It’s no secret that fall is the best time to go camping. What many don’t realize is just how many fun activities there are to make the fall family camping experience extra special. If you’re thinking of taking the RV out for the last several months of the year, use this RVers guide to fall family camping. We guarantee it will add thrills to your adventure.

Why Camp at This Time of Year?

Beautiful fall colors. Image: Unsplash.

In addition to witnessing the gorgeous leaf changes up close, fall camping also boasts some of the best weather of the year. The crisp chill in the air warrants cozy hoodies and blankets, adding a layer of comfort and childhood nostalgia to the mix. Plus, there are numerous Halloween festivals to attend that pile on the fun… and the scares.

If you’re in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, or the bayou, it’s worth it to take the family to the “Boo at the Zoo” held at the Audubon Zoo, in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. The zoo is transformed with decorations galore, while kids (and adults) can visit their favorite animals trick-or-treat style. New Orleans also hosts parades and street parties with costumes and candy everywhere you turn.

Want to park the RV close by? Visit the Pontchartrain Landing RV Park and enjoy luxury waterfront sites with private outdoor kitchens and hot tubs. Use their shuttle service to slide right into the French Quarter for a boo-tifully good time. New Orleans isn’t believed to be “the Most Haunted City in America” for no reason. Plan a fall family camping trip here and see for yourself – you won’t regret it.

What Can You Do to Celebrate?

Image by Sweet Berry Farms

Celebrating Halloween has become quite the childhood ritual. Kids start brainstorming costume ideas early in the year, change their minds a million times leading up to October 31st, and make mental maps of the houses with the best candy to revisit (and those to avoid). What is Halloween, the actual holiday, about though? And why do many confuse it with Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?

Autumn in New England is a stunning experience to behold. But fall RVing in the Southwest is an equally impressive leaf-peeping journey. If you haven’t experienced the change of seasons in Nevada, Arizona or New Mexico, it’s not too late.

Fall in Love with Southwest Leaf-Peeping

I had no idea what fall is supposed to look like until I went RVing to New England in the fall. As a child growing up among the evergreen landscapes of Southern California, the only way I knew when seasons were changing was by paying attention to department store displays. Years later, I figured out how to tell it was fall when my husband and I took a leaf-peeping excursion to Maine. Until then, I had never personally experienced the joy of fall colors painting my surroundings. That breathtaking East Coast experience left me yearning for another fall experience, but with better weather and taller mountains. When we took a fall RVing trip to the Southwest, I finally found that and so much more.

Discover a Rainbow of Autumn Hues in New Mexico

The state that pledges allegiance to the chili pepper has a wide variety of terrain There’s a lot more to see than the flat moonscape comprising the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. With over 88 different mountain ranges towering above the state’s iconic sandstone cliffs and canyons, you’ll have plenty of high-altitude locations to embrace the season. One of my favorites is in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Just park your home on wheels at any Santa Fe RV park. They’re all great and so close to town. Then take a driving tour along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. It’s one of the most scenic destinations in New Mexico any time of year, but especially in fall. Originating at the historic downtown Santa Fe Plaza, this 15-mile curvy mountain driving experience quickly ferries you up and out of the city.  You’ll find yourself in a brilliantly colored landscape of golden quaking aspens, trickling waterfalls and meandering hiking trails that take you deep into the heart of fall.

Stay: Route 66 RV Resort is just minutes west of Albuquerque on historic Route 66. Discover more New Mexico camping options.

You’ve picked a destination for your next RV vacation, figured out the route that you’ll take to get there, decided on the parks or campgrounds you’ll stay at, and now you’re super excited to start planning all the awesome things you’ll do on your trip! We’ve been there many times. So… where do you start? How do you find the best things to do on your RV trip? Don’t worry, we can help with our list of the best resources for RV trip planning.

There are so many great resources out there that help navigate the task of planning a trip (unlock several when you become a Good Sam member). We’ll dive right in with a few of our absolute favorite resources to help you not only find the best things to do on your RV trip, but also help you find some really unique experiences that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Pinterest

When planning any trip in this day and age, it’s generally a good idea to start with Pinterest. There are so many amazing travel bloggers out there (including a few of our own) who are documenting cool things to do all over the world. Reading from their personal experiences as they navigate their trips is immensely helpful when planning your own excursion.

To start, type in your destination in the search bar on Pinterest and pin content to a board for your trip. Custom boards are an easy way to organize your favorite locations with the activities you can engage in once there. Look for posts with titles like “Things to do in _____” or “48 Hours in ____”. These will give you a great overview of what you should be aiming to do in and around your specific vacation destination. Once you’ve saved some of these articles to your board, go through each blog post and look for activities or experiences you and your family might be interested in.

From there, you can go directly to that attraction’s website or do another search on Pinterest to see more tips and advice on that particular experience. This method works for discovering National Parks along your route (with recommendations for hiking and scenic views) and even finding the best restaurants and unique roadside attractions. The possibilities are endless.

If you have no power at your electrical outlets, follow these simple troubleshooting steps to identify and correct the issue.

Check the Power Source

What power source are you drawing electricity from? Verify the power source is good to go.

Shore Power

If you are using a campground pedestal or a generator, check to make sure the shore power cord is securely connected. For the pedestal breaker, ensure the correct breaker switch is in the ON position. Adding a surge protector with an electronic management system to your shore power cord setup can help you troubleshoot whether the root cause is a power source issue.

Batteries with Inverter

Check your RV house batteries are charged and connected. Also check for corrosion.
If your batteries are good, then confirm your RV power inverter is turned on. The inverter transforms the 12 volt DC electricity from your RV batteries into 120 volt AC electricity delivered to the RV’s electrical outlets.

Check GFCI Outlets

Most GFCI outlets are near wet areas of the RV, such as sinks (Image from Camping World).

Just like your house and other buildings, your RV is equipped with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. The most common reason outlets stop working is because a GFCI outlet is tripped somewhere in your RV. Start with the GFCI outlet closest to the inactive electric-powered component and work your way outwards checking for tripped GFCI.

Find incredible opportunities for adventure when you have an Entegra motorhome to take you to all your dream destinations. We’ll take a look at four outstanding Entegra motorhomes for sale near you today! Find floorplans in class A motorhomes, class C motorhomes, and more with luxury features that will help you make the most of your time away. These motorhomes provide floorplans for couples, families, and more!

Entegra Coach Vision XL 34G Class A Motorhome

This motorhome is ideal for families of five and allows you to take luxury on the road no matter where you go. You’ll fall in love with the spacious kitchen and beautiful cabinetry that gives you plenty of storage space for all your cooking ingredients and utensils. The theater seating provides a cozy space for you to kick back and relax at the end of the day while you enjoy a movie with the family.

Additional Features:

Theater SofaFireplaceHutchTri-Fold SofaE-Z Drive Elite PackageOutside LED TV

Let’s face it, camping in colder temperatures might not be on the top of everyone’s list of things to do – we get it. However, there are plenty of people that seek out winter destinations for RV getaways. Additionally, there are a number of fulltime RVers that live stationary in locations that experience cold winters. Whatever the case may be, if you plan on RV camping during the winter, you need to be prepared. Here are some key facts that all RV enthusiasts should know to keep your RV healthy and happy if you plan on camping in cold temperatures this winter.

Water

Photo by Robert-Owen-Wahl from Pixabay

Ensuring your water systems are functioning properly might be one of the most important things to keep in mind when camping in the winter. When temperatures drop below freezing, as they often do, ice-cold water can quickly lead to frozen pipes which can then quickly lead to a huge headache and repair bill. Avoid unnecessary stress by planning ahead. Choosing to inspect your RV and its water systems thoroughly before hitting the road can be the difference between a fun-filled trip or one that skates on very thin ice.

If you are hooked up to water, consider using a heated hose. This hose will keep water at the source, and water that is flowing into the rig, unfrozen making it less likely to burst pipes. To completely avoid worrying about a frozen hose, fill your freshwater tank and use that as your water source instead. As a rule of the road, you should only connect the hose when needing to refill your tank. Doing so can prolong the life of the tank as well as the hose and ward off any potential freezing that could occur.

Plumbing

Good Sam Roadside Assistance always ensures you’re never alone on the road.

Once the water is flowing through your pipes and holding tanks, you still have to worry about freezing, unfortunately. To keep your pipes on the warmer side, try opening interior cabinet doors so your heating system is able to keep your internal plumbing warm.

While some RVs come with heaters for holding tanks, many do not. Electric heaters are an option that you can successfully add to the tanks yourself or, if you prefer, you can consult with your local Camping World specialist for assistance. Electric heaters are typically available in both 12V DC and 120V AC models. Or another option to explore is to use a small amount of antifreeze in the holding tank to help keep the liquid from freezing.

When we first started RVing just over a year ago, I felt enormously overwhelmed. I could count on one hand the number of people in my life who had ever traveled by RV, and none of them looked like my family. I knew zero people of color who had done it. I honestly had no clue what the different types and styles of RVs even were, where we could stay, or how everyone would fit. It was pretty stressful!

But, it turns out that RVing really wasn’t terribly difficult with a bit of practice and a lot of research. Here are some tips to help things go more smoothly if you’re a first-time RVer!

Know That You Can Learn as You Go

One of the scariest things for me as we started RVing was that we really didn’t know much at all! I mean, we had done our research and knew in theory how to dump sewage, how to fill water and gas, how to get propane and so many other details. But we’d never before done it in real life. How could we take out this huge vehicle that we knew so little about?

Fortunately, we found that RVing is really something that you can learn as you go. So much RV maintenance requires doing it a few times until you feel comfortable. You learn best by doing, not by reading. That said, Camping World’s YouTube is an incredible resource! It is so incredibly helpful when we have an RV question to be able to look up a video. It truly feels like having a friend come along to show us the ins and outs of our vehicle.

We’ve also found that other RVers tend to be wonderful and helpful. While there’s obviously diversity in the way people respond, we’ve found most RVers to be incredibly kind, supportive, and helpful. More than once, we’ve asked a question of another RV family, and they’ve always been lovely and incredibly helpful. And it’s been a relief to know we don’t have to know every single thing before starting out, but rather can learn a bit along the way.

There are plenty of hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park for beginners and experienced trail buffs. The main trails near the Visitor’s Center can be explored in a single day if you are up for the task, but there are plenty of additional attractions to see in other areas of the park! Even though the park is known as the home of the longest-known cave system in the world, the trails above ground shouldn’t be missed by serious hikers.

Tip: The discovery tour of Mammoth Cave is the best way to see the main Rotunda on a self-guided adventure. If you want to explore deeper into the caves, I recommend booking a cave tour well in advance of your proposed arrival date.

Always check the national park website for the latest alerts and updates on tour availability.

The Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park I Enjoyed Near the Visitor’s Center

I spent a full day hiking while I was in the park. From the Mammoth Cave Campground, I connected the Whites Caves Trail to the Sinkhole Trail to the Echo River Springs Trail to the Green River Bluffs Trail (with little side spurs off on the River Styx Spring Trail and the Dixon Cave Trail).

RV’s alone are awesome. Endless floor plan options and the debate of new or used (there’s no wrong answer by the way), makes shopping for an RV a ton of fun. But the real fun comes afterward. Accessorizing your RV with cool upgrades and useful gear is when camping gets kicked up a notch. Once the RV is officially yours, there is a multitude of add-on accessories to make RVing easier… and more fun. What’s not to love about that?

Sway Bars and Hitches

Towing your RV should never be a stressful experience. In fact, it should be one of the simplest tasks involved with RVing. Explore a variety of sway bars and weight distribution hitches. Sway bars and weight distribution aren’t necessarily a necessity, but they’re sure are nice to have. Ask any veteran RVer and they’ll tell you this upgrade is some of the best money they’ve ever spent. These hitch additions may seem intimidating, but you don’t have to worry about installation or assembly if you don’t want to–sway bars and weight distribution hitches can be installed before the RV ever leaves the lot! Since the bars or hitches need to be fitted to the vehicle towing the RV, Camping World service centers provide installation for worry-free towing once you’re on the road.

Stabilizer bars help with road sway and “fishtailing.”

Leveling Blocks

When leveling your RV, leveling blocks quickly become your best friend. No one likes walking around a lopsided RV. Unique designs now make stacking and fastening a breeze, plus many have handles that retract while in use but pull out for easy transport and storage. In the past, leveling your RV or trailer was a chore that required a combination of guessing and luck, but not anymore! We’ve come so far in the world of leveling blocks. Leveling on the first try is now possible, plus leveling blocks are tougher and stronger than ever and are built to last. It’s an accessory worth investing in. So go ahead–level up.

Leveling blocks make leveling your trailer or RV easy and quick.

Entertainment Add-Ons

It’s easy to get caught up in the destination instead of the journey when RVing, but it’s important to enjoy every second of the ride. Installing a quality television truly gives your RV that home-away-from-home feeling we all crave. Throw in a DVD player or an articulating mounting system for easy viewing. The entertainment customizations are endless. You could even install a TV on the outside of your RV for movie nights under the stars. Some RVs are already prepped for the addition, simply add the TV. But even if yours doesn’t, adding this feature is straightforward enough that you’ll be glad you looked into it.

The Thor Chateau Dinette with a television mounted above is the perfect indoor getaway.

WiFi-4G Boosters

Being off-grid doesn’t have to mean offline. Stay connected by investing in a quality WiFi system and/or a cell phone booster. Whether you’re working remotely during the day, streaming movies at night, or playing video games with the kids, having a dependable WiFi connection could mean the difference between a dream trip or a headache. Mobile internet is only getting more accessible for RVers, particularly with initiatives like Starlink internet. This add-on accessory is a necessity for any modern camper.

Feel that chill in the air? If you live in the northern states or Canada, the arrival of fall signals the start of snowbird season.

Each year, more than one million RV travelers descend from America’s north to bask in the warm weather of the Sun Belt until spring rolls around. Hundreds of RV parks welcome these snowbirds, who stay in one place for months or spend the winter season touring the south. 

If you’re planning a snowbird trip but haven’t chosen a roost, there’s still time to claim your place in the sun. Start getting to work now with the extensive planning and preparation that’s required. For Canadians, snowbird traveling has gotten more complicated. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the U.S.border is slated to open on October 21, giving Canadians a late start in the game. But there’s still time for fun in the sun.

Below, you’ll find links to each state’s COVID-19 rules guidelines. Review the pertinent state’s policies before traveling.

What do James Dean, denim jackets, and a new 2022 RV all have in common?

They’re cool. Effortlessly cool.

Taking your family on the road can be quite an undertaking and may seem far from the shades on, wind-in-your-hair, “cool,” experience of your dreams. But the right family RV can help a family vacation go smoothly… only if you know what features to look for.

Though every family trip will have moments of complete frustration; for every “are we there yet” there will also be a laugh along the way. Making memories as a family is one of life’s greatest treasures, and we think that’s pretty cool.

Choosing the best RV for your family adventures can help make those memories everyone recounts for years. Whether you’re looking for an inviting entertainment space or enough bunk beds to accommodate your kids and their friends, we guarantee there’s a 2022 family RV that will make your family vacation the coolest trip yet.

So you want to hit the road but you think:

“Where on earth will all the kids sleep!?”

While there are numerous family-friendly travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, and class C options on the market sometimes it’s hard to find exactly what you’re looking for. Finding the right rig for your family can take a lot of time and effort. If you’re struggling, try these tips for finding the perfect family RV.

So, when you finally do find the rig that meets your wants or needs, sometimes that rig still needs a little modification on your part.

Modifying an RV to Suit Your Needs

Our family, the Lanes, have had three very different rig types over the years since we began RVing. With each rig we’ve owned we’ve had to make some modifications in order to get that space to really work optimally for our family of seven. Most of the time that has come with making modifications to the kid’s bunk room–more specifically, the kids’ bunks themselves. A bunk bed conversion, or bunkhouse conversion, can really transform a space. For us, it gave our kids individual sleeping spaces. For you, it could be a whole new room in your RV. Brainstorm RV bunk bed conversion ideas with the family and you’ll be surprised at all the wild creations everyone comes up with.

Camping beneath the stars surrounded by rustling pines, hooting owls, and crashing waves is the stuff RV dreams are made of. It’s also the stuff of RV images we fall in love with. What you don’t see in these picture-perfect set-ups are the surrounds of a crowded campground, like a power pedestal and sewer hose running to your dumpsite.

If you’ve fallen in love with the off-the-grid kind of camping that skips these campground sites, you’re in love with the idyllic RV experience called “boondocking.”

But, boondocking, also known as “dry camping,” can be intimidating for beginner RVers. It can also feel a bit daunting for more experienced RVers who are used to having the conveniences of a campground with full-hookups. The good news is, like many things in life, all you need is a little bit of practice to boondock comfortably and confidently. Take boondocking one small step at a time and you’ll find you’ll want to do it again and again.

Let’s go through some tips to help you get comfortable with boondocking little by little. In no time, you’ll be ready to camp off-grid, whether that’s nestled among mountains or following your favorite college football team around the country.

1. Check the Weather

Avoid boondocking for the first time in frigid or sweltering conditions. Extreme weather just complicates matters. If it’s sticky and hot you’re going to need to rely on your AC to stay comfortable. Being mindful of your power consumption is key to boondocking. Needing to run your AC adds an extra challenge you don’t need when you’re learning. Likewise, if it’s cold, you need to run your furnace. Although your furnace likely runs on LP, the fan draws power. When you’re first learning about power consumption, this rookie mistake could put you in a position where you wake up to find your battery is drained.

Hunting season is upon us and as someone who didn’t grow up hunting, I’m always “on the hunt” for new tools and gear to improve my experience. This fall, my husband and I are taking the RV to our hunting property to set up deer camp and spend a few weekends in the treestands. 

Whether you hunt for deer, elk, bear, turkey, or waterfowl, Camping World and Gander Outdoors have all your base camp and hunting essentials. From big-ticket items like bows, rifles and treestands to smaller items like clothing, game calls, and hunting knives – hunters can find it all. 

I hope this gift guide helps you streamline the hunting experience for yourself, or for the hunter in your life. Customize your gear for your hunting experience, and learn how to pack your RV for a hunting trip so you don’t leave anything behind.

Sitting in Comfort

While hanging out at base camp or hunting in a ground blind or treestand, a comfortable chair may make all the difference in how many hours I spend hunting. I’ve used everything from a 5-gallon bucket with a swivel seat to a camping chair. Consider an upgraded hunting seat like the Rhino Padded Swivel Hunting Chair which allows you to swivel 360 degrees. Or, try something more portable like the MacSports Portable Tripod Camo Chair. I have a tripod chair just like this and it is so practical and multifunctional for not only hunting but also ice fishing and camping. 

Scent Control

Scent control can be as simple as using odorless detergent and scent-free soap. I’ve done both and while I’m not sure if it actually makes a difference, I know I’ve had better luck seeing deer on days I take all of the steps to be odorless. But there are also scent-eliminating electronics that can up your game, like the Wildgame Innovations ZeroTrace PureION Field Generator which neutralizes human scent with the flow of small ion molecules. It comes with a rechargeable battery pack that lasts six hours in the field so that you can get close to the action without detection. 

Another Labor Day has come and gone and you may think to yourself, “Doggonit, summer is nearly over! What am I supposed to do now?” Well, friends, don’t fret! The fun is only beginning. Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston is a year-round destination, and autumn is one of our favorite seasons! If you want to plan an extra special adventure, bring a furry family member or two along for the trip! We not only welcome dogs to Oregon’s Adventure Coast, we encourage them! Guess you could say the “paw-sibbilites” are endless!

Here are five great ways to enjoy Oregon’s Adventure Coast with your pet this fall. Unless otherwise specified, please keep your pet on a leash in all public areas.

#1 Hike along the Cape Arago Loop Trail. There are plenty of impressive hiking trails to choose from on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, but this 6-mile round trip hiking trail takes you along the rugged coastline and through mysterious and beautiful coastal forests. Paths are wide enough that if you encounter other hikers, it’s easy to step aside and let them pass and still keep your distance.

It is that welcoming time of year when life starts getting back to a routine, and we began to prepare for Fall and the holiday seasons. While camping in Myrtle Beach offers wonderful accommodations at award-winning campgrounds, their locations allow easy access to the area’s major attractions including golf, shopping, fishing, dining, and more. Not to mention the beautiful scenery along the lakes and oceanfront. This time of year, the weather is not too hot or cold…it is just right. So, choose your campsite and enjoy the freshness and crispness of Fall that can only be experienced in Myrtle Beach.

Make sure to visit CampMyrtleBeach.com and plan your next camping adventure.  The experts at these wonderful campgrounds:  Lakewood Camping Resort,  Myrtle Beach KOA Resort, Myrtle Beach Travel Park, NMB RV Resort-Dry Dock Marina, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, PirateLand Family Camping Resort and Willow Tree RV Resort Campground can help you design the perfect vacation, weekend get-away, or few days escape in beautiful South Carolina. Take advantage of Fall savings and discounts like never before. A variety of festivities are happening in Myrtle Beach over the next few months so come and Camp Myrtle Beach and experience them all.

We are going to let you in on a little local secret; Not only does Myrtle Beach have the best camping in the world, our fall festivals and holiday shows are some of the most entertaining and memorable experiences. There are all types of festivals up and down the Grand Strand that will bring plenty of smiles and laughs to you and your family. It is not too early to plan for Christmas and with that in mind, you can witness Christmas parades and tree lighting ceremonies, special, one-of-a-kind celebrations, unique to Myrtle Beach. If you can only choose one event to attend, then Night of a Thousand Lights at Brookgreen Gardens is the one for you.  Tens of thousands of lights sparkle in the dark creating a special kind of holiday glow. Take enchanting walks through the twinkling lights as carolers sing, holiday music plays, all the while enjoying a warm cup of apple cider. It is the perfect way to celebrate the enchantment of Christmas. So, plan your holiday get-away and take in some of the local flair that only Myrtle Beach can offer. Make sure to check out the Events page on CampMyrtleBeach.com for more information.

Class A diesel motorhomes, also known as diesel pushers, are typically considered the top of the line for any motorhome manufacturer. These Class A RVs usually have the most sought-after features and the highest-end finishes available. In fact, some Class A motorhomes are positively luxurious. That said, they’re not for everyone in the market for an RV. Depending upon your specific needs and desires as an RV owner and traveler, there could be another option that is better suited for you and your family.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before taking the plunge to determine if a diesel pusher is the right RV for you.

Can You Afford a Class A Diesel Motorhome?

It’s always wise to make a budget and stick to it, even when RV shopping.

As we mentioned above, these RVs are commonly the top of the line when it comes to materials and manufacturing. As a result, they’re also the most expensive motorhomes to purchase and own. Buying a diesel pusher is a considerable investment, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially when you take into account the additional expenses of fuel, insurance, interest (if you choose to finance), and decor.

The RV life is full of adventure! It’s the best part of owning one. However, one of the few things that can make or break an RV trip—financial stress. It’s imperative to make sure you’re not stretching yourself or your finances thin to afford a Class A diesel. A proper assessment of your budget could ensure that not only is this particular RV the right one for your family and lifestyle, but that the trips you take with it are full of fun and relaxation.

Do You Have Somewhere to Park a Diesel Pusher?

Image from Camping World

Did we mention these are the biggest motorhomes out there? It’s true! On average, Class A RVs run about 33′ in length. Consequently, many models won’t fit in a standard driveway and a lot of neighborhoods or homeowner associations have rules that dictate where you can park an RV on your property and for how long. It’s wise to think ahead and have a plan for parking and maintaining your RV when not in use before you make the purchase.

Hauling all your toys to the campground is easy when you have a toy hauler fifth wheel in tow! These toy hauler fifth wheels with separated garages for sale near you are an excellent way to upgrade your vacations with your favorite outdoor equipment.

2021 Dutchmen RV Triton 3571 Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel

The 13′ separate garage provides an ideal space for your toys; the power ramp door makes it easy to load and unload your largest toys. The tie-downs ensure your gear stays in place while you’re in transit, and the twin-sized loft is great for additional sleeping space or for storing even more of your outdoor equipment. Enjoy 13′ of separated garage space that easily doubles as a second bedroom or dining space at the campground.

Additional Features:

Twin-Size LoftHappi-Jack BunkHalf Bath in Garage13′ Separate GarageTriple SlidesKing-Size Bed

Hi Mark My Words Readers! This month we’ve got questions on axle flips, generators, toilets and propane. Remember to send your RVing questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mark,
Could you discuss the pros and cons of doing an axle flip on a fifth-wheel that results in gaining three to four inches clearance from your truck bed? Also, a friend gave me one of those brass fittings that allow you to fill a 16-ounce propane bottle from a larger bottle. However, no instructions were included, and I can’t make it work. Can you explain the process?
Ron

Hi Ron,
Flipping the axles is a common way to raise the fiver to accommodate a taller tow vehicle. It will gain you around three to five inches of increased hitch height. The job should only be done by a competent shop, as new spring perches must be welded onto the axle. You can’t simply flip them over, as the axles are designed with a built-in bow to provide for proper toe-in and camber. Most trailer service places can do the job. The only disadvantages will be the need for an additional step at the entry door and a slightly raised center of gravity on the rig. These modifications don’t usually adversely affect either tire wear or handling.

The bottle filler is a mixed blessing, in my opinion. To use it, you attach it to your large tank and then screw the small disposable cylinder onto it. Then you must invert the large tank so as to feed only liquid propane to the small cylinder. Open the valve and some gas will be transferred to the smaller tank. I have played with one of these refilling fittings and attempted to refill a number of cylinders. I have found that you typically don’t get a complete gas charge into the little tank.

Whether you’re looking to purchase your first RV and dip your toes into the RVing lifestyle, or you’re wanting to upgrade your current RV before embarking on your next trip–now is the time to explore your options. In fact, the new RVs for 2022 are making their debut, so if you’re looking to buy then you’re in luck!

To start, let’s look at a few options for both the RV rookie venturing off the grid for their very first time, and another RV for the experienced camping couple on the hunt for something exciting. The good news? Both of the following 2022 RVs are under 5000 lbs.

Explore more lightweight travel trailers under 3,000 pounds.

Gulf Stream Enlighten

Choosing the RV life is a rush. The thrill of hitting the road, driving away from the city, and seeing all the beautiful landmarks our country has to offer is a high you’ll never stop chasing. However, before you select a path (well-traveled or otherwise) your first task is purchasing the perfect RV for your travels. The Gulf Stream Enlighten is a great entry-level camper for many reasons.

The bunkhouse travel trailer floorplan makes the Enlighten a solid option for an introductory rig. Whether you’re venturing out alone or traveling with your partner and kids, trying on the RV life with a basic setup is a great place to start. With the Enlighten, you get a few comforts and conveniences on top.