How Smartphones are Helping the RV Industry

by | Jul 20, 2017 | airstream, Go RV Camping, Go RVing, millenial rv camping, RV Camping, rv sales

Recreational vehicle sales are at all time high and smartphones might have something to do with it. In the past year, dealers across the nation sold a staggering 430,000 RVs. According to the RV Industry Association, that’s an increase of 15% over the previous year. 

So why the sudden interest in RV camping? Some of it has to do with low gas prices and easy credit. But a majority of the new fondness for the recreational vehicles is technology like smartphones and 4G data. It has made driving around the country for extended periods less overwhelming.

Now millennials, who grew up surrounded by technology are reaching RV-buying age. They are young, ready for adventure and love to travel. In fact, more than half of RV buyers are under the age of 45, per the RV Industry Association.

Many younger buyers are attracted to the small and sleek campers, like the Alto Pop-up camper. It’s great for individuals or couples because it’s small and easy to tow, but still has the comforts of home.  Companies like Airstream are producing new camper models specifically targeting millennials.

The new Basecamp trailer takes the classic shiny aluminum Airstream style and wraps it around a compact trailer with a nifty retro-modern interior. The product has been a success, according to Airstream’s CEO. They have a wholesale backlog out until the end of 2017.

RVs like the Basecamp are reasonably priced, starting at under $40,000, which make them within reach of many buyers. With the recent boom in RV sales, RV campgrounds are seeing higher numbers than they have in a long time.

So grab your iPhone and hit the open road. A world of adventure awaits you.

Why Pickleball is Becoming America’s New Favorite Sport

Why Pickleball is Becoming America’s New Favorite Sport

by | Jul 13, 2017 | 55+ RV Camping, Go RVing, Pickleball, pickleball sport, RV Camping

Watch out, tennis because there’s a new sport in town. A combination  of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It’s a great way to get active for young and old alike.

The sport is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net. Players use a plastic ball with holes in it and they serve across the net, much like in tennis. The rules are simple and easy to learn, but it can develop into a fast-paced game for more experienced players.

In fact, it’s becoming so popular one business was able to go from an online store to a retail store in just three years. Pickle Pro started off selling pickleball paddles online, and was able to open up a store four years ago in Naples Florida. The owner says the company grows about 150% per year.

For two years, more than 1,300 athletes compete in the U.S. Open, a seven-day national pickleball tournament held at East Naples Commuity Park. That’s a 40% increase in participants from the first tournament held in 2016.

Although the sport is growing in popularity across the nation, Florida is becoming a hub for pickle-ball lovers everywhere. The U.S. Open is helping Naples become the ‘Pickleball Capital of the World’. While in town, local stores sell everything from paddles and balls to special shoes designed with pickleball in mind.

Players say the sport is addicting, and it’s being touted as the number one way for active adults to stay in shape. It’s great cardio, while being easy on joints. This combination is causing 55+ communities to start adding pickleball courts to their list of amenities.

At Newby Management, we are no exception. In fact, many of our RV communities now have dedicated pickleball courts, along with hosted games and even tournaments. With Florida’s year-round beautiful weather, there’s never a bad time to get outside and see why pickleball is America’s new favorite sport.

See Pickleball in action at one of our premier 55+ communities in Ocala, FL: Rolling Greens Pickleball 
Sources:
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/02/20/pickleball-grows-in-popularity-as-a-way-to-get-moving/
https://www.usapa.org/what-is-pickleball/
http://www.naplesnews.com/story/sports/2017/04/27/us-open-pickleball-popularity-means-big-business-sport-grows/100925432/
How Summer BBQ’s Help Serve RV Residents

How Summer BBQ’s Help Serve RV Residents

by | Jul 7, 2017 | Florida RV camping, Florida RV Communities, Go RVing, RV Camping, RV Communities Fl, Summer BBQ

The smell of barbecue chicken wafts through the summer air. It’s a smell that creates memories and brings them back for residents at Newby Management’s RV communities. For the residents, it’s about more than a BBQ, it’s a time to connect with friends, to relax and to enjoy their community.

For the Newby Management corporate team, the Summer BBQ’s are about living out one of the company’s core values: Servanthood. It states: “With Jesus as our example, we will strive to graciously serve our customers, investors, and fellow team members to the highest level possible. Each of us agrees to be accountable to a higher authority.”

Each summer, team members from the corporate office travel across the state with a grill in tow to

serve up grilled chicken, potato salad, beans, dinner roll and a large cake at our RV Resorts. Themes create a fun and exciting atmosphere, different years have featured fiestas, the 70’s and more!

As you can imagine, a lot of logistics go into a BBQ for an entire RV community! In some larger communities, our team may cook over 400 pieces of chicken.  This means we start at dawn and turn the grill four times!

You definitely won’t go away hungry from one of our shindigs either. We give very specific instructions to local butchers on how to quarter the chicken so each serving is huge. That’s right! We not only serve big pieces of chicken, but we also use local butchers near the community we’re serving.

When a resident comes through our line, they can be assured that we temp tested the chicken before it leaves the grill, so we can be sure it’s cooked thoroughly. Then comes the fun part: deciding whether you want light or dark meat. Delicious! You can get a piece plain or drenched in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce.

We love summertime because it means an opportunity to serve our residents and give back to our communities with a good old-fashioned southern BBQ. To our team, these are times of great fellowship and fun. They are a time to create new memories and reflect on past memories. They are a time to remind our residents that we are on their side. And of course, we can’t forget the delicious food!

Do you want to learn more about Newby Management? Visit us online at www.NewbyManagement.com.

Hacks to Convert a Bus to an RV

Hacks to Convert a Bus to an RV

by | Jun 22, 2017 | convert bus to RV, convert van to rv, DIY camping, DIY RV, Go RVing, RV Camping

RV camping is all the rage today, whether you’re looking to ride out your retirement or you’re a millennial on the road. There are all kinds of ways to start RVing, you can rent, buy or build your own. That’s right, today we’re looking at the DIY RV.

Building Your Own RV vs. Buying A New One

New RVs can cost a pretty penny. However, the upside to buying a new RV is that it’s ready for the road and all costs are included. The downside is that you won’t get much customization if any at all.  If you’re looking to put in a little extra work, you could build your own RV camper. This could definitely be the cheaper route, although you always have to be prepared for unexpected costs to arise. Many people have gotten creative and re-purposed old vans or buses. The possibilities are endless! So buy or build? It’s really up to you and your needs! Take a look at our list to see if building an RV is right for you. If you’d rather buy, check out Tips for Finding the Best RV for Sale. 

The Value Of Having Space

Let’s talk space. Think about how much room you’ll need. If you need lots of space, consider purchasing an old school bus. If you need less space, a van should really do the trick. Make sure to
get any kind of van for as long as it is designed to be used commercially. Get some great ideas by checking out our DIY RV Camper board on Pinterest. 

Creating List Of Items Needed

Make a list of things you need in your RV. For example, do you need a kitchen? How many beds? A fridge? If you’re building the RV with someone else, these are things you’ll have to discuss together.
You have to decide how you’ll be using the RV. If you’re going to be on long trips, you’ll likely want a small kitchen and bathroom, as well as a sleeping area. If you’re using the RV for shorter trips, or will usually have an outdoor living space, you might not need as much in your camper.

Choosing The Water System

Choose your water system very carefully as your drinking water will rely on this water system. Also, consider how many people will regularly take a bath so you will know which model of water system you should install. This is because if you are going to use the water exclusively for cooking and cleaning, you will need about 5 gallons.

Checking The Electrical Wiring

Check your electrical wiring for safety. Your appliances will need about 12 voltage of electricity so you might just have to go looking for extra batteries as well as a proven durable alternator.

Comfort And Mobility

Make sure that when you are ready to buy your appliances, you also look for comfortable beds, kitchen counters and cabinets that are especially designed for mobility. You will find these inclusive of adapters as well as mounting services included.

Hiring An Expert

And most important of all, make sure that you will assemble your converted RV with extra care on the design and further consideration on convenience and comfort. If you will need to make some necessary adjustments to mount everything properly, then by all means, do so. It would be best to employ the services of an expert if you are not so comfortable with your own designing. That way, you will be worry-free when you travel in your newly-built converted RV!

5 Summer Camping Items You Can’t Live Without

by | Jun 15, 2017 | Go RVing, RV Camping, Rv camping fl, Summer in Florida, Summer RV Camping FL

Sandy beaches, rays of sunshine, floppy hats and fun times. It’s summer in Florida, ya’ll! While summer in Florida looks great on a postcard, it comes with some serious side effects. As natives, we’re going to let you in on the 5 things you’ll need to survive summer here like a local. Ready?

 

NUMBER ONE: SUNSCREEN

No one wants to leave Florida without a tan, but here’s the thing, Florida is really close to the equator, so the sun here is extra powerful. If you’re going to be outside for longer than 15-20 minutes, be sure to apply some sunscreen. You don’t have to go for SPF 100, but at least apply a little. Trust us, spending the rest of your vacation looking like a lobster isn’t just uncomfortable, it isn’t cute!

NUMBER TWO: H2O

Okay peeps, let’s talk water. Listen, we get it, you don’t want to drink water on the beach when there are fruity drinks with umbrellas. But here’s the deal: it’s super hot out and that means you’ll be miserable without water. You definitely don’t want to spend your day at the hospital because of dehydration or heat stroke (it’s a real thing). So, be sure to use the 1 for 1 rule at least, 1 water for every 1 drink you consume (whatever it is, beer, juice, soda).

NUMBER THREE: BUG SPRAY

If you’re going anywhere near standing water or the woods, be sure to bring some bug spray. There are so many options for bug spray, whether you choose to go completely natural or completely comercial. Whatever you choose, just make sure to bring it and use it! Those bites are annoying and itchy. If you’re hanging around your campsite consider burning sage or grabbing some citronella candles.

NUMBER FOUR: UMBRELLA

Ya’ll, we don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida is really moody in the summer. See picture above for details. Here’s the thing: you cannot avoid getting wet. Make sure to bring an umbrella and some rain coats with you. Also, a change of clothes if you’re going out and don’t want to stay wet all day. Be a local and embrace the rain. EMBRACE THE RAIN!

NUMBER FIVE: YOUR CHILL
It’s so hot here so you can be chill. We have lots of fun things to do, and locals know how to survive the heat to take advantage of summer in Florida. There are less people, the sun is shining and the beaches are just waiting for you. Plus we have theme parks, water parks, tons of nature and lots of great places to visit. We can’t wait to see you bring your chill to Florida. Come soon ya’ll!!!


4 Florida Springs You Won’t Want to Miss This Summer

by | Apr 13, 2017 | FL, Florida RV camping, Florida Springs, Florida swimming, Go RVing, Rv camping fl, swimming holes, where to camp in Fl

Florida is known for its hot days, but did you also know about the cool waters? We’re going to let you in on 5 of Florida’s most awe-inspiring natural springs. Although our summer days can top 100 degrees, the springs sparkling clear water stays right around 72, so you’ll be cooled off in no time. Now for the list:

1. Mermaid in the Shade

At Weeki Wachee River, the spring isn’t the only thing that keeps people coming back. A real life mermaid show has been delighting guests since 1947. You can catch the show 365 days a year, and in the summer months you’ll love Buccaneer Bay.

 It’s a thrilling attraction with water slides, and a sandy beach that’s perfect for a tan. Want more action? Grab a kayak and head down the river, one of the most scenic paddling trips in the state! Whatever happens, you’re sure to have good Florida fun at Weeki Wachee.

2. Lu Goes There?

Who loves springs more than hot summer sunbathers? Manatees of course! At Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, you’re in the heart of manatee country. But, don’t forget to give a little love to Lu the Hippo. Who’s that? We’re glad you asked!

He’s just you’re average famous hippo, except of course that he was granted special Florida citizenship in 1991 by Gov. Lawton Chiles. While you’re there, stop by Crystal River’s Three Sisters Spring, one of the most amazing sites in the state! If you love manatees, then winter is a great time to go, because there’s tons of them. Grab a paddle board and become one with the sea cows!

3. The Black Lagoon

While there might be no Creature from the Black Lagoon here, you just might remember this place from an old movie. Just 15 outside of Florida’s capital, Wakulla Springs State Park is the deepest freshwater spring in the world! The springs aren’t just famous for one movie, they are a popular location for many Hollywood Classics. While you’re there, be sure to hop on the famous river cruise.

4. The Rocks & Ramblers

Located in beautiful Orange County, this spring is a refreshing experience for the whole family. At the springs head, cool water spills in at a rate of 26,000 gallons per minute. Choose to wade or tube in the clear waters of the stunning Rock Spring Run. Rent tubes or bring your own, plus you can stay overnight and enjoy the springs for a few days.

The springs also run for 8 miles through Rock Spring Run State Preserve and Wekiwa Springs State Park. You can access these waters through Kings Landing, a private company, where you can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle the length of the river. Get ready for some fun in the sun!