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Author: Ryan Miller

  • Top 10 RV Activities for the Fall Season

    Top 10 RV Activities for the Fall Season

    With the leaves changing colors and the air getting cooler, fall is a blissful time of the year to get out and explore with your RV. Autumn brings fall festivals, Halloween happenings, and outdoor adventures. Taking your RV on the road during the next few months is an excellent way to camp under the stars, partake in seasonal celebrations, and get together with family and friends. RV Trader is covering the top 10 fun fall activities for you to experience with your RV.

    1. Find Fall Foliage

    See all the trees change to bright orange, red, and yellow this fall by doing some leaf peeping with your RV. While you can travel all over the country to spot forests full of colorful canvases, some of the best fall foliage can be seen in the northeast and throughout national parks.

    2. Get the Perfect Pick in a Pumpkin Patch

    This family-friendly activity is a seasonal tradition, giving you the opportunity to get outside, visit the scenic countryside, and pick out the perfect pumpkins. Then, back in your RV, you can use them to carve Halloween jack-o-lanterns and decorate your space with autumn accents. Plus, with some culinary creativity, you can use these pumpkins with a dash of spice to create classic fall recipes, such as a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Make a feast of it and pair your pumpkin dessert with your Thanksgiving dinner prepared over a campfire.

    3. Sip on Cider at an Apple Orchard

    Starting in September, many apple orchards open up for visitors to pick their own apples, sip on hot apple cider, and eat delicious apple spiced donuts. A sure sign of the season, this is another outing that’s fitting for the family. With a variety of apple flavors, you can take them back to the RV to use in all kinds of recipes, including that perfect cup of fresh apple cider that immediately warms you up on a chilly campground evening.

    4. Have a Ball at a Fall Festival

    Make your rounds in your RV at fun fall festivals! This is your chance to check out Oktoberfest celebrations, Halloween and Thanksgiving parades, harvest parties, and oyster roasts. Each region of the country has something different when it comes to autumn events, whether that’s through cuisine offerings, pumpkin displays, or carnivals.

    5. Drive on a Haunted Highway

    If you’re feeling fearless, you could take your RV down a haunted highway. There are several haunted roads around the country that are the subject of terrifying folklore. From ghosts to goblins, exploring these haunted roads is a great way to embrace the Halloween season, just be sure your RV is ready to zip away if you have a scary close encounter.

    6. Explore an Amazing Corn Maze

    A classic roadside attraction, corn mazes amuse visitors as they lose themselves in a labyrinth of twists and turns through the cornfields. Many of these mazes are artistically designed with incredible attention to detail, so even if you’re not navigating the maze, they can be stunning to look at from above. Some even offer spooky thrills during Halloween nights with creepy characters emerging from the fields as you try to find your way out.

    7. Go Camping

    With cooler temperatures and clear skies, camping in the fall with your RV is a breath of fresh air. You can throw on a flannel and get under a blanket near a bonfire, gaze up at the stars, make s’mores, and tell ghost stories.

    8. Spend an Autumn Day Outdoors

    Have an adventure by discovering a new trail for hiking and biking. Get out on the water in a kayak or canoe, or grab your fishing rod and reel in a big catch while spending a peaceful day outside. Fall can be the perfect time for these outdoor activities, with weather that’s comfortably cool but still bright and sunny, not to mention the beautiful scenery that fills every backdrop of your adventure.

    9. Visit a Vineyard

    Wine country is a lovely setting during the fall, as vineyards harvest grapes for their upcoming wines and host special bottle releases and dinners. It’s a chance to kick back, relax, and have a glass of your favorite wine.

    10. Tailgate at a Football Game

    When it’s gameday, your RV is a winner with tailgating. Your RV makes it easy to barbecue, crack open a cold refreshment, dress up in your team’s colors, and play games like cornhole—all without having to leave the parking lot. Whether it’s a homecoming or a rivalry match, have a cookout and hang out with fans before kickoff.

    Fall is full of fun activities that celebrate the changing of the seasons, rich traditions, enchanting travel destinations, and time spent together. Your RV brings it all together. Check out RVTrader.com to purchase the perfect RV for all of your autumn adventures.

  • How RV One Plans To Impress Buyers at America’s Largest RV Show

    How RV One Plans To Impress Buyers at America’s Largest RV Show

    Every year, thousands of RVers head to Hershey, Pennsylvania for America’s Largest RV Show, excited to see the latest and greatest of what RV manufacturers, dealers, and other suppliers have to offer. This year’s show is being held September 15th through the 20th, and promises to be a thrilling comeback for a show that had to cancel in 2020 due to COVID-19. The pandemic also saw a huge spike in RV sales, adding further momentum to the upcoming show.

    We wanted to know how dealers were planning to take full advantage of the Hershey RV Show, so we connected with RV One Superstores, who have several dealerships as part of parent RV group, RV Retailer. For eight consecutive years, RV Retailer has been named the largest motorhome dealer in the world. RV Retailer’s extensive reach and buying power in the market enables their over 70 dealerships to meet their commitment to taking care of buyers by providing the highest possible value for their money. Here’s how RV One plans to impress buyers at America’s Largest RV Show.

    RV One Will Be In Multiple Locations

    One way to be seen by attendees is to be everywhere at once, and that’s what RV One seems to be trying to accomplish. They have three locations, showcasing Entegra Motorhomes in space A9, Newmar rigs in space D2, and Redwood fifth wheels in space A5.

    RV One Will Offer Exclusive Show Specials

    It’s not an RV show without dealers offering special incentives, and RV One is ready to wow attendees. Here’s what they’ll be offering at the Hershey RV show: 

    • A large selection of America’s favorite brands,
    • Price Lock Guarantee on all new units ordered at the show,
    • RV Complete VIP membership with every RV purchase,
    • Special RV Show interest rates for buyers, and
    • Top-dollar trade-in values.

    Those are some pretty sweet offerings, so let’s dive deeper into a few of them.

    RV One Price Lock Guarantee

    Some dealers will give you an initial quote, but when it’s time to sign and pay, they say the cost has gone up due to rising material costs, fuel prices, and delivery expenses. Sure, those things can happen, but it’s never a pleasant realization. RV One ensures that surprise cost changes are never an issue when you buy from them. RV One locks in the price of your RV on the day it’s ordered. If prices go up between then and the delivery date, the dealership absorbs those costs instead of passing them onto you. That’s what we’d call a strong commitment to buyers.

    RV Complete VIP Membership

    Everyone that buys an RV from RV One will receive RV Complete VIP Membership. This program provides members with exclusive protection for their RV. The all-inclusive benefits can be accessed through a mobile app on your smartphone. RV Complete VIP Membership includes:

    • Roadside Assistance
    • Technical Assistance
    • Lockout Assistance
    • Windshield Repair
    • Paintless Dent Repair

    RV Complete VIP Membership also lets you:

    • Schedule RV Maintenance
    • Contact the Dealership with Questions
    • Find RV Campgrounds, Parks, and Resorts
    • Access the RV LIFE Pro suite of tools, including RV Trip Wizard, RV LIFE GPS & Campgrounds App, and Maintain My RV.

    Trade-In Top Dollar

    Lots of dealers accept trade-ins, but if the rig you’re selling doesn’t happen to be in-demand in the dealership’s market, they can’t give you top dollar. Fortunately, RV One covers a vast market that dramatically increases the odds that your trade-in will be in-demand somewhere. Their larger geographical footprint in the market gives RV One the ability to give you the best and most fair price possible when trading in an RV.

    Schedule Your Private Appointment

    Clearly, RV One is revved up and ready for America’s Largest RV Show. If you’re headed to the Hershey RV Show and want to learn more about buying from their dealership, pre-schedule a private appointment with one of their knowledgeable and friendly associates. And if you’re not headed to the show, browse RV One’s online listings on RVTrader.com.

  • FMCA: Meet America’s Newest 5 National Parks

    FMCA: Meet America’s Newest 5 National Parks

    Author Wallace Stegner once described the U.S. national parks as the greatest idea we ever had. They encompass some of the most awe-inspiring locations in the nation, and they belong to everyone. Showcasing the variety in flora, fauna, geography, and geology of the United States, a total of 423 locations have been designated under the umbrella of the National Parks Service (NPS). 

    The ones that receive the most attention tend to be the big national parks (think Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Badlands, etc.). This in no way should undersell the amazing qualities of the other park designations, some of which received their designation within the past 10 years. FMCA has assembled a list of the five newest locations to receive the highest designation within the NPS – national parks – that you should put on your radar to visit soon!

    1. New River Gorge, West Virginia

    The New River in West Virginia is most famously known for the scenic bridge that towers 876 feet above the river, but there is a lot more to the region. The New River was first inducted into the NPS as a national river in 1978 and has been frequented by adventurers seeking to catch some of the harshest white-water rafting rapids in the eastern United States. Rock climbers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will continue to enjoy this area for years to come now that it has received an upgrade to a national park classification as of December 2020. 

    2. White Sands, New Mexico

    Another park that has been part of the NPS for quite a while, White Sands, used to be referred to as a national monument. That is, until 2019 when it was upgraded to a national park. This one-of-a-kind landscape is famously known for its beautiful white sand dunes that are made of gypsum. This visual phenomenon presents itself as sweeping colorful landscapes that change throughout the day depending on the sun’s location.

    3. Indiana Dunes, Indiana

    Indiana Dunes is one of the most frequently visited of the locations on this list, mainly due to its proximity to Chicago (the skyline is visible from the shores of Indiana Dunes). With an incredibly diverse population of flora and fauna, this region of northern Indiana sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and can make for a great single-day trip. Hiking, sunbathing, bird watching, and swimming are among the activities enjoyed by visitors of Indiana Dunes. Its recent upgrade in NPS designation status has helped to make this a very busy park during summer, so plan accordingly! 

    4. Gateway Arch, Missouri

    In the nearly 90 years since its construction, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis has come to be known as an icon for the city. It’s more than that, though. Upon visiting, you will quickly realize why this notable architectural structure has been designated as a national park. It represents much more than the city of St. Louis. A museum underneath the arch teaches visitors all about the Lewis and Clark expedition, the westward migration, and the history of the nation as those events were unfolding. You can then go inside the arch, all the way up to the top, to view the city and beyond. There is also plenty of space within the park where you can relax and enjoy views of downtown St. Louis, the arch, and the Mississippi River.

    5. The Pinnacles, California

    Originally designated as a national monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908, the Pinnacles has clearly been on the radar of the NPS for quite some time. Surprisingly enough, it took over a century before it was upgraded to a national park in 2012. This region of central California is known for harsh, steep, rocky pinnacles that attract some of the most extreme mountaineers and rock climbers. The landscape is also home to a unique type of cave known as talus caves, and it attracts birdwatchers due to the hundreds of unique bird species that have been seen in the region.

     

    The most famous national parks, like Yellowstone, are certainly classics worth crossing off your bucket list. However, the newest but lesser-known national parks can be just as interesting to visit as you explore our great country in your RV. And if you’re looking for your next RV, browse all the inventory available nationwide for-sale and for-rent on RVTrader.com.

     

     

    FMCA educates, equips, and empowers RV owners in their journey to creating, experiencing, and benefiting from the outdoor lifestyle they dream of and deserve. FMCA is your ally to the outdoor lifestyle you love and enjoy.

  • 4 Basics of Routine RV Maintenance

    4 Basics of Routine RV Maintenance

    There’s a lot that goes into RV maintenance — after all, these are big units with lots of parts — but if you commit to keeping your rig properly maintained, it can take you thousands of miles and last for years. Some RV maintenance will need to be done by a seasoned professional, but it’s still important for you, as the owner and operator, to be well versed in the basics. The more you can monitor and service on your own, the less likely you are to end up with a major issue while out on a trip. Starting from the top down, here are four basics of RV maintenance.

    1. Roof

    The biggest thing you’re looking for on the roof is cracks in the sealant around the seams. If your sealant is corroded or cracked, water can soak into the roof’s framework and end up in the ceiling panels. A roof inspection is not something you need to do every day, but try to closely look it over about every three months. When you crawl onto the roof, look around the edges, vents, skylights, air conditioning unit, and any other parts or features to ensure everything is still properly sealed. If you decide to add new sealant to an area, keep in mind that roof materials can range from fiberglass to metal to rubber and more, so make sure to pick a product that’s compatible with the roof’s material. 

    2. Slides & Awnings 

    Maintenance on your slides and awnings starts with regular cleaning. You want to make sure that there isn’t any dirt build up that’s hiding potential problems, particularly around the seals. If you leave dirt caked on for months at a time, you’re sure to run into corroding issues. There are also specific things to look for, depending on the type of slide you have.

    • Schwintek Slides • Check that the gears on the side of your slideroom box work properly.
    • Acu-Slides • Check that there is about one inch of give on the cord when your slide is fully extended.
    • Power Gear Slides • Check that there are no hydraulic leaks and that the motor assembly is fastened correctly.

    Once everything is clean, make sure to lubricate the sliding mechanism so there isn’t any friction during the opening and closing process. This can wear down the apparatus, causing issues over time. When you look for lubricant for your unit, make sure to pick one that’s specifically designed for RVs. Unfortunately, WD-40 often won’t cut it.

    3. Fluids & Filters 

    Keeping your fluids and filters well maintained might seem like a small task, but it’s extremely important. If internal components get too dirty, it can cause major stress on your engine and drivetrain, which can lead to larger issues down the road, which is no fun.

    Fluids

    The owner’s manual of your RV is an excellent resource when it comes to your fluids. It should tell you the correct levels for each fluid, walk you through how to check and change the fluids, and provide intervals for how often to do so. At a minimum, you should always check your fluids before taking a trip, and then every couple weeks while the RV is in use. Also at minimum, change your RV oil at least once a year. The major fluids that should be checked during routine maintenance are:

    • Oil
    • Coolant 
    • Brake Fluid
    • Radiator Fluid
    • Transmission Fluid
    • Power Steering Fluid
    • Windshield Wiper Fluid

    Filters

    Each filter is tied to the performance of a major system within your RV, so it’s important to keep them clean. For instance, if you have a dirty air filter, the air coming out of your vents might not be cool, even if the AC unit is running. Changing these out is a fairly simple process and can be done on a seasonal basis. Check your owner’s manual for exact filter changing instructions and intervals. During your routine maintenance, check the following filters:

    • Air
    • Fuel
    • Coolant
    • Hydraulic

    4. Tires

    Because RVs often sit idle for long periods of time, their tires may be prone to premature deterioration. Luckily, tire maintenance is pretty straight-forward. Regularly make sure the air pressure in your tires matches the manufacturer recommendation. If you’re driving around with deflated tires, it causes more wear and tear than necessary and your tires will wear out more quickly. You’ll also want to keep your tires clean and dry. Make sure to wash them down to remove any dirt or oil you might have picked up on the road. Other than that, you just need to perform regular inspections of your tires to make sure the sidewalls are intact and there is no uneven wear on your tread. These could be signs that you might need a new tire, and it might be a good idea to get it professionally checked so you don’t blow a tire on the road. 

     

    Keeping your RV in good shape doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. These are four basic things you can do in between major service appointments to be sure that your unit is always adventure-ready. And if you’re looking for an RV for your next adventure, check out all the new and used RVs available nationwide for-sale and for-rent on RVTrader.com.