Recreational vehicle travel seems to grow in popularity in North America each year. Whether getting a versatile tent trailer, travel trailer, fifth-wheel trailer, or motorhome, countless people and families will be joining the RV lifestyle in the coming months. However, once beginner RV owners first get their RV home, the learning and ownership experience begins. What responsibilities will be required, what type of maintenance is needed, and how much overall effort and expense goes into the yearly upkeep?

Unfortunately, when it comes to cost or ownership, many RV buyers focus mainly on the monthly payments of the vehicle loan. While this is certainly an important factor, it should not be thought of as the only cost. RVers also need to consider vehicle insurance, possible storage charges, required maintenance based on time or mileage, after-warranty repairs, winterizing costs, amortized wear and tear, consumable items, etc.

Hands-on Learning

Financial obligations aren’t the only concerns for new buyers. There are a whole lot of learning and hands-on experiences that are free. When RV travelers slow down and take the time to learn about their new ride, it may even help reduce some of the ongoing ownership costs.

Using a portable RV waste tank is similar to the process of emptying your gray and black water tanks. These portable waste tanks are ideal for long-term camping destinations with “partial hookups,” meaning – there isn’t a sewer connection at the campsite, but there might be a dump site at the campground or nearby.  

Full hookup sites are often more expensive and harder to find than partial hookup sites. That’s why portable waste tanks are really useful to have on hand.

Learn more about portable waste tanks and why you might need them.

What is a Portable RV Waste Tank?

Photo by Camping World

Portable RV waste tanks serve as temporary holding tanks, allowing you to transport waste to the dump station without moving your RV. Some have two round three-inch openings, and others only have one. Most also have a waste tank vent opening that serves as a pressure relief valve.

Here are a few nicknames used for portable waste water holding tanks:

 

Viral chef Derek Wolf of Over the Fire Cooking has championed the art of cooking over an open flame. On his Instagram page and Youtube channel, he leans on his many years of experience to offer plenty of outdoor-friendly and imaginative recipes for even the most novice of cooks.

Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, cooking can be a challenge. Kitchen space, cooking equipment, and ingredients can feel limiting, making it hard to imagine preparing anything that adventures beyond hotdogs or hamburgers.

Recently Derek sat down with Good Sam RV Rentals and shared his affinity for the art of gaucho grilling, a kind of over-the-fire cooking, and how it’s among his “favorite ways to cook.” Derek says, “[since] a lot of the flavors are fresh and simple,” it’s easy to understand.

To better help you experience more flavor during your next outdoor meal, here’s a breakdown of gaucho grilling at your campground, as well as one of Derek’s go-to recipes.

Towering cliffs in shades of cream and rust, deep slot canyons, depictions of the tribes that called this land home, and overlooks that make you feel like you’re one with the angels, Zion National Park is one of the Utah Five and provides adventurers a chance to experience the beauty of the high desert.

Spanning a little over 200 square miles, Zion National Park is one of the smaller parks on the list, but that doesn’t stop it from having some of the most diverse landscapes and a bounty of activities for explorers of all ages and abilities. It’s no surprise that Utah’s first national park has become more popular recently, pulling in around five million annual visitors.

Why Visit Zion National Park in an RV?

Photo by Asif Islam via Shutterstock

RVing to Zion National Park offers a few key benefits. Its proximity to Utah’s other national parks makes it perfect for an adventurous road trip. Easily take the comforts of home with you as you RV through Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Capitol Reef national parks. Bonus points if you travel down to Arizona for Grand Canyon National Park.

And it’s not just national parks you can hit nearby. Zion is also close to popular monuments and state parks like Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Antelope Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and the Vermillion Cliffs.

If you dream of getting out to the campground without a worry or care, these Entegra Coach Ethos class B motorhomes are the perfect choice. These RVs are built to make the drive to the campground comfortable and easy to make sure you start your adventure off right. Below, we’ll show you three of our favorite floorplans to help you start planning your next big escape.

Order your today!

Entegra Coach Ethos 20A

Save big on your next adventure with this Entegra Coach Ethos 20A class B motorhome on sale today. You can take $34,000 off this incredible RV for two and put those incredible savings into your next camping trip instead! Inside this RV, you’ll find enough seating to bring along your camping buddies. The rear sofa extends into a comfortable bed for two, giving you a great space to rest after a day on the road.

This pre-owned RV is available now, but it won’t last long! Take it home today!

Additional Features:

Two Additional Cab SeatsSofaPantryConvection Microwave13′ Thule Armless AwningPlenty of space to relax and watch a movie with your loved one.

Entegra Coach Ethos 20D

If you’re looking for something that offers versatility, the Entegra Coach Ethos 20D class B motorhome is the way to go. This unit offers a spacious pop-top to give you additional sleeping and storage space. You’ll love that the kitchen is equipped with a pantry for all your drinks, snacks, and more. There’s sleeping for four inside this motorhome, so you’ll be able to travel comfortably with your family.

I’ve been looking at e-bikes with envy for a while. My last bike was a hundred-dollar single-speed that traveled well on road trips but couldn’t handle the mountainous terrain my pet Husky likes to explore. 

Honestly, the price point of electric mountain bikes gives me pause, you might even call it fear of buyer’s remorse. That’s why I was so interested in the iDeaPlay electric mountain bike – it’s one of the more affordable e-bikes out there. 

Beyond the price, the important questions are: how does it perform, and who is this e-bike for? Let’s find out in a comprehensive review of the iDeaPlay electric mountain bike.

The iDeaPlay Electric Mountain Bike Unboxing and Setup

Photo by Tucker Ballister

The bike arrived in several pieces, so the first challenge was assembly. Assembly required a little over an hour but didn’t involve any electrical work. The frame arrived with the brushless motor and electric wiring installed, with no need for adjustments. 

Do you crave outdoor adventure? Then, you’ve found paradise! Death Valley, Mount Whitney (the tallest mountain in the U.S. Lower 48 at 14,505 feet), the gorgeous Sierras, and other California attractions are all within reach. Visit Alabama Hill plus nearby lakes, trails, and rolling rivers. Welcome to breathtaking views from our 100-acre RV retreat, settled along a one-mile circumference around beautiful Olancha Lake. From your campsite in Lake Olancha RV Park, you’ll find the majestic, snowcapped Sierra Mountains to the West and Death Valley to the East. Enter a 400-foot, rock-walled entrance to our serene, lakeside surroundings.

Attractions

Olancha is a cozy mountain town with a population of around 200 residents. Surrounded by the Sierra Mountains to the West and Death Valley to the East. There are so many adventures waiting for you for day trips from our park!

Hiking Trails of the Sierra Mountains and Death ValleyMount Whitney / Mt. Whitney Gold Club (tallest USA mountain – 14,505 feet)Alabama Hill’s beautiful rock formation with excellent rock climbingMuseum of Western Film HistoryOlancha Lake, Lone Pine Lake, and Lone Pine TrialDirty Socks Hot SpringsWhitney Golf ClubCerro Gordo Mining TownAlabama Hills, shooting location of various filmsFossil FallsDiaz Lake recreation areaLone Pine Film MuseumMammoth Lake 2 hours away

RV Sites, Tenting or Glamping Cabins

Our intimate campground hosts 50 spacious, pull-through RV sites equipped with full hookups, 30 and 50-amp electric, cable, and Wi-Fi — all at affordable rates. Prefer tent camping? Camp among 10 tent sites nestled in the heart of nature. Our family-friendly, pet-friendly grounds offer five fully furnished cabins ranging from one to three bedrooms at affordable rates — perfectly suited for extended stays! If you love camping with your favorite creature comforts, you’ll love our cabins! We offer short and longer-term stay rates, so whether your adventure is brief or extended, you are welcome.

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

When you aren’t plugged into a power pedestal, your RV’s generator is your main AC power source. To keep it running efficiently and maximize its lifespan, you’ll need to learn how to winterize your RV generator. 

Of course, the exact procedure depends on the make and model of your generator. Begin by consulting your generator’s owner’s manual or contacting the manufacturer for generator winterization best practices. 

That said, here are the reasons to winterize your generator and an overview of how to do it. 

If you’re a new RVer, you’re probably overwhelmed by the amount of information out there about RVing. When we became full-timers, we certainly were. In ... Read more

One of the most beautiful – and perhaps overwhelming – parts of buying a fifth wheel RV is finding the right floorplan. Fifth wheels come in numerous layouts, and you’re bound to find one that fits your personality and needs. Below are just a few options that are popular among RVers.

Popular Fifth Wheel Floor Plans

Because fifth wheels tend to be longer and heavier than some travel trailers, they require a truck with a higher towing capacity. Use our Towing Guide to find out how much your truck can tow before you check out these popular fifth wheel floor plans.

Before you take your new 5th wheel on its maiden voyage, download or print and laminate this hitch checklist for reference. 

Bunkhouse Fifth Wheels

Big family or RVing in a group? Bunkhouse models feature loads of sleeping spaces to keep everyone comfy. Add slideouts and these models are spacious enough to accommodate multiple people comfortably—even on rainy days.

Featured RV – Forest River Sabre 350BH

Length: 40’1”Dry Weight: 11.853 poundsSleeping Capacity: Up to 6Photo by Forest River

The Forest River Sabre fifth wheel offers a unique floorplan with a raised bunkhouse area in the rear and ample storage space underneath. That basement storage area is accessible from the fifth wheel’s rear exterior, and there’s also an outdoor kitchen on the passenger side. 

 

Planning that epic RV trip across North America? Good Sam has added 54 new campgrounds to its network for RVers eager to jump into the camping life. Good Sam members save big with the 10 percent discount. While exploring, discover all of the RV campgrounds in the Good Sam Network.

If you’re not a member, joining is simple: Purchase a membership at any Good Sam Campground, or sign up online. Before making reservations, check each campground’s seasonal information to determine availability.

Colorado

BV Overlook Camp & Lodging, Buena Vista

With stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks, this getaway has access to hiking and biking trails, fishing, rafting, and hot springs. Tiny homes, yurts, and tent sites are available.

How do you manage trash and recycling in your RV? 

The biggest problem with RV trash cans is there’s often not a specific place for them, except in bigger, luxury RVs. Trash in an RV fills up quickly, becomes smelly, and attracts flies and animals. 

RV kitchens are so small that they rarely have a place to hang or store a trash can. This is especially true in micro campers or teardrops, meaning you’ll need to get creative to collect and dispose of RV trash before it becomes a problem. 

Depending on your floorplan, you may need to get creative to store an RV trash can and recycling in a conveniently accessible location in your RV. 

 

Successful travelers are prepared travelers. They plan for what happens when things go wrong as much as they plan for things to go right. Because, in general, travel raises the stakes. Manageable situations at home can morph into the unmanageable when on the road and without a plan. And that’s especially true for medical emergencies that occur while traveling. 

Some types of travel activities expose us to more risk than others. And it’s easy to think we aren’t at risk if we avoid dangerous activities. A snowboarding accident in a remote location conjures images of medivacs, Coast Guard helicopters, and Hollywood rescues. But primitive tent camping or RVing at a campground? Not as much.  

Incidents on seemingly risk-free trips do occur. And these medical emergencies look different when far from help. So how do you best prepare for a medical emergency situation while camping, RVing, or traveling? Here we dive into unlikely situations we hope never to encounter as travelers. But if you do, now you have a game plan. 

What makes medical emergencies while traveling different? 

If you’re looking for a great way to get your family vacations started off on the right foot in 2023, these Forest River Georgetown 7 Series class C motorhomes are perfect. You’ll absolutely love how each of these floorplans gives you the space you need in a luxury design that makes camping feel like a stay at a resort. Learn more about our three favorite floorplans in this Forest River Georgetown 7 Series class A motorhome review.

Take home your next adventure today.

Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 32J7

Save big on this incredible Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 32J7 class A motorhome on sale now. This unit offers a large slide-out to maximize your living space while also providing you with plenty of storage for your things. You’ll love that the passenger seat features a workstation, which makes it easy for your partner to bring work on the road. Additionally, there’s an outdoor entertainment center, so you never miss a moment of your favorite shows or games.

Take this unit home for just $190,629!

Additional Features:

Large SlideRear Private BedroomFireplacePassenger WorkstationOutside EntertainmentThe kitchen features a residential refrigerator and stainless steel appliances.

Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 36D7

Get sleeping for five and enjoy a spacious living area in the Forest River Georgetown 7 Series 36D7 class A motorhome. The king bed in the master bedroom ensures you always get a great night’s sleep, and the wardrobe offers plenty of room for all your clothing and more. This design has a bath and a half to give you the privacy you need for multi-family vacations or entertaining guests at the campground.

Feeling overwhelmed by your search for the perfect travel trailer floorplan?

Searching by the type of floorplan (i.e., front living, bunkhouse, etc.) is one method. Another is to narrow your search based on leading RV brands. Sometimes, sorting through travel trailer floorplans isn’t as important as finding a model from a manufacturer you love. 

Watch this short video to discover the benefits of exclusive brand RVs: 

Now let’s highlight several intriguing travel trailer floorplans from leading RV brands. 

After a long dreary winter, spring break is often the first chance to take an extended vacation with your kids. Depending on where you live, better weather may be within easy reach — or, you may have to book a road trip to chase the sunshine with your RV to a spring destination. 

My husband and I are both teachers, and we’ve been lucky to have the same break as our children, up until our older son left for college. We usually take shorter trips close to home but know many RVers who take cross-state treks.

Planning for Spring Break Weather

While the word “spring” might conjure up images of blue skies and gentle breezes, the weather can vary greatly depending on your timing and your destination. My family’s break is usually early in March, a time when Midwestern weather sometimes serves up surprise snow storms. 

Most U.S. students have spring break at some point in March or April. For many regions of the U.S., the weather this time of year might best be described as “persnickety,” with temperatures and precipitation varying greatly, sometimes changing dramatically from day to day. 

You could easily argue that the national park system wouldn’t exist without the contributions of President Theodore Roosevelt. He was a force for change in how Americans valued land and championed the conservation of the country’s natural resources.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park honors that legacy and protects one of the most spectacular landscapes in North Dakota. One that held a special place in the heart of the President himself. Here’s our guide to RVing Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Why Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park in an RV?

Photo by ZakZeinert via Shutterstock

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is an excellent destination to add to a Dakotas national parks road trip, looping in spots like Wind Cave National Park and the Badlands along your route. Because the closest major airport is nearly two hours away in Williston, ND, an RV road trip is the best way to explore everything this park has to offer. 

You can camp inside the park or just outside the entrance in the charming town of Medora – sometimes referred to as “North Dakota’s #1 Tourist Destination.” The town is an excellent place for an RV base camp because it provides easy access to the park’s scenic drives, hiking trails, and fossil displays. 

Should I RV with or without a toad? Once you’ve chosen a motorhome versus a towable RV, it’s common for this to be the next question.

What is a Toad?

Photo by Camping World

A toad is a vehicle that RVers tow behind their motorhome. It’s also called a dinghy or a tow vehicle. Many people, including full-time RVers, RV without a toad. Depending on your travel style and your RV’s towing capacity, you may or may not need to pull a compact car behind your RV. 

If you’d like to know more about dinghy towing, check out Good Sam’s 2020 Guide to Dinghy Towing.

The Benefits of RVing With a Toad

Photo by Camping World

RVers tow a vehicle because of the convenience once they reach their destination. It makes it easier to shop for groceries, sightsee, and navigate tight or congested city streets without moving your large motorhome.

Do you have a pesky drawer or cabinet in your RV that doesn’t want to stay closed? While RV drawers and cabinets have closures, most RV travelers deal with this problem at some point. 

Learning to keep RV drawers closed during travel protects your RV from damage and ensures the safety of belongings and passengers. You don’t want items falling and breaking while on the road. 

Properly organizing your RV and securing cabinets and drawers can prevent items from falling out or falling on you when you open them once parked. 

Kinds of RV Drawers

Let’s learn what kind of RV drawers and cabinets are in your coach and how to secure each type. 

Overhead Cabinets

Photo by Camping World

In RV floor plans, you’ll see these denoted as ‘O/H’ or ‘O/H Cabinets.’ There are kinds of overhead cabinets – doors that swing open to one side and doors that open upwards and are supported with struts. They hold shut with a double-roller catch, magnetic catch, or spring-loaded catch.

I would do anything to keep my dogs with me as long as possible.  But like humans, our dogs get older and time flies by too fast. Fortunately for our dog, Peanut Butter Brickle, we found a “fountain of youth” – the RV travel lifestyle.

I often hear people say that older dogs just want to sleep. Peanut Butter Brickle, our 14-year-old dog, would wholeheartedly disagree. For almost seven years, we have traveled in our RV with our dogs by our side. We sincerely believe that the RV lifestyle has added not only years to his life, but that the RV lifestyle has added quality of life.  And isn’t that what we all want? – a rich life of memories made with man’s best friend.

Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake enjoying the oudoors. Photo: Rachael Johnson

Don’t Underestimate Your Dog

People can still accomplish many fun and active things as we get older. Our dogs can too! You know your dog better than anyone. You know your dog’s health, limitations, and personality. If your dog is physically able to enjoy a walk, consider the RV travel lifestyle.

Brickle and Digby in Capitol Reef National Park

One of the best parts about RV travel for dog parents is that you can customize how you travel! Having a house on wheels allows you to take breaks more often, have your dog supplies on hand, and move to accommodate the weather. As our dog, Digby Pancake, got older he was more sensitive to hot temperatures. So we planned our trips and RV routes to avoid very hot temperatures. Invest in a remote RV thermometer so you can regulate temperature inside the RV at all times. A cooling dog bed can also help pups who are sensitive to heat.  We were known to get to a campsite that wasn’t shady or too close to others and ask to change campsites. If it didn’t work for the dogs, we moved on.

Even if your dog has limitations with age, like decreased mobility, there are ways to accommodate your dog. We purchased dog stairs from Camping World to get Brickle in and out of our tow vehicle more easily. We also purchased a ramp for Digby Pancake to safely get him in and out of the RV. Just like a regular house, your house on wheels can be altered in order to help your dog enjoy life to the fullest.