Big Bend National Park had been on our list of places to visit for years before we finally had the chance to check it out ... Read more

The RV industry is used to twists and turns which is exactly why you’ll see them making every effort to stay ahead of the curve. When it comes to advances in technology, RVs are sporting more features and high-tech gadgets than ever before. The comforts of home are included, as always, but we’re seeing more and more that RVs are starting to feel like high-end luxury apartments and not just a home on wheels. So, buckle up as we hit the ground running with our favorite cool new RV tech features.

All Things Solar

It’s rare to find a new RV these days that’s not solar prepped. Many have solar panels already installed and are ready to soak up the sun right off the lot. But for those that don’t, solar installation is an easy upgrade to make. The benefits of having solar panels established on your RV continue to grow. Solar power can operate your interior lights without any drain on your battery, prolonging battery life and your camping experience. Solar panels are popular for good reason. Learn How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Panels This Summer.

Let’s look at the 2022 Hideout Travel Trailer, for example. Solarflex 200 is standard on all new Hideout Travel Trailers. We’re talking 30A solar roof port with MC4 connectors and a 10 AWG MPPT solar charging circuit, a 200-watt solar panel from Future Solutions, an inverted 110-volt loop prep with up to seven outlets, and a Zamp Solar portable solar panel charging port. It also comes with a 15A Victron SmartSolar MPPT controller that can be used with an app on your phone. Smart solar tech–how’s that for cool?

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Nothing stops you in your tracks quite like a tire blowout. They’re not only inconvenient, but they’re dangerous. Losing control of an RV while it’s in motion is scary, so it’s better to plan ahead. How you ask? With an integrated new tire pressure monitoring system.

When you’re covering a lot of ground, having a tire pressure monitoring system (TPM) to monitor your RV’s health makes maintenance easier. If you’re wondering why tires are such a big deal, read through the RV Tire Basics You Should Know. How TPM systems work? Sensors are placed directly on your tires that send information back to a monitoring screen typically mounted on your dashboard. The newest systems monitor the pressure in your tires and trigger an alert if the pressure falls below a designated threshold.

Looking to attend a van life gathering or meetup this year? In this post, you’ll find a list of our favorite van life meetups along ... Read more

Whether you’re craving a couple’s getaway or a family adventure, there are so many places in this beautiful country to go and see that it can be hard to choose sometimes. The planning stage can often be the worst part, but don’t let the stress keep you from hitting the road. We’re here to help! One of the things that I have never regretted doing is going to visit some of our country’s national seashores.

These protected areas are so stunning that you’ll have a hard time leaving once your visit is over, at least that is always the case in my experience. Imagine the sea breeze in your hair, the smell of saltwater in the air, the sand between your toes, and the rush of waves as they roll over the shore – it’s practically heaven on Earth, so why not visit whenever the opportunity presents itself. I know I do.

While most of these areas don’t allow you to visit with your RV, unfortunately, you can leave your RV at one of the many parks nearby and still take advantage of the gorgeous views without your RV. I highly recommend doing so. After all, soaking in the shores is best done on foot. You will not regret it. Here are the national seashores I recommend that are sure to take your breath away.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Cape Lookout National Seashore often get overlooked by people heading to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that’s located a little to the northeast. However, that’s their loss because this place is amazing!

The lighthouse is designed with a distinctive black and white pattern that scales the height of its sides, and you can easily get tickets to go inside and walk up the impressive structure. The seashore features several beautiful areas where you can watch the wildlife, sink your toes in the sand, and relax completely. If you want, you can also check out Porstmouth Village, which is a ghost town on a nearby island.

Woodland Park Campground is located a short walk from a unique 7- mile stretch of natural sand beach on the clean blue shallow waters of Lake Huron, famous for excellent swimming and spectacular sunsets.

Woodland Park Campground is one of Good Sam’s Top-Rated 10/10*/10 parks. The Park has over 770 total sites, with 155 being overnight/transient sites, plus tenting sites. Each site includes a large cement patio, paved roads, free cable TV, picnic table and fire ring. High-speed WiFi is available. The indoor heated pool and hot tub provide family fun – rain or shine.

For those who do not have a camping unit, the family can still enjoy the camping experience in one of Woodland Park Campground’s 2- or 3-bedroom Trailer rentals. Trailers include all dishes, plates, pots, pans, glasses, cutlery, microwave, toaster, coffee-maker, TV, and FREE CABLE.

There are supervised children’s activities and two playgrounds for the younger members of the family. If you have some spare energy, hit the courts to enjoy a game of basketball, get some sun playing sand beach volleyball or play a game of ping pong or billiards.

Camping and RVing are great ways to get away from it all, to decompress and unplug for a bit while soaking in all the beautiful views nature has to offer. However, roughing it doesn’t have to be rough at all. In fact, today’s modern RV electronics can not only make your RV camping experience more convenient and enjoyable but also much, much safer, all at the same time.  

RV Driving Electronics

Driving an RV isn’t exactly easy, and neither is towing a trailer or fifth wheel. Like most things in life, practice makes perfect. You don’t get brownie points for doing it alone either, so check out these RV-specific electronics that make going from point A to point B as easy as 1-2-3.

RV Specific GPS 

In order to get away from it all, you’ll need to know exactly how to get there. Maps and compasses were great a century ago, but technology has advanced and so have we. Consider getting an RV-specific GPS. Unlike a map app on your phone or a standard GPS unit, an RV-specific GPS will alert you to factors specific to RVing like bridge heights, downhill grades, and sharp turns. Once you’ve taken a trip with one, you’ll never hit the road without it again.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System 

RVing is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and travel, but if proper safety precautions aren’t taken, it can be dangerous. Especially when it comes to tires. RVs and motorhomes rest on tires and, they’re like the foundation of your home. In the unfortunate event a tire blows while in motion, a dire situation can occur. That’s why it’s so important to monitor tire pressure levels. With a tire pressure monitoring system, you can electronically monitor each individual tire at all times to ensure they are at the recommended level. This will also optimize fuel efficiency, so it not only keeps you safe but saves you money.  

Trailering Rear View Camera System

Towing something as large as a fifth-wheel or trailer is no easy feat. Mirrors can only do so much, and blind spots are everywhere. That’s why you should invest in a trailer rearview camera system. Let a series of cameras mounted on the trailer show you what would otherwise be impossible for you to see with just mirrors alone.   

South Carolina’s Congaree National Park is a wilderness unlike any other. It is home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America and the tallest trees in the eastern US. Some even reach an astounding height of 170 feet, creating one of the highest forest canopies in the world.

Located at the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers, the park sits on a floodplain that covers more than 26,000 acres. Following heavy rains, it is not uncommon for more than 90% of the park to be submerged under water, making it a popular destination for kayakers. But raised wooden pathways grant access even during a flood, providing a unique experience for visitors looking to wander under the massive trees.

Best of all, Congaree is amongst the least visited national parks in the US, providing plenty of solitude for travelers who make their way to this unique setting. If that sounds like the kind of place you would like to visit, here are some tips to make the most of your time in the park.

Why Visit Congaree National Park in an RV?

As with any national park, an RV makes for a great basecamp for your outdoor adventures. That holds true for Congaree as well, although there are a few limitations that RVers should be aware of when planning their trip. Most notably, there are no RV campsites inside the park itself, and sleeping in a vehicle is prohibited. There is also limited parking for larger vehicles at the visitor center, making things challenging on busier days. If you plan on driving your RV to the park, get there early to claim a spot.

That said, there are plenty of campgrounds outside the park that can accommodate any type of RV. Several of those locations are near Congaree, making them great places to set up shop during your stay. And since the National Park Service doesn’t charge an entry fee, you’ll be able to come and go as you please.

Mather Campground is one of three South Rim Grand Canyon RV camping options located within the national park boundaries and offers prime camping year round. ... Read more

Talking about toilets isn’t the most glamorous thing in the world, but it sure is practical. It’s also essential to an enjoyable and stench-free RV living experience. As a new or experienced RVer, you must know how to operate and maintain your RV toilet.

While most campers contain holding tanks that are emptied using a sewer hose extension, there’s another type of RV toilet–a cassette toilet–that’s popular for smaller coaches and off-grid camping. Today, you’ll learn whether an RV with a cassette toilet or a portable toilet could be right for you.

What Is an RV Cassette Toilet?

The cassette toilet is really pretty simple. It’s a permanent toilet in your RV with a portable black water tank underneath. They are primarily found in camper vans and Class B motorhomes. 

Most campers include a large built-in black water tank to hold waste. When that tank fills up, you connect a sewer hose to an outlet in your RV’s underbelly and extend the other end to an inlet at a campground or dump station. If you have a regular RV septic system, you’ll need to know more about how to empty your RV holding tanks.

How Does a Cassette Toilet Work?

A cassette toilet functions in much the same manner as a traditional RV toilet. Unlike a portable toilet like the Thetford Porta Potti, cassette toilets are permanently secured in your RV bathroom.

Spring Break. Those two words conjure up images of travelers waking up from winter hibernation and hitting the road for fun in warm weather. Some places get crowded very fast, but savvy travelers can avoid the chaos and take a spring break at their own pace in these spots. Discover family-friendly getaways or peaceful spots for couples.

Northern Arizona

Early spring is an ideal time to explore northern Arizona. The peak crowds haven’t yet descended on local attractions and the temperature is cool and crisp — perfect for outings in places like the Grand Canyon and towns like Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon Hiking

Don’t settle for sweeping views of the canyon from the lofty observation point on the South Rim. Take a hike deep into the canyon and see the 277-mile-long marvel from a different perspective. Hit the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ah Point, a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail, which leads hikers past beautiful wildflowers and leads to some stunning views (as the name implies). Prefer to let someone else do the walking? South Rim Mule trips are offered year-round, but make reservations early: spots fill up quickly.

While there’s a lot to love about the RV lifestyle, full-timers know to expect the unexpected when they hit the road, which is why many opt for a service like Good Sam Roadside Assistance. But if you’re boondocking in the middle of nowhere when an emergency happens, you’ll need these 21 emergency preparedness essentials for RV owners to get yourself out of trouble.

Here are some basics to help you deal with RV emergencies:

21 Emergency Preparedness Essentials for RV Owners

1. Flares and Warning Triangles

Whether you’re dealing with a tire blowout or any other mechanical issue, we recommend putting out flares (at night) or warning triangles (during the day)  when you’re going to be sitting on the side of the road for an extended length of time. It’s the best way to signal your presence to other traffic, so they move over and give you plenty of room to work on your RV. 

Shop flares and warning triangles.

2. 101-Piece Tool Kit

Knowing how to operate and maintain an RV toilet might sound like common sense, but it’s a little different than the modus operandi for your household toilet. And if you neglect it, you open yourself up to the possibility of RV bathroom issues that require not-so-rosy solutions. 

Most of these issues can be avoided by operating your RV toilet correctly and knowing what can and can’t be flushed. Regular toilet maintenance will also keep your black water system working as it should and minimize the likelihood of more expensive repairs down the road. 

How to Operate an RV Toilet

If you’ve never used a motorhome toilet, here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

1. Understand the Controls

The toilet in your RV won’t flush unless your water system is under pressure. When boondocking, this means your water pump is turned on and your fresh water tank is filled. Or, you might be connected to city water at a campsite or in a driveway. Just make sure you protect your plumbing with a water pressure regulator when connecting to city water. Learn more about pressure regulators and why they’re important. 

If you’re not familiar with the process of how to get running water in your RV, check out this quick video on how to hook up power and water to your RV. 

This article is not meant to serve as official tax advice. Keep in mind that tax laws can change from year to year. Always cross-check your deductions with a certified tax professional before filing. 

While most of us dread tax season, there are some RV tax benefits you should know that might actually help you look forward to that next April deadline. RV owners can get some tax breaks if they know where to look for them, and those breaks might even save you that extra cash you need to take another RV adventure this year. 

Before we dive in, it’s important to mention that state tax laws are different. This article focuses on RV tax benefits when filing federal taxes, so be sure to look into your state’s tax laws to find all the relevant deductions you can enjoy as an RV owner. 

Now, here’s a look at some ways your RV could help you when filing taxes with the IRS.

Types of RV Tax Deductions

New and used RVs are both eligible for tax write-offs. Keep in mind that these deductions can only be claimed for a single tax year in which a corresponding event occurred. Here are a few examples:

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the seven natural wonders of the world making it a popular travel destination for visitors from around ... Read more

Close your eyes and picture it. You’re lying on the beach with your hat shielding your eyes. In the background, you hear seagulls and the crash of waves slapping off the sand. All of a sudden you get hit with a jolt of adrenaline as you hear the drag on your conventional reel going. An 18-pound striped bass has started pulling on your line. You jump up, grab your rod and prepare yourself for the surf fishing fight of your life.

While this might all sound a little dramatic, surf fishing is an exciting way to wet some lines. The problem is very few people understand how to get started. It seems more difficult than other methods of fishing, and while it’s not necessarily true, there are a few things you need to know. 

By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to gather up the right gear and head toward the coast in search of some awesome fishing. 

What is Surf Fishing?

Surf fishing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s fishing along the beach and casting into the surf using a large rod and rig. While it mostly takes place on the sand, you could also surf fishing on a pier or along the rocks. 

What is a Motorhome?

A motorhome is a motorized RV designed for comfort as you hit the road with your friends and family. It is also sometimes called a ‘drivable RV’ and you will find varieties powered by gas or diesel engines.

The Three Classes of Motorhomes

There are three different classes of motorhomes: Class B, Class C, and Class A.

Class B

Built on a van chassis, Class B motorhomes are easily maneuverable and ideal for couples. All Class B motorhomes sleep at least two but some can sleep up to four people. They range in length from 16-24 feet. A new Class B runs from $60,000 to more than $100,000.

Shop Class B RVs.

Class C

Built on a truck chassis, Class C motorhomes have an overhang located above the cabin that is often used as an extra bed or storage area. Great for couples or small families, a Class C can sleep anywhere from four to nine people. Class C motorhomes are available from 20 to over 30 feet in length. A new Class C is typically priced from $50,000 to more than $200,000.

What is a Towable RV?

A towable RV is designed to be towed by a pickup truck or SUV. Some towable campers are light enough to be towed by smaller vehicles like a car or sedan, equipped with the appropriate towing capacity. If you have a lightweight travel trailer, you might get great gas mileage. Some towable RVs can even be towed by a minivan.

There are Five Types of Towable RVs

When choosing your next RV, consider one of the five types of RVs that can be towed.

Pop-Up Camper

These lightweight tent campers are ideal for smaller towing vehicles. Pop-ups typically sleep up to six people and have a length of 8-14 feet. They range in price from $6,000 to just over $20,000.

Shop Pop Up Campers.

Expandable Campers

A hybrid between a pop-up and a conventional travel trailer, expandable campers can sleep anywhere from 5-10 people and vary in length from 19-30 feet. They tend to range in price from $10,000 to $30,000.

Sitting in the western foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Riverbend RV Park puts guests within reach of a slew of fun activities in one of the most ruggedly beautiful regions of the U.S. The park’s location on the banks of the Methow River means that fishing, kayaking and swimming are just steps away. Venture further into the Methow Valley, and guests can go rock climbing and hiking in the mountainous terrain. Outfitters in the area can arrange horseback riding on trails that lead to spectacular views.

You’ll also find plenty of attractions for sightseeing and shopping. Buy some fresh, locally sourced food by visiting the Methow Valley Farmers Market, put on every Saturday. Grab a seat in a restaurant on the bank of the Methow River, or peruse one of the galleries in town. The local Merc Playhouse hosts music concerts, dance performances and guests speakers throughout the year. Learn about firefighting when visiting the Smoke Jumpers Base in Winthrop, Washington, just eight miles to the north. Take a tour of the base and learn about the firefighters who parachute into remote areas to combat aggressive blazes. Exhibits and tours showcase the history of these highly skilled public servants.

After a busy day of sightseeing and fun, relax back at Riverbend RV Park, which keeps guests comfortable with 56 full-hookup sites powered by 30- and 50-amp electricity. The roomy sites allow plenty of room for slideouts and also include tables and fire pits. A campground store with RV supplies keeps guests stocked up and ready for the next adventure. Riverbend also has propane, laundry facilities and a dump station. Dog owners can let their pets burn off energy on the 1/2-acre dog park.

During your stay, check out some of the local attractions:

Before packing up and leaving a campsite, you want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Running through this departure checklist is called an RV walk-around. Learning how to do an RV walk-around is essential before you hit the road. This includes checking for patio furniture or outdoor decor left outside and making sure your awnings and TV antenna are retracted.

Leaving belongings behind on your camping trip, or leaving compartments unlocked can ruin a perfectly good trip and cause unnecessary delays because you have to retrace your steps. Many experienced RVers have made these mistakes at least once. But having an RV checklist will prevent it from becoming a nasty habit.

Here are a few things to avoid before setting off so that your journey is just as fun as your destination:

Not Bringing in the Awning Before Moving

This may seem crazy, but it happens. Awnings are not rigid structures. Running into objects when your awning isn’t 100% retracted will result in costly damage to your RV’s exterior and, of course, the awning itself. Make sure you’re awning is in it’s locked position. Even if the awning is slightly out of lock, the vibration of the road can damage the awning system and lead to repairs.

Bringing in your awning can prevent snafus from happening while on the road. It’s not only safer for you and the awning itself, but also for other travelers on the road. Maintaining your awning is an important part of being a responsible RV owner.

The largest of Utah’s five national parks, Canyonlands is a stunning landscape filled with remote valleys and gorges. Over the centuries, the park’s trademark rock formations have been carved by the constant flow of the Colorado River, giving the place an otherworldly feel. Visitors to the park will discover sweeping vistas of windswept mesas, colorful buttes, improbable rock arches, and towering spires.

Whether you’re looking to explore its vast and wild backcountry or simply relax at a quiet campsite, Canyonlands is a must-visit. Here’s what you should know before you go.

Why Visit Canyonlands National Park in an RV?

Canyonlands National Park is divided into four distinct districts comprised of more than 337,000 acres of extraordinarily diverse and rugged terrain. Those regions include Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and Rivers.

Each of those locations has its own unique topography and allure. For instance, Island in the Sky offers some of the park’s most accessible hiking trails and best scenery while Rivers provides access to the Green and Colorado rivers and their tributaries for kayaking and rafting.

Part of the challenge when visiting Canyonlands is that none of the districts connect to one another. That means you must leave the park and re-enter from a different location to visit each district.