10 Things RVers Should Know About RV Sewer Hose Supports

08 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks

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RV sewer hose supports fall into the category of camping accessories that you don’t really need necessarily, but after a trip or two, you might find that you want one. These nifty pieces of camping gear are more useful than you might imagine, and once you invest in an RV sewer hose support, you aren’t likely to go back.

What is an RV Sewer Hose Support?

Not sure what an RV sewer hose support even is? Basically, this is a set of stilts that hold your RV sewer hose up off the ground. They also place the hose at a slight angle, helping water drain through the hose and into the in-ground sewer hookup. Most of these supports can be adjusted to suit the amount of space between your rig and the sewer connection point.

Why You Want RV Sewer Hose Supports

Wondering why you might want to start shopping for an RV sewer hose support? Here are four reasons to consider buying one to add to your collection of camping gear.

Helps Your Tanks Drain More Effectively

One of the most obvious benefits of an RV sewer hose support is that it can help ensure your RV tanks drain properly. This is especially helpful if you find yourself parked very close to the sewer hookup point, as it prevents a coiled hose that water might have trouble getting through.

It can also be helpful if the sewer connection sticks up out of the ground. This is because the support can create a gentle angle that sends water directly into the raised dump point, keeping it from sagging to the ground before reaching the top of the pipe.

Prevents Buildup in Your Sewer Hose

Generally speaking, your tanks will drain eventually, even without the ramp provided by an RV sewer hose support. That said, you will almost certainly end up with water sitting in the hose if the hose is not angled to keep it moving. This is gross because it allows debris in the water to stick to the sides of the hose, leaving you with a stinky build up inside your sewer hose that can be hard to wash out.

Removes a Potential Tripping Hazard

An excessively long sewer hose that isn’t held up off the ground is a tripping hazard. Not only that, but if someone does happen to trip over your sewer hose and pull it out of place, the result could potentially be a disgusting mess. RV sewer hose supports remove this possibility by making the hose much more visible.

Some Campgrounds Require Them

Lastly, we have to point out that some campgrounds actually require campers to use RV sewer hose supports. In some cases this is a city-wide law; in other cases it is simply campground policy.

Either way, you will need to abide by the rule if you come across a campground that has it in place. Why not just buy the support ramp now to save yourself from needing to find one in a hurry down the line?

What to Look For in an RV Sewer Hose Support

Okay, so clearly you’re going to want to invest in an RV sewer hose support. But what are you looking for as you shop for this camping accessory?

Here’s what we’d look out for:

  • Length — You want to ensure you buy a support that is long enough to stretch the entire length of your sewer hose plus any add-on pieces you might end up using. Keep in mind, it is possible to push the support pieces closer together to create a shorter ramp.
  • Weight — As with all RV accessories, it is a good idea to choose an RV sewer hose support that is relatively lightweight. After all, you don’t want to add to the overall weight of your loaded RV too much.
  • Portability — Some RV sewer hose support ramps fold together like a slinky and come with a handle to both hold them closed and make carrying easy. Others nest together for easy storage. Whatever you buy, make sure it’s easy to carry and easy to store in an RV storage bay.
  • Durability — Of course, you’ll also want to make sure whatever you buy is durable. Read reviews to make sure you aren’t purchasing a product that will break easily.

So, there you have it! While you might not think you need an RV sewer hose support, once you try one, you’ll wonder how you ever camped without it. These handy gadgets are more than just a luxury – they can make your RVing experience much smoother and more pleasant. Trust me, once you start using an RV sewer hose support, you’ll never look back!

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Gordon W. ~ “It’s the best service you can ask for! They were genuinely concerned about my problem and called back a few times to ensure I received good service!”

The 4 Best Florida State Parks

08 Wednesday May 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations, We Love It. We Live It.

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One of my favorite things to do while traveling in my RV is to visit the various state parks across the country. Last winter, we spent several months in Florida, and thanks to an annual state park pass, we spent much of that time exploring the state parks. Guys, these parks are some of the best our family has found! 

Here are our favorites!

Homosassa Spring State Park 

This pretty park is a wonderful place to learn about Florida’s amazing animals. It was once a privately owned zoo-like tourist attraction that changed hands multiple times before becoming a state park in 1989. At that point, the park switched focus, providing habitats for injured and disabled animals native to Florida. The exception? Lu, the beloved hippo, is not a Florida native but still calls the park home.  

I absolutely loved the manatee talk offered at this park and highly recommend arriving in time to hear it. It was the perfect addition to our road schooling day, and our whole family learned some new things about these magnificent creatures.  

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is another privately owned attraction later bought by the Florida State Park System. This one features super fun mermaid shows performed within the spring itself. An underwater viewing theater allows guests to watch the mermaids as they swim and dance in the spring.  

We visited this park with friends. The kids in our group appreciated the mermaid show, and my youngest loved the mermaid meet-and-greet. As a road school mama, I thought the ranger’s talk about reptiles was an excellent addition, and the whole group had fun on the boat tour. 

Note: This park is also home to a small water park. Unfortunately, this part wasn’t open when we visited, but it looked worth checking out, mainly if you see it in the summer.  

Honeymoon Island State Park 

Unfortunately, much of our winter time on the west coast of Florida was chilly. Nevertheless, we loved visiting Honeymoon Island State Park and even went multiple times to see as much as possible.  

Of course, the beach here is absolutely gorgeous. Our four-year-old loved playing on these huge mounds of sand, and watching the sunset over the water was a treat. In addition to the beach, we enjoyed the playground and the many walking trails in the park. 

Our favorite part? We saw owls high up in the trees! 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park 

Our final favorite state park is in the Florida Keys (actually, we liked a lot of the state parks in the Keys). Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park was probably our favorite place when we went to Key West. This park is home to an old fort with quite the story behind it. Wandering the fort and reading the signage are great additions to any roadschooling curriculum. 

After we explored the fort, we went to the beach area. This beach is a bit rocky, so I recommend water shoes, but on a calm day, there is decent snorkeling out by the big rocks in the water. Additionally, watching the cruise ships leave the port from the beach is pretty magical. 

Note: Other state parks in the Keys are also well worth visiting. Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock, and John Pennekamp are particularly excellent! 

If you plan on heading to Florida at any point in your RV travels, I 100% recommend visiting these state parks and any others you may come across. If you will be in the state for a while, the annual state park pass is definitely a worthwhile purchase, but even if you pay to visit a few spots individually, these parks offer incredible value.  

Which one will you check out first? 

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the fantastic opportunity to participate in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area to visit the Disney parks. Still, they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

James O. ~ “All the agents were very friendly and followed up with phone calls to check the service provider’s arrival. This is our third request regarding our coverage, and we have been very pleased with the service!!”

Slide-Out Maintenance

06 Monday May 2024

Posted by in RV Information, Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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One of the challenges of writing any technical content for RVers is being able to provide information that is specific to the individual type of RV one has. Since there have been over 100 different RV companies over the years and even more models within those individual companies, it becomes difficult to provide information on every individual scenario without being too generic or too specific to one type which means the information does not pertain to a wide majority.

And so it is with slide room maintenance.  Slide rooms were introduced in travel trailers and 5th Wheels as far back as the 1970s and the “Power Slide” was invented and introduced in 1990 by Newmar.  Most other companies joined the slide-out craze a few years later with a variety of new mechanisms such as HWH, Power Gear, and others.  Since then there have been both hydraulic and electric mechanisms from companies such as Kwikee, RBW Industries, and more recently, Lippert Components Inc (LCI) which has purchased Power Gear, Kwikee, BAL Accu-Slide, and others.

Hydraulic Mechanisms

Typically a hydraulic slide-out mechanism uses a pump that that is often shared with the hydraulic leveling jacks if equipped.  It has a fluid reservoir and pumps the fluid through the lines and cylinders to move the room in and out. There is little maintenance required of the pump other than making sure the fluid level is checked and topped off with the recommended hydraulic fluid.

The actual mechanisms vary between manufacturers, HWH uses two telescoping rams with a synchronizing rod.  HWH recommends periodically cleaning the rams with WD 40 and wiping off the excess. They also recommend extending and retracting the room twice a month to keep the seals lubricated.  One note: run the room all the way to the extended and retracted position, do not stop part-way!

Lippert Components Inc (LCI) uses an inner and outer assembly with a drive tube.  They also recommend extending and retracting the room twice a month to keep the seals lubricated and to visually inspect all components for debris, dirt buildup, and bent parts.  If you experience a squeaking noise during operation apply a coat of lightweight oil and wipe off the excess and DO NOT USE GREASE!

Several manufacturers have used the RWB Industries motor (owned by Dexter) and a proprietary gear-driven mechanism such as Newmar, National RV, and others.  Since there are so many different mechanisms used, it’s a safe bet to run the unit a couple of times a year, visually inspect the components, and verify what lubricant your manufacturer recommends to clean and lubricate the gears and arms.

Electric Mechanism

Smaller, lightweight rooms use a more inexpensive electric motor, especially models that do not have hydraulic leveling jacks that could utilize the jack motor.  Once again there are several options such as the cable slides (BAL Acu-slide), Schwintek with small motors in the sidewall and a gear-driven track, or a standard mechanism with an electric motor.

The electric motor requires no maintenance other than having 12-volt power to the unit.  The cable systems do require a periodic visual inspection to make sure the cable is not sagging, loose, or frayed.

 Cable Slideout

Cable Slideout

It is also a good idea to visually inspect all components for debris or obstructions and clean out any tracks with fluid film, a spray product available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.  This is a rust inhibitor and will not damage rubber seals.  Make sure to wipe off any excess spray.

Schwintek

Schwintek Slideout

The Schwintek slideout mechanism can develop a grinding or squeaking noise and it is recommended to spray CRC Power Lube with PTFE on the rails as well as the gibbs and motor coupler.  These can be found by pulling back the rubber seal outside at the rails.

In-Wall Slide-Out

Slide Room and Seal Maintenance

Most slide rooms or the “Box” are fairly similar, the outer wall cut out of or built from the same material as the sidewall, laminated side/top/bottom panels.  These do not require much maintenance other than making sure there is no debris on the top of the slide room when you bring it back in!  Some manufacturers have an awning over the slide room to keep sticks and other debris from falling on the top which would tear the bulb seal during retraction.  If you do not have an awning cover, you need to clean off the top every time you retract the room!

Slide Out Maintenance

LEVEL THE COACH BEFORE RETRACTING THE SLIDE!  I’m amazed at how many companies do not have this as a standard operating procedure?  RV chassis are not rock solid, they will bend and twist in an unlevel situation which causes the sidewall to twist which creates additional pressure or binding as the square box is trying to go out of an unsquared opening.

All slideout rooms have a weather strip or seal around the opening of the sidewall.  Some use a two-part rubber gasket or seal applied both inside the rig and outside.  Others use a two-sided bulb seal that is applied to the flange of the sidewall.  In either case, it’s a good idea to condition the seal with an approved product such as the ProtectAll SlideOut Rubber Seal Treatment or ProtectAll All Surface Care.

Slide-Out Lubricant

Both products have UV protection that will help keep the rubber seal from weather checking and reduce friction.

Visually inspect the underside of the slide room both inside and out.  Look for obstructions or any signs of wear and tear.  Most use a roller or glide underneath, make sure there is no damage to the mechanism or the floor.

And finally, make sure you look for items around the side of the room inside such as lawn chairs or other items that might have been placed or stored when packing up the camper.  You can not believe what a mess a boxed wine container makes when the room is extended!

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair Club

RV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Ken S. ~ “I’ve had to use Coach-Net Roadside twice since signing up. Your response is fast and you follow up to make sure the towing company showed up during the window quoted. It’s great!”

Spring Roof Maintenance And Inspection

10 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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Although we have had a pretty mild winter, most of us have winterized our rigs last fall and put them to sleep for several months and now is the time to think about getting them ready for the camping season. One of the most important things I believe an RV owner can do is to clean, condition, and inspect the roof material as well as all the sealants.

Can I Walk On My Roof?

It depends on many factors as all RVs are not created equal and some of the less expensive models have wooden framework that has very little structural integrity. Most of these models will have a sticker on the top that states no weight or a limited weight. If you are not sure what your roof can hold for weight capacity use a scaffold on the side of the rig or “bridge” the weight using a long piece of paneling to distribute the weight across the top. I have an 8’ piece of ½ “ paneling cut to 2” wide that I lay across the roof in case I feel the roof can’t hold my weight.

Another consideration is safety with a slick roof material and the risk of falling. I have found that most of the rubber membranes actually have good footing even when wet while I thought they would be very slippery. It would be wise to have a safety tether which you can get at any home improvement store. And have someone there to assist you as well.

It is a good idea to stay clear of anything that has a cut into the roof and installed such as the air conditioner, roof vents, and skylights. Most of these do not have any framework surrounding the opening so it would be a weak spot.

Proper Cleaning And Roof Materials

There are several different roof materials that have been used over the years starting with aluminum back in the 1980’s, then fiberglass and rubber membranes introduced in the late 1980’s and early 1990s. My “go to” cleaner is Dawn Dish Soap (Blue) which is great for oils, bird droppings, and tree sap and is also environmentally friendly. Remember the ducks in Alaska! Some readers in past articles have commented that it has particles that will scratch the material and sidewall and will also deteriorate the wax on the sidewall however I have used it for over 30 years and I do not believe the small concentration of the product will do any harm to the materials of your rig.

There are several roof materials such as EPDM, TPO, PVC, and fiberglass so it is important to know what roof material your rig has and what the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommends for cleaning and conditioning. EPDM and TPO have a recommended conditioner that can be purchased from Dicor while most PVC membranes such as Alpha Systems recommend cleaning with Murphy’s Oil Soap and no conditioning. Fiberglass materials from Kemlite (Crane Composites) just recommend cleaning although I do use a UV deterrent to keep it from fading.

You can determine if your roof material is EPDM by removing the frame from a roof vent and looking at the excess material. EPDM starts as a black membrane and has the color added to the top. The underside will still be black so if it is EPDM, you will want to clean it at least once a year and then condition it with Dicor EPDM conditioner or 303 Protectant. This will keep it from chalking and deteriorating due to exposure to the sun. Make sure you keep the side of the unit wet when cleaning as the white milky chalk will run down the sides and be very difficult to clean after it dries.

TPO can also be conditioned with 303 Protectant or a rubber roof conditioner that has UV protection. Alpha Systems has a product they call a PVC material and only needs to be cleaned with Murphy Oil Soap occasionally while other companies that make a PVC material claim there is no maintenance. I still think it is a good idea to clean it at least once a year.

Whatever material your roof has, it is necessary to inspect the seams at least twice a year to look for cracks or separation and reduce moisture penetration. Materials will expand and contract with daily temperature changes and sealants will separate or become brittle with exposure to the sun. If the sealant has cracks or pulled away from the seam, moisture can penetrate the area and once you see a water stain inside the rig, it’s too late. Visually inspect all seams around the roof to the front, sidewall, and back cap. Also inspect any openings in the roof such as roof vents, skylights, and plumbing vents. If you see a sealant that looks to have a crack or pulled away, it is time to remove the affected sealant and reseal it with a self-leveling sealant designed for your roof material. Common silicone is not the best application for every type of roof. Make sure you get the best sealant for your application.

About the author: Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles authored an RV handbook reference guide, and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair Club

RV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Bill W. ~ “VERY happy with the services provided by Coach-Net”

10 Camping Safety Tips

10 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in RV Safety

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Camping safety is an incredibly important part of RV travel. After all, you certainly wouldn’t want your fun family road trip to remember to turn into a dangerous disaster you’ll never forget. Fortunately, you can easily reduce the risk that something might go wrong by using some basic camping safety tips.

Not sure where to begin? Here are our top tips.

Always Tell Someone Your Plan

First and foremost, it is important that you always communicate your plan with a loved one. Let them know where you plan to go, what you plan to do when you get there, and when you plan to return home. If you don’t return when you say you would, your friend or family member will know something is amiss and can do something about it.

Check the Weather Forecast

Severe weather is especially dangerous when in an RV or out hiking. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you leave home to make sure you won’t be caught in tornado weather, ice and snow, heavy winds, or heavy rain. All of these things have the potential to be devastating, and it’s better to postpone your camping trip or head elsewhere than to take the risk.

Learn First Aid

You never know what might happen while out exploring. While you might have access to doctors and hospitals most of the time, all it takes is one injury out in the middle of nowhere to create a major catastrophe. Prevent this by learning basic first aid so you can take care of most injuries on the spot no matter where you happen to be.

Just be sure you have a first aid kit with you as well so you have the correct tools to use your first aid knowledge!

Have a Way to Communicate

Cell phones are amazing and will allow you to communicate with family and friends and/or contact emergency services if necessary in most places. Unfortunately, there are some areas of the country that are completely devoid of cell service. For this reason, we recommend always carrying a second way to communicate.

Starlink Internet is great for this if you have a generator or battery bank to run it. Satellite phones are also good in emergency situations.

Never Approach Wildlife

Wild animals are…well, wild. You never know what they may do, and even those animals that seem docile and friendly could turn on you. On top of that, when you’re out in nature, you are in their home, not the other way around.

Respect these facts and keep your distance when viewing wildlife. This will help ensure you return home injury-free, and will also help keep the animals safe.

Know How to Make Repairs

If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, you probably know all too well that things are going to break from time to time. When you’re camping in the middle of the city, you have access to all kinds of supplies, mobile techs, and shops that can help.

That said, when you decide to escape into the wilderness, you don’t have such conveniences. Because of this, it is always a good idea to know how things in your RV and vehicle work, and how you might fix them should they break.

Of course, you’ll also need to make sure to have a good basic tool kit to accompany your knowledge.

Carry Roadside Assistance

Last but definitely not least, it is super important that you carry good RV-specific roadside assistance. Coach-Net Roadside Assistance will be there to help you, even if you happen to find yourself on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Knowing this is definitely reassuring as you head out into the great unknown, and you’ll appreciate the service even more if you ever have to use it!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Lynn B. ~ “Coach-Net was excellent from beginning to end. I highly recommend this service!”

Roadschooling At Disney World

10 Wednesday Apr 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Travel Destinations

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My family absolutely loves being in Florida for the winter months. We adore the fresh air and sunshine, the gorgeous springs, the beautiful beaches, and of course, Walt Disney World.

That said, Disney World isn’t just about fun and games for this roadschooling crew. Nope, we’ve actually found dozens of ways to make these incredible theme parks into our classrooms, taking our roadschooling adventures to the next level.

Want to try roadschooling or homeschooling in Disney World yourself? You’re in the right place!

Roadschooling in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom boasts a number of opportunities to learn about history and classic fairy tales, among other things. Some of our favorite ideas for Magic Kingdom learning are below.

Fairytale Unit Study

The number of fairytales represented in Fantasyland is just wonderful. Dive into a fun fairytale unit study, reading some original fairy tales and comparing them to Disney movies, and then hop on the accompanying rides.

I recommend Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and Peter Pan.

American History Unit Study

As a history nerd, I absolutely love the historically accurate details scattered throughout Liberty Square, Frontierland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Why not put together an American History Unit study and learn a bit about American history before you visit so you can really appreciate those details?

  • Focus on Colonial history and then visit Liberty Square to look for “sewage” in the streets, shutters attached with leather, and lanterns in windows. Also, make a point of dining at Liberty Tree Tavern and visit the Hall of Presidents to learn about presidents throughout history.
  • Learn about the 1800s and then ride the Riverboat, explore Tom Sawyer’s Island (it helps to read the Tom Sawyer books), ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and wander the historically accurate streets of Frontierland.
  • Finally, spend some time reading about the turn of the century and then enjoy wandering down Main Street, taking in the details. Listen to the Dapper Dans sing music from the early 1900s, visit the ice cream parlor, and then head into Tomorrowland to see the Carousel of Progress and be amazed at how far we’ve come since the year 1900.
  • As an added bonus, try to get over to Epcot to enjoy the American Adventure animatronics show! And speaking of Epcot…

Roadschooling in Epcot

Epcot is easily the most educational of the Disney theme parks. This place is packed to the gills with science lessons as well as some of the best opportunities for learning about geography and world cultures out there.

Walk Around the World

The World Showcase is an obvious winner when it comes to learning opportunities in Epcot. We recommend taking a map along and marking off each country as you visit the corresponding pavilion, as this will give your kids a sense of where each place actually is.

Try a new food from each country and make a point of seeing the shows. Find the Kidcot stations in each country, where kids can color a little card with info on the country represented by that pavilion. There are usually people from the represented countries manning the Kidcot stations. Feel free to ask them questions!

Marine Animal Unit Study

The Seas building is another excellent pick. Yes, you can ride the Finding Nemo ride here, but we also recommend sticking around to look at the various marine animals in their tanks. If you see a Cast Member standing around, take a moment to ask some questions. Many times, there is a booth set up with items kids can touch and read about.

“Turtle Talk with Crush” is also in this building and is often a good way to learn some fun turtle facts in humorous fashion.

Spaceship Earth

This is just a single ride, but it’s worth doing if you have a kid who is at all interested in history or technology (bonus points if they think both are cool). The ride takes you through the history of communication and is a fun learning opportunity that could spark an interest in a variety of niche subjects.

Roadschooling in Hollywood Studios

The learning opportunities at Hollywood Studios are a little less in your face, but they are there nonetheless.

One Man’s Dream

Our favorite learning experience in Hollywood Studios is One Man’s Dream. This is a little museum that chronicles the life of the one and only Walt Disney. It gives kids a fun little peek into the history of one of their favorite things: cartoons!

Beauty and the Beast

We also appreciate the Beauty and the Beast show, as we find it’s a great way to introduce young children to quality live theater without asking them to sit through a long Broadway-style show.

Roadschooling in Animal Kingdom

Lastly, there is Animal Kingdom. This place is jam-packed with chances to learn about animals, of course, but also world cultures. This might just be my favorite park for homeschooling in Disney World.

Kilimanjaro Safari and Animal Walking Trails

One of the best ways to learn about the animals in the park is by hopping on the Kilimanjaro Safari. This educational jeep ride takes you through a variety of habitats, allowing you to view all kinds of animals. The drivers are very knowledgeable and narrate the ride, offering up fun info as they go.

You can also choose to wander the many animal trails that are scattered throughout the park. These boast animals from all over the world, and signage offers info on each species you see.

Wilderness Explorers Program

I absolutely adore the Wilderness Explorers Program! Inspired by the Pixar film Up!, this program gives kids a chance to visit various stations throughout the park to learn about animals, plants, and a variety of other subjects and earn sticker “badges” they can add to a fun little handbook.

The Cast Members manning these stations are always engaging, encouraging kids to chat and ask questions and leading to some very memorable learning moments.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Taking a train over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a little bit time-consuming but totally worth it if you are looking to do some homeschooling at Disney World.

Here you’ll find a window into a veterinary treatment room so you can watch how animals are taken care of in the park. There is also a nutrition center where you can watch meals being prepared for the animals, along with aquariums housing reptiles and amphibians. The petting zoo gives kids a chance to pet some of their favorite critters, and the knowledgeable Cast Members are happy to answer questions.

Oh, this area is also home to a fun drawing class, so make sure to leave time for that!

As you can see, roadschooling and homeschooling in Disney World is a fantastic way to enhance your visits to the parks and make school a whole lot more fun and memorable. Which learning experience will you choose first?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Craig S. FL~ “I am extremely pleased with the service I received. Your representative kept in constant contact with me to make sure everything was going as planned. I never felt like I was in this by myself. Thank you!!!!”

What To Do While You’re In The Florida Keys

06 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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One of the very best places to take an RV during the winter season? Warm and sunny Florida, of course! Of all the destinations in Florida, I have to say that the Florida Keys is one of my absolute favorites. This place offers sunshine and a vacation atmosphere even in the middle of January, making it the ideal winter haven.

On top of the amazing weather, this part of the Sunshine State also offers a whole host of amazing activities and attractions. Wondering what to do in the Florida Keys? I’m going to use this article to tell you some of my very favorite spots on these magical islands.

Bahia Honda State Park

Easily one of the best state parks in Florida (and there are several amazing ones), Bahia Honda State Park is an excellent place for playing in the ocean and checking out Sealife. We loved walking on the old bridge to get a good view of the sunset and listening to people play the conch shells to say goodbye to the day.

Curry Hammock State Park

Another amazing state park, Curry Hammock State Park is the place to go for amazing paddling. We absolutely adored the tunnel paddling trail, which took us through a mangrove tunnel. Of course, watching little critters swim through the crystal clear waters on the beach was also pretty fantastic.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

If you have a snorkel enthusiast in your group, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the northern part of the Keys is a must-do. There’s a shipwreck right off of the beach that you can easily swim to. The snorkeling around the shipwreck is pretty incredible, and you’ll almost definitely spot several kinds of fish and other creatures.

History of Diving Museum

Speaking of snorkeling, another must-see for the snorkelers and divers out there is the History of Diving Museum. This is a small, niche museum that does an excellent job of explaining the entire history of diving. You’ll see incredible old diving helmets and machines and learn some amazing facts about diving that you are sure to carry with you for years to come.

Little Conch Island

There are several teeny tiny islands just off the coast of the larger islands. During low tide, it’s possible to actually walk to some of these itty bitty islands—no boat necessary. Our favorite is Little Conch Island.

We leave from the beach at Sunshine Key RV Resort (you must be staying in the resort to use this beach) and literally take a stroll to another island. On Little Conch Island you can see large conches and hundreds of tiny crabs, as well as iguanas.

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar

One of our favorite places to eat in the Keys, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar is more than just a typical restaurant and bar. This place has a large heated pool with an awesome view of the ocean. It’s also situated in the ideal spot to watch the sunset over the water. Both the pool and the sunset views are free with your meal, and the happy hour deals that the restaurant offers make it relatively affordable.

Southernmost Point of the US

No visit to the Keys is complete without a visit to Key West, and no visit to Key West is complete without a visit to the Southernmost Point of the US. This really isn’t anything more than a fun photo op, but I do recommend doing it at least once.

Truman Waterfront Park

This one might seem silly, but our kids absolutely love the Truman Waterfront Park. This park is home to an awesome playground that really is pretty unique. It also has a lovely splash pad that is perfect on a hot day. The park is totally free, as is the nearby Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Doing both makes for an excellent budget-friendly day.

Mallory Square

Admittedly, we’ve never actually made it to Mallory Square as a family. That said, my son visited there with my mom, and both parties agreed it was fantastic. At sunset, the square is alive with all kinds of performers, and the sunset from the dock is fantastic. This place is also within walking distance of Truman Waterfront Park, so one could easily add it to their budget-friendly Key West day.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Also in Key West, We loved Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and found it was an excellent addition to our roadschooling adventures. We learned all about the history of the fort and explored the ruins. We also spotted several large iguanas and had a wonderful time playing at the beach and watching the cruise ships leave at the end of the day.

Yes, the Keys are a long way south, but these islands are 100% worth the drive. We have a blast every single time we make our way down there and we know you will too!

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Mike S. ~ “I am very pleased I chose Coach-Net! When I needed you, you were there for me!”

How To Minimize Your Life For RV Living

06 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, Kids and Camping, Tips & Tricks

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Living in an RV can be a fantastic way to save some money and an even better way to get to see the country without breaking the bank. That said, figuring out how to minimize your stuff so you’re able to live in such a tiny space all the time can be a major challenge.

Fortunately, there are ways to go about it. In this article, we will discuss how to minimize so you can live a full-time RV life without all the clutter.

Take It One Drawer and Cabinet at a Time

The hardest thing to overcome when it comes to downsizing your stuff? The overwhelm. Sorting through everything you own can definitely be a daunting task, but if you focus on a single drawer or cabinet at a time, it will seem a whole lot less overwhelming and you’ll be a lot more inclined to tackle the project.

Get Rid of Duplicates

If you’re not sure what to get rid of first, start by finding all duplicate items and tossing one. There is really no reason you need to have two identical spatulas or two full sets of mixing bowls, and getting rid of extras will definitely save space.

Digitize Books, Movies, and Papers

Things like books and movies can be bought in digital form and downloaded to a laptop or tablet, so you can enjoy them without carrying extra stuff around in your rig.

Have a bunch of papers you’ve been holding onto? It’s likely a lot of those can be digitized as well, so you can avoid carrying a box full of heavy paper in your storage bay. Take photos of kids’ artwork and scan documents and store everything in the cloud so it can never be lost.

Downsize Your Wardrobe

Many people find that clothes are their biggest weakness when it comes to getting rid of stuff. We’re here to tell you that you don’t need nearly as many clothes as you think you do.

Creating a capsule wardrobe is easy enough, and it ensures you have a variety of things to wear while still keeping your wardrobe to a minimum. Considering how little clothes storage space some RVs have, this is majorly helpful when you go to find places to keep all of your things.

Only Keep Versatile Appliances

Small kitchen appliances that only serve one purpose rarely get pulled out. Meanwhile, those with multiple uses might get used every day. Toss out items such as the donut maker and the rice cooker and turn to things like an air fryer and an Instant Pot instead.

Switch Out Your Towels

Traditional terry cloth towels are fluffy and take up a lot of space. On top of that, these towels can take quite some time to dry. Replacing your traditional towels with lighter, thinner Turkish towels will save space and the towels dry faster, something that can be super useful when you find yourself swimming and visiting the beach often.

Be Picky about Pots and Pans

Normally, a set of pots and pans contains quite a few pieces. The thing is, most of us don’t use every single piece of our set of pots and pans. Go through your cookware and choose what you actually use on a regular basis. Donate the rest and rest easy knowing you saved yourself space and are helping keep the weight of your rig to a minimum.

Give Kids a Limit

Figuring out how to minimize kids’ toys and books can be a real challenge. For this, we recommend giving each kid a storage tub and allowing them to fill it with whatever items they’d like to keep. Let them know that if they want to bring something new into the RV, it will have to fit into the tub, meaning they may need to get rid of something else. This will help keep toy clutter at bay after you’ve moved in.

Store Sentimental Items

There are some items that you really won’t want to get rid of for sentimental reasons. Things like wedding albums, baby clothes and blankets, and Christmas ornaments should all be put into watertight boxes. If you don’t have room in your RV, these boxes can be stored in a storage facility or at a family member’s house.

Yes, figuring out how to minimize your things so you can RV full-time is a huge undertaking. That said, it can be done, and once it is done you’ll likely feel a whole lot lighter and ready for your next big adventure: RV living.

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Alfred S. ~ “I’ve Been A Member Since 2001 and I’ve NEVER Had Any Problems!”

The Best Warm Weather Winter Destinations

07 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Winter is in full swing, and if you’re looking to get out in your RV, you’re probably going to want to head south. You see, while the northern parts of the country are freezing, there are many places in the south that are still enjoying plenty of warmth and sunshine.

If you can manage to get your rig to one of these amazing places, you’ll be able to continue your camping adventures while still staying perfectly comfortable, even in the middle of the coldest season.

Wondering where to find the best warm-weather winter RV destinations in the US? Read on!

Florida

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason. This place is sure to offer plenty of warm weather, even in January and February. On top of that, there are plenty of things to see and do in the state as well, meaning you’ll never get bored even if you stay the entire winter.

Orlando

Orlando may not be the warmest place in Florida, but it is warm enough and it plays host to some of the most amazing theme parks in the world. If you want to spend time in Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, or LEGOLAND Orlando, this is the winter RV spot for you!

Everglades National Park

Prefer more natural attractions? Why not plan a stay in Everglades National Park? This gorgeous park is home to all kinds of amazing wildlife, including hundreds of alligators and all sorts of birds. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll adore your time in this beautiful park.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are always warm and sunny, and the many adventures the islands offer are pretty incredible. Whether you want to go for a hike, spend the day relaxing on a beach, go paddling, or explore a historic site, there is something for you in the Keys.

Southern Texas

Unfortunately, campgrounds in Florida do get pretty full in the winter, so you may not be able to snag any camping reservations at this point. Need another option? Southern Texas is often overlooked as a good winter RV spot, even though there are actually a few good places to keep warm in the state.

South Padre Island

A favorite of many RVers, South Padre Island is generally the warmest spot in Texas. We love that choosing this RV winter location puts you right next to the ocean, and we especially love the amazing surfing community on the island. If you love the ocean, you’ll love staying at South Padre.

Padre Island National Seashore

Another wonderful Texas beach escape, Padre Island National Seashore is ideal for those who prefer a more natural beach area. This NPS site is home to tons of native birds and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of Texas nature.

Southern California

Many snowbirds adore spending winters in Southern California. We can’t blame them. The warm and sunny weather paired with the amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation are pretty fantastic. Of course, the cool attractions don’t hurt anything either.

San Diego

San Diego is the place to go if you want plenty to do and some awesome culture to go along with it. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, check out sea lions at La Jolla Cove, or head outside of the city to try one of the many hiking and biking trails in the area. No matter what you do, you’re sure to have a great time.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located not too far from San Diego, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. Camp right in the middle of the park or pick a boondocking spot in the vast wilderness surrounding the park. Either way, make sure to check out as many trails as you can and do plenty of stargazing.

Arizona

Lastly, we can’t forget to mention Arizona. This is a haven for winter RVers for a reason. A large part of the state stays nice and sunny during the winter months, meaning you won’t have to worry about staying comfy. On top of that, you’ll find lots of hiking trails, biking trails, and museums to keep you busy during your visit.

Phoenix

Phoenix offers lots to see and do, making it a great home base for winter RV travels. Some of our favorite Phoenix attractions include the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, the Musical Instrument Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Hole in the Rock hiking area.

Saguaro National Park

Another fantastic Arizona winter RV destination, Saguaro National Park is a must-see park that should be on every RVer’s bucket list. While you can’t RV camp in the park itself, there is plenty of RV camping in nearby Tucson, including some free boondocking.

As you can see, there are tons of great places to escape the cold and enjoy some warmth and sunshine in your RV, even in the dead of winter. Which sunny spot will you head to this season?

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Robert S. ~ “The service from Coach-Net is outstanding, based on what I have seen so far I can’t imagine being unhappy with the service. I have used Coach-Net 2 times in 4 years and I was impressed both times. I recommend your company every chance I get online or in person because it’s that good. It’s not very often I will put my name behind a companies service. In my humble opinion, most companies provide lip service to cover up for their poor service that they don’t want to admit to, Coach-Net is the real deal you truly get quality service. NICE JOB Coach-Net.”

10 Pro Tips For Planning Your Trip In 2024

07 Wednesday Feb 2024

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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A new year is here, and that means a whole new year of fun RV adventures awaits! Many people use these colder months to start their RV trip planning for the spring and summer. Why not join them in getting excited for warmer weather, outdoor adventures, and time spent around the campfire?

Not sure how to begin your RV trip planning? No worries, we’re here to help. Below, we will give you our top tips for planning amazing RV travels for the upcoming camping season.

Choosing Where to Go

First things first, you have to decide where you want to go. If you aren’t the type to stick around your home and stay in the campground for the entire trip, this can be a bit overwhelming. There is so much out there to explore, and picking just a few options can feel nearly impossible. Here are some ways to narrow down your options.

Plan Around Your Bucket List

Do you have an ongoing list of things you’d like to do and places you’d like to see? Use this list to guide your travels. Pick the options that matter most to you and do your best to work toward those trips. If your top picks simply aren’t feasible right now, you can also choose a few that are within the realm of possibility and start planning those trips.

Stick to Your Budget

Obviously, you will want to keep your travel budget in mind. If you need to keep things inexpensive, staying relatively close to home might be your best bet. You can also consider trying boondocking to save on camping fees or pick destinations with lots of free things to do and see. If you have a senior national parks pass, national parks can be an incredibly affordable camping destination.

Follow Friends

Have friends who enjoy RVing as well? If you really can’t decide what to do, you might ask them what their plans are. Camping is always more fun with friends, and planning a few trips with your RV friends will remove the need to choose a destination, and it helps ensure you have an amazing time no matter where you end up going.

Mind the Weather

Weather is an important factor when planning an RV trip. Staying in an RV when it is extremely hot or cold outside simply isn’t comfortable, and not being able to get outside because of constant rain can leave you feeling cooped up. We recommend looking for destinations that, if possible, will offer sunny weather with very little rain and no extreme temperatures.

Picking a Route

How you get where you’re going is important when you’re traveling by RV. You’ll need to consider which route is the safest for your big rig and which roads will be downright impossible for your larger vehicle to navigate. You’ll also want to look at what there is to do and see along whatever route you end up choosing.

Put Tools to Use

Luckily, there are tools that can help you choose an RV-friendly route. RV Trip Wizard is one such tool, and it does an excellent job of showing safe routes using the info you give on the size of your RV. It can also show you places to camp, get gas, and stop for sightseeing along the way.

We do recommend cross-checking any route RV Trip Wizard gives against a Trucker’s Atlas to ensure it truly is a good route for big rigs. While RV Trip Wizard is pretty fantastic at choosing good routes, it is not without faults, so double-checking is always a good idea.

Add Destinations

If you’re driving a long way to reach your destination, it just makes sense to add in some stops to see and do things along the way. RV Trip Wizard can help you find fun stops, as can Roadtrippers.

Google Maps can also be helpful if you have an idea of what sort of attraction you’re looking for. Just type it in and see what pops up along your route on the map.

Getting Trip Ready

Once you know where you’re going and the route you want to take, you’ll need to ensure you’re 100% ready to hit the road. Here’s what you need to do to get ready now so you can hit the road as soon as the warm weather rolls in.

Make Key Purchases

You might need to make some purchases before you hit the road. If you plan to do more boondocking than usual, a solar setup or generator might be needed. Certain outdoor adventures will require gear like kayaks, hiking boots, and so on. It’s also a good idea to check and make sure your RV roadside assistance is up to date and that you’re still comfortable with your insurance plan.

Get the RV Ready

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure all of your RV maintenance is done so your rig is in tip-top shape and ready to hit the road. Reseal the roof and side seams, check the slide seals, take a look at the tires replace any that need it, and make sure all of your appliances are in good working order. This will help ensure your first trip out goes off without a hitch and you can fully enjoy your entire camping season.

There you go! Everything you need to know to start your RV trip planning for 2024. Now start planning and getting excited so you can jump into the camping season feet-first when the warmer weather rolls in!

May contain affiliate links.

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

Douglas M. ~ “The concern displayed by the call agent was awesome. The response was fast by the service provider and was terrific. Thanks so very much for this fantastic coverage!”