{"id":2524,"date":"2007-03-12T07:37:40","date_gmt":"2007-03-12T11:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.albany.com\/capitalregionliving\/2007\/03\/big-boy-toys.html"},"modified":"2007-03-12T07:37:40","modified_gmt":"2007-03-12T11:37:40","slug":"big-boy-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.albany.com\/capitalregionliving\/2007\/03\/big-boy-toys\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Boy Toys"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Michelle Coyne<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tonka trucks or a 10 ton dump truck, it doesn’t matter how old a boy gets, he will always want to play with toys. These days men of all ages (and let’s face it, some women too) have their share of toys. Below are just a few.<\/p>\n

RVs
\nAn RV is, perhaps, the most luxurious of toys. Wouldn’t it be nice to tour the country in home-like accommodations? If you’re thinking about becoming an “RVer”, then you will be joining the nearly 8 million U.S. households who own at least one RV. Contrary to the belief that RV owners are retirees, you will be surprised to know that the typical RV owner is between 35 to 54 years old. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, the typical RV owner is 49 years old and married.
\n“More and more, you see families coming in and buying RV’s,” said Douglas Cordo, sales manager at Boat-N-RV warehouse in Albany.
\nRV is short for Recreational Vehicle, which is a generic term for any pleasure vehicle that contains living accommodations. The larger the vehicle, the more comfort it can provide. The amount of occupants you’ll be traveling with and the amount of space you’ll need are important factors to bear in mind when it comes time to purchasing one. There are many types of RV’s and even more models for each type. Here’s a breakdown:<\/p>\n

Motor homes
\nAs suggested by the name, a motor home is a home on wheels. It usually contains a kitchen, sleep area, bathroom and dinette. Inside, you can enjoy electricity, heating and air conditioning. There is also running water and propane gas to cook with. When camping, the RV can be hooked up to electricity, water and sewer drains for conservation purposes. There are three classes of motor homes, each differing in accommodations and price.
\nClass A motor homes are considered the largest and most luxurious, measuring between 21-40 feet. They come with the amenities listed above, and some models even boast hot tubs. One of the newest and most popular models is the Georgetown, 315DS-SE. This RV comes with a slide out feature that expands the sides of the RV for more living space. The price ranges from $50,000 to $900,000.
\nClass B motor homes are more commonly referred to as “van campers”, because they actually look like a van. But don’t let appearances fool you: they come equipped with temporary eating, sleeping and bathroom facilities. The price range for these can be anywhere from $38,000 to $70,000.
\nClass C motor homes are a scaled down version of Class A. These mini motor homes provide the same luxuries of the Class A except they are generally 20-28 feet. General prices range from $42,000 to $121,000.<\/p>\n

Other options
\nIf you’re not ready to purchase a motor home, you can opt for a trailer. Trailers can be towed by a pick-up, van or car while offering some of the best comforts. There are two types, the Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer and the Travel Trailer.
\nThe Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer offers all the comforts of a Class A motor home (running water, electricity, etc), with the added convenience of being able to detach the trailer at a site and use the pick-up for side trips. These usually vary in size between 21-40 feet and can vary in price from $12,000-$99,000.
\nThe Travel Trailer is exactly like the Fifth-wheel, but does not necessarily need to be towed by a pickup. With a bumper and hitch frame, the trailer can also be towed by car or van. There is also the option of the Telescoping Travel Trailers that can be lowered to car-top level, thus making it more fuel efficient by eliminating wind drag. These trailers range in price from $9,000 to $76,000.<\/p>\n

Campers
\nThere are two general types of campers, truck campers and folding tent campers: Truck Campers are attached to a truck bed or chassis. These smaller versions of trailers actually offer a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping arrangements, but with limited space. These generally run 18-21 feet and can cost anywhere from $3,300-$25,000.
\nFolding tent campers are the more economic choice. The lightweight dynamic of the tent camper allows them to be towed by almost any car. When arriving at a destination, all you need to do is unhitch it for full enjoyment. The cost of these trailers ranges from $3,500-$18,000.
\nSo there you have it: A beginner’s guide to some of the more fun vehicles out there. And with plenty of retailers in the Capital Region, you’re sure to be able to find your dream RV and hit the open road.<\/p>\n

Spas, Hot Tubs and Whirlpools
\nWho doesn’t dream about having their own hot tub, spa or whirlpool at home? They’re a great escape to forget the day’s events and unwind every muscle in your body. If you’re having a tough time deciding which model is best for you, there are some things to keep in mind before making your purchase.
\nToday, the word “spa” and “hot tub” are used interchangeably, describing a jetted, heated tub of water. Hot tubs are above-ground jetted pools that combine water and air and bubbles pumped from the seating areas. Water inside the pool is treated chemically and is periodically drained. A spa is similar to a hot tub, but is built in-ground (though there are new models of portable spas built above ground.) Both have either contoured or bench seating and come with different amenities. They are best suited for outdoor use.
\nA common misconception with spas and hot tubs is that they differ from Jacuzzis. But the term Jacuzzi is just the name brand of a hot tub.
\nNow that you know the difference, you can begin to ask yourself the key questions to help you choose the right model.
\nWhere do you want to place your spa or hot tub? When installing a hot tub or spa (indoors or outdoors), be aware of placement of pipes and hoses so you can easily fill it.
\nElectricity anyone? Make sure your spa is near the appropriate power sources.
\nWeight control? Be sure (especially indoors), that the location will be able to hold the weight of the spa, water and the people inside.
\nHow much insulation? You don’t want to worry about your spa’s affect on your energy bill. All spas use a solid layer of rigid foam insulation between the inner shell and the outer walls. The thicker the foam, the better the insulation and the less energy it takes to keep the water hot.
\nHow much do you want to spend? Two person hot-tubs can start around $4,000, while a six person package can bring you up to or more than $10,000.
\nNo matter what you choose, it’s advisable to always have professional installation for spas and hot tubs.<\/p>\n

Fun stuff
\nNo “big boy toy” would be complete without the cool customizable amenities that can be added, such as:<\/p>\n