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Author: Olivia de Soria

  • 2025 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 331BH Review

    2025 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 331BH Review

    The Arctic Wolf 331BH meets the needs of real-world families on the move. Little luxuries are delivered without exorbitant cost. The floor plan was made with your children as the priority. And you can unleash your culinary potential in the luxurious kitchen, both indoor and outdoor.

    Too often, kids’ spaces are an afterthought in RV designs. Believe me, kids know when they have been made an afterthought – and they will fight back to regain center stage. In this model, they have their own room, bed, and bathroom.

    For those looking for a spacious RV to vacation or live in with kids, this model might check all your boxes.

     

    At a Glance: Arctic Wolf 331BH

    We gave the Arctic Wolf 331BH an 8.0 out of 10. The price is right for a 38-foot fifth wheel that thoughtfully accommodates the whole family. On the surface, the unit is spot on (especially the kitchen and kids’ area). But some consumer reports call build quality into question. There are also some design flaws in the master bedroom that may hinder your overall comfort. But overall I was surprised at how the Arctic Wolf 331 BH stacked up next to other, more-expensive fifth wheels.

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 331BH” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping Capacity: 9
    • Hitch Weight: 1,645 pounds
    • UVW: 9,914 pounds
    • CCC: 1,931 pounds
    • Exterior Length: 38 feet 3 inches
    • Exterior Height: 13 feet 2 inches
    • Exterior Width: 8 feet
    • Fresh/Grey/Black: 81/70/70 gallons
    • Propane: 2 x 40-pound tanks
    • Awnings: 10 feet 8 inches and 12 feet

     

    Features We Love

    • RoadVac central vacuum system
    • A designated place to put your wine bottles!
    • Two bathrooms!
    • An incredible bunk house with a private bathroom
    • Wonderful kitchen with tons of counter space
    • Outdoor shower
    • Leash latches

     

    Benefits

    • Keep bellies full and hearts happy with a residential kitchen and all the countertop space you could want.
    • Bring your children along, and rest assured knowing their needs are met in the floor plan of this rig.
    • Keep your interior clean by rinsing off muddy feet and muddy paws with the outdoor shower.
    • Cleaning is a breeze with the central RoadVac.

    Challenges

    • Large overhead bunk has a 300-pound capacity. Good luck keeping all the kids, great and small, from hanging out there at once – with all their toys and things.
    • The master bed doesn’t have enough space to walk around – and that’s before you hang your coats on the hooks and install the TV on the wall at the foot of the bed.
    • There is a lot of dead space in the spare bathroom.
    • Some of the cabinets don’t have doors.
    • Many reports have been made regarding the build quality of the slide-outs and cabinetry.

     

    Best For

    • Families with kids that want to have friends or family come to visit
    • Full-time traveling and roadschooling families
    • Families that are looking for an affordably priced fifth wheel

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    Kids’ Space

    There’s a good chance that the kids’ space is actually a bit nicer than the master suite. And that’s not because the master suite is lacking! The bunk room really sets the bar high in this fifth wheel. And the kids have their own bathroom! If you want your kids to feel at home on the road, this rig provides that space.

    The top bunk has a window and shelving at the foot of a queen-size bed. There are outlets and a charging port thoughtfully installed in the ceiling next to the shelves. My only issue with this space is that the weight capacity of 300 pounds seems a little low for such a large area. More than likely, this will be the most popular room in the house, and all the kids (and maybe neighboring kids at the campground) will want to take part in some fort magic up here. Just make sure you keep that 300-pound weight capacity in mind, especially if you intend to let adult-size visitors sleep here. A heavy-duty safety railing is installed, so you don’t have to worry about any bunk bed mishaps.

    Below the top bunk is a double-size bed with loads of storage beneath it. There are two cabinets, charging ports, and reading lights next to the bed, with lots of open storage space below it.

    Each bunk has a window, so your kids can watch the stars and have access to plenty of ventilation.

    Master Suite

    Situated at the nose of the trailer, the master suite is not as thoughtfully delivered as the bunk house. There is barely enough room to walk around the bed. If you mount the television where intended, you will need to crawl over the bed to get to the other side. And to top it off, they put coat hooks on the same wall, further affecting the functionality of the space.

    There is nothing wrong with crawling over the bed, in fact, many RVers are forced to do much worse in the name of tiny spaces. But if you have to crawl over a newly made bed to access your clothes, then the unit probably shouldn’t advertise a walk-around bed. You need to know what you’re in for when purchasing your house on wheels. Like I say to my husband, “Don’t tell me we are going on a two-mile jog if it’s a five-mile run.” Some of us less adaptable adventures need to know what we are in for before we embark.

    Bedroom Storage Space

    The rest of the suite is a delight. The queen-size mattress has reading lights above it, and charging ports with outlets. There is an abundance of storage, with overhead cabinets above the bed, and cabinets on either side of the bed with drawers below them. The overhead cabinets however, lack anything to keep them open. You will have to reach and grab with one arm and use the other arm to hold the cabinet open. The mattress also has storage below the bed, with gas struts to make access a breeze.

    In addition to all that cabinet and drawer space, there is a deceptively large wardrobe at the foot of the bed. (You will likely have to crawl over the bed to access it.) After opening the doors, I was surprised at the depth of space available. Additional shelves in the back make it easy to make full use of this deep closet space.

    Conversion Beds

    The dinette converts into a small bed, appropriate for a child. The trifold sofa folds out into a full-size bed, but would probably be a bit lumpy without an additional foam topper on it. If you have any insomniacs that are planning to visit, it might be worth having an additional layer of padding for their backs and hips. They will be in a much better mood to face the day.

     

    Bathroom

    One feature that I think makes the Arctic Wolf 331BH appropriate for full-time traveling families is the additional bathroom. It can be really hard to share one bathroom with growing kids on the road. In this model, two bathrooms make the experience that much more bearable.

    The main bathroom is adjacent to the master suite. It feels spacious, with plenty of countertop space next to the sink. A porcelain foot-flush toilet with a high-performance fan meets up to the luxurious expectations of so many fifth wheels.

    Storage, Spacing, and Small Details

    The storage is tasteful and sufficient. The medicine cabinet is sleek with a beautiful pendant light set to the side. Storage is available inside the medicine cabinet and below the sink. There is a small recessed nook on the wall next to the sink for smaller bathroom items, and a small towel rack (for rolled up towels) above the toilet.

    The shower insert is basic, but a decent size with a skylight above it. The shower head could use an upgrade, but that is common in most RVs — especially Forest River RVs.

    This bathroom will likely be used by any guests that aren’t staying in the kids’ area. Call me selfish, but I do wish that the master bath was private to the master suite, and the kids’ bathroom was open to visitors. But I’m sure that there are various schools of thought on that!

    The spare bathroom is tucked away in the corner of the kids’ space. It has all the necessary functions (except a shower – they will be sharing a shower with the master bath). Another high-performance fan is installed at the ceiling above a porcelain foot-flush toilet. The sink has a great range of counter space beside it, with a medicine cabinet above it for storage, and a cabinet below. There is some dead space behind and beside the toilet where I would have liked to see shelves, cabinets and/or towel racks and hooks.

     

    Living Area

    The living area is awash in natural light, with large windows throughout the space. The blinds are basic black-out pull-down shades. A two-seater sofa and dinette are tucked into the slide-out across from the kitchen. For the amount of sleeping space available in this unit, I would like to see one or two more seating options. The island could have incorporated a small bar top seating option. As it is now, only four can comfortably sit in this space, maybe 6 uncomfortably.

    The 44-inch TV is directly across from the sofa. But anyone sitting in the dinette seat closest to the TV won’t be able to view it. It’s a shame to have such a large screen that only three people can comfortably view.

    Under each dinette cushion are long, spacious drawers that pull out for abundant and easy-to-access storage. Above the TV are four overhead storage cabinets. Two cabinets rest on either side of the electric furnace, with three open shelving areas above.

     

    Kitchen

    If you like to cook for your family, this kitchen is a godsend for adventures on the road. Miles of countertop space will unleash your culinary potential. You can spread your wings and utilize your talent to the fullest. Ambient lighting beneath the countertops adds visual flair to the modern decor.

    The sink takes center stage on a tasteful island in the middle of the living space. The large farmhouse-style basin is equipped with multifunctional sink strainers, cutting boards, more basins, and a glass cleaner. The sleek faucet has a tall flexible arm with a sprayer function.

    And if you are especially greedy about your countertop space, there is an additional countertop feature that rolls out from the cabinet on the far wall. This wall is lined with half-depth cabinets, all equipped with seamless countertop space. Is it possible to have too much countertop space? I think we all know the answer to that question.

    The three-burner Furrion range has 16-inches of counter on either side with a stove below for baking. A 10.6-cubic-foot fridge sits conveniently next to the stove. There are cabinets and drawers a-plenty in the kitchen. The mixed use of white and grey cabinet choices integrate the kitchen and living space nicely. The sink island has an array of cabinets and drawer space, and a convenient drawer for your trash.

    Outside the rig I was met with a fully functional outdoor kitchen. It is equipped with a fridge, ice machine, sink, storage cabinet, pull-out table, and GFCI outlets. Wow.

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    The term “Arctic” may be misleading to some consumers. This rig is definitely not intended for anything resembling an arctic climate, or even four-season usage. There are some attributes that may help extend the rig into some colder weather, such as the armored underbelly tank enclosure and 12V heating pads on the tanks. The upgraded laminated exterior walls have block foam insulation to enhance heat retention. This will all help protect key components during colder months, but it will not defend them entirely against freezing temperatures.

    A 35,000-BTU furnace will provide robust heating during cold weather, and the 15,000-BTU central air condition with “Quick Cool” functionality will keep you cool in the summer. The model only comes with one AC, but is prepped for a second in the master bedroom.

     

    Storage Space

    The storage space in this unit is not lacking. The only downside is the absence of doors on many of the cabinets. Without a cabinet door, you have to worry about your things shifting around and possibly falling out while you’re on the road. I understand that it is a great way to cut down on weight and cost, but it also puts a heavy damper on the basic functionality of your storage spaces. There is a large passthrough storage unit under the rig, with an enclosed docking station. This will make set-up cleaner and more organized and will protect sensitive components from rain, snow, sun, and ice.

     

    Chassis/Suspension

    Equipped with the “Tough Bend” rigid skirt metal design, the frame on this rig is built for safety, and built to last. The leaf-spring suspension system is basic but tried-and-true. An automatic leveling and stabilization system will make set-up at your campsite, or off-grid, a breeze. For enhanced suspension performance, consider upgrading to the MORryde CRE3000 or the Trailair Equa-Flex system.

     

    Off-Grid/Sustainability

    Equipped with the Juice Pack Solar system, the Arctic Wolf 331BH comes with a 100-watt solar panel, battery disconnect, and a 30-amp solar charger. This will get you off the grid for a short time. If you are interested in staying longer, there is an option to add another solar panel. The on-demand tankless water heater will help conserve your fresh water by recirculating the cold water while it’s heating up.

     

    Build Quality

    The Cherokee Arctic Wolf brand isn’t necessarily known for impeccable build quality. If you do a little digging, you will see many complaints about slide-out mechanisms, underbelly sagging, cabinet defects, and much more. But that isn’t to say that these types of things aren’t common in most mid- to lower-range RVs. The cable-driven slide-out mechanism is lightweight, compact and easy to access. But they need maintenance to ensure proper tension, and are not as rugged as a rack-and-pinion or hydraulic system. Of course, this style of construction comes with a lower-than-average cost compared to many fifth wheels of similar size.

     

    Value

    The MSRP of the Arctic Wolf 331BH is around $95,000. After dealer discounts, you can find this RV around $50,000 at select dealers. That’s a pretty attractive figure for all the amenities offered. And especially when you consider the presence of a second bathroom. I have seen many luxurious fifth wheels catering to full-time traveling families at almost twice that cost – with just one bathroom.

    Regardless of what unit you end up signing for, make sure you feel strongly about the integrity and quality of build. Inspect all the features, and ask about the mechanisms. If there is any question, make sure you understand the warranty terms and all the fine print before you pull the trigger.

     

    Closing Notes on the Arctic Wolf 331BH

    In conclusion, the 2025 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 331BH delivers a compelling balance of family-friendly design, thoughtful amenities, and affordability. With its standout bunkhouse, dual bathrooms, and expansive kitchen, this fifth wheel makes life on the road not just possible, but enjoyable for families who prioritize both comfort and practicality. While it does come with compromises in build quality and some cramped spaces in the master suite, its price point and overall livability make it an attractive option for parents who want their kids to feel at home wherever they travel.

    Ultimately, the Arctic Wolf 331BH isn’t trying to be the most luxurious rig on the market – it’s aiming to be a reliable, functional, and welcoming space for families. If you’re a weekend adventurer, a full-time traveler with kids, or simply searching for a fifth wheel that makes family living easier without breaking the bank, the Arctic Wolf 331BH may be the right fit. Just be sure to inspect carefully before you buy, and you’ll likely find that this model delivers strong value where it matters most: keeping everyone comfortable, connected, and ready for the next adventure.

     

    A Note on the RV Trader Review Process

    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 honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.

     

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  • Plan a Western RV Trip to See Peak Autumn Leaves

    Plan a Western RV Trip to See Peak Autumn Leaves

    For many of us, no year is complete without walking under a canopy of nature’s most impressive show: autumn colors. Even so, depending on where you’re located, you may or may not be in place where you can enjoy it. But with your RV, you can plan a road trip to witness peak autumn leaves around you. Imagine the foliage above so red that the air shimmers with a pinkish hue. The breeze is crisp and the leaves beneath your boots crunch. Your skin prickles with a whisper of the coming winter. Knowing the bitter cold that is just around the corner, makes this brief interlude of perfect weather that much sweeter. (A scene especially perfect for soft Instagram bragging.)

    Most often, when RV folk think of peak autumn leaves, their minds drift east to places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Shenandoah Valley. But did you know that you can RV to see peak autumn leaves out West? From Colorado to Lake Tahoe and beyond, there are infinite paths to explore fall foliage all over the U.S.

    So, with timing in mind, let’s take a peek at what you need to RV and see peak autumn leaves blooming along in western portion of the continent. 

     

    A Little Pep Talk for the Fall Out West

    Sure, the East Coast gets most of the credit for fall foliage. But I would argue that the Western U.S. offers an equal, if not richer, palette of color. The air is drier with less cloud accumulation, leaving the colors bare and bold against blue skies and monolithic land formations.

    If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let me offer three road trip options.

     

    Option No. 1: Experience the Golden Glow of Colorado 

    In the fall months in Colorado, the Aspens are like golden honey poured on a canvas of cerulean blue sky. The scene will burrow deep into your visual memory bank. And if you’re not careful, it could get hungry, calling you back year after year for more of that big blue sky shimmering with flecks of gold. 

    The most notable destination to see Aspens in the fall is Golden, Colorado. But these iconic trees can be experienced in many different places including: Telluride, Vail, Boulder, Powderhorn and Silverton just to name a few. For the most scenic views of Aspens in the fall I recommend visiting Telluride, Colorado. There are plenty of roads that will be candy for your eyes, but here are the more notable: Million Dollar Highway, Wilson Mesa, Last Dollar Road, or Lizard Head Pass.

    Any one of these drives will give you front row seating to mother nature’s masterpiece in yellow. Some RV campground options include: Telluride Town Park Campground, Sunshine Campground, or, a little further out in the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray Riverside Resort.

     

    Options No. 2: Drink Up the Colors of the West Coast

    California has a delectable menu of fall colors. For more of that golden honey, you can go to the Eastern Sierra’s where there are over 25 stops along Highway 395. Yosemite offers a wider palette of colors, with reds, yellows, and oranges flanked by some of America’s most iconic scenery.  Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Tioga Pass all vary in elevation and peak leaf timing. Be sure to check Yosemite’s current conditions before visiting.

    Add some delectable reds and whites to your foliage tour in a crystal clear glass at Napa Valley. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has big leaf maples and black oaks for more of nature’s brilliant display of yellow. 

    Lake Tahoe is rich with color. You can enjoy the view not once, but twice as it stares back up at you from the placid reflection on the lake.

     

    Option 3: Make It a Coast-to-Mountain Road Trip

    Like both ideas? Well, they’re not mutually exclusive if you have the time (and the gas money). For starters, quench your thirst at Napa Valley, then head west to Lake Tahoe, and down highway 375 along the Sierras. From there you can head to Colorado and lap up some more of that golden honey shimmering among the Quaking Aspen forests.

    Timing the peak foliage will require a dance of luck and informed planning. You may need to run that route in reverse depending on how the season is looking. This Fall Foliage Prediction Map will be your best friend as the season approaches.  

     

    Great Places to Book Reservations

    Eastern Sierras

    Driving along Highway 375 offers a plethora of dispersed camping opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned boondocker, or are interested in dipping your toes in that sea of possibility, this is a great place to go rugged and boondock off the beaten path.

    Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

    To stay directly in the park, you can go on Reserve California to get your site reserved. Keep in mind, there are no hookups in the park. About an hour away from the park, you can make RV campground reservations at Clear Lake State Park, or Casini Ranch Family Campground. 

    Lake Tahoe

    This iconic travel destination is peppered with RV parks all along the perimeter of the lake. Some great campgrounds to soak in the fall colors include: Zephyr Cove Resort, Lake Tahoe KOA, and Tahoe Valley Campground. 

    There are plenty of dispersed camping options available around Lake Tahoe, but make sure you know where these areas are available to you, and where they are not. 

     

    Your RV Plan to See Peak Autumn Leaves

    If this looks like a lot to do in one season, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. To be honest, I don’t think you can see it all in one season. However, you can collect plenty of unforgettable views under your belt before the season wanes.

    It can be complicated to time it perfectly, since peak foliage doesn’t happen at the same time every year, and it varies by elevation. But some areas have a smaller window than others, so it might make sense to build your schedule around those windows. The leaves change from the higher altitudes, to the lower ones. Weather is also a contributing factor. Out west you have about a month for peak colors. During your planning, this fall foliage prediction map will be your best friend. 

     

    Fine-Tuning Your Logistics

    Factoring in the Weather

    The biggest hindrance to driving anywhere out West are the elements. This is especially true in winter. If you aren’t from the area and don’t have thorough experience driving in the winter, make sure you are well informed of the risks, requirements, laws and road hazards of anywhere you plan to visit. Avalanches are a very real threat. While they probably won’t cover your rig in snow, they could leave you stuck in traffic for days. A snow storm on the other hand, could leave your rig immobile and covered in white, quite possibly in a remote area without any cell service.

    I recommend timing your routes with the weather, and having a back up plan in case of an unexpected storm. I know, I know, how can you time your routes with the weather when campgrounds require booking reservations months in advance? 

    Timing an RV road trip is no easy task. But it can be done! 

     

    Having Backups and Preparing Beforehand

    Out West, plans can change fast. If you foresee any weather coming along, consider making a back up reservation somewhere. You can probably find a campground that doesn’t require a deposit in order to hold the site. Check the state and federal park road condition pages. Most parks in these winter-weather-vulnerable-areas have updated road closure pages available on their websites. 

    And know the local laws where you are driving. Did you know that Colorado has vehicle traction and chain law requirements during certain months of the year? You could be subject to a hefty fine if you don’t adhere to these requirements. 

    Another recommendation if you plan to RV extensively is to have some boondocking under your belt. You could find yourself stranded, or unable to make your next campground reservation due to impending weather. It would be beneficial to have all the necessary parts and pieces to run the basics of your rig off the grid. Staying safe and prepared is going to be the first foundational step in setting your trip up for success! 

  • Using What Nature Leaves: An RV Fall Decor Guide

    Using What Nature Leaves: An RV Fall Decor Guide

    Looking to give your home on wheels a more natural autumn twist? You’re in luck! Organic styles and earthy tones are all the rage in interior design trends. Plus, you just happen to be traveling in an ever-changing landscape of natural beauty. Step out and take a look around. Just outside your RV are little pieces of fall decor that can be gleaned from your natural surroundings. (What’s more, they’re usually free!)

    So, let’s talk about the specifics of turning nature into decoration this autumn. 

     

    Accepting the Challenge of RV Decor

    Decorating an RV can be a tricky affair. (Not to mention a trick-or-treaty affair come October.) There are no walls to drill or hammer nails into, and your canvas size is much smaller. But for every challenge, there is an opportunity for design creativity. While decorating an RV, we must take a somewhat roundabout approach.

    Without the use of hammers, nails and screws, we are left with double-sided tape hooks, tension rods, and over-the-door racks. But don’t despair! All of these methods are manageable, sustainable, and simple to implement. 

     

    Step 1: Curate Small Spaces

    Think Small

    It can feel frustrating to approach a small space for decoration. But design challenges like this can be turned into something creative and intriguing. Lean into the smallness of your canvas. Here is a great opportunity to pull visitors into a small and wonderful display of natural elements. 

    Some of the coolest things I find on our RV travels are teeny tiny. Small seashells, small bugs, small plants, and small rocks. All of these things can be transformed into an array of natural displays for you and your guests to relish over. If you like to observe these tiny miracles in nature, start collecting them for thoughtful arrangments that can be displayed artfully in small spaces. Small works of nature-based art can entice the audience closer, giving them an opportunity to observe often overlooked details in our daily life.

     

    Think Light

    Sure, 3M Tape has made some serious leaps and bounds in recent years, but it is still just tape. So, before you hang a five-foot oil painting on that hook, consider something a little lighter. There are so many beautiful things lying right outside your camper — light as a feather — that could serve as natural decor. 

     

    Step 2: Forage for RV Fall Decor

    Foraging for dried flower arrangements is a joyful form of art and creation. And they are stunning on display. 

    My favorite perks of using dried flower arrangements as art? Glad you asked.

    • They weigh practically nothing.
    • They are real, as opposed to plastic floral arrangements.
    • They will fill a space with a calming scent.
    • They are free.
    • They can last forever.

    The act of foraging for dried arrangements can be just as satisfying as looking for sea shells, shark teeth, or even driftwood on the beach. The added benefit is that your findings are a lot easier to put on artful display than a jar full of shells or teeth. 

     

    How to Turn Forage into Decor

    1. Find the flowers and natural elements that speak to you. Not all of them will dry to your liking. (You can research this ahead of time or learn by trial and error.)
    2. Hang them for a few days to dry.
    3. Arrange them according to your color palette, while taking texture and composition into account.
    4. Hang them up, or put them in vases. I like to wrap and hang my bouquets with a natural colored rope, like hemp. I like to hang them from a natural stick in groups of three or more. (A benefit to hanging them instead of putting them in a vase is that you don’t have to worry about them falling over while you are on the road.)

     

    Step 3: Integrate the Senses into RV Fall Decor

    Some of my favorite interior design themes include elements found in the natural world. Antlers, drift wood, feathers, sea shells, rocks and geodes are just a few that come to mind. For the fall, depending on where you are or where you’re going, celebrate the season with color, smells, and texture in your design process. 

     

    Smells: An Aroma of Autumn

    Smell can have a huge impact on a decorated space. Just walk into any spa, floral shop, or even a dentist’s office. Think about how the smell impacts the way you feel about the space. It’s not something we can advertise or visually display, but it can invoke a very real and visceral response. (Dried lavender is my favorite way to add a calming sense of smell and fall flavor to a space. )

     

    Sight: Mirror Fall’s Color Palette

    Before approaching any interior design project, one of the first things to shop for is your color palette. I like to go on Pinterest and find moody images of natural settings. Do you want to invoke a canopied forest shrouded in fog with a whisper of crimson leaves? Or maybe you are going for a mountain range on fire as the foliage waxes to a rainbow of red, yellow, orange, and purple.

    If you are staying on the beach, your vision of fall might be an array of sea shells after a hurricane, or a color palette of blues and grays to reflect the migrating whales. 

    Whatever your vision is, find what speaks to you, and pull out some key colors. Arrange them with paint, cut outs, or markers/pens until you find the perfect recipe of colors to reflect your vision.  

     

    Touch: Embracing Seasonal Textures

    Another element that is easily forgotten when decorating a space is the sense of touch. Static shapes and compositions can be artistically arranged, but they won’t invoke a full response without addressing the physical dimension. In the fall, I think of finding turkey feathers, the crunch of dried leaves, or the shedding of antler horns. Either of these elements could invoke a sense of the season in a delightfully tangible way. 

     

    The Foundations of RV Fall Decor

    With these design foundations, any RV space can be transformed into a beautifully arranged place to usher in the fall season. You can entrance your visitors with small, thoughtfully arranged elements from outside that reflect the wonder and awe of traveling in an RV. You will also be surrounding yourself with all the little joys that spending time outside brings you. In the end, the goal of your RV fall decor is to capture the spirit of the road and the essence of the season, one small detail at a time. 

  • 2025 Forest River Sabre 36ML Review

    2025 Forest River Sabre 36ML Review

    There’s luxury, and then there’s the Sabre 36ML. Fifth wheels are known for bringing decadence to RV living. But this model offers big doses of luxury as well as small thoughtful touches that make life on the road a thing of beauty. Built with your traveling family in mind, everyone can enjoy the great outdoors with the luxuries – and space – of home.

    At a Glance: Sabre 36ML

    I gave the Sabre 36ML 8.5 out of 10 – I loved it. It wows you with its clever use of space. You don’t need a 40-foot fifth wheel to feel like you are in a spacious rig; and it’s all in the head room.

    If you are looking for an RV, but feel somewhat claustrophobic in small spaces, consider this unit. The roomy kitchen has an almost vaulted ceiling effect. Your kids and pets will thank you, with an overhead bunk suite above a decadent porch. Oh yes, you heard right, I said porch.

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Forest River Sabre 36ML” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 6
    • Hitch weight: 1,925 pounds
    • UVW: 12,158 pounds
    • CCC: 2,800 pounds
    • Exterior length: 43 feet 2 inches
    • Exterior height: 13 feet 5 inches
    • Exterior width: 8 feet
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 49/76/38 gallons
    • Propane: 2 x 20-pound tanks
    • Awnings: 11-foot and 15-foot awnings
    • MSRP: Starting at $85,000

    Features We Love

    • Tall ceilings
    • A spacious top-floor room for kids or visitors
    • Ample storage in the kitchen and master bedroom
    • Built-in porch
    • Tasteful, and safe railings on porch and loft
    • Surprise cabinet in bathroom

    Benefits

    • Bring your kids: No need to cram them into a tiny bunk room, they can have their own loft space.
    • Pack your entire home kitchen: A bevy of culinary storage means you don’t need to leave anything behind.
    • Your dogs will be happy and safe. They’ll enjoy the fenced-in porch area and stay safe with tie points.

    Challenges

    • You’ll want to stay a while: Your trips may end up a bit longer than planned with so many comforts and so much space.
    • Unfurnished loft: For real though, you will need to supply your own bed(s) in the loft space.
    • One weird flaw: The blinds in the kitchen are difficult to deploy, and came off their hangers pretty much immediately. These will need to be replaced if you want to avoid some foul language in the kitchen.
    A long window illuminates the spectacular kitchen, but its blinds are anything but brilliant.

    Best For

    • Traveling families. In particular those that want to live full time on the road or have extended vacations in a luxurious, and spacious (but not too big) rig.
    • Pet lovers. The porch is practically made for their fur babies.
    • Culinary experts. The fantastic kitchen has room to store all your ingredients and the tools you need to prepare them.

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    Loft Space

    Just like the rest of this unit, the sleeping space will wow you. Situated above the porch is a large loft area perfect for kids. A removable ladder is attached for safe access, with a durable and sleek railing all around it. There are no storage options here, but plenty of space to make your own, depending on the size of the bed, or beds, you want to include. There are two sets of outlets and charging ports in the loft, with a curtain for privacy.

    If you have any early risers in the family, make sure they are quiet while they make their coffee and breakfast, so as to not disturb whoever is sleeping in the loft space.

    Master Suite

    Situated at the nose of the trailer, an elegant master suite will greet you with a king-size bed. The space is definitely roomy, with plenty of space to walk around the bed and utilize the dresser at the foot of it. There isn’t a convenient place on either side of the bed for books or devices, but there is a large cabinet disguised as a headboard. You can’t access this storage for devices while you are resting comfortably in the bed, however.

    The closet has three sliding doors, each with a full-size mirror attached, accentuating the spacious design. Inside the closet is a 7.5-foot-long shelf that spans the upper portion for general item storage, while a rod runs underneath it for hanging clothes. A large inset double shelf is perfect for shoe storage. There is also a washer and dryer hook up here. I can’t think of anything that makes RV life more convenient than a washer and dryer.

    At the foot of the bed is a large dresser with four drawers beneath a wide window. There is an option for installing a ceiling-mounted television above the dresser. The bed offers a large area for storage beneath the mattress, with easy-to-lift gas assist struts.

    Conversion Bed

    In the living area, there is a sizable L-shaped couch. One side of the couch pulls out with ease into a double-size bed. This would be great for a guest if there isn’t space in the loft, or if they would rather forgo climbing up the ladder to access that space.

    Bathroom

    The only downside to the Sabre 36ML’s bathroom is that there is only one. But if you don’t mind sharing with kids or visitors, then it won’t be an issue. The bathroom boasts luxury throughout, with a porcelain foot flush toilet and lovely glass sliding doors on the shower.

    The shower has a bench with the insert, and three basic shelves. A skylight adds natural light to your showering experience. The sink is basic, with a medicine cabinet above for storage, and a cabinet below. There are two GFCI outlets next to the sink with counter space to rest your appliance or device on. A towel rack or hook would be a nice addition somewhere in this space.

    A surprise feature lives behind the toilet. What I thought was a small storage compartment revealed a hidden pull-out cabinet on a track that slides out almost the full width of the bathroom. Three large shelves are available for a variety of bathroom product storage here.

    Living Area

    The windows in the living space make for an inviting and airy interior. And speaking of windows, one of my favorite details of this fifth wheel are the shades. They are zebra windows shades that seamlessly alternate from black out shades, to a lighter shaded option, or nothing at all. I can imagine myself having fun playing with the natural light in this space. Accent LED strip lighting offers a warm glow, with tasteful pendant lighting over the dinette and flush lighting in the ceilings.

    The dinette is tucked in a slide, with seating for four and surrounded by windows. An L shaped couch with reclining sets will comfortably seat five, across from a whopping 60-inch TV. If you don’t plan to spend all your time outside, worry not, there is plenty to keep you entertained and comfortable inside this rig.

    There isn’t a whole lot of storage in the living space. But other areas more than make up for that. The entertainment center under the TV has some shelving, and the ottoman opens to reveal a large amount of storage as well. There are two open cubbies as part of a built-in end table in the corner of the space, at the far end of the couch.

    The Deck

    If it starts getting a little stuffy inside, you can lounge on the covered deck of the Sabre 36ML. On the far end of the kitchen are large double doors that slide open to the deck space. This is great for small wandering children or dogs. And speaking of dogs, there are latches attached to the rig for your traveling-with-pets convenience. The railing here is sleek and airy, made with black railings and taut steel cables.

    Kitchen

    The kitchen space is a gem. Truly. If the kitchen is your sacred space, then you should have a closer look at this unit. For traveling families especially I think it is important to prioritize the feasibility of meal times. In this kitchen, no stone was left unturned. The high ceilings mean you can really spread your wings. Nothing makes me feel more cramped than when I’m trying to cook in a tiny RV kitchen. All of the appliances are residential, including an enormous 12V refrigerator, with two freezer drawers that pull out beneath it. Just imagine, you could have an entire freezer drawer devoted to ice. Your cocktail skills will thank you.

    A large farmhouse-style sink has various interchangeable cutting boards, dish racks, and sink basins for multiple uses, and a tall pull-down faucet nozzle. There is a vegetable rinser, soap dispenser, and a glass cleaner. Acres of countertop space area available for all your food prep. No sacrifices need be made to cook (or live) in this RV.

    The microwave has a convection feature, but you will probably do most of your baking in the large oven under the three-burner range. Outlets are available throughout the space, along with charging ports. Above the sink is a ledge that would be perfect for plants or other decorations. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when you have space for decorative items, and not just functional things.

    Okay, storage – where to start? There’s a good chance that this kitchen has more cabinet space than your kitchen at home. I could probably fit my entire body in the under-sink cabinet. The overhead cabinets go way up in these tall ceilings, so they offer towers of space. (But you might want to have a kitchen stool handy to reach them.) And across from the oven is a 40-inch wide, four-foot tall, two-door pantry with three divided shelves and two drawers beneath it. All this storage space makes me drool. And for pets, there is a discreet little food and water station underneath the drawers by the oven.

    Four-Season Capabilities

    The Sabre 36ML offers a range of features that can extend your camping season. The PVC roof is sturdy and will help withstand the weight of snow and ice. PVC is gaining popularity among newer RVs, thanks to its enhanced durability.

    Two awnings with LED accent lighting will ensure you and your kids or pets stay cool under a hot sun. The solar-reflective windows will help keep the warmth of the sun outside. And the dual 30,000-BTU AC units are whisper-quiet, so you won’t have to shout over the noise while you’re inside.

    In the cold, you can rest easy knowing that the heated enclosed underbelly will be less susceptible to freezing pipes. Forced air in the underbelly will protect critical components. The on-demand tankless water heater will also conserve water through recirculation, and will ensure that your showers are warm when the weather is not.

    Storage Space

    The storage space is a highlight in the Sabre 36ML. The master bedroom has an abundance of places to put things. And the kitchen! The kitchen has more storage than I would know what to do with. There are a few cabinets without doors, however, in the living space. Outside of the unit there is a pass-through storage area with a fridge inside for a small mini kitchen! The docking station is inside the pass-through storage area, and includes the black tank flush and an outdoor shower.

    Chassis/Suspension

    The Sabre 36ML is constructed with a lightweight, yet robust frame. The manufacturer’s intention is to provide a durable and stable towing experience. The suspension is a traditional leaf spring system. The tires are fitted with aluminum wheels, and EZ lube hubs. There are electric drum brakes on both axles. An electric auto-leveling system will make set up much easier. Tire pressure safety sensors will also cut down on your maintenance time, and enhance your family’s safety on the road.

    Off-Grid/Sustainability

    200 watts of solar on board will entice you to take this rig off the grid. The tankless water heater will help conserve your fresh water in the 50 gallon tank by recirculating the cold water until the warm water heats up. The 12V refrigerator operates efficiently on battery power, minimizing your need for electrical hookup. Two 20-pound tanks are included, but there is space for 30-pound tanks to extend your boondocking trip. But before you go off-roading in your fifth wheel, make sure you have clearance under the rig. The drop frame in the back might make it a little difficult to go over any sizable bumps in the road.

    Build Quality

    Solid-surface countertops, lumbercore cabinets, strong and tasteful railings, and high-quality frame construction are just a few examples of the build quality in this rig. The walls are vacuum-bonded for integrity and durability. The process involves placing layers of materials under vacuum pressure to create a strong, unified bond. This process also helps to insulate and regulate temperature inside the rig in more extreme weather.

    Value

    The Sabre 36ML varies in price, ranging from $85,000 to over $110,000. Many dealers offer hefty discounts, making this model more attainable to some. I think the price is pretty competitive considering the functional floor plan, build quality, and kitchen/living amenities. If it had two bathrooms I would give it a 9 or 10.

    Closing Notes on the Sabre 36ML

    Fifth wheels have so much to offer couples and families that want a sustainable model of adventure. A delicate balance of luxury and functionality weaves a beautiful picture of what life could look like on the road. Nothing was left out of the mix, not your kids, or even your furry companions. This rig was made for everyone’s comfort.

    A Note on the RV Trader Review Process

    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 honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Sabre
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  • Teaching Your Kids Math in an RV: Roadschooling 101

    Teaching Your Kids Math in an RV: Roadschooling 101

    One of the greatest hidden benefits of roadschooling occurs naturally — lifeschooling. Sure, conventional public education has its benefits. It provides a steady stream of academic lessons and creates structure. But roadschooling truly has a knack for making education relevant to life. And that includes teaching your kids math in your RV.

    In my early years of public education, I remember taking a home economics class. We learned to sew, cook eggs, and bake bread. I loved it. But I would have traded that in a heart beat for a practical course in life mathematics. I’m not talking about algebra and calculus. I’m talking about budgeting, sales taxes, gas prices, credit cards, and more.

    And here’s the good news for all the roadschooling parents out there: That curriculum is conveniently built into life on the road. All you have to do is put down on paper what you’re already doing day-to-day with your kids. 

     

    Giving Math the Texture of the Real World 

    As my daughter and I embark on the ever evolving journey of mathematical education, one thing continues to surface in our application: Learning numbers on a page seems completely different than applying them to the real world. A child could be proficient in a fifth-grade math curriculum and still be unable to apply it in any real world situation. If math is confined to the inside of a book, classroom, or rote memorization, it may require a little dusting off before it can benefit them in the real time situations. 

    Taking math education out of the classroom allows us to weave real-life scenarios into the subject. This will connect the learning mind with the doing mind. As an added bonus, it opens a whole new world of authentic engagement and curiosity. 

     

    Playing with Distance, Speed, and Time

    Whether your child is learning to read a clock, or utilizing multiplication, distance calculation on the road is a great tool for applied learning. (It’s also a clever answer to, “When are we gonna get there?”)

    Personally, we like to use a manual clock and a paper map (or Google Maps) to calculate arrival times. This helps my daughter practice her time-telling, while also using math in an applied setting to determine how long the journey will take. (Incidentally, it pairs nicely with a geography lesson on the road!)

    Depending on their math level, you can start to introduce speed to calculate a more precise arrival time. And from there, you can sprinkle in fuel prices to calculate trip costs. This segues nicely into a conversation about budgeting! 

     

    Simplifying the Budget for Trip Costs

    If the word “budget” invokes a visceral response in your nervous system, you are not alone. (for some of us, it’s hard to imagine a more overwhelming and foreboding term in the financial vocabulary?) “Budget” is laden with so many emotional, economical, and social stigmas that it can be easy to just avoid the subject altogether. But that’s the adult in you. Kids carry no stigma over the word “budget.” To them, it’s about money — a magical thing that’s they’re naturally interested in. So, make it a learning game.

    Budgeting for a singular event, like a road trip, is a good way to isolate and simplify the subject. If you’re like me, you could take this opportunity to refresh yourself on healthy budgeting tools, while showing your children the basic mechanics of financial planning and healthy financial literacy.  

     

    Step 1: Simplify it to fuel and food.

    To start, you may want to isolate one or two items on your proposed trip budget, such as fuel and food expenses. Food budgeting alone can offer days of lesson plans. It can also unveil opportunities for colorful lessons in the kitchen with meal plans and budget friendly recipes and snack ideas.  

     

    Step 2: Walk them through meal planning.

    For financial planning around food, consider starting with a meal plan. This could be as simple as a list, or as complex as a graph chart. After your meal plan has been predetermined, start pricing out some of the food, and getting an idea of cost. After you estimate the cost of your meal plan, you may want to go back and shift your original menu, by adding a little or taking away.

    You can start to see the endless opportunities that these types of lessons can hold for teaching our children! By allowing them to help see the cost of decisions, you really equip them to see the machinery of life.

     

    Letting the Lessons Add Up Gradually

    After isolating a few of the fundamental trips costs, you can start to use this as an opportunity for more extensive planning. So many things must be weighed when budgeting for, well, just about anything. This is a skill in itself. I have observed many seasoned travelers who possess proficient skills in project management and business oversight that could rival just about any professional business consultant or project manager. Planning and budgeting has been distilled down to a precise science for many vetted travelers. Involving our children with these fundamentals equips them with vital skills to survive in this financial world that we live in.

  • RV Influencer Life: What It’s Really Like Behind the Scenes

    RV Influencer Life: What It’s Really Like Behind the Scenes

    Those who see Krista’s life from the slick screen of their phone may think that life as an RV influencer is one thing — all sunny smiles and stunning scenery. But while those picturesque images are real, so is another reality — her journey of grit, faith, and courage. The reality is that Krista — of @happyhealthycasita on Instagram and Facebook — is more than an RV influencer. She is a wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur. In a digital world governed by perfect snapshots in time, it’s easy to forget that influencers are human first, storytellers second.

    During my interview with Krista, she helped pull back the curtain and allowed me to go with her behind the scenes into what her life on the road as an RV influencer is really like.

     

    Where Krista’s Journey Began: “Did I Make the Right Choice?”

    It’s a familiar theme to millions of a Americans now, but it was shocking then. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ripped open the canvas of everyone’s daily life. Some people tried desperately to mend it back. Others grabbed hold of the loose threads and fled the scene altogether. In 2021, that’s exactly what Krista, her husband Ryan, and their son did. They started by spending short weekends away in a 2004 Thor Motor Coach Wanderer Glide Lite. They were spending more and more time outside, and more and more time together. And Krista saw that their quality of life was elevating in direct proportion with these changes.

    During the pandemic, Krista’s job at a local community college became virtual. Ryan was already working remotely for a software company. So, they saw an opportunity for a big life change. They sold everything, including their house, in one giant leap of faith. This monumental act of courage didn’t come without a healthy dose of doubt, fear, and second guessing. They asked themselves over and over if they were crazy. Not only were they in the throes of a global pandemic. As they launched into full-time life in their RV, Krista was also 27 weeks pregnant with their second child . 

    Krista recounts, “I remember those first days and just the craziness of moving and being in the RV and just trying to figure it all out. We left our community. We left all we knew … And I remember just sitting on the floor crying and thinking, ‘What did we do?’ All these big leaps of faith where you’re like, ‘Did I make the right choice?’ ”

    Some of the biggest rewards require big risks. I’m not talking about a trip to your local casino. I mean stepping into a vulnerable place — stripped of all sense of security and then sticking around a while. That is a leap of faith that can reap big rewards. Raising a family is going to be hard no matter where you are. But taking your home on the road means you can, “Choose your hard, and choose your beautiful.” Krista and her family chose both.

     

    Embracing a Community: “What’s gotten us through”

    When Krista and her family started their journey on the road, she made sure to prioritize community as a part of the experience. She says that is what got her through. After her difficult transition into full-time RVing — with a newborn, in the middle of a pandemic — she started connecting with other families. They sat down with her and shared stories. And validation. With a sense of community, she started to have some aha moments like, “OK, wait. This might be okay … This is why we did this.” 

    Now, as a fully vetted full-time RVer, she connects with families as often as she can. And specifically, new RV families. 

    “I just love connecting with new families as much as I can. And I try and reach out to people and invite them over, because I just want them to know that it is hard,” Krista confesses, “Taking that leap of faith can feel so overwhelming at times — because you just question everything, and everything feels so new. It’s a completely different way of living. The community on the road is what’s gotten us through.”

    Krista engages with other families on the road through a variety of means. Facebook groups, Instagram, and Fulltime Families, all offer infinite opportunities for RV socialization.

    So now, Krista is giving a little bit back, which is part of what motivated her to be so engaged in the digital RV community — and ultimately, took her on the road to become an RV influencer. As an RV influencer, she brings her authentic story to a platform with genuine engagement. She enjoys validating and motivating others who want to embark on similar journeys.  

     

    Fringe Hours: “It’s OK if I can’t post everyday”

    But being so deeply enmeshed on your platform as an RV influencer comes at a price. The biggest cost is time. This is something that nobody is giving out for free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Krista discovered this reality as her sphere of influence grew..

    I asked Krista how she balances the time suck of content creation, especially with kids. 

    “That’s a great question. I feel like some days, like, plates drop. Right? And I’m always going to put my kids first.” 

    Social media is definitely not on the top of her list of priorities. Her husband, being the full-time worker in the family, gets his work day first. Often, Krista is left with the “fringe hours.” 

    Even so, she is grateful for that, and her husband is really good at giving that to her when it’s available. And her platform clearly shows that Krista makes the best of it, cranking out content in small windows of time as they present themselves. What is difficult is to avoid the comparison game with other content creators. Many RV influencers have no children. Others don’t have a full-time working partner. Playing the game of social media sustainably, means regular affirmations like: “It’s OK if I can’t post everyday,” or, “It will always be there as something to come back to,” and “If I take a couple days off, it’s not the end of the world.” 

    Behind the scenes of an influencer is a very delicate balance of content creation and real life. The platform must be constantly weighed against life, scheduling, and financial priorities. 

     

    Making Money: “You can do partnerships.”

    Sure: On the other side of the screen, it may look easy. But make no mistake — the sacrifices of being an RV influencer on social media aren’t cheap. They are big. Influencers have to sacrifice time with their kids, their partner, and time away from the present moment. All this in an effort to share their stories and ideas with you. This isn’t a terribly sustainable model without some sort of tangible payback. 

    Krista still works part time for the community college virtually. She also has, “little entrepreneurial things here and there,” on social media. But it’s not as straightforward as it may seem. Making money on social media requires a lot of work and planning. 

    “That’s something that I kind of toggle back and forth with. Being a mom is my main gig. And I do have a part-time job. I’m the homeschool parent, the travel planner, you know, all those things.” 

    In other words, time is a precious commodity, and it isn’t given out lightly. 

    Krista shares that social media is, “a creative outlet for me. It’s a connection outlet for me.And, you know, you can build a business that way … I think it’s something that a lot of RVers fell into, because it’s just an intriguing lifestyle. You can share about something like, just teaching people about RV living, to … budget friendly travel and hidden gems and outdoor activities with kids. There’s just so much you can do with it.”

    I asked her more specifically how that translates to monetary exchange. People aren’t venmoing her simply for being awesome on Instagram. There are layers of things that happen before money is exchanged, or goods/services are traded.

    “You can do partnerships with RV brands … I’m still figuring out the ropes half the time.” Krista explains, “I’ve really started to take it more seriously as a business this past year. I’m still growing and learning, for sure.” 

    “We’ve worked with brands for a new lock on our door… We are actually getting our tanks cleaned this week, and I’m working with a brand on that, to highlight them. Its basically advertising for them, but we are also getting the service. So, sometimes people will do it for trade, sometimes people will do it for pay. There’s a lot of factors that go into that. You can work with RV brands specifically.” Or, she says, an RV influencer can go a different route.  

    “I’ll often reach out to places that we want to visit in advance, like in North Dakota by Theodore Roosevelt National Park for instance. I talked to the tourism board, and I was like, ‘Hey, we’d like to, you know, explore.’ And they were like, ‘Yeah, we’ll shoot you tickets.” She says that can allow her and the family sometimes to go to dinner, a musical, or nature exhibits, opening a world of options for travel and exploration. The payback isn’t always monetary. It can come in the form of free entertainment, places to stay, and maybe even repairs on your rig. In exchange, the brand or tourism board will ask to be documented and shared, regarding any content made on the subject. 

    “It’s been fun to highlight this stuff for people, but in a sense, it’s keeping this lifestyle and those experiences more affordable for us too, because I’m putting in work to advertise, especially for them. But at the same time, my family is getting to do that experience that maybe we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

    As content creators, “We’re photographers. We’re videographers. We’re creating ads.” This is something that brands in the past would pay professionals a lot of money to do, that now RV influencers can do.

    But Krista doesn’t just advertise any brand that is willing to pay or trade with her. 

    “If I’m putting it out on my page, it’s getting out to my community of people that you know I’ve built up. And we connect. They have this relationship with me in a sense, you know, that I’ve built.” Krista clarifies, “I really focus on authenticity and not sharing things on my page that aren’t truly things that I believe in. And I hope that the people who come to my page also see that and then they have that trust built up when they’re looking at something that I am sharing.” 

     

    Behind the Scenes: Not as Easy as It Looks

    Safe to say that the journey of an influencer, comes with a lot more blood, sweat, and tears than people realize. Krista’s story certainly speaks to that. After speaking with her, I realized that she has a way of intertwining life lessons with a sort of organizational foresight that is required to put her life on the platform so succinctly. It requires an immense amount of foresight and strategic marketing on a bed of authentic storytelling and genuine engagement. All of this must be delivered while simultaneously prioritizing motherhood, roadschooling, lifeschooling, and so much more. She has mastered a juggling act that few can equal. And this is why, being an RV influencer isn’t as easy as it looks. I don’t think many can claim the title by luck. And Krista has definitely earned hers. 

     

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  • Best Bachelorette Road Trip Ideas: An RV Guide

    Best Bachelorette Road Trip Ideas: An RV Guide

    When it comes to love, lifelong friends, and a journey that lasts a forever, why settle for the ordinary? When it comes time for a bachelorette party, go big! Swap those stilettos for hiking boots and hit the open road with your favorite crew. A bachelorette RV road trip is the perfect way to mark the occasion with freedom, spontaneity and sisterhood. More than souvenirs, you will collect moments. Woven with adventure, connection, love, and support, road trips are one of the most intimate bonding experiences around.

    Sold on the idea? Thought you might be. Here are some of our favorite bachelorette road trip ideas for brides and bridesmaids of all sorts. 

     

    Share a Mountaintop Experience (and Get the Selfies)

    The Great Smoky Mountains will color the event with infinite shades of green — or brilliant foliage if you go in the fall. Some of the largest tracts of old growth forests reside here, in all of the eastern U.S. It is a profound ecosystem rich with biodiversity and natural history. Which means that you can expect the twin thrills of seeing wildlife together and walking peacefully under ancient trees with your closest friends at your side. 

    For the full experience, consider staying at Elkmont Campground. Inside the park, this is one of the largest campgrounds available. But be forewarned: You’re making a trade — luxury for location. (There are no hookups or showers.)

    While you’re in this prime location, make these unbelievable experiences a part of your bachelorette party plan. 

    • Sunrise at Clingman’s Dome. Hike to the observation tower in the park, and witness the fog roll over layers upon layers of blue mountains. The view is guaranteed to astound you. 
    • Waterfall Hike to Laurel Falls. If you forgot your hiking boots at home, no worries! This 2.5 mile round trip trail is paved, making it perfectly accessible for everyone in the group. You will meander through lush forest canopies before arriving at an 80-foot cascade of white water. 

     

    Rock a Desert Road Trip (with a Perfect Starry Night)

    Nothing gets me in the mood for thoughtful introspection like the long endless views of a desert sunset. The immense beauty has a way of stopping the clock, and slowing the pace. If you want an unconventional yet stunning backdrop to your bachelorette party, consider the adventure, solitude, and striking natural beauty of the desert. 

     

    Joshua Tree National Park

    For a series of perfect photo ops, take your RV bachelorette party over to Joshua Tree National Park. The whimsical Joshua Trees that pepper the desert like biblical caricatures make for one of the most iconic backdrops in the American West. The wide array of campgrounds to choose from can be overwhelming. Pick the one that’s right for your crew. 

     

    Yucca Valley

    Just minutes from Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley is nestled at the base of the national park. It offers colorful opportunities for more traditional bachelorette meandering. You can shop at an array of vintage stores in town, eat at local restaurants, and hit up some dive bars before you go back to your campsite for a jaw-dropping night of stargazing.

     

    How to Make It a Road Trip

    Day 1: Arrive in Joshua Tree and set up your RV. Enjoy the golden hours with a hike and sunset views. 

    Day 2: Explore the park: Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Keys View, star gazing, and a group sound bath or fire pit night. 

    Day 3: Take a quick trip to Palm Springs, and choose from a plethora of RV parks to stay at for a night. Enjoy the retro vibe and take in some wellness checks at the resort pool or a spa. 

    Day 4: Head to Pioneertown for brunch and if you have the time, visit Salvation Mountain before you head home!  

     

    Hit the Sand and Waves (to Shop and Snorkel)

    For sand, sun, and a salty breeze, how about taking the ladies to the coast? The only question is: What kind of watery adventure are you looking for? You have a couple solid options. It just depends what best suits your running crew.

     

    Coastal Cities for the Romantics

    Charleston, South Carolina or Savannah, Georgia are both dreamy destinations with waterfront charm, timeless architecture, and historic significance. Both coastal cities are pretty safe and walkable. Further, they  provide delicious backdrops for memorable photos. You know, the ones where moss-draped oaks frame your those forever memories with your friends. 

    James Island County Park Camground is just minutes from downtown Charleston. The campground is draped in mossy delight on 634 acres of forest, creeks, and walking trails. 

    Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, Skidway Island State Park is also nestled beneath towering oaks with Spanish moss in abundance. Lush marshland offers nature trails and raised boardwalks for quiet walks, running, or biking.  

     

    The Keys for the Adventurers

    If your group likes to push out of the shade and into the water, the Florida Keys are the perfect destination for a sun-drenched and salty adventure. If your friends want to kayak, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or go sport fishing, the Keys will be their dream playground.

    You’ll need sufficient advance notice, nut try to book a night or two at Bahia Honda State Park. And if you can’t secure an RV site, at least go visit for a day! The views are singular. 

    For a remote and rugged adventure, book a ferry to the Dry Tortugas National Park from Key West. This isolated island is home to pristine snorkeling, the historic Fort Jefferson, and incredible bird watching- all surrounded by impossibly blue water. 

    Don’t forget to wrap it up with a Key West bar crawl on Duval Street. For all the adventuring you’ve done, you can treat yourself to some seriously fancy cocktails. Take a 2.5 hour tour of the historic Duval Street, or go on a ghost tour! If you want to maintain the adventure while you drink, take an afternoon out on a boat snorkeling the reef with drinks included! 

     

    The Road Trip Together That You’ll Always Remember

    Whether you’re chasing desert sunsets, hiking through old growth forests, or sipping cocktails by the reef, an RV bachelorette road trip turns the journey into the destination. For the bride who wants more than a party  — the bride who craves connection, freedom, and a little wildness — this is the send off she deserves. Swap the overpriced cocktails for whisky by the fire, and stuffy clubs for a sky full of stars. These are the memories you will talk about for the rest of your lives. 

  • Williamsburg’s Patriotic Parking Spot: Anvil Campground

    Williamsburg’s Patriotic Parking Spot: Anvil Campground

    American history lovers, look no further. Colonial Williamsburg offers a slice of living history. Cobblestone streets and horse drawn carriages will take you on a ride back in time. Located in the Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg), this prime position lends itself to a rich American experience. The appeal for RVing in this destination is massive, and Anvil Campground settles right in the middle of it.

    This award-winning campground is surrounded by family friendly activities where kids and adults alike can carve out some valuable memories learning lessons in history as they go. Here, modern comfort and historical adventure pave the way for a perfect RV getaway in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

     

    Why Stay at Anvil Campground

    Conveniently located off I-64, Anvil Campground is within easy reach of the D.C. metropolitan area, Richmond, and the coast. It’s just far enough to offer a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. But it’s also close enough to be a common weekend destination for many Virginians. It is also popular for RV travelers making the long trek up the East Coast. 

     

    Amenities

    See why Anvil Campground has won the National RV Park of the Year Award not once, but twice (2028, 2022). Their amenities include the following. 

    • Full hook ups (30/50-amp service)
    • Picnic areas
    • Fast/reliable Wi-Fi 
    • Large pull through sites, accommodating up to 45 feet
    • Premium patio sites
    • Free game room 
    • Two playgrounds for kids 
    • Beach park
    • Heated swimming pool

     

    Families with Pets

    Two dogs are allowed per RV site. There are fenced in dog areas, and designated pet pooping stations. Your cat is also welcome, so you can bring along all your furry companions. 

     

    Laid Back Atmosphere

    Many popular RV destinations feel like their own city center. Not everyone wants that kind of citified energy on a camping trip. Anvil Campground maintains a laid-back, community-oriented feel. They have been family owned for 71 years. 

     

    Close to Nature

    Located in a peaceful, wooded environment, there is no shortage of trees here. Shaded walking trails are available in the park, and hammock areas are dispersed for quiet reading and relaxation. Adjacent to the campground (a three-minute drive) is Waller Mill Park, a 360-acre lake. There, you can enjoy additional hiking trails, a dog park, boating and fishing. 

     

    Transportation

    Anvil Campground is the only campground in Williamsburg offering a bus service. This exclusive service will take you to Williamsburg, Bush Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, and more! With transportation provided, you don’t need to tow a vehicle behind your rig. Just leave it at home and come on over. 

     

    Booking a Site at Anvil Campground 

    The process to book a site at Anvil Campground is straightforward and convenient. You can make reservations online, or you can call their guest services line (757-565-2300). Before you book, take a look at their site map and choose which site would best suit your needs. Keep in mind that the premium patio sites will be likely to book up the quickest. 

    Tip: While this small and accommodating RV Park will do their best to accommodate your dates, it’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially during their busy seasons. 

     

    Must-See Attractions Nearby

    Jamestown Settlement

    Fifteen minutes from Anvil Campground, Jamestown Settlement offers a living history museum for the whole family. If you are roadschooling with your kids, this would be a great opportunity for an American history lesson. 

     

    Yorktown Battlefield

    Part of the Colonial National Historic Park, Yorktown Battlefield is just 25 minutes from the campground. And in case you are wondering what all the fuss is about, this battlefield is where George Washington defeated the British in 1781 — effectively ending the Revolutionary War. So, it’s a pretty significant place in American History. In addition to seeing the reenactments and Revolutionary War artifacts onsite, you can stroll through the quaint town of Yorktown. 

     

    Bush Gardens

    Tired of history, and ready for some serious fun? Busch Gardens is a European-themed amusement park. If you love roller coasters and thrill rides, you could spend days here and never tire. Some highlights include The Pantheon (one of the fastest roller coasters in the U.S) and Escape from Pompeii (a fire-and-water-drenched thrill ride). Plus, there are loads of seasonal events around Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Thanksgiving. 

     

    Water Country USA

    Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park. Only 12 minutes from Anvil Campgrond, enjoy more fun packed adventures on water coasters, play zones, and wave pools. If you are visiting during the warmer months, be sure to check out the Colossal Curl, and Cutback Water Coaster for a thrill. 

     

    Colonial Williamsburg

    Just 10 minutes from Anvil Campground is another living history museum spanning 300 acres. Restored Eighteenth Century buildings are full of costumed interpreters for your education and entertainment. Colonial Williamsburg offers a beautifully preserved environment to immerse yourself in history. 

  • American History Tour: Roadschooling 101

    American History Tour: Roadschooling 101

    Maybe you’re like me. Personally, I can remember my American History class like it was yesterday — sitting in neat rows under halogen lights trying (desperately) to pay attention. Memories of my American history lessons were buried beneath a pile of heavy textbooks, frantic memorization, and sweaty test-taking. Fast-forward now twenty years, and I can say (gratefully) that American History lessons while roadschooling my children are nothing like that.

    The difference is startling. Let me share a moment with you.

    As we hike along the steep canyon trails of Walnut Canyon National Monument, dusty images of Native American history fill the panorama. My girls rush into the open cliff dwellings, making their own pretend homes behind stone walls. Imagination weaves the lessons of history into their memory through tactile play. Children possess a natural interest in the origins of our culture. Taking history lessons on the road only fans that flame.

    And the road is full of those kind experiential American history lessons.

     

    History Was Lived, Not Read

    Not that long ago, our children drove through Monument Valley. There, history towered over us like ancient sentinels. Each impossible rock formation shadowed us with ancestral stories and life lessons, unrolling a carpet into America’s past.

    Your children pick up something standing in places like that. Something that books can’t quite fully convey — and that’s the livingness of history. Once, a real person stood in this place. And their experience was real.

    Being in places like this reminds us that history lives in the land and stories told by our predecessors. It lives in the pottery and beaded necklaces that we see under glass in museum gift stores. It also lives behind the bars of native schools on reservation land. No, it isn’t always pretty, but it is undoubtedly American and undeniably rich. Everything we encounter on the road unwinds an endless yo-yo of lessons in history to explore.  

     

    Discovering Little Known History: An Example

    Our country is full of history-rich places to explore. And a lot of the great ones (no surprise) are the standard ones in the text books. (Think of Williamsburg and Gettysburg and Washington D.C.) But discovering lesser known places can be absolutely captivating for your kids. 

    Once, while exploring American History on the road, we came across a fascinating theme that exists all over the eastern portion of the US — the Underground Railroad. Most of us are familiar with what the Underground Railroad is. But did you know that barn quilts had hidden codes embedded as maps leading to safe havens through the woods? Or that many church sermons had hidden rhythms in their hymns signaling messages to escaped slaves hiding below the floors?

    Stories like this are rich and exciting to a child’s imagination. (Or anyone’s imagination, for that matter.) Hidden passages with pieces of this history exist all over the United States. You can take a tour on the Schooner B as a part of the Waterfront Underground Railroad Musuem in Washington, North Carolina. Here, you can learn about slaves escaping on sailboats in complicated inland waterways. One enslaved woman had letters of passage for ship captains sewed into the seams of a dress made of quilt scraps. The letters were undetectable except for a gold thread sewed into one of the slips as a code, signifying the secret letters hidden within. I don’t think I could make this up if I tried!

    But think about it. By imagining, children internalize the history in a personal way. And, once you have to inevitably return to those bookish lessons, they are way more interested.

     

    American History Roadschooling Resources

    There are so many resources available to roadschooling families. The number one resource that our family utilized are public libraries. At these locations, you can dive into the local history of each place that you visit. You will be surprised what you find. There are so many pockets of fascinating, and little known history around the U.S. That American history textbook might have felt heavy in your backpack, but it only had the space for the tiniest sliver of our country’s history. So much of it is buried, waiting for you to wipe the dust off and uncover the hidden gems beneath. 

    Also, don’t forget to talk to the librarians! They are a wealth of local knowledge, hidden gems, and lesser known history lessons. Libraries are more than happy to support homeschooling, and they will likely offer many local activities that your children can partake in.

     

    History as a Gateway to Lifeschooling

    There are an endless number of terms used to describe homeschooling styles. There’s worldschooling and natureschooling. There’s travelschooling and unschooling and roadschooling, of course. Recently, however, I heard a new term that I liked: lifeschooling. To me, something about it stands out from the others. Life is the one thing that can’t be taught to our kids in school. And, honestly, I don’t think we want schools take that responsibility. That job belongs to us.

    All the lessons we learn on the road weave their way into the tapestry of life. It’s my favorite thing about integrating American history while roadschooling. We learn about history in a raw and unseasoned capacity, and we can apply it to life in the now. Sure, history can make us feel proud and patriotic. But, equally important, it can also teach us not to make the same mistakes. Teaching children history in an applied setting means we don’t have to sugarcoat it. We can unravel it all under the same sky where it took place. The first hand impressions these lessons make on our children will lead to a deeper understanding of our country, influencing decisions they make going forward. And that is just as important as science, geography, and mathematics.

  • The Nature of a Nomad: What’s Driving RV Psychology

    The Nature of a Nomad: What’s Driving RV Psychology

    Somewhere between winding mountain roads and long desert highways, our mind begins to echo the vast nature of our surroundings. There is a stillness that comes with perpetual motion — a paradox only nomads truly understand. It quiets the chatter. It breaks down ideas and preconceptions and even our ever troublesome egos. The nomadic spirit at the heart of RV psychology is rooted in human history. Those that live by it can hardly define it. It’s like trying to describe the urge to sleep or eat. That’s because the need to travel is deeply coded in our DNA. 

    But as difficult as it is to define, it is as irresistible to deny. What is it that keeps driving us? What makes RV psychology as powerful and it is natural?

     

    The DNA of Our RV Psychology 

    Being a nomadic family with kids means that people question our lifestyle. Pretty regularly, in fact. But that’s only natural, right? When people see something different, they question it. (And sometimes even fear it.) But it’s also a great segue to talk about what’s actually natural. Just get comfortable with running against the current of popular opinion.

    Not long ago, I had someone tell me — bless her honest heart — that it wasn’t natural for kids to travel from place to place. “They need stability and security, and to grow up in one place.” 

    This is a pretty common assumption. Many who feel this way are forgetting a crucial part of our history. Humans were nomadic hunter gatherers for almost all of history. It wasn’t until 10,000 years ago that farming took root. That’s what National Geographic would call two million years of nomadic hunter gathering — versus 10,000 years of sedentary agriculturalists. Backed by numbers like, I would argue that the nomadic urge is still ingrained in our nature. And the RV numbers on the road and in the campgrounds prove that psychology is still alive.

    A few months ago, our family visited the Ute Museum in Ridgway Colorado. I was struck by a black-and-white photograph of a Native American family. The mother was on horseback, and her baby was strapped to a narrow wooden platform tied behind her horse with two long poles. Traveling with babies was an inherent part of the Native American lifestyle. I don’t hear anyone accusing the Native American lifestyle as unnatural. For good reason: It isn’t.

     

    Our Connection with the Natural World

    Perhaps the misconception can be forgiven. Sometimes I think a picture perfect backdrop leads to a false idea of nomadic travel. The assumption is that natural beauty is the primary driving force behind us. If it were just about being in the foreground of a lovely backdrop, we could accomplish that on much easier terms. But the reality is that it’s about being immersed in something bigger — and definitively natural. 

    Tribes around the world fostered a relationship with the land that is vastly different than how we view it today. There is an indigenous belief that the natural world exists, in part, because they acknowledge its existence. They believed that their homage to the mountain helped give it life. And, in return, the mountain nurtured them with food and sustenance. For most of human history, connection to the living earth ran deeper than water. I think we all feel the void of that connection in one way or another. 

    Today, most of us aren’t traveling to herd cattle or replenish hunting grounds. We travel to satiate a deep urge. If we are fortunate, we can experience brief moments connecting with the earth like an old friend. Taking a walk in the woods, or sitting on the precipice, we can exist in the scenery and feel the scenery existing in turn.  

     

    The Proof Is in the Pudding

    My husband and I have been traveling with our kids since they were infants. It was a bold move. And it was hard, but not for them. It was hard for us. But we already knew that having kids was going to be hard, and at times, almost impossible. The hard doesn’t change, just the view. If anything, traveling with kids taught me how natural it really is. Watching them adapt and respond to every challenge with an enduring spirit was an inspiring thing to witness. I remember crossing the Gulf of Mexico on a motorless sailboat when my kids were three and one. I was so nervous about how difficult the journey would be for them. But they were perfect little pudding cups of joy. They rallied the crew with their positive attitude and infinite adaptability. It was all so natural to them. 

     

    Choose Your Beautiful

    Living a nomadic life doesn’t mean that you are escaping hard. Anyone that has ever tried, already knows that. There is no escaping hard. Celebrities and billionaires teach us that everyday. All the fame, money, and power in the world can’t make someone happy. In fact, I think trying to escape the discomforts of our existence only makes life harder. Living a nomadic life is the opposite of an escape. It is a head first dive into the deep end of hard.  

    Personally, traveling has never been easy for me. Nor has it ever been a vacation. Going to Disney World is a vacation. Or staying at a luxury resort. But living in an RV full-time on the road with kids is anything but a vacation. It’s a life that my husband and I choose because it’s vivid, and it widens our perspective. It reminds us how little we know, and it shakes our preconceptions to the core. More than that, it satiates a deep hunger that neither of us can seem to shake when we sit still for too long.