WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

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RV slide-outs have given otherwise compact RVs more interior living space since their invention in 1915. They completely change the look and feel of your RV interior, providing more space for cooking, lounging, and entertaining guests. 

But what do you do if your RV slide-outs don’t retract when you’re packing up camp?

Lubricating your slide regularly is one way to avoid this issue, but there is a way to operate RV slide-outs manually. The procedure varies based on the type of slide your RV is built with, so understanding that is your first step. 

Types of RV Slide-outs

Photo by Camping World

RV manufacturers use different slide-out manufacturers in their builds. While there are more than these three RV slide types, these are the most common: 

There are hundreds of thousands of miles of scenic bike trails across the country and many of them are located near some of the best campgrounds. From paved trails to rural rail trails, the opportunities to go road biking, fat biking, mountain biking, and electric biking are endless. 

Whether you want to have access to nearby cities by trail or simply want to get some exercise in the great outdoors while camping, we narrowed down five of the best campgrounds located near rail trails and bike trails — all of which are Good Sam Parks. Save 10% with your Good Sam Club Membership when you stay at any of these campgrounds! 

Susanville RV Park — Susanville, California

Image: Shutterstock

Discover the windy path of the Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail in northeastern California. The 25.4-mile scenic rail trail takes you from Susanville to Westwood with much of the trail winding along Susan River Canyon. 

Susanville RV Park is nestled near downtown Susanville just 2-miles from the Bizz Johnson Trailhead. You’ll find plenty of space at this Good Sam campground with 101 full hookup sites and 45 big rig pull-through sites. It’s pet-friendly with bathrooms, showers, laundry, a fitness center, and WiFi. 

The nearby Bizz Johnson trail is unique because you not only get a view of the mountains, but it takes you across bridges, trestles, and even tunnels giving you a better look at the history of the Central Pacific Railroad. If you visit in October, be sure to check out the Rails to Trails Festival at the Historic Railroad Depot in Susanville.

The House of the Sun is an apt name for a place that hosts the world’s most stunning sunrises. At Haleakala National Park in Hawaii, visitors vie for the opportunity to see what Mark Twain once described as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.”

It seems the sun begins and ends at Haleakala Volcano, where it is believed that the demigod Maui lassoed it in the sky, slowing its descent to lengthen the days on this beautiful island. Today, you’ll need more than a day to discover the treasures hidden between Haleakala’s rain-forested rocky coasts and the top of its desolate crater.

Why Visit Haleakala National Park?

Haleakala National Park is a remote region full of contradictory landscapes and topography. From sea level to over 10,000 feet, the park is home to an amazing array of wildlife and vegetation. Dolphins may greet you along the coastal rainforest and endangered songbirds might sing you to sleep at your campsite.

Awe-inspiring sunrises give credence to the park’s name, and it is easy to see how Polynesians believed Haleakala to be the House of the Sun. It’s one of the most unique places in the US and, honestly, the world. The wildlife is abundant and interesting, the views are spectacular, and the place is magical in all the right ways.

When to Visit Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is open year-round, but temperatures and weather can be deceptive. Maui’s south Pacific location doesn’t receive the same four seasons as most parks in the US, so it makes more sense to break down weather patterns by the park district. But wherever you go, prepare for drastic weather changes.

Fifth wheel RVs offer many advantages thanks to their unique towable design. The fifth wheel hitch provides RVers with additional floorplans, amenities, overall length, and much more. But there is one glaring barrier to entry with fifth wheel RVs — most require a heavy-duty pickup truck.

Heavy-duty pickups are large and powerful machines. They’re also expensive, which dissuades many potential fifth wheel owners. Many buyers simply can’t afford to buy a heavy-duty truck, such as a Ford F-350 or a Chevrolet Silverado 3500, in addition to the cost of a fifth wheel (even if you buy a used fifth wheel).

Can You Tow a Fifth Wheel RV With a Half-Ton Truck?

Photo by Camping World

Fortunately, there are fifth wheels designed to be towed by certain light-duty half-ton pickups, like an F-150 or a Toyota Tundra. If you already own a half-ton truck, you don’t have to settle for a traditional travel trailer if you’re set on a fifth wheel floor plan.

That said, not all half-ton trucks can or should tow all fifth wheel models. Use a tool like Camping World’s Towing Guide to calculate your truck’s towing and payload capacities. Understanding weight ratings is vital to selecting the right travel trailer or fifth wheel your truck can tow safely.

A base-level half-ton pickup may not be able to tow all fifth wheels. But half-ton trucks with high enough towing and payload ratings have the ability to tow many. With that in mind, let’s look at half-ton fifth wheels and the trucks that pull them.

September brings with it some of the best weather and the best places to visit if only to witness Mother Nature doing what she does best — painting her landscape with autumnal colors.

With summer, you’re forced to endure the heat. In winter, you must brave the cold. But fall gives you refreshing days sandwiched between cool mornings and nights that make it the perfect time to explore the country in your RV.

So, channel your inner Earth, Wind & Fire because the best places to RV in September will surely have you dancing from destination to destination.

Acadia National Park — Maine

Image: Skyler Ewing via Shutterstock

Very few places compare to an east-coast autumn and Acadia National Park proves that point every year. With its rugged mountains, thick forests, alpine meadows, and windswept coastlines, fall shows off by transforming the foliage and the views entirely.

There are plenty of roadways to explore by RV as well as trails for hiking and biking and water for kayaking. Regardless of how you soak it in, the September views will not disappoint. Located on the coast of Maine, it’s the perfect way to wrap up summer.

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Troubleshooting RV electrical systems isn’t as complex as you might imagine. You’ll need a basic understanding of AC and DC power, the ability to operate a volt meter, and the know-how to understand your volt meter’s readings. 

But there are various electrical issues that require different troubleshooting approaches. So let’s provide overviews of those components and some basic electrical troubleshooting tips for common RV electrical problems. 

Disclaimer: Working on RV electrical systems can be hazardous. If you’re not comfortable with any of the testing methods below, contact a Camping World Service Center to schedule a diagnostic appointment today. 

Understanding AC and DC Power

Your RV’s electrical appliances derive power from shore power (AC) or your coach batteries (DC). Your microwave and air conditioner usually require AC power, but your water pump, refrigerator, and vent fans can operate using 12-volt DC power. 

Fall is quite possibly the best camping season of all. The air is crisp, the leaves change into beautiful hues of red, orange, and yellow, and the mosquitoes have finally taken a hike. As summer fades and the cooler temperatures set in, it’s also time to change up your RV decor from light and airy to warm and cozy.

Here are some easy ways to decorate your RV this fall camping season.

Layered in Cozy

Image: Jenny Anderson

Nothing says cozy like soft throw pillows and cuddle-worthy blankets. As temperatures cool off, make your RV feel extra “homey” by layering up your bed, sofa, and camp chair with these basic creature comforts. Pair different textures for added depth. Chenille, velvet, and plush fabrics in warm colors like terracotta, burgundy, and olive are the perfect accents to give your RV a touch of fall.

Festive Front Door 

Image: Jenny Anderson

Give your RV autumnal curb appeal with a festive wreath. A wreath on your door is an easy way to dress up the outside of your RV and invite fall into your home-on-wheels. Find a wreath with pops of warm colors, flannel, pinecones, pumpkins, dried or faux maple leaves, or other elements of nature.

Go the DIY route with a wreath form, floral wire, and glue gun to create your own wreath. Hang your fall wreath with Command Outdoor Hooks or dangle it from the awning, camp chair, or flag stand.

One of the best parts of the RV lifestyle is meeting great people on the road, many of whom may become lifelong friends. But when you’re moving your RV around a lot, it’s natural to consider your RV’s security. 

When considering how to prevent RV theft, it’s best to be prepared. RVs are a significant investment themselves, not to mention that they’re often full of belongings you value. Here are several ways to deter Grand Theft RV, from simple outdoor lighting ideas to complete RV security systems.

Do Your Homework

Photo by Camping World

Knowledge is your most valuable asset in the fight against RV theft. Researching where you’ll travel and the potential dangers of those areas is critical. It doesn’t require a ton of time, and it may lead to something as simple as booking a campground in a safer neighborhood, but that can go a long way towards improving your RV’s security. 

Utilize Trailer Hitch and Fifth Wheel Locks

Photo by Camping World

For travel trailers and fifth wheels, swiping a full rig can be as simple as backing up, hooking up, and pulling away. Unless you always keep your trailer attached to your tow vehicle (which is unrealistic), you’ll need a way to secure it when you detach. 

Hitch and trailer locks fit into the hitch opening and lock with a bar over the top, preventing anyone from dropping the hitch onto their own vehicle. A fifth wheel lock wraps around the hitch beneath the trailer and makes it impossible to connect to a fifth wheel hitch.

If your dreams of traveling the open road and finding unique campground across the USA is struggling to get off the ground, don’t miss the Dutchmen Atlas travel trailers on sale now. These amazing travel trailers are built light and packed with features so that you can feel at home wherever you go. Learn more in this Dutchmen Atlas travel trailers for new RVers review.

Take home this Dutchmen Atlas 2202RB travel trailer today.

2022 Dutchmen Atlas 2202RB

You’ll love the modern interior of this Dutchmen Atlas 2202RB travel trailer. The private master bedroom gives you the privacy you need and features a king bed to ensure a great night’s sleep. The rear bathroom features plenty of storage and a walk-in shower.

Additional Features:

Rear Bathroom78″ Chaise LoungeFireplaceKing BedPass-Through StorageThe white cabinetry makes the space feel open and inviting.

2022 Dutchmen Atlas 2502REF

Take this Dutchmen Atlas 2502REF travel trailer on the road and get to your dream destinations with your loved one. You’ll find a set of theater seating in the slide-out to ensure everyone is comfortable during movie nights. Additionally, the booth dinette provides a perfect place for dinners together.

Additional Features:

At first glance, Guadalupe Mountains National Park might appear desolate and remote but visitors find a region that reaches from the desert floor to the highest mountain in Texas.

In the towering cliffs of El Capitan lie the remnants of an ancient marine fossil reef, the largest in the world.

Carved out of these imposing mountains sits an interior of sheer-sided canyons, white gypsum sand dunes, and a habitat so sweeping in its diversity that over 1,000 plant species and a variety of 60 mammal groups live here.

A peek into the park will overwhelm travelers with its grandeur and humble existence as they realize it’s been hiding in plain sight all along!

Why Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park in an RV?

The park has two campgrounds that accept smaller RVs, and the area is large enough to spend several days exploring. Rather than driving two to three hours back to an RV park or motel in the city every evening, most travelers opt to boondock in their motorhomes or trailers. Having your home with you provides a great platform from which to venture out into the wilderness.

Attention, snowbirds: fall is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your next jaunt to the Sun Belt. Below are eight spots in Mesa-Apache Junction, Arizona, to include your upcoming snowbird plans.

Mesa and Apache Junction sit not far from Phoenix in the immense Arizona Desert. In these adjacent towns, you’ll find great museums, beautiful desert landscapes and plenty of chances to learn about—and celebrate—the history and culture of the Wild West. Mesa and Apache Junction are also ideal for art lovers, with over 200 outdoor sculptures scattered across public areas.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History

This Mesa museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology and features the largest dinosaur exhibit west of the Mississippi. Highlights include an animatronic exhibit — Dinosaur Mountain — complete with a three-story indoor waterfall and moving replicas of creatures that lived throughout the various periods of the Mesozoic Era. There’s also a hands-on Paleo Dig Pit for kids who want to play fossil hunter for the day, as well as real jail cells that date to Arizona’s early days as a U.S. territory. If you’re interested in indigenous culture, the Southwest Gallery is definitely worth checking out. It features a solid collection of indigenous art and artifacts from the region as well as replica dwellings of the Hohokam people, who lived in the area thousands of years ago.

Mesa Arts Center

Fans of the performing arts may end up finding themselves at the Mesa Arts Center, a gargantuan complex that’s home to four theaters, 14 classrooms, and the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (MCA). The MCA is divided into four galleries: one hosting paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from the permanent collection, a second exhibiting the works of Arizona artists, and two others that are used for everything from installations to curated exhibitions.

Whether you’re hosting guests in an RV park or setting the kids up outside so mom and dad can enjoy some privacy, you’ll need the right camping tent. Camping tents are made for different seasons and different purposes, so there’s more to consider than you might think. 

Whichever tent you choose, you should also be familiar with ways to make tent camping more comfortable. Tips like “the water bottle trick” will help you avoid sleepless nights and uncomfortable mornings when tent camping. 

But for now, let’s focus on how to choose the right camping tent for your RV and camping lifestyle. 

Why Do You Need a Camping Tent?

Photo by Camping World

There are many ways to spend a comfortable night in nature. While RVers love the added amenities of their motorhome or towable, here are some reasons you might need a camping tent as well: 

You have an RV but need additional sleeping accommodations when hosting guests.You’ve set up an RV base camp in order to hike and sleep in more remote locations. You’re just getting into car camping and need a quality tent. You’re exploring camping for less without investing in an RV until you know you like it. 

While you can always rent an RV to explore camping, tent camping is a great entry into the world of sleeping outdoors. 

It’s that time of year again! There’s a shift in the temperature, the sun is setting a litter earlier, and the leaves are beginning to turn from their vibrant green to a rich autumn color. For many RVers and campers this change in the season, and the back-to-school grind, ignites this longing inside for evenings around the campfire, cool weather hikes, and s’mores.

Whether you’re looking for a seasonal spot to explore over fall break or a shorter weekend getaway, there are epic destinations located all over the US to scratch that camping itch! Here are a few of our favorites:

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Image: Shutterstock

If you’re in the eastern United States, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a great area to explore. While this is the most visited National Park in the US, the crowds tend to begin thinning out in September making fall the perfect time to plan a visit. Great Smoky Mountain National Park is within driving distance of several eastern US cities, which makes it doable if you only have a weekend to get away.

This park is situated on the border of east Tennessee and western North Carolina and offers beautiful hikes, history, and scenery. When visiting this park be sure to check out Newfoundland Gap for epic views, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail where you can find historic log cabins as well as spot a black bear or two, and Cades Cove with countless waterfalls off this loop.

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can even begin or end your drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway when visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. One more thing to do while you’re visiting is hike seventy-one miles of the famed Appalachian Trail. Make it a point to add part of that trail to your bucket list!

Many RV owners take their tires for granted. Maintaining your RV and trailer tires is essential to your RV maintenance duties. But what happens when it comes time to replace your RV and trailer tires?

Equipping your RV with the right tires comes down to several factors. Each RV manufacturer recommends metrics and measurements to help you choose properly-rated tires for their RV and travel trailer models. 

Because tires are the foundation of your RV, here’s everything you need to know about RV tires and trailer tires. 

How Long Do RV Tires and Travel Trailer Tires Last?

Photo by Camping World

Because most motorized and towable RVs are driven less than passenger vehicles, their tires tend to last between three and six years on average. The more you drive, the more frequently you’ll need to replace your tires. 

The tread wear is the metric to monitor over your tires’ lifespan. When that tread falls below a depth of 4/32”, it’s time to replace your RV tires. But even if your tires have plenty of tread left, keeping them for more than 8-10 years is not recommended. 

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RV converters and RV inverters are essential to supply the correct type of electricity to your RV appliances. The video above helps explain why these two devices are essential and where to find them in your RV. But here’s a written breakdown. 

What is an RV Converter?

Photo by Camping World

When you hook your RV up to 30 or 50 amp shore power, that power comes into your RV as alternating current (AC). An RV converter changes that 120-volt AC to 12-volt direct current (DC), allowing you to use appliances that require DC and charge your RV battery simultaneously. Your converter will typically be found next to your RV’s fuse box and breakers.  

What Happens When the RV Converter Goes Bad?

When it goes bad, your converter will give you one of three main warning signs. These can vary depending on make and model, but you’ll typically see one of three things when your RV converter goes bad: 

Onboard batteries won’t hold a charge. This could be a bad battery or a bad converter, so further testing is required. Interior lights aren’t as bright as normal. Vent fans are spinning slowly. 

Both of these final points can be signs that these small RV appliances aren’t getting enough power.  

Are you gearing up for game day? Check out these amazing tailgating recipes that are perfect for sharing with friends. You’ll love making these easy camping recipes for friends and families while you celebrate your team!

Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Recipe is adapted from one on 31Daily.com

Ingredients:

1⁄3 c. soy sauce1⁄3 c. brown sugar2 tbsp vegetable oil1 tsp ground ginger1/2 tsp garlic powder2 tbsp honey1 tsp seasoning salt1 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 32 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces12 fresh whole baby portabella mushroomssmall zucchini or summer squashlarge peppers, cut into pieceslarge onion, cut into wedges12 cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1″ thick pieces.In a large zip-top bag combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, ginger, garlic powder, honey, and seasoning salt. Seal and shake to combine. Set aside 2 tbsp of the marinade and refrigerate. Add chicken to the bag and seal tightly. Gently shake the bag to thoroughly coat the chicken and place in a 13×9 pan.Refrigerate for 3 hours, turning occasionally. Wash and dry all produce.Cut the zucchini, squash, peppers, and onions into 1″ pieces.Heat up the grill and drain the meat, discarding the used marinade. Using metal skewers, build your kebabs. We recommend using a single type of ingredient on each kebab to ensure it cooks to the right level of doneness and doesn’t burn while other ingredients aren’t cooked through. Add kebabs to the grill and cook until the veggies are browned and softened and the chicken reaches a 175 internal temperature. Approximately 15-20 minutes for the chicken. Veggies will vary. Serve hot over rice!

BBQ Chicken Bites

Recipe adapted from one on LeCremeDeLaCrumb.com

Photo Credit: Le Creme De La Crumb

Ingredients

2¼ c. flour1 Fleischmann’s® RapidRiseTM Yeast1½ tsp sugar1 ½ tsp salt⅔ c. very warm water1 tbsp olive oil3 tbsp melted butter1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese⅔ c. shredded chicken½ c. BBQ sauce⅓ c. shredded Mexican blend cheese1 c. ranch dressing

Instructions

Preheat over to 400°F.In a large bowl, combine 1 c. flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the very warm water and mix until thoroughly blended — approx. 1 minute. Slowly add flour until a soft dough forms, you may not need to use all the flour listed above. It should easily form a ball and feel slightly tacky.Knead on a flat surface, adding the flour until it’s smooth and elastic — approx. 4 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl and cover, allowing to rest for around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine chicken and BBQ sauce (you can also sauté onions and add them to this step if you like.)On a floured surface, roll dough into a 14X12 rectangle and cut into even squares. Top each square with 1 tbsp of the chicken mix and sprinkle with 1 tsp shredded cheese. Pinch the edges closed to seal and place in a greased cast-iron pan. Be sure to set the sealed side down to prevent leaking. In a small bowl, stir together parmesan cheese and the dry ranch mix. Brush the tops of the rolls with butter and sprinkle the cheese mix over them. Bake on the lowest rack for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping!

Mini Muffulettas

Recipe adapted from one on SouthernLiving.com

Ingredients

2 16-oz. jars mixed pickled vegetables3/4 c. pimiento-stuffed Spanish olives, chopped2 tbsp bottled olive oil-and-vinegar dressing12 small dinner rolls, cut in half6 Swiss cheese slices, cut in half 12 thin deli ham slices12 Genoa salami slices6 provolone cheese slices, cut in half

Directions

Prep your rolls by cutting them in half. Do the same with all the cheese slices. In a food processor, pulse the pickled veggies until finely chopped, about 8-10 times. Add olive and dressing to the vegetables and pulse 2 more times. Spread 1 tbsp of the veggie mix on the bottom of each roll. Top each veggie mix with 1 slice each of Swiss cheese, ham, salami, and provolone. Place the top of each bun on the sliders and cover with plastic wrap.Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Easy Philly Cheese Steak Dip

Recipe adapted from one on LittleSpiceJar.com

You’ve seen it on the covers of magazines. You’ve scrolled by beautiful images on social media. You’ve heard it discussed on your favorite outdoorsy podcasts. Van life has taken the RV community by storm while attracting a whole new generation of RVers.

Now, more than ever, the idea of seeing the country while living and traveling in an RV seems like a dream come true. For many young RVers, especially those with remote jobs, hitting the open road and taking your home with you is an appealing option worth exploring.

What is the best, most convenient RV for living out your dreams on the road? The Class B, of course! Smaller than the Class A and Class C, the Class B is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to live a more compact lifestyle.

Check out a few of our favorite Class B RVs for van life below.

Thor Tellaro

Length: 21’1”Height: 9’5”GVWR: 9,350 lbs.Sleeping Capacity: 2

With all the features you love in a larger RV in a compact and easy-to-drive design, the Thor Tellaro will have you living van life in style. The no-hassle parking combined with safety features like electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes make the journey just as amazing as the destination every time.

The popularity of teardrop campers has skyrocketed in recent years. From national parks to high-end RV resorts, you’ll see them everywhere. But there are so many designs out there that it begs the question: which teardrop camper is right for you? 

What is a Teardrop Camper?

Photo by Camping World

Teardrop trailers are named for their iconic shape. From a profile view, the teardrop begins wider at the front of the trailer and tapers off towards the rear. They are also known to be lightweight and compact, but they can vary dramatically in size, weight, and shape. 

Teardrop campers are an excellent first step into the RV world for those who are tired of tent camping. While most aren’t fully self-contained like larger RVs, they will eliminate the hassle of dealing with a wet tent first thing in the morning. 

Without investing in a massive RV or travel trailer, teardrops get you off the ground and provide a more sturdy hard shell exterior to protect you from wildlife and the elements. Dealing with rain, snow, and other inclement weather is much easier in a teardrop than in a tent. 

The Pros and Cons of Teardrop Campers

It helps to know if a teardrop camper is the right RV choice for you at all. The debate over towable versus motorized RVs has raged on for years, but teardrops have specific advantages and disadvantages. 

Maine a.k.a. the Pine Tree State is not only known for delicious lobsters, but it’s also known for its lighthouses, beautiful nature areas, and rocky ... Read more