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Author: Lynne Fedorick

  • Camping Survival Skills That Could Save Your Life

    Camping Survival Skills That Could Save Your Life

    Camping is basically about two things: getting away from it all and communing with nature. Certainly, nothing helps us relax, reset, and recharge like being heart-to-heart with the natural world. But as much as RVers love nature (and as comforting as having our RV parked nearby can be), it can be easy to forget that when things go wrong, nature doesn’t suffer fools. Because it might only take an instant for an amazing adventure to go sideways, everyone — from dry campers to weekend warriors — needs to know certain camping survival skills. 

    Make no mistake, even having basic understanding of these skills can save your life. But that’s not going to happen by accident. In some cases, you’ll need to train. (But, fortunately, practicing camping survival skills can be a lot of fun on any camping trip.) All this say, everything starts with planning.

     

    Preventing Problems with Good Planning

    It goes without saying that having a good plan can help you avoid a lot of problems. After all, nobody plans on getting lost or having any kind of health crisis when they are communing with nature, but it happens. Being well-prepared with a good plan not only allows you to avoid problems entirely. It also helps you to deal with any crisis that comes up — calmly and effectively.  

    With that in mind, here are a few camping preparation pointers.

    • Before you leave to go camping, know where you’re headed.
    • Don’t depend solely on GPS for navigation. Use an up-to-date road or trail  map to plan your route.
    • Weather, natural disasters, and road conditions can be difficult to accurately predict. It’s a good idea to check road conditions and weather within 24 hours of your departure.  
    • Consider bringing a NOAA weather radio with you.
    • Tell someone where you’re going, the route you’ll take to get there, and when you intend to be back. If you’re taking a longer road trip, plan to check in periodically with that contact.  
    • Pack enough water, food, weather appropriate clothing for each day of your trip.
    • Be sure to pack more than enough medication for the duration of your trip.
    • Bring suitable footwear for activities like hiking and fishing.
    • Be prepared for emergencies with a standard first aid kit and at least one fire extinguisher.
    • Know emergency evacuation procedures for the area in which you’ll be camping.

     

    Understanding the Rule of Three

    Even with the best planning, the nature of accidents and emergencies is that they happen when we least expect them.  The “Survival Rule of Three” says that a human could survive for three minutes without air, three hours without shelter (in extremely hot or cold conditions), three days without water (if you have shelter), and three weeks without food (if you have shelter and water). 

    Knowing the Rule of Three will help you to prioritize during emergencies. For example, if your camper  is on fire, your priority for survival is to get out and into fresh air, instead of saving your shelter. However, after you’re out and able to breathe freely, if it’s cold or hot out you’ll need to get into some form of shelter before you develop hypothermia or hyperthermia. 

     

    Knowing Distress Signals

    If you’re lost, injured, or you get stranded by the side of the road in an area where there’s no cell signal, one of the first things you’ll want to do is attract someone who can help. You’ll never know when you need this skill. It could be when you’re on a long hike or in response to an unexpected medical event. Both could easily happen while you’re away from your RV. Using a distress signal lets people know that there is a problem and allows them to find the person having it.  Distress signals can be auditory or visual, and using the right one for the situation can help save your life or someone else’s.

     

    Auditory Distress Signals  

    Shouting for help can be effective in a handful of circumstances, when there is someone within earshot. However,  shouting for help uses much needed energy, and your ability to shout will quickly deteriorate with repetitions.  If you need help, and you suspect people may be in the area, using a good quality whistle will allow you to conserve both your energy and your voice. A whistle also has the advantage of being able to carry in a dense forest much better than your voice.  

     

    Personal Locator Beacon

    A personal locator beacon uses a satellite to send out an SOS or connect with an emergency contact with two way messaging. It’s a good idea to have one of these whether you travel out of cell signal range or if you’re camping off the beaten track.

     

    Visual Distress Signals

    These will help to send a signal that you need help to overhead aircraft, which can then contact a rescue team.

    • Signal flares (only use when fire danger is low).
    • Build three small fires in a triangle (when there is no fire danger present).
    • Spell out a giant “S.O.S. on the ground using rocks, sticks, or whatever you happen to have at hand.
    • Use a small mirror to reflect the sun and flash a distress signal to aircraft overhead.

     

    Building a Makeshift Shelter

    Sure, for most RVers out on a camping trip, your RV is your shelter. But again, things can — and do — happen when you are away from your campsite. Think of the Rule of Three here. If you can’t get back (or get everyone back) to the RV, you or someone else may need a makeshift shelter.

    A shelter should offer protection against weather and predators while offering shade or a means of conserving warmth. It’s good to know how to erect a makeshift lean-to shelter using a small tarp, some paracord or rope, and poles cut from saplings or branches using a camping knife or small axe.  You might never need this skill, but it could be a lifesaver if something happens on a hike — or even to your tent or RV.  

     

    Accessing Safe Drinking Water

    Being able to make water safe to drink is a survival skill that every camper needs to have. It can be impossible to find safe drinking water after a natural disaster or even when you’re far away from a faucet.  

    Boiling water over a fire for 10 minutes is one way to kill bacteria and microbial organisms. However, there are now numerous products on the market that are designed to purify even the muddiest water. Having any of these in your go-bag or emergency pack can help to secure clean drinking water without building a fire or lighting the camp stove.

     

    Building a Fire — with Dry or Wet Wood

    Fire is often the essential tool for survival. This magical element gives you a means to keep warm, send a distress signal, heat food, and make safe drinking water. Almost every camper knows how to build a fire using a lighter or matches, some kind of tinder, and dry wood.  However, knowing about the fire triangle (the 3 elements you need to successfully build a fire), you’ll be able to create a fire, even when wood is scarce.  A balanced combination of fuel (wood), oxygen, and heat are what allows you to ignite and maintain your campfire. 

    Even so, it must be Murphy’s Law that if you really need to build a fire, all the wood will be damp or wet.  What do you do then? That’s when it’s handy to know the tricks to getting a fire going when it’s been raining and all accessible firewood is damp or soaked. Here’s some of the skills experienced bushcrafters use to start fires when it’s raining.  

     Just a Little Bit of Bushcraft
    • Find cedar wood or source resin-soaked pine pitch wood by cutting the stubs of dead branches next to pine tree trunks using a folding saw.
    • Collect several big handfuls of pencil-lead-size and dead-dry twigs and branches from fallen, or damaged trees to use as kindling. And keep them dry .
    • Use a camping knife to split sections of dead pine and cedar branches to expose dry wood inside them.
    • Use peeled birch bark to as tinder
    • The wool made from the inner layer of bark from deadfall poplar works well when used as tinder.
    • Create tinder by using a knife to create shavings from dry wood.
    • Cut some large (3- to 4-inch) sections of dry deadfall branches to use as longer lasting firewood.
    • Clear or dig out a roughly 3-foot by 3-foot area to use as a fire pit.
    • Place four or five 1- to 2-inch sticks on the ground about one inch apart and parallel to one another in the center of the fire pit. This provides a platform that helps to keep air flowing under the fire. Pile your tinder materials on this platform.
    • Use a lighter, match, or ferro rod to ignite the tinder. Wait until it’s burning well before adding the smallest twigs.  When the small twigs are burning well, it will be time to add the next size up. Then begin building a log cabin structure around it with narrow pieces of split wood. Add larger firewood when all of the split wood is burning fiercely.  

     

    Administering First Aid and CPR

    First aid could help you to save the lives of yourself and others in an emergency situation. It’s crucial to know in any survival situation. Taking a standard first-aid course through the Red Cross or another organization will give you the skills to save lives if and when you need to. First-aid courses teach students how to clear airways, establish breathing, restore critical circulation, stop deadly bleeding, and do emergency care for medical conditions. First-aid certification courses usually include a CPR component as well.

     

    Employing Basic Mechanical Skills

    Basic mechanical skills like changing a flat tire, repairing the furnace, or doing simple repairs to the electrical system in your RV are camping survival skills that all RVer should already have. (They certainly are useful.) But this is especially true if you camp off the beaten track or travel to remote places. Sometimes, being able to change a tire can mean being sidelined for an hour instead of being stick out there for a week. Local colleges frequently have a course in basic mechanics for vehicle owners. The NRVTA has an online course that teaches RV owners the skills they need to do basic RV repairs themselves.

     

    Handling Wildlife Situations

    It’s a good idea to learn about the animals in the area you plan to travel in. As a rule of thumb, most wild animals will either think you want to eat them, or they’ll want to eat you. This means it’s a good idea to avoid wild animals entirely, or observe wildlife from a safe distance.  Never feed wild animals or attract them to your campsite by leaving food or trash around your campsite.

     

    Further Thoughts About Camping Survival Skills

    Depending on where your next camping adventure will take you, it’s a good idea to have a plan and let your emergency contact know if anything changes.  It’s always a good idea to learn and practice basic survival skills just in case you need them when you’re camping.

  • Cutting Tools for Camping: A Boondocking Guide

    Cutting Tools for Camping: A Boondocking Guide

    Like anything else in life, having the right tools while camping makes a difference. A huge difference. And for anyone looking to go boondocking (or dry camping or minimalist camping), you’re not bringing a whole lot. Part of the idea is to make do with what nature makes available. Even with an RV parked nearby, a big part of being able to do that means that you’ll need cutting tools for camping. And five are absolute must-haves.

    The cutting tools for camping that you simply can’t do without are a folding saw, a buck saw, an axe, a camping knife, and a multitool. The trick is that these tools need to be small enough to pack up easily and safely, but they still need to be able to do their jobs efficiently. For example, a camping axe needs to be easy to pack and transport. But also, a great camping axe must be perfectly designed to make short work of splitting firewood. Perfectly designed axes are ergonomic, and have both a sturdy poll and an edge that stays sharp. There are a lot of camping axes on the market, but there are only a few great ones find that perfect balance — between weight and function — for RVers.

    Wandering in the Google-search forest for the perfect cutting tools for camping can be agonizing. Soooo many options. That’s why I’ve cut things down. This list is of edged tools that not only apply to camping, but that reviewers say they won’t camp without. Whether you need to build a campfire or fry up some freshly caught fish, these cutting tools for camping will be your best friend in whichever wilderness you park.

     

    A Folding Saw to Stash Away

    Corona RazorTooth Folding Saw

    Folding saws are one of the handiest edged tools to have in your camping tool kit. A good folding saw is easy to pack. Easy to deploy. It should be sturdy — and cut through branches and small logs in seconds. Because it does all these things, the Corona RazorTooth folding saw receives more love from reviewers than its jagged-toothed peers. Reviewers also loved its ergonomically designed grip and curved chrome plated 5SK carbon steel blade. It makes  slicing through logs fast and effortless. Plus, the RazorTooth folds into a locking cover to protect its sharp teeth when its not in use.

    Here’s another thing. The Corona RazorTooth folding saw’s six teeth per inch and curved blade are impulse-hardened. That means it should last through a lifetime of camping seasons. Even so, Corona sells replacement blades just in case you manage to break the blade. Overall, it’s easy to understand why reviewers regard the Corona RazorTooth Folding saw as an outstanding value purchase.

     

    A Buck Saw That Fears No Log

    Agawa Canyon 24 Folding Bucksaw

    A folding camping saw is enough to get you through branches and small logs. But when it comes to bigger logs (or downed trees), you’ll need a bigger, more substantial saw. A camping bucksaw is the perfect tool for this. (Especially when you don’t want the hassle — or weight — of a chainsaw.) The Agawa Canyon Boreal 24 folding bucksaw is durable bucksaw that’s designed to provide many camping seasons worth of high-performance cutting.  So much so that the company offers a lifetime warranty on every part of this saw except the replaceable stainless steel blade.

    The Agawa Canyon’s fiberglass reinforced nylon handle is available in two color options: yellow and green. The rest of the trapezium shaped frame is made of sturdy, lightweight aluminum. By the way, a simple lever design quickly folds this bucksaw neatly for storage when you aren’t using it. When it’s in storage mode, its sharp teeth are protected inside the frame to avoid damage. Reviewers loved the Agawa Canyon Boreal 24 folding bucksaw’s rugged design. And its sharp blade. And, of course, its ease of deployment. One reviewer said he loves using his so much he whips it out whenever possible. At just under 1.5 pounds, this bucksaw is easy to carry on hiking adventures too.  

     

    An Axe to Make Firewood Tremble

    19 inch Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

    As previously mentioned, a good camping axe needs to be lightweight and easy to pack. But equally important, it needs to be worth packing. In other words, it needs to be able to split firewood quickly — with as little effort as possible. Reviewers love that the Grãnsfors Bruks small forest axe does all this in a compact, yet functional size.  The 19-inch Gränsfors Bruks small forest axe isn’t cheap. However, it’s one of those camping tools that’s handcrafted to last a lifetime.  Each Gränsfors Bruks ax head is stamped with the mark of the smith who forged it.  

    Indeed the craftsmanship in this perfectly balanced axe is phenomenal. It’s probably the most beautiful tool you could have in your camping tool kit. Beauty aside, this axe is the ideal size to be useful without being cumbersome. Reviewers love how razor sharp this axe is. They also like that it comes with a leather cover to help ensure no one is inadvertently injured by that razor sharp head. With a 2.5-pound weight, it’s not the lightest camping axe out there, but it’s sharp blade and perfect balance make it the best axe by far.

     

    A Survivalist-Style Knife

    Morakniv Kansbol Fixed Blade Knife

    A great camping knife has to be sturdy, ergonomic, and stay sharp. And not just when you order it. A good knife keeps those qualities even after you use it to filet fresh caught fish, split kindling, and whittle sticks for roasting marshmallows. The Morakniv Kansbol fixed blade knife is a camp favorite, especially when it comes to choosing a tough, ergonomic, and multifunctional camping knife.  

    This knife’s 4.29-inch stainless steel blade is meant to stay sharp throughout the heavy demands of camping. In total, it weighs a measly 6.25 ounces. On top of being highly functional, the Morakniv Kansbol fixed blade knife comes with a survival sheath, which features its own integrated fire starter and a handy built-in sharpener. Reviewers also liked that the Kansbol comes sharp, right out of the box. But they were also impressed by the overall quality of the Morakniv Kansbol knife. Many reviewers described it as a great all around camping knife. 

     

    A Multitool to Handle Odd Jobs

    Leatherman Signal 19-in-1 Multitool

    Leatherman has long been renowned for providing the most versatile tools around —to have with you no matter what you’re taking on. And for good reasons: These well-made multitools have loads of features you don’t find in any other tool in its class. The Leatherman Signal 19-in-1 multitool is no exception.

    The Signal’s ability to provide every survival tool necessary to get through nearly any emergency was well appreciated by reviewers. It’s a fully featured tool. Reviewers found a lot to love about this surprisingly compact, 4.5-inch tool. For starters, they loved that it has a functional saw that can saw through small sticks. And, of course, there’s  it’s very sharp versatile knife which can be used for sharpening sticks, splitting kindling, or cutting food. The detachable ferro rod and striker are handy for starting a campfire. Not to mention always-useful Leatherman pliers that have a built in wirecutter. 

    The Leatherman Signal packs a lot into a tool that’s small enough to fit in a pocket comfortably. (It also has a built-in clip to hold it there.) However, if you don’t like having things in your pockets, it also comes with its own holster that you can attach to a belt, and a combination bottle opener/carabiner clip that allows you to clip it onto a backpack or belt loop. Reviewers felt even for its somewhat hefty price tag, the Leatherman Signal Multi-tool is a great value because it’s useful for so many camping tasks.

     

    Final Thoughts on Cutting Tools for Camping

    Like we said, having good tools makes all the difference — especially when you’re parked somewhere that you either have it or you don’t. The cutting tool for camping share certain qualities. They’re both functional and highly durable. Doing tasks around the campsite can be fun when your tools do the job efficiently and don’t quickly lose their edge or fall apart. Up front, it can be a real game changer. Having sharp, efficient tools makes it easy to enjoy camping tasks. And if you don’t believe me, just try the alternative. When your tools aren’t up to par, camping tasks are agonizing. But with these tools, you can cut that out altogether.

  • Sealing Up Your RV for Winter Weather

    Sealing Up Your RV for Winter Weather

    Cooler temperatures and naked trees signal a sad reality for the majority of RVers: Camping season is over. Now, it’s time to get RV maintenance chores done before winter weather comes. And one of the most important maintenance jobs is sealing up your RV in preparation for winter weather. 

    Moisture from rain, snow, and all of their wintry combinations is your RV’s biggest enemy. Because when moisture gets beneath the outer surfaces of your RV, it causes all kinds of problems. Things like delamination. And mold. And rot. The seals on the roof and exterior walls of your RV form part of a protective barrier. Together, they help prevents water from rain and snow from seeping into your RV. 

    The brutal reality is this: How often you inspect and maintain your RV seals is a determining factor in how long your RV will last. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In this case, the ounce of prevention means inspecting all of your RV seals and then resealing where necessary.

    Now, here’s the good news. Sealing up your RV is not a difficult job. Plus, it’s one that could save you thousands in the long run. Seals are easy to find on the roof and all of the exterior walls of your RV, wherever two surfaces meet.  (RVs with slide outs also have slide-out seals that require regular maintenance.)

    So, let’s look at the best ways to seal up your RV before winter weather hits.   

     

    3 Types of RV Sealant

    For this article, we’re going to focus on the three basic types of RV sealants. (Although we invite you to go even deeper into RV sealant 101.) Self-leveling lap sealant is used on horizontal surfaces on the roof of the RV.Non-sag lap sealant is used on angled surfaces, like around  the edges of the RV roof where self-leveling sealant would drip down the sides. Flexible sealant is used on the exterior  walls of the RV.  

    Self-leveling and no-sag roof sealants are colored to coordinate with just about any RV roof color. Flexible sealant is also available in a few colors too. However, transparent flexible sealant is a popular choice for exterior walls. 

     

    Maintaining Your Slide-Out Seals 

    RV slide-out seals are black rubber gaskets that keep rain and cold air out of the RV. You’ll find them on each side of the slide-out, where it meets the RV wall. RV slide-out seals should be inspected and lubricated at least twice yearly, depending on how frequently the slide-outs are used. These seals need to be kept supple with a slide-out seal conditioner applied several times per year. If they aren’t properly maintained, slide-out seals become dry, brittle, and useless at keeping moisture out.   No matter where your RV will be spending the winter, getting this job done before the cold weather hits will help ensure it’s ready to go camping season. 

     

    What You’ll Need

     

    How To Inspect and Reseal RV Slide Out Seals

    1. Extend the slide-out. Set up the ladder close to the slide-out seals so you won’t need to reach.
    2. Inspect each seal on the slide-out, looking for cracking, damage, or stiffness. The rubber slide-out seal should be supple enough to move back and forth with the slide-out.  Cracked or damaged slide-out seals can allow water to get in and will need to be replaced. 
    3. Spray foaming slide-out seal conditioner on every surface of each of the slide-out seals.
    4. Allow it to set in on each of the rubber seals for about 10 minutes.
    5. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to wipe away any excess seal conditioner.

     

    Protecting Your Exterior Wall 

    You’ll find wall seals around windows, doors, and any area where the manufacturer cut a hole for an appliance. These  seals are there to deflect water from getting under the siding of the RV. If water does get it, it can cause the siding to come apart.  Therefore, it’s crucial to inspect this caulking every six months. You’ll need to recaulk any areas where it looks like water could get in. 

    Resealing vertical RV surfaces is an easy but time-intensive job. For this reason, many RVers prefer to leave this job to professionals. However, if you have time and have a steady hand, it can be a satisfying DIY job. With that being said, here’s what you’ll need to do to ensure the seals on your RV walls are keeping moisture out of your RV.   

     

    What You’ll Need 

    • Ladder
    • Nitrile gloves
    • Plastic scraper for removing old sealant
    • Flexible sealant made for RVs
    • No-drip caulking gun
    • Mineral spirits
    • Absorbent cloth 

     

    How To Inspect and Reseal RV Walls

    Starting Your Inspection
    1. Choose a sunny day, if you’re working outside.
    2. Wash the RV.
    3. Work on one wall at a time.
    4. Identify all the seams on the sidewalls. Then the front cap. Then the rear wall of the RV, including windows, entry doors, and housings for lights.
    5. If you have a trailer, start at the front of the RV.
    6. Inspect the sealant at each seam for water intrusion points. Look for cracking, dryness, shrinkage and loose, peeling  sealant. If the sealant is in anything less than stellar condition, it’s a good idea to recaulk those areas. 
    7. Inspect rubber gaskets around windows and doors for cracking and shrinkage.

     

    Scraping and Cleaning
    1. If your RV is caulked with Geocel Proflex (a popular sealant), it can be applied over itself. However, if it’s sealed with silicone, you’ll need to remove all of the old sealant before you can apply sealant. That’s because nothing will stick to silicone. Scraping off the old silicone sealant may be a painstaking job. Even so, it will be well worth the trouble.
    2. If you need to remove old silicone sealant, it can be helpful to apply mineral spirits to the old bead before peeling it off. Also, use a plastic (never metal) scraper to get any leftover bits.
    3. Get an absorbent cloth damp (not soaked) with mineral spirits. Then carefully wipe the area where you’ll apply the sealant. This helps the sealant adhere to the surface beneath it whether you’re applying it over nonsilicone sealant or an RV wall.

     

    Applying the Sealant
    1. Now insert the tube of sealant in your caulking gun. Then carefully cut the tip at a 22 degree angle about one-eighth of an inch from the end. The hole should be very small.
    2. Squeeze the trigger a few times and wait for the sealant to appear at the end of the tube.  
    3. Apply a bead of sealant to the seam, working in sections of about one to two feet at a time. 
    4. When the whole seam has a bead of sealant on it, wipe your index finger on the mineral spirit dampened rag. Then gently drag it across the bead of sealant you just applied. In doing so, you are smoothing the surface and pressing the sealant into the seam. 
    5. Repeat with each seam that needs resealing until all the seams on the wall are finished and protected. Admire your work for a minute or two, and then move to the next wall. Start a new inspection and repeat the steps.

     

    Inspecting and Resealing Your RV Roof 

    Your RV roof shelters and protects everything inside your RV. So, it makes good sense to look after it. Since even a tiny hole in your RV’s roof membrane can allow a damaging amount of moisture into the RV, it’s important to inspect it at least twice a year. When you inspect it, you’re looking for holes or tears in the roofing membrane, bubbling, and soft spots. You’ll also want to check the sealant around roof edges and extrusions for cracks, dryness and peeling. Applying roof sealant isn’t difficult. However, it’s important to use the correct product for your RV roofing membrane.  

    Many RVers report success using roof repair tape to either reseal or repair their RV roof. It provides a fast, easy fix for leaks and other issues. However, a potential drawback of using roof repair tape is that it eventually dries out and deteriorates because it’s constantly exposed to the sun. When this happens, you can’t simply apply another layer of roof repair tape.  Not only that, but worn-out tape is very difficult to remove without damaging the roof membrane. With that being said, roof repair tape can sometimes be useful for emergency repairs, when there is no other choice. 

    In my excperience, when it comes to sealing up your roof, it’s best to stick with the product your RV manufacturer recommends. Fortunately, sealing your RV roof with RV lap sealant is easy and can be done fairly quickly. Here’s what you need to know about resealing your RV roof.

     

    What You’ll Need 

    • Ladder (if your RV doesn’t have one)
    • Nitrile gloves
    • Mineral spirits
    • 2 drip free caulking guns
    • Tube of self leveling RV roof sealant to seal around extrusions 
    • Tube of no-sag to seal the edges of the roof
    • Your RV manufacturers recommended self leveling and no-sag roof sealant
    • Soft, lint free cloth

     

    How To Inspect And Reseal Your RV Roof

    1. Check with your RV manufacturer to find out which roof sealant they recommend. 
    2. Make sure your RV roof is walkable before getting on it. If it’s not walkable, consider taking it into an RV repair facility and have them do the inspection for you. (You might be able to inspect the roof of a smaller RV from a ladder.)
    3. If your RV roof is walkable, begin at the front roof seam and work your way to the back, watching out for tripping hazards like roof top fans, acs, and aerials.  
    4. Carefully inspect the seals and roof membrane for  damage as outlined above. 
    5. Small holes in the roofing membrane can be sealed with a dab of no sag roof sealant.
    6. If the roof seals are showing fine cracks or other signs of wear and tear, you’ll want to reseal with self-leveling sealant, which can usually be applied directly over the old sealant.
    7. Wipe the area to be sealed with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. This will help the new sealant adhere.
    8. On flat sections of the RV roof, use self-leveling sealant. 
    9. Insert the tube of self leveling sealant in your caulking gun. Then cut a hole in the tip at an angle of about 22 degrees about one-quarter inch from the end.
    10. Working in two-foot sections, apply two parallel beads of sealant on either side of the existing sealant for the entire length of the existing bead of sealant.
    11. Work another bead of sealant back and forth between the two parallel lines, from one line to the other for the entire length of the original bead of sealant. The self-leveling sealant will level itself to fill in gaps.
    12. Along the edges of the RV roof, where self-leveling sealant would drip, use no-sag sealant.

     

    The Difference Sealing Up Your RV Can Make

    By taking the time to inspect and seal up your RV for winter weather, you can rest easy knowing that your investment is protected. Inspecting seals and resealing where necessary is an easy task that pays off in peace of mind, and having your RV all ready for the camping season.  

    Note: If you have balance problems or are uncomfortable with ladders and/or heights, it’s well worth hiring a certified RV technician to do the job of resealing your RV.   

  • Top Cold Weather Jackets for Winter Campers

    Top Cold Weather Jackets for Winter Campers

    Finding a good cold weather jacket is a crucial part of gearing up to enjoy wintertime fun. After all, just because it’s cold out and you have that cozy RV cabin doesn’t mean that you need to stop playing outside. As a matter of fact, for many of us, winter signals the start of fun and fresh powder.

    However, cold weather activities like winter camping, skiing, hiking, ice fishing, or just playing in the snow are a lot more fun when you’re warm and cozy. So, what makes a great cold weather jacket? While everyone naturally have their own preferences, here are a few essential things to look for when shopping for dependable cold weather jackets. 

     

    What to Look for in a Cold Weather Jacket

    Let’s take the mystery out of your hunt. Here are the four main things that you  need to consider when you’re searching for the right cold weather jacket for you.

    1. Balance. A cold weather jacket needs to be waterproof and breathable.
    2. Hood. An adjustable hood can be worn as an additional measure to keep cold out.  
    3. Insulation. The best cold weather jackets have a layer of lightweight insulation (Thermalite™or fleece). A good insulating layer should keep you warm while still allowing freedom of movement.
    4. Pockets. Waterproof pockets mean you can stash gear and snacks. Or, you know, keep your hands warm and dry. 

     

    Even having this criteria, we get it. Searching for a warm and well-made cold weather jacket can be overwhelming. (Because, like a sleeping bag, you don’t want to find out you got it wrong the hard way.) There are so many jackets on the market. And they all claim to be the best. How can you know that a jacket’s really going to keep you warm when the mercury drops? 

    To make this process easier for you, we rolled up our sleeves — or maybe rolled them down makes more sense here — and got to work. After extensive research of online reviews (and my own Canadian cold weather experience), we’ve identified five cold weather jackets we can safely recommend for RVers parked in colder climes.

     

    The Top 5 Cold Weather Jackets

    Best Heated Jacket

    Fieldsheer Pinnacle Parka Jacket

    Wearing a heated jacket is like wearing a warm hug. (Right when you need one.) The jacket wraps you in coziness, even when you’re out in the cold for up to 10 hours. The Fieldsheer Pinnacle Parka does all that and more — because it’s also waterproof. Plus, it uses Fieldsheer’s mobile heating Bluetooth™  technology, which lets you control the functions of the jacket via a mobile device.  This makes it easy to have the heat set on high on a cold morning and then go to a lower setting as the day warms up. 

    The Pinnacle Parka jacket is a perfect cold weather jacket for a day on the slopes. You could wear a merino base layer, a fleece sweater, and the Pinnacle Parka, and you’d be good to go all day long — no matter what the weather brings. This jacket features six pockets, as well as a quilted liner containing eight heat zone elements. It also includes two hand pockets, two chest, two back pockets, and then one on each arm. Heating elements run on a 12 -volt rechargeable lithium battery, which lasts for two hours on its highest setting and up to eight hours on its lowest setting. Washing it is as easy as removing the battery and washing it on knit delicate. The Pinnacle Parka Jacket is available in both Men’s and Women’s sizes from XS to 2X.

     

    Best Packable Cold Weather Jacket

    The North Face ThermoBall™ Eco Jacket 2.0 

    Packable jackets are normally a middle layer. That’s important to think about. So, while the North Face Thermoball™ Eco jacket may look too thin and packable to be much use in cold weather, it’s actually perfect. This ultralight jacket has been engineered to keep you toasty warm when temperatures drop. Reviewers in Canada said that the Thermoball™  kept them warm down to -15ºC (5ºF). The Thermoball™ Eco jacket is also designed to repel water, but if it does get wet, its patented Thermoball™ insulation still keeps you warm. What’s more, it packs into its own chest pocket, making it easy to stow in a backpack or a large pocket. The Thermoball™ Eco Jacket is available in a range of colors in sizes from S to 5X for both men and women.

     

    Best Kids Cold Weather Jacket

    Columbia Arctic Blast™ II

    Good cold weather gear can make all the difference when kids play outdoors in winter. Not only that, smaller body size means kids are more susceptible to hypothermia in chilly conditions than adults are. So, it makes sense to keep them warm and dry with the best cold weather gear. (Mom’s everywhere are all in agreement.) The Columbia Arctic Blast II does just that. Plus, it’s loaded with other features that make it a perfect choice for a day on the slopes. 

    To start with, the shell of this jacket is made of waterproof fabric. So, it stays dry. Further, it’s insulated with recycled polyester insulation that’s engineered to retain body heat even when it gets wet. There’s no danger of the elements getting into this jacket either because it has an adjustable hood and a powder skirt. There are also a lot of little details in this jacket that make it a reviewer favorite. Reviewers especially love the reflective details and multiple pockets to stash gloves, snacks or electronic devices. This jacket is available in a range or colors for both boys and girls in sizes from XXS to XL.  

     

    Best Cold Weather Jacket for Ice Fishing

    Columbia Arctic Blast™ II

    You don’t have to be ice fishing to wear the Cabela’s Guidewear Men’s GTX Ice Parka, but you’ll appreciate having it when you are. This waterproof, insulated, Gore Tex™ jacket has everything you need to stay warm on the ice. Plus, there are a few extra features that make it perfect for fishing. Some examples are a built-in floatation system (just in case you need it) and 3M Thinsulate fleece lining to reduce bulkiness, making it easier to fetch snacks or fishing tackle from pockets . It also has big, fleece lined hand pockets with removable hand wipes attached to the front of them. Not only that but the GTX Ice Parka’s removable hood cinches down tight when the wind picks up and it features taped seams and plenty of pockets for storing fishing gear etc.

     

    The Best Women’s Budget Cold Weather Jacket

    Moerdeng Women’s Ski Jacket

    The Moerdeng women’s ski jacket surprised reviewers with its abundance of features as well as its quality workmanship and materials. It’s shell is a waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric. And it features thick fleece insulation, so its perfect for layering over base and mid layers. This gives you the opportunity to add layers when it’s colder or remove layers as the day warms up. This jacket has multiple zipper pockets for stashing gloves, keys, or a phone. The detachable hood has faux fur trim. which is mostly there for fashion, but may add protection against chilly winds. 

    Reviewers appreciated that the lightweight insulation allows for freedom of movement and flexibility while being incredibly warm.  This cold weather jacket is available in 14 colors and sizes ranging from S to XXL. Many reviewers recommend sizing up, to allow for base layers. Overall, reviewers felt the Moerdeng women’s ski kacket provided outstanding value for its budget friendly price.  

     

    Tips For Dressing To Dressing Warm When It’s Cold Out

    You might be surprised to learn that it’s not actually the warm clothes that keep you warm. Instead, it’s many tiny pockets of air, warmed by body heat and trapped close to your body by the fibers of your clothes. When it’s cold out, cold weather clothing keeps you warm by trapping body heat and preventing cold air from getting in. Dressing in multiple layers makes it harder for body heat to escape. So, layers are an essential part of dressing to stay warm when the temperature drops.  

    You’ll need at least three layers of clothing to stay comfortable outdoors in the winter. Start with a base layer of moisture wicking material. (Stay away from cotton-even waffle-knit thermal cotton.) Cotton is disastrous as a base layer because it traps the moisture produced by your body when you perspire, keeping you damp, cold, and possibly hypothermic. Merino wool is the best option for a base layer-it has unsurpassed heat retention and moisture wicking properties. 

    Next, you’ll want to add a layer that prevents body heat from escaping. Wool, fleece, and down are all great for trapping body heat. Again, you’ll want to stay away from anything cotton when you’re trying to stay warm.  

    The outer layer keeps cold air and rain out, while being breathable. Many cold cold weather jackets have built in insulation that can be used on its own or in conjunction with a midlayer. In addition, a warm hat, gloves, and warm socks will help keep you so warm that you won’t be tempted to shuffle directly back into your toasty RV cabin.

  • Going Into Hibernation: An RV Winterization Guide

    Going Into Hibernation: An RV Winterization Guide

    For many RVers, the always-too-soon arrival of late autumn means it’s time to wrap up another camping season. November is a good time to reflect on summer camping memories, but it’s also a great time to get your RV ready for winter weather. RV winterization means taking care of all the tasks that will make your RV ready to survive the winter. (So you can make more camping memories next year.) This seasonal process is essential for both occasional winter campers and RVs that will be stored over the winter. Sure, you could get on your RV dealer’s waiting list to have winterization done for you. But it’s not necessary. The reality is that the tasks involved are so simple and easy that anyone can do them. So, what does it involve?

    Commonly, many articles focus primarily on winterizing RV water systems and making sure house batteries don’t freeze. And that stuff is all correct. But seasoned RVers also know that completing seasonal maintenance tasks are also a part of the job. Tasks like cleaning the RV, washing and waxing it, and making sure all the seals are in good shape are just as critical as other RV winterization tasks.

    So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the all the steps that you can easily do yourself to get your RV ready for its seasonal hibernation.

     

    Your RV Winterization Task Checklist

    1. Clean the Inside of the RV

    Giving the inside of your RV a thorough clean before the winter’s arrival not only ensures that it’s  ready to go in spring — it also discourages mold, rodents, and other infestation. So, empty all cabinets and vacuum and wipe down all interior surfaces with your favorite cleaner. Be sure to empty, defrost, an clean the refrigerator too, leaving it slightly ajar to allow air circulation.  

     

    2. Clean, Lubricate and Retract All Awnings 

    Mold is gross. But it thrives in certain areas, and a rolled-up awning is one of its ideal environments to grow over winter.  That’s because mold loves dark, damp places, and rolled-up awnings are exactly that. Since mold spores are often carried around on microscopic dust particles, you want to make sure that your RV awning is clean and dry before rolling it up. This will help to ensure you don’t find a big, nasty mess when you open it up next camping season.  

    Washing your RV awning is easy to do. You just need a soft, extendable wash brush, a bucket of warm soapy water, and a hose with a nozzle to rinse. (By the way, bleach and other harsh chemicals can shorten your awning’s life span, so they’re best avoided.) First, open up your RV awning. You may need to either go up on the roof of your RV or use a step ladder to reach the exterior side of the awning. (In either case, be safety conscious.)

    Gently scrub the exterior surface of the awning from top to bottom with soapy water. Then use a spray nozzle on a hose to rinse. With the outside of the awning clean, it’s time to start cleaning the underside of the awning with the soft brush dipped in soapy water.  Begin next to the RV and gradually clean to the outer edge. Now spray it with water until all the soap is rinsed away. Leave the awning extended until it’s perfectly dry.

    After the awning is dry, lubricate all joints on the RV awning arms with a silicone lubricant. Then roll it up for the winter.

     

    3. Inspect and Reseal Exterior Surfaces

    The seals on your RV’s roof and sidewalls protect your RV all year round, but they tend to deteriorate over time. For that reason, you should inspect and reseal all your RV’s exterior seals twice a year — including as part of your RV winterization program. On the roof, you’ll want to look for holes or tears in the membrane as well as deterioration of sealant such as cracking or peeling. If the seals look dubious, or you see damage to the roof membrane, you’ll need to seal it up for the winter with the appropriate lap sealant.

     

    4. Wash the Exterior of the RV

    Use a bucket with your favorite RV wash solution and a telescoping soft wash brush to wash all exterior surfaces of your RV, beginning on the roof. Gently clean the roof from front to back in three-foot by three-foot sections, rinsing as you go to avoid a build up of slippery soap suds. (Be sure to watch for tripping hazards.) Once the roof is washed, rinse it thoroughly.  

    Back on the ground, and wash and dry all four sides of the RV with a fresh bucket of sudsy water and a soft brush. Use a microfiber mop or soft absorbent cloths to dry as you go. 

     

    5. Wax RV Exterior Sidewalls

    Waxing your RV before winter will protect it from UV rays that can cause its exterior finish to go from glossy to chalky. RV spray wax sprays on, wipes off and buffs up beautifully, making it easy to keep your RV new looking.

     

    6. Lubricate Locks and Hinges

    Lubricating your locks and hinges now will ensure that they’re working when it’s time to go camping. Using graphite spray lubricant or a silicone spray lubricant makes it easy to keep these parts operating quietly.

     

    7. Set Up Rodent Deterrents

    Mice and rats view RVs as safe, cozy places to spend winter, and raise families. As you might image, they generally make a mess. There’s nothing like opening up your RV in spring, only to find that these miniature squatters have been making themselves at home all winter.

    When it comes to rodents, it’s always best to prevent a problem than to deal with one. Rodents don’t like to take chances, so deterrents like peppermint oil, motion-detecting lights, and ultrasonic plug-ins are often enough to convince rodents to move along and seek accommodation elsewhere.

     

    8. Winterize Your RV Plumbing 

    Water left in the tank or plumbing of your RV will freeze over the course of winter. To prevent damage to your plumbing system, you need to empty all the water out of your water lines and either replace it with air or RV specific antifreeze. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

    1. Disconnect from city water.
    2. Empty and flush black and gray RV holding tanks.  
    3. Drain the freshwater tank using the freshwater drain located beneath your RV.
    4. Empty the freshwater pump and water lines by turning on the water pump and opening a faucet, using a bucket in the sink to catch water. Continue emptying until water stops coming out of the faucet. Turn the pump off.
    5. Locate your RV’s low point drains and open them to drain out any remaining water in the plumbing system.
    6. With the low point drain still open, drain the hot water tank by releasing pressure using the pressure relief valve and then unscrewing the plug or anode rod.
    7. Blow out the water lines using a blow out plug inserted in the city connection and a low pressure (20 psi) air compressor.  Continue until no more water comes out of the RV low point drain.
    8. Move the blow out plug to the black tank flush valve. Use low pressure air (20 psi) to blow any remaining water in the black tank waterline into the black tank. 
    9. Cap the city water and black tank flush inlets.
    10. Locate the hot water tank bypass valve, and close it to prevent antifreeze from getting into the water heater.
    11. Locate the water pump and replace the waterline with an RV antifreeze siphon line. Insert the end of the siphon hose into a jug of food safe RV antifreeze.
    12. Turn on the water pump and go outside and make sure antifreeze is coming out of the low point drains. Then close both low point drains.
    13. Inside the RV, turn on each faucet until pink antifreeze comes out. This includes the interior and exterior showers and the toilet too. Leave some antifreeze in the bottom of the toilet bowl.
    14.  Remove the siphon hose from the RV antifreeze bottle and allow the pump to drain it completely.  Remove the siphon line from the water pump and turn the pump off.
    15.  Pour antifreeze down each drain to get antifreeze into each drain’s P-trap.
    16. Remove and store house batteries in a warm, dry location.
    17. Store your RV in an RV shelter or cover it with an RV cover to protect it from winter weather

     

    RV Winterization Wrap-Up

    RV winterization is really the final part of the camping season. While most RV dealers welcome the job of winterizing RVs,  it’s an easy DIY for most people. Looking after the exterior and interior components of your RV will help to ensure that it’s ready for the next camping season and many more to come.

  • The Most Sure-Footed Socks for Camping

    The Most Sure-Footed Socks for Camping

    Camping means spending time outside. Immersed in nature. Hiking or fishing. Or just cozying up around a campfire. So, whether it’s winter or summer, keeping our feet dry, comfortable, and blister-free is always crucial to a good time. And that means choosing the right socks for camping can make a world of difference.   

    Any seasoned camper will tell you how important having the right socks is to camping.  No matter what you’re doing, having socks that stay in place and wick moisture away from the feet is essential to avoiding blisters and skin problems. If you’ve ever made the mistake of wearing socks that slide down and/or bunch up, you’ll know how annoying it can be. This is especially true for activities that depend on your ability to be on your feet, like hiking or fishing. Thermal regulation is another issue to consider when it comes to choosing the right socks for camping. The right winter socks will keep your toes toasty and warm. However, the best camping socks for summer will be able to wick moisture away while keeping your feet cool.   

    Are there multi-purpose socks that can do it all — a single-solution sock? Not in our experience. Therefore, we researched the perfect socks for camping in five different categories: summer camping, winter camping, heated winter, hiking, and fishing socks.  So, your sock search could be over. We’ve done the research, and these are our results.

     

    Best Summer Camping Socks 

    Darn Tough Men’s Coolmax Hiker Boot Midweight with Full Cushion Hiking Sock

    Summer camping socks need to do three things: They need to keep your feet cool, dry, and cushioned. Darn Tough Coolmax socks do all that, plus they’re made with anti-slip technology to keep them from slipping or bunching. One of the best features of Coolmax hiking socks is that they take care of your feet, meaning you can wear them all day in your hiking boots without blisters — even on the hottest summer days.

    Part of the secret to this is their truly seamless technology. No seam will ever chafe your hardworking toes. The other part is the vegan synthetic yarns they’re made from. These Vermont-made socks are so long lasting that Darn Tough every pair comes with an unconditional  warranty. 

     

    Best Winter Camping Socks

    Sealskinz Raynham Aquasealz™ Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock

     

    Winter camping can often mean having wet, soggy socks and cold toes by the end of the day. Aquasealz waterproof, all-weather, mid-length socks ensure your feet stay dry and warm. They have unique technology for a sock.  Aquasealz socks have three layers (including a mid-layer of merino) that wick body generated moisture away while keeping water out. The result is that feet stay dry and toasty whether you’re slopeside or sipping hot toddies around the campfire. Washing Aquasealz is easy too: Just toss them into the washer and dryer with your other clothes. Reviewers love that these socks keep feet warm and dry, even under challenging conditions.

     

    Best Heated Winter Socks

    Fieldsheer Pro Merino Heated Socks Inisex

    Many of today’s RVs come all ready  for four-season camping. This means you can take advantage of the peace, serenity, and fun activities that are all part of winter camping. However, watching the Northern Lights is even more enjoyable when your toes are toasty and warm. Fieldsheer pro merino heated socks make sure your feet stay toasty and warm for up to 10 hours on a single charge of their 3.7 Volt Lithium-ion battery. 

    These heated socks are made from a merino/poly blend that gives them the ability to wick moisture away from the feet and resist odors to keep feet happy and cozy all day into the evening. One of the drawbacks of heated socks is that the wire-like heating element that makes them so cozy it gets uncomfortable after a while. But Fieldsheer pro merino heated socks boast slim internal heating elements that are so well cushioned that you don’t even know they’re there. 

    It takes three to four hours for batteries to fully charge via a universal USB charging port. That makes charging easy. Bluetooth connectivity through an app on your mobile device makes it simple to choose from three heat settings while you’re wearing them. It’s nice to be able to adjust the temperature setting, particularly if the day starts out cold in the morning, but warms by early afternoon.  

    With all of their benefits here’s no getting around the fact that if you want your toes to bask in the ultimate warmth and comfort of these heated socks, you’ll have to pay for the privilege. However, for those RVers who love winter camping, it’s well worth the price. 

     

    Best Hiking Socks 

    Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Hiker Midweight Hiking Socks

    Camping means opportunities to go hiking for many people. Whether we’re hiking a short distance or going on a multiday trip into the backcountry, our feet do most of the work. Any seasoned hiker will tell you good footwear helps you to stay upright and avoid injury. But the experience of having socks that slide around and bunch up in your hiking boots can make you wish you stayed home. That being said, Darn Tough merino wool hikers are made to make your feet so happy, that the rest of your body will follow suit.  

    Darn Tough merino wool hiking socks are made with temperature regulating merino wool that wicks moisture. This means your feet stay comfy and dry all day long — no matter what the temperature is. However, they have enough nylon and lycra to help them last for many years on the trail. As a matter of fact,  Darn Tough is so confident about their socks’ longevity, they offer an unconditional lifetime replacement warranty on them.  

    With that being said, it’s important to follow Darn Tough’s instructions when it comes to washing your merino socks to get the most wear out of them.  Here’s what they say: “Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle with socks inside-out. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low or hang dry. Do not dry clean.” 

     

    Best Socks For Fishing

    Grundéns Boot Sock Thermal

    If fishing is one of your favorite camping activities, but have problems with chafing and blistering from your boots, you’ll love Grudéns boot socks. These Merino Boot Socks are made to resist slipping around and bunching up in your boots. They’re made with 38 percent merino wool content. So, they are very insulating, as well as moisture wicking and antimicrobial.

    In addition, Grundéns puts nylon reinforcement in the heels and toes of these socks, so they’ll last for a lifetime. The company is so confident about the durability of their boot socks that they guarantee them for life with a lifetime replacement warranty. That’s really saying something about the company’s confidence in their product’s longevity. Grundéns boot socks’ above average thermal properties make them best suited for fly fishing in cold water but reviewers also love them for ice fishing.

     

    The Takeaways

    It’s important to look after your feet, no matter what you like to do when you’re camping. Merino socks are well loved by campers for their breathability and amazing temperature regulation. Sock manufacturers include a little nylon or polyester in their Merino based yarn to add durability and supportive comfort. The most comfortable socks for camping have cushioning around foot bed pressure points and elasticity to give them a great fit.  

     

  • 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV Review

    2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV Review

    If you’ve been keeping your eyes open for a road-trip-ready Class C that can do it all, you’ll want to check out the new 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV. This luxurious and versatile Greyhawk 29MV offers a floorplan with loads of amenities and lots of sleeping space. Beneath the cabin, there’s great chassis with an upgraded suspension. All of which adds up to an Class C that’s perfect for both road trips and family camping adventures. 

    The Greyhawk 29MV is built on a Ford E450 chassis with a sturdy TorqShift transmission, making it a powerful road trip machine. It also boasts plenty of sleeping space for kids or grandkids on the bunk over the cab and convertible dinette. At just under 33 feet long, the Greyhawk 29MV is short enough for camping in state parks and nimble enough to navigate grocery store parking lots when it’s time to restock. Also, its 7,500-pound towing capacity gives this Greyhawk the ability to tow a smaller vehicle for sightseeing or running errands. 

    I can’t wait to tell you more about this agile Class C, so let’s get rolling with this review. 

     

    At a Glance: 2025 Greyhawk 29MV

    While he Greyhawk is a well-appointed Class C, it’s not really designed for off-road use. Even so, its powerful chassis (with an excellent suspension system) does give it the ability to handle a light amount of off-road use. 

    In the kitchen, I also felt that the sink deserved a pull-down faucet. As far as appliances go, I’d love to see the small gas oven and microwave in this RV replaced with a more practical microwave/convection/air fryer. This would free up even more cabinet space. (Because there can never be too much cabinet space in any RV.) 

    Altogether, this 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV offers pretty good value for an MSRP of $173,168.

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 6
    • GVWR: 14,500 pounds
    • Exterior length: 32 feet 6 inches
    • Exterior height: 11 feet 8 inches
    • Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
    • Towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 47/41/32 gallons
    • Fuel: 55 gallons 
    • Propane (onboard): 56 pounds
    • Awning: 16 feet
    • Slide-outs: 2 
    • Chassis: Ford E450 (7.3L V8)
    • Transmission: TorqShift
    • Off-grid power: 4,000-watt generator and 200-watt solar panel 

     

    Features We Love

    • Backup and side-view cameras (the latter being heated and remote-controlled)
    • Big camera/GPS monitor swivels so the navigator in the passenger seat can also easily see it as needed 
    • Comfy, power-adjustable captain’s chairs for driver and passenger 
    • Catalytic converter theft deterrent
    • Power entry step
    • Heated holding tanks
    • 32-inch LED smart TV in main living area
    • 24-inch LED smart TV in master bedroom
    • Power-reclining theater seats with armrest console (USB ports and built-in cup holders)
    • Queen overhead bunk has 750-pound weight capacity
    • Built-in roof ladder
    • Bumper storage for sewer hose
    • Two 15000-Btu air conditioners
    • 30-amp electrical service
    • Three-burner gas cooktop
    • Small oven
    • 10-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer
    • Large microwave oven
    • Legless convertible dinette
    • Car seat tether in dinette seat
    • Outside shower
    • CPAP ready nightstands
    • USB port and wireless charging in master bedroom nightstands
    • USB ports and 110-volt power in overhead bunk
    • Pop up charging station with 120-volt power outlet and USB ports
    • 30,000-Btu furnace with auto ignition 

     

     

    Benefits

    • Small enough to navigate campgrounds easily but big enough to give you everything you need
    • Short enough to fit in smaller state park campsite
    • Boondocking ready with power options and 56 pounds of onboard propane
    • Front seats swivel to provide additional seating 
    • Living area TV is easily viewable from all seating areas
    • Queen overhead bunk with 750-pound capacity could easily fit 2 adults
    • Access to basement storage under queen bed
    • Convertible dinette adds sleeping space for two kids or one adult
    • Lots of kitchen counter space
    • Double bowl kitchen sink
    • Big refrigerator/freezer
    • Lots of storage for extended road trips or camping
    • 7500-pound towing capacity allows you to bring a trailer full of toys or a second vehicle for sightseeing or running errands.
    • Removable section of over cab bunk helps to keep the cockpit from feeling claustrophobic
    • Outside shower makes it easy to wash the dog 
    • Pet friendly surfaces
    • Separate powder room door creates privacy for shower
    • Queen bed in slide is usable when the slide is in
    • Underbed storage space in the master bedroom has basement access and could be used as a laundry chute.
    • Loads of storage everywhere
    • Lots of places to recharge devices
    • 200-watt solar panel keeps things charged when it’s sunny and the generator keeps you powered up when it’s cloudy
    • Comfortable cockpit with lots of visibility
    • Automotive glass window in the front cap offers a fantastic view to people sleeping in the overcab bunk
    • Power shade helps keep the top bunk from getting too hot
    • Big awning with LED lights adds lots of sheltered outdoor living space.
    • Hellwig helper springs will help body roll

     

    Challenges

    • Onboard propane tank should make it easy to refill propane, but, unfortunately, refueling stations for onboard propane are becoming hard to find these days, even though portable propane cylinders are easy to refill (for this reason, it would make more sense to have either two 30 pound propane or three-20 pound propane cylinders instead)
    • Privacy might be challenged in the shower when someone uses the half bath (especially if kids are involved)

     

    Best For

    • Two- to four-person families who want to take extended road trips or camping vacations and might occasionally have friends or family with them
    • Grandparents who want to visit grandchildren who live far away and have a self-contained guest house that doubles as a vehicle for camping adventures

     

    Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

    RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

    The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

    So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Greyhawk 29MV.

     

    Sleeping Space

    The Greyhawk 29MV has a comfortable queen bed in the master bedroom. Both sides of the bed have their own CPAP-ready nightstand complete with wireless charging, USB ports and a 120-volt power outlet. This in-the-slide, walkaround bed is completely accessible when the slide is in. So, if you need to pull into a rest area or a Cracker Barrel for a nap, you can do so without putting the slide out. (It’s always great to have options.)

    Nestled into the massive wardrobe on the wall opposite the bed, there’s an LED smart TV, so that you can unwind and relax with your favorite shows. The wardrobe itself contains lots of space for hanging clothes. But it also has plenty of storage for folded or smaller clothing with a multitude of drawers. 

    Above the bed, there’s even more cabinet space. This area is perfect for storing books, craft supplies, or whatever else you want to keep handy. Not only that, but under the bed, there’s what I can only describe as a laundry chute that goes into the basement cabinet below. Simply put a laundry basket in the basement, and hauling laundry through the RV on laundry day will be a thing of the past. (More on this later, but there is an impressive amount of storage in this fun Class C.)

     

     

    Bathroom

    The bathroom in the Greyhawk 29MV is divided into two separate areas — across a hallway from one another. In one area, there’s a powder room with a toilet and vanity with loads of cabinet space and a modern-looking, stainless-steel sink. This little powder room offers storage in the vanity and medicine cabinet. On the opposite side of the hall is a glass walled shower. However, once the powder room door opens up across the hallway it secures on magnetic clasp. In that instant, it makes the whole area into one large bathroom and provides privacy for the shower. (Although that magnet certainly isn’t going to stop a kid from charging in.)

    By the way, it’s good to know this: The shower has enough space and headroom that big people won’t feel cramped and tall people won’t need to squat to get under the shower.

     

     

    Living Area

    The Greyhawk is Jayco’s top-of-the-line Class C. So, I expected that the furniture would be well laid out and comfortable in the living area. Although Jayco also offers the Greyhawk 29MV with a sofa, the model I had access to for this review had twin power reclining theater seats. It also had a legless, convertible dinette that quickly transforms into a comfortable double bed. 

    Most of the seating in the living area gets a good view of the 32-inch TV that’s mounted in the over-the-cab bunk. The exception is the rear-facing dining seat. However, this could be overcome by simply transforming the dinette into a bed and adding some throw cushions for family movie nights. Upholstery in the living area is stain-resistant, durable and pet friendly. 

    The swivel driver and passenger captain’s chairs make additional seating to the living area a snap. Outside, a 16-foot awning with an LED light strip helps to create a sheltered outdoor living space. An LP quick connect adds versatility to the space by allowing you to quickly hook up a grill for outdoor cooking. 

     

     

    Kitchen

    The kitchen in the Greyhawk 29MV is one of the nicest kitchens I’ve seen in a Class C motorhome. The unusually spacious countertop is punctuated by a double bowl sink with a modern looking black faucet and a three-burner gas cooktop with LED lights. The sink has a stainless-steel dish dryer and a handy fitted cutting board too. Loads of cabinets and drawers provide plenty of places to store food, kitchen tools, plates, and cutlery. The 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer offers lots of cold storage space for beverages and food. 

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    Equipped with heated tanks, enclosed tank valves, two 15,000-Btu air conditioners/ heat pumps and a 30,000-Btu furnace, the Greyhawk 29MV is equipped to take you on winter camping adventures in all but the coldest places.

     

    Storage Space

    Class Cs don’t typically have a lot of exterior storage. The Greyhawk 29MV is no exception to this. There are two basement cabinets on this model that could be used to stow sporting equipment or other gear. Indoors, the Greyhawk makes up for its lack of outdoor storage with oodles of cabinet storage. There’s storage in the kitchen. Storage in the bathroom. And, as mentioned before, great storage in the bedroom area. In addition, both dinette benches flip up to reveal storage underneath that could be handy for items like bedding or board games.

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Greyhawk 29MV

    The Greyhawk 29MV is one of the most versatile Class Cs in its class. Jayco has designed and built this RV to meet the needs of families or couples who want a luxurious, roomy camper they can go exploring in. One of the Greyhawk’s biggest strengths is its ability to fit into state park campsites or go off grid for extended periods. If you’re looking for a fantastic RV for road trips or boondocking, throughout the year, you won’t want to miss this one.

     

    A very handsome cockpit.

     

     

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Greyhawk 29MV

     

    What Other Campers Are Saying

    Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

  • 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Review

    2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Review

    Packed with luxurious amenities, this fifth wheel is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. Outside, sleek, elegant lines and beautiful exterior paint hint at an interior full of wonderful surprises. Inside the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK, you’ll find jaw-dropping decor and amenities throughout. 

    The Pinnacle 38FBRK offers a fantastic floorplan. It contains a well-appointed kitchen, sumptuous living area, spacious master bedroom, and two bathrooms — all of which add up to what may well be the perfect home on wheels. (In this reviewer’s eyes anyway.) 

    Therefore, I’m pretty excited to share what makes this particular fifth wheel so fantastic. Now, let’s get rolling with this review and get into all the wonderful details. 

     

    At a Glance: Pinnacle 38FBRK 

    The 2025 Pinnacle 38FBRK is one of my favorite RVs from Jayco. (If you’ve read my other RV reviews, you know I don’t say this often. But I really love this RV.) Let’s talk about why. The Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK meets the needs of its intended users with sumptuous style. For the most part, it’s a very towable RV — but only if you have the right vehicle to tow it. It’s a really heavy RV when it’s loaded up with water, propane, et cetera. So, the best truck for hauling it will be a one-ton or better pick-up truck. The majority of storage is on the inside, but there is a massive passthrough storage area at front. Having power drawers in this storage compartment would help keep stored items easy to access. 

    As mentioned, for me this fifth wheel began as something of a case of love at first sight. The Pinnacle 38FBRK’s exterior is gorgeous, sleek, and very classy. However, like true love, it’s what’s inside that really counts. How livable is this RV? Well, one step inside provides all the enlightenment you need. This model has a fantastic build and floorplan, filled with thoughtfully planned luxury amenities and quality features that make it full-time ready. 

    If you’re looking for a fifth wheel to use as either a full- or part-time residence, the Pinnacle is loaded with great value for $120,243 MSRP.

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 4
    • UVW: 14,995 pounds 
    • CCC: 3,005 pounds
    • GVWR: 18,000 pounds
    • Exterior length: 43 feet 10 inches
    • Exterior height: 13 feet 5 inches
    • Exterior width (with slides in): 8 feet 6 inches
    • Exterior width (with slides out): 16 feet 4 inches
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 75/87/50/ gallons
    • Propane: 120 pounds (3 x 40 pounds) 
    • Awnings: 2 x 15 feet
    • Water heater 16-gallon DSI
    • Number of slide-outs: 4 

     

    Features We Love

    Exterior Features
    • Rated and warranted for full-time use 
    • Elegant exterior and beautiful paint with sparkly gloss finish
    • Aluminum framing
    • Six-point automatic hydraulic leveling
    • LED lighting on cap
    • Color-changing LED lights under awning
    • Thetford Sani-Con® Turbo waste evacuation system 
    • MORryde pin box
    • MORryde CRV4000 suspension system
    • Back-up camera and side cameras
    • 50-amp cord wheel
    • JayPort connection for table with outdoor grill
    • 3,000-pound towing package with a 300-pound hitch rating for towing an additional trailer with a small boat or other toys.
    • Built-in ladder to access walkable roof
    • Tow-vehicle-controlled LED signal and marker lights.
    • 42-inch outdoor TV under awning
    • Massive passthrough storage at the front with GFCI outlet and cable connections for TV 
    • Big storage area under front of RV
    • Central built-in vacuum
    • Battery disconnect switch
    • Satellite antenna with 5G Wi-Fi extender
    • Dexter axles with ABS and tow assist
    • Prepped for solar
    • Built-in sewer hose carrier
    • Enclosed and heated underbelly
    • Fully enclosed docking station with quick-connect outside shower port
    Interior Features
    • JayVoice voice-activated interior lights, exterior lights, A/C, and heat 
    • Plush power-reclining, sectional couch with snack trays, USB Ports, and beverage holders
    • 42-inch, 12-volt TV and soundbar 
    • Electric fireplace
    • Propeller style ceiling fan in living room
    • Residential-style, 12-volt refrigerator/freezer with French doors and water/ice dispenser
    • Four-burner residential style range with a full-size oven
    • Microwave convection oven
    • Dishwasher
    • Pull-out kitchen pantry
    • Integrated laptop desk in living room area
    • Free-standing dinette with table that expands to seat five
    • Pop-up power/USB Port towers throughout
    • Privacy screens on windows
    • Two bathrooms (one half and one full bath)
    • King bed prepped for CPAP on both sides
    • Big walk-in closet access through French doors at rear of RV
    • Prepped for a washer and dryer
    • 40,000 Btu Furnace
    • 5,000 Btu electric fireplace
    • Two whisper-quiet air conditioners

     

     

    Benefits

    • Very stylish and elegant exterior and interior design
    • Cavernous basement storage area has an outlet that could be used to plug in a portable refrigerator
    • Loads of storage throughout this RV
    • King pull-out bed on the sectional sofa provides comfortable guest sleeping for two
    • JayVoice lets you turn light, A/C, or heating on or off from bed or when your hands are full
    • MORryde suspension system protects the RV and its contents by allowing maximum wheel travel when going over bumpy road surfaces
    • Built-in desk with storage for laptops makes it easy to work from the road
    • Residential GE oven and cooktop, kitchen counter space with power towers, and dishwasher, let you prepare fantastic meals 
    • Loads of storage space in multiple kitchen pantries
    • Coat rack and shoe garage in the hallway
    • Cozy atmosphere in the living room
    • Half bath/powder room gives restroom options for guests or multiple users.
    • Huge spa-like shower with fold down wood bench allows plenty of room for movement
    • Big-people-friendly with high ceilings throughout, big interior areas, and furniture that allows them to stretch out
    • Thetford Sani-Con® Turbo waste macerating evacuation system eliminates the mess and hassle of emptying tanks (Thetford says it’s so clean that you won’t need gloves)
    • Large tank capacities and optional 5,500W Onan® Microquiet generator could make the Pinnacle boondocking ready
    • Beautiful hardwood cabinets with dovetail joints
    • Pet-friendly stain resistant fabrics
    • Residential-style light fixtures 
    • Massive cedar-lined, walk-in closet with motion sensor lights
    • Dual-pane awning style privacy glass windows can be left open when it rains
    • 16-gallon DSI water heater with Water Miser conserves water and weight (since there’s no hot water tank) 
    • Both 15-foot awnings have color-changing LED light strips to create inviting outdoor living space on warm summer evenings

     

    Challenges

    • At nearly 44 feet long and 13 feet 6 inches high, this is a very big RV that might be challenging for an RVer without a lot of towing experience 
    • Definitely requires a minimum of a one-ton truck for towing

     

    Best For

    • Singles or couples who want to live and travel in their RV full time while enjoying luxurious amenities
    • People who want a luxurious RV they can park at the lake for the summer as a cottage 

     

    Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

    RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

    The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

    So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK.

     

    Sleeping Space

    This spacious RV has sleeping space for up to four people in the master bedroom and on a king-size, fold-out sofa. With that being said, the sectional sofa is so big and comfortable that a single sleeper could snooze away a night very comfortably without deploying the sofa bed. That makes it a perfect spot for a quick afternoon nap. But let’s have a look at what the luxuriously appointed master bedroom offers in this RV. 

    A Masterful Master Suite

    As you head toward the back of the Pinnacle 38FBRK, you’ll find the spacious master bedroom replete with a sumptuously comfortable king bed. Each side of the bed has a shelf with USB ports and plugins that could be used for either CPAP machines or charging devices overnight. Windows on either side of the bed open, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air while you sleep. In addition, there’s a handy built-in nook for books right beside the bed to keep bedtime reading materials within easy reach. 

    Across from the bed is a dresser with four roomy drawers and a secret storage tray beneath the top. Over the dresser is a 32-inch TV which has a storage cabinet on either side. But that’s not all the storage in the master bedroom. Lift the bed on its easy glide struts to reveal a meticulously crafted under bed storage cabinet that’s perfect for storing bedding or whatever else you need to store.

     

     

    Bathroom

    There are two roomy bathrooms in the Pinnacle 38FBRK floorplan. The centrally located half bath is across from the entry door. Inside, it has a beautiful vanity, ceramic toilet, and plenty of storage space in beautifully made country-white cabinets. This bathroom provides a spot to wash dirty hands when you enter the RV, and also provides guests with an alternative to going through the master bedroom to use the facilities there. 

    The master bathroom is frankly larger than ones found in many homes. This full bathroom has a big vanity with lots of storage and a modern looking sink. A porcelain toilet helps to preserve the very residential vibe of this fifth wheel. However, the real showstopper here is the spacious glass enclosed shower that’s tiled in appealingly neutral colored porcelain. A beautiful, flip-up wooden bench adds to the spa-like atmosphere here. A skylight over the shower adds height and provides lots of natural light. 

    A Second Kind of Beauty: Function

    The shower also features a Water Miser freshwater conservation system that recycles the freshwater that would otherwise drain into the gray tank while you wait for the shower to warm up. Instead of allowing the cool water that enters the hot water shower pipe to drain, the Water Miser recycles it back to the freshwater tank. Along with conserving water, this results in a much better shower experience. 

    Beyond an elegant pair of French doors at the rear of the bathroom is an amazing cedar-lined, walk in closet. This closet is (of course) replete with lots of shelves and closet rods to keep clothes and linens neat and well organized. Washer/dryer hookups are conveniently tucked into this closet. So it’s easy to just take items from the dryer and put them directly away.

     

     

    Living Area

    The living area of the Pinnacle 38 BRK is dominated by a sumptuous and comfy sectional couch that has an integrated power recliner and sofa bed. Upholstered in durable, yet ultrasoft fabric, the sectional is long and comfy enough to stretch out on for a midafternoon siesta. But it also has removable snack trays and cup holders at either end for when you’re not napping on it. 

    The entertainment center here is beautiful. A 5,000-Btu electric fireplace with a live edge wood mantle above it helps maintain the residential atmosphere. Over the mantle, a 60-inch TV with a sound bar is perfectly positioned to be viewed from anywhere in the living, dining or kitchen areas. It’s the little things that count too though. Overhead, a propeller ceiling fan and elegant residential style lights help to create the feeling of a real home on wheels. 

    A Place of Connection

    One of the coolest features of the living area is a pull-out laptop desk in front of expansive windows. It’s really well made, with dovetailed joinery and a beautiful built in storage area for laptops and other office essentials. A pop-up power tower keeps USB charging ports and 110-volt outlets handy too. It’s a great setup for both remote workers or just for catching up with family and friends via email or social media. 

    The dining table adjacent to the living room expands from a buffet-style hutch to seat from two to five people. The table is very easy to expand or retract as needed. While the dinette includes two upholstered chairs, Jayco also includes two additional folding chairs with this RV in case you need them. 

     

     

    Kitchen

    Jayco knows how important the kitchen is for many RV buyers. (Perhaps especially for those buyers who are looking at RVs they could potentially move into full-time.) As a result, the company has done some obvious work here designing a kitchen that people will fall in love with. The kitchen in the Pinnacle 38FBRK leaves absolutely nothing to be desired in terms of space and luxurious amenities. Fully-appointed with five appliances, lots of counter space, a big farmhouse-style sink, loads of storage. and a whole host of other goodies, the kitchen in this fifth wheel is ready for any chef. 

    The appliances in the Pinnacle 38FBRK include a residential-size, French-door refrigerator/freezer with a dispenser for filtered water or ice in the door. There’s also a residential-size GE gas oven with a four-burner gas cooktop. For more cooking options, there’s also a large convection microwave that is big enough to bake a pizza, cookies, and most casseroles. (Or anything else that strikes your fancy.)

    Plug-Ins, Prep, and Clean Up

    If you need to plug in an instant pot, rice cooker or other electric appliances there are 3 power towers in this kitchen that allow you to do so conveniently. With so many cooking options, there’s going to be dishes to wash. However, Jayco’s made this easy by providing a small but efficient dishwasher, located conveniently under the kitchen sink. 

    I loved that the oversized farmhouse sink has a window over it. While a lot of RVs these days have these big sinks, this one has multiple features that make it stand out. The features include a high-arching, pull-down faucet. (Perfect for filling big pots for soup or pasta.) They also include a glass rinser and a vegetable rinser. Not only that, but this sink comes with racks that fit in for drying dishes or rinsed veggies too.

    Cabinets and Pantries (Yes, Intentionally Plural)

    Storage space in the Pinnacle 38FRBK kitchen is found in hand-crafted, solid-wood cabinets and drawers with dovetail joints. There’s even a butler’s pantry — a tall cabinet filled with drawers and its own slide-out tray with handy access to the refrigerator. On the other side of the fridge are large pantry shelves to keep canned goods or snacks at hand. Next to that is a huge pull-out pantry that’s perfect for storing dry goods. 

    In this kitchen you’ll find banks of drawers with features like set ins and storage trays for cooking utensils and food wraps. A cabinet over the stove contains a unique hidden spice rack that keeps spices within easy reach. One feature I loved was the pull-out cutting board with a hole in it right over the pull-out waste bin. That way, food scraps can be scraped directly into the trash. (I wish all RVs had this because it makes life so much simpler.) Everything in the Pinnacle 38FRBK’s kitchen is done with such finesse and craftsmanship. Honestly, it left me … well … a little awestruck. 

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    Jayco’s has a zero-degree-tested climate protection system. It starts with double-batt insulation. And it features an enclosed, heated underbelly. As well as a 40,000 Btu furnace. And dual-pane windows and two heat pump air conditioners. So, yes, the Pinnacle 38FBRK is ready for four-season use. 

     

    Storage Space

    Even after downsizing, many full-time RVers wish they had a little more storage space. The Pinnacle 38FBRK was designed and built with so much storage space, that it’s unlikely you’ll feel this way. From the massive luggage bay and storage cabinet under this RV to oodles of interior cabinet storage, there is no shortage of places to put things in this RV. Upon entering the RV is a handy cabinet to hang jackets and store shoes. Above, there are even smaller cabinets for keeping hats and smaller items organized. The bathrooms have vanity cabinets and linen closets for storing toilet paper, towels, and other necessities. 

    The spacious walk-in wardrobe has enough space on shelving and hanging rods. So, most owners won’t be left making choices as to what they have to purge in order to fit their favorite outfits in. The master bedroom itself has cabinets, shelves along with a very organized under bed storage area.

    As already mentioned, the kitchen and living areas have storage thoughtfully integrated throughout inside cabinets and drawers. 

     

    Closing Notes on the Pinnacle 38FBRK

    Whether you’re considering hitting the road full-time or need a luxurious cottage to park at the lake, the Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK should be on your list of possibilities. It has everything most full-time RVers want in a home on wheels. Not only that, but the build quality here is phenomenal. Jayco is clearly putting every effort into building RVs that will reach the market ready to enjoy. I love that every Jayco RV is inspected at their dedicated inspection facility to help ensure that customers don’t wind up with buyers’ remorse due to deficiencies in their new RVs. 

     

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Pinnacle 38FBRK

     

    What Other Campers Are Saying

    Read the best reviews by owners. Search for an RV Model

  • 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS Review

    2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS Review

    If you’re looking for an amenity-packed fifth wheel — that you can tow with a half-ton — you owe it to yourself to check out the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS. Even though it’s incredibly light, this RV doesn’t skimp on amenities or quality construction. The Roamer Light Duty is built on a rugged chassis with a great suspension system that is built to last for its lifetime. The roof is protected with durable, low maintenance PVC. Inside, it has all the luxurious features you expect to find in a fifth wheel. 

    So, let’s get rolling with this review of the lightweight, amenity-loaded Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS.

     

    At a Glance: Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS

    The Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS is one of four available floorplans in the Open Range Roamer lineup. All of the floorplans are designed to make practical use of space in a shorter fifth wheel. But the Roamer Light Duty 244RLS achieves this by combining a kitchen island into the living area. The island provides separation for the kitchen area, but its counter seating invites interaction with the camp chef too. It all works together to provide a functional and enjoyable space. 

    The biggest tradeoff here is in a loss of potential sleeping spaces for kids or grandkids. S, this 244RLS floorplan lost some points on versatility. Even so, it’s still a great fifth wheel that packs a surprising number of features into an lightweight fifth wheel. 

    Overall, this easy-towing 2025 Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS is an outstanding value. It has a comfortable, intelligently designed floorplan that includes plenty of storage space and comfortable furniture. It’s well worth its $61,230 MSRP.

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 4
    • UVW: 7,750 pounds 
    • Dry hitch weight: 1,390 pounds
    • GVWR: 9,600 pounds
    • CCC: 1,850 pounds
    • Exterior length: 28 feet 7 inches
    • Exterior height: 13 feet 2 inches
    • Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 55/60/30 gallons
    • Propane: 60 pounds (3 x 20-pound bottles)
    • Awning: 13 feet

     

    Features We Love

    • PVC roofing membrane
    • Automatic leveling with JT’s Strong Arms
    • Expandable 200-watt solar package
    • Power theater seats with central armrest with beverage holders and big removable snack trays 
    • Easy-to-deploy sofa bed
    • Tough, easy-to-clean upholstery and floors
    • 40-inch LED smart TV and entertainment center
    • Open underbed storage area
    • 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator
    • Three-burner gas stove 
    • TravelLINK® Bluetooth® RV control system that lets you control awning, lighting, slide-outs, and climate control from a smartphone
    • 2-inch, 3,000-pound receiver hitch at back
    • Basement storage
    • Efficient 30,000 Btu furnace
    • Tuffshell vacuum bond laminated walls
    • 6 foot 4 inch shower 
    • Pantry
    • Lots of kitchen storage
    • Hidden storage behind TV
    • Huge farmhouse-style sink with pull down faucet
    • Heated basement compartments 
    • Backup camera prepped
    • Prepped for a second TV in master bedroom
    • Exterior speakers
    • Two 15,000 Btu Air conditioners
    • Screen door guard to keep pets safe
    • Towel bars and toilet tissue holder are included in the bathroom
    • Solid step entry stairs

     

    Benefits

    • Half-ton towable 
    • Enough basement storage area to stow a generator for more power options
    • Basement storage could easily stow camping necessities like camping chairs, a screenhouse, golf clubs, and fishing gear
    • Exterior locks that are keyed alike means no more fumbling to find the right key
    • Compact but efficient floorplan
    • Fridge can be opened from either side
    • Pet friendly!
    • A great place for dog beds under the queen bed 
    • Tall cabinet under TV would be a great place to store bigger items like a cordless vacuum cleaner or bag of dog food
    • High capacity underbed storage area saves weight 
    • Having 20-pound propane bottles on slide-out trays in the basement makes propane refills easier
    • Pull-out trash under the kitchen sink keeps it handy yet out of the way
    • Sofa is long enough for most people to relax comfortably on while watching TV
    • Strong Arm Jack supports provide stability and reduce bounce/rocking when someone walks in the trailer

     

     

    Challenges

    • Half-ton towability will depend on both the payload capacity and the towing capacity of your pickup truck
    • Sleeping space is limited
    • Floorplan doesn’t lend itself to big family camping getaways
    • In order to cut back on weight, toilet is plastic instead of ceramic

     

    Best For

    • Empty nesters who want the stable towing experience added space, and extensive amenities of a fifth wheel without having to upgrade their pickup to a larger one 
    • Two- to three-person families that want to go camping while enjoying lots of creature comforts without having to upgrade their pickup truck to a larger one

     

    Key Areas That RV Trader Reviews

    RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.

    The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with an honest and unbiased evaluations. And that’s where I come in. I’m Lynne Fedorick, RV expert and enthusiast. I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective. That way, you can learn the good, the bad, and the intriguing about any RVs I review. I inspect each RV with the buyer’s perspective at the forefront. And I always evaluate those six key areas that buyers have told us that they have in mind.

    So, that said, let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS.

     

    Sleeping Space

    The master bedroom of the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS holds a residential-size queen bed with a two-drawer nightstand on either side. Both nightstands are big enough to hold a CPAP machine with room to spare. Aside from the 110-volt plugin on each of them, there’s a very cool pop-up USB charger that also doubles as a wireless charging pad. The bed itself is so comfortable that I could have easily fallen asleep on it. A duo of overhead tap-style reading lights over the bed invite it to be used as a presleep reading lounge. Beneath the bed is a big open area that’s perfect for either dog beds or storage totes.

    The master bedroom has loads of handy storage options. To start with, easy-to-access, over-the-bed cabinets make a great place to stash books, extra blankets and bed linens. (Or anything else you want to bring with you.) Each nightstand has two decent sized drawers too — a great place to stow TV remotes, magazines or other items you want to keep handy. The wall at the foot of the bed holds a mirrored wardrobe cabinet with drawers underneath. The same wall is prepped to add an additional TV too. 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The spacious bathroom of the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244 RLS has a wood-look vanity countertop and a step-in, plastic shower. The latter has enough room that bigger people will be able to enjoy a shower without feeling cramped. The plastic toilet here is tucked into a corner of the bathroom to save space, while still providing enough elbow room to sit comfortably. I love that Highland Ridge includes a towel bar, towel ring, and toilet paper dispenser. Little touches like these add up in this value-packed RV.

     

     

    Living Area

    The Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS has an open plan with shared space for the living room and the kitchen areas. With that being said, the living room gets twin power theater seats. Both with in-arm cup holders and a shared power station across from the entertainment center. Each theater seat also has a removable snack tray. But the snack tray doesn’t have to be just a snack tray. It could also easily hold a laptop to blend digital work or other activities. All with extreme comfort.

    A supremely comfortable sofa bed stretches along the rear wall of the fifth wheel — a spot that’s perfect for taking naps or watching TV. Both the theater seats and the sofa bed are upholstered in soft, stainproof fabric that’s ideal for camping. Conveniently, it is also pet-friendly, since it won’t attract pet hair or odors. 

    The entertainment center consists of a well-placed 40-inch LED smart TV with a built-in soundbar. Beneath the TV is a cabinet that could easily house a portable, electric fireplace. It could store tall items, like a stick vacuum cleaner, a bag of dog food, or dog toys. (If you haven’t figured it out, I have dogs.)

    Outside, a 13-foot power awning creates additional living space outdoors.

     

     

    Kitchen

    Highland Ridge has done a great job of utilizing every possible space to maximize storage space in the kitchen. Cabinets and drawers throughout the kitchen area help to ensure you don’t need to store the food processor in some weird location (like basement storage). Aside from oodles of cabinet and drawer storage, there’s a big pantry with spill protected shelves. But storage isn’t everything this RV kitchen offers. 

    White, marble-style laminate counters compliment a designer backsplash that stretches across the wall behind the three-burner gas cooktop. This area has plugins for appliances like a coffee maker or electric skillet to make it efficient for cooking. Beneath the stovetop is a gas oven that’s perfect for baking pizza or cookies. Above the stove a small microwave can be called into service when you need to reheat food.

    The Galley’s Efficient Geometry 

    The work triangle in this kitchen is very well-thought-out. That means minimal steps have to be taken to distribute food. Movement from the pantry or fridge to the sink or food prep area, and then to the stove, is all easy. The kitchen island with its big farmhouse-style sink helps to keep everything central. In addition, a neat feature is the sink cover/cutting board that fits over half the sink, creating more counter space in close proximity to the pull-out waste bin. 

    I also love that the 10-cubic-foot refrigerator opens from either side. This both helps maximize kitchen efficiency and keeps beverages within easy reach of couch occupants.

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    The Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS has a number of features that allow it to be enjoyed throughout the year. Four-season capability starts with construction. The Roamer Light Duty gets a respectable insulation package, ranging from R-9 in the side walls to R-38 in the ceiling and floors. The 30,000 Btu furnace is ducted into basement areas, which are double-insulated. This creates heated space that helps to keep the enclosed gate valves and freshwater system protected from freezing. 

     

    Storage Space

    There’s no shortage of storage space in the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS. Outside, two passthrough basement storage bays provide loads of storage space for sports and camping gear. Under the front section of this RV, another basement cabinet between the propane cylinder cabinets would be a perfect place to stash a smaller generator, perhaps especially one that operates on propane. A 2-inch, 3,000-pound hitch receiver complete with a four-pin connector could be used to haul a trailer full of toys or a boat. 

    Inside the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS, there’s oodles of storage space in cabinets and drawers throughout the RV. In addition to the storage mentioned earlier in this article, there’s storage space beneath the sofa bed that could be used for bedding, and there’s also lots of storage in the bathroom inside the two-door medicine cabinet and in the cabinet and single shelf beneath the vanity. 

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS

    Let me admit something. When I found out how light the Open Range Roamer Light Duty 244RLS was, I was prepared to be underwhelmed. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed with the fit and finish of this model. With 16-inch wheels and an above average suspension system, a great floorplan, and lots of storage space, this RV is a great choice for either camping getaways or extended road trips. 

     

     

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Open Range Roamer Lite Duty

     

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  • Camping Lights and Lanterns RVers Should Pack

    Camping Lights and Lanterns RVers Should Pack

    There’s no question about it: Some of the best camping moments happen after dark. That may be enjoying the ambience of a campfire. Or it could be heating up hot chocolate on the camp stove. Sure, your RV may offer a more comfortable alternative. (Inside your cabin.) But you chose to to drive into the wild for a reason. There’s just something about being outdoors at night that makes us feel alive. Part of that sensation is probably primal. But while the stars may be particularly bright in the absence of light, not much else is. And while camping, we want (often need) light on-demand. That’s why almost every RVer packs camping lights and lanterns.

    Good lighting — even occasional lighting —makes a big difference in our ability to enjoy the nature’s night side. No one wants to find out that the camping lights and lanterns you packed don’t work as advertised. (You know, right when you need them most.)

    So, let’s shed some light on which portable camping lights and lanterns are best for RVer. This list of light sources that are all waterproof, durable, and at least 500 lumens. (On top of that they also had to have a reasonably long battery life.) 

     

    Best Freestanding Portable Area Light For Camping

    At first glance, the Goal Zero Skylight area light is designed much like a work light.  The biggest difference is that it has a much warmer light profile. That means it casts a warm, cozy glow across your campsite instead of the harsh light of a worklight. An adjustable height of up to 12 feet gives the six-petal Goal Zero Skylight’s area light the ability to provide up to 6,000 lumens of lighting for up to 300 square feet. This expansive light source’s battery can last for up to an hour when its used on the highest of four light settings. (It has a battery life of up to eight hours on the lowest setting. Battery runtime can also be increased to 250 hours when it’s plugged into one of Goal Zero’s Yeti power stations.)

    The Skylight has a water resistance rating of IPX4. This means it’s resistant to water splashing from all directions and gives it the ability to withstand rain without damage. 

    What’s more, it comes with a hard plastic carrying case that makes it easy to take along with you.  This protective case keeps it from getting bumped around and damaged while being transported in your RV.  

    Reviewers loved the brightness, built quality and versatility of this light source.  They also mention how easy it is to set up and how fast it charges.

     

    Best Headlamp For Camping

    A good headlamp is super handy for camping because it can easily fit into your pocket. Out of your pocket, it give you having a hands-free light source. Which is awesome whenever your need your hand to do gather firewood. Or walk the dog. Or make that nature call.   With all that being said, the waterproof, impact-resistant Fenix HM70R Rechargeable Headlamp performs well above and beyond expectations.

    To start with, this little headlamp features a high-capacity 21700 battery that is capable of powering up to 1,600 lumens of lighting. It also has nine modes. And with a touch of its large, glove-friendly switch, you can get up to 100 hours of continuous runtime on its 30 lumen setting. The HM70R can also cast a beam up to 650 feet on the 1,600 lumens setting. But that’s not the coolest feature of this headlamp. 

    As mentioned, the HM70R has nine modes. It has four white spotlight modes, but sometimes you want a broader light beam. This headlamp also features three flood lights, plus a 5-lumen red floodlight and 5-lumens SOS light. It even has has sensors that keep it from overheating. The HM70R will automatically go to a lower output if you keep it on the 1300 lumens setting a little too long.  

    In addition, this headlamp is smart. It actually remembers what setting it was at the last time you turned it on. Plus, when you use its built-in step frequency mode, the light gets brighter the faster you run.  

    Reviewers love the Fenix HM70R’s features, lighting ability and mention how happy they are with Fenix product support and customer service.

     

    Best Flashlight For Camping

    Sometimes there’s nothing better than a handheld flashlight. Especially when you need a beam of light directed exactly where you need it to be. With that being said, today’s hand held flashlights are a far cry from the massive, heavy flashlight Dad brought camping when we were growing up. The biggest differences are that where those old school flashlights had heavy batteries and filament light bulbs, today’s flashlights have a small rechargeable battery and LED lights. This enables the new ones to be small, bright and more durable than ever before.  

    The Fenix PD36R Pro V2 is a perfect example of this. It has a length of 5.74 inches and a weight of just shy of 6 ounces.  But don’t mistake it’s small size for weakness. Its Turbo mode boasts a whopping 2,800 lumens of light, enough to create daylight up to 1,247 feet away.

    All told, the Fenix PD36R PRO has 5 modes, starting with Eco mode at just 30 lumens, which will still pierce the darkness with a 131-foot beam. In between those two extremes there are three middle brightness options ranging from 150 to 1,000 lumens.  In addition there’s a strobe function which could come in handy (if you need to temporarily stun zombies or other assailants).

    Maximum run time for this impact-resistant, waterproof  flashlight is 42 continuous hours. And when it finally quits, you can recharge  it in two hours with its USB Type-C charging cable. 

    In addition, the Fenix PD36R PRO V2.0 has two buttons that allow it to be used in different hand positions. It also lets you choose from eight different grip patterns, which is a nice touch. But that’s not all — it comes with it’s own holster and lanyard to keep it handy wherever you need it. (Or, smartly, so you don’t lose it in the dark.)

     

    Best Budget Portable Lantern for Camping 

    You don’t need to spend a lot to get a waterproof camping lantern that provides enough light to cook dinner or to find your way in the dark.  The dimmable Lepro LE 1,000 LM  battery-powered, LED camping lantern lights your way with up to 1,000 lumens of bright white light. Apart from having a typical lantern handle on top, this lantern boasts a large hook on the bottom that lets it be hung upside down in tents. Or on branches. 

    A big benefit of this lantern is that it can be used in any weather because it’s waterproof. So, it’s perfect for keeping on board a boat in case you need it. Reviewers love the quality of this camping lantern and felt it’s a great value for the price.

     

    Best Versatile Portable Lantern For Camping 

    The Biolite Alpenglow 500 is a wonderful choice for RVers who want a versatile light source that can provide 500 lumens of full spectrum light wherever they need it. Full spectrum light means you can see true colors, instead of the limited range offered by the cool light of other LED camping lanterns. This comes in handy for more than just seeing your hand in front of your face when you step away from the campfire. For example, you can use it to check how well done the burgers are or read a trail map for tomorrow’s adventures.. 

    But being a great light source is only one of the many things that makes the rechargeable Alpenglow 500 the best camping lantern around. At just 3.8 inches by 5.4 inches, this lightweight lantern is small enough to toss into a backpack. A hook on the bottom of the Alpenglow 500 lets you hang it anywhere you need light. A great benefit of the hook is that it’s big enough to function as a carry handle when you want to use it like a traditional lantern. 

     

    Versatility, Inside and Out

    What’s more, the Biolite Alpenglow was  designed to be used outdoors. Even when it’s raining. And while you don’t have to bring it in, you might want to because the Biolite Alpenglow 500  also provides relaxing ambient lighting in an array of natural colors and patterns. There’s even a flame pattern to create the cozy ambiance of a campfire. On top of all this, it’s more than just one the best camping lights and lanterns around. The Alpenglow 500 can also be used as a portable power bank for  charging electronic devices or powering string lights. 

     

    Light on Your Terms

    Wherever you are parked, the ability to effectively throw the switch and get on-demand light is essential. Sure, your RV gives you that option in the cabin and around its perimeter. But exterior RV light can contribute to light pollution and diminish your ability to enjoy the natural splendor the night sky. But having camping lights and lanterns ready means that you can get what you need done rapidly. Without light pollution. So then you can get back that stunning star show or the enchanting flicker of firelight.