Tag Archives: RV Camping

Winter RVing in New Mexico: Discover the Outdoors in a Wonderland of Enchantment

08 Wednesday Dec 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

What are your RV plans this winter?  If you haven’t already committed to winterizing your rig and are open to winter travel, then you and your traveling crew might be interested in venturing to the Land of Enchantment. While quite brutal in the summer months, New Mexico turns into a Winter Wonderland of sorts, offering a…

  • Wellness retreat basking in tranquil desert scenery immersed in a soothing hot spring.
  • Family adventure in the snow.
  • Quiet getaway of fishing with the gang.
  • Different kind of sledding experience.

Whatever your winter escape, you just might find it in the Wonderland of Enchantment.

Soak in Hot Springs in Jemez Springs

Imagine soaking in this hot spring surrounded by desert beauty. Source

New Mexico is a haven for hot springs as this region of the nation experiences a good deal of geothermal activity. Jemez Springs, located just an hour from Albuquerque and 1.5 hours from Santa Fe, offers primitive and developed hot springs. 

RVers wanting some much-needed rest and relaxation in these hot springs can choose from a number of RV campgrounds and resorts around the area and then spend days hot spring hopping.

Some hot springs around Jemez Springs can be accessed in their natural state along hiking trails. Others are a part of luxurious resorts. The following is a sample of commercial and natural hot spring locations in and around the town.

Resorts/Spas:

Primitive:

Safety Note: Always stick to known and used hot springs as water temperatures in natural hot springs can reach dangerous levels. It is a good idea to contact the forest service or any agency with jurisdiction over these and other hot springs for up-to-date safety information.

Go Birdwatching at Bosque del Apache

Mid-November thru mid-February is peak traffic at the refuge and peak season for wildlife viewers and photographers. Source

Many RVer’s love wildlife viewing, especially when it comes to birdwatching and photography.  Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a bird photographer’s playground, particularly in the fall and winter, when the area offers the highest bird numbers.

The refuge straddles the Rio Grande valley in Socorro County and is home to almost 350 species of birds. In the winter, bird watchers will spot Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, dabbler ducks, Black-throated and Sage Sparrows, Bald Eagles, and Ferruginous Hawks.

RV and wildlife enthusiasts can get their fill of birdwatching every day. There is a nearby RV park aptly named Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park.

Snowshoe in Taos

Winter hiking is more like snowshoeing in these parts of New Mexico. Source

If you aren’t an experienced skier or would like a slower-paced journey into a winter wonderland, perhaps snowshoeing is more your speed. Taos Ski Valley is a perfect location for RVers wanting to experience a unique and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and winter camping. 

An overnight parking area is sectioned off for RVers and provides a short walk to the lifts. Folks can either bring their own equipment or rent shoes and poles from the venue. Plus, visitors can access a list of on-location trails based on their skill level, from novice to expert.

Ice Fish at Eagle Nest Lake

Try alpine lake fishing at Eagle Nest Lake. Source

Aside from camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers visitors ice fishing through the winter.   Eagle Nest Lake is at an elevation of 8,300 feet situated amongst New Mexico’s highest mountain, Wheeler Peak.

The alpine lake is stocked with trout, salmon, perch, and pike. A fishing license is required, and it’s advised to check in with the Department of Game and Fish beforehand to make sure the lake is fully-frozen and thick enough.

Sled down a Snowy-like Slope

From a distance, it looks like real snow. Source

Perhaps the most unique-to-New Mexico winter activity is something folks around these parts enjoy year-round, sledding. Only, instead of snow, the powdery white gypsum of the White Sands National Park helps propel sledders down the gentle slopes. Visitors can be found gliding down or trekking back up the dunes along the loop portion of Dunes Drive using plastic snow saucers. With the bundled-up families playing in the close to freezing temperatures, it can easily be mistaken for a snowy day somewhere up north.

White Sands National Park is open daily year-round, save Christmas Day. Winter hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM. While RV camping and other lodging options are not permitted in the national park, there are many options nearby in Alamogordo and Las Cruces, making for a relatively short commute.

Roadside Assistance in New Mexico, No Matter What You’re Driving

While you consider your options for your winter in New Mexico, consider your current roadside assistance program. At Coach-Net, we’re committed to improving your RV experience by being your connection to carefree RVing. Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance is a service program specializing in the unique needs of RVers at an affordable price.

But Coach-Net doesn’t stop coverage with RVs. Many of their programs include all personal vehicles you own, rent, borrow or lease. So no matter if it’s a motorcycle or a motorhome, they’ve got you covered!

Their baseline 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance program comes in handy for those unexpected moments should you:

  • Have a roadside breakdown,
  • Need assistance with a flat tire,
  • Run out of fuel,
  • Lock your keys in your vehicle,
  • Or any other type of disablement.

When you need help, they are a phone call away. So join now and get expert assistance anytime you need it!

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

RV Protect

Thomajan C. ~ “We are incredibly grateful to Coach-Net for helping us. Should an event like this ever happen to us again, Coach-Net will be our first call.”

What to Do with Your RV in Winter

01 Wednesday Dec 2021

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

The cold weather is here and winter itself is just around the corner. If you haven’t already, now is the time to figure out what to do with your RV this winter.

Many people believe there is really only one option when it comes to RVs and wintertime, but that isn’t actually the case. Yes, the most common option of storing the rig is one choice, and it’s a fine choice for many. That said, there are a few other options out there, and there might be a better one for you.

Of course, in order to know whether there’s a better option for you and your RV this winter, you need to know what those options are. That’s what this article is for!

Below we’ve outlined the top five ways RV owners handle their rigs in the winter months, as well as some tips for each option. Read on to learn more.

Store Your RV

As mentioned above, the first and most obvious option is to store your RV for winter. This is a great option if you’re happy with your current RV setup, plan to RV next summer, and/or have access to a place to store the rig. That said, there is some work involved, and for some, storing for the winter can be a relatively large financial investment.

Here’s what you need to know about storing your RV for the winter:

  • You will need to winterize your RV. This involves emptying the rig of all water and running RV through the water lines. Learn more about winterization here.
  • Storage options include storing on your land, a friend’s land, or paying for an indoor or outdoor storage spot. There are pros and cons to each and all should be considered.
  • If storing outdoors, we recommend using an RV cover or even building an RV shelter if possible.

Take Your Rig South

The next option is to take your rig down south to keep on camping and avoid the cold weather altogether. Obviously, this is really only an option if you are retired or able to work remotely. That said, if you are in a position to move south for the winter, it can be an awesome option, especially if you aren’t a fan of cold weather.

Here’s what you need to know about taking your RV south for winter:

  • The best warm weather winter destinations are Florida, south Texas, Arizona, and southern California.
  • RV sites in these places tend to fill up quickly. Grab your site(s) as soon as possible.
  • If you prefer boondocking, we recommend heading to Arizona or southern California where there are tons of amazing boondocking options.
  • Even the warmest destinations can be cold occasionally. Be prepared for some chilly weather no matter where you go.

Rent Your Motorhome or Trailer in the South

Want to avoid winterization and storage but can’t head south yourself? Why not send your RV south without you? That’s right, some RV owners choose to send their RVs to RV rental companies in the south to be rented out on consignment. This allows you to make a few bucks off of your rig rather than paying to store it, but it does require that you’re comfortable with sending your RV out with other campers.

Here’s what you need to know about sending your RV south to be rented:

  • You will want to find a reputable rental company to rent your RV out. Be sure to go over all details carefully, and don’t leave without a signed contract.
  • Remove all personal items and valuables from your rig. If you aren’t okay with losing it forever, it shouldn’t be in your RV when it’s rented out.
  • When considering this option, think about the cost and time involved in transporting the RV to and from its final destination. Also, factor in the wear and tear that the RV will accumulate when being rented.

Embrace the Winter Weather and Go Camping

Cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t camp at all, it just means you’ll have to be more prepared than you’d usually be. If you love camping and don’t want to stop for the winter, then don’t! Instead, make the proper preparations and get out there and enjoy the RV life.

Here’s what you need to know about camping in winter weather:

  • Depending on how cold your area gets, you might want to winterize the water system and camp without running water for the coldest months.
  • Make sure you always have full propane tanks when you head out.
  • Using space heaters (when you have access to electricity) can save on propane and help reduce condensation in the RV.
  • DampRid will also help reduce damaging condensation.
  • A work light placed under your rig can help keep tanks from freezing.
  • More winter camping tips can be found here.

As you can see, there are a few good options when it comes to dealing with your RV in the winter. Which option will you choose?

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.

RV Protect



Mikhail P. ~ “Unbelievable service… First-time caller and what a great impression I got. We’re new RV’ers and I am so comforted by your presence and commitment to customer service.”

The RV Event Bucket List: Festivals and Events Worth Traveling to in your RV

01 Wednesday Dec 2021

Posted by in RV Information, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

There are so many places to explore while you’re RVing.  As an RVer, the open road is your oyster, and you and your traveling crew can explore as much as you want, whatever you want, at your leisure.  And while the list of must-experience sites is endless, there are some key RV Event Bucket List items worth traveling to in your RV, like the ones listed below.

Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show

Image Source

Known as the “The Largest Gathering of RVers in the World,” the Quartzsite Sports,  Vacation, and RV Show draws as many as one million folks every year in January.  For the past 40 years, this otherwise sleepy town has offered vendors space for rock, gem, and mineral shows, flea markets, and the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show.

The Quartzsite Big Tent is particularly of interest to hundreds of thousands of RVers, full-time and part-time. Hundreds of vendors gather under this behemoth to sell all sorts of outdoor and RV-related products and services, ranging from the latest gadgets to repairs and upgrades. It’s an RV shopper’s dream come true!

In addition to the shopping opportunities, folks opt to dry camp around the event for days and participate in all sorts of social gatherings and workshops geared towards RV living. It’s definitely a mecca for RV enthusiasts.

Quartzsite is located just 20 miles east of the California border on Interstate 10.  Show dates for the next few years are listed below:

  • January 22nd-30th, 2022
  • January 21st-29th, 2023
  • January 20th-28th, 2024
  • January 18th-26th, 2025

NASCAR Camping

Image Source

“Seasoner” fans will delight in the opportunity to see NASCAR events up close!  Many NASCAR race car events offer camping options for RVers.  Depending on the venue, folks can choose among multiple camping areas across the facility, including full hookup sites, grassy areas for dry camping, and camping right in the middle of the racetrack interior field! RVers can also opt for season passes as part of their camping package.

Races take place all over the U.S. between February and November, but the largest and most popular events include the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Cook Out Southern 500, and Indy 500, to name a few.

Burning Man

Image Source

“Whether it’s a dream of artistic expression, a yearning to connect with others in a fractured society, or simply a desire to live a more meaningful and authentic life, Burning Man is the place where dreams can and do come true.”

-burningman.org

Burning Man is a multi-day celebration that occurs in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada around Labor Day. The event focuses on the spirit of community and creativity in the form of art, self-expression, and self-reliance. The event is unlike any on the planet, and to truly understand the concept of Burning Man, you simply have to go and experience it for yourself. To an outsider, it can be summed up as a culmination of psychedelic costumes, out-of-this-world art installations, a variety of performances, and of course, lots of partying.

Tickets to the event start at around $500. Folks are encouraged to bring a hefty supply of water and food in their rigs. It is a complete boondocking experience in the desert, so be prepared for extreme heat and the possibility of dust storms.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Image Source

The Land of Enchantment truly lives up to its name every year at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This unique event is said to be the world’s most photographed event and the largest hot air ballooning event.

Nearly 750,000 visitors, many RVers, attend the Albuquerque, New Mexico event that happens for nine days during the first full week of October. Spectators gather to witness hundreds of special shaped balloons glow at night and almost simultaneously ascend in the early morning. It’s quite a magical (or, more appropriately, “enchanting”) sight to behold.

In addition to the awe-inspiring balloon shows, folks can see the balloons up close and meet the flight crew as attendees are allowed to walk around the launch field. Opportunities to assist the flight crews with set-up and experience a private hot air balloon ride are also available.

The 9-day event itinerary is packed with concerts, a chance to shop a variety of vendors, social gatherings, and a wide variety of activities for all ages. RV camping can be reserved on-site at the event or at nearby campgrounds. The event also offers bus transportation to and from the festival.

This coming year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is slated for October 1-9, 2022.

Travel To These and More RV Event Bucket List Locations with Peace Of Mind

Whether you are RVing in the deserts of Nevada or New Mexico or in the middle of a NASCAR race track, it’s essential to be equipped with 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance when you’re on the road away from home. That’s a promise that Coach-Net can offer for RVers. They can also promise other valuable benefits such as Concierge Services, Global Emergency Travel Services, Tire Discounts, Camping Discounts, and so much more.

“If you own an RV, you owe it to yourself to have the protection you need when you need it most.”

-coach-net.com

If you haven’t already, give Coach-Net a call or join now and breathe easier knowing that Coach-Net has you and your family covered!

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

RV Protect

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

Tips for a Successful National Park Day Trip

24 Wednesday Nov 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Some of the greatest places to go in an RV are our country’s national parks. These places are absolutely beautiful and are filled with amazing sights, sounds, and smells, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn.

In some cases, it is possible to camp right inside the parks. Other times, you might have to find boondocking or a campground outside the gates. Either way, you’re definitely going to want to leave the campsite to explore the amazing things around you each day. Before you do though, there are some steps you’ll want to take and things you’ll want to know in order to ensure a successful day in the park.

Here are our top tips for visiting national parks during your RV adventures.

Make Reservations

First, it is important to note that due to the pandemic and the significant rise in park attendance in many places, some national parks have started requiring reservations in order to enter. Before you plan a trip to any park, check to see if a reservation is required during the time you plan to visit, and if it is, snag one as soon as you possibly can.

Check the Weather

For the most part, your national parks adventures will likely take place in the great outdoors. This means you will want to know what to expect from the weather and arrive well prepared. Keep in mind that many national parks see extreme weather and temperatures, and the temperature can fluctuate wildly throughout the day (sometimes based simply on where you are in the park), making layers of clothing necessary.

Look at the Park Website

Always check the park website before you visit. The site will give you information on road closures, current restrictions, hours of operation, and much more. Knowing these things before you go could potentially save your whole day.

Pack Food and Water

Most national parks are huge. While some do have restaurants on-site, these are few and far between. For this reason, we highly recommend packing plenty of snacks and even a picnic meal for your day of exploring.

Additionally, be sure to pack enough water. A gallon a day per person is the standard recommendation, but you may need more or less depending on your activity level and the weather.

We recommend one of these to hold water as you hike.

Fill Up Your Gas Tank

As mentioned above, national parks can be huge. As is the case with restaurants, some parks have gas stations, but even in those parks, the stations are pretty scarce. For this reason, it is imperative that you fill up your gas tank before heading into the park. You might be surprised by just how much driving you end up doing!

Start at a Visitor Center

We highly recommend beginning any visit to a national park at the visitor center. This will allow you to get oriented, and in some cases, there will be a video about the park to give you a better understanding of what it is. Rangers will be available to help you pick things to see and places to hike. Additionally, you’ll be able to get a schedule of programs and pick up Junior Ranger books for the kids.

Take Advantage of Programs

Speaking of ranger programs and Junior Rangers, we also recommend that you make a point of checking out what all the park has to offer in terms of programs. Kids love the Junior Ranger program; those with dogs will like the BARK Ranger program; the talks, hikes, and presentations offered by rangers are always fantastic; and all of that is only a small sample of what you might find at any given park.

Never Approach or Feed Animals

You will probably see lots of signs throughout the park reminding you not to feed or approach animals. Take this seriously. The animals in national parks are wild, meaning they are unpredictable. On top of that, feeding them can actually make them very sick. Finally, animals that become unafraid of people pose a threat and will often be put down. This is definitely not something anyone wants to see.

Arrive Early and Stay Late

Sunrises, sunsets, and night skies in the national parks are often absolutely incredible. During your visit to a park, try to arrive early enough to catch a sunrise one day, and stay late enough to do some stargazing on another.

Don’t Count on Cell Reception

Finally, it is important to be aware that cell reception is non-existent in the vast majority of national parks. If you’ll be camping in the park, don’t plan on getting any work done while there. You’ll also want to avoid using a GPS that requires any cell signal. Instead, download directions before you arrive.

Use these tips to plan your national park day trip and you’ll be all set to have an amazing time!

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.

RV Protect

Lawrence K. ~ “First time using this service and it was worth every penny, thank you!”

Propane Saving Tips For Colder Weather RVing

03 Wednesday Nov 2021

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

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

As the colder end of fall approaches and winter starts arriving, an RV can be a very cozy camping option. However, keeping one warm can go through quite a bit of propane. So why does an RV propane heater use so much propane, and how can one make propane last as long as possible during their short-term or long-term winter RVing trips? Follow these propane-saving tips below to help you stay toasty in your rig and go easier on your wallet this winter.

How an RV Propane Furnace Works

Your RV’s propane furnace is a pretty simple device. Propane is burned to heat air which is forced through the ductwork of the floor by an electric fan. Openly burning propane in an enclosed space without ventilation is generally quite deadly due to carbon monoxide gas. For this reason, the propane in an RV furnace burns in a tube and heating element that vents directly outside your RV. The air in your RV is blown over the heating element to heat it.

This necessary ventilation carries as much as 30%-50% of the heat generated by burning propane and blows it outside. That means you need to burn up to twice as much fuel to get the same amount of BTUs worth of heat inside your rig as you would if you were just burning propane inside.

This may sound like a design flaw, but ventilation is necessary for the warm, dry, and safe air being blown throughout your RV. Even though you should have your propane system and furnace inspected periodically, there is no way to modify this efficiency. The best ways to save on propane involve keeping the heat in your RV as long as possible or using other safe methods to heat your rig.

1. Close Your Gaps

Check around slides, windows, doors, and any other potential gaps and close them off. You may find that some gaps need repairing, while other areas may just require you to add a bit of insulating material. For example, my motorhome gets cold drafts from the air vents. In cold weather, I stop this draft by placing a cloth in the air filter intake of the engine. The trick is remembering to remove the cloth before starting the engine up.

One way to find gaps is to go around with a temperature gun in your RV and look for cold areas. If a particular area is colder than the rest of the rig, there is a reason. Sometimes it’s because cold air is seeping in, which means warm air is escaping too.

2. Insulate

A well-insulated RV will hold heat longer which will reduce the time your furnace has to run. Many of the same tricks people use in the summer to help keep their RV cool will also help in the winter. For example, placing those square insulating pillows in the roof vents can help a lot, considering warm air rises and vents are a significant source of heat loss.

In addition to vents, windows could always use a little extra insulation. There are several ways to do this but many use Reflectix material on the windows, just like in the summertime. To prevent condensation from forming behind it, we like to put our insulation on the outside of the windows.

Reflectix is bubble wrap with foil on either side. It is pretty inexpensive and can be cut to size.

In addition to window insulation and roof vent insulation, adding heavy curtains and carpets to your RV can help retain heat. The bottom line is the longer the heat stays in your RV, the less your furnace must run, which saves you on propane.

3. Use Supplemental Heating

If your RV air conditioner has a heat pump setting, you can use that electrical heat source to save a lot of propane. There’s a catch, though. Typically RV heat pumps don’t work well once outside temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

Another option is to use a portable electric heater to help take the chill out of the air. It’s not recommended to use one if you are not actively able to keep an eye on your rig, though typical portable heaters have a few safety concerns to consider.

  • They take 1,500 watts of power to run, so a 30 amp RV shouldn’t run more than one on high.
  • They should have three feet of clearance around them.
  • It’s not recommended to run them while sleeping.
  • Relying solely on portable heaters and not running your furnace when it is below freezing can prevent warm air from reaching your pipes in some models, which puts your plumbing at risk of freezing.

Using a heating blanket with temperature settings while sleeping can help you keep the temperature much lower while remaining cozy. They also make heated fitted sheets, so the warmth comes from the mattress itself.

4. Layer up Inside

Keeping the thermostat in your RV as low as comfortably possible will cut down on the time your furnace must kick on each day. That being said, if you bundle up while inside your RV, you can probably stand to keep it colder. This doesn’t mean you have to suffer while winter RVing. Thick PJs, comfortable sweaters, and thick wool socks or slippers are all acceptable RV wear.

A propane-saving trick for comfort is only to kick up the heat when you need it. For example, if you keep the thermostat at 65 degrees all day and bundle up, you are going to eat up all that propane savings by kicking it up to 75 for fifteen minutes while you take a shower. So you can get out, dry off and get back into some cozy clothes before dropping the temp back down.

Propane Saving Tips in a Nutshell

Propane saving tips aren’t all that complicated. Before heading out on your winter, RVing adventures just make sure you don’t have any gaps that let the cold air in, insulate your vents, windows, and floors, and keep the thermostat as low as you can comfortably stand it. Additionally, use supplemental heating sources like heat blankets and safely use space heaters to assist your RV furnace.

Do you know what else isn’t complicated? Feeling safe in your winter travels because you have Coach-Net’s 30+ years of experience providing roadside assistance and peace of mind to its members and RV technical assistance just a phone call away. So don’t forget to join or renew your membership before hitting the road today.

About The Author: Levi Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

RV Protect

Stuart O. ~ “All aspects of the issue were handled very well. I felt like Coach-Net really understood the urgency of our situation and handled it appropriately.”

Fall For These Majestic Waterfalls In Tennessee On Your Next Road Trip

26 Tuesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Travel Destinations

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music.”

― Roland R Kemler

With over 500 waterfalls, many located in the eastern part of the state, Tennessee is a perfect place for RVers to camp near and scout out these natural wonders. So the next time your RV travels take you through the land of country music, barbecue, whiskey, and more, be sure to step away from the bustling cities.  Instead, stay awhile at these parks and explore some of the state’s most amazing majestic waterfalls.

Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Located between Spencer and Pikeville, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a paradise of more than 20,000 acres featuring cascades, gorges, waterfalls, and streams. One of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States at 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls is the namesake of the state park and its most famous waterfall. Visitors can access this sheer-drop waterfall and other waterfalls like Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades utilizing the park’s almost 50 miles of hiking trails. 

RVers wanting to stay a while and explore more of Fall Creek Falls State Park’s hidden treasures have five separate camping areas to choose from within the park. Other fun activities include rock climbing, a treetop agility course known as the Canopy Challenge Course, boating, interpretive programs, biking, fishing, swimming, birding, and golf.

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls

The vacation destination Lookout Mountain, just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, has a few gems to experience above and below the surface. Ruby Falls is a 145-foot high waterfall located 1,120 feet beneath the mountain. Soon after the accidental discovery of the falls in the 1930s, the cavern became a tourist destination. Today, folks from all over the world flock to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.

The tour of Ruby Falls lasts about an hour. It takes ticket-holders 260 feet down in a glass-front elevator to the cavern trail that winds around unique cave formations leading up to the thundering falls. The cavern stays a consistent 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year so bring a sweater if that sounds chilly.

While RV parking is available, it is limited, and the drive up the mountain is rather steep. However, there are RV parks located in and around Chattanooga.

Burgess Falls

Burgess Falls State Park

Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, Tennessee, is a day-use park known for its many outdoor activities (like hiking, fishing, and bird watching) set to the backdrop of dense forests, rocky cliffs, and the Falling Water River. Now a designated Tennessee State Natural Area, the river and surrounding land served various purposes through the ages, including hunting grounds for Native Americans and a hydroelectric power source for nearby Cookeville.

Perhaps the most sought-after features of the park are its four waterfalls. The River Trail on the Service Loop Road leads to the top of the waterfalls cascading down from over 250 feet into a large pool, the most spectacular one being the Burgess Falls. This waterfall plunges more than 130 feet into the gorge.

Foster Falls

South Cumberland State Park

Day-use visitors and overnight campers can get up close and personal to the Foster Falls in South Cumberland State Park. Beginning at the Foster Falls Visitor Center in Sequatchie, Tennessee, a moderately challenging hike leads to the waterfall that drops from 60 feet into a gorge. The refreshing water is perfect for swimming year-round, save winter. 

South Cumberland State Park offers all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, hunting, cave tours, rock climbing, fishing, interpretive programs and events, wildlife viewing, and primitive tent and RV camping.

Cummins Falls

Cummins Falls State Park

Another popular swimming hole is in Cummins Falls State Park. This day-use park can be found nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River.

The Cummins Falls drops down from a height of 75 feet. The first portion of the falls plunges 50 feet into a shallow pool, and the second portion cascades 25 feet into a larger, deeper pool.  Any visitor wanting  to enter the gorge or visit the base of the waterfall must now obtain a permit from the park.

A Word of Caution Regarding Waterfalls

Not to strip away the fun of waterfalls, but venturing to one of these natural beauties comes with a word of caution. Trauma surgeon Jonas Karlsson, MD, offers advice based on his experiences treating patients with fatal or nearly fatal injuries around waterfalls.

1. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

2. Stay on developed trails. Do not stray from observation decks and platforms.

3. Pay attention to warning signs and rules posted near waterfalls.

4. Never climb on or around waterfalls.

5. Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools.

6. Supervise children and pets carefully.

7. Never play in the stream or river above a waterfall, or try to take photos at the top of a waterfall.

-Gathered from Waterfall Safety

Waterfalls Aren’t the Only Thing You Can Fall For…

Fall for the protection, security, and peace of mind that Coach-Net’s Premier Motorized Plan brings to RVers everywhere. You can rest easy knowing that Coach-Net has you covered with its 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance, Concierge Services, Global Emergency Travel Services, Tire Discounts, Camping Discounts, and so much more. When you sign up for our roadside assistance program before you set off, you’ll have the help you need whenever you need it. So get Coach-Net and get on with your Tennessee waterfall adventures!

About The Author: Natalie Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

RV Protect

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

Boondocking Power Options

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Tech Tips

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Boondocking is a great way to save money while traveling. It can be fun and make your trip feel more like camping when you stay in a disbursed camping area for several days without the creature comforts of an RV park. Unfortunately, that means doing without a power hookup as well. There are several boondocking power options available to RVers. The trick is choosing the one(s) that fit your power needs and budget.

Gas/Propane Generator

Probably the most widely used power option for RVers is a gas or propane-powered generator. Motorhomes and Class Cs come with them built into the RV, and there are plenty of ways they can be carried with you or mounted on the back of fifth wheels and travel trailers.

Simply put, a fossil-fuel-powered generator, whether the fuel is gasoline, diesel, or propane, works by burning a fuel to spin a magnetic AC generator. This is similar to how the alternator in your car works.

Traditional Generator

A traditional generator sends the AC it generates directly to the outlets. The power may go through a voltage regulator of some kind, but you are generating AC power and using it for the most part. Unfortunately, some generators produce rather dirty power this way. What do I mean by dirty power?

AC power is called alternating current. Instead of flowing in one direction like direct current (DC), it alternates back and forth. Think of it like generating heat by rubbing your hands back and forth. When power comes out of your wall at home, it smoothly flows back and forth at the same rate, or frequency, all of the time. On a graph, this looks like a nice smooth sine wave.

Because a generator must rev up and down to maintain a constant voltage, it may not look as smooth. It might look jittery. This is called harmonic distortion. Traditional generators can have a lot of it. That doesn’t make them bad. Many modern generators have safeties built-in. If you need raw power to fire up your RV air conditioner several hours a day while boondocking, you will need a powerful generator to run it.

Pros

  • Many price points and sizes to choose from
  • Easy to keep running by adding more fuel

Cons

  • Depending on the size, they are quite heavy.
  • Trailer owners may have to get a mount built for it.
  • Cheaper ones tend to produce dirtier power, which isn’t necessarily good for electronics like computers.

Inverter Generator

Inverter generators are quieter than traditional gas-powered generators. They work by adding a few steps to the process of getting power. Power is produced the same way as a traditional generator and then sent through a rectifier to convert the AC power to DC. An onboard computer chip sends the power through an inverter (hence the name) to clean up the power and turn it back into AC.

Pros

  • They are smaller and lighter than most traditional generators.
  • They tend to be quieter.
  • They produce power with less distortion, which is better for electronics.

Cons

  • They are typically more expensive when you compare total power output.
  • They don’t typically produce as much power, so without additions like a SoftStartRV, they may not run a larger air conditioner that well.

Solar Power

Solar power is an excellent addition to any RVer’s boondocking power solution. As you probably already know, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity to charge your RV batteries. But there are a lot of other parts that go into making a solar system work too, and finding the right setup for you and your needs can be confusing and costly.

Fortunately, there are many articles and calculators online that can help you determine what size of solar system you need.

Many who install solar on their rig also opt for lithium batteries because they work very well with solar, require little to no maintenance, and can be placed anywhere because they don’t have to be vented like lead-acid batteries.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Low Maintenance
  • Free Power
  • Silent
  • Always charging your batteries when the sun is out

Cons

  • They can be costly.
  • Unless you have a very expensive and hefty system, you aren’t going to be running your air conditioner with solar.
  • Many RVers will have to get the system wired up if their rig isn’t prewired (not plug and play).
  • They aren’t very useful when you aren’t using your RV.

Portable Solar Generator System

A portable solar generator system combines a new addition to the power market, portable power stations, and solar panels. Though they haven’t quite gotten there yet, they aim to replace gas-powered generators eventually.

What is a portable power station?

Several companies like Jackery, Goal Zero, Bluetti, and Ecoflow produce portable power stations, and they all come in different sizes. They are all the same type of device, though. A lithium battery pack, an inverter, and a solar charge controller are all wrapped in a portable box with various output plugs. The power station can usually be charged three ways, a wall outlet or gas generator, a carport, and solar panels.

Using solar panels with a portable power station makes it a solar generator, especially if the power station supports pass-through charging (you can use it while it’s charging up). Some larger power stations can run just about everything on an RV, including a 1000W microwave.

Why get a portable solar generator over installing solar on an RV?

Using this type of system for solar power has a few advantages over installing a solar system on your RV. They are typically cheaper when you consider they have every component needed for solar charging, and you don’t have to pay to get them installed on your RV. They are also portable so that you can use them for power around your campsite or in your home as an emergency backup power source.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Low Maintenance
  • Free Power
  • Almost Silent
  • Portable Power
  • Useful when not RVing
  • May be less expensive than installing a solar system on your RV

Cons

  • Some of the larger units will run an RV air conditioner, but probably not for long periods.
  • Though they are technically a generator, it still takes time to charge them up with the sun.
  • The solar panels made for many of these units are portable and less durable than roof-mounted solar panels.
  • They require a bit more daily setup than a built-in RV solar system (power station and solar panels must be taken outside and set up to charge).

Which Power Option Should I Get?

There is no best option for every RVer out there. I can speak from personal experience and say that my motorhome has a generator built-in, but I also have a Jackery Explorer 1500 Solar Generator setup. When I need to run my air conditioner while boondocking, I use the generator and charge up the Explorer 1500 while it’s running. I charge the Explorer 1500 up with solar and run almost everything else like laptops, a microwave, TV, fan, etc. when I don’t need to run the AC.

If you only boondock a few times a year, you probably only need one power option. In contrast, those who spend much of their RV time without hookups will probably want the benefits of having a gas-powered generator and a solar option to cover all of their needs. It’s always better to have more options than you need in an emergency.

About The Author: Levi Henley

Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time.  They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats.  They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com 

RV Protect

Laura H. ~ “We got the help we needed on a holiday to get us where we needed to go. Not sure we could have received this service from a regular auto club. Thank you Coach-Net.”

House Batteries-Storage, Maintenance, and New Technology

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Tech Tips

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

We have written several articles about deep cycle batteries commonly called house batteries and produced numerous videos over the years so you might be saying, “Ok, we get it already!” However, in the last couple of years, there have been several new battery companies that came into the market, new technology with not only the standard lead-acid and AGM but also Lithium-Ion models as well.

Buying a Good Battery

When I first started in the industry in 1983 at Winnebago we used Goodyear Die Hard batteries and the warranty was through Sears stores across the nation. Back then there were thousands of stores, today I think the last one finally closed somewhere in the Midwest. The battery was good, the issue was for a warranty on the battery you had to take it out of your rig and bring it into a store! A lot has changed since then and there have been dozens of battery manufacturers that have come and gone and the old saying; “You get what you pay for” is still true today.

Batteries simply store energy that is used by the RV and replaced by a refilling or charging system. An acid solution reacts with the lead plates They all have lead plates in cells with acid covering them. The difference comes in the materials used inside the cells. Materials such as thicker positive plates, superior paste, better and fewer welds, and superior plate holders. Less expensive batteries that are offered by discount stores just do not last.

Typically Marine batteries are a hybrid with thinner cells and if they are rated with Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) or Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) they are designed for starting and may not be a true deep cycle design.

Lead Acid Gets A Bad Wrap

Even the good lead acid batteries can go bad prematurely if they are not properly maintained. As the energy is drained and recharged, sulfur coats the plates and needs to be removed during the first stage of recharging. A typical RV converter simply comes on at 13.6 volts until the battery is charged to 12.6 volts and then stays at 13.2 volts at which rate a fully charged battery will not accept a charge. To break up sulphation in a lead-acid battery, the initial charge commonly referred to as “bulk” charge needs to be approximately 14.6 volts. This would require a multi-stage charger such as the Progressive Dynamics “Charge Wizard” technology, a solar panel system with a charge controller, or an aftermarket product such as Battery Minder. Improper charging causes the sulfur level to get thicker and reduces storage capacity. Batteries look like they are fully charged at 12.6 volts but deplete fast due to sulphation.

Another issue with lead-acid is gassing and liquid depletion. As the battery is being recharged it create gassing which is hydrogen and oxygen and the liquid depletes. Therefore it is important to inspect the fluid level periodically and add distilled or deionized water to cover the plates. Low fluid levels expose the plates and cause them to deteriorate prematurely.

Absorbed Glass Mat-AGM

At my seminars, I’ve talked with many RVers that got fed up with their lead-acid batteries and went to AGM batteries because they provide more power and are less maintenance. This is half right, there is less maintenance as they are sealed and do not have gas, and are less prone to sulfation. They do not provide more power initially however, as they are less prone to sulfation, they provide the rated power over the years as the sulfated lead acids will start to underperform as discussed earlier.

Storage

All batteries will lose a charge during long periods of inactivity such as storage. Batteries should be recharged when they show under 70% capacity. And they need to be kept from freezing. If you do not have access to 120-volt power to charge or a solar panel, it is recommended to remove the batteries and maintain them store them properly.

Another option is using a solar panel with charge controller or Battery Minder which not only keeps the battery from freezing and properly maintained. This is good for lead acid, gel, and AGM. Not for use with Lithium Ion. Lithium-Ion batteries should be stored at 50 degree temperature and at 40-50% capacity.

Lithium Ion

In the past, Lithium Ion batteries were very expensive and did not perform well in cold weather. Technology has changed and more companies have developed Lithium Ion batteries that are getting closer to AGM batteries. Granted they are still about twice as much initially, however they can be drained down to almost 0% capacity vs 50% of other batteries so you can get by with fewer overall batteries. Also, they last longer so if you plan to keep your rig for a long time and do a lot of dry camping, the pay for themselves. Plus with proper charging,  they are not affected by cold weather as older versions.

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.

RV Protect


Richard H. ~ “Leonard was very helpful and gave me his thoughts on my issue , which turned out to be correct. He found a service provider nearby and set up a visit for me and called me back the next day as the day of my call was a holiday.” 

Camping With Coach-Net: Brooke At Lake Lewisville

06 Wednesday Oct 2021

Posted by in We Love It. We Live It.

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

Brooke is one of our awesome Inside Account Executives! She, her husband and 3 daughters were able to take a long weekend together in Rosie the Airstream for the first time on Lake Lewisville. They fished, road bikes, and spent time with friends who came along! Here’s her experience!

My family and I went camping on Lake Lewisville this spring, and it was our first time to enjoy the company Airstream, Rosie. It was a great location for our family since we have 3 little girls that love to be out in nature and there was a perfect tree for them to climb, lots of room to play, and even a little play area for them to enjoy. It was only about 45 minutes from our house but it still seemed like we were out in the “woods” which was perfect.

We were able to head out and set up the Airstream Friday afternoon and enjoyed a nice, long weekend and back to our normal week relaxed and refreshed.

My husband and I rented an RV a couple of summers ago, so this wasn’t our first time out camping. We went to San Marcos with the RV we rented from Outdoorsy and it was a great experience. It was so nice to enjoy some time away from “city life” and get out away from it all to relax with friends and family.

This camping experience was great for our girls. The only time they came inside the Airstream was to sleep. The stayed outside and enjoyed bike riding, riding their scooters, playing with friends, roasting s’mores, and a million other things! Including playing in the mud 😊

Setup & take down was super easy. We didn’t face any “challenges” which made the trip even more enjoyable.

We are already discussing our next trip; we just must decide where we would like to go next. We love going to the river down in San Marcos, so that is top of our list. The campsite is always so nice, clean, and the people are super friendly.

We are still new to the RVing experience but can’t wait to continue enjoying the experience, meeting new people, and exploring new places.

RV Protect

Dickie N. ~ “You had us on the road within two hours on Christmas day! The follow up by Coach-Net to assure we were taken care of was great! Thank you!”

Red White & Bethune: The “American Dream”

09 Thursday Sep 2021

Posted by in The Great Outdoors

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

Meet the Bethunes, a true “American dream” family who had it all, or so they thought. They sold everything, bought a bus, and are now living their true dream life all across the country! Check them out!

When we were growing up, we were sold the same “American Dream” as you probably were. You know the one? Where you work all the time to try to afford the big house, newest car, white picket fence, and a Golden Retriever. All the while you are working very hard every day at a job you hate so that you can pay for your “dream”.

Two years ago, that was us. We had a successful Pet Styling Spaw, our kids were getting a private school education, and we had our “dream home” on two acres of land in the Tampa Bay Area. From the outside, it looked like we had the PERFECT life, but in all reality, we were just burning the candle at both ends to trying to do it ALL.

Every summer, we would take a month-long trip in our RV to a different destination. This summer was no different, we had an AMAZING time with our 3 kids, laughing and making irreplaceable memories all summer. When we pulled into our driveway with our Monaco Windsor Class A, we were already dreading going back to “reality”.

 As I was loading my arms up with a basket of dirty laundry, my husband Kyle turned to me and uttered a question that would change the trajectory of our lives, forever. “Babe”, he whispered, “What if we sold everything, the house, the salon, all of our crap, and we bought a bus, remodeled it, and traveled the country?”

 A look of terror instantly came over my face as his question ended. My brain was frantically buzzing and about to short circuit. What in the world was he thinking!? We couldn’t possibly do that. You aren’t allowed to do that until your kids are grown and you retire. It’s totally out of the question. No. No way can we do this. 

I looked down at my expectant husband and I calmly answered “Babe, you know we can’t do that, it’s just not possible.” I kissed him on the forehead and sullenly went back to loading all our massive amount of laundry back into our “dream home”.

For the next two weeks, as I was shaving dog’s backsides, I kept dreaming each day of that beautiful life where we are at the Grand Canyon watching our kids laugh, play, and be free. I saw all our oversized smiles as we lived in the outdoors, experiencing new places, journeying wherever we wanted. THAT was a dream life, I thought.

On that 14th day of daydreaming, after work, tired and covered in dog hair, I walked up to my husband, and I gushed “Let’s do it.” He had an extremely puzzled look on his face as he questioned, “Uh, do what?”. In that moment a massive grin spread across my lips and up into my eyes as I stated, “Buy a bus, remodel it, sell our house, get rid of all the crap, and live a life of our dreams, traveling across the country.”

And the rest, my friends, is history. 

We bought a bus, spent 4 months remodeling the ENTIRE thing, front to back. We sold our house, getting rid of all the excess material possessions we truly didn’t need. Then, we moved into our TRUE dream home, a 1983 Silver Eagle Bus. 

We have been in that bus for nearly a year and a half now and I have to say, this was the single most important decision of our entire lives. Fulltime with our 3 kids and 4 dogs has truly SAVED our family.  Our marriage has never been stronger, the relationship with our kids has never been this connected, and we can finally say that we are totally happy, 100% to our core.

When we look back, we wonder what took us so long to take this leap. I suspect it was that society told us what was expected of us, we were supposed to live a certain way. We were told that you grow up, get married, buy a house you can’t afford, make sure you have new cars, don’t forget the white picket fence, have kids, send them to school, get the Golden Retriever, and never have family dinners around the table because you’re working too hard to pay for all the things that are supposed to make you happy….

We are incredibly thankful that we created this new dream life of ours. To us, THIS is what life is all about. Now, we disconnect from technology to truly connect with each other. Our kids are experiencing places that some adults will never get the opportunity to see. We get to meet new people, from all walks of life, right here in the USA. Our kids can BE KIDS and live outside. They get as dirty as possible, go fishing, hiking, and learn about this beautiful country we live in. More importantly, we are raising kind humans that have love for everyone and nature. 

As you can imagine, after we have curated this beautiful dream life of ours, we want to make sure that we protect it. The only one we trust with our little family is Coach-Net. No matter what this new life brings us, we have the peace of mind knowing that they are by our side. Whether that be from roadside assistance, having a RV problem and being able to speak with their RV Specialists, or having the most important tire and wheel protection. We feel safe and secure, Coach-Net will be there for us, no matter what we come across in our travels. 

Coach-Net isn’t just for Full Time RVers, it is for weekenders too! Being a weekend camper, you may not be as hands on with your rigs as the full time RVers are. This means that unexpected things are bound to come up when you take your RV out to go camping. Make sure that you have that protection behind you, so you can sit back and relax once you get to your camping spot. Coach-Net even has protection for towables in addition to your daily driver.

Want to know our only regret though? That we didn’t start this amazing life sooner. Don’t have any regrets of your own, live a life you WANT to wake up to and make sure to bring Coach-Net with you along the way!

About The Author: The Bethune’s

We are a Tampa-based family of 2 adults, 3 kids, and 4 dogs living in our remodeled 1983 Silver Eagle Bus! We are a Full-Time Family who is always up for an adventure.

Tag along as we show you America, through our lens!

Tune in and get to know us—we’re just an average American family!

RV Protect

Willie D. ~ “We LOVE Coach-Net!”