WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

The US is full of wide-open spaces. RV travel provides the freedom to go seek out these destinations whenever you hear the call of adventure. You’ve seen the photos, there’s nothing more majestic than a visit to America’s national treasure–one of its 50-plus national parks.

But what if everyone goes to national parks? Will they become overcrowded? During select times of the year, that’s possible. However, good planning can reap big rewards. 

Why Stay Near a National Park and Not Inside?

The larger parks, like the colossal Yellowstone National Park, have fantastic campgrounds close to everything you want to see. The downside is having to reserve several months in advance (or sometimes even longer), especially for the high season from June to September when school is out and families are on the road.

If you can, the best times to visit the national parks are either in the spring or fall. Visitation numbers are at their lower at most parks, but the weather hasn’t turned too wintery just yet. That said, reservations are competitive if you can only visit during the summer.

One more item about national park campgrounds: bear in mind they may not always fit larger RVs and most will have limited full hook-up accommodations. If you have a large travel trailer, 5th wheel, or luxury class A motorhome, your choices for national park campgrounds will be more limited than for those with smaller campers.

The more we RV – and we’ve been doing this for ten years now – the more we dislike driving the Interstates and instead opt for backroads. Granted, there are times when you have to be somewhere fast and the Interstates are the only viable options. But fast is the problem. With speed limits of 70 miles per hour in most states (more in a handful of mostly western states), it’s very rare these days to find traffic moving at the speed limit. It is much closer to 80, we’ve found.

It is not unusual now to find people going 90, especially with traffic apps like Waze that use crowdsourcing to share real-time information on where the police are set up with radar. When you are in an RV – be it a towable or motorhome – speed is not your friend. The faster you go, the harder it is to stop and control.

Add to that the fact that the tires on most RVs are not engineered to be able to go as fast as the tires on your tow vehicle. Suddenly there’s a compelling case for traveling the backroads. But aside even from safety, backroads travel is just a lot more enjoyable.

Why Drive the RV on Backroads?

On backroads, top speeds are usually limited to either 55 or 65 miles per hour. We’ve found through experience– and top RV technicians have told us the same – that the sweet spot for safe speed and better gas mileage with an RV is around 60 miles per hour.

Lower speeds can also result in much-improved mileage compared to interstate driving. Budget stretching and safety are probably the two top reasons you should consider driving the backroads. But there are two more reasons:

So you decided to take the plunge into the RV lifestyle. You have made the wise decision to rent an RV to see if you like the experience or the type of RV. You have navigated the RV rental options, like Good Sam’s rentals. Your trip is only a few days away, and the euphoria of booking your first RV trip has switched to pure panic. You read blogs and watched YouTube videos on everything you need to know about your destination, where to stay and sites to visit. Only one big mistake… You have no idea what to pack for your trip! Well relax; I’m here to help make this first RV rental a memorable one for you and your family. Check out the top 10 things to pack on your first RV rental trip.

Blanket/Sheets/Towels

While some rental companies will either provide or offer a charge for a package of linens, we highly recommend you bring your own. First of all, you will know they are clean and only your family has used them. Secondly, if you enjoy higher thread count linens, it’s not easy or comfortable to step down.

And if you have kids ( like we do), they love bringing one of their favorite blankets from home. It really makes the RV “feel” like a second home, no matter where you wake up.

RV Toilet Paper

If you didn’t know before, you learn quickly that you cannot use just any toilet paper in RVs. If you love the soft triple-ply toilet paper, you’ll be out of luck. Most likely, your rental company will provide some RV toilet paper, but our experience is that it’s the cost-effective type that if you hold a sheet up to the sun, it won’t block a single ray. We recommend you get a septic tank-safe soft brand. Your bottom will thank you for it.

Fire Starter

So you’ve rented an RV and are ready for a trip of a lifetime to make incredible memories. If your visions include enjoying s’mores, telling stories, or singing songs around a campfire; trust me, those times and moments to just sit and enjoy your family are so precious. Only one problem, you have never made a campfire!

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Snowbirding is all fun and games down in the nice, warm south—until the A/C goes out. Knowing how to maintain your RV’s air conditioner will keep your coach cool so you can retreat from the heat when needed. 

Whether you’re learning about seasonal RV AC maintenance, replacing AC accessories, or exploring other air conditioner options, we’ve got you covered. This guide will cover the three likely causes of A/C malfunction, how to remedy them, and best practices to avoid overworking the unit. 

Types of RV Air Conditioners

There are several different types of air conditioning units you might find in an RV. Roof-mounted AC units like the Dometic Brisk II are by far the most common. You may also find window-mounted units, basement units, and portable units that can provide cool air in different rooms of your coach. 

For the purposes of this guide, maintaining and troubleshooting roof-mounted AC units will be our focus. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance and troubleshooting tips specific to your air conditioner if you have another type.

Understanding RV Air Conditioner Components

Several different components make up an RV’s AC system. Understanding how these components work together will prepare you to better maintain your RV’s air conditioner. 

One of the largest vintage trailer rallies in the country is set to take place on May 19- 21 at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort in Pismo Beach, California.

“We’ll have over 300 vintage trailers along with their proud owners,” said Jay Jamison, General Manager of the resort, which has hosted the annual Pismo Vintage Trailer Rally for 14 years.

The highlight of the weekend is the open house and swap meet, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.

The rally features beautifully restored travel trailers from the 1930s to the 1970s with famous names like Airstream, Boles Aero, Shasta, Silver Streak, Vagabond and Westcraft as well as unique special edition trailers. Many of the vintage trailer owners tow their units with beautiful vintage vehicles with matching color schemes.

If you’ve been a fan of the hit TV series 1883, you’ve marveled at the adventure, danger, beauty, and amazement encountered by the early pioneers who traveled west on the Oregon Trail in covered wagons. In 2022, though, we can now follow much of that trail in comfort thanks to today’s version of the Covered Wagon – the modern recreational vehicle.

All the way west, starting at St. Louis, are roadside parks, historic markers, small towns, and fabulous scenery that commemorates and celebrates that massive migration. The routes are far removed from the interstates, usually along well-maintained state two-lanes, with lots of places to camp. If you are thinking about making such a trip, all the way to Oregon or only for parts of the trail, the first thing you need to realize is that it’s really not just one trail you’ll be following.

A Brief History of the Oregon Trail

Originally, the trails were all formed by animals and then by the various Native American tribes that transformed them into hunting grounds. Then in 1804, Lewis and Clark, using the Missouri River for much of their travels, made their way to the Pacific Ocean and, as their accounts slowly reached the population centers and small farms back east, they showed the way for those first covered wagon pioneers. The Oregon Trail was the route those pioneers followed, a journey that, in some places, almost paralleled the Lewis and Clark expedition.

It’s hard to over-emphasize the importance of these two 19th-century routes. Lewis and Clark discovered the overland route to the Pacific, thus opening up the nation to east-west travel in the days immediately after the Louisiana Purchase. It was a trip that in its day, was as monumental as the American landing on the moon is to ours. The Oregon Trail pioneers came about four decades after Lewis and Clark, mostly traveling in their prairie schooners – so named because their wagons were covered with white canvas that made them resemble a ship at sea.

Others took routes that sprang off the Oregon Trail on paths called the California Trail and the Mormon Trail as they headed to the Gold Rush and Salt lake City. The Pony Express routes also traveled parts of the Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail, and the various other trails that led from it, constituted the single greatest migration in America – consisting of as many as a half-a-million men, women, and children who traveled by wagon and by foot west for two decades from 1842-1870.

Summer is prime camping season, but if you don’t pick the right destination you may find yourself sweltering in the heat instead of enjoying yourself. That’s why finding a great campground near the water is key!

Lakes are wonderful for camping and most have some amazing campgrounds nearby to choose from. You can build wonderful memories with your family at a lake. So, pack up your swimsuits, fishing poles, and kayaks and head to one of these fabulous lakeside campgrounds, many part of the Good Sam Campground network. A Good Sam Membership saves you 10% on stays at these campgrounds and over 2,000 other camping destinations.

Davis Lakes Campground – Virginia

Even better than camping on one lake is camping on three! Davis Lakes Campground has it all: fishing, water sports, and plenty of activities for land lovers too. Located in Suffolk, Virginia this campground is only an hour away from Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg, but you might have a hard time dragging yourself away from all they have to offer onsite.

For starters, the 25-acre Lake Neal is the primary fishing spot, but don’t miss the six-acre Catfish Lake stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. If you’re looking for a sandy beach with a terrific swimming area, try the 18-acre Lake Helen which also boasts an Aquaglide with water trampolines, jungle gyms, and blast bags.

Other Campgrounds Nearby

Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort – New York

Since 1968, the Anderson family has been providing a summer retreat for the whole family at Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort. Located on the shores of the 17-mile-long Chautauqua Lake in Western New York, this family resort has every amenity you could want including a pool, splash pad, playground, boat marina, and nature trails for starters.

Every good adventure starts with coffee. For some RVers, a daily cup of Joe is part of their morning ritual. For others, that coffee fix is essential to fuel their day on the road, trail, river, or wherever the day takes them. Thankfully, making coffee in an RV is as easy as making coffee at home. I’d argue that it’s even better because coffee tastes amazing when you’re taking in majestic views outside your RV window.

As a fellow coffee-lover, it might not come as a surprise that I always opt for whole bean coffee and a manual grinder for robust, fresh, and flavorful coffee. So put the instant coffee aside and make way for six different methods for brewing quality coffee to sip and savor while RVing and camping. 

French Press

Coffee snobs know a French press is a sure-fire way to make bold, smooth, and flavorful coffee. It’s so simple yet does a great job at making quality coffee. In our RV, the French press fits in a little basket designated for coffee-related things including our favorite whole bean coffee, a grinder, and a French press. It’s easy to grab out of the RV kitchen cupboard every morning.

To make coffee in a French press, add about six tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee per two cups of water; more or less coffee depending on how strong you like your java. We boil water in our kettle on the RV stove or you can opt for an electric kettle. Pour hot water into your carafe and let it steep for six minutes. Then separate the grounds from the coffee by pressing down on the filter. Pour the coffee into your mugs right away to prevent it from steeping further. Between my husband and I, we can easily make coffee in an eight-cup French press and have a mug and a half for the both of us.

Aeropress

If you’re looking for a specialty coffee maker that not only makes smooth and balanced coffee but is also durable, space-saving, easy to clean, and versatile, the Aeropress is your best bet. Versatility is the Aeropress’ biggest strength and it’s no wonder this little device has a cult following. Whether you enjoy classic black coffee, espresso, an Americano, cold brew, cold extract, drip coffee, French press style, or iced coffee – the Aeropress can do it all. It is truly an impressive contraption. So how does it work? The Aeropress uses air pressure to force the water through the coffee grounds. Place your coffee grounds into the brewing chamber, add hot water, and push down the plunger gently to force water through the coffee grounds and filter into a cup. Push down the plunger to extract the coffee. The Aeropress is practical for one or two cups of coffee. 

Keeping a leak-free roof over your head is one of the most important things you can do for an RV of any type. If you don’t have a good roof, the rest of your RV is compromised. One of the best ways to treat your roof right is to do a regular RV roof inspection.

Many suggest adding an RV roof inspection to your annual maintenance routine. Even if you’re not interested in doing maintenance work yourself, you can save money and time simply by giving it a quick check.

How Often Should I Inspect My RV Roof?

Seasonal RVers should inspect their RV roof at least twice a year. Inspect at the beginning of the RV season and again at the end of your camping season before winterizing your RV.

Full-time RVers need to consider regular RV roof maintenance at least three to four times a year. Make it a quarterly check and combine it with a thorough roof cleaning. You’ll already be up on the roof for regular RV maintenance, so cleaning while you’re at it is a good idea.

Check out some options for RV cleaning products. And don’t forget, nationwide Camping World Service Centers offer free roof inspections!

Most RV owners in North America do the majority of their travel and camping in the summer and extended shoulder seasons. This generally avoids their exposure to driving in winter-like weather such as snow and ice. But poor weather driving conditions are not necessarily confined to the colder months. Late spring and early summer rains can put a damper on your RV trip. Indeed, precipitation can present very challenging driving conditions. Don’t underestimate the impact that even light rain can cause on your travels.

Because we have driven in rain countless times, little thought is given to wet weather. However, rainy weather can create several driving hazards, especially with a large heavier vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the problems that precipitation can spawn.   

Slippery Road Surfaces

Wet road surfaces have less traction than dry surfaces, resulting in reduced tire grip and braking effect. This is especially true during the early phases of the precipitation, as oil from the highway traffic disperses. Loss of tire grip can result in skidding sideways in a turn. If you drive around a corner at a speed that is close to the side force grip of a tire’s traction threshold, even a slight bump may launch you into a skid.  Reduce speed in all turns. 

Possible Flooded Roadway

1. Food is fresh, like really fresh. On Prince Edward Island, we take farm-to-table and boat-to-table to a whole new level. As you tour the Island, you’ll better understand that food is a way of life here. You’ll see farmers cutting hay, cattle grazing in wide-open pastures and potato fields blossoming with colors of pink, white, yellow and purple. Our rivers and estuaries provide the ideal conditions for harvesting mussels and the world’s finest oysters. Perhaps you’ll catch the fishing boats coming back to the harbor in the early afternoons of June and September as fishers return with their catches of delicious Prince Edward Island lobster.

2. Highly trained chefs. Our best butchers, bakers and culinary artmakers are graduates of the Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown. For a unique gastronomic experience, be sure to visit the on-site market or make reservations for the dining room for a spectacular view of the Charlottetown Harbour.

3. Chefs, farmers and fishers are neighbors and often friends. The Island provides the perfect growing conditions for food and relationships. Within minutes, chefs can visit local producers to select menu ingredients. In fact, many of our local chefs and kitchen helpers grew up in the small fishing and farming communities — quality assurance at its finest.

4. Find the makings of dinner along the way. Along our highways and byways, you’ll find roadside stands selling anything from potatoes to pumpkins and free-range eggs to firewood. You can even find a honey hut. If the season is right, ask about buying a feed of lobster at the wharf. Here, fresh can be both savory and self-serve. Most stands accept cash only so be prepared before you head out.

Maintaining the electric power steps on your RV is extremely important. Without them, you’re going to have a hard time getting in and out of your RV, unless you always carry a set of portable RV steps or a step stool around, which can be cumbersome. 

If you don’t maintain your RV electric steps, you could be on the hook for an expensive repair if they fail entirely. A few simple DIY maintenance tasks will save you money and the hassle of repairing or replacing faulty steps. 

Step 1: Make Sure Steps Are Fully Extended Before Use

You should never put any weight on a step that is not extended and in a locked position. You’ll know your steps are fully extended when the motor has stopped running. Then they are ready to use.

If you use your RV’s electric steps while they’re still moving it can result in the weakening of joints that hold the steps together or a broken step entirely. Both of these will eventually present a significant fall risk for you and anyone else entering or exiting your RV. 

Step 2: Use Your Handrail 

Most RVs are equipped with some sort of handrail to help you maneuver up and down your steps. Use this handhold to minimize the risk of a fall when going in and out of your trailer. 

Peace River: A place where history, beauty and adventure collide!

Rendez-Vous RV Park is located in Peace River, Alberta, in Northern Sunrise County. We are a year-round park with all the all amenities you need for an amazing stay. Rendez-Vous RV Park has 57 pull-through and 50 back-in sites, all fully serviced with 30 or 50 amp power and extremely spacious sites making us perfect for Big Rigs!

Our park has all your necessary amenities, including an immaculate shower house and 24/7 laundry. The office also features a convenience store with an ever-growing inventory of U-Haul supplies, groceries, ICE CREAM, firewood, propane and items for your RV.

No RV? No problem. We have 3 fully furnished luxury cabins complete with TV and free WiFi just waiting to welcome you home each night after a day of exploring the Peace!

Unless you’re really roughing it, off-the-grid entirely, most campgrounds will include some form of electric service for your rig. Those hookups give you everything you need to be able to power and charge your RV while you’re camping.

When you’re boondocking, however, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. No powerlines, no buzzing, nothing to keep your rig up and running except your battery. And while a battery will hang on and keep you comfortable for a while, it can’t and won’t last forever. A battery needs to be recharged.

But thanks to that bright, shining star in the sky, we can harness energy wherever the sun is shining. This helps us power all of our stuff—from the television to a coffee machine to your RV’s onboard battery. Solar power for your RV is a smart way to bring energy with you, recharging your battery power along the way.

The Realities of Solar Power

While harnessing the power of the sun seems like a no-brainer, it is an investment. And not always a cheap investment, at that. Unless you’re a regular boondocker, regularly go off the grid, and tend to stay away from power sources, solar may not be a worthwhile effort.

If you mostly stay at campgrounds, if you’re regularly in populated areas, or only boondock once in a while, a generator might be a better option for your needs and your wallet. Choosing the right generator is easier than you think. Use our guide to choosing the right generator for your RV to find the perfect match.

Yellowstone National Park is the nation’s first national park and remains one of the country’s most popular and visited parks. It’s a vast, beautiful, and wild habitat known for spectacular geothermal features and an abundance of wildlife rarely found in other parts of the US. 

Herds of massive bison wander through the park’s grasslands, and gray wolves roam the northern regions. Old Faithful might be the park’s most popular geothermal feature, but hot pools and spouting geysers dot the park’s landscape. 

Spanning a huge area of 2.2 million acres, you might need multiple trips to experience everything Yellowstone offers. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to this incredible national park that spans parts of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.

Why Visit Yellowstone National Park in an RV?

It might be easier to think of reasons not to visit Yellowstone. Seriously, the park is unbelievable. There’s so much to see and do, and its grandeur makes it an unforgettable experience.

One of the primary reasons to visit Yellowstone is the abundance of hydrothermal wonders. With over 10,000 thermal features, Yellowstone is the best place in the world to see geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents. 

Surrounded by the natural wonder of the Pend Oreille River Valley and the Selkirk Mountains, Kalispel RV Resort features full hookups and cozy cottages for every adventurer. With nearby outdoor recreation for every season and indoor entertainment and dining that’s just steps away at Kalispel Casino, this is your perfect basecamp in Cusick, Washington.

Room to Roam

Warm weather ushers in plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family. You’re free to roam more than a million acres in the surrounding Colville National Forest, with abundant trails for hiking and off-road riding.

Pend Oreille River Water Trail

For paddlers of all types, the Pend Oreille River Water Trail offers 70 miles of river to explore by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Fishing and Boating

Anglers will enjoy casting in the river and at dozens of nearby lakes, with Browns Lake exclusively reserved for fly fishing. And boating enthusiasts can launch at the nearby Cusick City Park boat launch to enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Pend Oreille River.

Black-Footed Ferret RV Resort — Wyoming Glamping at Its Finest!

Come enjoy our hospitality and meet Meeteetse, Wyoming! The town’s name is derived from a Native American term for “meeting place.” Our brand new RV Resort is named after the last known wild population of black-footed ferrets that were discovered in Meeteetse in 1981. All black-footed ferrets today are descended from these animals.

Home On The Range In MEETEETSE, WY!

Black Footed Ferret RV Resort is located in the Authentic Western Town of Meeteetse.

Meeteetse has a rich history of the land where outlaws rode and cattle barons ruled. Wooden boardwalks, hitching rails and water troughs still line the streets. Here is where the Absaroka Mountains and the Wyoming Bad Lands meet. We are Wyoming’s best-kept secret, offering some of the best fishing, hunting, sightseeing and wildlife viewing.

Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park is a Brand New RV Park. It’s located near Bryce Canyon National Park and on America’s most scenic byway — Scenic Byway 12 — in Cannonville, Utah.

Welcome to Heaven on Earth at Bryce Valley Ranch RV & Horse Park, offering stunning landscape views in a quiet setting close to Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. We are located in the middle of it all!! This is where your adventure begins & memories are made to last.

The area is surrounded by views of mountains, rock spires, hoodoos, canyons and vistas in many colors of reds, whites and coppers. You will see alfalfa fields, antelope, deer, elk, turkey, hawks and other wildlife.

This peninsula along the state’s eastern shore is a hodge-podge of orchards, lighthouses and state parks, all nestled within a landscape that harkens back to a simpler time. The region is also a haven for lake lovers and watersports aficionados who arrive each summer to enjoy the more than 300 miles of pristine shoreline. Whether you’re looking for fun-in-the-sun or laid-back luxury, life just seems a little easier in Door County.

Loads of Lighthouses

Getting its name from the 19th-century ship captains who called the waters around its northernmost point ‘Porte des Morts’ – or ‘Death’s Door’ – it’s no wonder that the coast of Door County is dotted with lifesaving lighthouses. These days, touring all eleven is the perfect introduction to the region’s quaint waterfront towns. Sturgeon Bay, the county’s largest, has three lighthouses, as well as quirky boutiques, carriage rides, and plenty of boating opportunities. Farther north, the lighthouses around Bailey’s Harbor are easily accessible, with many open to the public. The most photogenic of the bunch, the Cana Island Lighthouse, lies just off the coast and can be waded to during low tide. More remote lights, like the Chambers Island Lighthouse and the Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, are only accessible by boat or ferry.

Nautical Past

To learn more about the region’s longstanding relationship with Lake Michigan and beyond, head to the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. Exhibits at the waterfront site include deep dives into the area’s long history of shipbuilding, its most fantastic captains and craftsman, and a growing number of workshops and classes for those looking to gain hands-on experience. At the northernmost tip of the peninsula, in the small fishing town of Gills Rock, the Death’s Door Maritime Museum offers up insight into the shipwrecks and storms that have come to define the region’s waterways. You can explore a 45ft wooden fishing tug, see artifacts from decades old wrecks, and learn more about the finely-crafted lenses used in the nearby lighthouses. Amazingly, many of the most prominent shipwrecks are submerged in less than 60ft of water, which means that kayakers and snorkelers can see them from the surface when the water is clear. Join a guided boat tour or scenic cruise for an even closer look.