WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

Whether you’re hosting guests in an RV park or setting the kids up outside so mom and dad can enjoy some privacy, you’ll need the right camping tent. Camping tents are made for different seasons and different purposes, so there’s more to consider than you might think. 

Whichever tent you choose, you should also be familiar with ways to make tent camping more comfortable. Tips like “the water bottle trick” will help you avoid sleepless nights and uncomfortable mornings when tent camping. 

But for now, let’s focus on how to choose the right camping tent for your RV and camping lifestyle. 

Why Do You Need a Camping Tent?

Photo by Camping World

There are many ways to spend a comfortable night in nature. While RVers love the added amenities of their motorhome or towable, here are some reasons you might need a camping tent as well: 

You have an RV but need additional sleeping accommodations when hosting guests.You’ve set up an RV base camp in order to hike and sleep in more remote locations. You’re just getting into car camping and need a quality tent. You’re exploring camping for less without investing in an RV until you know you like it. 

While you can always rent an RV to explore camping, tent camping is a great entry into the world of sleeping outdoors. 

It’s that time of year again! There’s a shift in the temperature, the sun is setting a litter earlier, and the leaves are beginning to turn from their vibrant green to a rich autumn color. For many RVers and campers this change in the season, and the back-to-school grind, ignites this longing inside for evenings around the campfire, cool weather hikes, and s’mores.

Whether you’re looking for a seasonal spot to explore over fall break or a shorter weekend getaway, there are epic destinations located all over the US to scratch that camping itch! Here are a few of our favorites:

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Image: Shutterstock

If you’re in the eastern United States, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great area to explore. While this is the most visited National Park in the US, the crowds tend to begin thinning out in September making fall the perfect time to plan a visit. Great Smoky Mountain National Park is within driving distance of several eastern US cities, which makes it doable if you only have a weekend to get away.

This park is situated on the border of east Tennessee and western North Carolina and offers beautiful hikes, history, and scenery. When visiting this park be sure to check out Newfoundland Gap for epic views, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail where you can find historic log cabins as well as spot a black bear or two, and Cades Cove with countless waterfalls off this loop.

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can even begin or end your drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway when visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. One more thing to do while you’re visiting is hike seventy-one miles of the famed Appalachian Trail. Make it a point to add part of that trail to your bucket list!

Many RV owners take their tires for granted. Maintaining your RV and trailer tires is essential to your RV maintenance duties. But what happens when it comes time to replace your RV and trailer tires?

Equipping your RV with the right tires comes down to several factors. Each RV manufacturer recommends metrics and measurements to help you choose properly-rated tires for their RV and travel trailer models. 

Because tires are the foundation of your RV, here’s everything you need to know about RV tires and trailer tires. 

How Long Do RV Tires and Travel Trailer Tires Last?

Photo by Camping World

Because most motorized and towable RVs are driven less than passenger vehicles, their tires tend to last between three and six years on average. The more you drive, the more frequently you’ll need to replace your tires. 

The tread wear is the metric to monitor over your tires’ lifespan. When that tread falls below a depth of 4/32”, it’s time to replace your RV tires. But even if your tires have plenty of tread left, keeping them for more than 8-10 years is not recommended. 

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

RV converters and RV inverters are essential to supply the correct type of electricity to your RV appliances. The video above helps explain why these two devices are essential and where to find them in your RV. But here’s a written breakdown. 

What is an RV Converter?

Photo by Camping World

When you hook your RV up to 30 or 50 amp shore power, that power comes into your RV as alternating current (AC). An RV converter changes that 120-volt AC to 12-volt direct current (DC), allowing you to use appliances that require DC and charge your RV battery simultaneously. Your converter will typically be found next to your RV’s fuse box and breakers.  

What Happens When the RV Converter Goes Bad?

When it goes bad, your converter will give you one of three main warning signs. These can vary depending on make and model, but you’ll typically see one of three things when your RV converter goes bad: 

Onboard batteries won’t hold a charge. This could be a bad battery or a bad converter, so further testing is required. Interior lights aren’t as bright as normal. Vent fans are spinning slowly. 

Both of these final points can be signs that these small RV appliances aren’t getting enough power.  

Are you gearing up for game day? Check out these amazing tailgating recipes that are perfect for sharing with friends. You’ll love making these easy camping recipes for friends and families while you celebrate your team!

Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Recipe is adapted from one on 31Daily.com

Ingredients:

1⁄3 c. soy sauce1⁄3 c. brown sugar2 tbsp vegetable oil1 tsp ground ginger1/2 tsp garlic powder2 tbsp honey1 tsp seasoning salt1 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 32 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces12 fresh whole baby portabella mushroomssmall zucchini or summer squashlarge peppers, cut into pieceslarge onion, cut into wedges12 cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1″ thick pieces.In a large zip-top bag combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, ginger, garlic powder, honey, and seasoning salt. Seal and shake to combine. Set aside 2 tbsp of the marinade and refrigerate. Add chicken to the bag and seal tightly. Gently shake the bag to thoroughly coat the chicken and place in a 13×9 pan.Refrigerate for 3 hours, turning occasionally. Wash and dry all produce.Cut the zucchini, squash, peppers, and onions into 1″ pieces.Heat up the grill and drain the meat, discarding the used marinade. Using metal skewers, build your kebabs. We recommend using a single type of ingredient on each kebab to ensure it cooks to the right level of doneness and doesn’t burn while other ingredients aren’t cooked through. Add kebabs to the grill and cook until the veggies are browned and softened and the chicken reaches a 175 internal temperature. Approximately 15-20 minutes for the chicken. Veggies will vary. Serve hot over rice!

BBQ Chicken Bites

Recipe adapted from one on LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com

Photo Credit: Le Creme De La Crumb

Ingredients

2¼ c. flour1 Fleischmann’s® RapidRiseTM Yeast1½ tsp sugar1 ½ tsp salt⅔ c. very warm water1 tbsp olive oil3 tbsp melted butter1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese⅔ c. shredded chicken½ c. BBQ sauce⅓ c. shredded Mexican blend cheese1 c. ranch dressing

Instructions

Preheat over to 400°F.In a large bowl, combine 1 c. flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the very warm water and mix until thoroughly blended — approx. 1 minute. Slowly add flour until a soft dough forms, you may not need to use all the flour listed above. It should easily form a ball and feel slightly tacky.Knead on a flat surface, adding the flour until it’s smooth and elastic — approx. 4 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl and cover, allowing to rest for around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine chicken and BBQ sauce (you can also sauté onions and add them to this step if you like.)On a floured surface, roll dough into a 14X12 rectangle and cut into even squares. Top each square with 1 tbsp of the chicken mix and sprinkle with 1 tsp shredded cheese. Pinch the edges closed to seal and place in a greased cast-iron pan. Be sure to set the sealed side down to prevent leaking. In a small bowl, stir together parmesan cheese and the dry ranch mix. Brush the tops of the rolls with butter and sprinkle the cheese mix over them. Bake on the lowest rack for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping!

Mini Muffulettas

Recipe adapted from one on SouthernLiving.com

Ingredients

2 16-oz. jars mixed pickled vegetables3/4 c. pimiento-stuffed Spanish olives, chopped2 tbsp bottled olive oil-and-vinegar dressing12 small dinner rolls, cut in half6 Swiss cheese slices, cut in half 12 thin deli ham slices12 Genoa salami slices6 provolone cheese slices, cut in half

Directions

Prep your rolls by cutting them in half. Do the same with all the cheese slices. In a food processor, pulse the pickled veggies until finely chopped, about 8-10 times. Add olive and dressing to the vegetables and pulse 2 more times. Spread 1 tbsp of the veggie mix on the bottom of each roll. Top each veggie mix with 1 slice each of Swiss cheese, ham, salami, and provolone. Place the top of each bun on the sliders and cover with plastic wrap.Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Easy Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Recipe adapted from one on LittleSpiceJar.com

You’ve seen it on the covers of magazines. You’ve scrolled by beautiful images on social media. You’ve heard it discussed on your favorite outdoorsy podcasts. Van life has taken the RV community by storm while attracting a whole new generation of RVers.

Now, more than ever, the idea of seeing the country while living and traveling in an RV seems like a dream come true. For many young RVers, especially those with remote jobs, hitting the open road and taking your home with you is an appealing option worth exploring.

What is the best, most convenient RV for living out your dreams on the road? The Class B, of course! Smaller than the Class A and Class C, the Class B is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to live a more compact lifestyle.

Check out a few of our favorite Class B RVs for van life below.

Thor Tellaro

Length: 21’1”Height: 9’5”GVWR: 9,350 lbs.Sleeping Capacity: 2

With all the features you love in a larger RV in a compact and easy-to-drive design, the Thor Tellaro will have you living van life in style. The no-hassle parking combined with safety features like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes make the journey just as amazing as the destination every time.

The popularity of teardrop campers has skyrocketed in recent years. From national parks to high-end RV resorts, you’ll see them everywhere. But there are so many designs out there that it begs the question: which teardrop camper is right for you? 

What is a Teardrop Camper?

Photo by Camping World

Teardrop trailers are named for their iconic shape. From a profile view, the teardrop begins wider at the front of the trailer and tapers off towards the rear. They are also known to be lightweight and compact, but they can vary dramatically in size, weight, and shape. 

Teardrop campers are an excellent first step into the RV world for those who are tired of tent camping. While most aren’t fully self-contained like larger RVs, they will eliminate the hassle of dealing with a wet tent first thing in the morning. 

Without investing in a massive RV or travel trailer, teardrops get you off the ground and provide a more sturdy hard shell exterior to protect you from wildlife and the elements. Dealing with rain, snow, and other inclement weather is much easier in a teardrop than in a tent. 

The Pros and Cons of Teardrop Campers

It helps to know if a teardrop camper is the right RV choice for you at all. The debate over towable versus motorized RVs has raged on for years, but teardrops have specific advantages and disadvantages. 

Maine a.k.a. the Pine Tree State is not only known for delicious lobsters, but it’s also known for its lighthouses, beautiful nature areas, and rocky ... Read more

Many people associate RVing with retirees who have saved for years to travel in an RV. While they make up a good portion of the RV community, so too do young solo travelers, couples, and families in all stages of life. Many have even sold their houses and embraced the full-time RV lifestyle.

There are a lot of benefits to living in an RV, but if you’re wondering whether the RV lifestyle suits your preferences, you should know that renting an RV is a great option when you start. That way, you’ll have more experience to draw from when deciding whether to buy a new or used RV.

The Benefits of Living in an RV

There are many benefits of living in an RV, from the flexibility to work anywhere to the chance to set up a seasonal RV basecamp for your favorite adventure sports. Full-time RVing isn’t reserved for retirees anymore. 

Here are a few reasons people are choosing the RV lifestyle.

Live Simply

The idea of downsizing and traveling lightly appeals to many. RVing forces you to consider every item you bring on your journey, forcing you to purge possessions that might be weighing you down.

Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is a land of contrasts and diversity. Located not far from the state’s border with Utah, the park includes arid landscapes, towering mountain peaks, and ancient bristlecone pines. It is a place where visitors can climb above 13,000 feet on Wheeler Peak or drop beneath the surface of the Earth in a vast network of subterranean caves.

Here, you’ll find high alpine deserts, wide-open spaces, and a mountain glacier, all within one sprawling ecosystem covering more than 77,000 acres. Best of all, you’ll also find silence and solitude.

Since the park receives about 90,000 visitors annually, it is often all but deserted. This allows adventurous travelers to explore everything that it has to offer without having to deal with large crowds, long lines, and packed trails.

Here’s what you need to know before RVing Great Basin National Park.

Why Visit Great Basin National Park in Your RV?

Photo Credit: johnandersonphoto/Getty

For adventurous travelers and avid outdoor enthusiasts, RVing Great Basin National Park has a lot to offer. Where else can you go mountain climbing and spelunking all on the same day? Visitors can wander amongst the bristlecone pines—among the oldest species of trees on the planet—and hike miles of trail with the Sierra Nevada mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop.

One of the significant benefits of the RV lifestyle is the ability to sleep in a real bed every night.  But even the largest luxury RVs can’t fit all of your friends and family should they join your next camping trip. 

That’s why all RVers need to know how to make tent camping comfortable. Even if you don’t have to use a tent for your own sleeping accommodations, there’s a lot to be said for going above and beyond as a camp host.

Here are some camping hacks to improve your tent camping experience: 

Pick a Good Tent Spot

Photo by Camping World

The best camping equipment can’t make up for a poor tent spot. You might know the feeling. You thought you scoured the ground for sticks and rocks, but somehow you wound up with a tree root right in the middle of your back, ruining all chances of getting a good night’s sleep. 

The trick is balancing the “Leave No Trace” principle of always camping on durable surfaces with your desire for a carpet-like surface to set your tent on. A healthy bed of pine needles is always lovely, but you may not have that option in your specific locale. 

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite RVs that are built to give you the freedom to camp all year long! We’ll show you five incredible cold weather RVs for year-round camping that will help you and your family enjoy vacations whenever you want!

Learn more about this Jayco RedHawk 24B class C motorhome below!

2019 Jayco RedHawk 24B

There’s no better way to save on your family vacations than snatching up this incredible deal on this used 2019 Jayco RedHawk 24B class C motorhome! You’ll love that this comfortable RV offers sleeping for four and makes the perfect couple’s coach for fall weekends! You’ll love the large pantry and the over-the-cab bunk that provides sleeping for the kids or additional storage space.

Additional Features:

Cab-Over BunkRear Corner BathPantry/WardrobeThe kitchen comes fully equipped!

2022 Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 261RK

Another fantastic couple’s coach that you’ll love for all-season camping is the Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 261RK fifth wheel. This unit offers a private master bedroom with a closet with washer/dryer prep and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower. In the living room, you’ll find a fireplace, a free-standing table, and chairs, and a large rear kitchen to make cooking fun!

Additional Features:

One of the best parts about owning an RV  is the ability to travel with the comforts of home. Your home probably has a few products that make your life easier and more enjoyable. RVing too can be improved with some handy items that enrich your outdoor experience. It’s these little things that make a big difference.

We’re talking about the things that put the “fun,” in functional — the gadgets! Gadgets to an RV enthusiast are like toys to a kid, you can never have too many and they get cooler every year.

We asked you what your favorite RV gadgets were, and you didn’t hesitate to answer! Check out RVers favorite camping gadgets. We’ve rounded up where to find these items below.

Grills & Griddles

Image: Camping World

From tailgating parties to weekend getaways, everyone loves eating tasty meals when they’re on the road. Whether you’re cooking up dinner for the family or appetizers at the campsite, a quality grill or griddle is always a favorite way to fire up the tastebuds.

“Our Blackstone griddle… my husband and daughter have made fried rice and then added chicken. They have done burgers. The nice thing is you can have dinner cooking all at once.” -Alice D.

Winegard entered the television reception industry at the dawn of the television era back in 1954. Since becoming a Camping World vendor in 1973, they’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to adapting to evolving technological advancements and customer needs.

Today, the Winegard Company is the leading television reception products provider in the RV industry. With a diverse line of Winegard TV antennas and a proven track record of quality, they have earned the distinction of being a preferred satellite provider. 

A Smart Satellite TV Antenna Choice

Photo by Camping World

Winegard Company, located in the heart of the Midwest in Burlington, Iowa, takes great pride in designing and manufacturing its antennas in the US. Winegard is committed to providing top-quality products by putting all of its RV antennas and antenna accessories through stringent environmental testing procedures to ensure they can survive the harshest weather conditions.

Furthermore, all automatic antennas are live tested before leaving the facility. With a Winegard antenna, you can be confident you are getting a top-quality product, and their antennas are backed by a limited warranty that covers parts for two years and labor for one year.

Shop Camping World’s complete selection of Winegard TV antennas.

With the weather finally starting to cool off, it’s easy to lean into the upcoming holidays and the laidback lifestyle that typically comes with them this time of year. But don’t start hibernating just yet! There is still plenty of camping to do. Arguably, fall is the best time to pack up the RV and hit the open road. So, before the summer comes to an end completely, check out five of our favorite campgrounds to visit this fall!

1. Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area & Campground — North Carolina

Image: Shutterstock

Swim, fish, and relax at the beautiful Carolina Hemlocks! Located in the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest, the campgrounds also offer challenging trails and hiking for the adventurer that never quits. Some campgrounds even offer stunning river views to maximize the time you’re spending in nature. Imagine those views in fall in North Carolina — have your camera ready.

You can expect moderate temperatures and miles of North Carolina’s breathtaking scenery during the day while being lulled to sleep by the South Toe River at night. Just a short drive away from Mount Mitchell State Park, campground amenities include picnic areas, restrooms, fresh drinking water, and memories to last a lifetime.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby

Buck Creek RV ParkMama Gertie’s Hideaway CampgroundScenic RV ResortAsheville Bear Creek RV ParkLakewood RV Resort

2. Ocean Pond Campground — Florida

Image: Leigh Trail / Shutterstock

With over 60 campsites and access to the gorgeous 1,760-acre lake, Ocean Pond is an RVers paradise! The hunting, long trails, and swimming make this a great spot to park the RV and get in touch with your wild side. The Great Florida Birding Trail and the Florida National Scenic Trail pass through this campground making it a backpacker’s dream destination.

Located in the Osceola National Forest, the area is rich with early American history and has played host to the largest battle fought on Florida soil during the Civil War. History enthusiasts are welcome to venture into the Olustee Battlefield State Park and relive the past during the annual civil war reenactment. A campground that marries the past and the present? Sign us up.

Located an hour and a half from Washington, D.C., RVing in Shenandoah National Park offers the “back to nature” option for city dwellers and a hiker’s wonderland. From numerous waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, and unending mountain vistas, this park has everything you need to put the brakes on life’s non-stop carousel of craziness.

A visit to Shenandoah is guaranteed to teach travelers how to stop, look, and listen to the quieter side of existence. Here’s what you need to know about the park before visiting.

Why Visit Shenandoah National Park in Your RV?

Shenandoah National Park offers the perfect opportunity for RVers to escape the city crowds of Washington, D.C., and enter the bucolic meadows, mountains, and forests. The park is a gift of tranquility amid chaos. Its rolling mountain landscapes remind us that time continues on here, but at a slower, more meaningful pace.

When we encounter the staggering beauty of a crashing waterfall in the forest, we realize that the sound of Mother Nature can be loud but magnetic, drawing us closer as if to vocalize her secrets to us. That’s when it hits us: sharing her confidences makes us an accessory, a witness to the mysterious splendor that lies just outside the city on this lovely slice of Virginia real estate.

Skyline Drive is a curving scenic byway that can be traversed in a motorhome, and the park has five campgrounds with hundreds of campsites available for motorhomes and travel trailers. It is an ideal spot to rest and relax or take your activity up a notch with some challenging hikes.

One of the easiest ways to make your RV feel more like home is to remodel it. While manufacturers are becoming more and more aware of what RV enthusiasts are looking for when it comes to design, there’s no denying the mileage you get from adding your own personal touch.

Whether it’s a little change here and there or a full interior remodel, we wanted to know if you could remodel your RV what one thing would you change. So, we asked, and you answered!

Replace the Flooring

Image: Shutterstock

It should come as no surprise that a remodel often starts from the ground up. The flooring in your RV may be outdated, damaged, or simply not your taste, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it that way. Updating your RV flooring is an easy fix that quickly provides a new foundation for all your remodeling desires.

“No carpet on the stairs or slide-outs!!!! It’s so much easier to care for and keep clean [without carpet].” -Kim P.

Not sure which flooring to choose? No worries. There are pros and cons to all RV flooring types including carpet, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl. One thing to keep in mind is how your flooring choice will tie into the rest of your design decisions.

Grand Canyon National Park is the second-most visited national park, just behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s one of America’s most distinguishable natural landmarks, not to mention one of the seven natural wonders of the entire world. 

Even those that don’t venture down into the canyon during their visit are amazed by the geological forces that have shaped the region for millennia. But hiking into the Inner Gorge puts things into a whole new perspective

Why Visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Image by bluejayphoto from Getty

The Grand Canyon is truly a sight you have to see to believe. It’s a mile deep, 277 miles long, and 18 miles wide. Photos or videos don’t do it justice as the canyon’s sheer size is astonishing. 

From many points on the river, it’s impossible to catch a glimpse of the river winding by below. That river is responsible for so much of the canyon’s history, but there’s a story to be told in the layers of ancient rock visible from every angle. 

It’s a bucket list destination and something everyone should see in their lifetime. Its name says it all; it’s truly “grand” and a jaw-dropping masterpiece that will leave you speechless.

The Northeasternmost state in the U.S., Maine brings to mind fresh Atlantic seafood, a beautiful rocky coastline dotted with historic lighthouses, and the place that ... Read more

When it comes to RVing, having fun isn’t the only prerequisite. There are several essential items you simply must have if you’re looking to get the most out of your adventures on the road.

Everyone has a different idea of what is “essential,” but this collection of all of our must-have lists is a good place to start in customizing your own camping experience.

You’ll find essentials here for a full-timer or weekend warrior, nomads working from the road or escaping the 9-to-5, travelers pulling a travel trailer or driving a Class A motorhome. Your RV trip will be better — arguably your best — if you stock up on everything you must have for RVing.

Must-Have Kitchen Essentials

Image: Camping World

The heart of every home, even your home away from home, is the kitchen. The table is the place where everyone comes together over a warm meal, a family game, or cozy drinks after a long day. In the kitchen and at mealtime, conversations turn into memories.

So, what are the must-have essentials that take your RV kitchen from standard to superb? I’m glad you asked. Check out the must-have kitchen essentials below: