WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

Driving across North America in your RV can be an enjoyable part of the overall camping experience. But while cruising through the scenic countryside, one must be mindful of the need to safeguard and secure your RV’s components. Avoid potential damage to RV equipment and — most critical — avert injuries to your passengers. Consult an RV checklist before departing.

Here are some things that may help you to avoid costly mistakes.

Securing Loose Items

Unlike automobile travel, recreational vehicles require the prior securing of items such as small appliances, dishware, foodstuffs and many other loose items. Failure to do this risks these pieces becoming missile-like in the event of a violent maneuver or hard braking action. Several products are available to prevent loose items from wandering.

Securing the Refrigerator Contents

Organize the contents of your fridge to prevent items from falling down. Make sure that the latch-type closure or manually applied lock on your fridge is secured. Having a well-stocked fridge door spring open while flying down the road can ruin your day, not to mention your rugs and coach interior.

Indian Point RV Resort, a beautiful getaway located on the waters of the Sioux Bayou, is a 180-acre property that has all the amenities to make your stay in the Great State of Mississippi a memorable experience. Whether you need a safe, peaceful place to spend the night, a week or several months, we can provide accommodations for you.

Perhaps you would enjoy a swim in one of our two pools, maybe a day fishing in the brackish waters of our beautiful bayou or spending time on the observation deck we have built for you to view the vast variety of birds that visit our area. We also provide for your convenience, a boat launch and dock, fishing pier, fish cleaning station, on-site laundry, bathhouse and mini-golf for the whole family to enjoy, and we offer free Wi-Fi for our guests. Our plan is to maximize your experience while you are at Indian Point RV Resort.

Southern Playground

Want to visit our nearby “Playground of the South”? We are only minutes away from the 26-mile stretch of white-sand beaches that feature great fishing, water sports and general relaxation on the Golden Gulf Coast. If you want a little more excitement, there are 11 casinos within 15 miles for your entertainment, a variety of seafood and other fine restaurants for your dining pleasure, golf courses as well as historical and cultural attractions. We have a great variety of retail stores for your shopping pleasure, too. We also have a restaurant on the grounds for your convenience.

Lots of Accommodations

Indian Point RV Resort also has 12 cabins that sleep 4 adults, 4 cabins that sleep 2 adults, 12 park models with 1 bedroom, 3 cottages with 1-bedroom and more for you to rent. We also provide you with an outdoor pavilion, fenced RV storage and a clubhouse. There is a playground for our younger guests on-site as well.

Squeeze more vacation fun into the last weeks of summer and into the fall. Good Sam has added 21 new parks to its network for more outstanding outdoor fun across North America. Good Sam members can enjoy the 10 percent discount at any of the RV parks in the Good Sam Network.

If you’re not a member, it’s easy to join. Buy a membership at any Good Sam Park, or sign up online. Check each Good Sam Park’s link (below) to determine seasonal availability and to make reservations.

Talladega Pit Stop RV Park & Campground, Talladega, Alabama

Camp across the street from one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks. This RV park offers a shuttle to/from the airport as well as to nearby racing attractions. Relax in RV campsites, rental cabins or tiny houses, or venture out to watch the racing action. Also nearby: The Talladega Race Track & Museum.

Heber RV Resort, Overgaard, Arizona

The White Mountains are where Arizonans escape the summer heat of the desert. Heber RV Resort has 71 50-amp full-hook-up sites and is large enough to handle big rigs, including toy haulers. The resort is located just two hours from Phoenix, between Payson and Show Low, just 1 mile north of Arizona State Route 260 on Arizona State Route 277.

The Florida Keys are a gorgeous chain of islands that stretches south from the Sunshine State, culminating in the southernmost point of the continental United States. The best time to visit the Keys is between March and May, because winter crowds will be on the decline and the weather will still be balmy and blissful (but not too hot or buggy yet).

Winter is the most popular time of year down here because so many people head south from the colder, and sometimes frozen, reaches of the north. Whether you are planning a winter getaway or trying to avoid the crowds by visiting in the shoulder season, we have some awesome recommendations of what to see and do in the Florida Keys.

Drive Over Seven Mile Bridge

The good news about this Keys attraction is that it is almost unavoidable. If you go as far as Big Pine Key, you will drive across Seven Mile Bridge. It is one of the most iconic spots in the Keys because the bridge’s elevation provides a perspective of the region that you just will not find anywhere else.

Visit the Hemingway Home and Museum

From cultural events like arts and theater, to fun-filled farmers markets, Tangipahoa Parish offers a variety of events for locals and tourists alike. Located in southeast Louisiana, at the intersection of Interstates 12 and 55, Tangipahoa Parish is in close proximity to major destinations like New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Antiques, Spaghetti and Strawberries

Ponchatoula has earned the title of “America’s Antique City” because of the many antiques and collectible shops there. The city hosts the Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days-Arts & Crafts Fair each March and November with over 200 vendors.

While in Hammond, you will enjoy the Pirates of the Pontchartrain Festival, the Smokin’ BBQ Challenge as well as the Louisiana Renaissance Festival, which starts November 6. See fantastic planes at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow on October 16-17.

It should come as no surprise that the town of Cody in Wyoming has seen a lot. In fact, if the buildings that line these streets could talk, there’s no doubt they’d have plenty of stories to share. Stories of bank robberies gone sideways, frontier justice, unforgettable adventures and undying friendships. Oh, and we can’t forget a ghost story or two!

It’s been 125 years since this one-time rough-and-tumble frontier town was founded by the legendary Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. And over the years it has certainly attracted its fair share of colorful characters. Perhaps more than you may expect to find in a town that boasts just 10,000 full-time residents.

When you visit, you can learn all about Cody’s curious history and the people who shaped it by listening to a free TravelStorys walking tour. Created in partnership with Park County Travel Council and Buffalo Bill Center of the West, TravelStorys is a unique and amazingly insightful 45-minute tour highlighting the independence, enthusiasm, and visionary thinking of the town’s early settlers.

Best of all, many of the places featured on the tour can be found along Sheridan Ave., Cody’s vibrant main street.

Here are a few of the places you’ll visit on your TravelStorys walking Tour.

Cool summer camping is easy for Colorado RVers like me. From June to September, I’m beating the heat in the Rocky Mountain high country. Of course, other cool mountain town destinations are out there too, and because my home has wheels, adding them to my bucket list makes sense. From the West Coast Cascades to the Whiteface region of the Adirondacks, these four are on my RVing bucket list. Keep reading and you won’t need much convincing to add them to yours, too.

Embrace Your Inner Bavarian in Leavenworth, Washington

There are four places named “Leavenworth” in the U.S. But only one is a cool place to be during the hottest time of the year. Nestled in the eastern Cascades, Leavenworth sits at 1,171-feet altitude, just high enough to whisk you away from scorching summer temperatures. Surrounded by towering alpine peaks and bordered by the cool, crystal clear Icicle River, this former lumber town was re-imagined into a West Coast Bavaria in the 1960s. But it has so much more going for it than bakeries, beer and brats.

Where to RV Camp in Leavenworth

The first signs of summer coming to a close have peeped through. The good news is there is still time to explore Bryce Canyon Country in the warm weather. Pack up the RV and make Bryce Canyon Country your final summer road trip.

Bryce Canyon Country is filled with hidden gems throughout the area. It really could be explored for a few weeks. Here are some last-minute travel and activity ideas in Bryce Canyon Country that you may have never heard of.

Ticaboo

This area is located in the southeastern part of Bryce Canyon Country right by Lake Powell. Spend several carefree days staying at Ticaboo Lodge RV Park boating, ATVing, swimming, biking and kayaking. On Friday nights, you catch an outdoor movie and have a BBQ. Rentals are available for kayaks, ATVs, boats and bikes. Spend your days playing right up against the beautiful red rocks of Lake Powell with the conveniences of Ticaboo Lodge.

Panguitch Lake

Want to go fishing? Panguitch Lake is rated as one of the most popular fishing spots in Southern Utah. Panguitch comes from the Paiute Native American word “big fish,” so you’ll definitely catch some big fish here. Stay at Panguitch Lake Resort RV Park and be steps away from the lake each day!

Hi Folks! This month, we’ll talk about RV water pressure, mildew, screeching inverters, nitrogen and toilet tanks. Remember, you can submit your RVing questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Happy Trails!

Hi Mark,
Our Carriage Cameo fifth-wheel is stored outside in an RV storage area for the winter. We go out to check on it about every 7 to 10 days. We store it with all three ceiling vents open and cabinet doors open. Yesterday when we entered it, we noticed a distinct musty smell for the first time, much like many house basements have. We did find what appeared to be dark bacteria or mildew cultures in the RV antifreeze left in the stool during winterizing. I cleaned that all out and rinsed the stool with Clorox. Are there other measures we could or should take?
Thanks,
John

Hi John,
Mildew and mold need two things to thrive: moisture and a source of organic nutrition. Mold and mildew love to grow on dusty surfaces, so a good cleaning of all exposed surfaces to remove dust and lint will help a lot. Airborne moisture can usually be controlled in drier climates by providing ventilation, but in humid areas, only a dehumidifier of some sort will work. You need to keep the interior humidity below 60 percent at all times. Installing an indoor thermometer/hygrometer with a memory function can be a big help, as it will allow you to monitor the actual peak humidity over time. You should also check the rig very carefully for water leaks. A tiny leak on a roof or sidewall will allow water into the wood framing and insulation in the RV and create a perfect climate for mold. Keep it clean and dry, and you won’t have any mold problems.

Mark,
I have had several motorhomes, and water pressure is always a problem! When taking a shower, the pump always cycles on and off. I have updated to a variable-speed pump with a higher volume (4.0 GPM) with no success. The next thing I am going to try is to add an accumulator on the discharge of the pump. Any good ideas?
Mike

RVing with pets during a heatwave isn’t the most fun way to explore the country, but sometimes you just can’t get away from the swelter. When Mother Nature catches up with us during the summer season, these three easy ways to keep RVing pets cool will help you keep them safe wherever you roam.

When the heat hits

Our first canine co-pilot was a cool coastal dog who had never experienced a “real” summer inland. But on that hot July afternoon when we landed in Moab as newbie RVers, we quickly discovered how heat affects traveling dogs. Jerry’s constant panting and reluctance to take short walks were all we needed to know that the heat was too much for him. It was time to navigate north to cooler temperatures, so we did. And in the meantime, I wish I had known these top tips for RVing with pets during a heatwave.

Portable fans are not always helpful for pets

If you’re lucky enough to have full hookups during a heatwave, congratulations! You’ve won half the heatwave battle. Air conditioning is a lifesaver for pets and people living through a heatwave. Just don’t trust your unit enough to leave your pet home alone with it running. Heatwaves cause power outages all the time, especially in RV parks. Many RVers use a portable fan as a backup or when RV hookups lack enough amperage to run an air conditioner unit. This seems like a logical thing to do during a heatwave, but be careful.

Portable fans sometimes do what they’re supposed to. Like when slightly humid outdoor temperatures hover under 95-degrees Fahrenheit. That’s when fans can be safe for humans because we sweat throughout our bodies. The moisture cools our skin (known as “evaporative cooling“), and we feel better when a breeze hits it. But new research shows that when the outside temperature is dryer and hotter, and a person lacks air conditioning, portable fans just push hot air around and make things worse. They suck precious moisture from already dehydrated people and especially pets, who sweat mainly through their paws.

Gulf Coast kayak fishing is an experience unlike any other. While the gulf waters can be fished from the shores of Texas all the way to the southern tip of Florida, we are going to focus on fishing opportunities off the west coast of Florida in this guide.

What Fish Live Off The Gulf Coast?

Species can differ slightly depending on where exactly you are kayak fishing on the Gulf Coast. That being said, here is a general list of some species you can fish for:

Top Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Destinations

For those of you interested in heading to the Gulf Coast for a kayak fishing trip, here are a few great fishing destinations to consider:

Exhausted from work and home? We feel you! There is nothing quite like a vacation to help you out. Consider camping for your next getaway with the girls!

Wherever you may be, with great company there will always be full of adventures. We listed down 6 reasons to try camping for your next girls’ trip, and why.

Making memories to look back on

When was the last time you and your friends hung out together? A camping trip over the weekend will be sure to drag everybody out of their offices and homes. Experiences outside your comfort zone will be memories you can look fondly back on in the future. Catching up by the campfire and stargazing at the night sky will make for great memories in later years.

If this is your first time, head someplace with amenities. You can start roughing it when the rest of the girls are prepared. If that idea of camping does not appeal to you and your friends, you can always try glamping.

Cowboy caviar is one of those dishes that always seems to be a crowd pleaser. The dip called cowboy caviar, or Texas Caviar as it’s also known, came from Texas in the 1940s, and is a favorite dish for potlucks, barbecues, and camping get togethers! There’s no actual caviar in this recipe, instead crunchy corn, fresh bell peppers, smooth avocados, and sometimes even some spicy jalapeños are all mixed with black beans and black eyed peas for a flavorful dip. While it’s often eaten with tortilla chips, it’s also wonderful on fish and chicken, in omelets, over rice, or heaped on top of toasted or grilled pieces of bread.

And what better time to make cowboy caviar than to celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy? That’s right, the fourth Saturday of July is National Day of the Cowboy, and this year that day is July 24th. This holiday was created to celebrate the cowboy, an iconic symbol of the American west. And since the western states are such a popular destination for RVers, it seems like a perfect fit.

But even if you’re not heading to a rodeo or an old western town this summer, this bean-based salad is worth making for your next RV trip. Cowboy caviar is one of those great recipes that holds up really well in the fridge for several days. Which means it’s a perfect dish to make at home before you go. And with all the beans and veggies, it’s pretty healthy as well!  It’s also very easy to throw together and can be made in less than 15 minutes. All you need to do is chop up the veggies, mix up the dressing, and toss everything together! And if you prep this ahead of time, you’ll be able to pop it out of the fridge or cooler on your trip and enjoy it right away.

It’s also a very customizable recipe that can be changed to your preferences. Here are a few suggestions and options for adjusting the amounts and ingredients.

Make it a summer to remember. For July, Good Sam has added eight new parks to its network for more great camping experiences and value on the road. Good Sam members can enjoy the 10 percent discount at any of the RV parks in the Good Sam Network.

Not a member? Joining is easy. Buy a membership at any Good Sam Park, or sign up online. Check each Good Sam Park’s link to determine seasonal availability and to make reservations.

California

The Californian RV Resort, Acton

The Californian RV Resort puts guests within striking distance of some of the Golden State’s most popular attractions. Located in the desert town of Acton, the resort sits just 35 minutes from Magic Mountain and 40 minutes from Hollywood and Universal Studios. It’s also close to the magnificent Lancaster Poppy fields, which bloom in spectacular gold profusion every spring. When not exploring SoCal, guests can relax in the heated pool or hot tub or get a good workout in the exercise room. The 193 spaces include pull-thru sites and full-hookups with Wi-Fi available for overnight sites. Nearby activities include ATV riding and hiking on surrounding trails.

Frandy Park Campground, Kernville

Backpacking can be a risky undertaking, especially when doing it for the first time. Many people find this journey appealing because of the peace and quiet it delivers, the mental relaxation it gives, a chance to get away from the noisy city, and more. Backpacking for beginners may be risky, but it is challenging in the best sense. With just the right amount of planning and preparation, you can have the time of your life with just your backpack in tow.

Choose your Location

Where would you like to go to and why? Whether that be going camping, swimming, or hiking, choose a location that offers the activities you want. There are many locations for hiking. Some people choose world-famous trails like California’s High Sierra, Pacific Crest, and more. For beginners who don’t want to spend much money on the most popular trails, local options are always available.

Current conditions

Conditions consist of a lot of factors. According to Andrew Skurka, some of them include:

You may not be familiar with some of these, but the most important condition to look out for is the climate or current weather conditions. This will allow you to pack accordingly and avoid bringing too many things inside your backpack. For some of the conditions above, you may not have any means to know, but doing a bit of research beforehand would save you in more ways than one.

Tents withstand extreme weather and resist natural elements, but they can still be broken beyond repair due to unchecked wears and tears.

Just because you’re roughing it, doesn’t mean you won’t be taking care of your camping gear. Knowing how to maintain and repair the tent will help it last longer. We’ve put together this beginner’s guide to tent maintenance, where we’ll drop some tips on how to better take care of your camping gear before, during, and after use.

Set-up

Setting up can make or break the maintenance game. Know how and where you can set up to avoid unnecessary damages.

Test gear at home

Make it a habit to practice pitching your gear at home before you head out into the wild. Check if you have a complete gear set: the accessories, guy lines, and stakes must be accounted for. Carefully test the equipment, and do not under any circumstances whip the poles around, not at home nor at the campsite. We’ll get to that later.

Planning a camping trip is quite a challenge in itself, especially if you want to escape the crowds. During peak season, you may think this is one impossible task. Most people eye the summer months to escape to America’s national parks and embrace the peace and quiet the wilderness offers. But with hordes of people who want the same thing, this may be close to unattainable. On a sunny summer weekend, expect to see long bus lines, traffic jams, and many people cramming popular trails. Here are a few tips on how you can escape crowds in national parks this summer.

Choose your dates wisely

Going in the off-season can be the easiest way to avoid the crowds. Especially for the most popular national parks like Zion, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, which can be way too busy during the summer. Not only are there fewer crowds, but these parks are more beautiful in early spring and late autumn with better weather.

If you really want to go to the most popular national parks in the summer, remember to avoid the weekends as much as possible. It’s still recommended to visit during the week to ensure that there are fewer crowds. Keep in mind that long weekends, discounted entry days, and special park events are certain to be extra crowded. If going on weekdays is not possible, try to go during other weekends.

Book activities early

There are various activities you can do in national parks. For first-time campers, guided tours and adventurous excursions are great ones to try. These can get fully-booked quickly, especially during peak seasons, so make sure to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. One example is the Grand Canyon helicopter tour which not only offers you a clear view of the park, but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the view without tons of crowds around you!

When it comes to bass fishing in the muck and mud, it’s hard to beat a topwater frog. These are usually weedless lures that glide right through the pads and weed beds creating the perfect presentation to entice a bass out of hiding. Whenever I’m fishing heavily vegetated water along the shoreline, these are the lures I turn to.

The Top Picks

Here’s my top picks for the best topwater frogs on the market right now:

Lunkerhunt Pocket Frog

Specs:

Pros:

Are you searching for a road trip adventure that features the red rock desert, towering Ponderosa pines, miles of hiking trails and the ultimate rock climbing playground? Filled with shapely rocks, uncovered ancient history and a sky known for its twinkling stars, make Bryce Canyon Country your next destination.

From now, until Labor Day Weekend, the ultimate summer event is happening. Bryce Canyon Country is hosting the “Find it. Tag it. Win it.” event. Simply travel around Bryce Canyon Country, tag @brycecanyoncountry on Instagram and use the hashtag #findtagwin at any of the 10 designated locations and win big prizes.

To participate, grab a brochure online or from a kiosk located in businesses throughout the county. Make your way to as many of these locations as possible:

Visiting all 10 locations isn’t required but visit as many as you can. Each location is unique. Some are filled with whimsical hoodoos and others with sky-high copper chimneys.

Hi Mark My Words readers! This month, we’ve got questions on RV air conditioning and electrical issues. Remember to send your RVing questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mark:
I have a Winnebago motorhome with a Coleman ducted-roof AC. We have condensation leaking into the coach. My inspection reveals no freeze-up on the evaporator coil, and a temperature check shows 20 degrees difference between the air going into the return and that in the outlets. The leak occurs periodically but is consistent. Condensate is running off the roof as well. Need help.
Thanks,
Hkrbr

Hi Hkrbr,
Most Coleman roof airs have two plastic drains for condensation water, located on the sides of the air-conditioning unit baseplate. These will often become restricted by a buildup of dirt and goo, and that can cause the condensate water to find a new path, like into the coach’s interior. The cure is a fairly simple cleaning of the drains and the evaporator compartment. Shut the unit off and, to be extra safe, either unplug from shore power or turn off the breaker that serves the air conditioner.

On the roof, remove the plastic shroud. Remove the cover over the evaporator core. Use a spray cleaner, like Fantastic or 409, and clean the evaporator coils and the drip pan. Use a small brush or a piece of flexible wire to clean out the little plastic drains that are found on each side of the baseplate. Button it up, and you should be good to go. I found a very good webpage with pictures and info to help you do the job. Take a look at this website before you get on the roof. As always, don’t take on a task unless you feel it is within your abilities. If you prefer, most RV service providers can do this for you, and it is a fairly easy job, so it should not be all that expensive.