Author: Olivia de Soria

  • 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 26RLS Review

    2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 26RLS Review

    This lightweight travel trailer is a good way to embark upon RV life. (Especially if you’d like to do so without having to commit to an additional heavy-duty tow vehicle to pull it with.) The 2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 26RLS could be appropriate for full-time RVers with kids, so long as you don’t mind your kids not having their own designated room or bunkhouse. This model has spacious living quarters with a residential-style kitchen. Those things, combined with four-season capabilities, make this unit a nice fit for full-time life on the road. 

    Equally amenable to part-time RVers or weekend warriors, the Open Range Conventional 26RLS offers functional living space with extra sleeping capacity for kids or visitors. The kitchen provides a beautiful and well-lit workspace for easy meal prep or extensive culinary endeavors. The bedroom and bathroom are spacious and tasteful, a refreshing interior living space through and through. 

     

    At a Glance: Open Range Conventional 26RLS

    I rate the Open Range Conventional 26RLS with a score of 70 out of 100. While it boasts a bright and sunny living interior, with a spacious bathroom and bedroom area, it also lacks storage capacity for the six it sleeps. Additionally, certain finishing touches felt incomplete and affected my impression of the overall build quality. I also found the lack of cabinet doors somewhat unrealistic.

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional 26RLS” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.” overall_score=”7.0/10″]

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 6
    • Hitch weight: 750 pounds
    • UVW: 5,890 pounds
    • CCC: 1,710 pounds
    • Exterior length: 30 feet 1 inch
    • Exterior Height: 10 feet 6 inches (without A/C); 11 feet 2 inches (with A/C)
    • Exterior Width: 8 feet (11 feet with slide-outs)
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 42/39/39 gallons
    • Propane: 2 x 30 pounds 
    • Awning: 19 feet
    • MSRP: $39,961

     

    Features We Love

    • Two-door entry
    • Press membrane countertops in kitchen 
    • Skylight in the bathroom 
    • Butcher block solid top accent design 
    • Spacious living quarters with plenty of seating   
    • Easy-access storage underneath the master bed
    • Passthrough storage access underneath the RV 
    • Flush floor slide-outs
    • PVC roofing membrane (walkable) that reflects sunlight keeping unit cooler 
    • Flush mount range in the kitchen with a glass folding top  
    • Bedroom is CPAP-ready
    • Large, oversized window at the far end of the trailer
    • Lippert power tongue jack
    • Solid, swing-down steps 

     

     

    Benefits

    • Easy towing experience with this lightweight travel trailer
    • Safe entry/exit with swing-down steps 
    • Can accommodate additional guests with plenty of seating and a six-person sleeping capacity
    • Can cook for additional friends and family with the three-burner stove
    • Offers a bright and sunny living space with oversized picture windows flooding the space with vitamin D
    • No need to purchase an additional heavy-duty tow vehicle; a half-ton truck can pull this

     

    Challenges

    • The conventional price of this travel trailer comes without cabinet doors on many storage areas of the unit.
    • There are no reclining seats in the living space.
    • Dinette couch cushion Velcro attachment does not appear that it will last long.
    • Storage solutions are not adequate for six passengers.

     

    Best For

    • Weekend warriors with kids, grandkids, or friends that like to visit
    • Full-time RV couples without kids — or with kids (if you don’t mind them sleeping on a convertible dinette or pull-out couch)
    • Single full-time travelers that want to accommodate guests and family members

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    The master bedroom in the Open Range Conventional 26RLS feels bright and spacious with plenty of space to walk around the bed. There are outlets on either side (CPAP-ready) and pop-up USB charging ports. The queen-size bed has two small wardrobe/closets on either side that feel too narrow to confidently hang anything inside. Each comes equipped with a dresser pole, nonetheless. There are two spacious end tables on either end of the bed, but no shelves or drawers beneath them. The master bed opens to reveal some storage space beneath with gas-strutted lift assist. 

    The couch folds into a sleeper sofa — but keep your back straight during deployment. (Ouch!) The living area is spacious enough to feel roomy even after the couch has been deployed into a bed. (That’s not always the case in many RV floorplans.) The dinette also converts to a bed, but I found some of the finishing touches on it were hastily assembled. The Velcro strips that keep the dinette cushions attached to the wall are stapled into the wall. (I can tell you from experience that those will not last long.) Honestly, little details like this make me question the overall care that went into construction of the rest of the unit. Ultimately, even so, I was impressed at the space remaining in the living area after both the couch and dinette were converted to beds. 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The passthrough bathroom is surprisingly roomy in the Open Range Conventional 26RLS. The sink sits on a long and lovely solid butcher block counter, with three large cabinets beneath for storage. A large, double-mirrored vanity is installed above the sink with storage available behind the doors. The shower has a standard no-frills insert, with a curtain instead of a door separating the space. There are some vertical shelves next to the shower for storage, but they lack any doors or barriers.  

     

     

    Living Area

    The space here in the Open Range Conventional 26RLS feels bright, sunny and expansive. A large, oversized window sits behind the couch, with another large window behind the dinette. Natural light floods the room with a bright and vibrant energy. The light is delightful and vibes well with the textured shades of gray, light-colored countertops and black window trim arranged throughout the space. 

    The couch is a tasteful light gray and feels contemporary yet cozy. (It is probably the nicest couch I have seen in an RV yet!) Being one of the more affordable units, the TV is not included in the living space. But it appears as though the placement of the install is a bit high for the intended viewing area. You may be craning your neck a little bit. The television area offers a sizable amount of shelving storage beneath it. The storage compartments above the couch offer a little extra storage, but overall, more is needed in this space. There are two small end tables on either side of the couch, but they lack doors. The dinette, however, does offer storage underneath each cushion.  

     

     

    Kitchen

    The kitchen in the Open Range Conventional 26RLS offers an integrated farmhouse-style sink with spacious counter tops spanning the width to the stove. A folding glass top over the burners allows you to extend your countertops when you aren’t using the stove. The large sink comes with a sleek faucet and pull-down sprayer. The kitchen also comes equipped with an InVision microwave and oven with overhead storage above and below the sink. There is a large cabinet below the stove that would be handy for pots and pans. The 120-volt outlets and USB-charging ports are conveniently available behind the stove. (Just make sure your wires don’t end up crossing over the range.)

    A 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt InVision refrigerator with a sleek black exterior is installed near the dinette table. However, it does feel somewhat separated from the kitchen space and cramped up against the walls. Thanks to spacious windows throughout the living area, the kitchen feels welcoming and bright.  

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    The Xtend solar package with a 200-watt Solar panel and 30-amp charge controller in the Open Range Conventional 26RLS will ensure your fridge and lights running while you are dry camping. Having the option to go off-grid widens your camping agenda and sightseeing capabilities. (You never know when you may have to scrap your preplanned schedule for logistical reasons.) Being able to find the nearest spot available to kick it for the night is a golden opportunity in RV life. 

    The Magnum roof system with PVC roofing membrane offers safe, walkable access for roof maintenance. The PVC material reflects sunlight helping keep the unit temperature controlled in the summer months. The roof, floor, and sidewalls are insulated, as well as the underbelly of the unit. You can extend your camping season well into the colder months in the Open Range Conventional 26RLS. 

     

    Storage Space 

    For a passenger capacity of six, I do feel that the Open Range Conventional 26RLS lacks storage. And considering that this conventional model lacks many cabinet doors, even the storage compartments that it has may be met with challenges. The nightstands next to the bed seem a bit pointless without any shelves or drawers inside them. Likewise, the large overhead storage compartment lacks any sort of door or barrier. The bed, however, does offer storage beneath with gas-strutted hinges for easy access. Outside, there are two storage units, with one offering convenient passthrough access. 

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Open Range Conventional 26RLS 

    The Open Range Conventional 26RLS certainly speaks to me with the spacious and well-lit interior. Anyone can look at a floorplan while shopping online, but it’s hard to get a real sense of natural lighting.

    Another great new feature is the app-controlled function of the A/C unit. Being able to turn the A/C on before you get back from your long sultry hike in the desert will be a game changer in your level of 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 Open Range Conventional 26RLS

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  • The YouTube Star Who’s Comfortable with Real: Carolyn’s RV Life

    The YouTube Star Who’s Comfortable with Real: Carolyn’s RV Life

    s If you had to use one word to describe Carolyn, it would be authentic. Most social media stars advertise an inflated, superficial version of themselves. But Carolyn brings authenticity to her platform like a cloud brings rain. It’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you get a little spoonful of it.

    More please.

    Carolyn’s journey in her RV is enmeshed with the social media platform. On YouTube, she offers a window into her world. There, she inspires women to break through any barriers inhibiting them from following their dreams.  She encourages women to be themselves — just as they are. Stripped of makeup, hair dye, fancy clothes and sculpted bodies. Carolyn invites us to tap into a raw and authentic version of ourselves — and to celebrate it. Talking in her videos and sharing her story her, her words spin like a spider’s web. And it is oh-so-easy to find yourself sticking — happily — to the spare but powerful fiber of woven through her life.

    As part of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing stories just like this — straight from the world of female solo RV campers. These women are more than digital adventurers and influencers. They are as real as earth and fire. They are as authentic and refreshing as the air you breathe or the rain on your face. And of that, we just can’t get enough.

    This is Carolyn’s story.

     

     

    “This is not the life that I wanna live.”

    Once upon a time, Carolyn lived in a padded, conventional world in California. She made over six figures a year.

    “I had a fancy life. I spent a lot of money on shoes, purses, and stuff like that … But in retrospect that wasn’t me.”

    It turns out, money doesn’t make you happy. And even with all that money, she was still — somehow — tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Even making what she did, she found herself paycheck to paycheck.

    The spark that lit the fire of Carolyn’s RV life backpacking. She covered 256 on the John Muir Trail in California. This was her first long distance solo backpacking trip. Living out of a backpack for 30 days changed her life. I changed her perspective. She stepped back into her apartment and asked herself, “What the hell am I doing? This is not the life that I wanna live.” She got off the trail in September and was in an RV in April. She never looked back.

    As a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, the John Muir Trail (JMT) played a part in her journey towards self-authentication. Carloyn shares, “The JMT was cathartic for me in my recovery. It was very healing. I mean — I can’t explain — it was the most life-changing, rewarding experience. It was amazing. It completely changed my life.”

    Carloyn recalls, “When you’re on the trail that long, living out of a 40-liter backpack, and you come back … I looked at all my stuff in my 500- or 600-square-foot studio apartment, like, ‘What the hell am I doing?’ I pay 1,600 bucks a month to store a bunch of stuff I don’t need.

    She pauses as she recollects. “All that stuff, it weighs us down. And so I sold everything and bought an RV in five or month months.”

     

     

    “I got famous-people problems without the money.”

    Carolyn’s story is unique in many ways. In stepping away, she actually stepped onto a bigger platform. Today, with over 172,000 followers on YouTube, in some ways, her journey isn’t so solitary. Her background in marketing allowed her to take full advantage of an open niche: a woman traveling alone in an RV. When she first started over nine years ago, no other women were doing it. (At least, not by choice.) After a little strategic marketing and planning, her fourth video went viral. In less than 30 days, she had over 20,000 followers.

    “I wonder if it weren’t for my social media platform if I would have been able to do this for so long, alone,” Carloyn muses. “I get a lot of my interaction online from my community.”

    From the beginning, Carolyn’s journey in the RV was enmeshed with the platform.  That’s both good and bad.

    Being a YouTube star isn’t as glamorous as it appears. There’s a dark side. Eight years of stepping on the platform stripped of all pretenses led to more than an increase in followers. There have been death threats, shaming, trolling, and a lot of other muck she has to regularly wade through.

    When I first got on the phone with Carolyn for our interview, I asked her where in the world she was. She responded, “Is this on or off the record?”

    I didn’t really know what she meant by that, but she explained why she has to be very secretive about her location, being a YouTube star.

    “I’m going through a very burnout phase right now. I’m tired of having strangers weigh in on my life.” Carolyn confesses, “I’m tired of having strangers weigh in on my personal choices. I’ve been sharing myself so openly and so authentically for so long, that I have thousands of people — maybe millions of people — who I’ve never met, who feel like they know me. And I’m kind of tired of that to be honest.”

    Carolyn can’t even truly enjoy her hometown.

    “In my hometown, in Arizona, every time I go out, I get recognized. There’s a big part of me that’s just kind of over it.” It’s especially hard, Carolyn says, because, “I got famous-people problems without the money or the fame. Famous people have the resources to shield themselves.”

    But for Carolyn, it’s all on her.

     

    “This is what nature intended.”

    One of Carolyn’s striking attributes is her radiant authentic energy. It’s a breath of fresh air to speak with someone who has shed all pretenses of superficial impressions. She is completely herself. And I think that is the most valuable thing she is offering other women: the encouragement to be 100 percent yourself.

    “Just let us get gray, and let us have our wrinkles, this is what nature intended,” she says. As beautifully refreshing and validating as that is for me to hear, for her, it comes with a lot of pushback.

    “I’ve gotten a lot of shit for that. People devote a lot of time to shaming me for how I look, and it’s OK.” Carolyn shares, “I have been overweight my whole life. I was bullied all through school for my weight — so, bring it.”

     

     

    “I remodeled it so it feels like a little apartment.”

    Carolyn’s RV journey started with a 29 foot Jamboree. Like everything else, Carolyn doesn’t mince words about it, “It was the biggest piece of crap lemon.”

    She paid $8,000 for it and in 18 months she put almost $20,000 into it. And it still had problems. The last straw was when her black tank fell off in Indiana. After that she started shopping through RV Trader and found her dream rig in Albuquerque. It was a 2005 Itasca Spirit Class C with a roomy floorplan on a reliable chassis.

    “Even though it’s five feet smaller than the other one, it feels bigger. I love everything about this RV. I remodeled it so it feels like a little apartment.”

    The Class C sits on a E 450 Chassis. She paid $14,000 cash for it seven years ago.

    “The gas mileage is crap, but what are you going to do about it?” She laughs, “It’s a good RV.”

     

     

    “That guy was going to take me!”

    When she was first on the road, she had a dog, Capone. But he wasn’t much of a watchdog. He was great company, but after he passed away, she got another dog that plays the part of a watchdog much better.

    “If there’s a critter outside, she wakes me up in the middle of the night.” Carolyn notes, “If anything even comes near my RV, she lets me know.”

    After spending 20 odd years on the road, she has learned to trust her gut and her instincts. For the most part Carolyn feels safe, but there was one especially terrifying instance that left her completely shaken.

    On her way to Alaska, in British Columbia, she shares, “A guy approached me, and I really think that he wanted to do me harm.” At the time, she was having lunch on the side of a busy highway, not too far out of town with a beautiful view of a canyon.

    “I heard a car stop, and a door open. And I was like, ‘Okay, this is probably an older couple stopping to enjoy the view as well.’ But I heard the car door, and I didn’t hear voices.” Carolyn recalls, “I turned around and there was this guy on his tippy toes, peaking into the RV. At the time, I thought he was interested in my RV. I get that a lot. It wasn’t until afterwards I realized he was looking through the windows to see if there was anyone else with me. He kind of walked over very slowly, and didn’t really say anything. He just kind of stood there. And my Spidey Sense went up immediately.”

    Eventually he started asking her questions.

    “Are you from Nevada?”

    And then, “Are you alone?”

    Immediately, Carolyn responded, “No, I’m not alone.” She quickly gathered her things and walked towards the door. But the man kept on, “You know, I do tours around the area.”

    Again and again she rebuffed his advances at conversation and suggestions. But what was particularly alarming was that after she shut and locked the door, he continued to linger. He sat next to her RV.

    Looking back, the part of the story that still surprises Carolyn the most weren’t his actions but her delayed reaction. It wasn’t until about a month later that she did a detailed video about the event. That’s when it sunk in what could have happened.

    “Holy shit! That guy was going to take me!” In post, she realized that he was trying to get her in the car. Realizing that, she started crying at how much danger she could have been in. It didn’t even hit her that it happened to her, until she watched the video she made about it. At that point, she reported the incident to the British Columbia Police Department.

    These are lessons that she tries to inspire in women: Always believe your gut.

    “Unfortunately, the world we live in tells us not to trust that,” Carolyn shares. “So many unhealthy relationships train us not to believe our intuition, and a lot of women have to unlearn that. They have to start to believe in themselves again, and believe in their intuition again.”

     

    “RV life is a healthy risk for me.”

    Hearing a story like that, you want to put the question to Carolyn: In a world where you pay for your dreams in blood, sweat, and tears, what’s the real payback of this lifestyle?

    Carolyn has her answer ready, “I was never meant to live a normal life.”

    Even in college she knew she didn’t want to work a standard day or do anything conventional. For Carolyn, living in an RV gives her that freedom. That life out of the box. “I can be who I want to be. I don’t have to be locked into a nine-to-five.”

    Carolyn also needs to be in a place where she can take healthy risks.

    “I am the type of person who constantly needs to be challenged.” She says that’s always been part of her nature, “A lot of my addiction was about taking risks. I took a lot of unhealthy risks in my life. And through therapy I realized that in order for me to stay healthy and content, I need healthy risks. And RV life is a healthy risk for me. It allows me to change my scenery as often as I want.” She continues, “It allows me to satiate that need for adventure and risk and excitement — I think even the element of danger —even though that’s kind of gone because I’ve been doing this for so long. It feeds me … I could never go back at this point.”

    Just the thought of normal, sedentary life makes Carolyn cringe. Dinners with friends, movies, plays, networking events. She says that all the crap she used to do in San Francisco would just kill her now.

    She says the RV life gives her a better alternative. “It just allows me to really feel like I’m really living my best authentic self.”

    Carolyn doesn’t make as much money as she did in her past life in San Francisco, but she doesn’t have any debt. And she has her freedom. She knows what she has, “The reward is, and the reason I started this, is that I’m inspiring other women to let go of their fear, to face the things that scare them, and to get out there and do it.

    “Not only am I inspiring women to get out there and chase their dreams, but to kind of shed a lot of the expectations that society puts on us as women. And that’s extremely rewarding.” Carolyn takes a moment and says, “When I meet women that literally cry and tell me how I’ve changed their lives, and how watching me has helped them do things they never thought they could do: That is the reward.”

    That, indeed, is a worthy reward. Something meaningful. Something earned. It is something so real, so authentic that it can change a life.

  • 2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK Review

    2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK Review

    This bright and airy travel trailer beckons the nature lover. The 2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized, offering an ambience that feels in line with the outdoor experience. The myriad large spacious windows throughout the entire unit make the floorplan feel even bigger than it is. If vitamin D is what the doctor ordered, then this 2025 Jay Feather will be medicinal. And here, the kitchen taking center stage. 

    This is the only rig I have encountered that has a plethora of counter space behind the sink — all basking under the light of a picture window. The space just begs for plants and other homey items that would normally only fit in residential living quarters. The kitchen is a nurturing space for culinary artisans. The Jay Feather 26FK truly stands in contrast to most RV models that make cooking a daunting task of elbow bumping on tight, dimly lit countertops.  

    The amenities in the Jay Feather 26FK lend themselves to comfortable, full-time RVing, complete with four-season capabilities and residential appliances. The dinette/full-size bed conversion means you can bring the grandkids along for the weekend. There will be plenty of places to store their toys, with ample amounts of storage inside and outside of the unit. 

     

    At a Glance: Jay Feather 26FK

    I rated the 2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK travel trailer with a score of 81 out of 100. As a lover of all things bright and sunny, I can’t get enough of the energetic and spacious aura this unit embodies. Every room feels airy and equipped with all the creature comforts of home. Dry camping would be a breeze in this fully equipped and insulated unit. There is storage space aplenty for full-timers, and some extra for the grandkids when they come to visit. A few finishing touches caught my eye that needed a more thorough follow-through. There is no designated working space here, but if your work is in the kitchen, and food is the music of your instrument, then this rig is for you. 

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Jayco Jay Feather 26FK” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.” overall_score=”8.1/10″]

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 4
    • Hitch weight: 925 pounds
    • UVW: 7,065 pounds
    • CCC: 1,435 pounds
    • Exterior length: 31 feet 9 inches (overall)
    • Exterior height: 10 feet 4 inches; 11 feet (with A/C)
    • Exterior width: 8 feet; 11 feet (with slides out)
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 54/60/30
    • Propane: 2 x 30 pounds 
    • Awning length: 20 feet
    • MSRP: $49,785

     

    Features We Love 

    • Spacious countertops and kitchen space 
    • Radiant barrier insulation with heated underbelly and tanks
    • Solar package available; also solar-ready
    • Ample and thoughtfully dispersed storage 
    • Flush slide-outs (for once I didn’t trip on the lip!)
    • 15,000 Btu A/C 
    • Three-burner stove 
    • USB ports thoughtfully installed throughout the unit
    • Option to upgrade to a king-size bed
    • 60,000 Btu on-demand, tankless water heater 
    • 4,777 Btu electric fireplace 
    • Option to upgrade to a second A/C unit

     

     

    Benefits

    • Energetic space with a naturally lit interior 
    • Residential cooking experience with extra countertops and luxurious appliances
    • Enough storage for full-time RVing
    • Extended camping season with four-season capabilities 
    • Easy towing with a half-ton vehicle 

     

    Challenges

    • Some finishing touches found in drawers and in storage were sub-par with unfinished plywood
    • The kitchen sink is divided. Some buyers might find one large unit to be more suitable, with the option to insert a divider. 
    • The Velcro attachment behind the dinette cushions feels hastily attached and doesn’t look as though it’s meant to last long.

     

     

    Best For

    • Full-time RV couples or weekend warriors that want the residential amenities to follow them on the road, with four season-capabilities.
    • Campers that are specifically looking for luxurious amenities and a spacious floorplan with a homey kitchen to work in. Let’s face it, some people require (and deserve) an excess of kitchen countertop space. (Don’t sell yourself short! You need what you need, and your work in the kitchen is worth it.)

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space 

    The Jayco Jay Feather 26FK sleeps up to four people. The breakdown is simple: The master bedroom sleeps two, and the convertible dinette table sleeps two more. It should be said, however, that the convertible dinette would realistically sleep two children comfortably, but probably not two adults. My kids actually loved sleeping on the converted dinette in our RV, even more than their bunk house. 

    The Jay Feather 26FK’s dinette converts in the most interesting way. The bottom half of the table has a series of spring mechanisms and reticulates with ease becoming a half-sized table. And if you can spare the table for a bit (and you have grandkids visiting), it’s a perfect size for kids to play on in the living room floor. They would love to sit down and do some crafts or just play pretend at their little-people-sized table before going to bed. The Velcro on the dinette cushions however feel hastily attached. It doesn’t look like it’s intended for longevity. It’s a small detail that may be unimportant to some, but I find details like this can often shed light on the attention paid to other elements of the rig that aren’t quite so visible.  

     

     

    Master Touches and Ticklish Details

    The master bedroom in the Jay Feather 26FK is open and spacious, equipped with ample storage all around. The spaces felt intentionally laid out and utilized for maximum storage without crowding the room. The windows are extra-large in this room as well. This allows light to flood the unit. (More on that elsewhere.)

    There is a perfect little nook for a TV to be installed above the window in between the closets. The nook allows the TV some breadth, so you won’t hit your head on it after it’s been installed as you walk around the bed. (This is an issue in many other units!) There are two large closets with drawers beneath opposite the bed. A lovely little window nook sits between them.  I think a small cushion could double this nook into a tiny bench. The drawers in this bedroom are numerous and spacious. The wood of the drawers, however, are made from unfinished, cheap plywood. Watch your hands, you might get a splinter.  

    The master queen bed has plenty of space to walk around. The bed has an ambient blue light strip above the headboard, and even more storage cupboards above that. A shelf on either side of the bed is equipped with USB ports and outlets, making it CPAP-ready. Underneath the bed is a huge storage compartment. Accessing the compartment is a breeze with the gas strutted lifts. But here, you will encounter that cheap unfinished plywood again, which the mattress sits on. And this time I did get a splinter while handling it. 

     

     

    Bathroom 

    The passthrough bathroom in the Jayco Jay Feather 26FK is another example of a residential style space in a travel trailer. The stainless-steel, integrated sink basin has a large, mirrored vanity above it with storage space behind it. There is another large cabinet underneath the sink. The single doors on the oversized cabinets enhance the spacious layout in the bathroom. The toilet sits in the corner, with a single door, dual-corner shelf above it. The shower is a luxurious roller-style, stand-up unit with rounded frosty doors that open independently. The showerhead is flexible with a lovely skylight above the unit. 

     

     

     

    Living Area

    The spacious floorplan in the Jayco Jay Feather 26FK beckons for full-time living. Every aspect of the design lends itself to a comfortable daily experience. From the light, ample storage, luxurious amenities, and seamless entertainment system, you will find nothing lacking in comfortable daily life here. 

    A cushioned seating arrangement flanks both sides of the dinette, with easy access storage underneath the couch compartments. The theater seating offers powered recliners, and removable rotating tables with drink holders. The entertainment system sits directly across from the lounge chairs, with a furnace below the smart TV, and storage between the two. A feature here that I find handy is the independent control of the sound system — both inside and outside the unit. Oversized windows, consistent with the rest of the unit, make this space a joy to be in.

     

     

    Kitchen

    The kitchen is the gem of the Jay Feather 26FK. If you are afraid to leave a fully functioning kitchen at home, have no fear. This unit will ensure that your culinary mastery continues to flourish on the road. The seamless countertops and large windows offer the perfect ambience for any creative endeavors in the kitchen. The oversized cabinet doors and drawers add to the spacious feel. The large drawers and cupboards are a defining element of the functional space here. 

    My favorite feature in the whole unit is actually behind the kitchen sink. There is so much countertop space for putting plants or other homey things you normally wouldn’t have space for in an RV. The stove also has a glass fold-over function for even more countertop space while you aren’t using the burners. This area was designed to look and feel like home. The spacious countertops are matched with bounteous storage. There is a knife rack behind the three-burner stove, and an 11-cubic-foot, 12-volt, double-door fridge with a sleek and shiny glass exterior. 

    My only beef with the kitchen here is with the divided sink. Every time I find myself with a divided sink, I only end up using half of the sink. It would be nice if the sink had a farmhouse basin, or an option for a divided insert bin. 

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    If you are worried that all the oversized windows will heat up the unit, have no fear! The whisper-quiet A/C will keep you cool. (There’s also an option to add a second unit in this RV.) The whisper-quiet description is no joke. After I walked into the RV, I looked for the controls to turn the A/C on, before I realized it was already on! I just couldn’t hear it. 

    In the wintertime, all that light will cut down on your need for outside heat. And if you’re plugged into power, give your propane a break and use the Innoflame electric heater underneath the TV. It will add warmth and ambience to this already cozy living space. The four-speed, MaxxAir-powered roof vent increases air flow and ventilation in the unit. 

    The unit is solar-ready, prepped for the Overlander 2 solar package (inclusive of two 200-watt solar panels and a 30-amp controller.) But to my knowledge, this added feature requires installation at additional cost. Basic solar capabilities provide a huge bonus. Especially when your schedule turns upside down for reasons beyond your control. 

    This unit is Climate Shield tested and approved, with radiant-barrier insulation added to the floor, front wall and roof, and forced heat ducts running into the underbelly area where holding tanks are located. Your camping season can extend well into the colder months with these added features. 

     

     

     

    Storage Space 

    The arrangement of living space feels intentionally thought-out in almost every aspect of the space. The storage areas are no different, having been thoughtfully arranged to provide ample spaces for all your things, while the oversized cabinets add to the spacious feel throughout. There is a long double-door closet near the living room door for hanging coats and other items, with a spacious drawer at the bottom that could be perfect for shoes. It is really handy to have a place to put raincoats, shoes, or other coat-rack type items near the entrance of your rig. It’s an underrated feature that isn’t always available in motorhomes! 

    The kitchen has quite a bit of storage for an RV of this size, and the outdoor storage space is passthrough, saving a lot of headaches and back-tweaking moments with your larger items. The master bedroom and bathroom also appear thoughtfully arranged with plenty of storage available throughout, including a large space underneath the master bed. 

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Jay Feather 26RK 

    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 Jay Feather

    What Other Campers Are Saying

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

     

  • Travel Nursing, Powder Chasing, and Raw Joy: Cassie’s RV Life

    Travel Nursing, Powder Chasing, and Raw Joy: Cassie’s RV Life

    The best stories about facing a personal challenge don’t hold back. Which is why it’s easy to love Cassie’s untethered honesty. Her raw account of the “shit show” that unfurled while camping alone in winter for months captivated us.

    Somehow, in today’s world of social media, the idea of going off and living in a van or camper has been dipped in romanticism and sugar-coated with Instagram-worthy picture perfectionism. The problem is that those photographs represent a single moment, a mere fraction of the whole picture. That image is one out of 86,400 seconds in a day. The remaining 86,399 moments in a day weren’t captured on film. They were probably spent cursing over a parking spot. Spilling coffee on clean laundry. Trying to set up a rig on a hot asphalt parking lot, or countless other snippets of challenging daily life.

    Isolated moments of brief perfection are out there. But they aren’t free. They have to be earned, and in some cases the cost is too high. 

    As part of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing these stories — straight from the world of female solo RV campers. These women break the mold, brave dangers, and experience extraordinary beauty in the world around them — even if it’s one moment out of 86,400 seconds.

    This is Cassie’s story.

     

    “I thought it would be the bee’s knees”

    As a nurse, Cassie’s vision of living in a camper first took root at the height of the pandemic in 2021. At this time, nurses were getting paid almost double for travel nursing assignments. To sweeten the increased pay scale, living in an RV would not only lower the cost of living — it would also enable her to cash in on a hefty lodging stipend. 

    “I thought it would be the bee’s knees to live out of a camper as a travel nurse and see the country.” 

    But the reality was quite different. 

    Working as an ICU nurse is an especially exhausting task. It can sap you of all your physical and emotional strength. During the pandemic, the work order doubled in what was an already demanding environment for nurses. Cassie’s 12-hour shifts turned into 15-hour days. After each grueling day, she faced the epic task of setting up her slide-in truck camper. Alone. In the cold and in the dark. All without any water or power hookup. 

    “It was a shit show. I lasted about three weeks.” 

    She simply could not go on like that. Soon after, Cassie found a rental on Furnished Finder where she could live in for the remainder of her travel nursing assignment. 

     

     

    “It gives me access to a lot of places”

    Working full-time as a travel nurse while simultaneously boondocking in a slide-in camper was not sustainable for Cassie. But powder chasing for a season in a camper? That was a dream come true. For three months, Cassie traveled around the country to snowboard on some of the best slopes in the US. Being in a versatile rig and dry camping meant that she could go just about anywhere to chase fresh powder.

    All this involves following precise weather forecasts to arrive shortly after a storms that leave a treasure in their wake: snow. Snowboarding and living in a camper is a full-time job, especially when dry camping. But the reward was well worth the cost.

    “It was a whole mess in and of itself,” but, “really fun.” 

    Cassie spent almost a year researching what type of camper she wanted to live in. She scrolled through countless websites, blogs, and RV Trader looking for the perfect rig. Then driving down from Snowbowl Ski Resort in Flagstaff, she passed a lean, little slide-in camper.  Her first thought was, “Oh my gosh, that’s so sleek. I don’t have to be this top-heavy behemoth out in the middle of the wilderness.”

    So she pulled the trigger on a 2023 Four Wheel Camper Grandby Pop-Up Camper. It checked all her boxes: It was manageable, small, and conducive to a modest lifestyle /

    “It gives me access to a lot of places where the barrier to entry is a lot of money. It’s really great in that way.” 

     

     

    “Akin to emptying — like — month-old bed pans”

    Cassie’s interest was clearly maxing out on adventure. To do that, she was happy to deal with the nittty gritty. Her new camper didn’t really have a plumbed-in toilet feature. Instead, she used a Porta Potti, which is a completely portable toilet. You can put the RV sewer enzymes in the tank, and you can kind of use it as a toilet. But it has to be emptied,

    “Which was probably akin to emptying — like — month-old bed pans, to give you some imagery. Not glamorous at all.”

    For water, Cassie tried to utilize her factory plumbing and water pump to run a sink from her water container. She recalls, that “froze twice on me, before I learned my lesson.” 

    Cassie ended up using an aquatainer as her sink. The camper’s factory plumbing for the sink drain was basically just a rubber hose that went outside.

    “Not environmentally friendly.”

    So, she used an additional aquatainer to collect the grey water, which she emptied when necessary. She occasionally boiled hot water, but only for food. Her time living in the camper was primarily during winter.

    When asked what she did about hot water, she explained, “There’s a whole world of hot springs, hot tubs, and rec centers in the world, that all have hot showers.”

    So, she just kind of went from place to place in search of hot water?

    “Totally.”

    Cassie says that hot springs were especially healing for her tired muscles, a necessary relief during her season chasing powder.

     

    “I was a stinky girl”

    Lots of things take a backseat on an adventure like Cassie’s. Staying fresh and clean, Cassie says, was definitely not her highest priority. Dry camping in the winter time and snowboarding all day every day makes unbelievable memories — but it doesn’t make for simple laundry cycles. 

    “I had a pretty good system once I got into the camper for an evening, I would hang my snow pants and ski jacket onto this little hook above the door, and it would drip dry onto the rug. I was never really dry, everything was always a bit moist and a bit chilly.” 

    Cassie recalls she would then crank the heater and crack the ceiling vent to the outside to help with condensation. Her camper was a soft-sided pop-up, which lent itself to excessive amounts of condensation. 

    Her outer layers were always hanging up to drip dry. But she didn’t have the luxury of changing her base layers as often. 

    “I was a stinky girl.”

    Luckily, everything was a wool or cotton base layer, no overly smelly synthetics. But, “I would sometimes only change my socks and underwear and wear the same top and pants for like three days at a time.”

    She laughs, “If there was a smell, it was all held in by the outer shell.” 

    When Cassie passed through a town with a laundromat, she made it a point to stop and do a load.   

     

     

    “White-knuckle driving through this horrific snow storm”

    While Cassie was driving from Idaho to Wyoming on the interstate in the dead of winter, snow started falling. She was on her way to Grand Tarehee, approaching a treacherous mountain pass. 

    “Something got kicked up by a semi in front of meand completely shattered the window that’s between the truck and the camper.”

    “There’s not a lot of clearance in this space, so I don’t know how ice or rock magically hit that window in particular. I heard like a little ding! but nothing on the truck was damaged, and it didn’t even occur to me that something on the camper might be wrong.”

    “It was a long day of driving, I had to get over this pass in nearly blizzard conditions, going 20 miles an hour. So, I get to this camping lot in Grand Tarehee, and it’s like 10 p.m. I had just driven 20 miles per hour for like 30 miles over this mountain pass, white-knuckle driving  through this horrific snow storm. I am dog tired, and I open up the camper. There’s like half an inch layer of snow on everything.” 

    The glass was shatter resistant, but somehow a hole formed in the window. Meanwhile, all the storm snow was funneling into the camper as she was driving. The only saving grace was that her bed was compressed to the ceiling during the drive. So .when she set up her rig filled with snow, she at least had a dry place to sleep before dealing with the mess the next day. 

     

    “There’s definitely something that draws males to a single girl on a chair lift.”

    Cassie boondocked during her season powder chasing. She made it a point to arrive late and leave early to avoid any unnecessary interactions with other people. It also helped to arrive late in case she got her intel wrong and was not supposed to be there. It’s not always easy to find an accurate boondocking location. 

    During her powder chasing months, she spent all of her time alone, and vulnerable. 

    “There’s definitely something that draws males to a single girl on a chair lift.”

     She would tell people that she was meeting a friend, even though she hadn’t seen a friend for weeks. Her feminine intuition was always on high alert and helped to keep her safe. 

    “Being a single woman with a dog that is not at all even remotely ferocious, I came up with some good stories.” 

    Her friends all suggested that she get a gun, but she felt differently, “No, if something is going to happen to me, there is no way that I am going to find my locked-up gun and use it to protect myself in time.” Candidly, she says, “I would not do well under high pressure with a gun in the equation. I would have a better chance throwing punches and screaming my face off.” 

     

    “You feel simultaneously on top of the world”

    After sharing about stink, laundry, snowstorms, and strange encounters, Cassie confronted the ultimate question: Was it worth it?

    “Yes,” she affirms. Admittedly, like Alexandra, she says the view was one of the biggest pay offs here. Especially in the winter, where the cold and the snow have a way of making everything so much bigger. Being able to interact with the scenery in such an active capacity is a spectacular opportunity. 

    “You feel simultaneously on top of the world, because you’re like, I’m out here doing it and experiencing it.” 

    But then, shew says, you’re also, “so small, and this place is so big.” 

    Later, after she moved out of the RV, she really sunk into the creature comforts of sedentary life. But it wasn’t long before she felt the pull and was back in the RV. “It felt very nostalgic, almost like coming home. Like, oh yes, this is my thing.”

    In 2024, she committed what she describes as the cardinal sin of buying a house. But never takes long for her to get antsy. Getting back in the RV is a great way for her to placate her nomadic fever. 

    After buying the house, “It was really hard to live with that feeling.” She had to pay for the house and fix the house, and before she knew it, she was needing to work more to pay for it all. Even so, she is already filling her schedule with trips and activities that she is ready to start training for. After speaking with Cassie for over an hour, it was clear that her nomadic fever was an innate part of her being. It’s something that she will always have face head on — no matter what those 86,400 seconds look like each day. 

  • Risk, Reward, and Rocket Fuel: Alexandra’s RV Life

    Risk, Reward, and Rocket Fuel: Alexandra’s RV Life

    Alexandra is a woman on fire. With a soft demeanor, you wouldn’t guess that she is propelled by rocket fuel. In her quest to live her life her way, she faced constant road blocks. But they were continually outmatched by her perpetual determination. Not once did she consider throwing in the towel.

    As part of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing stories from the world of female solo RV campers — who break the mold, brave dangers, and experience extraordinary beauty in the world around them.

    This is Alexandra’s story.

     

    “Black women just don’t do that.”

    Before the start of her journey — long before she became known by the Instagram handle @alexandra_abroad — Alexandra’s mother discouraged her. Her mother’s misgivings about her daughter going all-in to the solo camper lifestyle were partly because of her sex, but also her race. Being a black woman alone, camping in an RV, doesn’t exactly fit the mold. “Black women just don’t do that,” she said to Alexandra. Little did her mother know, she was only putting more gas in the tank. No one was going to tell Alexandra what she couldn’t do. 

    In July of 2017, Alexandra bought an 1987 Itasca Phasar RV. She loved the layout of it, with its pop-up bathrooms and spacious interior. Alexandra spent three months renovating it. Everything was given a tune up. (Except for the dials on the dash.)

    She made it to Illinois from Michigan on her fresh new start in life. Unbeknownst to her, the meters on the dash weren’t functioning. There was no way for her to know that the engine was overheating. That is, until it was too late. The Phasar suffered a massive breakdown and died for good in Illinois. The engine was old, and repairs were estimated to cost more than the value of the RV. 

    This would have been the end of most people’s camping journey. But for Alexandra, it was just the beginning. She found a teardrop trailer in Grand Junction and made it her own. It was a custom-built “tin can,” around nine by five feet. (About as small as a camper can possibly be.) She towed it with her car and embarked upon her adventures across the Southwest. The small size was a huge asset to her. It was light enough for her to detach and push by hand on her own, which she had to do more than once! 

     

     

    “I may not be by myself.”

    Alexandra spent years of her life carving out a career as a photographer. She went to a meeting with HipCamp in San Francisco, to enter into a paid partnership. After the meeting, she walked back to her car, only to find her window busted open. Everything was stolen. Her laptops, modem, hard drive, and camera equipment. All forever gone. As a photographer, there is nothing more devastating than losing a collection of photographs. It is a lifetime of work, visions, and individual artistic license. Gone

    That night, she drove to a Walmart parking lot to try and get some teary-eyed sleep. In the state of California, you aren’t allowed to boondock a camper near any city center, so she was forced to leave not once, but twice. The catch was that she couldn’t actually drive outside of the city with a broken car window without getting pulled over. 

    Not long after the robbery, Alexandra decided to camp in the Redwoods of California. She was camping alone on a little sandbar, when someone approached her. It was a man, and he started asking her questions: 

    What are you doing out here?

    Are you alone?

    A woman camping alone in a quirky little camper invites questions from bystanders pretty frequently. But this seemed to come from a place of bad intentions, not just innocent curiosity. 

    Her feminine intuition shot off warning after warning: They weren’t on BLM land where it would make sense for other people to be camping — this man had approached her from the bushes, which looked like a hiding place— and he was drunk at 9 a.m. in the morning. 

    The stranger’s body language and manner gave her all the signals she needed to move along. After she made her move to get out of there, she began to question the validity of camping so far off the beaten path. 

    “Maybe I shouldn’t be out in the complete middle of nowhere by myself, because I may not be by myself.” 

    After everything Alexandra had undergone up to that point, I ask her if she ever thought about calling it quits.

    “Oh, definitely not,” she says, “It’s hard to have a bad day when the view is so good.”

    She considers herself lucky. Not everyone walks away from a situation like that unharmed. Alexandra travels with her dog and with a handgun that she keeps for protection.  

     

     

    “Being outside is where we’re supposed to be.”

    So, why suffer through all that misery? What reward can be worth losing a career, a lifetime of photographs, and all your artistic equipment? 

    Truth be told it can be hard to explain, but the reward is something you experience. When in reality, one accidental moment could be worth a thousand planned ones. You could be looking at the stars in Zion, and the sky might suddenly open — showering fireballs of debris from a Japanese space craft. Alexandra did. She witnessed this with her own eyes in a brief moment of perfect coincidence.

    Sometime after her experience with the stranger in the Redwoods, Alexandra had a different kind of experience. One night, she pulled into an off-road hot spring in Nevada. She hadn’t known about it because it wasn’t even on the map. But it was there that she met Ted and his wife. She didn’t know them from before, but that night the three of them got to know each other, share dinner, and celebrate Ted’s fiftieth birthday. Alexandra recalls it was the prettiest evening, all foggy and gloomy. Snow covered the ground so that, “It looked like Iceland in March.” It’s hard to explain, but it was an experience that touched Alexandra deeply.

    “If I hadn’t been robbed, or harassed by that guy in the Redwoods, I wouldn’t have met Ted.” 

    Sure, that kind of reward is not luxurious. Or grand. Or monetary.  But it’s little moments of sublime perfection connecting with friends, or one vast moment spent in an open canyon, as Alexandra says, “hearing everything but then also hearing nothing at the same time.” 

    “There is a quietness that comes with [this life] but also, intensified sounds and experiences … Being outside is where we’re supposed to be. It’s very intense, but it’s also centering to have that intensity around you, and being able to manage it and feel comfort in it.”

    Wherever Alexandra is, it’s her own little piece of that place. Her own little piece of Moab, or her own little piece of the Rocky Mountains.It’s also her own moment in time. Whether it’s a perfect view, a mundane daily task, or a challenge, it’s hers — something that she carved out for herself. 

     

  • 2025 Jayco North Point 382FLRB Review

    2025 Jayco North Point 382FLRB Review

    For those RVers that have gone all in with their nomadic endeavors, a fifth wheel offers a big payback. If you’re going to take that leap, you might as well go big, right? And the 2025 Jayco North Point 382FLRB certainly does that. This model provides a payback that you could enjoy daily in the RV life. This fifth wheel is for full-time RVers that want to host the whole family on vacations — and wow them with their luxurious rig. The comforts of residential life are not only met — they’re exceeded. (Does your couch at home have a butt warmer? No? Neither does mine. But this one does.)

    With a gross vehicle weight rating of almost 18,000 pounds, engineers of the North Point 382FLRB  developed a unique handling package with suspension, braking systems, dependable axles, and other on road features for your safety and comfort while towing. Rest assured: The North Point 382FLRB was made to ride well.

    After setting up camp, you can turn the spotlight on entertaining friends and family in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen, or on the four-burner stove inside. After dinner, everyone can take their pick of three cozy couches and watch the game on a 50-inch (button-deployed) TV. The features here are too bold and beautiful to be enjoyed by your and your partner alone. The sleeping capacity of eight beckons friends and family, while the outdoor security cameras help ensure everyone’s safety.  

     

    At a Glance: Jayco North Point 382FLRB

    My rating for the North Point 382FLRB is high. Justifiably so. One of the few things holding this model back is the lack of natural lighting. But altogether, this design fulfills the needs of nomadic full time RVers that want to bring the kids and grandkids on extended weekends. It would also fit the bill for weekend warriors that want to bring family members along. The North Point 382FLRB is a showstopper, with special attention paid to the kitchen’s residential functions and space, and a luxurious living area. If you are looking for an RV that will make you forget you ever left the comforts of home, this unit checks the boxes, even exceeding those comforts in some areas.  

    [review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Jayco North Point 382FLRB” description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.” overall_score=”8.2/10″]

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 8
    • Hitch weight: 2,970 pounds
    • UVW: 15,280 pounds
    • CCC: 2,715 pounds
    • Exterior length: 43 feet 10 inches (overall) 42 feet 1 inch (pin to bumper)
    • Exterior Height: 12 feet 6 inches (without A/C); 13 feet 3 inches (with A/C)
    • Exterior Width: 8 feet 6 inches
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 75/82.5/74 
    • Propane: 3 x 40 pounds
    • Awnings: 14 feet and 14 feet (two awnings)

     

     

    Features We Love

    • The MORryde® rubberized axle suspension and the pin Box with a combination rubber isolator and chucking reduction system help reduce vibration and road shock. 
    • Dexter Tow Assist, with antilock braking and sway mitigation
    • 21-cubic-foot residential fridge, with 1800-watt inverter 
    • Fully functional tailgate camp kitchen (with pull out counter space)
    • Outdoor entertainment system 
    • RoadVac central vacuum system (by Intervac design)
    • Conventional microwave with built in air fryer
    • Four-burner stove in kitchen!
    • A master bathroom and a guest bathroom 
    • Show-stopping master bathroom 
    • Sleek strip lighting back light throughout the unit offers a unique and modern camping ambience
    • King-size walkaround bed in master 
    • Helix ducted cooling system with whisper-quiet A/C
    • JayVoice (voice-activated system can control lights and A/C without lifting a finger, or even standing up from your comfortable seat)
    • Furrion backup camera, side-view observation and security monitor system
    • Residential convection microwave with built-in air fryer 
    • Jayco’s new Nuvo H20 whole-house, three-cartridge water filtration system in the passthrough storage provides purified drinking water and ice. 
    • Furrion tankless water heater 

     

     

    Benefits

    • Peace of mind and comfort during your towing experience with the handling package reducing road shock and increasing the longevity of your tow by cutting down on wear and tear 
    • A residential experience with spacious interior and decadent amenities
    • Easier clean up with the in-house vacuum system
    • Safety needs are met across the board here —from the back-up camera, the security monitor driving system, to the security cameras that to monitor the surroundings at night
    • Smooth ride with innovative shock and vibration eliminating technology
    • Ambient lighting with strip lighting installed behind appliances and furniture throughout the unit, perfect for evening time lounging indoors
    • More time spent outside with a fully functioning outdoor kitchen and entertainment center
    • Endless entertainment with a residential kitchen, large seating capacity and two bathrooms

     

    Challenges

    • The 102-inch wide body may feel intimidating to drive down the highway. 
    • This heavy rig will require a heavy-duty vehicle to tow it.
    • Dimly lit interior (lacking in natural light, but not synthetic light) 
    • The dining room table feels just a little bit tight when fully extended.
    • Not enough indoor tabled seating for eight, only enough for six to eat at a table if you are at max capacity and everyone is eating inside. 
    • It boasts a “flush-floor” slide-out design, but I tripped at least twice on the lip of the “flush floor” slide out. 
    • The ceiling height is a little short when entering the master bathroom from the master bedroom. (Tall people may need to duck while passing through.)

     

    Best For

    • Full-time RV couples that want to camp with the luxuries of home, and space for friends and family, all in a safe and comfortable tow.
    • Weekend warriors or seasonal RVers that want to wow their friends and family with space age luxury and camping extravagance.  

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    The master bedroom in the North Point 382FLRB boasts a whopping king-size walkaround bed, with ample storage for full-time living. Across from the bed, there are two long, mirrored wardrobes with drawers underneath. Between those drawers sits a perfect little bench atop two drawers. (I love the additional seat here, because sometimes you just need a place to sit in your room that is not a bed.) Above the bench is a nook for a modest TV that won’t impede your ability to walk around the bed. 

    Inside the wardrobe is an option to lift up some of the shelves, in case you prefer a taller storage space for hanging dresses or long shirts. Upon opening a drawer in this bedroom I was met with handcrafted dovetail joints, a reminder of the high-quality construction that this unit embodies. I believe that small details like this can shed light on the construction of other, less obvious parts of the unit. They could have easily put unfinished, splintery plywood in the bones of these drawers and cabinets, but instead they chose to exemplify craftsmanship in places where not everyone might notice. (That is something I can put my money behind.)

    In the living room, there are two couches opposite each other that fold into sizable beds, comfortably sleeping four kids — or extended family and friends. If kids are staying in this RV with you, rest assured knowing that the kitchen and spare bathroom are accessible to them without disrupting your morning beauty rest in the king-size master bedroom on the other end of the unit. And the raised floor plan of the living space also gives the room a delineated appeal for guests staying over. 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The North Point 382FLRB is equipped with two bathrooms. That makes this unit a great choice for traveling families that don’t want to share their bathroom with kids. (I get it. I mean, sometimes a girl just wants to brush her teeth alone, without two kids underfoot.) The cozy little guest bathroom is tucked on the edge of the kitchen, for guest use. It is fully-equipped with all the essentials and storage. It is cleverly placed, at the edge of the kitchen where it can be accessed without disrupting the master bedroom. 

    The master bathroom is jaw dropping. It is a suite in itself, packing enormity in full force. You might even be able to fit a treadmill in here and still be able to perform all your daily ablutions. I can say from all my years of residential experience that it is probably twice as big as any residential bathroom I have ever had. This is just another example of how the North Point 382FLRB will quickly make you forget that you are living in an RV. You may even be making an upgrade from your residential life into this unit. 

    The dual sinks in the bathroom can comfortably fit two people without bumping elbows. The vanities are warm and back-lit, offering you a gentle start to your morning. There are plenty of drawers and cabinets to store all of your bathroom amenities, as well as hooks to hang your towels. The larger tiled shower is show stopping, with enough space for two, and a lovely wooden folding bench with a skylight above.

     

     

    Living Area

    From the kitchen, the living area of the North Point 382FLRB is a few steps away, elevated in height and luxury. One thing I find unique and surprisingly tasteful, is the delineation of the kitchen and living space. When I’m at home, in a residential house, I like to be right in the middle of the action while I’m cooking for everyone. Our kitchen and living room are one, and in a residential house that floorplan functions nicely.

    But in an RV, cooking for guests in the middle of a living space can feel cramped and overwhelming. I welcome the option to have a separate, distraction free space for camp cooking. But if you want to be included in the party, no worries! Simply push a button and the TV will lower into a pedestal, reintegrating the kitchen and living space. Amazing! The duality of functional spaces is a treat to witness.

     

    Amenities Galore! 

    The amenities and spacious seating arrangement under ambient strip lighting sets the mood for comfortable time spent indoors. You will love hosting friends and family in this unit. Right before the football game starts, you can reach behind the sofa and push a button to deploy the TV from the pedestal separating the kitchen space. It’s a showstopper. And if you are a full-time traveling family, your kids will never want to leave the comforts of this living space. If there is a chill in the air, the heating option on the theater seats will give your bum a little warming action. The power recliners and butt warmer will keep you on the couch, cozy and comfortable until the weather is ripe for exploration.  

    My only beef with the living space is the lack of natural light. The windows are small and sparse. For some that may not be an issue, but for me it’s a problem. 

     

     

    Kitchen

    Packing an RV refrigerator with all the essentials for preplanned meals usually requires a lot of sacrifice in a standard sized RV fridge. But here, in the North Point 382FLRB, eliminating bulky vegetables during your meal prep will no longer be a necessary sacrifice. This unit comes with a 21-cubic-foot fridge. The convection microwave is equipped with an air fryer, above a four-burner stove on a 24” range. Your work in the kitchen is appreciated in the North Point 382FLRB! 

    I have to say that one of my favorite functional and feng shui elements of this RV’s design is the island/sink. I think it ties the space together and highlights fun features like the glass washer, vegetable finder, and button-activated drain adjustor. Nowadays with modern appliance designs, a sink is a thing of beauty. So, why shouldn’t it be in the center of a room? The island also offers a hefty amount of additional storage in the drawers and cupboards underneath it. 

    The dinette shares space with the kitchen, under a small window near the entrance. It is cleverly constructed to roll out with ease, extending leaf by leaf to accommodate more guests. Fully extended, it will comfortably seat four. Others will need to sit in the living space available upstairs if the RV is at full capacity. The theater seats have rotating TV tables attached to the arms that will accommodate two more for eating. That leaves a tabled seating deficit of two, if you are at full capacity of eight. A great feature in this unit is the fully functioning outdoor kitchen equipped with a sink, two-burner stove, fridge, counter space, and drawers that pull out on durable tracks.

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities 

    The layout of this design and warm ambient interior lends itself to spending time inside. So, if you plan to be somewhere with a harsh climate, whether it be too hot or too cold, the North Point 382FLRB is designed to keep you comfortable and entertained indoors. Let’s face it, a trip to the beach in the summer is great, but only during the early hours of the morning, and the twilit hours of the evening. 

    This unit comes ready for the Overlander 2, 4, or EXT Solar Package, each inclusive of 200-watt solar panels, controllers, and inverters, allowing you to keep your appliances running off grid. The heated underbelly and heated tanks are another feature that will extend your camping season well into the colder months. The innoflame electric heater is a great option for when you’re plugged into power and want to conserve propane.  But if you do need to use your propane tanks for heat, you will have three 40-pound tanks at your disposal, keeping you from frequently refilling at the store. 

     

     

    Storage Space 

    The storage available in this is plentiful and intentional. Two passthrough storage compartments underneath the rig lends itself to ease and convenience. The outdoor kitchen also has a quant and clever drawer to hold some extra cooking tools. The king-size master bed lifts with hydraulic assisted ease offering massive storage space, easy to access, in the bedroom. For a sleeping capacity of eight, you will not lack in storage. Of course, this feature is subjective to every person. Some people travel light, and some people travel heavy. But whether you are packing heavy or light, there should be all the space necessary for eight people to bring along their functional necessities, toys, and creature comforts. 

    There is a tall closet near the entrance door with a deep compartment for shoes. It comes with shelves that collapse so you can use the storage in different ways, depending on the season. In the winter you may want to collapse the shelves and use the space for long coats, but in summer you can use more shelves for smaller things.

     

     

    Closing Notes on the North Point 328FLRB 

    One of my favorite features in this unit is Jayco’s new Nuvo water filtration system. Living on the road usually requires sacrificing things like filtered water. But more and more, families are starting to feel the importance of clean, filtered drinking water. I appreciate having that option on the road. 

    Another feature that I love is the security camera function. Whether you are camping in an area with extreme wildlife, or near a highly trafficked greenway or city park, it can really pay to have a security monitoring system for peace of mind and added safety.  

     

    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.

    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.

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your North Point 382FLRB

    What Other Campers Are Saying

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

  • 2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M Review

    2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M Review

    Made with full-time RV couples in mind, the 2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M is perfect for a life on the road — or hosting friends and family on extended weekend getaways. Kids or grandkids would love the over-the-cab bunk with a panoramic window. Just a little imagination will transform this bright and picturesque bunkhouse into a spaceship, landing in worlds unknown. If you plan to go far, know that your ride will be smoother and safer thanks to the JRide handling package. And if durability and longevity is on your checklist, allow me to introduce a novel Class C feature: a leak-free front cap with a seamless, one-piece design and an automotive bonded panoramic window. 

    The Jayco Redhawk 26M has gone all in, offering a spacious and cozy interior, with all the amenities of home. The kitchen and living space are combined, showcasing residential comforts such as the large three-burner range in the kitchen, as well as a cozy entertainment system with a fireplace in the living area. With a 7,500-pound towing hitch, you can tow a car. This allows you to explore your destination more nimbly after setting up your rig. 

    Stated simply, modern durability and safety features are a highlight in this Class C. Now, let’s take a closer look.

    At a Glance: Redhawk 26M

    I gave the 2025 Jayco Redhawk 26M a rating of three and three quarters out of five. Similar to the Entegra Coach Esteem 29V, the Jayco Redhawk 26M puts its best foot forward when designing a liveable, luxurious interior with a comfortable ride in mind. 

    However, I do feel that for a passenger capacity of five, more storage and a private master bed area would be appropriate. If any of those five people staying in the unit are kids, it could be a challenge getting everyone to bed at the same time. The master bed, the dinette-bed, and the over-the-cab bed basically all share the same space. 

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 5
    • GVWR: 14,500 pounds
    • GCWR: 22,000 pounds
    • Exterior length: 28 feet 8 inches 
    • Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
    • Exterior width (w/ slides out): 12 feet 2 inches 
    • Interior height: 7 feet
    • Fresh/Gray/Black: 43/40/31
    • Awning: 19 feet
    • Propane: 41 pounds

     

    Features We Love

    • JRide handling package 
    • Automatic, hydraulic-leveling jacks
    • Power management system
    • Button-activated, Murphy-bed conversion
    • Option for dual 13,500 Btu A/C units (or one 15,000 Btu unit)
    • Child safety tethers in the dinette and seatbelts in all interior seating
    • 9-inch Sony infotainment system with tilt feature in the drive side
    • Hardwood cabinet doors and drawers throughout 
    • Safety net for the over-the-cab bunk that’s easy to install and remove (don’t forget to use this no matter the age of the kids!)
    • Modern farmhouse interior design
    • Roof ladder (with walkable roof!)
    • Sleek, frameless windows 
    • Side-view cameras providing full view of sides while switching lanes 
    • Easy-to-deploy Murphy bed
    • Outdoor shower for muddy paws and sandy toes

     

     

    Benefits

    • Smoother, safer, and quieter ride with JRide’s computer-balanced drive shaft, and Hellwig’s helper springs and rubber-isolation body mounts. 
    • Full-time liveability with a spacious interior
    • Great kitchen that’s fully equipped to host friends and family 
    • Ability to wow your kids or grandkids with the jaw dropping over-the-cab bunk — and its grand view (who needs a TV when you can soak in a panoramic view of the rugged American landscape?)
    • Safe entry/exit with automatic electric, powered-entrance steps
    • Muscle to tow a car behind you with the 7,500-pound hitch

     

    Challenges

    • There is no way to separate the master bed from the additional living spaces, aside from a small curtain available over the front cab bunk. So, bedroom privacy can easily be interrupted if you have kids or grandkids along. Altogether, there is no real bedroom space, which means everyone has to go to bed at the same time.
    • There’s not enough storage for guests or a family that fills the full five-person occupancy. 
    • The dinette was somewhat challenging to convert, with the numerous cushion arrangements turning into an evil Tetris game that I lost.  
    • Tabled seating capacity (four, at the dinette) doesn’t match the sleeping capacity (five).

     

     

    Best For

    • Full-time RVing couples with kids and/or grandkids that may visit from time to time 
    • Weekend warriors who enjoy hosting friends and family
    • Single full-time travelers that want to have visitors 

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    The clever Murphy bed in the living room comes down with ease at the push of a button. But because the bed is a drop-down Murphy, it lacks the storage above, and beneath that many other designs in this size can offer. The bedroom storage is generally confined to a narrow (but deep) wardrobe in between the Murphy bed and the dinette. There are two additional storage spaces in the lower portions of the couch. (But these are not accessible when bed is in use.) The entertainment center across from the couch/Murphy bed has some cabinets above it and a fireplace below it.

    The bed itself is very cozy with warm ambient strip lighting overhead. USB ports are built inside the cabinets above the bed and in the nightstands beside the bed. These sleeping quarters are CPAP ready. If you have guests, it might be a squeeze to fit everyone’s things in the provided storage areas

    The over-the-cab bunk checks the box for most adorable kids bunk yet. The panoramic window makes it feel like its own little world. There is a clever net that is easy to install for keeping the kids from rolling out of the bunk in their sleep. The bunk has an incredible 750-pound rating, so it can be used for storage as well. The curtain helps separate the space — a little

    Dinette Difficulties

    The dinette folds into a bed that can accommodate one small adult — or two small children. However, I did not enjoy converting the dinette into a bed. The specs on Jayco’s website describe an easy folding legless table, but I was met with a single leg construction that required some back crunching and manhandling. After putting the table in place, you must embark upon an arduous game of Tetris with a myriad of couch cushions. I was also unimpressed by the layer of unfinished plywood peeking out from between the cushions of the dinette. A little attention to detail goes a long way in my RV-shopping book. 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The bathroom in the Redhawk 26M lies at the far end of the RV, with a foot flush toilet and a stand-up shower. The sink sits on a long countertop, providing plenty of space atop two large shelves and a cupboard under the sink. A large vanity offers storage above the sink as well. The shower insert is a standard no frills design with a flexible shower head. 

    An accordion-style folding door separates the shower from the rest of the space. The lower lip of the shower was quite a bit higher than other RVs I have encountered, and I had the pleasure of tripping over it not once, but twice. There is a nice, large skylight above the shower offering plenty of natural light to see by. 

     

     

    Living Area

    The living area in the Jayco Redhawk 26M has a roomy atmosphere. It feels expansive, and cozy with the modern farmhouse design. The frameless windows flood the room with natural light, and the panoramic window at the front end feels like a dreamy RV commercial. The hardwood cabinet doors and drawers add an artful craftsmanship to the design. 

    The kitchen is integrated with the living space across from the dinette. One couch that doubles as a Murphy bed sits further down the unit. Across the couch is a large smart TV entertainment system, with hardwood cabinets above and a fireplace below. With a seating capacity of six, you can entertain guests from the campground or friends and family visiting. If you are planning to cook for all your visitors, know that the tabled seating capacity doesn’t match the sleeping capacity. Five can sleep in the unit, but only four can eat at the table. (And that is assuming that everyone will want to cram into the dinette.) Some folding TV tables or removable couch tables might be appropriate in this motorhome.   

     

     

    Kitchen

    The all-in-one Furrion three-burner range has an oven underneath and a large microwave above it. A folding-glass top doubles the range as additional counter space. A sleek 10-cubic-foot, 12-volt fridge is conveniently placed next to the stove. The stainless-steel kitchen sink is divided, where I personally prefer a larger, single basin sink. The faucet is simple, without a pull-down sprayer. The cabinets in the kitchen are lovely, white and big. They offer a modern, spacious design aesthetic with LED ambient strip lighting below the pressed countertops. The backsplash behind the stove is an attentive addition.  

    The kitchen storage consists of hardwood cabinets above and below the appliances. There are also four drawers to the left of the oven. There is also a narrow and deep pantry on the far side of the fridge that would be great for canned goods and spices. I love the small unassuming cabinet above the entry door. The countertop space is a little slim, with one small area between the sink and the stove being your only real workable option. 

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    The roof, floor, and sidewalls are made of Tuffwalls. This vacuum-bonded, laminated material has bead-foam insulation (R-24 max roof, R-9 max floor, R-5 max walls) to keep the morning chill and condensation at bay. The tanks are also heated in this rig. 

    Barring harsh winters, this unit will be great if you are looking to extend your camping season. An electric fireplace is a great option to cut down on propane in the colder months. In the summer, keep cool with a 15,000 Btu A/C. If you are planning to be in extreme heat, you can upgrade to two 13,500 Btu A/C units. The folding windshield and power shade can really make a difference in dangerously hot areas. While your solar panels are soaking in the rays and powering your appliances, you and your partner can stay safe and cool with two A/C units, and a shaded cab area.

    The 200-watt solar panels with a dual controller and a second house battery will open a window into the world of boondocking. The solar capabilities and power management system are made to take you far, unveiling America’s untamed wilderness for your sightseeing pleasure. 

     

     

    Storage Space 

    I do feel that there is a sufficient amount of storage for either a single full-time traveler or a full-time RVing couple. But for a sleeping capacity of five, it might be a squeeze to store everyone’s things. The bedroom doesn’t have a separated space, so the storage is confined to a small double wardrobe off to the side. The entertainment area offers cabinets above the TV, which are helpful; but due to the placement of the furnace, there is no additional storage below the TV. 

    There is, however, 21-cubic-feet of exterior storage, including a passthrough storage compartment below the rig. The over-the-cab bunk is spacious, and baggage can be stored there with a guest given the 750-pound weight rating. And if no one is using the bunk, it would be a great place to store things permanently. (Although it’d be a shame to cover that lovely panoramic window.) 

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Redhawk 26M

    The on-road features of this unit are worth noting. The JRide handling package features a computer-balanced driveshaft, standard front and rear stabilizer bars, and Hellwig helper springs and rubber isolation body mounts. All this together delivers a quiet and comfortable ride. 

    Also, Class Cs are historically famous for a leaky front cap and window. The new seamless, one-piece front cap design and automotive-bonded window is a breath of relief to the warranty claim department. There have been zero warranty claims since the design’s inception. Huzzah for a leak-free Class C!

     

     

    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.

    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.

    Make Your Move

    Start shopping for the year, make, and model. Find Your Redhawk 26M

    What Other Campers Are Saying

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

  • A Magic RV Ride: Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort

    A Magic RV Ride: Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort

    Let’s be honest. Most us of that picture Disney World envision it with a big open sky shining down on a whole lot of concrete. (And, of course, all the imaginative wonders of a whole new world in between.) But what you might not know is that there is an RV-specific part of this world. And it’s wonderful. At Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you can relax under the shade of a cypress tree and immerse yourself in a lush wilderness teaming with wildlife.

    Here, you can experience a unique brand of Disney culture — one specifically tailored to campers. And one reason the Fort Wilderness Resort is so great for RVers is that Disney has been doing this for a long time. Opening just one month after the Magic Kingdom in 1971, the Fort Wilderness Resort is as nearly as timeless and historic as Disney World itself.

    So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Disney, rest assured: Both you and your rig are in for one magic RV ride. 

     

    Why Stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort?

    What better way to shake off the crowds and long lines in the sun than sitting back under the shade of a pine forest? Disney World magic is constantly blooming with the radiant smiles of children (and adults), but it is also very very grand in scope. As anyone who has gone a single day into the magical world of Disney with troop of tiny enthusiasts, adventuring in the park can be as exhausting as it is fulfilling. Camping at the Fort Wilderness Resort gives you a chance to recover and recharge before jumping back in.

    Nor is Fort Wilderness without magic of its own. Rather, the campground is a delightful mix of natural beauty and Disney enchantment. But at the Fort Wilderness Resort, with your RV in walking distance, you have options. You can put your feet up and recharge under the canopy of pine and cypress forests. Or you can step outside and participate in the fun. And there is fun aplenty — rides, pools, sing-a-longs, fishing, archery, and more!

     

    Be Disney’s Guest: Camping Options Available 

    Spanning over 750 acres of forest, the Fort Wilderness Resort offers the best of the outdoors for those that want to feel some soft ground under their feet. There are 847 campsites for tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles. Generally speaking, the pine and cypress forests offer decent privacy and shade amongst the sites. All of the tent and RV sites can accommodate up to ten people. 

    • Tent or Pop-Up Sites. Ranging from $79 to $179 per night, these offer the best value stay in all of Disney World. They include electric hookup, water, and a concrete parking pad.
    • RV Sites. Priced at $110 to $250 a night, there are four price tiers within that range depending on the size of the site, and its location within the resort. Here is a breakdown of these pricing categories with a map of the RV sites within the park. The RV sites all include a concrete pad with full hookup and can accommodate rigs of all sizes, even luxury Class As and fifth wheels.
    • RV Rentals. RVs can be rented inside the park starting at $750 a night. Third-party companies will bring the RV to the park and set it up for you, but reservations with the park still need to be made in advance.
    • Cabins. Starting at $360 a night the cabins can price as high as $800 a night. And if you really want to have some fun, you can rent a Disney-themed cabin for a night. (You’re kids will geek!) The cabins are approximately 500-square feet and can sleep six people. Inside you will find a double bed, bunk bed, and a pull-down bed. There is also a full kitchen and a full bathroom. (The kitchen will help to cut down on meal costs in the park.)

     

    The Bear Necessities: Amenities On-Site

    • Unique Recreation Activities. Canoeing, archery, and horseback riding are just a few of the unique activities you can partake in at Fort Wilderness. 
    • Pool. The pool has a corkscrew water slide and a whirlpool spa. Perfect for unwinding after a long hot day in the sun. 
    • Laundry. Both laundry and clean bath houses are available. 
    • Meadows Recreation Complex. Located in the center of the park, this complex offers swimming, tennis, volleyball and shuffleboard. 
    • Beautiful Cycling. Bike rentals, bicycle trails, and waterways are widespread within the park. 
    • Store. The Settlement Trading Post sells gifts, snacks, groceries and drinks. 
    • Boating. Boat rentals are accessible at the marina. Boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom is also available at the marina.
    • Golf Carts. As you might have guessed, electric golf cart rentals are also available for those who may be a little weary after all that Disney World walking.  

     

    Hakuna Matata: No Worries for Pets

    This is a pet friendly RV resort, but rooms and sites are charged an additional nightly fee for pets. Pets must be kept on a leash shorter than eight feet and have proof of up-to-date vaccinations. Fort Wildernesss Resort also offers day and overnight kennel care at Best Friends Pet Care. If you are bringing a pet, keep in mind that you will encounter some wildlife at the park including deer, armadillos, ducks, geese, and even peacocks. 

     

    Go the Distance: Booking Your Stay

    Depending on the way you decide to camp, Fort Wilderness Resort may very well be one of the most expensive campgrounds in the U.S. But the reality is that it is also one of the most economical ways to book your Disney World vacation. Which makes the park a highly-coveted experience for many Disney World fans. So, saying this in a less sinister tone than Scar: Be prepared. Your tent or RV site can be booked 499 days in advance, and if you’re planning on booking an extended stay, you will want to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee your site. For help booking your stay, you can call Disney at (407) 939-5277. You can also make a reservation online.

  • 5 Romantic RV Getaways for Valentine’s Day — or Any Day!

    5 Romantic RV Getaways for Valentine’s Day — or Any Day!

    Let’s face it: There’s something especially intimate about taking someone on a romantic RV getaway. It shouts, “I want to take you somewhere.” Just you and me together. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply a just time to shake free from the normally-glorious noise of the kids, romantic RV getaways offer more than just great date ideas. They give you dedicated time away — together. 

    Now, romantic RV getaways can take many different forms. Almost always, they are shaped by a person’s unique vision. (Or even better, a couple’s.) Sure, you could always just hit the beach, but you have lots of options for romantic RV getaways. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of walking hand-in-hand under lush moss that swings softly from live oaks. Or perhaps it’s time to submerge into natural heat of a stone pool, as water bubbles under a blanket of fog. It could be taking in golden mountains with little white caps as you look across your favorite person in the passenger seat. Whatever your desire, there is a perfect vista for you and your beloved just waiting to be the new beautiful backdrop of a memory together.

    So, let’s ruffle through some of the most romantic RV getaways in the country. 

     

    Savannah’s Southern Charm

    Savannah, Georgia is one big romantic backdrop. Pillows of moss hang from thick ancient cypress trees. Gnarled roots dip into still, reflective waters. Cobblestone pathways meander quietly along the banks of dark water. There is a calm intimacy — and a very Southern, dont-rush-me ambiance — beneath these moss laden trees. Savannah’s Old World charm is rooted in unique and culturally significant history. Like moss on a stone, natural beauty blends with the city’s storied past and creates an atmosphere of enchanting mystique.

    Skidaway Island RV Park is just 20 minutes outside of historic Savannah. A luscious immersion in Spanish moss awaits along iconic Georgian waterways. Walk hand-in-hand along six miles of trails in Skidaway Island State Park. Watch the grasslands turn an enchanting golden under the setting sun, and melt into the Skidaway River. Leisurely strolls along the boardwalk will reveal dolphins feeding and frolicking in the channel. If you and your partner can bask in the quiet, rare birds will appear, fluttering in the trees around you. 

    Sedona’s Striking Desert Beauty

    Sedona, Arizona is a place of raw, magnificent beauty. Striking red rocks provide a vibrant backdrop for unforgettable memories. Known as a vortex where metaphysical energies meet, the area has a reputation for transforming people. The scenery is impossible not to fall in love with. It’s the perfect place to rekindle, reimagine, and reinvent your love.

    Personally, for me and my husband, Cathedral Trail is our favorite hiking trail — anywhere. It will stop your heart as you hike into a view of impossible beauty. Geological skyscrapers break apart the landscape in a series of red monumental towers. And if you really want to score some points, surprise your loved one with a hot air balloon ride over the desert. 

    The peaceful setting at Rancho Sedona RV Park is only quarter-mile walk from galleries and restaurants in town. It offers valuable shade next to the beautiful Oak Creek. If adventure and exploration are the needle and thread of your relationship, then you have come to the right place. The greenways, hiking and mountain biking trails accessible from the park will be a playground for your love. 

     

    Nature’s Most Natural Spa: Hot Springs

    When doesn’t a dip in warm healing water set the mood for a romantic getaway? Many overlook this Southern gem, but Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers a wealth of romantic escapes for couples. The bathhouses tunnel deep in American history, originating around thermal waters that steam beneath the city’s streets. In the 1800s, a row of attractive Victorian style bath houses began to entice the American and European elite to the town’s healing waters. The city was a pioneer in America’s spa movement. Today the bathhouses boast a handsome history along with their healing water. 

    For the closest RV Park to downtown Hot Springs, Finish Line RV Park is walking distance to the infamous Bathhouse Row, where century old bath houses have been designated as a National Historic Landmark District. They boast thermal caves, saunas, marble tubs, hydrotherapy and more. The RV Park is also walking distance to Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail, with miles of biking and hiking opportunities. 

     

    Ouray’s Mountain-Top Moment 

    My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Ouray, Colorado. Little did we know that our dates coincided perfectly with the golden foliage of the aspen trees. The mountains sides lit up like yellow fire in the foreground of a crisp blue sky. Sometimes referred to as America’s ‘little Switzerland,’ Ouray has some of the most stunning mountain views I have ever seen. And the best part? Hot springs are all around. Ouray has a large hot spring pool inside town, cradled in the bosom of monumental mountain ranges. 

    Right outside of Ouray, CO, is quite possibly my favorite place in the world: Orvis Hot Springs. After driving across the country on a motorcycle from North Carolina, my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I stumbled upon Orvis by chance. It replenished our exhausted spirits with an evening of quiet nourishment. Orvis can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, but plan ahead. They are a small establishment with less than 30 sites. You can also rent a room at the lodge, or just spend the day (or evening) with a scrumptious variety of hot spring pools. From a “lobster-pot” boil, to temperate pools swathed in fog, you and your partner can have your pick of water to soak in. Be advised: Designated areas of the hot springs are clothing optional. 

     

    Florida’s First Love: St. Augustine

    St. Augustine is an attractive blend of captivating history, coastal scenery, and alluring architecture. Nature lovers can connect on pristine nature trails, boardwalks, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching at Anastasia State Park. History lovers can walk along the escalade of Castillo de San Marcos. Explore the architectural marvels under seductive curtains of moss on one of St. Augustine’s ghost tours. There’s so much here to explore. (After all, St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish decades before the English arrived in Jamestown.)

    Brynmawr Ocean RV Resort is a rare opportunity to park your RV on the beach, and watch the waves lap against the shore from the window of your rig. Gopher tortoises amble along the sand, munching on pawpaws. Along the beach you can collect seashells at low tide when the sand stretches seamlessly into the horizon. 

     

    The Magic of Romantic RV Getaways

    Without question, embarking on one of these romantic RV getaways with your partner will add a cherished chapter to your love story. Each unique experience will deepen your bond and weave new memories for you both to savor. Enjoy!

  • 2025 Entegra Coach Esteem 29V Review

    2025 Entegra Coach Esteem 29V Review

    In this reviewer’s eyes, Class C motorhomes definitely win first prize for the coziest RV type. I don’t know about you, but when I think of a Class C, I think of snug interiors set in the foreground of a red and rugged landscape. Today’s Entegra Coach model combines luxury and coziness — all while tying up some loose ends that so many Class Cs are known for. The 2025 Entegra Esteem 29V is made to accommodate families and ensure they arrive at a thrilling destination. 

    Durability, longevity and comfort are the defining characteristics of what a family embarking on a journey relies upon. And the Esteem 29V delivers. Whether you are full-time RVing or weekend warrioring (that’s a word, right?), this rig has your back. 

    Let’s take a closer look at what else this rig can offer. 

     

    At a Glance: Esteem 29V

    The Entegra Coach Esteem 29V Class C earns a rating of four out of five. It brings the luxury of Entegra’s brand to a functional and cozy space in this family friendly rig. Durability, longevity and safety are woven together with luxury, space and livability to check all your boxes.  

    Entegra’s singular front piece seamless end cap and automotive bonded window are a few examples of the durability and longevity that you can trust. If you have had a Class C in the past, you may know that the front cap tends to have leakage issues. Entegra Coach nipped that in the bud with modern engineering and flawless construction. The Esteem 29V gives owners a Class C they can trust, one that will offer comfort and protection, rain or sunshine, for years or maybe even a lifetime to come. 

     

    Check the Specs

    • Sleeping capacity: 5
    • GVWR: 14,500 pounds
    • GCWR: 22,000 pounds
    • Front gross axle rating: 5,000 pounds
    • Rear gross axle rating: 9,600 pounds
    • Exterior length: 32 feet 6 inches
    • Exterior width: 8 feet 4 inches
    • Exterior height (w/ AC and satellite): 11 feet 8 inches
    • Interior height: 7 feet
    • Furnace: 30,000-Btu auto ignition furnace
    • Wheelbase 223 inches
    • Slide-outs: 2
    • Propane: 16.5 gallons
    • Awning: Electric patio awning with LED lights

     

    Floorplan of the 2025 Entegra Coach Esteem 29V

     

    Features We Love

    • Automotive-bonded panoramic window
    • Seamless, one-piece front cap 
    • Easy and clever fold down dining table for dinette conversion 
    • Easily attachable (and removable) safety net for the over-the-cab kids bunk
    • TV in the kids bunk
    • 15,000 Btu A/C (with option for two 13,500 Btu A/Cs)
    • Outdoor storage compartments
    • Outdoor shower for rinsing muddy paws or sandy toes
    • Frame mounted seatbelts on sofa and both dinette seats
    • 6-gallon gas/electric DSI auto-ignition water heater (replenishing 3 times per hour)
    • Frameless windows for clean look 
    • 10-cubic-foot (stunning), 12-volt fridge (with option to upgrade to 15-cubic-foot)
    • Outdoor TV and entertainment system

     

     

    Benefits

    • Easy setup and function control with automatic-leveling jacks and BMPRO total coach control
    • Enjoy outside entertainment with an outdoor TV and JBL sound system
    • Peace of mind from Entegra Coach’s one piece, seamless front cap and automotive-bonded panoramic window (only cap in the industry with zero seams and zero warranty claims)
    • Safe entry and exit with electric powered automatic steps (and easy access battery compartment underneath!)
    • Smooth, safe ride with Koni shocks, Hellwig Helper Spring, rubber-isolation body mounts, and heavy-duty, rear-stabilizing bar
    • Enjoy family travel with the extra sleeping capacity and spacious floorplan
    • Save power with the power management system 

     

    Challenges

    • The accordion style folding door which separates the queen bedroom is made of thick fabric — but I doubt that it is thick enough to deter tiny intruders. (Speaking here of the kid variety.) 
    • There does not appear to be quite enough storage for five passengers, although the Esteem 29V comfortably sleeps five. However, storage-wise, there is just enough for a family of four. (As a mom with a family of four, that’s my estimation anyway.) 

     

     

    Best For

    • Full time RVing families who need the extra sleep space, enjoy cooking meals in the kitchen, and want the peace of mind that comes with a better Class C build
    • Full-time RV couples looking for space for family and friends to comfortably visit (Note: There is no designated workspace)

     

    Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers

    Sleeping Space

    The walk-around, queen-size bed is a prime example of the spacious luxury that Esteem 29V offers. The bedroom is separated from the rest of the space with a small folding, accordion-fabric barrier. While this does provide privacy and separates the space, this fabric can sometimes feel lacking. (Not the kind of barrier that would stand up to the intrusion of one’s progeny.) Luckily, the entrance space is tiny, just two or three feet across, as opposed to spanning the entire width of an RV. I think the feature of having a separated bedroom space makes full-time living with kids a more sustainable option here. (Sometimes, you just need to get away.)

    Two large closets flanking a modest television offer plenty of storage in the master bedroom. I like the small TV size. It doesn’t take away from precious storage space and fits perfectly in its nook. So, it doesn’t impede the walk-around space. The bed has two marble-top ledges on either side, with USB ports built in. Plenty of storage is available above the bed. Two small windows bring in natural light from either side, and a third window adds to the brightness of the room. There are two adjustable reading lights above each side of the bed. 

     

    A Dinette Conversion Wonder

    The dinette converts to a bed, with a clever legless dinette table that is east to operate. Up front, this is probably the easiest dinette bed conversion I have encountered yet. This bed is small, however, and would probably not comfortably sleep an adult. As you might expect, it feels more appropriate for a kid. 

    The kids can sleep in the adorable above-the-cab bunk. I like that this is equipped with an easy to install safety net, ensuring that they won’t roll out in their sleep. (It happens alarmingly often, so, be diligent about using this — no matter their age!) This bunk is one of the coziest sleeping areas of its kind that I have seen in a Class C. It comes equipped with a smart TV and a stunning panoramic window. I think the space is plenty big for two kids and all their things, with an incredible 750-pound capacity. 

     

     

    Bathroom

    The bathroom and shower are separate in the Esteem 29V. With a passenger capacity of five, there’s a good chance someone will need to use the potty while someone else is using the shower. So, I definitely consider this an added function. The shower is a lovely stand-up, recessed unit with a glass door, flexible shower head, and a skylight above. 

    The bathroom is across from the shower, with just enough space. There isn’t a whole lot of storage here, but I think it’s enough for a family of four. The mirrored vanity has storage behind it, and there are drawers and cabinets beneath the stainless-steel sink. The toilet is porcelain with a foot flush.   

     

     

    Living Area 

    The living area in the Esteem 29V exemplifies functionality and luxury — all in a bright and spacious floorplan. Reclining theater seats sit across from the kitchen, with a dual/use TV in the bunk area. The TV has a swinging arm that can be pulled out and adjusted for various viewing angles. (And when the kids are in bed, they can pull the TV back into their space.) The dinette table has two couch cushions on either side with storage and a lovely marble design tabletop. The light in the space is a highlight feature here. Numerous large frameless windows in the space make you feel refreshed and invigorated with Vitamin D all around. There is also beautiful warm accent lighting installed throughout the space for evening ambience. 

    The storage space in the living area feels appropriate for kitchen use, but there isn’t really much additional storage space for guests. The only options I saw available were the two dinette couches offering storage beneath. I suppose the cab area could be used for additional storage when not in use for travel. 

     

     

    Kitchen

    Sinfully extravagant, the double-door, 15-cubic-foot fridge adds seamless modernity to the space. You won’t need any additional decor with appliances like this. Cooking for five will be a breeze with the three-burner stove and large microwave and oven. Lovely marble countertops extend from either side of the fridge, boasting a rarity of adequate countertop space. The sink is divided, with a stainless-steel faucet and pull-down sprayer. There are also pop-up charging ports in the kitchen with 120-volt outlets and UBS ports.

    Large hardwood cabinets above the sink and microwave area available for kitchen storage. There is also ample storage below the sink with two sets of drawers and a large double-door cabinet.  

     

     

    Four-Season Capabilities

    If you are traveling full-time and looking for a four-season compatible rig, there are lots of features here that will appeal to you. The R-7 high-density, bead-foam insulation will cut down on the chill, and the noise in this unit. Tuffshell vacuum-bonded laminated sidewalls, roof, and floor will also cut down on condensation on cold winter mornings. All of these features will help extend your camping season into the colder months. 

    The holding tanks are heated, further eliminating risk of structural problems in the cold. And for boondocking, there is a 200-watt solar panel with dual controller and second house battery. 

     

    Storage Space 

    I feel like there is sufficient storage in the Esteem 29V for a full time RV family of four, but five may be pushing it. There is outdoor storage underneath the motorhome, and some room for storage in the bunk area above the cab. The master bedroom and kitchen have ample storage space, with the bathroom providing just enough in the vanity and cabinets below the sink. But you may need to put towels in the master bedroom. There is also a large storage compartment available under the master bed, easily accessible with gas struts. 

    If you have guests visiting, you might feel tight on storage space. Visitors may need to borrow some of the master bedroom storage space or use the front cab while it is not in use.

     

     

    Closing Notes on the Esteem 29V

    Another feature in the Esteem 29V that really caught my eye was the power management system. It is a great boondocking feature. This system distributes power to key components based on demand and availability, offering efficient distribution and conservation of the power available.

    Some on-road features that are worth mentioning here are the heavy-duty, rear stabilizing bar and rubber-isolation body mounts to facilitate a smooth and quieter ride. The Koni shocks will enhance control and minimize the bounce while the Hellwig helper spring helps maintain proper ride height and increase your overall safety. Which, if your full-timing with your family along, is a big deal.

     

    A view of the cockpit in the Esteem 29V.

     

    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. 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.

     

     

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