When I first set out on the road full time, I had big ambitions. I was going to visit all the national parks and all 50 states. Twelve months after I started my new life I was obviously going to arrive in Alaska with perfect conditions to embark upon the famed Alaska – Patagonia trip that is a full-time nomad’s rite of passage.

Unfortunately, my dreams were a lot bigger than my gas tank, and my previous rig didn’t take me on half of the adventures I’d hoped it would. It did, however, teach me a lot about the speed and ways that I prefer to tackle traveling. While I’m still no expert, I find that it has provided me a basis from which to advise friends, family, and folks on the internet when they ask the question “how fast should I realistically be trying to travel?”

Finding Your RV Travel Type

Image: Jupiter Moon

I like to think most travelers fall into one of three categories:

The Wanderers

First, we have “Wanderers”. They’re slow-moving and thorough in the experience of a place, state, or region. When I’m not on a timeline for a shoot or project, I find that my travel style naturally falls into this category.

Wanderers enjoy spending anywhere from several days to multiple weeks in one spot (some will even call the same locale home for a month or more if it suits them). They’re generally intentional about building flexibility into their travel plans. These folks generally work from home or are retired, and are happy to set up a home base anywhere there’s a good cell signal and a nice view.

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Wellness travel is on the rise. What is it? A style of of travel that underscores the pursuit of balance between health, self, and place. RVing supports wellness and life balance in so many ways:

It slows down travel for a more relaxed and intentional experience.It provides custom options for healthy meals and dining, thanks to a kitchen you can take anywhere.It provides a canvas for design customization so your travel environment is cozy and inviting.It encourages a balance between work and life.

I’m a single mom living in an RV full-time with my kid and our two dogs. One of the things that I take pride in since we work and homeschool primarily from our tiny home is that we take our time to create our own oasis, custom to our needs. One result of this has meant that we have less clutter than we used to in previous RVs. And clutter-free living and traveling make for a happy mind and body.

Whether you travel in an RV full-time, part-time, or for the occasional road trip getaway, your RV is ready and waiting to be your own wellness retreat. Here’s how.

Choosing the Right RV

Image: Bionca Smith

Before we moved into our Keystone Premier, my excitement grew about prioritizing wellness, and finding a home that would provide what I needed to work as a content creator. We shopped for RVs that suited us best by keeping this in mind until we found elements such as ample natural lighting and an RV that was aesthetically pleasing without being too distracting.

Next, I made it my mission to create a space that I could enjoy working in that would also be my wellness escape for the times when I don’t feel like leaving my RV. Learn how to make an RV office that enhances your well-being and workflow.

Water is essential to all facets of our lives, which includes RVing. Whether you have a used motorhome or a new motorhome, you’ll need fresh water to cook, clean, bathe, and stay hydrated. That means ensuring your RV’s fresh water tank is sanitized and filled or connecting to city water.

This podcast episode is about the importance of filtering water from these connections, but you should also be worried about the water pressure. Too much water pressure increases the risk of damage to your RV’s plumbing and hoses. Luckily there’s something you can do: add a water pressure regulator.

Let’s take a closer look at what a water pressure regulator can do for you and why you need one for your RV.

How Does an RV Water Pressure Regulator Work?

Photo by Camping World

A water pressure regulator is simply a valve that reduces the water pressure from a city water source (they aren’t essential for filling your freshwater tank). These regulators are designed to reduce water pressure to an acceptable level that’s safe for the plumbing systems in modern RVs. but they also protect your RV’s water hose and filtration systems.

Do I Need a Water Pressure Regulator for my RV?

Photo by Camping World

Drinking water from city water connections will offer varying pressures depending on the campground or RV park you’re staying in. Additionally, water pressure at each campsite isn’t something that campgrounds routinely monitor. This means you might have a low-pressure connection that’s perfectly safe for your RV at one location, but your next location could have a high-pressure connection that creates issues for your RV’s plumbing.

Just like an automobile engine, you must keep your generator clean and free of dirt and debris to keep it running properly. The oil must be changed regularly, and the air filter should be replaced. We have compiled a step-by-step tutorial on how to change the oil and air filter on Honda portable generators, the EU1000i and EU2000i. 

The process may vary slightly for other Honda generators. Consult your owner’s manual for your generator’s exact oil and air filter maintenance procedures.

How to Clean a Generator

Photo by Camping World

To clean your generator, simply wipe it down with a moist cloth. For best results, clean your generator when it is completely cool. Never pour water on or into your generator for any reason.

Here are a few more safety tips for using and maintaining portable generators.

How to Change the Oil on Honda Portable Generators

Photo by Camping World

It is best to drain used engine oil when the oil is warm, not hot. If you’ve recently been running your generator, shut it down and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before changing the oil. It can also be helpful to place the generator on an elevated platform to make it easier to tilt and drain the oil when you reach that step.

So you’ve made the decision to list your RV for rent to make a little (or maybe even a lot) of extra money. Good for you! Regular use is good for all types of RVs and why not make some money instead of letting your RV just sit in storage anyway?

Listing your RV for rent with Good Sam is simple and you’ll find that they guide you through every step of the process from setting up your account to getting paid for your first rental. I personally found it to be a very straightforward process and now, after three successful rentals, I’m so glad I decided to rent our travel trailer out.

I’ve compiled a list of things I have done that I believe have been helpful in getting me more bookings and therefore, more money. Here are ten tips for making your RV rental listing stand out.

Create an Approachable Profile

After creating an account at RVRentals.com you’ll need to set up your profile. This is often something that RV owners will skip over because they are anxious to get their RV listed and start getting bookings. However, having a profile can deter renters from wanting to rent your RV.

Renters are often just as nervous about the idea of renting an RV as owners are about letting someone use their RV. Both parties may feel uneasy about who the other person is and what to expect. Providing an up-close photo of yourself smiling or having fun in nature can help ease that uncertainty. Even more so, providing a friendly and playful description about yourself can make a renter feel a sense of comfort in moving forward with a rental.

Getting the RV of your dreams doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for a great deal on your next camping trip or looking for an RV renovation project to take on, these RVs under 30K for sale are a great place to start. You’ll love that these new and used RVs give you a variety of styles and amenities to choose from for your perfect fit.

Find more RVs for sale at RVingPlanet.com.

2022 Coachmen Clipper Camping Trailers 107LS

Looking to save big on your family RV? Take home a Coachmen Clipper Camping Trailers 107LS pop-up camper for just $14,699 and get sleeping space for up to six. The two large bed tents give you ample space for the family, and the compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.

Additional Features:

Queen Tent End BedsTwo GauchosDark Ash CabinetryInterior StorageThe pop-out bed tents are spacious and give you ample room to get a great night’s sleep.

2022 Braxton Bushwacker 10HD

If simplicity is what you crave, this Braxton Bushwacker 10HD travel trailer is the way to go. It offers a sleeping space for two inside with plenty of storage space. The outdoor kitchen allows you to make delicious meals around the campfire!

Additional Features:

Your RV’s generator takes care of you whenever you’re not plugged into shore power. But are you doing enough to take care of it? Generators are durable and designed to last for years, but they still require routine maintenance if you want yours to continue running safely and efficiently. 

Fortunately, most generator maintenance falls into the category of RV maintenance tasks you can do yourself. If you’re still learning the ins and outs of RV maintenance, check out our downloadable RV ownership and maintenance booklet!

That booklet contains an overview of all the maintenance items you should consider. For now, let’s focus on how to maintain an RV generator. 

What is a Generator?

You’re probably familiar, on some level, with portable generators for RVs and built-in generators. The latter is more common in larger motorhomes, but all generators require maintenance. 

When they’re correctly maintained, a generator provides an external power source for your RV. While your RV batteries provide power for lights, refrigerators, water pumps, and other small RV appliances, plugging into an appropriately-sized generator gives your RV its full functionality, including the ability to run your air conditioner. 

No boat? No problem. Shore angling is great and it’s something I’ve done for a number of years. When I recently moved, I had to sell my boat, so it forced me to get a little more creative about where I fish and whether or not I can actually cast from the shore. 

In many cases, this is how we all got our start. We went out to the lake with a parent or grandparent and they showed us how to fish. It all happened from the shore and I’ve had some incredible experiences standing on land so I want you to know that you don’t need to buy a boat to catch big bass. 

Learning how to bass fish from shore will help you increase your chances of pulling in a lunker. 

8 Best Shore Fishing Tips 

Here are my best tips for catching bass from the bank:

1. Cast Parallel 

One of the best things about fishing from the shore is the fact that it’s so much easier to place your bait where you actually want it to go. That’s the funny thing about shore fishing. People with boats will always make it sound like you’re not a real angler if you don’t have one. 

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.