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The holidays are right around the corner and you should have probably finished all your shopping done already. What’s that? You haven’t! Well, we’re here to help. Right now is the time to find the best deals. Don’t let the avid camper or RV enthusiast go without a gift they’ll truly enjoy. Get them something they can use on their adventures.

Here are some gift ideas that will thrill the RVer in your life.

Portable Grill

One of the best things about RVs is the full kitchen. However, that doesn’t mean RVers don’t like to grill out. Grilling might be far from your mind with the cold holiday weather present, but it’s a big part of camping, tailgating, and generally being outdoors when it’s warm. Portable grills can make an excellent gift for the RV enthusiast in your life.

One fantastic grill for any camper or RVer is the Coleman RoadTrip Classic Grill. This grill features a stand to use by itself or you can detach it and use it right on a table top. The versatility doesn’t end there. The two-burner grill comes with a die-cast aluminum grate and a griddle, meaning you can grill burgers on the grate in the evening and cook up some pancakes on the griddle in the morning.

Camp Chairs

If you have friends or family who love the outdoors, then they’re going to need some good camp chairs at some point. They can use these chairs at sporting events, tailgates, campgrounds, picnics, and much more. The best part about camp chairs is they are affordable items so you can get a couple of chairs at a reasonable price.

The Navy Director’s Chair is a great option for the outdoor lover who wants a small, portable chair with a small side table and cup holder. It’s lightweight and durable construction means it’ll last for years to come.

If you’re looking for something that’ll let you lounge, the Keep Calm and Camp Terracotta Recliner is the way to go. This chair makes it easy to kick back and relax at a campground, beach, or even in your own backyard.

Portable Generator

Avid RVers know that they don’t always have access to shore power. That means a generator often comes in handy. With a good generator, you can get the electric power needed to camp comfortably. If you’re buying a gift for an RVer who loves to boondock, a generator could put a big smile on their face.

If you don’t mind spending more for quality around the holiday season on gifts, consider a Honda generator for your RV-lover. Honda’s EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator is one of the best on the market right now. It’s perfect for camping because it provides ample power and runs quietly. You can even pair two of them together for more power if needed.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

 

If you’ve ever owned an RV, you know how important it is to keep the tires at the recommended air pressure. While some RVs, especially new models, will have tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) installed on them by the manufacturer, many are without this handy feature.

Luckily, it’s one that’s easy to add. Don’t just get any old TPMS, though, not all of them are designed for RV use. The TireMinder Wireless TPMS is a great choice for any RV. The system comes with a handy monitor that shows the exact tire pressure of each tire through a transmitter that you add to the tire valve.

The product comes with four transmitters, but you can get more. The TireMinder system can monitor up to 22 tires and will provide readings ranging from zero to 232 PSI. The person receiving this gift will never have to worry about their rig’s tire pressure again. They’ll know exactly what it is at all times.

Portable Satellite Antenna

Do you have an avid RVer who also loves to keep up on sports and watch TV shows? Get them a portable satellite antenna for the holidays and you’ll make trips in their RV even more enjoyable. A portable satellite antenna brings live HD programming to the TV in their RV.

The DISH Playmaker Portable Satellite Antenna is an excellent choice and its affordable price tag means you won’t break the bank giving the RV lover you care about a gift they will truly enjoy. The satellite antenna is powered by the DISH receiver, so there’s no extra power cord and it can be mounted to the roof of the RV. If your RVer doesn’t have a receiver in their RV already, the DISH Wally HD Receiver is an excellent choice.

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What RV-related gift are you giving this holiday season? Leave a comment below.

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I love to travel, but I also love my dog. Before I discovered RVing, these two facts were constantly at battle. I always had to find someone to watch my pup while I traveled and felt like I was constantly cutting trips short to get back to her.

RVing with pets is the best of both worlds. I get to travel often and have my furry companion with me at all times.

Of course, RVing also presents some challenges for both you and your pet. After almost two years of RVing, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks for RVing with pets:

Keep Your Pets Healthy

Trust me, you do not want to pull up to a campground and discover that your dog is sick and you don’t have your pet’s health records.

Keep your dog and cat up to date on their shots and always carry proof. We like to keep our dogs’ immunization records and rabies certificate in the door of the motorhome, right next to our registration and insurance. It’s just that important.

Last year, ticks were out in full force. When RVing with pets, regularly check them for ticks, and make sure to give them a flea and tick prevention treatment before heading back to the campground.

The US Forest Service recommends carrying certain first-aid items for our furry friends:

• Booties (think toddler/baby socks) for protecting injured paws.
• Emergency space blanket for shock or cold.
• Flat-bladed tweezers and a small container of mineral oil for tick removal.
• Bandana for a makeshift muzzle.
• Multi-tool with needle-nose pliers for extracting splinters, thorns, etc.

It’s also a great idea to look up the name, phone number, and location of a nearby vet clinic. You can call ahead to your RV park or campground to see if they have that information available.

Basic Training For Dogs

Going camping is exciting. The fresh air, the fire-roasted hot dogs and the abundance of nature can really excite a person. Now imagine how your dog must feel with all their heightened senses.

The more training your dog has the better behaved they will be, meaning a less stressful RV vacation for all.

Now, don’t fret if your dog has never been to puppy boot camp. Basic commands should suffice for most camping situations:

Leave It

You never know what you might find out on a nature walk. Scat, food droppings or roadkill aren’t something you want your dog to ingest—although they’re bound to disagree. Your dog should listen when you tell them to leave something alone. The better your dog is at listening to this command, the easier your camping trip will be.

Recall

Despite distractions like smells, children, and other dogs, your dog should always come to you when he is called.

Leash-Friendly

Your dog must be comfortable on a leash. I’ve never been to a campground or RV park that didn’t require a pet to be on a leash at all times. If your dog is unfamiliar or rusty, I would recommend practicing before heading out on your RV trip.

Campground Etiquette For Pet Owners

As much as I love my dog and consider her my first kid, I know there are campers (and pets) out there that don’t see the appeal of my sweet pup. Be a considerate neighbor and follow a few simple etiquette rules.

Keep Your Pet on a Leash at All Times

Yes, this is important enough to mention twice in one article.

While your dog may be docile and very good at coming when called, it’s important to think about other dogs that may not be as friendly. Avoid a conflict (and breaking campground rules) and keep your dog leashed at camp.

Don’t Leave Your Pet Outside by Itself

To be honest, I made this mistake the very first day we went camping. Within just 20 minutes, I had the campground owner knocking on my door.

Although your pet may be the sweetest dog in the world, other campers may be afraid of dogs. Your dog may be like mine and think being on a lead outside the RV means she is on guard duty. No one wants to walk past your campsite and have your dog bark at them.

That isn’t to say your dog can never be outside. We carry a lead and stake with us and put it down in any camp that permits it. We love having our dog outside with us while we are cooking, playing or just soaking up the great weather.

If you have a relaxed cat, I’ve seen many people do this with their kitties. I’ve even seen them in a large kennel outside with their owners.

Pet-Proof Your RV

Whether you have a cat, dog, or other furry friends, it’s important to pet-proof the vehicle before your trip.

Place a piece of plexiglass on the bottom of the screen door if your dog is easily excitable. This will let you have the main door open and you won’t have to worry about your pup tearing the screen. This is also a great idea if you have a cat.

Bring along scratching posts for your cat. Chances are if you’re a cat owner, you already know why. You don’t want your sweet kitty tearing up the carpet, dinette, or window valances.

Use a gate to make some areas off-limits to your pet. Our dog was constantly trying to sit in the passenger seat of our motorhome. The thought of her nails and camp-dirty self all over my light-colored leather made me cringe. We made a gate and now the whole cab area is inaccessible to her.

Also, just like you don’t leave garbage on the ground outside for the animals to get to it, you need to contain your garbage inside your RV. I always put any garbage I have in a cabinet or cupboard so my dog isn’t tempted to go dumpster-diving when we are out of the house.

Have Fun

Remember, RVing with pets is supposed to be fun. Have fun by taking your pets to as many places as possible and letting them explore. They’ll be grateful for all the extra time they get to spend with you and are sure to love being on vacation as much as you do.

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Do you bring your dog with you when you RV? What makes it great for you? Leave a comment below. 

 

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When choosing an RV, there are always trade-offs. The key is knowing what your priorities are before you go shopping. This allows you to evaluate features of a given RV when you’re walking through different rigs at the dealer. This list helps you know what must-haves to look for if easy boondocking is a priority for you.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that boondocking is possible in almost any RV. Any RV can overnight at a Walmart without too much trouble.

This guide is for you, if you’re looking to boondock often or for extended periods. In those instances, you’ll want your RV to have features that make boondocking easier since you’ll be dry camping often.

Water Must-Haves

Water is going to be a major concern when you’re boondocking, so make sure to think about the following things.

Larger Tank Capacities

One of the main limiting factors when dry camping is your tank capacity. You don’t want to run out of water before you’re ready to leave. RVers in Class Bs typically have smaller tanks. RVers in Class As typically have larger tanks. Yet owners of both happily boondock.

When shopping, keep in mind how much water you personally consume to be comfortable. One RVer may be comfortable taking super short showers every other day and doing dishes for one meal a day.

Two of their meals may consist of sandwiches and energy bars. Another RVer may wish to be able to do dishes for all three meals and shower longer or more often.

Your tank capacity will be much less of a factor if you only boondock overnight, but if you plan to dry camp longer, you need bigger tanks.

Efficient Water Heater

The water heater in your rig can make or break your shower experience while boondocking. If you’re not a fan of cold showers, this should be on your list. There are dry-camping-friendly water heaters in many rigs like the Truma Combi and Truma AcquaGo systems.

Water heaters like the Truma AcquaGo circulate water through your pipes even when the water is not in use. This, in turn, keeps the water hot giving you hot water on-demand. For easiest boondocking, you’ll want to make sure your water heater doesn’t only give you your hot water when you’re plugged into shore power.

Depending on the climate you’re RVing in, this could be important even for overnight Walmart stays. You may be a very unhappy camper skipping a shower if the climate is a hot and humid one.

Power Must-Haves

In order to use most of the equipment on your rig, you need to have access to a power source of some kind and think about the draws on that power source. Here are some things to think about.

Appliances and Power Combination

You need your RV appliances. Let’s look at your refrigerator as an example. You need your RV fridge to keep your food cold when camping off-grid.

Luckily there are a few refrigerator options. The first is for your fridge to be able to run off of multiple power sources. Going this route, look for a three-way fridge that can run off of DC/AC/LP (LP is propane).

If your fridge will run off of LP when you’re boondocking, keep in mind your rig will need to be completely level. So you may also want to check out if your RV comes with leveling jacks or be prepared to use leveling blocks.

You can boondock with a residential-style, or compressor, fridge. In order to easily boondock with one of these, you must have a beefy battery bank that can keep the frige working properly.

Ultimately you’ll want to research how many watts or amp hours you personally need. Don’t forget to think about any other appliances you use in the RV, too. This is important even for overnight boondocking.

Easily Accessible Batteries

If you love an RV, but it’s battery bank leaves something to be desired, you can always upgrade. If you want to upgrade or fine-tune your battery power post-purchase, it’s much easier if the batteries are easily accessible for the user.

One RV may require you to climb underneath your rig and unscrew fasteners to access the batteries. Another may have an easy to open, very accessible panel in your RV stepwell on the inside.

The latter will be easier and more convenient for you, and accessible batteries should be a priority for all RVers.

Onboard Inverter

With an inverter, you can do simple things like charging your laptop or making coffee without being connected to shore power.

You do always have the option of carrying a portable power bank. There are many portable power systems like the popular Goal Zero systems.

An onboard inverter makes both extended boondocking stays and overnight boondocking easier.

Onboard Generator

In the case of Motorhome RVs, an onboard generator will make boondocking easier, and you have to have it if you plan to run the AC while boondocking. Although an onboard generator comes with many RVs, not all RV manufacturers have made them a standard option.

An onboard generator will be most important to make boondocking easy for those of you free camping in hot or humid climates where running the AC is a must.

If the rig you’re falling in love with doesn’t have an onboard generator, it may have lithium power. Some systems, like the Pure 3 system in the Winnebago Travato or the EcoTrek system in Roadtrek RVs, make it possible to power your coach without a noisy generator.

These systems are popular among avid boondockers and replace the need for an onboard generator. You really need to have one or the other, though.

Floorplan & Exterior Must-Haves

Don’t spend all your time thinking about water and power. The interior and exterior features of the RV are very important, too. The last thing you want is to buy an RV with a floorplan you hate.

Slide-Out Independent Bed

For easier boondocking, you’ll want to have a bed that doesn’t rely on a slideout being popped out to be functional. This isn’t to say that you can’t boondock if you must pop out a slide to sleep in your bed.

This will be more important if you’re a full-timer or often frequent places in-season rather than shoulder season or off-season.

At almost any Walmart you can pop your slides out. However, if you find that you arrive late, or you plan on overnighting in rest stops, space may be limited. More parking options are available to you if you can sleep with your slides in. The same can happen with BLM land that has many trees or fills up (Sedona). You may be able to just squeeze into that last spot if you don’t need to pop slides out.

If you love a floorplan but the bed requires the slide to be out, you can usually get away with it if there are alternative sleeping areas (loft, convertible dinette, etc.).

This tends to be most important for full-timers, and RV travelers that need to overnight in a variety of places, particularly in-season.

Ample Storage

If you have an outdoor activity you love (kayaking, climbing, backpacking) you might find yourself boondocking more than the average RVer. That means you should really take note of a rig’s storage area.

Ample interior and exterior storage will make it easier to pack gear, equipment, extra food, and coolers for boondocking trips.

Although everyone loves extra storage space, this is of extreme importance for those that plan to boondock for extended periods.

Clearance

On the outside of the RVs, you’ll want to consider what’s underneath. Take a look underneath and think about the following:

• Where does the exhaust pipe come out of?
• How low does the waste valve sit?
• Where is the generator located?

Also, consider the departure angle and clearance of the RV. If the overhang past your rear wheels is long, your departure angle will be poor. A good departure angle makes it easier to boondock on certain BLM land and even helps you get in and out of certain parking lots easier. Most RVs will be fine in all but true off-road situations, but it’s worth noting.

Some RVs have air ride suspension which helps with clearance. If the rig you’re looking at lacks air ride suspension, what you see or measure at the dealer will be all you’ll have. Keep that in mind when going off the beaten path.

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What are your must-have RV features for boondocking? Leave a comment below.

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A must-see for Crazy Family Adventure was the redwoods in Northern California. In this episode of Life on the Road, the family visits Humboldt Redwoods State Park. They got to camp right in the park among the trees, hike some gorgeous trails, and explore the small towns north of the park. From there it was to Fern Canyon, Patrick’s Point State Park, and on up the scenic Highway One.

You can watch the rest of Crazy Family Adventure’s Life on the Road series by clicking here.

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If you want to escape the cold during the winter months many people think of Florida or Southern California first, but The Lone Star State is an excellent place to visit. Texas has a rich history, fantastic moderate weather during the winter, and plenty to see and do for RVers.

If you haven’t visited Texas in your RV yet, consider heading that way this winter. Here are five destinations worth traveling to.

South Padre Island

Looking for a way to enjoy some pristine beaches? Visit South Padre Island right near the southern tip of Texas. Take state highway 48 east from Brownsville, Texas, and you’ll be out on one of the most beautiful islands the Lone Star state has to offer.

The southern end of the island is the resort town where there is plenty to do and a thriving nightlife scene. Head north and you’ll find some beautiful, secluded beaches. South Padre Island is also home to all kinds of unique activities like parasailing, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, waterparks, and other theme parks. It’s fun for the whole family.

Camping in your RV is easy. There are numerous RV parks on or near the island. The South Padre Island KOA is a great option for a more luxurious spot. If you want something a little more basic, you can always camp on the mainland closer to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and then head over to the island during the day.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Want to experience some history from long before mankind was the steward of the earth? Visit Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. The park is home to dinosaur tracks. The tracks can be found in the riverbed. While not always easily visible, this is one of the coolest experiences to have with your family. Call ahead of time to find out how visibility is for the tracks.

In addition to the dinosaur tracks, you can go picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing at this wonderful state park. Camping in an RV is easy. The park has RV campsites with water and electricity hookups, making it a wonderful place to spend a weekend or even longer.

Fort Griffin State Historic Site

Indulge in some Texas history at the Fort Griffin State Historic Site in Albany, Texas. Remnants of the fort remain at this gorgeous place, and you can walk the grounds and imagine what it was like to be there in the late 1800s when the fort was in its prime. The site is also home to the Offical State of Texas Longhorn Herd, which makes for a great photo opportunity while you’re there.

The site is only open to the public from 8 am to 4:30 pm., but make sure to stay in the area well into the evening hours or consider camping close by. The lacks much of the light pollution many places experience and you’ll get a view of the night sky like no other.

Camping is easy. There are numerous campgrounds close, and the site itself offers 33 campsites ranging from primitive to full hook-up. To be sure you’ll get a campground at Fort Griffin, be sure to call and make a reservation.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

There’s a massive pink dome of a rock that rises above Central Texas known as the Enchanted Rock. The site is also home to fantastic hiking, camping, rock climbing, picnic areas, and plenty of other outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a good place to camp and enjoy nature for a few days, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is it.

Another close by attraction is Fredericksburg. There you can get some of the best food and wine that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. It’s a great place to go with just your significant other or with the entire family.

Camping at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is easy. The campgrounds are primitive, though, so if you’re looking for something with full hook-ups, you’re going to have to go down the road closer to Fredericksburg. There you can find everything from basic campgrounds to luxury RV resorts.

The Alamo Mission and San Antonio River Walk

If you’ve never been to San Antonio, then visiting the city is a must. You can check out all the city has to offer, including it’s beautiful and fun-to-wander River Walk. You can hit the shops the walk connects to, get some food and drink, take a little boat ride, or just enjoy the views.

Also, just up the road from the River Walk is The Alamo, the historic fort and Texas history museum. You can tour one of the most iconic and important historical sites in the nation.

There are a number of RV parks to choose from in the city. Most are full hook-up campgrounds, which makes RVing in San Antonio extremely easy. Two that are close are the Alamo City RV Park and Traveler’s World RV Resort. Both are only a short drive to the downtown area of the city.

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Have you traveled to Texas? Where would you suggest newcomers go? Leave a comment below.

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As fall comes to an end, many people are winterizing their RV and preparing to store it away for the long, cold winter. Their RV is going into hibernation until springtime. But what if camping season didn’t have to end?

What if instead of bundling up and riding out the winter, you could hit the road and enjoy your RV? Not only is it possible, but winter RVing is also as a great time to RV!

If you need a little convincing, here are four great reasons to RV this winter:

1. Take That Dream Ski Vacation

There’s something so magical about a winter vacation, especially if skiing is involved. Whether you love to ski or snowboard or just enjoy the feeling of being cozy and warm while watching the snow fall outside, what better way to experience the mountains than in your RV?

Surprisingly, there are many wonderful ski towns/resorts that have RV parks. Staying in your RV is a cost-effective way to enjoy a dream ski vacation. Here are a few RV parks near popular ski resorts that might be the perfect place for you this winter:

Tiger Run RV Resort in Breckenridge, CO
Park City RV Resort in Park City, UT
Whitefish RV Park in Whitefish, MT
Jackson Hole Campground in Jackson, WY

2. Avoid the Crowds

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for many common RV and camping related activities – hiking, biking, fishing etc. Sure, spring and summer bring warmer weather, but they also bring larger crowds.

RVing in the winter still allows you to experience many of these activities but with fewer crowds. Visiting destinations, especially the national parks, during all the different seasons can be so rewarding. You’ll experience the beauty and attractions from a different perspective.

3. The Holidays

With winter come the holidays. For many, the holidays are synonymous with hectic travel and hilariously uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to take your RV to your family gatherings for many reasons.

You can sleep comfortably in your own bed instead of on the couch or an air mattress, and if you need to, you can retreat to your own space when you need a little peace and quiet. Or perhaps you have the responsibility of hosting your family this year. Having an RV could allow for more comfortable and private sleeping arrangements for your holiday guest.

4. Escape the Cold Weather

If a cold weather RV trip isn’t your cup of tea, hit the road and escape to warmer weather. RVing to warm weather destinations is a tried and true way to enjoy your RV year-round. Luckily, the US has many destinations that stay nice during the winter months and these places tend to be very welcoming to RVers.

As shorter days and colder temperatures approach nearer, remember the fun doesn’t stop just because winter rolls in. There is lots to do and many places to go this winter in your RV. If you don’t already have an RV and are looking to enjoy do some of these activities, winter is also a great time to purchase.

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Where would you like to RV this winter? Leave a comment below!

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