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One of the best things about RVs is that they can go anywhere. That said, when you take your RV to certain places, you’re going to end up with some messes in your rig. You’re also likely to put some wear and tear on the RV over time. The good news? It’s easy enough to refresh the fabrics, floors, and surfaces of your rig!

In this article, I will share my secrets for keeping your RV in tip-top shape even as you adventure in it full time.

Fabrics (Upholstery, Curtains, Bedding)

Let’s start with fabrics. Generally these are the things I most dread cleaning, and therefore the things I try hardest to keep spot-free. Still, if something does end up on a cushion or a curtain, there are ways to take care of the problem.

Vacuum & Spot Clean

The first plan of attack? A good vacuum and spot clean. Often, this is enough to handle the problem. Use a handheld vacuum to remove dust and debris, and then spot clean stains with a fabric-safe cleaner (or a DIY mix of water, vinegar, and a drop of dish soap).

If you’re dealing with removable covers, simply launder according to label instructions. I prefer to put removable covers on all of my RV furniture because this method of cleaning is just so much easier.

Deodorize

Have a problem with the way your furniture smells? Sprinkle some baking soda on the cushions and let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum. After vacuuming up the baking soda, spray the cushions with a fabric refresher.

Note: You can also make your own fabric spray with water, a splash of rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of essential oil.

Deep Clean

Sometimes a deep clean is necessary, especially if you’ve acquired an older RV that you’re trying to revive. In these cases, I recommend renting an upholstery cleaner or steam cleaner and going over all of the furniture for a thorough clean. Make sure to run vent fans to both keep air moving after cleaning and give the furniture plenty of time to dry completely before you need to use it again.

Replace Fabrics

Let’s say you’ve tried all of the methods above and the stains and smells still aren’t coming out. In that case, it might be time to replace the fabric in question. Most RV furniture cushions can be recovered fairly easily, couches can be replaced, and curtains are very easy to swap out.

Floors (Vinyl, Laminate, Carpet)

Next up: floors. Our RV floors see a LOT of wear and tear. We are constantly walking over them and tracking all kinds of things all over them. This means a lot of cleaning has to happen to make sure they stay in good shape.

Sweep & Vacuum Thoroughly

Obviously, the first thing we do to ensure our floors are clean is sweep and vacuum. We actually end up sweeping multiple times a day, but every couple of days we make a point of doing a really thorough job. This involves moving movable furniture, shaking out entry mats, getting into corners, and cleaning under furniture and slide-outs.

Mop or Steam Clean

Sometimes sweeping and vacuuming isn’t enough. Once or twice a week, I like to mop our hard floors and sprinkle baking soda on the carpets before vacuuming to freshen them up.

You might also consider renting a steam cleaner for the carpets every few months. This will help remove stains and smells and keep everything looking and feeling fresh. Just be careful not to completely soak the floors, as this is liable to damage the subfloor of your RV.

Refresh Rugs

I like to put down rugs throughout the RV. This helps protect the RV flooring, and rugs are much easier to wash and replace than carpet or vinyl flooring. I try to wash the rugs every week or so, and when they start to look really worn out, I just find new ones to put down. It’s actually a really fun way to liven things up and keep the look of the RV new and interesting.

Replace Flooring

Eventually, RV flooring does become worn out to a point that replacement is necessary. When the time comes to replace your RV flooring, I highly recommend skipping the carpet and using a vinyl flooring option instead. Vinyl is so much easier to keep clean and it’s actually pretty easy to put down as well.

Hard Surfaces (Counters, Walls, Cabinets)

I’m always surprised by how dirty our RV walls and cabinet doors can get. I wipe our countertops regularly enough that they don’t tend to be a problem, but man, those walls and cabinets can really gather grime. Fortunately, this is easy enough to remedy.

Wipe Down with a Gentle Cleaner

Clearly, the first course of action should always be a good wipe-down. I like to mix water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle, spray everything down, and wipe away. Microfiber cloths are good to avoid scratching, especially if you’re cleaning a delicate surface. Sticky residue can be removed using Goo Gone.

Disinfect High-Touch Areas

In addition to wiping down dirty surfaces, it is also important to disinfect high-touch areas on a daily basis. Use disinfecting wipes or spray to clean door handles, light switches, and cabinet pulls. This will help keep your family healthy so you can all fully enjoy your travels.

Treat Wood or Laminate Cabinets

Cabinets and drawers can become dull over time. Fortunately, it is possible to revive the shine using a mix of diluted vinegar and olive oil to wipe them down. I’m always impressed by the results that this simple mixture and a quick wipe-down can have.

Paint or Wallpaper

If you have a much older RV, the walls and cabinets might be beyond reviving. Maybe they’re stained and worn out, or maybe they’re just outdated and ugly. Either way, a bit of paint or wallpaper can go a long way toward making these surfaces look fresh and fun again.

We have used both paint and peel-and-stick wallpaper on our RV walls. Painting is a lot more work but stays in place better. Meanwhile, the peel-and-stick wallpaper went up quickly and easily, and could be taken down and replaced whenever we felt like it to create new looks.

Bonus Refresh Tips

Looking for more advice for refreshing your RV and keeping it feeling clean, even while traveling through dirty wilderness areas? Here are some bonus tips.

Air it Out

Open all windows and doors on dry days to let fresh air circulate. We like to do this as often as possible, as we find that air tends to go stale quickly in our tiny living space. Fresh air helps make everything feel cleaner.

Use Dehumidifiers

Moisture is always a problem in RVs. Small moisture absorbers or an electric dehumidifier can fight musty odors and keep condensation from forming on the walls and windows. This is a must during the winter, as condensation can actually cause mold and water damage.

Add Fragrance

You can also improve the smell and feel of your RV by adding a light fragrance to the space. Use caution when doing this because a little goes a long way in a small space like an RV. I recommend using a diffuser or placing dryer sheets in hidden spots for a fresh scent.

There you have it, all of my top tips for keeping your RV looking and feeling as fresh as possible, even when your adventures get dirty. Put these tips to use and your home-on-wheels will be one of the freshest on the road!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Summer is nearly here, and that means bugs are coming out and making themselves known yet again. Unfortunately for those of us who live in RVs, this often means dealing with some rather unpleasant infestations. And one of the worst kinds of bug infestations an RVer can have? Stink bugs.

While we haven’t personally had to deal with this issue, we’ve known a couple of families who have had stink bugs invade their RVs. Here’s what you need to know if this happens to you.

What Are Stink Bugs?

Stink bugs are, as you may have guessed, bugs that stink. They emit a foul odor as a defense mechanism when threatened or crushed. The bugs are native to Asia, but they’ve spread widely across North America and are causing problems for RVers all across the country.

The most common species in the U.S. is the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys if you want to get fancy). It’s a shield-shaped little critter that’s about half an inch long and is a mottled brown or gray color. If you see one, there are likely plenty of others nearby.

Where Do Stink Bugs Live?

Stink bugs were first found in the U.S. in Allentown, PA in the 1990s, but they are now confirmed in over 45 states. They prefer temperate climates with four seasons, as they seek shelter to overwinter in fall and re-emerge in spring. You might find them in trees, gardens, crops, and under leaves or bark, but they do like indoor places, so you may also find them in garages, sheds, and you guessed it, your RV.

Heavily Infested Regions

Wondering which states you’re most likely to pick up stink bugs in? These areas have the highest populations and most frequent infestations.

• Pennsylvania (ground zero for U.S. introduction)
• Maryland
• Delaware
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Tennessee
• Ohio
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Oregon
• Washington
• California (especially northern and central CA)

Stink Bug Season

While you might see a stink bug at any time of year, they do tend to remain hidden through winter in warm places and become active again in early spring when temperatures rise. Large numbers of the bugs and RV stink bug infestations are most common in late summer and fall as the bugs search for shelter before winter.

How Do They Get Into RVs?

Of course, the best thing you can do about stink bugs in your RV is avoid infestation entirely. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Stink bugs are expert hiders and can squeeze through very small gaps, meaning it’s super easy for them to get into an RV.

Common entry points include:

• Window or door seals that are worn or cracked
• Roof vents
• Slide-outs and their seals
• Utility hookups (like electrical, water, or sewage inlets)
• Gaps around A/C units, fans, or antennas
• Open doors or windows left without screens

Prevention

To prevent the little buggers from getting into your home-on-wheels, seal all entry points. Use RV sealant and weather-stripping on cracks and gaps. Make sure to check window/door screens for holes, and ensure slide-out seals are intact. Cover exterior vents with mesh screens and park away from vegetation or trees when possible.

You might also use LED lights instead of bright outdoor lights because they tend to attract fewer bugs in general, including stink bugs.

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in an RV

Unfortunately, sometimes even the best prevention methods don’t work. In these cases, it is necessary to figure out how to get rid of stink bugs in your RV. There are a few things you should know when attempting this.

Removal

First, you will need to remove the bugs. Unfortunately, it’s very easy to scare the bugs while removing them, triggering the stink that they are so famous for. Some of the best methods include the following:

Step 1: Vacuum

First, remove as many of the bugs as you can by vacuuming them up. Use a nylon stocking in the vacuum hose to capture the bugs as you vacuum. This will allow you to dispose of them without filling your vacuum cleaner with their nasty scent.

Step 2: Soapy Water Trap

Once you’ve removed as many as you can with the vacuum cleaner, set out a soapy water trap. Simply fill a shallow dish with soapy water and place it directly under a bright light source. The bugs will be attracted to the light and fall right in the water and drown. Virginia Tech found this to be more effective than store-bought traps.

Repellents

Once you’ve gotten rid of as many bugs as possible, use some repellents to ensure they stay out. There are several repellent options out there, and using a few in parallel is probably your best bet:

• Essential oils like mint, clove, or lemongrass can deter them (spray some diluted solution around entry points).
• Diatomaceous earth sprinkled near openings can kill them if they walk through it.

• Insecticides (such as pyrethroid-based sprays) work, but are not always RV-safe for long-term use.
• Use indoor-safe bug sprays for spot treatment (read labels carefully).
• Dryer sheets are actually oddly effective as well. Use heavily scented, oily dryer sheets and wipe them along the places where the stink bugs enter the RV to repel them.

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It’s true that stink bugs are not something you want to have in your RV, and they can be pretty difficult to get rid of. That said, with the prevention, removal, and repellent options listed above, you should be able to keep your RV (relatively) stink-bug-free for the duration of your travels.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Many people turn to full time RVing as a way to save money. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to factor into their budget to ensure they actually do save money. One aspect of RVing many people don’t know to account for? An RV repair cost budget.

Sadly, most RVs are not made to be lived in. This means they need repairs on a fairly regular basis, something we learned the hard way after being on the road for a few months.

The good news? There are a few ways you can reduce your RV repair cost budget. In this article, I’ll tell you my favorite tips for doing just that.

Follow a Maintenance Schedule

First, it helps to do whatever you can to ensure you don’t have to make any repairs at all. Make it a part of your travel day routine to always check on things like seals, tires, batteries, and fluid levels so you catch problems early before they can become bigger issues.

You’ll also want to proactively stay on top of preventative maintenance such as oil changes, brake checks, and inspections in order to avoid more costly repairs down the line. (Again, something we learned the hard way.)

Not sure when to do preventative maintenance? Consult your RV owners’ manual, which should give you a schedule. You can put this schedule into your phone calendar in order to receive reminders so nothing gets forgotten.

Understand Your Warranty and/or Insurance

Of course, something is bound to break eventually, even if you follow the most rigid maintenance schedule. When this happens, the least expensive way to get something in your RV fixed is to have somebody else pay for it. This is where your RV warranty and/or insurance comes into play.

Some repairs may be covered by one of both of these things. Before you pay to fix anything yourself, check to see what’s covered by both your RV warranty and your insurance to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

Do It Yourself

If you don’t have a warranty or insurance, or if a repair is not covered by these things, you will need to consider other options. The next cheapest way to get something fixed on your RV? Do it yourself.

This might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but really, most RV repairs are pretty straightforward. Things like changing fuses, tightening screws, patching roof leaks, or replacing light bulbs are pretty self-explanatory, and you can find tutorials for more in-depth projects on YouTube or sites like iRV2 and even Reddit.

I’ve been able to fix almost every issue we’ve had crop up by using free online tutorials with absolutely no prior experience, so I can attest that it is actually possible for someone with no repair skills to tackle a good number of RV projects on their own.

Buy Parts Yourself

You can save a good amount of money by 1) buying the parts for the repair yourself and 2) knowing where to shop for parts. Mechanics often mark parts up without letting you know, so even if somebody else is doing the job, buying the parts yourself is a good call.

Start by looking online. Often, even OEM parts are less expensive online than they are at the dealership. That said, you can usually save even more by purchasing aftermarket parts from sites like eTrailer or Amazon. If you need something super budget-friendly, consider heading to an RV salvage yard to purchase certain parts.

Build a Repair Fund

One of the best choices we ever made as RVers was to build up a good, solid repair fund. We set some money aside each month to add to this fund, so that whenever big, costly repairs crop up, we’re prepared to pay for them. If your current income won’t allow for this, consider finding an extra gig or two purely to grow your repair fund—and remember, even $50–$100 a month makes a huge difference!

Join an RV Club

There are some jobs that you truly won’t be able to tackle yourself. If your warranty or insurance won’t cover these repairs, there are some RV clubs that might help with costs a little bit.

Memberships like Good Sam, Escapees, Fulltime Families, or FMCA can get you discounts on parts, labor, and campgrounds. Some of these clubs also offer roadside assistance and mobile tech support. On top of that, Fulltime Families (along with one or two others) offers an excellent community of like-minded individuals who tend to be helpful when it comes to RV repairs.

There’s also Wanderlust Waypoints, a series of campgrounds across the country that offer tools and workshops for those working on their rigs. They also encourage campers to help one another, something that can be extremely helpful. The company seems to be focused on skoolies in particular, but would likely welcome all types of rigs.

Use Mobile RV Technicians

If you need to turn to professional help, I also recommend hiring a mobile RV tech whenever possible rather than taking your rig to a shop or dealership.

Mobile techs are often cheaper than bigger shops because their overhead is a lot lower. On top of that, they are much more convenient, as they can do the work wherever you happen to be staying, meaning you don’t have to move the RV. Often, you don’t even have to find another place to stay while work is being done. Finally, I appreciate that mobile techs tend to work a lot faster than dealerships.

Just make sure to check reviews and rates before you have anyone come do the work!

As you can see, there are tons of great ways to reduce your RV repair cost budget so you can enjoy the travel lifestyle while still keeping expenses low. Which tips will you put to work first?

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Buying an RV is a big deal. It’s exciting, yes, but it can also be a little bit scary—especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately, there are ways to make sure you aren’t overpaying for your RV.

If you’re in the market for a trailer or motorhome, make sure you use the tips below to get the best deal possible when you finally do decide to buy.

Decide What You Really Need

First things first, you need to have a clear understanding of your needs. Ask yourself the following questions to determine what sort of RV might be ideal for you:

• Do you prefer a towable rig and a truck, or a motorhome with a car?
• Do you want to buy new or used?
• What is your budget?
• How many beds do you need, and do they need to be permanent?
• Do you want slide-outs?
• What sorts of features does the RV need to have?

Knowing your must-haves will help you avoid overspending on bells and whistles you don’t need, something that is easy to do when faced with a persuasive salesperson.

Research Real Market Values

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, figure out how much that sort of RV tends to sell for. Don’t rely on dealership prices, as these can be marked up significantly. Instead, use the resources listed below:

• RVTrader.com — Compare listings nationwide.
• NADA RV Guides — Get estimated values based on condition, make, and model.
• Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist — See what local private sellers are asking.

Knowing the going rate will give you negotiating power, something you are definitely going to want to have in order to get the best price possible.

Shop at the Right Time

Believe it or not, the time of year helps determine RV prices. Therefore, those who are looking for a good deal might want to buy during certain parts of the year.

Generally speaking, dealers are more willing to negotiate at the following times:

• End of the month, quarter, or year — They need to hit sales goals.
• Just before new models arrive — Dealers may discount last year’s stock.

Additionally, both dealers and private sellers are more open to lower offers during late fall or winter. This is when demand drops and sellers are more motivated.

Buying during one of these times will almost certainly help you snag a good deal.

Don’t Buy at the First Dealership

It might be tempting to buy the first nice rig you see. Don’t do it. Instead, shop around. From one dealership to the next, prices can vary thousands of dollars for the exact same RV model.

As you’re shopping, get written quotes from multiple places so you can compare and have some leverage for negotiating. You might also try checking smaller or out-of-state dealers to see what kinds of deals they offer. Sometimes, even with travel costs, it can be cheaper to travel for a good deal.

Negotiate Like a Pro

In addition to shopping around, you also won’t ever want to pay the first price a dealer or seller throws out there. Most RV prices are negotiable, and sometimes you can talk a dealer down to 20% or more off MSRP.

Start the negotiation process by asking for their best out-the-door price, including fees. Once that’s been established, don’t be afraid to ask for free add-ons—i.e. hitch, propane, starter kit, extended warranty—especially if they won’t move much on price.

If the deal doesn’t seem sweet enough, be ready and willing to walk away. Silence and patience are your friends, and often both dealers and private sellers will contact buyers with a better deal after they walk away.

Consider Private Sellers

Yes, buying from a dealership is often the easiest and most straightforward route, but it isn’t usually the cheapest route. Purchasing a used RV from a private seller can save you thousands. For starters, there is no dealer markup, and often there is a lot more room to negotiate.

On top of all that, a private seller is more likely to know the history of the RV you’re buying and share that history with you. Of course, you’ll still want to do your homework: inspect the RV thoroughly and ask for maintenance records.

Factor in the Total Cost of Ownership

Keep in mind that the purchase price of an RV is not the only cost of owning the rig. You’ll want to add up the total cost of ownership to be sure you can actually maintain whatever rig you end up purchasing.

Make sure to factor in:

• Sales tax
• Registration
• Insurance
• Repairs/maintenance
• Storage (if you’re not parking it at home)

Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

It may seem crazy to spend money when you’re trying to save money, but trust me when I say an inspection is well worth the cost. This is especially true if you plan to buy a used RV. A few hundred dollars up front can save you thousands later.

Financing Tips

Paying cash is always the best financial decision. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible. If you have to finance an RV, make sure to shop for RV loans outside of what the dealership offers. Credit unions usually have the best rates.

While shopping for a loan, compare interest rates and other loan terms to determine what makes the most sense for you. It’s also important to watch out for hidden fees or early payoff penalties.

Be Patient

Shopping for an RV can be time-consuming, and waiting for the right RV to come around can be frustrating. That said, practicing patience can pay off in a big way. You’re more likely to find the perfect RV and pay less for it if you just allow plenty of time.

Essentially, getting the best price when buying an RV involves knowing the market, timing your purchase well, and negotiating with confidence. Understanding these things is sure to help you find the best deal on the right RV for you.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information

The weather is lovely right now, and for many families, that means it’s time to do some boondocking. I love boondocking. It’s just such a good way to escape into nature and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of it all, with the added bonus that you don’t have to spend a dime!

That said, dry camping does come with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges? Managing your RV holding tanks while you’re parked in the boonies. Here are my top tips for managing your holding tanks so you can stretch your boondocking trips.

Making Your Fresh Water Last

First, let’s talk about making your fresh water last. Most of these tips will also reduce the amount of gray water and black water you’re putting into your waste tanks, so really, they kill two birds with one stone.

Keep Wet Wipes on Hand

I always keep wet wipes on hand, especially when boondocking. We use these to wipe up spills, clean ourselves between showers, and even wipe dishes off. I like to keep regular baby wipes as well as some antibacterial wipes around, so I’m prepared no matter the situation.

Take Navy Showers

Speaking of keeping clean, even if you have all the best baby wipes in the world, you’re still going to need to shower once in a while. If you choose to do this in your rig, it is important to use as little water as possible. This is where the navy shower comes into play.

To take a navy shower:

1. Run just enough water to get wet.
2. Turn the water off while you lather up.
3. Run just enough water to rinse off.

Change Your Shower Head

Another way to reduce the amount of water used while showering? Replace your RV shower head. I can’t believe the amount of water those stock shower heads waste, and they don’t even offer good water pressure.

I much prefer an Oxygenics shower head, which manages to use less water while giving better water pressure. Changing the shower head is pretty much the easiest DIY RV project ever, so there’s really no reason not to do this.

Buy Disposable Dishes

Washing dishes is another task that requires a lot of water. The best way to reduce the amount of water you use while washing dishes? Skip washing them altogether by using disposable dishes whenever possible.

Obviously this isn’t the most eco-friendly option, and it does mean dealing with the trash when you’re finished, but sometimes it really is the best option, especially for extended boondocking trips. For what it’s worth, biodegradable/compostable plates, bowls, and cutlery are all widely available in major grocery stores and online, so if the budget allows, you might look into splurging a little on those.

Wipe Dishes Before Washing

Of course, you’ll still need to use standard pots and pans for cooking, even if you only use paper plates and cups afterward. Before washing these things, use those wipes I mentioned above to wipe them out really well. This will make cleaning a lot quicker, reducing the amount of water used. It’ll also prevent any food from making its way down your RV drain, which can cause clogs, especially if you’re using very little water.

Reuse Gray Water

When you wash dishes, take showers, or wash your hands, catch that gray water in a dish tub that you place in the sink or shower. You can then store the gray water in a jug and use it to flush your toilet. This is great because it means you don’t waste precious fresh water on a task that can be done just as well with slightly dirty water.

Refill with Jugs

Lastly, if you use all of these tips and still run out of fresh water before you’re finished dry camping, know that you can refill your fresh tank without moving. To do this, simply grab some five-gallon jugs and fill them at a local water fill station. You can then use the jugs to fill your fresh tank a bit and stretch your trip that much longer, as long as your waste tanks aren’t already full.

Managing Gray Tank Space

Reducing the amount of fresh water you use will automatically help reduce the amount of water you put into your gray tank. That said, if you’re looking for more ways to save space in your tank, try these ideas.

Shower Elsewhere

Perhaps the most helpful thing we do to reduce the amount of water we put in our gray tank is finding ways to shower outside of our rig. Sometimes this means using our outdoor shower (you can actually buy special tents that allow you to do this privately). More often though, we head to a local gym or pool to shower. We’ve also used coin-operated showers in state or national parks, as well as the occasional truck stop shower.

Sometimes finding a public pay shower can be tricky, but if we can find one, that’s what we use.

Dump Dishwater Outside

I mentioned catching your dishwater and using it to flush above. This is what you should do if you can. However, if you find you have more flushing water than you need, don’t put that gray water down the drain. Instead, as long as you’ve used biodegradable soap at all times, you can safely dump your dishwater (or shower water, for that matter) outside on the ground.

Reducing Your Black Water Output

Of course, you should also cut back on how much black tank space you use. Here are my top tips for doing that.

Use Public Toilets

First and foremost, always use public toilets when you have the chance. If you’re out as a family, ensure that every person uses the toilet before heading back to the RV. If there is a pit toilet near your boondocking spot, use it. Those who can easily go outside should do that. All of these methods can significantly reduce the amount of flushing you need to do in your RV.

Only Flush When Necessary

There will be times when you do have to use your RV toilet. In these cases, only flush when needed. Basically, “if it’s yellow, let it mellow,” or if you do feel the need to flush liquid waste alone, turn the pump off and “flush” without any water.

Invest in a Composting Toilet

Finally, if you plan to do a lot of boondocking, you might consider upgrading to a composting toilet. My family has not actually done this (yet), but we know lots of avid boondockers who have, and everyone we have talked to has been happy with the change.

Depending on how it’s installed, a composting toilet can remove the need for a black tank altogether, meaning you can use the black tank for gray water. It also means solid waste is collected and thrown away rather than dumped in the sewer, so disposing of your waste is a whole lot easier.

Finding Places to Dump and Fill Your Tanks

No matter how much you manage to conserve waste tank space, you will eventually have to dump your gray and black tanks. On top of that, you’re going to need to refill your fresh tank at some point. This means finding both a dump station and a fill station. Fortunately, in many parts of the country, this is surprisingly easy to do.

I recommend using apps and websites to find the closest dump stations, as well as spots to fill your fresh tank with potable water. Some of the best apps for this are:

• Campendium
• iOverlander

It’s also helpful to know that there are usually dump stations at truck stops, so if all else fails, find one of those.

More Tips for Managing Your Tanks

The tips above will help you make your water supply and tank space last as long as possible while boondocking. That said, you will also want to make sure you’re taking steps to keep your tanks healthy between boondocking trips.

Preventing Tank Clogs

It’s important that you avoid clogging your waste tanks. Unfortunately, conserving water means putting less water down the drain, which means less liquid to break down whatever you put into your waste tanks. Here are some tips to help counteract that:

• Use RV toilet paper.
• Grab a tank treatment.
• Dump only when at least half full.
• Avoid putting food down the drain.
• Backflush the tank after every trip.

Cleaning Your Wastewater Tanks

Our waste tanks get pretty gross when boondocking. For this reason, we like to clean them regularly. Here’s how:

1. Dump the tanks.
2. Use a backflush tool.
3. Fill and dump tanks again.
4. Add a gallon of water and a tank treatment.

Cleaning Your Freshwater Tank

If you’re using your freshwater tank to hold water for drinking and cooking, you’re going to want to make sure it’s as clean as it can be. For this reason, I recommend cleaning your fresh tank at least once every six months:

1. Fill the fresh tank with water and a ¼ cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water.
2. Pump the black water through the lines by using the water pump to run each tap.
3. Allow to sit overnight.
4. Empty the tank and lines completely using low-point drains.
5. To rinse, fill the fresh tank with clean water.
6. Pump the clean water through the lines by using the water pump to run the taps until the fresh tank is empty.
7. Repeat the rinsing process until the bleach smell is gone.

There you have it, all of my top tips for managing your RV holding tanks while boondocking. These tips have worked for my family on countless dry camping adventures. Which ones will you use to make your boondocking trips more manageable?

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Spring is nearly here, meaning the weather is warming up again and we can finally get out and start working on our rigs to make them adventure-ready. Some people will be perfectly happy resealing everything and giving the RV a good wash. That said, those of us who plan to head off-grid—or just want to be more comfortable wherever we land—might want to consider some RV upgrades before heading out on springtime adventures.

We have done a number of RV upgrades throughout the years. I’ve listed the ones that were most helpful below. Pick and choose some upgrades from this list and you really can’t go wrong.

Upgraded Vent Fan

Upgrading our motorhome vent fan was one of the best things I ever did to that rig. While the factory fan was fine, the MaxxAir vent fan I installed moved air so much better. When the windows and roof vents were open, it created a lovely breeze all throughout our RV, making it much more comfortable to boondock in warm temperatures and removing the need to run the A/C in many situations.

We also had a Fantastic Fan in that same motorhome. Unfortunately it wasn’t working when we first acquired the rig, but I was eventually able to get it up and running and fix some wiring. This fan was almost as strong as the MaxxAir fan and was likely equally efficient when new, meaning a Fantastic Fan would likely be as good a replacement as a MaxxAir fan.

Vent Covers

One of the reasons I chose to install a MaxxAir fan rather than a Fantastic Fan was because it came with a vent cover. This is a wonderful addition because it allows you to run the fan even when it’s raining.

In another rig we had vent covers over all of the roof vents rather than just the fan. This allowed us to keep the vents open and the fan running during rainy weather, meaning we could still keep a nice breeze going through the rig even when the weather wasn’t ideal.

If you plan to replace a vent fan to improve the ventilation system in your RV, I recommend also installing vent covers so you can take advantage of that fan no matter the weather.

Window Rain Guards

Another thing that could allow you to keep the RV well ventilated in rainy weather? Window rain guards. These are installed over the windows and direct water away from the windows as it comes down. This allows you to leave the windows open without letting rain in.

Unfortunately, these do not always keep all water out. If the wind is blowing, rain can still make its way past the rain guards and into the window. Therefore, you do have to pay attention if you leave your windows open when it’s raining. Still, these are worth considering if you want all of the ventilation options possible.

A/C Soft Start

In many parts of the country, a good ventilation system is all you’ll need for the spring season. That said, those in the south will need the A/C a lot sooner, and even if you’re far north, you’ll likely need the air conditioner in your RV eventually.

Sadly, you will need a 30-amp RV hookup in order to run your RV air conditioner, meaning you won’t be able to run the A/C using a small generator or a 20-amp household outlet. The good news? There is an easy way to remedy this. Enter the RV A/C soft start.

This handy gadget reduces the amount of power your air conditioner pulls upon start-up, making it possible to run the thing on 20 amps. This is amazing because it makes it possible to run your air conditioner while boondocking with a small generator or while parked in a family member’s driveway.

Dehumidifier

Okay, so this one isn’t technically an RV upgrade, but it is a purchase that will make RVing a whole lot more comfortable—especially in the cool, wet spring weather. A dehumidifier will literally pull moisture from the air in your RV, helping prevent the condensation that tends to gather on the interior walls of your trailer or motorhome. Since condensation can cause mold, mildew, and water damage, a dehumidifier is one of the smartest purchases an RVer can make.

Note: If the dehumidifier isn’t taking care of moisture build up in cabinets and closets, consider putting Damp-Rid in each cabinet to aid in moisture removal.

New Slide Seals

Slide seals are super important. They keep all that spring rain from making its way into your RV. Unfortunately, factory slide seals don’t last forever, meaning they will have to be replaced from time to time.

If your RV slide-out seals are showing signs of wear—such as fading, cracking, or tearing—or if your slide is leaking, it might be time to replace the seals. Fortunately, this is an easy enough thing to do.

 

Gutter Extenders

Another thing you’ll want to check on before the spring showers hit? Your gutters. Last spring, I noticed water wasn’t draining from our roof right. I went up to check things out and noticed our gutters were completely filled with debris. I cleaned them out and water started draining properly again.

Too bad for me, even though the water was draining properly, it was still causing issues. I realized that as the water ran out of the gutters, it was running down the sides of the RV, leaving horrible black marks behind. The solution to such a problem? RV gutter extenders.

RV gutter extenders are installed at the ends of your gutters, and as the name suggests, they extend the gutters out so water is draining further away from the walls of the RV. This will prevent black streaks, ensuring that washing the rig is a whole lot easier.

Awning and Slide Toppers

One of the best things about RV travel? The ability to spend more time outdoors. That said, without some sort of sun shade, sitting outside of your RV to enjoy the view simply isn’t as fun as you might want it to be. This is where an RV awning can help.

If your RV didn’t come with an awning (or if the one from the factory is torn), now might be the time to install one. While you’re at it, consider installing slide toppers as well. These help with temperature regulation in the slide-outs and also help prevent slide leaks, both of which are major bonuses in my book.

Awning Screen

If you already have an RV awning, you might be looking for ways to improve upon it. For this, I recommend an awning screen. An awning screen is great because it allows you to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air while blocking bright sunlight that might otherwise make sitting outside uncomfortable.

Most RVers just use a single screen on the front side of their awning. That said, some will install entire screen rooms around their awning. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is easily removable, as you will still want to be able to pull the awning in and out when storms blow in.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

One of the most important parts of any RV? The tires. Tires are what ensure that your rig can roll down the road, and well-maintained tires are going to keep you as safe as possible while you do that.

That said, even the most well-maintained tires can give out with no warning. This is why I highly recommend installing an RV tire pressure monitoring system. These systems will continuously monitor the tire fill level for you, and some can even monitor temperature and other important stats while you’re driving, helping prevent tire blowouts.

New Batteries

If you plan to do some boondocking this year, you might also want to think about upgrading your off-grid electrical system.

The best place to start with this is by upgrading your RV batteries. We went from a factory-installed flooded battery to a set of lithium batteries, and we were astounded by how much better they were in every way. The lithium batteries held a charge for longer and could be depleted completely, giving us longer battery life. On top of that, they require no maintenance!

This is one of the RV upgrades I will make in every rig I own from now on.

Solar Panels

Of course, you will need a way to keep those batteries charged. Plugging in at campgrounds and getting to another campground before the batteries die is one option, but a very limiting one. A small generator can also do this job, but requires that you carry fuel and find places where you’re allowed to run the generator. For this reason, I much prefer using solar panels to charge RV batteries.

In our motorhome, we installed a set of rooftop solar panels that worked beautifully. That said, installing the system was a lot of work. Since we aren’t sure we want to be in our current rig for long, we opted to invest in a portable solar panel, which has also served us well. Pick the option that makes the most sense for you.

Inverter

It’s important to note that not everything in an RV can be run on the DC system. This means in order to run things like the outlets, microwave, and TVs off of battery power, you will need an inverter.

This is an excellent addition to your off-grid power setup. Just make sure you purchase a pure sine wave inverter (not a modified sine wave) and that you get one powerful enough to run everything you need to run, and that you’ll have enough battery power for the inverter you chose.

For instance, in order to run most kitchen appliances, you will need at least 2,000 watts of power—and in order to run a 2,000-watt inverter, you will need at least two 100-amp-hour batteries. Do the math and make sure you get the right thing.

LED Lighting

Last but not least, I highly recommend upgrading your RV lighting by installing LED bulbs. This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that absolutely anyone can do, and it will make an enormous difference in your RV in a few different ways.

For one thing, LED bulbs use far less energy than traditional bulbs, meaning you’ll be able to run your RV lights on battery power without fear of running the batteries down. Additionally, LED bulbs do not put out heat. This is great because it means the bulbs won’t add heat to the RV in summer when it’s already hard to keep the interior of the rig cool. Lastly, LED bulbs are brighter and last longer than traditional bulbs—both bonuses you’re sure to appreciate.

There you have it, 14 RV upgrades that will truly improve your RV living experience. Pick the upgrades that make the most sense for you and get to work putting them in place so you’re ready to hit the road as soon as the weather allows!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Full time RV travel is a dream for many. The biggest obstacle that many have to overcome before hitting the road full time? Finding work that will allow them to travel and then finding ways to actually work on the road in a way that works for them and their families.

Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these challenges. In this article I will cover some of the best tips I’ve learned while working on the road. Whether you still need to find a job that allows you to travel or you need to improve how you work while enjoying RV living, this is the article for you.

Finding Work on the Road

First, let’s address the issue of actually finding work that will allow you to travel. Most full time traveling families rely on remote work, i.e. jobs they can do from the comfort of their RV homes using a computer and the internet. This is what I do and what I would recommend doing if you want total freedom. You can do freelance work (writing, editing, graphic design, etc) or find work-from-home jobs on sites like Indeed.

If remote work isn’t for you, there are other options. I’ve met traveling families who do pipeline work, travel nursing, and work camping. Pretty much any job that will allow you to work a short-term contract would work. Consider seasonal work in resort towns, on farms, or at amusement parks. Think about what kinds of businesses might hire a short-term employee and start applying. From there, you can simply follow the work.

Want more specific suggestions? We have a whole article about finding work that will work for full time travelers.

Staying Connected for Work

Let’s say you choose a remote job, or maybe you just need to stay connected to find new job opportunities and send in applications. Either way, staying connected to the internet is an important aspect of working on the road. Fortunately, having a good internet connection wherever you roam is now totally possible.

The best options are:

• Starlink satellite internet
• Multiple hotspots from different carriers, along with a cell booster

We have Starlink and have never been unable to connect, but have had some trouble when parked in valleys and under trees. The hotspot option also works fairly well, but may leave you without connection in areas that don’t have any cell coverage at all.

Some people have a combination of both to ensure they always have coverage. This is probably the best route if your job relies on a strong internet connection and you won’t be able to get up and go if you find that a particular campsite doesn’t offer good coverage.

Setting Up an RV Office Space

Another thing you’ll need to consider if you’re working from your RV is where in your RV you will get things done. For some, the dining table is good enough, and they just move their work off of the table at the end of the day. That said, most people prefer to have some sort of dedicated RV office space.

There are a number of options for making an RV office space that works for you. Some of my favorite ideas include…

• Dedicating the mid-bunk bedroom as an office.
• Creating an office space in the master bedroom.
• Making an extra bathroom into an office (yes, I have seen someone do this).
• Setting up a Clam tent to use as an office.
• Buying a small RV (such as a truck camper) to use as an office outside of the primary trailer.
• Getting rid of the dining table or couch to make room for a desk.

Finding ways to make certain spaces multi-functional is a great way to ensure you have space for work and play. You might make a desk that can fold away, invest in a foldable office chair, or mount a monitor to the wall to double as a TV.

Balancing Work with RV Life

Finally, you will need to figure out a good work/life balance while on the road. This is sometimes a lot trickier than it seems. After all, there is only so much time in a day, and finding a way to squeeze in work, school, chores, friends, fun, and travel can feel very overwhelming.

This is the thing my family struggles with most, but we have come up with some systems and tools that do help.

Stay Longer

The easiest way to ensure you have enough time for everything is, of course, to claim it for yourself by staying in each location longer. Fast travel may seem like a good idea when you’re booking it, but in reality, it can get really stressful when you’re trying to balance work and life.

We like to stay in each place we visit for at least two to three weeks, and sometimes we will stay for a month or more. When we can’t stay in a place for long, we schedule longer stays on either side of it in order to ensure we have enough time to catch up on work, school, and other responsibilities.

Get Up Early (or Stay Up Late)

At the beginning of our RV travels, I did most of my work late at night after our son had gone to bed. This was awesome because it allowed us to use our mornings for school and chores and then go exploring during the day. Of course, there was a bit of balancing involved because I did have to sleep, but this worked well for that particular situation.

I’ve also met some people who will wake up super early before their kids get up and get all of their work for the day done as soon as they can so they have the rest of the day free. I could see this working equally well (or maybe even better!) since most people are better able to focus in the morning. Unfortunately, I am not a morning person so it’d never work well for me personally.

The point is, if you can wake up early or stay up late and finish your work while the rest of the world sleeps, do that. It’ll give you a nice chunk of time for exploring each day.

Plan Work-Heavy Days

As my work has shifted and evolved, it’s become less and less possible for me to do all of it late at night. These days, I do things a bit differently. Instead of working a little each day, I do all of my work in just three (sometimes four) days a week. This works out because it gives us three or four full days for exploring and adventures.

Of course, this does require my husband to be on solo parent duty on my heavy work days, but he is able and willing to do this and it works well for us.

Work Efficiently

If you do project work like I do, it pays to work efficiently. In these cases, the more efficient you are, the sooner you’ll finish your tasks and the sooner you’ll be able to go out and play. Think outside the box and find systems that work for you to make your work as efficient as possible.

Some examples of this are:

• Keeping a planner that tells you exactly what needs to be done on a given day.
• Automating or delegating repetitive tasks whenever possible.
• Using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes “on” and a 5-minute break, alternating). For many, this helps maintain focus.
• Batching similar work together so you don’t need to switch modes and refocus constantly during work times.
• Avoiding meetings that could be an email whenever you can.

Set Boundaries

No matter when you decide to be in work mode, it is important that you set boundaries for yourself and only allow yourself to work during those times. Don’t set meetings, answer phone calls, or answer email messages outside of the hours you set for yourself. Value your family time and be fully engaged in spending time with your family when you aren’t working.

Create a Family Calendar

Last but not least, I highly recommend creating a family calendar that stays on your RV wall where everyone can see it. Add everything to this calendar, including work hours, school assignments, outings, travel days, etc. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and help you avoid double-booking.

Ready to put these tips to good use? Start searching for that perfect on-the-road job and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

A few months back, we discovered a leak from our RV water heater tank. This was a big problem because it was leaking directly onto our RV floor, something we all know is a recipe for difficult-to-repair water damage. Fortunately, we caught the issue pretty early on and were able to bypass the water heater, empty the tank, and dry the floor before any real damage was done.

Still, we had to solve the problem of the leak so we could have hot water in our trailer once again. Here is what we did and what we learned (with the help of our amazing friends).

Determine the Problem

Okay, this is the step we skipped at the outset, and it was an expensive lesson to learn. What we should have done was pull the water heater and try to track down the leak to see if it might be repairable. I knew this, but I really didn’t want to pull the water heater out, realize it wasn’t repairable, and then either put the heater back in or have a gaping hole in the side of my rig while I waited for another to come in.

Instead, I went ahead and ordered a replacement water heater right away. Then, because friends were helping us with the problem and were only with us for a short amount of time, we didn’t really do any troubleshooting to see if we could fix the problem rather than doing a total replacement.

The thing is, after pulling the water heater, I realized that the actual problem was probably just a leaky fitting, which would have been way cheaper to replace, but we were too far into the project at that point.

My point is, you’ll want to do the troubleshooting. It might just save you about $500.

Find the Right Water Heater

Once you determine you actually do need a replacement water heater, the next step is deciding which water heater is right for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Types of RV Water Heaters

First, you have to think about the type of water heater you’d like to buy. There are a few types of water heaters that can be used in RVs.

Traditional Propane RV Water Heater

This is what we had to begin with, and it’s what we chose to replace our old water heater with. It is more expensive than some other options, but I like that it can be used without electricity and that you don’t have to run a lot of water before hot water comes through the tap, making it ideal for boondocking. I also liked the fact that it was a direct replacement, as I was nervous about tackling this job.

Traditional Propane and Electric RV Water Heater

Of course, there is also the option of a traditional tank heater that offers both propane heating and an electric heating element. I could have purchased one like this and had the option of heating water with electricity, but it would have required extra wiring. The heater with the electric element also cost a little more than the propane-only one, so I decided to skip that option.

Tankless Propane RV Water Heater

The newest addition to the RV water heater lineup is the tankless water heater. This does have some advantages for sure. For one thing, it is cheaper than a water heater with a tank. It also requires much less space and doesn’t add weight to your rig by adding a bunch of water to the load.

Unfortunately, these tankless water heaters just aren’t ideal for boondocking. You’ll end up with less available fresh water since there’s no tank holding water, and you have to wait several seconds for hot water at any tap, meaning lots of water going down the drain unnecessarily.

On top of that, some RVers have reported that certain RV parks don’t offer enough water pressure for the water heater to even kick in, meaning they couldn’t heat water at all in those parks without filling their fresh tank and using their pump at all times.

I’m hoping the tankless heaters improve in the near future because I do love the concept, but for now we will stick with the traditional tank heaters.

Under-the-Sink Electric Water Heater

Another option I considered was a small, under-the-sink electric water heater. I liked this idea because I was nervous about replacing a whole water heater and I liked that these little heaters are basically plug-and-play and that they are inexpensive.

That said, they do come with drawbacks. The first and most glaring issue is that they draw a lot of power. I do think our 30-amp system could handle such a heater, but we probably wouldn’t be able to run much else while it was on, and we wouldn’t have hot water while boondocking at all.

On top of that, the tanks on these heaters tend to be quite small. However, I did end up finding finding one that seemed good quality with a 7-gallon tank, so this is a solvable problem.

Finding a Water Heater that Fits

Of course, you’ll want to make sure whatever heater you buy fits in your RV.

Generally, if you choose a tankless heater, you will be able to make it work no matter what type of water heater you had before. Also, the under-the-sink heaters are small and can fit pretty much anywhere.

If you choose a water heater with a tank, I recommend purchasing a direct replacement, even if it’s from a different company than the original (see next paragraph) to make the swap easy. Measure everything to ensure you have a perfect fit.

Just know that Atwood no longer makes RV water heaters. If your water heater was made by Atwood, you will likely need to look to Suburban as the company now makes direct replacements for the old Atwood products. This is what we had to do and it worked perfectly.

Pull the Old Water Heater Out

Pulling the old water heater out was a straightforward process, but wasn’t necessarily easy, per se.

To get the job done, we used the following steps:

1. Disconnected/turned off all water and power sources (shore power, batteries, city water, and water pump).
2. Bypassed the water heater.
3. Emptied the water heater by removing the plastic plug on the front.
4. Disconnected the water lines to and from the heater.
5. Snipped the electrical wires to the heater.
6. Removed the door on the front of the heater.
7. Removed the screws on the front of the water heater.
8. Pried the door frame from the sealant holding it in place.
9. Pulled the heater out.

 

That sounds simple enough, but some parts were actually pretty difficult. I’ve listed some tips for getting the job done below.

Have a Towel on Hand

When you bypass the water heater and empty it, you will get rid of most of the water in the lines you’re going to be working with. That said, there will definitely be residual water, so keep an old towel on hand. It will be needed.

Get Ready to Use Your Arm Strength

Disconnecting the water lines was the hardest part of this job. Fortunately, I had some friends to help because I’m sure I could not have done it on my own. You’re going to need lots of arm and hand strength, as well as some good tools, so be ready for that.

Pick Up New Hardware

Our water heater required little adapters to connect the water lines to the tank. We tried to remove these from the old tank for quite some time before simply going out to get new adapters as well as some replacement gaskets. In retrospect, we should have bought all new hardware from the beginning to make the job easier and ensure everything fit together nicely.

Make Time for Scraping

The most time-consuming part of the whole job? Scraping old silicone sealant from the sides of the RV. Unfortunately, the silicone has to be completely removed to ensure the new sealant does its job, but it was super stubborn and took us a long time to remove. Make sure you leave time for that.

Put the New Water Heater In

Because the heater we chose was a direct replacement for our old water heater, putting the new one in was pretty much the opposite of pulling the old one out.

For this part of the job, we…

1. Applied butyl tape to the wall around the outside of the water heater opening.
2. Pushed the heater into place.
3. Connected the water lines going to and from the tank.
4. Connected the wires using wire nuts.
5. Screwed the frame into place.
6. Added silicone sealant around the frame.
7. Replaced the door.

Of course, this is all easier said than done. Here are my tips for making it go as smoothly as possible.

Double Butyl Tape in Crevices

We have an aluminum-sided trailer, meaning it is not smooth on the outside. We had to double the butyl tape in the crevices to make sure there were no gaps between the water heater edge and the wall.

Have a Guy on the Inside

We had a person on the outside pushing the heater into place and a second on the inside, making sure it was going in right and helping to line things up. This was tremendously helpful.

Check Gaskets

The water lines may have gaskets in them. Check them to make sure they aren’t worn or broken. We had some broken ones that might have caused a leak had we not replaced them.

Connect Wires Properly

We were lucky that the colors of the wires on our new heater matched the wires going to the switch in our trailer. If your wire colors don’t match, make sure you know which wire is which so you can hook things up correctly. This might mean looking at manuals.

Test for Leaks

Once everything is hooked back up, don’t assume you’re done. Flip the bypass switches, fill the tank, run the heater, and watch for leaks for several hours. It helps to put paper towels down on the floor around the heater so leaks will be easy to see.

If you do find a leak, it could mean something needs tightening, but it could also mean there is tension on the water lines and they need to be rerouted. Even though we bought a “direct replacement” for our water heater, the water inlet and outlet were in slightly different places, causing tension on the water lines, which caused a leak. We rerouted things a bit and then all was well.

There you have it, everything we learned while installing our new RV water heater. This job seemed really intimidating to me, so I’m very happy we had friends with experience who were willing to jump in and help. Overall it was a fairly straightforward process though, and if you have a decent amount of arm strength and some tools and handyman skills, you should be able to get the job done.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

In our time on the road, we’ve met many families who enjoy volunteering and work camping while they travel. While this isn’t something we’ve ever had the opportunity to do, it didn’t take me long to realize that choosing to pick up such jobs along your route is an excellent way to make your travels meaningful. On top of that, volunteering and work camping jobs often include a campsite, utilities, and/or a variety of amenities. Some even pay cash in addition to a free place to park your home-on-wheels!

Hoping to add some volunteer work or work camping to your travels in the near future? Below are some of the best opportunities out there.

Volunteering vs Work Camping: What’s the Difference?

Honestly, there often isn’t a huge difference between work camping and volunteering, and the line between them is pretty fuzzy. Generally speaking, you will not get anything at all in return for volunteer work. That said, some volunteer gigs do include a site with utilities. Meanwhile, work camping gigs should always include a site with utilities, and some even include a bit of pay.

No matter which way you go, volunteering and work camping are both good ways to connect with others and add some meaning to your travels.

The Benefits of RV Volunteering or Work Camping with Kids

Volunteering while you travel or choosing a work camping gig can have a lot of benefits, no matter your age. That said, these experiences can be especially beneficial for kids.

While working, they will gain real world experience and learn problem solving skills, as well as teamwork skills and responsibility. Family bonds will be strengthened as you work on projects side-by-side and create lasting memories. On top of all that, kids will have opportunities to learn about the natural world in ways they might not otherwise, giving them a chance to truly connect with nature.

Honestly, I can’t think of many things that fit more perfectly with roadschooling!

The Best RV Volunteer and Work Camping Options

Habitat for Humanity’s RV Care-A-Vanners

Habitat for Humanity’s Care-A-Vanners is a fantastic volunteer program that invites RV travelers to participate in charitable building projects across the US. Volunteers assist in constructing homes, offering a meaningful way to contribute to communities during their travels.

Unfortunately, most jobs do require RVers to pay a small camping fee. Additionally, RVs must be self contained. While I have heard of teens working with this program, it would be necessary to contact Habitat for Humanity to ask if kids can be involved in a particular project.

A Year to Volunteer

Focused on RVers, A Year to Volunteer rallies volunteers nationwide to work on projects that benefit community programs of all kinds. Most jobs involve manual labor and include cleanup, restoration, repairs, and construction at locations such as living history museums, state parks, animal sanctuaries, etc.

It seems that most projects include free dry-camping sites for volunteers, but you must be totally self contained and able to boondock. I couldn’t find info about volunteering with kids, but I did see that projects can be pet-friendly.

seRV — RV With Purpose

If you prefer something that involves less manual labor, you might consider seRV. This program connects RVers with nonprofit organizations, giving them opportunities to participate in purpose-driven volunteerism. Jobs range from food pantry assistance to animal care. This is great because it gives volunteers a chance to select roles that align with their passions and skills.

I really appreciate that seRV has a search filter for family-friendly jobs, meaning you can find projects that will allow kids. Most volunteer opportunities do not include an RV site, but a few might.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Program

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Program offers a variety of roles for volunteers. These include serving as a park or campground host, staffing visitor centers, maintaining trails and facilities, leading tours, and more. I love that it allows campers to give back to the natural world, something most of us have a special appreciation for.

You can find Army COE volunteer opportunities at Volunteer.gov, and most jobs include a site with hookups. Unfortunately, many of these jobs will not accept families, but exceptions can and have been made, so it is worth asking about.

National Park Volunteer Programs

Many national parks offer volunteer opportunities for RVers, often in exchange for a free campsite. In most cases, this means working as a campground host and doing such tasks as ensuring everyone has paid camping fees, cleaning restrooms, and keeping the grounds clean.

We have known several families that have worked as NPS camp hosts, so I know at least some parks do allow families to volunteer rather than just couples. Of course, having very young children can make your camp host duties a little more difficult.

NPS volunteer opportunities can be found at Volunteer.gov.

Xanterra & Aramark (National Park Concessionaires)

Another way to volunteer in national parks is to go through concessionaires such as Xanterra and Aramark. These companies hire seasonal workers (often RVers) for hospitality, retail, and maintenance jobs in national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Glacier.

Unlike NPS positions, these concessionaire positions usually include pay, as well as free or discounted RV camping. That said, the jobs are often more difficult to snag and may include more duties or harder labor.

BLM and Forest Service Volunteer Opportunities

In the same vein as national parks and Army Corps of Engineers parks, BLM lands and Forest Service lands also require volunteers. Volunteer work might include trail maintenance, working in a visitor center, or most commonly, camp hosting.

Camp hosts for BLM and the Forest Service usually receive a free campsite in exchange for their work, but the site may or may not include any hookups. As is the case with NPS and Army COE jobs, these opportunities can be found at Volunteer.gov.

State Park Volunteer Programs

Most state parks have volunteer host positions where RVers assist with campground operations, maintenance, or educational programs. We’ve known a couple of families who have volunteered in state parks, and both families had a wonderful time. The Florida State Park volunteer program seems especially perfect for RVing families.

Obviously, rules and requirements for volunteers will change from one state to the next, as will the benefits of volunteering. Many state parks do offer volunteer camp hosts a free RV campsite, and several states allow families to camp host.

National Wildlife Refuges

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers RV-friendly volunteer opportunities in wildlife refuges across the country. Much like the jobs in the other public lands mentioned above, these volunteer opportunities might require working as a visitor center host, doing maintenance work, or assisting with conservation projects.

Much of the time, a campsite is offered in exchange for your services, and most sites have hookups. Some sites also include a propane allowance.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

If you’re interested in sustainable farming, WWOOF-USA is an excellent option! This program connects RVers with organic farms needing seasonal help. It’s a wonderful way to learn about growing food and a great way to make lifelong friendships.

In exchange for work, you receive a place to stay (often with RV parking) and meals. Many WWOOF hosts allow children to accompany their parents, so finding a job that works for your crew shouldn’t be an issue.

Harvest Hosts

While not a traditional workamping opportunity, we do need to mention Harvest Hosts. This is a network of farms, wineries, and breweries that allow RVers to stay overnight for free in exchange for patronage or volunteer work.

You do need to pay a small yearly fee to gain access to the enormous list of hosts. That said, because you receive some amazing friendships, opportunities, and places to stay in return, I think it is a worthwhile expense.

Workamping and Volunteer Job Boards

Still haven’t found a job that works for you? Several platforms specialize in connecting RVers with workamping positions.

• WorkampingJobs.com: Offers free “help wanted” ads from RV parks and campgrounds, allowing users to search for positions without registration.
• Escapees RV Club: Provides resources and listings for both workamping and volunteer positions, catering to a wide range of interests and skills.
• Volunteer.gov: This is a fantastic resource that aggregates federal volunteer opportunities across various agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Work Camping Position

When considering these opportunities, it’s essential to research each program thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your family’s ages, skills, interests, budget, and travel plans.

Define Your Priorities

• Full Hookups vs. Boondocking — Do you need full utilities, or are you okay with dry camping?
• Pay vs. Trade — Some positions offer wages, while others provide a free campsite in exchange for work.
• Hours & Workload — Do you want full-time, part-time, or minimal duties for a free stay?
• Ages & Number of Campers — Many positions will not take families with kids. Make sure your family fits the job description.

Apply Early & Network

• The best jobs often get snatched up months in advance (especially in prime locations).
• Build relationships with past employers—many of them rehire reliable workers.
• Attend RV meetups or join forums where work campers share insider tips.

Consider Unconventional Options

• Harvest Hosts/Wineries — Some offer long-term stays for workers.
• Marinas & Fishing Camps — Often need extra hands during peak seasons.
• Guest Ranches & Farms — Work with animals or crops in exchange for a site and pay.

Watch Out for Red Flags

• Overly vague job descriptions — If they don’t list duties upfront, ask for specifics.
• Unpaid “trial” periods — Some shady places exploit work campers with unpaid training.
• Too many negative reviews — Look for past work camper experiences before committing.

This video offers more helpful tips:

Yes, volunteering or work camping as you travel is a wonderful way to enrich your travels and make meaningful connections along the way. Where and how will you volunteer first?

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Believe it or not, spring break is coming up quickly, and that means it’s time to start making plans and reservations. Want to do something fun but can’t spend a lot of money? Here are my favorite affordable spring break destinations.

St. Louis, MO

The weather in St. Louis is beautiful during the spring months. On top of that, this city is easily the most affordable out there when it comes to tourism.

Affordable Attractions

St. Louis is chock-full of free attractions. These include:

• St. Louis Zoo
• St. Louis Art Museum
• Missouri History Museum
• Saint Louis Science Center

The Gateway Arch Has a free visitor center and walking around the grounds is free, but you will need to pay to ride to the top.

On top of this, the amazing Magic House children’s museum offers free admission on the third Friday of every month from 5pm–8pm.

Inexpensive Camping Option

The last time we visited St. Louis, we stayed at Horseshoe Lake State Park, which was lovely and offered dry camping for just $8 a night. Unfortunately, this park doesn’t open for the season until May 1st, meaning it won’t work for a spring break trip.

Instead, consider checking out Riverside Landing Park, which is located about 20 miles away in St. Charles.

Big Bend National Park

We just finished an adventure in Big Bend National Park and had an absolute blast. That said, the park would be even better in the spring when the weather is more consistently warm. Just make sure you book early because spring is the busiest season at the park!

Affordable Attractions

Big Bend is an attraction in and of itself. Once you pay the admission fee (or show your America the Beautiful Pass) you have access to all kinds of fun.

• I highly recommend attending the ranger talks, especially the nighttime star party. (Also, set up your own telescope if you have one.)
• Be sure to hike down in Chisos Basin and through at least one canyon.
• You’ll also want to make a point of hiking to the hot spring in the park.
• If you have passports for your group, you may even want to cross into Mexico for a delicious meal!

Inexpensive Camping Option

Because the park is so big, I highly recommend camping on park grounds in order to make the most of your time there. Rio Grande Village Campground can accommodate larger rigs and is very affordable at $15 a night. No hookups are offered, but restrooms with flush toilets and a dishwashing sink are available. There are also pay showers located in the camp store.

Washington, D.C.

We love Washington, D.C. all year long. That said, it is definitely best during the spring when the temperatures are starting to warm up but the heat and humidity of summer have yet to set in. Best of all, the place has tons of affordable family-friendly attractions!

Affordable Attractions

Washington, D.C. is one of the most affordable places we’ve ever visited because of all the free attractions found there. The Smithsonian Museums are the most well-known of these, are all well worth visiting, and could easily fill a whole trip.

Beyond these museums, there are also free tours of certain government buildings available to those who plan in advance.

Inexpensive Camping Option

Both times we visited Washington, D.C., we stayed at the NPS-run Greenbelt Campground. While the campground cannot accommodate enormous rigs, it can definitely handle medium-sized RVs. There are no hookups in the park, but there are bathhouses with hot showers. The cost to camp here is minimal, and the fact that it is so near a train station makes it easy to commute into the city each day.

Everglades National Park

Spring is one of the best times to visit Everglades National Park. During this season, the park is enjoyably warm without being too hot. You’re likely to see a lot of birds and might even catch some gator action.

Affordable Attractions

Like Big Bend, Everglades National Park is the attraction. You will of course need to pay the entrance fee or show your America the Beautiful Pass, but after that, you shouldn’t need to spend any money at all to have an amazing time.

I recommend…

• Checking out as many visitor centers as possible. They’re all unique and offer great info about the park.
• Attending ranger talks, especially the nighttime alligator walk.
• Walking the Anhinga trail to see birds and gators.
• Riding bikes along the Shark Valley Tram Road.
• You could also pay to ride the Shark Valley Tram itself or ride in an airboat.

Inexpensive Camping Option

Everglades National Park offers two RV camping options: Flamingo Campground and Long Pine Key Campground. Flamingo Campground has hookups, but is on the more expensive side. Meanwhile Long Pine Key Campground is dry camping only, but is ideal for budget-minded campers.

If you have a Thousand Trail membership with the Trails Collection add-on, there is also the option of staying at the Miami Everglades Encore resort. This is what my family does every time we visit the Everglades and we have enjoyed the park very much.

Moab, UT

Moab is an absolutely stunning place. Unfortunately, it is too hot to visit in summer and can be chilly in the winter. For this reason, spring is an ideal time to check out this amazing town and the surrounding area.

Affordable Attractions

The two things you absolutely must do while visiting Moab? Visit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. There are tons of hikes and amazing things to do in these Utah national parks, and together they can fill several days with fun.

Other things to do in Moab include…

• Walking the adorable downtown area.
• Checking out the free concerts that tend to happen during the warm months.
• Playing at the awesome aquatic center.

Inexpensive Camping Option

We always boondock while visiting Moab. There are tons of places for free boondocking right outside of town, and during the spring and fall, these spots become awesome little RV communities.

The aforementioned aquatic center is a great place to shower while boondocking, and there are places in town to dump tanks and get fresh water for free!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park for a reason: The place is incredible. During the spring, the temperatures start to warm up, creating ideal conditions for hiking.

Affordable Attractions

Yet another destination that is also an attraction, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an amazing place to explore and have fun. Unfortunately, while the park is free, it does charge a parking fee now, and the fee is not covered by the “America the Beautiful” pass. Still, the fee is low enough that I would consider this a low-cost attraction.

A few tips:

• The park plays host to tons of amazing hiking trails, including many that lead to historic sites and waterfalls.
• The visitor centers offer fabulous exhibits.
• The Junior Ranger program is one of the best we’ve found (though the books do cost money, which is unusual).

Inexpensive Camping Option

Our favorite place to camp while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Douglas Dam. This park features two campgrounds, and both offer sites with water and electric hookups at a very reasonable price. A dump station is available in each campground, as are bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers.

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do during spring break without spending much at all. Which place(s) will you visit?

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My family just finished up a week of camping in Big Bend National Park, and we had an absolute blast! I was blown away by the park’s beauty, and the fact that it’s so far from everyone and everything made it the ideal place for an escape into nature.

That said, there are some things I wish I would have known beforehand. In this article I’m going to share my top tips based on what I learned. Use these tips during the planning process and your camping in Big Bend experience should go off without a hitch!

Learn About Fees

First, make sure you know all of the fees you have to pay. When I booked, I was aware that in addition to paying camping fees, we’d have to show our America the Beautiful Pass in order to cover our entrance fee. What I didn’t think about was the fact that we travel with a car and a truck, meaning we needed to pay for two vehicles to enter. (We also had to park our car in a designated spot that was not on our site.) This added to the total expense of the trip, but we still felt the campsite was well worth what we paid.

Be Prepared to Dry Camp

While there is an RV park with full hookups in the park, it is expensive, it isn’t run by the NPS, and it books up quickly. The three NPS-run parks in Big Bend do not have any hookups whatsoever, so you will need to be prepared to dry camp.

We prepared for this by purchasing a couple of lithium batteries, a solar panel, an inverter, and a new flooded house battery. We also borrowed my mom’s generator. Really though, you could just invest in a generator and be good to go. Just make sure you book a generator-friendly site in Rio Grande Village Campground, as other areas of the park do not allow generators.

Know When to Go

Summer in Big Bend is unbearably hot, and since most of the in-park campgrounds do not have hookups, camping in the park during this time is not a comfortable experience. Instead, consider visiting during late fall, winter, or early spring. This is when the weather is cool enough for camping.

Note: Winter break and spring break are super busy at the park, so you will need to book early and plan for crowds if you plan to go during either of these times. 

Book Early

As mentioned above, winter and spring break are super busy and the park campgrounds book up fast. That said, even when kids are not on break from school, the campgrounds in the park can book up.

For this reason, you will want to book as soon as you can. If you miss the initial booking window six months in advance, try again two weeks in advance, as some sites are not released until then.

Download Maps

This national park is one of the most remote ones we’ve been to. This means cell service is pretty much non-existent. We had Starlink at our campsite, but this wasn’t very helpful when we needed to navigate around the park and weren’t near our RV.

For this reason, we made sure to download maps of the area. This allowed us to navigate all over the park, even when no internet connection was available.

Stock Up

Another thing that comes along with being in a remote location? A distinct lack of stores and restaurants. Make sure you stock up on water, food, and emergency supplies before you drive into the park.

I also recommend filling your propane tanks and vehicle fuel tanks before arriving. While you can have propane filled at the Rio Grande Village Store, it did require catching the right person working , which wasn’t easy and the cost was a bit higher than usual. Gasoline was also a bit pricier than it might have been outside of the park, but not terribly so.

Make Use of Amenities

The campground had flush toilets, which were greatly appreciated and used often by our crew. This helped preserve space in our waste tanks and also helped reduce the smells that can come with long-term dry camping.

We did not know until a few days into our trip that the campground bathhouse also had a dishwashing sink! This was amazing, as it meant we could save our precious water for uses other than washing pots and pans.

Other amenities we appreciated were the gas station right outside of the campground, the little store where we were able to grab a few things, the ability to fill propane, and the pay showers, which cost $2 in quarters for 5 minutes.

Make use of all of these amenities for an extra comfortable getaway!

Head to Ranger Talks

We consistently find that ranger talks in the national parks are excellent, and the ones at Big Bend were no exception.

We especially loved the star-themed talk, which some were referring to as a “star party.” This talk included info on the Dark Sky program, info on the stars, planets, and constellations, and opportunities to look through several different telescopes and the amazing night sky found in the park.

Note: The night sky in Big Bend is easily the best I’ve ever seen. If you have a telescope of your own, this is the place to break it out. 

Hit the Park Highlights

Finally, it is important that you hit all of the park highlights (or as many as you can, anyway). These include:

• Hiking at least one canyon (Santa Elena is the best)
• Hiking to the hot spring
• Crossing the border to eat in Boquillas del Carmen
• Exploring in Chisos Basin
• Hitting as many visitor centers as possible
• Getting Junior Ranger badges

There you have it, everything you need to know to plan an amazing camping in Big Bend adventure. Happy camping, friends!

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If you can’t head south and get out of the cold, RVing in winter can be challenging. RVs aren’t built to keep out the cold, and their plumbing systems aren’t made to stand up to freezing temperatures. That said, as long as you find ways to keep you and your pipes cozy, winter RVing doesn’t have to be terrible.

One of the best ways to make winter RVing fun? Finding winter outdoor activities that allow you to continue to enjoy the great outdoors throughout the cold months.

Not sure what kinds of winter outdoor activities to try? Here are some favorites below. My family has tried a few of these and we look forward to trying others as we continue our wintertime RV adventures.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an excellent option when it comes to winter outdoor activities. We haven’t actually tried it yet, but I’ve heard that if you enjoy hiking, you’re likely to enjoy trekking through the wilderness in snowshoes, and that seems to make perfect sense. My family adores hiking, so we will have to give snowshoeing a try as soon as possible.

In order to stay safe, make sure you stick to marked trails while snowshoeing. You’ll also want to avoid avalanche zones. Bring trekking poles for stability, start early to ensure you have plenty of daylight to work with, and wear layered, moisture-wicking clothing to stay as warm as possible.

Don’t have snowshoes of your own? Most popular snowshoeing destinations play host to local rental companies.

• Top Snowshoeing Destination: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Nearby RV Parks: Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake (open year-round with winter facilities)

Sledding & Tubing

A winter activity my family has had the chance to enjoy? Sledding! I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t enjoy snow sledding or tubing, and I’m betting you and your kids will love it just as much as my crew does.

One of the best things about sledding is that you don’t need much equipment or expertise, and you can sled down hills wherever you can find hills and snow together. (We’ve even found some little hills that allow us to sled on a bit of snow in Oklahoma!)

If you don’t have the room to store a traditional sled, consider buying inflatable tubes for easy storage. It’s also possible to rent a sled in many popular sledding destinations. Either way, be sure to wax your sled or tube before sliding for best results.

• Top Sledding Destination: Breckenridge, Colorado (Carter Park)
• Nearby RV Parks: Tiger Run Resort (heated RV pads with mountain views)

Downhill Skiing

I have always wanted to give downhill skiing a try, and I have heard a number of Fulltime Families members say their very favorite winters were spent skiing. There are a huge number of places to do this, and there are even some spots where you can ski in spring, camping in the valleys where it is relatively warm and making your way up into the mountains to ski.

Always, always make sure you and your family members wear helmets while skiing, and make a point of staying on trails suited to your skill level. It’s also a good idea to stretch before you hit the slopes in order to avoid injury.

Most ski resorts offer multi-day lift passes, which will save you money. Rental equipment is also always available in ski towns, so you don’t have to own your own equipment. Many ski resorts also offer lessons, which can be nice for newbies.

• Top Downhill Skiing Destination: Park City, Utah
• Nearby RV Park: Park City RV Resort (heated RV sites near ski shuttle stops)

Ice Skating

Ice skating is easily my favorite of all winter outdoor activities. There’s something magical about gliding across ice, and I’ve spent many hours daydreaming about jumping and spinning like the pros do. Unfortunately, I can’t do much more than skate in a circle, but I still get a lot of joy out of ice skating.

This is one of the only winter sports that can be done pretty much anywhere. Even warmer towns and cities have ice skating rinks, and many have outdoor rinks set up, meaning there’s really no excuse for not going ice skating before the winter is done.

Remember that you should only ever skate on designated rinks. If you do skate on natural ice, make sure it has been checked and approved by professionals. Wear a helmet to protect against falls and make sure you wear long pants, even if you’re skating in a warmer environment.

• Top Ice Skating Destination: Lake Placid, New York
• Nearby RV Park: North Pole Resorts (winterized RV camping near skating venues)

Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire biking is something I just learned about, and now I can’t wait to give it a try! Essentially this is just bicycling except with bigger tires that can easily get you through snowy places. I love biking, so this sounds like an amazing way to be immersed in a winter wonderland.

It’s important to ride on well-groomed winter trails when fat tire biking. This helps riders avoid getting stuck. You’ll also want to stay on top of your bike’s tire pressure in order to maintain optimal traction. Add lights and reflectors to your bike to combat the low light conditions often found during the winter.

Don’t want to invest in a fat tire bike of your own? Not to worry, rentals are available in many places.

• Top Fat Tire Biking Destination: Sun Valley, Idaho
• Nearby RV Park: Meadows RV Park (open all year with trail access)

Stargazing

My family enjoys stargazing all year long. That said, there is something extra special about snuggling up outdoors on a crispy winter night to stare into a cold, clear sky and marvel at the wonders of the universe together. We recently did some stargazing together at Big Bend National Park and it was absolutely incredible.

To make sure everyone is comfortable during your winter stargazing adventure, make sure to dress warmly. You might even carry a few blankets to cover up with as you gaze into the night sky.

A flashlight with a red filter is a must-have, especially if you will be near other stargazers, who will not appreciate the light pollution created by a regular flashlight. You may also want to download a stargazing app to help you identify planets and constellations—we like Sky Guide on iPhone.

• Top Stargazing Destination: Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Nearby RV Park: Rio Grande Village RV Park (in the park with stunning views)

Hot Springs Soaking

Another thing we did in Big Bend? We hiked to a natural hot spring for a wintertime soak. This was an amazing experience that I highly recommend and cannot wait to try in other locations. Mammoth Hot Springs looks particularly appealing and is now on my list of must-visit places.

No matter where you choose to soak, remember to follow the guidelines the park puts in place and avoid off-limit pools. Drink plenty of water while soaking, as you aren’t likely to feel thirsty but dehydration can still be a real problem.

To avoid large crowds at popular springs, visit earlier in the day. You may also want to carry a water-proof bag to keep your belongings dry.

• Top Hot Springs Destination: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park
• Nearby RV Park: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (open with limited facilities in winter)

Clearly, there is no shortage of amazing winter outdoor activities to choose from. Yes, enjoying these activities will require you to brave the cold, but trust me when I say it’s totally worth it. The fresh air, sunshine, and movement will do wonders for your mood and attitude, and getting out and doing things is sure to make winter RVing a more enjoyable experience.

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Children’s museums are something I always try to add to our travel itinerary. While the 12-year-old has pretty much outgrown these types of places, the 5-year-old is still loving them, and the opportunity to explore so many different ones is definitely appreciated.

Honestly, we pretty much always have a good time visiting children’s museums. That said, many are pretty dated and similar from one to the next. If you’re looking to avoid the lackluster spots, this is the list for you. Below, I have listed the best children’s museums we have visited as well as few that are on our bucket list.

Children’s Museum Houston

Houston, TX

A favorite of a great many traveling families, the Children’s Museum of Houston is one we have visited multiple times over the years because my kids love it so much. This place features climbing structures, an inventor’s workshop, an outdoor water play area, and a whole lot more.

The favorite part? The amazing kid-sized town that actually uses currency, which kids must “earn” by taking on a “career.” I’ve seen some incredible imaginative play go down in this section.

City Museum

St. Louis, MO

I’m not sure if the City Museum officially qualifies as a children’s museum alone; it’s sort of a children’s museum meets art installation meets playground, and it’s incredible.

The museum houses an enormous number of themed climbing structures, slides, and other places to run, spin, climb, and move. Sometimes tunnels will take you from one room to another—completely unexpectedly—making every visit an adventure, and there are both indoor and outdoor areas, meaning you can enjoy the museum any time of year.

In addition to the play structures, there are also places to create and admire art. We find these areas are good for a bit of a rest.

Magic House

St. Louis, MO

Yes, I am including another St. Louis museum. I 100% believe the Magic House deserves a place on this list. I actually visited this museum as a kid, and it made such an impression on me that I went out of my way to take my own kids there. Just as I suspected, they adored it.

Like the Houston museum, this museum features a cute little kid-sized town that is definitely a hit. Kids can make and sell pizza, be a news reporter, work on a construction site, and more.

The museum also offers water play, sand play, science projects, climbing structures, and more!

Bay Area Discovery Museum

San Francisco, CA

We first visited the Bay Area Discovery Museum when our son was quite small, and he loved it so much that we made sure to visit again when we visited San Francisco years later.

This museum is interesting because it is housed in several different buildings. I really liked this because it helped the little ones stay focused on a single activity rather than running around and feeling overwhelmed.

Favorite areas included the super cool—almost magical—natural outdoor play area, along with the art studio that offered lots of messy painting activities. The “How Things Work” section was neat too, as was the mud kitchen.

Children of Gettysburg 1863

Gettysburg, PA

I really liked the Children of Gettysburg 1863 museum because it was so different from other museums. It focused on the battle of Gettysburg from a kid’s point of view and offered engaging exhibits to help young visitors follow the stories of the children who were there.

We were able to follow the stories of a few different historical characters and there were lots of hands-on activities to keep everyone happy and having a good time as they learned. This was an excellent addition to our time in Gettysburg, especially for our youngest who wouldn’t have gotten much learning out of our visit otherwise.

Strong Museum of Play

Rochester, NY

This is another one that maybe doesn’t quite fit into the “children’s museum” box, but with a name like Museum of Play, I felt like it could take a place on this list.

As you might imagine, the museum features tons of options for playing. From video games to puzzles to imaginative play areas, there is something for every person in your family to enjoy.

On top of that, this museum houses tons of exhibits about toys and the history of play, meaning even adults can learn a thing or two as they explore the place. This is definitely one that stands out and is worth a visit.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has been declared the best children’s museum in the US by many, and has therefore been on my bucket list for quite some time. Unfortunately, the one time we found ourselves in the area, we simply did not have a chance to make it to the museum.

Dinosphere is one of the favorite exhibits in this massive children’s museum. Playscape looks amazing for the youngest kids, and ScienceWorks looks right up my older son’s alley.

Honorable Mention

Obviously, these are far from the only great children’s museums in the United States. For one thing, I haven’t seen them all. For another thing, there are some really great ones that we have seen that almost made it on my list.

Who knows? You might find you enjoy those museums more than we did, and they might make it onto your list of the best children’s museums. I guess you’ll just have to go and find out!

Here are the museums I’d put onto the “honorable mentions” list:

• Glazer Children’s Museum — Tampa, FL
• The Thinkery — Austin, TX
• DoSeum — San Antonio, TX
• Discovery Cube — Los Angeles, CA
• Marbles Kids Museum — Raleigh, NC
• Please Touch Museum — Philadelphia, PA

Saving on Children’s Museum Visits

One unfortunate thing about children’s museums? The cost of admission can add up fast. Fortunately, we rarely pay full price to visit one of these museums.

There are a few ways to save:

• Invest in an ASTC reciprocal membership, which gets you into some children’s museums free of charge.
• Grab an ACM reciprocal membership, which gives you half-off admission at a huge number of children’s museums.
• Look for free or discounted days, which a lot of children’s museums offer on a weekly or monthly basis.
• See if you can check out museum passes from the local library.

As you can see, there are a number of fantastic children’s museums to explore with your kids. Looking for even more fun? Be sure to check out the best science museums in the country, the top zoos in the US, some must-see playgrounds, and the best living history museums around.

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The new year is nearly here, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what RV new year celebrations you might have and what you’ll do to welcome the new year. You could of course just have a traditional New Year’s party. There is nothing wrong with that. That said, as an RVer, you have an opportunity to add a unique twist to your traditional celebrations.

Here are some of the best RV new year celebration ideas.

Meet Up with RVing Friends

The best way to celebrate anything is always with friends. Make plans to meet up with some RV friends to have a New Year’s celebration together. Break out the Clam tent and a space heater to keep warm, invest in silly hats and party horns, use an outdoor TV to watch the ball drop, drink some sparkling cider, and have a good time.

If you’re boondocking, feel free to make as much noise as you like when midnight rolls around. That said, if you’re in a campground, you will need to make sure to follow any quiet hour rules they’ve posted.

Some families opt to “ring in the new year” a bit early so they can make some noise and then send the kiddos off to bed. Others welcome the new year silently. One year we were with friends from Sweden, and we watched the Swedish countdown livestream and rang in the new year while the sun was still up.

Have a Community Campfire

In my opinion, campfires are a good way to celebrate anything. Definitely plan to have a new year’s campfire. Tell stories about your favorite things that happened in the past year, and discuss things you learned over the last twelve months. Talk about what you hope to do in the coming year, and share resolutions and goals over a yummy s’more.

If you’re with friends, you will obviously want to invite them. That said, if you aren’t with friends, consider inviting your RV neighbors. Chances are, some of them don’t have any new year’s buddies either and would love to connect over a campfire.

Welcome the New Year with a Hike

Many people like to welcome the new year with a New Year’s Day hike, one of the most perfect RV new year celebration ideas out there. I absolutely love this idea and have been on a few hikes on January 1st myself. Hiking is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, and spending time in nature is the perfect way to start a new chapter. I love that hiking also gives us time to reflect on things that happened over the past year and what direction we are planning on heading next.

On top of all that, hiking gives us time to reconnect as a family unit and check in with those we love to see how everyone is doing—something that should be done regularly, but especially at turning points such as the new year.

Start a Travel Journal

No matter how long you’ve been traveling, it’s never too late to start a travel journal, and the new year is the perfect time to jump into it.

A travel journal can include pretty much anything you like. You can write stories you want to remember about your travels, keep details on where you stayed and what you liked (or didn’t like) about a place, or take notes on places you’ve been and places you missed that you’d like to come back and see.

I’m terrible about keeping such notes, but I find myself wishing I had them on a regular basis, so I’m thinking I might need to start a travel journal this coming year and making it one of my RV new year goals to keep up with it.

Give the Rig a Good Cleaning

Nobody wants to start a new chapter in a messy environment. Use the RV new year as your cue to get some cleaning done.

Get rid of the clutter and give all the new holiday gifts a place to live. Scrub the sinks, tub, and toilet, sweep and mop the floors, and wash the windows. Spray your water tanks clean and clean your freshwater system with bleach.

You might also wash the outside of your rig and touch up the seals on the outside of your RV to make sure they are ready for a RV new year of travel.

Make New Travel Plans

If your family is at all like my family, you tend to slow down quite a bit during the winter season and use it as a time of rest and reconnecting with friends and family. That said, the new year is when I like to sit down and hammer out spring travel plans. If you haven’t already, use the days leading up to the new year to figure out what you’ll be doing for the next several months.

Chat with your family about what they’d like to see and do, check in with friends to see when and where you might meet up with them, then start creating a travel route and making campground reservations. A new year of traveling fun is something to get excited about!

Buy a New Home-on-Wheels

Finally, if you’ve been thinking about purchasing a new RV, you might consider using this season as shopping season. When a new year rolls around, many new RV models are released, meaning you’ll have some new options to choose from. On top of that, the RVs left over from the year before tend to be marked down, meaning you could save some money.

Hoping to buy used? December and January are a good time for this too because the RV market is slow, meaning you’ll likely pay less during the cold months.

There you have it: 7 terrific ways for RVers to welcome the new year. I’m probably going to use most of these ideas to plan my RV new year celebration. What about you?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

You may not think much about your RV sink, but you do use the thing every day, meaning the more functional you can make it, the better off you’re going to be. To be honest, I never really thought too much about my sink until I recently started researching new faucets and water heater options. What I found was a whole new world of cool upgrades and accessories that can improve your RV sink.

Want to make your RV sink the best it can possibly be? Here are some accessories and upgrades you might want to consider.

Peel and Stick Backsplash

First, there is the peel-and-stick backsplash. This is a seriously easy upgrade that gives your RV kitchen a more residential feel and makes cleaning up after messy dishwashing sessions a cinch. Just buy some peel-and-stick tile, cut it to the right size, peel off the backing, and stick it into place!

Upgraded Sink Faucet

This is what I was originally researching when I came across all of these cool RV sink upgrade ideas. Our old RV sink faucet is terrible. It’s plastic, too short, and doesn’t move the way I’d like.

The good news? I learned that you can actually use any faucet you like in your RV, meaning a residential faucet will fit just fine and will likely look nicer, and it’ll give you a whole lot more features besides. Best of all, replacing the RV sink faucet is actually pretty easy, so much so that even I can tackle the task.

Over Sink Dish Drainer

One of the things I dislike most about our RV kitchen is the lack of counter space. This makes cooking difficult under the best circumstances, but when something needs to sit on the counter, cooking is pretty much impossible. Generally, this means that drying dishes and cooking simultaneously is a no-go. That said, if you invest in one of these nifty over-the-sink dish drainers, you can do both at the same time.

The drainer simply sits over the sink, allowing dishes to drip into the sink basin and freeing up all of the valuable counter space that would have been unusable otherwise.

Sink Cover

Another way to improve upon the counter space situation in your RV kitchen? An RV sink cover. These are covers made specifically to fit over RV sinks. Some are merely plastic, but others are wood and can be used as cutting boards.

In all cases, an RV sink cover will give you a little more surface area to work with while prepping meals, as long as you don’t need the sink at the same time.

Aerator with Pause Switch

It’s super easy to waste water while washing dishes. You need a good amount of water pressure, meaning you probably turn the water up high. On top of that, you might leave the water running between dishes so you don’t lose the perfect temperature.

These are problems my family fixed in our RV shower by replacing the shower head with an Oxygenics shower head. You can do a similar thing in your RV sink. Just add an aerator attachment to give yourself more water pressure with less water consumption, and choose one with a pause switch so you can easily pause the flow of water without losing your temperature setting.

Under-Sink Water Filter

There are also a couple of items you can install under your RV sink to make it more functional. One of those things is an under-sink water filter. This type of water filter is mounted inside the sink cabinet and is placed in-line, meaning all sink water runs through the filter before coming through the faucet.

While these types of filters cannot make non-potable water drinkable, they certainly can filter out odd tastes and smells, giving you pure drinking water no matter where you roam.

Supplemental Under-Sink Water Heater

The final awesome RV sink accessory on my list is a supplemental under-sink water heater. This is something I came across when researching replacement water heater options for our trailer, and I think these might be an excellent idea for some RVers.

Basically, you place a small water heater in-line under your sink. This gives you hot water immediately after turning on the tap, meaning you won’t have to wait for hot water to get to your sink from the main water heater, something that will save water and prevent your gray tank from filling too quickly. It’s also possible to avoid using the main water heater entirely, opting instead to use the under-sink heater, which will remove the need to use propane and could save you money.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to upgrade your RV sink to make it the ideal sink for you and your family. Which project will you take on first? No matter which one you choose, I’m sure you’ll be happy you took the time to improve your home-on-wheels and make it more perfect for you.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

You may not think much about your RV sink, but you do use the thing every day, meaning the more functional you can make it, the better off you’re going to be. To be honest, I never really thought too much about my sink until I recently started researching new faucets and water heater options. What I found was a whole new world of cool upgrades and accessories that can improve your RV sink.

Want to make your RV sink the best it can possibly be? Here are some accessories and upgrades you might want to consider.

Peel and Stick Backsplash

First, there is the peel-and-stick backsplash. This is a seriously easy upgrade that gives your RV kitchen a more residential feel and makes cleaning up after messy dishwashing sessions a cinch. Just buy some peel-and-stick tile, cut it to the right size, peel off the backing, and stick it into place!

Upgraded Sink Faucet

This is what I was originally researching when I came across all of these cool RV sink upgrade ideas. Our old RV sink faucet is terrible. It’s plastic, too short, and doesn’t move the way I’d like.

The good news? I learned that you can actually use any faucet you like in your RV, meaning a residential faucet will fit just fine and will likely look nicer, and it’ll give you a whole lot more features besides. Best of all, replacing the RV sink faucet is actually pretty easy, so much so that even I can tackle the task.

Over Sink Dish Drainer

One of the things I dislike most about our RV kitchen is the lack of counter space. This makes cooking difficult under the best circumstances, but when something needs to sit on the counter, cooking is pretty much impossible. Generally, this means that drying dishes and cooking simultaneously is a no-go. That said, if you invest in one of these nifty over-the-sink dish drainers, you can do both at the same time.

The drainer simply sits over the sink, allowing dishes to drip into the sink basin and freeing up all of the valuable counter space that would have been unusable otherwise.

Sink Cover

Another way to improve upon the counter space situation in your RV kitchen? An RV sink cover. These are covers made specifically to fit over RV sinks. Some are merely plastic, but others are wood and can be used as cutting boards.

In all cases, an RV sink cover will give you a little more surface area to work with while prepping meals, as long as you don’t need the sink at the same time.

Aerator with Pause Switch

It’s super easy to waste water while washing dishes. You need a good amount of water pressure, meaning you probably turn the water up high. On top of that, you might leave the water running between dishes so you don’t lose the perfect temperature.

These are problems my family fixed in our RV shower by replacing the shower head with an Oxygenics shower head. You can do a similar thing in your RV sink. Just add an aerator attachment to give yourself more water pressure with less water consumption, and choose one with a pause switch so you can easily pause the flow of water without losing your temperature setting.

Under-Sink Water Filter

There are also a couple of items you can install under your RV sink to make it more functional. One of those things is an under-sink water filter. This type of water filter is mounted inside the sink cabinet and is placed in-line, meaning all sink water runs through the filter before coming through the faucet.

While these types of filters cannot make non-potable water drinkable, they certainly can filter out odd tastes and smells, giving you pure drinking water no matter where you roam.

Supplemental Under-Sink Water Heater

The final awesome RV sink accessory on my list is a supplemental under-sink water heater. This is something I came across when researching replacement water heater options for our trailer, and I think these might be an excellent idea for some RVers.

Basically, you place a small water heater in-line under your sink. This gives you hot water immediately after turning on the tap, meaning you won’t have to wait for hot water to get to your sink from the main water heater, something that will save water and prevent your gray tank from filling too quickly. It’s also possible to avoid using the main water heater entirely, opting instead to use the under-sink heater, which will remove the need to use propane and could save you money.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to upgrade your RV sink to make it the ideal sink for you and your family. Which project will you take on first? No matter which one you choose, I’m sure you’ll be happy you took the time to improve your home-on-wheels and make it more perfect for you.

At this point, winter is in full swing, and that means we’re all doing our best to keep our RVs as warm as possible. Unfortunately, depending on how cold the weather gets, this can be a bit tricky, especially if you choose to RV without hookups and can’t keep space heaters going all day.

The good news? It is totally possible to keep an RV warm even when hookups aren’t available. Here are my top tips for doing just that.

Layer Up

First and foremost, before tackling any other tasks on this list, you will want to layer up. Obviously this doesn’t warm up the RV itself so much as it keeps you personally warm, but it’s actually such a major part of keeping warm in your RV without hookups that we’d be remiss not to mention it.

So yeah, invest in some long underwear and always wear socks (and maybe even a hat) while you’re in the RV. Add extra blankets to your bed as well, and consider getting a robe or a throw blanket to use while sitting on the couch.

The more clothing layers you use, the less it’s going to matter if you have the heat running or if your rig is a little colder than you might normally keep it.

Insulate Everything

You can also hold onto the heat in your RV by insulating every way you can. Add insulation to your windows, use a skirt around the bottom of your RV, and put vent pillows in the roof vents. If it’s super cold out, you might even hang blankets or tapestries on the walls, over the door, and over the windows to keep in as much warmth as possible.

Park Smart

While you might want a shady spot during the hot season, winter is the perfect time to choose the campsites that are in full sun. This will allow you to take advantage of every bit of sunlight you can get, meaning your RV will stay warmer during the day.

Another smart parking tip when trying to keep warm in your RV without hookups? Look for wind blocks whenever you can. Parking next to a building will help block some of the winter wind, making it easier to keep the cold out of your home-on-wheels.

Run the Furnace

Believe it or not, you can run the furnace built into your RV without hookups. That said, you will need propane and enough battery power to run the fan, and unfortunately, it’s easy to run through both pretty quickly.

When you have an electric hookup it’s easy enough to recharge your battery bank, but without hookups, this is a little bit trickier and you might need to look into solar power or a generator to keep things running. Of course, you’ll also need to make sure you have a way to refill the propane when needed.

Grab a Mr. Buddy Heater

If you need to run a heater but feel that it’s too much hassle keeping your battery bank charged and your RV propane tanks topped up, you might consider investing in a Mr. Buddy Heater.

These are portable propane heaters that do not require any electricity at all. The amount of propane they use is miniscule in comparison to the propane used by an RV furnace, and you can choose to use large 20-pound tanks or the tiny 1-pound canisters of fuel.

Note: If you choose to go this route, it is important that you follow the product instructions carefully, making sure to crack a window near the heater for safety.

Invest in an Electric Blanket

You may be staying in your RV without hookups, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use any electricity at all to keep warm. For instance, there are quite a few battery-operated electric blankets on the market to choose from. Put one on your bed and you’ll stay nice and toasty all night long, no matter how cold the rest of the RV gets. Charge the blanket up in the car the next day and you’ll be prepared for another night of chilly temperatures.

Pick Up Some Hand Warmers

Don’t want to bother with recharging a blanket every day? You can also heat your bed without any electricity at all by investing in some Hot Hands hand warmers. These disposable hand warmers don’t require batteries, an outlet, or any sort of fuel.

All you have to do is follow the instructions on the package to activate them, place the hand warmers in your bed, and snuggle up under the blankets with them and you’ll be comfy cozy in no time at all.

Consider Moving South

Of course, you could avoid the need to keep the RV warm altogether by moving south. A huge number of RVers head to Florida, Texas, Arizona, and southern California during the winter months to skip the cold weather and keep on enjoying sunshine right on through January and February.

This is an especially good idea if you plan to camp without hookups, as it means mild temperatures, which are the best kinds of temperatures for boondocking.

As you can see, staying comfortably warm while living in your RV without hookups is totally possible. Use these tips and you’ll get through the cold season just fine!

The holiday season has officially arrived and if you haven’t already, it’s time to think about what you will do to celebrate. Over the years, we’ve had a lot of different RV Christmas adventures. Some were one time experiences and others have become traditions that our family has grown to love, but all have given us precious memories that we will treasure for years to come.

In this article, I will outline some of our very favorite RV Christmas traditions and experiences. If you aren’t sure what to do for your RV Christmas celebration, pick and choose from this list. I promise you can’t go wrong.

Cookie Decorating With Friends

We decorate cookies every year. That said, our favorite cookie decorating experiences have been with campground friends. We’ve attended campground hosted cookie decorating events, gingerbread house decorating days hosted by fellow RVing families, and even hosted small cookie decorating shindigs on our own site.

This is a great way to connect with your RV neighbors and get to know one another while enjoying a beloved holiday tradition. Of course, the delicious results are also a nice bonus!

Cutting Our Own Christmas Tree

One of my all time favorite RV Christmas memories? The time we went into a national forest in Florida and cut our own Christmas tree with our RVing friends. I had never cut my own Christmas tree before, and I certainly didn’t know you could do so in a national forest, so this was all new and exciting for me.

What I learned is that you can actually cut your own Christmas tree in national forests all across the country. All you have to do is snag a Christmas Tree permit for about $15 (make sure you get a permit for the forest you plan to visit specifically) and then head into the forest with the tools to cut and carry your tree back to your RV.

Note that walking into these forests can involve walking through overgrown areas with spiny plants. Make sure to dress accordingly.

Giving Experiences

When we first started RVing we were living in a super small, 27 foot trailer without a slide. This meant lots of toys and clothes simply would not fit, which meant we had to think carefully about the gifts we gave. Honestly, we were already pretty minimalistic in this respect, so this wasn’t too hard. Still, we wanted to find a way to make sure Christmas morning was still exciting. Enter: experience gifts.

That first Christmas, we gave our son a reciprocal museum membership. Since then, we have given Universal Orlando passes, tickets to swim with sea lions, classes, cruises, and more. These have turned into my favorite gifts to choose and give and the tradition of giving experience gifts will likely carry on as long as I have kids to give to.

Homemade Decorations

Here’s the thing; when you live in an RV, you don’t have a lot of room to store holiday decorations. This is a shame because decorating is so much fun. My solution? Inexpensive, homemade decorations that can be repurposed or thrown out at the end of the season.

We’ve made red and green construction paper chains, inexpensive ornaments with candy canes and little foam craft kits, and paper cut outs to hang in the windows. You could also make popcorn chains if you have the patience.

Campground Caroling

I first experienced this in a campground in California and fell in love. I’ve always loved caroling, but doing it at a campground was even more fun. I loved getting together with other RV families to enjoy hot cocoa and do a bit of practicing and then once we got out there and started singing to people, the response was fantastic. More people were home to enjoy our music and RVers are so kind. Many gave the kids treats and all of them thanked us. Some even sang along!

Another thing I loved about caroling in a campground in California? The weather was warm, making the whole thing more comfortable. The same would be true in Florida, Arizona, or even south Texas, of course.

Experiencing Local Christmas Fun

No matter where we are on Christmas, we always like to make a point of experiencing whatever local holiday activities happen to be going on. Sometimes this means checking out campground events, but more often, we end up out in the community. We’ve met Santa in a number of states, and I love finding the best Christmas lights displays in whatever city we happen to be near.

Oddly, one of the most festive cities we’ve visited during the Christmas season was Yuma, Arizona. That said, we are in Chickasha, Oklahoma this year and this town touts itself as “Christmas Town USA”. They host a huge lights display and all kinds of events through the month of December, so I imagine it’s going to be amazing.

Attending Rallies

Last but not least, I have to mention the idea of attending a rally during Christmas time. This is something we’ve only gotten to do a couple of times, but it really does enhance the holiday season. If the rally is Christmas themed, you’ll likely do Christmas crafts and experience some Christmas activities that will help the season feel more festive. You’ll also spend the holiday season with friends, something that might be much needed if you are away from extended family.

Usually rallies do not run all the way through Christmas Day. That said, many people will probably stick together until the actual holiday and you can join them to make sure you have good company all the way through until the new year.

Celebrating an RV Christmas might be different than celebrating in a sticks and bricks home, but it is just as fun (and sometimes even better) as long as you seek out friends to share the season with and find ways to make it a memorable time. What will you do this for your RV Christmas celebrations?

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

You might live in your RV, but that doesn’t mean the thing never ends up in storage. I know we’ve put our RV in storage on more than one occasion for vacation and to visit family and every time I wonder whether we ought to invest in one of the many RV covers on the market. We haven’t yet, but that doesn’t mean we won’t and it certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In fact, we are hoping to go to Europe for a few months sometime in the next couple of years and we will absolutely be buying an RV cover for that.

Plan to buy one of your own? Here’s everything you need to know about RV covers.

Why Use an RV Cover?

The number one reason RVers use RV covers? Protection. A cover protects the exterior of your RV from rain, snow, UV rays, and wind. This can help prevent fading and cracking of decals as well as corrosion and possibly even leaks. An RV cover also keeps things like dust, debris, and sap off of the RV, making it easier to keep the rig clean and potentially even reducing the amount of damage the roof and exterior walls see.

On top of all that, an RV cover can also help control the interior temperature of your RV. This, and the fact that the cover blocks sunlight from entering the rig can help protect RV furnishings.

All of this extra protection will help extend the lifespan of your RV and may even reduce the need for maintenance and the costs associated with maintenance tasks.

Potential Drawbacks of an RV Cover

While there are a lot of benefits to using RV covers, there are also a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before you invest in one. For starters, although a cover can offer protection, it can also cause damage if used incorrectly. If the cover is not properly secured (or if it doesn’t fit properly), it can rub on the exterior of the RV, leading to scratches and abrasions. Additionally, some covers do not allow enough airflow. This causes them to trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew on the RV.

There are some other, smaller issues with RV covers including the fact that a cover can be extremely difficult to install and remove. Besides that, the cover will need to be stored between uses, something that can be an issue for full time RVers who have very little storage space to work with.

What to Look for in an RV Cover

Ready to buy and RV cover? There are several things you should look for as you shop in order to ensure you get the best cover for your rig.

Material Quality

• Durable Fabric: Look for covers made from high-quality, heavy-duty materials like polypropylene or polyester, which are resistant to tearing and UV damage.
• UV Protection: UV-resistant material prevents sun damage and fading, especially if you’ll be in sunny areas for extended periods.

Fit and Size

• Custom Fit vs. Universal: Custom-fit covers are tailored to specific RV models and tend to offer better protection but may be pricier. Universal covers are more affordable and easier to find, but they may not fit as snugly and could cause damage.
• Size and Dimensions: Measure your RV’s length, height, and width accurately to find a cover that fits well. A too-large cover can flap in the wind, while a too-small cover won’t offer full protection.

Ventilation

• Vents to Reduce Moisture: Look for covers with built-in vents to allow air circulation and reduce condensation, which helps prevent mildew and corrosion, especially if you’re in a humid climate.
• Strategic Vent Placement: Covers with well-placed vents can minimize billowing in windy conditions, which reduces wear on the cover and prevents abrasion against the RV.

Easy Installation and Access

• Elastic Hem or Cinching Straps: Elastic hems or adjustable straps make it easier to secure the cover and prevent it from shifting in the wind.
• Zippered Panels: Zippered access panels let you reach entry doors and storage compartments without having to remove the cover, which is convenient if you’ll be accessing your RV while it’s covered.

Cost and Brand Reputation

• Quality vs. Price: Balancing quality with affordability is key. Spending a bit more on a well-reviewed cover can save you money over time if it provides lasting protection.
• Brand Reliability: Established brands often have better design features, quality control, and customer service.

Other Things to Look For

• Warranty Length and Coverage: A longer warranty is a good indicator of a cover’s durability. Look for at least a two- or three-year warranty.

• Included Storage Bag: A quality cover often comes with a bag for compact storage when not in use. Make sure the bag is sturdy and that the cover can be folded down to fit inside without too much hassle.

Our Favorite RV Covers

We can’t recommend a specific cover for your RV because you really need to purchase something that fits your RV well. That said, we do have a few brands to recommend. Choose one of the RV covers made by one of these companies and you really can’t go wrong.

ADCO

ADCO is one of the most trusted RV cover brands on the market. They offer covers for a variety of different climates, so you can buy one that will offer top notch protection no matter where you live.

Classic Accessories

Known for providing good-quality covers at a reasonable price point, Classic Accessories also offers good customer service and warranty support. They make covers for a variety of use cases, including the PermaPRO (lightweight and durable, great for frequent use) and PolyPRO3 (designed for winter storage).

Camco

Camco is a well-known brand for RV accessories. They offer a nice balance of affordability, availability, and quality. These covers are relatively basic, but they are perfect for RVers on a budget and they get the job done well.

Eevelle

Eevelle offers high-quality covers and focuses on durable materials and solid warranties. The cost for these covers is a bit higher, but their products do tend to last for years and this, paired with the specialized protection they offer, make them well worth the extra cost.

In my opinion, an RV cover is a worthwhile investment if you leave your RV in storage for more than a couple of weeks a year. I know we will buy one before we head to Europe, as it will allow me to enjoy my trip in peace, knowing my RV is unlikely to have issues with sun damage, hail damage, or water damage while I’m gone.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

RVing with kids is a ton of fun, and it’s a great way to give your little ones an amazing education. Unfortunately, a lot of RVs aren’t made with families in mind. This means a good number of rigs on the market don’t have enough RV beds for the whole family. This is something we’ve come across a lot lately as we search for a new RV of our own.

The good news? We can fix this problem by adding RV beds to pretty much any motorhome or trailer. This means we should be able to make a good number of the RVs out there work for us. It also means you can convert an RV to work for you, no matter the size of your family.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some of the best ideas I’ve had for adding RV beds to a home-on-wheels.

Convert Other Furniture

My first idea (and the one we will probably end up using) is super simple: using a piece of furniture that is made to convert to a bed and making it a permanent sleeping space. This is ideal because it doesn’t require pulling any furniture out of the rig, something that could potentially hurt the resale value. It can also be a super inexpensive option.

That said, you will probably want to do more than just convert the couch or dinette to bed mode and call it a day. You see, those couch and dinette beds are notoriously uncomfortable, and sleeping on one full-time is probably not the best plan.

Instead, I recommend finding a mattress (or at least a good, thick mattress topper) that fits the space and placing that on top of the couch or dinette bed. If you can’t find one that is the right size and shape, a memory foam mattress can be cut down using an electric bread knife.

To make the space a bit more private, consider hanging a curtain around the bed. If the bed happens to be in a slide-out, you might be able to use a tension rod. Otherwise, you might have to use a U-shaped shower curtain rod.

Invest in a Disc-O-Bed

Of course, there’s also the option of pulling a piece of furniture out and replacing it with a dedicated bed for the kids, or even setting up a bed in an unused nook in the RV. The Disc-O-Bed is great for this!

These are portable bunk beds that fold up like a camping chair or cot, but they stack so you can sleep two kids in a space that would normally only sleep one. They are surprisingly comfortable and come in both kid and adult sizes, so even your teenagers can use this solution.

Grab a Rollaway Bed

I love the idea of using a folding rollaway guest bed in an RV. With one of these, you could remove a couch or dinette and put a bed in that space, except the bed would be foldable and rollable, making it easy to move out of the way anytime you need a large amount of floor space. I’m particularly fond of the single bed, which is narrower than a traditional twin, meaning it fits nicely in a slide-out.

This would be ideal if you have kids with you only some of the time, or if you need a good chunk of space to work with only some of the time. Personally, I would use the extra floor space to teach my weekly online dance lessons and then put the bed back down for my daughter after I finished classes.

Check Out Cabbunk

If you have a campervan (or possibly even a class C RV), the Cabbunk is an excellent way to add RV beds to your setup. This ingenious invention uses the seats in the cab area of a van to create a set of bunk beds that are perfect for younger kids.

The beds are more like cots or hammocks than actual beds, but we’ve yet to hear someone say they are uncomfortable. That said, you might add a sleeping mat to the setup if you plan to have your kids use these beds for long periods of time.

Set Up a Luno Bed

Another great way to use the cab area of a class B (or, again, maybe a class C) is the Luno Bed. This is an inflatable bed that is made to sit in the cab area of a van. It is made so it doesn’t sag between the seats, and it lays flat to prevent the sleeper from rolling into a corner. It also fits nicely around the steering wheel.

The bed does require a bit of time to set up and take down, so if you use your van or RV as a daily driver, this might not be an ideal solution. That said, if you tend to park the van once you arrive at the campsite and use a second vehicle to get around, this could work for you.

Expand a Current Bed

Some families choose to put the kids in the master bedroom and have the parents sleep on a nice futon or hide-a-bed in the living area. This works well if you only have one or two kids, but what if you want to sleep a few kids in the master bedroom?

In this case, you could of course create a custom bed setup—something we will discuss more below—but you could also expand upon the queen bed that is already in the bedroom. Many RV beds have some room on both sides of the master bed. By building boxes that sit flush with the current bed frame, you can expand the bed to accommodate a king size mattress, making room for an extra kid or two.

Build a Custom Setup

Last but definitely not least, there is the option of building your own custom bed setup that perfectly suits your situation. I’ve seen several different iterations of this idea. These include a small bunk above the master bed, custom-sized bunk beds in the living room slide, a trundle bed that fits under an existing bed when not in use, double bunks converted to triple bunks, and more.

Get creative and play with your space. You likely already have an idea of what you need and what will work in your space, and I’m betting you can come up with something fantastic!

As you can see, there are a number of options for adding RV beds to your setup. Pick one of the options above and get started. Your kids are sure to appreciate having their own dedicated sleeping spaces, and you’ll be able to get out on the road and have some amazing experiences even without that “perfect” bunkhouse RV that can be so impossibly difficult to find.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about things like moving to warmer weather or winterizing your rig.

Another thing to think about? The snow that will inevitably end up on your RV roof should you stay in a cold area. But how much snow can an RV roof handle? Should you clean it off, and how do you go about that?

In this article, we will help you understand the answer to, “How much snow can an RV roof handle?” This will allow you to head into the winter season knowing exactly how to take care of your RV roof when the first snowstorm hits.

How Much Snow Can an RV Roof Handle?

Most RV roofs are designed to handle some snow, so if all you’ll see the whole winter is a light dusting, you probably don’t have much to worry about. That said, the roofs of RVs are not built for the weight of heavy accumulation, which is something that everyone in locations seeing a lot of snow will need to keep in mind.

How much snow can an RV roof handle? Generally speaking, the following is a good guide:

• Light Snow: A couple of inches to half a foot of light powdery snow is usually safe—as long as more snow doesn’t fall on top of it, which could cause it to build up and become heavy.
• Wet or Heavy Snow: Because it contains more water and less air, wet snow weighs significantly more than powder. This type of snow can weigh in at around 20 pounds per cubic foot, meaning that even a few inches of snow buildup can weigh quite a lot on your RV roof.
• Accumulation Limit: If you see more than 6–8 inches of any snow type, consider clearing it off. Remember, the weight of snow can add up fast and put undue stress on the roof structure. Additionally, melting snow has a tendency to make its way into any cracks and crevices it can find, often leading to leaks and costly water damage.

Keep in mind that any snow that has melted and refrozen is a lot harder to remove than fresh snow. Therefore, if you anticipate buildup, it is best to remove snow fairly quickly after it falls.

Tools to Remove Snow from RV Roof

Let’s say you’ve noticed that around 6 inches of wet snow has made itself at home on your RV roof. What do you do now? You gather the right tools for the job, of course!

The most important thing to keep in mind when preparing for RV roof snow removal is safety. Your RV roof is going to be extremely slippery when covered in snow, and you don’t want to put any extra stress on the roof, meaning walking on the roof is out. This means working with a ladder and long-handled tools that can reach across the roof.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you have a way to stay warm, as getting too cold while removing snow from your RV roof is also dangerous. This is where a coat, a hat, and quality waterproof work gloves come into play.

Besides staying safe, it’s also important to consider the preservation of your RV roof. Metal or plastic tools can easily slice through a rubber RV roof, leading to leaks and water damage. Therefore, foam brushes and soft-bristled rakes are your best bet.

RV Snow Removal Tool List

• Long-handled soft-bristle broom
• Long-handled foam brush
• Sturdy ladder
• Waterproof work gloves
• Hat, coat, and other warm layers

RV Snow Removal Methods

The best time to start your RV snow removal project is in the afternoon. This is when the sunlight is at its warmest, causing the snow and ice to soften and making it much easier to work with. As mentioned above, it’s also easier to work with fresh snow than it is to work with snow that has melted and refrozen. Therefore, tackling this task right after each snowfall can be helpful.

When removing snow from an RV roof, you may be tempted to use hot water to melt the snow. Don’t do this, as it can damage the roof. As mentioned above, you will also want to avoid using hard or sharp objects to remove snow buildup.

Instead, carefully use your long-handled brush or rake to remove the snow from one corner. Slowly work your way around the perimeter of the RV, making sure to reach all the way to the middle of the RV roof to remove the snow gathered there.

If you come across a particularly stuck-on bit of snow or ice, don’t get too rough with it. Instead, wait for that patch of buildup to melt and remove it at that point.

Protecting Your RV Roof from Snow

Knowing the answer to, “How much snow can an RV roof handle?” and then removing snow from your RV roof when it gets to be too much is a good way to help protect and preserve your RV roof. That said, there are better and easier ways to provide protection for your roof throughout the winter. The best option? Keeping snow off the roof entirely.

There are a few different ways you can ensure no snow ever touches your RV roof:

• The first option is to move south out of snowy weather. If you are able, this is the best option, as it also protects your RV plumbing system and batteries from the cold weather.
• Of course, not everyone can move south for winter. In these cases, we recommend trying to find a covered RV parking spot. This will keep snow off of your RV roof and may help keep your rig a bit warmer throughout the winter season.
• The final option is an RV cover. Unfortunately, this only works if you won’t be staying in the RV. If you use this method, make sure you use a cover specifically for RVs. It’s also important to understand that while snow removal will be easier when you cover your RV, and while leaks will be less likely, you will still need to get out there and remove snow buildup from the top of the cover from time to time to protect the structure of your RV roof.

The question, “How much snow can an RV roof handle?” is a great one that some people never even think to ask. Now that you know the answer, use this information to your advantage and take great care of your RV roof this winter. This will help ensure your RV stays in good shape for many more years of travel!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Your RV roof is one of the most important parts of your rig. It’s what shelters you from the sun and keeps the rain off your head no matter where you roam. Because of this, it’s super important that you take good care of your RV roof.

Here’s what I’ve learned about RV roofs and how to care for them over the years. Use this info to keep your roof in excellent shape for many miles to come!

Learning About Your RV Roof

It’s incredibly important that you know some key things about your RV roof. These include what your roof is made of and whether or not your RV roof is walkable. Knowing these things will help you take proper care of your RV roof so it will last for years to come.

RV Roofing Materials

RV roofs are commonly made from materials such as…

• Rubber (EPDM or TPO): Lightweight, flexible, and weather-resistant.
• Fiberglass: Durable, easy to clean, and resistant to leaks, but heavier for it.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, but prone to dents and corrosion.

Each material has different maintenance needs, so it’s important to know your RV roof type. You can figure out which type of RV roof you have through observation. An aluminum roof will be pretty obvious, and a fiberglass roof will be smooth and slick. Meanwhile, a rubber roof will feel like rubber.

You can determine whether your rubber RV roof is EPDM or TPO by removing the interior trim on a roof vent. This will give you a peek at the underside of the rubber roofing material. If the top is the same color as the bottom, you have a TPO roof. Otherwise, your roof is EPDM.

Determining Whether Your RV Roof is Walkable

Many RV roofs are designed to be walked on, but it depends on the construction of your RV. Generally, if an RV has a ladder on the back, the roof is walkable. That said, it’s best to check your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer to see if your roof can handle the weight.

If it can indeed withstand being walked on, use caution to avoid damaging roof components like vents and solar panels. If your roof isn’t rated for walking, use a ladder or scaffolding to access it safely.

Cleaning Your RV Roof

You’ll want to clean your RV roof every couple of months to ensure it stays in tip-top shape. This is something I could do a better job of staying on top of myself, but it really isn’t all that difficult.

First, you’ll need to gather your supplies:

• Use a mild soap or a cleaner specifically designed for your roof type. (Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or petroleum-based products, which can damage the material.)
• Grab a long-handled, soft brush for scrubbing away spots.
• A water hose connected to a spigot is also needed.
• You’ll want a ladder to help you reach certain spots.

To clean the roof, follow the steps below:

1. Park on Level Ground: Ensure your RV is parked on a flat, stable surface, and use the parking brake to prevent any movement.
2. Inspect the Roof: Before starting, check for any cracks, holes, or weak spots that may need repair.
3. Rinse the Roof: Using a garden hose or power washer (on low pressure), gently rinse off loose dirt, leaves, and debris.
4. Apply Cleaner: Spray or apply the roof cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down dirt and stains.
5. Scrub the Roof: Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the roof gently. Pay attention to seams, vents, and other fixtures.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the roof completely to remove all cleaner and dirt.
7. Dry the Roof: Allow the roof to air dry, or use a towel to dry off any remaining water.
8. Inspect Seals: Once the roof is clean and dry, check for any damaged seals or areas that may need resealing.

Maintaining Your RV Roof

Cleaning your RV roof is just one aspect of RV roof maintenance. It’s also important to protect your roof in any way you can. The tips below will help you do just that.

Inspecting Your Roof

It’s recommended to inspect your RV roof at least twice a year—ideally in the spring and fall—or more often if your RV is exposed to harsh weather conditions. Look for cracks, tears, loose seals, or any signs of wear that could lead to leaks.

Resealing Roof Seals

If you find that some of the seals are coming up or cracking, it’s time to reseal the roof:

1. First, clean the area with dish soap and water to remove any dirt or debris, allowing the area to dry completely before the next step.
2. Next, apply an RV roof sealant compatible with your roof material, ensuring you focus on seams, edges, and around any rooftop fixtures.

Even if your seals look totally fine, it’s best to go over them at least once a year to prevent damage due to leaks.

Repairing Holes and Tears

Sometimes tree branches scrape the top of your RV, causing damage to the rubber put here. This has happened to us multiple times over the past decade, but we’ve never had any extensive damage. Instead, we’ve just had small rips and holes that were very easy to repair.

My favorite way to repair these holes is by using EternaBond Tape. That said, some people prefer RV roof patch kits. These kits usually include a patch and adhesive, which can be applied over the damaged area after it is cleaned and prepped. Either way, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for the best results.

Avoiding RV Roof Damage

Of course, it’s better to avoid damage altogether if you can. While this isn’t always possible, there are some steps you can take to prevent damage to your RV roof.

Preventing Sun Damage

Using an RV cover or parking under cover can protect your roof from UV rays, thus helping to extend the lifespan of the roof. If you opt for a cover rather than covered storage, be sure to use a breathable cover to prevent moisture buildup underneath, which could lead to mold or mildew.

Preventing Damage from Branches

When parking or driving, be aware of overhanging branches that can scrape or puncture the roof. Use an RV cover when storing the vehicle to protect against falling debris. You can also install a roof guard or vent covers to shield vents and skylights from damage.

Preventing Snow Damage

If you’re in a snowy region, it’s important to remove snow and ice buildup from your roof, as excess weight can cause damage or leaks. Use a snow rake with a soft blade to carefully remove snow without scratching the roof. Avoid walking on a slippery, snow-covered roof.

Replacing Your RV Roof

No matter how well you take care of your RV roof, it will eventually need to be replaced.

The lifespan of an RV roof depends on the material and how well it’s maintained. Rubber roofs (EPDM or TPO) typically last around 10–15 years, while fiberglass and aluminum roofs can last longer, up to 20 years or more. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and resealing can help maximize the lifespan of your roof.

Signs that your roof may need replacement include:

• Persistent leaks despite repairs
• Large cracks or significant damage
• Bubbling or separation of roof material
• Extensive water damage to the interior ceiling

If you determine that your roof does indeed need to be replaced, it is possible to do this on your own, but you will need to be very handy and have lots of tools, patience, and friends to help out.

The video below will help you get a better understanding of the process.

 

If this doesn’t seem like something you can tackle (I know I certainly couldn’t), you’ll need to hire a professional to replace your RV roof for you.

As you can see, there is a lot to know about the care and keeping of your RV roof. Fortunately, once you get into a groove, taking care of your roof is actually a cinch—and by staying on top of maintenance, your roof should last for years to come!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for us full timers to start prepping. Most of us are aware that we need to get our RVs ready by adding skirting and heated hoses, and we all know that finding winter clothes is a must-do. Another thing you need to think about? Your pets.

Winter camping with dogs is not any more difficult than camping with dogs any other time of year. That said, it does require a little bit of forethought. In this article, we will discuss what you need to think about as we head into the cold season while full timing with a dog.

Keeping Your Pup Safe and Comfortable

The most important things to consider when planning on winter camping with dogs? The comfort and safety of your pet. Overall, this is easy enough to do, but we have included a few tips to help you out.

Know Your Pet’s Limits

It’s important that you know your pet and their individual limits. If your pup has arthritis, they likely won’t be able to handle the chilly weather for long. Meanwhile, a husky should be able to hang out in the cold for quite some time.

Know what your dog can handle and pay attention to their cues so you know when it’s time to go inside and get out of the cold.

Bundle Up

If it’s super cold outside, it’s never a bad idea to bundle your dog up, especially if your pup happens to be smaller or have thinner-than-average fur.

There are plenty of dog coats on the market, so you can choose one that suits your pet. Add a set of dog booties to protect your furry friend’s paws from snow, ice, and cold.

Check the Paws

Speaking of paws, make sure to keep an eye on your dog’s paws when spending a lot of time outdoors in the cold weather. Snow can actually build up between the toes, causing pain—and sometimes, paws will crack and bleed when they get too cold.

If you notice your pup’s paws looking chapped or bothered by the cold, clean them well, apply ointment, and make an effort to stay out of the cold for a bit.

Stay Hydrated

Everyone knows how important it is to stay hydrated when the weather is hot, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to remember to drink water in hot weather because you feel thirsty.

What some people don’t realize is that it’s actually easier to become dehydrated in winter, because while your body does need plenty of water, it won’t always feel as thirsty in the cold. This can lead humans to consume less water, and it might mean you forget to offer water to your pets as well.

It’s important to get into the habit of offering water regularly, especially if you are being active and even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Wash Up

Antifreeze and chemicals that are put onto the ground to melt ice can be dangerous to dogs. Make sure to give your dog a wipe-down after going out on walks to ensure they don’t have any of these chemicals on their fur. Pay special attention to their paws and belly, as this is where chemicals are most likely to end up.

Take Fido with You

It’s common knowledge that leaving your dog in the car when the weather is hot is a no-no. That said, leaving a dog in a car in cold weather can be just as dangerous.

In areas of the country that don’t get super cold, a car can still reach insanely high temperatures on a slightly chilly but sunny day. In areas that do get cold, the inside of a car is likely to get extremely cold extremely fast. Either way, you’re putting your pup in danger any time you leave them in a car alone.

The best options are to (1) take the dog in with you, (2) leave the dog at home in your RV, or (3) bring someone along to sit in the car with the dog while you run in.

Monitor the RV

If you do choose to leave your dog in the RV alone, there are a couple things you’ll want to consider:

1. Heating the RV
2. Monitoring the RV from afar

As far as heating goes, you can either use the onboard supply of propane to keep the furnace running until you get back, or park in a spot with reliable electricity and run a couple of space heaters. If you choose to use the RV furnace, make sure you do have plenty of propane to keep the heater running until you get back. If you choose to go the space heater route, you might want to set the RV thermostat to a low but tolerable temperature, so the furnace will kick on if the heaters happen to quit running for any reason.

For monitoring the RV, we recommend a cellular pet monitor, which will connect to nearby cell towers. Planning to camp in a spot without cell service? A Wi-Fi pet monitor can be connected to the internet via Starlink and do the same job.

Choosing a Dog-Friendly Destination

Picking the right destinations when winter camping with dogs is key. Fortunately, there are a lot of great places you can enjoy with your dog during the cold season. Here’s what you need to know to choose the safest and most fun destinations possible.

Check the Forecast

Before you head anywhere to go winter camping with dogs, check the forecast. If there happens to be a storm or super cold weather in the forecast, it might be better to head elsewhere until the bad weather passes. After all, no dog wants to be stuck inside a tiny RV all day every day, and we’re betting you don’t want to be stuck inside with a rowdy dog that needs to run around.

Avoid Water

If you’re headed someplace cold, avoid camping or visiting places with bodies of water. Water can freeze over, but the layer of ice on top may not be strong enough to hold a dog. If your pup runs out onto the ice, they are liable to fall through, a very dangerous situation that we don’t wish on any dog or their owner.

Head South

Of course, you could just head south and avoid the cold and frozen water entirely. Locations like Florida, south Texas, SoCal, and Arizona are perfect winter destinations for RVers, especially those with active doggies who like to spend a lot of time outside.

Dog-Friendly Winter Destinations We Love

Still not sure where to go winter camping with dogs? Well, there’s the aforementioned Florida, South Texas, SoCal, and Arizona, and here are some of our favorite dog-friendly national parks to visit in the cold months.

Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is a great pick. It is far enough south that the weather is relatively warm even in winter. Dogs are welcome on all of the park’s trails and can even take park tours.

Grand Canyon National Park

Another good choice? Grand Canyon National Park. While this park does get cold sometimes, it’s rarely unbearably cold, and it’s the perfect park for pups. Many of the park’s trails are dog-friendly, meaning you can explore with Fido for hours.

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park also makes the list of good places for winter camping with dogs. The park stays relatively warm all year long. Leashed dogs are allowed on all park roads and trails and can even wander into the wilderness areas.

White Sands National Park

Last on our list of places to go winter camping with dogs is White Sands National Park. We love playing in this park with dogs, because pups can run around in the dunes wherever they choose. Unfortunately, the sand tends to be too hot for paws in summer. Therefore, winter is the better time to visit this gorgeous park with your furry friend.

And that’s it—everything you need to consider when winter camping with dogs! Now that you have all of the most important tips, why not start planning an awesome winter advance turn with your pup? We’re betting your furry friend really appreciates it.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Winter is well on its way, and if you haven’t already, you really should make a plan for where you will spend the cold months. The vast majority of full time RVers head south for the winter. A huge number of them head to SoCal or Arizona, and even more of them head to Florida, but one winter RV destination that isn’t talked about as much is Texas.

In this article, we will dive into the subject of winter RVing in Texas to help you understand why this might be a good fit for your family, and where you might want to go once you arrive in the Lone Star State.

Why Head to Texas for the Winter?

First, let’s take a minute to talk about why people enjoy winter RVing in Texas. There are several reasons for this, and when you add them all together, they do make a pretty compelling argument.

Warm Weather

Warm weather is probably the biggest benefit of winter RVing in Texas. While there are some parts of the state that do see some chilly weather, the southernmost parts of Texas are warm and sunny all year long.

Really, even the places that do see some cold weather are warmer than most of the rest of the country, so even if you don’t spend the entire winter in the far southern reaches of the state, you will still stay relatively comfortable while winter RVing in Texas.

Plenty of Friends

Because so many RVers flock to Texas in the winter months, you can expect to find plenty of friends while you’re down there. This is fantastic because it gives you the opportunity to create a nomadic community, something that is incredibly valuable to us full time RVers.

To ensure you are parked near other Fulltime Families members, we recommend reaching out on the Facebook groups to see who will be where.

Friendly Residents

On top of a thriving RV community, Texas also plays host to some of the most friendly and welcoming residents in the country. This is fantastic because it makes it easy to feel at home and befriend people who live in the area.

We find this especially nice if you happen to return to Texas year after year, because it gives you an opportunity to visit your Texas friends every winter season and create deeply rooted relationships.

Free and Low-Cost Camping Options

If you’re on a tight budget, you’re going to love Texas for its many free and low-cost camping options. There are city parks that offer camping with hookups for free, a few good boondocking posts, plenty of Thousand Trails parks, and some wonderful RV parks that offer amazingly low monthly rates.

Because of this—and the fact that Texas has a relatively low cost of living in general—you could easily use your winter in Texas to save big bucks that can be put toward your summer adventures.

The Best Places for Winter RVing in Texas

Wondering where you should go winter RVing in Texas? You have a lot of options, and as we mentioned before, most parts of Texas will be warmer than a lot of other places. That said, there are certain areas that have especially good weather, or at least some super amazing things to see and do. Some even have both!

Big Bend National Park

While it is probably the coldest spot on this list, Big Bend National Park is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Texas. Honestly, we don’t recommend spending your entire winter in the park because it really does get cold, and you’d be pretty far away from things like shopping and dining. That said, if you can squish in a visit to Big Bend during your time in Texas, you won’t be disappointed.

South Padre Island

A huge number of Fulltime Families members head down to South Padre Island for the winter. This is probably the warmest place in the Lone Star State during the winter months, and the fact that it boasts some amazing beaches is a major bonus as well.

On top of all that, the island is home to Isla Blanca County Park, which offers surprisingly low monthly rates for full-hookup camping within walking distance of the beach.

Padre Island National Seashore

Many people get South Padre Island and Padre Island National Seashore confused, or think they are the same place. They aren’t.

While South Padre Island is a relatively bustling place with plenty of shopping and dining, Padre Island National Seashore is 100% natural. The reason we adore visiting the national seashore in an RV is that it offers miles of free beach boondocking. Not a bad way to spend a few weeks of winter!

San Antonio

One of the best Texas cities, San Antonio is a beautiful place with some amazing history and culture. It’s far enough south that it rarely sees a truly cold day even in the middle of winter, and the city offers all kinds of amazing things to see and do.

We highly recommend visiting the Alamo of course, as well as the DoSeum, an amazing children’s museum. There aren’t any super inexpensive RV parks in San Antonio, but there is a Thousand Trails not too far away.

Austin

Austin is another fantastic Texas city that could be worth checking out while winter RVing in Texas. While you’re there, make sure to try some of the amazing barbecue, as well as Amy’s Ice Cream. The Texas State Capitol is fun to visit, as is the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Our favorite place to stay is McKinney Falls State Park, which is also an excellent place to do some hiking.

Houston Area

The Houston area is another good pick. The Lake Conroe Thousand Trails is very popular with Fulltime Families members and makes a great homebase. From there, you can drive into Houston to use your reciprocal membership at the many amazing museums like the Houston Children’s Museum and the Health Museum. Alternatively, you can keep driving down to Galveston for a beach day.

Winter RVing in Texas is a great way to escape the cold and have an amazing time with other RVers for the entire winter season. Ready to check it out yourself? Make your reservations and start heading that way!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Having a bathroom wherever you roam is one of the major benefits of traveling in an RV. That said, RV bathrooms aren’t always as pretty or functional as they could be. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to improve your RV bathroom without much effort at all.

Here are my favorite ways to go about that.

Replace the Shower Curtain

First, I highly recommend replacing the shower curtain that comes in your RV, especially if you have an older rig. Stock shower curtains just aren’t pretty, and they are pretty darn bland to boot. Take that stock curtain down and put up something with character that reflects your personality. This alone will improve the look of your bathroom a whole lot.

Note: Some RV shower curtains are hung from a track in the ceiling. You can hang a new curtain using the hooks that came on the original curtain, but it’s also possible to hang a tension rod. 

Put Up a Backsplash

I’ve never quite figured out why RV sinks don’t have backsplashes behind them. Tile (even fake tile) is so much easier to clean than the RV walls, and a backsplash does a great job of breaking up the monotony of the dull wallpaper that most RVs leave the factory with.

The good news? You can totally put up your own backsplash and it doesn’t have to be difficult or add much weight to your rig. Just grab some peel-and-stick tile, cut it to size, and stick it in place. This is an RV upgrade that literally anyone can do.

Replace the Shower Head

In addition to switching out the shower curtain, I highly recommend switching out your stock RV shower head with one made by Oxygenics. The Oxygenics shower heads do a wonderful job of creating more water pressure without using more water, making them ideal for RV use.

Using one of these shower heads will help you conserve water as well as waste-tank space, and will help ensure you don’t use all the water in your water heater tank before you’ve finished showering.

Related: 4 Fantastic Outdoor RV Shower Ideas

Add a Clothesline

While you’re improving the shower, you might as well hang a clothesline as well. There are a number of retractable clotheslines on the market, and adding one to your RV shower is great because it gives you someplace to hang wet bathing suits and towels whenever hanging them outside isn’t an option. We’ve even hung laundry on our shower clothesline before!

Hang a Soap Dispenser

Another thing you can do to improve your RV shower is hang a wall-mounted soap dispenser. I especially like the ones that dispense shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. These are fantastic because they remove the need to find spots to set all of your bottles of product, and they make it easy to dispense what you need in the tiny space. On top of that, the wall-mounted dispenser ensures your products don’t fall and spill on travel day.

Use the Door for Storage

One of my least favorite things about RV bathrooms? There just isn’t enough storage. When you’re trying to store all of your family’s toiletries in such a small space, having more places to put things is always appreciated.

We tend to use our RV bathroom door for this. We like to hang sets of over-the-door hooks on either side of the door, giving us spots to hang towels and swimsuits. That said, some people prefer to use this space to hang an over-the-door shoe organizer, which can hold things like soaps, shampoos, and hair accessories.

…or Add Storage Over the Toilet

Another place you can add storage is over the toilet. Rarely is the space above an RV toilet used wisely, but you can make use of the space by putting in an over-the-toilet shelf.

There are shelves on the market specifically for this purpose, which are set on the floor but place the shelving high above the toilet, meaning you don’t need to mount anything. That said, you can also mount a shelf to the wall above the toilet if you prefer to have something more solid. Either way, you’re sure to appreciate having another spot to put things.

Grab Some Command Hooks

You can add even more places to hang things by using Scotch Command Hooks. I adore these because they can be mounted without any screws or nails whatsoever, and they can be removed without damaging the RV wall. Just make sure you buy heavy duty ones to hold heavy things like towels!

Other Options

There are plenty of other ways to improve the experience of using your RV bathroom. That said, a lot of these upgrades are a bit more extensive. If you’re looking to take on some bigger projects, consider the following.

Switch to a Composting Toilet

If you do a lot of boondocking, you may want to consider switching to a composting toilet. This does require a bit of effort to install, but will allow you to use your black tank space for gray water and remove the need to flush any water at all down the toilet.

Change the Sink and Sink Faucet

I have hated the bathroom sinks in every rig we’ve owned. I hate that they are plastic and hold onto more soap scum than other kinds of sinks. I also hate that the bowls tend to be tiny and the faucets tend to be short. Switching out your RV bathroom sink or even just the faucet would be a major upgrade.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

If you like to take long showers, you might consider investing in a tankless water heater. These do require that you have a certain amount of water pressure to work, making them less than ideal for boondocking or camping in places with low water pressure. That said, if you spend most of your time in RV parks, they can be nice to have, as they allow you to run water continuously without ever running out of hot water.

As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can improve your RV bathroom and the experience of using it. Most of the projects on this list can be tackled by anybody, and even the projects at the bottom of the article can be done by pretty much any handy person with a set of tools. Why not get started right away?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

As the weather cools, it’s time for RVers to start thinking about their RV winter. The vast majority of full time RVers will hit the road and start heading south. This results in a mass migration to a few warm winter locations, something that results in crowded campgrounds, meaning some extra planning will be needed on your part.

In this article we will discuss the winter RV mass migration to the southern states, sharing tips on how to plan and make sure you get the most out of your winter RV adventure.

Find Your Friends

First, we highly recommend finding a group of friends to spend the winter with. This will make the whole experience more fun, especially since you’re likely to be spending more time sitting still during the winter months.

Try to choose friends who wish to spend time in the same areas. Picking people who travel at the same pace as you and like to stay in similar campgrounds is also helpful. For instance, if you like to stay in state parks and your friends prefer Thousand Trails parks, you might have trouble staying together throughout the winter.

Make Reservations ASAP

Because RV parks fill up quickly in the most popular winter RV locations, it is important that you make reservations in advance. If you haven’t made your winter RV reservations already, now is the time to do that.

Most campgrounds will have opened their reservations up for the entire winter by now, and many will already be full. If you find that the campgrounds you wish to stay in are full, keep an eye on them, as some sites will open up thanks to cancellations. Wandering Labs is helpful for this.

Schedule Monthly Stays

Because there are only a select few places that stay warm and sunny throughout the winter, you probably aren’t going to be doing a whole lot of traveling during these months. For this reason, many full time RVers choose to book campsites for an entire month or more at a time.

This has a few benefits. It allows you to avoid traveling for longer than you normally might, giving you a chance to recuperate. You will also save some money going this route, as monthly rates tend to be much lower than daily rates. Lastly, sticking around in one spot for a longer amount of time gives you a chance to really get to know the area.

Grab a Thousand Trails Membership

Another option that will (1) help you save money, (2) ensure you camp near other families, and (3) may help you find sites if you have yet to book winter RV spots? A Thousand Trails membership!

Don’t get us wrong, Thousand Trails memberships aren’t cheap, but if you use your membership for the entire winter, you will easily save money. Thousand Trails parks do also fill up. That said, booking windows are shorter than they are at other campgrounds, meaning you have a better chance of snagging a spot this late in the game.

Because of these facts, many Fulltime Families utilize the Thousand Trails system, hopping from one Thousand Trails park to another for the entire winter RV season.

Consider Boondocking

If making campground reservations isn’t working out so well, there is another option: boondocking. Boondocking does require that you camp without hookups so you will want to head in prepared, but winter is the very best time for boondocking in the most popular winter RV hotspots, including Florida, south Texas, Arizona, and SoCal.

Arizona and SoCal are especially friendly toward boondockers, offering a number of Forest Service and BLM spots and entire pop-up communities that get together each winter. Florida does have some dry camping spots that are run by Water Management and the National Forest Service, and Texas has some boondocking as well as some free FCFS (first come, first serve) campgrounds with hookups in some smaller towns.

Make Your Way Slowly

It might be getting chilly up north, but that doesn’t mean you have to race as far south as possible right away. In fact, we recommend against it. Instead, start to head south slowly, making plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the change of season without allowing the coldest weather to catch up to you.

Some of the best fall destinations include:

• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Arkansas
• South Dakota (early fall)
• Wyoming (early fall)
• New Mexico

Decide on a Routine

One issue that a lot of roadschooling families run into during the winter season? There are so many other families around that they have trouble getting things like schoolwork and chores done. This is especially true for those who stay in campgrounds like Thousand Trails Orlando, Thousand Trails Palm Springs, and Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, which are hubs for families during the winter.

The best way to remedy this is to head into the winter season with a solid routine and a plan for what you want to get done, and what that means you need to do each day. We recommend putting this routine into place well before the official start of snowbird season, so it is well established before the craziness ensues.

Plan for Holidays

Spending holidays alone is never fun. Unfortunately, this is what happens to many full time traveling folks when they don’t make a plan for the holidays in advance.

If you won’t be with your family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, think about who you would like to be with and make a plan for that well in advance. This will give all families involved enough time to book the same campgrounds for the holidays, ensuring you have a fun and festive season despite being away from family.

Prepare for Chilly Weather

Even if you head south, you are likely to see at least some chilly weather during the winter months. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to winterize the rig and grab a heated water hose, it is a good idea to be prepared for when the chilly weather does hit. Make sure everyone in your crew has hoodies for the brisk evenings, and grab a couple of space heaters to keep your home-on-wheels warm when the nights become a little bit cold.

There you have it, our top tips for surviving the winter RV mass migration to the southern states. As long as you use these tips, you will be well prepared to find yourself a spot amongst the other travelers and enjoy a winter of sunshine and warm weather.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Fall is here! Many people have already started their autumn adventures, but for those of us who are procrastinators, any plans for the end of the fall season might still be up in the air. Obviously you will want to choose destinations that are on the way to wherever it is you plan to spend the winter, but in many cases, this doesn’t offer a whole lot of direction.

My suggestion? Choose a national park or two along your route and make those your main fall destinations. Wondering about the best national parks to visit in fall? Here are my top picks.

Acadia National Park

Acadia is easily one of my favorite national parks in the country, and it is also one of the best national parks to visit in fall. Because this one is so far north, you really need to be in Maine already in order for it to be en route to your winter destination, and many people choose to leave the area before the chilly fall weather blows in around mid-September. That said, it is well worth sticking around to see the park in fall.

The trees begin to change color at the end of September, but they are most spectacular in mid-October. A walk along Jordan Pond will give you a chance to take in the gorgeous colors. Fall is also a wonderful time to take on the more challenging hikes in the park, as the crowds are smaller and the weather is amazing.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Narrows Too Resort with our Trails Collection membership (an extension of Thousand Trails) and would recommend it to anyone with Trails Collection. If you do not have this membership, the in-park campgrounds are also a great pick.

Congaree National Park

Congaree is, in my opinion, a very underrated park and one of the prettiest national parks to visit in fall. This is unfortunate for the parks’ visitor numbers, but good for those of us who prefer less crowded destinations—and the crowds here during the fall months are nearly nonexistent.

This park can easily be on the way to Florida, making it an awesome stop for those who winter in the Sunshine State. The weather in the park during the fall is mild and perfect for outdoor exploration. The trees in the area change to a gorgeous orange-yellow color, which is reflected in the creek that runs through the park, creating an absolutely gorgeous sight.

Where to Stay

We actually day-tripped to Congaree from The Oaks at Point South Thousand Trails. That said, it was a long drive and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. Instead, consider staying at Weston Lake Recreation Area.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley is conveniently located between Akron and Cleveland in Ohio, making it an easy one to add to your route if you happen to be nearby. It’s beautiful any time of year, but thanks to the colorful fall foliage, it is stunning during October. Because the park is home to so many different types of trees, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing yellows, oranges, reds, and even purples.

There are still many warm sunny days during the fall, meaning hiking and biking are pleasant activities. I recommend walking the Brandywine Falls Trail, Oak Hill Trail, and Ledges Trail.

Where to Stay

We drove to Cuyahoga from Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake. Once again, this is a long day-trip and probably not actually the best idea. A better idea would be to stay at the Silver Springs Campground, which is nearby and inexpensive.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a magical place no matter when you visit, but fall is probably my favorite time to go. As kids return to school, the crowd levels drop off a bit, making for a more relaxed visiting experience. The temperature also drops, which means excellent hiking weather.

Take a drive to take in the sweeping views and fall colors against the bright blue autumn sky, and hike the Rim trail, enjoying epic views every step you take. Make sure you also attend a Ranger program during your visit!

Where to Stay

Trailer Village RV Park is a favorite of many who visit the Grand Canyon and is definitely a good pick. That said, if we were to visit again, we would likely take advantage of some of the nearby dispersed camping options.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As mentioned above, Acadia and Cuyahoga are excellent leaf peeping destinations and some of the best national parks to visit in fall. Another amazing place to check out fall colors? Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thanks to the over 100 species of trees found here, the colors here are amazing, especially if you visit during the last couple of weeks of October.

Hiking to Clingmans Dome will give you an amazing view of these colors. You can also drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to see as much of the beauty as possible.

Where to Stay

We always stay at the Douglas Dam campgrounds when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, and have never been disappointed. This is where I’d recommend staying, especially if you happen to be on a budget.

Shenandoah National Park

Want to make your drive along Blue Ridge Parkway extra incredible? Start at the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and make the drive all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The scenic highway stretches between the two, and the views along the entire stretch — along with those in the parks themselves — are incredible, especially during October making it one of the bets national parks to visit in fall.

While in Shenandoah, check out the amazing yellows, oranges, and reds as you drive along Skyline Drive. I also recommend hiking to find a waterfall and keeping an eye out for wild animals that tend to come out in the fall.

Where to Stay

This is another one that we day-tripped to. We stayed at Thousand Trails Lynchburg and the drive to the park was over an hour and a half, which was fine for us but probably wouldn’t work for a lot of people. As an alternative, consider staying at Big Meadows Campground in the park.

Zion National Park

Last on my list is Zion National Park. This park is absolutely incredible, but during the summer months it is just too hot to really enjoy it. On top of that, the park is packed during the summer, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. For these reasons, I much prefer an autumn visit to Zion. In fact, it is one of the best national parks to visit in fall.

My recommendation is to plan your visit for late October, when the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change. Hop on the shuttle and ride it to the many trailheads in the park, exploring anything and everything that sounds appealing.

Where to Stay

There are tons of boondocking spots in the area around Zion. We took advantage of that fact. If you prefer to have amenities, Watchman Campground is located in the park and offers RV hookups as well as sites for big rigs.

These are the best national parks to visit in fall in my opinion. That said, there are a huge number of spots that are gorgeous during the autumn months, and you might find a few favorites of your own that aren’t on this list at all. Why not get out there and start exploring to see what stunning places you might stumble across? You might even be able to add to this list of awesome national parks to visit in fall.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

When you live in your RV full time, it just makes sense to make some upgrades. This will allow you to live more comfortably for the duration of your RV journey. Not only that, but making upgrades to your RV can actually boost RV value! This is especially true if you happen to have an older rig, but some upgrades will even boost the value of a newer rig, believe it or not.

In this article we will take a look at some of the upgrades that boost RV value the most, so you can strategically pick and choose which RV upgrades you make, keeping both comfort and resale value in mind.

Better Lighting

First on the list: RV lighting. Most RVs come from the factory with old-fashioned incandescent bulbs installed. These bulbs burn hot, adding heat to your tiny home, something that can be frustrating in summer. On top of that, these bulbs eat up a lot of electricity, making it more difficult to boondock, especially if you don’t have a large battery bank or solar panels.

The good news? It’s super easy to switch to LED bulbs. Simply buy the right size LED bulbs on Amazon and enjoy the brighter, light, cooler indoor temperatures, along with lower electricity consumption. On top of that, you’re more likely to fetch top dollar for your rig when it is well lit, and you can even list the LED lighting as a selling point.

Updated Flooring

Flooring is also a good RV upgrade choice that is likely to boost RV value, especially if your rig boasts carpet or worn-out linoleum. Vinyl flooring is relatively easy to install on your own and will brighten your space and make it look more modern.

Obviously, it’s nice to live in a space that looks nice, making this RV upgrade beneficial to you while you live in it. That said, potential buyers are also looking for an RV that looks nice, meaning your RV is more likely to sell for more with updated flooring.

New Upholstery

Similar to old flooring, old upholstery can really give your RV a dull and drab look. That’s why we highly recommend recovering any upholstered furniture that may be starting to wear. You can do this using a staple gun and fabric, but it’s also possible to use stretchy furniture covers to cover many types of furniture.

Of course, there is also the option of replacing the furniture entirely if recovering seems like too much work.

Sink and Stove Backsplashes

I’ve never really understood why so many RVs don’t come from the factory with backsplashes in the bathroom and kitchen. They are so much easier to clean than the wallpaper that covers RV walls, and they work so well to break up the monotony of the typical beige- or gray-colored walls in a trailer or motorhome.

Fortunately, it’s super duper easy to install backsplashes in both the kitchen and bathroom in your RV, making this one of my favorite ways to boost RV value. All you have to do is grab some peel-and-stick tile, cut it to size, stick it to a clean wall, and you have a great-looking backsplash at a very low cost and with very little effort. Best of all, this simple upgrade can even help boost RV value.

Related: RV Decor: RV Decorating Ideas to Make Your Rig Feel Comfy

A Coat of Paint

Another cosmetic RV upgrade that can make a huge difference and boost RV value? A simple coat of paint. If you don’t love the boring neutral colors in your RV, a can of paint can go a long way toward brightening things up. You can paint the walls, the cabinets, or both. No matter what you choose, you’ll likely be astounded by how different the space looks after it’s painted.

This is another upgrade that will boost the value of your RV, not because it makes it more useful, but because it makes it more eye-catching and is more likely to pull buyers in.

Modern Cabinet Hardware

Don’t want to go through the trouble of painting, but still want to brighten up your RV kitchen? The aforementioned backsplash idea will help a lot, but if you want to take things a step further, consider changing out the hardware on your cabinets.

Cabinet hardware has a tendency to go out of style every ten years or so. If your RV is more than a decade old (or even if you just don’t like the look of your current cabinet hardware), switching out the hinges, handles, and drawer pulls in your RV can quickly create a more modern look space and increase RV value.

Improved Window Treatments

Okay, one more cosmetic RV upgrade and then I’ll move on. I just have to take the time to mention window treatments.

While there are some newer RVs coming out of the factories with decent window treatments these days, most older RVs are likely to have pretty terrible window coverings. From ugly cornices to mini-blinds that break easily to curtains that don’t quite cover everything, I’m betting there’s something you don’t love about the window coverings in your older RV. So, why not change things up?

Buyers will always appreciate some new day/night shades or even some good blackout curtains in the bedrooms. Better than that, you’ll be able to live more comfortably with more privacy and better insulation in your rig while also boosting RV value.

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Moving on to upgrades that have nothing to do with the way your RV looks, it’s time to talk about tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). In my opinion, every RV should have one of these systems installed for safety reasons. A TPMS will monitor the pressure in your tires, ensuring you always have the right amount of air in each one. Some will also monitor the temperature of your tires, alerting you if one becomes too hot.

These systems do not have to be super expensive and they are relatively easy to install. They will keep you and your family safer while out on the road and are a major selling point for buyers who understand the importance of properly maintaining their RV tires, potentially increasing RV value.

Solar Panels

Plan to do some boondocking or dry camping? Solar panels might be an ideal RV upgrade for you, especially if you are able to pair panels with a beefy battery bank and an inverter.

A solar power system is useful when camping off grid, but also on travel days when you just want to stop and cook lunch or have a rest. (For me and my husband, being able to make espresso anywhere without running a generator was a godsend.)

Such a system is a wonderful thing to have to improve your RV lifestyle, but is also something many buyers will be looking for and will pay extra for. In fact, installing a solar system might be one of the very best ways to boost RV value.

Upgraded Appliances

Another way you can boost RV value pretty dramatically? Upgrading the appliances. Nobody wants to have to worry about replacing or repairing old appliances as soon as they buy a used RV. If you replace the appliances with newer, better appliances that are under warranty separately from the RV, your buyer won’t have to worry about broken appliances for a while and neither will you.

Besides, it sure is nice to have higher quality appliances to use while living in your RV. In fact, better appliances is one of the upgrades that will improve your day-to-day life the most.

Added Storage Spaces

Nobody knows better than full time RVers just how valuable storage space can be. This is why I absolutely recommend adding storage space anywhere you possibly can. This might mean removing a panel here and there, or creating a way to access a spot under a piece of furniture, but the extra effort is well worth it.

Added storage space will help you, of course, but a buyer who is looking to live in the RV they purchase long term will also appreciate having as much storage space as possible. In fact, extra storage could even boost RV value.

Just make sure any storage spots you manage to find don’t create an eyesore in your RV. Add doors, drawers, trim, or whatever else you might need to to make the spot look nice.

Modern Electronics

Like modern appliances, modern electronics can make life much easier. Things like cell boosters, keyless entry systems, nice sound systems, and mounted smart TVs all make your RV a more enjoyable place to live in while also boosting the value of the rig.

While the examples I just listed are more expensive upgrades for sure, and some may require a bit more know-how, they are worth adding if you have the time, money, and knowledge (or a friend with the right knowledge). This is especially true if your are looking to increase RV value for a future sale.

There you have it, 12 awesome ways to upgrade your rig while also boosting RV value. Which upgrades will you make first?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, my family is stuck sitting still in our RV for the next several months. Normally we travel and we live in an RV to travel, so this is not the easiest thing we’ve ever done. That said, we have found ways to make the most out of stationary RV living.

Whether stationary RV living is something you are doing by choice or out of necessity, I highly recommend you find ways to do the same. Here are my tips for doing just that.

Head Somewhere You Love

First and foremost, if you have the option, head to a place you love. Try to find someplace with a great community, great weather, and plenty of things to see and do.

Everyone wants to live in a wonderful area, but not everyone can afford it. Because the cost of living is lower in an RV, it is actually possible to live in places you may not have access to otherwise. Why not take advantage of that fact?

Make Your Home Your Own

Whether you have an older RV or a brand new one, we’re betting it isn’t exactly full of character. Since you’ll be in the RV for a while, why not make the place your own?

Adding rugs, throw pillows, a new shower curtain, and some wall decor can make a huge difference. Putting up a peel-and-stick backsplash, changing the faucets, and switching out the cabinet hardware are also pretty easy and will make the place feel more like home.

Creating a space you love is the perfect way to make your tiny home feel as cozy as possible, and stationary RV living lends itself to making modifications much more than the travel lifestyle does. I know I’ve taken advantage of sitting still to make some changes to our trailer!

Save Money

For us, one of the best things about being stationary in our RV is that we are able to save a lot of money. Not moving means we save a ton on fuel costs, and the fact that we happen to be in an area with a low cost of living means groceries cost less as well. We don’t spend much on attractions since we have already seen a lot of what this area has to offer, so instead we take advantage of free community activities.

If you’re diving into stationary RV living after living in a house, you are likely to find that you spend much less on campground fees than you did on rent and utilities. The fact that your living space is smaller also forces you to really think about any new stuff you may buy.

We plan to use the money we save to get a more relatable rig and hit the road again at the end of the year, but you can use the funds for whatever you like.

Use Your Campsite

You may be living in a teeny tiny space, but that doesn’t have to mean living uncomfortably. Use your campsite to expand upon your living space so you can spread out:

• If you’re allowed, set up a Clam Tent or even a small shed where you can store things or hang out.
• Invest in good camp chairs and other items to create a comfortable campsite.
• Put together a small container garden.
• Get the kids some outdoor toys to play with on your campsite.

Befriend Your Neighbors

One of the best things about stationary RV living? A chance to make friends with the other stationary RVers in your campground. RV parks are the best kind of neighborhood. Many times, campgrounds will host community events such as pool parties, cookouts, and bingo nights. Go to these events, meet people, and enjoy living in a tight-knit community that is there for one another!

If transient campers pass through your campground, you may also want to seize the opportunity to meet some travelers. Not only will you gain even more friends, you’ll also have people to visit when you head out on vacation or if you ever hit the road full time yourself.

Work Where You Live

Workamping (“work camping”) is an amazing experience, and if you enjoy being outside and meeting new people, you might want to look into it. Many campgrounds look for people to live in their park while doing things like site maintenance, running the camp store, and checking people in. Sometimes this work is in exchange for a site, and other times the job includes hourly pay as well.

If you aren’t working already or you have extra time on your hands, this could be a great way to increase your income, cut back even more on living costs, and connect even more with your RV community.

Be Active in the Community

Finally, I highly recommend becoming/staying active in the local community outside of your campground. Our months sitting still have been spent really diving into the local community, and it has been fantastic.

Being out singing karaoke with newfound friends, rehearsing for plays at the local community theater, participating in free fencing and tumbling lessons, etc. has kept us out of our tiny home, making it feel a lot less constricting. It’s also been great for us coming from the full time traveling lifestyle, as it’s given us a chance to experience something different for a while.

Traveling full time RVers may get to see lots of places, and sure, they have their RV community. That said, one of the biggest benefits of being a stationary RVer rather than a traveler is the fact that you can plug into a local community, so do it!

As you can see, there are lots of ways to make stationary RV living into an awesome and beneficial adventure. No matter your reason for stationary RV living, you can use these ideas to make the most of your tiny living situation and live your best life.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Jumping into the world of homeschooling can be overwhelming. Add in traveling to turn your homeschooling into roadschooling, and you suddenly have even more to think about. The good news? Roadschooling is not only totally doable, it can be a ton of fun! Our family has an absolute blast learning together as we explore the country, and you can too. The key to success is finding the right tools and resources and using them to help you along.

Of course, not every resource is going to be right for every family. That said, there are definitely some roadschool resources that stand out from the crowd. Below are the ones we have tried (or at least looked into) that I think have a lot to offer. Try some on for size as you figure out which direction you’re headed on your roadschool journey.

In-Person Learning

One of the things we have the most trouble with as roadschoolers? Finding ways to work in-person lessons into our travels. We have found some workarounds though. Here are some methods we’ve used.

NPS Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger program has been our friend from the get-go. This is an amazing program that gives kids the chance to earn a Junior Ranger badge at each national park site they visit. To earn a badge, kids must fill out a fun workbook and participate in activities within the national park. This is great because it keeps young visitors engaged and helps ensure they get the most out of their experience.

Local Parks and Recreation Departments

Recently, we have discovered that many Parks and Recreation departments offer low-cost extracurricular activities with flexible scheduling. For instance, our daughter took part in a short, two-month gymnastics session this summer, and the Oklahoma City Parks and Rec department offers drop-in fencing classes that our son has been enjoying. It’s worth checking out what the local Parks and Rec might be offering when you arrive in a new place.

Local Library Events

Libraries are an excellent resource all across the country. You may not be able to collect a new library card in each place you visit—though many do allow visitors to purchase a short-term card—but you can absolutely participate in the many events the libraries have to offer.

We’ve attended dance lessons, Cricut workshops, a mini-opera performance, an acrylic painting session, a full-fledged coding camp, and more—all through libraries, and all for free!

Summer Camps and Workshops

If you won’t be in one place long enough for your kids to join a class for an entire season, consider finding short-term sessions such as summer camps and workshops instead. These are often offered through Parks and Rec departments as mentioned above, but plenty of other businesses and organizations offer camps and workshops as well.

Fulltime Families

Finding a homeschool community is crucial. Unfortunately, this can be incredibly difficult when you’re constantly on the move. This is where Fulltime Families come into play. Our organization aims to connect traveling families through online interactions, yes, but also through live events such as rallies, hangouts, field trips, and parties. Really, we are the ultimate roadschool community!

Live Online Classes

We’ve also used online classes in order to allow our kids to learn from and build relationships with expert teachers while traveling. This has worked pretty well for us. Here are some of the platforms that offer this type of class.

Outschool

We absolutely love Outschool. Our son takes painting classes and science classes through this platform currently, and he has learned so much and made a real connection with his teachers and classmates. I highly recommend Outschool as a way to enhance your roadschooling experience.

Practice Monkeys

Practice Monkeys is an online music school that is just perfect for RVers. It gives kids the opportunity to join live music classes even while out on the road.

Aistear Irish Dance

Aistear is similar to Practice Monkeys, but instead of music, the focus is on dance—Irish dance, to be specific. Both pre-recorded and live lessons are available.

Online Curricula

Our littlest is only 4 years old and doesn’t do a whole lot in the way of formal schoolwork just yet. That said, our 12-year-old son has tried many types of curricula over the years, and we have found that online options work best for us while traveling. This is because an online curriculum doesn’t require a lot of physical books and papers, which can be hard to organize and store in an RV.

Below are my personal favorite online options.

Moby Max

Our friends have used Moby Max for many years and have nothing but good things to say. It is an engaging full curriculum and the monthly cost to use it is very minimal. It’s great because it teaches to mastery and is always looking for gaps, meaning your student will fully understand all material by the time he or she is finished with the year.

ABC Mouse

My son used ABC Mouse while in preschool and kindergarten, and these days my daughter adores it. It’s great because it uses games to teach basic concepts and even rewards the kids along the way. I imagine we will continue to use this for supplemental learning for the next year or two.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is what our 12-year-old is using now (our little one uses the Khan Kids app) and although it is a bit dry, he really likes that it’s to the point. I appreciate that it is totally free and that I can quickly see my son’s progress and the things he might need to work on. It is pretty thorough as well, but you might want to add some hands-on stuff for subjects like science.

Other Options

These are some other online options that look great, but that I have no personal experience with:

• Miacademy — I’ve seen this one advertised for roadschoolers more than once. It looks like a fun, gamified approach to learning, which my family loves.
• Adventure Academy — This is made by the same people who put out ABC Mouse. It is also gamified and could be a lot of fun.
• Night Zookeeper — If your kids want a fun way to learn language arts, this could be it. It’s for younger kids and works on basics. Students are even provided feedback from a real teacher!
• Time 4 Learning — This is a full curriculum that is loved by many roadschooling families. I imagine it is wonderful, considering how many people use it.

Educational Apps

In addition to actual online curricula, we’ve also used several learning apps over the years, especially when our son was younger and really benefited from a gamified learning experience. Here are the apps we’ve used and loved.

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs was recommended over and over again when my son was little, so we gave it a try. It was fun, but my kiddo actually enjoyed another app more (mentioned below). That said, it is worth trying this one on for size because I thought it was well done.

Note: There is also a Mathseeds app made by the same people that may appeal to your little ones. 

Teach Your Monster to Read

The app my son liked more? It was Teach Your Monster to Read. While he was sounding things out fairly well by the time he got his hands on this app, everything seemed to click as soon as he started playing this engaging game. Highly recommended!

Kahoot! Math Apps

Kahoot! math apps are perfect for helping your kids understand math concepts. There are a number of different options for various ages and levels, and every single one is colorful and engaging. We have been using the multiplication app for practicing multiplication tables and it is helping tremendously.

Note: Kahoot! also has a reading app that we plan to try with our youngest this year.

Prodigy Math

We had Prodigy Math for a very short amount of time, but my son really did enjoy it. It’s a fantasy adventure game that requires players to answer math questions to move forward with their quests. It’s a great way to gamify math, and it does a great job of filling gaps when concepts may not be fully understood.

Khan Academy Kids

As mentioned above, our preschooler uses the Khan Academy Kids app and loves it. It includes games that practice numbers and letters, as well as things like tracing. I appreciate that it is colorful and fun, and is totally free!

PBS Kids App

Finally, I absolutely love the PBS Kids app. This one includes a huge number of games that feature beloved PBS characters and encourage kids to practice academic skills.

Finding Reading Material

Another struggle we’ve had as traveling homeschoolers? Finding enough reading material to keep our little bookworms happy. While this is a problem I love having, it has been frustrating at times. We’ve used the solutions below and have found they help quite a lot.

Online Library Resources

I mentioned library programs above, but I should also mention the amazing online resources many libraries provide. We love the Libby app, which allows us to check out ebooks using our library card from our hometown. We’ve also used the Hoopla app to check out movies and documentaries, both for fun and to use in our roadschooling.

Epic

Epic is a good option for elementary-aged kids who like to read a lot. It’s a subscription ebook service that gives users access to a huge library of age-appropriate books. I liked that I could give my kid the freedom to access and explore the app on his own since no adult books were available.

Everand

Everand (previously Scribd) is a reading subscription service that includes books and magazines for all ages. I found that this service is better for older kids, teens, and adults. It is wonderful for that, as it includes an enormous selection of reading material.

Little Free Libraries

Sometimes kids need a real book in their hands. I love Little Free Libraries for this reason. We like to keep a few books we’ve already read in the car, so we can donate them and take some new books to read whenever we happen across a Little Free Library.

Thrift Store Books

Another great way to ensure a constant rotation of physical books is available to your kids? Thrift stores! Generally, the books sold at thrift stores are incredibly inexpensive, meaning you can donate books you are finished with and pick up a whole new collection without spending a fortune.

Raz Kids

Finally, there is Raz Kids. This is another online kids book subscription service, but it’s different because the goal of the service is to help kids improve their reading. It provides tools for improvement, rewards for motivation, and a quick and easy way to see a student’s improvement.

Note: Fulltime Families members can get a discount by joining Raz Kids through Fulltime Families. 

While these are the best roadschooling resources I’ve come across, I know they are far from the only resources out there. What amazing resources have you come across? Will you use one of these options to make your roadschooling adventure even more exciting?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information

It goes without saying that RVing is a fantastic way to explore the country. However, there are some areas that simply cannot be reached by RV. In these cases, many RVers turn to hiking, which definitely is a wonderful way to get outside and explore. That said, depending on how far you hope to roam, exploring bike trails can be an even better option.

If you’re looking to add biking into your RV adventures, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will share our top 10 bike trails in the country for beginner bicyclists. These bike trails work well for the entire family and are a great way to explore this beautiful country further.

Bell Rock Trail

Sedona, AZ

First up is Bell Rock Trail in Sedona, Arizona. This path is relatively easy, but still involves a decent climb and an exhilarating descent, making riding it a super satisfying experience. On top of all that, riders will also get to enjoy a view of the beautiful Bell Rock throughout the entire ride.

RV Camping Near Bell Rock Trail

There are plenty of RV camping options in and around Sedona. We recommend the following:

• Full Hookup Camping: Rancho Sedona RV Park
• Dry Camping: Pine Flat Campground

Attractions Near Bell Rock Trail

Aside from Bell Rock Trail, Slide Rock State Park is one of our favorite attractions in Sedona. We also think the Sedona Heritage Museum is worth checking out, meaning you can easily fill a few days in this gorgeous area.

Cactus Forest Loop

Saguaro National Park, AZ

Nothing beats a bicycle ride in one of our beautiful national parks, and the Cactus Forest Loop in Saguaro National Park is one of the very best national park bike trails for beginners. This is a gorgeous trail that takes you right through a thriving cactus forest. The scenery is amazing and the ride is memorable, to say the least.

RV Camping Near Cactus Forest Loop

Saguaro National Park is located in the city of Tucson, a city that offers plenty of amazing RV camping options. We like the campsites listed below:

• Full Hookup Camping: Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort
• Dry Camping: Snyder Hill BLM

Attractions Near Cactus Forest Loop

Riding in Saguaro National Park is wonderful, but we also highly recommend exploring some of the hiking trails, as well as the visitor centers. Other awesome attractions include the Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Pima Air and Space Museum.

Pope Baldwin Bike Path

Lake Tahoe, CA

Heading over to the iconic Lake Tahoe in California, you will find the Pope Baldwin Bike Path. We love that this is a paved path, making it suitable for beginners and children of all ages. Over 3.4 miles in length, this trail takes riders through three amazing beaches, right by the Talladega Historic Site, past Taylor Creek, and more.

RV Camping Near Pope Baldwin Bike Path

It likely comes as no surprise that Lake Tahoe is an excellent place for RV camping. Some of the best camping options include:

• Full Hookup Camping: Tahoe Valley Campground (Encore/Trails Collection park)
• Dry Camping: Fallen Leaf Campground

Attractions Near Pope Baldwin Bike Path

In addition to cycling, we also recommend checking out the amazing Emerald Bay State Park while in the Lake Tahoe area. You can also explore Sand Harbor State Park and see the Vikingsholm Castle.

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Yosemite National Park, CA

Another amazing national park bike trail for beginners, the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail might just be our favorite trail on this list. This path takes you right by several popular sights, and because of this, biking the trail is usually a better option for in-park sightseeing than driving. While the path is partially paved, it can be muddy in some of its unpaved areas.

RV Camping Near Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

RV camping is always the best way to visit any national park, and Yosemite National Park is no exception. Some of our favorite campgrounds are listed below:

• Full Hookup Camping: Yosemite Lakes RV Campground (Thousand Trails campground)
• Dry Camping: Upper Pines Campgrounds

Attractions Near Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Wondering what else to do in Yosemite National Park? Hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing (take a telescope) are all great choices. Make sure to also see iconic park sights such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan.

Joe’s Ridge Trail

Fruita, CO

Looking for a totally fun trail? Joe’s Ridge Trail in Fruita, Colorado is for you. Not only will you get some gorgeous views during this ride, but you’ll also enjoy a nice climb. The best part? The thrilling ride down, which many describe as exciting but not too terrifying, making it one of the best bike trails for thrill-seeking beginners.

RV Camping Near Joe’s Ridge Trail

Fruita is a welcoming place, meaning there are plenty of RV camping options. We like the following ones:

• Full Hookup Camping: Monument RV Resort
• Dry Camping: Pike Ridge Dispersed Camping (best for small rigs)

Attractions Near Joe’s Ridge Trail

While in the adorable town of Fruita, be sure to visit the Museum of Western Colorado. It’s also a good idea to check out the Devils Canyon Hiking Trails, which are both fairly challenging and beautiful.

Alexander Springs Loop

Ocala National Forest, FL

Many RVers spend a good chunk of time in Florida as they wait out the winter. For these folks, Alexander Springs Loop is one of the most perfect wintertime bike trails out there. This is an easy 12.4-mile loop through a pine forest with plenty of lovely scenery. It does include both dirt and loose sand, so be prepared for that.

RV Camping Near Alexander Springs Loop

Camping is the obvious choice when visiting Ocala National Forest. Luckily, there are plenty of places to park an RV. Below are our top picks:

• Full Hookup Camping Fiddlers Green RV Ranch
• Dry Camping Clearwater Lake Campground

Attractions Near Alexander Springs Loop

Obviously, you’ll want to do more than just bike through this beautiful national forest. We also recommend hiking, playing in the water at Clearwater Lake (or at one of the many springs), and paying a visit to Silver Springs State Park.

Central Park East and West Drive Loop

New York City, NY

Looking for an unusual way to explore some of NYC? Central Park East and West Drive Loop is a good choice. This is a leisurely trail that loops through the famous Central Park of New York City. It is paved and flat, making it ideal for people of all ages and levels. Riding the path allows you to take in more of the park’s beauty than you would on foot, and it’s a great way to get in some exercise.

RV Camping Near Central Park East and West Drive Loop

There aren’t a lot of choices when it comes to RV camping in and around NYC. That said, there are a couple of options that you might pick from:

• Full Hookup Camping: Liberty Harbor RV Park
• Partial Hookup -OR- Dry Camping: Skyline RV Camp (RVs 24 feet and shorter only)

Attractions Near Central Park East and West Loop Drive

You will surely want to see more than just Central Park while in the Big Apple, so make sure you also set aside time for…

• The Statue of Liberty
• The Empire State Building
• Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
• The 9/11 Memorial
• A Broadway show of your choosing

San Antonio Mission Trail

San Antonio, TX

An easy and flat ride, the San Antonio Mission Trail is the perfect way to explore the beautiful old missions of San Antonio and one of the most interesting bike trails for beginners out there. Though it is 13.9 miles long, it does include plenty of places to stop and look around, making it feel much shorter. We think this is a must-do while visiting the city of San Antonio!

RV Camping Near San Antonio Mission Trail

San Antonio is a big city, but still does a decent job of providing places for RV camping. We think the options below are your best bets:

• Full Hookup Camping: San Antonio KOA
• Full Hookup Camping: Tejas Valley RV Park and Campground

Attractions Near San Antonio Mission Trail

While exploring San Antonio, you will of course want to check out the Alamo. Additionally, we highly recommend the San Antonio Riverwalk, and if you have kids, the DoSeum children’s museum is excellent!

Virgin River North Trail

St. George, UT

Every RVer should visit Utah at least once, and while they are there, they should make a point of stopping in St. George for the beautiful nature and amazing bike trails. This gorgeous area is home to the Virgin River North Trail, a lovely paved bike path that is good for beginner riders as well as the more experienced cyclists out there. It is about 18 miles in length and offers beautiful river views.

RV Camping Near Virgin River North Trail

Not sure where to park an RV while visiting St. George? There are actually several options, but these are a couple of our favorites:

• Full Hookup Camping: Temple View RV Resort
• Partial Hookup -OR- Dry Camping: Snow Canyon Campground

Attractions Near Virgin River North Trail

Zion National Park is an obvious must-see while in St. George. We also highly recommend Red Hills Desert Garden as well as the lovely Snow Canyon State Park.

Spruce Railroad Trail

Olympic National Park, WA

Last on our list of beginner bike trails, we must mention the Spruce Railroad Trail. This one is located in Olympic National Park and features 11.2 miles of amazing adventures. You’ll ride through a tunnel, over a bridge, and through some of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. We can’t imagine a better bike path for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Washington State.

RV Camping Near Spruce Railroad Trail

Once again, you really can’t beat RV camping when visiting a national park, and fortunately, Olympic National Park does not disappoint when it comes to camping options. We like the ones below:

• Full Hookup Camping: Quileute Oceanside Resort
• Dry Camping: Hoh Campground

Attractions Near Spruce Railroad Trail

Olympic National Park is one of the most epic national parks in the country. Therefore, you really have to spend time taking it all in. If nothing else, make sure to check out Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, and the Hall of Mosses Trail, but anything else you manage to squeeze in is sure to be incredible as well.

These are our favorite beginner bike trails in the country. That said, they are far from the only ones. Why not give some of these a try and then see what other gems you can find? You might find one you like even better!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Last month, our little tribe of traveling families had the pleasure of visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park together. Our family has visited the area by ourselves a few times before, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our visits every time. That said, I have to say that this last visit was our favorite, as we experienced even more magical things to do in the Smoky Mountains

We spent a full week exploring as much of what the park has to offer as possible. (And we didn’t even really scratch the surface!) Here are what we think are the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains.

Check Out Exhibits

First of all, we highly recommend starting your visit in a visitor center, as this is one of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains when you’re looking to learn about the place. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a few different visitor centers, and each one has a unique set of exhibits.

We started in the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and we appreciated the exhibits on the park’s animals. Cades Cove Visitor Center is also great. It features a historic home and an operational gristmill. We haven’t seen other visitor centers in the park, but they are likely to be equally informative.

Make sure to grab a Junior Ranger book while in the visitor center so your kids can earn their Junior Ranger Badges. Unlike most other parks, this park does require you to pay a small fee for the book, but it is made to be used by the whole family and is really of nice quality.

Find a Waterfall

Next on our list of things to do in the Smoky Mountains? Well, you are going to want to go on a few hikes. The trails in this park are absolutely fantastic, and we found several that we fell in love with. One of the best things to do when hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Seek out waterfalls.

There are several waterfalls scattered throughout the park, and each and every one is amazing. We really love Fighting Creek Nature Trail to Cataract Falls and have done this hike on more than one occasion. We appreciate that it is easy to access from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and that even our four-year-old can do the hike without issue. Of course, the kids also loved the waterfall and playing in the creek.

Another waterfall hike we loved in this park is Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls. This one is longer and harder, but our then-9-year-old did it without a problem.

Step Back in Time

One interesting thing about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that it plays host to so many historic buildings. Our kids absolutely loved finding the cabins, houses, and schoolhouses along the various trails we took and playing “olden days” in each one.

There is a cabin along the aforementioned Fighting Creek Nature Trail, as well as a schoolhouse and home along the super easy Little Brier Gap Trail. You can also find a lot of old buildings in the Cades Cove Loop, and really, these are far from the only historic structures in the park.

Go for a Swim (or)

My kids’ favorite day spent in the park? The day we spent swimming in the river from the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.

Swimming is definitely one of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains as a family, and there are plenty of places to do it. There is the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area as mentioned above, but we saw people swimming all along the river and also heard about a few swimming holes, including Midnight Hole, a swimming spot that features a waterfall and sounds fantastic!

Make Time for a Paddle

Another great way to enjoy the water in the Smoky Mountains is to go for a paddle. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to do this, but we do know it is possible and likely an absolute blast.

Many people paddle the Little River. The river is mostly slow and calm, making for a serene paddle, but you may come across the occasional small set of rapids, adding a bit of excitement to your trip.

Fontana Lake is another popular paddling spot. Unfortunately, the lake is very far from where we normally stay. Still, we might make a point of driving there one day.

See the Fireflies

During our most recent visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we were lucky enough to get to witness prime firefly season. This usually happens in early June and is well worth planning your trip around.

You do need tickets to see the synchronous fireflies during peak week, and the only way to get those tickets is to enter a lottery. Sadly, we did not win the lottery. However, we went the night after peak week ended (and even then were lucky to get a parking spot) and we still got to see the amazing performance after sunset.

This was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. The fireflies gathered by the thousands and lit up in unison, doing an almost hypnotic dance. It was like a magical Christmas light show in the middle of the woods!

If you plan to see the show before or after peak week, you will want to head to the Little River trailhead in the Elkmont area of the park. From there, there will be a staff member to point you in the right direction. Just make sure to arrive well before sunset to secure a parking spot!

Aside from the synchronous fireflies, which tend to gather in one area, we also noticed fireflies all over the park once the sun started to set. This was so cool to see and definitely gave the park an otherworldly feel.

Take an Auto-Tour

We mentioned Cades Cove earlier, but it’s probably worth mentioning again because we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this area of the park. To see Cades Cove, you have to drive a one-way loop, meaning you will want to set aside a good chunk of time to check it out.

The loop includes a wide variety of potential stops, including several spots where you can see historic buildings, some pretty hiking trails and nature trails, and a visitor center. We ended up seeing several animals on this loop, including a young bear along one trail and a turkey that hilariously insisted on running along the road ahead of our car for quite some time.

Watch for Wildlife

Speaking of animals, I highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife while you enjoy all of the things to do in the Smoky Mountains mentioned above. This park is so, so full of life, and we have seen all kinds of amazing critters hanging out during our visits.

From bears and turkeys to fireflies and salamanders, you’re sure to see some awesome critters during your visit, especially if you pack a pair of binoculars. Apparently, the park is even home to some river otters, but we’ve never seen them.

As you can see there are all kinds of amazing things to do in the Smoky Mountains with kids. Which things will you do first?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information

RVing as a family is wonderful in many ways. It allows you to travel to new places together and develop closer relationships. The thing is, it also has some downsides. The main one? The close quarters.

One of the best ways to overcome the small living space offered by an RV is to create a comfortable outdoor living space where you want to spend time. Here are some of our favorite outdoor living ideas to make your campsite a nice place to be.

Get an Outdoor Rug

First and foremost, we will always recommend investing in an outdoor rug. Putting down an outdoor rug does several things:

• It creates a sense of personal space, making the area feel more like a private living area even when no walls are involved at all.
• It makes walking in your outdoor living area more comfortable, even if you don’t want to wear shoes.
• It helps keep dirt and debris out of the RV. When people have to walk over the outdoor rug first, most dirt will fall off their shoes before they make it indoors.

Considering the many purposes it serves, an outdoor rug should be a no-brainer when creating your outdoor living area.

Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Many modern RVs come with outdoor kitchens built in. This is great because it means you can 1) take your cooking outdoors, 2) avoid heating up the RV, and 3) enjoy the nice weather and pretty views while preparing meals.

That said, there are still plenty of RVs that do not have this feature built in. The good news? You can totally create an outdoor kitchen of your own! Here’s how we’d do it:

1. Start with a vinyl tablecloth on the picnic table, or on a folding table that you carry.
2. You’ll then need a way to cook. A grill, a Blackstone griddle, or a camp stove will work well for this.
3. A cooler works well for storing foods outside until you cook. Some people also use mini fridges.
4. For washing up, consider a sink like this. Of course, you could also just carry dishes inside.

Invest in Good Camping Chairs

Nobody wants to sit around in uncomfortable chairs for hours at a time. That said, if you get some good camping chairs, you quickly transform your outdoor living space into a comfy space where the whole campground will want to gather.

Fortunately, there are tons of amazing camp chairs available. The tricky part is figuring out which chairs best suit you. Below are some of our favorites.

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong

This super comfy chair is huge and has a huge weight capacity, meaning the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong can hold absolutely everyone. We love the light padding, which makes it easy to lounge in the chair for hours. The durable, easy-to-use frame design is also a major plus.

YETI Trailhead

The YETI Trailhead is luxurious for sure. The support and comfort it offers is pretty hard to top, and the fact that it is mesh means it breathes well in hot weather. Unfortunately, the chair is pretty heavy and the price is much higher than anything else on this list.

Kelty Low Loveseat

If you’re looking for a chair that seats two, we have to recommend the Kelty Low Loveseat. This lovely folding double-seater has comfortable padding as well as a sturdy and supportive frame. We love the included carrying case, but do still find that the chair is pretty heavy to tote around. Still, it’s easier to carry than two individual chairs.

Always Carry a Table

Most campsites include a picnic table. That said, there are a few out there that do not include a picnic table. We’ve also seen tables that are so worn out they don’t seem safe to use, and of course, if you boondock, you’re not going to find tables at those sites. For this reason, we highly recommend carrying a folding table of your own.

Not only will this come in handy when a picnic table is not available, but it can be nice to have a second table. On top of that, when you’re attending events, tables are always nice to have for potlucks and other gatherings.

Consider a Clam Tent

Obviously, you will want to put out your awning for shade and shelter from rain when the weather allows (never leave your awning out in pouring rain or high winds). What if you want more shelter than the awning can offer though? This is where a Clam shelter can come into play.

Clam tents come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for extending your living space into the outdoors while remaining well shaded and sheltered from the elements. These tents are easy to set up and take down, and even protect themselves from high winds and heavy rains by collapsing.

…or Set Up Awning Screens

Don’t want to lug a Clam shelter around? We get it. Some of us have very limited space to work with. In this case you might want to consider investing in some awning screens—side screens are available too—to create a sort of screen room around your awning and provide extra shelter from the sun.

Awning screens are lightweight and easy to set up. They are mesh, so they breathe well in the heat while still offering shade. The only problem? You really can’t use them if the weather is bad enough that the awning needs to come in. That said, you’d likely want to be inside at that point anyway.

Add Some Lights

One of the biggest problems we have with outdoor living in a campground? The outdoor lights on RVs are rarely enough. Luckily, you can remedy this very easily:

• String up some lights along the awning for a cute, festive look. Just know that putting them up and taking them down can be a pain.
• Add a strip of LED lights to the awning. These can be left in place when you move.
• Grab some solar lights that can be pushed into the ground.

Put Out a Fan

Our final tip? Grab a fan and set it up outside. This serves a couple of purposes:

1. First, the fan keeps air moving, helping to keep you cool even on the hottest summer days.
2. Second, because the fan moves air, it deters gnats, mosquitos, flies, and other bugs, making for a more pleasant outdoor living experience.

There you have it, our top tips for outdoor living at your campsite. Use these tips, set up a lovely outdoor living area, and enjoy the extra space that an outside living room provides your RVing family!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Disneyland and Disney World are both wonderful, magical places that are ideal for family vacations. Our family has had the good luck of visiting both on multiple occasions, and honestly, even after several visits it’s hard for us to choose a favorite, and it would be impossible for me to tell you which would work best for your family.

Instead, I’m going to use this article to discuss Disneyland vs Disney World so you can make the right choice for you.

Disneyland Overview

We’ll start or Disneyland vs Disney World comparison by talking about Disneyland. Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is the older of the two properties, having opened in 1955. Walt Disney himself had a hand in every aspect of the creation of Disneyland park, making it extra special to many avid Disney fans.

Disneyland is home to two main parks, a shopping district, and three hotels, meaning there is plenty to do. Additionally, the climate in southern California is beautiful year-round, making it ideal for RVers no matter what time you visit.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland park is smaller than the similar-but-different Magic Kingdom in Disney World. This means the park is easier to walk, but it also feels much more crowded. Despite this smaller size, Disneyland has a whopping 54 attractions, more than any other Disney park!

California Adventure

In addition to the original Disneyland park, the California property also boasts Disney’s California Adventure. This awesome park is right across a courtyard from Disneyland, meaning you can easily walk from one to another. It boasts around 34 attractions, which is close to the number of attractions found in Magic Kingdom park, and more than any of the other three Disney World parks.

Downtown Disney

Besides the theme parks, Disneyland Resort is also home to Downtown Disney, a fun shopping district that is 100% free to enter. Downtown Disney boasts a number of shops and eateries, and it’s a lot of fun if you need to kill some time without buying an expensive park ticket.

Disneyland Attractions Not Found in Disney World

• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Cars Land — Radiator Springs Racer, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, Cars character appearances
• Avengers Campus — Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!, Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Dance Off!, Heroic Encounters, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, Adventure Headquarters
• The Bakery Tour — Hosted by Boudin Bakery
• Walt Disney’s Apartment — Above the Town Square Fire Station
• Pixar Pal-a-Round
• World of Color
• Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
• Alice in Wonderland
• Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
• Pinnochio’s Daring Journey
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Casey Junior Circus Train
• GadgetCoaster
• Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
• Indiana Jones Adventure
• Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin
• Sailing Ship Columbia
• Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Golden Zephyr
• Incredicoaster
• Emotional Whirlwind
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish
• Monsters Inc: Mike and Sully to the Rescue
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Silly Symphony Swings
• Goofy’s Flight School
• Grizzly Rapids?
• Tarzan’s Treehouse — Similar to Swiss Family Treehouse in Magic Kingdom
• Autopia

Disneyland Camping Options

There are a few RV campgrounds near Disneyland. Because parking at the parks is so expensive, we highly recommend choosing a park that offers free shuttle service to Disneyland or is within walking distance of the parks.

Anaheim Harbor RV Park

Our top pick is Anaheim Harbor RV Park. This campground is located less than two miles from Disneyland and offers a shuttle to and from the amusement parks. It’s also totally possible to walk between the two places (it takes about 20–25 minutes), and you can see the Disneyland fireworks from the RV park.

Amenities in the campground include a pool, full-hookup sites, and clean restrooms with showers. The sites are rather close together, but the proximity to Disneyland more than makes up for that.

Orangeland RV Park

Orangeland RV Park is another good pick. It is less than 5 miles from Disneyland, but unfortunately does not offer shuttle service.

That said, the RV park itself is lovely and features amenities like a pool, a hot tub, a gym, sports courts, mini golf, and a dog park. Best of all, the staff really couldn’t be friendlier!

If you don’t mind driving to Disneyland, you might prefer this park for the welcoming vibe and fun onsite activities.

Disney World Overview

So what about Disney World? How does it fare when comparing Disneyland vs Disney World? Well, this one didn’t open until 1971, meaning Walt Disney sadly did not get to see opening day. That said, I feel like this property still holds a lot of nostalgia and is just as special as Disneyland, if in a different way.

Disney World is home to four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. It also boasts several hotels, the Disney Springs shopping district, two mini golf courses, and two water parks.

Note that the climate in Orlando is hot and humid in the summer, but mild and pleasant in the winter, making this a popular option for snowbirds who find themselves in Florida during the winter months.

Magic Kingdom

Of the four main parks, Magic Kingdom opened first and is the most like Disneyland park. That said, as mentioned before, the Florida iteration is quite a bit larger than the California version, making it feel more open and less crowded (although there are certainly days where the crowds still fill the place up).

Despite this additional open space, the park hosts only around 35 attractions versus Disneyland’s 54, meaning there is a bit less to do, but still plenty to fill your time.

Epcot

Epcot was the second park to open. It is different from anything found in California and plays host to not only the giant golf ball-esque Spaceship Earth, but also the World Showcase, a series of impressive pavilions representing various countries. Other parts of the park include World Discovery, World Nature, and World Celebration, each one focused on educational entertainment.

Our favorite attraction in all of Disney World is located in this park. Make sure to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is next on the list. Once again, this park is different from either California park, but it does boast some of the same attractions as both Disneyland parks. This park started as a Hollywood/movie studio theme, but has since changed dramatically and now includes a Toy Story land, a Star Wars section, and a super fun Mickey & Friends ride.

Animal Kingdom

Finally, there is Animal Kingdom. Unlike any theme park I’ve ever seen anywhere, this one has an animal theme and is actually a super extravagant zoo at its heart.

The park features a variety of attractions, including a safari ride through real animal habitats, a super well done Broadway-style Finding Nemo show, an exciting Lion King-themed variety show, and a whole land dedicated to James Cameron’s Avatar films (make sure to ride Flight of Passage).

Water Parks

The water parks in Disney World offer a wide variety of water-based attractions that are, of course, 100% unique to the Florida property. If you’ve already experienced Disneyland in the past and want to fill an extra day during your Florida trip with something completely new, a water park is a good pick.

Disney Springs

Very similar to California’s Downtown Disney, Disney Springs is worth a visit if you have some extra time in the area and you’ve already seen all of the parks. There are some unique shopping opportunities here, as well as some yummy food choices that you won’t necessarily find elsewhere.

Disney World Attractions Not Found in Disneyland

• The Barnstormer
• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Enchanted Tales With Belle
• The Hall of Presidents
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror — Similar to Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!
• Walt Disney Presents
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• The American Adventure
• Awesome Planet
• Canada Far and Wide
• Club Cool
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
• Impressions de France
• Journey into the Imagination With Figment
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• Living With the Land
• Luminous: The Symphony of Us
• Mission: SPACE
• Reflections of China
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch
• The Boneyard Playground
• Dinosaur
• Expedition Everest
• Feathered Friends in Flight
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!
• It’s Tough to be a Bug
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Na’vi River Journey
• Tree of Life Awakenings
• Triceratop Spin
• Tron Lightcycle Run

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Roadschooling in Disney World

Disney World Camping Options

There are a huge number of RV camping options near Disney World. Again, because parking is expensive, you might be best served staying somewhere with a park shuttle or nearby bus service. That said, you might find that it costs less to pay for parking than to stay at a park with a shuttle, so be sure to weigh your options.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

The obvious choice for anyone who can budget for it, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is easily one of the best RV parks in the country. This campground is the only one located on Disney property and is actually run by Disney itself, meaning campers here have access to bus and ferry service to the parks.

Amenities in Fort Wilderness include a nightly campfire with characters, swimming pools, a hot tub, a water slide, themed dining, and much more.

Sherwood Forest RV Resort

A slightly less expensive option, Sherwood Forest RV Resort is a good pick if you want to be able to take the city bus to the parks. It isn’t fancy by any stretch, but it is adequate. Amenities include a pool, a hot tub, and a playground. Sites are on grass, but offer full hookups.

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Bill Frederick Park is about half an hour from the theme parks, but if you’re looking to save money, it is an excellent pick. The campground is tucked away in a surprisingly tranquil little nook and boasts partial- and full-hookup sites, as well as a laundry room and bathhouse.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when comparing Disneyland vs Disney World. We tend to end up at Disney World more, but we truly do love both and would recommend choosing whichever makes the most sense for you and putting the other on your bucket list for another time!

In our opinion, learning how to buy a used RV, so you can skip buying a brand new rig is a smart choice. It allows you to avoid the huge amount of depreciation that happens as soon as you drive a new RV off the lot. We also find that the biggest issues have almost always been addressed in used RVs.

Of course, there are some things you should know about how to buy a used RV if you’ve never done so before. Here are our top tips for making such a purchase.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Avoid Scams

First and foremost, when learning how to buy a used RV, you’ll want to learn to avoid scams. Fortunately this is easy enough to do, but it’s still good to go over safe practices.

Never Buy Sight-Unseen

Never ever purchase an RV you have not seen in person. It’s very easy for a person to hide water damage and other issues in photos and videos. On top of that, there are some scams out there that involve asking the buyer to send a deposit upfront before they come to see or pick up the RV. This is never a good idea and you should run away from such requests.

Follow Safe Showing Practices

When you do go to see an RV, make sure you do so safely. Set up a meeting time during the day when the sun is still out. Take a friend with you and let somebody know where you are going and who you’re meeting. If you can, ask for the RV to be brought to a public place for the showing.

Pay Safely

The best way to pay for a used RV is by bank-to-bank wire transfer. If you aren’t comfortable with that, pay with a cashier’s check or certified check. Never give a seller your bank information or credit card information.

Get Bill of Sale and Title When Paying

You should receive a bill of sale and the title for the RV at the time of payment. If the seller does not have these things in hand, walk away without giving them a dime, and don’t hand over any money until you see they have both papers and are ready to hand them over.

Trust Your Gut

A lot of the time, when something is off, we can feel it. Trust those feelings. If anything ever feels off during a transaction, you can and should stop right there.

Inspect the RV Thoroughly

The next thing to know when learning how to buy a used RV? How to inspect an RV. Inspecting the RV carefully will allow you to make sure it’s free of major problems that could cause you headaches down the line.

Watch for Mold

First, check the whole rig for mold. When you walk in the door, smell the air. A musty or mildew smell is a good sign that there is water and/or mold somewhere. Even if you don’t smell anything, look in cabinets (especially in the corners), in the corners of the RV, along where the wall meets the floor, the walls around slides, and behind and under furniture (including under mattresses and all beds) for signs of mold.

Inspect the Walls and Ceiling

Check the walls for signs for water damage. Feel for mushy spots and look for discoloration. Start at the bottom of each wall and inspect all the way up. Pay particular attention to any walls beneath windows.

Don’t forget to check inside cabinets and along the ceiling as well (especially around potential water entry points like the A/C unit). Brown spots, wet spots, mushy spots, and saggy areas are all signs of water intrusion.

Go Over the Floors

The floors will also need to be looked over. You’ll want to check for weak or soft spots, especially near doors, in corners, and near toilets, showers, and sinks. Don’t forget to look under beds and in closets as well. Any spot that feels less than sturdy is likely to be damaged and could also be harboring mold.

Crawl Underneath

Our next tip for how to buy a used RV? Head outside and crawl underneath the RV to look for signs of damage. Leaks from the bottom of the RV are a bad sign. An open or sagging underbelly could also be a problem. You’ll also be able to see any damage caused by tire blowouts while under the RV.

Walk the Roof

While you’re outside, get up on the roof to check for water damage. If the RV includes a built-in ladder, the roof is likely walkable, meaning you can get up there and feel for soft spots. If there is no built-in ladder, you might want to feel around from the safety of a ladder—moving the ladder as you go—so you can test the whole roof.

In addition to soft spots, you should also be looking for damage to the rubber membrane, cracked or peeling sealant, and damage to the vents, skylights, or A/C shroud.

Open Storage Bays

Open every single storage bay on the RV. Stick your head inside and smell for moisture, mold, or mildew. Look for soft spots on the walls and floor, and check for discoloration that could signal water damage. You’ll also want to look around each bay door, checking for signs that water might be leaking in.

Check the Tires

RV tires are expensive. Therefore, it’s good to know if you might need to budget for them right off the bat. Check the tires before buying a used RV. Look for damage, worn treads, and check the expiration date. If it seems like you might need to buy new ones, ask for a reduced sale price on the RV to help cover that purchase.

Test Electricity

Next, you’ll want to test the electrical system in the RV. Start by running the lights, fans, and fridge off of battery power to ensure the system is working properly. Next, plug into shore power and test each electric appliance to make sure it is in working order.

These include:

• TVs
• Microwave
• Air conditioner
• Electric fridge
• Electric water heater

Note: The fridge and water heater are hard to test in a a short amount of time. You may want to ask for these to be turned on in advance so you can see that they are working when you arrive. If the fridge was emptied prior to this request, ask the owners to place a water bottle inside when they turn it on, along with an ice pack or tray in the freezer.

Check the Propane

The propane system will also need to be tested. Ensure the propane is open and then turn on each propane appliance to make sure it is working. This is another super critical step when it comes to how to buy a used RV.

These include:

• Stove
• Oven
• Fridge
• Water heater
• Furnace

Note: If the RV has been sitting for a while, the propane appliances may not light immediately. Try purging the system by holding a stove knob in the “light” position for several seconds before attempting to light it.

Use the Water System

Obviously, you’ll also want to test the water system. First, put some water in the fresh tank and turn on the onboard water pump. Allow the system to come to pressure and then listen for a few minutes to see if the pump runs when no tap has been turned on. If it does, this signals a leak in the system. After listening, run each tap using the onboard water pump.

When you’re sure the pump is working, move on to the city water connection. Use a fresh water hose to connect the RV to a potable water spigot and test all of the faucets while on city water. While the system is pressurized, check under the RV and under the sinks and toilet for leaks.

Run the Generator

Another tip for how to buy used RV is to check for an onboard generator. If there is one, turn it on to make sure it starts up easily and continues running. Plug in to the generator and make sure it runs the appliances and sends power to the outlets as it should.

Go for a Test Drive

Of course, if you’re buying a drivable RV, you’ll also want to go for a test drive. Listen, look, feel, and smell for anything that seems off. Make sure you can get going, stop, and turn without issue. Drive on a bumpy road to feel how it handles.

Pop the Hood

If all seems well during the test drive, pop the hood to take a look in the engine bay. Look for obvious leaks and smell for odd smells. Leave the engine running with the hood up and listen for unusual noises.

Hire an Inspector

If your personal inspection doesn’t turn up anything wrong, there is one more step you should take: Hire a professional inspector. This does cost a little bit, but it is so, so worth it to know you aren’t buying a used RV with issues. Have an RV inspector look over everything they can, and if you’re buying a motorhome, have a trusted mechanic look over the engine, transmission, etc.

Know the RV’s Value

The last step when learning how to buy a used RV? You’ll want to make sure you know the value of the RV you are purchasing to ensure you don’t overpay. Some options include looking at the NADA guide, using National Vehicle’s RV valuation tool, and checking RV Trader and other RV sales websites to see what similar rigs are going for.

Buying a used RV can feel a little bit scary. That said, as long as you know how to buy a used RV carefully, you can be fairly confident that you will walk out of the sale with an awesome little home-on-wheels that will take you on a number of amazing adventures!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Looking for ways to make your family travels more fun and educational at the same time? You might want to look into agritourism. If you’ve never heard this term, you’ve come to the right place! Here we will discuss what agritourism is, how to incorporate it into your travels, and the benefits of doing so.

What is Agritourism?

First and foremost, we need to answer the question, “What is agritourism?” Essentially, agritourism involves visiting farms, ranches, wineries, and other such places during your travels. Sometimes this might mean picking fruits or veggies; other times it might involve a tour.

In all cases, agritourism is an excellent way to connect with nature, learn something new, and meet and support the locals.

Ways to Incorporate Agritourism into Your Travels

If you think agritourism sounds like a fun addition to your RV travels, you might be wondering how you can go about adding some agritourism stops to your travel itinerary. Fortunately, there are tons of different ways to experience agritourism.

Make Use of Harvest Hosts

Our absolute favorite way to enjoy agritourism while traveling in an RV? Harvest Hosts. This awesome membership gives RVers access to dry camping sites at farms, wineries, and more all across the US. The hosts are always welcoming and often invite guests to join in farm activities.

Best of all, once you pay your yearly membership fee, you will not pay to camp at these amazing campsites!

Attend Farm Tours

Another option is to attend farm tours. These happen all over the country, but our absolute favorite is the Braum’s farm tour in Tuttle, Oklahoma. This tour allows you to see how dairy products are made from start to finish. It’s an excellent roadschool lesson on where food comes from, and it ends with a complimentary ice cream. Just be sure to reserve this one in advance!

Go Produce Picking

U-pick farms are found in pretty much every state, and there is almost always some sort of produce in season. This means you should be able to enjoy this activity almost all year long, especially if you follow warm weather.

Our family has enjoyed picking blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, apples, and more over the years. It’s always a blast and we always love leaving with a stash of delicious produce to enjoy.

Step Back in Time

Living history farms are another fantastic example of agritourism. These are real working farms that are run using methods and technologies from the past. We especially loved Living History Farms in Iowa, as it featured farms from several different time periods and offered guests a chance to see how farming has evolved over the years.

Check Out a Pumpkin Patch

Visiting a pumpkin patch is a fall tradition for many families. These fun family attractions tend to pop up in October and often offer kids a chance to pet farm animals, play in dry corn, ride ponies, get lost in a corn maze (and see the plants that corn grows on) and even pick their very own pumpkin(s) to decorate for Halloween.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

Another seasonal agritourism activity that is a must-do for many families? Cutting a Christmas tree. This can be done at Christmas tree farms in nearly every part of the country. It’s an excellent way to kick off the holiday season and is a fun way to bond as a family. On top of that, your kids might get some practice using tools!

Benefits of Agritourism

There are several ways agritourism can enhance your travels as a full time RVing family. Below are some of the reasons you might want to wrap farms and other similar destinations into your travels.

Learn Where Food Comes From

One of the biggest benefits of agritourism is the fact that it gives kids a chance to learn where food comes from. While visiting farms, they can get up close and personal with the various plants and animals that provide us with nutrition. Often, this helps foster a new sense of appreciation for food.

Meet the Locals

In my opinion, meeting local people and getting to know them is one of the most amazing things about full time travel. It allows you to really connect with each place you visit.

When you get to know the people in a region, you get to know about region-specific foods, traditions, and more. It also means you are always growing your friend base, something that really can’t be a bad thing.

Try New Foods

If you have picky kids, taking them to pick their own produce might open them up to the idea of trying new fruits and vegetables. On top of that, visiting local farms and farmers’ markets can give you access to foods you never knew existed. Because of this, wrapping agritourism into your travels is an excellent way to expand your palate.

Fill Your Home with Farm-Fresh Foods

We all know there are few things better than food fresh from the farm. When you make agritourism a regular part of your travel schedule, you will always have a nice supply of locally grown, farm-fresh foods. Not only is this a delicious benefit, it’s also super healthy!

Have Fun Outdoors

Getting out in the sunshine and breathing fresh air is good for the body and the soul, and reconnecting a family works best when in the great outdoors. Obviously this can be done in national parks and on epic hikes, and we absolutely recommend adding those things to your travels as well. That said, agritourism can be just as good for refreshing yourself in the outdoors.

As you can see, agritourism is a really neat thing that can enhance your travels and your roadschooling experience, allowing you to get even more out of your RV travels. Why not add a stop at a farm to your itinerary today so you can give it a try?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Now that the warm weather is here, it’s important that we all keep summer safety in mind. This means keeping our kids safe, of course, but it also means keeping our dogs safe as we travel. If this is your first summer on the road with your pup, be sure to keep these tips in mind while camping with a dog in hot weather.

Safety Tips for Camping with a Dog in Hot Weather

The hot weather tips below are exactly what you need to go camping with a dog in the summertime. That said, some of these tips can also work well for a cat or another pet, so even if you don’t have a dog, they might be worth a read.

Traveling with Your Dog

First, let’s talk about traveling with your dog. After all, you will want to make sure your pup is safe and comfortable as you travel down the road.

• Never let pets ride in a moving trailer. Trailers bounce a lot more than you might imagine, and this combined with the extreme heat that will build up in the trailer is a recipe for disaster.
• Make water available. Ensure your pet has enough water throughout the drive. If you are unable to make a water dish available while in motion, make frequent stops and offer water each time.

Ensuring a Comfortable Temperature in Your RV

Hoping to leave your dog in the RV while you go out exploring? That should be okay, but it is important to have a way to control and monitor the temperature while you’re away. This is because, like cars, RVs can become extremely hot inside very quickly in the summertime and this can be dangerous for pets.

Controlling the Temperature in Your RV

If boondocking, choose a place that does not get above 75 degrees (°F) during the day. Leave windows open and a vent fan on. Make sure your pup can’t get out through the open windows.

If you’re in an RV park with shore power, leave the air conditioner running.

Monitoring the Temperature in Your RV

Either way, invest in a temperature monitor for your RV. This will alert you should the temperature of your home-on-wheels get too high.

We recommend a cellular pet temperature monitor if you’re staying in a park with hookups. This will continue working even if the power and Wi-Fi go out.

When boondocking, it’s better to use a Wi-Fi pet temperature monitor connected to Starlink, which can be run off of a pure sine wave inverter connected to your RV’s batteries. Just be sure you have enough battery power to last until you get back.

Taking Your Dog on Outings

Hopefully you plan to take your pup on some outings as well. Of course, you will want to do so safely. Here’s how:

• Carry a portable water bowl and offer water regularly.
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors where your pet can cool off.
• Pick up some dog shoes for walking on hot pavement and sand.
• Consider locations where your dog can play in water to cool off and have fun.

Keeping Safety in Mind

Lastly, it is always important that you prepare for potential emergencies by carrying your pet’s medical records and making yourself aware of where the nearest emergency veterinarian is. This will ensure you can get help quickly if anything does go wrong while camping with a dog.

Where to Go Camping with a Dog in Hot Weather

Wondering where to go camping with a dog in summer? We recommend choosing a place that doesn’t see extreme heat for the comfort and safety of all involved. We also like to choose destinations where Fido is welcome to be out and about.

Acadia National Park

One of the best places to be during the summer months, Acadia is an absolutely gorgeous place that is home to over 100 miles of dog-friendly trails and 45 miles of dog-friendly carriage roads. It also sees super mild summers, with temperatures that rarely exceed 75 degrees. We really can’t imagine a better spot to go camping with a dog.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Acadia is home to a beach, but unfortunately dogs aren’t allowed there. If you’re looking for a beach vacation for your furry friend, we recommend Cannon Beach. This iconic beach allows dogs to run, splash, and play as much as they like. Meanwhile, the nearby Ecola State Park allows leashed pups to hike their trails.

Shenandoah National Park

Another fantastic pet-friendly national park, Shenandoah features nearly 500 miles of pup-friendly hiking trails. On top of that, all in-park campgrounds allow dogs to stay. Clearly, this is an amazing place to enjoy some beautiful scenery and fresh air with your doggo this summer.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown also deserves a place on this list. This awesome town allows dogs to play on all of their beaches from 6:00am–9:00am and from 6:00pm–9:00pm throughout the summer. It also plays host to a variety of restaurants, galleries, and tours that welcome dogs with open arms, meaning your pet can enjoy your entire vacation with you.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Do you have a dog who loves to swim? Indiana Dunes National Park might be for them. This park features sandy beaches on the lovely Lake Michigan, and some of them welcome dogs to play alongside their human companions. Just be sure to ask a park ranger to learn which beaches are open to pups during your visit!

New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park may be the newest of the officially designated national parks, but it is just as spectacular. On top of some amazing scenery, this park also holds a special place in our hearts because it is so pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed on all in-park trails, including the fabulous Endless Wall Trail, which offer some incredible views.

Now that you’ve gathered some safety tips and learned about some amazing dog-friendly destinations, it’s time to go camping with a dog in summer. Grab your gear and get ready for a fantastic summertime adventure with your favorite furry friend!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Summer is here! While RVing is definitely fun all year round, the summertime might just be the very best time to be an RVer. During the summer season, more RV parks are open, fun family activities are taking place all over the country, and the weather is great for outdoor adventures.

Ready to tackle summer and make the most of this amazing season? Here is a summer bucket list for full time RVing families. See if you can do everything on this list before the fall rolls around!

Visit a National Park

Our national parks are easily the most spectacular spots in the USA, and they are absolutely perfect destinations for RVers. Make sure you visit at least one national park this summer so you can take in the beauty of our amazing country!

Related: The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids

Hit the Beach

There’s nothing quite like a summer day on the beach. Fortunately, when you have the whole country at your fingertips, an amazing beach is totally reachable. Heck, you could even camp right on the beach!

Whether you choose to head to the ocean beaches of Florida, the lake beaches of Michigan, or somewhere else entirely, your family is sure to love making memories in the sand and water.

Head to a Theme Park

Theme parks are another wonderful thing to check out during the summer months, and we’re betting you’ll park your RV near one at some point this summer season. Some of our favorite amusement parks include Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, Hershey Park, LEGOLAND, and Dollywood, but you’re sure to have an amazing time no matter which park you choose.

Related: Disney World on a Budget: Inexpensive Camping Near Disney World

Zoom Down a Water Slide

No summer is complete without at least one water slide experience. Whether you choose a campground with a water slide (Jellystone Parks are amazing for this!) or head to a water park, we highly recommend slipping and sliding as much as you can before the weather cools down.

Hike to a Waterfall

Whether you do it in a national park or in another natural area, hiking to a waterfall is a magical adventure that every hiker deserves to experience and the perfect summer bucket list item. There are amazing waterfall hikes scattered all across the US. We recommend using AllTrails to find one.

Try Locally Made Ice Cream

Honestly, any ice cream is good during the summer. That said, locally made ice cream is the best of the best, and it definitely deserves a place on your summer bucket list. Make a point of finding local ice cream in every town you visit for an extra fun addition to your summer travels.

Go Produce Picking

Summer is also a great time to go produce-picking. From blackberries to peaches, you’re found to find some amazing fruits to pick no matter where you plan to spend the summer. We love this idea because it 1) helps kids understand where their food comes from, 2) provides a healthy treat for the family, and 3) helps you get to know the locals.

Tube Down a River

If you’re looking to cool off, you may want to head to the local river, plop a tube in the water, and go for a ride. We appreciate that this is an inexpensive way to get outside and enjoy nature in comfort, even when it’s blazing hot outside.

Explore a Cave

Yet another way to stay cool, exploring a cave is a wonderful addition to any summer bucket list. We are particularly fond of the tours of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, as well as the self-guided tours of the Ape Cave lava tube in Washington State. That said, any cave you choose is sure to be amazing!

Catch a Fish

For a relaxing activity that allows you to really take in the view, consider going fishing. We love that fishing can be done pretty much anywhere in the country, and carrying the gear in your RV is relatively easy, making it a perfect hobby for an RVer.

Check Out a Science Museum

Our country is chock-full of incredible museums, including some of the best science museums in the world. Why not grab an ASTC reciprocal membership and head to a few science museums this summer to enhance your roadschool experience?

Wander a Zoo

Another awesome type of attraction there is no shortage of in the US? Zoos. We have dozens of excellent zoos across the country, and many of them can be accessed at a deep discount if you have an AZA reciprocal membership. Add zoos to your summer bucket list!

Hit the Skating Rink

Of course, we mustn’t forget the old-school activities that made summer amazing when we were kids. Skating is definitely one of those, and we love that it is made affordable by the Kids Skate Free program. Find a rink near where you plan to spend a good chunk of time and take your kids to enjoy some fast-paced fun!

Add Bowling to Your Summer Bucket List

Another tried-and-true activity that the kids are sure to love? Bowling. Fortunately, the Kids Bowl Free program makes it possible to take them without spending a small fortune. Again, you will want to choose a location that is near where you’ll spend the bulk of your summer.

View Some Epic Sunsets

One of the great things about traveling in an RV is that it allows you to wander off the beaten path, and off the beaten path is where some of the best sunsets in the world are found. Whether you’re headed to the desert, the mountains, or the seaside, make sure to get outside and enjoy some epic sunsets as a family.

Enjoy a Movie Together

Once the sun goes down, set up a projector and enjoy a movie together under the stars. Don’t have a projector? An indoor movie could be just as fun. Just make sure to choose a movie the whole family can enjoy together.

Grill Out

Of course, you’ll want to grill as many meals outside as possible in order to fully enjoy the great outdoors. If you can, invite friends to grill out with you and make it a party. Just make sure you have a decent grill before you dive in!

Sit Around a Campfire

After you grill out, break out the marshmallows and set up a campfire. There’s nothing quite like ending a night of summer adventure sitting around a campfire swapping stories and singing with friends, so a campfire should absolutely be on your summer bucket list!

Make New Friends

Last but definitely not least, make an effort to make new friends this summer. RVing friends are some of the best friends in the world, and when you can share your summer bucket list experiences with your friends, they become even more incredible.

Not sure how to make RV friends? Head to a Fulltime Families event to get the ball rolling.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Your RV flooring is an important part of your home-on-wheels. It protects the plywood subfloor, provides a comfortable surface for walking, and has a huge impact on the overall look of your RV interior.

Unfortunately, RV flooring also sees a lot of abuse. Camping is messy business, and it isn’t uncommon for dirt, sand, mud, and a variety of other debris to make its way onto an RV floor. Not only that, but if you’re living in your RV full time, you’re walking on that floor all day every day, something not all RV flooring was made to stand up to.

The good news? There are things you can do to protect your RV flooring, and even when the original flooring is all worn out, you can always replace it entirely. Here’s everything you need to know about your RV flooring.

Protecting RV Flooring from Dirt and Debris

First, let’s talk about taking care of your RV floors. Obviously, you will want to sweep and vacuum from time to time, but there are a few things you can do beyond these basic cleanings that will keep everything in tip-top shape.

Use an Outdoor Rug

We highly recommend putting down an outdoor rug right outside of your RV door. This will catch a lot of the debris that would otherwise be tracked inside.

Keep a Shoe Bin by the Door

Putting a shoe storage bin right by the door is helpful. Remind everyone who comes into your RV to remove their shoes and put them in the bin in order to prevent mud and sand from entering your home.

Put Down Rugs

Rugs can help protect RV flooring. They also work great for adding splashes of color to your rig and even covering up old or damaged flooring. Pick out some rugs you love and throw them down for a totally new look and some added protection!

Mop Carefully

You will of course want to mop your non-carpeted RV floors. That said, it is important that you do so carefully. Too much water could potentially seep down into your subfloor and cause water damage, especially if you mop often. Something like a Swiffer Wet-Jet will help prevent this issue by limiting the amount of liquid used.

Cleaning the Carpets

At some point all RV flooring needs to be deep cleaned, and when it comes to carpet, cleaning is a bit trickier. Fortunately, it is totally possible to deep clean your RV carpets, and you might be surprised what a difference this can make.

Here’s how to deep clean your RV carpets:

1. Vacuum well.
2. Spot clean stains using a carpet stain remover.
3. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with three parts cold water and spray onto carpet.
4. Let the solution sit for five minutes.
5. Using a microfiber cloth, blot the solution out of the carpet, rinsing the cloth as it becomes soiled.
6. Allow to air dry. Open windows and doors to increase drying speed.

You can also purchase small steam cleaners that will do an excellent job of cleaning your RV carpet.

Replacing Your RV Flooring

Even if you do everything in your power to take good care of your RV flooring, you are likely to find yourself needing to replace it eventually. Sometimes this is because the stock flooring is outdated. Other times it’s because it’s become stained beyond cleaning. Either way, the process for replacing your RV flooring is the same.

Choosing Your Material

Typically, you’ll see four types of RV flooring:

1. Sheet vinyl – This comes in a sheet. It’s nice because it’s waterproof and inexpensive, but because it’s in one piece, it can be difficult to put down.
2. Carpet – Because RVing can be so messy, we don’t really recommend carpet. Yes, it is inexpensive and relatively easy to put down, but it’s just too hard to keep clean.
3. Laminate flooring – Laminate is an okay choice, but in order to get waterproof laminate, you will need to purchase a thicker product, which is heavier and can cause issues with slideouts.
4. Luxury vinyl planks – This is our favorite type of RV flooring. They are durable, easy to lay, and waterproof. For this article we will focus on laying vinyl planks.

Tools You’ll Need

To change your RV flooring using luxury vinyl planks, you will need the following items:

• Razor blade
• Speed square
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet
• Pencil
• Tapping block
• Miter saw (optional)

Measuring for Luxury Vinyl Planks

To determine how much flooring to buy, multiply your floor length by the width and add an extra 10% for start pieces, end pieces, mistakes, etc.

Remember that thinner planks will save on weight and work better with your RV slides!

Pulling Up the Old Floor

Obviously, you will need to pull up your old RV flooring before putting anything new down. Fortunately this is pretty easy to do. Start by removing any trim at floor level. If you’re dealing with vinyl sheet flooring, you may need to use a razor blade to cut as close to the wall as possible. Carpet should come up with a bit of pulling and a nail or staple remover.

Prep the Subfloor

Next, clean the subfloor. Pull all staples and nails. Sweep at least two times and follow the broom with a Shop-Vac to ensure you get all dirt and dust.

Laying Your RV Flooring

If you are working with a slide that has a lot of overhang, it’s generally best to start by laying the flooring under the slide. Otherwise, choose the longest straight section of wall in your RV and start there.

Leaving a quarter inch of space between your planks and the wall, click planks together end-to-end until you’ve spanned the entire length of the RV. This will likely require you to cut the final piece to the correct length using the speed square along with either a razor blade or a miter saw to fill all of the space.

With the first row done, now move on to the second row, using the other end of the plank you cut at the starter piece in order to create an off-set pattern as you line it up with the first row. Snap each plank into place as you go using the tapping block and mallet, and cut the last plank to fill all of the space, using the remainder of that plank to start the third row and repeat the process.

Continue in this way, cutting around cabinets, floor registers, and other obstacles until the entire floor is complete.

Add Trim

When your floor is complete, you will need to trim everything out. You can do this by adding shoe molding or quarter rounds that match the floor, or you can add a baseboard to the walls and match the trim to the baseboard.

A Word about Slideout Transition Strips

Depending on what kind of slide you’re working with, finding a trim or transition strip that works well can be tricky. The video below talks about some of the best options. It also offers a visual guide to replacing RV flooring that could be helpful.

There you go, everything you need to know about RV flooring! Hopefully this guide has helped you learn how to care for your RV floors, along with how to replace flooring that isn’t in the best shape so you can keep on camping without worrying about RV flooring that is falling apart.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Because we have family in Oklahoma, we tend to spend a lot of time in the state. Many wonder what we do while hanging out in this seemingly boring state, and I get it — the place isn’t exactly known for its amazing attractions. But here’s the thing, there are actually a ton of great things to do in Oklahoma with kids if you’re willing to look for them.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Things to do in Oklahoma with Kids

If you’re looking to earn your Oklahoma state sticker, you’ve come to the right place. Below are the very best things to do in Oklahoma with kids.

Stroll, Climb, and Play

One of our favorite things to do with kids in Oklahoma? Hit the parks. There are several amazing parks in the state, and they never fail to keep the kids and their friends 100% entertained.

The Gathering Place in Tulsa is easily the best park in the state and quite possibly among the best parks in the country. The place boasts multiple unique playgrounds, an incredible skate park, water play areas, walking paths, and more.

Other parks we really love include the new Scissortail Park in downtown OKC, which features interesting play areas and a skating rink, and Little River Park in Moore, which has a free water park that is complete with small slides and spray features.

Get Hands-On

If you’re looking for hands-on educational things to do in Oklahoma with kids, you’re in luck. The state boasts several amazing museums that offer exactly that.

The biggest and most impressive of these museums is Science Museum Oklahoma in OKC. This museum has dozens of fabulous hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and one of the coolest play areas you’ll ever see.

We also really love Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole, Leonardo’s Children’s Museum in Enid, and the new Discovery Lab in Tulsa.

Note: Both Science Museum Oklahoma and Discovery Lab are part of the ASTC reciprocal program.

Go Wild at Animal Parks and Gardens

Want to take a walk on the wild side? Some of the most fun things to do in Oklahoma with kids involve animals and plants.

The Oklahoma City Zoo has to be our top pick out of all the zoos, wildlife parks, and botanical gardens in the state. We love the building that allows visitors to observe vets gearing for the animals, and feeding the giraffes is always an experience. Of course, the amazing landscaping and playgrounds are awesome bonuses as well!

Other great places to observe plants and animals in Oklahoma include the Tulsa Zoo, Arbuckle Wilderness Safari Park in Davis, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown OKC.

Note: Both the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Tulsa Zoo are part of the AZA reciprocal program. 

Head Outside

Oklahoma may not be home to stunning ocean beaches and majestic mountains, but there are still plenty of fun outdoor things to do in Oklahoma with kids.

If you need to get outside, we highly recommend the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. This place features beautiful hiking trails, sparkling springs, and some super refreshing swimming holes. We do recommend packing bug spray for this one!

Other parks that are well worth visiting include Turner Falls Park in Davis, Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, and pretty much any of the Oklahoma state parks.

Take in a Performance

In recent years, the arts scene has really taken off in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, meaning there are tons of great performances to see in both cities. Not only that, but many of the small towns scattered around the state are home to community theaters, most of which put on fabulous productions.

One of the best things to do in Oklahoma with kids is to see a performance put on by the Oklahoma Children’s Theater. These shows are geared toward elementary-aged kids and they are so much fun!

If you have older kids, they might appreciate a more mature community theater performance. We highly recommend shows put on by The Pollard in Guthrie.

Check Out a Farm

There is no shortage of farms in Oklahoma, making this the perfect place to do some agrotourism and learn where food comes from. In fact, I think this is one of the best things to do in Oklahoma with kids.

Our favorite place to do this is Braum’s Farm in Tuttle. Braum’s is a local ice cream and fast food chain that is found in pretty much every town in the state. The ice cream there is phenomenal and really must be tried during your visit. At Braum’s Farm, you can take a tour to see exactly how this ice cream is made. Just make sure you book your tour in advance!

Another great place to see a working farm is Orr Family Farm. This place hosts events throughout the year and always has something fun for the kids.

Celebrate Native American Cultures

Recently, we visited the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur for the first time. This place was incredible.

The center features a huge campus where everyone is welcome to come and learn about Chickasaw culture. The onsite museum does charge a fee, but nearly everything else was 100% free. We really enjoyed both the educational film (the theater is amazing) and the stomp dance demonstration, and my daughter loved that she got to dance with the performers. We also had fun exploring the living history village.

Another place to learn about Native American culture? The Spiro Mounds in Spiro.

Get Your Thrills

Unfortunately for thrill junkies, Oklahoma doesn’t have a whole lot to offer in terms of amusement parks. That said, the theme parks it does have are cute, well-maintained, and fun and offer some of the best things to do in Oklahoma with kids.

Frontier City is the “dry” amusement park in the state. This park features the usual kiddie rides, some family rides, roller coasters, and live entertainment. The park is now owned by Six Flags, which is great for travelers because it means the Six Flags Plus reciprocal membership benefits will work there.

Other amusement parks in the state include Hurricane Harbor (also owned by Six Flags) and the Water-Zoo in Clinton, which actually boasts its own RV park.

Note: Plans are in the works for a large, Disney World-style amusement park called American Heartland in Vinita!

Cowboy Up

Of course, you have to have at least one cowboy-themed outing while in Oklahoma. This is where the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in OKC comes into play.

This museum focuses on the history of the Wild West and features tons of amazing information on cowboys and Native American culture. It also plays host to many gorgeous works of art that are well worth checking out.

Note: This museum is a part of the NARM reciprocal program.

Make No Bones About It

Have a fossil-obsessed kiddo in your party? Why not cater to them with a skeleton-focused roadschool field trip?

The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City is probably the very best place to learn about bones and skeletons in the entire country. This place has an astounding number of bony specimens to check out, and the educational programs they offer are top-notch.

You can also head to the Sam Noble Museum in Norman for even more skeletal viewing. While this museum is a natural history museum with far more than just bones, it does feature a fun collection of ancient animal skeletons.

Take a Moment of Silence

Finally, we must mention the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Honestly, this spot isn’t the best for younger kids, but it is an invaluable educational experience for slightly older kids and teens.

The memorial is run by the National Parks Service and provides a beautiful place for quiet reflection. Meanwhile, the museum aims to educate the public about the events leading up to and following the tragic Oklahoma City bombing of 1995. Both are worth visiting.

In my opinion, these are the best things to do in Oklahoma with kids. Need to fill even more time? I’m certain you can find even more to see and do if you take the time to look around!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Traveling with kids can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are ways to make it easier. In this article, I will share my top road trip tips for families. These are tricks I have learned after years of full time travel with my mini adventurers and they have definitely made travel days more pleasant!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

When Possible, Keep Drives Short

When we first got on the road, we would travel 600 miles in a single day. However, we quickly learned that super long travel days are a recipe for disaster. At the end of a 600 mile drive, we are all tired and grumpy and working together nicely to get the RV parked and set up almost certainly won’t happen.

These days, about 250 miles per day is our absolute max and it makes traveling so much more enjoyable. Therefore, keeping drives on the shorter side whenever possible is number one of my road trip tips for families or for anyone, really.

Get on the Road Early

I’m not a morning person, so this particular one of my road trip tips for families is hard for me. That said, if you can manage to keep driving days short and get on the road early you can be in your campsite by mid-afternoon. This leaves time for an afternoon hike or trip to the playground and means you can cook dinner without feeling rushed.

Another reason getting on the road early is one of my top road trip tips for families? You never know what might go wrong on a travel day. Getting started early means you will have plenty of time to tackle any issues that may arise before the sun goes down.

…or Drive Overnight

We use this road trip tip for families less often, but it is a handy one to have in your back pocket if you need to make an especially long drive. Driving overnight means the kids will most likely sleep in the backseat while you cover some ground.

Of course, you will want to rest up before you head out and you will need a driving buddy to switch off with so you both can get some rest. Additionally, it is a good idea to put everyone in their PJs, play some white noise or calming music, and make sure everyone has a pillow and a blanket for comfort. Some families might also choose to give their kids a melatonin gummy.

Pack Food

Hangry kids are not fun to road trip with. Fortunately, you can avoid this situation by packing plenty of food (definitely a key one of my road trip tips for families). We usually stop at a restaurant for lunch (and use the stop to stretch, use the restroom, and get gas as well) but you could easily pack a lunch if you’d rather not splurge on eating out. Whether or not you pack a lunch, snacks are essential though.

Grab Resealable Containers

Small reusable and resealable containers are perfect for packing single servings of snacks like goldfish crackers, popcorn, fruit, and veggies. They remove the need to buy individual packs of your favorite snacks, saving money and cutting back on packaging. We also appreciate that kids can reseal them if they don’t want the entire serving at once, preventing back seat messes.

Note: For toddlers, I actually prefer these spill-proof snack cups, which can’t be sealed, but do prevent messes. 

Invest in Spill-Proof Cups

Listen, generally speaking I am not a fan of handing a 5-year-old a sippy cup. That said, when it comes to road trips, I’m all about the spill-proof cups and I will even go so far as to insist my 12-year-old uses a cup with a lid.

That said, there are spill-proof cups out there that are not sippy cups. These Contigo cups are an excellent example of this. They are big enough for bigger kids and have a straw rather than a spout, but they are also 100% spill-proof, so they will save your back seat from any and all sticky liquids.

Steer Clear of Melting Foods

I have learned the hard way — on more than one occasion, actually — that melting foods are not the way to go when it comes to road trips with kids. Anything that can melt will melt all over your seat or floor. Chocolate and gummy candies are some of the things that really should not be allowed into a vehicle due to their melting potential.

Pack Entertainment

A list of road trip tips for families wouldn’t be complete without some entertainment suggestions. I won’t mention the obvious option of playing the alphabet game (though that is a totally valid option). Instead, I’ll list some ideas you may not have thought of.

Hands on Fun

I don’t love letting my kids stare at screens the entire day. It happen sometimes, but generally, I like to keep a box or bag filled with hands-on road trip fun.

The items below are perfect for road trips:

• Water Wow
• Color Wonder
• Magnadoodle
• Colorforms
• Window Clings
• Wikki Sticks (or Pipe Cleaners)
• Beads
• Road Trip Bingo Cards

Keep these things in a special container that you pull out only on travel days to make them extra special.

Audio Books, Music, and Podcasts

If the hands-on fun isn’t doing the trick any more, the next step is to try some audio entertainment. We love listening to audiobooks as a family, as it keeps my husband and I entertained along with the kids. Podcasts can be equally entertaining for the whole crew. Of course, music is a good fall back is your kids need to dance to get some wiggles out.

I recommend the following:

• Harry Potter Audiobooks
• Rohld Dahl Audiobooks
• Chronicles of Narnia Audiobooks
• How to Train Your Dragon Audiobooks
• Story Pirates Podcast
• Who, When, Wow! Podcast
• Brains On! Podcast
• The Purple Rocket Podcast
• The Pop Ups Children’s Music
• Noodle Loaf Music Podcast
• Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl Music Podcast
• Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child Music Podcast

Screen Time Gear

Of course, there are times when the screens come in handy. Make sure you pack the necessary accessories in addition to the tablets.

Include:

• Extra Long Charging Cables – Cables that reach to the backseat are immensely helpful.
• Portable Power Bank – This will allow you to recharge devices without plugging into the vehicle.
• Headphones – Headphones are a lifesaver and are a must-have item for every person in our vehicle (besides the driver, of course).
• Headphone Splitter – If your kids like to watch shows together and you have an old fashioned headphone jack, a headphone splitter can be helpful. If you use Bluetooth to connect your headphones, a device like this one will do the trick.

Do Schoolwork on the Road

Schoolwork may not be the most fun thing to do while driving, but if you do it while you drive, you won’t have to do it once you park, meaning the kids will be able to get out and play. Because of this, I consider this one of my top road trip tips for families who roadschool.

If your kids do online schoolwork, you will want to make sure you have a hotspot available for cell signal. Otherwise, packing books, paper, and a pencil is easy enough to do.

If your kids have trouble focusing on written work while riding in a vehicle, consider doing some other sort of roadschooling. Some of the podcasts mentioned above can totally count as schoolwork, and if you choose episodes that line up with what you’re working on already or with places you’re headed, that’s even better.

Putting on a documentary for all the kids to watch is another good option, and completing Junior Ranger books for places you’ll be visiting is pretty easy work that might be good for travel days.

Be Potty Savvy

Unfortunately, our family has had travel days that I swear involved more bathroom breaks than actual driving. For this reason, one of the best road trip tips for families is to have a plan when tackling restroom stops.

Plan Bathroom Breaks

Look at your route the night before you leave and figure out where you will stop along the way. If you have young kids, you will probably need to stop every 60-90 minutes, otherwise, you might be able to stretch that to 2 hours. Figure out where the sweet spot is for your family and then have breaks planned at those intervals all along your route, so you aren’t caught needing to go with no place to stop.

Everyone Must Try

When you do stop to use the restroom, make sure everyone tries to go. Make it a rule that everyone has to try every time you stop and you’ll find yourself making far fewer unplanned emergency pit stops.

Pack For Emergencies

The good news is that because you have your home with you when you travel, you can actually use the restroom anywhere as long as you’re able to pull over. That said, if your restroom is hard to get to, you might want to pack a few things for emergency bathroom stops.

Very young kids might need a potty seat easily accessible. A change of underwear and pants is also good to have on hand for little ones and everyone will appreciate a roll of TP if they find themselves using the restroom on the side of the road. If you plan to use the toilet in your RV in emergency situations and don’t keep water in your fresh tank, a jug of water for flushing is good to keep close.

Choose Engaging Pit Stops

While some of your bathroom breaks will likely be purely for bathroom purposes, it can be super helpful to throw in some pit stops that include opportunities for stretching your legs. We like to throw one of these into every travel day plan, and sometimes, depending on the length of the drive, we will even include a couple.

In many cases, the leg stretching pit stop is merely a rest area with a playground or a McDonald’s with a Play Place. That said, we have also been known to stop at NPS sites and state parks for a look around a visitor center or a hike or even a museum or zoo for a short burst of learning fun. The trick is, of course, figuring out where to park the rig. We try to use Google Maps street view or call ahead to help us determine whether we will be able to park in a particular place before we go.

Safety Road Trip Tips for Families: Plan for Problems

As mentioned above, you never know what kinds of problems might crop up on travel days. Travel day issues are frustrating no matter what, but can be even more stressful when traveling with kids. For this reason, one of the most important road trip tips for families is to be prepared for issues to arise.

Carry good insurance and RV-specific roadside assistance. Leave early in the day if you can, so you have time to address issues before the day ends and travel with nomadic friends whenever possible. Having this safety net will help you feel more at ease while traveling.

There you have it, my top road trip tips for families! Hopefully these tricks help make your travel days go more smoothly, so you can fully enjoy the magic of RVing with kids.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

During the summer months, an RV air conditioner (AC) is a must-have in order to stay cool while RVing. If the AC in your RV happens to break or stop working properly, a quick RV AC repair is in order right away. While there are some RV AC repairs that will require calling in a professional, some repairs can be completed by anybody with a toolbox and a little bit of know-how.

In this article, we will discuss some of the RV AC repairs and RV AC troubleshooting you can do on your own. Give these tricks a try before you call in the repairman.

RV Air Conditioner Maintenance

In order to avoid big RV AC repair bills, you will want to make sure to stay on top of RV AC maintenance. Fortunately, the maintenance these units require is quite minimal, so keeping your rooftop AC unit up and running smoothly isn’t typically a big deal.

Check the Shroud

A couple of times a year, head up on the roof of your RV to give the AC shroud a good once-over. Make sure there are no holes or cracks forming. If you do find holes or cracks, replace the shroud right away. A broken shroud cannot properly protect the AC unit.

Watch for Leaks

It’s important that you always keep an eye out for leaks in your RV. After all, water intrusion is the quickest way to completely ruin your rig’s walls and floors.

One place leaks tend to happen? The RV air conditioner. Water can come in around the rooftop gasket if the unit is not bolted down tight enough. Additionally, sometimes AC units will drip water, especially if the coils are dirty or freezing over regularly.

If you notice water dripping from your RV, make sure to fix it ASAP!

Straighten Coil Fins

A fin comb is a must-have item for your RV toolbox. This is used to straighten the coil fins found under the rooftop AC shroud. These fins are quite sensitive and will often get bent out of shape over time, causing the unit to stop working properly. Very carefully combing them back into shape is fairly easy and will ensure the AC is working as well as it possibly can.

Clean the Coils

While you’re up there combing the coils, make sure to give them a good cleaning as well. Remove large debris with the comb and then carefully clean dust and dirt from the coils using a Shop-Vac, a spray bottle of water, or a cleaning product such as Awesome.

The key to this job is making sure you are very gentle, as it is extremely easy to bend the fins out of shape or even damage them irreparably.

Change or Wash the Air Filter

Last but not least, it is incredibly important that you stay on top of RV AC filter maintenance. When life gets busy, it can be easy to forget about your AC filter. That said, your air conditioner doesn’t know or care that you’re busy, and you will notice a difference in how the unit runs if the filter becomes too dirty.

During seasons when the AC is often in use, choose a day each month when you can remove and clean the air conditioner filter.

Keep in mind, filters can only be reused so many times. Eventually, you will need to purchase a new filter. Thankfully they are relatively cheap and easy to find at places like Walmart.

RV AC Repair

Even if you stay on top of all maintenance perfectly, you will eventually run into an issue with your RV air conditioner. This especially true for full timers who use their AC units day after day for at least half of the year.

Here’s what you need to know to tackle those problems.

No Power to the Unit

Have zero power to your RV air conditioner? This can be panic inducing, but in reality there is probably a really easy way to fix this particular issue:

• Plug it in – First, check your RV plug. Make sure it is plugged all the way into the outlet and that there is no damage to the cable going into the RV.

• Flip the breaker – Plug properly in place and still no power? Check the breaker on the power pole. If it’s flipped, flip it back to the ‘on’ position and make sure you aren’t trying to run too many things in the RV. If the breaker at the pole is fine, make sure you also check the breakers in the RV.

Blowing Warm Air

An RV AC that blows warm air is obviously not very useful. If you’re dealing with this issue, try the quick RV AC repair options below before you call the repairman:

• Test the capacitors – If a capacitor isn’t working correctly, it can cause an AC to blow warm air. Discharge your capacitors completely using a discharge tool before testing each one with a multimeter. If you find you have a bad capacitor, you can probably replace the part on your own.

• Test the compressor – A bad compressor will also cause an RV air conditioner to blow warm air. You can test a compressor with a multimeter. However, if yours is bad, it’s generally best to replace the entire AC unit rather than try to replace that particular part.

 

Weak or No Airflow

Sometimes the air from your air conditioner may be cool but incredibly weak. Other times, the flow of air may stop completely. If you are dealing with weak airflow or no airflow from your RV air conditioner, try these quick RV AC repair options:

• Check for freezing – Often, the cause of weak airflow is a frozen AC unit. Fortunately, you can fix this quickly by turning the air conditioner to fan-only mode and running the fan on high until the ice in the unit melts. If the air conditioner continues to freeze up, you may need to clean the coils and filter. Otherwise, you might be looking at low refrigerant levels, which means you’ll need to replace the unit.

• Look for clogs – Even if it doesn’t cause the unit to freeze, clogged coils or a super dirty air filter can cause weak airflow from an air conditioner. Clean both to see if the airflow gets stronger.

• Cover holes – Ducted AC systems can lose air through cracks and holes in the ductwork. Take a look at your ductwork using a flashlight. If you find a place where air might be escaping, cover it with metal tape or even styrofoam.

• Check the fan – Obviously, weak airflow could also be caused by a fan that isn’t blowing hard enough. If you determine that your fan isn’t working properly, clean and oil it. Still having issues? You might need to replace the fan + motor.

Cycling On and Off

A compressor that kicks on and off too often leads to an air conditioner that can’t cool properly. There are times when the pros will need to be called in to make this RV AC repair, but it is possible to try a few things of your own first:

• Check the capacitors – First, check your capacitors, making sure to use a discharge tool to discharge them completely as mentioned above. If you find a weak one, the video above will help you replace it.

• Look for ice – Is your unit frozen? If so, this might be the cause of your problem. Use the fan mode to melt the ice on your AC coils and see if that solves the issue. If the freezing continues to be a problem, make sure the coils and filter are clean, as mentioned above.

• Have parts professionally tested – If neither of the fixes above do the trick, you’re likely looking at a bad thermostat or control board. Unless you know a thing or two about air conditioners and electricity, it’s best to call a professional repairman to test and repair these things.

Air Conditioner Dripping Water

We mentioned leaking air conditioners above. If you find that you have a leak coming in from the AC, check out the things listed below to try to track the source of the water down:

• Check the drain pan – A drain pan that is clogged will hold onto water. Since the water cannot go where it is supposed to go, it often finds its way back into the RV. Cleaning the drain pan will solve this.

• Clean the coils – If your coils are dirty and causing the unit to freeze, you’ll get melted ice dripping into the RV as the unit defrosts. Clean the coils and replace the air filter to stop the unit from freezing again.

• Tighten the mounting bolts – There’s a gasket on the roof under the AC unit. If the mounting bolts aren’t tight enough, this gasket will be loose and unable to do its job. Tighten the bolts down to ensure the gasket is snug.

Musty Smell

Have a musty smell coming from your air conditioner? This is usually caused by dirty parts. Clean the coils and filter. This should get rid of the cave-like smell.

Noisy Air Conditioner

If your RV AC unit starts making funny noises, you’ll want to try to track down the issue. Climb up on the roof and do the following:

• Clean and oil the fan – Check out the AC fan. Is there anything in the way of it? Clean the fan and oil it. If this doesn’t solve your problem, you may need to replace the fan motor to get rid of the noise.

• Ensure the shroud is tight – A loose AC shroud will lead to vibrations that could cause excessive noise. Make sure your shroud is bolted down tight so it can’t vibrate on the rooftop.

• Test the compressor and capacitors – Sometimes the compressor or capacitors can cause weird noises. You might want to test both (remembering to discharge the capacitors first!) to see if they are the issue.

All that said, it’s important to note that some RV AC units are noisy from the get-go. There are some aftermarket noise reducers out there that can help with this.

As you can see, there are a number of RV AC repair jobs you can do on your own. For this reason, we highly recommend doing your own RV AC troubleshooting before you call in a professional. Ready to get that AC up and running again? Pull out your toolbox and get to work!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Washington state is easily one of the very best RV summer destinations. The weather is great during the warmer months, and there are tons of amazing things to see and do. If you plan on camping in Washington this summer, be sure to use the tips below to make your trip the best it can be. 

Check Out These Must-Visit Spots

First things first, let’s talk about the must-see spots. These places really can’t be missed while camping in Washington, so be sure to add them to your to-do list and plan your travel accordingly. 

North Cascades National Park

Because it’s so far north, many people skip over North Cascades National Park. Don’t. It is absolutely stunning. The bright blue color of the water against the green of the trees is an awe-inspiring sight indeed, and we had some wonderful hikes in this park.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is easily in my top three national parks. This place is just gorgeous and is a must-see while camping in Washington.

I adore that it is home to some beautiful beaches (Ruby Beach is perfect for playing with driftwood and watching the sunset) as well as an actual rainforest (be sure to hike Hoh Rainforest!) and some amazing mountains.

There’s a little bit of everything here, and that makes it extra special in my book. 

Mount St. Helens 

Mount St. Helens is a beautiful place with an intense story. The land surrounding the volcano is home to multiple visitor centers, including the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center run by the Washington State Park System, the Johnston Ridge Observatory run by the US Forest service, and others. 

The kids enjoyed learning about the 1980 eruption in the visitor centers we stopped at, and they both earned Junior Ranger badges. We also really enjoyed hiking the Ape Cave lava tubes in the national forest.

Mount Rainier National Park

Another national park that should not be missed while camping in Washington? Mount Rainier National Park. The place was in full bloom when we visited in late July, and the contrast between the colorful wildflowers and the snow-capped mountains was incredible. 

Note: Mount Rainier is requiring timed entry passes this summer, so be sure to plan ahead and grab your pass ASAP!

Seattle

Of course, we must mention Seattle. This major Washington city is the place to go if you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area. Here you’ll find some of the best museums in the US, as well as some lovely green areas and some delicious food. 

We really enjoyed visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, checking out Pike Place Market, playing at the “Artists at Play” playground with a view of the Space Needle, and looking at the sculptures as we strolled through Myrtle Edwards Park. 

Grab a State Park Pass

Another thing you really should do when camping in Washington? Head to some of the amazing state parks there. This state is absolutely gorgeous, and the many state parks scattered throughout do an excellent job of showcasing that beauty.

If you plan on heading to the state parks often (and you should), we highly recommend buying a Washington Discover Pass, which will give you free admission to all of the state parks (and a few other awesome spots). The pass is a mere $30 and was definitely a worthwhile investment for our family, as we visited a number of great parks. 

Some of our favorite Washington state parks included:

• Larabee State Park, where we hiked through gorgeous evergreens to get to Clayton Beach. There we collected tons of sand dollars and had a wonderful time checking out little crabs. 
• Olallie State Park, where we hiked a gorgeous trail through the trees to view some beautiful waterfalls. The kids loved climbing in and on old stumps along the trail.
• Rainbow Falls State Park, where we took a super short hike down to the river and enjoyed playing in the small rapids and taking a refreshing swim. 

Check Libraries for Freebies

We were very surprised to find that many libraries in Washington offer free passes to nearby museums. We utilized this in Bellingham to visit the Mindport Exhibits, and our friends took advantage of the Seattle Public Library System visitor library card to grab tickets to MoPop. I also know the King Country Library System offers a visitor pass and a number of Seattle area museum passes. 

Just know that if you decide to go this route, you will need to plan in advance, as the passes are snatched up as soon as they are made available. 

Invest in a Reciprocal Museum Membership

Washington is chock-full of awesome museums that are a perfect way to enhance your trip while camping in Washington. While some of them (such as the ever-popular MoPop in Seattle) are not included on any reciprocal lists, many are. Take a look at what museums you might want to visit during your time in Washington and then pick up a reciprocal museum pass that will give you access to as many of those as possible

Kern County Museum in California offers an excellent option that will allow you to visit ASTC, NARM, Time Travelers, and ACM museums at a discount or sometimes for free. 

Head to Canada

One super cool thing about spending the summer camping in Washington is that as long as you head far enough north, it can be very easy to pop over to Canada. We stayed at Birch Bay Thousand Trails and visited Canada many times during our stay. 

Here’s what we recommend doing just over the border. 

Stanley Park

This is a beautiful green space right in the middle of Vancouver. Our kids LOVED visiting the various playgrounds at the park and strolling through the rose garden. I only wish we had bought tickets for the summer outdoor theater production they had going on at the time. 

Science World

Science World is an awesome hands-on science center in Vancouver. It is a part of the ASTC reciprocal program, so as long as you have an ASTC pass, you won’t pay a penny to get in. You’re sure to love playing and learning together as a family. 

Burnaby Village Museum

As a huge fan of living history museums, I was so excited to see that the Burnaby Village Museum was 100% free! Despite the fact that we didn’t have to pay to enter, the park was meticulously maintained and the interpreters and docents were just wonderful.

We got to taste a scratch-made cracker made in a historic kitchen, ride a historic carousel, and chat with a fellow history enthusiast. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves history!

Otter Co-Op Water Park

Finally, I have to mention the Otter Co-Op Water Park. This is a medium-sized water park that is run by the Township of Langley. There is a large water playground for the younger kids, complete with small and medium sized slides.

A lazy river runs around the park, and three large water slides provide thrills for the older set. The park also boasts a wave pool, a swimming pool with diving boards, and a hot tub. 

We had a blast here, and the low cost of admission made this doable even on a budget!

Know Where to Find Camping

Of course, you will need someplace to stay while camping in Washington. While many private campgrounds are pretty pricey in this part of the country, it is still possible to camp on a budget. Here are our recommendations. 

Thousand Trails

First and foremost, we highly recommend investing in a Thousand Trails membership. Even if you only get a zone pass that includes the Washington parks it will help you save money.

There are a number of TT parks in Washington, meaning it’s easy to hop from one to the next and never even have to leave the system if you don’t want to. This is even more true if you add the Trails Collection to your pass.

During our time in Washington, we stayed at the following Thousand Trails and Encore parks: 

• Little Diamond 
• Tall Chief
• Mount Vernon
• Oceana
• Paradise
• Birch Bay
• Chehalis

All have been good stays, and some have been absolutely wonderful experiences. We especially love Tall Chief for its proximity to Seattle, Birch Bay for its proximity to the Canadian border, and Oceana for its location right on the water. 

Free Camping 

It’s also good to know that there are several free spots for camping in Washington. Some are run by the Army Corps of Engineers, some by the Forest Service, some by the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife or the Dept. of Natural Resources, and still others by the State Forest Service.

Note that some of these spots do require the aforementioned Discover Pass to be displayed. 

Hopefully this is enough to get you started as you plan your camping in Washington adventures. Hopefully our experiences help you enhance your trip so you can have a magical summer in one of the most beautiful states in the country!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Wanna know one of the best things to do while RVing in Florida? Check out the amazing Florida state parks, of course! This state park system is one of the best in the country, and our family has had an amazing time exploring these awesome parks for the past few months. 

Not sure which Florida state parks to visit first? Below is a list of our favorites. 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Originally a privately owned attraction where folks could see mermaids swim in the spring, Weeki Wachee is a Florida classic that everyone should visit at least once. Unlike other state parks, the main focus here is not nature, but the super fun mermaid shows performed in the spring to audiences who watch through glass. 

That said, there is still plenty of nature to be enjoyed. The ranger talk about the animals in the park, as well as the in-park narrated boat ride, are both great ways to learn all about the plants and animals that call this park home. 

During the hot months, you might also like visiting the onsite water park. We didn’t get a chance to do this, but it does look really fun!

Homosassa Springs State Park

This is another of the Florida state parks that was originally a privately owned and operated attraction. Also centered around one of Florida’s many springs, this one was once a small zoo that attracted visitors and locals alike. 

These days, the park is still a zoo of sorts. That said, all of the animals are now Florida natives who need some sort of support and cannot live in the wild. The one exception? Lu the hippopotamus. He is still around from the old days (thanks to a kind mayor who extended honorary citizenship to the pachyderm), and he was a lot of fun to watch. 

When visiting this park, you have the option to park at the West entrance where all the animals are, or park at the main entrance and either walk, take a tram, or ride a boat to the rest of the park. We actually recommend parking at the main entrance so you can take the informative and fun boat ride.

Either way, once you’ve reached the west side, be sure to attend the manatee talk and feeding, and don’t miss the bird enclosure, which might have been my favorite exhibit. 

Bahia Honda State Park

A huge number of our favorite Florida state parks were down in the Florida Keys. This probably has something to do with the fact that the Florida Keys are absolutely stunning, meaning the parks there are extra beautiful. 

One of the best Florida Keys state parks? Bahia Honda State Park. This park boasts an adorable campground that is just perfect if you plan to take your RV down to the Keys. It also plays host to some of the best beach areas in the Keys, and we ended up playing in the sand and water here on multiple occasions. 

Be sure to catch the sunset from the old bridge while in this park, and listen for the conch shells that are blown as the sun goes down. It is an experience to remember!

John Pennekamp State Park

Further north in the Keys, John Pennekamp State Park is also well worth visiting. This one can actually be reached from the Everglades or from the Miami area if you’re willing to take a day trip, so even if you can’t manage to snag a campsite in the Keys, you can still check out this awesome park. 

The park features a beautiful sandy beach, which our preschooler loved playing in. The main attraction though is the shipwreck located right off the beach. Our snorkel-loving kid and his friends were in heaven here. They swam out to the shipwreck several times during our visit and had a blast checking out the fish that had made themselves at home in the old ship. 

Bonus: If you visit this park, you aren’t too far from the quirky and interesting History of Diving Museum. This is well worth a visit, especially if you’re into snorkeling or scuba diving. Psst… it’s also an ASTC museum!

Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Planning a trip down to Key West? One of our absolute favorite things to do down there is visit Zachary Taylor Historic Park. This park is home to a Civil-war era fort that is tons of fun to explore. There are exhibits set up that give more information on the history of the fort, making this an excellent roadschooling stop.

Of course, the kids just like playing in the fort as well, and the last time we visited, our son and his friends ended up playing a very elaborate historical fiction game. 

After you visit the fort, be sure to head over to the beach. This is another one of the best beaches in the Keys (I’m pretty sure all of the best ones are in state parks). Unfortunately, there are rocks under the water, so we do recommend water shoes. That said, there is some decent snorkeling there, and watching the cruise ships come and go from the beach is pretty incredible. 

Curry Hammock State Park

Yes, yes, I am mentioning another state park in the Keys. This is the last one, I promise. 

Curry Hammock State Park earns its place on this list thanks to its amazing kayaking opportunities. The kayak “trail” we paddled was the mangrove tunnel trail, and it was simply excellent. During our time on this trail, we got to paddle in the open ocean, watch birds in the lagoon, and my favorite part: paddle through a tunnel of mangrove trees. 

Now, let it be known that I am not an experienced kayaker in any way, shape, or form. This meant that we spent a lot of time in our tunnel bumping into trees and getting turned around the wrong way. Somehow I think this just made the whole experience even more fun!

This park does also have a decent beach, and there were tons of little critters in the shallow waters on the beach that were fun to watch. We recommend leaving a little time for the beach after your paddle. 

Blue Springs State Park

Unfortunately, we still haven’t made it to Blue Springs State Park, despite it being on our Florida to-do list for a few years now. That said, my mom did make it over there during her visit to the state and had a wonderful time. 

When she visited, there were dozens of manatees in the water, and she loved walking along the boardwalk and watching them swim around. It is possible to kayak with the manatees in this park, but she visited on a chilly day, so she opted to stay dry on the boardwalk. 

“I visited Blue Springs State Park in early February, 2024. The visitor capacity had been reached by the time I arrived around noon, so get there early if you’d rather not wait an hour in line for your turn to enter the park. As a solo traveler, the entrance fee was $4. The fee for 2 -8 visitors in the same car is $6. Pedestrians and bicyclists can enter for $2. 

The St John river was beautiful with green trees lining the edges of the clear water, where many large and small manatee could be easily seen swimming in a surprisingly graceful way. The boardwalk to the spring was a lovely, leisurely stroll, although I did notice several older people taking it more slowly, stopping to rest on benches along the walkway. I also enjoyed visiting the Thursby homestead, built on a Native American midden, and learning about the people who built it and how the area was used in the mid 19th century.”

Anastasia State Park 

We adore St. Augustine and have visited the area many times. For some reason though, we had never made it over to Anastasia State Park until this year. Boy, were we missing out. 

The sand on the beaches in this one of the Florida state parks is oddly orange, and the color contrast between the sand, the sea, and the sky was absolutely gorgeous. We spent a couple of hours just playing on the beach and enjoying the sunshine and those stunning colors, but eventually the kids wanted to move on, so we headed to the trails. 

The park actually has a few different trails, but we only had time for one. We opted for the Marsh Trail and it did not disappoint. During our walk, we discovered hundreds of tiny crabs that buried themselves in the sand as soon as they saw us coming. Watching them disappear into their burrows was so fun.

We also saw lots of super neat birds out in the marsh, as well as something I had never seen before: oyster beds. These were super cool and we spent a good amount of time reading about them after we left. 

Honeymoon Island State Park

If you’re looking to visit a beach on the west side of the state, Honeymoon Island State Park is a great pick. We visited this one several times while camped nearby, and the kids had a blast playing in the water and sand every time. We also really enjoyed watching the sunset from this beach, as the colors reflected on the water are just incredible. 

In addition to some awesome beaches, this state park also has some pretty decent trails. We walked a couple of them and had a great time bird watching. We even found owls on a few different occasions, and listening to them call out to one another was pretty awesome. 

Myakka River State Park

Last on our list is Myakka River State Park. This is another one that we haven’t personally gotten to see yet, but it is definitely on our short list!

What we do know is that this park is cool because it’s home to a canopy walk—a super tall boardwalk that allows you to walk through the treetops and see the critters that call the trees home. There are educational signs along the way to help you identify the plants and animals you see.

In my opinion, having a chance to view the beauty of nature from a different angle is pretty neat and I can’t wait to check it out for myself. 

My friend, Ashley Logsdon of Mama Says Namaste has this to say about the park: “The canopy bridge there is pretty incredible, and it was so cool to learn how it all came together. I loved all the educational signs as well- I think the Resurrection Fern (my favorite) in Latin is so fun to say. It was a beautiful day after some cold and rainy ones- so glad we could enjoy it together!”

Tips for Visiting Florida State Parks

There are a few things we’ve learned during our time spent exploring the Florida state parks. Use these tips to make your visits even better. 

Invest in a State Park Pass

First and foremost, invest in a Florida State Parks Pass. We got ours on sale for only $60, but even at full price ($120), this is a worthwhile purchase.

The pass allows you to bring a carload of people into any of the Florida state parks. The only exceptions are Homosassa and Weeki Wachee, but both of them still offer free admission to two people in your group, so we only had to pay for the kids. 

Always Carry Swim Stuff

A huge number of the Florida state parks offer opportunities to swim. We learned quickly that it’s a good idea to always keep swimsuits and towels in our vehicle. This way we could be prepared if we decided to stop in at a state park on a whim and the park happened to have an awesome swimming beach. 

Pack Lunches

Some of the Florida state parks are out in the middle of nowhere with no restaurants around. Others are just so big that it can take the entire day to really see everything. For this reason, it is a good idea to pack a lunch before leaving home to visit a state park. This will ensure everyone stays fed and happy as you explore. 

Consider Buying a Kayak

This is the one tip on this list that we didn’t actually employ ourselves. That said, I kind of wish we would have. Tons of the Florida state parks offer chances to kayak, and some of the kayaking opportunities are super unique. We got away with just renting equipment or borrowing from friends, but having your own kayak (even just an inflatable one) could be beneficial if you plan to regularly visit the parks with kayaking spots.

There you have it, our top Florida state parks and our top tips for exploring them. Which one(s) will you check out first? Do you have a favorite we didn’t mention?

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Jumping into RVing for the first time can be overwhelming. There’s just so much to learn. And one of the very first things you’ll need to figure out? How to use RV hookups. 

The good news is that using RV hookups is actually pretty straightforward, and after a couple of times of hooking your RV up to water and electricity, you won’t have to think much about it anymore. Here are the basics to get you started. 

Using RV Electric Hookups

Let’s start with the electric hookup. This particular hookup is what powers your RV’s appliances. Unless you have a big battery bank, an inverter, and some way to keep your batteries charged, you will need to have an electric hookup in order to use things like the air conditioner, TV, and power outlets in your RV.

Luckily, plugging into an RV electric hookup is a cinch. 

What You Need

In order to connect to an RV electric hookup, you will need an RV surge protector. There are both 30-amp and 50-amp options available, so make sure you know which one your RV requires so you can purchase the correct surge protector for your setup. 

You may also want to invest in a dog bone adapter, which will allow you to plug your 30-amp RV into a 50-amp outlet or vice versa. Some people also like to keep an RV extension cord on hand in case the power pedestal happens to be set far away from the RV pad. 

Connecting to Electric RV Hookups

To connect to an RV electric hookup, first locate the correct outlet. A 30-amp outlet will have spots for three prongs, while a 50-amp outlet will have spots for four prongs. You want the outlet that matches the plug on your RV. If only one outlet type is available, you might need to use a dog bone adapter to plug your RV in, in which case you’ll need to plug the adapter in first.

Plug your surge protector into the correct outlet (or into the adapter if applicable), turn the breaker switch to the ‘on’ position, and look at the display on the surge protector. If everything on the display seems to be in order, turn the breaker off again, plug the RV into the surge protector, and flip the breaker back on. Doing so should send power to the entire RV.

Using RV Water Hookups

Next in the lineup is the RV water hookup. Connecting your RV to a water hookup will send water to the sinks, shower, and toilet in the rig. Using RV hookups to obtain water removes the need to fill the fresh tank and use your RV water pump, as pressurized water will move directly from the spigot into the water system. 

What You Need

Connecting to a campground water spigot requires that you have an RV water pressure regulator. This ensures the flow of the water coming in is not too much for your system to handle. Too much water pressure could cause damage to the water lines or connection points, which in turn would lead to leaks—and those are your worst enemy, so never forget to use the regulator. 

You will also need a freshwater hose. Make sure you get a blue or white freshwater hose rather than a green or black garden hose. This is important, as freshwater hoses provide water that is safe to drink. 

Lastly, you might also want to buy an extra freshwater hose for those times when the spigot is far away from the RV. Some people also like to invest in in-line water filters that help clean the water before it enters the RV water system.

Connecting to Water RV Hookups

Before you connect to a campground water hookup, twist your water pressure regulator onto the end of your freshwater hose. Next, twist the other side of the water pressure regulator onto the threads of the water spigot. Some people choose to run some water through the hose at this point to get rid of any debris that may be hiding inside of the water hose, and to ensure the outgoing pressure looks correct.

Once that is all in place, find the other end of your freshwater hose. If you will be using an in-line water filter, it can be twisted onto this end of the hose. Otherwise, connect this end of the hose to the city water inlet on the side of your RV, making sure it is twisted snugly into place. 

Turn the water on and watch for leaks at the connection points, tightening as necessary. Once all connections are snug, head inside and test the water pressure at a sink. You will likely have to let it run for a bit to get air pockets out of the line so the water can flow smoothly. If needed, go back outside and adjust the water pressure until it is just right. 

Using RV Sewer Hookups

Lastly, there are the RV sewer hookups to contend with. Connecting to a sewer hookup allows you to empty your wastewater tanks into the city sewer system or a septic tank. Having a sewer hookup at your site is nice because it means you don’t have to break camp in order to head to a dump station every time your tanks fill up. 

What You Need

In order to use a sewer hookup, you will need an RV sewer hose with all the connections and fittings. This kit includes everything you need. We also recommend disposable gloves, an RV sewer hose support, and an extra length of sewer hose. A tool to back-flush the tanks can be quite useful as well.

Connecting to Sewer RV Hookups

To connect your RV to a sewer hookup, put on some disposable gloves. Start by removing the cover from the dump point in the ground. Screw the threaded connector piece included in your sewer hose kit into the pipe, making sure it is tight. Connect the elbow to the threaded piece by twisting it into place and twist the actual hose onto the elbow piece, making sure the bayonet fittings pop into place. 

Remove the cap from the wastewater dump pipe on your RV and use the bayonet fittings to connect the other end of the sewer hose to the dump pipe. Place your RV sewer hose support under the hose to help create a ramp down to the dump point in the ground.

Pull the handle for the black tank first—leaving the gray side closed!—and allow all wastewater to run out. Close the black tank and then open the gray tank, allowing it to drain. If desired, connect the back-flush tool and flush out both tanks, or use the toilet to fill the black tank with freshwater and dump it again to help rinse it out. Keep the black tank closed until you’re ready to dump again. The gray tank can stay open or remain closed. 

Finding Campgrounds with Hookups

It’s important to know that not all RV campgrounds have all kinds of RV hookups. Some have full hookups, while others offer only water and electricity. There are dry campgrounds with no hookups whatsoever, campgrounds that offer electricity at each site but then have only a communal potable water refill spot and dump station, and there are even campgrounds that have only a water spigot at each site and nothing else.

Obviously, you will want to know what you are getting before you book. Some important questions related to RV hookups that you will want to answer before choosing a campground include…

• Are there electric hookups at each site?
• If so, are the outlets 30-amp, 50-amp, or both?
• If not, do you have solar power or a generator to provide your family with power? (Related question: What are generator hours?)
• Are water hookups available at each site?
• If not, is potable water available in the campground for filling fresh tanks? 
• Are sewer hookups available at each site?
• If not, is there a dump station in the park? 
• If water and/or sewer RV hookups aren’t available at each site, is there a bathhouse available to help reduce water usage in your rig?
• How far are the hookups from the RV pads? Will you need extensions of any kind?

Finding out these things in advance will ensure you head to each new campground prepared to handle the setup and takedown of the RV hookups in that park.

Ready to put your knowledge on RV hookups to the test? Why not book your first trip out now? You might still need to learn a thing or two, but you’ll never know if you don’t try!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Many roadschooling families (ours included) enjoy spending winters in the Orlando area. This leads a large number of traveling folks to invest in Walt Disney World annual passes, which means many full time traveling kids and their parents end up in the Disney parks regularly during the winter season. Obviously this is tons of fun, but it can also be a wonderful learning experience!

Enter: roadschooling in Disney World, aka “Disneyschooling.”

Planning to spend a chunk of time in central Florida? Looking for a way to spice up your roadschooling adventures? Disneyschooling might just be for you. 

Tips for Roadschooling in Disney World

First, let’s talk about some basics of roadschooling in Disney World. These simple tips will ensure roadschooling at Disney World is a fun and enriching experience for the entire family, so make sure to employ them any time you plan to homeschool while visiting the parks. 

Keep It Fun

Above all else, it is important that Disney World remains what Disney World set out to be: fun. Even if you happen to be doing some learning while visiting the Disney parks, make sure you keep it light and fun. You can still encourage curiosity, problem solving, and digging deeper into any given topic; just don’t push too hard about it.

Dig Deeper at Home

As you explore the many ways to learn in Disney World, you’ll find that some of the experiences are enough for your whole family all on their own, while others pique the interest of your little explorers specifically. Pay attention to which things interest your kids most and dive a bit deeper with books, videos, craft projects, and classes at home. 

Alternatively you could do this the other way around, giving your kids options for things to learn and explore in Disney World and doing the reading and research at home beforehand. This can make the in-park experience a bit more memorable, as your family will be able to think back on what they’ve learned on the topic and make connections throughout. 

Interact with Cast Members

The best way to get the most out of the countless learning experiences the parks have to offer while roadschooling in Disney World is by interacting with Cast Members (the park employees). For example, in the World Showcase of Epcot, any pavilion you visit will have staff from the country being represented in that pavilion, meaning you can actually discuss day-to-day life with an individual from the country you are learning about.

In The Seas with Nemo and Friends (also at Epcot), there are often Cast Members standing by waiting to answer questions about ocean wildlife. Meanwhile, the Cast Members working the Wilderness Explorers program in Animal Kingdom are always happy to chat with curious kids, teaching them more about whatever it is their booth is focused on. 

These are just a few examples. There are many, many more locations where Cast Members are posted, ready to answer questions. Take advantage of this!

28 Educational Experiences in Disney World

Wondering where to find all of these wonderful learning opportunities in Disney World? Honestly, you never have to look very hard to find ways to enhance your roadschooling experience through your visits to the Disney parks. 

Here are 28 of our favorites. 

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the place to go if you want to study literature or history. It also provides a pretty nifty lesson in map reading!

Learn About Classic Fairytales in Fantasyland

Fantasyland is all about fairytales. Here you’ll find a Little Mermaid dark ride, giant Alice in Wonderland tea cups you can ride in, ships that fly over Neverland, and a rollercoaster themed around Snow White. We recommend reading some original versions of the classic tales, watching the movies, and then riding the rides so you can compare and contrast. 

Dive into Classic Literature on Tom Sawyer Island

Another place your favorite storybooks come to life is on Tom Sawyer Island. Why not read some of the Tom Sawyer books before visiting this island and living out the adventures you imagined as you were working your way through the novels?

Enjoy a History Lesson on the Carousel of Progress

The Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland is a great little history lesson that basically does all the work for you. Starting in the early 1900s, ride through time and learn all about the amazing technological and societal advances we’ve made along the way. If you want to expand on this little lesson, you totally can, but it really can stand on its own. 

Step Back in Time in Liberty Square

If you happen to be studying early American history, a visit to Liberty Square can be a great way to expand on that. Look for the fun, historically accurate details such as “sewerage” in the streets and leather hinges on the windows. Check out the Liberty Bell replica and eat at Liberty Tree Tavern. Also, notice the 13 lanterns hanging in the Liberty Tree. These were placed there to represent the original 13 colonies. 

Meet Past Presidents at the Hall of Presidents

Located in Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents may not be the attraction of choice for many vacationers, but it is an excellent tribute to our presidents as well as a great history lesson. Cool off and learn a little about each of our past presidents in this animatronic performance. 

Hop into History in Frontierland

Another awesome place to learn about history in the Magic Kingdom? Frontierland, of course!

Walk along the historically accurate raised walkways in front of the buildings in order to keep your feet away from dust and horse droppings, and pay attention to the dates on each building telling you what year that building is meant to represent.

Hop on a riverboat to find out what river travel might have been like in the 1800s, and pay attention to the queue of Big Thunder Mountain for a lesson on what life was like for coal miners during this time period. 

Experience More Time Travel on Main Street, U.S.A.

The last place we recommend visiting for a peek into the past is Main Street, U.S.A. This is the very first land you enter when entering the park and is a very charming replica of a turn-of-the-century town.

Listen to music from the time period sung by the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, or hop aboard the horse-drawn street car, jitney automobile, double-decker bus, or old-fashioned fire engine to experience what transportation was like during this time.

Make sure you also admire all of the amazingly historically accurate details in this section. 

Practice Using Maps at A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas

Map reading is an important skill to have. A fun way to teach this skill? By using it to do something exciting! A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas is the perfect solution. This interactive in-park game allows you to go on a fun treasure hunt throughout Adventureland, and you have to read a map to find the checkpoints.

Epcot

For lessons in science and world cultures, head over to Epcot. This place is chock-full of educational experiences that your kids won’t soon forget. 

Enjoy a History Lesson on Spaceship Earth

Like Carousel of Progress, we feel that Spaceship Earth can stand all on its own as a history lesson. This one is a dark ride rather than a show, and uses animatronics and narration to take guests on an adventure through the history of communication and how advances over the centuries changed society. It’s pretty fascinating and fun for all ages!

Learn About the Universe on Mission: SPACE

What better way to learn some science than by taking a trip into space? Mission: SPACE allows visitors to take a rocket to the moon or Mars (depending on which version you choose). Riders will get to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut while also learning some things about the vast universe. 

Note: To experience the G-force of takeoff, you will want to ride Mission: SPACE Orange to Mars, but it’s important to know this can be very intense and cause motion sickness.

Take a Marine Science Lesson in The Seas with Nemo and Friends

“The Seas with Nemo and Friends” building is another fantastic place to dive into science (pun intended). This amazing building is full of beautiful aquariums where you can observe sea creatures up close. There is plenty of signage with information about animals, scavenger hunt books that encourage going slow and really looking into the aquariums, and staff members are available to answer questions.

There is usually a booth set up where kids can learn about one animal or another with some hands-on activities, and the shark room offers lots of fun facts. Lastly, “Turtle Talk with Crush” is a great addition, giving everyone a chance to ask whatever questions they may have about sea turtles and have them answered by Crush himself!

Find Out How Food is Grown on “Living with the Land”

If you have kids who are curious about where our food comes from, the “Living with the Land” ride in The Land building is a must-do.

No, this isn’t one of the big popular rides, but it is a fun and relaxing boat ride through human-made examples of different ecosystems, as well as some big, beautiful greenhouses. The in-boat audio recording explains the details of each ecosystem as well as the various things seen in the greenhouses. 

Travel Around the World on Soarin’

Another excellent attraction that is inside of The Land building, Soarin’ Around the World takes guests on a hangliding adventure around the world. You’ll stop in at many famous landmarks, helping your kids learn to recognize these places and hopefully sparking an interest in learning more about various countries. 

…or Walk Around the World in the World Showcase

Another way to get kids interested in learning about geography and different cultures? By traveling around the World Showcase.

The World Showcase is home to 11 different pavilions, each one representing a different country. In each pavilion you can watch a video, ride a wide, and/or try food from the place being represented. Additionally, the people who work these pavilions are from the countries represented, so make sure to talk to them!

Introduce Kids to the Water Cycle at “Journey of Water”

The new Moana-inspired “Journey of Water” attraction is an excellent way to introduce little ones to the water cycle or give older kids a refresher course on the subject. This walk-through attraction gives kids a chance to play with water in several different ways while also providing information on where water comes from, where it goes after we use it, and how we can better care for the water and our planet. 

Play with Physics at Test Track

Test Track is yet another fantastic way to get kids thinking about science. In this case, it’s physics your young scientists will get to work with.

Riders get the opportunity to build a virtual concept car at the beginning of the attraction. Once their car is complete, they hop in one of the ride’s “SIM Cars” to give their creation a test run and see how it holds up against other cars made by fellow park guests.

Animal Kingdom 

Want to learn about animals around the world? Animal Kingdom is your spot. This place has tons of awesome lessons about animals, ecosystems, and the world around us. 

Earn Badges with the Wilderness Explorers Program

The Wilderness Explorers Program in Animal Kingdom stands out as an especially fantastic Disneyschooling opportunity. Inspired by the movie Up!, this program features booths that are scattered around the park. Kids visit each booth to speak with a staff member and participate in activities, earning sticker “badges” as they go, which they can keep in a fun activity “handbook.”

Learn About Animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris

If you want some info about the animals in the park, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride is a great way to get it. During this ride, guests hop into a safari-style vehicle, which takes them through various ecosystems to check out a number of different animals. The safari drivers are a wealth of information and they share their knowledge happily throughout the ride. 

…or Gather Info on Animals on the Walking Trails

Another way to learn about the animals that call this park their home? The many walking trails that wind their way through the park. These trails feature all kinds of animal habitats, and each habitat boasts signage with information about the animal or animals living there. 

Discover the Myth of the Yeti at Expedition Everest

Want to toss a bit of mythology into your roadschooling? You could hop on the Expedition Everest roller coaster. The queue for this ride includes all kinds of fun little details that have to do with the Yeti, and the ride itself gives guests a chance to come face to face with the creature.

We recommend doing a bit of reading about the Yeti (and similar myths) before riding for the best experience. 

Fall in Love with Theater at “Finding Nemo: The Musical”

We can all agree that exposing our kids to the arts is important. Why not use your time in Disney World to really lean into arts exposure and education?

The Finding Nemo musical show is an absolutely perfect way to introduce kids to Broadway-style musicals and large theaters without making them sit through a three-hour performance. It’s short, sweet, colorful, and fun, so it’s sure to hold the attention of even the youngest theater-goers. 

Check Out Cultural Performances

In addition to the amazing Nemo musical, this park also features a wide variety of different performances. From acrobats to African drummers, there truly is something for everyone. Make a point of attending some of these shows in order to expose your kids to the art styles of different cultures.

Go Back in Time on “Dinosaur”

The Dinosaur ride is the perfect place to get kids excited about prehistoric creatures. Learn all about dinosaurs while waiting to get on the ride, and then enjoy a trip back in time to see realistic animatronics of several different dinos. If you pay close attention, you can actually learn a number of things on this attraction. 

Care for the Environment at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an awesome place to learn something new while having a fun time in Disney World. This place has a petting zoo where you can get up close with the animals and ask the staff any questions you may have. It also has an exhibit about what the animals in the park eat and how they are cared for.

We find that the Cast Members who work here are always happy to engage with kids, so make sure to take advantage of that!

Learn to Draw at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Another educational experience you can find in Rafiki’s Planet Watch? A full-blow drawing class. This class is 30 minutes long, runs several times throughout the day, and is included in your park admission.

Guests are given simple and clear instructions on how to draw a specific Disney character. In our experience, even so-so artists will walk out with a lovely creation, and this is an excellent way to improve drawing skills.

Hollywood Studios

Finally, there is Hollywood Studios. The learning opportunities are not as apparent here, but they do exist. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Introduce Kids to Theater at “Beauty and the Beast”

In addition to the Finding Nemo musical mentioned above, we also really love the Beauty and the Beast musical in Hollywood studios for introducing kids to live theater. This one takes place on an outdoor stage, but you’ll still get the experience of watching a live performance and it’s just as colorful and fun as Finding Nemo.

See How Stunts and Effects are Done at “Indiana Jones”

If you have older kids who are interested in how movies are made, they might appreciate the humorous and action-packed Indiana Jones stunt show. This outdoor performance shows off some amazing stunts and special effects while also sharing some secrets about how those stunts and effects are done. 

Learn About Walt Disney at “Walt Disney Presents”

Last but not least, we highly recommend a visit to Walt Disney Presents. This tiny museum focuses on the life of Walt Disney himself, showing how he got his start and how the studio grew into what it is today. Once you’ve seen the exhibits, be sure to sit down for a viewing of One Man’s Dream, a 15-minute film also about Walt Disney. 

Tools to Expand Upon Your Disneyschool Education

We mentioned expanding upon what you learn in the Disney parks in the comfort of your RV in order to get the most out of roadschooling in Disney World. Do this! Building entire unit studies around your Disney World fun can be a wonderful way to dive deep into subjects that interest your kids and get them excited about learning. 

Some of the resources we recommend using for this process are listed below. 

Books

Books are obviously an excellent tool for learning about pretty much anything. The Lake County Library system (just outside of Disney World) allows travelers to purchase a six-month library card for only $20. Why not take advantage of this awesome deal and check out library books to go along with your Disney studies? 

Alternatively, you could use a book subscription program such as Scribd or Epic or even the Libby app, which allows you to check out ebooks from your hometown library and read them online. 

YouTube

One of our absolute favorite ways to learn about anything is to head to YouTube. Yes, YouTube is full of a lot of garbage and you will have to sift through that to get to the good stuff, but once you locate your favorite educational channels, finding content that suits your Disneyschooling unit studies should be easy enough. 

Some of our favorite educational YouTube channels include:

• CrashCourse
• Scishow
• TED-Ed
• Tasting History
• PBS

Other Video Streaming Services

Other video streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ could also be helpful. Look for documentaries that discuss the topic of interest, watch old Disney movies to compare to the classic fairytales, or find some historical fiction that goes along with the time period you’re studying. 

You might also look into Curiosity Stream and Wondrium. Both are educational streaming services that have tons of amazing content that could be helpful not only when it comes to Disneyschooling, but also roadschooling or homeschooling in general. 

Outschool Classes

Finally, we must mention the possibility of taking online classes to complement your studies. There are classes on just about any subject listed on Outschool, and many of them are one-time classes, meaning you could totally do a class just to go along with a single unit study.

In order to get discounts on Outschool classes, we recommend joining the Outschool Free and Discounted Classes group on Facebook. This is the place teachers post deep discounts for classes they need to fill. Who knows? Maybe the perfect class will pop up!

There you have it—absolutely everything you need to know about roadschooling in Disney World. If there’s one way to make homeschooling fun, it’s by doing it at Disney World. Why not give it a try for yourself so you can see what we mean?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

RV extension cords are like RV sewer hose supports—some people travel for years without one, but as soon as you need one, you really do need it. For this reason, we highly recommend adding an RV extension cord to your collection of RV accessories. 

Why Buy RV Extension Cords?

Why would you ever need an RV extension cord, you ask? Well, sometimes campgrounds just aren’t very well laid out. We’ve been in plenty of campsites with power pedestals located yards away from the actual RV pad. If the cord that goes between your RV and the power hookup isn’t very long, this can pose a real problem. 

Some people pull out their handy orange extension cords at this point. Those cords are meant for outdoor use, after all, so what could go wrong? Unfortunately, the answer is a lot can go wrong. The amount of electricity that needs to make its way from the electric hookup to your rig is much more than the typical extension cord is rated for. Because of this, a regular extension cord is likely to get hot, melt, and could even cause a fire if used to connect an RV to a power source. 

The better option, obviously, is to invest in a heavy-duty RV extension cord. Yes, they are more expensive than a household extension cord, but RV extension cords are also made to carry the power your RV needs to function properly. When plugged in correctly, using a single RV extension cord is 100% safe and should work fine. 

That said, plugging multiple cords into one another to create a long run won’t work. This is because long runs create voltage drops, which might mean certain appliances don’t work and could even damage appliances or electronics. If you need to move electricity across a long distance to your RV, you will need something larger than a typical RV extension cord in order to avoid these issues. 

What to Look For in RV Extension Cords

Clearly, it’s pretty darn important to invest in an RV extension cord rather than relying on cords that aren’t rated for RV use. But how do you know which extension cord is best? Fortunately, there are a few things you can look for when shopping for an extension cord to make sure the one you buy will work for you.

Amperage

RV extension cords can be bought for both 30-amp and 50-amp RVs. Before buying a cord, make sure it is the correct amperage. This will determine whether or not the plug is compatible with your RV. 

Length

Obviously, you’ll want to make sure the RV extension cord you buy is long enough for the use-case. Measure the amount of extra cord you need and go from there. Just remember that long runs are not the best option!

Durability

A durable cord that will last a long time is of course going to be your best bet. Read reviews and make sure the cord you buy is heavy-duty enough to withstand years of camping. 

The Best RV Extension Cords

Our absolute favorite RV extension cords? The Camcorder Power Grip cords, which include a locking end to make sure everything stays in place exactly as it should. These cords come in both 30-amp and 50-amp versions, so you can choose the one that fits your setup. 

The cords are available in lengths up to 50 feet, but we highly recommend using the shortest cord possible since longer runs come with extra risk factors. We appreciate that these cords are flexible, making them easy to use and store. We also love that there are handles on each end, making it easier to get a good (and safe) grip when plugging in or unplugging. 

• Buy Camco Power Grip 25-foot 50-amp with Locking End Now

• Buy Camco Power Grip 25-foot 30-amp with Locking End Now

Tips for Using RV Extension Cords

Always Use a Surge Protector

You always, always want to use an RV surge protector when plugging your RV in at a campsite. This rule still applies when using an extension cord. Simply put the surge protector between the power pedestal and the extension cord and you should be good to go. 

Invest in Adapters

Some campsites don’t offer both 50- and 30-amp service. In this case, you might need a “dog bone” adapter that allows you to plug your 50-amp rig into a 30-amp outlet or vice versa. We recommend investing in an adapter now so you aren’t caught unprepared. 

• 30-amp to 50-amp adapter

• 50-amp to 30-amp adapter

Use the Correct Amperage

As mentioned above, it is important that you use an RV extension cord that can handle the amperage your rig is going to draw. Check the packaging before you buy to make sure you are purchasing a cord that matches your RV. 

Use the Shortest Length Possible

We also mentioned the fact that longer runs of cable can produce voltage drops, which can be dangerous and damaging. For this reason, we recommend buying and using the shortest run of RV extension cord your situation allows. You’ll also want to avoid plugging cords into one another to create a longer run. 

Avoid Leaving Extension Cords in Water

While RV extension cords are made to be used outside, you really don’t want to leave them out in heavy rain or allow them to be buried in snow. Instead, try to get the connection point up off the ground and protect it from the elements as much as you safely can.

Never Pull the Cord

It might be tempting to pull on the cord rather than the plug when it comes time to unplug and break camp. Don’t do this. Doing so can damage the wires inside of the extension cord. Not only will this mean buying a new extension cord sooner than you might otherwise, it could also create a dangerous situation if you don’t realize the wires are damaged and you still plug the damaged cord in. 

Don’t Use Damaged Cords

Inspect your extension cord before use. If you see any damage whatsoever, avoid using the cord and opt to buy a new one instead. If only the head is damaged, it might be possible to replace the head, but you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re doing before attempting this job. 

That’s pretty much all there is to know about RV extension cords. Hopefully this guide helps you better understand why you need an RV extension cord, as well as what to look for when buying one and how to use it once you get it to your campsite. Order now so you’re prepared!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

An RV sewer hose support may not be the first thing you think of when building your RV accessory kit. In fact, some people are able to camp for years without ever buying one. That said, doing so isn’t something we recommend. RV sewer hose supports have lots of awesome benefits and are relatively inexpensive, making buying one a no-brainer in our book. 

The Best RV Sewer Hose Supports

Not sure which RV sewer hose support might be best for you? We get it, there are lots to choose from, and honestly, any support you choose is better than no support at all. That said, we do have some favorites and we’re happy to tell you all about them. 

Here are the best RV sewer hose support options. 

Camco Sidewinder RV Sewer Hose Support

The Camco Sidewinder is the most basic sewer hose support on our list. It’s also one that you will see sitting outside of a lot of RVs. This is because the thing is easy to find, easy to use, and it works well. 

We love the telescoping design of the Sidewinder because it means you can stretch it to its full length whenever needed, but you can also close it up to make it short when only a small run of hose is necessary. We also appreciate the clever orange piece that comes with this support, as it functions as both a clip to hold the support closed and a handle to make carrying easier. 

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to fold and store
• Nifty carrying handle
• Comes in lengths up to 20 feet
• Adjustable length

Cons

• Becomes brittle after prolonged sun exposure
• Has a tendency to creep closed
• May fall over on uneven terrain

Camco Rhino Nesting RV Sewer Hose Support Kit

If you need something a bit tougher, you might take a look at the Camco Rhino Nesting RV Sewer Hose Support Kit. This support is made of super durable plastic that seems to hold up longer than the thin plastic so many other supports are made of. It also stands up nicely even on uneven terrain, something you’re sure to appreciate in certain campsites. 

The design of this one is a bit simpler. It includes three support sections of varying heights that you can place under your sewer hose to offer support and create a sort of ramp. The three sections nest together and a strap holds them together for easy storage. 

Pros

• Super durable
• Very sturdy, even on uneven ground
• Easy to set up
• Cool nesting feature makes storage easy

Cons

• Three sections limit length 
• Limited adjustability
• Expensive

Camco Aluminum Sewer Hose Support

Lastly, we must mention the Camco Aluminum Sewer Hose Support. This one might just be even more durable than the Rhino support mentioned above, and it also stands nicely on uneven terrain. It also includes a handy strap kit that holds your sewer hose in place after you get everything set up. 

Like the Sidewinder we mentioned first, this support has a telescoping design so that folding it up for storage is a cinch. That said, the design is a bit different, the benefit of which being that the support doesn’t creep closed like so many plastic telescoping RV sewer hose supports tend to do. 

Pros

• Extremely durable, should last a decade or more
• Easy to fold and store
• Does not creep shut
• Straps hold hose in place

Cons

• Only short length available, may need several runs
• A bit heavier than other supports

Why Buy RV Sewer Hose Supports?

We mentioned above that some people go years without ever buying an RV sewer hose support, so why should you buy one? Actually, there are several reasons to make this investment. 

Meets Campground Requirements

First and foremost, it is important that we mention the fact that some campgrounds require campers to use RV sewer hose supports. In many cases this is a city-wide regulation, but even if it’s only a campground rule, you will need to follow it.

Therefore, it just makes sense to go ahead and buy the support now and enjoy the benefits it offers rather than rushing around to find one at the last minute when you find yourself in a campground that requires them. 

Drains Tanks Efficiently

One of the biggest benefits of RV sewer hose supports is that they help your wastewater tanks drain more efficiently. Because they set your sewer hose at a slight incline all the way to the sewer hookup, these supports keep water moving from the tank to the sewer as quickly as possible and prevent water from sitting in the hose.

Related: Caring for Your RV Water Tanks: 11 Great Tips

Avoids Nasty Buildup

Because a sewer hose support ensures that water doesn’t hang around in your sewer hose, it also prevents nasty buildup in the sewer hose.

You see, when wastewater sits in the hose for long periods of time, the debris that the water is carrying has a tendency to stick to the inside of the hose. However, if the water is moving quickly through the hose, this is much less likely to happen. 

Keeps Your Hose Off the Ground

A sewer hose laying on the ground outside of your RV is not only an eyesore, it can be a major tripping hazard. On top of that, a hose that is laying on the ground is likely to be covered in dirt and grass when it’s time to break camp. Avoid all of these things by keeping the hos up off the ground with a sewer hose support. 

What to Look For in a Sewer Hose Support

If you’ve never owned an RV sewer hose support before, it can be difficult to know what to look for when shopping for one. We recommend keeping an eye out for the following features. 

Make Sure It’s Long Enough

Some hose supports aren’t very long. Make sure the one you’re buying is long enough for all of your needs. Keep in mind that most supports are at least somewhat adjustable, so making it shorter when you don’t need the full length shouldn’t be a problem. 

Consider Portability

Portability is another factor to keep in mind. Obviously, you don’t want something that is going to add a lot of weight to your rig. Additionally, you want something that is easy to carry in order to make setup as easy as possible. Something that folds up small or nests is a bonus, as it makes storing the support in a storage bay a whole lot simpler. 

Choose Something Durable

Finally, you will want to make sure you get something that will last a while. After all, nobody wants to have to go shopping for RV sewer hose supports on a regular basis. Read reviews to make sure you aren’t buying something that is going to fall apart after just a few uses. 

Now that you know pretty much all there is to know about RV sewer hose supports, it’s time to go out and buy one so you’re ready to go the next time you pull into a campground with sewer hookups. Which one will you buy?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Living in your RV can be an amazing adventure. But what do you do when you’re ready to get off the road? You could of course choose to sell your RV, but what if you want to keep it around so you can take some shorter trips whenever the opportunity arises? In this case, you could choose to hold onto the rig and learn how to rent out your RV when it isn’t in use in order to offset some of the costs of ownership. 

There are pros and cons to doing this, and it is definitely something you will want to think about before diving in. If you do decide you want to learn how to rent out your RV, you will need to figure out where to begin. That’s where this article comes into play. 

Peer-to-Peer RV Rental Platforms

The first step in learning how to rent out your RV? You will need to decide where to list your RV for rent. You could of course wing it on your own, listing on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist—but we don’t recommend going that route. Instead, we recommend looking into one of the many reputable peer-to-peer RV rental companies out there. 

Some of the more popular peer-to-peer RV rental companies include the following:

• Outdoorsy 
• RVshare
• RV n Go
• RVezy

How to Choose an RV Rental Platform

Obviously, you will want to do some research before deciding which of the peer-to-peer RV rental platforms best suits your needs. Things to look into when deciding which platform to list on (or multiple platforms, if you’re feeling ambitious) include the following:

Insurance

Most of the well-known platforms offer excellent insurance, so you won’t have to worry too much about your investment. That said, it is of course a good idea to look at the specifics of the insurance offered by your platform of choice to ensure they meet your needs. 

Owner Support

Another important facet to think about? Owner support. What kind of support does the company offer RV owners like you? Will they have your back if something goes awry?

This is something you don’t want to find out the hard way, so we recommend reading reviews or joining Facebook groups for those who rent out their RVs in order to find out what people have to say about the various platforms. 

Ease of Use

Play around with the dashboards of various RV rental platforms. Which one is easiest to use? Do you need to have an app so you can be productive on the go? Does one dashboard have something that makes it stand out? Ease of use (or the lack thereof) should also factor into your final decision. 

Advertisement

Which RV rental companies do the most advertising in your area? If you’ve seen advertisements from Outdoorsy pop up but have yet to see an RVshare ad, there’s a good chance those around are seeing something similar. You might have better luck listing on a site that advertises to those in your area. 

Roadside Assistance

You certainly don’t want your renters to find themselves stranded on the side of the road. Unfortunately, breakdowns are bound to happen. Make sure the platform you choose offers some sort of roadside assistance that can help renters out if you are unable to reach them to help them yourself. 

Fees

Of course, you will have to pay some percentage of your total profit to any platform you choose to use, and if you aren’t careful, these fees can easily eat away so much of your rental income that renting is no longer worthwhile.

Be sure to look into the fees charged by each platform, as well as the details of how the rental process works, before you choose one over the other. 

Listing on Multiple Platforms

If you want to increase your chances of renting your rig out regularly, you might even consider listing on more than one platform. Just be sure you understand the ins and outs of each platform before diving in. Never assume any two platforms will be the same. 

Creating a Listing

There’s more to learning how to rent out your RV than choosing a peer-to-peer platform and throwing together a listing. Here are our top tips for attracting and maintaining a customer base. 

Take Quality Photos

Once you decide where to list, be sure to take high quality photos of your RV to include in the listing. After all, a picture says a thousand words and people are going to be drawn to the listings with lots of bright, well-lit, well-staged photographs. 

List Amenities

In your listing, be sure to include all amenities your RV offers. You may also want to add in some little extras that aren’t built into the RV, such as a coffee maker and camp chairs. Let potential renters know they are included as well! Little extras like these are often the very thing that encourages a renter to choose one rig over another. 

Offer Trip Ideas

Another thing you might want to include in your listing? Trip ideas for your area. If you know of a great state park nearby, let renters know it’s there. You can also change the trip ideas to reflect the season, suggesting ski trips in winter and beach vacations in summer. 

Price According to Demand

Depending on where you live, demand could fluctuate throughout the year. Pay attention to events that are happening in your area—as well as what the weather tends to do—in order to anticipate demand, and then adjust your prices accordingly.

Charge a Healthy Deposit

If the platform you choose allows you to set your own deposit rate, you might be tempted to make it low in order to attract more customers. The thing is, good customers know they’ll be getting that deposit back, and the customers who think they might lose their deposit are exactly the type of people you don’t want to attract. 

The deposit is there to protect you should the customer damage something, and it is important that the amount charged is enough to take care of the majority of potential issues. 

Charge for Mileage and Generator Usage

If it is an option, you’ll also want to make sure to charge per mile driven over a certain limit. Have a generator onboard? Charging for generator usage is also a good idea. This will ensure the renters don’t use your engine and generator excessively, and if they do, you’ll be compensated for it. 

Offer Delivery

If possible, offer delivery with your RV rental. Many people feel too nervous to drive a big rig—especially when it’s a rental—and some people can’t tow larger trailers because they don’t own a strong enough vehicle. Offering delivery will widen the pool of people who can and will rent from you, making this one of the better tips if you’re looking to learn how to rent out your RV. 

More Tips for How to Rent Out Your RV

Once your listing goes live, the next piece of how to rent out your RV involves getting ready for the actual rental part. There are a few things you should make sure you do, both before and after the RV goes out. 

Prep Your RV

Before your RV goes out on a rental, make sure you clean it well. The rig should look as though it’s never been used, meaning no dust in the corners and no crumbs in the carpet. Make sure the tanks are sprayed out well and the fridge has been wiped clean to eliminate smells.

You might also consider leaving a small gift basket or box to welcome your renters. Again, the details matter here.

Related: Choosing and Storing the Perfect RV Vacuum Cleaner

Teach Your Renters

When your renters arrive, take the time to walk them through the entire rig. Show them how to hook the RV up to water and electricity. Teach them to fill the freshwater tank, use the water pump, and dump the wastewater tanks. Make sure they understand how the fridge, stove, oven, and water heater work. 

Walking through each part of the rig and making sure they are comfortable using it will help make their trip smoother and help prevent damage to your RV. 

Do Paperwork and Take Photos

Before you send your RV, make sure you’ve crossed your T’s and dotted your I’s. Do all of the required paperwork and make sure to take lots of photos of the RV both before it goes out and after it comes back home. This will give you some evidence in case you ever need to file any sort of claim. 

Gather Reviews

Once your renters return, encourage them to review you and your RV on the platform they rented from. The more positive reviews you have, the more renters you will attract, so gathering those reviews is very important!

There you have it, everything you need to know about how to rent out your RV. Why not get started right away?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

For the most part, those who live in their RVs full time won’t be renting them out any time soon. That said, if you’re settling down after experiencing the travel life or taking a break from the RV life, you may find yourself wondering about renting your RV. Is renting out your RV worth it? Is it for you?

In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of renting out your RV. So you can decide if it’s the bets option for you and your rig. 

The Pros of Renting Out Your RV

Is renting out your RV worth it? Well, there are several benefits that come with renting your RV out to others. This is especially true if you can’t get out and use your RV regularly yourself. 

Some of the pros include:

Extra Income

The most obvious benefit to renting your RV is, of course, the extra stream of income. This can be especially helpful if you are still paying the RV off, as it will help cover the loan payment as well as the insurance and storage fees associated with holding onto the RV. It can also help pay for fun RV upgrades and extras such as  Starlink or fancy camp chairs. 

How much can you make? Reddit user, rvplusyou states, “My experience is 6 plus years renting my travel trailer 6-10 times per year, average $800 income per rental.” He then goes on to say, “I’m on my 3rd rig and I paid for the first two travel trailers with rental income, not to mention the storage and maintenance.”

Related: RV Tax Information All Full Timers Should Have

Keep Up with Maintenance

RVs really aren’t made to sit unused for long periods of time. Sitting still for too long can cause damage to the tires, and if you aren’t using the RV, you’re less likely to watch for leaks and pests or generally keep up with RV maintenance. 

Renting your RV out means you’ll have to stay on top of repairs and maintenance. This could very well extend the life of your RV, even if the rig is seeing a few more miles than it might otherwise. 

Share Your Love of RVing 

One of the best things about renting out your RV? You have the opportunity to share your love of RVing, travel, and nature with others. You’ll get to watch people light up as they realize what RVing is all about.

You are likely to make some good friends while running your rental business, and you might even end up hanging out or camping together down the line!

The Cons of Renting Out Your RV

So far you know the pros to renting your rig, but is renting out your RV worth it? Well, it’s important to understand that there are also plenty of drawbacks to renting out your RV. If you’re on the fence about jumping into the world of RV rentals, be sure to consider these factors as well. 

Some of the cons include:

Potential for Damage

The most obvious drawback of renting out your RV? It will almost certainly see some amount of damage at some point.

Most renters don’t set out to damage your rig, of course. Most people want their deposit back, if nothing else. Because of this, if you vet your renters well, you likely won’t have to deal with anything major. However, RVs go through a lot of abuse being pulled down the road. Add in some flimsy parts and you’re just asking for things to break.

Because of this, you will want to plan on making at least some repairs while renting your RV, just as you would if you were using it regularly. Depending on whether you deliver or have the renters drive and how well you vet renters, you may end up with more repairs than you would if you were the only user. 

Another Reddit user posted, “I rented out my travel trailer for a couple of years on both Outdoorsy and RV Share. The wear and tear accelerated surprisingly quickly given how often I was renting it out. One guy hit my mailbox as he was leaving my house and caused many thousand dollars worth of damage.” 

Meanwhile, rvplusyou warned, “What is true is that when a renter moves your RV, they tend to hit things.”

In order to reduce the likelihood of damage, it is often recommended that you deliver the RV to each renter’s campsite. You will also want to do a thorough walk through with each renter and charge a healthy deposit that will cover most issues that could come up. Of course, renting through one of the many peer-to-peer RV rental platforms that offer excellent insurance is also key to protecting your investment!

Can Be Time-Consuming

When you rent your RV out, you’re running a business, and running a business can be time-consuming. This is especially true if you end up with lots of renters and have to spend lots of time prepping the RV, giving walkthroughs to renters, and answering customer questions. 

You can of course limit the number of rentals you take on in order to reduce the time spent running your rental business. However, if you’re already strapped for time, starting a new business may not be the best choice. 

Reduced Opportunity for Spontaneity

One of the benefits of owning an RV is that you can load up for a last-minute road trip on any given Friday afternoon. When you rent the RV out, you give up the ability to do this. After all, you can’t use your RV when it’s out on a camping trip with another family.

Generally speaking this isn’t a big deal, as you can schedule around rentals. But if you’re the spontaneous type, it can be a bit of a bummer. 

Is Renting Out Your RV Worth It?

So is renting out your RV worth it? Honestly, this is totally up to you and there really isn’t any one right or wrong answer.

If your RV is just sitting in storage gathering dust, renting it out can be a great way to earn some extra money while making some new friends. That said, if you are emotionally attached to the rig, you may have a hard time letting strangers use it. On top of that, if you’re strapped for time, renting can be difficult, as it does require a bit of a time commitment. 

There are success stories such as this one by eyesrightphoto on Reddit, “I did it for a season here in Victoria, BC, and was crazy busy. $500 deposit and $129 per night with two nights min and three nights min for long weekends. I would tow it, set it up and come and collect it when there were done with it. All the renter had to provide was their own food and clothing. Everything else was provided. With all the renters, we had no damage and everyone was very happy.”

There are also plenty of RV rental horror stories out there like this one from wintz03, “We rented our 2020 hybrid camper out to a father and his 2 teenagers. We were notified that the wheel bearing had gone but somehow they made it to their campsite. Upon receiving pictures the wheel bearing was completely disintegrated metal on metal.”

We recommend thinking carefully about the pros and cons and deciding for yourself whether renting your RV is a worthwhile endeavor. Keep in mind that no matter what you choose, you can always change your mind down the line!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

One of the things many full time traveling families struggle with? Eating healthy on the road. When you’re always on the go, cooking healthy meals can be difficult and having a teeny tiny kitchen to work with definitely doesn’t help. 

Fortunately, there are ways to make healthy eating on the road a little bit more manageable. Ready to learn how to eat healthy on the road? Let’s get started!

Slow Down

The first and most important tip we can give to those looking to maintain a healthier diet as they travel is simply to slow down.

When you’re traveling too quickly or trying to cram too many attractions into one stay in a location, it is so, so easy to turn to convenience foods in order to keep everyone fed without taking time out to cook. This is okay once in a while, but when you spend your entire life traveling, it simply isn’t sustainable.

Therefore, it is incredibly important for full time travelers to slow their pace, stopping in each spot for a little longer and giving themselves time to 1) breathe deeply, 2) fully enjoy each location, and 3) cook healthy and delicious meals for themselves wherever they roam. 

Sticking to a Meal Plan

The next step to eating healthy on the road? Having a plan for each and every meal. As soon as you don’t have a plan, all those fast food restaurants become really tempting, so knowing what your family will be eating for each meal is a lifesaver. 

Here are some tips for sticking to your meal plan:

Be Realistic

While it certainly is fun to try new and exciting foods from time to time, it’s also important to recognize the fact that you probably won’t have the time or energy to make new or complicated foods every single night.

Have some fun choosing one or two more complex meals each week, but then fill in the gaps with familiar, easy-to-make meals that you know your kids will eat and that you will be able to make no matter how tired you are. 

Shop for the Plan

Have your meal plan made before you head out to the grocery store, and make sure you grab all of the ingredients for each of the meals you plan to have. Having ingredients close at hand helps remove any excuses for not cooking and eating your healthy meals, making healthy eating on the road easier for everyone. 

Meal Prep

Some people find it is much easier to stick to a meal plan when they meal prep once a week (or once every few days if you plan to shop more than once a week). Use this day to do as much of the prep work as you can in order to make the actual cooking part of your day as simple as possible. For instance, you might chop vegetables, pre-cook meats, and make and freeze any soups or casseroles you plan to eat. 

Pack Lunches

For some adventurers, the most tempting time to grab a less-than-healthy food is at lunch time during a big adventure. To avoid this temptation, always have the items needed to pack lunch close at hand. It’s not difficult to throw some sandwiches and veggies into a bag, and you’ll save money and time in addition to sticking to a healthier diet. 

Make Use of the Slow Cooker

Lastly, we highly recommend using a slow cooker to help you stick to your meal plan. This tip works great because it allows you to throw everything into a pot in the morning, set the cooker to low, and return home after a day of fun to a fully cooked meal. We love using this hack on those days when we go on long hikes or to explore museums. 

Related: Cooking in an RV: The Best Methods, Tools, and Recipes

Stocking the RV

Keeping the RV stocked with healthy foods and ingredients for home cooked meals is crucial to ensuring you keep eating healthy on the road. Unfortunately, because RV kitchens are so small, this can be a bit tricky. You might have to get creative, but there are ways to go about it!

Here are our top tips for keeping your RV stocked with healthy food choices:

Shop Often

Fresh fruits and veggies go bad more quickly than processed foods. On top of that, there just isn’t a lot of space in an RV fridge for keeping cold things. Planning to shop a couple of times a week will ensure you can keep the healthy foods in stock in your RV kitchen, making healthy eating on the road a bit easier. 

Avoid Excessive Packaging

Items that come with tons of packaging are extra space consuming. This is a big problem when you live in a teeny tiny space. Try buying things from the bulk bins whenever possible. When this isn’t possible, move your foods over to stackable containers that are easier to store and will help ensure you don’t waste any space. 

Know What Needs Refrigeration

Sometimes, we refrigerate fresh fruits and veggies simply because that’s what we’ve always seen done. That doesn’t mean all produce actually needs to be refrigerated though. Learn whether the produce you buy actually needs a place in your refrigerator before you give up that precious space. The more fruits and vegetables you can store outside of the fridge, the easier it will be to stock up. 

Invest in a Produce Hammock

Keeping produce outside of the fridge is great for saving fridge space, but it does present another problem: finding a place to store it outside of the fridge. For this, we recommend a hanging fruit basket or fruit hammock. These are great because they get the fruits and veggies up off the counter and even keep them safe while driving down the road. 

Making Eating Healthy on the Road Fun

Of course, it also helps if you can make eating healthy on the road a fun experience. The good news? This is totally possible when you tie healthy foods into your travel adventures. From visiting farms to cooking with friends, there are tons of ways to make healthy eating exciting. 

Here are our top tips for doing just that:

Cook Outdoors

Instead of going out to dinner with friends, take advantage of the beautiful places that you park and grill outside together. You can make some really delicious and healthy meals outside on the grill and you’ll get to enjoy amazing scenery, wonderful friends, and the great outdoors while enjoying your home cooked meal. 

Related: The Best Grills for RV Living

Explore Local Farmers Markets

Immersing yourself in local culture is one of the best things about traveling. Why not learn about the places you’re visiting by shopping the local farmers markets? Not only will you get to meet new people and enjoy foods and other aspects of the local culture, but you’ll also get to pick up some healthy food (and maybe even some new kinds of produce) while you’re at it. 

Stop at Roadside Stands

In a similar vein, we also highly recommend stopping a the small stands on the side of the road as you travel. The produce at these stands is almost always top notch and the ability to get to know some locals and hear their story is absolutely priceless. This is an excellent way to enhance your travels and your diet simultaneously. 

Go Produce Picking

If you visit an area that is known for one type of produce, make a point of visiting a local farm to pick your own produce. This is a super fun expereince and a great way to teach kids about where our food comes from. Of course, it’s also another chance to connect with local culture and the people who call the place you are visiting home. 

Choose Local Restaurants

Eating healthy on the road doesn’t have to mean skipping restaurants entirely. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy eating out once in a while as a treat and as a way to really get to know each place you visit. In order to get the most out of your meals out, choose restaurants that use local ingredients whenever possible. Use the recommendations of locals in order to ensure you’re getting authentic cuisine and try to aim for a food type that the area you’re visiting is known for. 

As you can see, the answer to how to eat healthy on the road is actually fairly simple and straightforward. Slow your pace so you have time to cook healthy meals, create and stick to a meal plan, keep the RV stocked with yummy healthy foods, and make healthy eating an adventure.

By using these simple tips, you should be able to get your family back on the healthy eating bandwagon before you know it!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Everyone wants to stay in the best campgrounds they can find and afford. That said, everyone has a different idea of which campgrounds are the best campgrounds.

To some, the idea of a full-hookup RV park sounds totally stifling. To others, even the thought of camping without full hookups is a miserable one. Of course, there’s also the matter of budget and location to consider!

Fortunately, as long as you have a clear idea of what you want, finding the best campgrounds for your family doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Not only that, but it gets easier and easier the more you do it! 

Not sure how to begin narrowing down your options to find the best campgrounds for you? Here are some things to think about as you weigh the various campgrounds on your list of contenders. 

Finding the Best Campgrounds: Know Your Needs

First and foremost, it is important that you know exactly what you need a campground to have. For some people, clean bathhouses are a must-have. Meanwhile, there are those who don’t use the bathhouses at all, but simply must have decent internet for work.

Think about what you need to live your day-to-day life, and use those as non-negotiables as you begin your campground shopping. 

Rig Length

The length of your RV will sometimes determine whether or not a campground will work for you. Check out the length of the campsites in a particular park in relation to the length of RV, and make sure you are going to fit comfortably. 

Hookups

Do you require electric hookups? Are you okay with filling your fresh tank, or do you need a water hookup at your site? How do you feel about going without sewer hookups?

Think about these things and compare your answers to what the campground in question has available. Remember to account for the amount of time you plan to spend in the campground, as this might change your answers. 

Bathhouses

Do you and your family typically use campground bathhouses to get clean? If that is the case, clean bathhouses are probably pretty important to you. Make sure to check that restrooms with showers are available in the park. You’ll also want to read reviews to make sure they are clean, and find out whether they are paid showers and if the temperature is adjustable and acceptable. 

Laundry Rooms

Not everyone has a washing machine in their rig. For these folks, laundry rooms are a necessity. You could drive to a nearby laundromat, of course, but being able to do your laundry in the campground is much simpler, making these rooms a top priority for some travelers. 

Internet Needs

Many full time RVing folks need to have good internet access in order to keep up with work while on the road. Unfortunately, many campgrounds do not offer good cell reception, and some have too much tree coverage for even Starlink to be very effective. If the internet is important to you, read reviews to find out whether you will have internet access in a particular park before booking it. 

Don’t Forget Amenities

The things listed above are usually needs rather than wants, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t take your wants into consideration as well. For example, if you have small kids, a playground can be a lifesaver. Meanwhile, those with dogs almost always appreciate dog parks.

Make a list of the amenities you think are most important and keep those in mind while looking for the best campgrounds. 

Playground

Kids need a place to run and play. Obviously, they can play at your site or even in an empty field, but often, a playground is even better. If your kids love campground playgrounds, this might be one of those amenities that should be at the top of your list. 

Dog Park

Not everyone travels with a dog, but those who do often feel left out when there isn’t a place for their pup to run and play. If your dog needs a break from the camper and the leash, see if you can book campgrounds with dog parks to keep Fido happy. 

Swimming Pools

Rarely have we met a kid who doesn’t love swimming. During the hot summer months, many kids consider a swimming pool a campground must-have. That said, if you’re the kind of parent who’d rather not go to the pool every day, this might be an amenity you want to actively avoid. Either way, remember to make note of whether a campground has one before you book. 

Lodges or Recreation Centers

Lodges and recreation centers can be fabulous places to get out of the RV and stretch. Some families enjoy using these common spaces as co-working spaces or places to go do school work. Others use the communal toys and TV, or the book and/or game exchange, to entertain their kids and keep everyone happy.

No matter what you use it for, you may want to make sure there is a recreation center or lodge available in any campground you book. 

Planned Activities

Some of the best campgrounds out there even go so far as to have activity directors and planned activities for kids and adults. If your family enjoys things like hayrides, field games, movie nights, crafts, and parties, you might appreciate a campground with planned activities. 

Find Other Families

Another thing to consider when looking for the best campgrounds for your family? Whether or not other full time RVing families frequent the campground. Sure, you can make friends with people of all ages that you happen to meet, and sometimes that’s the only option. However, it’s sometimes nice to be able to connect with like-minded individuals whose kids are of a similar age to your own.

Not sure where other families are? Try posting in the location-specific Fulltime Families groups. You’ll likely also have luck staying in Thousand Trails parks, as a huge number of full time traveling families use this network of parks. 

Consider Cost

Of course, you’ll also have to keep cost in mind. Most of us full time traveling families are on a pretty tight budget, and paying $50–$100 a night in camping fees simply isn’t feasible. For this reason, cost is the factor that many people consider first when finding the best campgrounds for them. 

Not sure how to find campgrounds that meet your needs but also fit within your budget? The aforementioned Thousand Trails network is a great way to access lower camping fees. You can also choose to stay in state parks to save money and stay in the middle of nature.

City parks are usually budget-friendly and sometimes even free, making them an excellent option. Dry camping using a Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome membership can also help.

Lastly, many families enjoy boondocking with no amenities at all. This is a great way to save money, but you do need to be properly prepared. 

Use Your Memberships

Another way to narrow down campground options? Look at the campgrounds that are included with any camping memberships you might have. For instance, if you want to visit a national park and there is a membership park that will allow you to stay for free a mere 30 minutes away, it likely makes the most sense to stay in the membership park.

Once you have an idea of where you’d like to be, take a look at the campground maps for each membership you have (as well as any you might be willing to join) to see if there’s a campsite that might work for you. 

Note: If you see a spot that could work but you’d have to pay for a membership to use it, make sure you will use the membership again OR that the cost savings for one stay cancel out the membership purchase. 

Look at Locations

A problem many people run into? The best campgrounds that fit within their budget are also far away from all attractions and activities. If you come across this problem, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

• How far are you willing to drive for sightseeing and errands?
• How often will you go sightseeing and running errands?
• How much will fuel cost for trips to and from the nearest city?
• Does the cost of fuel outweigh the campground cost savings?

It’s up to you to decide whether saving the money on camping fees and driving into the city for fun and errands is worthwhile. 

There you have it, everything you’ll want to consider when finding the best campgrounds for your travels. As long as you consider these factors as you choose your campsites, you can rest easy knowing you’ll almost certainly be happy with your choices.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

The new year is in full swing, and that means it’s time to start RV trip planning for this year (if you haven’t already). There’s a lot to consider when deciding where to go, how to get there, and how to prepare for your RV travels. Fortunately, if you begin now, you will have plenty of time to figure it all out before springtime rolls around and it’s time to hit the road once again. 

Not sure how to begin your RV trip planning? We’re here to help. In this guide we will go over our top tips for planning an awesome summer full of travels and fun. Let’s dive in!

RV Trip Planning: Deciding Where to Go

The first step is deciding where you want to go. With a whole entire gigantic and amazing country to explore, this can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to narrow down your options. Below are some suggestions that can help you decide where to go as you begin the RV trip planning process. 

Look at Your Goals

The first thing to consider when RV trip planning? Any travel goals you may want to accomplish or bucket list items you may want to check off. Maybe you have a goal to see all of the states and/or every national park, or perhaps you want to ride in a hot air balloon or try surfing. Whatever your goals might be, try to find a way to weave some of them into your travel plans for the new year. 

Consider Your Budget

As much as we’d all love to run around doing whatever we like whenever we like, money does have to be taken into consideration. Think about what your spending should look like for the year and let that guide your decisions.

If you need to save money, you might be best served traveling short distances and staying in each place longer. Meanwhile, those who have a good amount to spend this year might make it a big travel year with lots of extensive travel. 

Find Out where Friends are Going

Friends make everything better, especially traveling. Before you decide where you want to spend your time in the upcoming year, find out where your friends are going to be. This might just guide your travels and even give you some good ideas of places to visit that you may not have thought of yourself. 

Keep Weather in Mind

Weather should always be taken into consideration when RV trip planning. If you’re like the vast majority of RVers out there, you don’t travel to spend a bunch of time cooped up in your rig, and would much rather be outdoors exploring the beautiful world around you.

Obviously, this is much easier to do when the weather is warm and sunny rather than super hot, cold, or wet. On top of that, staying in an RV is much more comfortable when the weather is nice. Therefore, it just makes sense to let the average weather sway your travel plans some. 

Look at Camping Options

Depending on your budget, the camping options offered in any given area might also impact where you plan to go. If you like to stay in the Thousand Trails system, you will of course want to stay where those campgrounds are available. If boondocking is your favorite camping style, heading to areas that offer lots of boondocking options will be a must.

Consider how you like to camp and whether that camping style will work in a given place before you settle on a certain RV destination for the year. 

Learn about Events

Events are also a good thing to consider when RV trip planning. RV rallies, hangouts, and conventions offer opportunities to meet fellow travelers and learn more about RV living. Meanwhile, workshops, conventions, and competitions for those with other kinds of interests similar to your own will give you some direction as you decide where to go in the new year. 

Planning Your Route

The next step in the RV trip planning process? Planning your route. Sure, you might have some destinations in mind, but you do still need to consider how you will get to those destinations. That’s where route planning comes into play. This is an especially important step if you want to weave several stops into one trip, or if you’re driving a big rig that may not be able to travel on certain roads. 

Use a Route Planning Tool

Deciding how you want to get from point A to point B can be tricky. There are all kinds of things to consider, such as camping spots along the way, things to do to break up travel days, and which roads are safest.

We love using RV-specific trip planning tools to make this a bit easier. RV Trip Wizard is the best tool we’ve found for this purpose. It is a paid tool but is 100% worth the expense, as it makes route planning so much easier. 

Avoid Dangerous Roads

As mentioned above, choosing a route that is safe for your rig is incredibly important. This means looking out for steep grades, low clearance bridges, narrow roads, etc.

RV Trip Wizard can help with this, but we also recommend double-checking the route it gives against a Trucker’s Atlas. These maps are made especially for truckers who drive big rigs, so using them to plan your route will ensure you are on roads that are both well traveled and safe for larger vehicles. 

Add Fun Stops

If you have one end destination in mind and have a lot of driving between one point and the next, consider breaking up the drive by adding fun stops along the way. Pretty much any route you take in this great big country of ours will have a huge number of amazing museums, parks, zoos, and more to see along the way. It only makes sense to take your time to see as much as you can between key destinations. 

Prepare for Your Adventures

The final step in RV trip planning? Making sure you and your RV are ready to go. This might involve purchasing some things and doing some maintenance work, among other things.

Here are some of the most important things to get done before you hit the road. 

Purchase Necessary Gear

Depending on what you plan to do during your travels this year, you might need to purchase some new gear. Planning on kayaking adventures? A kayak will be in order. Want to do a bunch of boondocking? You might need to invest in a decent solar power setup.

Take a look at your plans and what you will need to carry them out, and then start shopping around. You might be able to find some great gear used if you keep your eyes peeled!

Invest in Passes and Memberships

Reciprocal attraction memberships can save you a ton of money if your plans include visiting museums, zoos, national parks, amusement parks, etc. Meanwhile, camping passes such as the Thousand Trails Pass, Passport America, and Boondockers Welcome can help tremendously when trying to save money on camping.

The thing is, these passes only save you money if you use them. Therefore, we recommend taking a close look at your plans and buying only the passes you will use often.

Ensure Your Rig is Ready

Finally, you’ll want to check out your rig and make sure it is totally ready for your upcoming adventures. Check the tires and replace any that look worn, give the RV a good wash, check for cracked seals and reseal anything that needs it, and check the slide seals. You’ll want to repair any broken pieces and replace appliances that don’t work anymore.

Getting necessary RV maintenance done and ensuring everything is in tip-top shape will help your spring and summer travels go off without a hitch. 

There you have it, everything you need to know to finish your RV trip planning for the year. Hopefully this guide helps you plan some amazing travels and carry them out without any issues along that way. Why not get started now so you can start making amazing travel memories sooner rather than later?

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Winter is in full swing. If your RV is in storage for the season, hopefully it has already been winterized. That said, those who RV full time don’t typically have to think about RV winterization until they want to leave their rig for a bit during the cold months. At this point, the full timers have to remember all the steps of RV winterization (something they don’t usually do) without making any RV winterization mistakes. 

If you plan to leave your RV home behind in the next few months, this article is for you. Here, we will discuss the most common RV winterization mistakes so you can avoid making them and ensure your rig is in tip-top shape and ready for you when you return from your winter getaway. 

Mistake #1: Antifreeze in the Water Heater

It can be very easy to forget to bypass the water heater before pumping RV antifreeze through your system. This is unfortunate, not because the antifreeze will hurt the heater tank, but because it means using 5–6 gallons of RV antifreeze to fill a tank that doesn’t actually need filling, unnecessarily adding to the total costs of RV winterization. Additionally, many people claim they can taste and smell RV antifreeze long after it has been cleared from their water heater tank. 

Since nobody wants to wash dishes or cook with water that smells or tastes like RV antifreeze, it’s best to bypass the water heater and winterize it by getting rid of the water in the tank rather than adding antifreeze. 

Mistake #2: Antifreeze in the Fresh Tank

Another spot you really don’t need to put RV antifreeze? The fresh water tank. While you definitely do want to open all the drains on your rig to ensure there is no water left in the fresh tank, you absolutely do not need to pour antifreeze into the fresh tank. In fact, this is one of those RV winterization mistakes you’ll want to actively avoid. 

As we mentioned before, RV antifreeze can cause water to taste and smell funny for a long time after the water no longer runs pink. If you add it to your fresh tank, you can pretty much count on water that is a little bit off for quite some time. 

Mistake #3: Skipping the Toilet or Outdoor Shower

While it is best to skip putting antifreeze in the water heater and fresh water tank, there are some spots you DON’T want to skip and missing them is definitely high on our list of RV winterization mistakes. Two that are commonly missed? The toilet and the outdoor shower.

While you are running the faucets in your rig to make sure they are running pink, don’t forget to also flush the toilet until it runs pink as well. This might require filling the bowl and flushing it down, but is an important step.

You’ll also need to head outside and run water through the outdoor shower until it is running pink. This is easy to miss since you may not use your outdoor shower often and it is located outside, away from the other faucets, but forgetting to winterize the outdoor shower might result in burst water lines or a broken shower head or faucet—both things that can eventually cause water damage to your rig. 

Mistake #4: Skipping the Waste Tanks

Winterizing your RV’s water lines by running antifreeze through them is probably the most important part of RV winterization. That said, there are other steps you can take to prevent damage to your rig, and considering how easy they are, you really ought to go ahead and do them. 

One such task? Pouring a few cups of RV antifreeze into your gray and black water tanks. This will prevent anything that might be left in the tanks from freezing, and could help ensure your waste tanks don’t crack during hard freezes.

This step might not be included in every guide to RV winterization, but it’s so easy to do and helps so much that skipping it is one of those RV winterization mistakes you don’t want to make. 

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Batteries 

Your RV’s water system isn’t the only thing that requires winterization. Another important component to keep safe during freezing temperatures? Your RV batteries. 

When left connected, RV batteries drain over time due to parasitic draws. Even when they aren’t hooked up to anything, batteries will be drained slowly over time. Unfortunately, a dead battery can freeze. Because most batteries aren’t made to be drained completely and because it’s never good for a battery to freeze, it is important to make sure your RV batteries are kept charged during winter storage. 

You can keep your batteries charged by leaving the RV plugged in. If this isn’t an option, simply unhooking the batteries should work well enough for short stints (as in a week or less). If you’ll be gone longer and cannot leave the RV plugged in, try to find a way to store your batteries inside, preferably hooked up to a trickle charger. 

Mistake #6: Leaving Liquids Behind

Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to clear out your pantry before you leave your RV in storage. One reason for this? Anything liquid can freeze and burst out of its container, leaving you with a giant mess to clean when you return and even the potential for water damage. 

Obviously, this is one of those RV winterization mistakes that should be avoided. Fortunately, this is easy enough to do. Just make sure you clear your cabinets and fridge of beverages, canned goods, liquid cleaning products, etc and you should be good to go. 

Mistake #7: Attracting Pests

Another good reason to clean out the pantry before putting your RV in storage? Pests. Nobody wants their RV to be taken over by mice, ants, and other little critters while they’re away. Unfortunately, leaving food where they can get it is just inviting such pests to make themselves at home, and if you’re not there to stop the problem in its tracks, you really can’t do much about it after the fact. 

The best way to prevent this problem in the first place? Well, obviously you will want to get rid of all the food that you can. Put anything you absolutely have to keep into locking plastic containers to trap in the smell and thus keep mice from eating through packaging. We also recommend putting out mouse deterrent in order to ensure you come back to a pest-free home. 

Mistake #8: Leaving Leaks

If you’ve been in your RV for any amount of time at all, you know that leaks are an RV’s worst nightmare. Water is sneaky and can squeeze in through the tiniest holes and cracks, and when it does, it can cause tons of costly damage to your home-on-wheels. This means leaving any leaks at all could be one of the worst RV winterization mistakes possible. 

Obviously, you definitely don’t want leaks to happen while you’re gone and therefore can’t do so much as mop up the water or seal the leaking area. For this reason, we highly recommend going over your RV seals with Dicor before you put the rig away. It doesn’t hurt to go a step further and invest in an RV cover or even find a place that offers covered storage, so you can be sure no water is going to sneak its way into your trailer or motorhome. 

As you can see, there are several common RV winterization mistakes that are actually super easy to make. In order to ensure you don’t make any of these mistakes, refer to the list above as you’re going through the winterization process. Once you’re sure your RV winterization is done properly, you can rest easy knowing your tiny home will be in good shape when you return.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Nobody likes to talk about them, but every RVer has one: your RV toilet. Unfortunately, these things must be routinely cared for in order to ensure they continue to function without issues. And one major part of caring for an RV toilet? Learning to use RV toilet chemicals. 

If you have a traditional RV toilet (and the vast majority of us do), chemicals for RV toilets are very likely to become a regular part of your day-to-day life. Here’s everything you need to know about them before you dive in. 

What are RV Toilet Chemicals?

First, let’s take a minute to talk about what exactly RV toilet chemicals are. Basically, these chemicals are created to help break down solids in your RV black tank and to reduce smells in both your black tank and your gray water holding tank.

The chemicals come in both liquid form and in little packets that dissolve in water. The liquid form can be bought in a large jug, or in some cases in smaller single-use bottles. No matter which form your RV toilet chemicals take, they are made to do the same job—one that really must be done one way or another. 

Are RV Toilet Chemicals Necessary?

Sure, it is important to make sure TP and solid waste are properly broken down in your waste tank. It’s also true that you probably don’t want stinky sewer smells making their way into your RV home. But are chemicals for RV toilets actually necessary?

Many RVers are “natural” minded, meaning they prefer to avoid using chemicals in their homes. This leads many full timers to seek out alternative methods to caring for their black tanks without all the chemicals. The good news? There are other options!

The Water Method

The first alternative method is also the easiest and most cost-effective method. It involves one thing: lots and lots of water. A surprisingly large number of full time RVers use this method, and we’ve honestly had good luck with it too. 

To use this method, you do have to make sure you fill the bowl every time you use the restroom, and you’ll want to use extra when you go number 2.

This means the black tank fills pretty quickly, something that isn’t necessarily a problem when full hookups are available but can become an issue if you spend a lot of time boondocking. On top of that, you really need to give the tank a good rinsing after every dump, something that can be difficult if you aren’t sitting on a full-hookup site. 

We think the water method is a great choice if you spend most of your time in full-hookup RV parks, but if you want to dry camp regularly, another method might be better for you. 

The Geo Method

We’ve also heard a huge number of people swear by the “Geo method” of caring for their black tank. This does involve putting some products down the drain, but nothing very strong, and you might even have most or all of the ingredients for the Geo method sitting around your RV already.

All you have to do is add two cups of water softener (such as Calgon) to a gallon of hot water. Pour that into your tank along with a cup of Dawn dish soap and ¼ cup of Borax. This might seem unconventional, but if it works, it works!

The Best RV Toilet Chemicals

Maybe you tried the water method and it isn’t working out. Perhaps the Geo method is a bit too much effort. The next step is to turn to store-bought RV toilet chemicals and treatments.

Fortunately you have a lot of options, including some eco-friendly options for those who prefer to avoid harsh chemicals in their homes. These are what we prefer ourselves, and we have only included such products on our list below of the best RV tank treatments.

Happy Campers

Happy Campers is one of the most environmentally friendly tank treatments on the market. It can be used in both black and gray tanks, it’s fine for septic tanks, and it works by promoting the growth of good bacteria, meaning it continues to work long after it’s added to the tank. Most importantly, this product does an excellent job of preventing smells.

TankTechsRX

Another product that won’t harm the environment, TankTechsRX uses probiotics to promote healthy good bacteria growth in your tank. Again, it is safe for septic systems and does its job well. Just make sure you leave a little waste in the tank after dumping in order to maintain the probiotic growth. 

Unique RV Digest It

Finally, there is Unique RV Digest It. This product uses both probiotics and enzymes to break down waste and neutralize odors. It does not use perfumes to make smells—which we very much appreciate—and it helps clean sensors so you’ll know when your black tank is actually full. 

Alternatives to RV Chemical Toilets

As mentioned above, pretty much every RV out there comes with an RV chemical toilet, which uses a black tank to hold waste. That said, it is possible to replace the traditional toilet with something that better suits your needs.

If you find that your RV toilet isn’t working for you, consider one of the following options, which will allow you to avoid using chemicals for RV toilets and provide other benefits to boot. 

Cassette Toilet

A cassette toilet is very much like a traditional RV toilet, but instead of a black tank attached to the RV, there is a small waste tank attached to the toilet itself. This smaller tank can be removed and carried to a toilet or dump station to be dumped, making it easy to get rid of waste even when a dump station isn’t available.

Some people use RV toilet chemicals in cassette toilets, but because the tank is emptied more frequently and can be cleaned more easily, we find it isn’t necessary. 

Composting Toilet

Composting toilets are super popular with boondockers because they don’t use any water at all. Solid waste goes into a storage bin, where it is left to break down into compost. Meanwhile, liquids are diverted and sent to a small tank that can be emptied outdoors, into a public toilet, or into a dump station.

Some people choose to divert liquid waste to their gray tank instead. In any case, you will not have to use RV toilet chemicals with a composting toilet, but you will need something to sprinkle into the toilet after each time you go number 2, as well as a vinegar spray to spray into the urine tank. 

Incinerating Toilet

Finally, there is the incinerating toilet. This type of toilet is perfect for boondocking, but is unfortunately very expensive. Waste is literally burned into ash, which is then stored until it can be collected and thrown out.

There is no water involved, nor are there chemicals involved. However, you will need to buy liners (which can be pricey) as well as propane for running the toilet incinerator, so keep those things in mind!

There you have it, everything you need to know about RV toilet chemicals, as well as some alternatives to using these chemicals for RV toilets in your tiny home. Which route will you take? We recommend experimenting with many solutions until you find the perfect option for you and your family.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

If you’ve never owned an RV before, learning the ins and outs of how all the systems work can seem a little bit overwhelming. There are holding tanks and water hookups to consider, and of course, there is the electrical system. And a big part of an RV electrical system? RV batteries.

That’s right, RV batteries are a crucial part of any rig. For this reason, it is important that you learn how to properly use and care for them. For instance, you always want to keep flooded cell batteries topped up with distilled water. It’s also good to know how to charge RV batteries and when to go about doing so.

In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about charging your RV batteries so you can make sure they are in tip-top shape as you wander and roam the country. 

How to Charge RV Batteries while Camping

First, let’s discuss how you might charge your RV batteries while parked in a campsite and hooked up to electricity. This is the easiest time to charge your batteries, and for many full time RVers, it’s one of the only times charging really needs to happen. 

You see, all you have to do to charge RV batteries while parked in a site with electrical hookups is plug the RV in. Your motorhome or trailer is equipped with a converter. This takes the AC power put out by the campsite power pedestal and converts it to DC power to be stored in your RV batteries.

The converter works to create DC power until the battery bank is full as long as you’re plugged in. This means your batteries should never die while plugged in at a campground, and if you only hop from one electric hookup to another without ever putting the rig in storage, you shouldn’t ever have to do anything special to charge your RV batteries. 

It’s good to note that you do not have to be plugged in at a campsite to use your RV’s converter to charge your battery bank. A household 15- or 20-amp power outlet will do the job just fine. Just know that you won’t be able to run the whole RV off of this limited power source. 

Should I Disconnect my RV Battery when Plugged In?

Since the RV batteries are automatically charged whenever the rig is plugged into power, many RVers are afraid of overcharging their battery bank. This leads them to ask, “Should I disconnect my RV battery when plugged in?” We can see where you’re coming from if you’re wondering the same thing. Luckily the answer is no, you do not need to take such measures. 

RV converters can see when the battery is at full charge and will stop charging at that point. This automatically prevents overcharging, so you can safely leave your 

RV batteries connected the entire time you’re plugged into power, even if you are a full time RVer. 

Keeping Batteries Charged without Hookups

Planning to do some dry camping? Wondering how to keep RV batteries charged when no electrical outlet is available? Not to worry, there are plenty of other options. 

Charging while Driving

First, it’s good to know that most RV batteries get some charge while in transit. In the case of a trailer, the electricity that is sent to the battery comes from the tow vehicle’s alternator. Meanwhile, motorhomes use the chassis alternator to produce electricity to charge the house battery. 

In the vast majority of cases, all of this charging happens just fine without any modifications. However, if you choose to replace your RV batteries with lithium batteries, you might have to look into upgrading your charging system with a DC to DC charger.

You see, lithium batteries require a bit more power than traditional lead acid batteries, and because you can’t limit what they pull from the vehicle, it’s not unheard of for them to cause damage to alternators. A DC to DC charger ensures that only a safe amount of power is pulled from the alternator to the battery bank, so your house batteries are being charged without any vehicle issues down the line. 

Generator

A generator allows you to charge your RV batteries no matter where you are. It is the quick and easy solution when you’re wondering how to charge RV batteries in the middle of the wilderness or even in a Walmart parking lot. 

Many motorhomes come equipped with onboard generators. As long as you maintain this generator well, it will likely last you for many years and is a great solution for how to charge RV batteries. 

If your rig did not come with an onboard generator, a portable generator should be purchased. An inverter generator is your best bet for the safest and quietest experience possible. If you just want to charge batteries and run basic things, a 2,000-watt generator will be just fine. Hope to run the AC and microwave? You probably want to look into a 3,500-watt portable inverter generator instead.

Solar Panels

Not into the noise and smell a generator makes? Hoping for something that doesn’t require fuel? In this case, installing solar panels and a charge controller on your RV might be the best answer to how to charge RV batteries for you. 

If you plan to boondock often, a solar charging system is a game changer that in some cases can allow you to stay out in the wilderness indefinitely. Unfortunately, installing solar can also feel pretty overwhelming.

If you aren’t sure how to go about it, a simple solar generator might be a good place to start. We also really like the Renogy solar panel kits, which are pretty much plug-and-play, making them easy to install even if you don’t know much about solar panels or electricity in general. 

How Long will the RV Battery Last while Boondocking?

Many people wonder, “How long will an RV battery last boondocking?” Unfortunately, we can’t give a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. How long your battery lasts depends on what type of battery you have and what appliances you run while boondocking. 

If your battery bank is decent and fully charged and you are willing to limit how much electricity you use, you may be able to boondock for a few nights without recharging. However, most people who boondock often and for more than a night or two find that they really do need to figure out how to charge RV batteries without hookups. A generator, solar panels, or some combination of the two will allow you  to dry camp comfortably. 

Charging RV Batteries During Storage

We can’t write an article about how to charge RV batteries without mentioning RV battery storage. If you’re RVing full time, this may not ever apply to you. However, many full timers do find themselves storing their rigs from time-to-time, so this is good info to have. 

You see, even while the RV is not in use, the RV batteries are still slowly drained. You can slow this process by disconnecting clocks, radios, alarms, and anything else that might be drawing small amounts of power, but even then the batteries will die eventually. This is a problem because most batteries are not made to be fully discharged and can be damaged if they are run down to zero. On top of that, while a charged battery cannot freeze, an empty battery absolutely can do so, and freezing will also cause damage. 

For this reason, and because you probably don’t want to come back to a totally dead RV battery, it is important that you take measures to keep your RV batteries charged while the rig is in storage.

• If you’ll only be storing for a week or so, simply disconnecting the battery should be enough to do the trick.
• If the RV will be in storage for months, you might want to make a point of returning to the rig weekly in order to either A) recharge the batteries or B) remove the batteries entirely and use a trickle charger to keep them topped up until you return to your home-on-wheels. 

As you can see, there is a lot to know about how to charge RV batteries. That said, for the most part, you shouldn’t have to think too much about keeping your RV batteries charged unless you will be boondocking or storing the rig. Additionally, once you learn what works for you and your batteries, it’s really an easy thing to stay on top of.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Looking for a warm and sunny winter RV destination? You aren’t alone. Every year, hundreds of full time families head south for the winter in an effort to escape the snow, ice, and cold found in the rest of the US.

Fortunately, there are a number of great warm winter RV escapes to choose from. Whether you’re hoping for amazing hiking, beautiful beaches, exciting theme parks, or some combination of these things, you’re sure to find a place to spend the winter that suits your needs and wants. 

Not sure where to look for awesome winter RV destinations? These spots are some of our favorite places to be during the cold months. 

Florida

Florida is a very, very popular winter RV home base. This is both good and bad. The good thing is that you’re sure to find a lot of fellow full time families to hang out with during the winter in sunny Florida.

The bad part? It can be difficult to snag reservations. Even so, we think the extra effort to find a place to stay is worthwhile. 

Everglades National Park

One of our favorite places to visit in winter is Everglades National Park. Yes, this place is cool no matter when you visit, but in our opinion, winter is best thanks to lovely weather, fewer rainstorms, and fewer bugs. 

The Anhinga Trail is a must-see while in Everglades National Park. This amazing trail features all kinds of gorgeous birds. Additionally, it is not uncommon at all to see alligators along this path. This can be especially exciting if you join the nighttime ranger walk along the trail, as you might just see a gator on the move!

The Florida Keys

For an extra warm and absolutely beautiful RV winter escape, head to the Florida Keys. Located at the very southern tip of Florida, this string of islands features incredible state parks, amazing paddling trails, crystal clear waters, and lots and lots of water-loving wildlife. 

We especially love the paddling trails in Curry Hammock State Park and the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park. John Pennekamp State Park features a ship wreck that provides amazing snorkeling opportunities not far from the beach, and Key West has tons of fun options including Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S., and lots of museums. 

Central Florida

Orlando might not quite be as warm as the Keys but it is still warmer than most places, and thanks to a variety of amazing attractions and activities, it’s a great winter RV camp spot.

We highly recommend grabbing a Thousand Trails pass and staying at Thousand Trails Orlando for part of the winter, as you will find tons of full time families to hang out with and there are always activities going on within the park. (Join Fulltime Families to learn about FtF events in this campground!)

Outside of the campground, you’ll find a variety of amazing amusement parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND (watch out for the Fulltime Families LEGOLAND event). Many RVers get annual passes to at least one of these parks and spend their winter riding coasters. 

Get tickets to the 2024 Legoland event here!

Texas

Another wonderful place to spend winter in an RV? The great state of Texas. While northern Texas does get pretty chilly, the southern part of the state tends to be plenty warm even in December and January, making it a great winter RV destination. 

Austin, Texas

Austin is an awesome place to spend some of your winter. This is a vibrant city with an exciting and welcoming culture, not to mention tons of incredible food. We especially love the barbecue found in Austin, and we have found Amy’s Ice Cream is a superb place for dessert. 

McKinney Falls State Park is a wonderful place to stay and explore. Besides that, we also recommend checking out the museums in the city, including the Thinkery and the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. 

Padre Island National Seashore

Another fantastic Texas winter destination, Padre Island National Seashore will give you all the beach fun you could hope for, even in the middle of the cold season.

We love this particular destination because it is possible to camp right on the beach. There are both designated campsites and dispersed campsites available, and either way, you’ll have easy access to the sand and the water. 

Another special thing about this place? Because it’s a national seashore, it is relatively untouched, meaning there’s plenty of wildlife and natural beauty wherever you look. 

South Padre Island

Not too far from Padre Island National Seashore, South Padre Island is another excellent option for winter RVing. This place is more developed than the national seashore. It is also a bit further south, meaning the weather is often even a bit warmer, something you’re sure to appreciate in January. 

We love spending the winter at South Padre Island because it’s a super popular place with full time families, meaning making friends with other traveling families is a cinch, especially if you can snag a spot in Isla Blanca Park.

In addition to hanging with fellow wandering families, you’re also sure to love the surfing and sandcastle building that so many enjoy on the beaches in South Padre. 

Big Bend National Park

Okay, so Big Bend National Park is not nearly as warm as the other locations mentioned so far. It does tend to have pretty mild winters though, with average highs in January sitting at around 58 degrees (°F). This is comfortable enough for hiking, something you’ll definitely want to do while exploring this gorgeous place. 

Be sure to take full advantage of the low crowd levels during the winter months by hitting as many trails as possible. We especially love the Lost Mine Trail. We also highly recommend the spectacular stargazing opportunities the park offers visitors. 

Southern California 

Southern California is a favorite of snowbirds. The reason? This area is warm, sunny, and chock-full of fun. It’s the ideal escape for outdoorsy people, as the hiking, biking, and surfing opportunities are incredible here. That said, the area has its fair share of other things to do as well. 

San Diego, California

Our favorite southern California city, San Diego has a lot to offer no matter what your hobbies and interests may be.

The surfing scene in this place is huge, the wildlife watching is incredible, and the hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding areas are pretty incredible as well. Of course, it helps that the weather is almost always warm and sunny, making it possible to enjoy these things in the winter. 

Not into any of those things? You’re sure to love the arts scene in the city as well as the many museums found there. Of course, you’ll also want to visit the famous San Diego Zoo. 

Joshua Tree National Park

Easily one of the best national parks to visit during the winter months, Joshua Tree National Park is a wonderful spot to make yourself at home for a bit. This is a gorgeous park filled with amazing desert scenery, excellent bouldering opportunities, and some of the best stargazing in the country. 

You can choose to camp in the park at one of the NPS campgrounds or do some boondocking on the BLM land that surrounds the park (just make sure you learn about boondocking in the desert first). There is also the option of picking up a Thousand Trails membership and staying at Thousand Trails Palm Springs, which is very near the park but also near plenty of amenities and typically filled with full time traveling families. 

Arizona

It’s no secret that a huge number of snowbirds flock to Arizona in the winter months, and honestly, this just makes sense. Many parts of the state are warm and there are plenty of places to explore, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors (which many RVers are).

Phoenix, Arizona

In our opinion, Phoenix is well worth a visit, especially as a winter RV destination. There are lots of RV parks around, but many don’t allow families, so be sure to do your research and book in advance. Another option is to boondock in the open desert surrounding Phoenix. We love this option because it is so affordable!

During your time in the city, be sure to visit the Musical Instrument Museum as well as the Desert Botanical Garden. A hike up Camelback Mountain is a must-do for those who enjoy strenuous hikes, but there are also plenty of easier hikes in the area. Looking for something especially unique to do? You might want to book a hot air balloon ride, an activity that is quite popular in Phoenix.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is another national park that is just perfect for wintertime adventures. This park sees many perfect days during the cooler season, and is just as pretty in December and January as it is in the summer—maybe even more so!

We love that there is free boondocking near Saguaro National Park and that it is near the city of Tucson, meaning plenty of amenities and activities to keep everyone busy and happy. In addition to plenty of hikes in the national park, we also highly recommend a visit to Sabino Canyon, a meal at Organ Stop Pizza, and a visit to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. 

Baja, Mexico

Finally, we must mention the Baja peninsula of Mexico, located directly south of California. This winter RV destination will take a little more planning and preparation, but trust us when we say it is well worth the extra effort.

This incredible place provides all the sunshine you could want all winter long. On top of that, the peninsula features gorgeous beaches (including many that allow camping), insanely delicious tacos, adventures galore, and beautiful scenery around every corner. 

Check out these tips to learn more about camping in Baja so you can go in prepared. Not sure you want to do Baja on your own? You can always join the Fulltime Families Caravan event.  

Clearly, there are plenty of places to stay warm while RVing in the winter. Not only that, but these winter RV spots offer some super fun adventures that will make winter RV travels memorable and special. Choose any spot on this list and you’re sure to have an amazing time! Plan to visit with fellow full time families or attend an event in the area, and you’re bound to have an even better time. 

What are you waiting for? Choose the place that sounds most appealing to you and get out there and have an amazing winter season!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

For those who are new to RV living, Christmas camping in an RV might not feel like the best way to spend the holidays. Some are likely worried about spending the season away from family. Others might be worried about getting through cold weather in a rig that probably has far too little insulation. Still other RVers might be worried about decorations, where to put gifts, or how to make Christmas camping feel special.

We have good news! You can totally have an amazing holiday season while living in your RV. No, things won’t be the same as they were in a sticks-and-bricks house, but they can be wonderful and festive nonetheless. In fact, once you get things figured out, you might even find you prefer Christmas camping.

Not sure how to begin planning Christmas camping in your motorhome or trailer? Here are our top tips for making it absolutely amazing. 

Consider the Weather

We mentioned above that cold weather can be a concern when living in an RV. This is very true and it’s the reason most people put their RVs away for the winter. Of course, when your RV is your home, this isn’t an option. This means you have to get creative when it comes to riding out the winter weather. 

Seeing as you don’t want to be freezing your buns off while trying to enjoy the holidays, we highly recommend taking the weather into consideration when deciding where you will be for your Christmas camping adventure. While it is possible to stay in a cold-weather location, you will want to take steps to ensure your rig stays cozy and warm. This might include adding more insulation and covering the windows. 

Another option? Head south for the winter and spend your holidays in the warmth and sunshine. This is the route many full time families take, and one we highly recommend. SoCal, Arizona, southern Texas, and Florida are all good picks when it comes to choosing a place to spend the winter in an RV. 

Go Christmas Camping with Friends

Nobody wants to be all alone on Christmas. Sure, you’ll have your little family unit with you wherever you roam, but if you can’t be with extended family, we recommend making plans to be with traveling friends instead. After all, when it comes to events like Christmas parties, more people tends to equal more fun, and your kids are sure to appreciate having playmates close by.

Not sure where to find other full time families to spend the holidays with? We highly recommend heading to a Thousand Trails park in Florida, south Texas, or SoCal. An enormous number of traveling families spend their winters in these locations, meaning you’re bound to find some folks who would be happy to share their Christmas with some new friends. 

For more help finding friends on the road, be sure to snag a Fulltime Families membership. This will give you access to location-specific social media groups that assist with making connections. It’ll also make it possible for you to join rallies, hangouts, and other events that provide opportunities for meeting new people. 

Make Traditions a Priority

One of the things that make Christmas camping so special? Traditions. If you have some awesome traditions from years past, do what you can to bring those along into your RV. If that isn’t possible, make a point of starting new traditions. 

Obviously, these can be the usual things like decorating the Christmas tree together with Christmas music playing or opening the doors of an advent calendar each night leading up to the big day. That said, they can also be less common traditions like heading to Waffle House for breakfast in your Christmas PJs on Christmas Day, or going caroling from one RV to the next in your RV park. 

Whatever traditions you have, make an effort to keep them from one year to the next. You’ll love the incredible memories you make upholding your Christmas traditions through the years. 

Decorate the Rig

Speaking of decorating the Christmas tree, make sure to decorate your RV too! Your RV Christmas decorations might look a little bit different than the decorations you used in your stick-and-bricks house, but they’ll be just as fun to put up and look at throughout the season. 

If you don’t have room for a full-size Christmas tree, find an alternative such as a tabletop tree, a pencil tree, or even a felt tree that hangs on the wall. Make decorating your RV tree an event just as you would any other tree. Other RV Christmas decoration ideas include garlands and/or lights hanging in the rig, decorative holiday throw pillows or rugs, and outdoor RV Christmas decorations to make your site look festive and fun.

Don’t have room to carry Christmas decorations? Consider buying inexpensive or used decor and then donating the items when you’re done. There’s also the option of chopping your own Christmas tree in a national forest. This is a wonderful, memorable way to acquire a tree that can be burned in a campfire when the season comes to a close. 

Keep Gifts to a Minimum

Living in an RV can feel really cramped, especially when you’re living in a motorhome or trailer with kids. For this reason, we highly recommend keeping physical Christmas gifts to a minimum while full timing. Consider cutting back to just two or three items per person and make sure the gifts you choose are useful and practical for RV life. 

There are a number of practical physical gifts included in this gift guide that would be perfect for your little RVing family. For kids, we especially love open-ended toys such as LEGO as well as outdoor toys that can be used in the campground to connect with other kids. For adults, useful but fun items such as hammocks, fire pits, and camping chairs are all great ideas. 

If you don’t feel like a couple of items each is enough, you can make Christmas a little more exciting by including experience gifts as well. There are a huge number of amazing experience gift ideas out there, and finding one that your loved ones will adore should be a cinch. Here are some of our favorite experience gifts for RVing families. 

These are just a few of our top tips for Christmas camping. If you need even more ways to make your RV Christmas an incredible one, check out these 18 tips for celebrating Christmas in your RV. No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season as you enjoy amazing RVing adventures with your family and make new friends along the way!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The holiday season is here and that means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Unfortunately, the vast majority of full time RVers simply don’t have space for more stuff, making giving gifts to these individuals a little bit more challenging. But The good news? There are ways around this problem, and in our opinion, experience gifts are the way to go about it. 

Giving the gift of a new experience is an absolutely wonderful way to show someone you love them, especially if you can tailor that experience to their interests. Not sure what sort of experience gift you might give the RVer in your life? Here are the 10 best experience gifts for RVers. Choose one of these and you’re sure to win!

National Parks Annual Pass

We’ve met a lot of RVers and we’re not sure we’ve ever come across one who didn’t enjoy visiting national parks. Even those nomads who are less outdoorsy than the average RVer still enjoy driving through these gorgeous places and taking in the sights. Therefore, it just makes sense that nearly any RVer would love to be able to access all of these beautiful parks without paying admission fees. This is where the “America the Beautiful” Pass comes into play. 

The “America the Beautiful” Pass is essentially an annual pass to all of the National Parks as well as a number of other government-owned lands. The card holder can enter these parks without paying admission fees, giving them free access to all kinds of amazing places!

Reciprocal Museum Membership

If the RVer in your life enjoys learning new things, you might consider a reciprocal museum membership. These memberships are fantastic experience gifts because they give you free admission or deep discounts at a huge number of museums all across the country. To join, you simply have to grab a membership to a museum that is part of the network you wish to access. 

There are a number of reciprocal networks out there. Some of the best ones include ASTC, NARM, and ACM. One of our favorite memberships to grab for this purpose is the Kern County Museum Travel Membership. This gives you access to both ASTC and NARM as well as the Time Travelers history museum reciprocal network. 

AZA Membership

Similar to the reciprocal museum memberships mentioned above, there is also the option of a zoo pass that gets reciprocal benefits through AZA. This network offers members 50% off at a huge number of zoos and aquariums, and some memberships offer free admission to select locations. 

This is a great pick for traveling families, as kids are pretty much always going to love a day at a zoo or aquarium. It also might be a good pick if you know a wanderer who loves animals. 

The Ellen Trout Zoo offers a good membership with all of the AZA reciprocal benefits. 

Season/Annual Pass to a Theme Park

Theme park annual or seasonal passes are also great experience gifts that your RVing friends and family members might appreciate. If the RVer in your life is stationary, pick a theme park that is nearby and pick up a pass there so they can visit often.

If your friend will be traveling, consider a theme park pass that offers reciprocal benefits. These include:

• Merlin Pass
• Cedar Point All Park Passport Add On
• Six Flags Diamond Pass 
• Busch Gardens Florida Platinum Pass

Admission Tickets to a Show, Attraction, or Experience 

Don’t want to invest in an annual pass, or you don’t see an annual pass that would suit your loved one? No worries! You can still give your friend or family member a great experience. Find out where they are headed and seek out a cool performance or attraction in that area. They are sure to appreciate having something awesome to look forward to as they travel on to their next destination. 

Gas Station Gift Card

Motorhomes and big trucks are gas guzzlers, meaning RVers go through gas like nobody’s business. It may not seem super exciting, but trust us when we say the RVer in your life will absolutely appreciate a fuel gift card. They will be able to fuel up and get a little further down the road to explore something new, and we really can’t think of a better gift for someone with wanderlust. 

Restaurant Gift Card

Cooking after a long travel day is never fun, and sometimes you just don’t want to pack a lunch to go out on a field trip. This is where a restaurant gift card can come in really handy, making it one of the best experience gifts for RVers by far. Grab one to a chain restaurant that you know they’ll run into (Cracker Barrel is a good pick since they offer RV parking) or choose a local place in an area you know they’ll be visiting, so they can try something new. 

Gift Card for Movie Theater, Bowling Alley, Etc

Travelers might spend a lot of time exploring new places, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to have some typical fun as well. Gifting a movie theater or bowling alley gift card allows them to enjoy a night out as a family. Choose a chain so you can be sure they will be able to use the card no matter where they roam. 

Classes or Lessons

Classes, lessons, workshops, and tours are all amazing ways that nomadic souls like to learn about the places they visit and connect with the locals. Unfortunately, these things can get expensive quickly.

Help your traveling friend out by paying for a workshop or class along their route. They’re sure to love learning something new, especially if the class is specific to the area they are visiting (ie: surfing in California or a jazz music workshop in New Orleans).

A Day Out with You

As much as we RVers love to travel, see new things, and meet new people, we truly do miss our family and friends and we want to spend as much time as we can with you when visiting your area.

If your traveling loved ones will be near you, consider making your gift to them a day out with you. Go out to eat, enjoy bowling together, head to a class, or just go on a hike. We promise, the time spent with you is what matters more than the activity itself!

As you can see, there are tons of amazing experience gift ideas out there. These are the best experience gifts we’ve found, but there are likely even more great options out there. Whether you pick something from this list or keep searching for a different sort of experience that perfectly suits your wandering friend or family member, we know they will appreciate the thought that went into the gift as well as the awesome experience that they get out of the deal!

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

Black Friday is just around the corner and that means it’s time to seek out deals on RVing products for your traveling loved ones or for yourself. Honestly, part of RVing is collecting less stuff and focusing more on making memories. That said, there are a handful of items that sure do make RV life more enjoyable and if you can get a good deal on those items, that’s even better!

Below are some of the top Black Friday deals for RVers in 2023! Whether you’re shopping for an RVing loved one or for yourself, we’re betting you’ll find the perfect deal right here. 

Kindle E-Readers

Storing books in an RV is difficult. They fall from shelves during travel and because they’re heavy that can add a lot to your total RV weight. Fortunately, you can take care of this problem by investing in a Kindle E-Reader. In order to get a good deal on a Kindle, wait until the Amazon Black Friday sale begins on November 16. During this sale, select Kindle E-Readers will be up to 29% off!

Lego and Magna-Tiles Building Toys

The best toys for RV living? Open ended toys such as Lego and Magna-Tiles. These can be used in a variety of ways and can easily fill hours of playtime. Unfortunately, they can be a bit on the pricey side, but if you buy during Amazon’s Black Friday sale beginning on November 16, you could get up to 30% off on Amazon on select Lego and Magna-Tile sets. 

Select Ninja Kitchen Appliances 

We may have tiny kitchens, but that doesn’t mean RVers don’t cook amazing meals. Of course, in order ot make those meals, we need the right tools. While we can’t recommend stocking your kitchen with too many small appliances, there are instances where an air fryer, toaster oven, and other appliances with multiple uses can come in handy. Buy Ninja versions of these during the Amazon Black Friday sale and save up to 44%. 

Ruggable Washable Rugs

RVing can be a messy business. Dirt and sand are constantly being tracked into our tiny-homes-on-wheels, making it difficult to keep the floors clean. Something that’ll make cleaning the floors a bit easier? Ruggable washable rugs! These come in a variety of amazing designs, can be tossed in the washing machine, and some will be up to 25% off during Amazon’s Black Friday sale. 

SMYRNA Turkish Cotton Beach Towel

Tired of waiting forever for your towels to dry after each beach day? Turkish towels are the perfect answer. These thin, yet absorbent towels wick water away without a problem, but also dry super quickly, making it easy to enjoy back to back beach days or pool days. We especially love these SMYRNA Turkish Cotton Beach Towels, which happen to be on sale right now. 

Nugget Countertop Ice Maker

A tiny freezer means there isn’t always space for ice, and we’ve yet to find an RV fridge with a built-in ice maker (though it could exist). Our solution? A countertop ice maker. Luckily, the Nugget Countertop Ice Maker is discounted for Black Friday when bought through Amazon. 

Shark Cordless Anti-Allergen Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Washable rugs are one way to keep your RV floors a bit cleaner, but if you have carpets, you’ll also need a vacuum cleaner. This is where the Shark Cordless Anti-Allergen Stick Vacuum Cleaner comes into play. This is one of our favorite vacuums for RVing and it is discounted on Amazon for Black Friday. 

VIVOSUN Folding Beach Wagon

Perhaps one of the most useful items an RVer can own is a folding beach wagon. These wagons fold up small, so they can be stored in an RV storage bay, but when open, they can hold a surprising amount. Whether you need a way to get your toddler down to the beach or a method of getting laundry to the campground laundry room, a folding wagon is useful. This VIVOSUN Folding Beach Wagon is a good pick and is part of Amazon’s Black Friday Sale. 

CARTMAN Home Tool Kit

Tools are a must-have when RVing. Things are always going to need fixing, and we’re betting you find some upgrades you’d like to make to your rig as well. This CARTMAN Home Tool Kit is a great starter set for those who need some tools for their rig, and it’s being sold at a discount at Amazon. 

Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator Kit

Want to be able to power your rig off-grid? A traditional generator is just fine, but the Jackey 1000 Plus Solar Generator Kit is even better. This awesome kit gives you power wherever you are without the noise and stink of a traditional generator. It also removes the need to install solar panels on your roof (something that may seem daunting to some). Best of all, it’s 30% off on Amazon right now. 

MaXpeedingrods 3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Of course, if you can’t splurge on the solar generator listed above, a traditional gas powered generator will do the job just fine. This is where the MaXpeedingrods 3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator comes into play. This one is on sale for 20% off on Amazon and is enough to power anything in your rig.

SANAUVULCAN Portable Propane Fire Pit

If you enjoy campfires, but don’t enjoy building fires or smelling like smoke, a propane fire pit is the perfect solution. This SANAUVULCAN Portable Propane Fire Pit is an excellent choice. It includes lava rocks as well as a metal lid and is on sale right now for 16% off on Amazon. 

Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair

Of course, you’ll need some sort of chair to sit around those campfires. The Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair will do the trick just fine. This low profile chair is lightweight, but incredibly durable. It’s also super comfortable, with a breathable mesh back and bottom to keep you cool in the summer months. Best of all, it’s included in Amazon’s Black Friday sale, meaning you’ll get a great deal if you buy now!

GoPro HERO9 Black

Capture all of your family’s adventure with a GoPro. We love these cameras because they are waterproof, dirtproof, and as durable as they come, meaning they can stand up to all the crazy things your travel crew gets up to. For Black Friday, Amazon is selling the GoPro HERO9 Black for just $199. This is a 13% savings and is a worthwhile buy, for sure. 

RVLock Compact and V4

Fumbling with keys every time you return to your home on wheels is a pain in the neck. The solution? An RVLock. This super handy lock upgrade allows you to enter your rig using a key fob or a code. It’s much more secure than a traditional RV lock and it sure makes life easier. Right now, both the RVLock Compact and RVLock V4 are on sale on Amazon. Snag one while you can!

As you can see, there are all kinds of amazing deals on items that will make RV life just a bit more comfortable. Which things will you buy for the RVers in your life? Which ones will you snag for yourself? 

Want more gift ideas? Be sure to check out the gift guides below:

• The Fulltime Families Gift Guide: Gifts for Full Time RVers
• 25 Great Holiday Gifts for the Fulltime Family
• The Fulltime Families Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers for RVers
• The Fulltime Families Holiday Gift Guide for RVers
• The 11 Best National Parks Book Picks

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

This article may contain compensated links, please read our disclaimer for more information.

It’s time to pack up the RV and head south for the winter! And one of the best places to go? Florida, of course—and we have to say, camping in the Everglades is one of our very favorite things to do in the Sunshine State. 

If you’re heading to Florida this winter, we highly recommend spending some time in the Everglades. Of course, you’ll want to do a little planning before you go. Here’s what you need to know before camping in the Everglades.

When to Go Camping in the Everglades

First, let’s talk about when to go camping in the Everglades. While you can definitely have fun in the Everglades any time of year, we firmly believe the months of November through April provide the very best weather for exploring the Everglades.

During this time, there are fewer mosquitoes and cooler temperatures. You’ll also experience a lot less rainfall than you might during a summertime visit. This makes the Everglades the ideal winter RV destination, and it should absolutely be added to your to-do list for this winter season. 

Where to Stay When Camping in the Everglades

Wondering where to park your RV while camping in the Everglades? There are a few great choices. Pick from the options below and you really can’t go wrong. 

Long Pine Key Campground

Located in Everglades National Park, Long Pine Key Campground offers dry camping only. That said, there is potable water and a dump station available, and the location really is hard to beat. Just know that this campground is only open November through May. 

Flamingo Campground

The other front-country campground in Everglades National Park, Flamingo Campground has some dry camping sites as well as 41 sites with electric hookups. Once again, potable water and a dump station are available, as are solar-heated showers, picnic tables, and grills. In our opinion, this is the best campground in the national park. 

Midway Campground

If you’re willing to drive a little bit to get to the national park itself, Midway Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve is another wonderful pick. This campground features 26 RV sites, each one with electric hookups. Potable water, a dump station, and restrooms are all available onsite. 

Encore Miami Everglades

Finally, we must mention Encore Miami Everglades. This is a full-fledged RV resort and is the place to go if you prefer glamping over camping.

While it is a part of the Trails Collection membership (an extension of Thousand Trails), it is also totally possible to stay here without a membership of any kind. There are both full-hookup and partial-hookup sites available in the park, and there are restrooms with showers, a well-kept pool, a fun playground, and more. 

What to Do While Camping in the Everglades

Once you have your RV all set up in one of the campgrounds listed above, the next step is to head out and have some fun in the Florida Everglades. Fortunately, there is plenty of fun to be had. Below are some of our top picks for things to do in the Everglades. 

Explore the Visitor Centers

We highly recommend starting your trip at one of the Everglades National Park visitor centers. Each of these centers offers wonderful information on the park itself and the plants and animals that call the place home. You’ll also find rangers ready to answer all of your questions, as well as junior ranger books, maps, and information on trails and upcoming ranger programs. 

Note that all of the visitor centers in Everglades National Park are different from one another, meaning you can visit multiple centers during your visit and never get bored or run out of things to learn. 

Walk the Anhinga Trail

Easily the best trail in the entire park, the Anhinga Trail is a must-do while camping in the Everglades. This is a 0.8-mile boardwalk trail that takes you through a sawgrass marsh. During your walk you will see a wide variety of birds including herons, egrets, and of course, the anhingas the trail is named for. 

On top of that, it’s highly likely that you will spot at least a few alligators along the route. During one visit, we walked right by a dozen or more gators as they basked in the sun!

Attend a Ranger Program

Speaking of the Anhinga Trail, we highly recommend attending the nighttime ranger-guided walk along this trail. Because it happens at night and alligators are nocturnal, this awesome ranger program allows you to see alligators in their most active state. We have also found that the rangers who lead this program are all very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. (Do bring some mosquito repellent, though. You’ll thank yourself later.)

Of course, pretty much any ranger program you choose to attend while visiting the national park would likely provide an excellent educational experience, so don’t hesitate to attend other talks and walks if they sound interesting to you!

Take an Airboat Ride

If you’re going to visit the Everglades, you really need to get at least one airboat ride into your trip. Yes, these boats are noisy, but trust us when we say the ability to get out in areas that cannot be viewed otherwise makes all the noise well worthwhile. You’re sure to see a number of animals along the way (be sure to pack binoculars) and you might even get to pick up speed for an extra fun thrill. 

Hop on a Tram (or a Bike)

Another option for seeing even more of the park? Taking the Shark Valley tram ride. This tram takes you through a huge section of the park and allows you to take in all kinds of cool sights along the way. You’ll learn all about the animals that call the Everglades home, and the wildlife viewing opportunities are fantastic. 

Not into the tram idea? It’s also possible to ride a bike along the Shark Valley tram road, giving you an opportunity to see all that same beauty while moving your body and working off some calories. 

Yes, camping in the Everglades is one of those experiences every RVer should have at least once, and it is an absolutely perfect way to spend a portion of your winter. Hopefully this article inspires you to add the Everglades and Everglades National Park to your winter lineup this year so you can enjoy all of the beautiful things we love so much about this part of the Sunshine State.

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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For many full time RVing families, the ultimate goal is to see every single state, including Hawaii. Of course, you can’t exactly drive your RV over to Hawaii, and that makes checking this particular state off your list a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, camping in Hawaii is totally possible, but it will take a little more research and planning than most of the other states. 

Hoping to add Hawaii to your list of states visited in the near future? Here’s what you need to know about camping in Hawaii. Use these bits of info and you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring the Aloha State by RV. 

Hawaii Camping: Renting vs Shipping an RV

As mentioned above, driving your home-on-wheels over to Hawaii isn’t an option. This leaves you with two choices: shipping your own RV over to the islands, or renting one after you arrive.

Shipping an RV to Hawaii

Shipping your RV to Hawaii is expensive. For a 20-foot motorhome, you’d be looking at a $6,000 price tag, give or take. That said, depending on how long you’ll be staying, this still might be cheaper than paying for a rental RV the entire stay. 

Unfortunately, there is another factor to consider: size. You see, the roads and campgrounds in Hawaii are not made for big rigs, meaning campervans and rooftop tents are the name of the game. Since the vast majority of Fulltime Families members are in much larger rigs, shipping an RV over simply will not work. 

If your home-on-wheels happens to be a campervan or truck camper and you plan to stay for a few months, it might make sense to ship your rig over. Otherwise, it’s probably better to look into renting. 

Renting an RV in Hawaii

As mentioned above, Hawaii cannot accommodate large RVs. Therefore, the rental RVs you’ll find for camping in Hawaii are mostly campervans and rooftop tents. Fortunately, it is possible to find vans that will sleep four people, but if you have a bigger family, you might need to get creative. Using two vans is an option, as is setting up a tent for the kids. 

In Hawaii, rigs can be rented through both Outdoorsy and RVshare, and you can expect to pay $100+ per night for a rental RV. Make sure to book in advance and ask the owner of the rig for tips and tricks for camping on the island you’re visiting. 

RV Roadside Assistance in Hawaii

It’s important to know that while some plans will cover traditional rental vehicles, most personal RV roadside assistance plans do not cover you if you’re in a rental RV.

The good news? Both RVshare and Outdoorsy offer roadside assistance with their rental RVs, meaning you will have assistance should you need it. But remember, you will need to call the company associated with the rental, not your personal roadside assistance company. 

When to Visit Hawaii

Hawaii has two seasons: a long, dry summer and a long, wet winter. The temperatures are a bit warmer during the summer, but not by much—and honestly, even the wet season isn’t all that wet in most parts of the state. Therefore, you’ll probably have a good bit of nice weather no matter when you decide to go camping in Hawaii. 

Oddly, December through February are the state’s busiest months in terms of tourism, but the summer can get pretty busy as well. Generally speaking, we recommend visiting September through November or March through May to avoid the crowds. 

What to Expect from Hawaiian Campsites

We already mentioned that the campgrounds in Hawaii aren’t made for big rigs. Another thing to know about these campgrounds is that, aside from a handful of HipCamp locations, they do not provide any kind of RV hookups, and some don’t even offer potable water or restrooms with showers. This means you will almost definitely be doing some dry camping. 

We recommend renting a rig that has its own power source (solar is ideal) and making sure you have plenty of water in tow when you arrive at a campground. If you require flush toilets or showers, be sure to research each campground before booking to ensure those things are available there. 

Camping in Hawaii: Where to Stay

Yet another funny thing about Hawaii is that unless you’re able to stay on private property, there aren’t really any places where it’s legal to camp outside of an official campground. This can make finding spots to stay a bit more difficult and it makes booking in advance incredibly important. 

Wondering where to find camping in Hawaii? Try the following places:

National Parks

Both Haleakalā National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have vehicle camping available. That said, Haleakalā requires reservations and has a maximum stay limit of three nights. Meanwhile, the maximum stay limit in Hawaii Volcanoes is seven nights. 

State, City, and County Parks

The only Hawaii state park that allows camping in a vehicle is Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Likewise, only a handful of city and county parks allow camping. Some that do include Kanahâ County Beach Park and Papalaua Wayside County Beach Park.

Private Campgrounds

There are a handful of private campgrounds that have spots for small campers. Some of the best ones include Camp Keanae YMCA and Mālaekahana Beach Campground.

HipCamp

We found that HipCamp actually has some of the best options when it comes to RV camping in Hawaii. Many of the campsites listed here are just parking spots on someone’s land without any amenities at all, but these tend to be very inexpensive and in good locations. There are also some campsites that include access to restrooms with showers—and in rare cases, electrical hookups. 

Boondockers Welcome

Surprisingly, Boondockers Welcome has a few hosts in Hawaii. We can’t be sure these hosts are still active, but it would definitely be worth checking with them if you happen to have a Boondockers Welcome subscription while camping in Hawaii. 

Hawaii is a bit strange when it comes to camping, but it is an absolutely beautiful place and well worth the research required to visit. Be sure to stay as long as possible to really get the most out of your adventures, and have a wonderful time in paradise!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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In our opinion, roadschooling is one of the coolest things about traveling full time as a family. Not only do you get to spend a whole lot more time together as a family, but you also get the privilege of showing your kids the ways of the world. One of the very best things you can add to your roadschooling lineup? Teaching kids how to plan a trip. 

We know that sounds kinda crazy, but hear us out. Figuring out how to plan a trip is hugely educational! It requires budgeting, route planning, research, and creative problem-solving. While planning a trip, your kids will have to use their geography skills, as well as money math. Besides, your kids are sure to have an even better time traveling when they get some say in what you see and do, and being a part of the planning process will help them understand all the work that goes into travel planning. 

Not sure how to hand the travel planning over to your little explorers? Well, we don’t recommend handing them the reins and letting them go crazy. Instead, we think it’s best to provide some clear boundaries and let the kids work within those. 

Here are our top tips for showing your kids how to plan a trip. 

Teaching Kids How to Plan a Trip: Decide on a Budget

Before you do anything else, decide on a budget for the trip. Sit down with your kids and explain the spending limit. Help them break the budget down by category, deciding how much will be spent on gas, how much on campsite fees, how much on entertainment, etc. 

For younger kids, it might help to create a tactile or visual way for them to keep track of their budget. For instance, you could give your kids a pile of LEGO bricks—each brick representing $10—and have them place the correct number of bricks in each category. Older kids might prefer making a graph (excellent practice) or even just a list of line items and how much they have to work with in each category. 

Once a destination is chosen and campsites are booked, you can adjust the blocks to represent how much you will actually spend, but encourage kids to stay within their budget and remind them that any leftover money can be rolled over into the “fun” budget for sightseeing. 

Pick Out a Destination

The next thing your kids will need to do when showing your kids how to plan a trip is decide where you’ll go. There are a few ways you can help your kids with this, depending on how much freedom you want to give them (which often directly correlates with how old they are).

One option is to take a look at your gas budget, have your kids do the math to figure out how far that will get you based on your vehicle’s mileage (remind them to add in a cushion), and then let them choose a destination within that distance.

Another way to go about it? Pick out three or four destinations you’d be willing to visit and ask your kids which sounds most appealing to them. 

The last way you could go about this step is by showing your kids on a map the direction you are headed and let them choose a stop along that route. Often, this makes the most sense when you have an end goal in mind (Florida for winter or Maine for summer, for instance).

Find the Perfect Campsite

Now that you know where you want to go, your kids will need to decide where to stay. Remind them of their budget and provide them with tools such as Campendium and RV Life Campgrounds. Encourage them to read reviews, research amenities, and pay attention to how far out attractions and activities are. 

If the destination location has a large number of campgrounds, it might help if each kid decides on an amenity or two they’d like to have. Another way to narrow things down is to encourage the kids to look for free or very low-cost camping so they have more money to spend on sightseeing. 

Research Things to Do

Next up when teaching kids how to plan a trip? Deciding what to do.

Your kids probably had some attractions or activities in mind when they picked out their desired destination. It’s worth noting however that depending on how long you’ll be staying, you’ll probably be able to visit several attractions, trails, and landmarks.

Gather brochures from your destination to hand to younger kids so they have an idea of what the choices are. Show older kids how to research options online. If you have reciprocal memberships, show your kids how to find the lists of attractions you can visit for free. And finally, give the young trip planners access to AllTrails to choose hikes.

Once everyone has a clear idea of what the options are, allow each kid to choose a set number of things to see and do. Make sure everyone is aware of how much they are allowed to spend on their choice(s) and then let them get creative and see what they can come up with. 

When everyone has selected their activities, create an itinerary. Help your kids decide together which days to do which things, keeping in mind any free or discounted days that might be happening at the attractions you plan to visit. Remind them to schedule in breaks and help them look at maps to figure out how much time to build in for driving.

Get Ready to Go!

Finally, your kids will need to get ready for the trip they planned. If you’re living in your RV full time, packing may not be something they have to worry about. However, if they plan to take part in activities that require certain items—sledding in White Sands National Park, for instance—they will need to make a list of what they need and then use some of their activity budget to make the purchase. 

Meal planning and grocery shopping will also need to happen. Take a look at your itinerary and decide when it makes the most sense to pack a meal, when you’ll eat out, and when you’ll be home in order to cook. Write that info down in your itinerary and decide which meals to pack and cook, as well as where you will eat out. Once you know what you’ll be packing and cooking during your trip, have the kids create a grocery list of all the ingredients they need. 

The last part of showing your kids how to plan a trip? Making sure all paperwork is together. Gather printouts of campsite confirmations, tickets purchased online, your itinerary, etc. Put all of this into a folder and make your kids responsible for the folder and its contents. 

Note: We also recommend keeping digital copies of all important papers just in case!

Yes, allowing your kids to help create your travel plans does complicate things a bit. That said, the educational benefits far outweigh the inconvenience in our opinion, and your kids will get to feel the satisfaction of knowing how to plan a trip!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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RV clothes storage can be a big challenge. Many RVs simply are not made to be lived in, and if you can’t figure out how to store your clothes properly, they end up being a big mess in the cabinet, drawer, or even on the floor. 

The good news? There are some things you can do to use your storage space more efficiently. Below, we will share our top RV clothes storage tips so you can get those clothes put away and focus more on having a good time traveling with your family. 

Downsize Your Wardrobe

First things first, you will probably want to downsize your wardrobe. The vast majority of us own way, way too many clothes, and when storage space is limited, this can be a major problem. Besides all that, clothes are heavy and can eat up a good chunk of your RV’s cargo carrying capacity. 

One of the best ways to downsize your wardrobe is to create a capsule wardrobe. This will give you the ability to put together plenty of different outfits using the same base pieces, making it the perfect option for RVers. 

To create a capsule wardrobe, choose a base color—black, brown, navy, and gray are good choices—and pick up pieces such as pants, a skirt, a jacket, and shoes in that color. From there, you can use shirts and accessories to add pops of color.

RV Clothes Storage: Fold Outfits Together

Once you have your more limited wardrobe put together, you’ll need to figure out the most efficient way to put them away. One way to make your RV clothes storage work well is to fold outfits together. 

For instance, if you plan to wear a certain shirt with a certain pair of pants, fold both items together. This will make it easy to find an outfit that goes well together without pulling out every pair of pants or every shirt. We find this is a particularly good clothes storage technique for kids. 

…or Roll Your Clothes

We also find that space is used more efficiently when you roll your clothes rather than folding them. When you roll, you can roll tightly, removing excess air to reduce fluffiness and thus allowing them to fit more snugly into a drawer or box.

Use Vertical Space with Totes

Sometimes RV clothes storage options are kind of odd. You might find you have to work with a really tall space or a really deep cabinet. In this case, totes are your friend. 

Plastic totes can be used to organize your clothing items however you see fit, and they make it possible to get to a particular item without pulling a whole stack of clothes over. You can roll each item or outfit tightly, place it in a labeled tub, put the lid on the tub, and stack it in the cabinet until you need it. 

Look Into Hanging Storage Options

Have lots of closet space but no drawers? Hanging storage options might be helpful to you. 

Hanging shoe organizers can go on the inside of closet doors and they hold small items such as underwear, socks, and accessories. Hanging sweater organizers are also great. These hang on the rod in the closet and can hold sweaters, t-shirts, pants, or any other clothing items you may not want to put on hangers. 

Put In Shelves

Of course, you could also put that extra closet space to use by putting in a set of shelves. You can put your clothes into bins and then place the bins on the shelves, giving your closet a neat, organized look, as well as utilizing space that may have been wasted otherwise. 

Invest in Tension Rods

Tension rods are excellent for RV clothes storage. You can use a shower curtain tension rod to hang items up when no traditional closet is available. Meanwhile, small tension rods can be placed in front of bins on shelves to ensure nothing falls while the RV is in transit. 

Hang Command Hooks

Easily one of the best RV storage solutions out there, Command Hooks definitely deserve a place on our list. These hooks stick to the wall and can hold up to quite a lot, making them ideal for hanging things like hats, scarves, and even shoes.

That said, the hooks can be removed quickly and without damaging the walls when the time comes, meaning you don’t have to do anything permanent to your rig to create some awesome places to hang things. 

Put Out-of-Season Things Away

Making sure out-of-season items are put into storage can help a lot too. Use vacuum storage bags to get rid of excess air and make your out-of-season clothes as small as they can be. Then, you can put the bags into totes and place those in the storage bays, under the couch, or wherever else you have storage space available.

There you have it, some really awesome RV clothes storage ideas that will help you keep your clothes up off the floor and your RV looking neat wherever you roam. Now all you have to do is figure out how to do laundry on the road, and then you and your wardrobe will be all set!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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One of the best things about traveling full time in your RV? You can go absolutely anywhere any time you wish! For many, this means hitting up the warmer destinations during the winter and heading north for the summer, but it can also mean that you take advantage of off season travel and all of the amazing perks that come along with it. 

Not sure if off season travel is for you? You’ve come to the right place! Here we will discuss all of the amazing benefits of off season travel, as well as some of the drawbacks that may make it a less desirable option. 

What is Off Season Travel?

Before we continue, let’s pause for a second to talk a bit about what off season travel is. Some may assume we mean traveling outside of summer vacation, and depending on the location, this can be exactly what we mean by off season travel. That said, this isn’t the only thing ‘off season’ means. 

If you’re traveling to a ski destination, the off season would be during the late fall and early spring, when the ski slopes are open but the holiday crowds aren’t filling them up. If you’re headed to Disney World, off season would be the months of September and January when crowd levels are lowest. Meanwhile, beaches tend to see the lowest crowds in the winter, and this can be a great time to visit if you happen to be in the south. 

Essentially, to travel during the off season means to travel when the crowd levels are lowest at your particular destination, meaning if you plan it right, you can actually be experiencing off season travel all year long!

Avoid Crowds

Possibly the biggest perk of off season travel is the fact that you can avoid huge crowds. Want to visit Yosemite or Yellowstone? Go in the late spring and you’ll avoid the congestion caused by summer crowds. Hoping to see Acadia without the hordes? Stay through the leaf-peeping season for a spectacular show without all the crowds. 

Avoiding crowds means fewer traffic jams and shorter lines, so you can spend less time waiting and more time having fun! It also means more peaceful hikes and more campsite availability, as well as more choices when it comes to boondocking spots. 

Save Money

In addition to avoiding large crowds, traveling during the slow season also means you’ll probably save some money. In order to draw people in, many RV parks actually lower their rates once peak season is over, meaning you’ll be able to save on camping fees, especially if you’re willing to stay for a few weeks or months. 

Attractions will also offer discounts and lower rates during the off season. Many museums have ‘homeschool days’ in the fall where they lower rates for homeschoolers, and some beaches don’t require tags and passes during the slow season. 

Enjoy a Slower Pace

Exploring a place when it’s crowded can feel overwhelming and even rushed. You might feel you have to keep moving so the next person can get a turn, and it might be hard to take everything in while navigating large crowds. Additionally, if you’re spending large amounts of money to stay in a particular location, you may be less inclined to stick around for a long time, meaning less time to see and do everything. 

If you visit during the off season, you will likely be able to stay a bit longer thanks to more campsite availability and lower camping rates. On top of that, with fewer crowds and shorter lines, you will be able to see more each day you are there. This slower pace is definitely a more relaxing way to experience a place. 

See Authentic Versions of Destinations

As RVers, we are all about experiencing new places and things. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get a good feel for the personality of a place when it’s overly crowded.

During off season, things slow down, the locals can relax a little, and the true colors of the location can shine through. You might get to chat with the people who live there, and if you’re able to stay a while, you might even make some friends.

On top of all that, natural areas will empty out, so you can fully enjoy the natural beauty and peace they offer without interruption.

The Cons of Off Season Travel

Of course, there are also a few cons that come along with off season travel. For some these will be deal breakers, but in our opinion, the benefits of off season travel often outweighs the drawbacks. 

The biggest drawback of traveling during the slow season? The weather. In many cases, the best weather in a given location happens during the peak travel season—that’s part of why so many people are going there, after all. This means you might have to give up the idea of bright, sunny days and pack an umbrella if you want to experience off season travel. That said, this isn’t always true. In some places—ski destinations being a good example—the weather is actually better during the off season. 

Another big con of visiting a place during the slow season is that some shops, restaurants, campgrounds, and attractions will close once peak season ends. This means you may not get to see and do everything you had hoped during your visit. Be sure to do your research so you know what will be open during your off season adventure. 

As you can probably tell, we think off season travel is often the best way to go. Visit some beaches in May, head out skiing in March, and go hiking in Yosemite in October. You’ll likely be charmed by the character that shines through without the hassle and bustle, and we’re betting you’ll have an absolute blast!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Camping in the desert can be a really fun experience. Many RVers head to the desert for the winter to escape the cold, and there tends to be a lot of awesome parks and natural areas to explore in the deserts of the US. 

All that said, it is important that you know a few things before you go camping in the desert. Learning the ropes before you go will help you stay safe as you explore the natural wonderland that is the desert, and it’ll help make your visit a fun one. 

When to Go Camping in the Desert

First, it’s important that you carefully consider when you should go RV camping in the desert. 

Obviously, you don’t want to find yourself camping in that notorious 110-degree (°F) heat, so summer should be out of the question unless you 1) find a park with full hookups, 2) have two A/C units on your RV, and 3) are willing to take extra steps to keep your RV cool. Even then, you can probably count on having a hot RV during the day. 

Instead of enduring those insane temps, we recommend joining the snowbirds and visiting the desert during the winter months. Winter in the desert usually means warm sunny days, but nighttime temperatures can get quite cold, so be prepared for that. 

If you want to avoid the coldest winter nights as well as the extreme heat, consider timing your visit for early spring or late fall. 

Finding a Spot

As mentioned above, if you will be visiting during a warmer part of the year, an RV park with hookups is a must. That said, many who visit during the winter choose to go the boondocking route.

If boondocking is your thing, you can find tons of great desert camping spots in Arizona. Campendium is a wonderful place to look for these. Free Campsites and iOverlander can also be helpful. 

When searching for a good boondocking site, make sure you aren’t parked in a wash, as higher ground is always safer. Look for spots just off of decently maintained roads, and avoid extremely rutted or steep roads when possible. You can find out what to expect by reading reviews and looking at Google satellite images. 

You may also need to consider whether a spot has cell coverage if you require internet for work. Starlink will provide coverage no matter where you are in the desert, and is an excellent investment if you plan to be camping in the desert for extended periods of time. 

Preparing for Dust

Dust is a big deal in the desert. This stuff is everywhere and it’s inescapable. You have to go in knowing you will be dealing with dust for weeks even after you leave the desert. 

The best you can do is put electronics in cases to protect them, put out an outdoor rug and tub of water for rinsing feet, and change filters on vehicles, generators, and air conditioners once you leave the area. 

Creating Shade

Even during the winter, the desert sun beating down on you can get really hot. Unfortunately, trees are few and far between in the desert, meaning carrying your own source of shade is a must. 

Your RV awning will work wonders for helping to keep your home cool. You may also want to invest in a Clam Tent to give yourself some shade while spending time outdoors. If you do set up a Clam, make sure you have a fan or portable A/C unit running to keep it as cool as possible. 

What to Wear

Obviously, you will want to do some exploring while hanging out in the desert. Make sure you dress appropriately for those outdoor adventures. Some tips:

• Lightweight, light colored clothing will help keep you cool.
• Long pants will protect your legs from spiky desert plants.
• Solid hiking shoes will protect your feet from plants and animals. 
• A wide brim hat will protect your face from the sun. 
• Sunscreen will help you avoid sunburn. 
• A jacket and other layers will help keep you warm if the sun goes down while you’re out. 

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is so, so important while camping in the desert. It’s so hot and dry that it is super easy to become dehydrated. Always carry a gallon of water per person per day in your car, and carry plenty of water when you go out hiking or adventuring. Having a bottle of water to sip at all times is a good idea.

If you feel yourself becoming dehydrated, drinking something with electrolytes is ideal. You may want to stock up on sports drinks and keep them in the fridge. 

Desert Wildlife

The desert is full of wonderful wildlife. That said, many of the animals found in the desert can be dangerous to humans. This doesn’t mean you need to be afraid and avoid the desert altogether, but it does mean you should be careful. 

Watch your step to avoid stepping on snakes. If you happen to be bitten by a snake, attempt to photograph/identify the snake from a safe distance, then call 911 or head to the nearest hospital. While you wait for the ambulance or drive to the hospital, remove rings and watches, wash the bite, cover the bite with a clean dressing, and mark the edge of the tenderness/swelling and the time. 

If you happen upon a cougar or coyote, do not run. Pick up small children, face the animal, look at its feet, and back away slowly. If the animal acts aggressive, raise your arms to appear larger and make noise to scare it while backing away. 

In general, remember to keep your distance from all wild animals and never offer food. 

More Safety Tips for Camping in the Desert

It’s always important to carry a first aid kit in your hiking pack and in your RV. This is just as true in the desert as anywhere else. 

We also highly recommend having RV roadside assistance in case you find yourself broken down somewhere. If your vehicle does break down in the desert, stay with it. It’s much easier to find a vehicle than a wandering person. 

For the most part, camping in the desert is like camping anywhere else. That said, the small differences can be big differences if you don’t go in prepared. That’s why using the tips above is so important!

Fulltime Families is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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