WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

Before you just toss gear in at random, it’s vital to know how to properly load your travel trailer safely based on its weight ratings. You need a strategy that’ll reduce swaying, bouncing, tire blowouts, and a host of other problems. 

Fortunately for you, we’re going to help you understand trailer weight ratings and basic proper trailer loading. Your trailer’s weight ratings will dictate how much you can load into your trailer, but the principles of proper weight distribution apply to just about every travel trailer on the road.

Understanding Your Trailer’s Weight Ratings

Your trailer’s weight ratings are determined by the manufacturer and you’ll find them in your owner’s manual or on your VIN number tag. This includes abbreviations like GVWR, GAWR, GTW, and others. For a deep dive into this alphabet soup, consult our handy Guide to Weight Ratings. If you need a quick refresher, here’s one below. 

GVWR is short for gross vehicle weight rating. This is the maximum amount of weight your trailer can handle. It is the combined weight of the trailer itself and its maximum payload capacity. GAWR stands for gross axle weight rating. This is the maximum weight you can place on each trailer axle. GTW refers to gross trailer weight. This is the actual weight of your trailer plus all the stuff you load into it. The only way to determine this weight is to drive over a scale once it’s loaded. Tongue Weight is the amount of weight that is placed on the hitch ball when you connect your trailer to your tow vehicle. Maximum Payload Capacity tells you how much weight you are able to load into your trailer safely. You calculate it by subtracting your trailer’s dry weight from its GVWR. Towing Capacity actually refers to your tow vehicle, but it’s still vital to safe towing. It is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can safely tow and it will be specified on your vehicle’s VIN label or in the owner’s manual. 

To guarantee safe towing and err on the side of caution, your trailer’s gross trailer weight (GTW) should remain below 90 percent of your vehicle’s towing capacity. 

How to Properly Load Your Travel Trailer

Once you understand your trailer’s weight ratings, use these recommendations to distribute weight evenly. 

Most people think about purchasing an RV in the spring, which isn’t that surprising of an idea. After all, that’s when the weather becomes nicer, the sun seems to shine brighter, and the thought of being outside starts to sound more appealing. Spring is the season when grass, trees, and other foliage turns green again, so it’s not hard to imagine getting on the road with the family to enjoy a weekend at a verdant campground.

However, the fact of the matter is spring shoppers will ultimately pay more for lack of foresight. It’s unfortunately true. In actuality, the best time to buy an RV is in the off-season, during the late fall and throughout the winter months. It might not be the time to camp, but it is the time to think about and prepare for the upcoming camping season.

Here’s a more detailed look at why you should strongly consider purchasing your RV in the off-season.

Special Winter Deals Mean Good Prices

Find exactly what you’re looking for during the off-season.

Just like with the auto industry, if you want a good deal you should shop during the winter months when the cold tries hard to deter you from doing so. That’s when dealers have the best incentives and when they’re trying to make room on the lot for the upcoming year’s models. Dealers are wanting to get rid of inventory they didn’t sell throughout the previous year. By shopping at this specific time, you could nab yourself a current model at a reduced price.

Start keeping an eye out in November for the holiday sales or end-of-year sales. RV lots have to work extra hard to get shoppers to come in and buy a rig when the weather is cold. People simply aren’t in the camping mood, which is understandable. However, that likely means you can get a better deal at one of the sales. Talk to an RV sales representative at your local Camping World or Gander RV and they will agree that they tend to have more wiggle room on price as the year draws to a close.

One of the most common questions we got asked as full-time RVers was, “how much does it cost?”. People often wonder if it’s more expensive than stationary living. In fact, they usually assume it is––because, let’s face it, travel can be quite expensive these days.

Our response to this question is simply that RVing can cost as much or as little as you’d like or need. You can find the style of RV travel that works for your monthly budget. Full-time RV life can look differently for everyone for a variety of reasons, and money is often a big factor in the decision-making that comes along with the adventure. But the important thing is that you are entirely in control of designing your RV lifestyle.

After five years of RVing, both full-time and now part-time, we have a pretty good idea of how to budget each month and plan our travels in a way that allows us to stick to our budget. In this post, I will share the costs associated with full-time RVing and I hope to show you how affordable it can be so that you can achieve the RV life dream, too.

Before I start, I want to remind you that this information is based solely on my own RV experience. Each RVers budget will vary greatly depending on family size and many of the following costs can fluctuate and change over time. A solo RVer’s budget is going to be very different from a family of six – you get the point.

The following is a list of items that are, what I would consider, the “bare necessities” for RV life. In other words, they are expenses that may be different from a stationary lifestyle that you will need to account for to determine if you can afford to full-time RV. Under each item, we’ll share our average costs so you have a complete and authentic budget breakdown from experienced full-time RVers.

A portable generator is a great alternative power source for your RV or for powering some of your household appliances in emergency situations. Because we’re dealing with gas and electricity here, you’ll need to follow these portable generator safety tips for safe operation.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector 

Photo by Ralf Geithe via Shutterstock

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can lead to full incapacitation and, in the worst case, death. You can be exposed to it even if you don’t smell exhaust fumes and the early warning signs are feelings of dizziness, weakness, and sickness. 

If you feel any of these signs, get outside and into fresh air IMMEDIATELY. 

To protect yourself from carbon monoxide exposure, make sure your CO detectors are plugged in and operating properly and have a battery backup or operate solely on batteries. Test the batteries frequently and replace them when needed. If your CO alarm goes off, move outside into fresh air or next to an open door or window. 

Install CO detectors in central locations in your home or RV to provide an early warning system in the event of a carbon monoxide accumulation. 

Can’t wait to hit the road? Not so fast. Whether you plan a winter trip in the Sun Belt or a springtime journey north, it’s important to cover all the bases when it comes to making reservations and checking in at an RV park.

Reservations

Researching your planned campground stay locations is a critical part of any RV trip. Once your destination is selected, you’ll need to take care as you go through the process of locking in your stay. While many RV parks offer online reservation systems, the direct telephone method gives you a chance to ask key questions. The correct information exchange can make this a perfect stay for all parties concerned.

Keep in mind that the rising popularity of the RV industry has created a high demand for campsites across North America. It’s more important than ever to act fast and take proper care to reserve the site that’s right for you.

Here are some of the steps that may help make your next camping reservation the best stay.

One of the beautiful things about America is that it’s so different from place to place. The west coast looks nothing like the east coast, and all parts in-between are entirely unique, giving adventurers the feeling they’ve experienced the whole world within 50 states. And as the old adage goes, ‘it’s not about the destination, but more about the journey.’ So, jump off the interstate for a while, and take one of these eight scenic routes. You won’t regret it.

Pacific Coast Highway

California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs from San Francisco to San Diego, primarily (and aptly) right along the coast. The scenery is breathtaking, with cliffs and beaches—plus plenty of awesome taco places to stop at along the way. Started in the 1930s, the PCH is meant to be traversed slowly to take in the towering trees and endless skylines. Without stopping, the entire length of the PCH takes about 10 hours to drive, but plan for longer because stopping to soak in the sea views is encouraged. The PCH is busiest in July and August, but the weather is perfect from late spring through fall.

Campgrounds Along the Way:

Vineyard RV ParkTradewinds RV Park of VallejoPala Casino RV ResortMission Bay RV Resort

Overseas Highway

US Highway 1 (often called the “Highway that Goes to Sea”) starts in Miami and strings together the Florida Keys. That means the Overseas Highway is really a unique band of connecting bridges. The 113 miles of roadway features 42 bridges that play leapfrog from key to key in the form of concrete and steel arches. From beach bars to water sports and deep-sea fishing, this journey through the Florida Keys a beautiful way to escape the winter doldrums of the north. In 2009, the US Federal Highway Administration named the Overseas Highway Florida’s first All-American Road.

Campgrounds Along the Way:

When it comes to the RV lifestyle, some dip their toe into RVing with weekend trips, and others dive in headfirst. The latter is exactly what Lindsay and Derek from Lanes Less Traveled did.

After selling their 10 acres of land in Northeast Texas along with 95% of their belongings, they packed up their five kids and hit the road. They now spend their days with intention – the intention to craft family memories, foster and nurture familial relationships, and curate an education for their children where learning is a living, breathing thing.

Somehow amidst the chaos of life, working, traveling, and homeschooling, Lindsay and Derek also renovate their RVs and document the process on their blog.

If a full life while full-timing interests you, then let us introduce you to a family that does it all.

Traveling as a Family of Seven in a Travel Trailer

Making room for a large family in an RV is easier than you think.

Deciding to transition your family from a house on several acres to a travel trailer isn’t a decision made lightly. Lindsay and Derek wanted to see as much of America as possible and, like many of us, don’t want to look back with regret. So, they took the leap.

Is there anything cooler than an off-road adventure? Probably not, except maybe the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that gets you off the beaten path in the first place. They’re pretty cool in their own right. In fact, we’ve compiled a guide to awesome ATVs and where to take them for the adventure of a lifetime.

Coleman Powersports AT125-EX Youth ATV

Coleman Powersports AT125-EX Youth ATV

Designed for the young adventurer in mind, the Coleman Powersports AT125-EX Youth ATV is a youth ATV for ages 10 and up. With a max speed of 25 miles per hour, this ATV is committed to reliability because, when you’re a young rider on the trails, reliability is the top priority.

Specs

Engine: 120cc, Air-Cooled, OHV, Four-Stroke, Single-CylinderGround Clearance: 4”Overall Size: 59” L x 38.5” W x 38.1” HDry Weight: 285 poundsMax Load: 95 poundsStarting: Electric StartTransmission: Centrifugal Clutch

Coleman AT200 169cc Utility ATV

Coleman AT200 169cc Utility ATV

If you’re looking for excitement, you’ll find it in the seat of the Coleman AT200 169cc Utility ATV. Packed with features like fierce projector-beam headlights that have a strobe setting encased in a halo of LED lights, this ATV lights the way for all others to follow.

Specs

Backpacking is one of the best ways to stretch your legs and explore remote areas of the country and the world. Even if you use your RV as a basecamp, backpacking is a great way to unplug and tune into the natural world.

If you’re shopping for a friend or family member who loves backpacking, you’ll love the collection of gear in Camping World’s holiday gift guide for the backpacker in your life!

Triton Tactical G10 Folding Pocket Knife

Image from Camping World

The Triton Tactical Folding Pocket Knife has a rugged and tough construction with a stonewashed stainless steel blade, a milled G10 handle, and a lock-back design. The blade length measures 3.5 inches and it comes with its own protective sheath.

Check out Camping World’s Full Selection of Folding Knives and Axes!

Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool

Image from Camping World

The Leatherman Wave Plus Miti-Tool gives you 18 useful tools at your instant disposal. All of the tools lock into place, which makes them easier and safer to use. From knives to pliers to a can opener, it has everything you’ll need in a backcountry setting, and then some.

It sounds intimidating at first, but updating your RV is much easier than you think. Whether you have an older travel trailer or outdated fifth wheel or an RV that’s still sporting that “classic” RV aesthetic, updating it can be as simple as switching out the color scheme.

You know what “classic” means – the wood paneling, the darker accents, those dated window valances, and the several shades of brown throughout. There’s technically nothing wrong with those choices, but we’re seeing today’s RVs leaning into lighter and brighter spaces.

If a full renovation isn’t in the budget at the moment, no worries! We’ve put together the perfect list of new products for updating an RV that won’t break the bank or your back.

Flooring and Floor Coverings

Adding a rug or carpeting can warm up the inside of your RV.

Deciding to update your RV can be a little overwhelming, so if you’re looking for a starting point, let’s start from the ground up… inside, at least.

Flooring can have a huge impact overall. If gutting your RV and re-flooring the entire thing isn’t a task you’re willing to tackle right now, rest assured you can still update the look and feel at a fraction of the cost.

Are you looking for a great way to start off your new year? Today, we’ll take a look at seven unforgettable 2022 travel trailers that you’ll want to order today! Check out the deals on travel trailers for sale near you when you shop at RVingPlanet.com.

East to West Alta 1900MMK

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to give up the creature comforts you love. Check out this East to West Alta 1900MMK travel trailer features that feature a spacious living room with a Murphy bed. The rear bathroom ensures you can enjoy a hot shower before climbing into bed every night of your stay. 

Additional Features:

Murphy BedRear Corner BathroomUSB Charging StationsPass-Through Storage

The holiday season is the perfect time to help the camp cooks in your life stock up on great accessories to make amazing meals outdoors. Whether they’re a fan of cooking over the open fire or prefer to keep their food on the grill, the right tools can make meal prep easy and cooking more fun. Plus, when a cook enjoys being in the kitchen, family and friends get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. We call that the definition of a win/win. We’ve pulled together some fantastic gift options for all those who love camping cooking.

Cast Iron Skillets

Cast Iron Skillet Set

Cast iron skillets are one of the most useful pieces of camp cooking equipment you can own. You can use them on the grill, over the campfire, in an oven, or on a stove. Once they’re properly seasoned they become nonstick and are easily cleaned. Tip: Never wash cast iron with soap or dish detergent as it will wash away the seasoning and potentially ruin the nonstick capability.

Shop Camping World’s selection of skillets.

Blackstone 22-inch Tabletop Griddle with Cover

Blackstone 22” Tabletop Griddle with Cover

One of the most popular items season after season is the Blackstone 22-inch Gas Tabletop Griddle. Equipped with two independently controlled heat zones, the chef in your life will have full control of the 330 square inch plate for simultaneous low and high heat cooking. Adjustable height rubber feet make quick work of providing stability on uneven surfaces It’s easy to clean and has the capability to feed the entire family. Throw on burgers, hot dogs, steaks, even eggs, and so much more! Uses a 1-pound propane bottle, sold separately.

Shop the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle and grills at Camping World.

Need to buy a holiday gift for the RVer in your life, but don’t know your fifth wheel from your Class A RV? Not to worry, Camping World’s holiday gift guide for the RVer in your life offers a variety of gift options that will make you look like a camping expert! Here are some perfect options for your RVing friends and family members.

Midland X-Talker XT T51VP3 Two-Way Radios

Image from Camping World

Give the gift of communication this holiday season with a pair of two-way radios. This set of Midland X-Talker XT T51VP3 Two-Way Radios is perfect for talking with a spotter when backing into a tight space or maneuvering rigs through difficult situations.

With a 28-mile range and 22 channels, this set is also great for caravanning through desolate regions, off-grid backcountry hiking, or any adventure where you need to stay in communication and there’s no cell coverage. It’s even equipped with weather alert technology so you’ll be warned if any severe weather is in the area.

Shop Two-Way Radios at Camping World!

Magnetic National Park Wall Art

Image from Camping World

Do you have full-time RVer friends with their sights set on exploring the National Parks? Help them proudly show their progress by giving them a magnetic National Park tracker. This piece of wall art lists all 58 National Parks and comes with magnetic pins to let people easily track how many parks they’ve been to and how many are still to go!

We’ve found an RV travel region for every season in the U.S. and Canada. Look at the travel calendar below and find a fun-filled destination during your favorite seasons.

Check out the attractions in each of our monthly regions, then choose an RV park for your stay.

January — Southeast States

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas

Now that 2021 is coming to an end, it’s wise to take a look back over the past 12 months and think critically about how you can make your RVing life, whether it’s full-time or part-time, even better in the upcoming year.

One of the biggest things you can do is choose to focus on your budget. Let’s face it, adjusting your budget isn’t always fun, but living with a financial plan will reduce stress and make your life easier and your RV adventures more enjoyable. Here are some of the best tips for adjusting your budget in the new year so you can spend less time crunching numbers and more time exploring.

Get Ahead of Any Problems

An inspection of the RV should be completed before hitting the road.

One of the easiest and most impactful steps any RV owner can take is to have a full RV inspection prior to heading out for the season. In doing so, you will learn of things currently needing repair, and ensure there are no unexpected hardware issues.

Having a well-informed outlook on your RV and its current health can help you avoid costly repairs in the future, which in turn will keep you on the road longer–that’s always the goal, after all. Schedule an inspection today at any Camping World Service Center.

Evaluate Your Power

Solar panels on top of a motor home under bright overcast sky.

Another way to improve upon your RV experience, as well as save you some money and free up additional funds in the budget, is to evaluate your power sources and usage. Specifically, take a good look at where your power goes, and how much of it you’re actually using when on the road. Campgrounds that charge for electricity makes this all the more important. Propane-powered appliances and usage can quickly cut into your budget. Generators guzzling up gas are costly over time.

Choosing a gift for someone who has everything can be a real challenge. Choosing a gift for a fisherman who has everything is a nightmare. You want to get them something they’ll actually use and you want it to have an impact on their fishing in some way. Whether they’re looking for something to make fishing more enjoyable or for something to help them catch more fish; it needs to be useful, clever and affordable.

Based on personal experience and some consulting with my wife, I’ve put together 12 things I think most experienced anglers would love to have this year. Let’s do it!

1. Nightcrawler Bait Box

Every angler has their crutch and no matter what, some can’t let go of their love of worms. Personally, it’s been a while since I’ve fished with nightcrawlers, but if you have someone in your life who loves bait fishing, this could be a great gift. This nightcrawler bait box is breathable, lightweight, and comes with a door on the top to access everything. The box even comes with natural bedding to help keep the worms alive and well all season.

2. Fishing Line Spooler

Full-timers are not strangers when it comes to a good time and weekend warriors know how to make the most of their time on the road, but when it comes to adventure – nothing compares to living the RV life with your children.

Preethi and Daniel from Local Passport Family know a little (or a lot) about adventuring with kids in tow. They currently document their family travels on their blog and share snippets of their exciting lives through their posts on Instagram.

As of now, they have traveled to 62 countries – 43 of those with their five children ranging in ages from one to ten years old. It should be no surprise that they would have some advice to share for what it takes to RV as a family.

When asked how they got their kids acquainted with the RV life, they answered with a few pro tips they’ve learned along the way.

Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Start

Find a career.Get married.Buy a house.Start a family.

That was the timeline we had for ourselves. Or rather, what society had made us believe was the path to happiness. We all know it, the “American Dream,”–a white picket fence, a nine-to-five job, living for the weekends.

Selling everything and traveling the country in an RV certainly doesn’t fit into this definition of the American Dream, though…Or does it?

RV life is still common among retirees. But actually, singles, couples, and even families are creating their own versions of the American Dream with the help of a rolling home on wheels.

But first, this is my story of finding part-time RV life – my “American Dream.”

Dan & Lindsay of Follow Your Detour.

Dream Turned Nightmare

Shortly after getting married in 2010, my husband Dan and I decided to travel the world together before having kids. We spent the first five years of our marriage living in Costa Rica for four months, taking trips to Europe, and making fun getaways around the United States. I was teaching Kindergarten at the time, and whenever I was on a break and my husband could take paid time off, we would book a vacation.

When you get settled into your winter RV camping destination this year, naturally you’ll start looking around for things to do. Hiking isn’t easy with a foot of snow on the ground, so here are five guided snowshoe adventures to check out this winter. 

As the saying goes, “If you can walk, you can snowshoe!” So don’t be discouraged if you’ve never tried it before. Most of these companies specialize in teaching beginners the basics of snowshoeing and winter trail etiquette. 

PS Not all of these wintery locations will have a year-round Good Sam RV park nearby, but we’ve included a few options for you at the end of this article.

Guided Snowshoe Adventures

Most companies that offer snowshoe adventures will rent you the snowshoes and poles. Still, you’ll need a good pair of winter camping and hiking boots. Also, make sure you consult the tour company’s website for a full list of what to bring for your snowshoe adventure. 

There are so many great floorplans hitting the lots of dealers near you! Today, we’ll take a look at four of our favorite 2022 fifth wheels with family-friendly floorplans, couple’s coaches, and so much more. Read on to see four impressive floorplans for you and your family. 

2022 Forest River Cardinal Limited 366DVLE

Inside the Forest River Cardinal Limited 366DVLE fifth wheel, you’ll find features that will make your extended stay out at the campground feel like a five-star resort. This fifth wheel comfortably sleeps up for four, but it makes a fantastic couple’s coach if you prefer to travel with just the two of you. There’s a spacious walk-in pantry with all the space you need to store everyone’s favorite snacks and ingredients.

Additional Features:

King Bed SlideKitchen IslandExterior KitchenWalk-In PantryLarge Pass-Through Storage