Tag Archives: RV Camping

3 Amazing Beachside Camping Spots for RVers

06 Friday Apr 2018

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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beachside RV camping spotsNothing beats the clean breezes and majestic views that come with camping on the beach, and RV owners are uniquely poised to enjoy beachside living like nobody else. With the luxury of your own kitchen and bedroom right at your fingertips, as well as the rugged beauty of the waterfront right at your doorstep, beachside camping is a must do activity for all RVers. While there are plenty of awesome spots to visit across the U.S., here are our top three picks to get you started planning your trip right away.

Ocean Mesa, California

Perched on a cliff over the raging Pacific Ocean in the middle of the Los Padres National Forest, yet just 20 minutes north of San Barbara (which means roadside assistance is just minutes away), this epic beachside RV park has it all. A fully heated outdoor pool and spa, convenience store, laundry facilities and both cable TV and internet hookups mean you will be living the high life in the middle of raw natural splendor. RV sites are private yet close to all the amenities, and many boast amazing views out over the sea. It’s the perfect place for taking in the sunset.ocean mesa

Emerald Beach, Florida

With its own private white sand beach on the shore of the calm crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Emerald Beach in Navarre, Florida, is an RVers paradise on earth. Full hookups plus free cable TV and Wi-Fi mean you won’t be not roughing it one bit, while kayak rentals and a 24-hour gym allow you to get as active as you want. Fishing on the onsite pier is a popular hobby, and a fenced-in dog park means even your beloved four-footed travel companion is going to have a great time.emerald beach

Fish Lake Beach, Illinois

All RV camping sites come with their own picnic bench and fire ring, as well as full-service hookups, at this popular waterfront resort right off Highway 120. From fishing and boating in the lake to chilling out in the hot tub or kiddie pool, Fish Lake Campground is made for family-friendly fun in the sun. The RV resort also hosts daily activities like volleyball tournaments and arts and crafts classes, as well as live entertainment at night, which means there is never a dull moment here. And to make sure your trip doesn’t get too exciting, roadside assistance is just a short distance away.fish lake

 

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The Top 3 RV Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List

02 Friday Mar 2018

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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RV Bucket ListIf you think you have to travel overseas to have the adventure of a lifetime, think again! These three expeditions will have you diving, eating and gazing right in your own RV’s backyard. With any luck, you’ll be crossing these adventures off your bucket list in no time.

Go Cliff Jumping

If you’re looking for a thrill (and don’t mind heights), why not try your hand at cliff diving in one of the United States’ best cliff jumping spots? While some jumps are so unsafe it’s illegal to step off the edge, there are several majestic areas that you can explore with confidence. Crater Lake, in Oregon, offers crystal blue waters against a Pacific Mountain backdrop, while Red Rocks Park in Burlington, VT, is practically a right of passage for locals. Be sure to heed any and all safety warnings before you jump, of course, and get ready for some breathtaking (or breath-holding) excitement!cliff jumping

Take a Canadian Foodie Road Trip

Canada’s top three traditional foods — poutine, nanaimo bars and butter tarts — are must-eat treats in the Great White North. To find the best of the best, fill up the tank for a cross-country road trip. Start on the eastern side at Willy’s in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a local poutine topped with sweet and garlicky donair meat. Next, stop into Maple Leaf Bakery on your way through Saskatchewan for some sweet and flaky butter tarts. Finish in Nanaimo, British Columbia, the namesake of the decadent bars, for a taste of the classic dessert at Perkins Coffee Company, which offers generous and delicious portions.poutine

See the Northern Lights

A standard on anyone’s bucket list, seeing the Northern Lights is a popular life goal. Plan a camping trip to Alaska to check out this impressive natural wonder, and you’ll be in for quite a show. From Denali National Park in central Alaska to the expansive Chena River Lakes (over 2,000 acres to explore), there are many great spots to park and gaze at the display of lights while enjoying your camping vacation.northern lights

There is plenty of excitement to be had in North America’s uppermost countries, for those who like a thrill and those who enjoy a meal alike. Wherever you decide to park your RV, you can be sure to find a great adventure nearby!

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Going Green in Your RV

21 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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Going Green In Your RVDespite the fact that RVs are gas guzzlers, one of the best things about RV living and travel is the fact that it is a relatively eco-friendly way of seeing the world. The often-limited supply of water means less water waste, and the smaller living space makes purchasing every souvenir along the way a lot less tempting.

That said, there are a good many ways to make your time in your RV greener. Unfortunately, the fact that you are in an RV can make doing these things more difficult than they might be in a house.

If you’re wondering how to implement eco-friendly practices while on the road, these tips and tricks might help.

Waste Less

  • Find recycling facilities — If your campground doesn’t offer a recycling program, consider finding a facility nearby and dropping off there. This app is a great way to do that quickly and easily.
  • Install a Water Filter — It’s no secret that campground water isn’t usually all that tasty. Avoid using bottled water by installing a high-quality filter in your RV so you can drink from the tap no matter where you are.
  • Hang Clothes to Dry — Laundry is always something to consider during travel. For most, this means visiting the laundromat from time to time. If you’re paying to do laundry, why not skip the cost of dryers and hang your laundry to dry? You’ll save energy and money at the same time.
  • Eat Fresh Foods — Packaged foods aren’t only less nutritional, they’re also not great for the earth. Imagine all the packaging that goes into landfills alone. Instead of adding your share to that mountain, simply make an effort to eat fresh foods. You can find fresh fruits and veggies at almost any supermarket, but the roadside stands and farmers markets found in many towns are the best way to go. Therefore, travel makes eating fresh even more fun and interesting, as it gives you an opportunity to try local flavors and get to know the local farmers in a variety of places.fresh fruit and veggies

Create More

  • Grow Food — If you’re in your RV full time, you might think growing your own food is impossible. Fortunately, that just isn’t true; growing food on the road can be done in a variety of ways. Grow herbs in your window in small pots; put veggies in larger pots and store them in the bed of your truck during travel; or, contribute to community gardens whenever staying put for a bit.
  • Install Solar Panels — Installing solar panels on your RV is a no-brainer if you plan to camp off the grid. However, even if you don’t plan to do a lot of boondocking, you can install solar and create your own energy supply for no other reason than to contribute to the green living movement. Learn about installing solar panels on an RV here.RV solar panels
  • Compost — Another thing that many think is impossible to do in an RV is composting. However, it’s actually quite easy to create a compost bin that stores away in a cabinet or under the bed. Check out this video to learn how.

These seven simple changes in how you live while in your RV might just help the preserve all those amazing sights you’re out seeing during your travels for future generations to enjoy.

About the Author:

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.

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7 RV Grocery Shopping Tips

24 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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7 RV Grocery Shopping TipsWhen you’re heading out for a weekend trip, stocking up on food is no big deal. RV refrigerators are big enough to hold 3 or 4 days’ worth of food, while dry goods for the weekend will easily fit in the pantry. On top of all that, many campgrounds have stores offering basic necessities, so even if something does run out, there’s nothing to worry about.

Because of all this, the typical RVer is all set and ready to go when it comes to food storage.

However, not everyone camps the same way. Some take longer trips, and many enjoy camping in the middle of nowhere, far from any store. Often, those who like to venture off the beaten path for extended periods of time will find they have trouble grocery shopping before a trip. After all, they need food and can’t very well drive into town every time they run out of something, but in a small RV kitchen, space is at a premium so strategic shopping is a must.

What’s a camper to do when they find themselves in this situation? Plan ahead, of course! Here are our top seven tips for stocking up on food before a long journey.

#1: Pick Canned Produce

We all know that fruits and veggies are an important part of our diet. Unfortunately, if you plan to be out for a week or more, it isn’t likely you will be able to keep fresh produce good for your entire trip.

In these cases, go with canned fruits and vegetables. While they’re not quite as nutritious as fresh versions, they will do in a pinch.Canned Vegetables

#2: Hang a Fruit Basket

Even if you can’t stock up on produce for your entire trip, you will need a place to store the fruits and vegetables you can consume before they go bad. A hanging fruit basket is the ideal solution. It hangs up and out of the way while adding storage space to your tiny home.Hanging fruit basket

#3: Go Meatless

Because meat must be refrigerated or frozen, it is more difficult to store than some other foods. Therefore, you may want to consider eating some meatless meals during your trip.

Can’t stand to be without meat? Try using canned meats in place of fresh for a few meals. This will allow you to hold onto some of your precious fridge space while still giving you the protein kick you crave.Canned meat

#4: Choose Boxed Milk

Milk is a very space-consuming product. For this reason, you will want to either cut milk from your diet during your trip or find another way to store it.

One of the best options for those who want to continue drinking milk is to purchase boxed milk. The boxes can be stored at room temperature, and the milk stays good for quite some time.

#5: Consider Dehydrated Foods

Removing the water from foods makes them both smaller and lighter. That said, many dehydrated foods are not exactly gourmet fare. Still, if you’re willing to eat subpar food on occasion, dehydrated meals can be a great way to save space and keep things lightweight.

#6: Use an Ice Chest

Are you running out of fridge space even after using the tips above? Consider using an ice chest to store some cold food items. A Grizzly cooler will hold ice for 7–10 days. This is plenty long enough to keep things cold in the beginning of your adventure. You can then move items over to the fridge as space is freed up.Cooler

#7: Think Outside the Box

While fridge space is the most common issue when it comes to food storage, there are some who run out of pantry space. If this happens to you, you’ll need to think outside the box. Food can be stored in any open nook, and a plastic tub will help keep it all together and organized. Consider placing your tub in a storage bay, or just put it on the floor during travel and then outside once you set up camp.

Remember, if you choose to keep food outside, make sure it’s well sealed with a locking lid to keep critters out.

With these food storage tips, you shouldn’t have any trouble at all during your pre-trip grocery shopping. Stock up and have fun!

About the Author:

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.

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RV Generator Maintenance

24 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Tech Tips

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RV Generator MaintenanceRV Generators come in a variety of brands, are fueled by gasoline, diesel, or propane (LP), vary greatly in capacity, and may be air or water-cooled. Therefore, it is important to know exactly which generator and configuration you have in your RV. While it is as important as upkeep of the rest of your RV, generator maintenance is sometimes overlooked. Although troubleshooting and repair of a generator can get complicated, maintenance is not, and this generally results in fewer failures and longer life. Here, we will describe some simple generator maintenance tasks that most RVers can easily perform.

Get to Know Your RV Generator

  • Locate a parts distributor for your brand of generator and make note of the make and model so you can order filters and other parts from them.
  • Take note of the engine oil grade used and make sure to have a few quarts on board at all times.
  • I keep all my RV statistics recorded in an app on my phone so I can access it, even at the parts counter.
  • Remember that if you don’t have copies of your owner’s manual they are often available online from the manufacturers or third-party websites.

How Generators are Powered

Most generators will be fueled either by LP or the same fuel that powers the chassis (in the case of a motorhome). However, this is not always the case. I once had a diesel pusher that had a gas generator. Therefore, the RV had two fuel tanks. If the generator runs off the same fuel as the coach engine, it will draw fuel from the same tank. However, the generator will never run the coach out of fuel, since the generator dip tube going down into the fuel tank is shorter than the one used by the engine. In the case of an LP generator, there will be a separate large regulator (usually mounted with the generator) and fuel line than that used by the other appliances.diesel generator

Generator Oil Change

The most basic of generator maintenance tasks is to change the oil regularly. All generator types and sizes share similar requirements for oil changes, but refer to your owner’s manual for specific information.

  1. Locate and remove the oil drain plug, but be sure to place a drain pan underneath.
  2. Replace the oil filter, then refill the crankcase to the specified volume.
  3. Start the generator
  4. Check for leaks
  5. Turn off the generator, and top up the oil as necessary.
  6. Replace/clean the air and fuel filters, as well as the sparkplugs and ignition components at the specified intervals.
  7. For water-cooled units, check the coolant level and concentration.
  8. Make sure the generator unit is clean and free of debris, especially around the air intake and exhaust, as well as the radiator.
  9. Inspect the generator, including the exhaust components, electrical cables, and fuel systems, for damage and leaks.

Additional Precautions

Very little else has to be done to keep your generator running smoothly during regular operation, but there are some additional precautionary steps that may be required.

  • If your RV or generator is going to be unused for an extended period of time, such as during winter storage, be sure to pour some stabilizer into the fuel tank and run the generator for at least five minutes to ensure the stabilizer enters the generator fuel lines and system. This is not necessary if your generator is propane fueled.
  • Removing the spark plugs and pouring a few drops of oil into the cylinder before replacing the plugs can provide extra corrosion and rust protection.
  • Also, it is a good idea to have the 60Hz frequency verified periodically, as it can drift. This is especially important if your appliances or electronics exhibit erratic behavior. This is often manifested as flickering display screens or other miscreant electronics behavior. You can have this checked at a dealership or with a digital multi-meter that can measure frequency. This is an often-overlooked maintenance item that can damage electronics or appliance motors if left unchecked.

About the Author:

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and  Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Great Ways to Make Coffee While Camping

05 Friday Jan 2018

Posted by in RV Information

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Camping CoffeeEven if you are “roughing it” you can still have a great cup of coffee. There are several ways to make coffee while camping and here are just a few.

Old “Cowboy” Method

  1. Take a regular tin pot and add your water
  2. Set it on the fire to warm the water
  3. Once the water is warm, add your coffee
  4. Put pot back on the fire and bring it to a rolling boil
  5. Remove from fire and let sit for 1-2 minutes
  6. Add in a bit of cold water to allow the grounds to settle in the bottom of the pot
  7. Let sit about 1 minute and enjoy!

Using A Percolator

PercolatorAnother method is the old style manual percolator whether it’s metal or glass.

  1. Add water to the coffee pot to fill it just below the basket
  2. Place the basket and stem in the pot
  3. Add your coffee to the basket
  4. Place the percolator on the fire
  5. Wait until the water boils and then move the pot to the edge of the fire. When the water starts to boil, it rises up the tube and drips over the grounds in a basket.  This keeps the grounds separated and is easier to clean.
  6. Allow the coffee to percolate for 5 to 10 minutes
  7. Remove the pot from the fire and discard the coffee grounds
  8. Enjoy your coffee!

French Press

The French Press is a similar method to the Cowboy although the screened “press” separates the coffee from the water.  Only leave the press on the fire for about 2-3 minutes.

Pour-Over Methods

Pour Over method

There are several types of pour-over methods which all start with boiling the water in a separate vessel and pouring the hot water over grounds that are in a filter either single cup or larger.

Instant

Don’t laugh, one of the most unique cups of coffee I have had was during an outing at a maple syrup farm.  Sap from the trees was brought to the Sugar Shack in buckets and boiled in a huge metal trough to reduce the water.  As the steam rolled off the bubbling liquid, our host poured a small amount of instant coffee in a Styrofoam cup then ladled some of the liquid into it.  I typically drink my coffee straight black, but this sugar water combination was amazing!  May have just been the surroundings?

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 ClubRV 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.

From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors.

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RV Appliance Winter Maintenance | Part 3 – Water Heater

13 Wednesday Dec 2017

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RV Water Heater Winter MaintenanceIn the third part of this multi-part series on RV inspection and maintenance, we will discuss the RV water heater. These articles provide tips on performing annual inspections and simple maintenance only. These pro-active steps should help mitigate unexpected component failures.

P&T valveWhen it comes time to inspect your water heater, it is a good opportunity to check for water leaks around the appliance, as there are several valves and connections that could leak or fail. With the water pump on or city water connected, look for leaks, drips, standing water or stains around the water heater, especially the rear where the connections are. Before winterizing, inspect the P&T valve (shown at the left) for proper operation by ensuring that the lever can be easily lifted with no binding. Check for excessive dripping from the valve, although some intermittent dripping is normal. If the P&T valve drips continuously, have your water heater checked by an RV Repair center.

If your RV has winterization bypass valves installed, ensure they are in the proper orientation for the desired operational mode. For instance, if your unit is winterized, make sure the valves are fully in the “bypass” position. Similarly, for normal operation, ensure the valves are completely rotated to the appropriate orientation. It is common for RV owners to fire up their water heaters, only to have lukewarm or cold water at the taps. This is almost always caused by a failure to fully open/close the bypass valves after winterization.

Inspect the front of the water heater for debris, insects, spider webs, etc. As with other propane appliances, insects like to make a home in the various tubes and orifices of the water heater.

Ignite the gas burner to make sure the heater lights properly and stays lit. If not, you need to have the water heater serviced.

Finally, inspect the drain plug. If you have a water heater with a steel tank, such as a Suburban, the drain plug will be integrated with a sacrificial anode rod. This rod gets attacked by the ions in the water, which prevents them from attacking the steel tank. Remove the anode rod and replace it if it is more than 70% worn. When replacing the anode rod, be sure to use Teflon tape (PTFE) on the threads to help seal them and make the rod easier to remove next season. If you have a water heater with an aluminum tank, such as an Atwood, it will have a simple drain plug. It is extremely important that you do not replace the plastic plug with a metal one. Using a metal plug that is not the same metal or alloy as the tank plug threads can result in a condition known as Galvanic Corrosion. This causes the metal interface, in this case, the threads to corrode, resulting in the plug being extremely difficult to remove. Stick with the plastic plug, and if the wrench flats start to round, purchase a new water heater plug. Camco makes an inexpensive replacement.

About the Author: 

Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.

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Ray M. ~ “We’ve had a service plan with Coach-Net with 2 different RVs and we’re so glad we do.  Twice in less than a month we’ve called with tire issues.  Both times your representative helped us to get back on the road in a short amount of time.  Thank you from two happy campers.”

10 Differences Between Fall Camping and Summer Camping

15 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Kids and Camping, RV Information

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Fall camping vs summer camping

When you go camping, you have likely done so in the summertime. After all, summer is the most popular time to head out on a camping adventure.

That said, this doesn’t necessarily mean summer is the best time to go camping. While there definitely is something to be said for spending time in nature during the warmer parts of the year, there are also plenty of positives offered by autumn camping trips. In fact, we’d even go so far to say that fall camping is just as wonderful as summer camping.

Here are ten of the key differences between the two:

  1. Temperature — Perhaps the most obvious difference between summer and fall camping is the temperature. While summer is hot all day every day, fall brings brisk days and chilly nights that give the outdoors a completely different and almost magical vibe.
  2. Bugs — Many people believe that bugs and camping go hand in hand. However, this doesn’t have to be true. You see, although bugs are pretty unavoidable while camping during the hot months, fall camping includes far fewer of these tiny, pesky creatures.
  3. Food — Summer is a time for burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob. All of these things can be enjoyed during the fall, but it is much more likely that you’ll want to prepare hearty comfort foods such as chili and stew. After all, who doesn’t like a bowl full of something hot to eat on a cool fall evening?camping foods
  4. Activities — Swimming is a key camping activity during the hot summer season. However, this activity isn’t usually on the agenda during autumn camping trips. Instead, campers can enjoy such things as hiking, hayrides, apple picking, and team sports, all without becoming overly hot.
  5. Crowds — As we mentioned earlier, summer is the most popular time to go camping. For this reason, the campground crowds during the summer can get a little out of hand. On the other hand, those who choose to camp during the cooler fall months will see fewer people and thus more peace and quiet.
  6. Prices — In addition to being less crowded, fall camping is also more affordable. Because the demand for sites goes way down after Labor Day, the prices also tend to drop drastically. This means you can get more bang for your buck when camping during autumn.
  7. Daylight — You probably already know that sunset happens earlier during the fall season. This means you have less daylight, but it also means more opportunities for campfires, stargazing, and all the other amazing nighttime activities we all love to take part in while camping.camping evenings
  8. Landscapes — The changing leaves found on almost every tree during fall make for a colorful landscape you can’t help but admire. These are completely different from the landscapes of summer and are often even more beautiful and interesting.
  9. Beverages — When the weather changes, so does the average person’s beverage of choice. After all, ice cold sodas and beers are ideal for hot days, but hot coffee and cocoa tastes delightful on a chilly fall day. This is especially true when the beverages are enjoyed early in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is coolest.
  10. Clothing — As the cooler weather takes the place of hot sunny days, we must change our wardrobes. This means that fall camping comes with some super snuggly outfits you wouldn’t dream of wearing during a summer trip into nature. This makes dressing for a hike much cozier, as hats and gloves are pulled from the bottom of storage boxes.

These are 10 of the major differences between summer camping and fall camping. If you’ve never been fall camping, it might be time to try it for yourself, experience these incredible differences, and see just how amazing the fall season can be.

About the Author:

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.

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Fall Camping Activities for Kids

18 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Kids and Camping

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fall camping activities for kidsAs summer gives way to fall, many people will be winterizing their RVs and putting them away for the colder months. Fortunately, you do not have to be one of those people. Why not keep the RV out for some fall-time camping with the kids? Not only will you get to continue to enjoy the relaxing camping experience, your kids will be thrilled as well.

After making the decision to keep the RV out for fall, you may be wondering what you’re going to do with your little campers during your trips. Obviously, camping during the fall months won’t include swimming, and it may not even include kayaking or canoeing. Fortunately, there are still plenty of other ways to have fun in nature, and many are completely unique to the gorgeous fall season.

Here are three of our favorite autumn camping activities for kids.

#1: Acorn Whistle

acorn whistleWhile acorns can be found on the ground in the summer, they become much more abundant as the weather turns colder. Take advantage of this fact by teaching your young nature explorers how to create a whistle from an acorn cap. Not only is this great fun, it could also be helpful knowledge to have in an emergency situation.

To create your own acorn cap whistle, simply place your thumbs back to back over the opening of the cap. Bend your thumbs to create a small triangle opening at the top of the cap and place your bottom lip on your knuckles while allowing your top lip to jut over the top of your thumbs. Blow gently and listen for a high pitch whistling sound.

This trick does take some practice, but it is totally worth it when you and your kids finally do get the hang of it. Once you have mastered this skill, be sure to experiment with various sizes of acorn caps to see what other pitches you can whistle at.

#2: Leaf Collecting

leaf collectingIf you enjoy hiking, you are probably always looking for a way to entertain the kiddos during your treks through nature. Why not have the young hikers collect pretty fall leaves during your adventures? There are leaves in lots of amazing colors, shapes, and sizes, and collecting them could turn into a fun lesson on how to identify various leaves.

Once you return to your campsite, pull out the paper and crayons and let the kids go to town creating leaf rubbings. These are really fun to make, and can even be framed and used as wall art for your camper.

#3: Flashlight Tag

flashlight tagThe fall season brings earlier sunsets, meaning much more of your camping time will be spent in darkness. However, you don’t have to let this fact put a damper on your fun. Instead, use the darkness to increase your fun by playing a rousing game of flashlight tag.

To play, bring out a bright flashlight and head to an open area that is free of tripping hazards. Give the flashlight to one child who is declared “it”. Everyone else scatters, and the flashlight holder attempts to tag them by catching them in the beam of his or her flashlight.

Another variation of this game is flashlight freeze tag. In this version, the person who is “it” is still trying to capture people in the beam of the flashlight, but when a person is caught he or she must freeze. The object of the game is for “it” to freeze everyone, with the last man standing becoming the new “it”. However, those frozen can become unfrozen by those who are both not “it” and not frozen, making the game infinitely more interesting.

With these simple activity ideas in mind, having fun on your autumn camping trips will be a cinch.

Have an idea you’d like to add? Let us know in the comments below.

About the Author:

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.

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Tips For A Better Driving Experience-Part 4

12 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by in RV Safety, Tech Tips

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RV Driving TipsIn previous blogs, we discussed preparation, weight ratings, proper tire inflation, and maintenance. In Part 3, we started to discuss issues on the road.  We learned that 65 mph was the optimum speed not only for fuel economy but also for adjusting to merging traffic and other situations.  In this final segment, we will discuss some very valuable safety tips.

Following Distance

The American Safety Council recommends a 2-second following distance, however, that is a recommendation for a typical passenger car with a stopping distance of 200 feet at 65 mph and does not include reaction time.  An RV, even with supplemental brakes will require a greater stopping distance so it’s a good rule of thumb to give yourself a 3-4 second following distance to create a “safe space”.  The problem you will find is that aggressive drivers will “shoot in” to your safe space and create bottlenecks.  If you maintain a 65 mph speed and encounter an aggressive driver, simply back off 2 mph and they will be gone in less than one minute.

Identify Safe Driving Pockets

RV safety pocketOne thing I keep telling new RV drivers is; “Remember you are recreating”!  Usually, you do not have to be at a certain destination at an exact time, so you have the luxury to relax, drive slower, and even stop if traffic or weather is an issue.  While driving down the highway, you should be able to identify the congested pockets of vehicles that are trying to pass the semi trucks and slow moving cars either on the right or left.  Stay away from this mess, drop your speed down and find a Safe Pocket away from the confusion.  As we discussed in the last blog, knowing your limitations in acceleration and stopping is important.  If you are trying to pass a tractor trailer or car, coming up to a hill might mean you start to lose speed and can not pass but more important, get stuck in the left lane!

Scan

As stated before, it’s easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble once you are in it!  Constantly scan the road, look for signs of trouble or congestion, brake lights coming ¼ mile ahead and especially construction signs.  By observing the warning signs early, you can adjust your speed and even change lanes for construction well before it becomes an issue and potential hazard.

Have your driving partner watch for information signs, exits, eating places, billboards, etc.  You need to keep your eyes on the road and what’s happening in front of you!

Weather Hazards

Traveling in extreme weather conditions are much more dangerous for RVers as you are either pulling a trailer that adds weight in not only your traction but stopping ability, or driving a motorhome that is much more affected by the wind and has the same stopping issues.  It’s like driving down the road with a billboard sometimes.

RV windshield wipers

  • Rain

The first issue is visibility and how well your windshield wipers work.  For most motorhome owners, it’s marginal at best.  Make sure you inspect your wipers for the best rubber meeting the glass and clean/maintain them throughout the year.  And again, know your limitations!  Give yourself more time to brake, limit your speed for hydroplaning, and make sure you have checked your tire tread and pressure for the best rubber meeting the road.

  • Wind 

Be prepared for underpasses, groves of trees, and trucks passing.  Have a good grip on the wheel and stay focused.  There are several aftermarket products such as sway bars for trailers and steering enhancement products for motorhomes that are well worth the money if you spend much time on the road.  Sometimes it’s just easier to pull over and relax until the weather conditions become more stable.

Mountain Driving

Go down the mountain in the same gear you went up the mountain!  As you are going up a steep grade, the tow vehicle or motorhome transmission will automatically shift to keep your RPMs higher and handle the grade.  Once you get over the hill, coming down the unit will gain speed and shift up which puts more stress on the braking system as you get to the bottom.  Manually downshift to use the transmission for resistance and stopping ability rather than waiting until the bottom to realize your brakes might not be sufficient for your speed!

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 ClubRV 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.

From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors. 

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