Travelers everywhere fear the dreaded roadside breakdown. Aside from an injury-causing event, these are worst-case scenarios for your trip. Breakdowns interrupt plans, delay arrivals, cause reservation cancellations, put an unexpected expense into the budget, and, perhaps worst of all, add an element of the unknown to your trip.

Often with a roadside breakdown, we just don’t know just how bad it’s going to get in terms of delay, cost, repair, and hassle. Even a problem as simple as a flat tire could escalate into a bigger, more formidable issue

If you don’t have a spareIf the flat damages the wheel or vehicleIf the service center doesn’t carry your tire sizeIf you don’t have cell service If the weather is badIf you’re stuck in the middle of nowhereIf you’re towing a trailer or driving an RV

And that’s just a flat tire. The more serious the reason for the breakdown, the worse the impact. For trucks, semis, and RVers, the problems can escalate when you incorporate larger vehicles and tires, towables and towing setups, additional weight, and more.  

All travelers should have a plan for roadside breakdowns. The better you can prevent, predict, or quickly resolve on-the-road problems, the less danger, stress, delay, and expenses you’ll encounter. 

Many people in the lower 48 have never heard of our nation’s largest national park. Wrangell-St. Elias is massive, covering more than six times the acreage of Yellowstone. The park encompasses 18,000-foot mountain peaks, tidewater glaciers that calf into the sea, and resident wildlife like moose, bears, Dall sheep, and elk.

One active volcano melts the snow from its summit while extensive glaciers scour the landscape in every direction. From fishing in mountain rivers to sea kayaking with glacier views, visitors can experience the park’s charms from the air, by sea, or on foot, absorbing the entire Alaskan Experience in one amazing national park.

Why Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Your RV?

The vast wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is home to stunning landscapes, topography, and wildlife –  it encapsulates the American sense of adventure. Where else can one climb from sea level to 18,000 feet, venture down rushing mountain streams, or hike across immense ice fields within the same boundaries? This park is Webster’s definition of expansive grandeur.

Like other Alaskan national parks, such as Gates of the Arctic, there are few roads within Wrangell-St. Elias. However, RVs can travel many miles on the park’s two pathways. The visitor center at Copper Center offers several trails to hike right from its spacious parking lot.

Bringing your motorhome or travel trailer this far into the Alaskan wilderness would truly be a trip of a lifetime. Park at one of the entrance centers and enjoy hiking and fishing from your door.

 

This Good Sam RV Rentals series highlights locations across the US we think are well worth the trip. Check out this guide for everything the RV renter needs to know about Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is regularly called a “hiker’s paradise,” and for good reason. More than that, it’s also a perfect place to visit on an RV road trip. Texas is known for being a huge state, so taking the state in by road means you get to see a lot. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is no different.

The Guadalupe Mountain range runs for 40 miles. It also contains the tallest peak in Texas (no small feat there) and is also home to El Capitan, one of the world’s most famous climbing rocks. Its close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico also makes it an obvious place to stop for a while and enjoy the many acres of hiking and other recreational opportunities.

Why Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Your Rented RV?

Of the four parks in Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the least visited and the most remote. Named for the minimal sunlight the canyon receives during the shorter months of the year, it’s a sight to behold when the sun graces its mountains and the shores of the Gunnison River. 

Why Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in an RV?

Photo by LHBLLC via Shutterstock

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park beckons to RVers and campers. The 300,000-plus acre park is small compared to others but makes up for it in grandeur and intimacy. You won’t be overwhelmed by crowds, and the chances of finding a spot to park your RV or camper at the campsites is higher, making it easier to pull off a last-minute trip in the summer without much planning. 

Black Canyon can also easily work into a multi-day itinerary that includes all four Colorado parks, looping in Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes.

Beware that RVs up to 35 feet can access the South Rim Campground, but there are restrictions on the other park roads that only allow access to vehicles up to 22 feet.

When to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is open 24/7, 365 days a year, but the North Rim Road is closed in the winter, starting around mid-November. The South Rim Road is open year-round, but sections are closed to motor vehicles in the winter. Peak season typically runs from April to September, but it rarely gets busy enough that you can’t find a place to park.

Taking care of your RV’s sewer hose properly eliminates headaches when emptying your gray and black water tanks, but there comes a time when every RVer needs to shop for an RV sewer hose replacement.

When that happens, don’t run out and buy the first thing you see. Avoid cheap products and focus on brand names people know and trust.

How to Choose an RV Sewer Hose Replacement

Photo by Camping World

Shopping for a new sewer hose for your RV isn’t the most exciting experience. It’s not something you or anyone else likes to deal with. However, it is necessary, and if you must buy a new hose, you might as well get something good.

Length

Once you’ve traveled in your RV for a while, you’ll realize that all sewer connections aren’t created equal. At some campsites and dump stations, you’ll be fine with a 10-foot sewer hose, but that length will leave you short more often than not. 

Are you ready to take home an RV that has plenty of sleeping space for you and your entire family? These amazing fifth wheels with sleeping for 6 to 8 will give you all the room you need. Learn more about five of our favorite RVs for family adventures below.

Find more deals on fifth wheels at RVingPlanet.com.

2023 Keystone Alpine 3700FL

Save big on this incredible Keystone Alpine 3700FL fifth wheel that offers five slide-outs to give you all the space you need for your crew. You’ll love that the bath and a half design gives everyone the privacy they need to get ready for the day. Additionally, the Hitch Vision technology ensures that hooking up is always easy.

Additional Features:

Underbed StorageBath and a HalfKitchen IslandFront Living AreaHitch VisionHeated Basement StorageThis front living room is perfect for entertaining.

2023 Dutchmen Astoria 3343BHF

If you’re looking for a bunkhouse RV, this Dutchmen Astoria 3343BHF fifth wheel features sleeping for up to seven. You’ll find the private bunkhouse has a half-bath attached, which gives the kids the room they need to get ready for bed every night. In the kitchen, you’ll find an island, plenty of storage space, and high-end appliances.

Additional Features:

Your motorhome’s engine oil, unlike wine, does not age well. Its viscosity – how easily it flows at a given temperature – decreases over time, making it less effective at lubricating your engine.

Engine oil thins as it heats up but thickens as it cools. The thicker it gets, the longer it takes to warm up and flow through your engine. As such, your motorhome’s engine oil is similar to the human body, it can’t just sit around without being active.

In fact, this goes for many appliances and components in your motorhome – everything needs to be maintained at regular intervals to function properly. For this article, we will focus on your motorhome’s engine oil, but you can download our Customer Reference Handbook to track your RV’s seasonal maintenance schedule.

Need your RV oil changed? Contact the Camping World Service Center near you.

Should You Change Your Motorhome’s Engine Oil If It Hasn’t Been Driven?

Photo by Camping World

The short answer is yes. Your engine oil needs to be changed regularly regardless of how much or how little you drive. Engine oil is commonly referred to as the “lifeblood of your engine.” On average, most RVers don’t drive their motorhome more than 5,000 to 10,000 miles per year.

Give the gift of unlimited vacations with your family when you take home a new destination trailer for the new year! Destination trailers are the perfect vacation homes because they are affordable, easy to set up, and fully equipped to start your vacation immediately. Learn more about our favorite destination trailers for 2023 below!

You’ll love the deal on this Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow destination trailer.

2023 Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS

Right now, you can save over $15,000 on this Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS destination trailer. This unit offers a spacious kitchen island with a dual basin sink and a four-burner range. The master bedroom offers a queen bed with a fan overhead and plenty of wardrobe space.

Additional Features:

Kitchen IslandLiving Room TVDual Lounge ChairsBedroom VanityDual Entry DoorsThe stainless steel appliances give you a modern finish that you’ll love.

2023 CrossRoads RV Hampton HP370FDL

Take home this CrossRoads Hampton HP370FDL destination trailer today for just $70,811! This floorplan offers a master bedroom with a king bed set into a slide to give you the most space. There’s a loft overhead with plenty of space for the kids and a front living room with an entertainment center.

Additional Features:

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

RV slide-outs expand an RV floorplan dramatically allowing RV campers to enjoy things like extra seating, luxury appliances, and panoramic windows. This expanded living space makes it much more comfortable to move about your RV, and makes an RV feel more like home.

RV slide-outs aren’t complicated, but they do have mechanical moving parts that require correct use and some regular maintenance. Learn how to extend and retract slide-outs, and you’ll enjoy the huge (pun intended) benefits they offer to the camping experience. 

If you want to know how frequently you should service your RV’s components, download our RV ownership and maintenance reference guide.

Types of RV Slide-Outs

Photo by Camping World

There are several different RV slide-out systems, so consult your owner’s manual to learn which design your RV is equipped with. Once you do, here’s a little more detail on each:

Thirsty for a relaxing vacation? Lavaland RV Park in Grants, New Mexico, serves up a refreshing getaway just 78 miles west of Albuquerque. With only 39 roomy spaces and plenty of shade trees, the uncrowded park offers ample amenities on a sprawling property close to some of the Land of Enchantment’s most stunning attractions. Wet your whistle at the brewery next door to complete the vacation menu. 

As the name implies, Lavaland RV Park is surrounded by rugged, rocky landscapes formed eons ago by hot volcanic activity. Nowadays, guests can cool down under the shade trees, including soaring pines, that block the sun from the roomy sites, which include 10 pull-throughs and have a maximum length of 75 feet. Powered by 30- and 50-amp electricity, each site has a table, and there’s plenty of room for slideouts. 

Guests can access a slew of entertainment options. The park’s free Wi-Fi supports streaming, and cable TV is also available. A rec hall, horseshoes, and pavilion keep travelers busy, and restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and RV supplies provide onsite convenience. Get the blood pumping on one of the nearby nature trails. Dog owners turn their pets loose at the enclosed dog run.

Are you looking to escape the cold like a snowbird and have some fun in the sun? Try these amazing spots for an RV winter vacation. East coast, west coast, and in between—we’ve got you covered with the best winter travel suggestions in the country.

Use a Good Sam Membership to access 10% off nightly stays at Good Sam Campgrounds.

Tampa, Florida

We’ve enjoyed two fabulous winters in the Tampa Bay area and can’t wait to go back. From the amazing weather to the wide range of activities and a prime location for day trips, Tampa is at the top of our list of winter destinations.

Beaches are obviously a big draw for Florida visitors. Enjoy some of the sandy shores of Tampa Bay or cross the bridge to enjoy the Gulf Coast.

If the beach is not your scene, there are many quiet county parks and waterways for kayaking. Tampa is also home to a terrific zoo, aquarium, and several museums. Be sure to stay through the winter to enjoy the annual Gasparilla pirate invasion in January, complete with a parade and flotilla of boats.

So who is RVing these days? People from all backgrounds, ages, and different life stages are hitting the road in ever-growing numbers. Here are a few that are documenting their journey.

Tell us your RV story to be featured on the Camping World blog!

Chase & Lindsay Garrett of We’re Out ‘N About

Chase & Lindsay are a young couple working as traveling nurses and living in their RV full-time.

RV Make & Model:

2023 Keystone Fuzion 424 and 2019 Travel Lite 625 Truck Camper

How many years have you spent RVing?

5 years full-time but we’ve both RVed our entire life with our families.

About Chase & Lindsay

We decided to take our career as ICU nurses on the road by becoming traveling nurses. Since we both grew up RVing and loved the lifestyle, we knew it was the only way we’d want to travel! We’ve been full-timing for almost 5 years & have no intentions of stopping. We actually just upgraded our 30-foot travel trailer to a 45-foot toy hauler since we’re so invested in the freedoms this way of life brings. We love that we’re able to live our lives to the fullest while experiencing everything the country has to offer from the comfort of our own home!

What do you think of when you hear – “RV Show”? 

You might think of an endless maze of RVs lined up in a warehouse with sales personnel jumping out at every corner. But the days of those kinds of RV shows are moving behind us. In 2023, RV shows include live auctions, RV giveaways, play areas for kids, community areas for meeting RVers, product demonstrations, and more. 

Attending an RV show is an exciting outing for the whole family, whether you’re shopping for a new RV, upgrading an old model, selling your RV, or looking to learn about the latest RV innovations and camp gear.    

But, visiting an RV show can be a big undertaking if you go in unprepared. They cover acres of space, and the amount of information available can be overwhelming. 

These RV show tips will help you make the most of your RV show visit, even if you’re just attending to have fun, win prizes, and meet fellow RVers.

Those familiar with Good Sam’s comprehensive campground and coupon guide know the value and information contained within this single publication. Now the latest edition, its 88th, is available to campers and RVers everywhere with new and improved design and content. 

With information for over 12,000 private RV parks, public campgrounds, and services, including 2,000 Good Sam Parks — and over $1500 in coupons — there’s enough to keep any RVer’s itinerary full and affordable for far longer than a single season. 

So what should campers and RVers expect to find in this latest release? The Good Sam North American Campground Guide features over 300,000 campgrounds, ratings, and map updates, plus savings and discounts, and more — with this issue including new special features that can improve and enliven campers’ North American travels.

With the use of this guide as a hands-on resource, campers can plan trips, save on costs, and gain access to endless locations and itineraries all across North America. Let’s check it out. 

What’s New

Wildsam

Perhaps the most notable update to the new campground guide is the inclusion of Wildsam, the newest addition to Good Sam’s team of travel and camping experts. The field guides from Wildsam bring an expert approach to new places, and at the beginning of each section of the campground guide, they offer a more in-depth analysis of each location, including a recommended event, restaurant, outfitter, drink, institution (museum), and scenic route for each state. 

If you’re looking for the perfect camping experience, then we’ve got the places for you. For 2023, a total of 156 Good Sam Campgrounds scored flawless 10/10★/10 Good Sam ratings based on our trusted and time-honored evaluation system.

Our rep teams travel across North America and check parks for the cleanliness of restrooms and showers; environment and visual appearance. Each category is rated on a scale of one to 10, and a star is added for exceptionally clean restrooms. You’ll also find these campgrounds listed by state and province in our Find a Campground page and in the latest edition of the North American Good Sam Campground Guide.

 

Alabama 10/10★/10 Campground

Sugar Sands RV Resort, Gulf Shores

Winter weather driving is not something that springs to mind when we think of RVing. However, most recreational vehicle owners have or will be exposed to it at some time during their travels. It can occur to snowbirds during their journey to the Sun Belt or during their spring trek back home. Winter conditions can present themselves in higher elevations or during mountainous travels on an otherwise tranquil day. Deteriorating winter-like conditions can descend without warning. Many travelers can’t avoid crossing a wintery area to reach a destination or to escape an approaching weather system.

Some of the challenges that winter weather can produce are freezing temperatures, precipitation in the form of snow or freezing rain, icy, slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility in blowing snow and vehicle ice buildup that hampers windshield wiper function and forward vision, to name a few. These conditions can make travel extremely challenging, or at times, impossible.

Eluding Inclement Conditions

So, let’s look at ways to help avoid winter hazards and some tips that may help RVers deal with these wintery perils.

First, the best way to mitigate the risks of such events should be obvious: Avoid traveling any routes and times that may be subject to this type of weather. While this strategy may work, it also seriously limits RV travel plans.

Managing waste correctly is key to enjoyable RV experiences, and it’s also the courteous thing to do for your campground neighbors. Without properly maintained RV holding tanks, things get ugly, smelly, and downright unsanitary in a hurry. 

There’s much to learn about RV holding tank maintenance if you’re new to RVing. Fortunately, the resources below will teach you everything you need to keep the holding tanks in your RV in tip-top condition.

Top 5 RV Holding Tank Maintenance Tips

Don’t flush anything besides waste and RV-friendly toilet paper. Empty your tanks properly (black, then grey) when they reach two-thirds capacity. Use enzyme-digesting tank treatments regularly (every 5-10 dumps for full-timers; after each trip for part-timers). Sanitize your fresh water holding tank annually (in the spring when de-winterizing your RV). Deep clean grey and black holding tanks annually (using RV sewer chemicals and your black tank flush, if applicable) 

How to Find RV Dump Stations

Photo by Camping World

Knowing how to empty your tanks only helps if you know where to dump them. RV parks and resorts with full hookups make things easy, but learning about all the places to dump your RV waste gives you choices when you’re on the road.

Here are five options: 

No matter how often you go RV camping, it’s always nice to make your campsite feel like your own personal retreat. We love creating a space we can enjoy while relaxing and unwinding from the demands of daily life. No matter the time of year, these eight simple tips will ensure you have a cozy campsite.

Add Outdoor Patio Lighting

Photo by Chase & Lindsay @WereOutNAbout

Nothing adds to the coziness of a campsite quite like outdoor patio lights. They set the mood and create the atmosphere you want to achieve. When it comes to lights, you can go as wild or simple as you’d like. 

We’ve seen plenty of campsites with party disco-ball lights that change colors. We personally love running warm white LED string lights around the trees or the side of our camper. It adds the perfect soft glow.

If you’re looking for some outdoor lights, check out these Edison bulbs from Camping World.

Or, shop all outdoor lighting to find the lighting you love.

It’s not a spot any RVer wants to be in – realizing you must unclog your RV black tank. Honestly, there’s a lot you can do to prevent this from happening, and these resources will help you learn how to avoid clogs in your RV’s septic system: 

How to Operate and Maintain an RV ToiletIs it Really Necessary to Use RV Toilet Paper?How to Empty Your RV Holding TanksHow to Use an RV Black Tank Flush

What Causes RV Toilet Clogs?

Photo by Camping World

Clogs happen. So let’s start with an overview of the types of RV toilet clogs: 

Issue #1: You left your tank valves open when connected to sewer hookups

Leaving tank valves open when connected to sewer hookups allows the liquids to drain out and leaves the solids behind, resulting in a dreaded “poop pyramid” in the bottom of your black tank.

Issue #2: You stored your RV without first dumping your black tank

Now you have compacted or hardened solids in the bottom of the tank. This can happen if you leave your tank valves open, but it’s a more significant issue for RVers that leave waste in their black tank when their RV is in storage. Liquids evaporate while solids dry out and harden.

Issue #3: You used your RV toilet improperly

Improper toilet use is the leading cause of clogs in the pipes leading to and from your RV black tank. By improper use, we mean using too much toilet paper, insufficient water, non-RV toilet paper, and flushing items other than TP and bowel movements.