV.

Once you choose the right RV and arrange for financing, go out on your RV adventure. Enjoy the countryside in a vehicle that will always get you to your destination.

Renting an RV This Spring

If you think taking a vacation in an RV sounds like fun, but you’re not quite convinced yet, rent an RV before you buy. This way, you’ll see if you actually like it; and you’ll see if you need something larger or smaller than what you rent for your vacation. You can also try out different floor plans by renting for more than one vacation.

Gardner’s RV and Trailer Center offers several rentals. A single axle trailer usually sleeps two adults or two adults and two or three small children. You can rent a single axle for $99 per day. A tandem axle that is 23 to 24 feet long rents for $129 per day and these models usually sleep four to six people.

For $149 per day, you an rent a tandem axle bunkhouse model that is 28 to 30 feet. These models feature a large slide out and usually sleep six to eight people. The bunkhouse models have bunks in a separate room or a curtained-off alcove.

If you don’t have a tow vehicle, you can rent a motor home. Class C models that are up to 24 feet are $249 per day. Rent a larger Class C model up to 32 feet for $269 per day.

When you rent a motor home from us, you get up to 100 miles per day at no additional charge. Each additional mile is $0.35 per mile. You’ll need to provide insurance for motor homes and rental trailers, so bring proof of insurance, your valid driver’s license and a valid credit card when you stop by to rent an RV.

If you are renting a travel trailer, your vehicle needs to have a brake controller plus a seven-way wiring plug in. If your vehicle is not equipped with these items, you’ll need to have them installed before you can take one of our rentals. Some of our units feature brake controllers at an additional charge.

When you rent an RV from us, we provide a basic set of cooking pots, utensils and pans. Be sure to pack plates and silverware or plastic ware. You’ll also need your own bedding. If you are flying in from out of town, airport pick up is available for motor home rental customers.

Visit Gardner’s RV and Trailer Center

Stop by Gardner’s RV and Trailer Center or call our RV rental department with any questions you may have. Our rental department is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

How To Keep Your RV Fresh Water Tank Clean

 

Is the water in your RV fresh water tank really safe to use?

Just think about it. We are so accustomed to having clean water flowing from the tap at home that access to clean and safe water is something that we tend to take for granted. So, when we go on road trips we naturally assume that the water stored in our RV fresh water tank is just as safe and clean as the water we use at home.

However, one of the cardinal rules that frequent travelers and veteran RVers often live by is that you can’t always trust the water you use or consume away from home. You can never be sure where that water came from. And if you’re not that careful, you can end up getting sick with some form of stomach or skin ailment from using contaminated water.

Thankfully, even if you’re not sure whether the water in the last campground or RV park you stayed at is clean or not, you can at least keep yourself and the people you are traveling with in your RV from getting sick as a result of using contaminated water. You can do that by sanitizing your RV fresh water tank regularly and by observing a few measures that will eliminate the presence of harmful bacteria in the water you use in your RV.

How to sanitize your RV fresh water tank

Sanitizing your RV fresh water tank is much easier to do than it sounds. It can take around half a day to get the chore done, but the actual work will only take less than an hour to accomplish.

To get started with sanitizing your RV fresh water tank, you’ll need to get your RV plugged into an electric hookup or have its batteries fully charged. That’s because you’ll have to use the pump as you’re doing this chore. You should also turn off your water heater and get rid of the anti-freeze in your pipes, as you’re going to use cold water for this task. Lastly, you’ll have to open the drain valve of your gray water tank and pay attention to your levels in case of overflow.

So, here’s a step-by-step guide to sanitizing your RV fresh water tank.

1. Turn off your water pump and open the valve of your fresh water tank. Drain your tank completely of all its stored water.
2. Mix one cup of bleach or tank cleaner with one gallon (4 1/2 liters) of water. Pour the solution in your now-empty fresh water tank using a funnel.
   Replace the valve of your fresh water tank and turn on your water pump. Fill your fresh water tank with water.
3. Once the tank is full, turn on all the faucets and water outlets in your RV, including the shower and just let the water flow. Pay attention to your water levels and make sure that the drain valve of your gray water tank is open.
4. Turn these water outlets off once the smell of the bleach becomes really strong.
5. Fill your fresh water tank again with cold water and let the water sit in the tank for about 8 to 12 hours.
6. After the allotted time, turn on all the faucets and water outlets in your RV again and let the water run until the smell of the bleach goes away. Refill the fresh water tank and just keep flushing the water out until you’re sure that the bleach is completely gone.
7. Refill your fresh water tank with clean water if you’re still using your RV. Empty your tank if you’re going to put your RV in storage.
8. You should sanitize your RV fresh water tank at least once every six months. However, it is ideal that you do this chore once a month if you’re frequently on the road in your RV.

How to prevent your RV fresh water tank from getting contaminated

As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Aside from sanitizing your RV fresh water tank regularly, you should also observe a few measures that will prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing your water tank and contaminating the water you use in your RV. Here are a few tips that will help you out:

1. Ask your campground hosts where the water in the campground comes from, whether it’s well water or water coming from the city or municipal system. If it’s well water, ask if the water is tested for safety.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your white water hose. Keep the ends of your white water hose from touching the ground when you hook up your RV. If you’re not using the hose, keep it coiled and store it in a sealable plastic or cloth bag.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the dump station in the campground you’re staying at. Never fill your fresh water tank with water from the dump station unless the water is guaranteed clean and safe for consumption.
4. Install water filters in your RV.
5. If you’re not sure about the safety of the water in the campground you’re staying at, boil the water before drinking it. Better yet, keep a supply of bottled water in your RV.
6. Sanitize your fresh water tank before putting your RV in storage.

It doesn’t take much to keep your RV fresh water tank clean and sanitized. Keeping the tank clean and sanitized, though, will do a lot in making sure you won’t get sick from drinking or using contaminated water.

Gardner’s RV FAQ

Where are you located?
We are at 3100 Hwy 93 South in beautiful Kalispell, Montana.

What is your mailing address?
PO Box 958, Kalispell, MT 59903

How can I reach you by phone?
Please call 406-752-7683 or use our nationwide toll free line at 877-MY NEW RV 877-696-3978

What are your email addresses?
General Inquiries and the Sales Department:
info@gardnerrv.com
Service Department:
service@gardnerrv.com
Parts Department:
parts@gardnerrv.com
Warranty Department:
warranty@gardnerrv.com
Finance Department:
finance@gardnerrv.com

What are your hours?
The Sales Department is open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, Monday thru Friday and 8:00 am until 5:00 pm Saturday. The Parts and Service Department are open from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm, Monday thru Friday and 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Saturdays.

How can I reach Gardner Auction Service?
Gardner Auction has its own site on the web at:
www.gardnerauction.com
You can reach them by calling 406-752-7682
Or by email, info@gardnerauction.com

Service Department

Families that play together stay together !! So let us keep you playing!!

Our factory-authorized service department is here to serve you Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM.

To best serve you we recommend scheduling an appointment by calling 406-752-7683, or toll free at 877-696-3978. You can even send us an email at: service@gardnerrv.com. You can also fill out the form below and click “Submit the Form” and we can schedule your appointment that way. How easy is that?!

We know that the harder you play the more you are apt to have service needs. Our service department takes pride in getting you back on the road to your next adventure or relaxation.

Our service center features:

 

• 8 Service bays with a technician for each
• Factory authorized warranty station for every make that we sell
• Fully equipped Parts & Accessories store
• Dedicated hitch & wiring bay

 

It is our desire to provide all our customers with the very best service possible. Should you require repairs or desire upgrades to your RV stop by or call our service advisors to schedule in an appointment.

Your RV will always receive the best of care by our Master Craftsmen here at Gardner’s.  From roofs and appliances, to slide-outs and awnings, we are here to help you with all your service needs.

We honor all warranty work for the products we sell. We accommodate any type of problem that may arise with your RV in an efficient, precise, and timely manner.

Please call our Service Department at 406-752-7683  to schedule your service work.

Call our service department at .

Gardner’s RV Financing

If you’ve decided you want to finance your new RV, you’re not alone. Seventy percent of RV buyers finance their recreational vehicles. With a minimum down payment and approved credit, you can arrange financing with us and get out on the road a few hours after picking out your new or preowned RV.

Plus, you can add in all your parts and accessories, service agreements, RV Insurance and more. You’ll have everything you need, and you can accomplish all of this and keep it with one low monthly payment.

And because here at Gardner’s RV of Kalispell, Montana, we finance more RVs than anyone else, we understand your special needs. Only someone who knows how you feel when you hit the road on your next vacation understands that getting your RV financed ASAP is your biggest concern. That’s why we make the process easy for you.

Talk to Gardner’s RVof Kalispell, Montana about financing your Recreational Vehicle with Gardner’s RV and get out on the road today. To download a Credit Application, click here. Print it, fill it out, and bring it in.

Top Ten Reasons to Travel by RV

Travel on your schedule-  no driving to the airport 2 hours before time to sit and wait for you turn to get on a plane.  So if you have a 9 a.m. flight that means you need to be at the airport @ 7a.m. so you probably need to up by 5a.m. to make this all work.  Traveling by RV, means that you get to wake up and leave on your schedule, you can get up at 8a.m. and leave at 9 a.m.

 

Privacy & Comfort-  when was the last time that you were comfortable on an airplane?  Traveling by RV gives you plenty of space to move around and stretch out your legs.  Why have to sit next to somebody who might have a cold or the smelly person who always seems to end up on your flight.  You also get to use your own bathroom instead of that cramped smelly bathroom on an airplane.

 

No dealing with airport/airline service-  Instead of spending $8.00 for a sandwich or $12.00 to have chips and a soda to go with it (and there not that great)  You can get up and make yourself a hot meal or whatever you have decided to fill up your fridge with.  You can eat when you want and as much as you want.

 

KOA instead of TSA-  Who wants to deal with standing in line at the security check point, going thru x-ray machines, taking off your shoes and belts?  Not very much fun, plus you can take as much fluid ounces with you on your journey not just 3oz.

 

RV’s let you see the Country-  RV’s give you the opportunity to see the countryside, things that you can’t see from an airplane.  You get to see mountains, rivers, sunrises, sunsets and wildlife, all from the convenience of your RV.  Who wants to travel in a crammed space & uncomfortable for 5 or 6 hours, you get to make your own layovers and enjoy whats around you.  With an RV you can go wherever you want whenever you want.

 

Quality time-  What is more important then spending time with your family.  The kids can be sitting playing a board game, rather than being uncomfortable and complaining about how much longer till the plane lands.  The family gets to see and experience all that this country has to offer, rather than just flying over it.  Our motto “Families that play together, stay together!”

 

Sleep in Comfort-  RV’s give you the opportunity to sleep in comfort, in your own bedding without hoping the previous sheets have been changes. (bed bugs, no thank you)  Pull over on the beachfront open up the window lay down and enjoy the fresh air,  get up when your nap is over and continue on your journey.

 

Save money-   No need to spend money on Hotels and Restaurants on top of those expensive plane tickets.  You get to take your home away from home with you, so you have all the amenities that you, eat whenever you want and sleep whenever you want.  (the kids can get up and make a sandwich, use the restroom or take a nap)  Despite record-breaking fuel prices, typical RV trips remain the least expensive type of vacation, according to a new study comparing vacation costs. RV family vacations are on average 27 to 61 percent less expensive than other types of vacations.

 

No lost luggage-  Why worry about hoping that your luggage gets to your destination when you RV you can nicely put your luggage in dresser draws and hanging in a closet.

 

FREEDOM-  Go where you want when you want, This has always been the number one reason for RVing over flying!!

 

                 Imagine the vacations that are possible!!  

Eco-friendly Camping

The freedom of the open road and being outdoors is part of the allure of camping.  A campgrounds core is just that, to provide a location for leaving the hustle and bustle of the life to take a break and enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Parks that are eco-friendly are taking being in touch with nature to the next level by providing fun accomodations that are also good for the environment.

Many parks have converted over to some degee or another to solar, for example, using solar for heating a pool or servicing a bathhouse or shop.  Recycling is prevelant in most campgrounds and small things like energy star laundry appliances and energy efficient lighting fixtures can add up and make a big difference. Even landscaping can be done precisly to help prevent erosion and recycled material is being used in everything from playground equipment to site pads.  Some campgrounds today are even adding electric vehicle charging stations, and there will be more changes to come.  Those who love the outdoors are interested in preserving it for those to follow and are making changes now to ensure that happens.

What can you do? As an informed guest, you can help do your part by picking up after pets, keeping a close eye on your campfire, and using the composting, recycling and other programs that campgrounds offer to help reduce the human footprint on nature. This will

be a great activity for generations to come!

Nighttime Camping Activities

Being outdoors offers many opportunities to be in touch with nature.  Children and adults alike are amazed by wildlife and especially nocturnal creatures so why not plan some outdoor activities to learn more about the other inhabitants of the woods.

Try taking a flashlight walk and you’ll be amazed by the beady eyes that stare back at you.  Many animals such as owls, deer, raccoons, opossums, and many insects or squirrels will only come out at night.  For more fun, turn off the flashlight and take a moment to let your eyes adjust to the dark.  Our surroundings are truly amazing and the sights and sounds after dark is a reminder that while we sleep, much of the animal world is hard at work gathering, digging, prowling, and stalking.

Star Gazing is another great activity for clear evenings.  Many mobile phones today have the app which when pointed to the sky give you the names of planets or constellations.  What a great learning tool for children and adults too!  Another game is to use the stars and connect the dots to imagine your own shapes or animals.  Or you could guarantee going to sleep by attempting to count the myriad of glistening specks! Star gazing is a great activity for camping as there is usually less light pollution allowing for greater visibility.

Hide and seek is always a nighttime game favorite or the other option called sardines where one person hides and everyone tries to find them.  The spinoff is when you find them you hide with them until everyone finds the hidden person.  Couple this game with some smores and you have a winner for sure!  Flashlight tag is always another great option for dark nights and is fun for all ages.  Flashlights also provide a great opportunity to make shadow creatures with your hands, or use special art pencils to draw fun or scary creatures on your flashlight and then refect it to see their giant shapes.

Being outside in the dark is always exciting and adventuresome and can make for some great memories and stories for years to come round the campfire. So, grab your flashlight buddy and head outdoors for some safe and fun activities while the weather is nice!

RV Evacuation Preparedness

Planning is the key to being prepard!  Hurricane season is coming to a close for the year and we sigh a sigh of relief that we are unscathed again here in Myrtle Beach. However, we never know what next year or even tomorrow holds so here are a few tips on being prepard for disaster.  Take the time implement them and you will be little closer to peace of mind.

1. Have a plan for your family.  Where to meet in the case of a fire, where the exits or escape windows are in the house or RV, Who is in charge of getting pets to safety? It is also important to have a bag of emergency food for yourself as well as any pets (don’t forget their carrier or leash).

2. What to pack?    Safety of people is always first!  Given an evacuation order though, what do you take with you? Simply put the 5 P’s – Prescriptions, Purse ($$), Papers (copies as the originals should be in safe deposite box, Pictures, and Phone. Most people today use cell phones and with smartphones up to date weather is simply a click away.  Be sure remember to pack the charger and charge often as electric may not always be available.

3. What to do?  Fill your tank with gas, let friends and family know where you will be, and follow evacuation orders.

Having the forethought to put all important papers in one place that is easily accessilbe, to pack an emergency food bag, to stash some cash for emergencies are each small steps of planning that will make all the difference when is comes to being prepared for an emergency.  Take the time to get organized, you will be glad you did.