Category: Articles

Oil, unlike wine, does not age well. Its viscosity – a measure of the resistance of a fluid to deformation at a given rate – does not take long to break down.

Oil thins as it heats up but thickens as it cools. The thicker it gets, the longer it takes to warm up and flow throughout the engine. As such, your motorhome engine’s oil is similar to all of us, it can’t just sit around without being active.

This also goes for the rest of your motorhome as everything needs to function to stay viable, but for this article, we are going to focus on the engine oil.

How Oil Goes Bad

Exactly how does your motorhome’s oil die? In a few faster-than-expected ways.

First, there’s the simple breakdown known as oxidation. Those little unseen oxygen molecules mix it up with your engine oil’s molecules and break them down over time, just like Ali did to Foreman.

As an example of oxidation, think of what happens to a peach once you break its skin. Oxygen molecules come swooping in like a turkey vulture on a carcass and will turn that peach brown practically before your eyes. Regarding oil, oxygen increases your motorhome oil’s viscosity, thereby making it perform worse from an efficiency standpoint.

Second, this leads back to oxidation, but say you took your motorhome out and towed a vehicle for a short trip and that was it for the camping season. Merely towing a vehicle makes your oil worker harder. Oxidation can, and will, double for every 20°F the engine’s heat goes up. Plus your motorhome’s engine runs hotter when towing.

Third, water contamination. It doesn’t matter where your motorhome is parked. Inside or out, swings in temperature cause condensation and condensation affects your engine. Condensation forms inside your motorhome’s engine and those droplets of water get into your oil and contaminate it.

When you take a trip of a good enough length you will see drips coming off your tailpipe. That’s condensation coming off the engine and those drips are a good thing to see. Plus, water getting into the oil can lead to sludge. I once knew someone who didn’t realize engine oil needed to be changed at all. Condensation and oxidation made the ‘oil’ so thick in the bottom of the pan you could stick the dipstick into it and create a sweet twangy country instrument.

Other Factors

What else can cause your motorhome’s oil to lose its effective viscosity? Gasoline.

Gas needs to volatilize and make its proper exit through the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system. Short trips, or no trips, don’t allow your engine to heat up enough and get to normal operating temperature. Therefore, any gas hanging out in the piston and valve area didn’t wash through and therefore, gets into the oil and contaminates it.

Fuel dilutes oil, making it less effective and promoting the build-up of sludge. Sludge is a byproduct of overall contamination.

Changing Your Oil

And what oil should you use when you change it? If your motorhome is new and still under warranty, whatever the manufacturer recommends.

If it’s an older motorhome, chances are you will be better off with a synthetic-based oil. Synthetic oils are scientifically designed to last longer.

In summation, change your oil regardless of whether you drive your motorhome a lot, a little, or not at all. Not sure who coined this phrase, but oil literally is the “lifeblood of your engine.”

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Any question or comment regarding your motorhome’s oil? Drop us a note in the comments below! Need your oil changed? Contact our service department. 

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The House of the Sun is an apt name for a place that hosts the world’s most stunning sunrises. At …



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Your RV’s tires are extremely important. I’ve discussed tire care before, but I wanted to address what you should do to your tires before you put your RV away for the season. It’s that time of year, and you should be prepping your RV already if you haven’t done so. 

With that in mind, here’s what you’ll need to do to your tires before you put it in storage.

Clean Your Tires

Among the many things you should do to winterize your RV, one of them is to clear your tires. I recommend cleaning your entire RV, inside and out. While doing that, make sure to get your tires good and clean.

Wash them like you would the rest of your RV’s exterior and then apply a special tire cleaner or conditioner. Something like the 303 Tire and Rubber Cleaner will do the trick. You simply spray it on, let it sit and then wipe it off.

Pump Up the Tires

Before you put your RV away for the colder winter months, you need to think about the air pressure in the tires. Your RV tires should be neither over-inflated or under-inflated as each can cause issues.

Read the proper tire pressure on the tire’s sidewall and inflate your tires to the maximum pressure. This will ensure your tires are distributing weight appropriately.

It’s also smart to make sure you check your tire’s air pressure periodically during the time it is in storage. Cold air makes the air inside the tires denser and this can reduce the tire pressure. By checking it regularly, you’ll ensure it doesn’t get too low.

Use Wheel Blocks or Tire Cradles

Putting something between your RV’s tires and the ground or pavement where you park it can help keep your tires in good condition.

Wheel blocks or tire cradles are the best option here. They will ensure that you RV’s tires rest evenly and help ensure weight is properly distributed.

Use Tire Covers

Tire covers can help keep your tires from feeling the negative impacts of the weather. Rain, excessive sunlight, wind, and snow all impact tire life. By covering your RV’s tires while it’s not in use, you’ll increase their longevity.

Tire covers are inexpensive and easy to install. They can even sometimes be color-matched to your RV, to give your rig a streamlined look even when it’s not in use.

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Keeping your RV’s tires in the best condition is important. If you have any questions, reach out to Camping World’s service department.

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Class A diesel motorhomes, also known as diesel pushers, are usually the top of the line for any motorhome manufacturer.

These Class A RVs typically have the most features and the highest-end finishes available.

That said, they’re not for everyone. Here are a few questions you can answer to determine if a diesel pusher is right for you.

Can You Afford a Class A Diesel Motorhome?

Like we mentioned above, these are usually the top of the line for a manufacturer. They’re also the most expensive motorhomes.

Buying a diesel pusher is a considerable investment, especially when you take into account fuel, insurance, and interest (if you’re financing).

One of the few things that can make an RV trip stressful—financial stress. Make sure you’re not stretching to afford a Class A diesel, so you can truly relax when you’re out on the road.

Do You Have Somewhere to Park a Diesel Pusher?

Did we mention these are the biggest motorhomes out there?

Many models won’t fit in a standard driveway, and a lot of neighborhood associations have rules that dictate where you can park an RV on your property.

Furthermore, considering the value of these motorhomes, general outdoor uncovered storage might not be the best choice. An RV cover can be smart but a garage space is usually better.

Depending on your local climate, you may want to build a garage specific to your diesel pusher or find an indoor, climate-controlled space to keep your motorhome when you’re not on the road.

How Much Time Do You Have to Spend RVing?

There’s not much worse than buying an RV and being too busy to use it. Before you invest in a diesel pusher, think about how often you’ll be able to use it.

Are you a college football season ticket holder who plans on tailgating at every single game your favorite team has this year?

Are you an aspiring full-timer, with the freedom to travel the country and spend months at a time in your RV?

Maybe you’re a retiree, planning on “mooch docking” at a rotation of your children’s homes to spend more time with your grandchildren throughout the year.

No matter your plans, make sure you’ve got the time and freedom to make a Class A Diesel motorhome worth it.

Where are You Planning on Traveling?

Diesel pushers are a fantastic choice for boondocking on public lands, spending time at RV parks, and wide-open parking lots for tailgating.

If you’re looking to spend a lot of time in National Parks, they may not be the best choice.

Many campgrounds within National Parks have length restrictions on the majority of their campsites. In fact, you’ll come across a lot of roads in National Parks that just aren’t navigable in a Diesel Pusher.

If you’re looking to spend a lot of time at our National Parks, do some research (we have guides to RVing just about every National Park) before choosing your RV.

Are You Comfortable Driving a Diesel Pusher?

While it’s true Class A Diesels sometime have the ability to cut the wheels tighter than other motorhomes, and may actually have a tighter turning radius than some Class Cs, not everyone will be comfortable driving a vehicle this large. At least at the outset.

If you’re looking at motorhomes, a Class C can feel like driving an SUV, and a Class B even more so.

Driving a Class A Diesel Motorhome is a unique experience. It’s important to account for the learning curve, and make sure you’re truly comfortable before driving off the lot.

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Diesel Pushers are the most luxurious of all motorhomes. If you’re interested, make sure to check out Camping World’s inventory. 

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Bunkhouse fifth-wheel RVs can be some of the best models for families. When you camp with kids and other family members you need plenty of places for people to sleep and bunkhouses are the way to go. Fifth-wheels are also great because they offer stability when towing and the ability to leave your camper behind while you go off in your truck to explore other closeby areas or hit a restaurant or store while camping.

You don’t have to go out and but a brand new model to get a good one. There are plenty of used fifth-wheel RV models out there that are in excellent condition at a fraction of the price you’ll find a new one for. With that in mind, here are some of the models I’d suggest you look into if you want a used fifth-wheel bunkhouse.

2018 Keystone Hideout 308BHDS

The Keystone Hideout 308BHDS is one the more versatile bunkhouse floorplans out there. It features a large master bedroom at the front of the unit with its own half bath, an open living and kitchen area with a full bath just off to the side, and a large rear bunk room with a bunk bed on the camp side of the RV and sofa with a bunk above it in a slide-out on the other side. The unit features two slide-outs in total and the other is in the main living area and houses the U-shaped dinette and a tri-fold sleeper sofa.

For an RV that measures only 35 and a half feet, the Hideout 308BHDS offers quite a lot in terms of space and features. The model weighs only 9,025 pounds, too meaning it should be easy to tow behind a heavy-duty pickup and can be handled by some of the more robust full-size trucks, too. It sleeps up to nine people so you can bring along the whole family and maybe even some friends on your next adventure.

Check Out Our Used Inventory

2017 Heartland Prowler P326

The Heartland Prowler P326 is another model that features a similar versatile layout to the Keystone Hideout floorplan shown above. There’s a similar bunkroom at the rear with a slide-out that houses bunk beds, another slide out in the kitchen and living area that has a U-shaped dinette and a sofa in it, and there are one and a half bathrooms in this unit, with the half-bath connected to the large master bedroom. The materials and overall look of this unit differ from the Keystone model and is another take on this smart design. 

The Prowler P326 measures a little longer than the Keystone at nearly 37 feet in length. The model also weighs a bit more at 9,612 pounds. Despite these two things, it should be easy to tow this model with a heavy-duty pickup and even some of the top-level full-size trucks if they are properly equipped. This model sleeps up to seven people so it’s sleeping capacity isn’t quite on par with the Keystone, but it’s still very good.

Check Out Our Used Inventory

2017 Forest River Blue Ridge 3720BH

The Forest River Blue Ridge 3720BH is a four slide-out model that offers a dramatically different layout than the two shown above. Despite this, it’s still one of the best bunkhouses out there you can find used. At the rear of the unit is a large bunk room with two slide outs for beds. The kitchen and living area also features a slide-out with theater seating and a free-standing dinette in it. There is a full-size bathroom separating the master bedroom from the main living area and another half bath near the bunk room. The master bedroom also features its own slide-out for either a queen or king-size bed.

Make no mistake, the Blue Ridge 3720BH is a large fifth-wheel, measuring about 42 and a half feet in length and weighing 14,016 pounds. But with that length and weight comes plenty of space. When you’re camping with family, especially for long periods of time, having a bit more space can be very beneficial. This model sleeps only six people but it does so in the utmost of comfort.

Check out our Inventory

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These are the only used bunk models on sale. Check out all of the used fifth-wheel bunkhouses at Camping World!

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If you find yourself seeking inspiration from nature, Maine should definitely be on the top of your bucket list. Camping in Maine, especially in its quiet state parks, is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the U.S. Campers will find more secluded backcountry, beach, and primitive tent sites here than in most of New England. 

The rocky coast of Maine provides a seriously fantastic backdrop for primitive and beach camping, day trips, and wildlife sightings. Fisheries, quaint shops, and the freshest seafood you’ll ever find are readily available around Maine’s coast, where whale sightings are common throughout the year. Further inland, private wilderness areas with fresh water sources, mountains, and glacially-carved cliffs define other campsites in Maine.

The unique ecology of Maine continues to inspire brilliant literary and visual artwork. The works of Henry David Thoreau, Stephen King, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Rachel Carson, E.B. White, Marsden Hartley, John Marin, and Arthur Dove attest to the provocative, rocky landscape of the state. The state of Maine may inspire the artist in you.

Baxter State Park

Mount Katahdin and the surrounding area have inspired many artists and naturalists since the early 1800s, but the area is perhaps best known for Henry David Thoreau’s inspired account of his ascent of the mountain in The Maine Woods. You don’t need to be an artist to appreciate the mountainous vistas of Baxter State Park, but you may become a naturalist after visiting. This is a great park for experienced and responsible campers who are comfortable in the backwoods. 

Baxter State Park promotes awe-inspiring hiking, hunting, and camping opportunities. 215 miles of trails stretch across the park, including the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, and over 40 peaks and ridges can be explored within its 209,644 acres. 25% of the park is open to hunting and trapping (with the exception of moose), and 75% of the park acts as a wildlife sanctuary. Baxter features eight roadside campgrounds and two backcountry campgrounds, but the facilities and amenities are more rustic than most. 

Camping at Baxter is a truly immersive experience. As the campgrounds are situated among “wilderness areas” including streams and other water sources, campers must be prepared (and prepared to rough it) if they decide to stay more than a day. There is no potable water within the park: no spigots, showers, or modern toilets. As such, all water must be treated by campers.

There are no cooking or camping supplies within the park, although outhouses are available. Cabins, bunkhouses, and lean-tos are available, but none have potable water. While these conditions may be a compromise for some campers, others may find the experience to be exciting and wild, and a necessary break from day-to-day life. 

Aside from hiking, hunting, and camping, tours of the Scientific Forest Management Area (14% of the park) are offered for those interested in forestry. Kid-friendly, short, self-guided tours complete with tree-ID signs are also available in the park. Visiting Resident Artists hold evening demonstrations and open studios during their work-stays at the park. 

All in all, this is an awesome park for backwoods men and women; families interested in “wilding” it; budding survivalists; and other independent folks. If you wish to see the park but can’t swing the rustic conditions, the (mostly dirt) Park Tote Road offers 46 miles of amazing views.

Reid State Park

For a day trip, Reid State Park should be at the top of your list. This 766-acre oceanfront state park is located on one of Maine’s mid-coastal islands and is one of the few areas in Maine to feature wide sandy beaches. This is the place to go for family trips, bird-watching, beach days, and outdoor activities.

Coastal dunes, sea roses, and salt marshes span the length of this scenic park, with ocean-carved rocks scattered along the route. While no camping is available at the site, there are beautiful inns, bed and breakfasts, and campsites nearby where you could set up for a while to enjoy the unique view.

Camden Hills State Park

In Camden Hills State Park and the surrounding area, your family will find many memorable activities to delve into. The park offers guided tours of area geologic highlights, horseback riding, hunting, camping, and lovely hiking trails. In the town of Camden, whale-watching and harbor tours are available daily. A quaint shopping district located within walking distance to the harbor.

Campers and visitors alike will appreciate the park’s comfort centers, which feature clean, updated showers and bathrooms. Wireless internet is available at most of the campsites, which include full-hookup RV/camper sites, tent camping, and rustic shelters. Detailed trail maps provide clear expectations for every trail, even covering which trails are plowed in the winter for snowy activities.

The Megunticook Trail is a great choice for experienced and fit hikers. As the highest point in the Camden Hills State Park, the Megunticook offers panoramic vistas as far away as Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Atop neighboring Mount Battie, you can enjoy sweeping views of the town of Camden, the harbor, and the bay. On clear days, you can see distant islands and Cadillac Mountain, located in Acadia National Park. 

This area continues to inspire artists and writers. On any given day, you may see painters working en plein air near the harbor, or photographers capturing whales and puffers as they surface in the bay. Edna St. Vincent Millay’s famous 1917 poem, Renascence, was inspired by the magnificence of the area. Perhaps you and your family will experience a “rebirth” of your own while visiting Camden Hills State Park!

Roque Bluffs State Park

Thousands of years ago, glacial moraines etched and sculpted the steep cliffs and cobbled shores of the “down-east” Roque Bluffs State Park. One of the prominent stops on Maine’s Ice Age Trail, the park’s unique geologic features of glacial grooves were shaped by ancient lava and ice flows. Boulders and bedrock bordered by ocean complete the distinctive topography of this site. The Libby Lighthouse, built in 1817, still holds the important task of lighting up the bay each night, as fog tends to cloud the area.

This is a great day trip for families and naturalists. While Roque Bluffs does not offer camping, it does offer several memorable family-friendly features. The mile-long Blueberry Camp Trail will delight children with its hordes of delicious berries in the summer, in addition to several established stone-fruit orchards. Four other short trails, including one four-mile trail, wind along the windy coves and cliffs of Roque Bluffs.

The park features an abundance of wildlife due to its distinctive ecology, offering a 60-acre freshwater lake in addition to the Atlantic Ocean. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, and swimming are permitted in both the lake and ocean. Bald Eagle sightings are fairly common here, alongside other rare birds and waterfowl. 

Your family will love this park and the abundance of activities it offers visitors. Whether you spend your time at Roque Bluffs geocaching, hiking, berry-picking, or otherwise, everyone will find something to appreciate within the confines of this special site.

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What are your favorite backwoods, primitive, beach, or RV sites in Maine? Did we miss one of your favorite state parks in Maine? Fill us in in the comments below!

 

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