There is a lot of jargon in the RV world. One term you’ll come across, but might not be familiar with, is “fifth wheel” or “5th wheel.” Fifth wheels are a type of towable RV that require a large pickup truck to tow because of the type of hitch they use.

But why are fifth wheel trailers called that? Let’s explore that question, and a few other fifth wheel basics, to help you decide if this is the right type of recreational vehicle for you.

How They Got Their Name – The Fifth Wheel Hitch

Fifth wheels use a U-shaped hitch coupling that’s bolted or welded to the frame of your tow vehicle—usually a pickup truck—through the truck bed. The connection point, also known as a pin box, places the trailer’s weight directly over your tow vehicle’s rear axle.

While hitch technology has come a long way, this basic design is responsible for the fifth wheel name. Old carriages in the 1800s had a horizontal ‘5th wheel’ that allowed the front axle to pivot. The name’s use was continued with the modern-day design for the 5th wheel truck hitch.

It’s similar to the type of hitch used on semi-trucks, which means it’s safe, sturdy, and rated for heavy loads. At the front of the 5th wheel, there’s a “king pin” that locks into the U-shaped pin box in the bed of your truck, allowing you to safely pull the trailer.

Fishing and RVing go hand-in-hand, at least it does for our family. It’s hard to beat a campsite next to a pristine lake surrounded by the wilderness or the salty air and open ocean while being just a few steps away from a favorite fishing spot.

My husband and I have our own styles of fishing. He prefers trolling for big fish while I enjoy the slow but exciting moments brought by bobber fishing.  But we do have something in common in our shared hobby: we like our fishing gear somewhat organized, especially when we are RVing. Between the two of us, our 3-year-old son, 1-year-old daughter, and little Yorkshire terrier, there’s a lot of stuff to pack for each outing (including the kids’ fishing gear). It feels like we are packing up the entire house anytime we travel.

Image: Jenny Anderson

Getting our fishing gear packed in an organized fashion is essential, especially with limited RV space. Plus, fishing rods are fragile. The goal is to avoid tangled and damaged rods during transport and make sure hooks and any sharp objects stay secure. It saves us time and headaches. Organized gear means more time fishing and less time rummaging around for fishing gear.

To pack fishing gear swiftly and securely in an RV, here are some simple tips seasoned anglers and casual fishing folks can live by.

Store Fishing Rods and Reels in a Carrying Case

Lucky for anglers who are always traveling, there are plenty of rod carrying cases made specifically for fishing rods. These cases protect your fishing gear and are easy to grab and go, whether you’re packing up the RV or taking out your gear to head to the next fishing hotspot. Rod carrying cases usually come with compartments made to fit multiple rods and reels, are easy to store, and are very portable. You can find durable fabric cases as well as sturdy waterproof hard cases. Rod carrying cases can easily be stored inside your RV or pass-through storage.

There’s more to July than fireworks on the Fourth. This is the month to really celebrate your travel independence, and that means going where your desires take you in some of America’s most beautiful landscapes.

See our Regional Travel Calendar for more year-round destinations.

Idaho

Southeast Idaho is a treasure trove of adventures. Roam otherworldly landscapes then go for a relaxing soaked in soothing hot springs.

Explore and Soak

Close to Fort Hall, the American Falls Reservoir offers 87 square miles of almost every imaginable type of water recreation. Go boating, waterskiing and windsurfing on the water, or explore the 100 miles of shoreline. Anglers will fill their fishing nets with cutthroat trout, crappie yellow perch and channel catfish.

The adventure of owning an RV never ends, with new and exciting turns along the journey. After a few trips, it’s natural to assess how you can add to your experience and upgrade your RV’s interior to better suit your camping style. 

Don’t stress! An upgrade to your RV experience doesn’t require an entirely new unit or a full overhaul. You can easily upgrade your entire space with advice from the specialists at a Camping World’s Design Center.

Why An RV Interior Upgrade Might Be Right For You

If there are parts of your RV that you’re “living with,” don’t be shy about making changes. Here are a few reasons to consider RV renovations:

Your Enjoyment and Comfort are a Priority

Photo by Camping World

Your RV is your home on wheels and should be comfortable, useful, and inviting. After all, the lifestyle is what’s enjoyable. So why not take your travel space and make it your own?

RV floor plans and interiors are designed to support a variety of lifestyles, functions, and activities. With tweaks between product lines and models, manufacturers do their best to accommodate as many different aspects as possible within the space.

One of the things that excite me the most as a bass angler is walking up to a flooded lake loaded with vegetation. As I stare out over the lake, I can’t help but think about all the opportunities for catching bass that lie beneath. 

The problem is getting a lure into the water without getting hung up on every cast. Having to dodge lily pads, low-hanging trees and standing timber is a serious challenge for a lot of anglers, but it’s even more challenging when there isn’t a lot of open water. 

These are the types of ponds I really enjoy so I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on this type of fishing, what lures to use, how to cast and how to pull the lunkers out of their hiding spots. 

Here are some of my biggest tips for finding bass in heavy cover. 

Back Off 

If you’re fishing from a boat, most people think you need to get right on top of the cover to prevent a miscast and getting hung up on something. This is where perfecting your cast really comes into play. 

I travel full-time with my two dogs, and because we’re gluttons for adventure, we frequently find ourselves boondocking or dry camping. We don’t like to disturb other campers, so we rely on our solar setup more than our generator. And, as northern portions of our country start to experience warmer summers, the dream of escaping the Texas summers we know becomes more of a challenge.

This has led us to get exceptionally creative about how we stay cool while camping in the heat.

We have altered schedules – we only go on walks/hikes/adventures in the mornings and evenings when the sun is a little more bearable, we get out of the rig and seek shade or waterfront parking spots at the hottest portion of the day and we, of course, pack up and leave when temperatures get into the high 90s/triple digits.

Image: Jupiter Moon

Keeping pets cool in the summer is especially important considering that pets don’t generally have sweat glands in the same way that humans do, and are more susceptible to heat stroke and overheating. Plus, no one enjoys marinating in the summer heat wearing a fur coat.

If you travel with pets, it feels like a given that you love them like family and want the best for them. That includes keeping them safe and comfortable as they accompany you on your adventures. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for six of my pups’ favorite summer must-haves for making travel bearable during the warmest months of the year.

Every camper will tell you that there’s never a dull moment when you’re camping. Whether you’re visiting a campsite for the first time or reclaiming your beloved spot at the campground you visit every fall, camping is full of adventure.

We wanted to hear your stories, so we asked and you answered! Spark up the campfire, have a seat in your favorite camp chair, grab a beverage, and check out the coolest and craziest things real campers have seen while camping.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

Image: Shutterstock

Lions, tigers, and bears — oh, wait. There aren’t any lion or tiger encounters to share, but there are plenty about bears. It seems one of the most common wildlife animals to run into while camping is none other than a bear.

From thieving bears who steal food, backpacks, and clothing to a mama bear watching over her cubs, these close encounters are just a reminder that we aren’t always camping alone. Of course, practice smart bear safety when camping to keep you and the wildlife safe and unharmed.

“While backpacking in Sequoia [National Park], I came across a mama bear and four cubs. I was about 30-feet away from them but separated by a large log. I watched the cubs play like kittens chasing each other up and down the tree. I sat and watched them for about 30 minutes while mama bear made sure I did not come any closer. It was a real National Geographic moment.” -Bill W.

If you love tent camping but want a few more amenities, a pop-up camper is a great option. Pop-up campers are excellent towable RVs for folks that don’t want to upgrade to a truck or simply want to go RVing more affordably.

Pop-ups are the most affordable RVs you’ll find, and they offer a lot for the money. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a tent or want a good beginner RV, a pop-up is a smart way to go.

Shop new and used Pop Up RVs online from Camping World, or read on to learn some advantages of pop-up campers.

1. Pop-Up Campers are Affordable

Of all the RVs out there, the pop-up is by far the most affordable option. This is even true of brand new models, but the used market is an excellent option too. You can often find a used pop-up in good condition for less than $10,000 if you don’t mind a camper with minimal features.

The simplicity of a pop-up camper is what keeps their price tags low, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without amenities. Most pop-ups feature a nice kitchen area with a sink, a dinette, and two queen beds for ample sleeping space.

The smallest of the motorized RV types is the Class B RV. Lately, they’ve surged in popularity among RVers.

Class B Motorhomes are built on cargo van chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, or even the Ram ProMaster. They don’t often have slides, so they’re lighter, and they’re typically less than 30 feet long. This makes driving a Class B easier than driving a Class A or Class C RV for some people.

Class B RVs are popular with those who wish to focus on spending more time outside their RV rather than inside, prefer a quick travel pace, or those that adventure out of it rather than live in it full-time. They’re also popular with solo RVers as well as couples who are looking to switch into a rig that may be more comfortably driven by both partners.

As popular as Class B RVs have become, they’re not right for everyone. Motorized RV owners of all ages, might prefer Class As or Class Cs, and RVing with a toad.

So how do you know if a Class B RV is the one to buy? We take a look at the pros and cons of a Class B RV as well as a compromise to help you decide which RV is the one for you.

Whether you love hosting everyone at the campground for the big game or looking for something with plenty of space for your family, these RVs with front entertainment are an excellent option. We’ll show you four amazing floorplans that provide a front entertainment center so that you can find the perfect design for your future vacations. Learn more below!

There’s plenty of space for your family in these amazing RVs.

2022 Crossroads Zinger 259FL

You’ll find sleeping for four inside this CrossRoads Zinger 259FL travel trailer on sale at RVingPlanet.com. You’ll love front entertainment center that gives you a 50″ TV, plenty of storage space, and a sofa for seating. The walk-thru bathroom gives you a great space for getting ready in the mornings.

Additional Features:

Front Entertainment CenterRear Private Bedroom30″ x 36″ ShowerKitchen Bar Stools50″ TVThis open kitchen with a bar is ideal for making meals for your crew.

2018 Keystone Outback 333FE

Save big on your adventures with this used 2018 Keystone Outback 333FE travel trailer available today! The living room features dual opposing slides with ample seating for you and your guests. In the bedroom, the king bed makes it really easy to get a great night’s sleep.

Additional Features:

Find more value at top travel destinations across North America. Thirty-one campgrounds have recently joined the Good Sam Campground network, increasing your odds of finding savings on the road. Good Sam members get a 10 percent discount at any of our roughly 2,000 Good Sam Campgrounds in North America.

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

Visit one of these new Good Sam Campgrounds today:

Alabama

River Ridge Resort, Guntersville

Birdwatchers flock to this region to see migratory avians fly over Lake Guntersville. The fishing isn’t bad here either, and visitors can enjoy this region from River Ridge RV Park, which has a marina with kayaking along with nearby trails for hiking, biking and ATV riding.

Trading an RV in? Do the right things, and you’ll get the most for your RV. In this video, we’ll go over all the things you should do when you trade in your model. Marcus starts on the outside and works his way in, touching on every detail that you must address to get the very best RV trade-in value possible.

Selling an RV or travel trailer is a lot like selling a home. Focus on curb appeal and make sure all the parts of the unit work properly. Ensure nothing is damaged or out of place. Assess your RV through the eyes of a buyer and an appraiser.

What would potential buyers want to see? What would you want to see if you were buying the RV you’re selling?

Prepare Your RV Before the Sale

Proper preparation is important in everything you do. You must prepare your RV before you trade it in. Here are Marcus’s suggestions for prospective sellers on where to begin and what to focus on when selling recreational vehicles:

Wash and Detail Your Unit

It’s amazing what a good cleaning will do for your possible trade-in value. People buy with their eyes first and then with their noses. The fact of the matter is a dirty or smelly RV gets a fraction of the sales price it could have if it came clean and ready to go. You want your unit to appear as close to brand new as possible.

Making healthy snacks and meals for your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. Learning the basics of safe ingredients for your dog is a good beginning! Being able to make your dog’s treats, snacks and occasional meals is possible, even while traveling. We know! We have been making our dogs treats and meals for over ten years, and for over six years on the road with our pets in our RV!  

Convenience is key to many of us. I have found that being able to shop for our food and our dogs’ food at the same place is easier than having to go to a pet supply store! I can also control the ingredients that go into my dogs’ food and save money. Just a little preparation and packing ahead of time, especially on travel days in the RV makes for easy snacks and mealtimes.    

Make sure to pick up a cooler, cooking utensils, food storage containers, and dog supplies at your nearest Camping World.  A cooler is essential in our RV to pack our dog’s meals and snacks ahead on travel days! These are just a few of the 2 Traveling Dogs’ favorite supplemental meals and snacks on the road! 

Please note, we are not dog nutritionists. Always consult your personal veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.  

Chicken Jerky For Dogs

Image: 2 Traveling Dogs

Easily, our dogs’ favorite, go-to treat anywhere, any time, any place! Chicken jerky for dogs is not only easy but cost-effective and delicious. If your dog is not a fan of chicken, feel free to substitute beef or boneless fish.

Glacier National Park is located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains right at the US-Canada border. It’s often called the “Crown of the Continent” and is one of the most photogenic of all the national parks. With the park’s abundance of beautiful landscapes and wildlife, it’s truly a paradise for nature lovers.

Why Visit Glacier National Park?

Photo Credit: Brandon Jean on Unsplash

If the park photos alone don’t convince you to visit Glacier National Park, know that it’s even more stunning in person. The park is home to some of the most pristine forests, meadows, mountains, and lakes. In fact, there are 762 lakes in Glacier National Park, only 131 of which are named.

It’s also home to 26 glaciers and 175 mountains! That’s not to mention the wildlife you’re guaranteed to see with 71 species of mammals roaming the park. Mountain goats are the official symbol of the park, and bears are spotted so often that you’ll want to be armed with bear spray at all times. 

The campgrounds near the Apgar Visitor Center are large and offer an excellent basecamp for exploring the park. From the campground, it’s a short walk or bike ride to the village, where there’s a small store, gift shop, restaurant, vendors for renting kayaks, and the beach on Lake McDonald, which is one of the park’s best locations for sunset watching. 

In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park has other unique qualities that set it apart from other parks. It has over 300 historical structures that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Early experiences in the Dakotas provided valuable inspiration for the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. That inspiration drove his desire to form the National Park Service, and you can easily imagine why he took up the cause at five national parks destinations to visit in the Dakotas. 

Four of these parks are within two hours of each other in South Dakota. The fifth — Theodore Roosevelt National Park — is roughly five hours away in North Dakota. So you can reasonably hit all five on your next RV trip through the Dakotas. 

Here’s your guide to these five national parks in the Dakotas, with nearby camping options for each: 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The park named after our 26th President is a great location to start or end your national park road trip in the Dakotas. Because it’s a little separated from the other four, hit it on your way to South Dakota or on your way home. 

Paddling is one of the best ways to cool off during summer RV trips. But renting kayaks or paddle boards at each new destination gets expensive. That’s why many RVers transport inflatable paddle boards, so they’re ready to paddle wherever their adventures take them. 

Why Inflatable Paddle Boards Are Great For RVers

Photo by Camping World

Transporting larger personal watercraft like kayaks and canoes is near-impossible with an RV or travel trailer that is not a toy hauler. On the flip side, inflatable paddle boards pack into convenient storage bags that fit in the underneath storage compartment in most RVs. 

Even if you’re towing a small camper with minimal storage space, you can find room in your tow vehicle to transport an inflatable paddle board. 

In addition to being the best personal watercraft for RVers to transport, inflatable paddleboards are easy to inflate and require minimal maintenance. They’re also great for bringing pets on the water, so no one gets left in your camper during the hottest hours of the day.  

Finally, inflatable SUPs are easy to carry from your campsite to the water. If you can’t always snag waterfront campsites, many paddle boards come in backpack-style storage bags. So you can easily carry them to the water without dragging or lugging a heavy kayak or canoe. 

Phew! Everything on your pre-vacation to-do list is checked off. You’ve sent your last work email and packed up your RV with all the gear you need for a great vacation. Now the only thing left is hitting the road, right?

Not so fast. Before you head out on that RV dream trip, take a moment to ask yourself: what have I done to secure the home that I’m leaving behind? How do I keep my home from becoming the target for thieves? Arrange a few extra security measures so that these questions don’t dog you for every mile of travel.

Lock Up!

This one is a no-brainer. Of course, it’s easy to remember obvious entry points like your front door, but it’s important to think creatively. Consider all the potential entry points for a thief. Make sure all ground-level windows are locked and secured, along with your garage and side or backdoors. Consider locking the gates to your backyard to deter thieves from sneaking around the back.

In the case that one rogue window remains unlocked, entry sensors can alert you (or a secondary contact) immediately that it was opened. In addition, Motion Sensors and Glass Break Sensors offer additional protection.

Don’t skimp on protecting the prized possessions that you store in the home. Invest in a safe if you don’t already have one to secure your important papers, cash, jewelry, keepsakes or other valuable items that you don’t bring with you on your trip.

Towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel on the highway is easier than parking and maneuvering around a campground. Anyone who says you don’t have to worry when learning how to back up a trailer is either lying, a pro, or has never done it.

Backing up a travel trailer or fifth wheel into a campsite can be stressful. However, there are steps you can take to make things easier when backing up towable RVs.

Practice Makes Perfect

Photo by Camping World

Before you attempt to back up a trailer into a campsite with many watchful eyes bearing down on you, you can apply the steps below to any parking space that’s roughly as wide as a campsite. 

Somewhere in your town, find a large parking lot that empties out sometime during the week. Take your trailer and spotter there to practice. Imagine that a set of two (or even four) parking spaces are your intended campsite. 

Then apply the steps below to practice backing up your trailer into that site from various angles. 

Call it old school, vintage, nostalgic or classic – retro campers are some of the most unique and eye-catching RVs you’ll see on the road today. They remind us of cross-country travel during simpler times. It’s a style that transcends age while also connecting with history. New, modern-day RVs can still hold onto the old soul and style of a retro RV while embracing the amenities and contemporary look of a new RV. Some might say retro and modern styles are a match made in RV heaven.

Here are some retro decor ideas for your new RV:

Kitschy Wallpaper

Image: Jenny Anderson

Wallpaper has already made its comeback so why not follow the trend while paying homage to the 50s and 60s with retro wallpaper. It can be done subtly with abstract patterns, florals, or a Scandinavian style pattern like a chevron. Make a big statement with neon block prints, a black and white checkered pattern, a houndstooth, or even a mural. Go with something kitsch for a fun retro theme that’s unique and reminiscent of the hippy days.

Wallpaper is as easy as peel-and-stick. Just apply it on a clean, dry service. If you’re ready to change things up, just peel off the old wallpaper. No sticky residue will be left behind. Check out some of the wallpaper options available at Camping World.

Vintage Textiles

Image: Jenny Anderson

Give your windows, chairs, and bed the throwback textile treatment it deserves. Home and RV decor enthusiasts know that a stylish throw pillow or blanket can tie a room together. The most helpful tip when choosing textiles is to keep them cohesive in both style and color.

Lake life is where it’s at. Whenever our family goes RVing, we make sure we are camping near a lake so that we have opportunities to play at the beach, go fishing, boating, canoeing, or stand-up paddle boarding. Being by the water not only gives us plenty of things to do but also triggers a sense of calm and joy. I love hearing the sound of loons calling or waves hitting the shoreline. And there’s nothing better than ending a beautiful day of RVing with an even more beautiful sunset at the lake.

To prepare for a day of RVing at the lake, there are a few essentials to check off the list to make sure you have a great time while lake camping.

Book Early

Image: Jenny Anderson

Waterfront campsites are among the most popular spots to get taken at campgrounds. Be sure to book your lake campsite far in advance if you want to guarantee a spot for your RV. Be sure to hit the refresh button often because there are last-minute cancellations at campgrounds all the time. 

Shoo, Bugs!

Where there is water, there are typically pesty insects — especially when temperatures warm up. It’s the unfortunate part of camping next to a lake. It is hard to truly enjoy the outdoors when you’re constantly swatting away unwanted insects. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks are among my worst enemies when lake camping so I always come prepared with my anti-insect weapons of choice: bug spray with DEET, permethrin-treated clothes, Thermacell, and a screen room. Learn How to Repel Bugs When Camping.

Bug spray. Look for a spray with 25 to 50 percent DEET will get the job done. I spray every couple of hours, especially if I’m using repellent that isn’t sweat or waterproof. After a day on the water, I always make sure to douse myself in bug spray before coming back to the campsite.Permethrin. Treating your clothing with permethrin will work wonders. I always try to treat my clothes a few days before a big camping trip to make sure it’s working at its highest potency. The treatment usually lasts up to five or so washes though. The best part is that after you treat your clothes, there’s no smell or sticky residue that bug spray sometimes leaves behind. Thermacell. Create your own little forcefield of protection around your lake campsite by using a Thermacell or two. This thing works wonders and I make sure to bring ours with us anytime we’re going to be hanging out at an outdoor area whether it’s the dock, beach, campsite, or the park. Thermacells run off a butane cartridge which heats up a replaceable mat that’s saturated in a repellent called allethrin which releases into the air to create a protection zone. Screened room. A screened room is an easy way to create an outdoor space that’s bug-free. It’s basically a large tent with screen walls so that you can still see and feel the outdoors while keeping unwanted pests away. It does take up space so make sure you have room for one when booking a campsite. 

Reel in Your Next Big Catch

Image: Jenny Anderson

If we’re camping by a lake, we never leave without our fishing gear. In fact, we usually choose lake campsites because we want to fish. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors alone or with friends and family. Plus, we are teaching our kids about conservation and how we can cook lake-to-table meals. We always keep an extra travel rod in the RV just in case we forget to pack the fishing gear or we end up breaking a rod. Find fishing gear at Camping World, and get inspired for your lakeside RV trip: