WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

We bought our first travel trailer in 2014, and we quickly discovered we weren’t prepared for the process. Since we had purchased many automobiles in our lifetimes, we thought the steps for our RV purchase would be fairly similar. But we soon learned that buying an RV is quite different from buying an automobile. Before you buy your first travel trailer, consider these five items:

Weights and Measurements

Before purchasing our first travel trailer, we knew we needed to consider whether the weight and length of the trailer would work with our tow vehicle. Later, we came to realize there’s a lot more to it than that.

Start reading about towing, and you’ll see a lot of unfamiliar acronyms, like CCC, GVW, UVW, GCWR, and more. Before buying an RV, research the various weights and measurements you’ll need to understand to determine if you’ll have a good fit between the RV and your tow vehicle.

Consult the RV towing guide to see the capacity of your towing vehicle. 

Check out this helpful guide to understanding RV trailer weights. 

RV Loans

When buying automobiles, I hop online and apply for financing if the dealership tries to saddle us with a high-interest rate. I thought I’d be able to do the same thing when purchasing our travel trailer. Unfortunately, I learned that RV loans are different from automobile loans, and the process isn’t quite as easy or competitive. If you are looking to buy an RV, talk to your bank or credit union and look into specific companies that finance RV purchases before you make a deal.

If you’ve watched any of our videos on YouTube, you’ve probably heard us talk about dispersed camping or free camping in national forests. In this ... Read more

Pack your bags, load up the RV and take your travels to a place where you can marvel at fascinating hoodoos, hike through unique slot canyons, bike through Ponderosa pines and take some picture-perfect photography.

Welcome to Utah’s Bryce Canyon Country!

This area is filled with amazing RV parks for every kind of adventurer. Are you ready to start planning your next trip? Hop in and buckle up!

Ruby’s Inn RV Park

The first park on our roundup is at historic Ruby’s Inn, right across from the gates of Bryce Canyon National Park. This is the closest RV park to the national park and has 250 spots with full hookups for water and electricity. Visitors to this park will also be able to enjoy all of the amenities provided by the larger Ruby’s Inn resort. Spend your days exploring Bryce Canyon or staying cool by the pool, and spend your nights surrounded by ponderosa pine trees and thousands of stars.

1. History: The Dodge Travco was a classic and iconic recreational vehicle (RV) manufactured by the Dodge Motorhome Division of Chrysler Corporation from the 1960s to the 1970s. 2. Design: The Travco is known for its sleek and aerodynamic design, featuring a unique front-end design with a large windshield and wraparound windows. It had a relatively...

Regular maintenance is the only surefire way to extend the life of your RV. That’s why many RVers can benefit from having their motorhome or travel trailer inspected annually. Spring is a great time for an RV inspection. You can address anything that requires attention before camping season. This, along with an inaugural, close-to-home trip or overnight stay, preps you for longer summer trips further from home.

Along with many other benefits, Good Sam Elite Members receive an annual Good Sam multi-point inspection. Below, we’ve outlined what you can expect when you bring your RV to a Camping World location to have it scoped out and inspected. If you’re not a member, you can still schedule a routine inspection at your local Camping Word. Learn more about that process here.

Why a multi-point inspection?

Despite the United States only being less than a few centuries old, our country is actually rich in diverse archeological history. From early colonial settlements, all the way back to ancient Native American civilizations, there’s no shortage of stories to tell from our past. If you’re looking for a memorable adventure back in time, here are 5 archeological spots you should consider visiting in the United States, along with nearby campgrounds to stay at.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Collinsville, Illinois

One of the largest pre-Columbian settlements, Cahokia Mounds preserves the remnants of one of the most sophisticated Native American civilizations to have ever settled in North America (700 AD to 1400 AD). While you’re there, be sure to take in the exhibit or Climb of Monks Mound for a scenic view of an ancient city. 

Good Sam campground nearby:

Located by the Chesapeake Bay, Bethpage Camp-Resort doesn’t cut corners when it comes to fun. Visitors immediately notice this as they enter the Virginia resort: As guests drive through the park, they will notice the sprawling waterpark with a towering spiral slide that tempts thrill seekers. Vacationers also notice the beautiful lake with a sandy beach where you can relax your stress away. 

But that’s just scratching the surface of the sprawling resort, which is located in the historic Colonial port town of Urbanna. Last year, Bethpage Camp-Resort added 200 new sites along with a zero-depth-entry swimming pool and fitness center. The resort’s friendly staff ensures that families feel welcome at the resort, and there’s even an escort to your site so that you get settled in without delay.

Great Entertainment and Good Eating

Keeping guests entertained is a big priority at Bethpage Camp-Resort, and live entertainment and movie nights please every family member. Feeling competitive? The park’s mini golf course will help you hone your putting skills. There’s also cornhole, a rec hall for game lovers, and a basketball court and beach volleyball court. 

Colorado is one of the few RV destinations in our country that instantly conjures up images of breathtaking snow-capped peaks, abundant wildlife, and wildflower-carpeted meadows. Summer RV camping at Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best ways to experience all of it in one trip. For that reason alone, it’s one of the busiest parks in the system, but with careful planning, you can have that bucket list trip you’ve been dreaming about. Here’s how to make it happen.

It’s Worth the Effort to Plan for Your Trip

Few national parks define the collective vision of a U.S. state the way that Rocky Mountain National Park does. When combined with pleasant summer temperatures and awesome RV camping, “Rocky,” as the locals call it, has all the features necessary for an unforgettable vacation. The sheer number of people who want to experience it (over 4.3 million in 2022) is why the National Park Service has made some critical changes to the park experience. New rules are affecting when, how, and sometimes if we experience the park at all, so pay attention.

What to Expect at Rocky Mountain National Park

The biggest changes at Rocky involve trying to resolve guest overcrowding issues and beefing up campsite infrastructure. As an example, reservations are now required just to get into the park as a day-use visitor. Reservations are also needed to take park shuttles that run outside and inside the park. And finally, a major campground closure inside the park will also impact your plans whether you stay outside the park or not. Understanding all of these changes is critical when you’re RV camping near Rocky Mountain National Park. Let’s look at them in detail.

1) Plan for the Timed Entry Permit Reservation Requirement

In 2021, Rocky was the first location in our national park system to place restrictions on when visitors can enter the park. Between Memorial Day through early October, a “timed entry permit reservation” booking is required for all day-use visitors who want to get into the park. Plan for this, by booking your park entry slot at Recreation.gov. Your pass allows you to enter the park on a certain day, within a two-hour window. You’ll also need a park entrance pass (also reservable at Recreation.gov) before arriving at the gate. Take care of this detail while making your park reservation and you’ll be set for adventure when you check in. Don’t wait until you get there. Your desired entry day and time will probably be booked.

Starting Point: Highway 132 begins near the city of Longueuil, which is located just south of Montreal. Montreal to Quebec City: From Longueuil, Highway 132 follows the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, passing through several suburbs and towns, including Boucherville, Varennes, Contrecoeur, and Sorel-Tracy. Continuing east, it reaches the c...

Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road," is an iconic highway that stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It is one of America's most famous and historic roadways, offering a journey through diverse landscapes, small towns, and roadside attractions. Here's an overview of the Route 66 experie...

Summertime and the RVing is easy, especially when you’re in Cody Yellowstone. With nearly 7,000 square miles of spectacular landscapes, just 30,000 people, and campgrounds ranging from back-to-nature to maximum comfort, “The Best Western Small Town in America” is a camper’s paradise. (Did we mention Wyoming just ranked No. 1 for best camping in the U.S.?)

Here are a few options to consider for your ultimate summer camping trip in Cody Yellowstone!

In Town

About halfway between the Irma Hotel and rodeo grounds, Ponderosa Campground has 98 RV sites with full hookups and amenities like free WiFi, live entertainment, and a gift shop, a convenience store, and a playground. Plus, there are even cabins and tipis for those who don’t have their own rig.

Outside of Town

Just five minutes east of Cody is the Cody Trout Ranch Camp, which offers 39 RV sites with full hookups, as well as eight spacious tipis for great glamping on the banks of the Shoshone River.

Something is bound to go wrong on your first RV outing. When you are on vacation and ready to relax, it may be stressful to discover a blown tire or broken appliance; however, most RVers will tell you this is an expected part of RV travel. The good news is there are steps you can take to prepare for your first (or next) RV outing—and any problems that may arise.

Here are five problems you might encounter while RVing and tips for preventing or handling them:

1) Fridge Foods Aren’t Cool Enough

Problem: You get to your campsite, turn on the fridge, and head out to buy groceries. You expect to find a cool fridge when you return, but instead, it seems as hot as it was when you left.

Preparation: On our first trip, I couldn’t tell if the fridge was working at all since I couldn’t hear any sounds. I later learned that RV refrigerators operate differently from home ones, and it’s normal not to hear similar noises.

Wally Byam (1896-1962) was an influential figure in the world of recreational vehicles (RVs) and the founder of Airstream, a renowned manufacturer of travel trailers. Byam's vision and innovative designs revolutionized the RV industry and continue to be celebrated by RV enthusiasts today. Byam's passion for travel and adventure led him to create Ai...

A pop-up camper is a unique style of camper that is easy to steal when it’s not in use and expands to provide plenty of space at the campground. This is an excellent option if you are used to tent camping and want to upgrade your experience. Additionally, it’s excellent for anyone who is looking for something easy to tow. We will show you three incredible deals on pop-up campers for 2023.

Coachmen RV Clipper Camping Trailers 108ST Sport

The Coachman Clipper Camping Trailers 108ST Sport folding pop-up camper on sale today is an excellent option for first-time RV years. This unit sleeps up to six and features two queen-bed tents with insulated bunks. There’s exterior storage to ensure you can bring along all of your camping equipment, and you’ll love the Rv features an optional bathroom package.

Additional Features:

Forest River RV Rockwood Freedom Series 1640LTD

The Forest River Rockwood Freedom Series 1640LTD pop-up camper is a great way to explore your must-see camping destinations. This unit features a carrier range. That makes it easy to cook around the campfire. Additionally, there’s a 7-foot awning to provide you with plenty of shade no matter where you stay. You’ll love that the two bed tents make it easy to get a great night’s sleep for you and your family.

Additional Features:

Owners of motorhomes and large trailers have likely experienced the challenge of driving in high, gusty winds. Add passing semi-trucks and cars, and your trip can soon turn into what could only be described as a white-knuckle drive. Driving an RV in high winds is a formidable challenge and one you shouldn’t take lightly.

When should you not drive an RV in wind?

While unlikely, driving an RV in high winds puts your trailer or motorhome at risk of tipping. And failure to stop driving when winds get too intense can compromise your safety and those in your RV.

Not all wind or turbulence requires you to pull over. So, how much wind is too much? This depends on the rig design and specific configurations of your RV. Factors such as vehicle weight, departure angle (distance from the rear axle center to the rear bumper), weight distribution, body height, presence of steering aids, correct alignment specifications, and even tire pressure can all affect vehicle handling in high winds. Driver skill and experience also come into play when assessing a safe speed.

Generally, if you feel uncomfortable while operating in strong winds, slow down to the minimum legal speed, providing you don’t impede traffic. When wind speeds rise into the 40-50 MPH range, it’s likely a good idea to pull over, regardless of how fast you drive. If feel uncomfortable with the wind effect at the lower speed, consider stopping at the next suitable place and sit it out. Your RV is for relaxing enjoyment, not stress. Being an RV owner that is late to the next destination is far better than being the “Late RV Owner.”

This week in the Good Sam camping news spotlight, we’re taking a look at growing trends within the RV and outdoor community as more and more people opt to save money by renting and vacationing in a motorhome.

Outdoor activities are on the rise (for the third year in a row)

For the third year in a row, research would suggest that more and more people are camping and hiking.

A recent study from Winnebago found that 97% of Americans are planning on getting outside to enjoy nature in some capacity, with listed activities including road trips, RVing, hiking, and camping, just to name a few. 

This number is up 2% from the previous year and seems to be closely linked with economic uncertainty as well as an increased value in mental health. 52% of surveyed participants shared that increased outdoor activity was a reaction to stress, while 26% are looking to cut down on expenses.

This is undoubtedly good news for the RV industry, considering more than 70% of the participants are considering an RV for travel as opposed to flights, rental cars, or hotels. This trend was also validated by a recent KOA report finding that 47% of RVers surveyed suggested that recent frustrations with air travel have also been a catalyst for pivoting to a vacation on the road.

The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alaska-Canada Highway or ALCAN Highway, is a historic and scenic road that connects Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska, United States. Here's some information about the Alaska Highway: Route and Distance: The Alaska Highway spans approximately 2,200 kilometers (1,370 miles) fr...

No matter where you plan to go taking a travel trailer to the campground is an easy way to get to your dream destinations. These easy-to-tow RVs are fitted with lightweight builds and luxury amenities to keep you comfortable anywhere. We will look at the top 10 travel trailers for 2023 below.

Jayco Jay Flight 212QB

Our first stop is the Jayco Jay Flight 212 QB travel trailer. This RV features a jackknife sofa and sleeping for up to four. You’ll love that the 16-foot power awning gives you plenty of shade to relax under and that the Magnum Truss roof system paired with the integrated A-frame gives you a sturdy build you can rely on.

Additional Features:

Grand Design Transcend Xplor 200MK

Another deal you won’t want to miss is the Grand Design Transcend Xplor 200MK travel trailer. This incredible RV features a 32-inch LED TV to make movie nights at the campground easy. Additionally, you’ll love that this is a pet-friendly camper with a pet drawer to keep your furry friend’s food tucked away when it’s not in use. The U-shaped dinette gives you plenty of seating space and folds to create a bed for the kids.

Additional Features:

Few things feel like summer, quite like taking a vacation or going to the movies. There’s something about the open road that just feels healing, and there’s something about a silver screen and popcorn that just feels right. 

Now, every so often, something magical happens, and we’re treated to a perfect combination of summer pastimes, culminating in a genre that stands alone: road-trip films. 

Stories about cooped-up families, reluctant companions, or cavalcades of muppets seem to resonate with all of us, validating the joys and stresses of our own cross-country adventures – almost as if we’re watching a movie about ourselves.

So, to celebrate the start of the summer season and to help spark some inspiration of what to do (or not do) on your next trip, we’ve put together our list of the all-time best road-trip movies. 

Best summer road-trip films

‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’

Alright, so technically, this isn’t a summer road-trip movie, considering it’s one of the few films set during Thanksgiving, but it’s still the all-time best buddy adventure film. Steve Martin and John Candy were a match made in Heaven, and the jokes still land over 30 years later.

Before you venture out on your next cross-country road trip it’s important to take stock of your RV’s tires. Unlike your typical car tire, motorhome tires are carrying tens of thousands of pounds, and will therefore require a slightly different approach.

How long will RV tires last? When should you replace an RV’s tire? How do you extend the life of your tires? 

To help keep you safe and on the road longer, here’s a quick overview of how long RV tires last and how to get the most out of them.

How long do RV tires last?

Let’s get down the brass tacks. Depending on the size and mileage accrued, a well-maintained RV tire should last you around four or five years. With that, you should be able to squeeze out between 10,000 and 15,000 miles for smaller RV tires, and potentially upwards of 30,000 for larger vehicles. 

Understanding your RV’s tires

Now, there are still a lot of variables when it comes to the overall health of your tire, and just because it’s within the recommended mileage doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive on. So, let’s get a little more granular and look at the different types of RV tires and compare their lifespans.