WEnRV travel news, products, and industry trends

Hello! I’m Kirsten from @fifth_wheel_living. I’ve been living in an RV full-time with my husband, Devin, and our dogs since January 2018. We are beating the cost of living in Nashville, Tennessee because of our RV lifestyle. I’m going to share how we do it and how you can too.

Deciding to Move to a Large City

Photo by Kirsten & Devin @fifth_wheel_living

One night in 2017, while I was waiting for Devin to get home from work, I had a thought – ‘We needed to move to Nashville, Tennessee.’ It was a very random thought because Devin and I had never talked about moving to Nashville before. We were living in Dover, Delaware at the time. I thought it was odd, and I was actually a little overwhelmed thinking about it. Then, in that exact moment, Devin called. He said that he had just finished listening to a podcast and that he felt like we needed to move to Nashville, Tennessee. I told him about how I just had the exact same thought, and that I was all in.

So, we told our families the next day. They thought we were being rash and “a little crazy”, but that didn’t deter us. We decided to continue to pursue moving to Nashville. But, after looking at the housing market options for both purchasing and renting a home, we felt like maybe we were being “a little crazy.” Both options were so expensive! We started to doubt if we should even go anymore. But, despite our uncertainties, we continued to feel pulled to Nashville. We had faith that God would provide a way for us. Soon, Devin discovered RV living.

Our RV Journey Begins

Photo by Kirsten & Devin @fifth_wheel_living

Devin found Kevin and Mandy from @188sqft on Instagram. He told me about how they were traveling America while living in a renovated fifth wheel full-time. He asked me if living in an RV was something that I would want to do. At first, honestly, I was skeptical and a little hesitant. I basically assumed that all RVs were small and didn’t have kitchens or bathrooms. But Devin showed me their photos and story, and I saw how they were saving money, paying off debt, and experiencing new, beautiful, amazing things.

Watch Kevin and Mandy of 188sqft Renovate a New RV Into Their New Home

If you’re ready to take home an RV that’s lightweight and easy to tow, it’s time to consider some of these RVs with fiberglass exteriors. This design keeps the RVs durable without making them heavy, so it’s an excellent way to give you the best of both worlds. Learn more about our seven favorite RVs with fiberglass exteriors below.

Find more travel trailers on sale at RVingPlanet.com.

Coachmen Apex Nano 194BHS

Take your family on unforgettable vacations when you have one of these lightweight Coachmen Apex Nano 194BHS travel trailers with a spacious interior with sleeping for up to five. The outdoor kitchen lets you make delicious meals for your crew without missing a moment of the action. Lastly, the full bathroom provides a simple way to avoid the campground bathhouse during your stay.

Additional Feature:

Exterior Camp KitchenPass-Through StorageOutside ShowerSingle SlideFull Bathroom15K BTU A/C Upgrade Power AwningStabilizer Jacks (4)The two-burner stove in this travel trailer makes cooking your favorite meals easy.

Cruiser Hitch 17BHS

Sleep up to five comfortably in this Cruiser Hitch 17BHS travel trailer, available for $24,995. You’ll fall in love with the way this floorplan gives everyone a space of their own, thanks to the bunks and the large queen bed with storage underneath. Outside, you’ll enjoy a power awning to give you plenty of shade no matter how sunny the day.

Additional Feature:

People have been escaping the city to camp in the woods for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years. But innovations in the RV industry have made camping considerably more glamorous and more accessible in recent decades. So, if you’re new to the trend and you’ve been hearing the term ‘RV’ thrown around, it makes sense to wonder: what does RV stand for?

What Does RV Stand For?

Photo by Camping World

RV stands for “recreational vehicle”, which encompasses many different RV types and classes. That includes towable RVs such as pop-up campers, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and toy haulers.

It also includes motorhomes, such as gas and diesel Class A RVs, Class B camper vans, and Class C and Super C motor coaches. Truck bed campers sort of exist in a class of their own, but they’ve grown rapidly in popularity over the last few years too. 

The “Unofficial” Meaning

Photo by Camping World

For many, RV also stands for adventure! Recreational vehicles provide the comforts of home in a mobile unit that can be in Tulsa tonight and Albuquerque tomorrow. In that way, they also signify freedom – freedom to roam, freedom to sleep almost anywhere, and freedom to experience America’s cultural and environmental diversity. 

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that RV is also synonymous with embracing self-sufficiency. Life is different in an RV, and it requires an awareness of how to provide for our basic needs; an awareness that we often take for granted in everyday life. 

There’s roughing it, there’s glamping, and then there are literal mansions on wheels. If you enjoy the finer things in life when traveling, a luxury RV is exactly what you’re looking for. And not just any luxury RV, but one of the most luxurious RVs on the market. 

There are plenty of them out there, and they run the spectrum when it comes to being innovative and having glam interior decor. After all, luxury Class A RVs are how your favorite celebrities and musicians travel when they’re on tour. You can imagine the kind of amenities they’ve requested from an RV. Bidet? Massage chair? Fish tank? You name it.

Typically these RVs cost a million dollars or more. For that kind of money, you’ll have access to some of the best features available on a mobile home in regards to amenities, furniture, and overall design. A friendly warning though, you might find a few campers at your doorstep wanting a peak at your luxury digs. No matter where you end up, you’ll have all the best features of home (and some even better) available to you on the go.

Luxury RVs within Every Class

Photo by Camping World

While most think of a Class A RV when they think of luxury, there are plenty of luxurious RVs within every class. Don’t limit yourself to strictly Class As; luxury can fit into any budget.

Luxury Class B RVs

Class B RVs might be more compact, but they’re still outfitted with luxurious features. Brands like Airstream, Thor, and Winnebago stand out as Class B manufacturers of luxurious coaches that will take your next trip to the next level. Class B coaches are high quality and built to last, which is why they can have a higher price tag. But with their size and power, you also are nimble and able to drive, park, and camp almost anywhere.

When football season, racing season, and festival season are in full swing, only one activity accompanies them all: tailgating! For many, this means getting their RV out to the stadium or on location for some big fun with friends, family, and fellow fans.

While having a great time at the game or concert is really more about the event itself and the people who are there with you, having the right gear and accessories for your rig will help you make the most of every second while you’re there. Here are some things you need to have to ensure your next tailgating adventure is your best tailgating adventure yet.

An Exterior TV

The TV inside your RV is important, but let’s face it, a lot of us want to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice and the excitement of the event is all around us. That’s where an external television comes in.

Some RVs come equipped with an exterior TV already. If you have one of these, then you’re ready to go. Turn the game on and watch everyone around you flock to your RV. If, however, your RV lacks the exterior TV, it’s worth it to consider getting one. RV televisions today are designed to live outdoors, and offer technology that helps viewing in the daylight.

Click to view slideshow.

TVs for RVs are affordable, and even if you don’t have an exterior outlet on your RV, you can always run an extension cord or attach a mount. Then all you need are some good camping chairs and the rest of the items on this list and you’ll be ready for tailgating bliss.

The end of those long days of summer arrives quickly every year. You know those days – the ones where the warmth of the sun washes over your face and you want to soak up every ounce of the light rays streaming from the sky to make these warm-weather adventures last as long as possible. But, alas, the end is near and the next season is around the corner.

So how does one maximize these last long light-filled days? By creating an end-of-summer bucket list and making sure to squeeze in every last adventure possible in your RV, that’s how!

Creating your end-of-summer RV bucket list doesn’t have to be overly complicated or even costly. Sometimes the best memories are simple and cheap, or even free! By setting a few parameters in place for your list, you’ll be able to create a finale to summer that you won’t soon forget.

Establish a Travel Radius

Image: Tabea Schimpf / Unsplash

How far are you willing to drive? Once you determine your travel radius, you’ll be able to begin narrowing down your focus on what type of activities — waterfront or landlocked — you’d like to add to the list. If you like getting even more specific, you can divide your travel radius into sections and spend time focusing on activities or adventures in each area. Don’t feel like you have to travel far to have fun. Road trips within an hour or two from your home base can be full of surprises.

Next, what about a theme for your end-of-summer bucket list? Like food you’ve been hungry to try, or hikes you’ve bookmarked to take. Or would you rather keep it general and include random things that seem to pique your interest? If you opt to theme your list, here are a few ideas for some inspiration.

Curious about what it would be Like to Rent Out Your RV? We have rented our RV over 25 times in the past 3 years. Having some ups and downs has taught us a lot about the right way to go about renting out the RV. Trust me, these tips can save you time, money and heartache. Forget Craigslist or FB Marketplace, there are some great safe services to use like Good Sam Rentals. These are peer-to-peer RV rental platforms. Think of them as the Airbnb’s of RV rentals.

But before you turn the keys over to your first RV renter, here are a few things you need to think about. We started renting our RV a few years ago and had success. Once Good Sam Rentals launched, we quickly listed our RV for rent on that platform. Having our RV listing on multiple platforms definitely increased our number of inquiries. We were drawn to Good Sam’s RV rentals by the lower cost and brand-name exposure. 

Research the Platforms. Know the Costs and Benefits

The headlines tout making up to $50,000 plus from renting your RV. While this may be true, you need to understand the costs and the benefits provided by each platform. Each takes a “cut” or percentage of your rental income. Good Sam Rentals have a low 5% commission, while other RV rental platforms charge significantly more. Most provide up to a million dollar liability insurance and free roadside assistance. 

Pro Tip —if you want to earn top dollar on your RV rental, a few “extras” go a long way.  A simple “thank you for your rental” basket is a great surprise for renters and definitely will have them starting their vacation with a smile! 

Choose Your Renters Carefully 

Most if not all peer-to-peer rental platforms “vet” your potential customers. The depth of this vetting varies and typically it’s a driving background check. For most RVers, their RV is the second largest purchase of their lives and our RV is truly our home away from home. We would not rent it to anyone we felt would not treat it in the same fashion as we do. Accidents can happen (that’s what insurance is for) but abuse or mistreatment of the RV doesn’t fly with us. I wouldn’t want anyone treating our RV like some people treat rental cars. Verify your rental platform rules; Good Sam’s Rentals rules clearly stated that we would not be forced to rent to anyone we didn’t feel comfortable renting to.

Unless you’re a full-time RVer, you probably use your RV seasonally. Covering your RV and protecting your investment should be a priority when your camping season winds down. It may seem daunting and expensive, but it’s a good idea for many reasons.

In the long term, RV covers protect your RV from many issues that require expensive repairs. They also protect against unsightly things like bird droppings, minimizing how much you need to wash your RV when you’re ready to camp again.

But what really happens if you leave your recreational vehicle unprotected?

Why You Should Cover Your RV?

Photo by Camping World

Here’s why covering your RV when it’s not in use is so important:

UV rays beat down on your RV, causing heat to build up on the surface, which can result in UV damage to paint, decals, seals, and other RV components.Your RV can reach interior temperatures of up to 144°F.If heavy snow builds up on your RV and melts as warmer weather approaches, water will be left on top of the roof. Pooling water stresses your RV’s structure and, if left unattended, can require a complete roof repair.Harmful weather like snow, sleet, and rain can leave an unprotected RV vulnerable to leaks.The RV’s paint, graphics, and trim will fade, crack, and deteriorate.Dirt and debris collect on your RV’s roof, leaving black streaks when rain rinses it off.

How Does a Cover Protect Your RV?

Photo by Camping World

And here’s how an RV or trailer cover can extend the life of your RV:

Electricity is essential to modern RV life, and while there are clever ways to get the most out of solar panels, your system is only as good as the protection you provide. You may not think about it, but protecting your RV’s electrical system is vital to the health of all the appliances connected to it. 

Unfortunately, electricity is somewhat of an unstable entity. Even though it’s been more than 140 years since Thomas Edison patented the light bulb, harnessing electricity still comes with a risk. 

Surge protectors are critical for RVers because they minimize that risk. When you can’t be certain about the quality of an electrical connection at an RV park, surge protectors guard against electrical surges, low voltage, and a host of other potential issues. 

Do I Need a Surge Protector for My RV?

Photo by Camping World

The truth is that it’s possible to RV without a surge protector – possible but not recommended. Unless you want to get your volt meter out to test the quality of the electrical service every time you reach a new campground or RV park, surge protectors are the best way to protect your RV’s electrical system. 

Here are some of the electrical issues surge protectors can help to avoid: 

Thirty-four campgrounds recently joined the Good Sam Network, making it easier for campers to enjoy savings and value on the road. Indeed, Good Sam members can save big with a 10 percent discount at any of our 2,000-plus Good Sam Parks across North America.

Not a member? Sign up online to purchase a membership or simply buy it at the Good Sam Park you visit (discounts apply immediately). As you plan your trip, check each park’s link to determine seasonal availability and make reservations.

Alabama

Sugar Sands RV Resort, Gulf Shores

White sands, cool breezes and fun on the Gulf of Mexico make Gulf Shores a popular destination. Visitors who stay at this resort can camp in one of 77 roomy, full-hookup sites and enjoy the pool and a rec hall. Fishing and boating are close by.

California

Life is better at the lake! It’s true. The Midwest is home to hundreds of thousands of them, and this year, we should all make an effort to go lake camping. Four of the five Great Lakes are in middle America including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Huron.

Whether you want to relax at the beach, go fishing, stand up paddleboarding, or cruise around on a pontoon boat, you can enjoy more time on the lake while camping at affordable Good Sam Campgrounds. Good Sam Club members save 10 percent off the nightly RV site rate at over 2,000 campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada.

Here are six small-town midwestern lake trips you need to make in 2022. 

1. Cooper Creek Resort & Campground – Branson, Missouri

Cooper Creek Resort & Campground (Image: Good Sam)

Enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks at Cooper Creek Resort and Campground. Cooper Creek is the best of the woods and water with 14 acres of forest surrounded by beautiful Lake Taneycomo. Branson, Missouri is known as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World with its live theater shows and theme park, but it’s also a nature lover’s paradise.

Cooper Creek Resort is home to 22 cabins and 72 full hook-up campsites. While camping, you’ll undoubtedly want to check out Lake Taneycomo, a reservoir on the White River in the Ozark Mountains. It’s a diverse multi-species lake. Hire one of their fishing guides and cast your line for rainbow and brown trout as well as crappie and bass. If you’re up for a sunset cruise around the lake, check out the different boat rentals or bring your own boat and rent a slip.

Whenever you’re planning a getaway, you’ll want to do so without worrying that your campers are going to feel crowded. Traveling with one of these mid-bunk RV floorplans will help you to make your dreams of RV adventures with your entire crew come true. Learn more about the top seven mid-bunkhouse RVs below.

Find more luxury fifth wheels at RVingPlanet.com.

Crossroads Cameo CE3961MB

Multi-family vacations are a great way to spend time away from home with the ones you love. When you travel in a CrossRoads Cameo CE3961MB fifth wheel, you’ll have all the space you need to give your friends and family the space they need. This floorplan offers two bedrooms and a loft so that you can sleep up to eight comfortably.

Additional Features:

Two BedroomsKitchen IslandLoftRear Living AreaOutside KitchenExternal Docking StationThis entertainment center is excellent for family movie nights.

Dutchmen Astoria 3553MBP

Today, save over $39,000 on this Dutchmen Astoria 3553MBP fifth wheel with a loft bed and a mid-bunkhouse. This floor plan offers dual opposing slides in the living room with a kitchen island and stainless steel appliances. You’ll find that the multi-purpose room is ideal for giving your family plenty of space during your stay.

Additional Features:

Recently, the RV lifestyle has seen an increase of people jumping at the opportunity to hit the road and become part of the RV community. With RVs now offering more of the comforts of home than ever before, it’s not a surprise to see so many taking the path less traveled in the spirit of adventure.

Among the comforts included in RVs these days are RV washers and dryers. While it may be tempting to leave the laundry until you get home, the ability to do a load or two during your journey is a lifesaver.

Plus, with the RV washers and dryers available today, the chore isn’t nearly as cumbersome as it sounds! Here’s everything you wanted to know about RV washers and dryers.

RV Washer & Dryer Types

Image: Shutterstock

While there are alternatives to doing laundry in your RV, like campground facilities and laundromats, nothing beats the convenience of having your own washer and dryer. You can fit laundry into your lifestyle instead of planning your excursions around the necessity of spending half a day at a laundromat.

When it comes to RV washers and dryers, there are three types: portable, stackable, and combo models. Depending on the type and class of your RV, one of these options will suit your needs.

RV life is much more comfortable when your RV air conditioner works efficiently. A functional AC unit is also essential for keeping the temperature inside your RV safe for pets and humans, especially in hot and humid climates.

Like all RV appliances, your AC unit requires you, the RV owner or renter, to operate and maintain it properly. This guide will teach you the basics of air conditioner use and maintenance by answering the most commonly asked questions about RV air conditioners. 

How to Use an RV Air Conditioner

Photo by Camping World

The basics of safe AC operation begin with ensuring you have ample power supply to run your air conditioner. Before moving on, let’s answer a few questions: 

Can You Run an RV Air Conditioner on 30-amp Power?

If your RV requires 30-amp service, that will be enough to run your RV air conditioner. If your RV has multiple AC units, you’ll likely need 50-amp service to run both (or all) units. If your RV requires a 50-amp service, you may be able to use a 30-amp adapter to run a single air conditioning unit, but not multiple.

Your best bet for safely running your RV’s air conditioner is connecting to the electrical service your RV is designed for.

Tiny but mighty! Smaller RVs are becoming increasingly popular among RV enthusiasts as tiny living continues to trend upwards. Whether you’re in the market for your first RV or want to downsize from your current one, there are several RVs that marry the RV lifestyle and tiny living — good things really do come in smaller packages.

What is a Small RV?

A small RV is typically less than 30 feet in length. There are both drivable and towable RVs that fall into the small RV category, so you have plenty of options. Just because they’re small, doesn’t mean they lack amenities. In fact, many of the features like bathrooms, sleeping spaces, and kitchens can still be found inside a smaller RV.

Demetrius and family outside a Coleman RV, camping in the Finger Lakes.

Small Class A RVs

Starting with the largest of the small, Class A RVs often dominate when it comes to size. However, if you want to go smaller without changing class, check out these small Class A motorhomes.

Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS

Coachmen Pursuit 27XPS (Image: Coachmen)

Packed with all the features expected from larger RVs, the Pursuit 27XPS is the perfect RV if you’re looking to downsize a little, but not all at once.

Pursuit 27XPS Specifications

RVing with my dog makes every day more fun. But if she got sick in a campground or on the road, we’ve got problems. Staffing shortages in the veterinary field are making it harder than ever to get pets into a clinic—especially when you’re visiting unfamiliar areas. This doesn’t mean you need to leave your adventure pets home. But you should know what to expect if your cat or dog needs care on the road, and how to avoid urgent care visits in the first place.

RVing Pets and Current Vet Care Obstacles

Like many industries, veterinary clinics have a huge staffing shortage problem right now. As a result, most practices are not taking new patients. If they do, it often means waiting for weeks to see a vet for non-urgent matters. And when things do get serious, emergency clinics manage clients by queuing them up in the clinic parking lot. Waits can be seven or eight hours just to get a pet into the clinic.

This is a huge traveling pets health care issue that didn’t hit home with me until July, when we adopted Nellie. She is our first dog since 2020, and she came to us with some health issues that needed attention. As full-time RVers since 2007, we thought we knew how to get great vet care on the road.

Getting Vet Care for RVing Pets is Totally Different Today

Before the pandemic, the biggest challenge was to locate a high quality, accredited veterinary clinic near us. Sometimes we traveled directly to a veterinary teaching hospital for serious pet health issues. We almost always got an appointment when we wanted, where we wanted.

Bend, Oregon is one of those places that you can’t help but fall in love with. This high-desert city in Central Oregon is a great ... Read more

Glamping is the name of the game at Yosemite Pines in Groveland, California. Bring your own RV or rent a luxurious Conestoga wagon, enjoy a cabin, chill in a yurt or opt for a retro trailer as your preferred choice for a unique adventure. Grab the family or friends and make a reservation in August, taking advantage of one of our Specials at Yosemite Pines!

A television reporter with a Sacramento ABC affiliate recently enjoyed camping in a Conestoga wagon at the campground and he shared his experiences here.

Yosemite National Park’s west entrance is approximately a 22-mile scenic drive away! Fill your days with hiking, strolling, biking, paddling, fishing or just enjoying those breathtaking, awe-inspiring views throughout the park. Make your park entry reservation at www.recreation.gov; it is good for three consecutive days beginning with the day of arrival reserved and includes one vehicle and all occupants. Remember, this year, a reservation is required to drive into Yosemite National Park.

Upgrading your sleeping space is an excellent way to make camping a better experience for everyone. If you are looking for RVs with king beds, we’re here to show you six of our favorite floorplans on sale today. See all the ins and outs of these incredible options and pick the best fit for your needs today!

Find more luxury fifth wheels for sale near you!

Dutchmen Yukon 321FL

The dual opposing slides throughout this Dutchmen Yukon 321FL fifth wheel ensure you have plenty of living space to enjoy. You’ll find that the walk-through bathroom makes the best use of your space, giving you a large bathroom to get ready in the mornings. There are two fireplaces throughout the RV to ensure you can stay cozy no matter when you go camping.

Additional Features:

Walk-Through BathShower with a SeatKitchen IslandTwo FireplacesKing BedSolid-Surface CountertopsThe fireplace helps to eliminate that bit of chill on cold nights.

Coachmen Mirada 315KS

Long-distance adventures just got easier with the Coachmen Mirada 315KS class A motorhome. This unit is easy to drive; you’ll look forward to how comfortable the cock pit is, thanks to the captain’s chairs, touchscreen controls, and more. The living space in this RV provides you with a spacious kitchen, plenty of seating, and a TV on a lift so that it stores neatly away when not in use.

Additional Features:

Learning how to work on your RV has many benefits, including saving you time when you’d otherwise be waiting to schedule an appointment at an RV service center. Of course, there are certain maintenance tasks you should know how to do yourself and others that require more expertise. 

Figuring out how to install an RV roof vent isn’t rocket science. But it also needs to be done correctly to prevent roof leaks and water damage to your RV’s interior. Here’s everything you need to know about RV roof vents. 

What is an RV Roof Vent?

Photo by Camping World

An RV roof vent is essentially a hole in your RV’s roof. Don’t be alarmed when you do an RV roof inspection, however, as this hole is intentional. RV roof vents are typically square and the opening is protected by a screen and a vent cover. Some also have a fan component between the lid and the screen. 

Why Have an RV Roof Vent?

Photo by Camping World

Airflow is important for comfortable RV living. In addition to your AC unit, roof vents promote healthy airflow throughout your RV’s living space. Good airflow prevents mold and mildew in hot, humid climates, assists with temperature control, and keeps undesirable bathroom and kitchen odors from lingering. 

RV roof vents also let natural light into your RV’s interior. While they aren’t as effective as the skylight in most RV bathrooms, they’re still useful in lighting up your space during the day. Of course, there are roof vent shade accessories you can install if you want to reduce that allowance of natural light.