5th Wheel Motorhomes Archives - Easy Escapes RV Sales | RV Consignment

Which manufacturers have the top selling RVs in the state of Florida? Since the Sunshine State is one of the few states without an income tax, many RV lovers choose to declare Florida as their primary residence. This certainly reflects in the state’s RV shipment numbers. In fact, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), Florida sits at number three (below Texas at number one and California at number two) in terms of states with the highest number of RV shipments based on 2015 data.

Although, you may still be curious as to which makes are considered to be among the top selling RVs. Below is a list of the top 8 selling RVs in Florida based on the Easy Escapes RV team’s over 40 years of experience in the industry.

Top Selling RVs

1. Tiffin. Tiffin is one of the few family-owned RV manufacturer’s in the industry. The company’s high level of craftsmanship is due in part to the fact that they limit production to 12 coaches per day. You just simply can’t rush a good thing.

2. Newmar. Newmar’s Amish craftsmanship has earned the company a spot on Florida’s list of top selling RVs. In addition to the company’s innovative chassis production system that helps minimize tire wear and optimizes fuel mileage, the Newmar Full-Paint Masterpiece™ Finish is one of the most durable in the industry.

3. Forest River. Forest River is one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America. The company produces Class A and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, camping trailers and destination trailers. Random units from each of the company’s brands are subjected to rigorous testing.

4. Winnebago. The first Winnebago recreational vehicles were produced in the American heartland of Forest City, Iowa over 50 years ago. The Winnebago Industries commitment to providing high quality, great value, efficient design and eye-catching style in recreation vehicles remains a driving force for this top selling RV manufacturer.

5. Thor. Thor Motor Coach has earned the Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association’s prestigious Quality Circle Award. With this award, the RVDA honors top RV manufacturers that provide exceptional quality products, service and support.

6. Keystone. When it comes to towable RVs, Keystone sits at the list of top sellers. In 2016, the Keystone Montana 3820FK front kitchen fifth wheel, was named RV of the Year by RVBusiness magazine, the industry’s leading publication.

7. Jayco. Jayco sets itself apart by reducing its carbon footprint through green manufacturing processes. Through smart sustainability efforts and family-focused floorplans, the company is creating better ways to build RVs.

8. Fleetwood. Fleetwood RV has built a reputation as one of the top selling manufacturers in the industry as a result of the company’s approach to innovating the motorhome construction process with an emphasis on smooth handling, unmatched durability and intuitive details.

Want to learn more about each of these manufacturers or find out if we have a pre-owned model that would be a good fit for your family? Call Easy Escapes RV in Naples, FL at (239) 302-3789 today.

Are you thinking about buying an RV or have you recently purchased an RV? You may not realize all there is to love about the RV lifestyle. It feels like freedom and adventure because, in many ways, it IS freedom and adventure. From sunset walks in beautiful places to being able to use your own bathroom while on the road, the RV lifestyle has its advantages.

1. You begin to really appreciate the little things in life. This means “little” things like sunset walks on the beach, picnic lunches, exploratory bike rides, or just relaxing by a crackling campfire.

2. You can meet a lot of other interesting RVers on your travels. Hearing where others have been, finding out about “off the beaten path” places they loved, and learning about the places they want to go next — how cool!

3. Simplifying your life feels so good. C’mon you know what we’re talking about. You know that feeling you get when you take a donation to your local thrift shop? It actually feels good to live with less clutter and stuff.

4. You can look out your window to experience some of the most amazing views. These same views would cost you millions if you could purchase the land where you park your RV.

5. You spend more time outdoors and less in front of the television set or on the couch. This means you’ll probably be healthier too!

6. The RV lifestyle allows you to be spontaneous. Want to go wine tasting in Napa for a few weeks or spend a month in the mountains? You don’t have to worry about finding a hotel or booking a flight — just find an RV park near your desired destination and go.

7. You learn to value experiences over things. Want to go for a memorable sunrise hike through the Grand Canyon or buy a new pair of dress shoes? We rest our case.

8. It doesn’t take you long to clean. Even the largest Class A RVs won’t take you as long to clean as a house would. Plus, when you live the RV lifestyle, you learn how to be really tidy. Your messes will be staring you in the face all of the time if you aren’t.

9. If you have job flexibility, you can drive off and work from anywhere. Use your laptop, cell phone and WI-FI while watching palm trees sway along a sandy beach.

10. If you get bored with your outdoor surroundings, you can choose to head off to an exciting new destination.

11. You can visit friends and family in other states without overstaying your welcome.

12. You can avoid cold winters “Up North” in lieu of spending time in sunny states like Florida or Arizona.

13. You learn to be resourceful and handy. If the windows need to be resealed, you are more motivated to do it yourself versus hiring someone to do it.

14. There’s no lawn mowing or yard work to do when you live the RV lifestyle. This means that there’s more time to explore the great outdoors.

15. You can avoid using gas station bathrooms. Based on some of the gas station bathrooms we’ve experienced, that’s a real advantage!

Given all of the things there are to love about the RV lifestyle, you might be ready to start looking at pre-owned RVs so that you can enjoy the same perks. Call Easy Escapes RV in Naples, FL at (239) 302-3789 to find out about the pre-owned RVs we have available.

With this year drawing to a close, you may be thinking about the New Years resolutions you made last December and wondering why you didn’t stick to them. Perhaps it’s because they weren’t New Years travel resolutions. You know, the ones that can actually be fun to keep? Check out the below 12 ideas to see which ones you can work on for the year ahead.

1. Simplify and travel lighter. Do you really need to bring along three different kinds of shampoo or nine pairs of shoes? You’ll be amazed at how much less you can travel with and still get by just fine.

2. Stop making excuses about why you don’t travel more. You’ve have been wanting to take a trip for the past year, but you’re worried about the dog, the lawn, or who is going to pick up your newspaper.

3. Plan to visit a hidden gem that’s close to home. Whether you decide to take your RV to a state or national park that’s close to home or plan a weekend fishing trip, don’t miss out on those special spots that are just a stone’s throw from home.

4. Learn something new. There are so many travel experiences that offer you the opportunity to learn something new. Why not learn how to cook a local specialty dish, take a nature photography class, brush up on your nature survival skills, or learn how to meditate?

5. Take a walking or hiking tour. Many cities offer walking tours that provide a glimpse into the past of a historic local area. Check with the Chamber of Commerce in the city you plan to visit. If you’d rather visit a more rural area, see if there are organized hikes that take you through the mountains or woods.

6. Be more spontaneous. While we all tend thrive on habit or routine most of the time, so it’s good to exercise our spontaneity genes every once and awhile. If you have a day of fantastic weather, take a last minute trip to a local botanical garden or rent a boat and take a cruise.

7. Complain less. Stay positive and complain less. While it may take you a little extra effort at first, the next time something unexpected happens (while traveling or anytime), find the bright side in the situation. Complaining often leads to more complaining, laughter often leads to more laughter.

8. Stay present. It can be harder to stay present these days considering the fact that we all seem connected to our mobile devices, but remember the “precious present.” The now is something you can never get back, so enjoy it and appreciate it without constant distraction.

9. Travel to attend a festival. Most cities and even small towns hold local festivals that offer a taste of Americana. Have you ever been to the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida or the Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles, Illinois? These are just two examples of local festivals that have become annual traditions.

10. Travel responsibly. This means lowering your carbon footprint while on the road or in the air. Recycle, re-use, and leave only memories behind.

11. Take the time to reconnect. Our lives are about relationships. Do you miss your old college roommate? What about that cousin you used to be really close with? Plan a trip to visit the people you want to reconnect with.

12. Revisit a favorite place. There are places that hold special meaning to each of us. Maybe it’s a honeymoon spot or your favorite fishing spot as a child. Reliving these special moments and places in our life can be just as important as seeing something new.

Want some advice for simplifying your life this New Years? Easy Escapes RV can help by making your next RV sale or purchase smooth and hassle-free. If you need to sell your existing RV or want to buy pre-owned, just call us at (239) 302-3789.

The Fort Myers, Florida spectator sports scene was once limited to spring and summer amateur baseball, but that’s not the case these days. Southwest Florida now hosts spring training for two of the 18 major league teams in the Florida Grapefruit League, the Class A Fort Myers Miracle baseball team, the Florida Everblades hockey team, and the Florida Tarpons indoor arena football team. If you want to take in a live sporting event in Fort Myers, just take your pick from the following teams and venues.

1. Florida Everblades Hockey. As the 2012 Kelly Cup Champions, the Florida Everblades have led the ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) in attendance in ten of their 18 seasons. Home regular season games are held from mid-October through the first part of April at Germain Arena in Estero. Game schedules and ticket prices are available online.

2. Boston Red Sox Baseball Spring Training. Die-hard Red Sox fans already know that their team plays more than 20 games at JetBlue Park. The success of the team’s world championship season in 2013 kicked off in Fort Myers during spring training that year. Ticket prices and schedules are released in mid-November, with ticket sales beginning in December or January. Check the Florida Grapefruit League website to plan your spring training visit to JetBlue Park in advance.

3. Minnesota Twins Baseball Spring Training. The Minnesota Twins begin spring training at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers during the month of February and games run through the end of March. Tentative spring training schedules are posted online in advance.

4. Fort Myers Miracle Baseball. The Fort Myers Miracle is the Class A Advanced minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club that is based in Fort Myers, Florida. Regular season home games are held at Hammond Stadium and start during the month of April.

5. Florida Tarpons Arena Football. This professional indoor arena football team is based in Estero, Florida with games being held at Germain Arena. The Florida Tarpons are currently a member of the Arena Pro Football (APF) league. The team started playing in 2012 as an expansion team of the Ultimate Indoor Football League (UIFL). Check the Arena Pro Football League website for game schedules and ticket information.

Use this list of live sporting event options near Fort Myers, Florida, to start planning your next family outing. Besides, a trip to a live sporting event is the perfect reason to invite family or friends for a ride in your RV! Call us at (239) 302-3789 if you’d like more information on pre-owned RVs in the Fort Myers area.

Photo Credit:  The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

You’re in the market for a motorhome, but you need to do some research in order to avoid making any RV buying mistakes. According to websites such as the CamperReport.com, new RVs lose up to 21% of their value as soon as they are driven off of the lot. What can you do to ensure that you get the best value for your money? How do you know that you’re buying the right RV make and model? Learn about the RV buying mistakes you don’t want to make.

1. Purchasing a new RV without considering a pre-owned RV. One of the biggest RV buying mistakes that people make is not learning more about or considering a pre-owned RV. While not everyone may be as concerned about making the best financial decision, most buyers are cost-conscious. It’s a good idea to research pre-owned RV values while weighing the depreciation of a new RV into your purchasing decision.

2. Not thinking carefully about how you plan to use your RV. Do you intend to live in your RV on a full-time basis or just take weekend trips once and awhile? Will you need to tow a vehicle behind your RV? Making the decision about whether to buy a Class A RV, Class B RV, Class C RV, travel trailer, toy hauler, or fifth wheel should based on your personal lifestyle. If you are working with an RV dealer, the salesperson should be asking you a lot of questions about how you intend to use your RV versus trying to sell you on whatever inventory is on the lot.

3. Not checking to be sure that the RV title has been properly transferred or buying from someone who doesn’t have the title. Make sure that the vehicle is registered and has current license plates, or check to be certain that the dealer has followed up on the registration. Take the time to find the VIN number on the RV and compare this carefully with the information shown on the title.

4. Not thoroughly inspecting an RV before making a purchase. Check the RV over carefully for signs of wear, repairs, or damage. If there are service records available, take the time to review them. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions about anything that doesn’t look right. Make sure you are comfortable with any explanations you are given. Check for rust, inspect the tires, make sure all appliances are working, look for leaks, and always go for a test drive.

5. Forgetting to secure financing for your purchase. If you plan to finance your RV, it’s usually easier to make a purchase through a respected dealership. Most dealerships (both pre-owned and new) have the experience required to make the transaction go smoothly.

Keep these RV buying mistakes in mind when you are in the market for an RV. By following this advice, you can save money, avoid extra stress, and ensure that your RV buying experience is a positive one. Besides, Easy Escapes RV is here to make the entire process simple and easy. Call us at (239) 302-3789 to find out which of our pre-owned RVs might fit your lifestyle.

Travel Friendly Meals for the Holidays

brought to you by Easy Escapes RV Naples, FL

Are you hitting the road for the holidays? Save yourself time and stress by choosing dishes that travel well. As much as we love pies with mounds of meringue, or cakes with fancy frosting, they don’t always make it to the party in top condition. To make life a bit easier this holiday season, bring along dishes that are better travel companions — like these!

1. Banana Bread. The great thing about bringing banana bread is that it doesn’t need to be reheated or kept on ice. Plus, everyone loves to have slice in the morning with a cup of coffee. Banana bread not only makes a transportable holiday desert dish, but is often eaten and appreciated for days afterward.

2. Spinach Dip. All you need is frozen spinach, sour cream, and a few other simple ingredients to make this popular favorite. Just bring spinach dip to your holiday events in a sourdough bread bowl, and there’s no dish to leave behind.

3. Snickerdoodle Cookies. While you might want to pass on cookies that involve delicate cut-outs or thin shapes that can break easily, snickerdoodles will travel well when made in traditional round shapes. A helpful tip is to pack them in a container along with a slice of white bread to keep them just as soft as they were when they came out of the oven.

4. Tropical Salsa. You can bring along a colorful tropical salsa to serve with tortilla chips, or even with your hosts fish or chicken dishes. Salsa is easy to tote along in jars or plastic storage containers, which makes it a great dish to travel with.

5. Pasta Salad. Particularly if you live in Florida, or any other state that is still warm during the holiday season, pasta salad is one of those holiday dishes that travel well. Pasta salads are generally served at room temperature, don’t contain any ingredients that will spoil quickly, and if it gets tossed around on the way to the event, no harm done!

6. Holiday Chex Mix. Add a box of devil’s food cake mix and cream cheese frosting to Chocolate Chex cereal for a sweet Red Velvet holiday snack that you can transport with ease. Just let the frosting cool, loosely cover, and go!

7. Cucumber Salad. Put together a healthy and refreshing cucumber salad. Most people at your holiday gathering will appreciate a respite from the array of rich buttery and sugary holiday sweets. Make sure you bring the olive oil or dressing in a separate container with a tight lid so it won’t spill on the way. You can also pack toppings in individual containers so they don’t get soggy while in transit. Just add the toppings when you get to your destination!

8. Glazed Nuts. Candied pecans or glazed nuts can easily be placed inside of a jar and taken along on a road trip. No worries about them being stirred up or shaken. Bonus: They always make your house smell absolutely irresistible when they are in the oven!

9. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. How about layering sweet potatoes, sharp cheddar and chipotle peppers to make a scalloped sweet potato dish? You can prepare this dish day before and let cool to room temperature. Wrap or cover the sweet potatoes tightly, and then just refrigerate overnight. The next day, simply pack in a cooler with ice or ice packs and reheat it in the skillet when you arrive at the party.

10. Cauliflower & Chicken Sausage Casserole. Casseroles are dishes that travel well. By using lower fat chicken sausages and healthy veggies in your recipes, you can make a cauliflower and chicken sausage casserole that is a sensible holiday meal idea. Once the casserole cools, just cover with foil and you’re ready to hit the road.

Have other recipes that are great for taking on the road? Visit the Easy Escapes RV Facebook page to stay connected with us and share your favorite holiday dishes that travel well.

Don’t Miss These Great Tampa, FL Experiences

brought to you by Easy Escapes RV Sales Consignment Naples, FL

While Tampa may be best known for its sports teams and exuberant nightlife, don’t let this Gulf Coast city fool you into thinking that meditative outdoor experiences are few. You’ll find tranquil bay waters, mangrove islands, bird sanctuaries, and serene freshwater canoe trails that provide plenty of opportunities for eco-friendly fun. Go hiking, wet a line, play a game of golf, or take a sunset cruise. One thing is for sure, these Tampa outdoor experiences won’t disappoint you.

1. Al Lopez Park. In the heart of downtown Tampa, Al Lopez Park Lake is a popular freshwater fishing spot for families. The park has a paved trail, restrooms, picnic pavilions, and fishing piers. Families can reel in panfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass while fishing from the piers or shoreline.

2. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve & Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center. One of the top educational outdoor experiences in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve & Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center offers classes, camps, programs and events for families. Go on a guided walk or paddle tour of the preserve that gives you the chance to see over 60 species of amphibians and reptiles, over 50 species of butterflies, and over 165 species of birds.

3. Canoe Escape. Escape to nature by taking a quiet-water paddling adventure through a 16,000-acre wildlife preserve down the Hillsborough River. You can often spot white ibis, deer, wild hog, and turkey as you drifting down past the shorelines. You can rent a canoe or kayak to explore on your own or schedule a guided trip. Canoe Escape located only 16 miles from downtown Tampa and 15 minutes from Busch Gardens.

4. Croc Encounters. While crocodilians have always been the main focus at Croc Encounters, the sanctuary has also become home to unwanted reptiles, birds, and mammals. This educational sanctuary is open to the public for guided tours, self-guided tours, and events.

5. Edward Medard Park. Camping, boating, paddling, hiking, and fishing — you can do it all at Edward Medard Park in Plant City. If you want to experience some of the best freshwater largemouth bass fishing in the state, don’t miss the opportunity to cast a few lures into the park’s 700-acre reservoir.

6. Flatwoods Wilderness Park & Trail. Flatwoods Wilderness Park & Trail is a peaceful and easy 20-minute drive from downtown Tampa. Biking and bird watching are two of the most popular activities that take place on the seven-mile paved multi-use trail.

7. Hillsborough River State Park. One of Florida’s first state parks, Hillsborough River State Park is located about 15 miles from Tampa, in Thonotosassa. This is a “don’t miss” destination for nature lovers due to the fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. In addition, history buffs can view over 100 artifacts that are on display at the Fort Foster Historic Site and Interpretive Center. Fort Foster offers educational information about the conflict between the Seminole nation and the US military.

8. TECO Manatee Viewing Center. The wildlife observation tower and habitat trails at TECO Manatee Viewing Center easily satisfy the curiosity of guests who want to observe the gentle manatee from November 1st through April 15th. The power station discharge canal at the viewing center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for the manatees.

9. The USF Botanical Gardens. For a low admission fee, you can soak in the natural beauty of 16 acres of gardens and greenbelt on the USF Tampa campus. The USF Botanical Gardens is a thriving collection of over 3,000 plants, animals, and natural habitats

10. Streamsong Golf Resort. Although the Streamsong Golf Resort is located closer to Fort Meade (48 miles from Tampa), if you are an avid golfer, this spot is well worth the trip. The two courses are exceptionally playable, accessible, and have been beautifully designed.

Wondering how you can get around to see all of these fantastic Tampa destinations? That’s easy — just contact Easy Escapes RV at (239) 302-3789. We can help you with RV sales in Tampa or RV consignment Tampa.

Photo Credit:  Visit Tampa Bay