In this video, I make a custom plug for my Bluetti AC300 portable lithium power station. The AC300 doesn’t come with a plug for the 30A 12VDC port. It’s an optional accessory, plus I also wanted one to work for my existing XT90 connections on my VIAIR 12V air compressor and my Flojet Macerator pump.
I purchased an Aviation-type male plug and soldered it to 10 GA solar cables and an XT90 plug. I also made up some test cables using 10 gauge marine wire, XT90 connectors, alligator clamps, and ring connectors. Stay tuned, as I will have a video out with some testing of the Bluetti AC300 12VDC 30 amp port in the future.
On the heels of a major expansion, Encore Terra Ceia Village RV Resort gives guests more reasons to stay and play in this lush corner of southwest Florida.
Located in Palmetto on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Sarasota, Terra Ceia Village RV Resort recently added several amenities along with new, roomy sites. Guests can use the resort as a launching pad for day trips to surrounding attractions, from Walt Disney World to Seaworld to Longboat Key.
Big Expansion
The park hosted a Grand Opening event on November 4th showcasing all the major improvements made to accommodate guests and add more fun, including the following:
The addition of 190 new sites, with plenty of room for slideouts along with picnic tables
A new swim area with a pool, deck, and pavilion
New clubhouse with ample gathering space and restrooms
New state-of-the-art fitness center
New restrooms and bathhouse
4 new pickleball courts.
Terra Ceia’s new pool and clubhouse.
In addition to the main clubhouse, an activity center on the resort’s west side gives guests additional ways to relax. There’s a screen porch along with a second pool as well as shuffleboard courts.
Other activities in the resort include arts and crafts, exercise classes, and card playing. Guests can get competitive with ladder ball and other outdoor games, and give their pets a chance to exercise at the dog park. Five ponds surround the property, enhancing views in every direction.
RV sites at Terra Ceia
Comfortable Stays
Set among rich landscaping, the resort’s RV spaces include full-hookup Elite sites, with 30- and 50-amp power and available with cable and WiFi. Elite Plus sites sit on a perimeter road and some include a picturesque water view. Both concrete and grass sites are available, many of which can be occupied for a month or longer.
Terra Ceia
Nearby Fun
Terra Ceia’s location puts guests close to some of the Sunshine State’s most prized destinations. Visitors can motor northeast along Interstate 75 and Interstate 4 to get to Walt Disney World and Epcot Center, two of the world’s most popular theme parks. Nearby, SeaWorld Orlando gives visitors a spectacular look at ocean life.
Less than 50 miles north along Interstate 75, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay blends thrilling rides and immersive animal tours for a unique theme park experience. Also in Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City, and charter boat trips keep the adventure going.
Florida Aquarium Tampa. Getty Images
The city also is home to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, with high-stakes gaming, dining, and world-class entertainment. Find family-friendly fun at Adventure Island, which features 30 acres of water rides, dining, and other attractions. Launch a kayak on the surrounding waters to see the city from a different perspective.
Cool Off on the Islands
To the west, the Gulf of Mexico has postcard-worthy views complete with chains of verdant islands. For starters, Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key — known for their white-sand beaches — are just minutes away from the resort. Both offer lots of boating, fishing, and beachcombing possibilities.
Longboat Key. Getty Images
In Palmetto’s Back Yard
Guests who prefer shorter day trips will find plenty of attractions closer to home. Just south of Palmetto across the Manatee River, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton features The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, and more science-related exhibits that thrill and entertain. Also in Bradenton, the Manatee Performing Arts Center hosts top theatrical and musical acts.
For convenience, Palmetto is home to hundreds of local and chain restaurants. You’ll also find numerous shopping centers, including outlet malls and flea markets.
Terra Ceia Village is an Encore Park, part of the Thousand Trails chain of campgrounds and RV resorts. Get more information at thousandtrails.com.
If you’re making your way out west and looking for an enchanting detour, then Salina, Utah, might just be worth the pit stop. With plenty of serene and scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, golf, and more, it’s a great excuse to stretch your legs and stay a while.
To help give you some inspiration for an improvised itinerary, here are 5 places to explore around Salina, Utah.
1. Fishlake National Forest
The largest freshwater mountain lake in the state of Utah, Fishlake National Forest is a haven for bird watching, hiking, trophy fishing, or just taking in the sights of the serene aspen landscape. With hundreds of miles of motorized trails, diverse vegetation, and a diverse ecology of wildlife, there’s plenty to explore.
2. Yuba State Park
Built by local farmers and ranchers from a while back, Yuba State Park sits on the Sevier Bridge Reservoir. The reservoir is a great hub for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, and boasts plenty of opportunities for off-roading.
Fun fact: The dam bears the namesake of the men who built it, originally titled the U.B. Dam. It was later opted to go with a more phonetic spelling.
3. Cove View Golf Course
Cove View Golf Course is a beautiful respite for casual and scratch golfers alike, with plenty of events and concessions to help pass the time. Affordable and aesthetic, Cove View is a great excuse to get out and enjoy a perfect day in the Salina/Richfield area.
4. Love’s RV Stop
While you’re exploring Salina, you’ll need a good landing spot for the night. Fortunately, Love’s RV Stop – 581 has you covered with full hookups, fuel, and all the snacks that are vital for a road trip – for an overnight ranging between $37 and $48 a night. Not to mention that if you’re a Good Sam Member, you can take advantage of a 10% discount on your stay. Reserve your spot using Love’s app or on their website.
Love’s now offers over 40 locations nationwide, each providing full RV hookups, Wi-Fi, paved spots, laundry, restrooms, showers, dog parks, and other varying amenities from location to location.
5. Mystic Hot Springs
Discovered over a century ago, the Mystic Hot Springs were reinvigorated in the mid-90s to facilitate a resting place, combining soaking areas, restored cabins, and plenty of art, music, and glass jewelry. All in all, it’s a great spot to warm up during cooler temps and take in the artistry and scenic beauty while you’re at it.
Where you can find a rodeo, space rockets, and skyscrapers in the same town? Welcome to Houston, America’s fourth largest city, with a subtropical climate and a distinctly Texas attitude. Houston offers a wealth of diverse experiences to explore, including a world-class Museum District, abundant parks, and a thriving arts scene.
McGovern Lake in Houston Hermann Park Conservancy. Getty Images
Meander the Museum District
Nearly 20 museums await you in Houston the Museum District, and half of them offer free admission. You might find yourself examining one of the Menil Collection’s Picassos, gazing up at a dinosaur skeleton in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or paying solemn respects at the Holocaust Museum Houston.
You can learn about human health, Buffalo Soldiers, the Slavic culture, and so much more. If the kids are among along, make a stop at the Children’s Museum. When you’ve had your fill of halls of treasures, venture outside to Hermann Park, a 445-acre green space featuring a railway, pedal boats, and a Japanese Garden amid a natural landscape.
The Bloch Cancer Survival Plaza in the Museum District. Photo: Viephoto Studio
Hallmarks of Houston
One of Houston’s main claims to fame is the important role it has played in NASA’s Space Program, thanks to the Johnson Space Center. View artifacts from NASA’s history, including real moon rocks; take a tram out to rocket park, where you can see the massive shuttles that have gone to space; or book a tour of the historic Mission Control, the nerve center of space travel.
The Circular Walkway connects the Chevron Buildings in downtown Houston. Getty Images
Another iconic Houston stop is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world’s largest. The 20-day event each February and March is hosted in NRG Stadium, which seats over 70,000 spectators. In addition to the traditional rodeo events and livestock competitions, you’ll find an extensive list of entertainment options, including concerts by renowned performers, a carnival, and organized trail rides.
Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou near the McKee Street Bridge. Photo: Patrick Feller
The Great Outdoors
One way to get unique views of Houston is by paddling the Buffalo Bayou, a 52-mile waterway that winds through downtown. The recently remodeled Buffalo Bayou Park is home to biking and hiking trails, manicured gardens, and plenty of places to play. Another unique stop is the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, which features a 64-foot-tall semicircle man-made waterfall. It’s an obvious photo op and offers a spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
Tolerance Statue along the Buffalo Bayou. Photo: Viephoto Studio
Outdoor Performances
From March through November, the open-air Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park puts on lively stage productions. Think live jazz, ballet, and musical theater, which are absolutely cool and free. It obviously draws a crowd. This remarkable facility with its free high-quality programs is unique in the U.S. It is the only proscenium theatre in the country that offers an artistically excellent, culturally diverse, eight-month season of performances totally free of charge to the public. In the off-season, a picnic at Downtown’s urban park, Discovery Green, is another smart choice.
Good Sam offers more ways to save for snowbirds motoring through the Sun Belt this winter. We’ve added the 70 parks to the Good Sam Network, giving you more value for your buck as you explore Southern destinations like New Orleans’ French Quarter or the Houston Space Center.
Good Sam members save big with the 10 percent discount at Good Sam Campgrounds. While exploring, discover all of the campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. If you’re not a member, joining is easy: Simply buy a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online. Before making reservations, check each campground’s seasonal information to determine availability.
Find the new Good Sam Parks in the following states:
This new RV park in Elberta puts guests close to beaches, restaurants, shopping, and waterparks. Free Wi-Fi, a new pool, showers, and laundry give the amenities they need for a great stay.
This resort sits next to a Tanger Outlet Mall, OWA amusement park, mini golf, and Tropical Falls indoor water park. Guests can enjoy a clubhouse, three swimming pools, three pickleball courts, and a dog park. Additionally, the park sits 10 miles from a Gulf Coast beach.
Gentle Gulf Coast breezes foster a relaxing atmosphere at this beautifully landscaped resort, with a pool, fishing lake, and great location. Restaurants, shopping, waterparks, and other attractions are close.
This brand-new park boasts large lots for sale and rent. Guests can use the showers, bathrooms, coin laundry, pool, and meeting area. Take advantage of the designated dog park and playground amid ample green spaces and trees.
On a tree-rich peninsula by Wheeler Lake in northern Alabama, this park treats visitors to boating, fishing, and swimming. Also, there’s a zipline course and cozy cabins.
Located on a working persimmon farm, this new RV park features sites big enough for slideouts. Indeed, some have concrete patios and grass. Close to Midland City, the park is only 20 minutes from Dothan, with its variety of restaurants and shopping.
This 55+ active lifestyle community is close to some of the Sunshine State’s most beautiful landscapes, including beaches, springs, parks, and forests. In addition, the beautiful resort entices visitors to stay for a whole season, but folks can also stay for just one night as well.
Indulge in secluded camping in beautiful central Florida. Year-round local and fun events entertain visitors with food and fun. This can be a launchpad for trips to Daytona Beach and the Daytona International Speedway.
Florida’s Daytona Beach, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Getty Images
Paradise meets Southern charm in this hidden gem, with multiple spacious, shaded lots. From here, guests can take day trips to top Sunshine State destinations, including Gainesville, Crescent Beach, St. Augustine, Cedar Key, Daytona Beach, or Jacksonville.
Conveniently located off Interstate 75 near the Florida-Georgia state line, this park sits just 20 minutes from Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta. Great for one-night or seasonal visitors, the park has a fishing lake, pizza and wing delivery, and cabins.
From this park, guests can reach some of Florida’s top attractions, from the coasts to Disney World. Take day trips to fun spots or relax in a fun park.
In the quiet town of Madison, just off Interstate 10, Station RV Resort puts guests in the midst of antique shops, restaurants, and a community playhouse. The nearby Four Freedoms Trail leads hikers through lush environments.
This top vacation destination on Florida’s Panhandle combines luxurious amenities with fun and adventure. Families, locals, and snowbirds are welcome to this spot in the sun, just off Interstate 10 and 23 minutes from beautiful Navarre Beach. Rental cottages and covered wagons are available.
This resort offers 11 sites overlooking Ochlockonee Bay, with outstanding views of the water. Located in beautiful Panacea, this resort has been described as “paradise.”
North of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this park boasts beautifully remodeled facilities, round-the-clock activities, and possibilities for lasting friendships. This is a great snowbird roost or year-round destination.
State-of-the-art facilities at Ja-Mar Travel Park.
As part of the Florida Keys chain, Sugarloaf Key is connected to the mainland via the Overseas Highway. Visitors to this tropical paradise can go kayaking, snorkeling, beachcombing, or fishing.
Bask in charming island style in Tallahassee. Guests can explore miles of untouched landscapes, local attractions, and activities, including golfing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The big rig-friendly park has a pool, playground, showers, and Wi-Fi.
In the heart of Florida, this park is just 3.5 miles from Legoland and a day trip away from Orlando. Discover outstanding shopping, stellar dining, citrus groves, and several canal-connected lakes. Guests can relax or explore.
Centrally located off Interstate 75, this park has renovated its bathhouse and laundry facility, and more improvements are underway. Anglers can drop lines in the 3.5-acre pond for catch-and-release action or take a dip in the swimming pool.
Overlooking Cloudland Canyon and Desoto Falls in northwest Georgia, Cloud Camp sits close to outstanding hiking and biking trails. Relax at camp or explore the scenic terrain. No RV? Guests can camp in one of the luxurious Airstream trailers.
In South Georgia, this park is the place “where to stay on the way.” Located off Exit 62 on Interstate 75, the park has a security gate, full hookups, pull-through sites, a fenced dog park, fast Wi-Fi, and paved sites. LongHorn Steakhouse, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Olive Garden, and more are all within walking distance.
With concrete pads and grassy areas, this neat and clean park is just minutes from Interstate 12 off Exit 19. Adjacent to the park, the Gator Park Sports Complex offers a wide range of recreation and exercise choices.
Twelve minutes from the French Quarter, this resort puts guests in the heart of the Big Easy’s action. Guests can launch their watercraft on the Inner Harbor Navigational Channel that leads to Lake Pontchartrain.
Travelers can explore New Orleans and the surrounding area from this pet-friendly, amenity-filled resort. Relax in the heated pool, sip a cocktail at the swim-up bar, or play mini-golf or pickleball. It’s great for snowbirds and groups.
Enjoy the renovations in this park off Interstate 10. In addition to new restrooms and showers, there’s a newly redone pool, a new game room with a pool table, and a table shuffleboard. Swim in the newly redone pool when you’re not lounging in the wide sites, some of which are paved. The park’s ample green spaces and large oak shade trees complete the picture.
Located one mile off U.S. Highway 45, this peaceful RV park has concrete pads and lots of room for slideouts. Walk your pets on the large expanse of maintained green grass with flowers. Also, the park has a pavilion and hiking trails.
Located northwest of the Outer Banks Peninsula, this KOA Resort sits on the Currituck Sound with a half-mile of private coastline, plus fishing piers and boat ramp access. Amenities include laundry facilities, clean bathrooms with hot water, Wi-Fi, a KOA store, and playgrounds.
Tryon International RV Resort is a center for equestrian sports.
Embark on Blue Ridge Adventures from this resort, which is part of the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The pet-friendly resort includes seven restaurants and bars, shopping, live music, golf, a pool, fitness amenities, and year-round events for all ages.
This newly renovated Blue Ridge retreat sits amid spring flowers, summer waterfalls, glorious fall colors, and fun winter snow sports. Hike, bike, fish, or just wander the woods on 78 acres.
This new RV resort is centered around family. The park is built on family farmland with your brood in mind, with a playground, ponds, a beach, big sites, and lots of music and entertainment to keep the party going.
This new park welcomes travelers motoring along Interstate 95 or the many state highways near Latta. With large pull-through sites and friendly staff, this park invites campers to take a break.
Just off Interstate 35 in Alvarado, this park boasts paved roads and sites, patios, a playground, and a sparkling pool and spa. Dogs can cavort in the dog park while their humans hone their golf skills on the putting green.
Minutes from Redfish Bay, this resort appeals to travelers looking for nearby fishing, boating, and beaches. Prefer to stay at the resort? Accordingly, go fishing in the pond or swimming in the sparkling pool.
In this vibrant community, guests can use the extra-large pull-through concrete sites with plenty of room for slideouts. Located just off Interstate 20, Sundance RV Park also has a dog park, clean restrooms, and laundry facilities.
This is the newest RV campground in Bandera — the Cowboy Capital of the World. Elm Acres has sparkling amenities in one central clubhouse. The friendly staff helps guests pursue their interests, whether it’s working, playing, or relaxing.
This all-age luxury resort in Brownsville lies only 17 miles from SpaceX and South Padre Island Beaches. If you want to go to Mexico, the park is only seven miles from the Matamoros Access Point. Visitors discover resort-style amenities and warm, sunny winters in this clean, safe environment.
Relaxing at Jetstream RV Resort — Tropical Trails in Brownsville.
The newest RV park in Cleveland is just a short distance from Interstate 69. Set amid tall trees and lush landscaping, the park’s large concrete sites and surrounding pavement give guests plenty of room for turning and parking their RVs. There are nice, clean, private restrooms, showers, and a laundry room. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing and basketball.
Visitors can escape to a place that welcomes families, retirees, singles, and winter Texans. Amenities include free fiber optic Wi-Fi, firepits, cable TV, and playgrounds. Garner State Park and the Frio River — both accessible to the public — are minutes away.
On 14 acres just two miles north of Garner State Park, Camp Cold Springs has 450 feet of Fio River Frontage. The newly renovated campground is the perfect spot to experience this beautiful waterway.
Located only a quarter-mile from Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula, this park offers plenty of local year-round activities, including the famous Jeep Weekend on Crystal Beach. Supersites for big rigs give campers lots of elbow room.
Nestled on a ridge, the resort dishes out gorgeous views of the valley below. Relax in the sparkling pool and enjoy the scenery, or hit one of the local breweries or wineries to sample authentic Hill Country flavors.
This one-of-a-kind RV resort and tiny home community is new. Relax in the multi-million dollar clubhouse or take a dip in two gorgeous pools with incredible views.
This Texas Hill Country RV hideaway treats guests to high-tech features, including gigabit Wi-Fi and EV charging, without losing its connection with nature. Nearby, historic Fredericksburg entices with local wineries and attractions.
On the Gulf of Mexico between Surfside Beach and Galveston, Blue Water RV Resort offers the ultimate coastal camping experience. The upscale resort offers a private boat ramp, fishing docks, a sparkling swimming pool, and a beautiful clubhouse.
Nestled on the beaches of Galveston Island, Stella Mare RV Resort gives guests the coastal vacation they’ve always dreamt about. A heated pool, splash pad, and soon-to-come tiki bar complete the picture. Take advantage of pull-through and back-in RV sites along with beachfront vacation home rentals.
Access to the beach makes this park a vacation star. Take your ATV, UTV, or golf cart to the shore on a concrete trail. Hang out on the upper decks and soak in sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, or take a dip in the heated pool year-round.
Enjoy a Texas Hill Country vibe in Texas’s largest city. Indeed, This luxury resort is a stylish, amenity-laden destination 10 miles from downtown Houston.
Houston’s newest luxury Class A resort is a clean, safe community with great amenities 10 miles from downtown Houston, NRG Stadium, and the Texas Medical Center. The resort also is close to some of the area’s finest dining and top attractions.
Guests at Morgan Shady RV Park can camp right next to the Llano River with its clear, cool water. Swimming and kayaking are on the menu, along with great views of Lovers Leap, a craggy cliff that purportedly is the spot where a pair of star-crossed lovers took a fateful jump. Also nearby are great eateries and South Llano River State Park.
Traveling through Texas on Interstate 10? In that case, this is the perfect Lone Star oasis for relaxing and refueling before continuing your desert journey.
Set in one of the Lone Star State’s most scenic regions, this campground boasts nature trails and picnic areas on the calming waters of the Guadalupe River. The campground is close to shopping, wineries, museums, and fine dining.
Guests here can participate in fishing and water activities on Lake Livingston and two bordering creeks: Kickapoo and Rocky Creek. Engage in bird and wildlife watching, or simply kickback at the pool, near firepits, or in spacious RV sites and cabins.
This brand-new gated resort boasts 80 paved sites and 100 RV and boasts storage spaces. The wide paved roads that run through this resort give guests plenty of room to access sites. Great laundry facilities and high-speed Wi-Fi ensure that you feel at home. Don’t let the quiet country setting fool you: there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
Lots of amenities are available in this resort, from pickleball courts to a beautiful pool. In addition the surrounding greenbelt and hay meadows contribute to a beautiful environment. Convenience is key here, and visitors will have lots of resources during their stay.
This new luxury RV resort has a long list of amenities, including a pool, spa, pickleball court, dog parks, and washing station. Visitors also can choose from multiple laundry stations. An onsite restaurant gives visitors another reason to stay at the resort.
Discover an oasis on this barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. Indeed, guests who stay here are a short distance from fishing, beautiful beaches, bird watching, boating, entertainment, and more. Amenities include heated saltwater pools and hot tubs, a golf cart rental, an event center, and a dog park.
This RV resort at the seaside of Port Lavaca has a state-of-the-art private fishing lake, swimming pool, hot tub, and large sites. The luxury resort has affordable rates with sites up to 80 feet. Additionally, lakeside sites and double-wide sites are available.
In a beautiful country setting on the Lake Lavon Peninsula, this resort features a security gate with cameras, large sites, fiber optic internet, and laundry facilities. Take advantage of the four-acre wooded park with trails, fire pits, grills, and outdoor seating areas. A dog park ensures that canines get the exercise they need.
The newest RV Resort in San Marcos sits off Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio. The resort is surrounded by lakes, rivers, caves, and the beautiful and historic downtown San Marcos. Guests can enjoy the resort’s pickleball courts, pool, rec hall, bocce ball, volleyball, and more.
Get back to nature at a resort that offers primitive camping with river access. Visitors can pitch their tents on the banks of Rebecca Creek in the Texas Hill Country, with fire pits, picnic tables, and beautiful views. Enjoy covered picnic table sites with water and electricity. Travelers also can reserve a glamping tent that sleeps up to four.
This brand-new RV resort in Victoria has a quiet country feel. However, it is close to the town, with great restaurants and shops. Additionally, Guests can fish and swim on the lake or take advantage of the park’s numerous amenities, including a business center. All new paved sites and roads make it easy to get around.
This family-owned and operated RV park offers a clean, safe place to camp on 58 acres of scenic Texas countryside. Moreover, the premium lodging found in RV sites and glamping accommodations gives guests a chance to rest, relax, and revive. The park’s friendly team welcomes guests for a night/week/or extended stay.
Sitting on Interstate 10, between Houston and San Antonio, Iron Horse cools off guests with an adult-only pool featuring a spa, slide, and waterfall. The Lazy River is fun for the whole family, and guests can enjoy fire pits, grills, and Texas-style entertainment.
Forty miles west of Houston, this beautifully landscaped park sits in a country setting close to Interstate 10 at Exit 689. The park is big rig friendly, with large, level, pull-through sites, paved roads, free Wi-Fi, propane, and a convenience store and cabins. Take advantage of the RV inspections and mobile service onsite.
Winter Texans will enjoy the area’s mild winters along with the park’s many activities. A sparkling pool and spa, along with a rec hall and dancing, cards, and shuffleboard, make this an excellent spot. The resort also sells homes in its gated community.
Formerly known as RV Village Wharton, Jetstream Resorts has expanded the sites and improved the amenities to create a safe, clean, and happy community with a “resort-style vibe.” Relax in the beer garden or swim in the pool.
Located 70 miles north of downtown Dallas, this RV park has Wi-Fi, room for slide-outs, fishing, and a community fire pit. Restrooms and showers, along with trash service, make this a pleasant place to camp during your Texas trip.
Whitesboro RV Resort sits just off Highway 82 at Exit 622, conveniently located minutes from Gainesville, Denton, and Sherman. Nearby attractions include Lake Texoma, the Red River, wineries, lavender and wildberry farms, and golf courses. Adding to the fun, equestrian farms cater to horse lovers.
Excitement is coursing through the RV industry as manufacturers begin to introduce new models of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers for 2024. As the industry evolves, RV manufacturers are stepping up their game to stay competitive. That includes everything from minor tweaks and enhancements to existing models to brand-new offerings that push boundaries and redefine standards within the RV industry.
More families than ever are heading out to create their own Great American Road Trip and, for many, it starts with the perfect RV. One of the benefits of traveling with a trailer rather than a motorhome is that when you set up camp, you can unhook the RV and leave it set up while you use the vehicle to explore the area. When you travel by motorhome, you either need to drive your whole RV for sightseeing days or tow a separate vehicle behind it.
Unlike motorized RVs that have an engine and can be driven on their own, travel trailers are pulled behind another vehicle. Travel trailers come in all sizes, including everything from tiny jelly bean-shaped models with a small kitchen in the rear to a full blown house-on-wheels, with multiple slide-outs and residential-sized appliances. Their length can vary, starting at 12 feet long and going up to 35 feet long or more. Weight also varies with the size, from as low as 1,200 pounds up to nearly 10,000 pounds.
Sometimes called a bumper-pull (when they first became popular in the early 1950s, they were attached to the bumper of the tow car), the modern travel trailer employs a hitch secured to the frame of your tow vehicle. This truck or SUV will include specialized hardware to make towing safe and easy. Travel trailers are relatively easy to set up once you arrive at your destination. You can unhitch it, leave it and still have a vehicle to explore.
What is a fifth wheel?
Fifth wheels are split-level RVs that must be towed by a truck with a special hitch. Typically, a fifth wheel will have a living space or bunk area on the lower level and a private bedroom that hangs over the truck bed. Fifth wheel RVs are available in all sorts of styles and sizes. The smallest fifth wheels have less than six feet of headroom and are just large enough to squeeze in a wet bath. The largest fifth wheels weigh tens of thousands of pounds and must be towed with a semi-truck cab.
Fifth wheel travel trailers are great because they offer both the flexibility of a towable vehicle, as well as the comfort and luxury of super-sized RVs. If you plan to spend more time on the road, then you will want to make sure you have enough space for long comfortable trips, as well as some amenities for those rainy days. Even if you’re only a weekend warrior, a fifth wheel gives you plenty of extra leg room to feel comfortable anywhere the road may lead. If you have children, a fifth wheel can also give you a little bit of extra privacy.
What is a toy hauler?
Toy haulers are RVs that have dedicated storage space for large recreational toys. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are the most common types of RV toy haulers on the market, but there are a couple motorhome options available. Toy hauler motorhomes are usually Class A or Class C RVs with built-in garages.
Regardless of the RV class, a toy hauler RV features a living area and a garage space that allows you to load and unload your toys. Typically, these RVs are set up like a traditional fifth wheel or travel trailer, but the back is open and ready to welcome large items like a four-wheeler, motorcycles, kayaks and whatever other outdoor equipment you might want. The rear wall of the trailer opens up and folds down into a ramp for easy loading. The cargo space usually comes with D-rings to strap in your gear, along with furniture that is attached to the walls and folds up to increase storage space.
Toy haulers come in all shapes and sizes. Some have small living areas with large cargo space, while others have huge living areas and a smaller cargo capacity. These types of RVs are heavier than others.
When it comes to choosing between travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers, the differences are minimal. Instead of thinking of it as fifth wheels being better or travel trailers being better, it’s more about fit and which kind of RV best suits how you want to travel.
How big are travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers?
Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes and styles. That said, most travel trailers typically range anywhere from 12 feet to 35 feet long. A simple, 12-foot travel trailer allows enough comfortable space for one or two people (most likely a couple). Meanwhile, a 35-foot trailer can allow enough space for up to 10 people to sleep comfortably.
Travel trailers vary in weight from 1,200 to almost 9,000 pounds. The various lengths and builds available allow for a diverse weight range. Smaller travel trailers have an average maximum weight of about 3,500 pounds. Some larger travel trailers can reach more than 10,000 pounds when fully loaded.
Fifth wheel RVs often stretch anywhere from 30 to 45 feet in length. Many families opt for fifth wheels because they’re usually some of the largest travel trailers. Fifth wheels can vary widely in weight, with the smallest starting at around 2,400 pounds and going up to 24,000 pounds. It’s critical to have a heavy-duty truck — and a fifth wheel hitch — to tow them.
Toy haulers can vary in size; it all depends on how much storage and space you need. The standard width of a toy hauler is between 7.5 to 8 feet wide and around 13 feet tall, in order to stay within federal and various state guidelines for travel vehicles. The biggest difference with toy haulers is the length of the vehicle. There are small models that sit at less than 15 feet long and large models that can be over 48 feet long. The majority of toy haulers sit in a medium range at around 30 to 40 feet.
Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and are therefore much heavier than other RVs on the market. Toy hauler weight ranges from 3,600 to 11,400 pounds when empty. These are RVs designed to carry heavy cargo. On average, they can carry upwards of 10,000 pounds of cargo.
Are these RVs easy to tow?
From Gen Zers to Boomers, RVing of any type offers freedom and a sense of self-sufficiency. However, towing an RV can bring some unexpected stress and safety concerns, especially for first-timers. Trailers add weight and that added weight changes the handling dynamics and braking of the tow vehicle. That’s why you need to make sure your RV and tow vehicle are properly matched.
The towing capacity of a vehicle is how much weight it can tow. The towing capacity is determined mainly by the type of axles the truck has and their ratings. Usually, towing capacity applies to SUVs and trucks, since most sedans or smaller cars don’t have large towing capabilities. Keeping your RV’s weight in mind is integral as well. If your RV weighs too much for your tow vehicle, it increases the stopping distance and likelihood of damage to your tow vehicle or RV.
There are two important weight-related factors when it comes to RV trailers: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and tongue weight (TW). GVWR is the safe maximum weight of the RV when it’s loaded for camping with water, fuel, supplies and cargo. The TW is how much downforce the loaded RV places on the towing hitch. Both numbers are displayed on the metal Federal Certification/VIN ID tag located on the front left side of an RV. You can also find the specifications listed on the trailer manufacturer’s website.
Those two numbers set the basis for choosing the vehicle best suited for towing an RV. Tongue weight of RV trailers, sometimes referred to as “hitch weight,” will be typically between 10 and 15-percent of the RV’s GVWR. RV trailer weights can vary widely by brand, type and size. That’s why it’s important to narrow down these numbers to the specific RV you plan to tow and then make sure those weights match your vehicle’s towing limitations. You can also find your vehicle’s towing capacity on General RV’s towing guide.
How much do travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers cost?
A travel trailer is the least expensive way to enjoy a recreational vehicle or RV lifestyle. Travel trailers are significantly cheaper than motorhomes for the fact they have no engine and must be towed. Travel trailer prices can range from $10,000 to $200,000 for a travel trailer. On average, most new travel trailers cost between $20,000 and $50,000. The size of the travel trailer is the first factor — the bigger you go, the more you will pay.
A fifth wheel typically costs more than a travel trailer, as it provides a bit more amenities and a better driving experience. It’s a better option if someone wants to try full-time RVing. Fifth wheel prices tend to vary depending on the make, year and amenities that come included.
A toy hauler typically sits on the more expensive side because it is built on a sturdier frame and often provides more amenities. Luxury models are worth the investment if you plan to live in your toy hauler full-time.
Another factor to consider is storing your RV when it’s not in use. If you do not have the space to store your RV on your property, you’ll likely need to rent space from a storage facility. On average, it costs between $50 to $200 per month to store an RV, with the actual cost influenced by various factors. The average cost to store an RV indoors is roughly $135 a month, according to Sparefoot, a self-storage marketplace. Naturally, the size of an RV can greatly influence the cost to store it.
Financial options for purchasing an RV
A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your RV. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their purchase over the course of several months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.
Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your RV on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing and stretch your dollars, so you can enjoy more adventures.
What’s the best RV for me?
Next to your home, an RV is most likely the second-most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. It is essential to determine the best RV to suit your needs, aesthetics and dimensions on the outside and inside. Make sure the floor plan is suitable for your requirements. There should also be enough room to fit the things you’re looking for. Make a list of those things you’d like to take and make sure you have enough space. If you’re looking for an RV that’s spacious enough for the entire family, you’ll definitely want to check out the best toy haulers General RV has to offer.
Adventure begins with the Little Buggy from Modern Buggy RV. The Little Buggy RK is the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a light-weight, affordable and easy-to-use option for their overland adventure. With its compact size and low weight, it can be towed by a large number of vehicles, making it a versatile choice for any road trip. The RK features a fully-functional kitchen, solar power, a queen-size mattress and real birch wood cabinetry. It can comfortably accommodate up to four people with the addition of the rooftop tent option, making it an ideal choice for a small family or group of friends. The best part about this RV is its simplicity, which makes it easy to set up camp and maintain, allowing you to focus on enjoying your outdoor adventure.
The Forest River Salem 169RSK travel trailer is perfect for couples who want to explore the great outdoors together! A rear private bedroom with a queen bed slide allows for more interior space, and includes a dresser with wardrobes on either side. Plus, the split-style bathroom will come in handy when one person wants to freshen up in the shower while another uses the private toilet and sink. You can prepare your best home cooked meals with the two-burner cooktop, then enjoy it at the front U-shaped dinette which can also transform into a queen bed for extra sleeping space. Enjoy making breakfast each morning at the outdoor kitchen under a 15′ power awning which creates a little more outdoor living space.
Start out on your boundless journey in one a Winnebago Micro Minnie travel trailer! Towing is made simple with the 7′ width to keep your Micro Minnie in your rear-view mirror. Despite their compact sizes, the Mirco Minnie does not lack in features. Two twin beds up front convert into a king-size bed. The booth dinette slide also converts into extra sleeping space. The spacious galley includes a sink, refrigerator, two-burner cooktop and even a convection microwave oven. Each Micro Minnie also comes with flexible exterior storage to make packing quick and easy, a 200-watt solar panel for off-grid camping, and Dexter TORFLEX torsion stub axles for smooth towing!
Enjoy years and years of memories with any Forest River Wildwood travel trailers! Two slide outs provide you with more space to relax, as well as a front kitchen with ample counter space. The middle bedroom includes a king bed, a desk with TV prep above where you can work away from home if needed, and even a closet with washer and dryer prep. This RV also includes a spacious full rear bath with its own exterior entry door, a walk-in shower, a linen closet for clean towels and recessed storage for necessities. You will find a plethora of amenities and features throughout the 2024 Forest River Wildwood.
Choose luxury, value and towability over all others when you take home a Grand Design Reflection travel trailer! The chef of the group will love the gourmet kitchen including the 16 cu. ft. refrigerator, the center island when preparing and serving meals and the hutch with overhead cabinets to display and store dishes and such. This area also includes two slide outs for more floor space and furniture to relax including theatre seating with cupholders, a booth dinette and a rear tri-fold sofa that offers sleeping space for two. Get cleaned up in the full bathroom, and retire to your front bedroom with a slide out queen bed, a front full-wall wardrobe with washer/dryer prep, a dresser and an additional wardrobe with drawers.
When you choose a Residence destination trailer by Keystone RV, you can live like a local wherever you decide to roam. You will love the ample cabinet space to store your belongings, along with upgraded appliances, spacious baths and higher ceilings! Additional interior comforts include designer upholstered window valances, solid hardwood cabinetry, bedside reading lights, and a shower with surround and a glass door. Since there is a heated and enclosed underbelly, you can plan to camp year around, and the Dexter E-Z Lube axles will make towing easier than ever. You will also find a 12″ powder coated I-beam frame and a fully walkable crowned roof for durability, and you can choose between aluminum or laminated sidewalls.
With any Arcadia Select fifth wheel by Keystone, you will enjoy easy towability and at-home comforts at an affordable price. Lightweight for a fifth wheel, the 21SRK is designed to be pulled by a majority of half-ton trucks. This rear kitchen fifth wheel includes ample counter space to prep meals and feed your family. A tri-fold sleeper sofa slide provides added space and a TV right across the sofa makes for easy viewing. You can dine at the booth dinette or head outdoors to sit under the 17′ electric awning. The full bath lets you clean up each day, and you’ll feel right at home having your own private bedroom up front with a queen bed. You’ll get great camp-friendly features such as a tankless on-demand water heater, heated and enclosed underbelly and Road Armor suspension.
Move to a new level of luxury with Jayco’s Eagle fifth wheel. With any Eagle fifth wheel or travel trailer by Jayco, you will appreciate durable construction materials, like the Magnum Truss Roof and the Stronghold VBL laminated walls. More luxurious touches include a 24” GE stove, a dual 15K whisper quiet A/C, legless free standing dinette with pivoting and extension function for a desk, and the JayPort system with 22” griddle, deep sink and hot/cold water connections. The Eagle fifth wheels and travel trailers are designed to make you feel at home with solid hardwood slide fascia, residential vinyl flooring, bathroom tile backsplash and plenty of storage for all your belongings.
You won’t want to camp any other way once you step inside the Alliance Paradigm fifth wheel! The chef will enjoy all of the space in the rear kitchen with ample counter space, a 19 cu. ft. 12-volt residential refrigerator, and a pantry for snacks. The middle living area includes dual sleeper sofas and a dual recliner loveseat across from the 50″ Smart TV and fireplace. The half bathroom is nearby for quick bathroom breaks too. You will feel right at home in the primary suite with a king bed slide, a flip-top dresser with a Smart TV above, and a seat with storage, plus access to the front full bathroom. The Paradigm fifth wheels by Alliance RV are functional, high-quality, and luxurious for an unforgettable camping experience.
The Momentum MAV toy hauler travel trailers by Grand Design are designed to provide exactly what you need. The spacious garage provides tons of cargo space, with no wheel wells to get in the way. Motion sensor lights and USB outlets will make your life easier, and you will be comfortable in all seasons with the 35K BTU furnace plus 15K BTU ducted air conditioning. Relax on the rollover sofa with a table, and the top bed will be perfect for your guests to sleep on. The front queen Murphy bed includes drawers to store clothes, plus overhead storage for personal belongings. This model also includes a patio with a pull down screen to let fresh air in without letting the bugs in!
Introducing the Brinkley Model G, developed & tested by RVers to create a toy hauler without compromise. The first fifth wheel toy hauler from Brinkley is the culmination of decades of experience, countless hours of research and development, and feedback from customers and fellow RVers.
With one virtual prototype and three physical prototypes, the Model G has been put through its paces, traveling thousands of miles and undergoing dozens of tests. The result is a high-quality RV that is both luxurious and functional, and perfect for any adventure. The 2024 Brinkley Model G line is a true luxury fifth-wheel toy hauler. The G line is packed with intelligently designed features, an automotive exterior and a true residential interior that’s unmatched.
Dimmable Bedroom Lights
Exterior 12-Volt Drawer Fridge with 24 Can Capacity
135 PSI Air Compressor & 60 Gallon (30+30) Fuel Tanks w/ Pump Station + Ext. Cord
Pull-Out Linen Closet w/ Adjustable Shelves
Pull-Out Pantry w/ Adjustable Shelves & Drawers
Flip-Up Waterfall Island Countertop (Converts To Peninsula w/ Four-Person Eating Area)
Is a travel trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler worth it?
If you already own a truck capable of towing a heavy load, a travel trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler could be an affordable entry into RV ownership. Another advantage of towable RVs is that you only have one vehicle engine to maintain, compared to a Class A or Class C motorhome with a tow car.
Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, RVs also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.
Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV dealer to explore our huge selection of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers for yourself. We have thousands of RVs in stock including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
Two Encore Resorts in Southeast Florida invite travelers to enjoy state-of-the-art amenities in warm Sunshine State weather at a fantastic discount.
Brand-new Tranquility Lakes RV Resort offers Lakeside Camping in the fun-filled community of Cape Coral. Up the coast in Palmetto, Terra Ceia Village RV Resort has a grand opening of a major expansion scheduled for November 4. Terra Ceia puts guests within reach of some of Florida’s top attractions, including Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Busch Gardens.
Both resorts offer promotions to give guests up to 50% off camping costs (see bottom of article). This offer presents a rare opportunity to sample the snowbird lifestyle at a big discount in gorgeous locations.
Tranquility Lakes: Cape Coral Camping at Its Best
RV Camping on Tranquility Lakes.
The city of Cape Coral enjoys a reputation as one of Florida’s top vacation playgrounds, with lots of golf courses, sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico, and family-friendly attractions. RV travelers can enjoy it all by booking a stay at brand-new Tranquility Lakes — limited amenities available. Nestled along the shores of a 90-acre lake, Tranquility Lakes boasts RV sites with concrete pads and 50-amp, full-hookup pedestals. Each site has cable TV and picnic tables, the perfect setting for outdoor dinners during sunsets.
The resort amenities are expected to open in December, providing guests with access to a spectacular 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the lake, and a covered outdoor space for dining or relaxing. Additionally, the resort will feature multiple pools and a spa for guests to cool off and just relax. Competitive guests can hit the dedicated bocce ball area or compete in one of the 10 pickleball courts, catering to enthusiasts of one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.
Pickleball courts and pools at Tranquility Lakes.
Cool Cape Coral
Beyond the park, Cape Coral has several attractions to keep visitors busy. Golf rules here, with 88 courses within a 15-mile radius of Cape Coral. Forty-one of these courses count as public, and most have 18 holes.
For family fun, the Sunsplash Family Waterpark packs several adrenaline-pumping slides. Slides like Terror Tube, Thunder Bump, and X-Cellerator dish out lots of thrills, while the Main Stream River Tube Ride carries visitors on a leisurely float around the park.
Blue heron on the shore of Fort Myers Beach. Getty Images
Just 18 miles to the south, the town of Fort Myers thrills visitors with white-sand beaches, excellent dining, and boating and fishing trips on the Gulf of Mexico.
Terra Ceia: In the Heart of It All
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa and Sarasota, Terra Ceia Village RV Resort sits close to some of Florida’s top attractions. The park has also made a significant expansion in sites and amenities, giving guests more reasons to stay.
Terra Ceia’s new pickleball courts.
The park recently added 190 new sites with picnic tables and plenty of room for slideouts. A new swim area with a pool, deck, and pavilion gives guests a chance to cool off. The new clubhouse has restrooms and a gathering space, making it great for camping with groups and clubs. Keep moving at the new fitness center or on one of the four new pickleball courts. Terra Ceia also added new restrooms and a bathhouse.
Terra Ceia’s upgraded pool area.
Other activities in the park include arts and crafts, exercise classes, and card playing. Get competitive with ladder ball and other outdoor games, and give your pet a chance to exercise at the dog park and dog walk.
Nearby Fun
Terra Ceia’s location puts guests close to top destinations. A day trip northeast along Interstate 75 and Interstate 4 takes visitors to Walt Disney World and Epcot Center, two of the world’s most popular theme parks. Nearby, SeaWorld Orlando gives visitors a glimpse of ocean life.
Dolphins perform at SeaWorld Orland. Getty Images
Less than 50 miles north along Interstate 75, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines thrilling rides and immersive animal tours for a unique theme park experience. Also in Tampa, the Florida Aquarium, Ybor City, and charter boat trips keep the adventure going.
Guests who prefer shorter day trips will find plenty of attractions closer to home. Just south of Palmetto across the Manatee River, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton features The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, and more science-related exhibits that thrill and entertain. Also in Bradenton, the Manatee Performing Arts Center hosts top theatrical and musical acts.
Promo Code Tranquility50. Take 50% off and be one of the first to stay on Tranquility Lakes’ brand-new sites. While details get fine-tuned, visitors can relish the anticipation of being among the very first to experience the resort’s hospitality.
The 50% offer valid on all RV sites at Encore Tranquility Lakes. Offer valid on new reservations only. Reservation of 2 nights minimum and 6 nights maximum required. Book by November 15, 2023. Stay must be completed by November 30, 2023. Subject to availability. Reservations required. Rates do not include taxes and fees. Amenities vary by resort. Employees of MHC Property Management, L.P. and its affiliates are excluded from this promotion. Not available during holidays or special events. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Please contact the property manager for details.
Specials: Terra Ceia
Promo Code Season25: Nightly stays: 25%, offer valid on all RV sites, tent sites, and rental accommodations at all participating Florida RV Resorts. Offer valid on new reservations only. Reservation of 2 nights minimum and 6 nights maximum required. Book by November 15, 2023. Stay must be completed by December 15, 2023. This promotion excludes the following: Okeechobee KOA and Pine Island KOA.
Promo Code: Week50. Weekly stays: 50%, offer valid on all RV sites, tent sites, and rental accommodations at all participating Florida RV Resorts. Offer valid on new reservations only. Reservation of 7 nights minimum and 21 nights maximum is required. Book by November 15, 2023. Stay must be completed by December 15, 2023. The following don’t qualify for this promotion: Okeechobee KOA and Pine Island KOA.
Recently, I performed a minor repair to our Dometic 310 RV toilet in our 2011 Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel trailer. First, I replace the flush valve that has been letting too much water into the bowl after a flush. This is annoying when we are off-grid camping and trying to conserve water and tank capacity.
While at it, I decided to replace the ball seal that keeps water in the toilet bowl. It is the original and 13 years old now. Likey, its days are numbered. Both tasks involved inexpensive parts and were relatively straightforward to perform with little tools involved.
In this video, I repair my Dometic DM2652 RV refrigerator. It was having trouble maintaining a cool enough temperature. 40-42F degrees was as cold as it would get in the fridge compartment, and that was on the top shelf, usually the coolest location. Normally, it’s between 32-36F there. Luckily, it turned out to be a faulty thermistor sensor. Simple and cheap repair!
Disclaimer: Working with Electricity and LP Gas is very dangerous and should be performed by a qualified technician. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered instructional. I’m not a qualified RV Technician. If you decide to do the same repair I’ve done here, then research and beware of the risks. Have it checked out by a professional. I accept no liability. You have been warned!
As the snowbird season approaches, legions of travelers set their sites on spending winter in the sunny Southwest. For Good Sam members, the road to iconic attractions like the Grand Canyon or Palm Springs just got smoother with the addition of 12 new Good Sam Campgrounds in the Southwest.
Good Sam members save big with the 10 percent discount at Good Sam Campgrounds. While exploring, discover all of the campgrounds in the Good Sam Network. If you’re not a member, joining is simple: Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Campground or sign up online. Before making reservations, check each campground’s seasonal information to determine availability.
Arizona
Ajo Heights RV Park, Ajo With breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, Ajo Heights RV Park spoils guests with views of the surrounding Little Ajo Mountains and sweeping desert vistas. The resort is near Arizona State Route 85, just north of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Mexican Border.
Apache Junction with Superstition Mountain in the background. Getty Images.
Rock Shadows, Apache Junction This 55+ community comes alive with youthful energy in a modern setting and friendly atmosphere. Outstanding weather and stunning mountain views complete the picture.
Timberline Mobile Home & RV Park, Show Low Travelers can experience all four seasons in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. During the warm weather, visitors can marvel at crystal clear streams and lakes, along with incredible vistas. Winter brings ample skiing possibilities.
Canyon Motel & RV Park, Williams Found along the iconic Route 66, this park offers historic motel, caboose, and railcar suites, in addition to RV and tent camping. It’s a great spot to camp when visiting the nearby Grand Canyon.
Lake Nittany in Yuma. Getty Images
Las Quintas RV Resort, Yuma Nestled in the foothills of Yuma, this resort has excellent views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. Nearby, shopping, entertainment, and golf courses offer more fun.
California
Outdoorsy Yosemite, Bass Lake Guests can choose from RV camping, luxury glamping tents, and rustic cabins on the shores of Bass Lake. The thrills of lake life and the world of mountain adventures are just steps away.
Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Cloverdale This RV park sits close to Sonoma wineries, culture, dining, shopping, and more. The adjacent Cloverdale Citrus Fair hosts several fun-filled events year-round, with entertainment, exhibits, and food.
Autumn scene near Julian, California.
Stagecoach Trails RV Park, Julian Just 60 miles northeast of San Diego, Julian offers a slew of outdoor adventures, including hiking, horseback riding, offroad vehicle adventures, and beautiful nature. It’s also one of California’s only Dark Sky Communities.
Golden Bear RV Park, Klamath This quiet getaway on the Klamath River gives guests opportunities to fish, float, and relax. Nearby, lush redwood forests entice hikers and wildlife lovers w to er to see local flora and fauna.
Nevada
Mesquite Trails RV Resort, Mesquite This RV destination sits close to southern Utah, the Arizona Strip, and the west Grand Canyon area. But you may be tempted to stay in this brand-new resort and enjoy golfing, fine restaurants, and more in this Silver State gem.
Wolf Creek Golf Course in Mesquite, Nevada.
Whispering River Ranch RV Park, Yerington This brand-new RV park boasts ample amenities in a great Silver State location east of Lake Tahoe. Guests can ride in and out on their UTVs, kayak the Walker River, or refuel at the coffee bar. Camp in large sites and grass.
New Mexico
Trailer Village RV Park, Roswell This park invites travelers to “crash” in a family-owned and operated park close to top Roswell attractions. Guests will enjoy a safe, clean place to stay as well as the park’s own gift shop, Alien Depot. Buy some souvenirs or explore the surrounding area.
Soar through the trees or descend into huge caverns during a visit to Bigfoot Adventure RV Park and Campground in Tracy, Tennessee.
The park is part of the 500-acre Bigfoot Adventure, which includes disc golf, zipline courses, and hiking trails that snake through the beautiful countryside. For families, Bigfoot Adventure is a fantastic destination for wholesome fun.
Camp on the Cumberland Plateau
Bigfoot Adventure sits on the Southern Cumberland Plateau, a range that runs through Tennessee and consists of gorges, waterfalls, sandstone outcropping, and deep-cut valleys. Much of the terrain is carpeted by pine, hickory, and oak trees, resulting in the kinds of vistas that make Tennessee such a popular travel destination.
Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground
The RV park gives guests all the amenities they’ll need for a fun stay. Camp in one of the 35 pull-through RV spaces that measure 40×80 feet. Twenty-six sites gravel sites include a picnic table, lawn area, and fire pit. Nine grass sites provide water and power; the area can be used for tent camping as well. Eighteen sites provide full hookups. The park is dog-friendly and includes a dump station. The park offers a bathhouse and showers.
Onsite Fun
The park’s eight zipline courses send riders through towering trees and over the ponds at nearby Baggenstoss Farms. Experienced zipline instructors ensure that participants ride safely and have a great time.
Bigfoot Adventure RV Park & Campground has eight zipline courses.
Competitive campers can hone their hand-eye coordination at the 9-hole disc golf course, which weaves through the expansive grounds. Send your disc gliding into one of the disc golf “baskets” for the win.
Hiking and Casting
Guests will discover hiking and biking trails suited to every level. Take in breathtaking views and take selfies or group shots in front of the Bigfoot Waterfall. If you prefer relaxing on a body of water, the catch-and-release fishing pond lets guests cast and reel in a beautiful environment.
Get Into Games
On the lush green grass, the RV park offers lots of lawn games for guests. Try your hand at cornhole and horseshoes; you can rent a cornhole game to take back to your campsite.
Bigfoot Adventure has lots of games for kids.
Beyond the RV Park
Bigfoot Adventure makes it easy to enjoy the Caverns, a nearby musical venue that’s located in a voluminous underground amphitheater. Hop aboard the shuttle that visits the park and enjoy the show. Time your visit for CaveFest, a country music extravaganza that runs for three days in October.
The Caverns hosts major concerts.
You don’t need to be a music fan to enjoy this subterranean environment. Take a walking tour and visit an underground room three football fields long. Take the challenging Adventure to go even deeper.
Top Trails
The Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point is a 9.6-mile loop trail that leads hikers to spectacular views of rock formations, cascading streams, waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks in South Cumberland State Park. It’s a fairly rigorous hike, with a steep ascent to the Dog Hole Trail. But the views from Raven’s Point are worth it.
For trails that involve high-powered engines, head to Coalmont OHV Park, for trails that are suitable for jeeps, motorcycles, and other off-highway vehicles. Other nearby attractions range from the Dixie Diner — a wholesome eatery serving stacks of pancakes and biscuits and gravy — to the Lone Rock Trail, which leads hikers to remnants of the region’s robust coal mining industry.
Harvesting Memories at Baggenstoss
As part of Bigfoot Adventure, Baggenstoss Farms is an ideal spot for hosting events or weddings. The rustic setting is perfect for special gatherings and occasions.
Like many other industries and products, it is not surprising that some things are possibly misunderstood when it comes to recreational vehicles. These misconceptions often lead to the developing of believable myths. Though we can not possibly address all of these we can look at a few of the more common beliefs.
Myth
Filling your RV tires with nitrogen instead of compressed atmospheric air will alleviate the need for topping up the pressure from time to time.
This is not true. While nitrogen may reduce the frequency of topping up the tire pressures, it does not alleviate this need entirely. Nitrogen molecules are larger than that of oxygen and therefore pass through the tire casing at a lesser rate. However, there are other benefits that the nitrogen fills provide, such as less volume variation with tire temperature changes. Atmospheric air contains 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
Myth
Class A driver door option or availability is no longer offered. This probably happened due to the motor home industry wanting to decrease the base cost in a somewhat austerity program.
Drivers’ doors were featured on some models of gasoline powered class A coaches in past years. They were discontinued mainly due to the extra weight they added to the front axle. While the door does not seem to warrant such action, the primary increase in weight was not that of the door assembly, but by the heavy framing it required.
Myth
Filling your RV tires with nitrogen instead of compressed atmospheric air will alleviate the need for topping up the pressure from time to time.
This is not true. While nitrogen may reduce the frequency of topping up the tire pressures, it does not alleviate this need entirely. Nitrogen molecules are larger than that of oxygen and therefore pass through the tire casing at a lesser rate. However, there are other benefits that the nitrogen fills provide, such as less volume variation with tire temperature changes. Atmospheric air contains 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen.
Myth
People that own expensive high end RV’s are snobs!
Generally this is not true. Their actions and neighbourly friendliness are the same as the rest of the campers in the park. They often, however, tend to be ignored and even some time feel disliked. However, the unfriendly demeanour seemingly towards the high end rig owner tends to be caused by people feeling they may be rejected if they attempt to converse with them. Human nature to avoid the feeling of rejection is felt by many and thus can be eliminated by simply not engaging. Check it out next time at camp. Strike up a conversation with that person with the big dollar machine. You might make a new friend!
Myth
Motor Homes equipped with air brakes deploy the service brakes when air pressure is removed, not applied.
This is totally incorrect. The service brakes are activated proportional to the air pressure applied from the brake pedal valve. This misconception is confusing the park brake operation with that of the service brakes. The park brake consists of an additional air brake chamber mounted on the back of the service brake air chamber on the drive axle of the motor home. This added chamber contains a heavy spring that is held back by air pressure while the park brake is disengaged. When applied the air is released allowing the spring to mechanically push the brake cam to apply the park brake.
Myth
Trailer towing capacity is directly proportional to the engine horse power, foot pounds of torque, and vehicle gearing.
This is not correct. While towing capacity is affected by those specifications, the tow vehicle’s weight, braking specifications, and hitch load rating all go into the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). This is the maximum combined weight that both tow and towed vehicles can weigh.
Myth
RV’s equipped with residential refrigerators can not be used for dry camping due to their electrical needs.
A decade or so ago, that was probably true. However, refrigerator technology and quality has come a long way since then. Today’s units operate using over 70% less electrical power. This makes them a viable choice for off the grid camping with ample house bank batteries and inverter.
Myth
Inverters are rated in wattage output and are available in modified sine wave or true sine wave. Either sine wave type will work for all requirements found in an RV.
While it is true that most electrical applications within an RV will operate on either a modified or true sine wave, it is not as cut and dry as that. A true sine wave inverter will operate anything that you could plug in and operate at home. A modified sine wave inverter has short falls for some applications. Some charger devices and small appliances (especially European) may not function on this type of power. Micro wave and refrigerator control boards can have issues over a period of time.
Well, that’s some of the misconceptions that have circulated over the years and surface from time to time over the campfire. If nothing else they can fuel debates and great conversations.
Hmmmm………..Now do we store with the jacks down or with jacks up???
Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun and easy way. We take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has supported their business by creating a user-friendly online experience for their guests.
It’s no secret that a strong online presence can grow your campground’s reach. However, knowing where to start (or at least where to focus) can be tricky – even for the most experienced campground owners.
Whether you’re trying to factor in social media strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), or even just stay ADA compliant, there are a ton of variables when it comes to crafting your park’s digital brand.
Fortunately, Campland on the Bay has found a lot of success in cultivating an online experience. Here are a few quick takeaways to consider for your campground’s digital brand.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out part one and part two of this three-part series.
Online presence
According to Campland’s COO Jacob Gelfand, online trends are a snapshot of where your business is going. “He shared that Campland tracks changing demographics and trends online to get a better understanding of how they can provide a better experience at the campground.”
So, what is the data showing them? For one thing, guests are getting younger and younger, with Millennials and Gen-Z accounting for around 53% of the current camping population – with the technological prowess to boot. Jacob and Campland’s Director of Marketing Jan Yerzik, even explained to us how younger audiences consider your webpage a part of the guest experience and expect a user-friendly site with up-to-date photos.
In fact, websites with higher-quality photos earn 94% more views than those without. For some campgrounds, improving their photos has meant doubling their reservations. Further research even suggests that three out of four online visitors will judge your credibility based on how professional your website looks.
“It’s really a core part of our marketing philosophy that the relationship extends well after you’ve check out…we want to have an on-going relationship with our campers so that they feel like they’re part of the Campland experience even after they get home.” – Jacob Gelfand
Social media
“I look at social media as free advertising because it’s people showing how they’re having fun.” – Jan Yerzik
Jan and her team have done a great job incorporating social media into Campland’s online brand. Whether it’s strategically placed photo ops around the park or even just a contest on Instagram, she’s always trying to find ways for guests to engage with Campland in-between visits.
For Jan and her team, it’s a matter of keeping the conversation going. They’ve made it their mission to make campers feel valued by engaging with guests’ posts, responding to their stories and comments, as well as curating relevant content on their Facebook and Instagram.
And while social ads and SEO-driven content can go a long way, Jan made a point to share with us that you “have to figure out what works best for your park and your guests” and that a lot of it is really just trial and error.
So, whether you’re looking to grow your brand or find more intentional ways to engage with guests, investing in your online presence is a great way to create a unique experience that sets your campground apart.
For campground owners: How have you found success connecting with guests online?
For campers: What do you look for when you check out a campground’s website or socials?
Our 1976 vintage CHB trawler has a teak sliding entrance door to the main cabin, but unlike our RV, there isn’t a screen door. Since there isn’t any obvious way to install a screen door, the next best thing was one of those, as seen on TV magnetic auto-closing mesh screens.
The mesh gets attached to the door frame with velcro tape, and magnets sewn into the middle seams keep it closed. Pretty ingenious! For our application, a few mods needed to be done due to the odd door size of our boat’s door. It’s much shorter, narrower than a house door, and slightly off-square.
First, I cut off the bottom of the mesh to shorten it, then folded the sides to narrow. Rather than use the supplied Velcro tape to hang the screen, we installed metal snaps. The snap method leaves a few small gaps here and there, but we can live with that. Most bugs are blocked, and the screen is quick and easy to attach and remove. Overall, we are pleased with the results.
Weaver’s Needle RV Resort situates travelers close to renowned Arizona attractions. Within view of the park lies the famous Superstitious Mountains, shrouded in legend and known for great hiking. Closer to the 55-plus resort, Phoenix is less than 30 minutes away, while restaurants, markets fishing, boating, and hiking are all within minutes. Visitors can opt for a short-term stay or book a year-round stay. The park’s ample amenities keep visitors comfortable throughout their stay, regardless of the type of vacation you choose.
Threading the Needle
Weaver’s Needle treats guests to the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Each site has a paved pad, with a maximum length of 40 feet. Each site has room for slideouts along with patios, and 200 of the sites are all-weather. Two hundred sites are full-hookup, and Wi-Fi is available at overnight sites.
Once guests get settled in, they have plenty of options within the park. A heated swimming pool and spa give guests a great way to unwind after a long day of driving. Active travelers can hit one of the pickleball courts or slow things down at the horseshoe pits or boccceeball courts. There’s also a billiard table.
Weaver’s Needle RV Resort
Hobbies and Pastimes
Weaver’s Needle RV Resort gives guests lots of opportunities to pursue their interests. Learn new skills with painting classes, line dancing lessons, and ceramics and woodworking facilities. Participate in jam sessions or join the chorus to explore new musical horizons.
Other activities like water aerobics, chair yoga, and the hiking club ensure that guests can get a good workout. Weaver’s Needle RV Resort keeps guests active.
Apache Junction and Mesa
Nearby, Apache Junction and Mesa capture the imaginations of visitors. Beyond the stunning scenery and local lore are modern treasures ranging from a vibrant visual arts scene to delicious farm-to-table destinations. It’s hard to resist the mysteries that seem to live in these hills.
Goldfield Ghost Town.
Stretching 40 miles from Apache Junction to the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, the legendary Apache Trail blends Wild West history with exciting outdoor recreation. Adventurers can wander through recreated boom towns, fishing in bountiful lakes, and admiring the vast Sonoran Desert from countless viewpoints. You’ll also want to take a scenic steamboat ride on Canyon Lake and explore Native American cliff dwellings in Tonto National Forest.
In Apache Junction, Goldfield Ghost Town simulates life in the Old West with authentically constructed buildings and Western attractions.
In Mesa, a different trail winds through town. Boasting 11 agritourism stops, the Fresh Foodie Trail lets you sample local flavors at wineries, olive farms, urban gardens and more. Highlights include learning how to grow your produce at True Garden and feasting on Arizona-style barbecue at Jalapeno Bucks.
Water Recreation at Your Fingertips
Three lakes and two rivers just outside Mesa open the doors to boating, fishing and all sorts of watersports. Cast a line into Apache Lake, Saguaro Lake or Roosevelt Lake to catch largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. If you’re after rainbow trout, flick your rod into Canyon Lake. Boat rentals are available at all three lakes, along with storage and camping facilities. Salt River is the closest river to town and winds through the Tonto National Forest, making it an excellent destination for kayaking and rafting. Tubing is popular as well, especially in the spring and summer months.
Roosevelt Dam
The Sonoran Desert has intrigued outdoor enthusiasts for centuries with its canyon-carved lakes, giant cacti and jagged mountains. Usery Mountain Regional Park is a fantastic spot to start your adventure with over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Don’t forget your camera as these pathways end with panoramic views of the valley. Trails within Lost Dutchman State Park lead you into the heart of the Superstition Wilderness and Tonto National Forest, while routes in San Tan Mountain Regional Park promise sweeping vistas of the lower Sonoran Desert.
World-class Art Scene
Get to know the city’s artsy side at the Mesa Arts Center, the largest arts and entertainment complex in the Southwest. You can catch a concert or comedy play at one of the state-of-the-art theatres or view works by renowned artists inside the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum. The center hosts workshops too, so you can create paintings, pottery and more.
Phoenix Fun
With over 325 days of sunshine per year, the greater Phoenix area is well-deserving of its nickname, the “Valley of the Sun.” The balmy region consists of more than 20 communities, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Glendale. Each enclave has a distinct flair, allowing you to choose your ideal getaway. From climbing rugged peaks and relaxing at luxurious spas to reliving Wild West history and exploring dozens of world-class museums, adventures in this part of the Sonoran Desert are incredibly eclectic and even more exciting.
Downtown Phoenix
Luxury Lives
It doesn’t take long for your stress to melt away here. Sumptuous wellness centers such as the Alvadora Spa and Aji Spa blend soothing treatments with tranquil desert settings so you can leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The area is also home to almost 200 golf courses. Play a round while admiring desert landscapes at Troon North or We-Ko-Pa. Some clubs like Arizona Biltmore even have on-site spas so you can indulge in a therapeutic massage after finishing 18 holes. You can also sip your way through dozens of wineries that cultivate vintages around the Phoenix area. Head to the Verde Valley to swirl fine reds amidst spectacular canyons or go to the Sonoita/Elgin region which is encircled by a national forest. If you prefer to stay in town, pop in Peoria’s Winery 101 to sample bottles from Gallifant Cellars and Southpaw Cellars.
To add fodder to the argument that fall is the best season for camping, we’ve compiled a list of twenty incredible campgrounds for Halloween camping and festivities. Not only do these locations love to celebrate Halloween, but they’ve also organized a slew of family-friendly activities you and your camping neighbors are sure to enjoy.
Join Camp Verde from Oct 20-22 or Oct 27-29 for a spooktacular camping weekend that includes Halloween festivities like a haunted river trail, trick or treating, costume contests, hay rides, site decorating contests, and more.
Head to River Sands RV Resort the last weekend of October for an outdoor Halloween celebration featuring a site decorating contest, a K9 costume parade, a pumpkin carving contest, a spooky tie-dye, a costume contest, and more!
It’s one thing to celebrate the weekend before Halloween, but it’s something truly special to host Halloween-themed events every weekend of the month of October! And that’s exactly what Island Oaks RV Resort does, giving you and your family and traveling companions more ways to celebrate Halloween in October.
Check out all Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo has to offer while hosting The Haunting of River Ranch, which occurs every Friday and Saturday, starting September 29.
Pine Lake RV Resort & Cottages hosts Halloween themed activities each weekend of October, including such events as the Feed the Zombies Food Drive, Ghoulish Critter Weekend, and Monster Mash Weekend. Plus, Pine Lakes includes a dedicated haunted house featuring 5-20 automatons!
Visit Frankenmuth Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park any weekend in October and participate in Halloween-themed activities like pumpkin painting, trick or treating, and campsite decoration awards.
Head to northern Michigan and find Holiday RV Park & Campground where, for two weekends in October, you can enjoy haunted forest hay rides, site decorating contests, trick or treating, and more Halloween-themed fun, perfect for the family.
It just so happens that a favorite camping destination, Ringler Family Campground, also maintains and operates one of the best haunted house locations in Minnesota. Visit the Haunted House in Brook Park and get ready for a few spooks you won’t soon forget!
Camp at Raleigh Oaks RV Resort and Cottages around October 28, and join them that evening for Halloween activities like campground trick or treating, a haunted house, and costume karaoke!
Head to Trailer Village RV Park if traveling through New Mexico and join this brand new Good Sam Campground for Halloween-themed activities. They will be on-call to host costume trick-or-treating with young visitors and karaoke and bingo in their clubhouse for adults!.
What better place to celebrate Halloween than at the namesake of one spooky tale? Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds hosts two early Halloween celebrations, September 22-24 and September 23-25. Bring your decorations and costumes and join in on a site decorating contest, a Halloween parade, trick-or-treating, a haunted trail, and more.
Halloween is celebrated big at Pinch Pond Family Campground, where they have a haunted house, host trick-or-treating, and also include wagon ride! Great fun for the whole family.
Check out the monthly event calendar for Bear Run Campground and head to October, where you’ll find two Halloween-themed weekends (Oct 13-15, Oct 20-22) featuring trick-or-treating, a family dance, site decoration contests, and more!
Head to Ashland and Americamps RV Resort where every Saturday in October is a Halloween celebration, featuring trick or treating and costume contests. Halloween weekend will feature all of that plus a Halloween movie on their 377” movie screen.
For four weekends in October, North Landing Beach RV Resort will be family-friendly Halloween events, with trick-or-treating occurring every Saturday, plus costume contests, site decorating contests, pet costume contests, and more! Plus, don’t miss the haunted maze!
Choose from an incredible five Halloween-themed weekendsat Stoney Creek RV Resort, where they start the ghoulish activities all the way back on September 15th! Join in for pumpkin decorating, costume contests, site decoration contests, and more!
At Campark Resorts, their Halloween attractions are nationally recognized in Canada, and it’s well worth your time to venture (if you dare) to Haunt Manor, an elaborate, detail-oriented haunted house and experience, perfect for those who want a top-notch scary Halloween. But nab tickets quick, because an attraction like this sells out quickly.
These last three parks in PA all celebrate Halloween with three weekends of fun and activities the last three weekends of October!
Over two decades ago an RV rear camera was considered somewhat of a luxury as well as a safety feature. These consisted primarily of a wired black and white analog camera connected to a dash-mounted four or five-inch CRT display. In addition to the obvious safety aspects these provided, they also aided the driver in more precise backing maneuvers and in the monitoring of any towed vehicles while traveling.
The makers and suppliers of these soon enhanced their offerings with full-color sets. While this might have seemed purely cosmetic, it was not. The addition of color to the display provided far more information to the viewer. Backing into a campsite may look clear on a monochrome display when a short post blends in with similar-looking shaded area. For example, green grass and a brown/beige post may fade into each other as their shade is similar. This can be difficult to see on a B&W display. However, in a like color scenario, the post can be easily seen and distinguished from the grass area.
Future years brought higher picture display resolutions and additional RV applications. Side cameras became commonplace and provided some increase in safety by helping to eliminate some of the possible blind spots of close traffic. However, side cameras on recreational vehicles have not replaced the traditional outside mirrors. This is probably due to the much lower resolution of the display compared to that of the direct view provided by a mirror. Additionally, the CRT non-traditional location placement may also be a contributing factor. However, recent automotive advances towards improving this technology has increased the screen resolution to an ultra-high definition. Rearview display location(s) also more closely mimic the traditional placements in most cases. There are expandable features that can be adapted to the electronic rear-view display systems in the future. Those features include, but are not limited to, automatic distance adjustments, forward and rear dash cam duty, no rear seat view-blocking, adjustable night darkening, etc. Hopefully, much of these advancements will also come to the recreational vehicle industry in the near future.
The coming years brought a flood of “Security Camera” applications that were found throughout many higher-tier RV offerings. Much of this option seemed driven more by glitter than need. Wireless systems were also introduced for use on trailers to tow vehicles and for the easier “Do it yourself” market. While high resolutions may be lacking in some of these aftermarket products, all in all, they do a fairly good job.
Flash forward to today! While the traditional “Back-up” camera is still a standard offering on many motor homes, new configurations and features are now available on some makes and models. A combination of a multitude of digital cameras provides a “Bird’s Eye” view of the vehicle. From this you can view the entire space and anything near the perimeter of your RV. This is a remarkable upgrade over the stand-alone standard backup camera system, albeit at a price. Lane tracking and departure will also add new types of cameras when such features are introduced to the motor home market options list.
New automotive developments employing night vision cameras is just becoming available to the consumer market. These military-grade systems are capable of displaying the roadway ahead, traffic, additional objects, infrared projected people, and medium to large animals. All of this displayed in 4K quality in an OLED (Ultra HD 3840 X 2160 Pixels) format. The night vision application can prove beneficial for driving on dark nights or in foggy conditions day or night. While such night vision systems are not available at this time on any motor homes, it is probably just a matter of time before they are.
Say, what about the motor home’s “Self Parking” feature? Let’s not go there yet!
Peter Mercer – With a Reflective View of the RV Camera
With a background in the designing and manufacturing of specialized automated industrial equipment, Peter Mercer writes about the full range of the RV travel experiences.
Camping, RV storage, and great customer service are big parts of Hawkins Pointe Park, Store & More, located just outside the “Scenic City” of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The park is conveniently situated about one mile off Interstate 75’s Tennessee Exit 1, which it shares with Camping World, Costco, and Bass Pro Shop.
Visiting dog at Hawkins Pointe.
This family-run RV Park and Storage features 34,000 square feet of covered storage, 50 large pull-through and back-in sites (available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rental), and 10 Premium Club Storage Bays that are climate-controlled. We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of hospitality, and we welcome folks who are in all stages of self-contained RVing.
Customer Focus
Most of our customers are pass-through tourists, sightseers, traveling professionals, and dog parents. Hawkins Pointe is very dog-friendly and includes a fenced dog park, waste stations, walking paths, and a dog bathing station. The roadways were named for beloved Hawkins family dogs and designed with wide sweeping curves and few trees to make navigating the park and getting satellite and Wi-Fi signals a breeze.
Deep Roots
Owner John L. Hawkins III has spent over 40 years in towing and recovery manufacturing and sales business. As the birthplace of the tow truck, Chattanooga was an obvious choice for the largest manufacturing facility of towing equipment in the world, Miller Industries. The Hawkins family made Chattanooga their permanent home the same year that Miller Industries and the Tennessee Aquarium did in 1991.
Since then, Chattanooga has seen countless developments and accolades including Outside magazine’s “Best Town Ever,” twice. Chattanooga has a vibrant music scene, awe-inspiring mountains and waterfalls, incredible rock climbing, and an eclectic mix of world-class restaurants. Good Sam members can enjoy it from Hawkins Pointe, which is within minutes of it all.
Hawkins Pointe
Passion for Traveling
John and his wife, Karen, have been traveling the country in Multiple Prevost motorhomes since 2008. They have combined their skills, Karen in staging and decorating and John in mechanical and upfitting, to create JLH Coachworks. This dealership, located at Hawkins Pointe, specializes in refurbishing and re-homing used luxury coaches.
Hawkins Pointe
John’s decades in the trucking industry have fostered many important relationships, which the family enjoy sharing with park, storage, and sales customers. They have developed a reputation for being able to help get folks connected to specialists who can help get them back on the road when equipment problems threaten to ruin a trip.
Attractions near Hawkins Pointe.
Family Business
In 2021, John and Karen’s son, John Lee, joined them as General Manager of the RV Park and Storage, and two years later their daughter, Nicole, came on to help with bookkeeping. The staff, including Storage Manager Kevin and Reservation Specialist Cathey, have years of collective experience in the RV industry and provide unparalleled, personalized service to each of their customers.
Much like many of the towing companies that John has spent his career serving, Hawkins Pointe has become a family-owned-and-operated business. This year Hawkins Pointe acquired an additional two acres of land and plans to expand its RV sites in the coming year. The expansion will see an increase in amenities and site offerings for customers. The next time you make your way along the West side of the Appalachian Mountain trail, make sure to make Hawkins Pointe a part of your trip. We all look forward to meeting you and your dogs!
Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun and easy way. We take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has built its business by creating better guest experiences.
At Campland On the Bay, good guest experiences are an investment, passed down from one generation of campers to the next. That’s why you see guests wearing “Campland Raised” t-shirts from the gift shop, and why those who visited Campland as kids now bring their children to this same spot. When campgrounds create better guest experiences, guests are more likely to return.
Here we explore how Campland On the Bay fosters better guest experiences to ensure that every trip is memorable, that guests leave better off than they came, and that every point of contact is meaningful for their guests.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out part one of this three-part series.
The Camping Revolution
The pandemic spurred many families to go camping for the first time — 7 million families, for context. It also brought out many more campers who had stopped camping prior to the pandemic. For campgrounds, this meant record-breaking numbers at a time when the rest of the hospitality industry struggled.
Camping demand increased, and campgrounds were presented with a unique opportunity to grow their customer base. The question was (and remains): Will it last?
The leadership at Campland On the Bay believes this “camping revolution” will ultimately prove to be beneficial to campgrounds and the RV-camping community.
“It has really reoriented travelers and people looking for recreational experiences to the importance of outdoor recreation… [and] RV camping in particular as a family-friendly way to reconnect with the outdoors, but to also have some agency and control over the experiences [they’re] having,” said Jacob Gelfand, COO of Terra Vista Management.
As Campland On the Bay saw record-breaking numbers over the last few years, they focused on providing excellent customer service, so those first-time campers would be more likely to return.
Customer Service
With so many different guests revolving through a campground day to day, week to week, how do you provide good guest experiences, and how do you measure your success? For Campland, online reviews are a gauge of how well they are meeting customer service standards.
At Campland, they monitor online customer reviews in real-time, which, in some cases, has given them a chance to address issues while the visitors are still at the campsite. And it’s not just about putting out fires. These follow-ups help Campland build trust with guests and create face-to-face opportunities to improve situations and show campers they are listening.
“Reviews are crucial… No matter what their issue, if you can take care of it before they leave, then there’s a very good chance they’re either going to modify that review to reflect how good the park did with its response or they’ll take down the review completely and leave a five-star review because of the customer service they received while here,” said “Ranger Dave,” the Guest Relations Manager at Campland.
Reviews can be red flags to help owners fix immediate issues, and they also provide a more global reading of what guests think about your campground in general.
Not only are reviews helpful for campground owners, but they also help campers determine where they should stay. Ninety-two percent of consumers now read at least one review before making a decision, and over 70 percent of customers are more likely to trust a campground based on a positive review.
Campgrounds should make it easy for campers to provide reviews, whether by offering a QR code to their review section, encouraging YELP reviews or similar, or even providing a physical comment box. That feedback can be invaluable and it communicates to campers that the campground wants to improve on their experience.
Creating Customer Experiences
If addressing reviews and improving customer service are the responsive actions campgrounds take to grow their customer base, then creating incredible customer experiences is an active action they can take, preparing long before a camper enters their gates.
At Campland, they work to create memorable customer experiences that visitors will want to recreate and share with family and friends.
“At every point of contact along the way, we’re thinking about how we can make this experience as meaningful as possible for our guests,” says Gelfand.
Guests at Campland are greeted personally and asked about what they might want to do during their stay. Staff provide information of all the possible attractions and activities to try to meet those customers’ expectations on an individual basis. From hosting organized events like dodgeball tournaments, live bands, and concerts to establishing permanent social hang-outs like cantinas and an ice cream parlor, Campland strives to make the guests’ visit as action-packed as possible.
But not every campground needs to offer the same scale of experience as Campland to be successful.
“You can provide family-friendly activities and entertainment on any scale. You don’t have to have a waterfront location, you don’t have to have a huge footprint to provide activities and experiences that will keep guests engaged and coming back and also set you apart from the competition,” says Gelfand.
For campground owners: What activities and entertainment happen at your campground?
For campers: What experiences have you had at campgrounds that have brought you back?
Diesel pusher motorhomes are hardy vehicles, but they’re not indestructible. Here’s a list of seven potentially damaging diesel pusher mistakes that owners should avoid.
• Fueling from both sides at the same time. Most diesel pushers (DPs) have fuel ports on both sides. Truck fuel stations generally have a master pump on one side with a slave pump on the other. This accommodates the filling of separate saddle tanks located on each side. They are not for filling a single tank of a dual ported vehicle. Doing so will lead to a serious fuel spill while pumping.
• Applying hard application of the service brakes while the park brake is engaged. High air pressure combined with the powerful spring brakes located in the tandem air chambers on the drive axle can damage the mechanical rods and linkages that control the brake action. Fortunately, all modern air brake vehicles have an anti-compounding valve designed specifically for this issue. It reduces air pressures being applied during such events. Regardless of this feature, it is common practice to tread lightly as not to rely solely on such safety devices.
• Pumping or dragging the service brakes while slowing or checking speed. Pumping the air brakes can cause the exhaustion of volume of compressed air in excess of what the compressor can produce. Dragging the brakes can cause rapid overheating of the brake system. These actions can reduce the efficiency of the braking system and possibly lead to total failure. Air brakes should be applied briskly as needed and released.
• Moving the vehicle prior to it fully airing up. Most DP’s must be at their highway ride height in order to have adequate wheel clearance between the front tires and the fenders. Additionally, driveline universal joints can be stressed by the acute angle that exists when the air suspension is fully down.
• Shutting down a hot engine or while above idle speed. Diesel engines must be allowed to cool down briefly prior to shutdown. This is primarily needed for a turbocharged engine. It requires only about 3 minutes and in many cases has nearly elapsed while pulling off the road. Also only shutdown while on low idle to avoid possible turbo damage.
• Checking the fluid level of an Allison transmission using the dipstick of an electronic fluid level equipped set-up. For units with this feature, the manufacturer recommends the use of the electronic method as it is far more accurate. The depressing of the up-and-down arrows simultaneously on the shift pad displays this feature if so enabled.
• Storing a DP with a tank full of 20 percent bio-diesel blend (B-20) fuel for a duration of over 90 days. Engine maker Cummins recommends not storing vehicles with high bio-diesel blends (B-20) for over 90 days as fuel system component issues may occur.
With a background in the designing and manufacturing of specialized automated industrial equipment, Peter Mercer writes about the full range of the RV travel experiences.
Forest River is redefining outdoor adventure with the all-new Wildwood X-Lite 24VIEW travel trailer. Packed with innovative and unconventional designs, the X-Lite 24VIEW features pleasant surprises at every turn. The real game changing feature is the hidden bunk room behind the entertainment center, but it’s not the only surprise up the X-Lite 24VIEW’s sleeve. A unique kitchen and seating arrangement also provides some of the best views in the industry with a massive window surrounding the rear kitchen.
Boasting one of the most unique and versatile configurations on the market, the X-Lite 24VIEW blows away the competition in quality and value. Forest River went outside of the conventional RV norm and created a truly special floorplan that meets the needs of many different families and RVers.
Phenomenal Views in Every Direction
Interior from front to back
Bring the scenic views of the wilderness inside with 64 square-feet of windows throughout the X-Lite 24VIEW. A very large wall-to-wall window making up the rear of the RV creates one of the most unique and picturesque dining/seating arrangements in the market. In fact, the entire back of the X-Lite 24VIEW features a wrap-around U-shaped counter top with 18-feet of solid surface counter space. On the camp side of the RV, the counter begins with the double-bowl sink and continues to the 3-burner cooktop and oven, microwave and plenty of cabinet storage. Bar stools provide seating around the wrap-around counter top and both USB and standard outlets allow the area to double as a workstation. Combine that with huge windows and it’s instantly one of the nicest corner offices in the business.
Discover X-Lite 24VIEW’s Biggest Secret
Bunk room hidden behind entertainment center
The highlight feature of the X-Lite 24VIEW is the set of bunks tucked behind the TV and entertainment center. The shiplap feature wall opens to reveal the hidden bunk room and office area. The bunks are on hinges and can swing out of the way. A desk area and additional storage allow the room to double as another functional office space.
The upgraded designer furniture package includes a pillow-back Versa sofa and chaise lounge that converts to a bed. With the abundant counter space wrapping around the rear of the X-Lite 24VIEW, a traditional dinette was eliminated in place of the sofa across from the TV and fireplace.
Upgraded Bedroom and Bath Amenities
Interior from back to front
The large shower with surround features the Arcadia Series soft shower door, upgraded shower head and a skylight. A 60K tankless water heater ensures the shower stays hot anytime you need it. Furthermore, keep your bathroom essentials on-hand with plenty of storage below and above the sink.
Another new feature in the X-Lite 24VIEW is the Versa-Tilt bed system. The custom king bed boasts dual nightstands and closets, plus overhead storage. The bed can slide up and tip, providing additional floor space in the bedroom. When flat, totes can be placed under the bed for extra storage.
Outside Features for Exterior Entertainment
There’s plenty of room in the X-Lite 24VIEW to bring those extra amenities with 20.3 cubic-feet of Stow-N-Go storage. An outdoor kitchen featuring a small bar-sized refrigerator and flat-top griddle will make entertaining a breeze. Additionally, a 200 watt solar panel will keep the LED light strip under the 18-foot modern cloth RollerShades awning shining bright.
Check Out the Wildwood X-Lite 24VIEW at General RV
Discover unparalleled comfort and convenience in the Wildwood X-Lite 24VIEW while immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors.
With the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season underway, now may be the best time to stock up on some last-minute severe weather preparedness items tax-free during Florida’s latest sales tax holiday. It’s no secret that hurricanes (and tropical storms) are dangerous storm systems that primarily impact southeastern states. However, it’s still possible to RV and stay safe during potentially stormy weather.
The state of Florida is holding a 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday beginning August 26. The sales tax holiday is intended to give residents an opportunity to finalize their weather disaster supply kits in preparation for hurricane season.
General RV Center’s three Florida locations, in Jacksonville, Ocala and Tampa, have fully-stocked RV parts and accessory departments with a number of eligible items included in the sales tax holiday. The following products can be found at any General RV Florida location. Use the links below to navigate each section, or scroll to view the available tax-free products.
1. The Cummins Onan 4500i portable generator boasts efficiency, durability and performance. It’s RV and camper ready with a 30 amp TT-30R outlet and can run at 25% power for up to 18 hours.
Cummins Onan 4500i
Sale: $1,269.99
2. The Cummins Onan 2500i inverter gasoline generator offers 2,500 peak watts of power in a lightweight, easy-to-carry package. The one-gallon fuel tank provides 10 hours of run time at 25% load.
Cummins Onan 2500i
Sale: $829.99
3. The FIRMAN WH02942 is a 3,200/2,900W 30A electric start RV-ready portable generator, running on both propane and gasoline, for the best of both worlds. With an included RV-ready TT-30R 30 amp outlet it’s the ideal solution for those who enjoy camping, tailgating and other outdoor activities.
Sale: $1,219.99
4. The FIRMAN W01781 portable 2,100W inverter generator is a camper’s must-have — a mobile solution for your off-grid adventures. The strong recoil start FIRMAN engine runs cool, quiet and provides clean power for electronics and sensitive equipment.
FIRMAN W01781 portable 2,100W inverter generator
Sale: $729.99
5. The Safari ME from Lion Energy is a powerful lithium solar generator that powers virtually anything you can plug into a standard wall outlet. This 2,000W generator can fully charge from the wall in as little as 83 minutes, or use the power of the sun to recharge in as little as 95 minutes.
Lion Energy Safari ME
Sale: $2,349.99
6. The Lion Energy Safari LT is a portable solar powered generator that provides safe, silent and renewable power for your cooking, recreation, work and emergency needs. Therefore, at 500W of multiple outputs and only 11 pounds, you can have power at your fingertips, wherever you are.
Lion Energy Safari LT
Sale: $589.99
7. The Go Power! DuraPACK 8W Portable Power Pack is ideal for tent camping, camper vans, tent trailers, backyard parties, festivals, fishing and backup power for emergencies. Capable of charging cell phones up to three times per charge, the DuraPACK comes equipped with 8-watts of waterproof folding solar panels, LED status lights and an integrated flashlight.
Sale: $37.99
8. The Dexas Pets collapsible Travel Bowl with water bottle holder and carabineer is the perfect on-the-go pet companion. Clip the carabineer onto your belt loop or backpack or use the water bottle holder feature to hook it onto a water bottle top. Additionally, the travel cup expands for use and collapses.
Sale: $10.99
9. The Dexas Pets KlipScoop is a three-in-one tool; a measuring cup, food scooper and bag clip all in one! This fully-collapsible scoop saves space and makes it easy to pack in an RV or travel trailer.
Sale: $10.99
10. The Dexas Pets Collapsible Travel Cup features a two-cup capacity and is the perfect solution for the pup on the go! Store this collapsible cup with a water bottle for an easy hydration option at national and state parks, on hiking trails and more.
Sale: $10.99
11. Take a roll of Valterra Doggy Waste Bags waste bags with you on the trails with your canine companion. These biodegradable bags are better for the environment than other plastic waste bags, and they make it easy to pick up after your pup.
Sale: $5.99
12. Let your dog safely enjoy the outdoors with you with Valterra’ s Dog Tie-Out Cables. The cable comes in lengths of 10, 20 and 30 feet, and is made out of aircraft-grade steel and has weather resistant PVC vinyl covering. Furthermore, it’s intended for dogs up to 100 pounds.
Sale: $11.99, $14.99, $18.99 (10’, 20’, 30’)
Tax-Free Products for Personal Safety
13. The First Alert FG250RVA battery-operated smoke alarm provides continuous protection against smoke and fire, whether camping on shore power or off-the-grid. This smoke alarm features a hinged cover for easy battery replacement and is approved for use in RVs.
First Alert FG250RVA battery-operated smoke alarm
Sale: $16.99
14. The First Alert Recreation Fire Extinguisher is a class 5-B:C rated fire extinguisher ideal for use in your RV. This portable fire extinguisher fights flammable liquid and electrical fires and can be recharged by a certified professional when discharged.
First Alert Recreation Fire Extinguisher
Sale: $32.99
15. The First Alert CO250 RVA is a single station carbon monoxide alarm specifically designed for RV use as defined by the RVIA. This carbon monoxide alarm uses an advanced electrochemical sensor to accurately detect elevated carbon monoxide levels, and an 85-decibel horn helps ensure you have early warning of carbon monoxide presence.
First Alert CO250 RVA
Sale: $30.99
All of these products, and more, can be purchased from any Florida General RV Supercenter tax-free from August 26 to September 9.
New electronic gadgets always bring out my inner cynic, like the first time I heard someone raving about their new portable power station for RV camping. It sounded like just gizmo that would take up precious space in my small fifth wheel. But after some research, I’m not too proud to admit that I was wrong about these things. Today I’m a believer that these devices can be a huge benefit for RVers who love camping off-grid. Here’s what changed my mind.
Not Just Another Dry Camping Gadget
From smartphones to headlamps, we all RV with more electronics than we used to. Even our rigs are loaded with electronics that consume more power, like push-button RV dumping and automatic leveling systems. That’s why if you haven’t looked into adding a portable power station to your RV gear, now’s the time. These ultra-efficient, clean energy stations are better than ever at keeping your creature comforts powered up wherever you camp. And although they are not inexpensive, if you decide to take the plunge on a device like the Jackery Explorer, the payback is immediate. More power means more comforts and longer stays when you’re camping without hookups.
Desert dry camping. Getty Images
Until now, there’s always been a price to pay for boondocking without hookups. That price is the careful monitoring that must happen if you don’t want to kill your RV house batteries, especially as night falls. For boondockers like me, electricity is a precious commodity. For instance, my husband and I are usually are running two computers, one tablet, two phones with individual internet hotspots, and other household appliances throughout the day, like our refrigerator. If the weather turns bad, our 500-watt RV solar array forces us to prioritize what we use and when, in order to keep power flowing and our batteries happy. With no more room on our roof or in our battery storage area to expand our solar power system, juggling power consumption is a constant, frustrating struggle on cloudy days.
During those times, our 16-year-old gas-powered generator often helps us meet our power needs. But being saved by a genset means always carrying a gallon of gasoline in our toolbox because our truck is diesel-powered. And I can’t count the number of times we’ve spilled gas on our hands while refilling the generator. Have you ever tried removing gasoline odor from your skin when you’re dry camping? It’s tough. And after all that, even our “super quiet” gas generator emits clatter that disturbs the peace, and fills the air with smelly fumes.
Despite the downsides of gas generators, we’ve been carrying it for years. Meanwhile we completely ignored the emerging portable power station technology that’s hit the RV gear marketplace over the last few years. Portable power stations powered by electricity revolutionized dry camping when I wasn’t looking! I became an instant fan once I tried one myself.
Jackery Explorer portable power station.
Portable Power Station 101
So what exactly do these boxes do? Portable power stations for RV camping are essentially a large rechargeable battery that can power devices ranging from smartphones to hair dryers and everything in-between. These devices are not complicated and easy to use without any technological know-how—or gasoline.
First, the portable power station gets charged with electricity so it can power your devices. You can give it juice by plugging it into a wall outlet before you leave home, or even at a campsite power pedestal before you venture into the wild for some boondocking. If you don’t get to charge it up at the campground, you can plug it into your vehicle’s 12V DC power output (the cigarette lighter socket) while you are on the road. You can even pair portable power stations with solar panels to recharge with free energy from the sun.
Once charged up, that power stays inside the station’s battery until you use it. Incoming power gets stored in a “mega” battery built into the power station. Usually, the battery is a high-quality lithium-ion battery, which is better at storing and dispensing stored energy. Lithium-ion batteries are also better at recharging, for instance, while utilizing “pass-through” technology that enables you to keep using your devices while the power station itself is being charged.
If you’re concerned about lithium-ion batteries exploding or catching fire, don’t be. Those stories you’ve heard about exploding lithium-ion batteries usually happen only to cheap knock-offs made with inferior materials. As long as you buy a portable power station for RV camping from a reputable brand, you can rest easy knowing that those manufacturers use high-quality batteries in their power stations.
Getty Images
When you plug into the station, it converts stored energy into the kind of power you need. Portable power stations have multiple outputs that handle a variety of device power needs. Most stations come with AC outlets, DC carports, and oftentimes multiple USB and USB-C / A ports. So if you’re charging your laptop with the station’s AC outlet, the power station converts stored DC power into AC power. Just be sure you have the AC power option selected so that your device actually starts charging.
With the push of a button, the station can automatically regulate power output based on the requirements of whatever you just plugged into it. The built-in smart power management systems require little to no user intervention. In return you get better efficiency and longer internal battery life. Plus, you don’t need to worry about overcharging or having too many devices plugged in at the same time. The best portable power stations for RV camping have robust safety features, such as overheat protection, short circuit protection, and voltage regulation.
Why I Switched from Gas Power to Electric Power Generation
At first I wondered “Why not just stick to my gas-powered generator?” It’s a valid question, but the choice is clear when you weigh the benefits of a portable power station for RV camping against the pros and cons of carrying a big, bulky gas generator.
They’re silent. Unlike generators, power stations make zero to little noise, about the decibel equivalent of a whisper. Your peaceful camping environment is preserved with these devices.
They don’t spew harmful emissions. These eco-friendly, battery-powered devices can be used in places where generator hours are restricted because of noise and pollution concerns.
Anyone can use them. Power stations don’t need priming or pumping to get then started. There’s no setup required, unlike most generators.
Of course, portable power station downsides aren’t all unicorns and rainbows. The biggest downside is they have limited power capacity that normally cannot run larger appliances like your air conditioner unless you make a Soft Start modification to the HVAC system.
In addition, portable power stations take longer to recharge. Instead of just pouring more gas into the generator to instantly restart the power supply, recharging can take up to 12 hours, depending on how you intend to do it. Usually, recharging through solar panels takes the longest to reload the battery supply.
Portable Power Station Considerations
Not all portable power stations have the same power output capacity or are the same size and weight. Recharging times and the number and types of devices they can charge will vary too. Don’t buy one until you audit the number and types of devices you want to charge with the device. Another important consideration is: where will you store a power station in your RV? Will it be easy to access? Is there ventilation to keep the station’s cooling fans happy? And since some can weigh almost as much as a gas generator, you’ll want to ensure you can put the station in the storage spot without too much physical struggle.
Since I stepped into the new era of using a portable power station for RV camping, I noticed that my stress level goes down when it’s cloudy outside and our solar power system isn’t as charged as we would like it to be. Instead of worrying about whether or not I can recharge my laptop to get in some additional work time, I just plug into the power station and relax. The power possibilities are practically endless now that I have modern camping technology on my side.
For many RV buyers, a new trailer or motorhome isn’t necessarily complete when it rolls off the lot. New owners often apply additional modifications as RV upgrades once it’s in their hands, and many of these aftermarket add-ons add value to their vehicle. Owners are wise to invest and keep track of these additions. They make trips more enjoyable and safer during your time as an owner and they may enhance the resale value of your RV when it’s time to change to a new unit.
So what are some of these popular features new owners add shortly after purchasing? Understandably, these will vary greatly depending on the rig type. (After all, a tent trailer owner will obviously have a different “must-have list” than a diesel pusher). But there are some upgrades that cross RV types, and we’ll explore some of those here. But don’t stop there! Research other value-adding upgrades for your specific type of unit (or even model) that may pay off.
Here’s a list of upgrades that will not only improve your RV but will add value when it comes time to sell.
Tire Monitor Systems
An extremely popular upgrade across all types and sizes of RVs is tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS). These range from self-installed screw-on cap types with stand-alone wireless receivers to full-featured internal tire pressure and temperature transmitters. While the later type generally is more a factory option opted to purchase, the easy screw-on kits are very effective and economically priced.
Adding a TPMS to your rig immediately helps you improve the life of your tires. Given road hazards, widely varying temperatures, long miles, and other surprises along the road, the best thing you can do for your tires is monitor air pressure, giving you a heads up before a minor issue becomes a major issue.
Solar
Solar is becoming an increasingly popular add-on to many RVs, especially for boondockers. Adding solar panels — and the equipment needed to process solar power — gives you and your rig more independence to travel where you want and remain powered. Keep in mind: when it comes to the RV community, some are still hesitant to equip their setup with solar. And that may be more true for new RVers who are already facing a learning curve in other areas. So to ensure solar doesn’t hurt the value of your RV, make sure you invest in quality products that are easy to use.
Portable generators
Most travel trailers and fifth wheels do not come equipped with a portable generator. Certain features like electric fireplaces will require more power than a typical 12V can handle, and they will have to rely on shore power or a portable generator. This can be a good upgrade to add that may increase the sellability of your unit. While you may want to keep your generator when you sell your RV, invest in a generator that will remain reliable long-term, whether that’s for you or the next owner.
Appliances
You will likely want to replace your appliances once they’ve reached the 5-6 year mark. But if you’re timing when to sell your RV with when you replace appliances, it’s a definite benefit to have recently updated the appliances. Those purchasing a used RV will already be nervous about looming repairs, and it’s a guaranteed way to sway them towards purchasing the RV if they are less likely to have to replace appliances.
Additional Aftermarket Electronics
Other aftermarket electronic/electric items owners choose are things like portable generators, satellite television receivers and antennas, upgraded audio equipment, in-line power surge protectors, emergency automatic weather broadcast receivers, and similar electronic hardware.
Covers & Winterization Stock
Trailer covers are an important item for winterizing your RV, and you should consider these along with anything else in the winterization process to purchase and keep in stock prior to selling your RV. While not necessarily an upgrade, trailer and RV covers and similar investments not only protect your rig, but they demonstrate the care you’ve shown your RV when in your possession. This is a clear indicator you’ve been a good RV owner. And you should be!
Other items such as wheel chokes, security alarm devices, hitch locks, lighting features, and of course, a couple of jugs of RV anti-freeze are also popular items. For most of these, the RV owner’s motivation is adding to the needed utility hardware and protective off-season items. Then there is the walk-through of a large RV camping retail store such as Camping World. Here it is not only easy to find items you need, but also difficult to pass up items you really don’t need but want.
Shopping for RV Upgrades
I have owned a half dozen motorhomes since joining the RV lifestyle years ago. Like most RVers know, vehicle issues happen from time to time. Many of these problems require a visit to your dealer or O.E.M. service center. While the majority of RV owners find these repair visits inconvenient and somewhat boring, I really did not. I found them interesting and very informative and looked forward to them. Plus, I had an ulterior motive that made the trip worthwhile, or at least, much more enjoyable.
So, what was the delight I generally found in most of these RV service center shops? Well, in as much as having a technician repair or replace a failed component, like say an RV refrigerator control board, it is now no different than before it failed. In other words, the fridge works like it used to. No better, no worse. There is nothing exciting here, just same old.
For me, before I go to a service depot, I scope out their product line. What accessories or options do they handle? Upon studying the available products they sell I usually come up with an item or component I would love to add to my rig. It might be an automatic start kit for my generator, a back-up camera, a GPS navigation receiver, an awning, or a host of items. This is the perfect time for such purposes. After all, not only can you purchase a long-sought item, but it can be professionally installed now.
For me, this method worked well. Once I have done all the preliminary work of sourcing what I want and ordering it for installation at the same time, the service appointment becomes far more fun. Now I am looking forward to it. When I return after the service appointment, I will have something better than I did before.
Now, I know there are costs here to consider. But I would end up buying most of these add-ons one day anyway. Additionally, there are less expensive items and gadgets that can be just as fun to add and can brighten up an otherwise humdrum service day. Extended hotdog/marshmallow forks for around-the-fire evening snacks come to mind.
So, surprise your RV ride with a treat next time a shop trip is needed.
Campgrounds are the epicenter connecting RVers and outdoor enthusiasts with the outdoors in a fun, comfortable, and sustainable way. Here, we take a look at how one campground, Campland On the Bay, has built its business serving guests, creating a welcoming community, and cultivating culture for its employees and visitors.
Welcome to our three-part series highlighting a premier Good Sam campground, Campland On the Bay, in sunny San Diego, California, where they’ve provided memorable experiences for campers and their families for well over fifty years. This beachside campground creates a camper-first experience that lets them leave their troubles at the gate.
The relationship between campers and campgrounds is reciprocal. Campgrounds thrive when they provide an experience campers want to return to. And that’s why we’re taking a closer look at Campland On the Bay, exploring the steps they take to provide a remarkable experience for campers every time they visit.
For Campland On the Bay, an incredible camper experience starts with cultivating culture within.
Building the Right Team
At Campland On the Bay, “happy employees make happy guests.” And one of their main goals is to cultivate an internal culture where employees feel appreciated and see themselves as part of a bigger purpose. At any campground, how employees treat their guests correlates with return visits and customer satisfaction. That’s why Campland prioritizes creating an enjoyable environment for their employees, knowing, in turn, their guests will receive the same.
The leadership at Campland prides itself on employee retention, and they have employees who have stayed with the campground for multiple years and decades—a rarity in the hospitality industry. This has a direct impact on the camper experience. Many Campland employees have built relationships with returning guests and are on a first-name basis with them. Their management makes it a daily practice to walk the campground, interacting with both employees and guests.
Jacob Gelfand, COO of Terra Vista Management, which operates Campland On the Bay, says “It’s a really important part of our whole philosophy, to make sure this is a place that our team members wake up and want to come to work every morning, and they feel like they’re enjoying a fun experience alongside the guests.”
Community Involvement
Campgrounds can be an economic, environmental, and social boon to their local communities. By attracting tourists to their location, they help support local economies, bring awareness to natural and ecological attractions, and drive future growth as ambassadors for the campground and local community.
The better the campground’s relationship with its local community, the better it can support the visitor experience, and the entire ecosystem grows through reciprocity.
At Campland on the Bay, they are longstanding partners with their local community, and they believe that an essential part of creating a positive culture lies in a strong relationship with their community. In addition to supporting local environmental and educational non-profits, they involve the campers directly. Campland Cares gives visitors an opportunity to make a $1 per day donation (or alternative amount) that goes directly to non-profits that benefit the local community.
The Value of Campground Ownership and Management
For campgrounds and campground owners, knowing your value is critical to cultivating a positive culture internally. Camping has surged in popularity since the pandemic, and now many campgrounds across the country are booked solid for much of the camping season. For example, it’s common advice among the camper community to book early and plan ahead to acquire a campground reservation successfully.
The takeaway? People want to go camping. And campgrounds owe it to themselves to create an experience that meets camper expectations. Campgrounds with purposeful cultures communicate that value to their employees and leadership so they work towards the same goal of customer satisfaction.
Campgrounds are a valuable resource. RV campgrounds are among some of the most coveted asset classes in real estate, and the global camping and RV market is predicted to reach $69 billion this year and grow to over $100 billion by 2026.
In many ways, Campland On the Bay was a predecessor to the campground community and industry we know today. In the late 1960s, Campland and similar campgrounds helped define RVing and destination camping as a viable asset class, leading to opportunities for investment.
In our next installment, we cover how Campland On the Bay works to create a better customer experience. For campers, what experiences have you had at campgrounds that have improved your visit? For campground owners, what steps do you take to cultivate a positive culture? Leave your answer in the comments below.
Camping has entered a whole new era these past few years with the dawn of glamp camping. This style of camping isn’t like the olden days where you’d rough it in the woods, rather it’s a form of camping that brings hotel-like amenities into the wild.
That’s why we wanted to sit down and unpack glamping in a way that helps you see what it’s all about while getting you the tools to find a stay near you.
Let’s dig in and see what this new wave of glamorous camping is all about.
What is Glamp Camping?
Glamp on your next vacation.
Glamping (i.e. glamorous camping) is a form of luxury camping where you’re able to get into nature while still enjoying cozy amenities like plush beds, linens, kitchenettes, porches, decks, and more.
Some examples of glamp camping you might have heard of include tiny homes, luxury treehouses, safari tents, yurts, and beyond.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to different types of glamping. The only requirements are that it be in nature and that it offer more upscale amenities than traditional camping.
Different Ways to Glamp
As the glamping trend has grown, so too have the many different ways to glamp out. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the different styles:
Glamping Tents
Glamping tents are typically a more-permanent feature provided by the glamp campground.
These ain’t your grandpa’s tent. Glamping tents are a canvas oasis that usually feature a built structure with tent material. Inside, you’ll often find plush bedding, a kitchenette, and sometimes even your own private bathroom — in a tent!
Many glamping tents also feature covered decks so you can take your morning coffee with natural views. For example, the luxury tents at Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground in North Carolina are tucked in private wooded sites, come fully furnished, have covered porches, and feature plush beds.
Conestoga Wagons
Page Lake Powell Campground
Yep, you read that right. These rigs bring wild west luxury to your next glamping experience. They’ll often feature so many niceties that you’ll feel like you’re in a suite. We’re talking things like fine wood trimmings, large comfy beds, amply equipped bathrooms, heat and AC, sitting areas, and more. Take the wagons at Page Lake Powell Campground in Arizona. They fit right in with the scenic red rocks and cowboy vibes of the camp — all while bringing you the comforts of home.
Vintage Airstreams (and more)
Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort
Vintage camping trailers, lovingly restored, are an increasingly popular way to glamp. The beauty of this glamping style is that you get to experience RV life even if you don’t have an RV — and in an even more exciting way.
The vintage Airstreams at Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort show off the vibes of yesteryear, while still offering all of today’s best amenities.
Tiny Homes
Small wooden houses at a climbing camp, Shelter for the traveler, House with porch.
Glamp camping is a solid way to try out the tiny home movement. That’s because glampgrounds offer ‘tiny’ homes with a mighty slate of benefits.
Even though they call them tiny, many of these home rentals can sleep up to six comfortably and feature ingenious style and design that flows with the nature around it.
Clabough’s Campground in Pigeon Forge, TN offers up tiny homes with a patio deck and grill. So you can BBQ it up with the fam as you soak in views over the Great Smoky Mountains.
Enjoy amenities like this onsite pool before returning to your luxury tiny home
Yurts
Yurts are a comfortable middle ground between tents and cabins.
Yurts have a long history of providing versatile and durable shelter in any climate. This camping tradition has been transformed into a luxury glamping experience at sites all over the world. A Yurt is a circular structure that’s assembled much like a heavy duty wood frame tent. That wide open space gives glamp designers a bunch of space for creativity.
Cabin camping might’ve been around for eons, but glamp camping has taken cabins to a whole other level.
The cabins at the Red Apple Campground in Kennebunkport, ME are right near the Maine Coast and are built out like plush homes. This sort of a stay gives you the chance to plug into nature without ditching creature comforts.
Oh and at Red Apple, they’ll even deliver Maine Lobstahs right to your front door.
Benefits of Finding a Good Place to Glamp
The biggest benefit of glamping is that you get to experience the healing power of nature without getting too rustic. A good place to glamp will also offer unique furnishings that flow into the areas around them.
The other big benefit of glamping is that it lets you test the waters of camping in a comfy way. If you dig the idea of camping, but are nervous about roughing it too much, glamping is a great way to get part way there.
The other benefit of searching for and finding a good place to glamp is that you’ll be able to choose your own adventure.
Our Good Sam Pack and Stay Campgrounds, for example, provide options that you can discover with the whole family to stay in the sorts of spaces and places that work well for everyone.
Glamping: What to Expect and What to Bring
The beauty of most glamping sites is that you don’t have to bring anything more than you might to a hotel room. Cabins, luxury tents, yurts, tiny homes, and more will generally be stocked with the linens and toiletries needed for your stay.
Additionally, many glamping styles feature kitchens and BBQs so you’ll have the tools needed to create and share family meals.
When it comes to what you should expect during a glamping stay, this will depend on the type of glamping site you choose.
Established campgrounds around the country offer glamp camping options. When you glamp at an established campground, you’ll likely benefit from things like a clubhouse, sitewide WiFi, campground activities, and onsite staff.
If you choose a more remote or independent glamping site, you might find that it’s more basic and doesn’t feature the amenities of a campground. These sorts of glamping stays can still be magical, but it’s important to be aware of the limitations.
How to Find a Good Glampground and Glamp
The best place to start your glamping search is by checking out campgrounds in the area you’d like to travel to see if they offer glamping options. This way, you’ll know you’re in an established location that’s experienced at hosting folks looking to plug into nature.
For all other inquiries, look no further than the Good Sam Campground Directory, a comprehensive list of campgrounds (and glamgrounds) which allows you to search the glamping options at Good Sam campgrounds by state.
Other glamping options you might want to explore are unique stays on properties like ranches, wedding venues, and even private homes. Many of these stays will be listed on traditional short term rental websites.
It’s also important to note that glamping stays won’t always be called glamping.
Tiny homes, for example, are available for stays at many locations around the country. Because the tiny home movement hits on so many different themes, stays like these might be described in a different way, but they still offer the chance to experience glamping.
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Even if you have your own RV, glamp camping offers a new wave of travel that allows you to plug into nature in an entirely different way. Glamp stays are as unique as the people and places that host them. So if you’re looking for a new and creative way to stay outdoors, look no further than discovering your ideal way to glamp.
As temperatures trend hotter across the country, it’s a good time to think about how heat in general affects tire performance. Specifically, how heat and tire pressure are related. The relationship between the two might not be quite as straightforward as you might think. For example, what does it mean when you have one hot tire? We’ll cover the basics — like what happens to your tires when the outside temperature increases — as well as the importance of keeping close tabs on your tires’ pressure, temperature, and performance.
Tire pressure and tire longevity
As most of us know, an underinflated tire exposes more surface area of the tire to the pavement. And the friction this causes can quickly increase the temperature of the tire, compromising its integrity. A slightly underinflated tire will deteriorate far more quickly than a properly inflated tire. But the problem doesn’t stop there.
An overinflated tire also presents longevity issues. When a tire is overinflated, less surface area comes into contact with the pavement, which contributes to uneven wear as the force and weight of your vehicle fall on a smaller surface area.
This is why it’s crucial to maintain tire pressure in the Goldilocks zone — not overinflated, not underinflated. This is an easy enough task when you regularly check the tire pressure, and it’s a great practice to make your tires last longer. But what happens when your tires are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations as you travel? Both overinflation and underinflation put your tires at risk, and it becomes increasingly difficult to moderate the changes during hot summer months.
What should tire pressure be in hot weather?
As a general rule, your tire pressure increases as the outside temperature increases. Gas expands when heated, and your tires will be under higher pressure the hotter it gets. How much? For tires, a change of 10 degrees in temperature will affect the PSI by 1-2 degrees. The hotter the temperature, the higher the PSI. So, on colder mornings when you check the tire pressure, think about how the temperature increase throughout the day will change the PSI.
With some parts of the country regularly hitting 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit, your tires could face significant pressurization changes. As the heat increases — and as you drive over hot surfaces and create additional heat through friction — your tires are at risk of becoming overinflated. Add in a bumpy road or a road hazard, and you face a serious risk of a blowout.
Why one hot tire?
Tire problems manifest themselves in many different ways, but what happens when the problem you’re having is out of the ordinary? For example, a gentleman told me recently his coach had blown the right inside dual three different times, and it only had 20,000 miles on it. The chassis builder replaced the first tire, but after that, they wouldn’t replace it again. They had apparently checked it out several times, but couldn’t find anything wrong with it.
Since he said the tire/wheel assembly is hotter than the same one on the other side, I suggested he record those temperatures and document them. What I think is happening with this particular situation is that the hose from the inside wheel that allows filling from the outside wheel is leaking, draining the air out of the inside dual. When it gets low on air, it develops a tremendous amount of heat and friction that eventually blows the tire. (If you have a set of these hoses on your coach, check them to make sure they are not leaking, and check the tire pressure on your inner tires frequently.)
Solutions for a single hot tire
One of the things we recommend is a full steel stem (not flexible). It comes out of the inner dual that curves toward the outside. When it comes to rotate your tires, you may have to dismount it at the tire and wheel because the stem is meant to stay on that inside dual position. I think you may be able to rotate it to the front wheel as well.
There’s another product called the Crossfire Dual, which attaches both the tires and wheels together to a common filling point, and equalizes the pressure between the two tires. Typically the inner runs hotter, which builds pressure up. This is due to the fact that the inner tires are closer to the brake drums and don’t have the same air circulation as the outers do.
The Crossfire uses a color-coded gauge that makes it easy to see if the pressure has gone too high or too low. If there is a blowout or if pressure drops more than 10 psi between the two tires, it shuts off the airflow between the two wheels so both won’t go flat. They do weigh quite a bit, though, so I would recommend re-balancing the wheels to compensate for the weight offset even though the product mounts near the center point of the hub.
Heat is a sign of resistance. An underinflated tire is one cause, but so is a dragging brake drum, a bad bearing, etc. For this reason, I think an infrared heat gun is another invaluable tool for diagnosing a hot tire or tire/wheel assembly.
Tire pressure monitoring system
Whether you’re facing heat fluctuations due to a mechanical failure — like a tire leaking air pressure and causing more friction — or because the temperature outside is heating up, you need to be able to detect changes as they occur. And, for tires, there’s nothing better than investing in a reliable tire pressure monitoring system that includes a temperature reader as well. This way, you can make inferences based on tire pressure and heat and make needed adjustments before you run into a flat.
Stay proactive about your tire’s conditions and the conditions you expose your tires to. That includes equipping yourself with the right precautions for the event of flat or damaged wheels and tires. For this, trust Good Sam Tire & Wheel Protection to quickly get you back on the road without a bill.
Tools to manage repairs on your own and a roadside assistance plan when you require help beyond what you can tackle yourself — no RVer’s rig is complete without both of these critical emergency options. Good Sam Roadside Assistance helps you get back on the road when the job requires professional help.
Over the years, I’ve talked to plenty of folks who wanted to hit the open road, but were afraid of what might go wrong. Traveling in an RV, particularly one that’s old enough to vote, has more than its share of headaches. Parts that have been plugging along since the Clinton administration finally snap. Brittle belts break. Tiny squeaks suddenly turn into big bangs. Further into the RV, sinks drip, toilets leak, fans stop spinning. But no one should let these problems stop them from creating awesome memories with their families.
Everyone who owns an RV should be prepared for the inevitable. Thankfully when good RVs go bad, having roadside assistance and the proper tools in your vehicle will stop most situations from getting worse.
An ounce of prevention, a pound of cure
If you take away anything else from this article, let it be this: Don’t neglect your routine maintenance. If you change your oil/brakes/filters when you’re supposed to and react to any out-of-the-ordinary noises or lights on the dash when they arise, you’ll avoid so many problems. I learned my lesson about neglecting maintenance.
A few years ago, I was in the midst of a trip through the Dakotas. The pulleys holding my serpentine belt in place typically squeaked for a moment or three when starting my van, but over the course of the trip, the period grew longer and longer. It got to the point the squealing lasted 10 or 20 minutes. I knew something was wrong, but I put off stopping by a local Firestone until I had an off day in my planned itinerary. I was literally passing by Mount Rushmore when fate decided my off day was right now.
Courtesy of Camping World
I heard a loud pop, then banging under the hood. My power steering was gone and I had to muscle the van into a parking lot. With Teddy Roosevelt looking on, I phoned roadside assistance and relayed my situation. Despite it being the middle of the night, the operator told me she was dispatching a flatbed. She was as honest as Abe, because the driver arrived relatively soon thereafter. Not only was my serpentine belt shredded, but the driver also discovered I was missing a bolt to one of my shocks, which explained the bumpy ride I’d had in the Badlands days earlier.
Thankfully I was towed to a garage that was used to dealing with traveling RVers; they had me back on the road before lunch the next day. While I hadn’t budgeted the cost of the repair, I was doubly lucky that it was less than I anticipated. If I didn’t have roadside assistance, I know that bill would have been much higher. (Of course, replacing the belt and pulleys beforehand would have been even cheaper.)
The benefits of Good Sam Roadside Assistance (and tools)
I consider the money I spend on roadside assistance each year kind of like an anti-anxiety prescription. It eases my mind knowing that when things go wrong – and they inevitably will – help is just a phone call away. If I’m on a distant Forest Service road and something goes wrong, I know I can call Good Sam Roadside Assistance and get towed back to a service center. I’ve changed dozens of tires in my life, but what if my spare has lost air since the last time I checked it? Good Sam can not only bring a new tire to me, but they’ll also replace it. (There is an extra fee for this, of course.) Running on empty, gambling if I can make it to the next Loves selling gas 25 cents cheaper per gallon and lose? Good Sam Roadside Assistance will be the good Samaritan, bringing me gas.
If there’s an issue inside the coach, Good Sam’s certified master technicians can give free, over-the-phone diagnoses and troubleshooting. But in order to fix those problems, you’re going to need your own tools (or take your RV to the garage). Since I’ve owned my Roadtrek, I’ve replaced the ceiling fan, toilet, galley sink, and even the sewer hose. (Twice on that last one; you can say I have … crappy luck. Cue rimshot.)
Keeping a roadside toolkit
So what tools should you bring with you on every trip?
Screwdriver with a variety of bits: Honestly, I typically carry both a handheld screwdriver and a 12V Black & Decker drill/driver. Both have come in handy on several occasions over the years. The multiple bits are crucial; I’ve helped out one or two folks on the road who hadn’t realized that their RV used specialized screws.
Wrenches and a Socket Set: So many items in your RV are held together by bolts and nuts; you need to remove them somehow.
Can of either WD-40 or liquid Teflon: If you haven’t removed a part in 20+ years, you can bet that it’s not going to budge without a little bit of convincing.
Tape Measure: Measure twice, only go to Camping World or hardware store for a replacement part once. (Who am I kidding? Every time I do a project, I’m usually heading back three or four times.)
Package of common fuses: I’ve only had to break into the box once or twice over the years, but on those rare occasions, you better believe I’m glad I have replacements on hand.
Gorilla Tape: One of the side windows lost adhesion and almost fell off. I used Gorilla Tape to hold it in place until I made a more permanent repair … nearly two years later. I use Gorilla Tape all the time, and it’s rarely let me down.
Mobile Jumpstarter/Tire inflator: My van is old enough that the front headlights don’t automatically turn off with the vehicle. Needless to say, I need to jump my battery a few times a year. While jump starts are included in Good Sam’s roadside assistance, I’m usually camping somewhere where it would take a driver a while to reach me. A jumpstarter solves that issue.
Flashlight/Headlamp: I’m an old man now, and my eyesight isn’t as good as it once was. A good flashlight or headlight is a necessity whenever I’m looking under the vehicle or hood.
I love that many of the problems that pop up, I can fix myself or with the help of a YouTube video or two. When the cheap particleboard tambour cabinet door finally gave out, a DIY tutorial on the app showed me how to build a brand new, stronger tambour. Doing it myself gave me a sense of pride and true ownership than if I’d simply paid for a replacement. Likewise, every time I use the toilet or dump the black tank, I smile knowing I did those repairs myself. (OK, that may be an exaggeration.) If I can do it, believe me, you can too.
RVing lakeside — it’s hard to beat. Depending on the location, you get the best of both worlds, enjoying the comforts of your RV while in close proximity to waterfront entertainment like beaches, swimming, and boating. And, during summers as hot as these, escaping to the water for a swim makes the heat more manageable. But not all campgrounds near lakes offer the same experience, and it’s an important consideration before booking just any lakeside campground.
Let’s explore how to find lakeside campgrounds, what to look for in a great campground by the lake, and what to bring to complete the experience.
What are lakeside campgrounds?
Proximity matters, especially when choosing a lakeside campground. While looking for a campground near a lake, make sure you research how far you actually are from the water. If you imagine a beach within walking distance, verify before booking.
For those with a boat who plan to launch onto the water, this is less of a concern. You’re driving already. But if you want to hike or walk to the waterfront, some campgrounds listed as “lakeside” may be a mile or more from your campground, and that might be a dealbreaker, depending on your aims.
Secondly, consider access. Not all public freshwater lakes will have public access, and not all lakeside campgrounds will have direct access to the lake either. Private residences or businesses may control the waterfront.
Seek out campgrounds that include some lakeside terrain within campground limits or that promote their own beach. Otherwise, search for the nearest public access. If all else fails, it’s worth calling the campground to investigate further. Locals will always have a better take on access, availability, and recommendations.
If you don’t plan to swim or hit the beach, you may still find value in lakeside campgrounds that offer excellent views.
What to look for in campgrounds near lakes
Whether you own a boat or not will determine much of what you look for in a lakeside campground. (It also depends on what type of boat — sailboat vs speedboat, for example).
For boaters, make sure that the lake is an adequate size for boating. Also, ensure there is an accessible launch ramp — just as you would check anywhere else. Finding a campground near a boat ramp will save you time.
The campground in the state you are visiting may have different regulations for boaters, so be sure to research and adhere to local regulations. Beyond this, you will experience different boating rules lake to lake. Some prohibit certain engines, boat types, noise levels, and more. If you plan to boat, know beforehand what regulations exist. In rare conditions, boaters are required to have a license.
For those that kayak or canoe, look for a lakeside campground with a lake that is restrictive to boat and engine types. Otherwise, the effort of loading and strapping down your paddle boats will be for naught. Even better, seek out “no motor” lakes, meaning you’ll have the water to yourselves and other kayakers and canoers.
If you aren’t boating, identify a public swimming area or beach before booking a campsite. Otherwise, you might be out of luck, limited to less-than-ideal lookouts and no swimming opportunities. In fact, some campgrounds prohibit wading or swimming. Know what your campground allows before booking.
If the campground does have a beach or public swimming area, determine your comfort zone when it comes to capacity. Many lakeside campgrounds with public swimming access areas get especially crowded during peak season. Call ahead if this is a worry to inquire what their busiest months look like on the water.
How to find lake campgrounds near me
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Now that you have tools to evaluate campgrounds near lakes, let’s explore how to locate all the options available for lakeside camping.
For Good Sam Members, you’ll ideally find a Good Sam campground where you can make use of the 10% booking discount. Plus, the Good Sam comprehensive online directory makes finding a lakeside, riverside, or boat-friendly campground easy!
You can manually search through all results for campgrounds in the zip code or city/state where you’re camping, or you can make use of the “Boating Fun” category, which will provide a list of all campgrounds with marinas, boat access, or near lakes or rivers.
Once you narrow down your location, you can browse campgrounds and learn more about what each offers in regard to boating, swimming, or general water recreation.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina carves out a corner of tranquility in a bustling Southern California beach community right in the heart of Newport Beach. Guests can dip their toes in the sands of the peaceful Newport Dunes Lagoon or get out on the calm water on an SUP, kayak, or electric Duffy boat. The highly-rated (9.5/10*/9) resort’s camping sites let guests unwind and relax in a beach environment, with a slew of amenities just a short stroll away.
But rollicking adventure is never far away. Kids can cavort on the floating play structures in the lagoon, while grownups can sip tasty cocktails at the beachfront bar while enjoying the ocean breeze. Beyond the resort, world-class dining, boating, shopping, and family adventures await throughout Orange County. Beach bums, retail mavens, and boating enthusiasts will find a reason to stay at Newport Dunes.
Poolside Cabana at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Water, Water Everywhere
Newport Dunes occupies a large area on the banks of its horseshow-shaped lagoon. The resort makes the most out of this prized waterfront real estate with all the perks you’ll need for a first-class stay. This is Newport, after all, ranked as one of the wealthiest cities in Orange County. Appropriately, Newport Dunes makes guests feel pampered and relaxed.
Water recreation is a big deal here, and the resort invites guests to a dip in its Resort Pool Complex, including a 200-square-foot wading pool, a 1,650-square-foot heated pool, and two in-ground spas with massage jets. Lux poolside cabanas include a covered lounge area with living-room-style seating, a ceiling fan, Wi-Fi access, privacy drapes, lounge chairs, and an extended sunbathing area.
Floating play structures in the Newport Dunes Lagoon offshore of the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Need more room to splash? Newport’s lagoon dishes out several recreation possibilities. Vacationers can dive into the lagoon’s designated swimming area, monitored by lifeguards. The resort’s inflatable water park keeps younger bathers busy for hours, with more than a dozen inflatable play structures — including slides, trampolines, and climbing structures — floating close to the shores.
Ride the Tides
Newport Dunes rents out small watercraft to campers and the public. Boaters can stay in the calm waters of the lagoon or venture out into Newport Harbor beyond.
Paddleboards are popular, and the tranquil lagoon is a great place for beginners to have fun and develop their skills. The same goes for the kayaks and paddleboats for rent; tool around the harbor and get some exercise in the bargain.
Renting a Duffy Boat from Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Families can rent 21-foot electric-powered Duffy boats for leisurely cruises out into the harbor.
Bring Your Boat
Boaters who tow their own watercraft will find ample accommodations at Newport Dunes’ Marina. Launch your craft on a wide lane launching ramp. The resort’s launch service helps speed up the process with a custom vehicle. Boaters can use the private wash rack set up for launch customers, and staff will assist with charging batteries or putting air in tires.
Guests who want to extend their boating fun can rent slips for daily or weekly stays. Moor your boat in single-loaded berths from 22 to 46 feet with 30- and 50-amp electrical service, water, phone, and TV hookups.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Once you’ve launched your boat, you can explore the 52 square miles of harbor waterway. While cruising, sailors can gaze at the shore, lined with compelling waterfront architecture. Take a day trip to Balboa Island, known for its colorful boardwalk lined with mom-and-pop shops. You’ll also find plenty of enticing restaurants along the harbor’s coastline.
For even bigger horizons, take the harbor channel out to the Pacific Ocean and drop a line for Calico Bass and California Halibut.
Beachcombing and Big Waves
Visitors who prefer beachcombing over boating will find plenty of shorelines to explore. On the ocean side of the Balboa Peninsula, sun-seekers will relish the long stretches of sand that include Newport Beach Municipal Beach and Balboa Beach. Soak in the rays and take a dip in sparkling water, with plenty of room to lay out a towel and chill.
Surfing on the Wedge. Photo: Danny Avila
Lovers of extreme adventure should check out the infamous Wedge at the very tip of the peninsula near the harbor entrance. In favorable conditions, waves here have been known to top 30 feet. Only experienced surfers and body surfers need apply.
Hot Deals Near the Harbor
Less than two miles east of Newport Dunes, the Fashion Island complex expertly blends retail therapy with fine dining. Discover top brands in stores like Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. Dining selections include the RED O Taste of Mexico, known for elevated Mexican cuisine and gourmet cocktails, along with JOEY Newport Beach, which serves up succulent steaks in a contemporary setting. The red Fashion Island Trolley transports visitors around the area.
The Fashion Island Trolley near Neiman Marcus. Photo Dave Lowe
Theme Parks Aplenty
Newport Dunes sits just 29 miles south of Disneyland and California Adventure, two of the most popular theme parks in the U.S. If you want to expand your horizons beyond Mickey and the Matterhorn ride, head just 20 miles northeast to Knott’s Berry Farm, along with the Knott’s Soak City Water Park. Nearby, the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament entertains guests with meals and jousting fun.
Also nearby are Adventure City, the Balboa Fun Zone, and Giant Wheel at the Irvine Spectrum Center.
Camping at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
After a day of adventure, guests can find plenty of comfort in Newport Dunes. The park’s 281 available spaces each have a patio and table, and there’s enough room for slideouts. Shaded spaces are available as well. From their sites, guests can connect to Wi-Fi that supports mobile devices. Don’t have an RV? Stay in one of the 27 well-appointed cottages and cabin rentals.
Cottage at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
Ice, restroom, showers, RV supplies, and a snack bar keep guests content. Canine campers will appreciate the dog run, although the park has some restrictions on breeds.
The resort’s activity calendar is packed with pursuits that range from arts and crafts to movies on the beach. Grab a bit to eat at Moe B’s Munchies and order a hand-shaken margarita at the beachfront bar. Bask in the tranquility of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina.
Every year, thousands of RVers make their way northbound on I-75 from Gainesville, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, whether as a single trip, along the snowbirds’ trek back north, or as a leg along any given road trip.
If done right, this five-hour drive is one you can look forward to, including stops at state parks, museums, natural landscapes, and a Love’s Travel Stop that’s perfect for RVers everywhere. Don’t miss these great roadside destinations next time you travel from Gainesville to Atlanta.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Less than an hour into your trip, enjoy hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Or stop in the museum there and learn about the folk music icon who wrote “Old Folks at Home” about the scenic Suwannee River that runs through the park.
While it may be a little soon for a rest stop, this park is a great, lesser-known attraction worth a visit. Check the schedule to see if your trip aligns with any music events hosted at this location. And, if not, just head up the interstate and visit the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park and Campground.
Not far from the culture center are two other incredibly beautiful designated areas: Big Shoals Wildlife Management Area and Suwannee Valley Conservation Area. And if you happen to miss these spots altogether, the drive continues along the Suwannee River, adjacent to the Woods Ferry Conservation Area. So you’re sure to see some beautiful spots still along the way.
Suwannee River State Park
Traveling with a history buff, or consider yourself one? The Suwannee River State Park might be the perfect outdoor adventure stopover on your way north from Gainesville. See Civil War-era fortifications still evident in the park where Confederate soldiers built embankments to defend against Union Navy gunboats.
While trails in the area provide ample opportunity for hiking, birding, bicycling, and picnicking, spots like the old Stagecoach Road and the railroad bridge that marks the site of the Battle of Olustee are historic sites you won’t want to miss.
Lake Blackshear
Swamp at Lake Blackshear in Cordele, Georgia
There’s nothing better than breaking up a longer drive — like from Gainesville to Atlanta — with a quick stop off the highway to sightsee natural landmarks. While Lake Blackshear is an artificial lake, there are some key details about this in-between outdoor excursion that make it a unique and worthy stopping point.
Covering approximately 8500 acres, Lake Blackshear was formed by creating the Crisp County Power Dam, which flooded the area and submerged countless trees, among them many Cypress trees that remain alive and rise from the waterline in several places across the lake. A favorite of boaters and fishermen, Lake Blackshear is approximately a fifteen-minute drive of I-75 when you exit for Cordele.
Love’s RV Stop
Courtesy of Love’s
You might just make Cordele a destination of its own, given the nearby lake and the conveniently located Love’s RV Stop – 801, a perfect spot to refuel, hook up to power and electricity, and stay the night. After all, with this many destinations along one stretch of highway, it might make sense to stop and rest here for the night and use your added free time to explore nearby destinations. If you are a Good Sam Member, you can make use of your 10% discount at any Love’s RV stop. Prices generally range between $37-$48 a night. To reserve your spot, use the Love’s app or reserve at their website.
Love’s now offers over 30 locations nationwide that provide RV hookups and various RV amenities. Amenities vary by location, but here you can enjoy Wi-Fi, paved spots, full hookups, laundry, restrooms and showers, a dog park, and more.
Learn more about Love’s locations that offer RV services, including hookups, amenities, and affordable nightly rates. Love’s continues to add RV locations across the country, so be sure to check to see if there’s a Love’s at your next stopover.
Museum of Aviation
Situated on 51 acres adjacent to the Robins Air Force Base, the Museum of Aviation is an educational, entertaining pitstop to help break up your drive.
It is the second-largest museum in the United States Air Force and features indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing aircraft throughout its history, including favorites such as the SR-71 Blackbird, the AC-130A Spectre, and the famous B-29 Superfortress.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
The park is a prehistoric American Indian site that features mounds that were built over 12,000 years ago for those civilization’s elite. Now, it’s a popular destination for those with an interest in archeology, Native Indiana history, and prehistoric sites.
The park features a museum that has on display over 2,000 artifacts found within the area. In fact, this location was the site of the largest dig ever conducted in the United States where over 800 men discovered over 2.5 million artifacts between the years of 1933 and 1936. With found artifacts such as pottery, arrowheads, tools, instruments, metals, and more, they were able to better piece together a timeline of who lived on the Macon Plateau.
For those with a knack for history, you’ll find both this park interesting from both a prehistoric perspective as well as a US history perspective, as it was also the site of two major battles in the Civil War.
Additional Stops Along the Way?
These are just a few of the many stopover options along your way from Gainesville to Atlanta. But along this five-hour stretch of highway, there’s even more to do, including the following options you might want to include in your itinerary:
Get truly off the grid and experience the backcountry of Oregon with an adventure into the Owyhee Canyonlands, also known as The Grand Canyon of Oregon, carved by the Owyhee River, a favorite trip for geologist-turned-river guide K.M. Collins.
Combining the first initial of each state, the southeast corner of Oregon and its companion lands in Idaho and Nevada are affectionately referred to by locals as ION. Wrapping like a ribbon through the volcanic and sedimentary bedrock of the basin and range province, the Owyhee River carves what’s known as the Grand Canyon of Oregon.
Dating back to the pioneers of yore, vistas revealing lonely mesas, towering walls of welded ash, and the stacked stratified layers of ancient lake beds have hypnotized and enchanted visitors. As a geologist gone rogue river guide, here are a few of my favorite haunts and hideouts in the desolate yet inviting Owyhee backcountry.
Leslie Gulch Owyhee Canyonlands
Photo courtesy of Krystal Collins
Imagine a landscape formed by the eruption of a vanished volcano. The terrain surrounding Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern is etched and piled high with ashy volcanics which exploded forth from what was once Mahogany Mountain caldera. Strewn in the air only to rain back down, the scene is that of an epic Mad Max-style desert-scape riddled with sharp spires and formations. All this adjacent to a seasonal reservoir.
Leslie Gulch Reservoir
A can’t-miss itinerary is base-camping at Succor Creek beside the reservoir and exploring the many nearby gulches. While wandering in and out of red canyon walls and hoodoos, look for wildlife like big horn sheep, mule deer, coyote, California quail, and numerous species of birds of prey. Seasonally wildflowers like arrowroot, sand lilies, and larkspur will dance in the breeze on talus slopes. There are days and weeks of exploration available from this zone.
The boat ramp at Leslie Gulch serves as a takeout for whitewater rafters exploring the 67-mile spring river journey, which starts in nearby Rome, Oregon (more on this below).
If you travel through Jordan Valley, the closest refuel southeast of Leslie Gulch, stop in at Skinners Rockhouse Coffee, one of the only eateries for miles and miles. Excellent coffee, fantastic breakfast burritos and many trinkets and gifts are available from this adorable shop. Take a photo in front of the inventive custom mileage sign out front.
Photo courtesy of Krystal Collins
Birch Creek Ranch
Drop down from the desert rim into a windy and unimproved road many hundreds of feet to the bottom of the Owyhee Canyon. Here lies the oasis of Birch Creek Ranch, first formed at the turn of the 20th century by Basque shepherds and later a West Virginian Cattle Rancher.
On the National Registry of Historic Places, traditional Basque stone walls, a water wheel, and almost 20 individual structures hint at a rural, homesteading lifestyle from another time. With two distinct home units a mile apart on a dirt road, Acordagoitia House and Morrison Ranch, both with root cellars, corrals, barns, shops, and other outbuildings, one could easily fill a day with plenty to discover on the Birch Creek Ranch. Owyhee River camping is offered up the drainage from the ranch about a mile.
The Grave of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau
An infamous Oregon and Wild West legend, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was born to French Canadian interpreter Toussaint Charbonneau and Sacagawea, the Shoshone Guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. He is the only child to ever appear on US currency. At age 61, after being educated in Europe and careers in fur trapping, trading, and military scouting, Charbonneau was headed north from California to Montana motivated by a gold strike.
While underway at an Owyhee River crossing, he fell in the icy waters, was transported to Inskip Stage Station, and, in 1866, died of pneumonia. His grave was forgotten until 1960 and was eventually logged as a Registered National Historic Place in 1973. The location of the grave is called Danner, though there is no town, only cattle and a cenotaph marker.
Coffee Pot Crater
One of the volcanic processes the Owyhee country region is famous for is basalt eruptions and flows. Coffeepot Craters is the site of one of the youngest lava flows in Oregon dated to 3,200 years ago. There are four unique craters identifiable within the Jordan Crater complex. In fact a lack of colonized lichen on other olivine-rich samples suggest an individual flow in the complex may be as young as 100 years old. During this family-friendly 1.6-mile loop hike – with plenty of side spurs, travelers will experience the distinctive texture and patterns indicative of lava rock.
To access this spot, a 26-mile road must be traversed, requiring 4-wheel/all-wheel drive. It’s best to avoid it after recent rain.
Pillars of Rome
Pillars of Rome, near Jordan, Oregon
Located a short drive outside of Rome, Oregon, the put-in for the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River journey, the Pillars of Rome are a gorgeous, easily accessed roadside attraction. Stacked stratified layers of ancient lake bed sediment pile up with striking continuity across the horizon. Named for their prominent similarity to Grecian ruins like the Coliseum, forum, and pantheon, the white-walled cliffs mimic stately Roman design. They are a popular hangout for avian passers-by along the Pacific Flyway. The most impressive is the Sandhill Crane who stops in nearby Malheur Wildlife Refuge to mate and rear its young seasonally. When these beauties fly over at the Cliffs of Rome, they announce their presence with the most fantastic calls and songs.
Owyhee River camping is available across the bridge at the Rome Wild and Scenic Owyhee River launch site. The best eatery and lodging is at Rome Station, a can’t-miss one-horse town center.
Owyhee River Rafting
Photo courtesy of Krystal Collins
Although Owyhee Country is full of sights to see accessible by automobile, experiencing the region from the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River Canyon while rafting is an incredible way to witness its grandeur. In fact pairing a road trip with a commercial river trip is ideal. If you’d like to travel the terrain of Owyhee Country by raft, Northwest Rafting Company provides premiere whitewater adventures to novices and experienced boaters alike.
Owyhee River Camping
(Editor’s Note)
Camping and visiting places like Owyhee Canyonlands require preparation and research. Have a specific plan before leaving and consult safety resources before hiking or traveling in remote areas like this. If you plan to travel to the Owyhee Canyonlands, make sure you top off your gas or diesel and consider packing reserve fuel. Once you leave, Owyhee lacks amenities and services.
Camping opportunities around the Owyhee River are mostly primitive, and if you plan to RV to travel to this area, you will need to employ some expert-level boondocking skills. But southeastern Oregon provides a truly unique experience for travelers, and you can always set up basecamp or overnight rest stops at some of the Good Sam campgrounds in the general area. While you will still need to plan at least a half day’s drive to visit Owyhee, it’s helpful to plan backcountry excursions from the vantage of a comfortable campground. Campground options might include:
Recreational vehicles are growing in popularity with adventurers of all ages and fifth wheel RVs are perfect if you want to quickly hook up and take off. Whether you like to keep camping simple at your local campgrounds and state parks, you are a recent retiree who wants to hit the open road and explore or you are ready to splurge on luxury, there are fifth wheel floor plans for every need.
A fifth wheel is a home on wheels that offers the most spacious accommodations and luxurious amenities of any other type of towable RV. Unlike a motorhome, fifth wheels tow behind a heavy-duty truck, giving you more mobility than a Class A or Class C RV. Fifth wheel RVs are also a cost-effective alternative to the expensive and ongoing costs associated with hotel lodging, eating at restaurant and traveling by air.
Fifth wheels are great for larger families and for those who want some privacy while camping. The roomy interiors are also perfect for hosting get-togethers with friends and family. Additionally, they offer a smoother driving experience with less sway, so they work well for longer trips.
Fifth wheels are split-level RVs that must be towed by a truck with a special hitch. Typically, a fifth wheel will have a living space or bunk area on the lower level and a private bedroom that hangs over the truck bed. Fifth wheel RVs are available in all sorts of styles and sizes. The smallest fifth wheels have less than six feet of headroom and are just large enough to squeeze in a wet bath. The largest fifth wheels weigh tens of thousands of pounds and must be towed with a semi-truck cab.
Fifth wheel travel trailers are great because they offer both the flexibility of a towable vehicle, as well as the comfort and luxury of super-sized RVs. If you plan to spend more time on the road, then you will want to make sure you have enough space for long comfortable trips, as well as some amenities for those rainy days. Even if you’re only a weekend warrior, a fifth wheel gives you plenty of extra leg room to feel comfortable anywhere the road may lead. If you have a family with children, a fifth wheel can give you a little bit of extra privacy.
What are the primary differences between fifth wheels, travel trailers and toy haulers?
When it comes to choosing between travel trailers versus fifth wheels, there are not many differences. Instead of thinking of it as fifth wheels being better or travel trailers being better, it’s more about fit and which kind of RV best suits how you want to travel.
Travel Trailers
Fifth wheels and travel trailers vary greatest when it comes to length. They are available in a bigger range of lengths — from 12 to 35 feet. You can get the same roomy feel of a fifth wheel with a large travel trailer, but you also have the option to go much smaller. The smaller options allow you to tow with a smaller vehicle, like an SUV or light pickup truck. In other cases, you may be able to tow with a mid-size truck rather than a full-size truck. On average, a fifth wheel weighs somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds. In contrast, travel trailers tend to weigh 3,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Fifth wheels have an unparalleled amount of storage compared to other types of RVs. The longer an RV, the more outdoor storage bays it has available. In addition to more exterior storage bays, fifth wheels are often equipped with a basement of sorts. This term refers to large pass-through areas that can accommodate long items, such as paddles, surfboards, etc.
Additionally, fifth wheels have the greatest variety of floor plans. The placement of slide-outs can make a huge difference.
Toy Haulers
The main difference between toy haulers and fifth wheels is seen inside the RV. With a toy hauler, you will have a large garage space that often transforms into a living area with couches or beds when not being used to haul toys and gear. With a toy hauler, it’s not just about living in or camping. It’s also about getting your golf cart, ATV, motorcycle, dirt bikes or other toys to the campground.
Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and, therefore, can be much heavier. The dry weight for the average toy hauler is around 10,000 pounds, but models can range from 4,000 pounds up to 15,000 pounds. If you’re a traveling family, the extra space in the garage will provide additional sleeping areas for the kids and an indoor play area. The garage can also be converted to a space for homeschooling a young family. Furthermore, pets are another reason you might choose a toy hauler. The garage area is a great place to bring your wet, sandy or muddy pets inside, but still keep the dirt under control.
How big are fifth wheels?
Fifth wheel RVs often stretch anywhere from 30 to 45 feet in length. Many families opt for fifth wheels because they’re usually some of the largest travel trailers. Fifth wheels can vary widely in weight, with the smallest starting at around 2,400 pounds and going up to 24,000 pounds. It’s critical to have a heavy-duty truck — and a fifth wheel hitch — to tow them.
Unfortunately, not every fifth wheel will fit in any RV park. Many older parks have not updated their campsites to reflect the length of newer RVs. Even some national park campgrounds can’t accommodate an RV more than 30 feet long. If you plan to stay in state parks and national parks often, you may want to consider a short fifth wheel. Many RV parks across North America can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long, but be aware that those spaces may be limited. Make reservations in advance.
Is a fifth wheel easy to tow?
While travel trailers attach to your vehicle using the conventional hitch ball system found on most trucks and SUVs, fifth wheels use a special hitch which can only attach to the bed of a pickup truck. Because fifth wheels tend to be larger and heavier than travel trailers, you’ll need a truck with a high towing capacity. Before purchasing an RV, check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the fifth wheel and compare it to your truck’s towing capacity. If the GVWR is heavier than the towing capacity, you’ll either need a bigger truck or a smaller RV.
That said, many people find that towing a fifth wheel is easier than towing a travel trailer because of the way it is hitched.
Where can you go camping in a fifth wheel?
Due to their size and weight, fifth wheels are best suited for a campground or a campsite that is easy to access. Most of these trailers are not equipped for wandering too far off-road, although that doesn’t mean they can’t be used for boondocking in a remote location. You’ll just need to choose the right place to accommodate a towable RV of this size.
Most fifth wheels come with fresh, gray and black water tanks, but they can vary widely in size. Some tanks as large as 75 gallons, which provide plenty of capacity for camping off-the-grid for an extended period.
Who are typical fifth wheel owners?
Trailing only conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels are the second most popular RV types, accounting for 20% of RV owners. An RV Owner Demographic Profile from Go RVing shows young families make up 27%of fifth wheel owners, while 34% are Millennials or Gen Zs and 24 percent are first-time owners.
Fifth wheels are, on average, used roughly 30 days out of the year. They are used most often in summer (85%), followed by fall (61%), spring (50%) and winter (36%). Just over half of fifth wheel owners prefer to stay at private campgrounds or state parks, while a little more than a third favor national parks or campgrounds.
In terms of demographics, 46% are between the ages of 18 to 34, while 54% are ages 55 and older. 59% of those with a fifth wheel are female, and 41% are male.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a fifth wheel?
Popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts, fifth wheels make it easy to take the whole family camping in comfort. Outfitted with numerous amenities and features, these RVs quickly become your home away from home.
Advantagesof owning a fifth wheel
Tow Vehicle Doubles as Transportation
When you purchase an RV, it only serves one purpose. Very rarely would you drive your RV around town to run errands. Additionally, once you set up camp with an RV, you don’t want to break everything down to run back into town or to access a nearby lake or trailhead. Conversely, with a fifth wheel, the truck that tows your RV can double as transportation both during and after a trip. When you are in-between camping trips, your truck can also act as a primary vehicle while your RV is stored.
Safe Towing Option
One of the benefits of a fifth wheel versus many travel trailers is how much safer they are to operate. A fifth wheel holds the weight of the RV in the bed of your truck. This makes it easier to maneuver the RV and increases the stability of the fifth wheel when in motion.
For large families, a fifth wheel is the perfect choice. Most fifth wheels feature a lofted sleeping space above the truck bed. This extra space is typically designed as a primary bedroom or a multi-bunk area. Additionally, fifth wheels frequently feature slide-outs, which can be equipped with even more sleeping options.
Versatility in Amenities Offered
There’s no limit to the amenities a fifth wheel can offer. The large body space provides ample room to host all of the extras. If you want to take your dream kitchen on the road, or if you cannot do without your own personal bathroom, a fifth wheel is an excellent choice.
Less Vehicle Maintenance
When you purchase a motorhome, such as a Class A, B or C, you commit to upkeep on a second motorized vehicle. This means double the oil changes, fluid flushes and general vehicle upkeep. With a fifth wheel, you only need to perform maintenance on your truck towing the RV. While there are still some maintenance tasks associated with owning a fifth wheel, such as replacing tires as needed and keeping moving parts lubricated, there is far less maintenance than a traditional motorhome.
Disadvantagesof owning a fifth wheel
Requires a Capable Vehicle
Normally, it doesn’t matter what size your personal vehicle is. For example, you can drive a small Toyota Corolla as your daily commuter. However, when you choose a fifth wheel, you will need to ensure you have a truck capable of towing the RV. Fifth wheels require a heavy-duty truck that can not only handle the weight of the RV, but can also safely stop it. If you don’t already own the right vehicle, this can require a second investment.
Separation Between Driving and Living Space
When you are towing a fifth wheel, you will be separated from your living space. Unlike a motorhome, you cannot simply run into the back of the RV and hop back into your seat. You will need to pull off the road, exit your truck and enter the fifth wheel to access the kitchen, bathroom or bedrooms. Currently, only 23 states allow passengers to ride inside fifth wheels while driving, but each state has its own safety requirements and conditions. Even if it is legal in some states, this does not mean it is always safe. Additionally, if you cross into a state that does not allow passengers to remain in fifth wheels, all passengers must ride in the main vehicle.
Needs Ample Storage Space
When you aren’t using your fifth wheel, you will need to find a place to store it. Unlike a small camper van or pop-up trailer, fifth wheels take up a decent amount of room. If you don’t have the space at home, this might require renting a storage unit or RV storage space during the off-season.
How much do fifth wheels cost?
Because they’re extended travel trailers instead of motorhomes, the best fifth wheel RVs come at competitive prices. Expect to spend between $25,000 and $120,000 for a fifth wheel RV. Extra features and higher build quality will cost more. Not all fifth wheels are classified as being a luxury model. In fact, there are many models that are basic and designed to appeal to tradesmen and construction workers who want the comforts of home, but don’t necessarily care to pay extra for leather furniture and hot tubs.
A fifth wheel typically costs more than a travel trailer, as it provides a bit more amenities and a better driving experience. It’s a better option if someone wants to try full-time RVing. Fifth wheel prices tend to vary depending on the make, year and amenities that come included.
Another factor to consider is storing your RV when it’s not in use. If you do not have the space to store your RV on your property, you’ll likely need to rent space from a storage facility. On average, it costs between $50 to $200 per month to store an RV, with the actual cost influenced by various factors. The average cost to store an RV indoors is roughly $135 a month, according to Sparefoot, a self-storage marketplace. Naturally, the size of an RV can greatly influence the cost to store it.
Financial options for purchasing a fifth wheel
A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your fifth wheel. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their purchase over the course of several months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.
Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your fifth wheel RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your fifth wheel on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing.
What’s the best fifth wheel for me?
Offering superior space, amenities and maneuverability compared to other towables, fifth wheel RVs are a popular choice for travelers who want it all. If you’re looking at trailers more than 28 feet long, a fifth wheel is probably the better choice. They have higher ceilings with multiple levels and can be situated better when you are pulling them.
Next to your home, an RV is most likely the second-most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. If you’re looking for an RV that’s spacious enough for the entire family, you’ll definitely want to check out the best fifth wheels General RV has to offer.
Before you buy: 10 Best Fifth Wheels at General RV
The Grand Design RV Reflection combines luxury, value and towability in one amazing, best-in-class package. The quality and service you have come to expect from Grand Design have made the Reflection a trusted name in North America.
Reflection is built with the Artic Four-Season Protection package, which provides a 35,000 BTU high-capacity furnace, double-insulated roof and front cap, a heated and enclosed underbelly with circulating heat and 12 volt heat pads on the holding tanks that allow you to travel during any climate. The interior offers residential cabinetry, a deep-seated stainless steel kitchen sink in the gourmet kitchen, a spacious shower with a glass door and ductless flooring in the living area.
Brinkley RV has introduced a new mid-profile luxury fifth wheel, the Model Z. The bright and modern interior provides more than just luxury and feels like a home the minute you step inside. The Model Z features wide-stance leveling jacks for easy set-up, an automotive-grade front cap, lights and lens for a superb upscale look and feel. It also features industry-first brass plumbing connections, quad-entry solid steps with motion lights and two outside hot and cold showers.
On the inside, clean lines create a modern look throughout that is both warm and inviting. The cabinetry and kitchen fixtures feature gold-accented handles and great lighting. All of the details will make you feel right at home as you travel. The center island features built-in double pull-out trash bins with an integrated Stow & Go paper towel holder, doggy bowls, plus a built-in utensil drawer in the dining table. There is ample storage both inside and out, with tons of overhead cabinets, drawers and shelves. You’ll also find hidden storage in the bedroom, an 84-inch pantry, ample exterior storage and more.
The Forest River RV Impression mid-profile fifth wheel is designed for comfort through quality craftsmanship and attention to what customers’ desire. The open floorplans, décor and high-end amenities provide a luxury feel throughout. Each fifth wheel is constructed with an Aluma-Frame structure with laminated aluminum sidewalls, slide boxes, a front wall and floor, plus one-piece Tufflex PVC roofing and an LCI Space Saver Upper Deck and LCI Rhino Box for more strength.
The exterior offers the One Touch automatic leveling system, Shurflo water pressure regulator, an enclosed docking station and off-grid camping prep. The interior includes Congoleum residential linoleum, Shaw residential carpeting with Stain Guard protection and electric fireplace and space heater, as well as oversized windows for great views and circulation of natural air.
The Keystone RV Avalanche fifth wheel allows you to live large for less. These full-profile luxury models feature spacious living quarters, a unique wide-body construction and frameless panoramic windows to give you great views of the mountains, lake or forest.
Each model includes an exclusive four-season RV Polar Pack climate protection that will allow you to camp all year long with its heated and enclosed underbelly, two static attic vents, a 35,000 BTU furnace and more. The modern interior decor and stunning solid wood cabinet doors will have you feeling right at home. Each model includes a 40-inch designer fireplace with a decorative surround for a truly cozy space. Towing is made hassle-free due to the Road Armor shock absorbing hitch pin, plus the Max Turn Technology and Hitch Vision with LED lighting. The one-touch, six-point hydraulic level up system makes setting up easier than ever.
The Keystone RV Cougar fifth wheel goes above and beyond. This collection showcases some of the most livable full-profile floorplans, while still maintaining an ultra-towable length. The MaxTurn technology with Road Armor shock absorbing hitch pin and Hitch Vision create unparalleled towing control. The innovative iN-Command smart RV control system and Climate Guard all-season protection make the Cougar fifth wheel an obvious choice for full-time or extended-stay camping.
The SolarFlex 200 solar energy system comes standard, but you can upgrade this system to a SolarFlex 400i or SolarFlex 600i-L to suit your needs. Some other new features include the 16 cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator, an on-demand water heater and a new exterior graphics package. Another Keystone advantage is the Blade Pure air conditioning system. Keystone has developed air vents and air intake which incorporates a residential air filter to help alleviate airborne annoyances that cause pollen allergies. The system utilizes a standard-size air filter available at most hardware stores.
A higher standard is found with the Crusader fifth wheels by Prime Time RV. These models have been designed by thinking outside of the box to bring you product innovations, durable construction and luxury features.
Each fifth wheel includes the Extreme Thermal Package Plus with an enclosed and heated underbelly, heated basement storage, high-density block foam insulation and more, to deliver zero-degree extended season enjoyment. The Super Turn front cap with LED lights and Dexter E-Z Lube axle hubs provide hassle-free towing. Set-up will be easier than ever with the auto-leveling system. The interior will make you feel right at home with hardwood cabinet doors, beveled solid surface countertops, blackout roller shades and stain-resistant, easy-to-clean vinyl furniture.
After customers told Alliance RV what they wanted in a fifth wheel, they delivered the Paradigm. Designed by the Alliance RV team with hundreds of years in the business, you can be sure you’re getting a functional, high-quality luxury fifth wheel with the Paradigm.
The eight-and-a-half-foot wide-body chassis, Mylar-reinforced exterior seals and insulated, laminated rear wall will provide a durable fifth wheel made to last. A MORryde CRE 3000 suspension system and Dexter 7,000-pound axles provide the ultimate towing experience and the six-point hydraulic leveling will make set-up easier than ever. Head inside to find Champagne Bronze hardware, atrium windows, a large residential shower and MCD roller shades throughout to provide privacy.
The Grand Design RV Solitude are extended-stay fifth wheels that are spacious and include residential features, giving you long-term value. Taller ceilings, bigger cabinets and a sweeping scenic window all make the Solitude a dream.
The 101-inch wide-body, five-sided aluminum cage construction is a full five inches wider than many RVs in its class. The wide-body chassis allows for more livable floor space with deeper slide rooms, wider sofas in rear lounge models and space-saving sliding pocket doors into the bathrooms — all at a shorter towing length. More standard features include the chef-inspired stainless steel cooktop and oven, the six-point hydraulic auto leveling system, Weather-Teck insulation to enjoy four seasons of camping, plus many more comforts.
Redwood fifth wheels by Crossroads RV are the foundation of luxury. There are many best-in-class features that will snag your attention, like the aerodynamic profile, solid hardwood cabinets and solid-surface countertops. Each fifth wheel is built to make you feel like a king or queen.
Throughout the interior, you’ll find residential carpet and linoleum, as well as USB ports and a central vacuum with power dust pan for when messes happen. There is an iN-Command global automation system, Winegard Connect 2.0 4G/Wi-Fi, 15,000 BTU Whisper Quiet A/C and energy-efficient 35,000 BTU furnace. A second 15,000 BTU Whisper Quiet A/C is included in the bedroom, along with a 39-inch LED HDTV and gel-foam tilting king-size bed. An exciting living area features a 5,100 BTU fireplace, Bluetooth sound bar with powered subwoofer, wireless charging pad and 4K Smart HDTV. All of this luxury sits on a Custom FIT 2.0 chassis with six-point hydraulic jacks, a MORryde LRE 4100 suspension system, Falcon 8,000-pound axles and a Falcon two-inch receiver hitch rated at 3,000 pounds.
Start an extraordinary adventure with an Arcadia three quarter-ton fifth wheel by Keystone RV. The Arcadia includes higher ceilings, unmatched storage space and more fresh water tanks in each floor plan. Whether you plan to camp on weekends or go full time, the Arcadia is for you.
Each Arcadia includes the Peak Weather Protection Package for better protection all year long and the standard SolarFlex 200. Or choose the optional SolarFlex 400i or 600i for even more off-grid camping capabilities. You will feel right at home with residential features like designer vinyl flooring throughout, a farmhouse-style sink, an upgraded memory foam mattress and much more.
Is a fifth wheel worth it?
If you already own a truck capable of towing a heavy load, a fifth wheel could be an affordable entry into RV ownership. Another advantage of towable RVs is that you only have one vehicle engine to maintain, compared to a Class A or Class C motorhome with a tow car.
Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, fifth wheels, like any RV, also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.
Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV dealer to explore our huge selection of fifth wheels for yourself. We have thousands of fifth wheels in stock including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
There’s a special kind of magic about fall. For one, it means fall camping season has arrived.
When the leaves change, and there’s a slight nip in the air, you can’t help but romanticize the season of apple picking, football, pumpkin spice-anything, and the leaves changing colors to pinks, reds, oranges, and purples. If you’re looking to appreciate the splendor of the outdoors, we’re fortunate to have some incredible vistas across the country. And if you plan to camp nearby, now is the time to reserve your campground and plan your trip.
If you’re looking to capture the colors of the season and make some lifelong memories, here’s a list of 12 breathtaking spots for fall foliage as well as a list of campgrounds nearby.
1. Cape Cod, Connecticut
Visiting Cape Cod in autumn is a great way to avoid crowds while taking in the scenic beauty of coastal New England. Whether you’re looking for premiere whale watching, an adorable farmers market, or a tour of the Cedar Swamp, the Cape makes for a lovely Fall.
Nature photographer documenting the fall colors along the Linn Cove Viaduct Blue Ridge Parkway of North Carolina
Immersed in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a charming town burgeoning into an industrious city that’s still surrounded by natural beauty. Take a trip to the Smokey Mountains or even just cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway and take in the colors of the season.
Only a few hours removed from the Big Apple, the Catskill Mountains in the fall is a perfect excuse to sneak away from the city. While you’re there, take a hike to Kaaterskill Falls, or crank some classic tunes and tour the infamous town of Woodstock.
Winding mountain passes, beautiful hiking trails, and the serenity of the forest make Smuggler’s Notch a must-see when the leaves change. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, you can’t go wrong.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula after the Summer might be one of the most colorful places in the world. Explore the Hiawatha National Forest and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to really take in the colors of the season.
Famous for the 1980 Winter Olympics and the “Miracle on Ice” game, Lake Placid will have you believing in a miracle or two after you see the stunning colors of the Adirondack Mountains. While you’re there, take advantage of the hiking and autumnal reflections from Mirror Lake during your fall camping trip.
Colloquially referred to as the “Little Smokies,” Brown County still holds its own as a charming Fall destination. From scenic roads with vibrant colors to the charming nearby town of Nashville, Indiana, it’s a weekend fall camping getaway you’ll treasure.
Jutting into Lake Michigan, Door County is a midwestern go-to in October. Venture into Peninsula State Park, or take a cruise along Highway 42 to get the best views imaginable.
New England and Fall go hand-in-hand, and Maine does its part to contribute – particularly with Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island. You’ll find diverse vegetation, crystal-clear lakes, and cinematic coastlines – all while having the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.
10. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington Fall Camping
Mt Hood Village
The Pacific Northwest certainly gives New England a run for its money when it comes to changing seasons, and the Columbia River Gorge is pretty close to paradise. With the iconic Multnomah Falls cascading amongst a backdrop of colorful evergreen trees, it’s a sight to see.
Certainly known for skiing in the winter, Aspen is also a great destination in the fall. The myriad of golden aspen trees, the Maroon Bells, and Maroon Lake all make for some incredible photo-ops.
12. Fall Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Twin Creek RV Resort
Iconic in name and stunning in person, the Great Smoky Mountains boast some of the most biodiverse and beautiful forests in the world. Whether you’re looking for hikes along the Appalachian Trai or want to explore Cades Cove, there are plenty of breathtaking spots to witness the colors of the season while fall camping.
Timing is everything when it comes to many things in life, like when it comes to selling your RV. We all know that summer is a great time to find out what your RV is worth in order to sell it. But did you know that finding the right buyer for your RV actually starts long before you ever think about hanging that “For Sale” sign out front? I learned this the hard way last month after deciding to put our fifth-wheel up for sale.
How Not to Get the Best Price for Your RV
One of the biggest current trends in RVing is for owners to remodel and redecorate inside their RVs. Many RVers are remodeling their rigs into cozy wheeled homes that show off their personality and enhance their camping style. My husband and I did the same when we bought our second fifth-wheel back in 2014. We had no idea that our modifications would make it difficult to sell years later.
Our new-to-us RV was a 2010 Northwood Arctic Fox 27-5B bunkhouse fifth-wheel. When we discovered it on a dealer lot in Wyoming, we were mesmerized by the RV’s pristine condition. Garaged and meticulously maintained by its previous owners, it still had all its original furnishings and decor. That camper appeared to come straight from the factory, and we couldn’t sign the sales contract fast enough.
Photo: Rene Agredano
It was the bunkhouse that grabbed us. And what we did to that tiny space would come back to bite us years later when we put the RV up for sale. But back then, all we knew was that the bunkhouse was ideal for creating our future road-warrior workspace. So out went the bunk beds and in went a computer workstation/jeweler’s bench for me. Next, I tossed the factory window valances and put up my own window treatments. Finally, Jim removed the jackknife sofa and replaced it with his own desk built from a tree he felled while workamping on a Colorado dude ranch. Before long, that Arctic Fox was uniquely ours. Then about 10 years later, we decided to try truck camping life. Earlier this year, we made the move to put it up for sale.
“This is a great time to sell!” I said to my husband while trying to convince him. “So many people are working from their RVs; there’s going to be tons of people out there who want a fifth-wheel like ours!” After he agreed, I went online to research my RV’s value. But the online tools I used didn’t give me the ability to estimate the value of our RV modifications. I naively thought had plenty of value and concluded that we could probably get $23,000 for our rig. Next, we listed it for sale in the usual places like private party RV sales websites and on social media marketplaces. And a few weeks later, the lack of buyer enthusiasm was a clear warning sign about our grossly over-estimated RV value.
Photo: Rene Agredano
Preserve Your RV’s Value: Keep Your Unit in Stock Condition
We remained hopeful that the rig would move quickly after dropping the price by $1,000. But that optimism was squelched one afternoon when we pulled into an RV dealership to inquire about a trade-in. We didn’t have the RV with us, so we had to make do with describing our “home/office RV” setup to the sales manager. He listened patiently, then slowly shook his head while looking at us with an exasperated expression.
“When people buy RVs, they want them in stock condition. I not taking RVs that have been modified. See, by the time I’m done making it stock again, it costs me so much that I don’t make a dime. And they sit on my lot for months because I can’t find a buyer.” He didn’t need to say anymore. Clearly, our RV was not going to bring in anything as a trade-in. Our only hope was to drop the price further in the private seller’s marketplace.
It took three months, but we finally sold the fifth-wheel after making a drastic price drop to $18,000. When our buyer was considering the purchase of our RV, he didn’t seem to mind the modifications. But he was already making plans to change or remove them. Thankfully, he still wanted to buy the Arctic Fox and after negotiating the price down to $15,500, we closed the deal, and he pulled away with our home in tow.
Photo: Rene Agredano
Three Reasons Why RV Valuators Pay Off
Hindsight is 20/20, and if we had known what a painstaking process it would be to find the right buyer for our modified RV, we might have thought twice about making those changes in the first place. But even if we had done them while being fully aware of the downsides of an RV remodel, I wish that we had sought the services of RV valuation experts a few months ago when deciding to embark on the RV selling process. Working alongside an expert would have immediately helped determine the actual cash value of an RV like ours. In all likelihood, The Good Sam RV Valuator service might not have been able to convince a dealer to take our unit as a trade-in. But these experts could have given us a reality check on our RV’s value before we wasted time advertising at an unrealistic price point.
Are you planning to take advantage of the summer season to sell your RV? If so, remember that you don’t have to go it alone like we did.
The Good Sam RV Valuator uses the power of brand recognition to help private-party RV sellers earn as much as they can from their RV sales.
First, they gather your information and marketplace data to calculate the right price point for your rig,
Then they put your motorhome, trailer, van, or truck camper in front of thousands of Camping World buyers.
Your RV will get seen by many more people than you ever could achieve on your own.
Time is precious. Working with the Good Sam RV Valuator results in a faster sale that quickly gets you into your next recreational vehicle. So before you pick up a hammer or paintbrush to permanently modify your RV, stop to think about what you want to get out of your RV in the future.
If you have the slightest inkling that you might someday sell your RV, put that hammer down. In the RV world, having a house that looks identical to others will give you a far better bang for your buck when it’s time to sell.
RV tires come in various sizes, profiles, wall ply quantities, and rated pressure/load capacities. And all of these rely on compressed air or similar gas to operate. Much of the performance, lifespan, and durability is dependent on the internal pressure being correct for the vehicle’s weight and that it is maintained, and the type of air you put into your tires could affect how well they stay inflated over time. So which is better when choosing between nitrogen vs air to fill your RV tires?
Nitrogen vs air
Correct pressure can protect your tires and increase longevity.
Well, as we all have probably experienced, keeping the air pressure at the required pressure is an ongoing task. It normally requires that the pressures are topped up at least every three months or so. This need is driven by constantly escaping oxygen molecules that are small enough to migrate through the tire casing.
The compressed air found in most auto and truck tires contains about 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and a balance of mixed gases. And, in addition to the oxygen passing through the tire casing, moisture in the air is the other issue. This moisture can be corrosive to both steel and aluminum wheels.
So, what’s a better solution?
Nitrogen in RV tires
The use of dry nitrogen in place of the normal compressed atmosphere air would meet that need. This offers several advantages. The first of which is less need to top up. Nitrogen doesn’t migrate through the casing like oxygen. Nitrogen also does not expand or retract as much as normal air with the temperature changes in both weather and the heat of driving. This reduces the wide pressure differences experienced between parked and rolling at highway speeds. Additionally, nitrogen is very dry. Therefore, nitrogen-filled tires don’t subject the wheels to the corrosion that the standard humid air-filled tires do.
Can you mix air and nitrogen in tires?
When you need to top off your nitrogen-filled tires due to low pressure, simply go to your local tire service center and let them do the job for you. And if a service center is not near — or your appointment is delayed — normal compressed air can be used to fill or top up an under-inflated tire with no damage to the tire. Just note you will need to purge this air when you have access to nitrogen in order to maintain the benefits of a nitrogen-filled tire.
So, there are certainly benefits derived from using nitrogen-filled tires. They work for high-speed racing cars and for many aircraft tires — and they work for RVs. It’s worth trying. See if you have success. Then at least you can count on less time topping off the tires and more time topping off your evening beverage.
Good Sam Tire & Wheel Protection wants to see your RV tires last as long as possible to prevent unforeseen flats or damaged tires due to low inflation or road hazard. Nitrogen-filled tires can help, but make sure you have a backup plan to get back on the road on fresh tires in the event of an emergency.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commisson if you decide to make a purchase through my links. There is no addtional cost to you. See Affiliate Disclosure
In this video, I do a couple of repairs to my RV screen door: replacing the bug screens and a broken lower hinge. Then I attempted to repair the cracking wall inside my outside door with plastic paint, plus upgraded my RV Lock to the latest version. I also give some long-term reviews of the RV Bug Stop, Screen Shot Door Closer, and Camco Screen Door Cross Bar.
Fair Disclosure: The new upgraded RV Lock model was received free of charge. However, I didn’t receive any monetary compensation for the video, and we purchased the original.
Recreational vehicles come in many types, makes, and models. This can make it difficult for people to choose a unit that would best fill their needs, application, and desires. In addition, they must fit it into their budget. This selection holds true whether a potential buyer is seeking a new or a used RV. Options are critical to this decision.
For those purchasing a new rig, there may be more financial discissions to make as optional equipment and possible add-ons are offered. Some of these optional extras are not only a great feature but may also increase the down-the-road resale value. Let’s look at some of the choices that may be available and worth consideration.
Hydronic Heating. Photo: Peter Mercer
Hydronic Heat System
In lieu of an RV furnace and a hot water tank, the hydronic heating system can deliver both interior heat and hot water when needed. The forced air heat is supplied by the circulation of glycol to strategically installed fan-driven air movers. This is a far superior RV heating system in its air distribution. For house hot water, this can supply a near-continuous flow. While this is a somewhat pricey option, it has a substantial return on resale value.
Dishwasher
While seemingly not a needed appliance for a trailer or motor home, it can deliver worthwhile benefits. A dishwasher can alleviate the need to wash dishes every day while keeping the sink and galley tidy. Additionally, it will reduce the freshwater quantity due to only requiring one wash every few days.
Auto-Start Generator Option
This reasonably priced option can start and stop your generator when either low voltage on the house bank is present or the air conditioner demand temperature is triggered. As well as providing convenience, this feature can ensure a pet’s comfort when alone in the RV in camp during a power outage. It also can save fuel and generator run time if boondocking on a hot night. This starts and stops the A/C all night, maintaining a set temperature.
Elipse 12-volt LED dome ceiling light. Photo: Camping World
L.E.D. Interior Lighting
This is a great option for an RV if it is offered. L.E.D. bulbs provide bright illumination without radiating the heat of incandescent lighting. Additionally, they have a service life that will last for years and years in the RV application.
GPS Navigation
A GPS in an RV is a perfect fit. Unlike your auto at home, your RV travel involves traveling the less-traveled roads and by-ways. Directions, service locating, destination distances, shortcuts, and more, are just some of the often-desired guidance needs.
Tire pressure monitor. Photo: Peter Mercer
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Whether you order a tire pressure monitor system as an option or add it on an existing RV, this is a great feature that is very worthwhile. Your tires are the only thing between your RV and the road. You need real-time status on their operating condition. This will give you that.
Power Inverter
An inverter produces 120 volts of alternating current from 12-volt direct current. This allows the operation of items that you typically might use at home, such as televisions, satellite receivers, coffee makers, phone chargers, etc., to run without the need for an RV to be connected to shore power. They are available in many wattage-output sizes to meet the need. This is, at the least, a handy option or a necessity for most dry campers. There are two inverter configurations: true sine, and modified sine. I would recommend the True Sine type over that of the modified one.
Back-Up Camera
Available as a wired or wireless system, these can display a view looking rearward behind your RV. They can be mounted at the back of a trailer or motor home. These provide added safety as well as visual situation awareness when backing or while driving.
Side View Camera. Photo: Peter Mercer
Side View Cameras
These cameras are usually installed in the outside rearview mirrors or below the body. They are good at revealing vehicles that may be in the blind spot. However, as a mirror replacement for backing, they may be questionable. Accuracy in-depth perception is probably better using the standard outside mirrors.
Awnings
These shade-producing options are available as a manually extendable model or a powered type. The manual units are generally very sturdy using extruded aluminum frames, and are relatively easy to handle. The electric models start with a light-framed 12-volt powered actuation and go all the way up to 120 VAC horizontally extended self-retracting packages.
Carefree Awning. Photo: Camping World
Slide-Outs
These are a major option usually determined and built within designated models. While they may not have a separate option price tag, the cost is already accounted for in the floorplan. These moving wall extenders expand the living space within the coach. RVs equipped with these generally increase the resale value compared to those that do not.
However, not all options are a must to have for every RV owner. There are several options, in my opinion, that are probably worth taking a pass on. Here are some.
Side Mount Security Lights
More commonly called “Scare Lights,” these clear lights are affixed to the sides of many trailers and motor homes. Other than providing illumination for the immediate short area, they serve little benefit except running your batteries down and annoying a neighboring camper trying to sleep.
Roof Mounted Remote Spotlight
Offered by many Class A RV manufacturers, this feature, while pretty spiffy, has little real-world application. I have owned six Class A coaches, and I ordered this feature on five of them. I have traveled in all but one Canadian province and every continental U.S. state for over thirty-three years. I used one once after arriving late in a dark campsite. Looking back, I believe my docking lights would have been more effective.
Air Horns
Unless your motorhome comes with air horns, this one is probably not a needed add-on. The regular electric horn(s) are quite sufficient to communicate your driving intentions. If you must have a set, you can add them later from an aftermarket.
Well, there are some thoughts on RV-option shopping. Many options can increase your RV’s value. While others may not necessarily raise your resale value, they can make your unit more desirable. In addition, keeping your rig in top condition holds its valve. Unique touches and details can make your RV stand out in the camp and on the road.
Changing Directions
So you’ve loaded your RV with all the options possible, and you’ve gotten a lot of use out of it. Now you’ve decided to sell it. Check out the Good Sam RV Valuator, which will help you get the best value for your RV.
An off-grid campsite can be terrifying for those who get spooked by the remoteness, while the busyness of a luxury campground can annoy those seeking serenity. My family is somewhere in the middle — and chances are, yours might be, too. How do we go about evaluating campgrounds to find the right spot for us? Check out these tips for picking the perfect park for you:
Know Your Style
Know thyself. The ancient Greeks understood that knowing yourself was the first step to finding wisdom. This happens to be great advice for evaluating campsites. Finding the perfect park starts with knowing your own preferences, which vary widely from person to person.
As you travel, pay attention to campsite and campground features and environments, and you’ll begin to notice some patterns in your preferences.
Is the campsite’s size and location suitable for your needs? Photo: Kerri Cox
Here are some elements to consider:
What hookups do you prefer to have? Consider electricity, water, and sewer.
What kind of connectivity is important to you? Think about your cell signal and campground wifi.
What amenities are desirable? Consider features like pools, playgrounds, laundry facilities, restaurants, comfort stations, and more.
What campground environment do you prefer? Descriptors could include rustic, wooded, manicured, luxurious, and etc. Parks that cater to families tend to be busier, while you might never see a neighbor at a national forest campground.
What types of campsites do you enjoy? Think about size, furnishings, proximity to amenities, views, and so on. How important are the views?
What about your budget? Campsites vary tremendously in cost, particularly depending on location and amenities.
The more you travel, the easier it will become to answer these questions and more.
Do you require a pool at the campground you select? Photo: Kerri Cox
My Camping Style
My family discovered our camping style through trial and error. In the nine years we have been RVing, I learned that electricity and cell signals are a must for us. So far, those are my main dealbreakers.
Water and sewer are highly preferred. While I can handle some inconveniences while camping, I have found I am the most comfortable if we have hookups. I don’t enjoy monitoring our tank levels or worrying about sanitizing the fresh water.
In reading campground reviews, if I come across warnings about dirty facilities, rude employees, or unsafe environments, I am not likely to book that park. I prefer campgrounds that are tidy, even if they aren’t plush. Safety, security, and cleanliness are important.
Consider your preferences for the environment. Do you seek a campground shaded by trees? Getty Images
While I crave a large site with panoramic views or a cathedral of trees, I’m also perfectly fine in a campground that resembles a parking lot if that location puts us near the attractions we want to see. We enjoy camping as a way to save money while traveling, but I’m also willing to pay higher prices for a desirable location or certain amenities.
Ultimately, if I had to describe my camping style, I would describe myself as “pragmatic.” I consider a lot of factors, including location, amenities, campsite qualities, and more. I look for the right balance, depending on the type of trip and what’s available.
After taking years to figure out what we want in a campsite, the next problem is finding campsites that match our desires. To do so, I use a variety of online tools.
Locating Potential Campgrounds
To find campgrounds that are a good fit for my family, I first plan our route, overnight destinations, and long-term stays. The Good Sam Trip Planner is a great starting point. It helps me identify campgrounds along our route and near our big destinations.
Once I have a few campgrounds and locations in mind, I go over to the Good Sam campground and RV park search page. It is easy to search directly for specific parks or to search by location. If we are booking an extended stay, I filter my search to Good Sam parks to find campgrounds offering the Good Sam discount.
Each campground listing provides an overview of the park details, including hookups, amenities, website links, discounts, pricing, and more. I appreciate having all of these details in one standardized format instead of scouring campground websites in an attempt to track them down.
Get a campsite with the right amenities. Getty Images
Finding a Good Fit
After I have the basic details, I like to compare park ratings and reviews. On the Good Sam website, parks receive two ratings. One is the Good Sam Rating, and the other comes from user reviews.
Beyond the numerical ratings, I find the personal reviews and photographs to be the most useful. I like to hear directly from other campers about their experiences. These help paint a picture of the park in my mind. When possible, I also track down pictures taken by campers since these are more realistic than the professional promotional photos provided by parks.
When I read campground reviews, I am looking for details about how others describe the campground. Do they report feeling unsafe? Do they complain about the customer service or the park environment? Do they brag about the beauty of the campsites? Do they talk about their favorite amenities?
I also take some complaints with a grain of salt. No single place can please everyone. When I read campground criticisms, I try to think about whether the reviewer is being reasonable and whether that aspect would bother me personally. Again, not every campground is a good fit for every person, so some complaints come from a lack of fit.
Traveling with kids? Make sure the campground has suitable entertainment. Photo: Kerri Cox
I happen to enjoy taking a deep dive into campground selection. Though I am a pragmatic person, I also know the value of finding the perfect campground. When I stay at the right place, I find the true magic of RVing! Staying in the right campgrounds allows us to experience the natural environment of our destinations.
My dream camping trip starts with morning coffee with a view of a natural environment and ends with a pleasant stroll through the park. I have fond memories of my sons playing in campground pools when they were younger. I also laugh looking back on the parks that would have been considered terrible campgrounds if they weren’t located near a city I wanted to explore.
For me, the work of evaluating campgrounds helps get me closer to this optimal experience. However, I am also an overthinker by nature, so sometimes, I have to put the research aside and just get out there and camp.
Whether you enjoy the deep research or just want to find a quick pick, hopefully, these tips will help you find the perfect campground for you!
This week in the Good Sam camping news spotlight, we’re taking a look at how campers are adopting AI as a means of trip planning, how you can earn $70 towards your next stay at a campground, and how the RV rental market is at an all-time high.
Campers are quickly adopting artificial intelligence
According to a recent study by KOA, 32% of campers claim to have used artificial intelligence as a means of trip planning, with another 22% of the survey intent on using AI for future travel. Primarily, most campers see AI as a helpful tool for finding well-reviewed parks, gathering information, or even just crafting an itinerary for upcoming trips. The study seems to suggest that campers are adopting AI technology quicker than any other group of recreational travelers. With an estimated 22 million households planning on camping over the 4th of July weekend, the data suggests that AI will be a pertinent part of many people’s summer plans.
RV rental market is at an all-time high
A recent report from Outdoorsy claims that the rental market for RVs is the highest it’s ever been, with 76% of their bookings coming from first-time customers. Additionally, renters are taking longer trips than in previous years (about 1 to 2 more days on average), with many expecting this trend to continue growing. One of the suggested factors for growth stems from inflation in the hotel industry, with the average cost of a room increasing by 54% in the past year. Other reports even predict the RV rental industry to be worth over $1 billion as soon as 2031.
RVshare and Hipcamp giving away $10 million in overnight stays
To commemorate their 10 years in business, RVshare and Hipcamp have announced a partnership and are planning to give away up to $10 million to RVers for overnight stays to celebrate. The relationship between the two companies will mean further integration between Hipcamp’s and RVshare’s inventory. As of last week, customers who book rentals through RVshare’s website or app can claim a promo code worth $70 for a Hipcamp booking. Note that the offer will only be valid for stays falling between June and December of this year.
Recreational vehicles are growing in popularity with adventurers of all ages and fifth wheel RVs are perfect if you want to quickly hook up and take off. Whether you like to keep camping simple at your local campgrounds and state parks, you are a recent retiree who wants to hit the open road and explore or you are ready to splurge on luxury, there are fifth wheel floor plans for every need.
A fifth wheel is a home on wheels that offers the most spacious accommodations and luxurious amenities of any other type of towable RV. Unlike a motorhome, fifth wheels tow behind a heavy-duty truck, giving you more mobility than a Class A or Class C RV. Fifth wheel RVs are also a cost-effective alternative to the expensive and ongoing costs associated with hotel lodging, eating at restaurant and traveling by air.
Fifth wheels are great for larger families and for those who want some privacy while camping. The roomy interiors are also perfect for hosting get-togethers with friends and family. Additionally, they offer a smoother driving experience with less sway, so they work well for longer trips.
Fifth wheels are split-level RVs that must be towed by a truck with a special hitch. Typically, a fifth wheel will have a living space or bunk area on the lower level and a private bedroom that hangs over the truck bed. Fifth wheel RVs are available in all sorts of styles and sizes. The smallest fifth wheels have less than six feet of headroom and are just large enough to squeeze in a wet bath. The largest fifth wheels weigh tens of thousands of pounds and must be towed with a semi-truck cab.
Fifth wheel travel trailers are great because they offer both the flexibility of a towable vehicle, as well as the comfort and luxury of super-sized RVs. If you plan to spend more time on the road, then you will want to make sure you have enough space for long comfortable trips, as well as some amenities for those rainy days. Even if you’re only a weekend warrior, a fifth wheel gives you plenty of extra leg room to feel comfortable anywhere the road may lead. If you have a family with children, a fifth wheel can give you a little bit of extra privacy.
What are the primary differences between fifth wheels, travel trailers and toy haulers?
When it comes to choosing between travel trailers versus fifth wheels, there are not many differences. Instead of thinking of it as fifth wheels being better or travel trailers being better, it’s more about fit and which kind of RV best suits how you want to travel.
Travel Trailers
Fifth wheels and travel trailers vary greatest when it comes to length. They are available in a bigger range of lengths — from 12 to 35 feet. You can get the same roomy feel of a fifth wheel with a large travel trailer, but you also have the option to go much smaller. The smaller options allow you to tow with a smaller vehicle, like an SUV or light pickup truck. In other cases, you may be able to tow with a mid-size truck rather than a full-size truck. On average, a fifth wheel weighs somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds. In contrast, travel trailers tend to weigh 3,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Fifth wheels have an unparalleled amount of storage compared to other types of RVs. The longer an RV, the more outdoor storage bays it has available. In addition to more exterior storage bays, fifth wheels are often equipped with a basement of sorts. This term refers to large pass-through areas that can accommodate long items, such as paddles, surfboards, etc.
Additionally, fifth wheels have the greatest variety of floor plans. The placement of slide-outs can make a huge difference.
Toy Haulers
The main difference between toy haulers and fifth wheels is seen inside the RV. With a toy hauler, you will have a large garage space that often transforms into a living area with couches or beds when not being used to haul toys and gear. With a toy hauler, it’s not just about living in or camping. It’s also about getting your golf cart, ATV, motorcycle, dirt bikes or other toys to the campground.
Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and, therefore, can be much heavier. The dry weight for the average toy hauler is around 10,000 pounds, but models can range from 4,000 pounds up to 15,000 pounds. If you’re a traveling family, the extra space in the garage will provide additional sleeping areas for the kids and an indoor play area. The garage can also be converted to a space for homeschooling a young family. Furthermore, pets are another reason you might choose a toy hauler. The garage area is a great place to bring your wet, sandy or muddy pets inside, but still keep the dirt under control.
How big are fifth wheels?
Fifth wheel RVs often stretch anywhere from 30 to 45 feet in length. Many families opt for fifth wheels because they’re usually some of the largest travel trailers. Fifth wheels can vary widely in weight, with the smallest starting at around 2,400 pounds and going up to 24,000 pounds. It’s critical to have a heavy-duty truck — and a fifth wheel hitch — to tow them.
Unfortunately, not every fifth wheel will fit in any RV park. Many older parks have not updated their campsites to reflect the length of newer RVs. Even some national park campgrounds can’t accommodate an RV more than 30 feet long. If you plan to stay in state parks and national parks often, you may want to consider a short fifth wheel. Many RV parks across North America can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long, but be aware that those spaces may be limited. Make reservations in advance.
Is a fifth wheel easy to tow?
While travel trailers attach to your vehicle using the conventional hitch ball system found on most trucks and SUVs, fifth wheels use a special hitch which can only attach to the bed of a pickup truck. Because fifth wheels tend to be larger and heavier than travel trailers, you’ll need a truck with a high towing capacity. Before purchasing an RV, check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the fifth wheel and compare it to your truck’s towing capacity. If the GVWR is heavier than the towing capacity, you’ll either need a bigger truck or a smaller RV.
That said, many people find that towing a fifth wheel is easier than towing a travel trailer because of the way it is hitched.
Where can you go camping in a fifth wheel?
Due to their size and weight, fifth wheels are best suited for a campground or a campsite that is easy to access. Most of these trailers are not equipped for wandering too far off-road, although that doesn’t mean they can’t be used for boondocking in a remote location. You’ll just need to choose the right place to accommodate a towable RV of this size.
Most fifth wheels come with fresh, gray and black water tanks, but they can vary widely in size. Some tanks as large as 75 gallons, which provide plenty of capacity for camping off-the-grid for an extended period.
Who are typical fifth wheel owners?
Trailing only conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels are the second most popular RV types, accounting for 20% of RV owners. An RV Owner Demographic Profile from Go RVing shows young families make up 27%of fifth wheel owners, while 34% are Millennials or Gen Zs and 24 percent are first-time owners.
Fifth wheels are, on average, used roughly 30 days out of the year. They are used most often in summer (85%), followed by fall (61%), spring (50%) and winter (36%). Just over half of fifth wheel owners prefer to stay at private campgrounds or state parks, while a little more than a third favor national parks or campgrounds.
In terms of demographics, 46% are between the ages of 18 to 34, while 54% are ages 55 and older. 59% of those with a fifth wheel are female, and 41% are male.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a fifth wheel?
Popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts, fifth wheels make it easy to take the whole family camping in comfort. Outfitted with numerous amenities and features, these RVs quickly become your home away from home.
Advantagesof owning a fifth wheel
Tow Vehicle Doubles as Transportation
When you purchase an RV, it only serves one purpose. Very rarely would you drive your RV around town to run errands. Additionally, once you set up camp with an RV, you don’t want to break everything down to run back into town or to access a nearby lake or trailhead. Conversely, with a fifth wheel, the truck that tows your RV can double as transportation both during and after a trip. When you are in-between camping trips, your truck can also act as a primary vehicle while your RV is stored.
Safe Towing Option
One of the benefits of a fifth wheel versus many travel trailers is how much safer they are to operate. A fifth wheel holds the weight of the RV in the bed of your truck. This makes it easier to maneuver the RV and increases the stability of the fifth wheel when in motion.
For large families, a fifth wheel is the perfect choice. Most fifth wheels feature a lofted sleeping space above the truck bed. This extra space is typically designed as a primary bedroom or a multi-bunk area. Additionally, fifth wheels frequently feature slide-outs, which can be equipped with even more sleeping options.
Versatility in Amenities Offered
There’s no limit to the amenities a fifth wheel can offer. The large body space provides ample room to host all of the extras. If you want to take your dream kitchen on the road, or if you cannot do without your own personal bathroom, a fifth wheel is an excellent choice.
Less Vehicle Maintenance
When you purchase a motorhome, such as a Class A, B or C, you commit to upkeep on a second motorized vehicle. This means double the oil changes, fluid flushes and general vehicle upkeep. With a fifth wheel, you only need to perform maintenance on your truck towing the RV. While there are still some maintenance tasks associated with owning a fifth wheel, such as replacing tires as needed and keeping moving parts lubricated, there is far less maintenance than a traditional motorhome.
Disadvantagesof owning a fifth wheel
Requires a Capable Vehicle
Normally, it doesn’t matter what size your personal vehicle is. For example, you can drive a small Toyota Corolla as your daily commuter. However, when you choose a fifth wheel, you will need to ensure you have a truck capable of towing the RV. Fifth wheels require a heavy-duty truck that can not only handle the weight of the RV, but can also safely stop it. If you don’t already own the right vehicle, this can require a second investment.
Separation Between Driving and Living Space
When you are towing a fifth wheel, you will be separated from your living space. Unlike a motorhome, you cannot simply run into the back of the RV and hop back into your seat. You will need to pull off the road, exit your truck and enter the fifth wheel to access the kitchen, bathroom or bedrooms. Currently, only 23 states allow passengers to ride inside fifth wheels while driving, but each state has its own safety requirements and conditions. Even if it is legal in some states, this does not mean it is always safe. Additionally, if you cross into a state that does not allow passengers to remain in fifth wheels, all passengers must ride in the main vehicle.
Needs Ample Storage Space
When you aren’t using your fifth wheel, you will need to find a place to store it. Unlike a small camper van or pop-up trailer, fifth wheels take up a decent amount of room. If you don’t have the space at home, this might require renting a storage unit or RV storage space during the off-season.
How much do fifth wheels cost?
Because they’re extended travel trailers instead of motorhomes, the best fifth wheel RVs come at competitive prices. Expect to spend between $25,000 and $120,000 for a fifth wheel RV. Extra features and higher build quality will cost more. Not all fifth wheels are classified as being a luxury model. In fact, there are many models that are basic and designed to appeal to tradesmen and construction workers who want the comforts of home, but don’t necessarily care to pay extra for leather furniture and hot tubs.
A fifth wheel typically costs more than a travel trailer, as it provides a bit more amenities and a better driving experience. It’s a better option if someone wants to try full-time RVing. Fifth wheel prices tend to vary depending on the make, year and amenities that come included.
Another factor to consider is storing your RV when it’s not in use. If you do not have the space to store your RV on your property, you’ll likely need to rent space from a storage facility. On average, it costs between $50 to $200 per month to store an RV, with the actual cost influenced by various factors. The average cost to store an RV indoors is roughly $135 a month, according to Sparefoot, a self-storage marketplace. Naturally, the size of an RV can greatly influence the cost to store it.
Financial options for purchasing a fifth wheel
A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your fifth wheel. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their purchase over the course of several months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.
Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your fifth wheel RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your fifth wheel on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing.
What’s the best fifth wheel for me?
Offering superior space, amenities and maneuverability compared to other towables, fifth wheel RVs are a popular choice for travelers who want it all. If you’re looking at trailers more than 28 feet long, a fifth wheel is probably the better choice. They have higher ceilings with multiple levels and can be situated better when you are pulling them.
Next to your home, an RV is most likely the second-most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. If you’re looking for an RV that’s spacious enough for the entire family, you’ll definitely want to check out the best fifth wheels General RV has to offer.
Before you buy: 10 Best Fifth Wheels at General RV
The Grand Design RV Reflection combines luxury, value and towability in one amazing, best-in-class package. The quality and service you have come to expect from Grand Design have made the Reflection a trusted name in North America.
Reflection is built with the Artic Four-Season Protection package, which provides a 35,000 BTU high-capacity furnace, double-insulated roof and front cap, a heated and enclosed underbelly with circulating heat and 12 volt heat pads on the holding tanks that allow you to travel during any climate. The interior offers residential cabinetry, a deep-seated stainless steel kitchen sink in the gourmet kitchen, a spacious shower with a glass door and ductless flooring in the living area.
Brinkley RV has introduced a new mid-profile luxury fifth wheel, the Model Z. The bright and modern interior provides more than just luxury and feels like a home the minute you step inside. The Model Z features wide-stance leveling jacks for easy set-up, an automotive-grade front cap, lights and lens for a superb upscale look and feel. It also features industry-first brass plumbing connections, quad-entry solid steps with motion lights and two outside hot and cold showers.
On the inside, clean lines create a modern look throughout that is both warm and inviting. The cabinetry and kitchen fixtures feature gold-accented handles and great lighting. All of the details will make you feel right at home as you travel. The center island features built-in double pull-out trash bins with an integrated Stow & Go paper towel holder, doggy bowls, plus a built-in utensil drawer in the dining table. There is ample storage both inside and out, with tons of overhead cabinets, drawers and shelves. You’ll also find hidden storage in the bedroom, an 84-inch pantry, ample exterior storage and more.
The Forest River RV Impression mid-profile fifth wheel is designed for comfort through quality craftsmanship and attention to what customers’ desire. The open floorplans, décor and high-end amenities provide a luxury feel throughout. Each fifth wheel is constructed with an Aluma-Frame structure with laminated aluminum sidewalls, slide boxes, a front wall and floor, plus one-piece Tufflex PVC roofing and an LCI Space Saver Upper Deck and LCI Rhino Box for more strength.
The exterior offers the One Touch automatic leveling system, Shurflo water pressure regulator, an enclosed docking station and off-grid camping prep. The interior includes Congoleum residential linoleum, Shaw residential carpeting with Stain Guard protection and electric fireplace and space heater, as well as oversized windows for great views and circulation of natural air.
The Keystone RV Avalanche fifth wheel allows you to live large for less. These full-profile luxury models feature spacious living quarters, a unique wide-body construction and frameless panoramic windows to give you great views of the mountains, lake or forest.
Each model includes an exclusive four-season RV Polar Pack climate protection that will allow you to camp all year long with its heated and enclosed underbelly, two static attic vents, a 35,000 BTU furnace and more. The modern interior decor and stunning solid wood cabinet doors will have you feeling right at home. Each model includes a 40-inch designer fireplace with a decorative surround for a truly cozy space. Towing is made hassle-free due to the Road Armor shock absorbing hitch pin, plus the Max Turn Technology and Hitch Vision with LED lighting. The one-touch, six-point hydraulic level up system makes setting up easier than ever.
The Keystone RV Cougar fifth wheel goes above and beyond. This collection showcases some of the most livable full-profile floorplans, while still maintaining an ultra-towable length. The MaxTurn technology with Road Armor shock absorbing hitch pin and Hitch Vision create unparalleled towing control. The innovative iN-Command smart RV control system and Climate Guard all-season protection make the Cougar fifth wheel an obvious choice for full-time or extended-stay camping.
The SolarFlex 200 solar energy system comes standard, but you can upgrade this system to a SolarFlex 400i or SolarFlex 600i-L to suit your needs. Some other new features include the 16 cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator, an on-demand water heater and a new exterior graphics package. Another Keystone advantage is the Blade Pure air conditioning system. Keystone has developed air vents and air intake which incorporates a residential air filter to help alleviate airborne annoyances that cause pollen allergies. The system utilizes a standard-size air filter available at most hardware stores.
A higher standard is found with the Crusader fifth wheels by Prime Time RV. These models have been designed by thinking outside of the box to bring you product innovations, durable construction and luxury features.
Each fifth wheel includes the Extreme Thermal Package Plus with an enclosed and heated underbelly, heated basement storage, high-density block foam insulation and more, to deliver zero-degree extended season enjoyment. The Super Turn front cap with LED lights and Dexter E-Z Lube axle hubs provide hassle-free towing. Set-up will be easier than ever with the auto-leveling system. The interior will make you feel right at home with hardwood cabinet doors, beveled solid surface countertops, blackout roller shades and stain-resistant, easy-to-clean vinyl furniture.
After customers told Alliance RV what they wanted in a fifth wheel, they delivered the Paradigm. Designed by the Alliance RV team with hundreds of years in the business, you can be sure you’re getting a functional, high-quality luxury fifth wheel with the Paradigm.
The eight-and-a-half-foot wide-body chassis, Mylar-reinforced exterior seals and insulated, laminated rear wall will provide a durable fifth wheel made to last. A MORryde CRE 3000 suspension system and Dexter 7,000-pound axles provide the ultimate towing experience and the six-point hydraulic leveling will make set-up easier than ever. Head inside to find Champagne Bronze hardware, atrium windows, a large residential shower and MCD roller shades throughout to provide privacy.
The Grand Design RV Solitude are extended-stay fifth wheels that are spacious and include residential features, giving you long-term value. Taller ceilings, bigger cabinets and a sweeping scenic window all make the Solitude a dream.
The 101-inch wide-body, five-sided aluminum cage construction is a full five inches wider than many RVs in its class. The wide-body chassis allows for more livable floor space with deeper slide rooms, wider sofas in rear lounge models and space-saving sliding pocket doors into the bathrooms — all at a shorter towing length. More standard features include the chef-inspired stainless steel cooktop and oven, the six-point hydraulic auto leveling system, Weather-Teck insulation to enjoy four seasons of camping, plus many more comforts.
Redwood fifth wheels by Crossroads RV are the foundation of luxury. There are many best-in-class features that will snag your attention, like the aerodynamic profile, solid hardwood cabinets and solid-surface countertops. Each fifth wheel is built to make you feel like a king or queen.
Throughout the interior, you’ll find residential carpet and linoleum, as well as USB ports and a central vacuum with power dust pan for when messes happen. There is an iN-Command global automation system, Winegard Connect 2.0 4G/Wi-Fi, 15,000 BTU Whisper Quiet A/C and energy-efficient 35,000 BTU furnace. A second 15,000 BTU Whisper Quiet A/C is included in the bedroom, along with a 39-inch LED HDTV and gel-foam tilting king-size bed. An exciting living area features a 5,100 BTU fireplace, Bluetooth sound bar with powered subwoofer, wireless charging pad and 4K Smart HDTV. All of this luxury sits on a Custom FIT 2.0 chassis with six-point hydraulic jacks, a MORryde LRE 4100 suspension system, Falcon 8,000-pound axles and a Falcon two-inch receiver hitch rated at 3,000 pounds.
Start an extraordinary adventure with an Arcadia three quarter-ton fifth wheel by Keystone RV. The Arcadia includes higher ceilings, unmatched storage space and more fresh water tanks in each floor plan. Whether you plan to camp on weekends or go full time, the Arcadia is for you.
Each Arcadia includes the Peak Weather Protection Package for better protection all year long and the standard SolarFlex 200. Or choose the optional SolarFlex 400i or 600i for even more off-grid camping capabilities. You will feel right at home with residential features like designer vinyl flooring throughout, a farmhouse-style sink, an upgraded memory foam mattress and much more.
Is a fifth wheel worth it?
If you already own a truck capable of towing a heavy load, a fifth wheel could be an affordable entry into RV ownership. Another advantage of towable RVs is that you only have one vehicle engine to maintain, compared to a Class A or Class C motorhome with a tow car.
Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, fifth wheels, like any RV, also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.
Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV dealer to explore our huge selection of fifth wheels for yourself. We have thousands of fifth wheels in stock including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
Not only are travel trailers the most popular type of RV, they are the most affordable. More families than ever are heading out to create their own Great American Road Trip and, for many, it starts with the perfect RV. Buying a travel trailer can seem intimidating, but with the right information, it can be an exciting and empowering decision.
Large families are going to have much different needs than solo travelers. Families who love kayaking and biking will need different travel trailers than those who want to travel light and park in major urban areas. Travel trailers are built with solid walls, hitch to a truck or SUV and come in all shapes and sizes. They are safe and typically have slide-outs to create wide-open living spaces.
One of the benefits of traveling with a trailer rather than a motorhome is that when you set up camp, you can unhook the trailer and leave it set up while you use the vehicle to explore the area. When you travel by motorhome, you either need to drive your whole RV for sightseeing days or tow a separate vehicle behind it.
Unlike motorized RVs that have an engine and can be driven on their own, travel trailers are pulled behind another vehicle. Travel trailers come in all sizes, including everything from tiny jelly bean-shaped models with a small kitchen in the rear to a full blown house-on-wheels, with multiple slide-outs and residential-sized appliances. Their length can vary, starting at 12 feet long and going up to 35 feet long or more. Weight also varies with the size, from as low as 1,200 pounds up to nearly 10,000 pounds.
Sometimes called a bumper-pull (when they first became popular in the early 1950s, they were attached to the bumper of the tow car), the modern travel trailer employs a hitch secured to the frame of your tow vehicle. This truck or SUV will include specialized hardware to make towing safe and easy. Travel trailers are relatively easy to set up once you arrive at your destination. You can unhitch it, leave it and still have a vehicle to explore.
What are the primary differences between travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers?
While travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers are all towable RVs, this is where their similarities end. There are some pretty significant differences between the three. Below are brief descriptions of fifth wheels and toy haulers and what makes them different from travel trailers.
Fifth Wheels
Keystone RV Montana Fifth Wheel
Fifth wheels are the largest towable trailers available and some rival motorhomes for the amount of space and the amenities they offer. In fact, they’re popular for full-time living as well as for traveling. They can have multiple slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, kitchens, bathrooms and an entertainment area. They often include an upstairs area, above the truck bed, for sleeping. Fifth wheels can sleep up to eight people.
Fifth wheels connect with a U-shaped coupling mounted in a truck bed, which, generally, make them easier to tow. This can be attributed to the design of the fifth wheel and the kingpin hitch, which moves the load forward into the bed of the truck. However, because fifth wheels are so large, you’ll need a large pickup truck to tow it. For many fifth wheels, a half-ton truck like a Ford F-150 or Toyota Tundra with maximum towing capacities from 9,740 to 13,200 pounds GVWR will do the job. But many fifth wheel owners prefer a heavy duty truck like a Ram 2500 or a Ford Super Duty F-250, which tow a maximum of 12,760 to 18,500 pounds GVWR.
Due to their higher roofline, fifth wheels generally have higher interior ceiling height than travel trailers. In fact, fifth wheels typically have the highest ceilings of all types of RVs. Fifth wheels are often equipped with high-end features making them more expensive than travel trailers on the whole. When it comes to living full-time in an RV, fifth wheels are the preferred choice. They tend to have a more residential feeling providing a true sense of being home-away-from-home. However, due to the towing requirements that comes with fifth wheels, many consumers in the towable RV market will steer toward travel trailers because most everyday trucks and SUVs are equipped to handle towing them.
Toy Haulers
Toy haulers have a dedicated garage space designed to carry recreational toys while also providing extra living space.
The sizes, prices and maneuverability are about the same for both toy haulers and travel trailers. Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and, therefore, can be much heavier than travel trailers. The dry weight for the average toy hauler is around 10,000 pounds, but models can range from 4,000 pounds up to 15,000 pounds. They also have a garage area which can take away from the interior space of the trailer. The most common type of toy hauler is the fifth wheel, partly because it has a more secure connection to the towing vehicle. Certainly, if you have motorcycles, quads, sand toys or lots of recreational toys – like cross-country bikes, kayaks, inflatable boats, wind surfing equipment or other toys – then a toy hauler will meet your needs better than a travel trailer. However, toy haulers come in travel trailer floorplans with standard towing hitches, as well.
If you’re a traveling family, the extra space in the garage will provide extra sleeping spaces for the kids, as well as an indoor play area. The garage can also be converted to a space for homeschooling a young family. Pets are another reason you might choose a toy hauler. The garage area is also a great place to bring your wet, sandy or muddy pets inside, but still keep the dirt under control.
How big are travel trailers?
Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes and styles. That said, most travel trailers typically range anywhere from 12 feet to 35 feet long. A simple, 12-foot travel trailer allows enough comfortable space for one or two people (most likely a couple). Meanwhile, a 35-foot trailer can allow enough space for up to 10 people to sleep comfortably. Every state has laws regarding the length, height and width restrictions of travel trailers. These all vary somewhat, but, generally, the consensus is that trailers must have widths no greater than between 8 feet and 8.5 feet.
Most states generally restrict RV travel trailer length to 40 feet, although some states allow for additional length, with a maximum of 43-feet-6-inches. This doesn’t include the tow vehicle. In most states, the maximum combined length is usually between 50 feet to 65 feet.
Travel trailers vary in weight from 1,200 to almost 9,000 pounds. They come in various lengths and builds, allowing for a diverse weight range. Smaller travel trailers have an average maximum weight of about 3,500 pounds (GVWR). Some larger travel trailers can reach more than 10,000 pounds when fully loaded.
Is a travel trailer hard to tow?
From Gen Zs to Boomers, RVing in a travel trailer, of any type, offers freedom and a sense of self-sufficiency. However, towing a travel trailer can bring some unexpected stress and safety concerns for first-time RVers. Trailers add weight and that added weight changes the handling dynamics and braking of the tow vehicle. That’s why you need to make sure your trailer and tow vehicle are properly matched.
The towing capacity of a vehicle is how much weight it can tow. The towing capacity is determined mainly by the type of axles the truck has and their ratings. Usually, towing capacity applies to SUVs and trucks, since most sedans or smaller cars don’t have large towing capabilities. Keeping your trailer’s weight in mind is integral as well. If your trailer weighs too much for your tow vehicle, it increases the stopping distance and likelihood of damage to your tow vehicle or RV.
There are two important weight-related factors when it comes to RV trailers: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and tongue weight (TW). GVWR is the safe maximum weight of the trailer when it’s loaded for camping with water, fuel, supplies, and cargo. The TW is how much downforce the loaded trailer places on the hitch. Both numbers are displayed on the metal Federal Certification/VIN ID tag located on the front left side of a travel trailer. You can also find the specifications listed on the trailer manufacturer’s website.
Those two numbers set the basis for choosing the vehicle best suited for towing a travel trailer. Tongue weight of RV trailers, sometimes referred to as “hitch weight,” will be typically between 10 and 15-percent of the trailer’s GVWR. RV trailer weights can vary widely by brand, type, and size. That’s why it’s important to narrow down these numbers to the specific trailer you plan to tow and then make sure those weights match your vehicle’s towing limitations. You can also find your vehicle’s towing capacity on General RV’s towing guide.
Where can you go camping in a travel trailer?
The options for where a travel trailer can go generally depend on the vehicle towing it. There are roughly 4,510 RV parks and campgrounds in the United States, including 113,000 federally-managed campsites at national parks, 166,000 campsites dispersed across state parks and untold numbers in private facilities.
The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior that oversees more than 247.3 million acres of land. Much of it is available free to the public for dry camping or boondocking, without hookups to electricity, water or sewage. In fact, there are many lightweight travel trailers specifically designed for off-grid RV excursions.
Who are typical travel trailer owners?
Recent surveys show more than 11.2 million households in the U.S. own an RV. 38 percent of those RVs are travel trailers. Most commonly used during the summer and fall months, travel trailers are especially popular among young families and first-time RV owners. The vast majority of owners hit the road with their spouse and more than a quarter travel with children under 18 or a pet.
Studies also show very few travel trailer owners prefer to travel alone. Meanwhile, more than half of owners are female. State parks are the most popular option for travel trailer owners, followed by private campgrounds and national park campgrounds.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a travel trailer?
Advantages of a travel trailer
Travel trailers have a lot of advantages that make them a popular RV choice. First, even newer travel trailers come with a much lower price tag than other types of RVs, making them a more affordable option. They also come in a wide range of lengths and sizes. If you already have a truck or an SUV, you can likely find a travel trailer you’ll be able to tow. Additionally, travel trailers also allow you to utilize the full space of the truck or SUV for passengers, storage or even additional toys – like ATVs or motorcycles.
Travel trailers are all about variety and the floor plan variety is no different. There are lots of options to choose from. For example, a floor plan with a bunkhouse is excellent for families with kids. Finally, with any trailer, being able to unhitch the RV and take the tow vehicle elsewhere is always the biggest advantage to travel trailers.
Disadvantagesof a travel trailer
One major downfall of the travel trailer is towing experience. An uncontrollable sway is possible if proper sway control and weight distribution hitches are not used or if they are hooked up incorrectly. Since many require a weight-distribution hitch, bumps in the road can be much more noticeable with a travel trailer.
Another disadvantage is that travel trailers have less storage space than most other RVs. While many RVs have an abundance of outdoor storage space underneath, a travel trailer typically does not. That means if you want to bring something on your trip, it needs to fit inside your RV or in your tow vehicle. Along with storage, most travel trailers have lower weight carrying capacities, meaning you cannot bring along as much stuff.
Travel trailers also have fewer amenities than larger RVs, mainly due to their lower cost and weight restrictions. Even though they have high sleeping capacities, you cannot legally have passengers riding in a travel trailer. This limits, and may complicate, the logistics of large family camping trips.
How much do travel trailers cost?
A travel trailer is the least expensive way to enjoy a recreational vehicle or RV lifestyle. Travel trailers are significantly cheaper than motorhomes for the fact they have no engine and must be towed. Travel trailer prices can range from $10,000 to $200,000 for a travel trailer. On average, most new travel trailers cost between $20,000 and $50,000. The size of the travel trailer is the first factor — the bigger you go, the more you will pay. Brand, quality, features and amenities will also play into the final purchase price. If you’re trying to stick to a strict RV budget, don’t skimp on quality. Instead, choose an RV manufacturer known to make high-quality trailers.
Financial options for purchasing a travel trailer
A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your travel trailer. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their purchase over the course of several months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.
Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your travel trailer RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your travel trailer on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing and stretch your dollars, so you can enjoy more adventures.
What’s the best travel trailer for me?
It is essential to determine the best travel trailer to suit your needs, aesthetics and dimensions on the outside and inside. You should select the right travel trailer your vehicle will be able to pull. Make sure the floor plan is suitable for your requirements. There should also be enough room to fit the things you’re looking for. Make a list of those things you’d like to take and make sure you have enough space. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the bathroom and shower are spacious.
The best travel trailer brands at General RV
Coachmen RV Travel Trailers
Coachmen RV has been manufacturing RVs since 1964, earning an excellent reputation for reliability. Considered one of the top RV manufacturers on the market, Coachmen has up to 15 travel trailer models available.
Forest River RV Travel Trailers
Since opening its doors in 1996, Forest River RV has become one of the most popular names in the RV world. Forest River manufacturers RVs in nearly every category, with almost four dozen models of travel trailers alone.
Grand Design RV Travel Trailers
Grand Design RV manufactures high-quality towable fifth wheels and travel trailers. From affordable, luxury extended-stay vehicles to amenity-packed toy haulers, Grand Design delivers variety and reliability.
Jayco Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are the most popular kind of RV and Jayco travel trailers are built using several exclusive methods, materials and technologies that make them popular and reliable. With a wide range of sizes and floorplan options to fit many family sizes, you will find a Jayco travel trailer to accommodate all your travel needs.
Keystone RV Travel Trailers
Keystone RV Company is the top manufacturer of towable RVs in North America — with more than one million owners, 5,000 team members and over one million square feet of manufacturing in Goshen, Indiana and Pendleton, Oregon. With more than 200 floorplans available, Keystone RV Company has the perfect travel trailer for every camper.
Prime Time RV Travel Trailers
Headquartered in Wakarusa, Indiana, Prime Time Manufacturing proudly builds a full line of towable RV products to meet the needs of experienced, casual and first-time RV customers. A division of Forest River, Inc., their unwavering commitment to quality and a customer-first service philosophy has made Prime Time one of North America’s favorite RV manufacturers.
10 Best Travel Trailers For Sale at General RV
Coachmen RV Apex Nano travel trailer
The Coachmen RV Apex Nano travel trailers were designed to be towed by today’s half-ton trucks, minivans and SUVs. These lightweight and durable travel trailers from Coachmen RV are perfect for families new to RVing or seasoned travelers. The mandatory Nano Package comes with a wide range of construction features that are sure to impress, as well as standard kitchen and bathroom amenities that promises a luxury living experience. These 7-foot 6-inch-wide lightweight trailers, consisting of four models in both slide and non-slide versions, weigh as little as 2,604 pounds.
Construction features include welded aluminum framing, vacuum-bond laminated fiberglass side walls and composites designed for less weight. Inside, the trailer has double-bowl sinks and crowned 6-foot 6-inch ceilings. The Nano sleeps four to six people, with generously-sized dinettes that fold down into beds. Three of the models also have queen beds. Spacious interior cabinets and large exterior compartments provide ample storage.
Coachmen claims the Nano has some of the largest payload capacities in the single-axle market, with cargo ratings up to 1,200 pounds in the slide models. All Nano models also have 30-gallon freshwater, gray- and black-water tanks.
Solid steps at entrance
Bunk folds up for extra storage
Interior from front to back
Interior from back to front
Queen Murphy bed
Bed folds for versatility
Dual LP tanks
Outdoor kitchen with refrigerator
Floorplan for 2023 Coachmen RV Apex Nano 208BHS
Forest River RV Salem travel trailer
The Forest River Salem travel trailers may come in a tiny package, but they are fully featured, lightweight and easy to tow. They are perfect for either the first-time camper or seasoned travelers and have a modern residential living space to be a comfortable home away from home.
Each model includes residential features to maximize comfort. There are full bath and kitchen amenities, comfortable sleeping spaces and plenty of storage areas for your belongings. The durable construction means you can plan to camp for years to come and you will love how easy it will be to tow these trailers.
Kitchen loaded with residential features
Versa Lounge & Dinette converts to bed
Walk-in shower with surround
Custom King bed
Outdoor camp kitchen
Versa bunks with Versa queen bed
Bunks fold up for extra storage/space
Versa Lounge with Stow N Go Storage
Floorplan for 2023 Forest River RV Salem 29VBUD
Forest River RV Wildwoodtravel trailer
Forest River made convenience and quality a priority in these Wildwood travel trailers. From a spacious kitchen to plush bedroom, everything about this RV was designed to take you on grand adventures in comfort and style.
The Wildwood gives you a spacious living room area thanks to two slide-outs. The Versa-Lounge seating system allows you to configure your space for maximum comfort, while theater seating gives you a great spot to watch the game. The island kitchen is well equipped with a stove top, oven, residential refrigerator and pantry. The bathroom features a walk-in shower, plus a skylight and linen cabinet, while the front bedroom includes a walk-in closet.
Custom King bed
Oversized refrigerator
Entertainment center with fireplace
Private bunkhouse featuring dual opposing slides to provide tons of space
Floorplan for 2023 Forest River RV Wildwood 31KQBTS
Grand Design RV Imagine travel trailer
Whether you’re leaving the world behind for the weekend or sticking around for a stay-cation, with the Grand Design RV Imagine travel trailer it’s as easy as tow and go. Down to every detail, the Imagine offers everything your family needs for adventure — and a good night’s sleep.
The Imagine is one of the best mid-profile travel trailers on the market today. It has an aluminum frame and fiberglass sides. The different floor plans are between 29 feet and 37 feet and weigh from 7,850 pounds to 10,200 pounds. Each model includes exceptional features like a 165W roof-mounted solar panel, high-capacity furnace, residential cabinetry, nitrogen-filled radial tires and a universal docking station. Additionally, you’ll enjoy upgraded residential furniture, residential countertops, exterior speakers and large panoramic windows.
Skylight in shower
Queen bed with overhead cabinets
U-shaped dinette and tri-fold sofa
U-shaped dinette
Overhead counters and flip-up counter extension
Bunkroom and bathroom at rear of RV
Floorplan for 2023 Grand Design RV Imagine 2800BH
Grand Design RV Transcend Xplor travel trailer
Featuring open floorplans, functional and towability for many of today’s half-ton trucks and SUVs, the Transcend Xplor travel trailer is built for adventure. Throw in unmatched quality, backed by an industry-leading warranty, and there’s no reason not to Xplor. The Transcend Xplor features a unique, industry exclusive StongWall aluminum exterior that is 25 percent thicker than the competition, giving it the strength and durability to hold up to years of use.
You will also appreciate oversized tank capacities, a power tongue jack, an all-in-one utility center, plus many other exterior conveniences. Step inside to find a deep-seated stainless steel sink, residential countertops, solid hardwood drawer fronts and upgraded residential furniture. These travel trailers include multiple packages, like the Power Package, featuring exterior speakers and back-up camera prep, along with the Solar Package featuring a 165-watt roof-mounted solar panel and a solar charge controller.
Split bath with access to main bedroom
Queen bed with overhead storage
U-shaped dinette
L-shaped kitchen next to entertainment center
Rear of RV looking to the front
Floorplan for 2023 Grand Design RV Transcend Xplor 265BH
Jayco RV Jay Feather travel trailer
The Jayco RV Jay Feather travel trailer’s lightweight, rock-solid fiberglass construction features two distinct interior design concepts with new fixtures and flooring throughout. Whether you’re looking for a smaller camper with lots of sleeping space or luxurious amenities in an easy-to-tow trailer, there’s a Jay Feather for you.
Each Jay Feather is built on an American-made chassis with an integrated A-frame which runs through the main foundation preventing the hitch from buckling. These travel trailers include Stronghold VBL vacuum-bonded, laminated flooring and walls, plus the Magnum Truss Roof System, which is 50 percent stronger than other roofs in the industry. The interior equipment includes residential-style kitchen countertops, four-inch high-density dinette cushions with vinyl backing and residential vinyl flooring with cold crack resistance, for years of enjoyment.
There are many reasons to choose a Jayco Jay Feather travel trailer. It’s lightweight, easy to tow and includes a sport package with enhanced graphics, a front-molded fiberglass cap and an enclosed underbelly. Plus, may more great features!
Double bunks at rear flip up for extra storage
Floorplan for Jayco Jay Feather 22BH
Keystone RV Cougar travel trailer
Committed to cutting-edge innovation, quality, style and affordability, the Keystone RV Cougar travel trailer offers a wide selection of floorplans designed to be towed by both half-ton and full-sized trucks. The limited edition Cougar Sport offers two new, even lighter models. The Cougar line-up is designed to grow with your family, from your first RV to your last.
MaxTurn technology with Road Armor shock absorbing hitch pin and Hitch Vision, creates unparalleled towing control. The innovative iN-Command smart RV control system and Climate Guard all-season protection make the Cougar an obvious choice for full-time or extended-stay camping. The SolarFlex solar energy system comes standard as a SolarFlex 200, but you can upgrade this system to a SolarFlex 400i or SolarFlex 600i-L to suit your needs. Some new features of the Cougar include a 16-cubic-foot, 12-volt refrigerator, an on-demand water heater and the new exterior graphics package.
Double bunks behind booth dinette
King bed with overhead storage
Outdoor grill with mini fridge
Floorplan for 2023 Keystone RV Cougar 30BHS
Keystone RV Passport travel trailer
The Keystone RV Passport travel trailer has developed a reputation as a lightweight travel trailer that truly delivers the total package. More functionality, more standard features and seemingly endless interior and exterior storage with every floorplan, keeps the Passport at the front of the pack. Now celebrating it’s 15-year anniversary, the Passport has been campers’ top choice for over a decade.
The Passport is known as the Swiss army knife of RVs for the multi-functional features and best-in-class storage, to help make your camping trip memorable. Even though they are smaller in size, they still offer all of the features campers love, like rear cargo doors and flip-up bunks. Another multi-functional feature is the Murphy bed on some models, which reveals a sofa when not in use. The Pivot furniture, exclusively from Keystone, features a levered dinette seat back that shifts to create an expansive L-shaped sofa to seat the whole family.
Bottom bunk folds up for extra storage
Floorplan for Keystone RV Passport 268BH
Keystone RV Springdale travel trailer
No matter how you define family, Keystone RV Springdale travel trailer’s affordable travel trailers have a model for you. Springdale travel trailer bunkhouses are available in every configuration imaginable. Owners will find extra storage in unexpected places and effortless camping, thanks to power stabilizers, tongue jacks and awnings, as well as unique features like a full solar power package and larger campsite windows.
Each Springdale is built using a floorplan-specific I-beam frame with full width outriggers, maximum 16-inch O.C. wood sidewall construction and Dexter E-Z Lube axles. The Keystone Exclusives provide color-coded unified wiring, Tuf-Lok thermoplastic duct joiners, in-floor heating ducts and 4G LTE and Wi-Fi prep. Models range from tiny to large for weekend warriors, bunkhouse models for families and friends, non-slide and slide floorplans, plus destination trailers giving you a glass patio door and a place to return to time and time again.
Queen bed with double shelves overhead
Double bunks behind theater seating
Floorplan for 2023 Keystone RV Springdale 286BHU
Prime Time RV Avenger travel trailer
The Avenger travel trailers by Prime Time RV were created to maximum customer satisfaction and enjoyment with innovative construction and best-in-class features and design elements. These double-axle trailers offer couples’ floorplans and family-friendly bunk models.
Each Avenger is built on a powder coated l-beam frame and includes an enclosed underbelly to protect against debris and control the inside climate. The Avenger also features safety chain hooks on the A-frame, a one-piece TPO roof membrane and an aluminum exterior skin making the travel trailer lightweight. The interior offers premium cabinetry, LED interior lighting, seamless Carefree Congoleum flooring for durability and more.
Queen bed with overhead storage
Bunk flips up to utilize space for sofa
Second entrance in bathroom
Floorplan for 2023 Prime Time RV Avenger 32BHS
Is a travel trailer worth it?
There are many different types of trailers to suit a variety of needs — from tiny teardrops with galley kitchens in the rear to massive 39-foot trailers that can sleep up to 10 people. With a huge selection of floorplans and models, the travel trailer is a great option for your first RV; whether you’re a family of six or a solo traveler.
Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, travel trailers, like any RV, also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.
Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s towable experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV dealer to explore our huge selection of travel trailers for yourself. We have thousands of travel trailers in stock, including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.
If you will be doing any winter camping or winter RV living, proper insulation of your RV or camper is one of the most important factors to consider in order to not only keep your RV cozy inside but to protect your equipment against the harsh winter elements. There are several options available when it comes to insulating your RV against winter temperatures. Cost, ease of sourcing materials, bulky materials, and permanence of insulation are all common challenges that come along with insulating an RV for the winter. EZ Snap products are one solution to keeping the chill out that resolves many of these concerns.
Comparing Common Insulation Types for Your RV
First, look at some common insulation types and their benefits. Foam board insulation is perhaps the easiest material to source. You can find foam board insulation at most home improvement stores, often with several sizes and thicknesses to choose from. While installing foam board insulation is not a permanent installation, the materials are quite bulky and bring with it the challenge of what to do with the foam board at the end of the season when spring comes again and it’s time to remove the insulation.
Reflective insulation, while less bulky than foam board, is also a non-permanent solution. Reflective insulation can also be sourced at many home improvement stores and comes in rolls of various R-values. When removed in the spring, it again brings with it the challenge of what to do with the used insulation after it’s removed as it’s not simple to store for future re-use.
Spray foam insulation is a more permanently installed insulation that is applied to the underbelly of the RV to help insulate the pipe against the elements. It can be quite costly to insulate the underbelly fully with spray foam and is also difficult to remove in the future should the need arise.
Key Considerations for Choosing Insulation Materials
RV skirting does not require a high R-value to be effective in insulating your RV. The temperature differential between the inside and outside air beneath the RV is minimal due to the use of electric heaters, and the R-value savings would be insignificant. Furthermore, to achieve significant energy savings, RV skirting would need to be much thicker than it typically is. Stopping air movement is far more critical than R-value when it comes to RV skirting; a barrier to airflow alone is sufficient for most situations. In extreme winter climates, using rigid Styrofoam insulation board in conjunction with RV skirting is the most effective way to add insulation. Lastly, thermostatically controlled space heaters with built-in fans are the best heat source to use under RV skirting, as they only use energy when needed.
Insulating Your RV: Windows, Doors, and Floors
Window Insulation: Reducing Heat Loss with EZ Snap Window Shades
EZ Snap window shades are a valuable layer to your insulation equation as they help retain heat inside of the RV by adding a layer of insulation over your windows, protecting against the elements. Installation is simple with EZ Snap’s patented no-drill installation system. You can mount the fasteners to either the side panel, if it’s smooth and flat, or to the glass itself, cut the non-fray solar shading mesh to the size of each window, and install. (“EZ Snap”)
Door Insulation: Proper Sealing and Weatherstripping
Choosing the right weatherstripping material is another important factor to take into consideration. While some materials provide more insulation against cold temperatures, others are better suited to holding up against snow and ice or sub-zero temperatures. Thinking about the conditions where you live will help you choose the best material for your weatherstripping needs. Once you have selected your weather-stripping material, you’ll need to measure around your door to determine how much weather-stripping you will need. Next, you will cut the weatherstripping to size and allow a little excess to ensure that it will have a tight fit once installed. You can always trim it down later, if necessary. Finally, install the weatherstripping around the door, trim any necessary pieces that overlap, and test the door to ensure a proper seal with your new weatherstripping. (“How To Weatherstrip A Door the Right Way and Seal Gaps”)
Floor Insulation: Essential for RV Comfort and Plumbing Protection
Insulating your RV’s floors is an important step not only to help keep the chill out of your RV’s interior but also to help protect your RV’s plumbing system. Both freshwater and sewer pipes for your RV travel below the floor of your RV, so keeping those insulated also ensures that your plumbing system remains in tip-top shape throughout the cold winter months. To insulate your floors you could choose fiberglass, foam board, or spray foam insulation options. Each comes with varying costs, ease of installation, and the degree to which it provides insulation protection against the elements. While fiberglass insulation is the cheapest option, it’s the least suited for snow and wet weather which will require something like corrugated plastic to cover the fiberglass when you install it. Foamboard provides higher levels of installation but is the bulkiest and most costly of the three options. Spray foam insulation is more moderately priced but provides lesser protection against cold weather than foam board and is a more permanent solution. Choosing the best floor insulation for your needs is important and properly installing it will ensure the maximum protection for your RV. (“RV Insulation 101”)
Walls and Ceiling Insulation: Enhancing Comfort and Heat Retention
Enhancing Wall Insulation and Protecting RV Plumbing with Skirting
RVs come from the factory with varying levels of insulation. One option to increase the R-value of your RV’s wall insulation is to use spray foam insulation to supplement your RV’s existing insulation. Skirting your RV using a product like EZ Snap RV Skirting Kits provides a simple, easy-to-install solution that adds insulation to parts of your RV’s walls while also offering extra insulation to the underbelly and safeguarding vital plumbing lines. EZ Snap’s diamond-weave material is designed for extreme weather down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is lightweight, easy to cut to size, and resistant to mold and mildew—crucial factors considering it will be wrapped around your RV for several months each year.
Roof Insulation: Minimizing Heat Loss and Ensuring Warmth
Ceiling insulation might not be the first area of insulation that you consider when thinking about protecting your RV from cold temperatures, but since warm air rises, it’s where heat can easily be lost if not well-insulated. While keeping your roof cleared of snow and ice as much as possible is important, so is insulating your roof. One aspect to consider is any skylights or vents. These can be fitted with foam insulation pillows to reduce heat loss through the thin plastic windows which do not come insulated from the factory.
Optimizing Heating and Ventilation for Winter RV Comfort
Efficient Heating Systems
Keeping your RV’s propane or electric furnace in top condition is the first step to ensuring an efficient heating system. Making sure that all of your ductwork is clean, and vents clear to allow for maximum airflow to all areas of your RV will also help to keep your RV cozy inside. Some RVs come equipped with an electric fireplace heater or these can be added aftermarket to up the heat output in your RV. If your RV is larger or if you find that you need additional help heating your RV, ceramic space heaters used for short periods of time during the day can help raise the inside air temperature of your RV, keeping you warm and cozy inside. Never leave these unattended or running overnight.
Ventilation and Humidity Control
Proper ventilation is always important, but especially in the winter when you are sealing around your RV to insulate and keep the heat in and the cold out. Making sure that your RV’s propane is properly venting to the outside and not back into the RV is a critical safety consideration. Humidity is also a common battle during the winter months as condensation tends to settle on the walls, windows, and ceiling of the RV if left unchecked. Running a dehumidifier inside the RV throughout the winter will help to pull the humidity out of the air, preventing mold and mildew. These can quickly destroy your investment in your RV, so don’t skip on managing humidity, particularly if you are in a humid climate.
Evaluating your RV’s insulation needs and ensuring its proper insulation using the right products and equipment will ensure a cozy winter RV experience for you. Protecting your equipment by insulating your RV efficiently and properly will also extend the life of your RV, ensuring your enjoyment of your RV for years to come.
As the winter season approaches, the idea of embarking on a road trip adventure with an RV may seem counterintuitive to many. However, the winter season can bring about a unique and exciting opportunity to explore some of America’s most beautiful national parks and scenic routes. In this article, we will uncover the top 10 must-see RV destinations for a wintry road trip adventure, including tips for RVing in the winter, recommended RV campsites and services, and descriptions of the parks’ winter scenery and activities.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, is a winter wonderland that transforms into a snowy paradise in the colder months. Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even ice fishing. RVers can take advantage of the park’s numerous campgrounds, with options ranging from rustic to modern. Some of the recommended RV campsites include Madison, Canyon, and Grant Village.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is another popular winter destination for RVers. The park boasts picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and icy waterfalls. Visitors can participate in winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. RVers can stay at Apgar, Fish Creek, or St. Mary campgrounds.
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, offers visitors a winter wonderland with numerous winter sports and activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. RVers can stay at campgrounds such as Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen.
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, offers a unique and tranquil winter experience with scenic views of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Visitors can engage in winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. The park’s Blackwoods Campground offers RVers amenities such as electrical hookups and heated restrooms.
Joshua Tree National Park, located in California, offers RVers a unique desert winter experience. Visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, clear skies, and breathtaking views of the park’s unique rock formations. Winter activities in the park include hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. RVers can stay at Black Rock, Indian Cove, or Cottonwood campgrounds.
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in Utah, offers a unique and stunning winter experience with its red rock formations contrasted against white snow. Visitors can participate in winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park’s North and Sunset campgrounds offer RVers access to electrical hookups and heated restrooms.
Big Bend National Park, located in Texas, offers RVers a unique and quiet winter experience with its vast desert landscape and clear skies. Winter activities in the park include hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. The park’s Rio Grande Village campground offers RVers access to electrical hookups and heated restrooms.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in Colorado, offers a unique winter experience with its snow-covered sand dunes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Winter activities in the park include sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park’s Pinon Flats campground offers RVers access to electrical hookups and heated restrooms.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington, offers a unique and stunning winter experience with its snow-covered mountain and serene winter landscapes. Winter activities in the park include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. RVers can stay at campgrounds such as Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River.
commonplace and provided some increase in safety by helping to eliminate some of the possible blind spots of close traffic. However, side cameras on recreational vehicles have not replaced the traditional outside mirrors. This is probably due to the much lower resolution of the display compared to that of the direct view provided by a mirror. Additionally, the CRT non-traditional location placement may also be a contributing factor. However, recent automotive advances towards improving this technology has increased the screen resolution to an ultra-high definition. Rearview display location(s) also more closely mimic the traditional placements in most cases. There are expandable features that can be adapted to the electronic rear-view display systems in the future. Those features include, but are not limited to, automatic distance adjustments, forward and rear dash cam duty, no rear seat view-blocking, adjustable night darkening, etc. Hopefully, much of these advancements will also come to the recreational vehicle industry in the near future.
