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  • Great Gifts for RV Newbies Who Think They Have Everything

    Great Gifts for RV Newbies Who Think They Have Everything

    Embarking on the RV lifestyle is an exhilarating leap into a world of freedom, adventure, and the open road. For those just beginning this journey, thoughtful gifts make all the difference – helping transform a basic rig into a cozy home-on-wheels and ensuring that even first-time RVers feel ready for whatever the road throws at them. These handpicked gifts focus on convenience, comfort, and practicality, making every mile smoother and every pit stop more enjoyable.

    With these five items, you’ll find perfect options for any RV. And, unlike the fourth s’mores kit that ends up stashed in the back, these gifts are guaranteed to be used and appreciated, so whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, here are five affordable, must-have gifts for the RV newbie in your life.

    Compact Multi-Tool

    When you’re on the road, minor repairs can crop up at any time – maybe it’s a loose screw on a cabinet, a wobbly table leg, or even a stubborn jar lid. Enter the Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool, a versatile, compact powerhouse designed to tackle all those little fixes that RVers might encounter.

    Features

    • 14 Tools in One: The Leatherman Wingman offers an impressive array of 14 tools in one compact package, including pliers, wire cutters, scissors, screwdrivers, and a bottle opener. This makes it a reliable companion for RVers, covering everything from quick adjustments to light repairs.
    • Lightweight and Compact: With its lightweight design, this multi-tool is easy to carry around or stash in a small RV drawer. At just 7 ounces, it’s built to fit into RV life, where space is premium.
    • Built to Last: Made from high-quality stainless steel, the Wingman is crafted to handle outdoor environments and regular use, making it a durable, long-lasting addition to an RVer’s tool kit.

    Why RVers Will Love It

    This multi-tool is a perfect gift for any “weekend warrior” or full-timer. RVers often find themselves adjusting, tightening, or even popping a bottle cap on the go, and the Wingman Multi-Tool makes it easy. It’s reliable for tackling daily tasks and compact enough not to clutter up limited storage. Imagine gifting a tool that covers so many needs – saving them from bringing a whole toolbox on board!

    Portable Coffee Maker

    For coffee-loving RVers, a good cup of coffee is often the perfect way to start the day, whether parked in a beautiful forest clearing or a quiet roadside. The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is an ideal gift for any newbie who wants to enjoy quality coffee without the fuss or bulk of a traditional coffee maker.

    Features

    • Compact and Lightweight: Specifically designed for travel, the AeroPress Go is compact and easy to pack, making it ideal for RV kitchens where space is at a premium.
    • Quick Setup and Brew Time: With its simple design, the AeroPress Go allows RVers to brew a fresh cup in just a few minutes. Just add coffee, pour hot water, press, and enjoy.
    • Easy Cleanup: Cleaning up can be a chore, especially when water is limited. The AeroPress Go makes cleanup easy, a huge plus for RVers who prioritize simplicity and efficiency.

    Why RVers Will Love It

    This coffee press is perfect for RVers who can’t start the day without a solid cup of coffee, even when moving. With the AeroPress Go, RV newbies can enjoy high-quality coffee from the comfort of their rig, whether brewing at a quiet campsite or on a quick roadside stop. Plus, it’s easy to store and clean, making it a practical choice for life on the road.

    Collapsible Kitchen Set

    Space in an RV kitchen is always at a premium, and when you’re cooking on the road, it’s essential to have tools that can easily tuck away without sacrificing function. The Thin Bins collapsible container set provides an excellent space-saving solution for RV kitchens, allowing new RVers to mix, serve, and store without the bulk of traditional kitchenware.

    Features

    • Different Sizes: These containers are available in sets of various shapes and sizes, making it versatile for mixing, serving, or storing food.
    • Food-Safe Silicone: Made from BPA-free silicone, these bowls are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, ensuring they’re safe for all kinds of food prep and easy to clean.
    • Collapsible Design: Each bowl collapses to a fraction of its size, making storage a breeze – perfect for RV kitchens with limited cabinet space.

    Why RVers Will Love It

    The Thin Bins collapsible container set is a thoughtful gift for anyone looking to bring home kitchen comforts into their RV lifestyle. These bowls are incredibly versatile, doubling as storage containers and saving precious space for the essentials. They’re perfect for anyone who loves to cook on the go, whether preparing a campsite feast or packing a quick lunch before hitting the road.

    Collapsible LED Lantern

    Light is essential when setting up camp after dark, looking for something in a storage bay, or enjoying an evening outside. The Vont LED Camping Lantern is a must-have item for RVers, providing bright, reliable light in a compact, easy-to-pack design.

    Features

    • Lightweight and Collapsible: Designed to be packed down when not in use, this lantern is both lightweight and easy to store – ideal for RVers who need a practical, space-saving light source.
    • AA Batteries: Each lantern is powered by three normal, widely available AA batteries. No need to hunt down specialty 9V batteries or D-cells, or worry about an internal battery pack no longer holding a charge – and there’s even a compartment for a set of spare batteries in the lid so you’ll never be left in the dark.
    • Water-Resistant and Durable: Built to handle outdoor conditions, the Vont lantern is water-resistant and durable enough for camping and other outdoor adventures.

    Why RVers Will Love It

    For RVers, a good light source isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity. The Vont lantern is great for camp, reading by the fire, or finding gear in dark spaces. It’s reliable and compact, making it a practical gift for any RV newbie. And for those late-night campfire gatherings or impromptu s’mores sessions, it adds a cozy ambiance to their outdoor setup.

    Magnetic Spice Jars

    A well-seasoned meal can turn an ordinary stop into a memorable feast, but RV kitchens are notoriously limited in storage. The Talented Kitchen Magnetic Spice Jars offer a smart solution for storing spices without taking up valuable counter or cabinet space, making it an ideal gift for RVers who love to cook.

    Features

    • Magnetic Backing: These spice jars have a magnetic backing, allowing them to be attached to any metal surface, such as the side of a refrigerator or a metal backsplash, freeing up drawer and cabinet space.
    • Clear Lids with Shaker Holes: The clear lids make it easy to see each spice at a glance, while the shaker holes let you quickly season your dishes with a twist of the lid.
    • Compact Design: With a diameter of 2 inches each, these jars are designed to be compact yet functional, giving RVers just the right amount of spice storage without the bulk of a full spice rack.

    Why RVers Will Love It

    These spice jars are perfect for anyone who loves cooking on the go but finds their RV kitchen short on storage. Magnetic spice jars make bringing your favorite seasonings along for the ride easy, turning any meal into a tasty experience. With their sleek, space-saving design, these jars add a touch of style and organization to any RV kitchen – making them a gift that’s both practical and thoughtful.

    Thoughtful Gifts to Kickstart Every Newbie’s RV Adventure

    These five gifts are more than just helpful tools – they’re companions for the road, each adding a unique layer of comfort and convenience to the RV lifestyle. For new RVers, these items make every journey easier, from brewing a fresh cup of coffee at sunrise to prepping a meal at sunset. They’re affordable, compact, and thoughtfully designed for life on the move, providing exactly what every RVer needs to make the most of every mile.

    Whether it’s a holiday gift or a welcome present for a friend’s first big road trip, these gifts will make their RV feel a little more like home. So here’s to the open road and the adventures ahead – may every mile be memorable with the right tools, comforts, and a little help from thoughtful friends like you.

  • 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.