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Author: Shelby Ballou

  • 5 of the Best Benefits Of Boondocking

    5 of the Best Benefits Of Boondocking

    Boondocking, or off-grid RVing, is a great way to enjoy camping in natural settings outside of RV parks. While there’s no connection to power, running water (unless there’s a natural spring or stream nearby), sewer hookups, or other amenities, many campers enjoy the boondocking experience for a variety of reasons. RV Trader is breaking down 5 of the best benefits of boondocking in your RV.

    1. Plenty of Parking Options

    Boondocking can be done on private property (with permission from the owner, of course) or in designated areas offered by commercial land or campground owners. However, boondocking is usually done on national or state public lands where you don’t need permission to set up camp.

    These lands are generally available from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and on grounds that the United States Forest Service (USFS) defines as national forests and grasslands. If you’re RVing long-term, many BLM lands allow you to stay up to 14 days in one spot. However, you can simply pack up and move down the road to start a new two-week stint, so availability is almost limitless.

    2. It’s Free

    Boondocking is generally free of charge. If you’re parking your RV van on private land (with permission) for free, it’s generally considered an appropriate gesture to show your gratitude by offering to buy the owner dinner, offer a reciprocal deal if you have something to trade, or present them with a bottle of their favorite libation.

    Nonetheless, a nice dinner or bottle of wine will still end up being less expensive than campground or RV park fees and extra charges for electricity, water, and sewer hookups.

    If you plan to boondock frequently or for long periods of time, you may want to invest in a generator, solar capabilities, or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These require an upfront investment, but they pay for themselves over time.

    3. Beautiful Scenery

    RV parks are not always attractive places to camp. They might be located near great hiking, swimming, or biking spots, but there’s nothing like being out in the middle of nowhere when your objective is to get away from the noise and quiet your mind.

    Boondocking allows for camping in beautiful locations that offer the ultimate peace and solitude. If someone has already claimed a spot that you wanted, just head down the road a bit and you’re bound to find another beautiful spot that’s a good distance from your neighbors.

    4. Keep to Yourself, or Connect With Others

    Being able to find your own spot for your fifth wheel means you can seek out a quiet location to reconnect with a partner, your family, or yourself. Unless you’re actively seeking out new friends to swap RV stories with, you’re pretty much on your own to connect with nature and the expansive night sky scattered with brilliant stars.

    However, if you do want to be around others, boondocking provides an opportunity to find a space large enough for everyone in your party so you can have a communal experience. Boondocking also allows you to skip the campsite reservations and gather with your group in a space that everyone can enjoy.

    5. Flexible Travel 

    In addition to being able to tuck into a lovely forest location or a prime spot on the beach, boondocking has practical applications, too. For example, if you’re on the road and all the campgrounds you find along the way are either full or closed, you can spend the night at a Cracker Barrel, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, or other retail parking lot that’s RV friendly – but again, always get permission before parking on private property. This can be especially beneficial if an evacuation order is issued for an impending natural disaster and you need to relocate.

    Boondocking is also great for when there’s a prolonged power outage at your home (assuming you’re not on the road full-time). If your VW camper is prepared for boondocking, you can just move into the RV until power is restored. You can also use your RV for guest quarters if friends and relatives come to visit and you need more space.

    Is boondocking right for you?

    One sure way to test out boondocking is to actually go to an RV park or campground first and do a short test-run without plugging in. There are all kinds of tips and tricks to use when conserving water and electricity—as well as what to do with the trash you generate while camping—but if you go through your resources too quickly on your test run, you can always plug in and enjoy the rest of your stay.

    Before you head out for your first true boondocking experience, join some social media groups dedicated to boondocking. You’ll find lots of tips and tricks to use while you’re out in the wild, and you’ll also have a great resource to find exciting and wonderful places to go. If you’re still searching for the perfect camper for your boondocking adventures, check out our nationwide inventory of new and used RVs on RVTrader.com.

    By Barrett Baker

  • The 6 Most Common RV Issues And How To Avoid Them

    The 6 Most Common RV Issues And How To Avoid Them

    Whether your RV is your home or your home-away-from-home, its primary purpose is to provide you with safety and security while you discover new and exciting places. But just like any home, your RV can experience various issues from time to time. Here are the six most common problems RV Trader has been hearing about and what you can do to prevent or safely resolve them.

    Water Damage

    One of the most common issues that RVers face is water intrusion. While it’s more of an issue with older RVs, the fact that RVs have a lot of “cut outs” by way of windows, generator ports, and other places where aftermarket accessories may have been added, creates the potential for water to seep in. This is especially true with the fact of wind-driven rain being swept by at 60 miles per hour or so, and that the bumps and bounces along the open road have a tendency to test even the best silicone sealants.

    Electrical Problems

    Electrical issues tend to come up as the second biggest issue RVers face. It’s not surprising considering there are hundreds of feet of wiring in a rig, especially the bigger ones. Again, every pothole or bump that you hit has the potential to loosen a wiring connection that could cause intermittent problems with almost anything electric in your Class A or other RV, from the headlights and slide outs to the wall sockets and bathroom fans. While electrical problems are an inconvenience, they also present potential fire hazards. Unless you are a licensed electrician who specializes in vehicular wiring harnesses, seek expert assistance immediately.

    Tire Wear & Tear

    The third most common issue is tire wear. If your load isn’t balanced, or if there is an issue with the alignment of your RV’s frame, or just because RVers have a habit of driving on a variety of surfaces, issues with tread wear could appear on one tire, the tires on one side of your vehicle, or all tires. Examine the wear pattern(s) and consult with your dealership on what could be causing the problem. Tires aren’t cheap, so you want them to provide you with as much life as possible. You also don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to change a flat.

    Consult Your Local Dealer

    Whether it’s a fifth wheel trailer, a Class C motorhome, or other RV, they are built to take a bit of a beating on the road, but they are not infallible. If you have any problems with the issues mentioned above, you should stop by the nearest RV dealer for service. Be sure to explain your concern(s) and anything else pertinent to the issues you are experiencing. RV technicians are familiar with and trained to resolve just about any RV problem you can throw at them. Even if it’s just a matter of them recommending the right kind of silicone sealant you should use for water leaks for do-it-yourselfers, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have the right tool for the job.

    Connect with the RV Community

    So, what about if you experience something while you’re on the road or boondocking and you don’t have immediate access to an RV service professional? You might be able to find comfort and assistance from other RVers.

    “Join an RV group on your favorite social media platform,” offers Michelle McClure who has been RVing full time since April 2021 with her husband Kelly. “Facebook and Reddit have several, even some that are brand specific. I’ve learned so much from these groups. Seeing these posts may prompt you to check on the doodad or whatchamacallit before it becomes a problem.”

    McClure adds that when a problem does happen, search the groups to get help with troubleshooting. YouTube is also a great resource for do-it-yourself fixes. If you can’t find a solution that matches your situation, post a question on your social media sites with lots of details: the type of RV, your general location (for some issues, being in Texas versus North Dakota makes a difference), if the RV has been stored for a month before the issue happened or if you are a full-time RVer, etc. The details will help those responding to you, and the answers you receive could potentially help the next person searching for the same or similar problem.

    Making More Room

    However, not all issues have to do with the rig itself. Brenda Esdohr, still considers herself as a “newbie” to the RV lifestyle, but she has some good advice for how to avoid an emotional issue that many RVers face.

    “Downsizing is an emotional journey,” said Esdohr. “As full-time RVers begin the process, it’s always suggested to start with the easy things first, like the treadmill you haven’t used in three years, the clothes that don’t fit, and all the kitchen gadgets we thought would make our life easier but only take up space. But after we’ve done the easy stuff, then there are the boxes or totes full of precious memories and the larger heirloom furniture pieces.”

    Before just donating those items, giving them away, or putting them in a storage unit, Esdohr suggests digitizing them so even when you’re in your travel trailer or other RV, you can be surrounded digitally with all the memories of items you loved.

    In addition to being able to go where you want to go when you want to go, the RV lifestyle provides a unique opportunity to meet other like-minded people who share the same interests, passions—and yes, problems—you may encounter on the road.

    If you are looking for a new or used RV to join you on your next journey, take a look at the nationwide listings of RVs available on RV Trader.

    By Barrett Baker

  • Top 5 Van Adventure Destinations For Campers With Class B RVs

    Top 5 Van Adventure Destinations For Campers With Class B RVs

    Class B RVs have a few distinct advantages over their larger cousins. For one thing, it’s generally pretty easy to find a place to park a Class B RV. For another, you don’t need to tow an extra vehicle with you to make it easier to take side trips or grocery store runs. They also tend to be a little easier on the wallet when it comes to fuel.

    With Class B RVs, you do give up the space that bigger rigs provide, but the trade-off is that you have greater accessibility to more places you might not be able to get to in a Class A RV. So, where do you want to go?

    Van life gives campers a closer connection to nature, but it also allows for more urban adventures. With that in mind, RV Trader is listing some of the top destinations across the country that are perfect for Class B RV owners.

    1. San Diego, California

    If you’re new to RVing and looking to connect with others, there’s a place called Fiesta Island in San Diego that has van gatherings every other month. It’s not uncommon for 100 or more vans to show up at these gatherings, so you’re likely to meet a lot of like-minded people. San Diego is also very dog friendly. So, if you’re traveling with your canine companion, they can also enjoy the trip. This includes restaurants that welcome dogs with open arms and a dog beach where your pooch can make some new friends, too.

    2. Sedona, Arizona

    Sedona is the perfect juxtaposition of pampered living and nature. On the one hand, there are an amazing number of relaxing spas and amazing restaurants that offer world-class dining. On the other hand, hiking in the red rocks that surround the area offers a chance to break away from the constraints of society. There are a series of vortices—or naturally occurring enhanced energy sites—that facilitate prayer, meditation, mind/body healing, and enhanced creative thinking.

    Sedona is also around a 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest National Park. This is perfect for a day trip if you want to tour some truly amazing scenery.

    3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

    Another advantage of Class B RVing is that you can easily take your vehicle on a ferry, which is what you’ll need to do to get to Sleeping Bear Dunes from the northwestern part of Lower Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes is an island surrounded by Lake Michigan that offers 450-foot bluffs, giant sand dunes with fantastic views, miles of sandy beachfront, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and more than 100 miles of designated hiking trails. 

    It’s okay to bring your dog along, but they must remain leashed and can only visit dog-friendly beaches. If they’re up for a hike, most of the trails are animal friendly.

    4. Acadia National Park, Maine

    Maine is known as “Vacation Land” for a reason, and Acadia wraps up every reason why in one centralized area. Where else can you go shopping for locally made maple syrup one day, take a hike in the forest the next, and schedule a whale-watching tour in neighboring Bar Harbor the day after that? And you can’t forget about the fresh seafood. It’s considered a challenge to find the best lobster around since the way it’s made varies as much as the places where you can order it.

    With four million visitors a year, it’s easy to see why Acadia is one of the 10 most-visited national parks in the United States.

    5. Crystal River, Florida

    During the colder months, manatees migrate from the Gulf of Mexico into the spring-fed waters of the Crystal River to wait out the winter and enjoy some protected areas. The springs keep the water temperature around 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so it also makes for a great destination for those who want to take a dip with the gentle giants that were once endangered.

    You’re also likely to find an outdoor venue or two where you can get locally sourced oysters on the half shell and restaurants that serve plenty of fresh seafood. If you’re into mermaids, head down to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to check out one of their world-famous mermaid shows.

    The United States has a lot to offer. These are just a few prime spots that also happen to be great for van camping. You’ll undoubtedly find dozens of exciting places along the way, so keep your camera handy. In the meantime, browse the nationwide inventory of new and used RVs and travel trailers on RVTrader.com.

    By Barrett Baker

  • RVs by Generation: Which Camper Is Right For Me?

    RVs by Generation: Which Camper Is Right For Me?

    There are several different types of RVs on the market. From drivable motorhomes to towable trailers, there are multiple varieties that offer different features and perks. It can be challenging to narrow your decision down when you have so many options to choose from. However, one of the most important things to consider before buying an RV is which priorities are most important to you in your current stage of life. 

    RVTrader recently surveyed over 1,000 RV shoppers and asked them about their RV preferences. We found that as adventure lovers age, they begin to prefer drivable RVs instead of towable models. They also eventually lean towards larger models that are more comfortable and spacious. Here’s a closer look at the different generations and which RVs they prefer. 

    Millennial RVs

    27-42 years old
    Most own: Travel Trailer (26%)
    Most want: Travel Trailer (22%) 

    Travel trailers are undoubtedly the most popular RV amongst millennials, and for good reason. These small but mighty trailers are trendy, minimal, and designed for people who prefer to be on the move. Some models are small, like the Teardrop Trailer, so they don’t need high-powered vehicles to tow them. They’re also perfect for people who enjoy spending time outside more often than cooped up indoors. 

    Travel trailers have bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchens. Some models even have bathrooms. This makes them both aesthetic and functional, which is the ideal balance for Millennials who enjoy documenting their travels and showing off their space. 

    Gen X RVs

    43-58 years old
    Most own: Travel Trailer (30%)
    Most want: Class A (19%), Travel Trailer (17%), or Fifth Wheel (17%)

    Although the majority of Gen Xers in our survey own travel trailers, most reported wanting to upgrade to a Class A next. Close behind was the desire to buy another travel trailer in the future or upgrade to a larger and more spacious fifth wheel.

    Why are Class A RVs such a popular choice for Gen Xers? In our survey, Gen X had more interest than any other generation in using their RV for full-time living (12%) and working from home (10%). Class A RVs certainly have a lot of perks regardless of how much time you plan to stay in the RV. For one, they have a lot more room than travel trailers. The interior’s open layout makes for less crowded and more comfortable travel. These RVs also have a ton of storage space. As far as driving a Class A RV, there are several benefits to appreciate. Typically, they offer smoother rides on bumpy roads. They also offer more power to get you through steep terrain with ease. 

    Fifth Wheels are also excellent RVs for those who enjoy taking extended trips or living full-time on the road but want a towable camper. Most offer storage space, higher ceilings, and split-level designs with separate living areas. A big perk of this towable RV is that you can unhitch fifth wheels at campsites and use your vehicle for side trips. For Gen Xers who still want the low-maintenance benefits of a towable trailer but desire the option to travel comfortably long-term, fifth wheels are a great choice.

    As far as Gen Xers who want to stick to travel trailers – you really can’t beat the portability of these minimal RVs. Despite the fact that they aren’t quite as luxurious as their larger counterparts, they’re still great options for travelers who prefer short weekend adventures over extended road trips. 

    Baby Boomer RVs

    59-77 years old
    Most own: Travel Trailer (25%) or Class A (22%)
    Most want: Class A (28%) 

    Travel trailers and Class A RVs were most popular amongst the Baby Boomers we surveyed, although the majority of our respondents want a Class A RV in the future. Why might this be? For one, this generation is right around the age of retirement. Many travelers in this age group end up RVing full-time (11%) around the country to enjoy long, open roads and scenic national parks. In fact, simple weekend trips are much less common for Baby Boomers (16%), compared to their younger Gen X (26%) and Millennial (26%) counterparts.

    Second, younger travelers are more than happy to sacrifice comfort and space for an affordable, nomadic lifestyle. Baby Boomers, however, are willing to pay more for a larger, more upscale RV with extra storage space and additional features that enhance their daily comfort for long road trips and vacations. Ultimately, it makes a lot of sense that Baby Boomers are most interested in Class A RVs.

    Silent Generation RVs

    78+ years old
    Most own: Class A (17.86%)
    Most want: Class A (25%)

    As for the Silent Generation RVers that we surveyed, most own Class A RVs and most want Class A RVs. There’s no competition with this generation. From what we’ve seen in our research, this checks out. Class A RVs are the most comfortable option, especially for those who choose to live in their camper or embark on longer vacations. The Silent Generation reported a substantially higher interest in using their RVs to visit family (14%), compared to Baby Boomers (4%), Gen X (2%), and Millennials (4%). Whereas younger travelers seem to prioritize portability and minimal aesthetics, aging travelers prioritize having a comfortable home base to rest, relax, and spend time with loved ones. 

    One interesting observation is that the Silent Generation marked a notable spike in considering a Class B RV for their next purchase at 14%; well above Baby Boomers (9%), Gen X (7%), and Millennials (8%). This was an initially surprising result, but may actually make sense as some travelers desire to downsize and travel more modestly as they age. Class B RVs have many modern conveniences and amenities, but are smaller and easier to drive than other motorhome models, which is appealing to many members of the Silent Generation. 

    From these results, it’s clear to see that younger travelers prefer to lean into the minimal, nomadic lifestyle that a travel trailer allows. However, as these RVers age, they typically gravitate towards larger, drivable campers that offer more space, comfort, and luxury. No matter their preferred RV model, there’s one thing RVers of every age have in common: They love and appreciate adventure. If you’re ready to start looking for your next new or used RV, check out all of our listings at RVTrader.com.