wpblogtesting

Category: Culture

  • What Is an RV Rally — and How Do I Attend One?

    What Is an RV Rally — and How Do I Attend One?

    Photos in “What Is an RV Rally?” by Tony Barthel. Lead image courtesy of Escapees RV Club.

    “What is an RV rally?” you ask. You might as well ask, “What do people like to eat for dinner?” RV rallies come in many, many different sizes and types, with a broad variety of audiences and aims. But here’s the short answer: It’s when a group of people come together to celebrate the joy of RVing.

    But just like at a buffet restaurant, there’s no way you can sample them all in one go. So how do you pick the ones that are right for you? Here’s how you navigate the smorgasbord of available events.

     

    It’s the People

    Let’s start with what I think is the most important reason to attend a rally: It’s the people that make it fun. I’ve been to a lot of rallies and it’s been true every single time. No matter what other factors are part of the rally, know that you will have things in common with everybody else who’s there. You’re all RVers!

    So if there is ever a lull in the conversation — and there never is — you can always ask people what their favorite destination is, their favorite place to camp, why they chose the RV they did, where they recommend going, or even what the biggest mishap is that they’ve had on their RV adventure.

    You’ll be making new friends every rally you go to. But also, the more rallies and events you attend, the more you run into the same people — and where better to catch up on their latest travels? Even when you’re out “in the wild,” it’s incredible how often you will spot a familiar face from a rally.

     

    How RV Rallies Come Together

    There are a number of reasons rallies are held. Larger ones will have something for everyone, while others might cater to a narrow niche. You’ll find ones for specific RV brands or models, or broader categories like travel trailers or bus conversions. Some focus on a particular lifestyle, such as the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous where thousands of people who live a nomadic lifestyle gather in the desert. They can be held by clubs, groups, manufacturers, businesses, or even religious organizations.

     

    What Happens at an RV Rally?

    No two rallies are the same, but you’ll generally find vendors, new RVs, and seminars, depending on the size and focus of the rally. Here are the most common elements we’ve found.

     

    Vendors

    The vendors are a big highlight for my wife and I. I can’t tell you how many things we’ve seen that are essentials — or just seemed like it at the time — that we absolutely had to have. You’ll find useful gadgets, upgrades, and much more.

     

    New RVs

    Many of the rallies we’ve attended have a lot of new RVs. In fact, a recent rally we went to may have been our most expensive trip yet: we are considering an RV we saw there. Talk about vendors!

     

    Seminars

    It’s not all shopping at a rally! I’ve attended workshops and seminars from companies like Lippert, Dexter Axle, and Coleman-Mach to learn more about the components in my own RV. I can now adjust slide rooms and re-pack wheel bearings and adjust brakes thanks to things I’ve learned at rallies. We’ve taught a lot of seminars at various rallies and will do so again at the forthcoming Family RV Association rally in Perry, Georgia, in March 2025.

     

    Factory Technicians

    Rallies held by manufacturers often have the draw of having factory service technicians on hand to perform work on RVs there. For example, the Forest River Owners’ Group rally has factory teams on site and they’ll do up to three warranty items while you’re there. Grand Design, Alliance, Winnebago, and many other brands hold similar events.

     

    Group Meals

    Many rallies have big group meals that are either provided as part of the entry fee, and some also have potlucks. Some have both. Beyond the food, it provides an excellent opportunity to sit down with old friend and new faces alike.

     

    Excursions

    Some rallies will feature excursions where you and a group of others venture out to a specific destination, activity, or event. In fact, as I write this, I am at FROGtoberfest in Amana, Iowa, where there is a big Oktoberfest celebration going on.

     

    Where Do You Find These Rallies?

     

    There are a lot of organizations that put on rallies and the more you go to the more you’ll find. But one of our favorites is the Family RV Association, formerly known as the FMCA. These rallies are open to RVers of all types and there are both major national rallies that attract well over 1,000 RVs to smaller regional events.

    The Family RV Association also has local chapters as well as special interest chapters. For example, I love trains so I’m in the Golden Spike Chapter. But I’m also in a chapter of people — called the Frustrated Maestros — who show up to these conventions and play music.

    Escapees is another big organization that puts on rallies and, like the Family RV Association, has a wide number of local chapters as well as chapters with specific interests called Birds of a Feather or BOF.

    The regional chapters of any of these organizations are worth seeking out as you’ll find people who are in your neck of the woods and can help point you in the direction of larger things and events.

    Your RV’s manufacturer may also have an organization that does rallies. For example, I own a Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite and Forest River has the Forest River Owners’ Group, or FROG. And, like Jeep owners, we do put plastic frogs on each other’s RVs. It’s silly but it’s also fun.

     

    So What Is an RV Rally?

    If you’re planning to attend your first RV rally — congratulations! You’ll meet a whole community of fellow RVers who love to travel and explore, and who will form a part of the fabric of your life on the road. Simply put, an RV rally is when a group of RVers come together to celebrate their shared interest and to make the RV experience ever better. And, it’s a great way to make your RV lifestyle even more enjoyable.

    Don’t have an RV yet, but want to join the family? Get started with RV Trader! Be careful, you might just fall in love with RVing.

  • Part-Time RVers, Beware! You May Get Hooked

    Part-Time RVers, Beware! You May Get Hooked

    We remember it well. Just six months into our part-time RV lifestyle, Hutch looked up from the sci-fi book he was reading by candlelight and asked me, “Do you want to go back?” 

    “You mean, home?” I clarified. 

    Hutch replied, “I think we might actually be home for the first time.” 

    Suddenly, our part-time RV escape was looking like a life of adventure.

     

    “We were caught in the spiral …”

    During our first 14 years together, we worked to complete our master’s degrees. We secured jobs in the same town and maintained a successful, traditional Western lifestyle. It was one that most young couples dream about. We had a three-bedroom home in the mountains. Plus, two busy careers, two cars, two weeks of vacation per year, a community of loving people, great colleagues, et cetera.  But, the success”that we had worked so hard to build for ourselves didn’t necessarily fit who we were or who we wanted to be. It didn’t even really make us happy.  

    We kept saying that we wanted to live more sustainably, but we didn’t even really know what that truly meant. We were caught in the spiral of working 50- to 60-hour work weeks. Then there was remodeling our home; planting a garden and mowing the lawn; squeezing in vacations and family visits; stressing out over being able to get it all done; and not sleeping well. And we were starting to see the ill effects of it all on our health. (And we didn’t even have children, so we can only wonder at how the rest of y’all do it?)

     

    “We thought it would be for a year, maybe two at most.”

    When we launched from our home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina on September 3, 2012, we took a deep breath. We made the first of many leaps of faith by pulling out of our driveway. This special day was our 12th wedding anniversary, and this midlife, part-time RV adventure was intended to be both a gift to ourselves and our marriage. We had just quit our busy university careers, downsized our life, rented out our home, said so long to friends and colleagues, and hit the road in a restored 55-year-old camper which I had purchased on eBay in 2010 after having “that day” at work. (And you know what type of day we are talking about here.) Simply put, it was time for a change to something more sustainable —and drastically different. We thought it would be for a year, maybe two at most.

    Six months of exploring our continent turned into two years. Two years turned into eight. And now we can claim that we’ve spent half of our 24-year marriage traveling around North America. (It’s definitely been the better half!) We’ve put 200,000 miles on our vintage, rolling, solar-powered, 72-square-foot rig that we purchased for $900. Some would call us crazy; others brave, or even lucky. But this lifestyle simply fits us.  

     

     

    “The freedom to explore the natural world.”

    If we had a nickel for every time we’ve heard, “You are living our dream! We want to travel for a couple of years around the country, but it’s gotta be expensive.” Our response is always the same, “Don’t let us live YOUR dream! It doesn’t have to be expensive.” We can easily live on less than $30,000 per year — for absolutely everything. It simply depends on your priorities and how you like to camp. 

    Our solar powered, traveling lifestyle gives us the freedom to roam. The freedom to explore the natural world. The freedom to live off-grid, and to visit friends and family scattered across the country. We have the freedom to volunteer for causes we believe in, and the freedom to work from the road. And we are not just surviving. We are thriving! To date, we’ve explored all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and have left our rig behind to volunteer and travel abroad. We’ve hiked, biked, and kayaked through every U.S. national park to which you can drive, as well as a few that require a flight or ferry.  

     

     

    “Those seeking a different way of life”

    For the first couple of years, we lived off of our modest savings. During the following few years, we worked seasonally in campgrounds, as outdoor and environmental educators, and regularly picked up odd jobs and side gigs. Now, we run an international, mobile business from our RV, which focuses on living a sustainable, traveling, active lifestyle. We’ve met thousands of others who make a living while traveling – either working online, for a local business, or for themselves. It’s all possible, it just depends on what you love to do and making it happen. The number one resource that we recommend for folks who are new to the road is Escapees RV Club.  Their endless resources, community of fun people, and job opportunities are a tremendous asset for those seeking a different way of life.

    When we meet other full-time RVers at campgrounds and boondocking areas around the country, we often exchange where we are from, where we’ve recently been, and how long we’ve been on the road. Early in our travels, we met very few folks our own age… most were either fresh out of college or retired. But, since 2020, we’ve met hundreds of people of all ages who are trying out a mobile lifestyle for the first time.  

     

     

    “Be careful y’all …”

    While the full-time RV life isn’t necessarily for everyone, it is certainly a refreshing change from the grind – as our curious participants at our RV show seminars often hear us say, “Be careful y’all: Part-time RVing is just the gateway drug!” We are living evidence of that.

  • What RVing Teaches Your Kids

    What RVing Teaches Your Kids

    Maybe you’ve encountered it, this skepticism about kids being thrown into the deep end of a nomadic lifestyle. How does that impact their education? Their social skills? Or their security? But what you seldom hear advocated is what RVing teaches kids. Maybe that’s because it’s subtle, deep, and difficult to explain. Truth is, it’s often better shown than told. So, let me start by sharing a memory of mine.

    Just before dusk we took our seats at the entrance to the cave. The ranger laid out the rules: no phones, no talking, no flashes. The most important rule: absolute silence.

    Then it began. From the mouth of Carlsbad Cavern, a single bat emerged. Moments later, the sound of a waterfall arose from the inky depths before a torrent of little black wings burst into the open, rushing up towards the sky. And just when we thought the flow would ebb, another surge. The air filled with the chatter of 350,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats emerging from their cave to hunt for food and feed their young.

    Everyone was stunned to silence. My two children craned their necks to look up, way up, to follow the stream of flying mammals snake into the cloudless New Mexico sky. Wonder and awe were plain on their faces. No classroom video could possibly convey the magic of the moment that we all shared.

    And what RVing teaches kids goes far deeper than sensation. Let’s take a look at just how valuable travel is in shaping who they are.

     

    What RVing Teaches Your Kids: A Closer Look

    “They Are Too Young To Remember It”

    It’s said that kids don’t remember events until they are around four years of age. And there is some truth to it. Most adults can’t clearly recall events from early childhood. But does that mean that children don’t gain anything from their earliest years? Absolutely not.

    In fact, modern psychology suggests that rich experiences, even when children are preverbal, fundamentally shape a child’s early brain development. Though the specifics of an event may fade, its impact will persist through adulthood. With every interaction, you are introducing them to concepts and stimuli that will shape them forever. Here is an article on how early experiences affect our children, and why you should take the trip, even if your kids won’t remember.

     

    Lessons From the Road

    Traveling teaches fundamental life skills. We learn to plan, navigate, and observe. We also learn to be patient and adapt when things go awry. And we learn about our limits. How to push beyond them to reach the top of that hill, and when to back down and call it a day. Our children learn by watching us. They learn that when something breaks, we can fix it or work around it — whether in the RV or in life.

    In my opinion, however, they learn the most by simply being outside. They can practice their social skills, develop their imaginations, and learn to problem-solve by engaging in free play outdoors. (Also, homeschooling your kids from your RV is totally possible.)

     

    Treasuring Memories, Not Objects

    Living in a small space teaches us so many lessons — how to maximize packing space, how to share and take turns with others (particularly the bathroom), and how to squirrel snacks away onboard without anyone noticing.

    At the end of the day, however, it’s learning about what really matters. That may sound cliché, but until you have been forced to trim down your stuff to a bare minimum, you don’t realize how few material possessions you need in day-to-day life — and what you stand to gain by exploring the world around you. Instead of enticing children with a new toy, let them look forward to the next adventure.

     

    Resolving Conflict Instead of Avoiding It

    Another direct lesson that my children have learned from the RV is conflict resolution. When there’s an argument, there is nowhere to go to avoid the other person. Sure, you can go on a walk (weather permitting), but you won’t be hiding away in a bedroom somewhere — unless you are lucky enough to have a much bigger RV than we possess.

    On one hand, it can be a bit uncomfortable in the moment, but I’ve seen my children resolve issues much quicker and take their disagreements in stride. What RVing teaches kids is that it’s best to address issues immediately. It’s how you prevent negative emotions from building.

     

    Understanding and Preparing for the Elements

    It’s a vicious cycle. Kids that don’t spend much time outside have a much lower tolerance for being outside … so they won’t want to spend much time outside. And if it rains or if it’s cold, well, forget about it. You can hang up that hike or whatever you had planned and call it a day! But kids that spend time outdoors and get exposed to elements on a regular basis grow accustomed to the changes in temperature, humidity, and weather that can happen in a day.

    Their bodies learn, and so do they. They learn how to prepare for a hike when it’s wet. They know how to stay cool and hydrated on a walk in the desert sun. And they also learn to make the best out of an unexpected situation. A little rain can be fun! It doesn’t have to ruin the day.

    Sure, it may seem like a needless skill when the modern world whisks you from one climate-controlled environment to the next. What RVing teaches kids is that the outdoors is where the fun really happens. Because it’s wild, sensory, and full of discovery. And if we are preparing them for a life of travel and discovery, then this is a crucial skill to develop at a young age.

     

    Being a Custodian of the Earth 

    It’s easy to take our environment for granted even as we marvel at its gifts. A blanket of starlight over a dry desert horizon. The call of coyotes in the distance. Or the rush of plunging into a cool lake. The role each of us plays in preserving this world for future generations cannot be overstated. When we teach our children to be mindful of what they bring with them on an outing and to clean up after themselves, it’s not just a lesson on tidiness, but of our shared responsibility as inhabitants of planet Earth — it’s the only one we’ve got!

     

    Learning About Nature, In Nature

    It’s impossible to capture the smell of a flower in a photo. Neither can the scale of the Milky Way be conveyed on a television screen. At Carlsbad Caverns, my kids didn’t just learn about bats; they shared the same physical space and observed them in their natural environment. In school, they would have learned about these animals from the pages of a book or pixels on a screen. Out here, our children engaged in the lesson using all their senses. And later that night at our RV site, we all watched as bats flitted around our camper, a cozy echo of the earlier spectacle.

    Traveling in an RV brings us all a little closer to nature, with countless lessons to learn both on the road and at every stop. Whether it’s life in close quarters or the great outdoors, children are exposed to a wide gamut of rich experiences outside of the everyday. It’s never too early (or too late) to get out there and see the joy on their faces as they discover the magical world just beyond their own. 

     

    Learn More About RVing with Kids

    Sharing space with your kids in a camper is not for the feint of heart, but it is awesome (and often comical). And like everything in the RV life, we’re always looking to hear and share good advice. The following articles are great if you want to learn more about RVing with your tiny brood.

     

    5 Places to RV and Blow Your Kids’ Minds

    Teaching Your Kids About Camping

    Homeschooling Your Child While Traveling by RV

    5 Easy RV Meals Kids Love

  • Top 10 Ultimate RVs That Take Tailgating to the Next Level

    Top 10 Ultimate RVs That Take Tailgating to the Next Level

    Tailgating is so much more than a pre-game ritual. For many, it’s a glorious event unto itself. But if you really want to level up your tailgate, bring an RV. From outdoor kitchens to full-size fridges and stoves, RVs bring the party. Here are 10 of the most ultimate tailgating RVs you’ll find anywhere.

     

    1. The Rent-A-Tailgate Option

    Is it cheating to hire a whole tailgating solution? Not even close. This is a “work smarter not harder” option, requiring a big investment in the short-term, but delivering a turnkey solution to your tailgating needs. Just be sure to bring your checkbook, because ultimate don’t come cheap.

     

    2. A Luxury High Camp Trailer With Outdoor Kitchen

    Tailgating indoors is like watching football in a soccer jersey. It just ain’t right. So while the big Class As might impress your friends and neighbors, a big rig puts a lot of wasted indoor space in that parking spot. This luxury teardrop trailer from High Camp brings something different to the table: an outdoor kitchen that’s perfect for delivering the perfect tailgating experience. It’s got enough burner space to cook a Thanksgiving meal, and enough cool factor to reel in plenty of passersby. This trailer’s a huge standout option in a small package.

     

    3. This RV That AI Thinks Is the Ultimate Tailgating RV

    I asked ChatGPT to show me the most ultimate RV it could ever imagine. I think it knocked it out of the park, and now I absolutely must see someone renovate a double-decker bus as a future Tailgate Center of the Universe.

     

    4. The Cyclone Ultimate Tailgate RV by Heartland

    This is a tailgater’s dream, ready to turn any parking lot into a full-blown party zone. Stretching 44 feet, this party palace features dual decks, an interior that is a sports fan’s paradise, and a full bar with four massive 55-inch HD TVs, an 18-speaker sound system, and enough space to entertain the whole crew.

    But the fun doesn’t stop there. The garage transforms into a second bar, and if that isn’t enough to keep the party going, there’s an indoor/outdoor hot tub for ultimate relaxation. So you can take a morning dip while waiting for kickoff. What could be more ultimate than that? This isn’t just an RV – it’s a rolling fun festival, making sure you’re the life of the party no matter where you park it.

    Photo by C.C. Weiss / New Atlas

     

    5. The Coachmen Leprechaun

    This Class C is designed with outdoor entertainment in mind. It’s equipped with a 32-inch flat-screen TV and a full stereo system, so you won’t miss a second of the action, even while parked in your favorite folding chair in your favorite stadium parking lot. The exterior kitchen is under a 21-foot power awning, so you can cook up game-day favorites with ease, keeping everyone fed and happy, without getting a pre-kickoff sunburn. And since it’s a Class C, its maneuverability means you don’t have to worry about sporting a commercial driver’s license just to get it in and out of parking.

     

    6. This Rad Custom Van

    There are plenty of ways to go ultimate. This little number does it by delivering maximum cool factor per-square-foot of parking space. The paint job. The monster tires. The exhaust. The absolutely unreasonable inches of lift. All together the thing screams ultimate. Park this at any college on any gameday, and you’re sure to be the talk of the parking lot.

     

    7. The Best-Ever Real-World Example of Business Up Front, Party in the Rear

    There are a million ways to skin an RV cat, and an intrepid customizer found a road less traveled. The absolute audacity of turning a sawed-off shotgun of an Astro van is something that has to be seen to be believed. And I refuse to stop believing.

     

    8. This No-Frills Custom Job With Nothing But Party in Mind

    There’s a simplicity to this custom job that sports 34 feet of party, the whole party, and nothing but the party. You’re going to have to pick the right place to park it, so you can fully extend the 16-foot patio, but this Dune Sport custom toy hauler brings a different level of Ultimate. And we like it. Ultimately.

     

    9. A Back-to-School Special

    I don’t use the word “fabulous” very often, but here the shoe fits. This renovated beauty puts the cool back in “school”. There’s just something cosmically balanced about a schooly at a tailgate. Plop a few folding chairs next to this thing, fire up a grill, and I can pretty much guarantee everything will feel right with the universe.

     

    10. This RV That’s Basically the Four Seasons On Wheels

    One of the beautiful parts of RVing to your next tailgating destination is that easy crash after the game. This might be the ultimate place to lay your head after a long, hot morning in the sun. It’s the perfect place to recover from a heartbreaking loss, an earth-shattering win, or anything in between.

  • Celebrating World Kids Coloring Day on the Open Road!

    Celebrating World Kids Coloring Day on the Open Road!

    Keep the kids in the lines while you stay in your lane. Print and play with our World Kids Coloring Day RV sheet!

     

    Hey there, young artists and explorers! It’s time to hit the road and embark on a colorful journey through the vast landscapes of imagination. Like a toddler with a Crayola heading for a clean wall, World Kids Coloring Day is fast approaching. To mark its celebration on May 6 (on paper, not the wall), we’re revving up for an RV-themed adventure!

    Just like navigating the open roads, there’s something truly enchanting about the simple pleasure of coloring. So, grab your favorite coloring supplies and let your imagination roam free — but, you know, hopefully within the lines.

    And remember, sharing is caring! Whether you proudly display your masterpieces on the fridge or share them with friends and family online, let your artwork shine as brightly as a campfire under the stars. Let’s paint the world with joy, one stroke of color at a time!

    So buckle up, adventurers, and get ready to roam with RV Trader as we celebrate World Kids Coloring Day on the open road. Here’s to fair skies, smooth trails, and happy coloring to all! 

  • RV Camping at NASCAR: What Your RV Says About Your Fan Personality

    RV Camping at NASCAR: What Your RV Says About Your Fan Personality

    NASCAR races are not just events. They’re experiences that bring fans together in a celebration of speed, skill, and camaraderie. For many NASCAR enthusiasts, RV camping at the race track is a quintessential part of the experience. In this article, RV Trader is exploring some valuable tips for making the most of your NASCAR camping adventure. We’re also diving into what your RV choice might reveal about your fan personality, so make sure you stick around until the end! 

    Tips for RV Camping at NASCAR

    Plan and Reserve Early

    NASCAR events draw massive crowds, and RV spots are in high demand. To secure the best location and amenities, plan and reserve your camping spot well in advance. Most tracks provide detailed maps of their RV camping areas, allowing you to choose a spot that suits your preferences, whether you prefer to be close to the action or away from the chaos.

    Pack Essentials

    Make a checklist of essentials, including comfortable outdoor furniture, a reliable grill for race-day cookouts, and of course, all the necessary supplies for a memorable tailgate party. Don’t forget to pack essentials for your RV, such as leveling blocks, hoses, and power adapters.

    Connect with Fellow Fans

    Strike up conversations with your fellow campers, share stories, and maybe even organize a friendly pre-race potluck. Building connections with other fans can enhance your overall experience, creating lasting memories and even lasting friendships.

    Respect Quiet Hours

    While NASCAR events are known for their electrifying atmosphere, it’s important to respect quiet hours in the camping areas. Keep the noise level down during designated times to ensure everyone can get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed for the race day ahead.

    Prepare for Weather Conditions

    Weather can be unpredictable. Pack clothing for both hot and cold weather, as well as rain gear. Check the forecast regularly leading up to the event to make any necessary adjustments to your packing list and wardrobe. 

    What Your RV Type Says About Your Fan Personality

    Class A Motorhome – The Luxurious VIP

    If you roll up to the NASCAR campground in a spacious Class A motorhome, you’re likely an enthusiast who appreciates the finer things in life. You value comfort and luxury, enjoying the convenience of a nice kitchen, a cozy living space, and perhaps even a rooftop terrace for optimal race viewing. 

    Class B RV – The Nomadic Speedster

    Opting for a nimble Class B RV indicates that you’re a nomadic speedster who values agility and the freedom to go anywhere the race takes you. You’re efficient, practical, and ready to enjoy the thrill of the race without compromising on comfort. 

    Class C RV – The Versatile Enthusiast

    Choosing a Class C RV suggests that you’re a versatile enthusiast who enjoys a bit of everything. With a combination of space and maneuverability, your RV is ready for tailgating, socializing, and enjoying the race from a prime spot. 

    Travel Trailer – The Adventurous Tailgater

    Bringing a travel trailer to the NASCAR event signifies that you’re an adventurous spirit who values flexibility and freedom. You’re a dedicated tailgater, equipped with a reliable grill, outdoor seating, and a passion for creating the ultimate race-day experience with your friends. 

    Fifth Wheel – The Social Connector

    Choosing a fifth wheel for your NASCAR camping adventure indicates that you’re a social connector. With a spacious living area and often multiple sleeping quarters, your fifth wheel becomes the hub for pre-race gatherings and post-race celebrations. 

    Truck Camper – The Independent Explorer

    Driving up in a truck camper suggests that you’re an independent explorer who values simplicity and self-sufficiency. You appreciate the freedom to navigate the NASCAR experience on your terms, with a compact yet functional camper. 

    RV camping at NASCAR is a unique experience that race-loving RVers should experience at least once in their lives. By following these tips, you can ensure a memorable experience surrounded by fellow enthusiasts. So, gear up, hit the road, and get ready to embrace the exhilarating world of NASCAR RV camping!

    If you’re ready to purchase an RV for your NASCAR adventures, visit RVTrader.com today and browse our selection of new and used motorhomes! 

  • RVing During the Holidays With FMCA: 5 Festive Activities For The Family

    RVing During the Holidays With FMCA: 5 Festive Activities For The Family

    As the temperature drops outside, a subtle reminder of winter’s embrace announces the arrival of the holidays. RVing during this festive season might initially seem like navigating uncharted territory, especially for those embarking on this adventure for the first time. The road ahead, blanketed in the crispness of the season, presents its own set of challenges. But fear not, for within this snow-covered landscape lies a canvas upon which you can paint new traditions and create new memories with your family. RVing during the holidays allows you to blend adventure and coziness, offering travelers a chance to embrace the spirit of the season while on the move.

    Caroling on Wheels

    Imagine this – the soft glow of holiday lights adorning RVs, and the sound of carolers spreading cheer. Caroling around the RV park is a delightful way to embrace the festive spirit. Knocking on doors with warm baked goods in hand, you’re not just RVing. You’re creating a mobile winter wonderland!

    City Lights Extravaganza

    Park your home on wheels near a bustling city during the holidays, and you’ll discover a plethora of festive events. Venture into the heart of the city to witness the mesmerizing glow of holiday lights, attend lively parades, or experience a zoo transformed into a visual spectacle. Your RV becomes a cozy retreat amid the vibrant holiday buzz.

    Campfire Stories and Cocoa

    Gather around the campfire, nestled in blankets, and reminisce on good memories of holidays with loved ones. While roasting marshmallows for s’mores and sipping on hot cocoa, you can craft cherished memories with the ones that matter the most in the warmth of your RV. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and holiday on wheels.

    Driving in A Winter Wonderland

    Transform your RV into a winter wonderland with DIY decorations. Get creative with ornaments, wreaths, and twinkling lights. Personalizing your travel trailer or fifth wheel for the holidays adds a touch of warmth and brings the festive spirit wherever the road takes you.

    Secret Santa: Road Edition

    Embrace the gift-giving tradition on the road with a Secret Santa exchange. Set a budget, draw names, and exchange thoughtful gifts at your RV site. It’s a heartwarming way to foster a sense of community among fellow travelers during the holiday season.

    RVing during the holidays transforms each mile into a tale of festive enchantment. From caroling under the stars to gathering around the campfire with sweet treats, the road becomes a canvas for crafting holiday magic. So, with the engine’s hum as your melody, buckle up, hit the road, and let the holiday adventures unfold, weaving memories that linger long after the journey’s end. Happy travels and a joyful holiday season!

     

    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.

  • Be My Guest – Free Camping Offered by Fellow RVers

    Are you tired of paying for a full-service RV park for a simple stopover? Possibly, all you really need and want is a place to park for a night while you pass through or briefly explore an area.  Isn’t this exactly why truck stops, casinos, and Walmart parking lots are such popular stops?


    Now there’s a more appealing option: Boondockers Welcome can connect you with more than 1,000 fellow RVers across the continent, who invite you to park for free on their private property for a night or two. Many also provide electric, water, and a better wi-fi signal than you’ll get at most campgrounds. No matter what route you choose, you can arrange safe, legal, free overnight parking all the way to your destination.

    Moreover, you might begin amazing new friendships, include a bit of social time, be able to borrow a tool you’re not carrying, find out about the “must-sees” of the area, and the stops you shouldn’t miss on the road ahead.  Who better than locals to hand you maps, point out their favorite hike, best restaurant, cheapest fuel price, nearest RV dump, and a trusted RV repair facility?

    The Boondockers Welcome website (boondockerswelcome.com) facilitates invitations between like-minded RVers. Annual membership is less than the cost of one night in a campground. For those who cannot offer parking themselves, there’s a guest-only option. You can view all the details of every host location before joining so you know exactly what you’ll get. 

    As one reviewer of the site noted, “The simple ideas are often the best and most innovative”.  This simple idea is not just an online community; it is fostering new friendships among RVers in real world settings. At a time when some RVers may be on the verge of hanging up the keys or traveling less because of increased costs, it offers a cooperative way to fight back so we can all stay where we belong – on the road.




















  • Looking for a Community of RVers?

    Spending your days on the road can get lonely, can’t it? Even if you’re traveling with another person, or a pet, it’s still nice to meet friendly new faces and share your experiences with those who can relate. Nearly 40 years ago, our founders, Joe and Kay Peterson, felt the same way as they traveled the country with their young family, and they decided to do something about it. Welcome to Escapees RV Club!
    We are a full-service organization that offers a wide variety of benefits specific to the needs of RVers. Do you travel part-time? We can help with finding discounted parking, planning your route, and tackling emergencies along the way. If you RV full-time, there are even more benefits suited to your needs! We can assist in establishing your domicile, and our mail service will treat your correspondence with care, forwarding it to wherever you may roost. All of our members may take advantage of our RVers Boot Camp, hosted by our experts in RV safety. This is a great way to learn more about how best to operate and maintain your rig in a welcoming and fun environment.
    Most importantly, Escapees was established to offer RVers a feeling of community and camaraderie. There are abundant opportunities to connect with other members through our organization. We offer a discussion forum, where members share experiences and advice on a wide variety of subjects, as well as opportunities for face-to-face interaction through our chapter activities, Head Out Program, Birds of a Feather groups, and our biggest event, Escapade.
    Escapade is the highlight of our event schedule. You’ll meet fellow RVers from all over the country and all walks of life, experiencing the great things RVing has to offer. This year, our 56th gathering will be in Essex Junction, Vermont, July 24-29. Join us for six days packed with educational seminars hosted by industry experts, group discussions led by qualified members, live music, and plenty of occasions for socializing!