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Roadschooling in Gettysburg

02 Wednesday Nov 2022

Posted by in Kids and Camping, Travel Destinations

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As road schoolers, we are always looking for awesome ways to expand upon our studies through our travels. Really, literally, any place we go has some amount of educational value. However, there are some places that are extra awesome for road schoolers! Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is one such place.

We had the pleasure of visiting Gettysburg with some friends at the beginning of the summer. We learned a lot, had an awesome time, and are here today to offer our top tips for your roadschool visit to the town.

Before Your Visit

Before you head to Gettysburg, we highly recommend brushing up on Civil War history. You could do this by reading books like If You Lived at the Time of the Civil War or by watching videos like this one. You donโ€™t have to dive too deep, but try to get a good foundation.

We found that the visitor center at this particular NPS site was not very helpful for building that foundation unless you wanted to spend money on the movie, museum, and cyclorama painting. Since we werenโ€™t keen on spending all that much money at the time, we might not have had a very good time if we hadnโ€™t already had a good understanding of Civil War History. Thankfully, we have covered this subject at various times over the years and had the foundation we needed.

Where to Go

Once you arrive in Gettysburg, you may be wondering where to go. Below are the things we did while in the area, after which we felt that weโ€™d accomplished quite a lot without overwhelming the kids. Of course, you could definitely add on more of the many Gettysburg attractions if you had more time and/or a bigger budget to work with.

Gettysburg National Military Park

See the Visitor Center

The first place we went was the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. This was an odd NPS site because it is run by the National Parks Service in conjunction with the Gettysburg Foundation. This meant that things that would usually be free or included with our โ€œAmerica the Beautifulโ€ pass cost money.

Things that cost money at this visitor center include:

  • A movie
  • A museum
  • A cyclorama painting
  • Guided tours of the battlefield

Without these things, there wasnโ€™t a whole lot to see in the center. We did spend a few minutes looking at the very few free exhibits and chatting with a ranger, but this stop didnโ€™t take long and I wouldnโ€™t expect much from it in terms of helping you get a feel for the history of the place.

Tour the Battlefield

The next stop was the battlefield itself. The visitor center has maps for driving tours and you can pick and choose where you stop. There is some information that you can read at most stops, but we actually ended up looking up videos on YouTube about the various events in order to get a good grasp on them.

I learned later that there are Gettysburg โ€œauto tourโ€ apps that you can download in order to hear the story of what happened as you explore the place.

Visit the David Wills House

We also visited the David Wills House. This is part of the NPS site but is actually located in the town. It is one of the only things the park offers for free, so you can bet we took advantage!

The house is where Abraham Lincoln (as well as many others) stayed the night before his famous Gettysburg Address. Guests can walk through the house and read the information on the family that lived there, the other people who stayed in the house that night, Lincoln’s experience there, and the Civil War in general.

We found this to be a very informative place, and highly recommend checking it out while youโ€™re in the area.

Children of Gettysburg 1863

This is a must-do if you have young kids with you when visiting Gettysburg. While most of the history-related attractions in the town are geared toward adults and might come across as dry or boring to younger visitors, this museum was made with kids in mind. It gets the story of the battle across, but does so from a childโ€™s point of view and uses hands-on activities to keep the kids engaged and interested.

We loved this museum. We took several kids between the ages 2โ€“11, and every one of them had a good time.

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Like most people, we visited Gettysburg to learn some Civil War history. What we didnโ€™t expect was a wonderful history lesson on President Eisenhower.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site is located on the property that Ike and Mamie Eisenhower called home, and is just outside of Gettysburg. The National Parks Service offers fantastic and free guided tours of the Eisenhower house, which looks just like it did when the Eisenhowers were living thereโ€”colorful bathrooms and all!

Be aware that tours are only offered during the spring, summer, and fall, and even then only on certain days of the week. Additionally, nearby parking is very limited and fills up quickly, especially on the weekends. If you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday, we recommend paying for the shuttle from the Gettysburg Visitor Center. That said, we visited during the week and there was plenty of parking.

What to Eat

Because Gettysburg is a tourist attraction, the majority of the restaurants in the area are pretty pricey. This meant most of our meals were made in our RV. Still, we did manage to find some gems that you might want to try:

Gettysburger โ€” This place serves up incredible hamburgers with interesting toppings. The burgers are huge and could easily be shared between two smaller eaters.

Lincoln Diner โ€” This is just a diner with diner food, but the prices are unbeatable, especially for kidsโ€™ meals. If youโ€™re looking to have a cheap meal as a family, this is your spot.

Perrydell Farm and Dairy โ€” Okay, so this is technically outside of Gettysburg, but we had an awesome time here. We got delicious ice cream, petted some baby cows, and even saw the milking process in action.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Gettysburg Farm RV Campground, which is part of the Thousand Trails system. There are also a few Encore parks nearby that are part of the Trails Collection, so if you have Thousand Trails, be sure to look into these options. Keep in mind that even if you donโ€™t have a Thousand Trails membership, you can pay to stay in these campgrounds.

Besides the Thousand Trails and Encore parks, there are many camping options near Gettysburg. These include the lovely Gettysburg KOA, nearby boondocking in the Michaux State Forest, and even a couple of Boondockers Welcome options.

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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 sonโ€™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.

Edward K. ~ย โ€œWhen I called in I had a flat tire on my RV. I didnโ€™t think I was going to get service as fast as I did. Mary was quick to help. Offered assistance right away. It was reassuring to know I was going to be taken care of.โ€œ

Improving Your RVs Fuel Efficiency

05 Wednesday Oct 2022

Posted by in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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Whether you are driving a truck pulling a trailer or a motorhome with a โ€œtoadโ€, there are some things you can do to improve your fuel efficiency or miles per gallon (mpg). Small items we typically take for granted such as tires, maintenance, and driving characteristics can all make a difference.

Proper Tire Pressure

The pounds per square inch (psi) stamped on the side of your tire is maximum psi at its maximum weight which is not necessarily the proper tire pressure. Proper tire inflation can only be factored in by weighing the coach to determine what the actual weight is on the tires. Most large motorhomes’ 5th wheels have a cargo carrying capacity (CCC) of several thousand pounds and may not be even close to the maximum weight rating or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The only way to verify proper tire inflation is to weigh the rig by individual wheel position and go to the tire inflation chart for your brand of tire. These can be found at www.rvsafety.com.

The Recreational Vehicle Safety And Education Foundation (RVSEF) has been weighing coaches for almost 30 years and recently recommended that smaller trailers should use the psi listed on the tire as they are relatively close to GVWR. Proper tire inflation provides the appropriate amount of tread on the road.

For example, the new Faulken tires on my 2016 Silverado read 51 psi at a maximum load of 2,601 lbs. The tire sticker inside the door shows 35 psi. The tire dealer recommended 42 psi and on a recent trip to Colorado, the truck bounced and banged all the way through Nebraska! I adjusted the pressure down to 34 psi and what a difference.

Overinflation will not reduce mpg however underinflation will as it causes additional resistance of the tread to the road surface. According to RVSEF over 50% of RVs they have weighed have underinflated tires. Their weighing teams have been conducting individual wheel position weighing at Rallies, dealerships, and special events for over 30 years. Underinflated tires not only cause premature tread wear and the potential for blown tires, but the resistance will also affect fuel economy.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum your rig can weigh with all the cargo, water, and LP. With motorized RVs, the GVWR also includes the people inside the rig as you will be in it while driving. The more weight you are driving down the road, the harder the engine has to work which means lower fuel efficiency.

I have driven several units on a gas rig and did notice a difference when towing a car or having the unit full of cargo and people. On trips to Colorado, a 36-foot motorhome with very little cargo and only two people got 8-9 mpg and one that was loaded got around 6-7 mpg! This is something that you will need to try with your rig and the power of your engine. A gas engine towing the same weight will get substantially less mpg than a diesel however the diesel fuel will typically cost more.

Proper Maintenance

Although this may not seem like something that would affect fuel efficiency, not doing regular maintenance can lead to dirty filters that restrict airflow causing the engine works harder than normal. Make sure all engine filters have been changed to specifications and fluids are up to date as well. This also means checking the axles and wheels on trailers and getting the bearings repacked as recommended. Most trucks today have sealed bearings in a complete hub and can not be lubricated however, your trailer bearings typically can. Make sure you do annual maintenance on the trailer bearings and brakes. Most axle manufacturers recommend repacking and inspecting the bearings once a year or every 15,000 miles.

Another factor that can impact your mpg is the brake drum and tire. When I owned a trucking company, I would have my drivers use an infrared laser thermometer to record temperatures of the hub, brake drum, and tire every time they stopped for fuel. Extremely hot temperatures were an indicator of bearings getting dry or brakes set to high which could cause a failure, but we also noticed it affected fuel economy as well.

Driving Characteristics

Keep in mind you are basically driving a โ€œBillboardโ€ down the road and winds, especially strong headwinds will affect your fuel economy. Try to avoid wind if possible, some RVers pull over and relax during windy conditions and wait for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Several highway studies have shown that driving between 55-65 mph will provide the best fuel economy and also staying at a consistent speed helps as well. How and when you drive can also affect fuel economy. The more traffic you find means the more fluctuation of speeds you will encounter and affect fuel economy as well. If possible, plan your trips for times with less traffic or reroute to avoid high traffic such as big city driving or mountains.

Fuel

My truck is designed for โ€œFlexFuelโ€ so I can choose to run Premium, Super Unleaded, or E85. I typically run Super Unleaded at 87 Octane and tried Premium during one of my trips and did not see any difference in fuel economy.

However, when Super Unleaded hit the $4.79 mark one of our local fuel stations had E85 for $2.99 so I tried a couple of tanks and my fuel economy dropped by 4-5 mpg! Saving $1.80 per gallon did still make financial sense, but now that Super Unleaded is down to $3.49 and E85 went up to $3.29 it doesnโ€™t make sense. I have also tried Seafoam as well as several other fuel saver products and did not see any difference.

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 โ€“ a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Robert L. ~ โ€œThis is an outstanding service you provide. Anyone who has an RV should take advantage of it. You took a very stressful situation off my hands and I had complete confidence in the outcome. Thank you very much.โ€ 

The Best Things to Do in Cape Cod National Seashore

05 Wednesday Oct 2022

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Iโ€™m honestly not sure how we went all these years without seeing Cape Cod National Seashore. We finally made it this summer though, and we were blown away by the beauty and fun we found there. Seriously, if youโ€™re trying to decide where to take your RV next, this is the place.

Oddly, we went into this particular RV adventure without doing much research at all. This isnโ€™t like me, but we were so rushed at the beginning of our summer travels that it just happened this way. It worked out alright, but I donโ€™t recommend doing it that way. Instead, read the rest of this article so you can know what we had to learn for ourselves once we got there. This will allow you to skip the frustrating bits and jump into the fun.

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Cape Cod National Seashore!

Boondock on the Beach

Did you know you can boondock on the beach in Cape Cod National Seashore? I didnโ€™t, and I really, really wished I had known. In fact, I didnโ€™t even figure this out until our last day there when I happened to see an RV parked on the beach and asked someone about it. Otherwise, I might have skipped the rest of our RV park stay and moved my rig over to that beautiful sandy beach.

If youโ€™re visiting this area in your RV, this is definitely something to look into while researching your lodging options.

Photograph Lighthouses

Everyone knows that Cape Cod is famous for its lighthouses, so it only makes sense to make a point of seeing some of those lighthouses while youโ€™re there. Luckily, itโ€™s pretty easy to find many of these, and you wonโ€™t really have to go out of your way to do it. I made a game of photographing as many as I could while we were there and ended up leaving with some great photos and even better memories.

Enjoy a Beach Day (or Five)

Perhaps the most obvious thing to do while at any national seashore is to enjoy the beach. We ended up spending several days just relaxing on the beach while we were in Cape Cod and I donโ€™t regret one minute of it.

We especially loved Nauset Light Beach for the views of the lighthouse and Marconi Beach for surfing. That said, Nauset Light Beach plays host to a lot of tiny biting bugs, so be sure to pack bug spray!

Watch for Seals

Seal watching was one of the coolest things we did at Cape Cod National Seashore. The thing is, we didnโ€™t even mean to go seal watching. The adorable animals just sort of appeared in front of us while we were out enjoying the beach!

This happened several times in several different locations, so spotting some seals while youโ€™re there shouldnโ€™t be a hard thing to do, and itโ€™s a totally fun and unique adventure that the whole family can enjoy together. Just make sure to pack some binoculars!

(Note: I hear whales can sometimes be spotted as well, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for those.)

Go on a Hike

Most people donโ€™t think of hiking when they think of the seaside, but being the hiking fanatics we are, we thought weโ€™d give it a try. Amazingly, there are a number of trails all over Cape Cod and many of them are located along the national seashore.

We ended up on the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail and thoroughly enjoyed it (though the bugs were a bit overwhelming). Weโ€™ve also heard good things about the Great Island Trail, the Sand Dune Trail, and the Long Point Lighthouse Trail.

Learn Some History

During our week in Cape Cod, we also visited the Old Life Saving Station. This was a fun way to squeeze in a history lesson for our road schooling kiddos. The whole space was set up like it would have been when still in use as a life-saving station. Unfortunately, there wasnโ€™t a lot of signage explaining what the people living and working here did, but the ranger on duty was incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share all kinds of information.

Eat Lobster and Ice Cream

No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a meal of lobster followed by soft-serve ice cream, so we made sure to enjoy both. You will need to leave the national seashore to obtain either thing, but both are available very nearby at a number of eateries.

We ended up at JTโ€™s Seafood and enjoyed our lobster rolls as well as the amazingly creamy soft-serve ice cream. (It was probably the best soft-serve weโ€™ve ever had, in fact.)

Attend a Ranger Program

Weโ€™ve been to a lot of NPS ranger programs over the years. Cape Cod had two of the best ones weโ€™ve ever experienced.

One was a program geared toward kids (perfect for putting toward that Junior Ranger badge) that was all about horseshoe crabs. The ranger was obviously passionate about the animalsโ€”to the point of having a horseshoe crab tattoo!โ€”and came prepared with plenty of hands-on ways for the kids to learn about these fascinating animals. Both our 10-year-old and our two-year-old loved this presentation.

The other program we attended was a nighttime celebration of the June supermoon. It was also a fabulous time, and it brings us to our final point:

Look at the Night Sky

Cape Cod is an official International Dark Sky Park. This means the light pollution here is very low, leading to some seriously spectacular night skies. Be sure to look up after the sun goes down so you can enjoy the show while youโ€™re there. Itโ€™s worth staying up for!

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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 sonโ€™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.

Matthew W. ~ โ€œMary was very friendly and very knowledgeable. She went above and beyond to make sure we were ok. Overall it was a great experience!โ€

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) โ€“ Is My DEF Expired?

07 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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Before we start, here’s a quick review of Deisel Exhaust Fluid. DEF is designed to treat exhaust coming through the exhaust chamber to meet emissions that were implemented in 2010. Basically, the government issued mandates for lower emissions from diesel engines. DEF uses a mixture of Urea (32.5%) and water (67.5%) sprayed on the exhaust fumes which reduces the NOx to nitrogen and water in order to meet the recommended levels. Since my last article on DEF for Coach-Net was published we have been getting numerous questions regarding DEF and its shelf life, how we know if itโ€™s contaminated, and how to get rid of it.

Is There A Shelf Life For DEF?

I talked with a representative from Blue Sky that stated their DEF has a general one-year shelf life. They went on to state that the Urea will degrade if exposed to direct sunlight or stored in temperatures above 90 degrees. The actual amount of degradation can not be determined unless you purchase a DEF tester.

The representative went on to clarify that if the DEF is stored between temperatures of 10 degrees to 90 degrees it has a one-year shelf life BUT if it is kept out of sunlight and under 75 degrees, it can be used for up to two years, however, it’s best not to use it if it’s over 3 years old.

I have run a company for the past 10 years that had 3 diesel trucks pulling trailers that put over 100,000 miles on each vehicle every year, therefore we have had lots of experience and education regarding DEF. In face, we received a service notice from Ford Motor Company on DEF Shelf Life vs Temperature which listed the following:

Constant Ambient Storage Temperature / Shelf Life In Months

  • โ‰ค 50 ยฐF degrees – 36 months
  • < 77 ยฐF degrees – 18 months
  • โ‰ค 86 ยฐF degrees – 12 months
  • โ‰ค 95 ยฐF degrees – 6 months
  • < 104 ยฐF degrees – 2 months

Interpreting DEF Codes

How do you know when your DEF was produced in order to determine its shelf life? Off-the-shelf products such as the 2.5-gallon versions have a code on the box that includes a date stamp. However, these codes can be difficult to decipher.

I talked with Peak Technical Product Support and he said there are many different codes used on their product due to the bottling and packaging at different plants all over the country. He dissected this one for me as follows:

23/169 /CP7/ 00591/ 0125

  • 23 is a year minus 1 year=2022
  • 169 is how many days are left in the year 2022=July 15, 2022
  • Cp7 is the bottling plant
  • 00591 is tank number
  • 0125 is the batch number

He also stated that they have a two-year shelf life recommendation however it was best to purchase a digital refractometer to be sure what you are putting in your tank has not expired. If you have any doubts as to the date code recommend, call their tech support number and a technician will help dissect the code for you. He also stated that both Walmart and Home Depot are the largest distributors and would have the newest product.

DEF Life At The Pump

Ok, but what about the DEF that is pumped at a larger fueling station from an underground tank and does not have anything printed? The easiest way to tell if the DEF has expired or been contaminated is by looking at it. When DEF is in good shape, it should look clear and free of any contaminants or discoloration. If it is cloudy, discolored, or difficult to see through, it is likely expired.

I spoke with a technician at Cummins and they stated that The NOx sensors monitor the DEF quality and will provide an indication when DEF is not in compliance which is the check engine light.

So what happens if you do have a full tank of DEF and the dreaded โ€œCheck Engineโ€ light shows? There are service centers that will drain the tank for you however it can be expensive. Alternatively, you can do it yourself with a mechanical pump or even a hand pump depending on how much you have in the tank. If you have a truck the DEF tank will only be about 3-4 gallons which can be pumped out with a hand pump and put in an empty DEF container or gallon jugs.

According to Daimler Worldwide and specifically the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC):

DEF life will vary based on temp and direct sunlight, so having the tank in a compartment like it is on RVs is much better than on a vehicle where the tank is exposed to direct sunlight. FCCC has not seen a large number of people having an issue with DEF quality, but I would recommend always leaving some room in the tank so that if you do get an indicator you can still put some fresh DEF in the tank and help revive the DEF quality. In some cases service centers have had to force air into the tank with a hose and then have a second hose to allow it to drain, but thatโ€™s certainly not the norm.

What Do You Do If You Have Expired DEF In Your Tank?

So if the shelf life is one year, what should we do about units that have DEF sitting in the tank for longer than that? Iโ€™ve talked with several owners who stored their rig during the pandemic and their DEF could be 2-3 years old! As FCCC indicated, try to leave the tank less than ยฝ full as you can strengthen or rejuvenate degraded DEF with the addition of new DEF!

Being from the Midwest, I contacted the local farm equipment dealer as well as PetroBlend, one of the largest distributors of DEF in the agricultural industry. They stated the very same thing that proper DEF management is the key, as sometimes combines will not go through their 30-gallon tank for a couple of years.

Where Can You Properly Dispose Of Bad DEF?

The internet is flooded with DEF information with some stating it is the same chemical composition as fertilizer so you can dump it just about anywhere. While DEF is non toxic, it should be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Do not pour bad DEF down the drain or dump it on the side of the road. It’s recommended to contact your local environmental waste disposal company for a nearby disposal site. I also called the local landfill as they have a hazardous materials division and they will take it at no cost as it is considered residential and falls under fertilizer or engine fluids. Anything over 10 gallons is considered commercial and assessed per gallon.

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 โ€“ a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

Sean S. ~ โ€œIf you’re on the fence about this, jump on over. Coach-Net paid for itself for us with a freak accident within the first 24 hours of signing up. You never know when something could go wrong and you’ll be wishing you had gotten this coverage.โ€ 

Coach-Net Camping | The Gregory Family

07 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in We Love It. We Live It.

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Kim Gregory, our VP of Sales, has been a faithful member of the Coach-Net family for over 14 years.  She, her husband, Jake, and their 5 children love to go RVing!  They recently took an RV out west to see some family in California and had a blast along the way. The following blog is written by Jake Gregory, Kim’s Husband.

Living in Texas we donโ€™t get to see family very oftenโ€ฆusually once a year. At the beginning of July, we were on the road for two weeks, had 6 stops, and spent 4 of those stops with the people we love. Our kids were able to see their cousins from both sides of the family and even spent time with cousins they had never seen. Over 14 days we traveled about 3,500 miles and spent 6 total days driving across the country.

Day 1-2

We left Argyle at about 7:00 am and traveled through the Texas Panhandle to Angel Fire, NM. Stayed the night at a great RV Resort, got up early, and went through Taos, Farmington, Shiprock, Red Mesa, Kayenta, Page, Kanab, and Hurricane to get to St. George, UT.

Day 3-4

We spent a couple nights, which included the 4th of July with Carl and Lacy Newby Franke. The kids had a blast spending time getting spoiled with toys, treats, their backyard resort, some amazing Franke BBQ, and some great neighborhood fireworks. We love the time we get to spend with this family! We got up the morning of 7/5 and made our way down I-15 through Vegas, beautiful Barstow, Tehachapi, Bakersfield, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Morro Bay, and into the Valley of the Bear Los Osos, CA.

Day 5-7

We were able to spend some time at Grandma and Papa Gregoryโ€™s house in Los Osos. They are in a great location at the back of the bay and right next to Sea Pines Resort which has a 9-hole golf course. We were able to spend time at the beach in Cayucos, wine tasting at Baileyana, shopping in SLO, pottery class with grandma, and walking the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. The temp ranged between 50ยฐ-70ยฐ There was lots of fog and just enough sunshine! It had been 5 years since these cousins had all been in the same place together, and we recreated a picture taken in front of the beach house.

Day 8-9

One of the main reasons for this trip was to make sure to be there for the celebration of life for John and Diane. Growing up a Gregory meant you were going to be with your extended family multiple times a year. We all lived within 30 minutes of each other, so everyone was always there, you knew you were loved, and it was always a good time. Itโ€™s something I feel like my kids miss out on since we live so far away from any of our family. This was the first time all of our kids were able to spend some time with their second cousins. It was very bittersweet because of the reason everyone was together, but we were glad so many could be there. Lots of love to all of my cousins for all the tough times theyโ€™ve gone through with the loss of Uncle Bob, Uncle Verdo, Uncle John, and Aunt Diane. Thank you to my parents for opening their home to everyone.

Day 10-13

Havasu here we come. On our way, we stopped in Bakersfield for food and ended up going right past BHS, which is where I coached my first HS Football game. We rolled into Havasu around 11:00 pm and it was still 100ยฐ. The kids spent most of the week in the pool with Grandma, Makenna was at a volleyball camp at LHHS from 8-5 each day, and Logan hung out with Tyler and Trevor at the baseball field, HS weight room, and at the Thompsonโ€™s playing video games. We saw some beautiful sunsets and an unbelievably bright full moon over the desert! Big Mike was nice enough to not mess with the thermostat too much and didnโ€™t set it to 82ยฐ while there. Joanne treated us like royalty, making everyone their favorite meals, and constantly checked the thermostat to make sure Mike hadnโ€™t turned it up! Most importantly the kids got to spend some quality time with the Kupfer/Thompson side of the family!

Day 14-15

We left Havasu without Makenna (she was going to Vegas with her best friend’s family) and we headed to Phoenix to stay the night at The Foss Inn (Jake and Robin Fossen). After a quick stay with our amazing friends, we dropped Logan off at Sky Harbor (donโ€™t ask) and the 5 of us +Willie started our way back home! We drove across the beautiful Mogollon Rim through Payson, Show Low, and Springerville in Northern AZ, into New Mexico, and stayed the last night of the trip in Ruidoso. The last day was a drive down into Texas and straight across the state all on Hwy 380โ€ฆabout the only thing that threw us off course was a large West Texas dirt devil that about knocked us off the roadโ€ฆ๐Ÿ‘€ (Kim still has the bruises to prove it). We returned home on Saturday and I think we are still trying to recover from the trip.

Adam H. ~โ€œWe had a tire blowout.  I want to thank the staff at Coach-Net for their quick response in finding an excellent tire shop with the correct size and brand very quickly. Communication with Coach-Net, the tire shop, and us was excellent.  A bad day turned out pretty well as we were back on the road very quickly thanks to your help!โ€

5 Reasons to Travel in an RV Instead of A Car

11 Thursday Aug 2022

Posted by in Traveling with your Pet, Uncategorized

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RVs are a great way to travel. They take you off the beaten path and into nature. There are many types of RVs to choose from, ranging from Class A motor homes to Class C motor homes and even pop-up campers. The choice is yours based on your needs and your budget.

These vehicles have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and some people are even converting their RVs into permanent homes. No wonder! It’s a great way to lower overhead and enjoy living and traveling without sacrificing comfort or style. There are a variety of reasons why people choose to travel in recreational vehicles. Here are some reasons you might want to as well.

RVs Bring More Comfort

There’s no comparison between the comfort of a car and that of a recreational vehicle. With an RV, you often have access to a bathroom and kitchen too, so you don’t have to deal with the discomforts of “holding it” until you can find a bathroom or waiting until you can find a restaurant to eat in. You can cook a meal on the road and enjoy it in comfort.

When you travel the country in an RV, you explore the countryside in comfort and style, without having to put up with the hassles of a traditional hotel stay (or worse, having to sleep in your car). Your lodging travels with you and it’s easy to access.

RVs Can Be a Cheaper Way to Travel

Recreational vehicles are often cheaper to run than rental cars or public transportation, especially if you camp instead of using paid overnight sites. Some large box stores, like Walmart, welcome recreational vehicles overnight too. Needless to say, that’s cheaper than staying in a hotel. The conveniences of home can be brought along without worrying about paying for lodgings. If you have an RV or camper van, then you’re probably already aware of some of the great benefits that bring. Your lodging travels with you.

RVs Have More Storage Space

If you like to bring the house with you when you travel, an RV is the obvious choice. The spacious interior allows you to set up your house inside for maximal comfort and convenience when you travel. The first and foremost benefit is that you will have more space and storage required to accommodate your personal items. This will give you the freedom to carry along your favorite things while traveling.

You Can Bring Your Pets Comfortably

One of the worst aspects of traveling in a car is how hard it makes it to bring your pets along, but it’s easier in a recreational vehicle with the extra room. Although there are a few guidelines you need to follow when traveling with pets in an RV, the benefits are well worth the extra effort. Not only will your pet have a wonderful time riding with you, but you also get to enjoy his/her company in a different way than you usual. Don’t leave Fido behind!

A RV Can Be Your Office on Wheels

RVs have long been an affordable and fun way to travel the open road. And now, thanks to technology and the entrepreneurial spirit, you can get an office on wheels to stay productive no matter where ever you roam. If you’re using your recreational vehicle as an office, you may also be able to write off a portion of it to save on taxes. Many people dream of having an office in their RV so they can travel all over the country while accomplishing their work goals. It’s more achievable than ever!

The Bottom Line

Traveling in an RV is an experience unlike any other. From the amount of freedom that comes from traveling wherever, whenever, to the amenities and comforts of home, a recreational vehicle can make your travels easier, cheaper, and more comfortable. RVs are anything but just a vehicle to get from one place to another. They are, in fact, a home away from home for those who love to travel in comfort. Take advantage of it by planning an excursion of your own, RV-style!

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Preparing For A Trip In Your RV To New York City

06 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Taking a trip in an RV is one of the least stressful ways to travel. New York City is a popular destination to visit, with 66.6 million visitors reported annually. Heading to NYC in your RV is a good way to avoid the hustle and bustle of airports and gives you the flexibility to enjoy the sights in your own time. But before you hit New York City, make sure you follow these tips so that youโ€™re fully prepared for your trip.

Understand Road & Parking Laws

Itโ€™s important to note that New York City isnโ€™t always easy for RVs. Thatโ€™s not to say that it isnโ€™t possible to navigate its roads and parking spots. The good news is you are legally allowed to park on city streets in NYC for up to 24 hours. When it comes to driving through the streets, itโ€™s easy enough as similar-sized vehicles to yours, such as trucks and buses travel through NYC every day. The only law you need to be aware of relates to propane. Youโ€™ll need to travel on the upper level on bridges when you have propane on board and you must get approval from the Department of Transportation before traveling through a tunnel with more than 10 pounds of propane.

Camp Out of The City

It can be tricky to find a parking spot in NYC thatโ€™s big enough for your RV. You also need to be safety conscious asย vehicle thefts have gone upย by 93% in recent months. Parking your RV in a dedicated RV park just outside the main city is your best option. These parks include Liberty Harbor RV Park, Camp Gateway, and Black Bear Campground. From there, you can use public transport to get to the heart of NYC, knowing that your RV is secure. There are obvious tourist attractions in the city to visit, such as The Empire State Building. But why not enjoy something a little different while youโ€™re away?ย Exploring long-standing eateriesย in NYC is a great way to try great-tasting food, learn history and discover culture. Fraunces Tavern, Ear Inn, and Landmark Tavern are just a few restaurants that have been open for decades. And when youโ€™re done, simply jump in a cab so you rest up in your RV for the night.

Drive Safely

A recent study found that NYC is the most congested city in America. 2 million cars are registered in the city and drivers spend 102 hours stuck in traffic every year. The hectic roads mean people make dangerous maneuvers, pedestrians walk out into the road, and accidents happen frequently. Itโ€™s crucial youโ€™re alert at all times when driving your RV through NYC. Make sure you have a passenger that you can use as a second pair of eyes. And, avoid traveling through the city at peak times which are between 8 and 9 am and 3 to 7 pm.

NYC is a great place to visit in your RV. Thereโ€™s lots to see and do and RVs are common in the city. Follow these tips and your trip is sure to go smoothly.

Author: Alicia Rennoll

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Summer Plumbing And Fresh Water Tips

06 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in Tech Tips, Tips & Tricks

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As the dog days of summer approach, it is important to take a few precautions when it comes to your freshwater tanks, plumbing fixtures, and staying hydrated yourself!

Most RVers understand the issues with water in tanks and pipes when RVing in below-freezing weather however they donโ€™t realize the issues when it comes to really hot temperatures.  

Fresh Water In Tanks And Pipes

Typically the water you use in your RV is going to be hard water coming from the campground source. This water is not treated and can contain minerals and even some harmful components. Even though campgrounds are required to have the well water tested once a year, it doesnโ€™t guarantee the water is good all year round! According to the CDC, hot weather and extreme drought can lower water levels in the wells and cause contamination. I am a firm believer in testing the water from the campground source prior to hooking it up to your rig. A simple tester is this Intellitec version that will tell you the particles per million which doesnโ€™t tell exactly what is in the water, just the level of acceptable particles.

Essentially, it measures continuity as the cleaner the water, the less continuity between the probes. It is also a good indicator that it is time to change your filter as there are more minerals present when the filter is not working properly.

To get more specific about what is in the water, you can purchase a kit that will test over 20 different minerals, PH levels, and even arsenic.

These are simple tests that use a test strip and can even tell the hardness and alkalinity of the well water.

Always Use A Filter

Even if the water is testing ok, I still recommend a filter to keep calcium, lime, and rust out of your water system. These can clog the in-line screen to your water pump, get particles in the diaphragm of your water pump, and clog up faucets and shower heads.

There are several types such as this in-line filter or even the residential version you can find at a home improvement store. I like this Omni version as you can replace the cartridge for a few dollars rather than the entire cartridge like the in-line version.

If you really want to get fancy and go over the top in water quality, you can get a multi-canister system that will even filter bacteria and then add a water softener!

I would also recommend a water pressure regulator as some well pumps could have a higher pressure than your plumbing lines or fittings can handle!

Use an approved fresh water drinking hose

You want to use a connecting hose that is approved for โ€œPotableโ€ or fresh water as a typical garden hose will have not only a bad taste but when left out in the heat, can actually transfer chemicals from the rubber and plastics used into the water.

Donโ€™t leave water in the RV during storage

If you are not going to use your rig for over 2 weeks in extreme heat, it is a good idea to drain all the water out of the freshwater tanks, water heater, lines, and refrigerator ice maker. Basically, winterize it by blowing out all the water. The hot weather will raise the temperature of the hard water and could be an incubator for bacteria and other pathogens unless the temperature reaches the boiling point of 212 degrees which will then sanitize the water. That will probably not happen even on the hottest days in Death Valley!

Drain, flush, and drain your holding tanks

Make sure both the black and gray water tanks have been drained, thoroughly flushed, and re-drained several times to ensure there is nothing that can grow in the tanks. I recommend using Tank Blaster in the black water tank and dumping/draining it. Then plug or cover all drains to sinks, showers, and toilets as there could be standing water in the โ€œPโ€ traps or other areas.

Do not leave any personal water containers sitting outside

If you carry fresh water in gallon jugs or larger jugs or have a case of individual water bottles, itโ€™s not uncommon to store these under the rig when you get to camp as they can take up a lot of room inside when you want to be RVing. During extreme heat, the plastic can give off toxic components that will mix in with the water. Make sure if you do keep them outside they are in the shade at all times and do not get over 90 degrees.

Keep Hydrated

Probably the best tip is to make sure everyone gets enough water during the summer and extreme heat, especially the kids and pets. Metal pet bowls can get very hot in the sun so keep them in the shade and replenish the water often.

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 โ€“ a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

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Camping with Your Kids Without Going Crazy: Tips for Maintaining Your Sanity

06 Wednesday Jul 2022

Posted by in Kids and Camping

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Camping in the wilderness or RVing can be a wonderful getaway for your family, but keeping peace in a tiny tent is not always easy. If you are planning a family camping trip this summer, you need to think carefully about the situation. Are your kids mature enough to enjoy camping, or should you send them off to grandma’s house for the duration of your trip?

There are many things to consider when contemplating a camping trip with the kids. Here are some timely tips you can use to make camping more fun for everyone, no matter what their age.

Pack lots of games and kid-friendly activities.

Camping can be a majestic activity for adults, but children do not always appreciate the beautiful scenery and spectacular sunsets. If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, bring some things to keep the kids entertained.

Bring lots of baby wipes and antibacterial spray.

Keeping kids clean in the wilderness is no easy task, so bring some sanitary supplies to keep those germs at bay. Practice good hand hygiene when restrooms are available and use alternative cleaning methods when they are not.

Avoid overpacking.

Some parents bring everything but the kitchen sink on their camping trips, but overpacking is a huge mistake if you are bringing the kids. Make a list of the essentials you need, then leave everything else at home.

Enjoy short hikes.

A 10-mile hike is probably not on the cards if you have small kids in tow, so tamp down your expectations and try to enjoy shorter hikes instead. Study park maps ahead of time and looks for scenic overlooks, accessible views, and other spots that can be reached quickly and easily.

Set up camp before it gets dark.

Setting up a tent while the sky darkens is a recipe for disaster and undue stress, so keep an eye on the clock and get your campsite set up while there is still plenty of daylight left.

Leave the devices at home.

The magic of camping is all about communing with nature, not crouching over electronic devices. Bring a cell phone and charger for emergencies, but leave the rest of the devices at home.

Stick to your usual routine.

If the kids have a regular bedtime, stick to it even while you are in the tent. Disrupting a long-established routine will do nothing but raise your stress level.

Seek out kid-friendly campgrounds.

Not all camping spots are family-friendly, so do your homework and find a place where your kids will be welcome.

Camping can be a wonderful adventure for the entire family, but heading into the wilderness with the kids in tow is not for the faint of heart. If you want to enjoy your next camping trip and keep your sanity, the above can help you get started.

About the author: Ali Walker

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Unexpected Items to Put on Your Van-Life Packing List

22 Wednesday Jun 2022

Posted by in The Great Outdoors, Tips & Tricks

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If you are planning a road trip vacation or looking to become a full-time van-lifer, there has never been a better time. There are a lot of adventurers taking the leap and hitting the road thanks to that little life-changing pandemic going around. COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in a lot of folk’s plans, so whether you are changing your summer vacation accordingly or finding yourself unemployed with the sudden opportunity to change course, you will be in good company.ย 

Pulling it all together requires a masterpiece in the art of planning because nobody wants to be 100 miles from the next town (without cell service, of course) just to realize they forgot something major. As you plan, you are going to find plenty of helpful packing lists to walk you through the basics, but here are the extras they forgot to mention. 

Extra Blankets

Elevation: call it earth’s original thermostat. You can spend your day driving through a 110ยบ valley and with just a couple thousand miles straight up, you will be looking for your heaviest socks. This is where the extra blankets will come in handy. As you travel through any of the mountainous states, you will be delighted to have the extra covers when you snuggle into bed for the night. 

They will also save your upholstery, which is especially important if you’re renting or planning to sell your camper at the end of your trip. Tuck your blankets around couches or chairs like a makeshift seat cover. It’s an easy way to sneak in a couple of extra blankets without using up precious storage space, and it also makes cleaning up any crumbs or spills easy. You can toss a blanket in a standard washer and dryer and it’s clean in an hour. Alternatively, trying to remove a stain from the original upholstery can quickly turn into a day of tentatively blotting and asking the universe for a miracle. 

Camping Laundry Line 

It’s a small convenience, but for under $10, it can make your camping life just a little easier. There’s the obvious use — you might need it to dry your clothes — but it’s also great for airing out towels, rugs, and the aforementioned blankets between washes. 

Drink Koozies

Can’t beat a cold beverage in hot places, right? But seriously, koozies are surprisingly efficient at keeping cans and jars and anything else that wiggles from constantly bumping against each other as you’re driving down the road. They’re cheap, you’ve probably already got a drawer full of them somewhere, and they’ll slide right over everything from spaghetti sauce to mason jars. 

Chapstick 

Friends from humid places, this one is for you. If you so much as put your big toe into one of those “it’s a dry heat!” states, your lips will dry out in a second. They’re not kidding, it is a dry heat and chapped lips hurt. 

Accept That You Will Forget Things

Almost certainly, you are going to be 100 miles from the nearest town when you think of something you wished you had packed. That’s probably also where you’ll be when you see something taking up valuable space that you still haven’t used. It’s all part of the adventure! But with these items on your packing list, you’ll have a couple of bases covered that you didn’t even know you needed. 

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