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Category: RV Lifestyle

  • FMCA Wants You In Wyoming

    FMCA Wants You In Wyoming

    Come mid-July, the deer and antelope that call Wyoming home will share the range with thousands of RVs thundering toward Gillette for FMCA’s 98th International Convention and RV Expo, set for July 18 through 21. This will be FMCA’s second roundup at the fantastic CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities; the association celebrated its 50-year anniversary at the venue in 2013.

    “CAM-PLEX is truly a ‘made-for-FMCA’ facility,” said Doug Uhlenbrock, Director of Events. “It has everything we need to put on a successful convention: plenty of RV parking sites; terrific buildings for seminars, exhibits, and entertainment; an incredible grounds staff; and a welcoming town that bends over backwards to make sure everyone feels at home.”

    The “Wanted In Wyoming” convention has all the makings of a bang-up time for cowpokes who circle their wagons in this northeastern Cowboy State settlement. On Tuesday, July 17, even before the jamboree kicks off, attendees will get to try their luck at card bingo in the Wyoming Center and aspiring superstars can show off their vocal skills during karaoke at the FMCA Town Center.

    The show officially begins on Wednesday, July 18, with morning seminars, followed by the opening of the indoor exhibits and RV displays at 1:00 p.m.

    Starting Thursday, July 19, and continuing through Saturday, July 21, early risers can grab a cup of joe and a doughnut (or two) at the FMCA Town Center while enjoying some fancy music provided by FMCA’s band of vagabond musicians, the Frustrated Maestros. It’s also a great time to meet new people and get the day started with a smile as big as the Wyoming sky.

    Once coffee hour wraps up, a good number of attendees will hit the seminar circuit to learn more about the RVing lifestyle, the mechanics of their RVs, fun things to do when traveling, and much more. With 100-plus sessions scheduled, plenty of educational opportunities will be available, covering just about any RVing interest.

     

    While some folks hit the learning trail, others will saunter over to the RV displays to inspect hundreds of shiny new wagons outfitted with the latest features. Take a tour, look under the hood, or test drive one of the demo coaches on site. Could be you’re looking at your next RV.

    Still other attendees will sidle over to Central Pavilion to visit with the good folks manning booths at this modern-day trading post. If there’s something you need for your RV or to satisfy your wandering lifestyle, chances are you’ll find it inside the exhibit hall.

    Around high noon each day, folks can grab some vittles and a sarsaparilla, kick back, and enjoy a variety of entertainment at the FMCA Town Center. The break also gives attendees time to head back to the RV to walk the dog, drop off their purchases, or hobnob with the RVers hitched next door.

    When the sun begins to sink into the western sky, the stars will come out inside Wyoming Center as four great acts take the main stage. On Wednesday night, Thomas Michael Riley will perform his unique brand of Texas country music. On Thursday, you won’t believe your eyes (and ears) as New Odyssey (three men, 30 instruments) makes more music than a trio should be allowed. Friday, step back in time as Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, known as Nelson in the biz, perform a tribute to their dad with “Ricky Nelson Remembered.” On Saturday, keep your dancing shoes handy as The Flashback Boyz rock the hall with favorites from the 1950s, ’60s, and more.

    Other activities that will catch the fancy of attendees are the Ladies’ Luncheon on Thursday; the Ice Cream Social on Friday; and the Super-Size Book Club on Saturday with Craig Johnson, best-selling author of the popular Walt Longmire mystery series. There’s also sure to be some surprises along the way just to keep folks on their toes.

    If you’re looking for an ace-high RVing experience this summer, Gillette, Wyoming, is the place. There’s still time to sign up, but you better get your wiggle on. To register for the “Wanted In Wyoming” convention, visit FMCA.com or call (800) 543-3622. If you can’t make the full event and want to stop by for a day, $10 day passes will be available at the gate.

  • In Case You Missed It: May RV News

    In Case You Missed It: May RV News

    Keeping you in the know is important to us – so this month, we’ve selected four RV-related stories that we think are too good to miss Take a look at your May industry news below.

    Winnebago ‘Travato’ Offers Volta Energy System – Trying to go off the grid? Winnebago has got you covered with their Volta Energy System, a lithium ion energy storage system that replaces the need for a generator. The system charges in just under 90 minutes with nearly 10,000 watt-hours of capacity – enough to power standard appliances including the main air conditioner for several hours or overnight. It charges while the unit is driving, idling, connected to shore, or through a MPPT solar charger (a 200-watt solar panel comes standard). The 2019 Travato will roll out this summer and we can’t wait. Read More.

    Keystone Hits Industry Milestone – Keystone recently announced they have produced their 150,000 ‘Cougar’ towable, which solidifies it as one of the all-time best selling models. The manufacturer selected Tacoma RV of Fife, Wash., as the recipient of the 150,000 unit (Cougar’s largest single location dealership). We certainly think they have a great reason to celebrate – congrats! Read More.

    Wilson Electronics Intros New Cell Signal Booster – And for those of you who don’t want to go completely off of the grid, Wilson Electronics, a supplier of cellular boosting products, recently announced the launch of Connect RV 65. The new in-vehicle cellular signal booster is designed to provide cellular connectivity in a stationary RV. The device is compatible with all cell phones and wireless carriers and will assist users in call quality, reducing the amount of dead zones and faster download and upload speeds while parked at a campground or anywhere else! Read More.

    In Other Big Winnebago News… – The company announced the launch of an all electric and zero-emissions commercial vehicle platform. The commercial vehicle is based off of a Class A and is suited for urban and semi-urban short-range applications such as: medical clinics, bloodmobiles, mobile classrooms, etc. The vehicle has six batteries and delivers an expected range of 85 to 125 miles on a full charge. We’re excited to see all the good that this new sustainable RV can bring. Read More.

    Out of all our RV story highlights, which one sparked your interest this month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

  • A First-Person Account of Two Must-Book Tours in Gettysburg

    A First-Person Account of Two Must-Book Tours in Gettysburg

    Written By: Sharee Collier, Editor of IndieRV Travel Network

    We knew when we decided to head to Gettysburg we would need to book at least one tour! Listening to stories told by the certified battlefield guides, detailing the events of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War while being immersed in the actual battlefield was something we wanted to experience and something we needed the kids to learn about. This was a turning point for our country, just reading about in a textbook wouldn’t do justice. So we contacted the folks behind a few of the tours offered inside the battlefield and booked two we felt would offer a full spectrum experience for our family.

    To be honest, it was probably information overload, but we didn’t know if we would be coming back to Gettysburg any time soon, so we figured we would do our best to give the kids a whirlwind adventure in Roadschooling History while here! The two tours I’ll tell you about are the best of the best and while you could just book one, I personally think the experiences are different enough to justify doing both!

    Guided Battlefield Carriage Tour:

    The maximum number of people on this tour is 10, so you can count on some personal attention and time to ask questions on this intimate and educational tour. A certified guide keeps your attention, as the Victorian Carriage Company says, “…listen to a play by play of three days that changed America’s history.”

    Our tour guide was a warm and welcoming middle-aged man who knew his facts, front and back. He was well informed, entertaining, and delivered the story in a way it made sense to everyone in the carriage-regardless of age. He gave modern day examples, related stories to the kids, life, and school, and even made a point to ask the quiz questions to keep you on your toes! The tour was a round trip ride from the Gettysburg Heritage Center, through the battlefield and back, that lasted about two hours.

    I recommend this tour because of its personal nature. The story and the details are orchestrated based on the people in the carriage. Questions are answered with facts and lead to other interesting points not often told and sometimes forgotten. You can bring snacks, a blanket if it’s a little chilly or some warm hot chocolate- during the Fall & Winter!

    During the ride, our guide passed around relics like bullets and fragments of cannon balls to help narrate the story, points of interests we were viewing out in the fields, and assure everyone understood the depth and historical significance of this bloody battle.

    At first I was a little worried about the graphics and gory details, since two of our kids are only 7, I didn’t want anyone to have nightmares and end up sleeping in my bed. Glad to say that wasn’t the case – if anything they just really enjoyed the story. History has a way of bringing out curiosity in the kids that they sometimes keep at bay.

    After the tour, we took advantage of the time we had left to visit with the beautiful horses and thank our drivers and guide for an amazing experience.

    Tips to Know Before You Go:

    • Tour will begin at scheduled time, rain or shine.
    • Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get checked-in, park and get yourself settled without being rushed. You can also take some pictures with the horses during this time.
    • Check the weather for the day and know what to expect.
    • Bring sunglasses, blankets if it’s cold, and some water to drink.
    • Make sure to eat before you come!
    • Ticket price doesn’t include gratuity.
    • You will spend the entire 2 hours on the carriage.

    Check Out Their Website for More Details.

    Gettysburg Double Decker Bus Tour:

    Totally different from the personal tour we took with the horse-drawn carriage the day prior, this double-decker bus was packed with people and we were just lucky enough to get a seat for all of us on the upper level- where you just have to sit! Departing from the Gettysburg Tour Center, where you should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to guarantee you get a good seat, the tour goes through both the town of Gettysburg and the National Battlefield.

    We plugged in our headphones that were provided by the guide and waited for everyone to settle in before taking off on the two-hour tour. The bus was packed solid and we were excited about this adventure!

    Instead of heading straight to the battlefield, as we did on the carriage tour, we were first given a tour of the town of Gettysburg, which we all really enjoyed! Historical houses, markers, and points of interest were all topics of discussion and viewing them from the open air seating was fun and entertaining.

    Before heading over to the battlefield, the bus cordially stopped at a local vendor where restrooms, coffee, ice cream and snacks could be purchased for the remaining hour ride. We took advantage of this, and I’ll be honest- the cookies at this little shop we amazing as was the coffee!

    Driving through the battlefield again and especially on consecutive days as we did, you would think the story would get old- but with a new guide you get a new fresh perspective. Yeah, some of the story is the same, as you would imagine because they’re detailing a historical event based on real facts and events that took place, but the focus can be different which was great.

    On this tour, we drove up to Little Round Top, where the bus pulled over for a scenic treat. We all got off and walked around this little gem, taking pictures and chatting about what we were experiencing. The kids had a great time exploring the monuments, the cannons and chatting with the other guests. We took tons of pictures, and since someone offered to snap a shot with all of us in it – we actually have a family memory with all 6 of us to cherish for many years to come.

    We loved the Double Decker Bus Tour, it was fun and educational and the time was broken up into smaller, more manageable segments, with the two breaks, that really helped to keep the little ones from getting too antsy. This is a great activity for families with kids of any age.

    Tips to Know Before You Go:

    • Tour will begin at scheduled time, rain or shine.
    • Arrive at least 10 minutes early to get checked-in, park and get in line to get your seat.
    • Check the weather for the day and dress appropriately if you plan to sit on the top.
    • Bring your sunglasses, a jacket if needed and some water to drink.
    • Make sure to eat before you come- or bring a small cooler, like we did!
    • Stops last about 10-15 minutes each.
    • Bring some cash for snack stops and a camera!
    • Ticket price doesn’t include gratuity.
    • Beware of low hanging branches as you drive through the wooded areas.

    Check Out Their Website for More Details.

    *Click here for a FREE membership offer to IndieRV for RV Trader readers!*
    AUTHOR BIO: Wife, Mother of four & full-time travel lover and doer- Sharee Collier, Editor of IndieRV Travel Network, is having a blast this year while showing other RVers the “Best of the Best” when it comes to places to go & things to see. 
     
     
  • Eating Healthy on the Road

    Eating Healthy on the Road

    As RVers we are constantly on the go, and a lot of the time, grabbing fast food seems like the easiest option while traveling. But contrary to popular belief, eating healthy while on the road is actually possible and isn’t as hard as you might think! Check out our top tips on how to eat healthy while RVing.

    • Meal prep – Meal prepping is one of the top ways to save time and money in the kitchen – but it’s also a great way to eat healthy. Planning and prepping your meals ahead of time gives you no excuse to choose unhealthy options while on the go. We suggest picking one day a week where you plan out your (healthy) meals and begin prepping. It’s important to keep meals simple since you have limited space to cook in your kitchen on wheels. It’s also important to try to keep any perishable foods in airtight containers to preserve their shelf life. Check out some of these great tips for easy/healthy meal prepping.
    • Keep your RV stocked with healthy snacks – When you’re traveling from point A to point B someone in your RV is bound to get hungry. So, take away the temptation of those gas station treats and rest stop vending machines by having an RV that’s fully stocked with healthy snacks. Protein bars and trail mix are great, filling snacks that can be stored for long periods of time. Having fresh fruit on board is also a great option that requires virtually no prep time. Some other healthy snacks perfect for road trips include: Beef/turkey jerky, dried fruits, peanut butter, oatmeal, popcorn, string cheese, etc.
    • Eat local – One of the many beauties of being RVers is that we have the luxury of traveling to new places and experiencing new things – food included! There’s amazing, healthy food all over the country and we encourage you to check out the local cuisine on your next adventure. A great way to do this is to check out a local farmer’s market. You’ll be able to find the best seasonal, healthy options that all of the locals are eating. To make it even easier, you can check out Local Harvest, a website dedicated to finding you the nearest family farms, farmers markets, and restaurants that all feature local foods.
    We hope these three tips have you thinking about how you’ll choose healthier options on your next trip. Food is the fuel that keeps us going, so it’s crucial to pick healthy options that will give you the energy you need to take on the day. What are some of your tips on eating healthy while on the road?
  • Your April Industry News Recap

    Your April Industry News Recap

    We love to keep you in the know with the lastest news and industry updates. So this month, we’ve selected five stories that you don’t want to miss. Take a look at some of the latest April headlines below.

    The National Park Service Announces Changes – As RVers, we love exploring our country’s incredible national parks, and the National Park Service (NPS) has recently announced a few changes you should be aware of. In an effort to address aging park infrastructure and improve visitor experience, NPS announced they will slightly raise entrance fees in order to conduct the required maintenance to over 400 parks, monuments, and historical/cultural sites. Most seven-day vehicle passes will be increased by $5 and this will be implemented on June 1, 2018. But fear not – more than two-thirds of national parks will still be free to enter! Read More.
    KOA Launches “Get Out There” Adventure Grants – KOA’s new Get Out There grant program was designed to encourage more North Americans to get outside and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Get Out There grants are available to all U.S and Canadian citizens and will provide the funds for recipients to go on a dream adventure of their choice. Sounds pretty awesome, right? All you have to do is fill out an application describing your dream adventure and why you deserve the grant and you’ll be in the running. Read More.
    Airstream Launches Fiberglass Line of Travel Trailers – We all know Airstream by their signature aluminum cased RVs and coaches, but the manufacturer has recently unveiled a new line of fiberglass trailers called “Nest”. The line will make its way to Airstream dealers later this month and will have a compact design that’s so light, you don’t need an SUV to tow it. The trailer manages to perfectly fit a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a wet bath. There are two available floor plans, one including a dinette that converts into a bed, and another with a permanent bed. We can’t wait to see these trailers in action! Read More.
    BundutecUSA Debuts Pop-Up Truck Camper – BundutecUSA recently announced they will be adding to their truck camper line with the release of a new self-contained pop-up for half-ton trucks called “Wild”. The new self-contained truck camper will allow longer trips in the backcountry without having to go into town for service. Wild has an updated floor plan for those looking to enhance their camping set up. Read More.
    Camping is on the Rise According to Newly Released Report – According to the 2018 North American Camping Report (sponsored by KOA), the total number of camping households in the U.S is nearing 77 million, which is an increase of six million since 2014. The report shows that RVers spent the most nights camping in 2017 and that more than one-third of RVers are now millennials. The report shares interesting and exciting numbers as we see more people joining the camping and adventure lifestyle. Read More.
    Are there any RV-related stories that have sparked your interest this month? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
  • Experience the Wonders of Southern Utah

    Experience the Wonders of Southern Utah

    Craving an adventure that includes spectacular national parks, breathtaking scenery, and some of the country’s best hiking trails? Sounds like Utah might be the place for you! The state is home to a whopping five national parks, that are often referred to as the “Mighty Five”, and for good reason. These parks are absolutely stunning and are located fairly close together – making them perfect road trip pit stops. Check out what each of these famous destinations has to offer!

    Zion National Park – Zion is actually Utah’s first, and most visited, national park. It’s known for its red walls of sandstone surrounding the park as well as its jaw-dropping views. Zion is a hiker’s paradise with a large variety of trails ranging from easy family hikes to more difficult options. You won’t want to miss two of Zion’s most popular trails – Angels Landing and The Narrows. Angels Landing is considered one of Zion’s more strenuous hikes, but the views are worth every second. This hike is not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights, considering it has extremely steep and narrow trails. But, if you’re looking for a thrilling experience – Angels Landing might be for you. The Narrows is another great option if you want to see and experience the crystal clear water of the Virgin River, which runs right through the center of Zion. Be sure to pack your waterproof shoes while hiking The Narrows – you’ll be actually walking through the river during this hike – a great way to cool off! In Zion, there’s truly something for everyone.

     

    Image: Ted Nguyen

    Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon is home to some of the most beautiful sandstone cliffs years in the making. People come from around the world to see the park’s famous hoodoos, which are tall pillars of rock created by erosion. The hoodoos at Bryce Canyon are pinkish-orange in color and range from 5 to 150 ft. tall, often leaving travelers awestruck as the shadows change their colors throughout the day. While most of the other parks are warmer in summer months, you’ll want to remember to bring a jacket to Bryce Canyon due to the park’s high elevation (8,000 ft.). There’s so much to do at Bryce Canyon from hiking, to horseback riding, to skiing and snowboarding in the winter months – this park is sure to leave you feeling amazed and entertained.

    Image: Visit Utah
    Canyonlands National Park – Canyonlands is Utah’s largest national park and has sweeping views as far as the eye can see. This park is the perfect stop for folks looking for the feeling of peacefulness and seclusion. Canyonlands is divided into three distinct districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze (it’s important to note that each district has its own separate park entrance). Islands in the Sky is the most easily accessible district and the panoramic views of miles and miles of canyons are not to be missed. One of the most popular spots at Islands in the Sky is Mesa arch. The trail to Mesa arch is fairly easy while still being breathtaking, making it a great option for beginners or families with small children.
    Image: Utah.com

    Capitol Reef National Park – Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s national parks that might be considered a little out of the way for some – but that means fewer crowds to deal with! The park is filled with beautiful cliffs, domes, bridges, and last but not least, rich history. There are a few unique things about Capitol Reef, one being that the park is home to more than 2,500 fruit trees! Visitors are invited to take a walk through the orchards (that were originally planted by Mormon pioneers) and enjoy some freshly picked fruit. Sounds delicious after a long hike! Fremont Petroglyphs are another historical highlight of the park. You can still easily see the etchings from the Fremont people who lived in the area nearly 1,000 years ago.

    Image: Utah.com

    Arches National Park – This park is famous for – you guessed it – it’s arches. This national park is home to more than 2,000 stunning natural sandstone arches that you have to see to believe. The most famous and popular arch in the park is Delicate Arch. This particular arch is featured on Utah’s license plate and people come from all over the world to take in its massive beauty. But arches aren’t the only thing you’ll find at this park – there are a variety of stunning geological formations sure to take your breath away. Arches also has tons of hiking trails for all ability levels, making this another a great park for families!

    Image: Utah.com
     
    There you have it! Now you can see why Utah has some of the most visited national parks in the United States. So, get packing and don’t forget your camera – your Utah adventure awaits!
  • Tech Tip: Spring RV Exterior Prep

    Tech Tip: Spring RV Exterior Prep

    Are you itching to hit the road this spring? March is when many RVers dewinterize their RV, prepping it for the travel season. It’s important to not overlook your RV’s exterior. Here are a few reminders on behalf of FMCA and Gary Bunzer, the “RV Doctor.”

    With frigid winter temperatures, chances are you haven’t been venturing outside over the past several months to take a close look at your RV. Now is the time to conduct a thorough inspection before you hit the road. A clean RV will more clearly reveal potential problems than a dirty one. So, unless you used a heavy-duty RV cover during the winter, a detailed washing of the RV is necessary. Begin by removing the protective boxes used to cover the plastic roof vents. Also, remove any tape or foil you applied over exhaust vents, such as at the furnace assembly.

    After the coach exterior has been cleaned, begin airing out the unit. Remove the insulating foam inserts that were placed in the windows and roof vents and fully open each window and roof vent. While you are at each window, double-check the weather stripping and the exterior weep holes, ensuring they are still in good shape. If necessary, lubricate the slider tracks on any windows or screens that open.

    Perform a complete and detailed inspection of all the roof components, seams, and edges. Now is the time to seal any areas that need attention. Inspect the roof air conditioners for damage incurred during the winter months. Carefully straighten any bent or damaged fins that may be exposed on the condenser coil. Once you get inside the RV, clean or replace the return air filters.

    Inspect and operate all compartment bay doors, access doors, access panels, etc. Check the sealant around every window, as well as all components attached to the exterior sides of the RV. Lubricate all mechanical latches and keyed locks. Use a dry lubricant, such as Boeshield T-9. Many RVers use a product like WD-40 to lubricate latches and locks. Products like this should not be considered a lubricant; truly, they are water displacement products that prohibit rust and corrosion.

    Operate and lubricate the moving components of all the manually operated awnings. Be sure to consult your RV owner’s manual; awning manufacturer recommendations can vary widely. Use a mild detergent to remove any mold or mildew that may have developed on the awning material since last fall.

    Don’t forget to check under the RV and look for anything out of the ordinary, such as darkened areas on the ground that may indicate a leak. Inspect the areas that you made repairs to during the winterizing procedure last fall. You’ll want to make sure those repairs can withstand another season of travel.

    Lastly, inspect and lubricate all of your RV’s slide-out mechanisms. Again, be sure to use only a dry lubricant on these mechanisms.

    These exterior maintenance steps are a necessary part of readying your RV for the season. Inspecting the RV’s exterior is a step many RVers overlook, but it is an important part of the dewinterization process that should not be forgotten. Take the time now to help prevent potential problems down the road. Safe travels this spring!

    FMCA RV Club brings you this monthly tech tip to Enhance Your RV Lifestyle. FMCA delivers RV know-how to its members. Learn more at FMCA.com.

    This information is for educational purposes. FMCA shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with a RV professional.

  • How to Avoid Breaking the Bank on the Road

    How to Avoid Breaking the Bank on the Road

    Some folks have the misconception that affordable RVing isn’t a real possibility – but we are here to prove them wrong! There are tons of simple ways to cut costs while out on the road (just like at home). Check out our 5 tips for RVing on the cheap:

    Create a budget – The last thing you want to do while adventuring is plan a budget – but planning ahead can save you some serious cash in the long run. Before creating your RV travel budget, you should consider what you currently spend at home and how those costs might translate while on the road. It’s important to realize that everyone’s needs are different, therefore everyone’s budget is going to look a little different. Once you have a solid budget in place, it’s also a great idea to have some funds tucked away for any maintenance issues or unexpected expenses that might (and often do) pop up while traveling.
    Save on gas – Gas is one big expense that can’t be avoided while RVing – but we’ve found a solution or two to help minimize that cost. First and foremost, it’s crucial to make sure your RV is tuned up and in top running condition to help maximize fuel efficiency. Once you’re out on the road, there are many fuel related apps that can help save you money at the pump. GasBuddy is a popular app that can help you find the least expensive gas along your route – and when filling up an RV, every penny saved helps! It’s also a good idea to consider different types of gas cards that might work for you – we all love a great discount!
     
    Get your chef on – Food is another major expense when traveling, but meal planning and prepping can be a huge cost saver. Take advantage of your kitchen on wheels and minimize eating out on the road. 9 times out of 10, cooking in your mobile kitchen will be more affordable than eating at a restaurant (no tips required)! If you do want to try the local cuisine during your trip, we suggest doing some preliminary research to see if certain restaurants have any deals or specials available – check to see if kids eat free on Tuesday’s or if Groupon has a deal.
     
    Take advantage of free activities – Before spending money on fancy excursions, why not see if there are any free entertainment options along your route or at your destination? The U.S. is filled with so many amazing (FREE) parks, museums, beaches and more. Bank of America offers members who present a debit card and a picture ID on the first full weekend of every month one free general admission to select museums. Purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass is also a great option for people who love exploring our nation’s national parks. For just an $80 annual fee, the pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 Federal Recreation sites across the U.S.
     
    Consider going off the grid – If you think about it, it’s a no-brainer that RVing saves huge costs on lodging compared to hotel stays. But, it’s still important to consider the cost of where you’re parking your RV every night. Some campgrounds charge upwards of $30-50 per night, so if you’re looking to save a buck try free camping, also known as boondocking. If you’re not familiar with boondocking, it’s essentially camping without any hookups on public land (usually far out in nature, in someone’s driveway, or even in a store parking lot). If you enjoy going “off the grid” or a more primitive camping experience – boondocking might be a great money saving option for you! Check out Boondockers Welcome to find your perfect boondocking location. They are essentially the AirBnB of boondocking and our readers get $5 off the Guest Privileges Subscription using the code RVTRADER5OFF.
    We hope these tips have helped you realize that the RV life doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re willing to make a few budget-friendly changes, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars while out on the road. So, stop worrying about breaking the bank and get out there!
  • Head to Oregon. It’s Worth It.

    Head to Oregon. It’s Worth It.

    Oregon feels like the hidden gem of the United States. We were awestruck by how vast and beautiful the landscape is. The whole state is packed with amazing places to visit, all of which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world – but these are the ones we feel should not be missed.

    Opal Creek
    Let’s just state the obvious – the water at Opal Creek is incredible, amazing, breathtaking – and any other adjective you’d like to add in. This is worth the stop just to see water this blue outside of the

    tropics. And the best part is – the hike alongside Opal Creek is equally as amazing. Deep within the Willamette National Forest, the trail is also scattered with remnants of the logging and mining industries that are a big part of Oregon’s history. There’s nothing like walking through pristine wilderness only to come across rusting metal that almost looks like it’s been there forever.

    There are three really amazing landmarks within Opal Creek – (1) Opal Pool, (2) a natural waterslide, and (3) Sawmill Falls. Opal Pool is so clear you can easily see the bottom, but is known for being quite chilly – although on a hot summer day, that might be amazing after the hike. And who doesn’t love a natural slide? This is fun no matter the age range of people traveling with you. And last, but certainly not least, Sawmill Falls mixes the beautiful white from the falls with the deep green of the water – and it’s stunning.

    Haystack Rocks
    If your not paying attention, you might think for a second that you’ve stumbled into Halong Bay in Vietnam, and while these beautiful rocks do share a similar feel to their counterparts in Vietnam, they

    certainly are closer and – for those of us who prefer to RV, rather than fly – much more conveniently located. These amazing formations are found at Cannon Beach, but you should time your visit for low tide so you can get out to them. And the walk out is not short of wildlife. The low tide leaves behind plenty of tidal pools and you might just be able to spot a puffin hanging out on the rock as well. A few times a year, the tide gets so low – you can walk all the way around the behemoth and if you choose to venture out there at night, you’re sure to be impressed by the number of stars you can see.

    Columbia River Gorge
    Not that we’re ranking favorites – but the Columbia River Gorge is definitely packed

    with things to do, and all of them will make you feel like you’ve stepped into some type of natural oasis. Honestly, we could probably make a list just of breathtaking sites in this one area alone – there are that many. The gorge itself is 80 miles long and borders the Columbia River, that divides Washington and Oregon. It’s so big it actually has gorges within it, including the Oneonta Gorge – and the beautiful green moss that covers the rocks on the side of this gorge has earned it the name the Emerald Canyon. And, to make it even better, the creek that runs through the gorge is often the only way through – so make sure to wear you water shoes and be prepared to get wet. Oh – and to top it all off – the creek has several beautiful waterfalls throughout. 

    If you want to get up close and personal with some waterfalls – the Eagles Creek Trail might be the

    one for you. As you near the end of the trail, you’ll pass through Tunnel Falls where you literally can walk behind the waterfalls – ducking into the cavernous rocks thanks to trail builders from the early 1900s. If you choose to keep going for another half a mile or so – the trail will come to an end, but you’ll get to see Twister Falls – where two waterfalls come together to look somewhat like a twister, hence the name. Be warned though – the path to get there is tight and has been lovingly referred to as the Vertigo Mile.

    And if you’re not convinced, maybe this will tip you over – Oregonians are known for being extremely friendly – going out of their way to welcome visitors and offer whatever help or guidance they can offer. So, this destination is a win-win, friendly people and truly jaw-dropping scenery. Sounds like an RVers paradise if you ask us!

  • Crazy Creative RV & Camping Hacks

    Crazy Creative RV & Camping Hacks

    There’s nothing we love more than a good hack. Usually, they are so simple, but so smart that they make us jealous we didn’t think of them first. But – let me tell you – the list of hacks we’ve compiled below has us green with envy – these truly are the best of the best.

    Doritos make the best fire starters

    As surprising as it may sound – there really isn’t a better fire starter out there than a good old bag of Doritos – and the best part? There’s literally nothing to it! Pick up your favorite – or maybe least favorite – bag at the grocery store, light one corner on fire, and watch it burn. But there’s a catch – it’s actually necessary to get the Doritos brand. Apparently it has something to do with their fat content. This is one of our favorites – but definitely slightly concerning if you’re a Doritos lover because once you see how long these burn, you might lose your appetite.

    Make a zipline for your dog

    We, like many RVers, are big time dog people – so we’re all about anything we can do to make our pup’s trip more comfortable. And making them a zipline, instead of tying them out, gives them way more freedom to enjoy their interesting, new surroundings. And, like the Doritos, this is another super easy trick. You just need a piece of rope and some carabiners to attach their leashes to it. From there – find some trees a decent distance apart to tie the rope to and hitch Fido on up. He’ll be much happier being able to wander back and forth freely – but you’ll still have peace of mind knowing he’s not going to take off on you.

    Sage bundles repel mosquitos

    We hate mosquitos. They are the fastest way we can think of to drive even the most tolerant RVer back inside. So this hack is definitely worth a try. This particular article says that you can also throw some lavender and mint in there – but the majority of reading we did specifically called out the sage – so if you add nothing else, make sure to have that. You can hang these outside of your camper or put them in your fire – either way, they seem like an essential way to keep the ultimate pest away.

    Turn an acorn cap into a whistle

    This is a great hack – and this link shows you exactly how to do it, step by step. Thankfully, there are plenty of acorns to practice on out in the woods – so even if it takes you a few tries to get it right, this is sure to come in handy – and hopefully, you will only need to use this for fun.

    Ok – so tell us the truth. Had you heard of these before? We hope there were at least a few that surprised you and will make their way into your bag of tricks as you head out on your next great adventure.