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  • Vintage RVs We Love

    Vintage RVs We Love

    New RVs are great – they come with fabulous new technology, and I swear – some of them look like luxury mansions! But, you can’t deny that vintage RVs have a certain allure to them too – and when they’ve been remodeled to bring together their vintage style with a modern design – well, to be honest, we’re in love. We’ve found five vintage RVs (ok – ones from 2006, so maybe not super vintage) that combine the best of both worlds.
    Starting with the pop of green in the awning that carries through to the counters inside – the minimalist design in this unit feels like the design meant for the all-chrome Airstream. We are also impressed that they managed to get two twin beds in here – as well as a work space. Sleek and streamlined.
    The outside of this unit definitely leaves something to the imagination – but once you open that front door, the white walls and light blue accents give this unit a wonderfully light and airy feel. We love the full sized shower and ample seating space.
    The combination of black, red, and metallics in this unit make it feel like a luxury apartment. By using the same tiles in the kitchen and the bathroom – there’s a nice continuity throughout – and for those who might want to work on the road, this unit also has a great work area, complete with huge windows perfect for bringing the outside indoors.
    Full of warm colors and interesting fabrics – this unit has a fun and eclectic vibe to it. We love the shape of the kitchen – and can completely imagine having friends or family pull up a stool while we cook or enjoy a late afternoon cocktail. We don’t get to see the bedroom or bathroom in this one, but we have high hopes that they are just as nice as the main space.
    The back half of this RV is completely updated – with beautiful grey cabinets, light countertops, and funky accent colors – but the front half still needs a little work. But this could be the perfect first unit to try your hand at flipping – all you have to do is finish the great work that’s already been started.

     

     

    If you are looking to flip a vintage RV of your own from start to finish – we think this one would be perfect! The outside looks like it’s in great condition – and you could even paint the cabinets to keep costs down! Add in some nice new fabric and you’ll be well on your way.

    Some things, actually, most things, get better with age – and we certainly think these RVs did. We didn’t get to see them in their heyday – but we love where they’ve ended up.

    –>

  • Unsung Southern Destinations

    Unsung Southern Destinations

    Head south for some warmer weather this winter.

    The winter months bring with them some wonderful things – beautiful snow, hot cocoa by the fire, great holiday celebrations with family and friends – but at after a while, the cold weather can start to wear on us. But thankfully, it’s nothing a little road trip can’t fix! Head to any of these great southern destinations guaranteed to help you thaw out so you can make it through the rest of the winter months.

    1. Greenville, SC
    This small town in the Upstate of South Carolina is gaining a reputation as an up-and-comer. Their downtown is cute as a button – with wide streets tree lined streets full of great shops and food choices. Adjacent to downtown, you’ll find Falls Park on the Reedy. This park is famous for its pedestrian suspension bridge that is supported on one side, giving walkers a clear view of the river as they pass. If you’re up for a bit of a longer hike – check out the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The trail is 20 miles long and runs along the Reedy River and through several city parks.

    2. Naples, Florida
    Snowbirds have the right idea – who wouldn’t want to head to Florida in the middle of the winter? While Naples is known for it’s high-end shopping and beautiful white sand beaches – they also have some amazing ways to get outdoors and enjoy the amazing Florida wildlife. Top on our list would be the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park that offers great hiking trails, bird watching, and even some fishing spots. Another must see spot is the Naples Botanical Gardens. If you head down there before January 3rd, you can check out their Night Lights in the Gardens display, which – as the name implies – puts the gardens into a spectacular display of lights.

    3. Birmingham, Alabama
    As the largest city in Alabama – we weren’t expecting Birmingham to have such an extensive nature preserve – but they do, and that’s why they made our list! The Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve has it all – 14 miles of trails to hike, several mining sites that were used in the 1950s, and even a quarry you can check out. Another must-see spot is Railroad park. This 19 acre park in central downtown was developed as a tribute to the city’s history. And if you visit before the end of the year, they have an ice-skating rink that sounds like too much fun.

    4. Dawsonville, GA
    This town, found slightly northeast of Atlanta, is home to one of the most spectacular state parks we’ve ever visited — Amicalola Falls State Park. This particular park has too many trails to count, including some that mark the end of the Appalachian Trail. But – our personal favorite – is the one that leads up to the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River – appropriately called Amicalola Falls. If you make it up there – there is a great bridge that walks you across the falls so you can see the water coming and going. The falling water has a magical, ethereal quality that is not to be missed.

    5. Chattanooga, TN
    Found along the Tennessee River at the bottom of the Appalachian Trail – Chattanooga, TN is home to one of the amazing and incredible, Lookout Mountain. Not only can you see seven – that’s right, SEVEN – different states from the top of this mountain – but it has two other incredible destinations nestled inside it. Hidden in the depths of this mountain is Ruby Falls – America’s largest underground waterfall. The waterfall is often illuminated with interesting colored lights to add to the dramatic effect. As you continue to climb to the top of the mountain – you can make your way through Rock City, which basically looks like a garden paradise. The beautiful, sweeping foliage is a wonderfully stark contrast to the rock formations. Truly incredible.

    While we can’t guarantee that all of these destinations will be sporting 70+ degree temperatures, they are sure to be warmer than some of the snowy northern destinations – and hopefully will be enough fun to keep you energized through the spring time!

    –>

  • The Growing Market for Off-Road-Capable RVs

    The Growing Market for Off-Road-Capable RVs

    The Growing Market for Off-Road-Capable RVs

    By

    When it comes to choosing a campsite, most RVers think of a public or private campground: full hookups, maybe a picnic table and a fire ring. Or in a pinch, boondocking at a Walmart.

    But there’s growing number of RVers who rarely set foot (or tire) in a traditional campground. They prefer the wide-open spaces and night skies of the back country — national forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, national monuments and other far-off-the-beaten-path destinations.

    These adventurers are driven partly by youth: According to KOA’s 2017 North American Camping Report, millennials make up 38 percent of active campers, and account for half of all new campers since 2016.

    “Not only are these younger campers highly social, but they’re also more physically active,” the KOA report says. “More physically active types of recreation are increasing in popularity, with mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, and canoeing/kayaking all gaining since 2014.”

    And because they favor remote places often accessible only with four-wheel drive vehicles, a mini-industry has grown up around converting suitable vans and trucks into campers. Depending on the design, specs, and who is doing the conversion, this “upfitting,” can run $50,000 or more—over and above the cost of the vehicle—with a wait time of up to six months, a year, or more.

    Now there’s another option, as one major RV manufacturer has taken notice of the growing movement. Winnebago has just announced the Revel, a new, full-function compact RV built on the Mercedes-Benz 4WD Sprinter chassis.

    With its high ground clearance, beefy stance and no-nonsense interior, it’s clear the Revel is not trying to appeal to the traditional RVer. For example, there’s no bed in the conventional sense. Rather, a platform bed lowers into the gear storage space once the rig is parked. And while it does have a shower, the Revel’s cassette-style toilet eliminates the need for a blackwater holding tank, allowing a larger freshwater tank. Solar panels further hint at the Revel’s off-the-grid capabilities.

    “Americans are hardwired to explore,” noted Russ Garfin, the Winnebago product manager responsible for the Revel. “And there’s so much of America waiting to be explored.

    “But to really get out there, you’ve got to change your priorities somewhat. Living space and, to some degree, comfort and convenience, have to take a bit of a back seat to capabilities. If something is not essential, it’s certainly going to be looked at very carefully. We even made the coach air conditioning system an option — some people don’t feel they need it, and would just as soon have a little more hauling capacity.”

    While Winnebago hasn’t divulged sales goals, it’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into the rugged little Revel. According to Product Manager Garfin, “It’s the most off-road-capable RV we’ve ever built. We’re excited to see where it can go.”

    –>

  • 5 Totally Unexpected Benefits of RVing

    5 Totally Unexpected Benefits of RVing


    By Kimberly Travaglino 
    Fulltime Families Co-Founder

    You’ve seen the brochures of RVs parked along the banks of picturesque lakes, and wide smiling faces sticky with fire roasted s’mores. You probably know that RVing is a great way to explore national treasures while still enjoying all the comforts of home. See America mile-by-mile by day and sleep in your own bed each night! Stock up the fridge before you leave and you’ll have all your favorite nibbles wherever you roam.

    You’re probably already familiar with these great benefits of RVing, so we asked 5 families who are “RVing experts” exactly how RVing has benefited their families in unexpected ways…benefits that might be missed during a walk through a dealership.

    A note about these experts: they are all part of an organization called Fulltime Families, dedicated to young, working, full-time RVers. These experts have sold their homes and hit the road in search of a stronger bond with their children, a slower lifestyle… and, ultimately, the adventure of a lifetime.

    Unexpected Benefit #1: Less is more!

    Let’s face it, whether you’re heading out for the weekend, or launching on a summer-long cross country trip, there’s only so much stuff you can bring along in your limited space. Somewhere in the midst of enjoying an evening campfire or an early morning pancake breakfast, you realize you actually have everything you truly need in your RV. You may start questioning why you even have all that “extra” stuff back home!

    Jessica Jeffrey reminds us, “Having less stuff and less to take care of means I get to spend more quality time with my husband and kids.”

    Unexpected Benefit #2: Learning alongside your kids truly is the best way to learn.

    Summer vacation usually means that education is put on hold, but when you go RVing as a family, learning opportunities abound around every corner. How can you not talk Civil War history while picnicking at Gettysburg? How can you not discuss the wonders of creation while unearthing anemones in the tide pools along the Pacific? How can you resist pointing out the constellations while your eyes are raised to the heavens on those incomparably beautiful evenings?

    Kimberly Travaglino, co-host of Roadschool Moms, a weekly podcast for homeschoolers on the road, remind us:

    “You only need to think back to your own childhood to know the best lessons can be taught in pajamas, under a starry sky”.

    Unexpected Benefit #3: Leave your stress behind.


    Did you know there’s no room for anxiety in a hammock? How about that a campfire can melt your worries away? RVing is the antidote to the “busy” so many of us find ourselves stuck in. Instead of spending your weekend at your local home improvement store, drive your RV to your local soul improvement area (i.e., your favorite campground)and spend some time unwinding.

    “Simplifying our life and living a simple life (TV’s have been replaced with board games, puzzles, music at meals, etc) as a family created a noticeable and surprising peace and calm for all of us,” says Eric Benson of RoamingWell.com.

    Unexpected Benefit #4: Have you tried to cook in a hotel room?

    Seriously – have you tried to fit a gallon of milk in that tiny fridge? When you RV, not only do you bring along all the comforts of home, but you get to bring your favorite foods, too. With a refrigerator, microwave, and oven in your RV galley, you can make your family’s favorite meals on-the-go. On a special diet? RVing makes it easy to stick to the foods that fuel your fun! Wanna keep it simple? The @JamesGang suggests: “Why not cook some of your meals over a campfire? You’ll be making cherished memories as dinner becomes an adventure of it’s own.”

    Unexpected Benefit #5: Three cheers for new friends!

    If you’ve never gone RVing, then you may know the most important, most vital and most priceless unexpected benefit you’ll likely encounter are new friends! Remember that 1950s community your grandparents always tell stories about? Well, here’s a secret: it’s alive and well, recaptured in campgrounds across America. You’ll find lots of friendly folks enjoying the simple life as you stroll around the campground. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to random campfires or if your children strike up friendships at the playground. It’s common for campers to connect and make plans for future RVing adventures down the road!

    So, there you have it – the top 5 most unexpected benefits of RVing.

    We hope you find many more unexpected benefits as you and your family launch your own RV adventures!

  • RV Safety Resources You Need to Know About

    RV Safety Resources You Need to Know About

    Isn’t it interesting that you need a specific license to drive a bus and certain kinds of trucks, but you can drive RVs right off the lot of the dealership? Isn’t it curious that the biggest RV fires can be caused by the improper maintenance of the tiniest wire?

    RV emergency preparedness and overall safety can be a little overwhelming and downright confusing at times. But with the proper resources, it is possible for you to feel like you have it all together… After all, the more prepared you are for incidents before they occur and the more trained you are to deal with potential issues, the less likely you are to be sidelined by mishaps on your vacation.

    Check out this list of some of our top-ranked resources, and your friends and family will call you the RV safety guru in no time.

     

    Escapees RV Club

    Image: TripSavvy

    Full access to safety and education resources, including weight and load management, driving tips, towing safety, tire and accessory resources, and more. They also provide updates on recent RV model recalls, and give you access to a collection of valuable safety websites.

     

    Image: FEMA Life Safety 

    It’s been said that the hardest part about operating a fire extinguisher, for many people, is knowing how to maneuver it the first time you use it. But did you know there are 8 different types of extinguishers, all with specific, targeted purposes and functions? Don’t be left wondering if you bought the right one… you don’t want to find out when it’s too late. Use this guide to choose the right one, or even buy more than one to further prepare yourself for worst case scenarios before they appear.

     

    Good Sam RV Roadside Assistance

    Image: Gold Dust West 

    There’s a reason why so many RVers (and automobile drivers in general) use Good Sam’s services. Their Roadside Assistance program is ranked #1 on TopConsumerReviews.com, and the way they combine affordability with a thorough provision of resources is honestly incomparable. With towing and tire services, family and vehicle coverage, and on-staff techs available for dispatch, they’ve got everything you need to ensure you’re always taken care of during an emergency. And you won’t believe the price until you see it… talk about a great deal. Find out more about this top-ranked program now.

     

    DIY RV’s RV Technician Finder

    Image: DIY RV 

     

    Trouble figuring out where to look for the best technician for your RV? No problem. In this handy guide, DIY RV walks you through the best way to find a trusted and successful technician, no matter where in the country you are or what kind of issue you’re having.

     

    Roadtrip America’s RV Fire Safety Questionnaire

    In this insightful article, you’ll find a list of some of the top questions to ask yourself if you really want to know whether your RV is truly ‘fire safe’ while on the road. They also provide you with an interesting guide to the most common causes of fires for different types of RVs – some of which may be surprising.

     

    Motorhome Magazine’s Open Roads Forum

    There will come a point in time where, just like with everything else in life, you will have a question that websites and resources just don’t seem to have the answer for. Why not ask the larger community of RVers instead? On Motorhome Mag’s Open Roads forum, you can ask any question you’d like, broken out into tons of different categories. You’ll get honest answers from a caring and thoughtful community of RV owners, and will likely get the answers you need in no time.

     

    Recreation Vehicle Safety and Education Federation

     

    Image: Larry and Lu’s Travels 

    The purpose of RVSEF is to provide the RV community with professional advice and training resources so that RVers can enjoy their experience to the fullest. The group is endorsed by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), with emphasis on “its unbiased focus solely on safety advocacy.” Countless resources can be found on the RVSEF website, but a few of our favorites are their printable list of emergency numbers, Driving Safety program (available both online and at some rallies), and their RV Weight and Tire Glossary.

     

    RV Education 101 – RV University

     

    If you’re looking for the full package when it comes to RV safety training and preparation, look no further than RV Education 101. Just as their name claims, they are all about one thing: teaching RVers like you exactly what you need to know before you hit the road. The big winner here: they provide a full program called “RV University,” where educational videos, books, and more will give you all the information you’d ever need to RV safely. One of our top picks when it comes to their resources would be the “Learning RVs the Easy Way” program, which comes in both eBook and DVD format. It’s simple, to-the-point, and will still give you all the info you need to become a pro RVer in no time.

  • 5 Reasons Every RV Family Needs an FMCA Membership

    5 Reasons Every RV Family Needs an FMCA Membership

    Countless readers have shared with us exactly why they love being a part of certain RV membership groups – and Family Motor Coach Association memberships were one of the most frequently recommended! With such an awesome resource at hand for family RV travelers, we’ve rounded up a list of the top 5 reasons why you should join FMCA today.

    1. Make tons of friends and join a welcoming, vibrant RV community.

    The FMCA is all about catering to RV families, and the members of this organization are just that – one big family! Make more friends at numerous campgrounds, receive assistance from fellow members as part of the ‘Stoppin’ Spots’ program, and spot fellow FMCA members on the road with the custom membership license plates provided. There are even countless meet-and-greets held across the country every year, where you can bond with other members, and some where you can tour new RV models, learn about new updates in the industry and shop the best of travel-essential items, all on-site. Plus, don’t forget to attend their much-anticipated 97th International Convention and RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, March 15 through 18, 2018, and the 98th International Convention and RV Expo in Gillette, Wyoming, July 18 through 21, 2018.

    2. Save tons of money.

    With FMCA, the options are practically endless when it comes to savings programs — and not just on RV maintenance! Just a few of FMCA’s discount programs include, but are not limited to:
    • Tire Savings Program
    • Discounts at numerous campgrounds
    • Passport America
    • Staples
    • Office Depot/OfficeMax
    • Blue Beacon Truck Washes
    • Costco Wholesale
    • Car Rentals
    • UPS Shipping
    • Sam’s Club
    • Free classified ads
    • Recruitment rewards for signing up new members
    • DakotaPost mail forwarding discounts
    • Unbeatable insurance rates
    • Windshield replacement program

    3. Travel with peace of mind knowing you’re automatically covered by FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance. 

    As a complimentary emergency medical evacuation and repatriation program, there are no special fees or signups required for this potentially life-saving service. Coverage is available 100+ miles from your home, and includes return of not only your RV, but also your dependents, pets, and more. The best part? Even if you’re not RVing at the time of an emergency, you’re covered – travel situations via car, plane, ship, or motorcycle are all included.

    4. Roadside problems = no problem for FMCA members.

    For just a $109 a year, American and Canadian FMCA members can receive roadside assistance including towing, jump starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, and vehicle fluid delivery. Mobile mechanics are also available, along with numerous other services.

    5. Complimentary Subscription to Family Motor Coaching Magazine

    FMCA members get free, full access to this go-to motorhome lifestyle magazine, and are able to receive both print and digital editions every month. The resource includes tons of valuable articles on RVing, including maintenance and how-to guides, travel features, industry news, classifieds, and even a calendar of upcoming FMCA rallies throughout the year.

    And these aren’t the only benefits and perks to joining FMCA, either! With so many positives, what’s stopping you from joining? Click here to join the FMCA family and save with a special RV Trader discount code!

    Are you an FMCA member already? What’s your favorite part about being a part of the community? Comment and let us know!

  • These Mountain Ranges Will Leave You Speechless on Your Next Roadtrip

    These Mountain Ranges Will Leave You Speechless on Your Next Roadtrip

    Did You Know? 

    National Mountain Climbing Day is Tuesday, August 1st! 

     

     

     

     

    To celebrate this incredible part of the great outdoors and, of course, National Mountain Climbing Day itself, we’ve compiled a list of some truly unbelievable peaks you’ve got to see – and maybe even try climbing one day! Have you ever RV’d to any of these mountains before? Comment and let us know and tag us in your pictures – you just might get featured on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages!

     

    MOUNT WHITNEY

     

     

     

     

     

    Location: California

     

    Highest Elevation: 14,497 ft.
    The highest point in both the United States and the Sierra Nevada,  Mount Whitney is known by many hikers as one of the steepest, most difficult ranges to climb in the continental United States.
    MOUNT RAINIER
    Location: Washington
    Highest Elevation: 14,411 ft.
    The highest point in the Pacific Northwest region, this location is home to one of the most potentially dangerous volcanoes in the world. un fact: the mountain was actually temporarily renamed Mt. Seattle Seahawks for one month in 2014 until the end of Super Bowl XLVIII.
    LONG’S PEAK
    Location: Colorado
    Highest Elevation: 14,259 ft.
    Located along the Rocky Mountains, Longs Peak is considered one of Colorado’s most frequented locations for mountain climbers. The Keyhole route is the most popular, and is often crowded — but most highly recommended, as the rest of the routes are often far too challenging for novice climbers.
    MOUNT HOOD
    Location: Oregon
    Highest Elevation: 11,239 ft.
    With a partially active volcano, Mount Hood is one of Oregon’s most popular peaks, overlooking miles of lush green forests. he highest peaks aren’t recommended for beginners, but if you can make it up there the picturesque views are something you need to see in person at some point in your life.
    HALF DOME 
    Location: California
    Highest Elevation: 8,839 ft.
    Located in the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome Mountain is actually exactly what it sounds like – an enormous, granite dome that formed into a peculiar shape over time. Hikes on the Dome are extremely popular and permits to climb it are distributed through a lottery system.
    DESOLATION PEAK
    Image Credit: New York Times / Ethan Todras-Whitehill
    Location: Washington (North Cascades National Park)
    Highest Elevation: 6,102 ft.
    Nestled in the northern Cascades, this gorgeous peak is surrounded by acres upon acres of healthy greenery, the peak itself is largely desolate, mostly populated only be gravel and rocky terrain.
    MOUNT KATAHDIN
     
    Location: Maine (Baxter State Park)
    Highest Elevation: 5,269
    Named by the Penobscot Indians, this peak’s name literally translates to “The Great Mountain.”
    It even has a musical claim to fame, having inspired a piano sonata.
    STONY MAN MOUNTAIN
     
    Image: Roadtrippers
    Location: Virginia (Shenandoah Valley National Park)
    Highest Elevation: 4,011
    Settled atop a peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, ‘Stony Man’ has been a popular photo stop for tourists for years. If you do reach the top, the grandeur of the Shenandoah Valley might leave you speechless, so be sure to take a picture and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
    Have you hiked any of these mountains before, or RV’d to visit them or their surrounding areas?
    What mountain range inspired you the most?
    Comment and let us know!

     

  • These Bad Weather RV Safety Tips Could Save Your Life During a Storm

    These Bad Weather RV Safety Tips Could Save Your Life During a Storm

    Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for roadtripping, and for good reason. The sunshine and warm weather can inspire the wanderlust in all of us, but this season is also one of the most likely to spurn dangerous storms and crazy weather out of nowhere. Traveling and being away from home during poor weather conditions can already be a dangerous situation – but RVing in a storm is in a ballpark all its own.
    That being said, these storms often take us by surprise while we’re enjoying our vacations, so being fully prepared for them and knowing what steps to take in emergency situations is the only way to travel with the utmost peace of mind. Check out these tips for RVing in bad weather, and you’ll be fully set for a safe vacation in no time.
    • Tune into local news stations, and know what county you’re traveling through. Many weather alerts are released by county, and guessing your area can turn into a serious poker game when it comes to maintaining the utmost safety for those in your RV.
    • Be aware of local shelters and have evacuation routes mapped out, so you’re well prepared ahead of time if a storm pops up out of nowhere
    • Be ready to go when a tornado watch is issued, but be well prepared before that. Winds greater than 30mph can cause severe damage to motorhomes, especially with awnings and slideouts extended. Be sure to secure these and have your unit stabilized if a tornado is even remotely possible.
    • In cases of flooding, don’t try to cross water higher than your ankles, and never try to drive through water of questionable depths. As a popular safety saying goes, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
    • Have safety and weather apps downloaded to your phone, such as NOAA Radio, NOAA Weather Alerts, and the Weather Channel. Be sure to enable audio alerts, so you don’t only find out about a tornado or oncoming storm when you remember to check your phone – because by then, it might be too late.
    • With this, keeping your phone charged is obviously a must. But ‘having it charged’ at the moment isn’t enough. Invest in a mobile battery pack that will provide a healthy number of additional battery hours, and have it charged and reserved for emergencies so you’re prepared whenever you might need it. This way, even when you lose power, you’ll always have a means of communication at your fingertips.
    • Keep extra flashlights and headlights in your mobile home at all times, and be sure to check the bulbs before heading out on a trip.
    • Never, ever, ever try to outrun a storm. Even when it may seem easy to do, the worst storms often happen out of nowhere and can accelerate quickly, covering distances at speeds surpassing that of your vehicle.
    • Be sure you have sufficient insurance to cover your home on wheels. When worse comes to worst, you want to have the peace of mind knowing that you took care of everything you could before crazy weather caused damage to your unit. You can find a number of resources for insurance options by visiting RV Trader’s insurance resource page.
    • Above all else, stay calm, and don’t panic. Keeping your cool will help you make the best decisions for both your own safety and that of those traveling with you.

     

    Armed with the above tips and tools, you can rest assured knowing you know what to do if bad weather does surprise you on a road trip this year.

     

  • You’ve Got to Try These RV and Camping-Friendly Recipes to Believe Them

    You’ve Got to Try These RV and Camping-Friendly Recipes to Believe Them

    Recently, we’ve received a ton of questions about the best RV-friendly recipes for roadtrips –

     

    and there were so many good options, it was hard to choose at first! Not to worry, though.
    We’ve conjured up a list of some of the top-rated recipes and how-to’s for your next adventure that are easy, fun to make and way more scrumptious than anything you could make at home.
    Check out these on-the-road go-to’s, and tell us which ones will you be trying this summer.

     

     

    Rise and shine!
    These renowned breakfast recipes will get your group up and sitting around the campfire in no time.
    Image: Key Ingredient
    Image: Betty Crocker
    Image: Almost Supermom
    Image: Cupcake Diaries
    Image: Zac.com
    Image: Chowhound
    Image: Tastes Better From Scratch
    Image: The Year in Food

     

    From campfire nachos to walking tacos, we’ve got the best of the basics to the most creative ideas ever to serve your group. Whether for lunch, dinner, or some meal in between, your traveling companions are sure to be excited by with these recipes.
    Image: Lauren Greutman
    Image: Brit.co
    Image: Fresh Off the Grid
    Image: Frugal Coupon Living
    Image: Taste of Home
    Image: Gimme Some Oven
    Image: Whole and Heavenly Oven
    Image: Fresh Off the Grid
    Image: To and Fro Blog
    Image: Bon Appetit
    Image: Bon Appetit

     

     

    Just need something small? No problem.

     

    These simple side dishes and scrumptious snacks are ideal for roadtrips.

     

     

    Image: Dirty Gourmet
    Image: Bon Appetit
    Image: Pinterest
    Image: RD.com
    Image: MasterCook.com
    Image: Twin Dragonfly Designs
    Image: Fantabulosity.com
    Image: Live Eat Learn
    Image: Huffington Post
    Image: Savory Pantry Blog

     

    What’s a camping vacation without a few cocktails?

     

    These are just a few of our favorite, ridiculously easy ideas for drink recipes to try this summer.

     

     

    Image: Around My Family Table
    Image: FarmWifeDrinks.com
    Image: TrekSW.com
    Image: Rare.US
    Image: PlainChicken.com
    Image: Katokula.blogspot
    Image: Huffington Post
    Not everyone likes the taste of alcohol, and the kids need some fun beverages, too!

     

    Here are a couple favorites so they can enjoy the fireside fun as well.

     

     

    Image: Culinary Hill
    Image: Onion Rings and Things
    Image: This Mama’s Life

     

    These sweet endings are the perfect way to wind down a long day of adventure and good times.

     

    The only question left: which ones will you try?

     

     

    Image: Taste of Home
    Image: AllRecipes
    Image: Fresh Off the Grid
    Image: Comfy in the Kitchen
    Image: Andreas Recipes
    Image: Bon Appetit

     

    There you have it, folks: just a few of our favorite campfire and RV-friendly recipes to try on your RVcation this year. Which ones are you most stoked to try? Do you have go-to recipes you always take with you on the road? Comment and let us know – we just might feature them!

     

  • The Camper’s Guide to Buying a New Home on Wheels: 5 Tips to Find the RV of Your Dreams on RV Trader

    The Camper’s Guide to Buying a New Home on Wheels: 5 Tips to Find the RV of Your Dreams on RV Trader

     

     

    Finding the RV of your dreams shouldn’t have to be difficult.

     

    Traveling in the 21st century can be described as rewarding, adventurous and fulfilling — but when it comes down to it, traveling can also be expensive, exhausting, and chaotic. Packing, airport hopping and moving between various hotels can be a hassle that takes away from your travel experience and lessens your ability to enjoy yourself on your trip.

    That’s why we, as RVers, are able to take back the travel experience.

    Whether you are planning to be a weekend warrior, a full-timer or just use your RV to check out the best tailgating events across the country — RVing in your own unit can redefine your travel experience, giving you the freedom to roam with your own personal hospitality suite right behind the wheel.

    But the idea of purchasing an RV can be overwhelming in and of itself — so RV Trader has put together the resources and tools you need to research, plan for, select and purchase the RV best fitted for your budget and lifestyle. No more running from dealership to dealership to figure out what will work — we’ve got you covered. And with all the extra time you’ll save, you can start dreaming about and planning your next big travel adventure.

     

    Step 1: Determine your budget.

    We can’t stress the importance of determining a budget before you begin browsing units. Just like when you plan for purchasing a home, you don’t want to tour a house, fall completely head over heels for it — only to find out it’s $75,000 over your budget.

    Whether you’re making the purchase on your own or need to discuss what you’re willing to spend with a partner or family member, take some time to sit down, research, and develop a plan for your target price range. That way, you’re as prepared as possible to compare features, amenities, and prices when the time comes.

    A few budgeting and planning tips we like to give our users:

    • Use our nifty Price Checker to determine an estimated price for the model you like — so you can be wary of whether dealers are overcharging for a model, or undercharging — in which case, there may be damage or production flaws in the unit.
    • Understand your payment options. One big advantage of buying a unit through a dealership, rather than a private seller, is access to financing. To understand what your payments would be, take advantage of our useful loan calculator to get a full understand of how this unit will fit into your budget.
    • Think about insurance early and often. When you come up with your budget, there’s nothing worse than finding out insurance costs put your dream vehicle out of reach.
    • Estimate shipping rates with our convenient shipping calculator. If you do decide to ship a unit from across the country, you don’t want to be caught off-guard with a $5k shipping fee.
    • Make sure you understand what warranties are available. Again, this is a reason to check out your local dealership for your next unit. Dealerships offer warranties that will protect you as you head out on your next adventure.

     

    Step 2: Decide which model is right for you.

    After you’ve decided on a budget, it’s time to choose what type of RV will best fit into your life considering how you plan to use your RV. We’ve outline the 11 primary types of RVs to help narrow down which models are best for you to consider.

    • Class A – Large living space with luxurious amenities
      • Sleeps: Up to 6
      • Average New Unit Cost: $58,000 – $400,000
    • Class B – Also known as “van campers” since they are driven like large vans
      • Sleeps: Up to 4
      • Average New Unit Cost: $41,000 – $74,000
    • Class C – Luxurious amenities with useful sleeping space over the cab
      • Sleeps: Up to 8
      • Average New Unit Cost: $48,000 – $140,000
    • Pop Up – Conveniently foldable for lightweight towing; comfy ‘outdoor camping’ feel
      • Sleeps: Up to 8
      • Average New Unit Cost: $4,000 – $13,000
    • Travel Trailer – Offers a healthy variety of size and floor plan options
      • Sleeps: Up to 10
      • Average New Unit Cost: $8,000 – $65,000
    • Fifth Wheel – A two-level floor plan that comes with plenty of room and is towed behind a pickup truck
      • Sleeps: Up to 6
      • Average New Unit Cost: $13,000 – $100,000
    • Toy Hauler – Incredibly useful and affordable considering the amount of extra space they provided for motorcycles, ATVs or other powersports vehicles
      • Sleeps: Up to 8
      • Average New Unit Cost: $21,000 – $58,000

    As you are searching RV Trader, check NADA Guides to see what their estimation tool says for the value of a used unit.

     Step 3: Save your Favorite Listings.

     

     

     

     

    With RV Trader’s handy star and save feature, you can easily bookmark your favorite listings for comparison later. No more opening 10 tabs at a time to compare campers!

    Once you save a listing, we can also send you a notification when the price drops on it and share other units that might work for your budget and lifestyle.

     

    Step 4: Decide on a Dealership. 

     

     

    Sometimes, multiple dealerships in your area may be offering the same models for similar prices. All of the dealers on RV Trader dealers provide a great buying experience — but check for the special ‘Trusted Partner’ badge next to their name. These dealers have been working with RV Trader for 5, 10 or even longer and have become known to us as trusted partners.

     

    Happy RVing, folks!
    Be sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #rvtradernation when you are on the road. We can’t wait to see where your adventure takes you.