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Camping is a great activity that you can enjoy for a couple of days or for weeks or even months on end. While I know several people who spend long periods of time in their RV camping at various campgrounds around the country, I also know plenty of others who only camp on the weekend.

These weekend warriors need gear just like the camper who spend large periods of time hanging out at campgrounds. If you have someone in your life who loves to spend their Saturdays and Sundays camping, then this is the list for you.

Perma Chill 50 Quart Cooler

Made in the USA! This 12.5 gallon cooler is rated for 7 days of ice retention, making it perfect for backwoods camping and long fishing trips. The Perma Chill’s freezer-grade gasket, lockable lid, and tie-down slots make it easy and safe to haul to your campsite’s location.

The cooler features an integrated bottle opener, inch ruler for measuring your catch of the day, and comes in five colors.

Check it out at Camping World

ThermaCELL Radius Zone Mosquito Repellant

Protect your entire campsite from mosquitoes with this awesome device. This TheraCELL is a must-have for campers, particularly those with sensitive skin or small children. This DEET-free, scent-free device provides 110 square feet of protection from mosquitoes (without having to apply yucky chemicals!).

Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to six hours and has the added bonus of being usable while charging. This ThermaCELL comes with an automatic timer-mode for better performance. A single refill lasts about 40 hours and is sold separately. It comes with a USB battery charger and a 12-hour refill. No assembly required.

Check it out at Camping World

Sea To Summit Double Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter

This mosquito net is the perfect gift for bug-free lounging, reading, napping, and stargazing. The pyramid shape provides a good amount of space for activities and play, and its durable black polyester mesh will not tear easily. The shelter features color-coded corners for easy-setup and packs down to 6” for storage and travel. Simply fold under your sleeping mat and enjoy it.

Check it out at Camping World

Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel Tabletop Grill

This stainless steel grill is sure to be your new favorite outdoor cooking device. 12,000 BTUs of cooking power combine to grill some of the most delicious meals you’ve ever had. Its chrome-plated warming rack will keep food warm and ready to serve throughout the day.

The grill features a double-layer stainless steel lid with built-in temperature gauge, durable stainless steel firebox, stainless steel wire grates, a lockable lid, and built-in handle for easy hauling. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, and neighborhood BBQs!

Check it out at Camping World

RV Camping in State Parks, 6th Edition

You never know when -or where- your cell phone or GPS signal will disappear. This book is your backup plan. This definitive guide to camping across the United States provides a map and park locator chart for each state, an overview of each state’s park system, information about reservations and fees, plus contact information with phone numbers and web addresses.

The details for each park feature directions, GPS coordinates, number and type of hookups, the season of operation, RV length limit, and availability of showers, dump station, Wi-Fi, and more.

Check it out at Camping World

Dogtra 1900S One-Dog Electronic Dog Collar

If you don’t have an electronic collar for your doggo, please do yourself a favor and get this one. This collar will provide the off-leash peace of mind you and your dog deserve. Its three-quarter-mile range will allow you to get your pup’s attention from longer distances, and its various modes give you the ability to apply the right amount of correction.

The 1900S also features fully waterproof construction and a non-stimulating high-performance pager. It fully charges in two hours. Manufacturer two-year limited lifetime warranty. Works with Lithium polymer batteries.

Check it out at Camping World

Folding Aluminum Grill Table

This aluminum table provides a safe, heat-resistant surface for your grill and cooking tools. Its fold-out side tables offer ample room for cookware, sauces, food, and other small appliances. A paper towel rack and utensil hooks are the perfect additions to this table.

Its high strength steel frame is rust-resistant and durable. Overall dimensions: 57-3/4 inches wide by 19 inches deep and 32 inches high.

Check it out at Camping World

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If you don’t see something that catches your eye here, check out all of Camping World’s camping gear.

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Those of us who love motorhomes generally don’t look at affordability on the basis of what’s the final agreed-upon price—even though we all wait for a big sale because why not, right?

That being said, with good credit and a solid down payment you can buy a lot for not-so-much in terms of monthly payment. Let’s take a look at all three of the surprisingly affordable Newmar Class A gas motorhomes.

Newmar Bay Star Sport

The ‘baby’ of the Newmar Class A family, the Bay Star Sport comes in eight different floorplans in lengths from 28 feet up to 34 feet. All of them have their queen bed on a slide to create nice walk-around space, and each has multiple slides to open up the living area.

One of the floorplans, the Bay Star Sport 3315, is a bunkhouse model and can comfortably sleep up to six tired campers.

As far as camp-cozy aspects, it’s hard to resist features such as Samsung LED TVs with a DVD player, polished solid surface countertops, and a large shower with skylight. Optional features include a king bed and a refrigerator with an ice maker.

Check Camping World’s Inventory

Newmar Bay Star

 

Longer and more in-depth than the Bay Star Sport, the Bay Star comes in eleven different floorplans ranging from 30 feet all the way up to 36 feet. Most are front living models with the exception of the Bay Star 3609 with its rear bath and a half bath adjoining the living area, and the Bay Star 3616 which has the same rear bath and half bath but adds a set of stacked twin bunks. Most of them have a king bed standard, and a few of them come equipped with room for a stacked washer-dryer combo.

Luxurious touches in the kitchen include glazed maple mitered cabinet doors with concealed hinges, polished solid surface kitchen countertop with stainless steel sink, 30-inch stainless steel microwave, and pull-out pantry shelves. Other nice assets include leather sofa and front seats, plush pillow top mattress, a pair of Samsung LED TVs each with a Blu-Ray player, and large residential showers with skylights.

Options include an ice maker in the standard 10 cubic foot fridge (or a larger Norcold or Whirlpool fridge with or without ice maker), living area fireplace, and Bose sound system.

Check Camping World’s Inventory

Newmar Canyon Star

The big daddy of the Newmar gas engine line, the Canyon Star takes luxurious motorhome living to another level. Purely in size, the Canyon Star’s nine floorplans are large class A gas motorhomes. They range in length from 35 feet up to 39 feet. A pair of them are very unique: the Canyon Star 3927 is a toy hauler with an enclosed garage space of 10 feet, and the Canyon Star 3929 has a private bunkroom in the rear with its own half bath.

As far as luxurious appointments, you’ll find every Canyon Star loaded with items such as custom-made wall sconces, luxury vinyl tile flooring, polished surface countertops in kitchen and bathroom areas, and Samsung LED TVs with Sony Blu-Ray player and Bose soundbar.

The Canyon Star cockpit has six-way power captain’s chairs plus a Sony audio system with JBL speakers. The Canyon Star kitchen includes glazed maple mitered cabinet doors with concealed hinges, under-mounted stainless steel sink, 30-inch stainless steel microwave, and pull-out pantry shelves.

Canyon Star options include a drop-down bunk bed, power theatre seating, central vacuum system, stacked washer and dryer, a residential-style dishwasher, and a fireplace.

Check Camping World’s Inventory

So that’s it for the gas-engine line of Newmar motorhomes. One more thing though that may make a Newmar Class A gas motorhome even more affordable: with any motorized RV – be it class A, A-Diesel, B or C – the interest on your payment could be tax-deductible. It’s highly recommended you consult your tax professional for further information.

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Have any questions about Newmar RVs? Visit your local Camping World to talk with one of our knowledgable representatives. 

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You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so you might as well enjoy it. While there are all sorts of beds designed for regular homes, you’ll find RV beds can be very comfortable, too. If you have a bed in your RV that’s not wildly comfortable, then you should consider upgrading.

New Mattress

How old is the mattress in your RV? You don’t know? How old is your RV? If your RV is more than eight years old, there’s a good chance your mattress is, too. If you know for sure it is not, then do your best to find out how old it is. The rule of thumb for mattresses is that you should get a new one every seven to 10 years. If you’re mattress is older than that, it’s time to upgrade.

Even if your mattress isn’t that old, you can still upgrade to a new one. Having the right mattress in your RV can make a world of difference. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to mattresses, and you need to find one that works for you. Don’t settle for what’s already in your RV.

Mattress Topper

Like your mattress but don’t love it? You can add a topper to it so that it feels a little bit more comfortable. A topper is a simple addition to your RV’s bed and a lot cheaper than getting a whole new mattress.

I love having a topper on a bed. It can literally transform a reasonably comfortable bed into a seriously comfortable place to lay your head at night. I highly recommend them, and Camping World offers plenty to choose from.

High Thread Count Sheets

The sheets you sleep on are an important part of staying comfortable too. Low thread count sheets will be less comfortable, and some feel downright scratchy. A set or two of higher-quality sheets will not only be more comfortable but likely last longer, and that means that you’ll be able to enjoy your comfy sheets for years to come.

You should also think about the actual material of the sheets. I have a set of soft flannel sheets for the colder months. They do wonders to make the bed more comfortable. Sometimes I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning to make coffee and start my day!

Thick Comforter

This one is really only important if you plan on camping when it’s not hot out. During the hot months, a thick comforter isn’t going to do you any good, but in the fall and winter it can make all the difference.

There’s nothing better than settling into your bed with a thick comforter and a cup of hot cocoa on a brisk fall or winter night. Camping World has all sorts of comforters on sale, and you can find the right one for your rig. The comforter can also add a favorable visual element to your bedroom if you pick the right pattern or design.

Pillows and More Pillows

Many beds in RVs are positioned up against a wall. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rolled over in the night and bonked my head on the wall. What’s a good way to keep that from happening? Extra pillows.

Even if your bed is situated in the middle of the room, some extra pillows can do wonders to make you more comfortable. I often watch TV or write in bed, and some extra pillows to prop me up help make me feel comfortable. Don’t go overboard with the pillows, but find the right number for you. Everyone is different.

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Find any of these bedding items and so much more at Camping World’s website.

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Every RVer needs to have a plan in the event of a flat tire or a blowout. Often this means a spare tire that you can put on your RV when it’s needed. But is your RV’s spare ready for action? When was the last time you looked at it? Do you have a spare tire cover for it?

If the answer to these questions is a mystery to you, then you need to take some time to check on your RV’s spare. Make sure it’s in good condition, properly inflated, and covered with a spare tire cover. A cover may seem like a small or unneeded thing, but it’s actually quite important. Here’s why.

Tire Covers Protect from Harmful UV Rays

We all know that the sun’s UV rays can be harmful to our skin, but those same rays can wreak havoc on the condition of your spare tire (or really any of your tires) over long periods of time. Tire compositions can dry out. This happens most often when tires are exposed to prolonged sunlight.

A dried out, cracked, or dry rotted spare tire isn’t going to be very useful. It may get you where you need to go, but it may fail you before you get there. Putting a tire cover on your spare will help ensure it doesn’t get damaged too much by UV rays.

Tire Covers Protect from Road Debris

Even if you’re not worried about UV rays, it’s smart to put a tire cover on your spare. Why? Road debris. When you’re out driving around, there’s a lot of dirt, grime, and other debris flying around.

It’s very unlikely that any of this stuff will do immediate damage to your tire, but prolonged exposure to these conditions can have a negative impact on the condition of your spare. A cover will hide your spare from all this nastiness and give you a clean and ready-to-go tire when you need it most.

Tire Covers Protect from Weather

Tires are pretty resilient, but a lot of inclement weather over time can have a negative impact on the condition of the tire. A spare tire cover will protect your RV’s spare from many of the negative effects of rough weather.

Rain, sleet, snow, hail, debris kicked up by the wind and more can, over time, cause damage. Get a tire cover and you have some protection.

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Looking for the perfect tire cover for your rig? Check out Camping World’s selection.

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Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.

Today we will explore the most popular trains in New Hampshire:

Café Lafayette Dinner Train

Get transported back in time when rail travel was celebrated, and elegant meals onboard were commonplace…well, almost! The Café Lafayette Dinner Train leaves a stunningly restored depot in Woodstock to escort passengers through a bit of the White Mountains in the late afternoon.

Along the way, five courses of exquisitely prepared food are served, with ambiance provided by Frank Sinatra drifting through the speakers and luggage racks filled with antique suitcases. It is a perfectly romantic way to spend an evening in New Hampshire!

Railway and Locomotive Types

The railroad runs with a diesel locomotive on standard gauge tracks. The rolling stock consists of a 1952 dome dining car, a 1954 dining car, along with a Pullman and an Army kitchen car.

Seating Options

All seats are assigned for table dining, meaning most are 4 person tables. There is a historian on board to share the history of the area and the railroad, and passengers can tour the other cars and talk with the chef at the end of the trip.

Riding Options

There are two classes of service available, dependent upon railcar choice:

• Main Level Dining – Dinner is served in a passenger dining car.
• Dome Level Dining – Dinner is served in the upper-level dome car.

Both levels offer the same choice of meals and meticulously attentive service.

Specialty Trains

The Café Lafayette is a specialty train on its own. Passengers are treated to a two-hour train ride through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, during which an elegant five-course meal is served. It doesn’t get more “special” than that!

Length of Season

The Café Lafayette Dinner Train runs from mid-May through October, with departures Thursday through Sunday, depending upon the season. Please check the train schedule for specific dates.

Conway Scenic Railroad

With the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad that was built in 1872, a need for a depot arose. Conway was a summer resort, so architects put great effort into designing a showcase, and the Victorian stylings of the new depot were an immediate hit.

Passenger service along the line was stellar for more than 90 years, with many riding snow trains to the ski mountains in the region. But automobile travel slowed the need for train service, and the railroad abandoned the line in 1972.

Two years later several local businessmen founded the Conway Scenic Railway, introducing excursion train service to the Mount Washington Valley, and the railway’s growth has been steady ever since!

Railway and Locomotive Types

The railroad operates one steam locomotive (the only coal-fired standard gauge engine in New Hampshire) and several diesel engines. Rolling stock consists of several commuter and first-class coaches, a dome car, open cars, and even an 1898 Pullman open-deck observation car.

Seating Options

The Conway Scenic Railroad offers assigned seating on all of its trains. In some instances, dinner can also be included with ticket prices:

• Premium Dome Seating – Enjoy the best view in the house, sitting in the upper level of the dome car.
• Premium Screen Room Seating – Sit in lounge chairs with television screens in the lower level of the dome car.
• First-Class Seating – Take in the scenery from padded, individual seats in an enclosed passenger car.
• Coach Seating – Seats are bench-style in an enclosed passenger coach.

Riding Options

The railroad operates two different round-trip trains from their North Conway Village depot:

• Notch Train – A scenic tour of Crawford Notch, with bluffs, trestles, mountain vistas, and steep ravines constitutes this six-hour ride. All classes of service are available for this excursion.
• Valley Trains – These trains stay in the valley, with views of woodlands and a river crossing. There are two routes available: Conway Excursion is a short one hour ride around the valley. Bartlett Excursion is one hour and 45 minutes long.

Specialty Trains

• Johnny Appleseed Express – Take the Valley Train to a local orchard, where apple picking is an Autumn tradition.
• Murder Mystery Train – Enjoy dinner theater while solving a crime involving an 80s rock band. Become a “groupie” on this three-hour tour!
• Santa’s Holiday Express – Take a ride with Santa and his helpers on this train, where goodies abound and kids can grab Old Saint Nick’s ear to tell him about their Christmas wishes.

Length of Season

Valley trains run from mid-April through December, and Notch trains ride the rails from mid-June through October. Specialty trains have separate dates, so it’s a good idea to check the train schedule for specific times.

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

As part of the Boston & Maine Railroad, the tracks for what is today called the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad were laid back in 1849. The lake whose shores it follows was considered remote back then, but with the growth of tourism, the train has found lasting popularity.

The railroad has two lines that it operates in the region: the one around Lake Winnipesaukee, and one that departs from Lincoln, called the Hobo Railroad.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The trains are driven by diesel locomotives on standard gauge lines, with a variety of passenger coaches and dining cars.

Seating Options

Passengers have an option to purchase First Class or Coach seating on the train ride, with assigned seats in each car.

Riding Options

The Hobo Railroad and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad are round-trip excursions. Passengers have the opportunity to purchase snacks and refreshments while on the train.

Specialty Trains

• Santa Express – Sit back and enjoy a one-and-one-half hour holiday train with your complimentary cocoa and cookies. Children can write letters to Santa, who appears to collect them and distribute gifts along the way.
• Rail & Sail – Leaving from the Meredith Station, passengers ride the train to Lake Winnipesaukee for a two-and-one-half hour cruise, before returning to Meredith.

Length of Season

The Hobo Train runs from Memorial Day weekend through December. Please check the train schedule to make your travel plans.

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Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip. Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.

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One of the questions I often get is, “Why are RV’s so ugly?”

Now, the way that something looks is subjective. For every person who asks me that I get others who are genuinely impressed with the way new RVs look. However, I can say that there are plenty of folks out there who want to renovate or change up the interior of their RV and repainting the inside of your RV is a great way to do that.

Here’s what you need to know if you’ve ever wanted to repaint the interior of your RV. It can be a big job, but it’ll go a long way towards making your home-on-the-road feel like a real home.

Spend Most of Your Time on Prepping Your RV

 

When you think painting, you think about paintbrushes and the actual paint, but the fact of the matter is that you should spend more time prepping your RV than actually painting. Once the RV is prepped and ready to go, the actual painting process goes quickly.

Prep ahead of time and everything will go smoother. You should do things like remove cabinet doors (if you’re painting the cabinets), cover everything you don’t want paint on (floors, furniture, etc.), and clean the area you want to paint extensively.

When cleaning, use TSP or a TSP substitute, mineral spirits, or some other pre-painting cleaner that is residue-free. You need to have the surfaces you want to paint as clean as possible so the primer and paint can spread evenly and adhere well.

Prime First, Paint Second

The actual painting process can be done with either a paint sprayer or brushes and rollers. Personally, I like paintbrushes and rollers. The reason is that there’s a fair amount of overspray with a paint sprayer and that can be disastrous if you have things you don’t want to get paint on.

Once you decide what method to use, the first step is priming every single surface that you want to paint. Make sure to fully cover the area with primer and get a low-VOC primer that’s designed to go over wallpaper and laminate walls. Sometimes it will take a little more primer than you expect, so don’t be scared to do multiple coats.

With the interior of your RV primed, you can then begin painting the color of your choice. I would like to advise you to choose high-quality paint. If you cheap out on the paint, it won’t last as long and that could mean you’ll be doing touchups often and maybe the whole entire job again only a short time down the road. High-quality paint will last the longest and look the best.

Take Your Time

Throughout the whole process, it’s important to note that you need to take things slowly when repainting the inside of your RV. The moment you rush is the moment something will go wrong.

Make sure you have plenty of time to get the job done and ask someone for help if you need to. This will help ensure you don’t get too overwhelmed by the project. Repainting can be a tough project to finish, but you’ll be extremely happy once it’s done. Your RV will feel more like home than ever before.

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What colors would you like to repaint your RV’s interior? Leave a comment below.

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