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Trailer Maintenance Tasks Every RV Owner Should Know

07 Wednesday May 2025

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It’s finally time to pull the travel trailer out of storage and get back out on the road to enjoy some camping! That said, you will want to make sure to take care of some basic maintenance tasks before you head out.

Not sure what kinds of maintenance tasks you need to be doing? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, I will discuss all of the most important trailer maintenance tasks that my husband and I try to make a point of staying on top of.

Resealing the Seams and Roof

Easily the most important travel trailer maintenance task there is, resealing the seams and roof of your trailer is a must-do at least every 12 months. This is so, so important because those seals are what keeps water out of your RV walls and roof. Water damage happens quickly and is difficult and expensive to fix. Fortunately, resealing is relatively easy.

To reseal the seams on the roof and sides of your trailer:

  1. Clean each seal to remove dirt and loose bits.
  2. Apply RV sealant over each seam, making sure to cover the entire seam.
  3. Allow to cure.

Slide Maintenance

You’ll also want to take good care of your slides. Make sure to lubricate the slide mechanisms every couple of months. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the slide seals. These rubber pieces wear out over time, but replacing them is as simple as sliding them out of place and sliding a new set in.

Maintaining the Water System

Your RV water system does need a bit of maintenance from time to time as well. For one thing, it is super important that you winterize the system before the first freeze of the year. Replacing the anode rod in your water heater (if it has one) is also a must-do. Additionally, you’ll want to use a back-spray tool to clean the waste tanks after each trip and clean the fresh tank and lines once a year.

To clean the fresh system:

  1. Pour a bleach-and-water mixture (¼ cup bleach to 15 gallons of water) into the tank.
  2. Pump it through the lines using the RV water pump.
  3. Allow it to sit for 12–24 hours.
  4. Drain the system completely.
  5. Add clean water to the tank.
  6. Run it through the system.
  7. Drain it all again.

Checking the Tires

Your RV tires are crucial. Without them you aren’t going anywhere, and if one happens to give out while you’re on the highway, it can be incredibly dangerous.

  • Check tires before every trip, looking for cracks, bubbles, etc.
  • Install a trailer TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system).
  • Replace tires at least every six years.
  • Use tire covers when parked for long periods of time.

Greasing the Wheel Bearings

Many trailer owners are not aware that they should be greasing the wheel bearings once a year. Now, I’ll be honest and say I’ve never done this particular job myself, because we always take it into a shop to have it done. That said, we have friends who do the job on their own and they don’t seem to have an issue.

The video below explains the process:

Brake Maintenance

Last but not least, I have to mention brake maintenance, which is very important for obvious reasons.

  • Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and drums for issues at least once a year, replacing worn parts as needed.
  • Test the brakes before hitting the road each trip. If they don’t engage properly, skip the outing and address the problem first.
  • If your trailer has hydraulic brakes, look at the brake fluid before each trip and top it off as needed.

As you can see, owning a travel trailer does require quite a bit of maintenance work. That said, we find that it’s totally worth the freedom that comes along with it! I think you’ll probably agree.

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.

Best RV Stops: Family-Friendly Children’s Museums Across the U.S.

05 Wednesday Mar 2025

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Travel Destinations

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When our son was younger, we would make a point of visiting children’s museums wherever we went. Now that our daughter is old enough to appreciate these museums, they are making their way back into our travel plans.

In this article, we will discuss the best children’s museums we’ve seen so far. Choose one from this list when planning your travels, and you really can’t go wrong!

The Magic House

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis is home to a number of great attractions. There is a free zoo that is amazing, as well as a free science center, a history museum, and an art museum. The city is also home to the incredible City Museum, which should be on every traveler’s must-see list. Another favorite St. Louis spot of ours? The Magic House.

I have fond memories of visiting the Magic House when I was little, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the museum met my expectations all these years later. The place plays host to climbing structures, sand- and water-play areas, an outdoor play area, and the crown jewel: a kid-sized city where kids can try out different occupations for a while.

Houston Children’s Museum

Houston, TX

Houston is another city with lots of wonderful museums to choose from. The Health Museum is fantastic, as is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Of course, you definitely don’t want to miss the Houston Space Center, nor do you want to skip the amazing Houston Children’s Museum.

The latter museum features one of the bigger kid cities I’ve seen, and the city is complete with currency, meaning kids can get “jobs” and earn “money” to go spend at the businesses in the tiny town. Other cool things in this museum include a huge outdoor play area, an awesome indoor climbing structure, and a super fun maker space where kids can create new inventions.

Children of Gettysburg

Gettysburg, PA

One of the more unique children’s museums we’ve seen, Children of Gettysburg is small, but it has a very specific purpose, and it does its job well. The purpose? To present the story of Gettysburg in a way that kids can understand and appreciate.

The museum follows a set of children from various backgrounds through the events of the Battle of Gettysburg. Everything is explained in a way that kids can connect with and digest, and there are plenty of hands-on activities to engage young visitors and help them dive into the world of the 19th-century children they are learning about.

My kids especially loved the last room where they could care for an “injured soldier” and make a speech as President Lincoln.

Bay Area Children’s Museum

San Francisco, CA

Bay Area Children’s Museum may be a lesser-known children’s museum, but we thought it was absolutely magical. In fact, we loved this museum so much that we returned for a second round of fun a couple of years after the first.

The museum is set up in several different buildings, which I appreciated, as it helped my busy little guy focus on the thing he was doing rather than being distracted by all of the other exhibits. There was a lovely outdoor space between the buildings with the coolest “natural” play area. We really loved the art room at this museum and probably could have stayed there all day long.

How to Save on Children’s Museum Visits

One of the things I don’t love about children’s museums is how expensive they can be. Fortunately, we have found some ways around that:

  • Many children’s museums offer free or cheap days each week or once a month. Look for these days and try to plan your travels around them if you can.
  • Additionally, some museums will offer coupons or Groupons. Search for these before paying full price; you never know what you might find.
  • Lastly, a lot of children’s museums are part of reciprocal museum programs. ASTC is a science museum reciprocal program that offers members free admission to all member museums. ACM is a children’s museum reciprocal program that offers cardholders half-off admission to the museums in their program. Both include plenty of children’s museums all across the country.

As you can see, there are lots of amazing children’s museums scattered across the country, and really, these are just a handful of them. Hopefully, this article inspires you to check out a few of these super fun spots for yourself!

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.

10 Top-Notch Roadschooling Resources

09 Thursday Jan 2025

Posted by in Kids and Camping

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My family has been roadschooling for 9 years now. In this time, we have used a lot of resources. Some were great, others not so much. In this article, I will share with you the top 13 road school resources that we use in our schooling.

In-Person Learning

It can be difficult to find in-person learning opportunities when traveling. That said, we have managed to find some, and have really enjoyed plugging into a community and learning something new any time we have a chance.

Junior Ranger Program

As a national parks nerd, this one is at the top of my list. The Junior Ranger program allows kids to learn about their parks by doing hands-on activities and attending ranger programs during their visit. Once they have completed the requirements, they return to a ranger station or visitor center, where they are sworn in as Junior Rangers and receive a badge.

This program is available at every NPS site across the country.

Local Libraries

I am constantly amazed by what local libraries will offer completely free of charge. We have attended painting classes, Cricut workshops, a coding camp, dance classes, and more—all for free, and all through various public library systems.

Take a look at the library website wherever you’re headed next and see what kinds of classes, workshops, and events you might be able to attend.

Parks and Recreation Departments

When it comes to classes, I love to check the local Parks and Recreation Department website wherever we are traveling. Sometimes the department has very little to offer, but other times they have a whole collection of fun classes and camps available.

In most cases, Parks and Rec classes are less expensive than classes offered by a private organization. They also tend to be more laid back, meaning dropping in for a single month could be 100% okay. Just call to ask!

Apps and Websites

Apps and websites are some of the very best resources we roadschoolers have at our fingertips. That said, there are hundreds of options out there, making it overwhelming to find the right fit.

Below are the apps and websites we have found work best for us. 

Kahoot Math Apps

We love the Kahoot math apps. They make math easy to understand and provide kids with a fun way to practice their skills between lessons.

Teach Your Monster to Read

If your kid is having a hard time learning to read, Teach Your Monster to Read is the app for you. This app is what helped reading click for my son years ago, and now my 4-year-old daughter is using it to learn to read.

Duolingo

Duolingo is an ideal app for kids who want to learn a second language. It gamifies learning, helping to motivate students and make the learning process more fun.

Khan Academy

Currently, my son is using Khan as his primary curriculum. He appreciates that the lesson videos are short and concise, and he can move on quickly once he understands a concept. I appreciate that it is relatively hands-off for me and totally free.

Outschool

We also love Outschool. My son uses it to take science classes and art classes, both with teachers he adores and classmates he has connected with.

Note: We also used Prodigy Math for a time. While it wasn’t ideal for my son, I thought it was amazing, and therefore want to give it an honorable mention.

Reading Materials

Because we can only carry so many books in our tiny home-on-wheels, ensuring our kids always have new things to read can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Here are the solutions we have found.

Epic

Epic is a book subscription service that gives users access to hundreds of kids ebooks. I really liked that the platform was kid-friendly and that I knew my son was only given access to age-appropriate material.

Libby

If you want to use your local library system while traveling, Libby is an excellent app for that. This app allows you to check out ebooks through your local library using your library card.

Little Free Libraries

Want some real books too? Little Free Libraries are great for that! Look for these libraries as you travel, and whenever you find one, trade some books your family has already read for books that are new to you.

Local Libraries

Believe it or not, you can also make use of the local libraries wherever you travel much of the time. Most library systems offer some sort of non-resident library card to visitors. You may have to pay a small fee, but in exchange you will be given access to everything the library has to offer.

Thrift Stores

Another way to get some physical books in your kids’ hands is to visit thrift stores. Usually, thrift stores offer books for just a dollar or two, meaning you can pick up several new books without spending a fortune. While you’re there, be sure to donate any books you are no longer using to make space for the new ones!

Note: Our friends use the Everand app and adore it. This is similar to Epic, but with books for all ages. It does look amazing and might be worth looking into if you need even more options.

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.

Finding The Best Family-Friendly RV

06 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in Kids and Camping, RV Newbie

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I’ve spent the past couple of months looking for a new RV for our family of four. Doing this has made me think hard (once again) about what we are really looking for in an RV. If you’re in the market for a family-friendly RV for the first time, you may not really know what you’re looking for. That’s why we’re here today.

In this article, I will talk about the most important things to consider when choosing a family-friendly RV. I will also provide a short list of my favorite newer family-friendly RV floor plans.

What to Look For in a Family-Friendly RV

Let’s start by talking about what you’ll want to look for while shopping for a family-friendly RV. Knowing this will help you narrow your options and find the best fit for your crew.

Type of RV

First, think about what type of RV you’d like to have. While most RV types can accommodate a whole family, there are very few, say, class B camper vans that will be comfortable for more than a couple of people. Teardrop trailers and other tiny trailers are probably a no-go as well.

Instead, weekenders may want to look for medium-sized bumper-pull trailers or driveable class C RVs. Meanwhile, full-time RVers should consider a larger bumper-pull, a fifth wheel, or a motorhome of some sort.

Sleeping Accommodations

Sleeping accommodations are a super important thing to consider. If you use your RV often, you may not want to have to convert the dinette or the sofa into a bed every day. In this case, dedicated sleeping spaces for each member of your family might be a must-have.

Remember to also think about (1) bed size, (2) whether your kids are willing to share their sleeping space, and (3) the weight capacity of each bunk.

Bathroom Options

What do you need in your RV bathroom? Are two entrances necessary? Do you have young kids who need a bathtub? Maybe you have a large family and require a bathroom and a half, or even two bathrooms. Know your needs going in!

Seating Availability

Depending on how much time you’ll spend inside your RV, not having enough seating for everyone can be a real problem. Take a look at the living area of any potential rig.

Is the couch high enough for everyone to sit and enjoy movie night? Can the whole family fit at the dining table? These things may not matter to you, but they could also be a game changer. That’s something only you can decide.

Storage Space

Camping means lugging a lot of stuff with you, and kids only add to the amount of stuff you have to have for a successful camping trip. For this reason, storage space is incredibly important when it comes to choosing a family-friendly RV.

Pay attention to the cabinet and drawer space inside the RV. Will your clothes, dishes, and pantry foods fit inside? Also, look at the exterior storage. How much space do you have for camping chairs, sports equipment, and other bulky gear?

Our Favorite Family-Friendly RVs

Not sure where to begin when looking for family-friendly RVs? Take a look at the floor plans listed below to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.

Forest River Salem 273QBXL

At 33¼ feet, this bumper-pull trailer is on the longer side. That said, the extra length provides loads of benefits for families. Our favorite features? The Versa-Lounge allows you to configure the living room seating however you see fit, and the large bunkhouse that sleeps 4 or 5 kids.

Lance 2185

Looking for something a bit smaller? This Lance trailer is just over 26 feet long, making it an ideal option for weekend campers. We absolutely adore the triple bunks that are set opposite the master Murphy bed, providing a large amount of sleeping space as well as plenty of living space. It’s also pretty cool that the bunks can fold out of the way, providing storage space for bikes, kayaks, and more.

Keystone Arcadia 3570LT

As far as fifth-wheel trailers go, we recommend this Keystone Arcadia. An enormous 39½ foot rig, this trailer is amazing for families with teenagers because the bunkhouse includes two full-size beds—one set in a loft and one under the loft. The RV also has one full bathroom plus a half bath, something many families will appreciate.

Tiffin Allegro Red 38 KA

If you’re looking for a driveable family-friendly RV, this Allegro might just be the nicest option on the market. With three slides, the living space feels enormous, and the biggest slide includes a couple of single bunks that are perfect for younger kids.

Have an older kid as well? Go for the optional drop-down bunk that sits over the cab and provides an extra dedicated sleeping space without eating up living space.

Thor A.C.E 32B

A more budget-friendly class A option, the Thor A.C.E. bunkhouse is also a good option for families. This one only has a single slide, but it is an enormous slide that houses a set of single bunks. This rig also offers an optional drop-down bunk over the cab, so you can fit as many as four kiddos in the RV without ever converting the sofa or dinette.

Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31H

Prefer a class C? There are family-friendly versions of those as well! We particularly like the Minnie Winnie bunkhouse, which uses two slides to maximize living space. One slide houses a set of single bunk beds, and the other plays host to the couch and stove. A U-shaped dinette sits opposite the couch, providing a nice large extra bed should you need it, and the over-cab bunk is also quite roomy.

By now you know pretty much all there is to know about choosing the perfect family-friendly RV. Why not get out there and start touring some rigs in person so you can find the perfect one for your family?

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.

Thomas Z. ~ “Unbelievable service, and from the time we called in till he showed up 40 minutes. Super! Follow-up calls. Excellent experience. Kudos to Coach-Net”

The Best National Parks To Visit In The Fall

06 Wednesday Nov 2024

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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Looking for some amazing fall destinations to visit in your RV? Why not pay a visit to some of our country’s national parks? There are several national parks that are ideal during the fall months, making them absolutely perfect fall camping destinations.

Here are the best national parks to visit in the fall.

Acadia National Park

Acadia is amazing in summer, but when the leaves start to turn in September, it becomes absolutely magical. The colors that cover the entire park are stunning, and the hikes up into the mountains give you some amazing views of the colorful trees set against the bright blue ocean. The weather is a bit chilly but just perfect for brisk hikes during the day and crackling campfires at night.

Congaree National Park

Thanks to its southern location, fall hits Congaree National Park a bit later. Usually in October, you’ll see the leaves change to beautiful oranges and yellows that are reflected in the waters that run throughout the park, making for some bright, beautiful strolls. To top it all off, the humidity that fills the air in this park during this summer is cut by crisp, cool weather that I absolutely love.

Cuyahoga National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is in an amazing location right between Cleveland and Akron, making it easy to reach if you happen to live in one of these cities. Fall hits the park in late September, and by October the whole place is a rainbow of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. I recommend hiking and bicycling during your fall visit to Cuyahoga, as these activities allow you to immerse yourself in the colors.

Grand Canyon National Park

To be perfectly honest, I adore the Grand Canyon all year round. That said, fall is my favorite time of year to be there. During this time, the crowds thin a bit and the temperatures drop, making hiking more manageable. The park doesn’t play host to a whole lot of trees, but there is still a shift in the color palette of the place, creating an extra spectacular experience.

Note: This park has amazing Ranger programs. Make sure to attend one!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another of the best national parks to visit in the fall. Thanks to the 100+ species of trees that call the park home, the color variety in the area during the fall months is nothing short of spectacular. Hiking through the park is one great way to take in the fall colors, but we also recommend driving some of the Blue Ridge Parkway for amazing views.

Shenandoah National Park

Set at the other end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park is another wonderful spot for autumn leaf peeping. In fact, this one can be a great addition to your Great Smoky Mountains trip if you want to drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.

Once again you’ll see some amazing colors, but I also recommend hiking to a waterfall for an extra special view. While you’re there, watch out for animals, which tend to be out during the fall months.

Zion National Park

Finally, I must mention Zion National Park. This isn’t exactly a leaf-peeping park, but it is lovely during the fall, and the trees that are in the park do change to nice colors in late October.

Usually packed during the summer, this park sees fewer visitors during autumn, meaning the crowds are much more manageable. The weather is also much more pleasant, meaning you can tackle more of the park’s trails.

There you have it, my absolute favorite national parks to visit in the fall! Which one will you check out this year?

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.

Debra B. ~ ” You are awesome! My towing bill was paid for before I even got out of the truck! Absolutely hands down the best in customer service, caring, professionalism, and kindness.”

What We Learned While Camping In Washington

10 Wednesday Jul 2024

Posted by in National Parks, The Great Outdoors, Travel Destinations

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My family was lucky enough to get to spend a couple of months camping in Washington during the summer of 2023. We had a magical time in the gorgeous state and wouldn’t hesitate to return again.

Planning to go camping in Washington yourself? Here’s what we learned during our travels.

When to Go

First, it’s important to note that camping in Washington is very much a seasonal activity. Sure, you could take your RV up there in December, but I guarantee you’d be freezing your tail off, and your RV water system would almost certainly see some damage from the trip. Instead, it is best to wait until the state thaws out a bit before you head there.

We visited during the months of June and July, and for the most part, the weather was beautiful. Even in July it was a bit chilly in northern Washington, so that is something to be aware of. Additionally, the state sees a lot of rain. Make sure your RV is well sealed before you head out!

I’d say June through August are probably the best months to spend time in this northern state unless you like colder weather.

Where to Stay

You’ll also find it worthwhile to explore the many Washington State Parks campgrounds. Camping fees at these parks are relatively affordable and the parks themselves are gorgeous.

  • Little Diamond
  • Mount Vernon
  • Oceana
  • Paradise
  • Birch Bay
  • Chehalis

What to Do

Once you figure out where to stay while camping in Washington, you’ll want to consider what to do during your visit. Fortunately, you won’t have any trouble at all finding fun and interesting ways to fill your time.

Here are some of our favorites.

National Parks

Washington is home to three incredible national parks that absolutely must not be missed. These include Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park.

Olympic is easily one of my favorite national parks out of the 40+ that we have visited, and North Cascades is so underrated it isn’t even funny. Take the time to visit these parks and give yourself at least a couple of days in each. Go on a hike, do some wildlife watching, and have the kids earn their Junior Ranger Badges.

Mount St. Helen’s

Mount St. Helen’s was an absolutely fantastic road schooling experience for the entire family. Our visit included a museum, a visitor center, Junior Ranger Badges, and a completely unguided and unlit hike through the Ape Cave lava tube (a totally cool experience, by the way).

This place is not only beautiful, it’s also an amazing place to learn about the science behind volcanoes, the astounding way nature recovers from huge events such as eruptions, and the importance of being prepared and responding quickly in the face of a natural disaster.

Seattle Attractions

We’ve visited Seattle a handful of times during our travels and we enjoy our time in the city every time (though I am always happy to return to the peace of our campsite outside of the city at the end of the day). The city is home to all kinds of museums, yummy food, and lovely parks.

Some of our favorite things to do in Seattle include:

  • Browsing Pike Place Market
  • Grabbing coffee from one of the numerous (and all excellent) local coffee shops
  • Visiting Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
  • Playing at the “Artists at Play” playground with a view of the Space Needle

Many people also love MoPop, but we have yet to visit this well-known attraction.

Numerous Museums

Speaking of museums, Washington is full of them. We highly recommend snagging a reciprocal museum membership from Kern County Museum before you visit so you can visit ASTC and NARM museums without paying an admission fee.

In some places, it is also possible to get a visitor library card and then snag a free museum pass through the library. We did this in Bellingham in order to visit both the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and the Mindport Exhibits.

Canada

When we ended up in northern Washington for a few weeks, we knew we had to drive over to Canada. We did it once, had a blast, and ended up driving over the border several more times before our visit was done.

Some of our favorite things to do just across the border included:

Espresso Stands

Last but not least, I must mention the coffee stands found in even the tiniest of Washington towns. These espresso shacks may not look like much, but everyone we visited served outstanding espresso. As an avid coffee fanatic, this was an incredible discovery, and my husband and I made a point of visiting as many espresso stands as we could. If you are a fellow lover of coffee, I suggest you do the same.

There you have it, my top tips for camping in Washington. I hope these suggestions help as you plan your own fantastic adventure to this spectacular place!

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About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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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.”

Should You Rent Out Your RV?

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information, RV Newbie, Tips & Tricks, We Love It. We Live It.

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Many RV owners simply cannot take their RVs out as much as they would like. Family and work commitments make it impossible to head out every weekend, and weekdays are generally completely out of the question. 

Some RV owners don’t like seeing their rig sitting unused week after week, so they rent their RVs out to others. This is a great option for some, but it definitely isn’t for everybody.  

Should you rent out your RV? Only you can answer this question. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider so you can make that call properly. 

The Pros of Renting Out Your RV 

First, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come along with renting out your RV.  

Make Some Extra Money 

The most obvious pro and the main reason many RV owners are choosing the RV rental route? The money, of course. While most people who rent out their RVs report making only enough to cover the costs of RV ownership, some make enough to make renting RVs their full-time job.  

This will all depend on your area, the type of RV you have, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend renting it. Really, though, even just covering the costs of maintenance, storage, insurance, and the RV payment should be enough to make renting your RV worthwhile.  

Share Your Love of RVing 

Another major benefit of renting your RV out is that it gives you an opportunity to share your love of RVing with others. Many people who rent are heading out on their first-ever RV trip, and as the RV owner, you get to be a part of making their experience a great one. 

Have a customer who has already been on multiple RV trips? In this case, you can talk RVing with another enthusiast and share tips and tricks.  

Stay on Top of RV Maintenance 

A lesser-known pro of renting your RV out is that it encourages you to stay on top of RV maintenance. Cleaning, resealing, and repairing your RV are certainly not the most glamorous parts of RV life, but they are necessary. If you rent your RV out, you will have more reason to make sure these necessary tasks get done so your RV lasts for years to come.  

The Cons of Renting Out Your RV 

What about the drawbacks of renting your RV out to others? There are a few of those, too, and they should be considered.  

Wear and Tear 

When you rent your RV out when you aren’t using it yourself, it is used much more than it might have been otherwise. This means more wear and tear on everything in and on the RV. Your tires will need to be replaced sooner, your furniture will likely become worn more quickly, and the appliances might need repairing earlier than they would have otherwise. 

You have to decide if the money you make from renting out your RV is enough to cover this extra wear and tear.  

Time Commitment 

While you won’t be heading out for a full camping weekend whenever your customers are, renting your RV out is still a time commitment. You have to be available for pick-up and drop-off, as well as the walkthroughs accompanying those. You must also make time to clean the RV and perform necessary repairs between rentals. 

Before you jump in, make sure you actually have enough time to rent out your RV and everything that goes with it.  

Potential for Damage 

Last but not least, we do have to mention the possibility that your RV could be damaged while out on a rental trip. Yes, most renters tend to be very respectful, but accidents happen, and sometimes these accidents can result in a damaged RV.  

Rent through a reputable platform such as Outdoorsy to ensure you have good episodic insurance coverage in case any accidental interior or exterior damage happens while your RV is on the road. Requiring that your renters purchase Coach-Net roadside assistance (a perk that’s automatically added to all Outdoorsy bookings) can also bring you peace of mind and help in situations where renters need extra assistance.  

There you have it, the top pros and cons of renting your RV out to others. Should you rent out your RV? Consider the benefits and drawbacks listed above and then decide for yourself.

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.

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5 Tips For Finding Affordable RV Campgrounds

12 Wednesday Jun 2024

Posted by in RV Information

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The cost of everything—from rent to groceries and beyond—seems to have skyrocketed, and the price of camping has gone up right along with those things. This is a major bummer for those of us who prefer to pick affordable RV campgrounds to keep travel costs low.

The good news? While they are few and far between these days, it is still possible to find affordable RV campgrounds. Here are my tips for doing just that.

Look Into Memberships and Passes

First, I highly recommend looking into the many different camping memberships and passes out there. Some allow you to camp in various places with no additional fees. Others provide a steep discount on camping spots. Some are state- or region-specific, and some cover the entire country.

Depending on your camping style and how often you can get out, camping passes can be an excellent investment.

Some of my favorite camping passes include:

  • Thousand Trails — We personally have a big expensive membership due to our full-timing lifestyle, but even just the zone camping pass can be extremely helpful if you camp often in a particular region.
  • Passport America — This is a cheap membership that gets you deep, deep discounts on certain campgrounds.
  • Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts — Both of these are inexpensive memberships that give you access to campsites on privately owned land. Some have hookups, some don’t, but all provide unique experiences.
  • State Park Passes — We’ve had a few different state park passes over the years. Many of these come with a camping discount of some sort. The best one is probably the New Mexico State Park Pass.

Get Set Up for Dry Camping

Dry camping can save a ton of money. Many boondocking spots across the country are totally free (you can find them on Campendium), but there are also dry camping campgrounds that provide some amenities while remaining super cheap.

The thing is, you will want to be set up for dry camping before you dive into it. Having a generator and/or solar panel setup is crucial, and things like water bladders and “blue boys” are incredibly helpful.

Stay Longer

Many private RV parks charge less per night for long-term stays. If you are full-time or on an extended trip and need affordable RV campgrounds to make your travel affordable, try staying in one spot for a month or more and taking advantage of monthly rates.

Try Workamping

Another thing you can do if you’re full-time or are out camping for a while? Seek out working opportunities! Most “workamping” positions include a campsite, and most offer some sort of pay as well, so you can actually get paid to camp!

Search for Government-Run Parks

Depending on where you are, government-run parks are often less expensive than privately owned parks. Instead of RV resorts or parks run by big companies, look for the following:

  • State Parks
  • City Parks
  • County Parks
  • Forest Service Campgrounds
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Campgrounds
  • Army Corps of Engineers (COE) Campgrounds

State park camping fees vary wildly from one state to the next, but are often very affordable. Likewise, county and city park camping fees range from totally free to $75+ per night. Forest Service, BLM, and Army COE parks are almost always super affordable RV campgrounds, and some are even completely free, but you might have to sacrifice some amenities in exchange for that low price.

To find affordable RV campgrounds run by these government agencies, try using the search features on Campendium or RV Life Campgrounds—both are useful tools that make it easy to search for campsites you can afford.

There you have it, five ways to find affordable RV campgrounds. Try putting some of these suggestions to use this summer to see how much you can save!

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.

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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The 4 Best Florida State Parks

08 Wednesday May 2024

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

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

Here are our favorites!

Homosassa Spring State Park 

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

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

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 

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

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

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

Honeymoon Island State Park 

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

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

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

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park 

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

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

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

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

Which one will you check out first? 

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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

What To Do While You’re In The Florida Keys

06 Wednesday Mar 2024

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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

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

Bahia Honda State Park

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

Curry Hammock State Park

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

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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

History of Diving Museum

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

Little Conch Island

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

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

Sunset Grille & Raw Bar

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

Southernmost Point of the US

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

Truman Waterfront Park

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

Mallory Square

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

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

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

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

About the author: Chelsea Gonzales

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

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

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