What is Helium Technology?

Helium Technology is a way of thinking….a way of thinking lighter weight. 

Every aspect of construction and floor plan choices are carefully thought out to give the customers just as much or more RV with less weight without compromising, but enhancing, structural integrity, quality and price point. 

Cougar’s High Country Helium Technology utilizes advanced materials and manufacturing technology to significantly reduce weight while maintaining all the features, comforts and ruggedness you expect in a Keystone Cougar. With Helium technology you save up to 2,000 pounds compared to comparably equipped fifth wheels and travel trailers, saving you wear and tear on your tow vehicle, improving fuel economy and maximizing your trucks towability.

Some notable features that are examples of weight saving technology:

1. Use of 2” aluminum framed laminated floor with Italian Poplar floor decking vs. 5/8” DynaSpan seamless floor decking in regular Cougars fifth wheels
2. Use of Norco Accu-Slide light weight slide system vs. motor/ gear driven   Link to Norco Accu-Slide
3. 5” rise stamped steel roof rafters, 16” OC vs. 5” fabricated rafters, 16” OC
4. Furniture is specially designed for optimum weight savings.  For example, dinette chairs are durable aluminum framed and the master bed box spring is webbed
5. The cabinet styles are light-weight, Italian Poplar core that is pre-drilled and screwed
6. The side walls are 2” aluminum framed with foam block insulation but used a light-weight Italian Poplar wood for the interior and exterior substrate vs. Luan which is used in the Cougar models and the fiberglass exterior is Filon Select High gloss gray fiberglass  

From research, it appears that most of the weight savings is from using the BAL cable slides but also using more and lighter composite materials resulting in a typical unit weight reduction of 900-1400lbs.

If you are interested in purchasing a Cougar High Country travel trailer or fifth wheel camper or if you just have some questions, please call Aline Parsley at 513-923-3600 x106 or email to aparsley@colerainrv.com.  Mention this add and get a FREE starter kit with the purchase of any camper or RV from Aline at Colerain RV.

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Get Ready, Spring is Coming

As customers begin to bring their Starcraft pop up campers out of storage this season, they should check and replace all sealants on the unit. Customers can find specific resealing information in their owner’s manual.  Along with inspecting and replacing the sealants, customers will need to follow the maintenance schedule provided in their owner’s manual. This includes checking and repacking the wheel bearings along with checking the tires and lug nuts. Customers will want to inspect other items. That information can be located in their owner’s manual.

Run through this simple check list before beginning the camping season:

1. Inspect all exterior seals for voids and cracks

2. Lubricate lifter posts and winch (Fold Down models only)

3. Grease axle bearings

4. Lubricate doors and locks

5. Inspect all roof and sidewall vents for blockage

6. Inspect and clear tubes of any blockage on water heater

7. Inspect frame for damage to paint, clean and repaint any damaged areas

8. Follow rubber roof OEM operators manual for maintenance and cleaning (Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailer models only)

9. Thoroughly clean water lines and water tanks of antifreeze

10. Make sure batteries are fully charged and hooked up properly

11. Check all safety alarms to make sure they function properly

12. Inspect power cord and clean contacts if necessary

13. Inspect tires for wear and cracks. Inflate to proper pressure

14. Inspect LP system

15. Lubricate hitch/coupler

Fourth Time’s a Charm for seasoning

All fold down trailers including Starcraft Pop Up Campers – along with some Camping and Hybrid travel trailers – need to have their tents seasoned four (4) times before the customer takes the unit on a camping trip. Below is the information from the owner’s manual.

Seasoning a new tent

Caution: It is very important to “season” your new tent on your Starcraft pop up campers or other hybrid & folding trailer. If you do not follow this procedure, you may experience some water seepage during the first few exposures to rain.  Well in advance of your first trip, set up your new RV.  Use a garden hose and thoroughly soak the tent with a light spray of water (do not spray directly on the tent with a high pressure hose). After the tent dries, repeat the soaking process three additional times.

If you notice any water seepage or leaks after seasoning your tent let the tent dry, then spray water repellant using the instructions provided on the product container.

Caring for Fabric

Caution: Do not use oil based cleaners or any caustic, granulated, or abrasive type cleaners on your Carefree product.

1. One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

2. When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still on an awning frame. For Vinyl Fabric – Use a soft brush and warm water with soap. For Acrylic Fabric – Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.

3. When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:

-Always use a natural soap, never detergent. Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100°F. Air-dry only.

-Never apply heat to the fabric. Always allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before rolling up the awning.

Watch for Mildew

Mildew is a fungus that looks like dirt. Vinyl-coated polyester fabrics are mildew resistant because of a chemical biocide in their coating. Under ordinary conditions, mildew will not appear. However, in areas where high temperature and humidity are common, mildew can be a problem and may require the material to be washed more frequently than in cooler, drier climates. To clean mildew from a unit’s awning, thoroughly rinse the fabric with clean water and allow to air dry completely before rolling it up.

If you are interested in the Starcraft camper products, call Aline Parsley at Colerain RV at 513-923-3600 x112.

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There are many different manufacturers  that are building Mini RV Campers to meet today’s growing demand for smaller, lighter-weight campers.    These campers are  built with aerodynamic design to promote higher fuel efficiency and can be found with fiberglass or aluminum siding.  You won’t be “roughing it” in mini RV campers because they are fully equipped with bathrooms, kitchens, sitting areas and sleeping quarters.  These small campers have all of the amenities as the larger campers.

Heartland RV LLC entered the lightweight teardrop travel trailer market with the retro-styled MPG line at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in December pf 2009 in Louisville, Ky with 4 different floor plans.  As of early 2011, they have added 3 additional floor plan layouts for a total of 7 different floor plans, all measuring under 20 feet in length.

The MPG  blends a very contemporary look with a distinctly retro design.  For most consumers, that is one of the draws for teardrop trailers. MPG campers feature a two-tone interior, chestnut maple kitchen cabinetry with a mocha maple accent, along with an AM/FM radio with CD and DVD players.

All MPG models have a dry weight of less than 3,000 pounds, allowing the units to be towed by most crossover vehicles and smaller SUVs. Heartland achieves the lightweight status without sacrificing structural integrity, employing aluminum-cage-construction and fully laminated sidewalls and floor.

The MPG is also Eco-friendly is available in four colorful exterior graphics packages.   Most MSRPs start around $14,000.  Click here for specs and floor plans of Heartland RV MPG .

Get your best prices on the MPG campers from Aline Parsley at Colerain RV – 1-800-332-4270.

Technorati Tags: Heartland MPG, Heartland RV, Mini RV Campers

With smaller, more economical cars and trucks on the road today, many people are looking for lightweight campers for sale.   The really nice thing about lightweight campers is that there are a lot of options for sizes, types and floor plans.

Today’s smaller vehicles are capable of towing lightweight campers however, many of the vehicle are not equipped with a tow package.  Most RV dealers like Colerain RV are able to install tow package receivers and brake controls on there new cars.   The best thing to do is make sure that you tow vehicle is able to have a receiver installed and what its towing capacity is before your look for lightweight campers for sale. To check your tow vehicle’s tow rating you should check your owners manual or you can visit http://campinglife.com/towrating/ .

After you  have determined how much weight you can tow, you will need to find out what types of camper you have to choose from.  There are many types of lightweight campers for sale such as fifth wheels, travel trailers, hybrid campers and pop up campers.  Depending on whether you have a truck, SUV or car will determine which of these type of lightweight camper you can tow.

Whether you are looking for a new or used fifth wheel, travel trailer or pop up camper, there are many lightweight campers for sale from Colerain RV.    Call your camper sales professional, Aline Parsley at 513-923-3600 or toll free 1-800-332-4270 for the best deal.

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Looking for Used Coleman Pop Up Campers for Sale?  Here’s why…Coleman campers are usually the first camper to come to mind when someone mentions a pop up camper. They have been around since 1967 and because they were so well made, many of the original campers are still in use today. That is what Coleman pop up campers such a great investment for a person or family that is looking for a good quality pop up camper. They come in many sizes to suit almost most family sizes up to about 8 people and have a wide range of options to make you feel right at home!

In the world of pop up campers, Coleman pop up campers were considered by many to be the best because they were manufactured to be high quality, long lasting and to have a high resale value. Even though pop up camper carrying the Coleman name are no longer being manufactured, many people are still looking for them.

If you’ve been thinking about about used Coleman pop up campers for sale, look no further! Your best Ohio RV Dealer, Colerain RV, always has a wide selection of used Coleman Pop Up Campers for sale as well as many other types and brands of campers, motor homes and RVs. In addition to having a wide selection, you won’t find a better RV dealership to work with. Their helpful and friendly sales staff will work hard to make your purchase smooth and easy and the knowledgeable service department will give you a complete demo and install any hitching, receivers and brake controls that might be needed.

Here is a link to our complete inventory of Used Coleman Pop Up Campers For Sale.

Call your Colerain RV sales professional, Aline Parsley, at 513-923-3600 or toll free 1-800-332-4270 for the best prices and service around!

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Have you and your family decided to get yourselves a motor home in order to improve your bonding time and travel with ease and comfort? Well, before finally deciding on the RV you would like to get, it is essential that you research the different types of motor homes first.

Each type is distinctive from the other in terms of capacity, build and purpose of use.

You might want to list down your requirements first before you browse into these different types of motor homes. This way, you will be able to identify which kind would suit your family best. Once you have identified the exact type you need, then the search is on for the perfectly priced RV to bring more joy, entertainment and excitement to your family travels.

Here are the different types to become familiar with:

Campervans or VW Campers – campervans are iconic to be Volkswagen models. They are still mass-produced and have a range of magazines and clubs for its hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts.

This type can easily accommodate three to four persons and it is small enough for drives in both cities and open roads. This type of RV is ideal for those who have intense enthusiasm to tour around Europe.

Campers have a range of nice and ideal features – windscreen sun visors, roof racks for surfboards, raising roofs, chrome fittings and trims, etc. These features may be a direct conversion of Volkswagen or from several noted campervan specialist converters.

Van Conversions – this type is often called the panel van conversion and can be available at medium to large sizes. Well-known commercial vehicles are the base units for building this motor home type. Almost every unit released has a sliding door feature.

They have excellent amount of space inside and most have spacious washrooms, well-equipped kitchens than the micro-sized or smaller van conversions.

Many models also feature double beds at their rear, which runs across the van’s width. If owners are taller, they may have difficulty in fitting inside. As such, it is also essential to check out the dimensions and layout of a motor home, first before purchase.

Conventional Coachbuilt Motor Homes – most common type of motor home that can be seen on the roads of Great Britain. They usually have large over-cab hump and can accommodate a fair-sized bed and still have a lot of spacious area for storage.

This type is a practical vehicle for families and couples who want to travel around UK and other countries of Europe. They have standard kitchen, washroom and can accommodate 2 – 6 people.

Low Profile Coachbuilt Motor Homes – this type has features and style that is similar to the conventional coachbuilt motor home. However, instead of the over-cab bed, it has a low profile design that features streamlined shape and lower roof for better clearance and handling.

Tag Axle or Twin Axle Motor Homes – this type is usually the manifestation of a very big coachbuilt motor home that already requires another set of wheels to amply support its length and weight, similar to the twin axle caravan. The third axle has become known as the tag axle. They are a lot more spacious though it could be tricky to drive because of the twin axle at its rear.

A-Class Motor Homes – this type are very big and recognizable because they do not have a detached cab area. Models of this type usually have big front windscreens, like those in buses.

Other types of motor homes include the American Recreational Vehicles or RVs, Home Built Motor Homes, and Micro Motor Homes.

Make sure to visit www.ColerainRV.com for a great choice of RV’s

Technorati Tags: beginners guide to motorhomes, campers, camping, mobile camping, mobile home, motor home, motorhomes, new to camping, rv, rv camper, travel camper, traveling

The Zinger Travel Trailers line of campers is now offering a new floorplan called the Zinger 25SB. This floorplan is similar to the previous Zinger 25RK floorplan but now offers a full slide out instead of the half slide and much more counter space as the refrigerator has been moved from the back wall to the side wall. There is now a large pantry with moveable shelves offering more storage space and with the large slideout in the living area, there is a lot more room to move around.

The new style Jacknife sofa is much more eye appealing and offers armrests on each end and a firmer seat making it more comfortable than previous models. The ceiling height has been increased to 84″ which is 6″ taller than last years campers. The slideout also offer a higher ceiling at 6ft.

WATCH THE VIDEO TO SEE MORE OF THE NEW CHANGES IN THE ZINGER TRAVEL TRAILERS:

Technorati Tags: crossroads zinger, zinger camper, zinger campers, zinger travel trailers

WINTERIZING RV – RV components can be damaged from the effects of freezing and ARE not covered under any warranty. Protection of the plumbing system and related mechanisms is very important. Winterizing RV services are available from most camper and RV sales and service centers however, some recreational vehicle owners choose to do it themselves. There are two methods used to winterize RV:

#1 – Dry Winterization using Compressed Air

This method uses compressed air to blow out any remaining water in the system after draining it of all water. This method requires an air compressor and the appropriate adapters.

1. Purchase 1-2 gallons of RV non-toxic anti-freeze.
2. Drain the fresh water tank and empty the waste water holding tanks*
3. Turn water heater by-pass valve to by-pass position.
4. Drain water heater.
5. If installed, remove water filter from assembly and discard. Install diverter if included.
6. Open all faucets including shower-head, sprayer, toilet flushing device and any other water lines that are closed.
7. Turn on the water pump for 30 seconds to clear out any water in the lines.
8. Connect an air hose with an adapter to the city water fill connection.
9. Set pressure no greater than 30 pounds and blow out the water lines until no water can be seen coming out of the fixtures and lines.
10. Pour RV anti-freeze into drains, p-traps, toilets, and tanks.

#2 – Wet Winterization using RV Anti-Freeze

This method uses a nontoxic potable RV approved anti=freeze in the system and does not require any special tools.

1. Purchase 4-6 gallons of RV approved, non-toxic anti-freeze.
2. Drain all tanks: fresh water and sewage tanks.*
3. Turn water heater by-pass valve to by-pass position.
4. Drain water heater.
5. If installed, remove water filter from assembly and discard. Install diverter if included.
6. Turn on pump switch and open cold water side of all faucet fixtures. Leave open until the anti-freeze comes our. Repeat hot water side.
7. Flush toilet until anti-freeze begins to flow into the bowl and then pour one gallon of anti freeze down the toilet to winterize the black tank.
8. Pour anti-freeze down each shower/tub, lavatory sink, and kitchen sink to fill p-traps.
9. To winterize grey tank(s) pour one gallon down each related sink drain.

**Winterizing your camper when you do not know what you are doing can be extremely costly!! These instructions are general and are intended for information only.  It is recommended that you have your camper professionally winterized.  If you choose to use the information provided, All About Campers is NOT responsible for any injuries, damage, or problems that may occur. It is always best to allow a professional to winterize your unit.

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The Crossroads Zinger 26BH Bunkhouse Camper has a single slide dinette and sofa that adds plenty of room for the family. With a queen bed for the parents and bunks for the kids, this camper will sleep 6-8 people and everyone will enjoy a great night sleep.  This camper includes a large, full bathroom with living area access, a private master  bedroom, 2 single bunks at the rear of the coach and plenty of room in the living area with a booth dinette that converts to a bed and a jackknife or hide-a-bed depending on the options of the camper.

The Crossroads Zinger RV bunkhouse trailers come in 9+ floor plans with many standard features and a variety of great options.   The impressive list of quality furnishings that make these bunkhouse campers ideal for any family.  Durable both inside and out, these campers still have a modern and stylish look.

In addition to their attractive looks and comfortable feel, the Crossroads Zinger Travel Trailer is sturdily built to hold up for the long haul. Some of the great features include:

*Steel I-beam frame

*Moisture Barrier wrapped floor

*R-7 rated sidewalls and floor insulation

*One-Piece rubber roof with 12 year manufacturer warranty with a 4 1/2” crown and 3” roof wrap-over the sides to the roof line rain gutters

*Sturdy 3/8″ walkable tongue & groove plywood roof decking.

*5/8” tongue & groove plywood floorboard and to withstand the foot traffic for years to come, they use a residential grade carpeting and the maximum amount of linoleum throughout.

*2 Year Warranty…one of the best warranties in the industry

And with one of the best warranties in the industry (2 Years), you are sure to enjoy the easy maintenance and carefree performance of your Crossroads Zinger bunkhouse camper for many years to come.

2011 Crossroads Zinger 26BH specs

DRY WEIGHT:                         5,517lbs.

GVWR:                                     7,905lbs.

CARRYING CAPACITY:         2,096lbs.

HITCH WEIGHT:                        905lbs.

AXLE WEIGHT:                       4,612lbs.

EXTERIOR LENGTH:              29’11”

EXTERIOR HEIGHT (w/ AC):  10’ 8”

FRESH WATER:                      40 gallons

GRAY/GALLEY WATER:        40 gallons

BLACK WATER:                     40 gallons

TIRE SIZE:                               225/75D15

WEIGHT INFORMATION
Dry & hitch weight based on standard equipment only. Carrying capacity reduced to reflect maximum available options per unit. Standards, options & specifications subject to change without notice.

OTHER RELATED ZINGER RV LINKS
27BH bunkhouse camper

28BHS bunkhouse camper

29DB bunkhouse camper

30BH bunkhouse camper

30KB bunkhouse camper

31SB bunkhouse camper

Technorati Tags: bunkhouse camper, bunkhouse rv, bunkhouse trailers, crossroads zinger, zinger 26bh, zinger rv

This Crossroads Zinger 32QB Bunkhouse Camper offers the most “bang for the buck”.  This impressive center kitchen unit and sleeping room for up to ten people with a combination of double bunk beds, sofa and dinette sleep conversions, and a private queen bedroom this bunkhouse camper is great for a large family. This camper includes a full bathroom with living area access, a private master  bedroom with a walk-around bed, plenty of room to move in the living area and a small dinette table that converts to a bunk bed in the bunkhouse area.

The Crossroads Zinger RV bunkhouse trailers come in 9+ floor plans with many standard features and a variety of great options.   The impressive list of quality furnishings that make these bunkhouse campers ideal for any family.  Durable both inside and out, these campers still have a modern and stylish look.

In addition to their attractive looks and comfortable feel, the Crossroads Zinger Travel Trailer is sturdily built to hold up for the long haul. Some of the great features include:

*Steel I-beam frame

*Moisture Barrier wrapped floor

*R-7 rated sidewalls and floor insulation

*One-Piece rubber roof with 12 year manufacturer warranty with a 4 1/2” crown and 3” roof wrap-over the sides to the roof line rain gutters

*Sturdy 3/8″ walkable tongue & groove plywood roof decking

*5/8” tongue & groove plywood floorboard and to withstand the foot traffic for years to come, they use a residential grade carpeting and the maximum amount of linoleum throughout.

*2 Year Warranty…one of the best warranties in the industry

And with one of the best warranties in the industry (2 Years), you are sure to enjoy the easy maintenance and carefree performance of your Crossroads Zinger bunkhouse camper for many years to come

2011 Crossroads Zinger 32QB specs

DRY WEIGHT:                         6,000lbs.

GVWR:                                     8,010lbs.

CARRYING CAPACITY:         1,718lbs.

HITCH WEIGHT:                      1,010lbs.

AXLE WEIGHT:                       4.990lbs.

EXTERIOR LENGTH:              33’10”

EXTERIOR HEIGHT (w/ AC):  10’ 8”

FRESH WATER:                      40 gallons

GRAY/GALLEY WATER:        40 gallons

BLACK WATER:                     40 gallons

TIRE SIZE:                               225/75D15

WEIGHT INFORMATION
Dry & hitch weight based on standard equipment only. Carrying capacity reduced to reflect maximum available options per unit. Standards, options & specifications subject to change without notice.

OTHER RELATED ZINGER RV LINKS
27BH bunkhouse camper

28BHS bunkhouse camper

29DB bunkhouse camper

30BH bunkhouse camper

30KB bunkhouse camper

31SB bunkhouse camper

Technorati Tags: 32qb, bunkhouse camper, bunkhouse rv, bunkhouse trailers, crossroads zinger, zinger rv