Learn To RV

Why Do RV Tires Blow Out?

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:26:58 GMT

What's Under Your Rig Matters More Than You Think.

This week on Learn to RV the Podcast — we're going under the rig. And you're not going to want to miss it.

Let me ask you something.

When is the last time you thought about what is actually carrying your RV down the highway?

Not the engine. Not the slides. Not the fresh water tank. The things that are between your rig & the road — the tires, the brakes, the suspension, the systems that monitor all of it in real time.

If your answer is 'not recently' or 'I honestly don't know' you are not alone. And this week's episode of Learn to RV the Podcast was made for you.

Did you know that 48% of all RV roadside service calls are tire-related. Most of them are also completely preventable.

This week Jennifer and Tasha are bringing in the people who know this space better than almost anyone & the conversation covers everything from blowouts and brake failure to suspension and what a Tire Pressure Monitoring System is actually doing for you at 65 miles

per hour.

This week we are joined by three industry voices who each bring

something completely different to the table.

Tommy Henderson — Henderson's Line-Up

Special Appearance- Suspension & Steering Expert

If you have ever dealt with a rig that wanders, pulls, or just doesn't feel right on the highway — Tommy's world is exactly where those answers live. Henderson's Line-Up has been in the RV suspension and

steering space for years, and Tommy brings the kind of practical, been-there knowledge that changes how you think about what your rig is doing underneath you.

Rick Steelman — TST Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Special Guest Co-Host | TPMS Authorized Retailer

Rick Steelman is a knowledgeable voices in RV tire pressure monitoring, and he is in the co-host seat for this episode. TST is the industry standard in TPMS — factory installed on over 50 RV model lines, with over 2.2 million sensors in the field. Rick brings the data, the stories, and the straight talk about what a TPMS is actually doing — and what it

cannot do.

Ashley O'Neil — VP of Sales & Partnerships for Performance Trailer Braking

Special Segment | Braking Systems Expert

Ashley from Performance Trailer Braking joins the episode for a dedicated segment on one of the most overlooked safety systems on a tow rig. Brakes are not just about stopping — they are about what happens to your stopping distance when you are pulling weight, what the warning signs of brake trouble actually look like, and why this is a conversation every RVer needs to have before they need to have it.

Tires age whether you drive them or not. Your brakes behave differently when you are towing. Your suspension affects more than your ride quality.

Your TPMS, if you have one ( and you should have one), is only as useful as your understanding of what it is telling you.

We are not going to spoil the episode here. That is what the play button is for.

But we will tell you this: the stories in this episode are real. Blowouts on Texas highways. Brake scares in Florida. A descent down Tioga Pass that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about your rig's limits.

We are talking about the things that RVers either do not know, do not think about until something goes wrong, or have been meaning to address for three seasons and haven't gotten to yet.

Summer travel season is almost here. Rigs are loaded. Roads are hot. And if there is one thing we know at Learn to RV — it is that the best time to learn something is before you need it.

What is rolling under your RV matters. The tires that are carrying your family down the interstate deserve more than a quick walk-around at the campground. The brakes that are going to stop your rig on a mountain grade deserve your attention before you start the descent. The suspension that is keeping you stable in a crosswind deserves to be inspected by someone who knows what they are looking at.

This week's episode is an hour of your time that could change how you travel. Possibly much more than that.

Have a tire blowout, brake scare, or suspension story from the road? Share it in our free Facebook community — Learn to RV The Community & Don't forget to Like & Follow our page.

If you have a story you want read around the Learn to RV virtual campfire, email connect@learntorv.com to submit it for Campfire Confessions.

If yours is read on air, we'll send you a Campfire Confessions sticker.

Learn it before you need it. Keep the wheels turning.

The experts we bring to Learn to RV the Podcast are here to educate, inform, and keep you safer on the road. The personal stories you hear , including our own , are real experiences shared for context, not instruction.

Please do not attempt to recreate any situation you hear about on this show. Do your maintenance. Hire the professionals. Travel safe. Learn it before you need it.

Full-Time RV Life with Kids: How We Got Our Kids Excited (And Why It Worked)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:06:50 GMT

This Was a Family Decision, Not Just Ours

Full-time RV life with kids is not a small decision—and it shouldn’t be treated like one. From the very beginning, we knew that if this lifestyle was going to work long-term, it had to be something our entire family believed in. We didn’t present a finished plan. We started a conversation.

We talked through the realities :

● Living in a smaller space

● Being together far more often

● Leaving behind routines, friends, and familiar places

● Navigating school while traveling full-time

But more importantly, we listened . Our kids asked thoughtful, honest questions—some of which forced us to think more deeply about our own plans. That back-and-forth didn’t slow us down—it made the foundation stronger.

That process turned uncertainty into understanding, and eventually, excitement.

Getting Kids On Board: Why Inclusion Matters In our experience, the biggest challenge in transitioning to RV life with kids isn’t the logistics—it’s the emotional buy-in.

Kids don’t resist adventure. They resist feeling left out. Including them early changed everything. Instead of being told what was happening, they became part of the decision-making process.

That shift created:

● Ownership

● Curiosity

● Confidence

And those three things carried us through the transition.

The Turning Point: Letting Them Help Shape the Journey

The moment everything changed came from a simple question:

Where do you want to go?

That question gave our kids a sense of ownership—and that ownership created real investment in the lifestyle. Dean’s interest in dinosaurs led us to places like Glen Rose, Texas, where he could walk through real dinosaur tracks.

Gertie’s dream of living at the beach led us to coastal stays in places like Port Aransas, where beach life became part of our everyday routine. Those weren’t just destinations—they were decisions they helped make.

Education on the Road: Finding What Works for Your Family

Education is one of the most important—and most personal—decisions families make when transitioning to RV life. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s important to understand upfront.

There are dozens of strong options available, including:

● Virtual public schools

● Private online programs

● Homeschool curriculum

● Hybrid approaches

For our family, we chose South Carolina Connections Academy, a virtual public school that provided:

● Certified teachers

● Live, structured lessons

● A full curriculum

● Built-in accountability

That structure gave our kids consistency while allowing us to maintain flexibility in our travel schedule. The results were more than reassuring:

● Both kids earned Honor Roll recognition

● Gertie was named Elementary Student of the Year

Beyond academics, the biggest benefit was balance. School provided structure in the mornings, while afternoons opened the door for real-world learning:

● Visiting historical sites

● Exploring nature

● Experiencing different parts of the country firsthand

For families considering this lifestyle, the key is not finding the “perfect” school—but finding the one that best fits your child’s needs and your travel rhythm.

Staying Connected: Friends, Family, and Community

One of the most common concerns is how kids maintain relationships while traveling. In reality, connection doesn’t disappear—it evolves.

Our kids stay connected through:

● Safe messaging platforms like Kids Messenger

● Regular video calls

● Shared conversations about their travels

● A postcard club, where they send updates and stories from the road

Those tools allow them to maintain strong friendships while also developing new communication skills. And beyond that, something unexpected happened. We didn’t just stay connected—we expanded our circle.

Family on the Road: Strengthening Old Bonds and Building New Ones

Before full-time travel, we might see extended family once or twice a year. In our first year on the road, that changed completely.

We were able to reconnect with family across multiple states: ● Illinois ● Texas ● Maine

And those weren’t quick visits—they were meaningful, intentional stays. Even more surprising was the community we built along the way. Through travel, we’ve met people who started as fellow campers or travelers—and became people we now consider family. That sense of community is something we never expected, but it has become one of the most valuable parts of this lifestyle.

What Actually Makes RV Life with Kids Work

Looking back, a few things made the biggest difference:

● Including our kids from the beginning

● Giving them a voice in the journey

● Being honest about both the positives and the challenges

● Choosing an education system that supports both structure and flexibility

● Prioritizing relationships—both old and new

This lifestyle isn’t just about travel—it’s about how you approach it as a family.

Is Full-Time RV Life with Kids Worth It?

For our family, the answer is yes.

Not because it’s always easy—but because it’s meaningful. It has given us:

● More time together

● Real-world learning experiences

● Stronger family connections

● A broader perspective on what life can look like

It’s not about escaping routine—it’s about building a new one with intention.

If you’re considering full-time RV life with kids, what’s your biggest question or concern?

If you’re already on the road, what has worked best for your family?

Join the conversation at the Learn to RV FREE community Facebook group at Roadschooling Resources

Jeff and Monica are a full-time RV family traveling the United States with their two children, Dean and Gertie. Through their platform, Dean and Gertie Explore the World, they share real-life experiences, family travel insights, and educational adventures designed to inspire families to explore together while learning on the road.

Website: https://www.deanandgertie.com

YouTube : Dean & Gertie Explore The World - YouTube

Media Kit: https://pillar.io/deanandgertie

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What Is a Rally? — And Why You Might Need One More Than You Think

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:22:56 GMT

If you've been RVing for more than five minutes, you've heard the word "rally." Maybe you've scrolled past one on Facebook, or seen a campground packed with matching rigs and wondered what was going on. But if you've never been to one — or never thought you belonged at one — this one is for you.

We sat down with Don Florczyk, the force behind The Flock RV Rally Company , for our Community Spotlight series on Learn to RV The Podcast. We're not going to spoil it here — you need to go listen, because this conversation goes places we did not expect.

What we can do is give you the lay of the land: what rally culture is really about, whether you need to own a specific brand to show up, and where The Flock is headed in 2026 and 2027.

Grab your camp chair. Let's talk about it.

What Even Is a Rally?

A rally is a gathering of RVers — usually around a shared brand, interest, or community — at a campground for several days. Think potlucks. Think seminars by actual vendors & manufacturers.

Think whitewater rafting with your campground neighbors at 8am on a Tuesday.

But here's what most people get wrong about rallies: they assume it's just a party with hookups.

It's not. Or — it's not only that.

The best rallies are where you find out what you don't know you don't know.

We talk about that a lot here at Learn to RV, and it's exactly the gap The Flock was built to fill. Don saw an entire brand community — Jayco and all the brands under the Jayco umbrella — with no dedicated gathering, no space to ask questions directly to manufacturers, and no built-in accountability for the answers.

So he built one. And then another. And then five more.

Do I Have to Own a Jayco to Go to a Flock Rally?

Short answer: No.

The Flock is built for Jayco owners and owners of brands under the Jayco umbrella — that includes Starcraft , Open Range , Heartland , and Entegra Coach . But here's what Don told us directly:

If you're traveling with friends who own a Jayco brand, reach out. He will make it work for everyone.

You'll get the same experience, the same seminars, the same community. Because at the end of the day, as Don puts it — we're all RVers. The brand on the side of your rig matters a lot less than the people sitting around the campfire.

What Actually Happens at a Flock Rally?

Here's what sets The Flock apart from a generic campground meetup:

Real manufacturer access. Don brings the actual companies in — not just pamphlets and pens.

At the Indiana rally (more on that below), Jayco's customer improvement team shows up for the entire week. Product development leads for each line sit down for open Q&A.

Dometic comes. BAL Slide comes. Lippert comes. These are the people who make the parts that are on your rig right now.

On-site repairs and service. Have something that needs attention? At the smaller rallies, repair techs come to you. The big Indiana rally takes it further — vendors offer show specials and free installation on certain parts. You can schedule your appointments weeks in advance through Don.

Virtual vendor sessions. Can't get a manufacturer to travel? Don has figured out how to bring them in live, virtually, with microphones in the audience for real-time Q&A. This isn't a recorded video. It's interactive. And the crowd's reaction to it says everything.

Seminars that change what you know. You see mouths drop open when manufacturers explain what owners are supposed to be doing with their rigs — maintenance that nobody ever told them about.

Learn It Before You Need It isn't just a tagline here.

The social side. Potlucks. Game nights. Movie nights for the kids. A Beatles tribute act, a comedian showcase, a southern rock band — okay, that was Indiana two years ago and apparently people said it was too much entertainment, which genuinely surprised everyone involved.

The point is: Don asks his community what they want, and then he builds it.

2026 & 2027 Flock Rally Schedule

Here's where The Flock is going. Dates, locations, registration links — bookmark this page & Check out our Rally Calendar on Learn to RV

2026

Canada | June 3–7, 2026 Quinte's Isle Campark | 237 Salmon Point Road, Cherry Valley, Ontario Register →

New York – Finger Lakes | July 8–12, 2026 Pine Creek Campground | 28 Rockwell Road, Newfield, New York 14867 Register →

Kansas | September 14–18, 2026 WaKeeney KOA Journey | 25027 S. Interstate, WaKeeney, Kansas 67672 Register →

Utah | September 23–27, 2026 Settlers Point Luxury RV Resort | 1355 East Bluff View Drive, Washington, Utah 84780 Register →

Indiana – The Big One | October 5–10, 2026 Shipshewana Campground – South Park | 1105 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, Indiana 46565 Register →

2027

Tennessee – Sevierville | May 12–16, 2027 The Ridge Outdoor Resort | 1250 Middle Creek Road, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862 Register →

Texas – Crystal Beach | September 22–26, 2027 Camp Margaritaville Resort | 796 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, Texas 77650 Register →

Wyoming | October 4–8, 2027 Sweetwater Events Complex | 3320 Yellowstone Road, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901 Register →

Indiana – The Big One (again) | October 11–16, 2027 Elkhart Fairgrounds | 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen, Indiana 46528 Register →

Before You Go — Listen to the Full Episode

We said we weren't going to give it all away, and we meant it.

Don's story — how this whole thing started, what his wife had to say about it, the campground that made his son question reality, the answer to "what was your worst rally idea ever," and what's coming by 2028 — is all in this week's Community Spotlight episode of Learn to RV The Podcast .

Find it wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to learntorvthepodcast.com .

And if you've been to a Flock rally and want to tell us about it — we want to hear from you. Write it up and we'll feature it right here on the blog. Just RVers, telling the truth about life on the road.

Keep the wheels turning one rally at a time.

Learn to RV is a multi-platform RV lifestyle brand dedicated to helping you Learn It Before You Need It. Find us at LearnToRV.com and on your favorite podcast platform three times a week.

Rally Culture: Why It Hits Different

Here's what nobody tells you before your first rally: the people you meet will probably become your people. I wanna be friends with this woman riding a dinosaur...don't you?

When attendees register for a Flock rally, they fill in a comments section. Don reads every one. "Please put me next to so-and-so" — because they met at the last rally, they've been planning a meetup ever since, and now they're back.

He's watched friendships form at his rallies that have moved off-property and onto the road together. That's just the nature of rally culture. You show up as strangers with a shared interest. You often leave with a group text.

And for those of you who are introverts traveling with extroverts (or vice versa) — Don thinks about you too. Kid counts. Pet counts. He knows how many dogs and cats are coming. The bandanas are already ordered.

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What It Feels Like to Take the Stage as "Just a Homeschool Mom"

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:05:31 GMT

Anchored in Freedom Summit | April 23–24, 2026

I almost talked myself out of it.

Not the speaking part — I've been telling this story for the past thirteen years, around campfires and at rallies and in podcast episodes and in the margins of a life lived on the road. I know how to tell it.

What I almost talked myself out of was believing that a room full of people, even if it is virtual, needed to hear it from me.

That little voice is familiar to a lot of us. It's the one that says you're not credentialed enough, not polished enough, not the kind of person who gets invited as a keynote speaker at a summit. It's the voice that adds the word "just" in front of everything you are.

I'm just a homeschool mom. I'm just figuring it out as I go. I'm just a woman who packed up her kids and her faith and rolled out of a driveway in 2013 with a military retirement check and absolutely no business plan.

This week, I had the honor of opening the Anchored in Freedom Summit as the keynote speaker — a two-day event bringing together RV entrepreneurs, mobile business owners, and freedom-seekers who are building real lives and real income on the road. I am still processing what it means to stand in that space and say the things I said out loud.

You're going to have to register for the summit (it's free) to hear what I said.

But I will tell you this — it starts with "just a homeschool mom" and it ends somewhere very different.

What Is the Anchored in Freedom Summit?

The Anchored in Freedom Summit is built for people who have chosen a different kind of life, or people who are standing at the edge of that choice, wondering if they're brave enough to jump.

This isn't a highlight reel event. It's two days of practical strategies built for RV entrepreneurs and hands-on operations from the road — real tactics for increasing bookings, streamlining on-the-road operations, and building recurring revenue from mobile services.

Hosted and moderated by Kimberly Henrie — host of the Living the Good Life Podcast , wellness advocate, longtime radio personality, and full-time RVer herself — the whole thing feels less like a conference and more like a very good campfire conversation with people who actually know what they're talking about.

Here's who is showing up and what they're bringing to the table.

Day One — Wednesday, April 23

Jennifer Schillaci — Keynote

LearnToRV.com Learn to RV The Podcast RV Roofing Solutions

Learn to RV The Course (Pre-sale NOW) 2026 RV PRO Honoree

Woah..... That's me. I'm kicking things off.

I have a lot to share with you and I'm not going to give it away here — register and come find out why I keep saying the phrase "just a homeschool mom." I promise it lands somewhere good.

Patrick Smith

AI on the Road: The RV Entrepreneur's Guide to Working Smarter from Anywhere

If you've been wondering how to actually use AI tools to run your mobile business more efficiently — not theoretically, but practically, from wherever you're parked — this is the session. Patrick is bringing tactical strategies you can implement immediately.

Cryst'l Sheer

Preparing for the Unexpected: Advance Care Planning for Life on the Road

This is the session nobody wants to think about and everybody needs. Full-time RV life is beautiful and it is also unpredictable, and Cryst'l is walking through how to get your affairs in order so that the unexpected doesn't derail everything you've built.

John Paduchak

 The Freedom Grid: How to Run a Real Business from Anywhere

This one is for the operators. The people who aren't just traveling and calling it a business — they're actually running something. John is breaking down the framework for building a business that functions no matter where you're parked.

Day Two — Thursday, April 24

Friday's lineup is just as strong.

Jessica Jorgenson

Connected Without Being Consumed: Tech Boundaries for the Traveling Professional

How do you stay connected to your business without losing yourself to the scroll? Jessica is tackling the boundary conversation that every traveling professional needs to have — and giving you a practical framework to actually do something about it.

Sue Brooke

Business with Purpose: Aligning Passion, Story, and Strategy

If your business feels disconnected from the reason you started it, Sue's session is for you. This is about building something that actually reflects who you are — and using your story as the strategic asset it already is.

Sarah Jones

Financial Strategy for Your Travels

The money talk. The one that matters more than almost anything else when you're running a mobile business. Sarah is bringing real financial strategy — not generic advice, but tactics built for the realities of life and business on the road.

Mike Mallon

The 4D Shield: Mastering RV Security Through Intentional Design

Security is one of those topics full-time RVers know matters and often don't talk about enough. Mike is changing that with a practical, intentional framework for protecting yourself, your family, and your business wherever you're camped.

Sebastian Samuel

Your Brand is the Anchor: How to Build a Business People Trust Anywhere

This one is going to resonate. Sebastian is talking about what it actually means to build trust with an audience when you don't have a brick-and-mortar address or a traditional business structure. Spoiler: your brand is more powerful than you think.

Luca Pizzale

The RV Tax Playbook: Mistakes to Avoid + Opportunities to Save

If you are running a business from an RV and you haven't had a serious conversation about your tax strategy, this session is not optional. Luca is covering the mistakes that cost mobile entrepreneurs money and the real opportunities most people leave on the table.

What Is an RV Summit & Why Should You Join This One?

If you've never attended a virtual summit before, here's the short version: it's a curated lineup of expert speakers, all gathered around a specific topic, delivered online so you can attend from wherever you're parked. No flights. No hotel. No leaving your rig. Just plug in, show up, and walk away with things you can actually use.

An RV summit specifically is built around the unique realities of life on the road — the logistics, the finances, the business challenges, the mindset shifts, and the community that makes all of it sustainable. It's not a general entrepreneurship conference that happens to mention RVs once. It's built from the ground up for people who are living this life.

Most business and lifestyle content out there assumes you have a fixed address, a predictable schedule, a traditional tax situation, and a local professional network you can tap when things get complicated. Full-time RVers have none of those things — and the strategies that work in a conventional setup often don't translate to life on the road.

An RV summit fills that gap. You get experts who understand your actual situation. You get strategies you can implement without a home base. You get a room full of people — virtually speaking — who are asking the same questions you are and building the same kinds of lives.

Why should you join this one specifically?

Because the Anchored in Freedom Summit isn't theoretical. The speakers aren't people who read about RV entrepreneurship — they're people living it, building it, and bringing what they've actually learned to the table. Two days. Ten sessions. Topics ranging from AI tools and tax strategy to brand building, security, financial planning, and advance care planning — all of it designed for the realities of a mobile business life.

And it's easily accessible. You don't have to travel to a venue, pay for a hotel, or rearrange your route. You just show up where you already are.

That's the whole point of freedom, isn't it?

This summit is built for you. The people parked at a campground answering emails. The people routing their schedule around the next install, the next rally, or the next podcast drop. The people who chose freedom and are now figuring out how to build something sustainable inside of it.

That's exactly why I said yes when Kimberly asked me to open it.

Register Now

The Anchored in Freedom Summit runs April 23–24, 2026 . Both days are loaded with sessions you can actually use.

Register here

And if the idea of building something real on the road resonates with you — come listen. We built Learn to RV on the principle that no one should have to figure this out alone.

You don't have to figure this out alone... What are you waiting for?

Jennifer Schillaci is the owner of LearnToRV.com, host of Learn to RV The Podcast, co-owner of RV Roofing Solutions , and a 2026 RV PRO Women in Business Honoree. She has been a full-time RVer since 2013 with her family.

Jennifer is married to Frank Schillaci USMC Ret. & has homeschooled & roadschooled their 7 children. You can follow their personal journey at Narrowroadschoolers

New episodes of Learn to RV The Podcast drop three times a week at learntorvthepodcast.com .

The Learn to RV Course is in prelaunch now — grab founding member pricing at LearnToRVthecourse.com

before May 1st.

Did you miss It Live?

The Replay Is Free Too.

What Does Fitness Look Like as a RVer?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:04:18 GMT

Long drives, campfire snacks, and zero routine — sound familiar? Here's how RVers can stay fit without a gym or a perfect day.

Traveling full-time with an RV gives us so much to look forward to. But at the same time, it also has us sitting in one position more, not moving and stretching, and in time that will take a toll on the body. Our bodies need that movement just as much as it needs the relaxation of sitting on a beach or near a campfire. Incorporating movement into everything we do is the best way to staying “fit” and having fun.

Ways to Stay “Fit”

No matter where you go or how you travel there are ways to keep the body strong and young.

Intense activities like boxing, running, mountain biking, Zumba, or hiking are great ways to increase cardio, break a sweat faster, and increase your pace over time.

But at the same time, they are also more prone to injuries, especially in the knees and ankles. These workouts allow you to get it done faster and see the results quicker, unlike the low tense activities.

Low tense activities like walking, biking, Yoga, Pilates, chair exercises, or lifting weights are done at a slower pace with more stretching and careful consideration of the movement, which decreases the risk of injury, but doesn’t count it out.

They also allow more time for breathing in between each movement. Even stair climbing can be a great low tense workout.

Staying “fit” out on the road doesn’t need to be something that will require a constant schedule or quick result. You can also do fun things like:

swimming
paddleboarding
kayaking
Canoeing
Snorkeling
Hiking
Skiing or snowboarding depending on where you camp.

These are fun activities to do that may help you feel like you are not doing a workout. Not to mention they sometimes have better views

than just working out around the campsite or running/walking the same loops.

Motivation

Staying on track is always the hardest part because we live in a world with so many distractions. Like most things in life, we must be motivated to staying “fit”. We must plan and schedule when and where to do the workout, how long to do it, and how often.

If you’re anything like me, scheduling and staying motivated are the hardest part of any of this. I try to schedule in my head, but staying motivated, especially with family distraction, space, and sometimes weather is also my downfall.

Most campgrounds have a monthly schedule that shows workout days, use that as a motivation as well to get out and get moving.

Sometimes doing it with a group is all the motivation that you need after getting the courage to attend first. Some also have a fitness room or rec room that can be used for workout area, take advantage of them.

Also, local communities often have daily runs or Yoga in the park. Research the area of your next campsite and find out if they do any, then use that as motivation as well.

Healthy Habits

Staying “fit” is not just about exercise. It also includes:

Getting the proper sleep
hydration
eating habits
Stretching.

Each of these habits plays the biggest role in trying to accomplish the goals we set aside for ourselves. Without the proper amount of sleep, we tend to feel more sluggish and tired and therefore not always able to complete the workout to the best of our abilities.

Eating habits and hydration, again, help keep the body full of energy and less fatigue. Add stretching before and after will help reduce soreness, tightness, and muscle injuries.

You don’t want to jump into something that may be more than what you are used to and then be down for a couple days because you overexerted your energy, ask me how I know, lol. Find something that you enjoy and use that to begin. Set the pace and go have fun with it!

Ashley Gallaher - Campfires & Motors

Ashley Gallaher is a full-time RVer and co-creator of Campfires and Motors.

She's passionate about integrating fitness into life on the road and shows her community that staying healthy while traveling is less about perfect conditions and more about consistent choices.

Don't forget to follow their journey on YouTube at Campfires & Motors - YouTube

Wildlife Encounters on the Road: How to Safely Enjoy and Responsibly Share Spaces with Animals in the Wild

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:29:21 GMT

Don't pet the fluffy cows... I know, I know... we all know that but....

They Were Here First — Let's Act Like It

April is one of the most spectacular months to be on the road in this country. Migration is underway. Bears are emerging from hibernation. Bison calves are appearing on the plains. Alligators are active in the south. Whales are moving along both coasts. The natural world is waking up in ways that make every mile feel like a privilege.

And with all of that beauty comes a responsibility that not enough RV travelers take seriously enough — the responsibility to share these spaces in ways that are safe for you, safe for the people around you, and safe for the animals themselves.

We have spent time in some of the most wildlife-rich places in this country. We worked in West Yellowstone in 2022 and what we experienced there — the questions people asked, the things people almost did, the genuine lack of basic wildlife knowledge among otherwise intelligent and well-meaning visitors — changed the way we talk about this topic. Permanently.

This blog comes from that experience. It is written with love for both the animals and the people who come to see them. But it is also written with honesty — because some of what we witnessed needs to be said out loud.

Two Stories From West Yellowstone That We Will Never Forget

We are going to start here because these two stories illustrate everything that this blog is trying to prevent & they are both completely true.

Story One: The Animal Crackers

It was late in the season. About fifteen minutes before closing time a sweet older woman came into the store. She was lovely. Genuinely lovely. And she was buying animal crackers. Not one box. Not two boxes. Every box we had. She was cleaning out the shelf. Hear the whole story this week on Learn to RV The Podcast

She had absolutely no idea that what she was planning was not only illegal and dangerous — it was potentially a death sentence for the animals she was trying to connect with.

Story Two: The Bear Spray

A mom came in with her child to purchase bear spray. Bear spray in bear country is a genuinely good idea and we were glad to see her thinking about safety. But as she was explaining the purchase to her child she described how they would need to apply the bear spray — like bug spray. On their skin. Before they went out.

Do not under any circumstances apply bear spray directly to your skin. Ever.

Bear spray is not a repellent. It is not bug spray. It is not something you put on your body before a hike as a preventative measure.

Bear spray is a defensive tool — a pressurized aerosol that is deployed directly at a charging or threatening bear at close range as a last resort deterrent. The active ingredient is highly concentrated capsaicin — the compound that makes peppers hot — at a concentration that will cause immediate, intense burning to any mucous membrane it contacts. Eyes, nose, mouth, skin. It is genuinely painful and potentially dangerous when misapplied.

Having bear spray is smart in bear country. Knowing how to actually use it is the part that matters. And knowing what it is not — a wearable repellent, a daily application, anything that goes on a human body — is just as important as knowing what it is.

We share these stories not to embarrass anyone. The woman with the animal crackers was kind and well-intentioned. The mom with the bear spray was trying to protect her child. Good intentions do not protect you or the animals if your information is wrong. That is the whole point.

The Golden Rule of Wildlife Encounters:

Do Not Feed the Animals

We are going to say this as clearly as it can be said: feeding wildlife is never okay. Not ever. Not for any reason. Not with any food.

This is not a preference. It is not just an opinion. In national parks and on most public lands it is a federal regulation with real fines and real consequences. But beyond the legal dimension, it is a matter of life and death for the animals involved.

When wildlife becomes conditioned to associate humans with food, the outcome is almost always tragic — for the animal. A bear that approaches campsites or vehicles looking for food is a bear that will eventually be destroyed by park management because it has become a danger. A bison that loses its natural wariness of humans creates unpredictable and dangerous situations. Animals that learn to depend on human food sources lose the behaviors that keep them alive in the wild.

The phrase that wildlife managers use is stark and accurate: a fed animal is a dead animal.

No matter how harmless it feels in the moment. No matter how much the animal seems to want it. No matter how perfect the photo opportunity looks. Do not feed the wildlife. Not ever.

Bear Safety: What You Actually Need to Know

April marks the beginning of active bear season across much of the country — Yellowstone, the Smokies, the Rockies, the Cascades, and countless wilderness areas in between. Bears are emerging from hibernation hungry and active and the overlap between bear habitat and RV travel routes is significant.

Here is what responsible bear country travel actually looks like:

Store food properly. In bear country your food, your trash, your toiletries, and anything with a scent needs to be stored in a bear-proof container or in a hard-sided vehicle when you're not actively using it. This includes inside your RV — which is generally considered adequate if the windows are closed and the smell is contained. It does not include leaving food on your picnic table while you take a walk. Bears have an extraordinary sense of smell and they will find it.

Never leave food unattended outside. Not for five minutes. Not while you run to the bathroom. Not because you think you'll be right back.

Make noise on trails. Bears generally avoid humans when they know humans are coming. Talking, clapping, or calling out on the trail gives bears the opportunity to move away before you encounter them. Surprising a bear at close range is one of the most

dangerous wildlife situations an RV traveler can encounter.

Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bear spray is genuinely effective when used correctly. Keep it accessible — not buried in your pack where you can't reach it quickly.

Practice the motion of drawing and deploying it before you need it. And remember — it is deployed toward a threatening bear at close range. It is never applied to your body, your clothing, your tent, or anything else. It is a last resort defensive tool that goes in one direction only — away from you and toward the threat.

Know the difference between black bears and grizzlies.

The response to a bear encounter differs depending on the species. For black bears making yourself look large and making noise is generally appropriate. For grizzlies the advice is different — playing dead in a defensive attack and fighting back in a predatory attack. If you're traveling in grizzly country — Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier — take the time to understand the specific protocols before you arrive. The park websites and visitor centers provide this information clearly.

If a bear approaches your campsite: Make noise, make yourself large, do not run, and give the bear a clear escape route. Running triggers a chase response in bears. Standing your ground while making noise is almost always the right move.

Bison: The Animal Most People Underestimate

Bison are the most dangerous animal in Yellowstone in terms of the number of visitor injuries per year. Not bears. Bison.

And the reason is almost always the same: people underestimate them. They look slow. They look calm. They look like large, docile cattle standing in a field. They are none of those things.

Bison can run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. They can pivot and charge with almost no warning. They weigh up to 2,000 pounds. And they are wild animals whose behavior is fundamentally unpredictable regardless of how accustomed they are to human presence.

The National Park Service recommends staying at least 25 yards — the length of about two school buses — from bison at all times. In practice what we saw regularly was people approaching to within feet for photographs. On foot. With children. Occasionally trying to pet them.

Do not approach bison. Do not exit your vehicle near bison unless you have a clear and immediate path to safety. If bison are on the road — which happens regularly in Yellowstone, stay in your vehicle and wait. They will move when they are ready.

We want to say something directly about wildlife photography because the pursuit of the perfect shot has become one of the most significant drivers of unsafe and unethical wildlife behavior in popular destinations.

Alligators: Spring Activity in the South

If your spring route takes you through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Louisiana, or anywhere in the Gulf Coast region — alligators are part of the wildlife landscape and

April marks the beginning of their most active season.

Alligators are typically not aggressive toward humans by nature but they are opportunistic and they are fast. The rule is simple and consistent: never feed alligators and never approach them. A fed alligator loses its natural wariness of humans and becomes a danger that wildlife officials will ultimately have to remove — usually permanently.

Keep children and pets away from the water's edge at dawn and dusk when alligators are most active. Do not let small pets near ponds, lakes, or slow moving water in alligator country. And if you see an alligator that appears to be behaving aggressively or is in a location that creates a public safety concern — contact the relevant wildlife authorities rather than attempting to deal with it yourself.

Whale Watching from the Road

April brings some of the best whale watching opportunities on both coasts — gray whales migrating north along the Pacific coast and various spec ies active along the Atlantic seaboard. For RVers traveling coastal routes this is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences available from the road.

Responsible whale watching from shore is straightforward — keep a respectful distance, use binoculars or a telephoto lens rather than trying to get closer, and if you're on a boat tour choose operators who follow established whale watching guidelines and maintain appropriate distances from the animals.

If you encounter marine mammals on a beach — seals, sea lions, whale strandings — the same principle applies. Do not approach, do not touch, do not attempt to intervene without guidance from wildlife authorities. Marine mammals that appear to be resting on a beach are usually doing exactly that and human intervention often does more harm than good

Wildlife Photography: The Ethical Side of the Perfect Shot

The photograph is not worth it. Not worth your safety. Not worth the animal's safety. Not worth the stress and disruption that results from humans pushing past the boundaries that keep wildlife encounters safe and sustainable.

A photo taken from the appropriate distance with a good zoom lens is a better photograph anyway — because the animal is behaving naturally rather than reacting to a human presence that is too close. The best wildlife photographers know this and work with distance and patience rather than against them.

If getting the shot requires you to leave your vehicle in a no-exit zone, approach closer than the recommended distance, or do anything that causes the animal to change its behavior — the shot is not worth getting.

The Gear Worth Having in Wildlife Country

Bear spray — in bear country, accessible, and understood. Not applied to skin. Ever.

Binoculars — the single most useful piece of wild life viewing equipment you can carry. Keeps you at a safe distance while bringing the experience close.

A good telephoto or zoom lens — if you're a photographer, this is the investment that changes everything about ethical wildlife photography.

Wildlife field guides — specific to the region you're traveling through. Knowing what you're looking at adds depth to every encounter and helps you understand the behavior you're observing.

A headlamp or flashlight — many wildlife encounters happen at dawn and dusk. Being able to see where you're stepping matters.

A first aid kit — standard travel safety that applies everywhere including wildlife areas.

The animals in Yellowstone, in the Everglades, along the Pacific flyway, in the waters off both coasts — they are not "attractions". They are not props for a photograph. They are not recipients of our generosity when we offer them food.

They are wild animals living wild lives in spaces that are increasingly pressured by human activity.

Every RVer who visits these places has the opportunity to be part of the solution — to model respectful, responsible wildlife interaction for the people around them, to speak up gently when they see someone about to make a mistake, and to leave every wildlife encounter having added nothing negative to the animal's experience of humans.

The woman who wanted to feed the bears animal crackers needed information — not judgment. The mom with the bear spray needed correction — not embarrassment. Most people who make mistakes around wildlife make them from a place of wonder and good intention. They just needed someone to tell them the right way to express it.

Be that person when you see it happening. Gently. Kindly. The way someone did for us when we needed it.

The animals were here first. Let's make sure they're still here for everyone who comes after us.

Quick Reference: Wildlife Safety by Animal

Bears: 100 yard distance minimum. Store food properly. Carry bear spray and know how to deploy it — never apply to skin. Make nois e on trails. Know the difference between black bear and grizzly response protocols.

Bison: 25 yard minimum distance. Stay in your vehicle. Do not approach for photos. They are faster than they look.

Alligators: Never approach. Never feed. Keep pets and children away from water's edge at dawn and dusk in alligator country.

Whales and marine mammals: View from appropriate distance. Do not approach stranded marine mammals without wildlife authority guidance.

Snakes : Never approach or try to handle them.

If someone is bitten, get medical help immediately — a photo of the snake from a safe distance can help professionals identify treatment.

All wildlife: Never feed. Never approach beyond recommended distances. Never prioritize a photograph over safety — yours or theirs.

Always follow current wildlife guidelines posted by the relevant land management agency for the specific area you're visiting. Guidelines vary by location and species and are updated regularly based on current conditions.

What Happens When You Drive Your RV Onto a Ferry for the First Time?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:54:17 GMT

There are moments in RV life that stop you dead in your tracks and make you think — how did I not know this was a thing?

Taking the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry with a full-size RV is one of those moments. And ending up at Margaritaville in Crystal Beach, Texas? That's just the universe doing you a favor.

Let me paint you a picture.

First, There Was Galveston

If you've never been to Galveston Island, put it on your list. It's got that perfect combination of Gulf Coast saltiness and historic charm — the kind of place where you can walk the Strand, eat your weight in seafood, and watch the ships come in from the seawall without ever feeling like you're running out of things to do.

We rolled in with our rig and immediately felt that familiar pull the coast has on you. Something about salt air and big sky just does something to your soul. But we had bigger plans than just Galveston.

During our 10 days we would make the trip back to "the mainland" aka Galveston to explore... but that's a totally different post. You'll have to check back in to find out where we explored.

We had heard about the ferry. We had heard about Crystal Beach. And we had heard — very specifically — about Margaritaville. We had 10 days booked at 5'O'clock somewhere.......so we pointed our rig toward the ferry landing and held on for the adventure.

The Ferry: What No One Told Me (But I'm Telling You)

Here's the thing about the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry that I wish someone had sat me down and explained before we went: it is completely free. Free. For your RV. For you. For Westley. For everyone in your rig.

The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation, and it runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There's no reservation system — you just show up, get in line, and wait your turn. And yes, they absolutely take RVs.

Now, I won't sugarcoat the waiting part. Depending on the time of day and the season, that line can stretch out. We waited a bit. But here's what nobody tells you — the wait is actually kind of wonderful. You're sitting at the edge of Galveston Bay, watching pelicans dive-bomb the water, dolphins jumping neaar the shore, ships drifting past on the horizon, and fellow travelers in their cars.

A few things I wish I'd known going in:

Pull forward as far as they direct you and don't second-guess the ferry workers — they do this all day every day and they will fit your rig on that boat like a puzzle piece you didn't know was missing.

Turn your engine off once you're parked on the ferry. You'll want to get out and stand at the rail anyway. Trust me on this one.

The crossing takes about 20 minutes and it is genuinely one of the most unexpectedly beautiful 20 minutes you can have in an RV. You're floating across Galveston Bay, the Gulf stretching out to one side, the ship channel to the other, and for a minute you forget you're just moments away from shore and headed to Crystal Beach.

Westley, for the record, was deeply suspicious of the whole situation and planted himself firmly on the floorboard. Very on brand for a Frug (yep...he's a designer breed 1/2 French Bulldog & half Pug = Frug).

Crystal Beach: The Texas Coast's Best Kept Secret

When the ferry drops you on the Bolivar Peninsula, you're in a different world.

Crystal Beach is the kind of place that feels intentionally unhurried. The Bolivar Peninsula is wide open — literally. You can drive on the beach in some areas, the sunsets are outrageously good, and the whole stretch has that raw, unpolished Texas Gulf Coast personality that Galveston's tourism side sometimes smooths over.

One thing nobody puts in the Crystal Beach travel guide — grocery shopping is an adventure of its own. There are no chain grocery stores on the Bolivar Peninsula, so if you're planning a stay, stock up before you cross that ferry. Galveston has everything you need and then some.

Once you're on the peninsula side, you're working with local shops, a few convenience stores, and yes — a Dollar General, which in a pinch absolutely counts. We learned this the way most RVers learn things: by figuring it out after we were already there. Pro tip from us to you: bring your groceries, bring your snacks, bring your coffee, and bring a little extra of everything. Crystal Beach is worth it — just come prepared.

And then there's Margaritaville Crystal Beach.

Margaritaville, But Make It Texas Gulf Coast

I'll be honest — I went in expecting a theme park version of beach life. What I found blew every expectation I had completely out of the water.

Margaritaville Crystal Beach is not playing around.

Let's start with the pools — because there are two of them, and one has a swim-up bar. A swim-up bar. I need you to understand that I floated up to that bar in the Gulf Coast sunshine and thought to myself, this is it. This is what we do this for. And when you're done in the pools, there are multiple hot tubs waiting for you, because apparently Margaritaville understood the assignment at every level.

But it doesn't stop there. There's a full workout room for the people who are better than the rest of us, private showers that are genuinely nice — the kind that make you forget you live in a rig — and laundry facilities that are clean, well-kept, and a total game changer when you've got a family on the road. There's a dog park, so Westley had opinions about that. A bounce pad for the kids. Volleyball courts. A football field. And live music that sets the whole place humming with exactly the energy you came to the Gulf Coast to find.

FINS restaurant is the kind of place that earns its own sentence & it's right in the middle of all the action at the resort. Good food, great atmosphere, right there on the property — you don't have to go anywhere. You can roll from the swim-up bar to a table at FINS and never once feel like you've left paradise. The food is the real deal and the view doesn't hurt either.

Oh, and the beach? It's right there. The actual Gulf of Mexico, steps from your rig, doing what the Gulf does best — sparkling, breezy, and absolutely unbothered.

Margaritaville Crystal Beach leans into the whole Jimmy Buffett ethos without being super corny about it. It's beachy, it's colorful, it's got good food, a generous happy hour vibe complete with drinks, and live music energy that makes you want to kick your shoes off and stay longer than you planned.

While technically we were here to work rallies, being on a resort with a genunine resort feel and having a campground with beach access is never a bad idea. Even if we are "working" for 10 days it's a nice location.

Margaritaville Crystal Beach is the kind of place that makes you extend your stay, rearrange your schedule, and text your RV friends a location pin with zero explanation.

They'll understand when they get there.

Practical Notes for RVers Doing This Trip

The ferry line: Arrive early in the morning or later in the evening if you want a shorter wait. Midday on a weekend in summer? Build in some buffer time and bring snacks. The line moves, but it moves at its own pace.

Rig size: We had no issues with our rig, but pull up to the ferry attendants and let them guide you in. They're pros. Don't try to navigate it yourself.

The return trip: The Port Bolivar side tends to have a shorter wait than the Galveston side. Plan your day accordingly if timing matters.

Fuel up before the ferry: There are options on the peninsula, but Galveston gives you more choices. Don't assume you'll find what you need immediately off the ferry.

Pets: Westley survived. Yours will too. Keep them calm, open your windows and keep them cool, get out and enjoy the crossing if you can— you won't regret it.

If you are anywhere near Southeast Texas and you have not done the Galveston Ferry in your RV — you are missing out on one of the most unexpectedly joyful experiences this lifestyle has to offer. It's free, it's beautiful, it's a little bit of an adventure, and it drops you off right at the doorstep of one of the most underrated stretches of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Crystal Beach is worth the trip. Margaritaville is worth the stop. And the ferry?

The ferry is worth the wait.

Every single time.

Why We Ditched Our Two-Filter Setup for the Blu Technology AR3 — And Why I'm Never Going Back

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:59:51 GMT

If you're still relying on that standard inline filter you grabbed off the shelf, or you're lugging cases of bottled water into your rig every trip, this one's for you.

I have a confession to make: for a long time, I thought we were doing everything right when it came to our RV water. We had the basic inline filter hooked up at the water connection — the kind you grab at any store and think, check, water is filtered. Then, after we figured out that probably wasn't enough, we added a big countertop gravity-fed,

activated-carbon filtration system inside the rig. Two filters. We were covered. Or so I thought.

Here's the thing no one really explained when we hit the road as full-timers: campground water is not held to the same standards as the water coming out of your faucet at home. Not even close. And when Rodrigo Barrera, Vice President of Sales at Blu Technology, laid that out for me on a recent episode of Learn To RV: The Podcast

— Beyond the Brand, it finally clicked why our old setup wasn't cutting it, and made me feel a thousand times better about making the switch to the Blu Technology AR3 OFF-GRID 0.2 Micron Three-Stage Water Filtration System.

The Real Problem With Campground Water

I never really thought too hard about where our campground water was coming from or who was checking it. I just figured, it's water, and the campground is open, so it must be fine. But according to Rodrigo, campground water systems are classified as transient non-community water systems, which means the regulations around what gets tested and how often they are tested is far less rigorous than what your municipal water supply goes through at home.

At a municipal level, water treatment facilities test for a wide range of contaminants before it ever reaches your tap.

Campgrounds? The owner of the campground is generally responsible for testing, and the list of things they're required to check is a fraction of what municipal suppliers test for. That leaves a lot of room for things like bacteria, cysts, viruses, heavy metals, hard water minerals, and other contaminants to make their way into your water supply and your RV.

And here's the kicker: you might not even know your water is a problem until it's too late. Hard water, for example, can start damaging your RV's plumbing and appliances relatively quickly if you're camping somewhere with a heavy mineral load and you're not

using a water softener.

Other contaminants, the kind that can actually make you sick,

are completely invisible. You can't smell them, you can't see them, and you definitely won’t taste them. So you have no idea you’ve been exposed to them until there's already a problem.

As someone traveling full-time with my family, I do not love the idea of living on a prayer and a whim, seeing if the water comes out clean.

That is not a risk management strategy I'm willing to accept for our health.

Where We Started: The Inline Filter + Countertop Combo

When we first started RVing, we did what most new RVers do. We grabbed a basic inline water filter from the RV store, screwed it onto our water connection, and called it a day.

It was the obvious first step, it felt responsible, and literally every RV we saw had one. We knew we had to replace it more frequently, but we truly thought it had us covered until we found a more permanent solution.

What we didn't know then — and what Rodrigo explained so clearly on the podcast — is that most of those standard inline filters are 20-micron filters. All they're really doing is catching sediment. Dirt. The big chunks, as I described them during our interview.

That 20-micron filter is not protecting you from bacteria, viruses, or cysts. It's just removing visible debris from the water before it enters your rig.

Once Matt and I started hearing whispers that the inline wasn’t sufficient, we added a large countertop gravity-fed, activated-carbon system inside. And honestly? It helped.

The water tasted better. But it came with its own set of real-world problems. If you've ever traveled with teens, you already know where this is going.

That countertop filter had to be filled manually. Then you had to wait for it to filter. And with two teenagers who never checked the water level after pouring themselves a glass, we were constantly going to get water only to find an empty container. So you'd have to fill it and come back in 20 minutes for your drink.

It was fine. It was just... inconvenient.

Constantly.

And when you're living this life full-time, inconvenient adds up fast.

Especially if you’re thirsty.

So when I first heard about the Blu Technology AR3 — a fully inline, three-stage filtration system that connects directly to your water supply and filters everything coming into the rig — I was genuinely curious. And when I got my hands on one and had a

chance to talk with Rodrigo about the science behind it, I was sold.

Why the Blu Technology AR3 Is Different

I want to be clear: not all three-stage filtration systems are the same. Rodrigo made that point directly in our conversation, and it's worth repeating here. The AR3 isn't just adding two extra filters to a standard 20-micron setup. The three stages are doing very different jobs, and the heart of the Blu system — the OFF-GRID 0.2 Micron Filter — is

where the real protection happens.

Stage 1: The Longevity Filter

The first stage is a 5-micron sediment filter called the Longevity Filter.

Like the standard inline filter you might already be using, it catches larger debris and sediment. But here, its primary job is actually to protect the filters that come after it and extend their effective

life so the whole system can run for three to four months before you need to swap filters (though, be aware that is an estimated timeline that varies depending on how dirty the water is in the areas you're camping).

Stage 2: The OFF-GRID 0.2 Micron Filter — Where the Magic Happens

This is the filter that completely changed my perspective.

While a standard RV inline filter works at 20 microns, the OFF-GRID filter works at 0.2 microns. To put that in terms that actually mean something: the OFF-GRID filter is filtering particles that are up to 100

times smaller than what a standard inline filter catches. We're talking about particles that are roughly 350 times smaller than a human hair.

At 0.2 microns, this filter is operating at bacteria and virus level. It's certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and 61 standards as a standalone filter. It has also been third-party performance-tested by IAPMO, meaning an independent lab has verified that it does what Blu Technology says it does. And beyond the standard 0.2 micron filtration, the OFF-GRID filter also uses an electro-adsorptive media technology that captures

additional submicron contaminants through ion exchange. That level of protection simply does not exist in a standard inline filter.

One thing I want to address because it came up in our conversation on the podcast: if you run your water through the AR3 and then test it with a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter, you might see a reading that seems high. Don't panic. The AR3 is not a reverse osmosis

system, and it's not stripping beneficial minerals out of your water.

Those minerals — the ones that actually contribute to water’s good taste and your body's good health — pass right through. A TDS tester is measuring electrical conductivity, not the full picture of what is or isn't in your water. The absence of harmful bacteria and viruses doesn't

show up on a TDS meter, but those are the things that matter most.

Stage 3: The Tasty Filter

The third stage is a granular activated charcoal filter made from hypoallergenic coconut husk charcoal. This filter removes odors, tastes, and chlorine that can make your water unpleasant to drink, even after filtration. It's also certified to NSF 42 standards.

Matt’s vote? The water tastes much better now, coming straight right out of the tap. And honestly? He's right. There's a difference.

The Weight Issue Is Real, and the Blu Tech Team Gets It

Here's something that doesn't always come up in water filter conversations but is genuinely important for RVers: weight.

Everything in your rig contributes to your cargo weight.

And when you're a full-timer who has to keep a close eye on your rig's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), every pound matters. You don't want to sacrifice suspension, frame integrity, or road safety because you loaded up on gear like a bulky water filtration system.

A lot of the three-stage systems I'd seen before the AR3 were built around traditional 10-inch filter canisters. Ten-inch canisters were originally designed for whole-home water filtration, not RVs. Those systems can weigh up to 28 pounds, while the AR3 comes in at just 7.75 pounds. That is a staggering difference, and it's intentional.

Blu Technology engineered the AR3 around smaller 5-inch filters because RVs simply don't use the same volume of water as a residential home.

Five-inch filters are entirely appropriate for the application and allow the system to be dramatically more compact and portable. The frame itself is built from anodized aluminum, which is lightweight and

corrosion-resistant without sacrificing durability. The filter canisters are stainless steel instead of plastic, which I'll get to in a moment.

When we unboxed ours, my first reaction was surprise at how light it was. This is a system that takes weight seriously in a way that matters for people like us.

Installation was also remarkably simple, even easier than installing our inline filter. I'd put it on par with breathing, which is exactly how I described it to Rodrigo.

NSF Certification: Why This Matters More Than You Think

I want to spend a little time here because this is the part that sealed my confidence in the AR3, and I think it's undervalued in the RV community's conversations about water filtration.

Many products on the market will tell you they filter bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.

Some of them probably do . But without third-party testing and certification, you're essentially taking the manufacturer's word for it.

There's no independent verification that the filter performs as described, or that the materials in the system are safe for long-

term contact with your drinking water.

The AR3 is certified to NSF/ANSI 61 standards as a complete system. That means the materials used in the system — hoses, fittings, canisters, all of it — have been tested to confirm they won't leach harmful chemicals into your water, even under conditions like

heat or extended outdoor exposure (both of which are extremely relevant when you're living & traveling in an RV).

The Longevity and Tasty filters are each NSF 42 certified as standalone filters. And the OFF-GRID 0.2 Micron Filter goes even further — it's been third-party performance tested by IAPMO, an independent lab, to verify not just that the materials are safe, but that the filter actually removes what it claims to remove.

Rodrigo said it well: Blu Technology wanted to be able to back up their claims with third-party validation, not just ask customers to trust them.

As a consumer, I deeply appreciate that. It makes me more confident in our choice and more comfortable recommending it to other RV families.

It's also worth noting that Blu Technology is a veteran-owned and operated company, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with the AR3 designed and assembled in the USA. That kind of accountability counts.

Less Plastic, More Planet

I already mentioned that we're full-time RVers, which means we're also full-time residents of the outdoors. The condition of the places we camp matters to us personally, which is part of why the environmental angle of the AR3 resonates so much.

Before we upgraded our filtration, like a lot of RV families, we were supplementing with bottled water. Cases of it. And while I know we weren't alone in this, the truth is that our old setup didn't give us enough confidence to stop buying bottles entirely.

According to Blu Technology's research, a family of four generates about 174 pounds of plastic bottle waste in a single year. That is a genuinely startling number, and it doesn't even account for the transportation weight of hauling all that water into and around your

rig.

On top of that, the AR3's 5-inch filters actually put 50% less waste into landfills than standard 10-inch filters, because less material gets replaced and discarded over time.

Blu Technology also partners with water.org , a nonprofit working to provide access to clean water in underserved communities worldwide.

This is a company that takes its mission beyond the product, and that means something to me.

Now, when we turn on the tap, our water is clearer, smells clean, tastes great, and comes out with good pressure thanks to the AR3's high-flow design. That is a win on every level — for our health, our convenience, our rig's weight capacity, and the planet.

Our Verdict: We're a Blu Tech Family Now

I know that sounds like a big statement, but it's genuinely where we landed.

After comparing what we were using before — the 20-micron inline filter catching sediment and the countertop system that was constantly empty when we needed it — to the AR3, which filters everything inline at 0.2 microns, the difference is not subtle.

Here's what we love most about it:

It's light. At 7.75 lbs, it's a fraction of the weight of comparable systems and doesn't stress our GVWR.
It's genuinely protective. The OFF-GRID 0.2 Micron Filter operates at bacteria and virus level — 100x smaller than a standard inline filter.
It's certified. NSF/ANSI 61 system certification and third-party IAPMO performance testing aren't just marketing claims; they're independent verification.
It's convenient. Inline filtration means everything coming into the rig is already filtered — drinking water, cooking water, even shower water — without waiting, refilling, or running out.
It tastes better. Straight from the tap.
It's better for the planet. No more cases of plastic bottles. Fewer plastic filter canisters heading to the landfill every year.

If you want to hear my full conversation with Rodrigo, including his breakdown of TDS

testing, how to know when to change your filters, tips for storing your filters between

trips, and why the stainless steel and aluminum construction matters, head over to

Learn To RV: The Podcast and listen to Episode 21 of Season 2: Is Your RV Water

Actually Safe? Blu Technology Has Answers.

And if you're ready to check out the AR3 or explore the full Blu Technology lineup, you

can find them at goblutech.com . Keep an eye on their website for the latest product

launches. Rodrigo told me they have quite a few coming in the next couple of years,

and the newest products finishing their NSF certification now will go live on their website

first.

There are a lot of water filtration options out there. But for my family, the AR3 is what we

chose — and after the water conversation I had with Rodrigo, I feel really good about

that choice.

Regardless of where you land, filter your water, friends. As Rodrigo said, you've only got

one body. Take care of it.

Tasha Martin wears a lot of hats — copywriter, Learn to RV the podcast co-host, blogger and passionate community builder.

As an integral part of Learn to RV The Podcast, she shows up every week to make sure no RVer ever has to figure it out alone.

Words are her superpower. People are her purpose.

Where Do RV Snowbirds Go in Winter?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:42:58 GMT

Let us help you plan for your first snowbird season.....

A “snowbird” in RV life is often defined as someone who follows the sunshine—usually heading south for the winter to escape the cold, then returning north when the weather warms up.

Instead of enduring snow and freezing temperatures, snowbirds choose comfort, longer stays, and a slower pace of travel.

It’s not just about where you go, it’s about choosing a lifestyle that lets you enjoy RV life year-round, on your terms.

Like many out there, we are always chasing 70 degrees. Yes, we are snowbirds. We have spent time in Florida, Texas, and Arizona at campgrounds and resorts. And we have learned that it is all about what you are looking for and that the definition of campground versus resort is relative.

Let's break it down starting with location.

Florida

Florida has many options for spending time in warmer weather. We have found that the sweet spot if you are searching for warm temperatures is south of I-4 which runs through the middle of the state from Tampa on the west coast to Daytona on the east coast.

North of that can easily run a good 10 degrees cooler over the course of the winter. Also, the further toward the coast you go, the more crowded, and more costly, it gets.

Texas

Texas is a huge state and weather varies greatly. Northern Texas can get cold temperatures and even experience snow! Western and southwestern Texas is prone to a lot of dust and wind. Southeast of Houston along the coast is usually more temperate as far as climate. However, be careful of the sea spray that comes off the ocean. Prolonged exposure to the salt air can corrode components of your RV.

We spent a winter in Houston and had warm and cold weather, including an ice storm.

Arizona

Arizona is another popular destination for snowbirds. Northern Arizona is more mountainous and subject to freezing temperatures and snow.

Phoenix and southern Arizona is more temperate, with little rain, and ideal if you are looking to escape the cold.

We just spent a winter in Mesa, east of Phoenix, and can count the number of days with rain on one hand. The mornings and evenings are cool, but the average daytime temperature is in the 70s. Of course, we just lived through the earliest 100plus degree days Arizona has seen in decades!

Things to think about when picking your perfect location.

1. Location of shopping and other conveniences – How close are you to grocery stores, fuel stations, and other things you need to live. This includes delivery services such as Amazon, Fedex, and UPS. If you are near a metropolitan area, you will get your packages much quicker than if you are farther out.

2. Medical services – Depending on your health, this might be very important to you. Do you have to drive 45 minutes plus to a doctor’s appointment, pharmacy, Urgent Care, and hospital?

3. Activities outside the park – Do you like to hike, bike, go to the movies, etc? We love to bike on trails, and there weren’t a lot of options in Florida for this. Mesa has a bike trail canal system that is perfect for us

Now for the difference between a campground and a resort.

As we have traveled the country, we have noticed that some campgrounds call themselves a resort when they really should be a campground.

Just because you have a small pool, playground, and camp store does not make you a resort. Read reviews and look at pictures and decide for yourself. If you are going to pay to stay somewhere for an extended period of time, make sure they have what you want and need.

A resort should have great amenities, a wide variety of activities designed to keep you in the resort, and possibly a bar/restaurant. If there is a mix of park models and RV sites, they should all be well maintained.

Roads in the resort should also be well maintained. If this seems like a lot, remember that you are paying a premium price to stay at a resort, so you should expect all these things.

Speaking of cost, if you are staying monthly, be prepared to be charged for electricity. The resort we stay in also provides trash and recycling services which we pay for monthly along with a sewer fee.

The bottom line is that when you are snowbirding, whether you want stay at a campground or resort, planning is key.

We had an experience where we thought we had found the perfect resort for a 4-month stay in Florida only to find out the cell service and our personal wifi slowed way down when the resort got full. The pictures online looked amazing, but the reality was disappointing. Also, it was at least a half-hour drive just to get to a store. Needless to say, we left after the first month and found something more to our liking.

You will notice that I did not mention boondocking. We have not done this more than anight or two on our travels to our next destination, so I do not feel comfortable giving advice on boondocking.

If this is more to your liking, there are plenty of resources out there to get you started. No matter where you decide to spend your winter, find a place that fits your lifestyle and get out there!

You can find even more about Jennifer Skinnell and her journey by following The Traveling Quilter on Facebook , or by watching her featured episode on Learn to RV The Podcast – Community Spotlight Series , where she shares her story, experiences, and life on the road.

Jennifer has published seven books you can visit her site here to learn more. She has also published Don’t Wait – Our Full-time RV Journey Through Breast Cancer & It is not just about breast cancer.

It is for anyone who is waiting to do whatever it is they want to do in life. It is for whoever is waiting for that “perfect time”. She's here to tell you that there is no “perfect time”. Just do it.

Weather and RV Life — What Nobody Tells You Before You Hit the Road

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:28:26 GMT

Learn It Before You Need It · RV Safety · Seasonal Travel

Once upon a time, a summer thunderstorm was my love language.

The kind that rolls in slow, rattles the windows just enough, and sends you straight to sleep on the couch with a blanket. I was a fan. A genuine, unashamed, rain-on-the-roof enthusiast.

And then I moved into an RV.

Here is the thing nobody puts in the brochure: weather is louder in an RV.

Not just a little louder. Significantly louder.

Rain that would have been a gentle white noise machine in a house sounds like someone is rhythmically dumping gravel on your roof from a height. A thunderstorm that would have let you sleep straight through now has you sitting upright at 2 a.m. wondering if that last one hit something.

Wind that you would not have noticed indoors is now making the whole rig sway just enough to remind you that you are, in fact, living in a vehicle.

It is not bad. It is just different. And like most things in this lifestyle, the more you know before you need it, the better your experience is going to be.

Does the Type of RV Actually Matter When It Comes to Weather?

This is a fair question and we get it a lot. Some rigs do have thicker walls — higher-end Class A motorhomes, aluminum-sided fifth wheels, and well-insulated four-season builds are all going to handle extreme weather differently than a lightweight travel trailer or a pop-up.

There is no one best RV for weather. There are better-insulated rigs, four-season packages, and more aerodynamic profiles & all of those things matter at different moments, but, in reality, weather is going to find every rig eventually.

The goal is not to find the perfect weather-proof RV. The goal is to become the kind of traveler who knows how to read what is coming and make smart decisions before it arrives.

That starts with what you do on travel days.

The Don'ts for Driving in Inclement Weather

Don't drive into high winds. Wait it out.

This is the one we want to start with because it is the something a lot of people don't actually take seriously. Wind does not feel that threatening when you are standing outside watching the trees sway.

Wind feels very different when you are behind the wheel of a 40-foot fifth wheel at highway speed and a gust catches you broadside.

High-profile vehicles & that includes EVERY towable and most motorhomes — are significantly more vulnerable to crosswinds than a passenger car.

If the forecast shows sustained high winds or gusts along your route, the right call is almost always to stay put for a day or two. That is not failure. That is exactly what experienced RVers do. The campsite will still be there. The destination is not going anywhere. The risk of pushing through is not worth the stress, the tire wear, or the very real possibility of losing control.

Don't assume rain means the road is at its most dangerous once it's been raining a while.

Did you know that the most dangerous time to drive in the rain is right at the beginning of a rain event, not the middle of it. Over time, road surfaces accumulate oil drips, rubber particles, and debris from traffic.

When the first rain hits, all of that lifts to the surface and creates a slick film before the rain has had a chance to wash it away. That first 15 to 30 minutes of a rainstorm on dry pavement is statistically one of the highest-risk windows for loss of traction. If you can pull off and wait it out for a bit, do that.

Don't rush your departure to beat the weather.

We have all done it — set an alarm for early, rushed through the breaking-down process, and pointed the rig down the highway trying to get ahead of what is building to the west. Sometimes that works. Sometimes you drive straight into it anyway.

A better approach is to check the forecast the night before, plan your departure time around what the weather is actually doing, and build enough flexibility into your schedule that waiting an hour or two does not throw off your whole trip.

Don't forget that mountain weather is its own category entirely.

If you are heading into the Rockies, the Cascades, the Sierra Nevada, Yellowstone, or any other elevated terrain — your flatland weather instincts are not enough.

Mountain weather changes fast, dramatically, and in ways that do not always match what the forecast said three hours ago. And yes... places like Yellowstone can see snow in every single month of the year. Every month. If you are a summer traveler who packed light and assumed the mountains would behave like July everywhere else, the mountains have some news for you.

The Quirky Weather Realities of RV Life Nobody Warns You About

Hail sounds apocalyptic. It is not, usually, but it can certainly sound like it is. If you have never heard hail on an alumi num roof, you are in for an experience.

Humidity at a campground is a different creature. Especially in the Southeast in summer. The kind of humidity that makes you question your life choices by 8 a.m. Ventilation, awnings, and knowing which direction to park for shade are all worth thinking about.

Desert heat is not just hot — it is hard on everything. Seals, tires, your fresh water lines, your fridge working overtime. The Southwest is spectacular and the heat is real. Plan your driving for mornings when you can.

Fog in coastal areas can go from zero to zero-visibility fast. The Pacific Northwest and Northern California coastlines especially. Know when to pull over and know that the campground is not going anywhere.

Tornado alley is exactly what it sounds like. If you are traveling through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, or the Texas panhandle in spring and early summer — know what the sky is doing, know where the nearest shelter is at any campground you stop at, and have a plan.

The Weather Tools We Actually Use

RVweather.com — and we cannot say enough about this one.

This is our newest find and we are genuinely excited about it. The mind behind RVweat her.com is Dave Titley — a retired US Navy meteorologist with nearly 50 years of weather forecasting experience and 40,000 miles of experience living in and towing an Airstream. That combination matters.

RV Weather is not a generic weather service that slapped an RV label on it. This was built by someone who actually understands what a high-profile towed vehicle does in a crosswind.

RV Weather uses the US National Weather Service National Blend of Models — a blend of up to 171 national and international weather models — to build its forecasts. Rather than picking one model and hoping it is right, this approach blends multiple models for better accuracy, similar to index investing versus stock picking.

The feature we keep coming back to is SureRoute. SureRoute is a planning tool that finds a route avoiding unsafe driving conditions. It takes into consideration your trip preferences — driving speed, destination, and preferred weather impact level — and suggests a route including overnight stops and possible weather delays.

For anyone who has ever spent an hour on weather apps trying to figure out whether to take I-40 or jog north to I-70, this is a game changer.

A daily national forecast highlights the significant impacts RVers can expect over the next 48 hours, laid out by time zone and impacted roadways. You can also sign up to have it emailed to you every morning — which means before you pour your first cup of coffee, you already know what the weather is doing along your planned route for the day.

There is text and email support from real meteorologists which is not something you get from a weather app. RVweather.com comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it is genuinely low-risk to try.

Head to RVWeather.com and explore what they have. We think you are going to add it to your travel routine fast.

Other apps worth having in your rotation:

Windy — for visualizing wind patterns, especially when you are deciding whether to move a travel day. The visual wind map is something most RVers find immediately useful.

Weather Underground — hyperlocal and often more accurate for specific campground locations than broader national apps.

RadarScope — for serious weather watchers who want to see what is actually happening on the radar rather than an interpreted graphic.

The National Weather Service app — free, reliable, and the source data that most other weather apps are pulling from anyway.

And don't forget a NOAA weather radio. Not an app.

An actual radio with a battery backup.

The issue with weather forecast apps on your phone is not the forecast quality but what happens with your phone when you are on the road.

Apps running in the background only update periodically, and virtually every app wants access to your location data. A NOAA weather radio does not have those limitations. It updates constantly, broadcasts to your actual location, and works when your cell signal does not.

What RV owners need to know about weather is happening this week with Jennifer & Tasha on the Learn to RV The Podcast

This blog is the companion piece to our weather episode on Learn to RV The Podcast , where we go deeper on all of this, including our personal stories of weather moments that made us rethink how we travel, the specific apps in our rotation, and everything you need to know to make smarter decisions when the forecast gets interesting.

Which one of us do you think got caught in a snowstorm in May?

Had a run in with a Haboob?

Had to find a storm shelter more than once?

And next time that summer thunderstorm rolls in while you are parked at a campsite — maybe crack the window a little, make a cup of something warm, and appreciate that the rain sounds louder now.

You are living in it, after all.

Have a wild weather story from the road? Email us at connect@learntorv.com — if it gets read on the podcast, we will send you a sticker.

This post contains general travel safety information. Always use your own judgment when making driving decisions in inclement weather. If conditions are unsafe, wait it out.

The Smart RVer’s Guide to Traveling During High Fuel Prices

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Money‑Saving Tips, Route Planning, and Fuel‑Efficient RV Travel

Fuel prices have been tough on everyone, and if you are running a gas or diesel motorhome or pulling with a diesel truck, you are definitely feeling it.

The good news is RV life is still very doable. You just have to shift how you approach travel. With a few smart changes, you can keep exploring without watching your fuel budget disappear every time you drive down the road.

Slow Travel is the Smart Way Travel

One of the biggest changes that helps right away is slowing down your pace. Constantly moving burns fuel fast and leaves you feeling rushed. Staying longer in each spot not only saves money but makes the experience better overall.

Instead of hopping every couple of days, settle in for a week or more. You will spend less on fuel and actually get to enjoy the area. Slower travel also reduces wear on your rig, which saves money in the long run too. On the plus side, most campgrounds have weekly rates that are cheaper than the daily ones so you can save there too!

Slow Your MPH

Slow travel also applies to how fast you drive, not just how often you move. Reducing your speed on the road can make a noticeable difference in how much fuel you burn.

Most RVs and tow setups are far more efficient at lower speeds, especially in that 60 to 65 mph range. Pushing faster might feel like you are saving time, but it comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption and added strain on your vehicle. Slowing down helps you stretch each tank further, reduces wear and tear, and makes for a more relaxed, controlled drive overall. Over the course of a long trip, that small change in speed can lead to significant savings.

Route Planning Matters More Than Ever

When fuel is expensive, every mile matters. Choosing the right route can make a real difference in how much you spend.

Avoid heavy traffic areas, steep climbs, and stop-and-go driving whenever possible. Stick to steady highways where your vehicle can stay consistent. Tools like Open Roads , GasBuddy, Google Maps, Waze, RV Weather and other apps help you find better routes and cheaper fuel stops along the way. A little planning before you leave can save you a lot over the course of a trip.

Lighten the Load and Maintain Your Rig

Your RV setup & weight plays a bigger role in fuel use than most people think. Weight and maintenance both matter.

Remove unnecessary gear and reduce overall weight
Keep tires properly inflated for less rolling resistance
Stay on top of oil changes and engine maintenance
Check air filters and keep them clean

A lighter, well-maintained rig runs more efficiently and saves you money every mile.

Balance Fuel Costs with Camping Choices

Fuel is only one part of your travel budget. Where you stay can help offset those higher costs.

Mix in free or low-cost camping options like boondocking or Amry Corps of Engineers campgrounds
Use programs like Harvest Hosts for affordable overnight stays
Stay longer to reduce how often you need to move
Look for weekly rates at campgrounds to save money

Balancing your camping strategy can make a big difference when fuel prices are high.

Be Strategic About Fueling Up

Not all fuel stops are equal, and being intentional about where and when you fill up can help.

Use apps to find the lowest prices along your route
Avoid fueling in high-traffic or tourist-heavy areas
Consider filling up earlier in the week when prices can be lower
Take advantage of fuel rewards programs and discounts · Use a program like Open Roads to save at the fuel pumps (and other savings too)

Even small savings per gallon add up over the course of a long trip.

Higher fuel prices are not the end of RV travel.

They just push you to be more intentional. Slow down, plan ahead, and make smarter choices with how and when you move. In many ways, this style of travel is better. You spend less time rushing and more time actually enjoying the road.

At the end of the day, RV life is about freedom and experience. Fuel prices may change, but that part does not.

From a Weekend Campout and a GI Joe to Camping World's 100+ Stores — The Story Behind Flagpole Buddy

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:44:20 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

If you have spent any time in an RV campground, you have seen them.

The flags flying off the back of rigs — state flags, sports teams, military branches, funny ones that describe the family inside better than any welcome mat ever could. Flags are how RVers mark their camp, find their people, and say something about who they are without saying a word.

But getting a flag up on an RV?

That has historically been an adventure of its own.

Paint poles. Bungee cord. Zip ties. A whole lot of hope and an even greater amount of ladder climbing. For a long time, that was just how it was done — until one engineer had an epiphany at a campsite in 1998, and the RV world got a whole lot better for it.

It Started With Beer, a Campfire, and a Problem Worth Solving

In 1998, during a weekend camp outing and after a few beers, Dave, the founder of Flagpole Buddy had an epiphany. The first person to arrive at camp would put up a flag so the rest of the group could find the site — but doing it was a complete pain. Paint poles, bungee cord, and zip ties were the tools of the moment, and there was no good way to hold a flagpole in two places far apart without climbing the ladder.

Climbing the RV ladder is hazardous at any time — try it while holding a 22-foot pole with the wind picking up.

The solution came from an unlikely source. When Dave was a kid, he remembered that his GI Joe doll could hold guns and equipment without closing his fists. He realized he could form a complete circle from the vertical view while still grasping a pole without closing his hand — and from that, he made a few prototypes. The result was a system that let the group put up a flagpole so their RV friends could find camp.

Simple. Sturdy. Safe.

And it was the kind of idea that, once you see it, makes you wonder how no one built it sooner.

From the Garage to Camping World

Flagpole Buddy was formally founded in 2004 & for years it was a small operation run by RVers for RVers, which is exactly the kind of grassroots brand that this community tends to produce and this community tends to love.

The turning point came at the Hershey RV Show — the same show, incidentally, where our own team at Learn to RV has crossed paths with some of the best people in this industry.

Christine was demonstrating the Flagpole Buddy at the Hershey show when a man in plain clothes came by, watched the demonstration, and said "I want this in my stores." He didn't have a business card, so he wrote his contact information on a blank receipt.

Christine called Dave and told him the story. Lots of people had said they could do great things with the product before. But when he looked the man up online, he was actually the CEO of Camping World: Marcus Lemonis.

The product was sent to the Camping World buyer, who initially said they weren't taking on new products and to try again next year. You need to watch the podcast episode to find out what happened next!

That is the kind of story that does not happen by accident. It happens when a product is genuinely good and the people behind it are genuinely persistent.

In 2013 Flagpole Buddy moved out of the garage. In 2015 the founder left his corporate career entirely to work Flagpole Buddy full-time with Christine. Two people, one great idea, and two decades of showing up for the RV community.

The Engineering Behind "Don't Climb the Ladder Again"

The key to the Flagpole Buddy system is the patented pivoting "twist" holder that mounts near the top of the ladder. This mount allows the pole to be installed from ground level and provides a sturdy support. The lower cup mount secures the bottom of the pole. Because the pole isn't clamped to the ladder, it is free to rotate with the wind.

Once the mounts are installed on the ladder, they stay there. You never have to climb again. The pole goes up from ground level — and it comes down the same way. For anyone who has ever wrestled with a flagpole on top of a rig in a crosswind, that is not a small thing.

The system holds two US patents and has been tested in desert winds, beach conditions, and every kind of weather the RV lifestyle throws at a campsite.

We have a Flagpole Buddy mount for our Starlink — actually, we have several different ways to mount it. Our suction‑cup setup is usually our go‑to, but we even have an adapter that lets us mount it off the front of our 5th‑wheel hitch.

When I say Dave at Flagpole Buddy has thought of everything to make mounting a flagpole or Starlink on your RV simple, secure, & stress‑free, I mean it. If you want an easy, reliable way to lift your Starlink above the roofline (or just make your campsite easier to spot), this is absolutely the place to learn more.

The Product Lineup — More Than Just Flags

What started as a flagpole mounting system has grown into something much more useful for the modern RVer. Flagpole Buddy now covers the full range of what you might want to get up in the air — safely, from the ground.

Flagpole Kits — 16 ft and 22 ft The original. The 22-foot RV flag pole system adjusts to fit most RV ladders, mounts to any flat surface, accommodates flags up to 3'x5', can fly multiple flags, and features a collapsible pole for easy storage. Available in multiple sizes to fit different ladder diameters.

Ladder Mount 2.0 An updated version of the original mount system with universal compatibility and adapters for different ladder diameters. US-patented and made domestically, the 2.0 version uses an innovative design that allows the pole to lock securely into the mount while remaining stable in various weather conditions.

Starlink Gen 2 Mount Kit For the growing number of RVers running Starlink for their mobile internet. In 2021, Flagpole Buddy began designing mounts specifically for Starlink units. The Starlink Mount Kit includes a 2.0 FlagPole Buddy Pole Mount Set, two 4-foot pole sections with locking buttons, and a Starlink mount adapter — designed to allow a single person to extend a Starlink dish above the rig while remaining on the ground.

Starlink Gen 3 Mount Kit The Gen 3 kit gets your Starlink dish over 13 feet in the air using a modular system with a 2-inch diameter aluminum sectional pole that won't collapse, won't lock up, and allows the user to create a custom height. The kit comes in 4-foot sections for storage and uses lightweight aluminum poles, fiberglass-filled nylon, and stainless steel hardware that won't rust.

Starlink Mini Mount Kit The same two-mount holding system and modular sectional pole design as the Gen 3 kit, adapted for the Starlink Mini dish. The patented two-mount holding system distributes wind loading stress throughout all ladder supports, keeping the user safely on the ground during installation.

Suction Cup Mounts For rigs or situations where the ladder mount is not the right fit — a versatile option for different mounting surfaces.

Solar Laser Mounts and Lights Because your campsite setup does not stop at the flag. Flagpole Buddy has expanded into lighting and solar solutions for RVers who want their site to look as good after dark as it does during the day.

All products are available directly at flagpolebuddy.com, through Camping World, and on Amazon.

RVers for RVers

Dave earned an engineering degree from Purdue, spent years working in aerospace with Hughes Aircraft, then 20 years making aircraft turbines, and another 10 in ground turbines, before retiring at 55 to work full-time with Christine at Flagpole Buddy.

Why does the background matter?

This is not a product designed by a committee trying to break into the RV market. This is a product designed by an engineer who was also an RVer who had the same problem everyone else had & who was too experienced to accept that bungee cord and zip ties were the best solution available.

Flagpole Buddy is a small company run by RVers & it shows in every interaction the community has had with them, from the RV shows where Christine has been demonstrating products for years, to the customer service reputation that has made the brand a consistent recommendation across RV forums and communities.

Hear the Full Story on Beyond the Brand

This Wednesday, April 8th, Flagpole Buddy is our featured brand on the Beyond the Brand podcast series on Learn to RV The Podcast. We go deeper on the origin story, the Camping World moment, where the product line is headed, and what it actually means to build something the RV community genuinely uses and trusts.

Find it wherever you listen to podcasts or head over to learntorvthepodcast.com. Want a deeper dive? Looks like Flagpole Buddy may have even had their very own podcast! Check it out here!

And if you want to check out the full Flagpole Buddy product lineup before you listen, head to flagpolebuddy.com.

Whether you are flying your flag from a campsite or getting your Starlink dish above the roofline without climbing a ladder in a desert crosswind, they have a solution just for you.

Don't climb the ladder again.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Personal Safety on the Road: How to Stay Smart, Aware, & Protected Wherever you are Parked

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:15:00 GMT

The Road Gives You Freedom. Aware ness Keeps You Safe.

There is something about RV life that often makes you feel invincible. The open road, the adventure, the fresh air, the sense that you've traded the ordinary for something bigger and better. And honestly? That feeling is one of the best parts of this lifestyle.

But freedom and awareness have to travel together. Whether you're pulling into a brand new town for the first time or rolling back into a campground you've visited a dozen times, personal safety on the road is something every RVer needs to think about — families, solo travelers, retirees, and full-timers alike.

This isn't about fear. It's about being present, being smart, and making sure the adventure you worked so hard to build stays exactly that.

Put the Phone Down. Seriously.

Let's start with the one nobody wants to hear.

We have become a culture that experiences the world through a four-inch screen. We walk through new towns with our heads down, scrolling, texting, navigating — completely unaware of what's happening six feet in front of us. We sit at picnic tables staring at Instagram instead of noticing who just pulled into the site next to us. We wander through unfamiliar areas so locked into our phones that we wouldn't notice if someone was following us.

Your phone is a tool. A great one. But when your head is buried in it, you have surrendered your single greatest safety asset — your awareness.

When you step out of your rig and into the world, put the phone in your pocket. Look up. Look around. Make eye contact with people. Notice your surroundings. Know what's behind you, what's ahead of you, and what feels off. That instinct — that quiet inner voice that says something doesn't feel right here — only works when you're actually paying attention.

The best safety app you have isn't on your phone. It's your gut. And you can only hear it when you're present.

New Town Energy: How to Read a Place Before You Settle In

One of my favorite parts of RV life is waking up somewhere we've never been. New town, new energy, new possibilities. But new also means the unknown, and the unknown deserves a little respect before you get too comfortable.

When you pull into a new area, take a few minutes before you unhitch and crack open a cold drink to just observe. What does the neighborhood around the campground look like? Is the area well-lit at night? Are there other rigs and families around, or does it feel isolated in a way that makes you uneasy?

Trust that first impression — it's usually right.

When you head into town, walk like someone who knows where they're going even if you don't. Confident, aware, upright. People who look uncertain or distracted are more likely to be targeted than people who look purposeful and present. You don't have to be intimidating — just aware.

Notice the basics. Where are the exits? Where did you park? If you needed to get back to your rig quickly, which way would you go? These aren't paranoid questions. They're the kind of quiet mental notes that take two seconds and can matter enormously.

Familiarity Is Not the Same as Safety

Here's the one that catches people off guard: a place you know is not automatically a place you're safe.

We let our guard down in familiar places. The campground we've been to every summer for five years. The small town we passed through last season without incident. The rest stop we always use on a particular stretch of highway. Familiarity breeds comfort, and comfort breeds inattention & inattention is where most problems begin.

Crime, conflict, and uncomfortable situations don't only happen in places that look sketchy. They happen in well-lit campgrounds, in charming small towns, in busy truck stops, and at crowded rally events. Staying aware isn't something you do only when something feels wrong. It's a habit you build so that you notice when something starts to feel wrong before it becomes a problem.

Campground Awareness: Your Home Base Still Needs Attention

Your rig is your home away from home, and like any home it deserves some basic security thinking.

When you set up camp, take a look around. Introduce yourself to neighbors — not just because it's friendly, but because knowing who belongs in your area makes it easier to notice when someone doesn't. A simple wave and a hello can create an informal community of people who are looking out for each other without even realizing it.

Lock your rig when you leave, even for a short walk. Keep valuables out of sight. If you have a vehicle toad or a bike rack, make sure things are secured. At night, make sure your outdoor lighting is working and consider a simple motion-activated light if you're in a more remote spot.

If something or someone feels off — trust it. You don't owe anyone an explanation for moving your rig, changing your plans, or asking a campground host to do a walkthrough. Your comfort and safety come first. That's why your RV has wheels.

Solo Travelers: Extra Mindful, Extra Empowered

Solo RVing — especially solo female RVing — is one of the most empowering things a person can do. It is also something that de serves an extra layer of intentional awareness.

Let someone know your plans. A friend, a family member, someone in your life who knows your general route and checks in with you. It doesn't have to be formal — a quick text saying "headed to X campground tonight, should be there by 6" creates a thread of accountability that matters.

In campgrounds, you don't have to broadcast that you're alone. You don't need to lie about it either — just don't volunteer it to strangers you've just met. Keep your itinerary a little close to the chest with people you don't know well.

Trust your instincts without apologizing for them. If a situation, a person, or a place doesn't feel right — leave. Repark. Change your plans. No experience is worth overriding the inner voice that's trying to protect you.

Mindfulness on the Road Is a Practice, Not a Paranoia

There's a difference between being fearful and being mindful, and it's important to hold onto that distinction.

Fear contracts. It keeps you from pulling into new places, from talking to strangers, from taking the road less traveled. That's not what this is about.

Mindfulness lets you take in everything around you — the beauty, the people, the energy of a place — while also staying rooted and aware. It means you notice the sunset AND notice who's walking toward you. It means you enjoy the town square AND know where your rig is parked. It means you're fully in the experience without being asleep inside it.

RV life at its best is deeply present. You're closer to the world than you are in a house, a hotel, or a rigid schedule. That presence is the gift. Awareness is just what you bring to it.

A Few Simple Habits Worth Building

Keep your phone charged and accessible, but in your pocket — not in your hand. Share your location with a trusted person when you're somewhere new. Walk with your head up and your eyes moving.

Take the time to introduce yourself to campground neighbors early.

Trust your instincts without needing to justify them. Check the area around your rig before settling in for the night. Have a plan — even a loose one — for getting back to your rig if you need to leave somewhere quickly.

And protect your autonomy. You do not owe anyone your schedule, your route, or your next destination. Chatting with fellow RVers around the campfire is one of the best parts of this life — but there is a difference between community and an open itinerary. It is okay to be friendly and still be intentional about what you share and with whom.

One of the most important habits you can build in this lifestyle is this: do not post your location in real time on social media.

We know.

The field of bluebonnets is stunning and you want to share it the second you pull over.

The campsite view at golden hour is exactly what your people need to see. We get it — we do it too.

But the best practice, especially for solo travelers and families, is to stay at least two weeks behind your actual schedule when you share publicly. Post the beautiful sunset after you have already moved on.

Share the campground after you have already left. Your audience will still love the content and you will have protected something that matters more, where you actually are right now.

This is not about fear. It is about being smart with information in a world where not everyone who follows your journey has good intentions. Your real-time location, your rig make and model, your travel patterns — these are details worth keeping close.

For more on protecting yourself and your family online, including internet security practices built specifically for life on the road, check out our companion piece on whether or not to get your OWN internet on the road as an extra layer of protection. You can read that full blog here

None of these habits are complicated. None of them will slow you down or shrink your experience. They are just the quiet practices of someone who loves this lifestyle enough to protect it — and protect the people they are traveling with.

The Road Is Good. Keep It That Way.

Jennifer and Tasha say it all the time on the podcast this life is a gift. The people you meet, the places you land, the stories you collect along the way. None of that changes when you are aware. It just means you get to keep doing it.

Stay present. Stay mindful. Keep your head up and your eyes open.

The road is waiting — and it is beautiful out there.

An RVer's Etiquette Guide to Cracker Barrel, Walmart & Truck Stops: How to Be a Good Guest on the Road

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:35:03 GMT

The Unwritten Rules That Every RVer Needs to Know

There is a category of overnight stop that every RVer uses at some point & a set of etiquette rules around those stops that nobody officially teaches you but everybody eventually learns. Sometimes the hard way.

Cracker Barrel parking lots. Walmart overnight parking. Truck stops. Rest areas. These are the unofficial infrastructure of RV travel, the places that fill the gap between campgrounds, extend your range, give you a safe place to rest on a long travel day, & occasionally even save a travel day that didn't quite go as planned.

Used well and respectfully, many of these stops are one of the great unsung conveniences of life on the road. Used poorly, they are the reason that more and more of these locations are putting up signs that say no overnight parking & those signs that affect every RVer who comes after you.

This guide covers the etiquette, the unwritten rules, the alternatives worth knowing about, and the one group of road users that every RVer needs to understand and respect deeply — the professional truck drivers who share these spaces with us every single day.

A Tradition Being Lost One Bad Guest at a Time

When we hit the road in 2013, and the landscape looked a bit different. Cracker Barrel parking lots were reliably welcoming. Walmart overnights were a given at most locations. The unwritten agreement between RVers and these businesses felt solid — a mutual understanding that worked beautifully for everyone involved.

Over the last decade, that has definitely changed. Slowly at first, then faster. Location by location, city by city, no overnight parking signs have gone up. The managers who used to wave you in now apologetically shake their heads. The lots that felt like a reliable safety net on a long travel day have quietly closed their doors to the RV community, one by one.

And here is the hard truth that every RVer needs to realize: we did this to ourselves.

Not all of us. Not most of us. But enough of us.

It may have started with the RVer who stayed three nights instead of one. The rig that dumped gray water in the parking lot. The setup that turned a courtesy overnight into a full campsite, complete with chairs, awning, and a grill going at noon. The people who left trash behind. The ones who never went inside to eat, never bought a gallon of milk, never gave back even the smallest expression of gratitude for a courtesy that cost the business real money to extend.

Every single one of those situations gave a manager or a corporate policy team a reason to say never again. And every never again takes something away from every RVer who comes after — including you and including us.

We say this not to shame anyone but because it does matter. The privileges that still exist at the locations that still allow overnight parking are genuinely fragile. They survive on the goodwill of the businesses that extend them and the behavior of the guests who use them. The moment that balance tips the wrong way, another sign goes up and another option could disappear.

This blog is a reminder to make sure that doesn't keep happening. It's about being the kind of guest that makes a manager glad you stopped. It's about protecting what's left of a tradition that served this community well for decades & could potentially continue to serve it for decades more if we treat it right.

The Truckers: Let's Start Here Because It Matters

Before we talk about Cracker Barrel parking lots and Walmart etiquette we need to talk about truckers. Because understanding the professional truck driving community changes how you think about every stop on this list.

Here is something that many RVers don't fully appreciate: professional truck drivers are required by federal law to stop and rest. The Hours of Service regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandate rest periods for commercial drivers and those rest periods are not just a suggestion, not optional, not negotiable, and not something a driver can push through because the truck stop is full.

When a trucker's hours are up their hours are up. Period.

They must stop, they must rest, and if the truck stop is full of RVers who parked in truck spaces because they were convenient, that trucker has a serious problem that is not of their making.

This is not a minor inconvenience. This is a safety issue.

A fatigued commercial driver on a highway is a danger to everyone on that road including you. The rest stop and truck stop infrastructure in this country exists in large part to keep those drivers — and by extension everyone else on the road — safe.

The cardinal rule for RVers at truck stops: never park in a designated truck space. Truck spaces are for trucks.

Treat professional drivers with respect when you encounter them. They are working. They are navigating federal regulations, tight schedules, and vehicles that require a completely different level of skill and attention to operate than your rig. They were here first and the infrastructure was built for them. We are guests in their workspace.

Truck Stops: The RVer's Guide to Being a Good Guest

Like many RVers, we often fuel up at truck stops along our route and if you've never pulled into one, let me tell you, it can be a game changer.

We drive a dually pulling a 42-foot fifth wheel, which means we're filling up with diesel and we need the space that truck lanes give us. Trying to maneuver a rig that size into a regular fuel station is the kind of adventure nobody asked for. The truck lanes just make sense, they have more room, easier pull-through, and you're not holding up a line of minivans while you try to figure out your turning radius.

We use our Open Roads Card to fuel up, and if you're not already taking advantage of that kind of program for your travels, it's worth looking into, especially if diesel is part of your regular road life.

Truck stops are genuinely useful for RVers — fuel, food, showers, dump stations, and a safe well-lit place to rest on a long travel day. But they come with a specific set of etiquette expectations that matter.

Fuel first, then park. If you're stopping at a truck stop to fuel up, fuel up and move your rig before you go inside to eat or rest. Fuel islands are not parking spaces and leaving your rig at a pump while you take a leisurely break blocks access for drivers who are working against a clock.

Use designated RV or car parking only. Many larger truck stops — Pilot Flying J, Love's, TravelCenters of America — have designated areas for RVs and passenger vehicles. Use them. If you're not sure where RV parking is ask inside before you pull through.

Love's Travel Stops deserves a specific mention here. Love's has made a genuine effort to accommodate the RV community with dedicated RV parking areas, dump stations, and amenities at many of their locations. They are one of the most RV-friendly truck stop chains on the road and that friendliness is worth acknowledging — and worth reciprocating with the kind of respectful behavior that keeps those amenities available.

Many Love's locations offer RV-specific services including propane, dump stations, and even dedicated RV parking with hookups at select locations. The Love's app is worth downloading for finding locations, checking amenities, and planning stops along your route.

Overnight at truck stops. It is generally acceptable to overnight in the RV or car parking area at most truck stops — but always verify the specific location's policy before you settle in. Some locations have time limits. Some have posted no overnight parking signs. Respect whatever the policy is at that specific stop.

Be quick with the bathrooms. Truck stop restrooms are high traffic facilities used by people who are working. Keep your visits efficient. This is not the place to spread your toiletries across the counter and settle in for a lengthy grooming session. Don't forget to pull the RV forward before hitting the bathroom so the truck behind you can fuel up too.

Walmart Overnight Parking: The Unwritten Rules

Walmart overnight parking is one of the most discussed topics in the RV community — and one of the most misunderstood. Here is the honest current state of things.

Walmart's corporate policy has historically allowed overnight parking at the discretion of individual store managers. That policy has not changed at the corporate level. What has changed is that an increasing number of individual stores — particularly in urban and suburban areas — have chosen to prohibit overnight parking due to issues with extended stays, trash, waste dumping, and general misuse of the courtesy.

The result is that Walmart overnight parking is not a guarantee anywhere. It is a courtesy that is extended at some locations and not at others — and the ones that have stopped allowing it almost always did so because someone abused the privilege.

The rules for Walmart overnight parking are always changing:

Always call ahead or go inside and ask a manager before you settle in for the night. Do not assume the permission exists — confirm it.

Park away from the store entrance and away from the areas used by customers and delivery trucks. Do not set up camp. This means no chairs, no awnings, no outdoor rugs, no grills, no signs of extended habitation. You are not camping in a Walmart parking lot. You are resting overnight in a private parking lot at the courtesy of the store.

One night maximum. If you need two nights you need a campground. Walmart overnight parking is a rest stop not a free campsite and treating it like one is the fastest way to get it taken away for everyone.

Do not dump gray water or black water in a Walmart parking lot. Ever. Under any circumstances. This should not need to be said but it does.

Shop at the store if you're using the parking lot. This is the most basic expression of reciprocity available to you and it costs nothing to do.

Leave the spot cleaner than you found it.

Rest Areas: Know the Rules Before You Stop

Rest areas are managed by individual state departments of transportation and the rules vary significantly from state to state. Some states allow overnight stops up to a specific time limit — often 8 to 24 hours. Others prohibit overnight parking entirely.

What most travelers don't know is that some states have gone a step further and created dedicated spaces specifically for tired drivers — not just RVers but any traveler who needs to stop and rest before getting back behind the wheel. Ohio is a great example of this. Ohio's rest areas include designated spaces for fatigued travelers with the explicit understanding that drowsy driving is a genuine public safety issue and that giving someone a safe legal place to sleep for a few hours is worth far more than moving them back onto the highway before they're ready.

This is smart policy and it reflects something the RV community has always understood intuitively: a rested driver is a safe driver. If your state has dedicated tired traveler spaces use them without guilt. That infrastructure was built for exactly this purpose.

The safest approach is to know the rules for the states you're traveling through before you need a rest area in the dark. A quick search for the specific state's rest area policy takes minutes and prevents the unwelcome knock at 2am. Look specifically for whether the state has designated fatigue stops or extended rest provisions — you may have more legitimate options than you realize.

Rest areas are designed for rest — not for extended stays, not for camping, and not for the kind of setup that makes it look like you've moved in.

Use them for what they're designed for, follow the posted rules, and move on when you're rested.

Cracker Barrel: A Tradition Worth Protecting

Cracker Barrel has a long and genuine tradition of welcoming RV travelers in their parking lots & it is one of the most beloved unofficial rest stops in the RV community for good reason. Large parking lots, good food, a friendly atmosphere, and a corporate culture that has historically understood the RV traveler as a valued customer.

The tradition is worth protecting, which means it is worth behaving in a way that keeps that relationship intact.

The Cracker Barrel etiquette rules:

Go inside and eat. This is the foundation of the whole arrangement.

Cracker Barrel extends the courtesy of their parking lot to RVers and the reciprocal expectation is that you patronize the restaurant. If you're not going to eat there you're not really a guest — you're trespassing on private property. The meal doesn't have to be elaborate. Breakfast, dinner, a pie and a coffee — whatever works. Just go inside.

Call ahead if you're arriving late or planning to overnight.

A quick call to the specific location to confirm they allow overnight parking in your rig size takes two minutes and prevents the uncomfortable conversation at 11pm when someone knocks on your door.

Park away from the restaurant entrance.

Pull to the back or side of the lot. Leave the prime parking spaces for the customers coming in for dinner.

One night only.

Same principle as Walmart — this is a rest stop not a campground. One night, move on.

No slide outs if it's going to encroach on other parking spaces. Read the lot and be considerate of the space you're taking up.

No generators running late at night or early in the morning. You are in a commercial parking lot in close proximity to other people and a working restaurant. Be a considerate neighbor.

Leave the parking lot cleaner than you found it.

Pick up any trash — yours and anyone else's within reach. The two minutes it takes is the most powerful thing you can do to keep this tradition alive.

What If You Can't Stay Without Extending Your Slides?

This is a conversation worth having & honestly because it affects more RVers than people talk about openly.

Some rigs are simply not livable without the slide-outs extended. The bedroom slide makes the bed accessible. The living room slide gives you enough space to move around.

Without slides, the rig is functional for a quick stop but genuinely difficult for an overnight stay — especially for families or couples who need the space to sleep comfortably.

If that's your situation here's the honest reality: Cracker Barrel parking lots, Walmart overnights, and truck stops are probably not the right solution for your rig. And that's okay. It just means your overnight stop toolkit looks a little different.

What to do instead:

Look for campgrounds with late arrival options. Many campgrounds accommodate late arrivals with a simple check in process — a lockbox code, a site assignment left at the gate, or a host who stays available by phone. A quick call ahead is almost always all it takes and a $30 hookup site with the room to extend your slides beats a cramped parking lot overnight every time.

Love's RV dedicated sites at select locations give you a legitimate paid overnight option with enough space to set up properly. Worth checking the app before you commit to a parking lot situation that won't work for your rig.

RV Overnights, Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome locations are typically on private property with enough space to extend slides, level properly, and actually rest. These memberships exist precisely for situations like this.

BLM land and dispersed camping near your route may give you a free legal overnight option with all the space you need.

The bottom line is this: know your rig's limitations before you commit to an overnight stop. If you need your slides to sleep comfortably plan for a stop that accommodates that need rather than discovering the problem at 11pm in a parking lot with nowhere else to go. A little planning before your travel day is infinitely better than the alternative.

Rest Areas: Know the Rules Before You Stop

Ohio is a great example of this. Ohio's rest areas include designated spaces for fatigued travelers with the explicit understanding that drowsy driving is a genuine public safety issue and that giving someone a safe legal place to sleep for a few hours is worth far more than moving them back onto the highway before they're ready.

Rest areas are designed for rest — not for extended stays, not for camping, and not for the kind of setup that makes it look like you've moved in. Use them for what they're designed for, follow the posted rules, and move on when you're rested.

Campgrounds and Membership Programs

Here is the honest truth about Cracker Barrel parking lots, Walmart overnights, and truck stop rest stops: they are genuinely useful tools in the RV travel toolkit. But they work best as occasional solutions rather than regular strategies.

If you find yourself relying on free overnight parking more nights than not it's worth examining whether your campground budget and membership setup is working as hard as it should be.

Thousand Trails, Passport America, Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, and RV Overnights all offer legitimate overnight options that are more comfortable, more appropriate for extended use, and in many cases not significantly more expensive than the fuel you burn driving to find a Walmart parking lot with availability.

Love's RV sites at select locations offer a legitimate paid overnight option in a well-lit, secure environment with amenities — worth knowing about as an alternative to free parking when you want something slightly more structured than a retail parking lot.

BLM land and dispersed camping gives you free legal overnight options in some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country — a far better experience than a parking lot on almost every level for travelers who have the flexibility to use it.

Courtesy Keeps Overnight Parking Alive

Walmart overnight parking has always been a courtesy — never a guarantee — and the only reason it still exists in many places is because RVers, for the most part, have treated it with respect. The stores that have stopped allowing it almost always did so because someone pushed the limits, stayed too long, dumped waste, or treated a parking lot like a campsite.

And that’s really what all of this comes down to: etiquette.

Ask permission.

Park out of the way.

Don’t set up camp.

Stay one night.

Leave no trace.

Support the business.

Move on in the morning.

It’s simple, but it matters.

This week on the Learn to RV Podcast, we actually dove into RV etiquette — specifically how to be a good campground neighbor — and it ties directly into this conversation. Whether you’re in a campground, a Cracker Barrel lot, a Walmart, or a rest area, the same principles apply: be considerate, be aware of the space you’re using, and remember that your actions affect the entire RV community. We’ll link this week’s episode so you can listen in.

The truth is, the overnight parking courtesy at places like Walmart and Cracker Barrel only survives when RVers use it well. Every time someone treats it like a free campsite, we all lose a little bit of access. Every time someone parks respectfully, shops inside, keeps things clean, and leaves early, they help keep the tradition alive for the next traveler.

Our first year on the road, we had one of those travel days that just wouldn’t quit — long miles, tired kids, and cylinders misfiring on our tow vehicle. By the time we finally limped into town, it was late, dark, and all we wanted was a safe place to park near the auto parts store that promised our replacement parts would be ready in the morning.

We found what looked like an empty strip‑mall parking lot, tucked ourselves into a corner, and crashed for the night.

At 4:15 a.m., there was a knock on the camper door — the kind that jolts you straight out of sleep. An officer informed us that no overnight parking was allowed, and even after explaining the situation, we were given two hours to leave. The businesses didn’t open until 8 a.m., but rules were rules.

Back then, our littles were even littler, which meant the next day was fueled by grumpy toddlers, cranky teens, and two exhausted parents trying to keep everyone moving. But that morning became a turning point for us.

Right there, in that dark parking lot, we made a decision: we were never going to put ourselves in that situation again without knowing the rules.

It pushed us to start researching overnight parking policies, understanding local regulations, and learning the etiquette that keeps these options available for everyone. And honestly, that one uncomfortable experience shaped how we travel & how we share these unwritten rules to this day.

Quick Reference Guide

Truck Stops: Fuel first, then park. Never use trucker spaces. Use designated RV areas. Confirm overnight policies.

Walmart: Call ahead. One night only. No camp setup. No dumping. Shop inside. Leave it cleaner than you found it.

Cracker Barrel: Eat at the restaurant. Call ahead. Park away from the entrance. One night only. No late‑night generators. Leave no trace.

Rest Areas: Know state rules. Follow posted limits. Rest only. Move on when you’re ready.

Love’s RV: Use the app. Look for dump stations, propane, and dedicated RV parking. A genuinely RV‑friendly chain.

If you need space to set up, choose a campground, Love’s RV site, Harvest Hosts, or public land.

Truckers, RVers, commuters, families — we’re all using the same infrastructure and relying on the same courtesy economy that makes travel possible. The truck driver who needs that rest stop space is keeping the supply chain moving. The manager who says yes to overnight parking is extending a kindness to strangers.

As long as we respect that & use it well.

Be sure to take the time to leave it better than you found it.

The road is generous to the people who treat it that way.

Always confirm overnight policies directly with each business and location, and take the time to check state‑specific rules for rest areas before relying on them as an overnight option. Policies change often, and a quick check can save you from an early‑morning knock on the door.

It's Spring. Time to Get Up on That RV Roof.

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:56:26 GMT

Your Spring RV Roof Care Guide from RV Roofing Solutions

A Note Before We Dive In

You may already know that we own both RV Roofing Solutions and Learn to RV — and yes, we own an aftermarket RV roofing company as well as an education platform.

The photos in this article come from real roof inspections we’ve done at rallies and events across the country. And the RV owners pictured? They’re people who ultimately told us their roofs were in good enough condition and didn’t need any work from us.

We share these images because they’re real, unfiltered examples of what we see on the road — not scare tactics, not marketing gimmicks. Just honest education so you can make informed decisions about your own RV.

But that’s not the only reason we’re writing this.

Between RV Roofing Solutions and Learn to RV, we’ve spent years in this industry — climbing onto rooftops in every corner of the country, teaching seminars, answering questions at shows and rallies, and seeing firsthand what happens when roof maintenance gets skipped for one season too many. That knowledge doesn’t belong only to our customers. It belongs to the entire RV community.

So whether you choose RV Roofing Solutions for your roof work or go with someone else, this guide is for you. It’s education rooted in experience, shared with genuine concern for your safety, your investment, and your peace of mind. Because after seeing more water damage than we can count, we can tell you this with confidence: a little spring maintenance goes a very long way.

A Quick but Important Note: The maintenance guidance in this article is written specifically for standard OEM roofs, otherwise known as, the roof your RV came with from the factory. If you have an aftermarket roofing system, like ours, already installed on your rig, the products, processes, and recommendations that apply to your roof may be very different.

Before performing any maintenance or applying any products to an aftermarket system, check with the company that installed it for care and maintenance guidelines specific to that system. Applying the wrong products to an aftermarket roof can void warranties and cause compatibility issues that are expensive to fix.

If you're not sure what type of roof you have or whether an aftermarket system has been applied at any point, that's worth finding out before you put anything on it. We're always happy to help you figure that out — just reach out.

Why Spring Is the Most Important Time to Check Your Roof

Winter is hard on an RV roof — and it is not just because of the obvious stuff like ice and snow.

Here is what is actually happening up there while your rig sits through the cold months. When temperatures drop, the rubber membrane on your roof contracts. When it warms back up, it expands. Every single freeze-thaw cycle puts stress on the material and on every seam, seal, and termination bar it is attached to. Do that dozens of times over a winter and you have created movement in places that are supposed to stay still.

Snow pack adds its own layer of trouble . The weight alone is one thing, but it is the moisture that causes the real damage. Snow sitting on a roof for days or weeks works its way into every micro-crack and imperfection in your sealant. When it freezes again, that moisture expands and pushes those cracks a little wider. A seal that was just barely holding in November may not be holding at all by March or April.

And then there is the caulk . UV exposure over years of travel already does a number on caulk, it dries it out, makes it brittle, causes it to shrink away from the edges it is supposed to protect. Add freezing temperatures on top of already-aging sealant and you have a recipe for cracks, gaps, and separations that are nearly invisible until water finds them.

The real problem with all of this is that none of it announces itself. There is no alarm. There is no leak dripping into your living area while the rig is parked and covered. The damage just sits there quietly, doing its thing, waiting for the first good rain of spring to show you exactly where your weak spots are — and you usually find out at the worst possible moment, two hours into a trip you have been planning for months.

Spring is your window. Before the season kicks in, before the rig gets loaded up and pointed down the highway, get up on that roof and take a good honest look at what winter left behind. Fifteen to twenty minutes of attention now can save you thousands of dollars and a ruined trip later. Don't forget to wash the roof too.... here is our guide.

Step One: The Spring Roof Inspection

Before you touch anything, walk the entire roof and take stock of what you're working with. You're looking for a few specific things.

The overall surface condition.

Walk slowly and look at the full membrane. On rubber roofs look for cracks, tears, bubbling, or areas where the membrane has lifted away from the surface.

On fiberglass look for that fine spider-web cracking that develops over time from UV exposure. Is your roof chalking? We have an entire blog dedicated to why this might be happening.

On aluminum look for seam separation or corrosion. Any break in the surface is a potential water entry point and needs to be addressed before you hit the road.

Soft or spongy spots. This is the one that tells you water has already gotten in. As you walk the roof, press gently with your foot in different areas. A healthy roof feels solid and firm. Any area that feels soft, spongy, or that flexes under your weight means moisture has reached the decking underneath. We'll talk more about what to do in that situation a little further down.

Every penetration point. Vents, skylights, AC units, antennas, solar panels, exhaust covers, the front and rear termination bars, and along both sides of the radius — every single place where something comes through your roof is a potential failure point. Get close and look at the sealant around each one. You're looking for cracking, shrinking, gaps, discoloration, or sealant that has pulled away from the surface it's meant to be sealing.

The seams. The front and rear caps where your roof meets the sidewalls, and any seams running across the roof, deserve close attention. These areas move with the rig as you travel and the sealant here takes a beating over time.

Take photos as you go. A before and after record of your roof's condition is genuinely useful — both for tracking changes over time and for insurance purposes if something comes up down the road.

Step Two: Understanding What You're Looking At With Sealant

Not all sealant failure looks the same and it's worth knowing the difference between what needs attention now and what needs attention immediately.

Dry and chalky sealant that hasn't yet cracked or pulled away is early stage deterioration. It has lost its flexibility but is still providing some protection. This is your yellow flag — address it this season before it becomes a red one.

Cracked sealant has failed. Cracks are open pathways for water, and even hairline cracks that look minor can allow significant moisture intrusion over time. This needs to be addressed now, before you travel.

Sealant that has pulled away from the surface — either lifting at the edges or separating from the vent, skylight, or seam it was protecting — is an active leak risk. In wet conditions water will find this gap every single time. This is a red flag and it moves to the top of your to-do list.

Missing sealant means it has already failed completely. If you find bare areas where sealant used to be, assume water has already found that spot and inspect the interior of your rig near that area for any signs of staining or moisture.

What to Do If You Find Soft Spots

Soft or spongy decking means moisture has already penetrated and is actively breaking down the structural material beneath your roof membrane. This is not a sealant job. This is a conversation with a professional.

Here's why it matters: if you reseal over a soft spot without addressing the damaged decking underneath, you are sealing moisture inside your roof structure. That moisture continues to do damage — to the wood, to the insulation, to the walls — even after the surface above it looks perfectly fine. We have seen this play out more times than we can count and it never ends well.

If you find soft spots during your spring inspection, the right move is to get a professional assessment before you do anything else. The extent of the damage needs to be evaluated before a repair plan can be made — and in some cases what looks like a small soft spot is connected to a larger moisture intrusion that isn't visible from the surface.

Knowing When to Call a Professional

There's a lot a motivated RV owner can handle on their own when it comes to roof maintenance. A thorough inspection, routine resealing, keeping penetration points clean and protected, these are all within reach with the right products, the right prep, and the right information.

But there are situations where a professional is the right call & far to often, trying to DIY your way through them can make things significantly worse.

Call a professional if you find soft or spongy spots anywhere on the roof. Call a professional if you're seeing interior water stains and can't locate the source. Call a professional if your roof membrane has significant cracking, tearing, or separation from the decking. Call a professional if you find delamination on your exterior sidewalls — bubbling or waviness in the fiberglass skin — which almost always points to water intrusion from above. And call a professional if you're not sure what products are already on your roof, because applying the wrong coating or sealant over an incompatible existing product can create a failure that's far more expensive than the original problem.

There's no shame in knowing the line between maintenance and repair. The RV owners who keep their rigs in the best condition over the long haul are the ones who handle the routine stuff consistently and call for help when the situation calls for it.

The Inspection Mistakes That Cost People the Most

We are going to be straight with you here, because we see these same mistakes play out over and over & every single one of them is avoidable.

Don’t Rush through it. This is the big one. You climb up, do a quick lap, think everything looks fine, and climb back down in under five minutes. That is not an inspection. That is a glance. A real roof inspection is slow and deliberate — you are moving across the entire surface on your hands and knees, pressing and feeling as you go, not scanning from a standing position and calling it done. The things that matter are rarely obvious from three feet away.

Only checking the areas you can see easily. The front of the roof is often not where the problems hide. The problems hide behind the A/C units, in the corners of the radius edges, underneath the termination bars, and along the seams near the slides. If you are not checking those spots specifically, you are not really checking the roof.

Don’t Write off the small cracks. Small cracks are not small problems. A hairline crack in a sealant joint is a water entry point that will grow — guaranteed. Cold temperatures, UV exposure, and the natural flexing of the rig as you drive will make that crack bigger every single season until water finds it. The time to fix a small crack is while it is still a small crack.

Skipping the interior. Get inside and look at your ceiling panels, around your vents, above your slide openings, and along any exterior wall where the roof meets the sides. Water stains, soft spots, bubbling, or discoloration in the interior are often the first real sign that water has already been moving through a place it should not be. By the time you can see it inside, it has usually been happening for a while.

Don’t Assume there is no active leak means no damage. This one might be the most dangerous assumption in RV ownership. A roof can have compromised seals, cracked caulk, and membrane separation that is letting moisture in without producing a visible drip inside the rig — yet. The water may be sitting in the decking, slowly softening it. It may be pooling inside a wall cavity. It may be doing damage you will not see for another season. The absence of a leak is not a clean bill of health. It is just a head start on finding the problem before it finds you.

The inspection that actually protects your investment is slow, methodical, and covers every inch — not just the parts that are easy to reach.

A Quick Spring Roof Checklist

Walk the full roof surface & check for cracks, tears, bubbling, or membrane separation.
Press gently across the surface in multiple spots checki ng for soft or spongy decking.
Inspect all sealant around every vent, skylight, AC unit, antenna, and seam.
Remove and replace any sealant that is cracked, dry, pulled away, or missing.
Check the front and rear cap seams and any roof seams carefully.
Inspect interior ceilings and upper walls for water staining.
Check inside overhead cabinets near the roofline for any signs of moisture.
Document your inspection with photos for your records.

One More Thing

We said it at the top and we will say it again here at the bottom — this guide exists because we genuinely care about this community. Not because we are trying to sell you something. Because we have been in this lifestyle long enough to know how fast a preventable problem becomes an expensive, trip-ruining one, and we would rather you never find out the hard way.

Here is something our technicians will tell you straight: it is rare, genuinely rare, to get up on an RV roof and find it in pristine condition. Even rigs that have been well cared for, stored properly, and inspected regularly almost always have something that needs attention. That is not a reflection of how you have maintained your rig. It is just the reality of what roofs go through — the sun, the temperature swings, the miles, the seasons.

And here is something worth knowing: many of our clients choose an RV Roofing Solutions system before their roof ever springs a leak. Not because something is wrong, but because they understand what is coming if they wait, and they would rather get ahead of it than react to it. A proactive maintenance-free RV roofing system eliminates caulking & is a fraction of the headache of dealing with water damage after the fact.

If you have questions about what you found during your inspection, whether it is something you can handle yourself or something that needs a professional set of eyes, we are always happy to talk it through. That is true whether you are an RV Roofing Solutions client or not. Call us, email us, find us in the community. We are here.

Here is to a great spring season, a healthy roof over your head, & a lot of good miles ahead.

Step Three: How to Properly Remove and Reseal — The Right Way

This is where most DIY roof maintenance goes wrong. People add new sealant on top of old sealant, or they do a qui ck patch without proper prep, and then wonder why it fails again within a season. Proper resealing takes time and it takes the right approach. Here's how to do it correctly.

Remove the old sealant completely. This is the step that gets skipped most often and it's the most important one. New sealant applied over old, failed sealant is only as good as what's underneath it — which is nothing. Use a plastic scraper or a dedicated sealant removal tool to lift and remove as much of the existing sealant as possible. Take your time. This is not a step to rush.

Clean the surface thoroughly. Once the old sealant is removed, clean the area with an appropriate cleaner for your roof type. The surface needs to be completely clean, dry, and free of residue before anything new goes on. Dust, grime, old sealant residue, and moisture will all compromise adhesion. If you're not sure what cleaner is right for your roof material, this is worth a quick call to a professional rather than a guess. An industry trusted product can make all the difference.

Use the right sealant for your roof type. This matters more than most people realize. Self-leveling sealant is designed for flat or low-pitch horizontal surfaces like the field of your roof. Non-sag or non-leveling sealant is for vertical surfaces and areas where you need the product to stay in place rather than flow. Using the wrong type in the wrong place is a recipe for failure. Additionally, make sure the sealant you choose is compatible with your specific roof material — not all sealants work well on all surfaces.

Apply generously and tool the edges. Apply enough sealant to fully cover the area and create a complete seal, then smooth and tool the edges so there are no gaps, bubbles, or lifted edges where water could sneak underneath. A finished seal should look clean and continuous with no interruptions.

Let it cure fully before exposing it to the weather. Check the manufacturer's recommended cure time and respect it. A sealant that hasn't cured properly hasn't bonded properly — and an uncured seal in a rainstorm is no seal at all.

Is a Maintenace Free RV Roofing System Right for you?

A maintenance‑free RV roofing system is ideal for RVers who want less work, more safety, and long‑term protection

You're Tired of caulking

You don't like being on your RV roof or have mobility issues

You want to protect your RV

A maintenance‑free RV roofing system isn’t just about skipping caulking... it’s about removing one of the biggest stress points in RV ownership.

If you’ve ever climbed onto your roof with a tube of sealant and a prayer, you already know why this matters.

Where Are the Texas Bluebonnets in 2026 — and What's Hiding in Them?

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:00:02 GMT

Learn It Before You Need It · Outdoor RV Life · Texas Travel

If you have been RVing through Texas in the spring for any amount of time, you already know: bluebonnet season is not a suggestion. It is a calling. Families pull over on the side of the highway. Dogs get their portraits taken. Toddlers sit in fields of blue looking like they were placed there by a movie director. It is one of those only-in-Texas moments that makes you grateful you live this life on the road.

But here is the thing nobody puts in the caption: those gorgeous patches of wildflowers? They are also one of the favorite hiding spots for some of Texas's most venomous snakes.

We are going to talk about both. The beauty and the reality.

What to Expect from the 2026 Bluebonnet Season

Let's set realistic expectations before you start planning your route.

According to experts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, the 2026 wildflower bloom season is expected to vary widely across Texas, shaped by uneven rainfall, continuing drought conditions, and local microclimates. Much of Central Texas saw a notably dry fall, followed by a mild winter with limited rainfall — and bluebonnets rely heavily on fall moisture to sprout and winter rain to grow before blooming in spring.

Translation: if you were hoping for the sweeping wall-to-wall blue carpets of a banner year, this might not be that year — especially in the Hill Country. Andrea DeLong-Amaya, horticulture educator at the Wildflower Center, put it plainly: "We may just have to look a little harder for bluebonnets on the side of the road this year in many locales."

But here is the good news: "I've never seen a year where nothing is blooming," she also said. "That just doesn't happen." You will find them. You may just need to be more intentional about where you look.

Other wildflowers may help fill in the gaps as spring progresses — perennial species like winecups, prairie verbena, and milkweed tend to be more resilient during dry periods and could provide a stronger showing later in the season. So even if the blue is a little lighter this year, the roadside color show is not canceled.

When Do Texas Bluebonnets Peak in 2026?

Timing is everything when you are chasing wildflowers in an RV. You cannot always stop what you are doing and go — but if you can be flexible with your route in early April, you will be in the right window.

Peak bluebonnet season typically occurs in early April, spanning from late March through mid-to-late April in the "bluebonnet belt" of Central and East Texas. Dr. Sean Griffin with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center noted that warmer temperatures this year could speed up the process, and warned that "the season's not going to last long."

The window is open now and it will not stay open long. If bluebonnet photography is on your spring bucket list, this is your year to be decisive.

Some of THE Best Places to See Texas Bluebonnets in 2026

Ennis — the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas

If you want the most organized, most spectacular, and most reliable bluebonnet experience in the state, Ennis is your destination. Located about 40 minutes south of Dallas, Ennis opens more than 40 miles of mapped driving trails from April 1–30, with peak bloom expected during the second or third week of April. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival runs April 17–19. You can drive the trails from the comfort of your tow vehicle, which is genuinely perfect for the RV crowd — no hiking required, no tight parking, and you get a show the whole way through.

The Texas Hill Country — From Austin to San Antonio

This stretch of Highway 290 between Austin and Fredericksburg is considered the bluebonnet mecca. Marble Falls, Llano, and the back roads around Burnet and Mason are legendary for wildflower displays in good years. This year, Hill Country displays may be sparser than usual due to dry fall conditions — but Central Texas's native prairie ecosystem, thin rocky limestone soil, and long-established roadside management practices mean there will still be something worth seeing. Be flexible and willing to drive the backroads rather than sticking to the main highways.

Brenham and Washington County

Nestled between Houston and Austin on Highway 290, Brenham and surrounding Washington County are a reliable bluebonnet destination with rolling farmland fields that photograph beautifully. Watch the Wildflower Watch page at visitbrenhamtexas.com for real-time updates before you make the drive.

DFW Area — Cedar Hill, Plano, and the Tandy Hills

In the DFW area, Cedar Hill State Park offers hilly vistas along Joe Pool Lake, the Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth provides an unmanicured look at indigenous prairie life, and in Plano, the Bluebonnet Trail Greenbelt and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offer miles of trails through neighborhood patches.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area — Hill Country

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area along the Colorado River has a reputation as a fantastic location for bluebonnet viewing with the added bonus of beautiful Hill Country scenery and river access. It is a gorgeous stop if you are passing through the Lake Buchanan area.

Now here's the Part Nobody Puts in the Photo Caption

You are going to see the pictures. You are going to pull over. You are going to want to walk your kids and your dog right into that field of blue. And we are not telling you not to.

We are telling you to look first.

Experts consistently warn that tall wildflower patches are prime hiding spots for rattlesnakes and copperheads. These snakes are not there to ruin your photo shoot — they are there because the cover is perfect, the temperature is right, and the field is full of the rodents and insects they are hunting. You are walking into their home.

Wildlife experts advise that before sitting down in a field of bluebonnets, you should tap around the area and be cautious. "By the time you can tell what shape their eyes are, you're a little too close," said one Fort Hood wildlife management supervisor.

The Snakes You Might Actually Encounter

Texas is home to four venomous snake species: coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and rattlesnakes . Not every snake you encounter is dangerous, which is why knowing how to quickly identify each one is so important.

Snakes also play a vital role in the environment — controlling rodents, balancing ecosystems, and keeping other pests in check. And remember: a startled or cornered snake may react in ways a snake left alone never would. Giving them space is the safest choice for everyone.

In bluebonnet areas specifically, copperheads and rattlesnakes are the most common concerns. Copperheads have chestnut or reddish-brown crossbands on a lighter colored body and in the spring can be found along streams and rivers as well as in weed-covered areas. Their coloring makes them extremely difficult to spot in leaf litter and dense groundcover, which is exactly what a wildflower patch looks like from a snake's perspective.

Rattlesnakes will sometimes warn you — but not always. Most of the time, a rattlesnake will use its rattle to let you know it’s uncomfortable and wants space. But if you catch one by total surprise, it may not rattle first and could choose to strike.

A rattlesnake’s strike distance is limited, and the rattle is its way of telling you to stop, stay still, and figure out where the sound is coming from before you move. Staying calm and giving the snake plenty of room is the safest choice for everyone.

When you’re hiking or camping in rattlesnake country, wearing boots and long pants adds an extra layer of protection, especially in tall grass, rocky areas, or anywhere visibility is low.

If you’ve never heard a rattlesnake before, it’s worth listening to a recording so you know what that warning sounds like.

The honest reality: "With cover like a bluebonnet patch, that is an area where a snake could very easily be hiding, and you'd never see it until you're right up on top of it."

A Few More Things to Know Before You Go

One more thing that surprises people every single year: there is no specific Texas law against picking bluebonnets. We know. We were shocked too. But there are laws against damaging public property, trespassing on private land, and unsafe roadside behavior — so pick a few, leave the patch intact, and don't be the person who drives onto someone's field for the shot.

Pull over safely. We know you are going to do it. Just make sure it is a safe shoulder, away from heavy traffic, and never on private property without permission.

And before you sit down anywhere — check for fire ants. Because this is Texas and fire ants absolutely do not care about your bluebonnet content.

Keep Chasing the Blue

We are not Texas natives. But we have been Texas residents since the day we joined Escapees back in 2014 — and if you know anything about the full-time RV community, you know that makes us Texans in all the ways that count.

We just rolled back into a Texas spring, and we will be honest with you — it feels a whole lot more like summer already, at least here in the Houston area. The heat is doing the most right now. But even here, where the big sweeping bluebonnet fields are not exactly around every corner, we are catching glimpses. Those unmistakable patches of deep, saturated blue tucked along the roadside. A field that makes you do a double-take. A median that stopped us mid-conversation because the color was just that good.

That is the thing about bluebonnets. You do not have to be standing in a Hill Country postcard to feel it. Even a single roadside patch in the Houston heat is a sure sign that Texas is doing what Texas does best, showing off in the most beautiful, stubborn, only-here kind of way.

The 2026 season may be a little patchier than we would like, and the window is moving fast. But it is out there. Drive the Ennis trails. Wind through the Hill Country backroads. And if you spot a field glowing blue along the highway — pull over.

You are living this life precisely so you can do things like that on a Thursday.

Just please look before you sit down.

Have you found a great bluebonnet spot this year? Drop it into our FREE Facebook group! And if you have a snake encounter story from a wildflower field, we absolutely want to hear that one too.

Snake Education Resources — Know Before You Go

The best protection against a bad snake encounter is knowing what you are looking at before you get too close. Here are the resources we actually recommend:

Texas Parks & Wildlife — Venomous Snake Safety The official state resource. Covers all four venomous snake families found in Texas — copperheads, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes — with photos, descriptions, and habitat information. Free, reliable, and written for real people not just scientists.

�� tpwd.texas.gov — search "Venomous Snake Safety"

Texas Parks & Wildlife — Snake FAQ A detailed guide to snake identification covering color patterns, scale types, behavior, and the most common species you will encounter across Texas — including the species most likely to be confused with each other.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Here's a great resource for roadschooling families who want to turn a snake sighting into a learning moment. �� tpwd.texas.gov — search "Snake FAQ"

iNaturalist — Southeast Texas Snake ID Guide This guide was created for members of the Southeast Texas Snake ID Facebook group, an educational community dedicated to providing quick identifications and a better understanding of snakes and their role in the ecosystem. It can be accessed offline through the iNaturalist app iNaturalist which makes it genuinely useful when you are out in a field with no signal.

�� inaturalist.org/guides/7148

Southeast Texas Snake ID — Facebook Group A free, active community where you can post a photo and get a real identification quickly. Members include experienced herpetologists and naturalists. If you encounter a snake and want to know what it is, this is the place to ask. �� Search "Southeast Texas Snake ID" on Facebook

TexasSnakeID.com A website created specifically to help with identification of snakes in North Texas, where species can be particularly difficult to tell apart — including common look-alikes like the cottonmouth versus the non-venomous banded water snake. Texas Snake ID �� texassnakeid.com

Texas Snakes: A Field Guide — Dixon, Werler & Hibbitts If you want a physical reference that lives in your rig, this is the one. It covers all 111 Texas snake species and subspecies with 113 full-color close-up photos, 113 range maps, and reliable first aid information for snakebite — written by two of the state's most respected herpetologists. NHBS Available on Amazon and at most Texas bookstores.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center If your dog or cat has a snake encounter, this is your first call. �� 1-888-426-4435

Emergency: If a person is bitten, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to treat a venomous snakebite yourself.

One more thing worth knowing: Texas is home to 15 potentially dangerous snake species, but each year more deaths in the state are attributed to lightning strikes than to venomous snakebites Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — thanks to better awareness, improved medical treatment, and education. That is not a reason to be careless. It is a reason to be educated instead of afraid .

Disclosure: This post contains general outdoor safety information compiled from publicly available expert sources including the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and local news reporting. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone with you is bitten by a snake, call 911 immediediately.

How to Enjoy the Bluebonnets Safely — With Kids, Dogs, and Full Peace of Mind

You do not need to skip the bluebonnets. You need to be smart about them.

Before you walk in: H ave an adult venture ahead of the kids with a stick, make some noise, walk around a little bit, and make sure there are no snakes in the area before you set your children down. This is genuinely good advice, not overkill.

Wear the right shoes. Sandals and flip flops have no business in a Texas wildflower field in spring. Wearing shoes and never putting your hands where you cannot see them are among the top recommendations from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension snake safety experts. Closed-toed shoes at minimum. Boots if you have them.

Keep dogs on a leash. Dogs are curious, low to the ground, and will push their nose right into a patch of flowers without any awareness of what is underneath. Keep them leashed and close.

Watch where you sit. That perfect spot on the ground looks like a photo backdrop to you. It looks like shade and cover to a snake. Scan before you sit.

And while we’re talking about crawling creatures… here’s a lesson we learned the itchy way. A few years back, we wandered into a Texas field wearing shorts, chasing that perfect bluebonnet photo, and while we didn’t run into a rattlesnake, we did discover that chiggers are very real.

We came out absolutely covered in bites in all the wrong places after that little bluebonnet excursion. It was a fast reminder that Texas fields have their own surprises, and long pants aren’t just for snake country… they’re for anything that crawls, climbs, or waits quietly in the grass.

If you see a snake: Stay calm. Moving too fast can cause the snake to react. Keep your distance, and if you hear rattling, move away from the area calmly. Do not attempt to move it, touch it, or get a closer look for a photo.

If someone is bitten: Seek medical attention as soon as possible — call 911 or local Emergency Medical Services. Stay calm, remove any restrictive clothing or jewelry near the bite before swelling begins, and get to a hospital. Do not try to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet.

Introducing Learn To RV: The Course Beyond the Brand and Straight to the Heart of the Matter

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:41:25 GMT

Everything we've learned from years of full-time travel, thousands of conversations, and countless "I wish I'd known this sooner" moments — finally organized into one place.

If you've been part of the Learn to RV community for any amount of time, you already know this: we are not just here to teach you how to RV.

We are here to help you live this lifestyle with confidence, clarity, and community.

And today, after months of quiet building — of honest conversations, long drives, and real-life experience folded into every page (& video) — I finally get to share something we have been working on behind the scenes.

"This isn't just another 'how to RV' program. This is the heart of Learn to RV — organized, simplified, and delivered in a way that finally makes the learning curve feel doable for everyone."

Because here's what we know, after years on the road and thousands of conversations with people just like you...

RV life isn't just about the rig. It's about the people.

It's about the couples, solos and families brave enough to choose a different path. It's about the questions you're afraid to ask, the mistakes you don't want to repeat, and the confidence you deserve before you ever pull out of the driveway.

That's exactly why this course exists.

Why We Created This Course

Learn to RV has always been built on real stories, real experiences, and real people.

Our community, our podcast guests, our creators, our partners — they are the heartbeat of everything we do.

Our Beyond the Brand series showed us something powerful: when people share their journeys openly, others feel seen, supported, and capable.

But community can only carry you so far without a roadmap. And for too long, the RV world has handed new travelers a set of keys and wished them luck.

We kept hearing the same thing over and over — from first-timers at rallies, from podcast listeners who messaged us at midnight, from families who had done everything "right" and still felt unprepared.

"I wish someone would have just taught me everything, step by step, before we left."

That sentence is the reason this course exists.

This course takes everything we have learned from years of full-time travel, thousands of conversations, and countless "I wish I'd known this sooner" moments — and turns it into a clear, approachable roadmap for RV life. Not theory. Not fluff. The real stuff.

What You Can Expect Inside the Course

We built this curriculum around the questions real RVers actually ask — not the ones that look good in a brochure. Here's what's waiting for you

Choosing the right rig for your lifestyle — without the dealer pressure
Understanding towing, weight, and safety without the overwhelm
Setting up, breaking down, and troubleshooting like a pro
Budgeting, planning, and avoiding the most common (and expensive) mistakes
Roadschooling, community building, and navigating life on the move
Real-life lessons from real RVers — lived, tested, and honest

This is the stuff you actually need. The stuff no one teaches you. The stuff that makes RV life feel less like guesswork and more like freedom.

Early Bird Bonuses

For those who jump in during the April 1–5, 2026 $99 Pre‑Launch Sale, you’re not just getting the course. You’re getting everything.

For just $99, you receive:

Every course we’re creating right now
Every future course we add
A full suspension course from our friends at Henderson’s Line‑Up
A free 45‑minute personal coaching session with one of our writers
Access to our private community
Support from real full‑time RVers who’ve lived it, learned it, and want to help you avoid the hard stuff

One price.

Lifetime access.

No additional upsells.

No surprises.

And yes — that $99 price is temporary. Once the pre-launch window closes, it closes. We are not bringing it back. This is for the families who want to be part of the foundation, who trust us before they have seen every module, who believe in this community because they have been part of it.

We don't take that trust lightly.

What's Next

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes updates, and early-bird opportunities as we finalize the course content. You will hear from all three families. You will see the process, not just the polished product.

Because that is how we do things around here.

If you have ever said, "I wish someone would just teach me everything, step by step" — this course is for you. Head to LearnToRV.com to get signed up before the price goes up and be the first to know when the doors open.

Learn to RV: The Course is coming & it’s going to change the way EVERYONE steps into RV life.

You don't have to figure this out alone. That's why we built this."

— The Schillaci, Martin & Bram Families · Learn to RV

The Heart of the Matter

At the end of the day, Learn to RV has always been about one thing: empowering families to step into this lifestyle with confidence.

Not perfection. Not pressure. Just clarity, support, and a community that gets it.

We know what it feels like to be standing at the beginning, excited and terrified in equal measure, wishing someone would just hand you a map. Not a perfect map. A real one.

One made from wrong turns and lesson-learned moments and the kind of knowledge that only comes from actually living it.

This course is our way of handing you that map.

You don't have to figure this out alone. And you shouldn't have to.

A Collaboration Built on Experience

This course is not a solo project. It's the result of three families — hundreds of thousands of miles, hundreds of campsites, hundreds of hard-won lessons — coming together to build something the RV community has never had before.

The Schillaci Family The Martin Family The Bram Family

Between us, we have navigated full-time RV life through every season, every scenario, and every surprise the road throws at you. We have roadschooled our kids, run businesses from the road, built community across thousands of miles, and learned — sometimes the hard way — what it actually takes to make this lifestyle work.

And we are bringing all of it to this course. Every real moment. Every lesson we paid full price for so you don't have to.

Do you have to buy Learn to RV: The Course to learn?

Technically… no.

If you’ve got endless hours to spare, you absolutely can piece everything together on your own. There are podcast episodes for days, blogs for days, and plenty of creators out there sharing their own experiences and opinions. You can hunt, compare, cross‑reference, and hope you’re getting the right info for your rig, your family, and your travel style.

But here’s the truth no one says out loud: If you care about your time, this course is for you.

Instead of digging through dozens of sources, scrolling endlessly, or trying to figure out which advice applies to your setup… Learn To RV The Course puts everything in one place, organized step‑by‑step, in a format that’s easy to follow and easy to come back to.

And because Learn To RV is already Googled regularly, the course becomes a single, reliable home base for everything you need to transition into RV life with confidence.

It’s not about paying for information.

It’s about paying for clarity, organization, and time you don’t have to waste.

If you want the shortcut — the roadmap — the “teach me everything without the overwhelm” version… that’s exactly why this course exists.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start RVing with confidence, now is the moment.

Grab the entire Learn To RV course bundle for just $99 before the early‑bird window closes (Presale prices increase after April 5, 2026)— this price of only $99 will never come back, and neither will this opportunity. Join us inside the Learn to RV community and be part of the very first group shaping this course from the ground up. Your journey matters, and we’d love to walk it with you.

You can even buy this as a gift for a friend!

Early‑bird pricing ends April 5.

The $99 pre‑launch price isn’t just a deal ... it’s an investment in the Learn to RV community.

Instead of crowdsourcing or relying on random advice from all corners of the internet, this early support allows us to keep showing up, creating, teaching, and building resources that actually serve real RV families.

Your investment helps us pour back into the community so we can do even more — more education, more tools, more support, more real‑life guidance from people who’ve lived it. And in return, you get every course we’re creating now, every future course we add, and all the bonuses that come with being part of the very first group to believe in this project.

It’s not just buying a course - It’s helping to build the next chapter of Learn to RV together.

Thank you for believing in Learn to RV and for investing in a community‑driven project that’s built for real RVers. Your support helps us show up bigger, teach better, and create even more resources for the road ahead.

If you’re ready to join us, lock in the $99 pre‑launch price and become part of the very first group shaping this course from the ground up. We can’t wait to walk this journey with you.

RV Travel Health Threats You Might Not Know to Watch For: What's crawling, floating & lurking along your route?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:09:51 GMT

Lone Star Ticks, Valley Fever, Pesticides & More — A Guide for Life on the Road

This one is personal. Our friend Tasha's son David was bitten by a tick — and their life has changed in ways their family never anticipated. Not from a rash or a fever, but from something far less expected: profound, life-altering food allergies that came out of nowhere. When Tasha shares that story on this week's podcast, you'll hear the emotion behind it. This post is our way of making sure you're armed with everything you need to know before you hit the road.

A note before we dive in: We're RVers, not medical professionals. While this topic is deeply personal to us becasue we have seen firsthand what these things can do to people we care about but nothing here should replace the advice of your doctor. When in doubt, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

As RVers, we love the freedom of waking up somewhere new. A forest in North Carolina. A desert campground in Arizona. A beach in Florida. But that freedom means we're constantly moving through different ecosystems — and with each new landscape comes a different set of health risks that most of us were never taught to look out for.

This isn't meant to scare you. It's meant to prepare you. Let's talk about the invisible threats hiding in some of America's most beautiful places.

The Lone Star Tick: More Than Just a Bug Bite

When most people think about tick bites, they think Lyme disease. And while Lyme is serious, the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) can do something far stranger — it can give you a red meat allergy for the rest of your life.

What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergy to a sugar molecule called alpha-galactose (alpha-gal), found in red meat and other mammal-based products. When a Lone Star tick bites you, it injects this molecule into your bloodstream. Your immune system tags it as a threat — and from that point on, every time you eat beef, pork, lamb, or venison, your body can react.

The reactions range from hives and stomach pain to full anaphylaxis. And because symptoms show up hours after eating — not immediately — it's easy for both patients and doctors to miss the connection for months or even years.

⚠️ Alpha-gal syndrome is severely underdiagnosed. The CDC estimates hundreds of thousands of Americans may have it without knowing. If you've had unexplained allergic reactions after meals, ask your doctor specifically about alpha-gal testing.

Where is the Lone Star Tick Found?

Despite its name, the Lone Star tick isn't limited to Texas. It's found throughout the eastern, southeastern, and south-central United States — and its range is expanding northward. Peak season is spring through fall, but it can be active year-round in warmer climates.

As an RVer, you're at higher risk simply because you're outdoors more — camping in wooded and grassy areas, hiking trails, and sitting around firepits in exactly the habitat these ticks love.

Other Ticks to Know on the Road

Black-legged tick (deer tick) — Primarily Northeast and upper Midwest. Transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.
American dog tick — Found across most of the US. Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Rocky Mountain wood tick — Despite its name, more common in the Pacific Northwest. Also transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Western blacklegged tick — Pacific Coast. Can also transmit Lyme disease.

Tick Prevention for RVers

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin before trips — it's odorless once dry and lasts through multiple washes.
Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
Do a full-body tick check every single day when you've been outside — behind the knees, armpits, scalp, and groin.
Check your pets. Ticks hitch rides inside on dogs and cats constantly.
Shower within two hours of coming indoors — this significantly reduces risk of tick-borne illness.
Toss clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes when you come in. Heat kills ticks.

If you find a tick: use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist, don't coat it with petroleum jelly, don't use a lit match. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol.

Keep a tick removal kit in your RV first aid bag — fine-tipped tweezers, alcohol wipes, and a small ziplock bag to save the tick in case you develop symptoms later and your doctor wants to identify the species.

Valley Fever: The Desert Illness RVers Rarely Know About

Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is caused by Coccidioides fungi that live in the soil across the desert Southwest — California's Central Valley, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and parts of Texas. When the soil is disturbed by wind, construction, digging, or even just walking, fungal spores become airborne and can be inhaled.

Most people who inhale the spores experience mild symptoms or none at all. But for others, it progresses to a serious lung infection. In rare cases, it spreads beyond the lungs to the brain, bones, and skin — where it can be life-threatening.

Who's Most at Risk?

Anyone spending time in the desert Southwest can be exposed, but RVers are particularly vulnerable because we camp outside for extended periods — often in exactly the areas where spores are most concentrated. Construction sites, freshly graded campgrounds, dry creek beds, and dusty desert flats are high-risk zones.

Certain groups face more severe health complications, this includes people over 60, pregnant women, those with diabetes or weakened immune systems appear to be at higher risk of severe illness.

Symptoms to Watch For

Valley fever looks a lot like the flu or mild pneumonia: fatigue, cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, and rash. Symptoms appear one to three weeks after exposure. The tricky part? Most doctors outside the Southwest won't even think to test for it & you may have moved on to your next destination by the time you feel sick.

Tell your doctor where you've been. If you've camped in the desert Southwest and develop respiratory symptoms weeks later, that geographic history can be the difference between a quick diagnosis and months of misdiagnosis.

Reducing Your Risk

During high-wind days, stay inside your RV in dust-prone desert areas.
N95 masks genuinely help — especially during dusty activities like hiking or setting up camp in dry, sandy soil.
Avoid digging or disturbing soil in the desert Southwest unless necessary.
If you have a compromised immune system, talk to your doctor before spending extended time in high-risk areas.

Pesticide Exposure: The Risk Nobody Talks About

Here's one most RVers never think about: that campsite that looks lush, manicured, and beautiful? It may have been recently treated with pesticides or herbicides. Private campgrounds, state parks, and even public lands sometimes spray for mosquitoes, weeds, or invasive insects & if you're setting up your outdoor living space on that ground, you and your family can be exposed.

Children playing on the grass, dogs rolling around, bare feet on treated ground & all of these are real exposure pathways. And unlike a bug bite, pesticide exposure is invisible.

We'll be honest, this one took us years to piece together ourselves. One winter we were parked in Yuma, Arizona, surrounded by row after row of lettuce fields. (Yes, they really do grow lettuce in the desert — Yuma produces a huge portion of the country's winter lettuce crop.)

Our whole family came down with what felt like the flu. Fatigue, headaches, that general "off" feeling. We chalked it up to a bug going around. Then, a couple of years later, we experienced almost the exact same thing parked near cornfields in Kansas. It wasn't until much later that we started connecting the dots... both times, we were camped right alongside actively farmed land during growing season. Pesticide drift was almost certainly part of what hit us. The scary part? We never would have thought to mention it to a doctor, and no doctor would have thought to ask.

Campgrounds are often situated in rural areas — and rural areas mean farmland. It's one of the things that makes those settings so beautiful and peaceful, but it also means you can be downwind of crop spraying without ever knowing it. Agricultural pesticide applications happen early in the morning or at dusk to reduce wind drift, but drift happens regardless & it doesn't take much exposure to make sensitive people, kids, or pets feel genuinely unwell.

Signs to Watch For at a Campsite

Suspiciously weed-free or overly manicured lawns
Yellow-tipped or patchy brown grass in otherwise green areas — often a sign of recent herbicide application
Posted signs about recent chemical treatment (check near bathhouses and camp entrances)
Nearby agricultural land — spray drift can travel significant distances
Golf course-adjacent camping: heavily treated turf year-round

Practical Steps

Ask the campground office if and when the site has been recently treated.
Avoid letting pets and kids roll around on unfamiliar grass.
Wash hands and feet thoroughly after outdoor activities.
Consider a shoe-removal policy at your RV door.
If you notice a chemical smell at your site, request a different location — you're entitled to ask.
In places like Florida or where the bug population seems out of control, you may actually see pesticide trucks come into the campground to spray, especially for mosquitoes. If that happens, head indoors immediately, close your windows, and shut your RV vents until the truck has passed and the air has cleared. It sounds obvious in the moment, but a lot of people just sit outside and watch it go by without thinking twice.

More Hidden Hazards on the Road

Waterborne Illness: Don't Trust Every Tap

Not all campground water is created equal. Older facilities, rural water systems, and some private campgrounds may have water quality issues — from bacterial contamination to lead pipes. Many full-timers use a dedicated inline water filter on their fresh water intake as standard practice. Also be cautious about swallowing water from lakes and slow-moving water — Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common and can cause prolonged gastrointestinal illness. A good Water Filter System is critial for your RV (LINK TO BLU WATER POST)

Blue-Green Algae: A Freshwater Danger

Harmful algal blooms are increasing across the US in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Blue-green algae (technically a bacteria called cyanobacteria) can produce toxins that are dangerous to humans and pets. They appear as green, blue-green, or reddish scum floating on still water, often with a foul smell. If a lake looks off or has posted warnings, stay out — and keep your dogs out especially. Dogs are extremely vulnerable and can become critically ill within hours of significant exposure. When in doubt, find a different swimming hole.

Red Tide: Not the Same Thing & RVers Need to Know the Difference

Red tide is often confused with blue-green algae, but they are completely different. Red tide is a saltwater phenomenon caused by a microscopic organism called Karenia brevis that blooms along coastal waters — most famously on Florida's Gulf Coast. And here's what makes it uniquely dangerous for RVers: you don't have to touch the water to be affected. Red tide produces airborne toxins that travel on the breeze, and simply being on or near the beach during a bloom can cause coughing, itchy, burning eyes, and serious respiratory irritation.

Heat and Heat Stroke

Heat illness is genuinely dangerous and happens fast in an RV context — especially while setting up camp or when your cooling system is struggling. Know the difference: heat exhaustion brings heavy sweating, weakness, and nausea. Heat stroke means a high body temperature, hot dry skin, and possible confusion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate action.

Altitude Sickness

If you're heading to Colorado, Utah, or New Mexico, altitude sickness can sneak up quickly — especially when you've driven up fast from sea level. Headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath are the hallmarks. Ascend gradually when possible, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy exertion your first day or two. If someone develops confusion or can't walk straight, descend immediately.

Hantavirus

Rare but serious, hantavirus is transmitted by breathing dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting material. If cleaning out an RV storage area that may have had rodents, wet the area with diluted bleach before disturbing anything, wear gloves, and use an N95 mask. Never dry sweep or vacuum rodent debris.

What to Add to Your RV Health Kit

Fine-tipped tweezers and a tick removal card
EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Permethrin spray for clothing and gear
N95 masks for dusty and high-risk environments
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions
Prescribed epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if anyone has known severe allergies
Inline water filter for city water hookups
Electrolyte packets for heat and illness
A good thermometer
Medical summary card for each person: conditions, allergies, current medications

If you remember this ....

The road is beautiful. The freedom of RV life is real. None of this is meant to keep you inside or make you anxious about every campsite.

But awareness is the most powerful tool you have — and the RV community has been a little slow to talk about these risks.

Tasha and David's story is a reminder that a single moment outdoors can change things. Not because the outdoors is dangerous, but because we can love it better when we're prepared for what's in it.

�� Don't forget to tune in to this week's Learn to RV podcast to hear Tasha share their story in her own words — including what life with alpha-gal syndrome actually looks like today, and the message she wants every RVer to hear.

End‑of‑March RV Roadschooling: Nope, We’re Still Finishing Winter Stuff

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:15:00 GMT

Wrapping Up Winter Learning Projects (Yes, in March… still)

I know, I know… the calendar says spring. The rest of the country is posting tulips and rain boots. But if you’re a full‑time RVer who just crawled out of Florida’s “winter,” you know the truth,

We’re only now getting knee‑deep into spring and summer travel.

Florida winter is basically summer with hoodies. And while we do slow our roll during those months, that doesn’t magically mean we finished every winter learning goal we optimistically wrote down back in December.

Honestly?

By the end of March, I’m usually staring at a pile of “still in progress” roadschooling projects thinking… Oh look, we’re doing winter in spring again. Classic.

And if that’s you too — you’re in good company.

Despite what my Instagram may have suggested (beaches, manatees, sunshine, repeat), our winter wasn’t all field trips and nature walks. We had real schoolwork happening behind the scenes — and some of it is still hanging around like that one sock you keep finding in the laundry.

So before the full chaos of spring hits, we give ourselves a simple deadline: March 31.

Whatever winter projects are still lingering, we wrap them up with intention instead of dragging them into April.

Maybe your family is finishing:

• A unit study that got paused during travel days

• A long read‑aloud that’s been living in the basket beside the couch

• A documentary series you started during a rainy week

• A hands‑on project inside the rig that’s been waiting for “the right day”

Finishing something, anything really, gives kids (and parents) that satisfying we did it feeling before shifting gears into spring learning.

You’re Not Behind — You’re Just Roadschooling

Roadschooling doesn’t have to follow the traditional school calendar.

It follows your calendar.

Your travel rhythm.

Your weather.

Your life.

If winter lessons are lingering into late March, you’re not the only one. Give yourself grace—this isn’t being behind, it’s just your rhythm.

You’re not doing it wrong.

You’re just doing it the RVer way, which can be totally flexible, seasonal, and beautifully imperfect.

Here’s to closing out winter, welcoming spring, and embracing the wonderfully weird timeline of learning on the road.

One Thing New Rvers Always Forget to Plan For (And Why It Matters)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:30:02 GMT

Understanding the legal side of full‑time RV life so you can travel with confidence

You've checked the mechanical systems. You've researched campgrounds. You've color-coded your route. You're excited, you're ready, and you're planning your RV adventure down to the smallest detail.

But there's one category most people skip—and I get why. It's not exciting. It doesn't involve gear reviews or Wi-Fi speeds. It doesn't even appear in any travel vlog.

It's the legal stuff.

When my family hit the road in June 2022, I thought I was prepared. Hospitality management background, years with LegalShield, experience helping families navigate protection planning.

And you know what? I still discovered blind spots I hadn't anticipated—simply because full-time RV living creates legal situations that stationary people never face.

What's Actually Different When You're Mobile?

Here's the thing: a lot of the legal advice people give assumes you live in one place. You have a home state. Mail arrives reliably. You see the same doctor, bank at the same branch, keep documents in a filing cabinet.

Full-timers operate in a completely different ecosystem.

You could get a speeding ticket in Montana, have an RV manufacturer defect addressed in Florida, file taxes from three different states, and face a medical emergency in New

Mexico—sometimes all in the same year. Each of those situations involves different state laws, different court systems, and different requirements you need to know about before something happens.

The families I've talked to who've had legal problems on the road? Almost none of them saw it coming. And almost all of them said, "I wish I'd thought about this before we left."

Five Areas People Consistently Overlook

Estate planning that actually works across state lines. Your will is valid at home. But if

something happens to you while traveling, your family might face legal battles in multiple states.

Updated durable powers of attorney? Medical directives that travel with you? Most people don't have these sorted before they leave.

Mail forwarding and legal documents. You can miss critical court notices, IRS letters, or

important documents simply because your mail service isn't flagging legal documents the way you need. Then you discover it when it's too late.

Insurance gaps . Full-time RV living sits in a weird gray area for insurance companies. Is your RV a vehicle or a residence? Does your policy actually cover you when you're living in it full-time? Many families discover the answer when they need to file a claim.

Tax and compliance questions. Remote work, mobile businesses, income across state

lines—the rules vary wildly by state, and states are increasingly aggressive about pursuing taxes from remote workers. Most full-timers don't have a clear answer to "which state do I owe taxes to?"

Emergencies without a home base. A legal emergency at 2 AM in an unfamiliar state with no local attorney on speed dial is a very different problem when you can't just call your family lawyer back home.

This Isn't About Fear—It's About Planning Smarter

I'm not here to scare you. I'm here because I've lived this and talked to hundreds of families doing the same exact thing, and I know that a little planning now prevents a lot of pain later.

The families I know who've handled these situations smoothly had one thing in common: they thought about them before they needed them. Not obsessively—just thoughtfully.

They understood their domicile requirements. They knew their insurance actually covered them. They had access to legal help if something went wrong. They weren't stressed about what might happen because they'd already figured out the answer.

One Practical Next Step

I've created a checklist— Critical Legal Issues Full-Timers Can't Afford to Ignore that

walks through exactly what you need to think about. It's a quick assessment tool. It'll take 10 minutes.

You'll either check a box and feel good, or you'll identify an area where you need to do

a little homework before you leave.

That's it. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a straightforward resource to help you plan smarter.Here's what I know: families who take care of this stuff enjoy their full-time RV

adventure a lot more. They're not worried about what might happen. They're just living.

You deserve the same peace of mind.

Ready to think this through? Download the Full-Timer's Legal Protection Checklist and grab your copy.

If you have questions about any of these areas? I'm here to help. Reach out anytime - I love talking to families who are thinking ahead.

Safe travels.

LegalShield Independent Associate

Shield Your Journey

jennifer@shieldyourjourney.com 407-394-5146

Jennifer Sansford has spent the last 15 years helping families access affordable legal protection, but her mission took on a whole new meaning when she hit the road full‑time in 2021. As a nomadic mom, traveler, and problem‑solver by nature, Jennifer understands the unique challenges RV families face—because she’s navigating them every single day.

Jennifer has seen it all. That’s exactly why she created Shield Your Journey: to give fellow RVers the peace of mind they deserve. Her goal is simple—help you protect what matters most so you can stay focused on the adventure, not the stress.

Warm, approachable, and deeply committed to the RV community, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and lived experience to every conversation. She believes that life on the road should feel freeing, not overwhelming, and she’s here to make sure every family has the support they need to travel with confidence.

RV Life in the Spring: What nobody talks about for shoulder season travel

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:17:06 GMT

What Full-Time RVers Know About Spring Travel That Weekend Campers Might Not

Everyone Talks About Summer. Smart RVers Talk About Spring.

Ask most people when they want to go RVing and the answer is almost always summer. School's out. The weather is warm. The destinations are open. The whole world seems to be pointed at the same campgrounds at the same time with the same idea.

And that's exactly why we want to talk about spring.

Shoulder season. It's that sweet spot between the snowbird exodus and the Memorial Day stampede & to be honest, it is one of the best kept secrets in RV life. It's the time of year when the roads open up, the crowds thin out, the prices drop, and the destinations that spend July and August turning people away suddenly have space for you.

If you're a full timer, a snowbird figuring out your next move, or someone on the fence about taking the lifestyle leap — spring travel deserves your full attention. Here's the real talk about what it actually looks like.

First: Let's Talk About the Weather

We're going to start here because nobody else does.

Spring weather on the road is not what the pretty Instagram photos suggest.

It is beautiful and unpredictable and occasionally humbling in equal measure. You can wake up to a perfect 65 degree morning in the Smoky Mountains and be in the middle of a surprise snowstorm by afternoon. You can have three consecutive days of sunshine in the desert southwest followed by wind gusts that make driving genuinely stressful. You can watch a tornado warning pop up on your phone in a campground in the middle of the plains with nowhere to go but your rig and a prayer.

This is not said to scare you. Spring travel is worth every bit of unpredictability it brings. But going into it with eyes open, with a good weather tracker like RV Weather , a flexible itinerary, and the willingness to stay put an extra day when the conditions call for it, makes all the difference between a trip that flows and a trip that fights you.

A few things worth building into your spring travel habits: check the weather for your full route two days out not just your destination, watch wind forecasts closely because spring brings serious wind events in many parts of the country and a large rig in high wind is a different driving experience entirely, and never be too proud to delay a travel day when the conditions aren't right. The destination will still be there tomorrow.

The Magic of Having Destinations Almost to Yourself

This is the part that many RVers who travel in spring talk about with a kind of reverence that people who have only seen summer crowds don't fully understand yet.

Zion National Park in late March with a fraction of the summer crowd. The Blue Ridge Parkway in April when the wildflowers are blooming and you can actually pull over at an overlook without competing for a parking spot. The Florida Keys in early spring before the summer heat and the tourist season peak. Sedona in March when the red rocks are catching the early light and the trails aren't yet shoulder to shoulder with visitors.

Popular destinations in shoulder season feel like a different world. You get the experience without the crowd. You get the photo without the photobombers. You get the trail without the wait. You get the campfire without the noise from twenty neighboring sites. You get the place the way it was meant to be experienced — quietly, fully, without the infrastructure strain that summer volume creates.

And then there are the waterfalls. If you have ever visited a waterfall destination in the heat of summer and felt just slightly underwhelmed, spring is the explanation you were missing. As the snowpack melts from the mountains, water finds every crack and crevice and ledge on its way down, and the result is something that simply does not exist any other time of year. Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite, which can be little more than a whisper of mist by August, becomes a roaring, thundering curtain of white water in spring. The whole valley transforms. But Yosemite, may be my favorite but it is just the beginning.

Multnomah Falls in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge reaches its most powerful and breathtaking state in spring, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains in a way that summer visitors never get to witness. Hanging Lake in Colorado, already one of the most stunning spots in the country, becomes almost otherworldly when the rush of spring water fills the hanging garden above it.

Amicalola Falls in Georgia, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, surges with a force in spring that stops people mid-trail. And in the Great Smoky Mountains, dozens of smaller unnamed falls that are bone dry by July run full and wild through the moss-covered hollows in a way that feels almost prehistoric.

The sound alone is worth the trip. There is nothing quite like standing at the base of a waterfall in full spring runoff, the spray on your face, the roar that fills your whole chest, knowing that this version of this place exists for only a few weeks a year and you happened to show up for it.

First time visitors to iconic destinations often don't realize how different the experience can be depending on when they arrive. Full timers who have been to the same place in both July and April will almost always tell you that April wins. Every single time.

The Financial Case for Spring Travel

Let's talk money, because the numbers make a compelling argument all on their own.

Nightly campground rates are almost universally lower in shoulder season than peak season. The difference between an April rate and a July Fourth weekend rate at the same campground can be significant, sometimes as much as 30 to 50% depending on the location.

Over the course of a season that adds up to real money back in your pocket. Now, full transparency, not every amenity may be up and running just yet. The pool might still have a tarp over it and the camp store might be keeping limited hours while the staff gets everything ready for the season.

But here is the thing: in spring, the campground is rarely where the magic is anyway. The waterfalls are running, the wildlife is out, the trails are quiet, and there is more to see and do outside the campground gates than you could fit into a week. A closed pool is a pretty small trade-off for all of that.

Membership programs like Thousand Trails, Passport America, RV Overnights, and Harvest Hosts can stretch your dollars even further in spring because availability is higher and competition for spots is lower.

You are more likely to get your first choice of site, more likely to find availability on short notice, and more likely to benefit from discounts that campgrounds offer to fill sites that would otherwise sit empty.

Then there is fuel, and we are not going to sugarcoat it. Fuel prices this spring are far from ordinary, and that reality deserves an honest conversation. The good news is that spring driving conditions work in your favor. More moderate temperatures mean less strain on your engine, and many popular spring routes simply do not demand the kind of mountain climbing and heat-fighting your rig deals with in the dead of summer. Every mile is a little kinder on your rig and your wallet than a summer haul.

One genuinely smart move this year?

An Open Roads card.

With fuel costs where they are, having a dedicated fuel savings strategy is not optional & to be honest, it is just good planning. It is one of those small decisions that quietly saves you a meaningful amount over the course of a season.

And the experiences that cost the most in summer, the popular parks, the sought-after destinations, the iconic routes, often come with shorter lines, easier access, and lower costs all around in spring. Less competition for everything means less spending on everything. That is the spring advantage in a nutshell.

Is Spring the Right Time for a Lifestyle Leap?

If you've been thinking about making the move to full time RV life, or maybe even just an extended trip that finally lets you test what this lifestyle actually feels like, spring is one of the best times to do it. A great way to try it out is to rent an RV .

The lower costs mean your budget goes further while you're figuring out what RV life actually costs for your specific situation. The lighter crowds mean you have more grace period for the learning curve... this means you have more availability when you make a booking mistake, more patience from campground neighbors when you're still figuring out how to back in. The moderate weather in most of the country means you're not dealing with extreme heat or extreme cold while you're also dealing with the newness of everything else.

Spring gives you the whole summer ahead of you to find your rhythm before the season peaks. And if you find out somewhere along the way that full time isn't for you — you've lost nothing but a season on the road, which by almost any measure is a season well spent.

The Bottom Line on Shoulder Season

Summer always gets the attention. Spring gives you the experience.

The campgrounds with space. The destinations without the crowds. The prices that don't require a second mortgage. The flexibility to stay when you love somewhere and move on when the weather tells you to. The wildflowers and the wildlife and the quiet that only exists before the masses arrive.

And then there is the magic that only spring can deliver. The red dogs of Yellowstone, those rust-colored bison calves that show up for just a few weeks every year, are a one of a kind experience that no summer trip will ever give you. Babies everywhere you look, from fawns tucked into meadow grass to bear cubs stumbling after their mothers, adding a layer of wonder to every single stop.

If you travel slowly enough, you can watch the trees wake up week after week, bare branches giving way to the palest green buds, then fuller, then lush, like the whole country is exhaling after a long winter.

And at certain elevations? A magical blanket of snow that exists only in spring, draped over landscapes that are simultaneously blooming below and frozen above. There is nothing quite like it and no photograph ever does it justice. You just have to be there.

Full-timers who have figured this out guard it a little jealously — not because they don't want to share it, but because they know that the moment everyone catches on, the magic shifts. The secret only works while it's still a secret.

So consider this your invitation in.

Go in spring. Go before Memorial Day.

Go when the world is still waking up and the roads are mostly yours.

You will not regret a single mile. �� But just in case, plan a wardobe for all four seasons.

Always check current campground availability, weather forecasts, and road conditions before travel. Some destinations and campgrounds have limited spring hours — verify before you go.

The Campground Availability Secret

Here is something that takes most new RV'ers completely by surprise their first spring on the road: campgrounds that are often booked solid from June through August, especially on the weekends but spring often have wide open availability in April and early May.

The same site at the same campground that requires a reservation six months in advance in July might be available tomorrow in April. The National Park campground that feels impossible to get into all summer (as long as it's open already) might have openings on a Tuesday in late March. The resort style RV park with the amenities and the view that you've been eyeing might be running spring specials that cut the nightly rate significantly.

Shoulder season gives you flexibility that summer simply doesn't. You can be more spontaneous. You can extend a stay somewhere you love without the anxiety of a hard checkout deadline or maybe even stay an extra day. You can show up at a destination without a reservation and actually find a spot. For full timers who value freedom over schedule that kind of flexibility is worth more than almost any other benefit spring travel offers.

The caveat, and it's worth knowing, is that some campgrounds, particularly in northern states and higher elevations, are not yet open in early spring. Always verify before you drive three hours to a destination that isn't operating yet. A quick call or a check of the campground website before you leave saves a lot of frustration.

What Spring Actually Looks Like Day to Day

Here's the real talk part that doesn't always make it into the highlight reel.

Spring on the road is layered. You're pulling out the heavy blanket at night and running the AC by afternoon. You're watching the weather with a closer eye than you do in summer because spring systems move fast and change quickly. You're doing a roof check after a hail storm that appeared out of nowhere. You're adjusting your driving schedule around wind forecasts. You're finding that some of your favorite destinations are just waking up and not quite at full capacity yet....which is part of the charm and occasionally part of the inconvenience.

Your rig needs a little more attention in spring than in the middle of summer. The freeze and thaw cycles of winter take a toll on seals, roof membranes, and systems that a spring inspection will catch before they become travel day problems. Making time for a thorough spring maintenance check before you hit the road is not optional, it's just what keeps the season from getting derailed by a preventable repair. Your roof, your tires, your seals, your slide mechanisms ... all of it deserves eyes on it before the season starts.

But here's what else spring looks like: wildflowers on highways that were snow covered two months ago. Baby animals in national parks that haven't yet learned to be unimpressed by humans. Campfire smoke on a cool evening when you've got the whole loop to yourself. A sunrise over a destination you've been wanting to see that looks exactly the way you imagined it and better.

Spring RV travel is real and layered and occasionally inconvenient and genuinely magical. It is one of the things that full timers and long term travelers point to when they try to explain why this lifestyle got under their skin and never left.

Snowbirds: The Great Spring Migration

If you've spent the winter in the south, from Florida, Texas, Arizona, the gulf coast, spring is the season of the great migration north. And how you navigate that transition matters a lot for your travel experience and your budget.

The temptation is to wait until it feels definitively warm before you start moving. The reality is that waiting until Memorial Day to head north means you're joining the entire summer crowd in a race to the same destinations at the same time. The campgrounds fill up. The prices go up. The magic of having places to yourself evaporates.

The snowbirds who travel best in spring are the ones who start moving earlier than feels comfortable and let the warmth chase them north rather than chasing it. Heading north in April means you're ahead of the crowd, taking advantage of the open availability and lower rates, and arriving at northern destinations just as they're coming alive for the season.

It also means building in flexibility for weather. An April trip north through the mid-Atlantic or the midwest or the mountain west is going to have weather variables that a July trip doesn't. But with the right planning and the willingness to flex your itinerary when conditions call for it, that flexibility is a feature of spring travel not a bug.

You have probably heard of snowbirds, the RVers and retirees who head south every winter to escape the cold. But have you met their opposite? Say hello to the sunbird.

Sunbirds are the folks who actually live in southern climates year-round in a stick-and-brick home, and when summer rolls around and the heat becomes genuinely oppressive, they are the ones packing up and heading north for cooler temperatures.

While the rest of the country is flocking to the beach, sunbirds are chasing mild summers, lower humidity, and the kind of weather that lets you actually go outside without melting. It is the same instinct as the snowbird — just flipped on its head.

And honestly? We respect it completely.

Traveling With Pets in an RV: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:15:19 GMT

RV life with animals — from cats and dogs to ferrets, snakes, and birds, OH MY!

The Question Every Pet Owner Asks Before Taking Pets Camping

Do you take your dog on weekend camping trips and leave the cat at home? Maybe you've got a neighbor who pet sits while you travel, or you've mastered the art of the quick overnight with your pup in tow.

That's one version of RVing with pets — and it's a great one.

But this blog is about something a little different. This is about what it actually looks like to travel full-time with your animals. All of them.

Everywhere. For years.

And yes, once you read it, you may think we are absolutely crazy. You wouldn't be wrong.

The truth is, not every animal thrives in an RV, and some aren't even legally allowed in certain states or campgrounds.

SO....Before you pack up your fur babies and pull out of the driveway, here's what 13+ years of full-time RV life with kids and animals has actually taught us.

When We First Hit the Road, We Made some Hard Calls

When our family pulled out of our driveway in 2013, we were six kids deep, two cats in tow, and squeezing into a 30-foot toy hauler with zero slides. That's a lot of people, a lot of personalities, and not a lot of square footage.

Pets We've Had on the Road (Yes, Really)

Over the years, we haven't exactly played it safe in the pet department. Here's a look at what we've traveled with:

Cats — Our original road companions. Cats can adapt surprisingly well to RV life, especially if they're indoor-only and introduced to the rig gradually. Litter box placement matters more than you'd think in a small space.

Dogs — Probably the most common RV pet, and for good reason. Dogs love the adventure, the outdoor time, and being with their people all day. Breed, size, and energy level matter a lot for fit.

Ferrets — Yes, we did this. Ferrets are curious, entertaining, and surprisingly manageable in a small space — but they require secure storage, temperature control, and a lot of supervision. They're also not legal in every state. California and Hawaii have outright bans.

A Snake (Who Only Ate Live Food) — This one was an experience. Snakes can actually be low-maintenance travelers if their enclosure is secure and temperature-regulated. The live feeding requirement, however, adds a layer of logistical creativity that is not for the faint of heart.

Birds are both beautiful and complicated. Birds are highly sensitive to air quality, temperature swings, elevation & stress. Generators, propane fumes, and non-stick cookware can all be genuinely dangerous to birds. RV life is hard on them, and it's worth doing serious research before bringing a bird on the road.

Hermit Crabs If you find yourself exploring the beach scene and get lured into adopting a hermit crab — we see you, we have been there, and we are here to tell you what nobody at that little beach stand will. Just don't. Or if you absolutely must, please do not take him to the desert next. We learned that lesson so you don't have to.

Some Animals Do Well. Some Don't. Here's How to Tell the Difference.

Good fits for RV life:

Dogs (especially calm or mid-energy breeds)
Cats (indoor, adaptable)
Small rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs) with secure enclosures
Reptiles (with proper t emperature regulation)

Harder fits:

Birds (air quality and temperature sensitivity)
High-energy large dog breeds in small rigs
Animals requiring specialized veterinary care (exotic pets in rural areas)
Any animal prone to stress or anxiety

The honest truth: An animal that struggles at home won't magically improve in a moving, ever-changing 300 square feet. If your pet is anxious, territorial, or high-needs, the road will amplify that — not fix it.

The Legal Side Nobody Warns You About

This is the part that can often catch people off guard.

Some exotic pets are outright banned in certain states. Ferrets are illegal in California and Hawaii. Some reptile species are restricted or require permits depending on where you're traveling. Even certain dog breeds face breed-specific legislation (BSL) in campgrounds, cities, and states which means your perfectly friendly dog may not be welcome in certain areas.

Before you travel with any exotic or non-traditional pet, research the laws for every state on your route. It's not just about campground rules — it's about state wildlife and animal control laws that can carry real penalties.

Campground Pet Policies: Know Before You Book

Most campgrounds welcome pets, but almost all of them have rules:

Dogs must be leashed at all times outside the rig
Pets cannot be left unattended outside (or sometimes inside)
Breed restrictions apply at many private campgrounds
Some campgrounds limit the number of pets per site
Exotic pets may require advance approval or be prohibited entirely

Always call ahead if you're traveling with anything outside the standard dog or cat. Don't assume — confirm.

Feeding Your Pets on the Road: More Complicated Than You'd Think

Here's something that doesn't make the highlight reel: sourcing the right pet food when you're constantly moving.

Our dogs eat a high-end food that's often only available at Petco. That sounds simple enough until you're parked in a remote campground an hour from the nearest town and the container is getting low. In more rural areas, specialty pet food simply isn't available & switching foods abruptly can cause real digestive issues for your dog, which is the last thing you want to deal with in a small space on the road.

Our system: dry kibble lasts about a month, and the moment the container hits three-quarters empty, we're either placing an order for delivery or actively planning our route to make sure a Petco is within reach before we run out. It's become just another layer of route planning, like fuel stops and dump stations.

A few things that help:

Order online for delivery to your next campground or a nearby Amazon locker when possible
Know your container's timeline so you're never scrambling at the last minute
Keep a small backup supply of a transitional food your dog tolerates in case you get stuck
Check Petco and PetSmart store locators as part of your route planning, not as

Emergency Vet Care on the Road: Exhausting, Expensive, and Wildly Unpredictable

Emergency veterinary care on the road is not like having a trusted vet ten minutes from home. It varies dramatically by location, can cost two to three times what you'd pay in a normal market, and sometimes requires you to cross state lines just to find someone qualified to treat your animal.

We've lived this more than once.

The Ferret Who Couldn't Cross State Lines

When our ferret got sick, we were in a state where — technically — having him wasn't exactly above board. Finding emergency exotic vet care wasn't just about the illness. It was about quietly navigating the legality of the situation at the same time. We turned to Ferret Underground , a resource that helped us locate a vet who could actually help, and we drove to Las Vegas to get there.

By the time we arrived, he was in full renal failure. We had made a long, hard drive across state lines only to face one of the most heartbreaking decisions a pet owner can make. We let him cross the rainbow bridge in Las Vegas, far from wherever we'd started. That's the road version of losing a pet — no familiar vet, no familiar surroundings, just love and a hard goodbye in a city that never sleeps.

Millie and the Sting That Almost Took Her

Last year in Florida, our dog Millie got stung by something. We don't know exactly what — but her face told the whole story as it began to swell. We started taking photos immediately, watched her closely, and made the call fast. We were an hour away from the nearest emergency vet with traffic.

That visit required an overnight stay and was expensive. And that's the quiet fear that lives underneath every RV family with a pet: what happens if we don't have the money?

Because the reality is this — if we had not been in a financial position to cover that visit, our options would have been to surrender Millie to a local rescue and never get her back, or make a decision we would have regretted forever. That is not a hypothetical. That is what families face on the road when emergency vet costs run into the thousands and you're far from home with no options.

What You Can Do to Prepare

Build an emergency pet fund. Even $500 set aside specifically for pet emergencies changes your options dramatically.
Research pet insurance. It's not perfect, but for full-timers it can be the difference between a hard bill and an impossible one.
Know your resources before you need them. For exotic pets especially, locate emergency-capable vets along your planned routes in advance. Resources like Ferret Underground exist for a reason — find the equivalent for your animal before there's a crisis.
Keep photos and records. When Millie's face started swelling, having photos helped the vet assess the severity quickly. Document symptoms as they develop.
Understand the reality of location. Emergency vet costs in Miami, Las Vegas, or any major metro will hit very differently than rural areas — and rural areas may not have the specialty care your pet needs at all.

The road gives you freedom. But it also means you are your pet's entire support system, wherever you are. Plan accordingly.

Rodents on the Road — Frank's Rule and Why we Agreed He's Right

Let's just say my husband put his foot down early on this one. Rodents were off limits in our rig, no mice, no hamsters, no negotiation. At the time it may have felt like a firm and slightly unreasonable stance.

Turns out Frank knew exactly what he was talking about.

Here is the thing about rodents in an RV that nobody really thinks about until it is too late — if they get loose, and they will get loose, the inside of your RV walls is essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet of electrical wiring.

We are not talking about a chewed shoelace or a nibbled granola bar. We are talking about a small determined animal with nothing but time and razor sharp teeth working its way through the wiring that controls your slides, your leveling system, your electrical panels, and everything else that makes your home on wheels actually function.

The damage can be extensive, expensive, and in some cases dangerous. Exposed or chewed wiring inside walls is a fire hazard. And because it happens inside the walls where you cannot see it, you may not even know there is a problem until something stops working, or something worse happens.

Practical Tips for Traveling With Pets Full-Time

Temperature is non-negotiable.

Never leave a pet in an RV without reliable temperature control, especially in summer. If your AC or heat fails, it can become life-threatening fast. Many full-timers use pet monitoring systems with remote alerts.

Vet access on the road is different.

You won't have a regular vet anymore. Build a relationship with a telehealth vet service and research emergency animal hospitals along your travel routes. Keep vaccination records and medical history digital and accessible.

Secure everything.

Pets explore. Slides, compartments, and small gaps can all become hazards. Walk through your rig from a pet's perspective before you move.

Motion sickness is real.

Some animals — cats especially — don't travel well while moving. Talk to your vet about options before your first long drive.

Identification matters more on the road.

Make sure your pet is microchipped and that tags always have a current phone number. Getting separated from a pet in an unfamiliar area is a very different situation than at home.

 Pets in National Parks & What You Need to Know Before You Go

National parks are some of the most breathtaking destinations on any RV itinerary, but if you are traveling with p ets, there are some important things to know before you pull through that entrance gate.

Can You Take Pets on the Trails?

The short answer is: it depends on the park & usually the answer is more no than yes. Most national parks have very strict pet policies on trails. In many cases pets are only allowed on paved roads, in parking areas, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. The backcountry, most hiking trails, and any ranger-led programs are typically off limits entirely.

The reasoning is pretty straightforward, pets can disturb wildlife, damage vegetation, and create safety issues for other visitors. Even well-behaved pets on a leash can stress wildlife that is not accustomed to domesticated animals.

Can You Leave Your Pet in the Camper?

Technically yes, but temperature is everything. On a hot day, the inside of an RV can reach dangerous temperatures faster than most people realize, even with windows cracked. If you are exploring in summer heat, leaving a pet unattended in a closed rig is genuinely dangerous.

Some options worth considering:

A generator running the air conditioning while you explore
A quality pet camera so you can monitor remotely
A trusted travel neighbor keeping an eye out
Scheduling your biggest hikes for cooler morning hours
Researching pet-friendly alternatives nearby so your pet is not sitting out every adventure

The Golden Rule for Pet Travel in National Parks:

Always check the specific park's pet policy before you arrive. The National Park Service website lists pet rules for every park & they vary more than most people expect. What is allowed at one park may be completely prohibited at the next.

Your pet is family. Plan ahead so they are safe, comfortable, and as included in the adventure as possible.

Yellowstone: Leave Your Pets at Home

If Yellowstone is on your bucket list & let's be honest, it should be, this is one destination where your pets will need to sit this one out entirely.

Yellowstone National Park has some of the strictest pet policies of any park in the system, and the reasons go far beyond the standard wildlife concerns.

The biggest issue is the thermal features. Yellowstone's geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles are not just visually spectacular — they are genuinely dangerous. The ground around thermal areas can be deceptively thin and fragile, and the water temperatures in many of Yellowstone's hot springs are near or at boiling point. A curious dog following a scent or chasing a sound near a thermal feature could break through the crust in an instant. The park has documented cases of pets — and people — suffering fatal injuries in thermal areas. This is not a precaution. It is a matter of life and death.

Beyond the thermal danger, Yellowstone's wildlife is wild in every sense of the word. Bison, wolves, bears, and elk roam freely throughout the park. The scent of a domestic pet can provoke wildlife in unpredictable ways — putting both your animal and the wildlife at serious risk.

Pets are restricted to paved roads, parking areas, and campgrounds at Yellowstone & even then they must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times and may never be left unattended outside.

Yellowstone is one of the most extraordinary places on earth — and the best way to experience it is to plan ahead, arrange safe care for your pets, and give yourself the freedom to explore it fully.

Keeping an Eye on Your Pets While You Explore

One of the best investments we have made for our traveling pets is our Furbo. For those who are not familiar, a Furbo is a camera system that lets you check in on your pets remotely from your phone, but it goes a step further than just watching. You can actually talk to them through it and even launch treats at them from wherever you are.

We tend to go easy on the treat-launching feature. Turns out it makes them a little crazy.

But honestly, having the ability to pop in and see that everyone is settled, comfortable, and not systematically destroying anything gives us real peace of mind when we are out exploring for the day. If something looks off, if a pet seems distressed, if the temperature in the rig feels wrong, if someone is getting into something they absolutely should not be getting into — we know about it in real time instead of coming back to a surprise.

The Furbo is just one option. There are actually quite a few devices and subscription-based monitoring systems on the market now that can keep tabs on the inside of your rig while you are away, temperature monitors, pet cameras, motion sensors, and more. If you are a pet-traveling family, it is worth exploring what works best for your setup and your animals.

Because the goal is simple — you want to explore freely, and your pets deserve to be safe and monitored while you do.

So Should You Bring Your Pets?

For many RV families, pets are non-negotiable, they're a member of the family. And with the right preparation, most dogs and cats can live a genu inely wonderful life on the road. Fresh air, outdoor time, and being with their people all day? That's a good life for an animal.

But it starts with honesty. Honest about your space, your travel pace, your rig's climate control, and your pet's personality. The families who make it work are the ones who plan for their animals the same way they plan for everything else, with your eyes wide open.

The road is big enough for your pets. Just make sure they're ready for it.

Hear It Straight From the Road: Learn to RV the Podcast

If this blog got you thinking, you're going to want to tune into the Learn to RV Podcast episode on traveling with pets — because we took this conversation audio and it got real fast.

Tasha & Jennifer co-host as we sit down and share stories with Ashley and Steve Gallaher of Campfires and Motors, who share the story of Tango's emergency vet visit firsthand — because nothing drives the point home quite like hearing it from someone who's lived it on the road. Then Teal Albert of Towed You So joins us with a very special guest appearance from her hedgehog, walking us through the surprisingly specific and dedicated care exotic pets require when you're a full-time traveler.

It's funny, it's honest, and maybe even a little chaotic & it might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about RVing with animals.

Listen to the Learn to RV Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Have a question about traveling with pets full-time? Drop it in the comments, we love hearing from our community.

What Happens at the Ramblin' Pushers Maintenance Session?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:55:46 GMT

"What started as a phone call with a club president turned into one of our best RV decisions"

When we bought our second RV, life got a bit more complicated than it was with our first rig. The new one was 42’ with four slides, a little bit of electronic controls, and an Aqua-Hot. And it was a "pusher". I knew I needed help learning about this new beast.

Then I found out about the Ramblin’ Pushers and their Maintenance Session.

The Maintenance Session flyer had a phone number for the President of the club, so I called. We spoke for at least thirty minutes while he described what the MS covers and answered my questions. I decided to attend my first Maintenance Session in 2019, and have been back four more times. MS26 will be my sixth.

The first day started with ‘Morning Hospitality’ and it was way more than coffee and donuts. A full breakfast, every morning for all six days. This was a time to meet other att endees and get the lowdown for the day – announcements, schedule changes, etc. Then it was off to the seminars.

There were over 100 technical seminars covering electrical systems, propane systems including heat and water heaters, slide maintenance, batteries, roofing systems, and automotive systems also. Fun things like crafts were also included. I didn’t attend an electrical seminar by Mike Sokol, because I didn’t know who he was at the time. If you get a chance to attend one of his seminars, don’t miss it. He’s a dynamic presenter and knows his stuff. Five days of seminars gave us a good opportunity to learn things about our rig that we didn’t even know that we should know.

After I sent in my registration I received a nice response with some verification info, and was informed I’d be hearing from my First Timer Guide soon. Dale was similar to a bi g rally mentor, but he started well before arrival. A few emails and phone calls where he gave me more detailed info on what would happen, and answered more questions. When we arrived at the Elkhart Fairgrounds, he was there to greet us. We didn’t get our coach weighed 4-corner at arrival, but the service was available for a $20 donation. Then we got a tour of where everything was, and checked in at Registration.

Classes aren’t the only thing happening.

There are service providers. Need your Aqua-Hot or Oasis serviced? Engine oil and filters changed, along with a chassis lube? Little things, like an awning not working quite right? Generator service? Do you need new tires? How about having your waste tanks cleaned?

Cummins of South Bend was even there to do chassis service, and I have a Cat engine. They had to cross reference my filters to Cummins, but that was done before arrival so they’d have the correct filters for everyone. Since then, I take my own set of filters. I’m partial to yellow.

It wasn’t all work, though. There were two social events with food in the evening to meet the vendors and service providers. On Saturday there is an off-site dinner at an Amish farm, where I understand the food is both good and plentiful. The MS is held in Goshen, Indiana, near lots of RV manufacturing as well as component manufacturing.

If you’ve got a part you can’t find, there are several RV surplus dealers in the area. The RV Hall of Fame museum is nearby. One thing the Maintenance Session doesn’t have is big nightly entertainment. No bands, no karaoke.

The last day was a chance to get out of the park and find those surplus yards, visit the RV museum , go shopping at the Shipshewana flea market , or something else that interests you. The final dinner was a sit down affair with the largest chicken breast I ever hope to see.

Departure day had another opportunity to get the rig weighed. There was a line, so my advice is get weighed on arrival. It only takes about 15 minutes, and the line will be short. When that was done, it was off on another adventure.

The Maintenance Session has changed a bit since 2019. Some of the seminars are remotely presented via Zoom, allowing us to have a broader range of seminars. All the hands-on stuff is still there, but we’ve opened it up to all motorized RVs. Diesel pushers are still the biggest group, but we have Class A gas rigs, Super Cs, Bs and Cs registered for MS26.

I called a stranger's phone number on a flyer and it changed how I care for my rig forever. That's what the Ramblin' Pushers Maintenance Session does — it connects you with people who genuinely want to help you understand the home you're living in.

Whether you're brand new to a pusher or you've been driving one for years, there is something at this event that will change the way you look at your coach. Six days. Over 100 seminars. Real service providers. Real community. And a chicken breast at the final dinner that deserves its own blog post.

MS26 runs April 30 through May 7 at the Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds in Indiana & every single site is full hookup with 30 or 50 amp electric. No roughing it here. Just learning, good people, and everything your rig needs under one roof.

If you'd like to attend or just want to know more before you commit, head over to

�� ramblinpushers.org — all the details are waiting for you there.

Oh, and one more thing, don't forget to pack a raincoat. It's springtime in northern Indiana, and the weather has opinions.

Hope to see ya there.

Bob Harper

The Ramblin' Pushers are a chapter of the Family RV Association — formerly known as FMCA — and membership is open to just about anyone.

If you own any Class A, B, or C motorhome, you qualify. Former members who no longer own a qualifying coach are welcome too. And if you're not yet an RV owner but you're actively looking to buy, an RV Finders membership gives you access to nearly all the same benefits while you shop. Membership is refreshingly affordable at just $20 in annual dues, billed each fall.

Bob Harper has been a proud part of the Ramblin' Pushers community, and it's easy to see why. This is a chapter built around education, connection, and genuine support for motorhome owners at every stage of the journey.

The Road We Share

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:34:22 GMT

Friends in the RV World are Special Indeed.

The Road We Share

Hey friends, pull up a chair and sit down for a spell,

We've got something important we're wanting to tell.

We're Jennifer and Tasha, from Learn to RV,

And we're honored to be here with this fine community.

We came for the rallies, the sessions, the fun,

For the crafts and the maestros and all that gets done.

For the education, the seminars, row after row,

For the things about our coaches we didn't yet know.

The Family RV Association brought us all here,

With a calendar full of the things we hold dear.

The hookups, the handbooks, the technical talks,

The vendors, the exhibits, the fairground walks.

But somewhere between the first cup of coffee poured,

And the last dinner table, something we couldn't ignore ...

Something shifted, something settled, something real,

It was never just the schedule.

It was always the meal.

The meal around the table where somebody said,

"I felt so alone on the road".

and you nodded your head.

Where a stranger became a sister before the night was through,

Where someone who needed a friend & found you.

Because that's what this community does, isn't it?

It shows up. It sits down. It stays a little bit.

It passes the butter and listens real well,

And carries your story like it's its own story to tell.

We talk about RV life every week on the show,

The rigs and the routes and the things good to know.

But the episodes that hit different, the ones people share?

They're always the ones about community and care.

So here's to the ladies who show up and stay,

Who carry each other through mile after mile, day after day.

Who knew that a rally is lovely, a session is grand...

But what matters most is a friend who will stand.

Wherever you're rolling, whatever road calls your name,

May you carry the warmth of this luncheon's sweet flame.

The FMCA brought us all here, it's true

But the friends that we've found here?

(no matter what we call it today)

We carry them too.

And now, before you roll out and the open road calls

A blessing for every rig, every family, every hall:

May your roads be smooth and your skies be clear,

May the miles ahead be filled with joy and good cheer.

May your slides go out easy and your engine run strong,

May you always find your people wherever you belong.

May the campfires be warm and the neighbors be kind,

May you leave every worry and worry behind.

May your tanks stay empty and your hearts stay full,

And may every horizon feel like a beautiful pull.

And when the road gets long and the journey feels steep,

May you remember the sisters and the promises we keep ...

That somewhere out there, under that same big wide sky,

A friend from this table is waving goodbye.

And rolling right with you.

Mile by mile.

All the way home.

And so we'll raise a glass - or a cup some Georgia sweet tea will do -

To this table, this luncheon, and each & every one of you.

Same time next year, same community, same heart

Because the best part of arriving is knowing we'll restart

this whole rally again next year.

See you next year, friends.

Save us a seat.

Jennifer Schillaci & Tasha Martin

Hosts of Learn to RV The Podcast

Join Learn to RV Chick Chat to see all the fun photos we took at the Ladies Luncheon in 2026.

B efore we begin, we want to take a moment to say thank you to Barbara Lyons for the gracious invitation to be part of the Ladies Luncheon at the Family RV Association 112th International Convention and to give us the opportunity to share a little bit of our heart with this remarkable group of women.

The Family RV Association community means the world to us & everything we do at Learn to RV The Podcast and LearnToRV.com is rooted in one simple belief: that community matters, and we want to see it thrive, grow, and carry on for generations of RVers to come. It is an honor to be in this room with you today.

— Jennifer & Tasha

One last thing before you go, we want to stay connected with you long after today's luncheon is over.

Learn to RV has many free, closed Facebook groups & we want you to know that the closed part is intentional. It is closed for your protection.

Every single membership request is personally reviewed before anyone is approved to join. We take our community seriously, and we want every person inside that group to feel safe, respected, and at home.

It is a place where RVers of all experience levels come together to share, learn, and encourage one another on the road, without the noise and negativity that can come with open groups.

Just good people who love the RV life.

To join, simply search Learn to RV on Facebook, request to join, and answer all the membership questions. We do review every single one.

And yes — the photos from today's luncheon will be posted there. So if you want to relive this beautiful afternoon and maybe spot yourself at the table, come find us.

We would love to have you inside.

To Wash or Not to Wash: The Great RV Laundry Debate

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:15:00 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

If you've spent any time in RV Facebook groups you've seen the question. It shows up like clockwork, usually from someone who just bought their first rig and is staring at a tiny closet wondering if a washing machine could possibly fit in there.

Do I really need a washer and dryer in my RV?

The short answer is: it depends.

The longer answer is our story — and it has taken us years, a bucket, a plunger, a Craigslist washer, a clothesline, a portable dryer, a ventless combo, and a whole lot of laundromat quarters to figure it out.

So buckle up. We are going to walk you through the entire evolution.

Year One Through Three: No Washer. No Dryer. No Problem. (Kind of.)

When we went full-time in our first rig, a washing machine wasn't even part of the conversation. There was no space, no budget, and honestly no plan beyond figuring out how to actually live in this thing.

So we did what any resourceful family does. We improvised.

We carried a bucket and a plunger.

Yes. A bucket. And a plunger.

If you've never done laundry by hand you are probably smiling right now. If you have — you already know where this is going.

At first the kids were actually into it. There is something oddly satisfying about agitating clothes in a bucket that appeals to children for approximately two to three weeks. They took turns. They felt helpful. It was almost charming.

And then it wasn't.

The novelty wore off fast. Wringing out jeans by hand is nobody's idea of a good time. And hanging wet clothes in a small RV creates its own set of problems — humidity, smell, and the general feeling that you live inside a laundry bag.

Within a few months we had become expert laundromat hunters. We knew which campgrounds were near affordable ones, which towns had the best machines, and exactly how many quarters it took to dry a full family load. It became part of the rhythm of life on the road — not our favorite part, but manageable.

And honestly? For those first years, the laundromat worked. It got us out of the rig, into town, and sometimes into a coffee shop next door while we waited.

The Craigslist Washer Era: Half a Solution is Better Than None

When we upgraded to our fifth wheel in 2016 everything changed. Suddenly there was actual space — a dedicated laundry area that had clearly been designed for exactly this purpose. We weren't going to let that go to waste.

We found a washer on Craigslist.

Just a washer. No dryer.

Now you might be wondering — what exactly do you do with just a washer and no dryer in an RV? Great question.

You get creative.

Frank built a drying rack that could hang off the back ladder of the fifth wheel. On nice days — sunny, breezy, low humidity — it was actually wonderful. Clothes dried in a few hours, smelled amazing, and cost absolutely nothing. There is something genuinely satisfying about line-dried laundry on a beautiful day at a campground.

But then the weather doesn't cooperate. Then it rains for three days. Then you're in the Pacific Northwest in November and your wet jeans have been hanging for 36 hours and they are still wet.

That's when we discovered the most underrated laundry hack of full-time RV life: wash at home, dry at the campground laundromat.

It sounds obvious but it's genuinely brilliant. You do the wash cycle yourself. In our case 1 hour & 39 minures — cheaper, convenient, no waiting for machines — and then you drive wet clothes to the laundromat and throw them in a dryer for 45 minutes. You're in and out in under an hour and you've cut your laundromat costs significantly.

For a while this was our system for a long time. It wasn't perfect but it worked.

The Portable Dryer Chapter: High Hopes, Small Loads

Then one day at a campground someone was selling a stand-up portable dryer.

We looked at each other. We looked at the dryer. We bought it.

It seemed like such a logical solution. A dryer that fits in an RV! No more laundromat trips! No more wet clothes hanging in the rain!

Here is what nobody tells you about portable stand-up dryers: they hold approximately five to six items at a time. Five. To six. Items.

Do the math on a family load. What used to be one washer cycle became four or five separate dryer cycles. What was supposed to save us time was actually consuming our entire afternoon. Laundry went from a manageable chore to an all-day project.

The portable dryer lasted longer than it probably should have before we admitted it wasn't the answer.

The Ventless Combo: A Game Changer With a Catch

In 2020 our friends upgraded their rig and offered to sell us their ventless washer-dryer combo.

There was just one problem. It didn't fit in their rig.

BUT. It fit in ours so we bought it & we sold our Splendide washer to someone else.

And here is where things got interesting, because not all washer-dryer combos are created equal and this is what we have learned that the hard way.

Vented vs. Ventless — What's the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

A vented combo works similarly to a traditional dryer — it pulls air in, heats it, tumbles your clothes, and vents the moist air outside through a hose. It dries faster and more efficiently. But it requires a vent to the outside of your RV — which not every rig has or can accommodate.

A ventless combo uses condensation drying — it heats the air, the moisture condenses on a cool surface inside the machine, and that water drains out. No external vent required. Sounds perfect for an RV, right?

Here's the catch — and here's where science comes in.

Humidity kills the performance of a ventless dryer.

Here's why: a ventless dryer works by creating a temperature difference between the warm moist air from your clothes and a cooler condenser surface. When the air inside your RV is already warm and humid — say, summer in Florida or the Gulf Coast — that temperature difference shrinks. The machine struggles to condense moisture efficiently. Your clothes take longer to dry. You run extra cycles. You wonder if your dryer is broken.

It's not broken. It's physics.

In dry climates or cooler weather a ventless combo performs beautifully. In high humidity environments you will notice the difference and there's not much you can do about it short of running your air conditioning to reduce the ambient humidity in the rig.

Where We Are Today: Our Honest Assessment

We still have our combo unit. We are not willing to give up the space for a stackable washer and dryer — that's a trade-off that doesn't make sense for how we live and how our rig is laid out.

What we love: Doing laundry on our schedule — not the laundromat's. Smaller loads mean clothes get washed more frequently so we're never dealing with a mountain of laundry. The cost savings over time are real and meaningful. And there is something deeply satisfying about throwing in a load at 10pm and waking up to clean clothes.

What we have made peace with : Loads are smaller than a traditional machine. It can be loud. On a bad day it will shake the entire camper — we have learned which campgrounds have the most level sites partly for this reason. In high humidity climates the ventless combo slows down and we adjust our expectations accordingly.

What happens when we get behind : Let's be honest. It happens. A busy travel week, a stretch of bad weather, a busy rally week, a campground where the rig refuses to stop vibrating like a washing machine auditioning for a drum solo — and suddenly the laundry pile has opinions about its situation, and that means the laundrybasket we keep in the shower has taken a shape of its own.

Here is the thing nobody tells you about RV washer dryer combos before you buy one: a full wash and dry cycle can take up to five hours. Yes. Five. Hours. One load. Start to finish.

So when life gets ahead of the laundry, we do not have the luxury of running four loads back to back in an afternoon the way you might in a house. Five hours a load means getting behind has real consequences that require actual strategy.

What we sometimes do : We prioritize the essentials first — the things that genuinely cannot wait — and run the machine overnight so the hours work in our favor instead of against us. We start a load before a travel day so it runs while we drive and finishes while we set up camp.

And on the truly dire occasions, the ones where the laundry has completely won, we surrender & load everything into our giant Ikea bags, find the nearest laundromat, and knock it all out in about 2 hours flat while catching up on a podcast. No shame.

Sometimes the laundromat is the right answer and a five hour cycle is the reason we know that.

What still goes to the laundromat: Bedding. Comforters and heavy blankets are beyond what our combo handles efficiently. We factor one laundromat trip for bedding into our routine and honestly it is not that big a deal. We have simply accepted that bedding day is laundromat day and we plan around it accordingly.

So - Washer or No Washer? Here's Our Honest Answer.

After years of buckets, Craigslist finds, clotheslines, portable dryers, and combo units here is what we actually believe....

A washer on board is worth it if:

You have the dedicated space for it
You full-time or travel frequently enough that laundromat costs add up
You have a family or generate enough laundry to justify it
You have allergies to soaps
You value the flexibility of doing laundry on your own schedule

The laundromat still makes sense if:

You're part-timing or weekend camping
Your rig doesn't have a designated laundry space
You're washing bedding or oversized items
You're in a high-humidity climate running a ventless unit & patience is running thin

The honest truth: For us it was an evolution — not a decision we made once and stuck with. We went from a bucket to a Craigslist washer to a clothesline to a portable dryer to a vented combo to a ventless combo. Every stage taught us something. Every stage made sense for where we were in our journey at that time.

That's kind of how full-time RV life works. You don't have to have it all figured out on day one. You just have to be willing to keep figuring it out.

Quick RV Laundry Guide — What to Know Before You Decide

Types of RV laundry setups:

Combo washer-dryer unit (vented) — Best performance, requires external vent, faster drying
Combo washer-dryer unit (ventless) — No vent required, affected by humidity, slower in warm climates
Separate washer + dryer (stackable) — Best capacity and performance, requires more dedicated space
Washer only — Budget-friendly entry point, pair with line drying or laundromat for drying
Portable options — Low cost, minimal space, limited capacity
Laundromat only — Most flexible, no space or maintenance required, ongoing cost

Pro tips from the road:

Wash at home, dry at the laundromat — underrated money saver
Always take bedding to the laundromat regardless of your setup
Run your AC to improve ventless dryer performance in humid climates
Level your rig before running the washer — an unlevel machine is a loud and unhappy machine
Smaller more frequent loads are easier on your combo unit than stuffing it full

Have a laundry setup that works for you? Tell us about it in the Learn to RV Facebook communuty . This is exactly the kind of real-world knowledge that makes Learn to RV what it is.

Love this post? Subscribe to Learn to RV The Podcast and follow Jennifer Schillaci and Tasha Martin for more real stories, practical tips, and honest conversations about life on the road.

Book Dragons on the Road

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:32:36 GMT

How We Read More Now in the RV Than We Ever Did in a House

When people find out we live full-time in an RV, one of the first things they ask is: "Did you have to give up books?" The answer is absolutely not. In fact, we read more now than we ever did in a sticks-and-bricks house.

This week on the podcast, we sat down with our guest co-host to talk through every single way we feed our reading habit on the road — from Little Free Libraries to Kindle Unlimited to the campground swap shelf. We actually forgot to chat about a hands-free reading gadget that has genuinely changed how we read in bed, on the couch, and during rest stops.

"Books don’t have to be kept. They can be passed through. You are a temporary steward of this story.” Learn to RV

If you’re an RV-curious reader, a new full-timer, or just a book dragon who can’t imagine downsizing your collection — this one’s for you. Here’s the full breakdown.

We're what you might call serious collectors, or at least we WERE before we hit the road. The kind of people who walk into a bookstore 'just to browse' and leave with a carefully considered stack. The kind of people who have opinions about shelving systems. Going full-time meant reimagining that collection — not giving it up, just getting smarter about it."

You can’t fully appreciate how well this works without understanding where we came from. We had shelves. Floor-to-ceiling, every-room shelves. A dedicated reading room. Selling & donating our over 3000 collection of books in 2013 was HARD .

We’re what you’d call book dragons . Not bookworms — dragons. Because we collected them. Downsizing that collection was genuinely one of the emotional hurdles of going full-time. But here’s what happened: letting go of the physical hoard forced us to find better, more creative ways to stay fed as readers. And honestly? It’s been better ever since.

How We Read on the Road: The Complete List

Little Free Libraries

Small wooden boxes on posts — in someone’s yard, at a park, outside a laundromat — full of free books on the honor system. Take one, leave one. We’ve found them at campground entrances, Walmart parking lots, state park trailheads, and yes, once outside a bar (which makes complete sense).

The website littlefreelibrary.org has a searchable map. It is now part of how we scout every new area we pull into. We’ve found signed copies, rare finds, and perfect campsite reads. Pure magic.

Libby + Library Cards

If there is ONE thing you take from this post: download the Libby app and get as many library cards as you legally can. Libby connects to your library system for free ebook and audiobook borrowing. Here’s the RV hack — many systems allow digital sign-ups with any connection to the state or county. Multiple cards = multiple catalogs = shorter waitlists.

Stationary full-timers: show up to your local branch in person and build that relationship. You’ll be glad you did.

Hoopla

Hoopla is Libby’s less-famous sibling, and something I just learned about thanks to my guest co-host Dealora. It is also free through your library card, but with no waitlists . If something isn’t available on Libby right now, check Hoopla first before giving up.

Amazon Kindle & Kindle Unlimited

For the volume we read, Kindle Unlimited pays for itself every month — especially if you love indie romance, mystery, and sci-fi. Download before you leave cell service and you’re set wherever the road takes you.

Whispersync may the feature you didn’t know you needed: it syncs your position between the ebook and audiobook, so you can read in the morning and switch to listening in the car — picking up exactly where you left off. It almost feeling like magic.

Chirp Books

Another great tip from Dealora was Chirp. They run sales on individual audiobook titles, sometimes as low as $1–2. Great for filling your library with titles you know you want without committing to another monthly subscription.

Spotify

Spotify Premium now includes audiobook listening hours per month at no extra cost. The catalog is growing — worth checking before you add another subscription to your stack.

Goodwill & Thrift Stores

Don’t sleep on Goodwill ....especially in college towns after graduation season when people donate entire dorm rooms. Spring thrift hauls are a spiritual experience.

Fun fact: there is a dedicated Goodwill Bookstore near Sarasota, Florida — an entire store, just books. We went in and did not come out for a very long time. A handful of similar specialty stores exist around the country; worth Googling before you roll through anywhere new. Also check for Friends of the Library sales when you arrive in a new town — cheap, curated, and the money goes back to the community.

Barnes & Noble Membership Card

The B&N membership earns its keep with discounts, coupons, and free shipping on online orders. Especially useful for kids’ series books when the library waitlist is six weeks out and someone needs the next installment right now.

Campground Swap Shelves & Truck Stops

Almost every campground has one — usually near the bathhouse or the office. A cabinet or shelf, no tracking, no system, pure beautiful chaos. Large truck stops (Pilot, Flying J, Love’s) often have book racks too. Travel days are some of the best browsing days: stretch your legs, find a thriller, carry on. It's the ultimate place to stop & swap your old reads for new treasures.

Curriculum & Kids’ Books on the Road

For the roadschooling families: used curriculum swaps, Facebook homeschool swap groups, and resource libraries are all in our toolkit. Kids go through books fast — the swap-and-release model is even more important for them. We should have a full episode on roadschooling and books again soon.

The Hands-Free Reading Game Changer

Okay. We need to talk about the phone holder and Bluetooth page turner.

A phone or tablet holder mounts wherever you need it — bedside, on the couch, at a rest stop picnic table. Prop your device and you are completely hands-free. Hands under the blanket. Hands holding a snack. Hands doing absolutely nothing while you read.

Pair it with a Bluetooth page turner — a small remote that taps the screen to advance the page — and you never have to reach for your device again. The one we use works with both Apple and Android , so it’s compatible with our Apple tablet and our Android phone. No ecosystem drama.

Dealora says, "Reading in bed with my hands under the blanket while my Kindle turns its own pages is one of the best things that has happened to me as a full-time RVer."

If you read ebooks and you don’t have this setup yet — put it on your list right now. You can thank us later.

Podcasts Count Too

History, science, true crime, philosophy, storytelling — all on the road, all free. If you feel like you don’t have time to read anymore, podcasts are reading for your ears. They absolutely count. Travel days in our rig are full of learning.

One of the unexpected gifts of full-time RV life is what happens on travel days. What used to feel like dead time has become some of our favorite time — windows rolling past, snacks being negotiated, and a great podcast filling the cab. Here are the ten we keep coming back to.

Here's my personal TOP 10 Podcasts for travel days with the kids!

Wow in the World (Science, Ages 5–12) Hosted by NPR's Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas, this one is genuinely fun for the grown-ups too. Every episode digs into a science or technology story kids find fascinating — why your teeth hurt with ice cream, why bats matter, what's happening in space right now. It's geared toward children ages five to twelve & has a gift for sparking conversations that last the rest of the drive.

Story Pirates (Creativity & Storytelling, Ages 3–12) This unique podcast features songs and sketches written by children and then acted out by professional comedians, musicians, authors, and teachers — with celebrity guest appearances including Julie Andrews and Kristin Bell. It's a bit chaotic, hilarious, and genuinely one of the best things to have on when the crew needs a mood lift around mile 200.

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids (Science & STEM, Ages 6–12) It covers various topics including dinosaurs, sports, language, marine life, and cereal— yes, cereal. Hosted by a journalist and a scientist, it models what it actually looks like to be curious about the world and go find answers. Great for the science-minded kids.

National Parks for Kids (Kids & Families, All Ages) This one was made for us. Hosted by Jaimie and her son Brant — who actually came up with the idea himself... each episode covers a park the family has visited, sharing information and their own experiences. It feels like getting tips from another RV family, which is exactly what it is. They are short episodes, but big on fun facts, trivia at the end of some episodes. Perfect for the 30 minutes before you arrive.

Safe Travels (History, Safety & Ranger Stories) This one sits down with actual park rangers to discuss unique areas of each park, with the goal of helping visitors stay safe and keep the park healthy. It's a genuinely fascinating series — rangers have the best stories — and it gives kids a real respect for the parks and the people who protect them. Great conversation starter about Leave No Trace principles too.

Forever Ago (Ages 6–12) From the makers of Brains On!, this show looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary — like ice cream flavors, video games, baths, and more — while teaching listeners to think critically about history. The "wait, THAT has a history?!" factor is strong with this one.

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest (Ages 6–12) Bestselling author Adam Gidwitz retells a classic fairy tale to a group of inquisitive kids, who anticipate plot twists, crack jokes, and share their own perspectives. Every episode is rated on a scale of Grimm, Grimmer, or Grimmest so you can choose your level of spookiness.The kids in the room are part of the show, reacting in real time, and it makes listeners feel like they're in the room too. A Parent's Choice Gold Winner.

Truth Seekers: Bible Stories for Kids (Ages 5–12) A biblically based podcast designed for young minds eager to explore the wonders of the Bible, covering captivating true stories of the Old and New Testament — delving into timeless stories of faith, courage, and redemption, carefully crafted to engage children and adults alike. Episodes are gentle and narrative-driven, great for all ages in the car together.

The Moth Radio Hour (Ages 12 and up) Okay, this one is for the older kids and the adults, but it might be the single best podcast for teaching anyone what great storytelling actually sounds like. Real people telling true stories from their own lives, no notes. Every episode is a masterclass in structure, voice, and the power of a specific detail. After a few episodes your older kids will start noticing these things in their own writing.

Breaking Math (Ages 14 and up, Adults) A deep-dive podcast that explores the world through the lens of logic, patterns, and critical thinking — uncovering the mathematical structures behind science, engineering, technology, and the systems that shape our future. This one might be best for high schoolers and the grown-ups in the front seat who love a good intellectual stretch on a long driving day.

Join a BRAND NEW Facebook Book Club Community

The reading community on the road is real and you don’t have to do it alone. Our friend and guest co-host Dealora is part of an active Facebook book club where RV readers are always welcome to share recommendations, swap tips, and geek out about books together. It’s a great place to ask “what should I read next,” or maybe even share your campground swap shelf finds, and connect with fellow readers on the road.

Book Club is my Alibi

Listen to the full episode with our Guest co-host Dealora Snyder on Learn to RV The Podcast. Where we answer real life reading questions, book dragon confessions & maybe even a few things about books we bet you didn’t know — wherever you get your podcasts...or watch here on YouTube.

Spotlight: Teens on the Road with Kayla Richerson

A podcast by an RV teen, for RV teens — and the families raising them.

This one holds a special place on our list because it comes from right inside our RV community. Teens on the Road is dedicated to empowering full-time traveling teens to navigate life's ups and downs, one episode at a time. Hosted by Kayla Richerson, the show ran from 2022- 2025 with 27 episodes.

Kayla interviewed fellow RV teens about everything from travel day horror stories and making money on the road, especially since RV teens can't exactly pick up a shift at Chick-fil-A — to college prep, mindfulness, and falling in love with the full-time lifestyle.

It's teens talking to teens about their own real experiences... it's honest, relatable, sometimes messy reality of growing up on the road. You can still find it on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

The Best Free Ebook Email Lists for Book Dragons on a Budget

This is one of our favorite reading secrets. Sign up for a few of these email lists and your inbox becomes a daily book deal — free titles, $0.99 steals, and limited-time offers landing right in your morning coffee routine. Most are completely free to join, work across all devices and platforms, and take about two minutes to set up.

BookBub If you only sign up for one, make it this one. BookBub sends customized alerts for discounted and free ebooks across all major platforms — Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple Books, and more. You pick your genres, they find the deals. The recommendations are genuinely good and the free titles include traditionally published bestsellers, not just indie unknowns.

Freebooksy (Free Kindle books, daily) Freebooksy sends daily emails with curated lists of free Kindle and other platform ebooks. Genre-specific newsletters mean you only get what you actually want to read — romance readers don't have to wade through thrillers to find their next book.

The Fussy Librarian (Picky readers, rejoice) This one is for the reader who is particular about what they pick up — in the best possible way. Just tell them which genres you prefer and which days you want delivery, and they send free ebook alerts for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, and Google Play straight to your inbox. You can even filter by content level, which is great for families.

BookLemur.com (Daily deals, all genres) BookLemur finds the tales you'll love with one daily email alert with free and bestselling ebooks at bargain prices in your favorite genres. Clean, simple, easy to browse. A great supplement to BookBub for catching deals that slip through.

eBookDaily (One-day-only freebies) eBookDaily emails you the best one-day free Kindle book offers, personalized for you every day — each ebook is free for one day only. The urgency is real — if you see something you want, grab it that day. Great for the reader who checks email every morning over coffee.

Book Cave (Content-rated deals — perfect for families) This one is a standout for families because of one feature no one else has. Book Cave sends free email alerts for discounted or free ebooks on top retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Google Books, Kobo, and Smashwords — and you can choose the movie-like content rating you want to receive. G, PG, PG-13 & you can control what lands in your inbox.

Bargain Booksy (Deals under $5, all platforms) Daily ebook deals for Amazon Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Apple Books across all genres — Romance, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and more. The sister site to Freebooksy, but focused on the deeply discounted rather than strictly free. Great for when you want something specific and don't mind spending a dollar or two.

The Book Dragon Strategy

Sign up for BookBub first — it's actually pretty fantastic. Then add The Fussy Librarian for genre precision, Book Cave if you have kids and want content ratings, and eBookDaily for the daily one-day-only free grab. Between those four and your Kindle Unlimited subscription, your reading list will never run dry.

Dealora Snyder is an avid reader and a regular contributor to Learn to RV. When she's not hunting down the next great campground swap shelf find, she's our go-to expert for navigating insurance on the road — because life on wheels comes with its own set of questions and she has the answers.

You can follow her journey at overthenorms.com and if you have an insurance question, head over to insurancewithdealora.com — she's got you covered. (Pun absolutely intended.)

Surviving Winter in a Skoolie

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:20:26 GMT

Can You Live in a Skoolie in Winter?

Everything You Need to Know to Stay Warm and Safe

RVs of any sort are notoriously fair-weather abodes. They’re generally designed for casual camping, which families usually undertake during the best weather. People who reside in commercial RVs have their tips and tricks for weathering cold, but skoolies can be a bit different from commercial RVs. As my family has only ever used a skoolie, I can’t really speak to what works in a commercial RV. However, we have had some brushes with colder weather in our skoolie and developed some of our own methods.

Differences Between Commercial RVs and Skoolies

The differences between commercial RVs and skoolies are many, but when it comes to surviving extreme weather, one major difference stands out: Skoolies are essentially tin cans. And if you’ve ever had the pleasure of working in an uninsulated metal building, you’ll understand when I say that they get very hot and very cold.

Our skoolie theoretically has 4-season insulation. Our first workamping gig was the sugar beet harvest, and I knew that would get cold, so I wanted us to have a chance at comfort. However, even a well-insulated skoolie is still a tin can. So, what can be done?

Avoid the Cold

My preferred way to deal with cold is to simply avoid it. We go south for winter so that we don’t have to put up with it much. However, sometimes, despite your best efforts, cold weather finds you anyway.

Adjust Your Behavior

My family has been on the road about three and a half years now, and we’ve pretty successfully avoided winters. So much so, that my husband has a habit of saying we spent a summer in South Texas . No, dear, that was winter, even if it did feel like summer most of the time.

Seeing as how we’ve been able to manage mostly living in perpetual summer weather, we have certain habits. We rarely wear socks (generally only for hikes), I spend my days in tank tops, and our minisplits are usually on “cool.” Altering these behaviors can go a long way to increasing comfort in cold weather. So, when your floors are cold, remember that you do have socks and put some on.

Take Advantage of Solar Heating

I mentioned that skoolies are essentially tin cans, right? Well, one thing a tin can does well is heat up in the sun. Take advantage of this in your skoolie by parking in the sun. If you can, face east so the morning sun comes in your large windshield to heat your rig up early, then the rest of the sun hits the broad side of your rig. If the weather is grey and cloudy, this likely won’t help much, but it works wonders on sunny days!

Cook Hot, Dense Meals

My family is from the Pacific NW, where it’s grey, cloudy, raining, and 40-60°F for about ten months of the year. So we got very used to cooking these hearty meals, and we’ve had to look for more recipes better suited to warm, sunny days. Well, the occasional cold spell means we get to pull out some of our old favorites! Dishes like lasagna, thick soups, pastas, and chili. Dishes that use the oven help heat up your whole rig in a way the Instant Pot just doesn’t. And all these concentrated calories give you plenty of energy to burn to keep yourself warm.

Use Multiple Heating Methods

When we had our skoolie built , we knew we would be boondocking a lot, so wouldn’t be connected to the grid very often. This is what I was thinking of when we had a propane heater installed in addition to our minisplits. However, it’s been helpful to have both, even in an RV park.

We like to turn our propane heater on when nights are going to be cold for a couple different reasons. I think the propane heater’s thermostat can be set lower than our minisplit’s, which works well to keep the bus above freezing but not actually warm. (Hey, some of us overheat at night but don’t want to freeze!) Our propane heater’s ducts are also routed through the same cabinets as our pipes. This means we have to worry just a little less about these pipes bursting.

A Warning About Wood Stoves

Many people in the skoolie community swear by heating their rig with a wood stove.

It’s true that wood stoves provide dry heat (as opposed to the potentially problematic wet heat of propane), but they also make your skoolie uninsurable. Some people add a wood stove after they initially get their rig insured, but this is technically insurance fraud and will cause your insurance company to drop you when they inevitably find out. Now, if you’re stationary and don’t need insurance, as long as you follow proper safety precautions, a wood stove can be a fantastic heat source.

Protect Your Pipes

Water leaks are never great news, but can be particularly disastrous in an RV. So, it’s important to protect your pipes from freezing. When we lived in our house, this meant we kept our faucets dripping any night expected to drop below freezing, but we weren’t dealing with water and waste tanks then. When we’re boondocking, we’re limited to the water we brought with us and the space in our waste tanks, so we don’t want to waste it all on just dripping the water on cold nights. Instead, we turn on that propane heater and open our cabinet doors. This lets heat into the cabinets with our pipes, preventing them from freezing.

Use Fans

Wait, fans are for hot weather, right? Actually, they’re also great for cold weather. Fans help to blow heat around so it’s not stuck in one location. Moving the air also protects against another cold-weather threat: moisture and mold. Many people close up their RVs tight against the cold, only to spend all night breathing out warm, moist air. This combination can lead to a build-up of condensation on cold windows and walls, and ultimately, mold. Running fans can help keep air moving to prevent this.

Close Gaps, But Not Too Many!

Our skoolie has an inner door to separate our living space from our driving space. Usually, it’s amazing, and also does help keep the living area more thermally comfortable. However, there’s a pretty sizeable gap along the floor. Usually, it’s not a big deal. But on really cold nights, it lets a lot of cold air in! So, we’ve learned to shove a towel at the base of that door. This makes a big difference for our rig. It can also be helpful to use insulated curtains to keep the cold from seeping in from your thin windows. One of our many favorite things about our skoolie is our skylight, but the first thing I made was an insulated cover for it. The cover prevents a LOT of heat transfer, in both the heat and cold.

However, you don’t want to go too far with this. Remember all that warm, moist air you’re breathing out at night? If you close your rig up too tightly, it won’t be able to escape. So we usually keep our kitchen vent cracked and running low. On really cold nights, we’ve been known to close it, but watch out for moisture buildup.

Skirting

My family has not stayed a full winter in the cold, so we haven’t tried skirting. However, the theory is that if you keep the cold wind from going under your rig, it can be easier to keep it warm. I’ve heard it works well. My biggest concern with skirting is how do you keep rodents out? We use lights and traps to keep them from being a problem, and it just seems like skirting might negate at least the lights.

The other big concern about skirting is transporting it. If you’re not stationary through a cold winter, you’ll have to pack up and store your skirting on drive days. However, if you’re not able to run from most of the cold, skirting might be a huge help in your quest to keep your rig more comfortable.

So, there you have it: all my best tips to stay comfortable during cold weather. If you can’t run from it, start by adjusting your own behaviors. By utilizing these cold-weather tips, you, too, can stay comfortable throughout the winter. Happy camping!

Ashley Wright is the creator of Gameschooling on a Budget & Gypsy Gameschooler and a contributing writer for Learn to RV.

She writes about gameschooling, roadschooling, and life on the road in her skoolie — bringing real-world RV experiences and a love of learning to everything she shares with the RV community.

gypsygameschooler.com

Thousand Trails Has Changed & Here's What Every RVer Needs to Know

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:30:00 GMT

And why having the right people in your corner matters more than ever.

If you’ve spent any time in RV Facebook groups you’ve seen the question. It shows up like clockwork, usually from someone who just bought their first rig and is staring down the Thousand Trails rabbit hole wondering where to even start.
“Is a Thousand Trails membership actually worth it?”

We are not writing this from the outside looking in. Frank and I have been Thousand Trails members since 2013. We have the opinions, the hard-won knowledge, and the occasional frustration that comes with over a decade inside this membership.

If you've been in any RV Facebook group recently you've probably seen the posts. Long-time Thousand Trails members venting various levels of frustration. New members confused about why they can't book. People who paid good money for a membership wondering why it feels harder to use than ever before.

The other question most often asked is

“Can a Thousand Trails membership actually save me money?”

The short answer is yes , but there's definately more to the story.

Some thing s ha ve genuinely changed, and whether you're considering joining, already a member, or just curious, you need to know exactly what that means before you hit the road.

Our Membership - What We Actually Have and How We Use It

Frank and I hold an Elite Basic membership with 21-day park-to-park .

Here is what that actually means in real life on the road.

We can spend 21 days at one Thousand Trails park - not a Trails Collection park - a Thousand Trails park ( & not in peak season) and then move to another Thousand Trails park and do it again. When we travel this way it is honestly one of the most affordable ways to be a full-timer. Twenty-one days, no nightly fee, real campgrounds with real amenities. Are all campgrounds equal? No. But that is often true whether you are staying anywhere.

Our Thousand Trails membership is a lifetime, but that doesn't mean entirely free , we still pay annual dues and maintenance fees . But when we do the math on what that saves us over a month of paid campsites and the membership started making a lot of sense very quickly.

We also have the Trails Collection add-on & yes, we think it is worth it too.

What Is the Trails Collection?

Good question. This one that sometimes confuses a lot of people because the naming is not exactly intuitive.

The Trails Collection is a network of additional campgrounds that sit alongside but separate from the core Thousand Trails parks. Think of it as an upgrade layer. Your base Thousand Trails membership gets you into the core parks, and the Trails Collection add-on opens up a wider network of properties on top of that.

Different parks, different locations, more options for where you point the rig.

Whether the add-on is worth it depends entirely on where you travel. If your routes consistently take you through areas where Trails Collection properties are and core Thousand Trails parks aren’t, it can easily pay for itself quickly. If you mostly travel corridors well covered by core parks, you may not need it.

Honest moment: Our membership is now fully paid off and we love it, but there are days we wish we had upgraded to an Adventure membership years ago for the bigger booking window alone. Hindsight is a remarkable teacher when you are sitting on hold trying to get a reservation during peak season.

Here is the thing that nobody tells you going in: it almost seems like every single membership has its own nuances from different day limits, different booking windows, different add-on options, different restrictions. Two people sitting at the same campfire can have two completely different Thousand Trails memberships that work very differently from each other. This is not an accident. It is the nature of a system that has evolved over decades and now carries the weight of every version of itself simultaneous.

For the right traveler in the right tier, there is still real value here. For the wrong match, it is an expensive frustration. And here is something worth saying....we do not personally stay exclusively in Thousand Trails parks. Not even close. We mix in state parks, private campgrounds, Corps of Engineers sites, fairgrounds for rallies, & everywhere in between.

But even with a membership we only use part of the time, the savings on the nights we do use it more than offset the cost. For us, the math works. That is really the only question that matters.

What Has Changed & Why Members Are Frustrated

Thousand Trails has moved to a new membership structure and with it came one change that has caused more frustration than anything else: mandatory assigned sites.

The new policy means Thousand Trails assigns your site. Members have reported arriving at sites so undeveloped they used every leveling block they owned and their tires were still off the ground. Others have landed in tiny sites with bad power. The choice that used to belong to you — walking the park, finding what worked for your rig — has been removed.

So why is an assigned site such a big deal?

Here’s what most people didn't think about until it was too late.

Site Size Is Everything in an RV

A 45-foot fifth wheel has completely different needs than a 22-foot travel trailer. A Class A with four slides needs room that a pop-up camper simply doesn't. And here is the thing — the old first-come-first-served system had its own problems. Under that system, anyone could take any site. Which meant a 22-foot travel trailer could roll into a 70-foot 50-amp site perfectly suited for a 42-foot fifth wheel with a dually that actually needed that power and that space. And that 42-foot rig? Left to take whatever was left.

In theory, assigned sites should fix exactly that problem. If the system works the way it is supposed to, the right rig gets matched to the right site and everyone wins.

But in practice it depends entirely on the staff member booking your site at the main office & whether they actually understand what your rig needs. Do they know the difference between what a dually fifth wheel requires versus a small travel trailer? Do they know your slides, your length, your amp draw? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. And that gap between what you need and what gets assigned to you is exactly where the frustration is happening.

The old system was imperfect. The new system was supposed to be better. Whether it actually is on any given stay comes down to who is on the other end of that reservation.

The Old Days & the Lifetime Membership Question

For decades, Thousand Trails operated on a model that many RVers genuinely loved. Lifetime memberships were a thing. You bought in once, paid annual dues, and the network was yours to use. Some members have been with Thousand Trails for 35 years and built their entire camping lifestyle around how it worked.

That model is no longer sold new by Thousand Trails.

What you can still find are older lifetime memberships being resold by existing members & this is where it gets complicated, important, and honestly a little bit like the Wild West.

Some of those older memberships come with fewer restrictions than anything available today. The lifetime membership options that are gone from the official market are now trading like collector's items — and just like buying tickets from a scalper outside a stadium, the price can reflect scarcity more than actual value.

But before you decide whether any of this is worth pursuing, here is something honest that does not get said enough in these conversations: a lot of RVers only come on the road for a few years. And that is completely okay. Many people have a bucket list, they want to see all 50 states, chase every event, hit every landmark, and in three to five years they feel like they have done it. They go hard, they go fast, and eventually they feel finished.

What they often discover along the way is that the miles were never really the point.

What they were actually looking for was community. And that is where Thousand Trails quietly delivers something no campground app or reservation system can replicate.

The Thousand Trails network has a way of bringing its members back together regularly, in different corners of the country, in a way that starts to feel less like coincidence and more like family. The couple you met at a park in Washington state — the ones you stayed up too late with around a campfire — you will run into them again in Florida six months later and pick up right where you left off. That is not an accident. That is the nature of a membership community that moves together across the same network of parks season after season.

For the long-haul RVer, that kind of continuity and connection is worth something that does not show up in any cost-per-night calculation. It is the part of Thousand Trails that the brochure never quite captures & the part that keeps members renewing long after they have done the math a dozen times.

Meet Warren and Sharon Lewis

Here is what we know about navigating a system this complex: the membership you end up with is only as good as the guidance you received before you signed. And right now, with a new structure, assigned sites, booking frustrations, resale market nuances, and a tier system where every membership has its own quirks — the stakes of getting bad advice have never been higher.

Warren and Sharon are our dedicated Thousand Trails membership representatives and the people we send every single Learn to RV reader to when Thousand Trails comes up.

They know this system — the old one, the new one, and everything in between. They understand rigs. They understand full-time travel. They understand the frustration that comes with clients learning how to use Thousand Trails effectively.

And they will tell you the truth before you spend a dollar.

What Warren and Sharon Do That Matters

They ask the right questions before you buy — rig size, travel style, mobility needs, how often you move, which corridors you travel. The answers completely change which membership makes sense for you.
They know what the brochure doesn’t say — every membership product has fine print, real-world quirks, and limitations a sales sheet will never tell you. Warren and Sharon will.
They understand the resale market — if an older lifetime membership is the right move for your situation, they can help you navigate it correctly, including the transfer process and what to verify. In many cases it's actually best to buy new.
They are on your side — a member who is frustrated and trying to cancel is nobody’s win. A member who is out there using their membership and loving it is exactly what they are trying to create.

�� Ready to talk to Warren and Sharon? Be sure to tell them Learn to RV sent you.

Our Honest Review — After 12 Years as Members

✅ What We Love

Twenty-one days at no nightly fee. Do the math. It really does add up fast.
Traveling park-to-park on our schedule - not a calendar of nightly rates.
The Trails Collection add-on opens up our routes significantly.
For full-timers who move slowly and stay longer, this membership pays for itself.
The community. Thousand Trails parks have a culture and familiarity that feels like coming home.

What We Have Made Peace With

Assigned sites mean you may not get what works best for your rig. Level up your leveling block game.
Booking windows matter enormously. Know yours before peak season hits.
The new system requires more planning than the old one. Flexibility has a cost now.
Moving mid-stay is possible and worth planning around.

The Bottom Line

We think Thousand Trails is still worth it , for the right traveler, in the right tier, with the right expectations going in. We would not have kept our membership for over a decade if we didn’t. But “worth it” is not a universal answer. It is a deeply personal one that depends on your rig, your route, your pace, and how you travel.

Which is exactly why you should talk to Warren and Sharon before you decide anything.

�� Quick Reference — Thousand Trails Membership Facts

Lifetime memberships are no longer sold new by Thousand Trails Resale Market Only
Resale memberships must be fully paid off before transfer — no exceptions.
Transfer fees apply to all resale transactions — factor this into your total cost.
Always verify membership status directly with Thousand Trails before any purchase.
Booking windows range from 60 to 120 days depending on your membership tier.

There are some memberships with 180-210 day windows

Assigned sites are now standard at most parks — site selection is no your choice.
The Trails Collection is a separate add-on network & is not included in base memberships.
Every membership tier has different nuances. Be sure to get guidance from someone who knows them all.

If you have been around Learn to RV for a minute you may remember we have always had a dedicated Thousand Trails representative in our corner. Someone we trusted enough to send our own readers to — because a recommendation only means something if the person on the other end actually knows their stuff.

This spring, Craig Rouse moved on from Thousand Trails to new projects. Craig served this community well and we wish him nothing but the best in whatever comes next.

Thousand Trails has been more than a membership for our family.

There is a number that does not show up in any cost-per-night calculation. It does not appear in booking windows or tier comparisons or transfer fee disclosures. It cannot be assigned or upgraded.

When Frank retired from the United States Marine Corps, he had one mission in mind. He wanted to show his kids the country. All of it. The real it, not the highlight reel version, but the swimming holes and the lodge game nights and the candy bar bingo and the Easter egg hunts. The kind of childhood that doesn't fit inside four walls.

But how could we afford it?

Our youngest was fifteen months old when we hit the road. He was barely two when we joined Thousand Trails in Hershey, Pennsylvania in September of 2013. He is fourteen now.

Judah has never known a childhood without Thousand Trails. None of our younger kids have. They learned to kayak at Thousand Trails parks. They went to dances there.

They celebrated holidays there — Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July. We are surrounded by people who showed up year after year to the same parks and somehow became family without anyone planning it that way. They played crafts at the lodge with rec directors who genuinely loved their jobs and loved the kids even more.

Miss Carrie - if you ever read this — we will never forget the Easter egg hunt in the pool that spring. Never. It is the kind of memory that gets told at campfires for the rest of our lives.

And Miss Sally & Miss Betty. Helping them move from RV to a park model is one of those memories that reminds you what this community actually is. Not a campground network. A neighborhood. The kind where you show up with your truck and your time because that is simply what you do for people you love.

Then there is Ruben and Almeda. If you want to know what it looks like to have a couple slow down and actually see the world with your family— watch those two with a pair of binoculars and a bird they have never spotted and share their passion of bird watching. The impact is real. We still stop and study birds because they took the time.

Two years of traveling side by side with my mom. Two years of pulling into the same parks, sharing the same sunsets, pointing at the same sky. My mother traveled with us for two years inside this life, inside this community, inside these parks. There is no way to explain what that means except to say that some gifts arrive in forms you never thought to ask for. A Thousand Trails membership was one of them.

And Tom. Tom who played pool with our thirteen year old like it was the most natural thing in the world — a retired man with nowhere to be and all the time to be there, giving an afternoon to a kid who just wanted someone to play with. We ran into Tom all over the country until our son moved out. Florida. Texas. California. Oregon.

Every time, same thing. Same easy smile, same willingness to show up for our kids without being asked, dripping with sarcasm that my teen loved. He was not the only one.

Tom was not the only one. Not even close. The retirees inside the Thousand Trails community have a gift for that — for seeing a child and deciding that their time and attention are exactly what that moment calls for. There are too many people that deserve their own chapter. Too many afternoons that meant more than anyone realized at the time.

And then there are the full-time families. The ones who were doing exactly what we were doing & figuring it out, laughing through the hard days, raising kids in small spaces with big horizons. The families who became our people in ways that had nothing to do with geography and everything to do with showing up at the same parks, season after season, and choosing each other. Our kids grew up alongside their kids, some have even graduated together. Those friendships are not casual. They are the kind that get picked right back up the moment you pull into the same park again... no matter how many months or miles have passed in between.

Seven kids. All seven have been part of this journey at some point — some are still rolling with us, some grown and off on their own roads now. But every single one of them carries a Thousand Trails memory. A campfire that went too late. A friend made in a swimming pool who somehow showed up again two states over six months later. A rec director who remembered their name.

The people we have met inside this membership are not acquaintances. They are our people. Even the ones who have gone back off the road & you know who you are.

T hose campfires were real. Those conversations mattered. The road has a way of making friendships that do not need proximity to survive.

We joined Thousand Trails because a we wanted an affordable way to show our family the country. We stayed because the country introduced us to our people. That is not something you can put a price on. But for what it's worth, for our family, it has been worth every single penny.

Is Thousand Trails Right for You?

Not every membership is right for every traveler. Thousand Trails often considers itself a resort chain & some parks absolutely live up to that. But not all campgrounds are created equal, and part of being a smart member is knowing which parks shine and which ones you will want to supplement with other options. So before you call Warren and Sharon - and we DO want you to call Warren and Sharon - here is an honest look at who this membership tends to work beautifully for.

The budget-savvy traveler. You have done the math on nightly rates and you know that fourteen to twenty-one days at little to no cost changes the entire financial picture of RV travel. You are not looking for chandeliers in the bathhouse. You are looking for a clean, functional campground where your dollar goes further and your rig has room to breathe. Thousand Trails was built for you.

The traveler who values people over amenities. You would rather have a great neighbor than a great view. You have figured out that the campground with the fancy pool is often the campground where nobody talks to each other, and the older park with the worn-in lodge is where you make friends for life. You understand that community is an amenity — maybe the best one.

The family looking for their people. You want your kids to have somewhere to land when you pull in tired from a long travel day. Somewhere with a pool and a game room and a rec director who does Easter egg hunts in the water. Somewhere that other kids show up to year after year and become the kind of friends your children will talk about when they are grown. Thousand Trails has been that place for countless families — including ours.

The full-timer who moves slowly. You are not chasing a different campground every two nights. You like to settle in, meet the neighbors, learn which picnic table has the best afternoon shade, and stay long enough to actually feel somewhere. Twenty-one days is a gift when you use it right.

The traveler who is open to the off-the-beaten-path experience. Thousand Trails parks are not always the most glamorous stop on the map. Some of them are tucked into places you would never find on your own & those are often the ones you remember longest. If you are willing to veer off the well-worn path, the network may reward you in ways that are genuinely hard to explain until you have experienced them. When the road is your plan and wandering is your method, a network of parks spread across the country stops being a campground membership and starts being a choose-your-own-adventure with hookups... well sometimes.

The persistent traveler who loves a good challenge. You know that the best things on the road are rarely the easiest to get to & you are totally okay with that. Take the Florida Keys. Getting a Thousand Trails reservation in the Keys is not simple. It requires patience, timing, persistence, and a willingness to keep trying when the booking window opens. But for a traveler who is willing to put in that effort? The payoff is an affordable stay in one of the most coveted destinations in the country. If the idea of gaming a booking system to land a site in the Keys sounds like a fun puzzle rather than an annoying obstacle — you are going to do very well as a Thousand Trails member.

The connector. You are the person who ends up knowing everyone in the park by day three. You show up at the potluck. You play pool with the thirteen year olds and the retirees with equal enthusiasm. You understand that the road is better shared and you are actively looking for the community that makes that true. Thousand Trails is full of your people. They are already there waiting.

Thousand Trails may not your best fit if you .....

Expect resort-level amenities at every stop
Prefer to stay in high-demand tourist destinations where TT parks are less common
Move very quickly and rarely stay more than a few nights anywhere
Want guaranteed site selection and specific hookup configurations every time

The honest truth is that Thousand Trails is not a just a campground system. It is a community with campgrounds attached.

Learn to RV does earn a small commission on Thousand Trails memberships purchased through our connection, but here's the thing: to access the specials and pricing available through Learn to RV, you need to call Warren and Sharon directly. They are our contacts inside Thousand Trails & they are the people who will take care of you. If you are considering a new membership and want to explore your options, give them a call and be sure to tell them Learn to RV sent you.

Moving During Your Stay Is Now a Real Possibility

Under the old system, creative members could call member services & piece together a longer stay using overrides and multiple reservations — essentially stitching different booking windows together to stay in one place longer at the same spot.

With assigned sites, that flexibility has definately changed. Members are finding the new system may require them to move more than once during a single stay, which for RVers this means unhooking, re-leveling, reconnecting utilities, and disrupting a setup that took hours to get right. For anyone with mobility challenges, that is not a small inconvenience. It can be a genuine hardship.

Booking Availability Can Feel Like They Create Real Confusion

One of the most common frustrations new members experience is attempting to book a site, finding it unavailable, and then discovering that same site shows as open when searched as a guest. Here is what is actually happening: Thousand Trails reservation windows are tied directly to membership tier.

Higher-tier memberships open reservation access up to 120 days in advance, while zone passes work within a 60-day window. During peak season, that difference is not just a technicality, it is often the difference between getting your site and missing it entirely.

The members who never run into this frustration are the ones who know their tier, know their window, and plan accordingly. That is the shift that changes everything. If you have ever felt like your membership was not working for you, the answer is almost never the membership itself, it is knowing exactly how to use it. And that is precisely why having the right membership tier for the way you actually travel matters so much.

When you call the dedicated Thousand Trails Reps that work with Learn to RV, that is one of the first conversations they will have with you, making sure the membership you are considering matches how and when you camp, so you are never leaving access on the table. In fact, Sharon & Warren are known for their honesty to help you get the membership that's right for you.

Celebrating America’s 250th: The American Journey

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:28:30 GMT

America's 250th Birthday, One Road Trip at a Time & a Shirt That Gives Back

In 2026, the United States will celebrate a milestone few nations ever reach: 250 years of independence. Two and a half centuries ago, a group of determined people made a bold decision to pursue freedom and self-governance. That decision sparked a journey that shaped the country we know today.

The story of America has always been about the journey. It is about exploration, perseverance, sacrifice, and the belief that freedom is worth defending.

For our family, that idea of the American journey is not just history. It is something we live every day.

America’s 250th Anniversary: A Historic Milestone

Across the United States, the 250th anniversary of American Independence is being celebrated throughout 2026 with events, festivals, and historical programs from coast to coast. The milestone marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and it is being organized through a nationwide initiative known as America250. The goal is not just to look back at history, but also to reflect on the journey of the country and inspire the next generation of Americans.

Throughout the year, Americans will see parades, concerts, museum exhibits, historical reenactments, and major fireworks celebrations taking place in cities and small towns alike. National museums and institutions like the Smithsonian are hosting special exhibitions and festivals, while local communities are planning their own events to highlight their role in the nation’s story.

Some states are even organizing torch relays, heritage trails, and educational programs that travel across entire regions to bring history directly to communities.

There are also several large national initiatives planned for the anniversary. Historic founding-era documents are traveling the country on a special tour so people can see them up close, while mobile exhibits and traveling displays are visiting schools and museums nationwide. Plans also include major concerts, celebrations on the National Mall in Washington DC, and special events tied to sports, cultural festivals, and national parks.

The goal is to create a year-long celebration that invites Americans everywhere to reconnect with the history, freedom, and opportunities that have shaped the country over the last two and a half centuries.

Introducing The Learn to RV Celebrating 250 Series!

The United States turns 250 this year — and we can't think of a better community to celebrate that with than ours. All year long we are sharing stories from RVers across the country who are finding their own ways to honor, explore, and celebrate this incredible milestone. Because nobody sees this country quite like we do.

Steve Gallaher of Campfires and Motors is up FIRST & as an Army veteran, he is the perfect person to kick things off.

Exploring America During the 250th

For travelers and RV families like ours, the 250th anniversary is a perfect reminder of how incredible this country really is. One of the best ways to celebrate America is to get out and see it.

From historic towns in New England to the wide-open landscapes of the west, the United States is full of places where the story of the nation comes alive. Traveling allows you to walk the same streets and trails where history was made, visit monuments that honor those who came before us, and experience the diversity of landscapes and communities that make this country so unique.

That spirit of exploration is what the American Journey is all about. Whether you are visiting national parks, stopping in small towns, attending local parades, or watching fireworks under a wide-open sky, every mile traveled becomes part of the celebration.

For us, traveling the country full time in our RV has given us a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and freedoms that define America. As the nation celebrates 250 years, there may be no better time to hit the road, explore somewhere new, and take part in the ongoing story of this country.

And that spirit is exactly what inspired our American Journey 250 shirt.

A Shirt That Represents the Journey

We created the American Journey 250 t-shirt design as a way to celebrate this historic moment while also honoring the spirit of exploration that defines America.

The design represents more than just a date on a calendar. It represents the miles traveled, the stories told around campfires, the freedom of the open road, and the generations who helped build and protect this country.

For RVers, travelers, and adventurers, the idea of an American Journey means something special. It means seeing the country firsthand, meeting people from all walks of life, and discovering places you may have never imagined visiting.

Every road tells a story.

Giving Back to Those Who Serve

One of the things we are most proud of with this shirt is that it also gives back.

From every American Journey 250 shirt sold, $5 is donated to the Night Stalker Association. This organization supports the soldiers and families of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers.

Supporting those who serve our country is something that means a lot to us personally, and this design gave us an opportunity to turn a simple shirt into something that contributes to a meaningful cause.

When you wear it, you are not just celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. You are also helping support the people who continue to defend the freedoms we enjoy.

Join the Journey Today.

Steve Gallaher is an Army Veteran of 11 years, and his commitment to his country is a personal one.

He is also the co-creator of the Campfires and Motors website & YouTube channel, where his family documents full-time RV life, travel destinations, RV tips, and the real challenges faced on the road.

Meet Steve Gallaher

Campfires & Motors

Roadschooling March: March Roadschooling: History, Science & Culture on the Road

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:00:10 GMT

March Is One of the Best Months to Be a Roadschooler

If there is one month on the calendar that hands roadschooling families an embarrassment of living classroom riches it is March. The RV enthusiests of all ages wake up in March. Festivals return. Cultural celebrations fill the calendar. History comes alive in ways that no textbook can replicate. Science happens in real time as the season shifts around you. And all of it is accessible from the road in a way that makes traditional classroom learning look pale by comparison.

The secret to roadschooling in March is knowing what's happening, where it's happening, and how to turn a festival or a seasonal event into a genuine multi-subject learning experience that your kids will remember long after the last day of the month. This guide gives you both — the events worth building your route around and the framework for turning every one of them into something educational, meaningful, and genuinely fun.

St. Patrick's Day: More Than Green Beer and Parades

When: March 17th Best places to experience it: Savannah Georgia, Chicago Illinois, New York City New York, Boston Massachusetts, Kansas City Missouri

St. Patrick's Day is one of the most widely celebrated cultural holidays in America and for roadschooling families it is a genuine curriculum opportunity hiding inside a parade.

Savannah Georgia hosts one of the oldest and most beloved St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country — second only to New York City in size and arguably first in charm. The entire historic district comes alive, the fountain in Forsyth Park runs green, and the parade through the cobblestone streets of one of America's most beautiful cities is a living history lesson all on its own. Savannah's Irish heritage runs deep and the celebration reflects that authenticity in a way that more commercially driven events don't.

Chicago Illinois does something that stops people in their tracks every year — they dye the Chicago River green. It is one of the most visually spectacular urban traditions in the country and for kids who are studying chemistry, environmental science, or just appreciate something genuinely surprising and beautiful it is unforgettable.

The learning opportunity: Irish immigration history, the Great Famine, how cultural traditions travel across oceans and take root in new places, the history of Irish Americans in building this country, geography of Ireland and the Irish diaspora, and the science of how rivers get dyed green without harming the ecosystem. That's history, geography, social studies, and science in a single parade route.

Cherry Blossom Season: Science and Beauty on the Same Branch

When: Late February through May depending on location — peak DC bloom typically late March to early April Best places to experience it: Washington DC, Macon Georgia, Portland Oregon, Seattle Washington, Shenandoah Valley Virginia

We wrote an entire spring guide to cherry blossom season — and for roadschooling families it deserves its own conversation because the educational layers go well beyond the beauty.

Cherry blossom season is a living science lesson in phenology — the study of how natural events are timed in relation to climate and seasonal change. Tracking bloom predictions, understanding why the bloom moves north as spring progresses, observing the stages from bud to peak bloom to petal fall & all of it connects directly to science curriculum in ways that a classroom experiment simply cannot replicate.

Washington DC adds the layer of history, civics, and culture that makes it one of the most complete roadschooling destinations in the country. The story of the cherry trees themselves, a gift from Japan in 1912, a relationship between two nations, a tradition that survived World War II and everything that came after, is a history and social studies lesson wrapped in one of the most beautiful natural events of the year.

The learning opportunity: phenology and seasonal science, Japanese culture and history, US Japan diplomatic relations, geography of the bloom's northward progression, botany and tree identification, art inspired by cherry blossoms across multiple cultures, and the mathematics of bloom prediction and probability.

Mardi Gras Hangover: The Culture of New Orleans in Early March

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! How RVers Can Celebrate Mardi Gras Anywhere in the Country. Let's just say, you don't have to be in New Orleans to let the good times roll.

Here's one of our favorite things about the RV life....you don't miss out on culture, you chase it. And Mardi Gras is one of the most richly cultural celebrations in all of America. The beads, the music, the food, the history — none of it is locked behind a French Quarter address. Whether you're parked on the Gulf Coast, rolling through the Midwest, or camped somewhere you didn't even plan to be, Fat Tuesday finds you if you know where to look.

When: Mardi Gras falls in February or early March depending on the year — the cultural experience of New Orleans extends well beyond the holiday itself

Where: New Orleans Louisiana

If Mardi Gras falls in late February your roadschooling family can catch the tail end of the celebration in early March — and even after the official holiday ends New Orleans in early spring is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country for families who want to go deep on American history and culture.

The French Quarter. The Garden District. The music that was born here and changed the world. The food that tells the story of every culture that ever passed through this city. The history of slavery, of freedom, of resilience, and of a community that has rebuilt itself from devastation more than once. New Orleans is not a light destination — it is a profound one. And for roadschooling families willing to engage with its full complexity it offers some of the deepest learning available anywhere on the map.

Mardi Gras is a genuine piece of American history and culture — rooted in Native American, French, Spanish, African American, Cajun, and Creole traditions, each region celebrating its own heritage. Goodpods One of the great gifts of full-time RV life is that you can be IN that history rather than just reading about it. You can park in Mobile where it all started. You can catch beads on a Gulf Coast beach. You can eat king cake in Louisiana with people who grew up doing it. Traveling makes culture real.

The learning opportunity: Louisiana Purchase and French American history, the history and culture of jazz and blues, Creole and Cajun culture and cuisine, the history of slavery and the slave trade in the deep south, architecture across multiple centuries and influences, the geography of the Mississippi Delta, hurricane science and disaster recovery, and the economics of tourism and cultural preservation.

Women's History Month: March Destinations with Stories to Tell

When: All of March

Best places to experience it: Seneca Falls New York, Washington DC, Memphis Tennessee, Boston Massachusetts & more!

March is Women's History Month and for roadschooling families it is an invitation to seek out the destinations and stories that don't always get the spotlight they deserve.

Seneca Falls New York is the birthplace of the American women's rights movement — the site of the first Women's Rights Convention in 1848 and home to the Women's Rights National Historical Park. For families studying civics, history, and social justice it is one of the most significant destinations in the country and one that roadschooling allows you to actually visit rather than just read about.

Washington DC offers the National Museum of Women in the Arts, monuments to significant women in American history, and the broader context of the legislative battles that shaped women's rights across two centuries.

Follow Harriet Tubman's path on Maryland's Eastern Shore for 125 miles and 36 sites — including station houses, secret meeting places, and spots where daring rescues and escapes occurred. The Byway includes the visitor center at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Church Creek, which houses exhibits about Tubman's rescue missions and later activities as a spy during the Civil War.

The Ninety-Nines Museum of Women Pilots — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This one is an absolute hidden gem. Amelia Earhart was one of 99 women to form "The 99s" organization, and the Ninety-Nines Museum of Women Pilots carries on that legacy in Oklahoma City. For kids obsessed with flight, aviation, and breaking barriers — this museum delivers on every level and is one most families have never heard of.

National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame — Fort Worth, Texas

Covering 33,000 square feet, the museum uniquely honors women of the American West with interactive exhibits, a theater, research library and archive, and galleries that showcase thousands of artifacts. At the Hall of Fame, learn about more than 750 pioneering Americans including Annie Oakley, Sacagawea, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Sacajawea Historical State Park — Pasco, Washington

Perfect for Pacific Northwest travelers. At the Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center in Pasco, Washington, learn about Sacajawea — the remarkable Shoshone woman who played a pivotal role in shepherding the Lewis and Clark expedition on its harrowing journey west. It's a gorgeous park with real history, free to visit, and endlessly fascinating for kids who love exploration stories.

The learning opportunity: the history of the suffrage movement, key figures in women's rights history, civics and the legislative process, biography and primary source research, geography of the movement's key locations, and the ongoing conversation about equality and representation in American life.

Spring Equinox: Science Happens on March 20th

When: March 20th 2026

Best places to experience it: Chichen Itza Mexico is the iconic destination but the equinox is observable and educational anywhere

The spring equinox is the moment when day and night are approximately equal in length and the sun crosses the celestial equator. It falls on March 20th and is one of the cleanest science curriculum opportunities the calendar offers.

You don't have to be anywhere specific to make this educational. The equinox happens everywhere simultaneously and the observations, experiments, and conversations it enables are accessible from any campground in the country.

Track the sunrise and sunset times in the days leading up to March 20th and watch the daylight grow. Observe shadow length at the same time each day and chart how it changes. Talk about why the equinox happens — the tilt of the Earth's axis, the orbit around the sun, the relationship between axial tilt and seasons. Connect it to the agricultural traditions of the cultures you've been learning about — spring equinox has been marked by civilizations around the world for thousands of years for very practical farming reasons.

The Equinox Sunrise Journal — 10 Days of Data

Best for Ages: 7 and up | Difficulty: Easy

Materials: A notebook, a weather app, a compass or compass app

Starting March 10th, have your kids record the official sunrise and sunset times every single day leading up to March 20th. Track the total daylight hours each day and graph the change.

What they'll discover: Daylight is growing by roughly two minutes every day in March — fast enough to actually feel. On the equinox itself, day and night hit their closest point to equal.

Bonus observation: On the morning of March 20th, go outside at sunrise and use a compass to find due east. The sun will rise almost exactly due east on the equinox — one of only two days a year this is true. Mark it. Photograph it. It won't happen again until September.

The conversation it starts: Why does daylight change at all? This is the axial tilt discussion — the Earth isn't straight up and down, it's tilted 23.5 degrees, and that tilt is the entire reason we have seasons. Draw it on paper. Model it with an orange and a flashlight in the dark.

The learning opportunity: Earth science and astronomy, the geometry of the solar system, agricultural history and seasonal farming cycles, cultural traditions around the equinox across multiple civilizations, and the mathematics of tracking daylight hours and calculating change over time.

César Chávez Day

When: March 31st

Best places to experience it: California's Central Valley, San Jose California, Phoenix Arizona, Yuma Arizona

César Chávez Day is a federal commemorative holiday on March 31st honoring the life and legacy of the labor and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers and spent his life fighting for the rights of farmworkers across the American southwest.

For roadschooling families traveling through California, Arizona, or the broader southwest in late March this is an opportunity to connect with a history and a community that shaped American labor law, civil rights, and agricultural policy in profound ways.

The Central Valley of California — where Chávez did much of his organizing work is itself a living geography and economics lesson about American food production, immigration, and labor.

César E. Chávez National Monument — Keene, California The most important stop. Located on the sprawling estate known as La Paz — Our Lady Queen of Peace — in Keene, California, the monument includes a 7,000-square-foot visitor center, memorial gardens, and the gravesite where Cesar Chavez and his wife Helen are buried. The main building features photo exhibits and Chavez's carefully preserved library and office. Your America the Beautiful pass gets you in. Located about 30 miles south of Bakersfield off Highway 58.

The Forty Acres — Delano, California The former headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America and the site where Cesar Chavez held his first public fast. A powerful and often overlooked stop just up the road from the monument.

Explore Virtually If California isn't on your current route, the National Park Service's website for the monument offers digital exhibits, ranger programs, and resources perfect for roadschooling from wherever you are parked tonight

The learning opportunity: labor rights history, civil rights movement connections, biography and primary source research, the geography of American agriculture, immigration history, the economics of food production, and the ongoing conversation about farmworker rights and food justice.

The Science of Spring: A Curriculum That Happens Everywhere

Beyond the specific events and destinations March offers a science curriculum that is literally happening around your rig wherever you park it.

The Great Migration Has Begun — And We Don't Just Mean the Birds

Every spring, two great migrations sweep across America. One involves monarch butterflies traveling thousands of miles on delicate wings. The other involves RVers in cargo shorts firing up their generators. Both are unstoppable. Both leave a trail.

Here's what nobody puts in the nature documentaries: the humans migrate too. Right around the time the red-winged blackbirds start showing up in the reeds and the monarchs begin their legendary push northward, something stirs in campgrounds from Florida to Texas. A collective restlessness. A checking of weather apps. A suspicious amount of conversation about tire pressure.

The snowbirds are getting ready to fly.

And honestly? We are right there with them.

Wildflowers are emerging at different elevations and latitudes on a schedule that reflects temperature and day length with remarkable precision. Rivers are running high with snowmelt.

Weather systems are dynamic and dramatic and observable in real time.

The roadschooling family in March has a living laboratory that no classroom can replicate. The question is simply whether you're paying attention to it.

Keep a nature journal handy in March. Track what you see each day — what's blooming, what birds have appeared, what the weather is doing, how the landscape is changing. Map your observations against your location and watch patterns emerge.

Where to Follow the Migration as an RVer

The beautiful thing is that following nature's migration and planning your own spring route are basically the same thing.

Texas — March & April The monarchs funnel through Texas before spreading north. The National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas sits right on the migration corridor and is one of the premier monarch watching sites in the country. Combine it with the Rio Grande Valley — one of the most spectacular birding destinations in North America — and you have a week of roadschooling content that writes itself. Also: the bluebonnets. You know why.

Gulf Coast — March through May The Gulf Coast is a critical stopover point for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico — exhausted songbirds land in coastal trees after flying hundreds of miles over open water, creating what birders call a "fallout" — when conditions are right, a single oak tree can hold dozens of species at once. High Island, Texas and Dauphin Island, Alabama are legendary among birders for exactly this reason. You do not have to be a birder for this to blow your mind. You just have to look up.

Pacific Coast Highway — February through April Gray whale watching season peaks right now. Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Oregon Coast offer some of the best shore-based whale watching in the world during spring migration. Pull over anywhere with an ocean view and give it ten minutes. You will not regret it.

The Great Plains — April & May The Platte River in Nebraska hosts one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles in North America every spring — up to 80 percent of the world's sandhill crane population converges on a 70-mile stretch of river, sometimes half a million birds at once, before continuing north. If you are anywhere near Nebraska in April and you skip this, we are genuinely concerned about your decision-making.

The Atlantic Coast — March through May The Atlantic Flyway runs the entire length of the East Coast and spring migration brings shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds through every state from Florida to Maine. Delaware Bay in May is famous for the horseshoe crab spawn — and the shorebirds that descend on it by the hundreds of thousands — but honestly pull over at any coastal wildlife refuge right now and something remarkable is probably happening.

A Few Tips for the RV Migration Watcher

The eBird app is free and will show you exactly what birds have been spotted near your current location in the last 48 hours. It is essentially a migration GPS for nerds and we mean that as the highest possible compliment.

Dawn and dusk are when migration is most visible. Which means the early risers in your campground — the ones who have been up since before the coffee is done — were actually right all along. Shhhhh.....Don't tell them.

Roadschooling gold: migration is science, geography, biology, and wonder all in one. Have your kids track what they see, where they saw it, and what direction it was moving. By the end of the trip they will have built something that looks a lot like a field journal without anyone calling it homework.

Pull over more than you think you need to. The migration doesn't wait. Neither does the light. The monarchs don't wait for the weather to be perfect. The gray whales don't wait until the timing is convenient. The sandhill cranes don't check to see if the campground has full hookups.

They just go.

Maybe that's what we love most about spring on the road. Everything is moving. Everything is headed somewhere. And for once, so are we.

Building Your March Roadschool Curriculum

The events and destinations in this guide don't have to be separate stops on a disconnected itinerary. The most powerful roadschooling happens when you find the threads that connect what you're learning across subjects and locations.

Irish immigration connects to the broader story of immigration in America which connects to the history of the communities you're driving through. Cherry blossom season connects to the science of spring which connects to the equinox which connects to the agricultural traditions of every culture you study. Women's History Month connects to the civil rights conversations you had in February and the labor rights conversations that César Chávez Day opens up in March.

The road is not a series of disconnected stops. It is a continuous story. March can certainly be one of the richest chapters in that story and the roadschooling family that approaches it with curiosity, intention, and a willingness to follow the learning wherever it leads will finish the month with an education that goes well beyond any standardized curriculum.

Event dates and festival schedules are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with event organizers before planning your route around specific dates.

Tiffin Turtles, Frogs, Gators & Ducks: The RV Industry Mascots That Will Make You Wonder How That Became a Thing

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:30:00 GMT

What Is Your RV Brand's Mascot?

The Symbols, Stories & Traditions Behind the RV Community's Most Beloved Icons

Every hobby has its quirks. Its inside jokes. Its traditions that make complete sense to the people who live it and absolutely baffle everyone else. RV life is no different and nowhere is that more delightfully on display than in the world of RV brand mascots, rallying symbols, and the kind of community traditions that start with one person doing something weird and end with thousands of people doing it proudly.

So buckle up. We're taking a tour through some of the most beloved , and most baffling, mascots and symbols in the RV world. And yes, we're absolutely talking about the ducks.

�� Tiffin Motorhomes & The Turtle

If you've ever been to a Tiffin rally or spent time in a campground full of Allegro owners, you've seen the turtles. Tiffin Motorhomes, known for their quality craftsmanship and deeply loyal owner community, adopted the turtle as their unofficial mascot — and it couldn't be more fitting.

Why a turtle? Think about it. A turtle carries its home on its back wherever it goes. It moves at its own pace. It's built to last. And it always gets where it's going. Sound familiar?

Tiffin owners wear their turtle pride loudly — from decals and flags to full-on turtle figurine collections displayed inside their rigs. If you pull into a campground and see turtles everywhere, you know exactly who your neighbors are.

�� Forest River & The Frog

Forest River owners have embraced the frog as their community symbol — and once you hear the explanation, it makes a surprising amount of sense.

Frogs are adaptable. They thrive in the wild. They're comfortable on land and in water. And they have a way of showing up everywhere — kind of like Forest River RVs, which span everything from travel trailers and fifth wheels to toy haulers and Class A motorhomes.

The frog community among Forest River owners is a passionate one. You'll spot frog decals, frog figurines, and frog swag at rallies and campgrounds across the country. It's one of those traditions that started organically and took on a life of its own.

�� Alliance RV & The Alligator

Alliance RV is newer to the industry but has quickly built one of the most passionate owner communities in the RV world — and their mascot is exactly what you'd expect from a brand that came out swinging.

The alligator. Tough. Resilient. Built to survive anything. And honestly? A little intimidating in the best possible way.

Alliance owners have embraced the gator with the kind of enthusiasm that only a tight-knit RV community can muster. It perfectly captures the spirit of a brand that positions itself as built differently and priced for real people — with a community that backs that claim up at every rally and campground gathering.

�� Jayco — The Blue Jay ("J. Jay")

Jayco is one of the few RV brands with a fully named, official mascot — meet J. Jay , the blue jay. Founder Lloyd Bontrager loved birds and believed camping represented freedom — and since birds fly free, the Jayco name and blue jay logo were born from that belief.

But what makes Jayco's mascot story truly special is how deeply it runs through the entire owner community. Jayco owners don't just belong to a brand — they belong to a flock. The Flock RV Rally Company holds official owner rallies for the entire Jayco family of brands — including Jayco, Entegra Coach, Open Range, Heartland, and Starcraft RVs.

That's right, the rallies aren't just called events or gatherings. They're called Flock rallies. This community doesn't just own a Jayco. They're part of the flock. What started as a passion for travel by Flock rally Founder Don Florzcyk, has evolved into a nationwide movement connecting RV enthusiasts for unforgettable experiences from coast to coast and even across the Canadian border.

When a mascot inspires the name of your entire rally organization — you know it's more than just a logo. You can find the Rallies for 2026 on the Learn to RV Rally Page

�� Grand Design — The Bear & The Welcome Mat

Grand Design owners have built one of the fastest growing and most vocal owner communities in the RV industry & their mascot is a bear. Fitting for a brand whose owners are known for being fiercely loyal, deeply passionate, and not shy about speaking their minds. Grand Design bear pride runs strong at rallies, in Facebook groups, and at campgrounds across the country. Just likethe animal itself, this community is not one you want to mess with. In the best possible way.

But the bear is just the beginning. At the national Grand Design rally, every attendee is gifted a welcome mat, what happens next is pure RV community magic. Owners don't just keep their mats. They grab a few extras and carry them down the road, gifting them to new Grand Design owners they meet at campgrounds along the way as a gesture of welcome, inclusion, and shared pride.

Think about that for a second. A stranger pulls into a campground in their brand new Grand Design. Before they've even leveled out, a fellow owner shows up with a welcome mat and a smile. No agenda. No sales pitch. Just you're one of us now and we want you to feel it.

That's not a brand loyalty program. That's a family.

And full transparency — we almost missed the bear entirely. Which proves exactly what we always say around here: the community knows more than any one person ever could. So if we missed your brand's mascot or got something wrong, drop it in the comments and set us straight. We can take it. ��

�� Newmar — The Community IS the Mascot

Not every brand needs an animal to rally around. Newmar owners have the Newmar Kountry Klub — one of the oldest, most organized, and most passionate owner communities in the RV industry. With regional chapters, international rallies, and a membership built on shared love of some of the finest coaches on the road, NKK members don't need a mascot. Their pride speaks for itself.

Winnebago owners carry the legacy of one of the most iconic names in RV history — a brand so synonymous with motorhomes that "Winnebago" became a generic term for an entire vehicle category. That kind of legacy is its own mascot.

�� And Then There Ar e the Ducks — A Special Shoutout

We can't talk about RV community traditions without talking about duck ducking — and if you don't know what that is, welcome to your new obsession.

Duck ducking started in the Jeep community, where Jeep owners began leaving small rubber ducks on other Jeeps as a random act of kindness and community connection. No reason. No agenda. Just a duck, left behind to make someone's day.

And here's where the RV world comes in — because a huge number of RVers tow a Jeep as their dinghy vehicle. Jeeps are one of the most popular toad choices in the RV community thanks to their flat tow capability, their versatility at the destination, and let's be honest — they're just cool.

So when you're at a campground and you spot a Jeep parked next to a rig with a little rubber duck sitting on the hood or dashboard, now you know. It's not random. It's community. It's connection. It's exactly the kind of thing that makes RV culture unlike anything else.

If you're a Jeep tower and you haven't gotten into duck ducking yet — consider this your official invitation. Grab a bag of rubber ducks before your next trip. Leave one on a Jeep at your next campground. Watch what happens.

�� Good Sam — Meet Sam. Yes, He Has a Name.

You've seen him. That friendly face with the giant smile, the bright red shirt, and the golden halo floating above his head. He's on campground signs, Camping World locations, membership cards, and rally banners from coast to coast. But did you know he has an actual name?

Meet Sam. The official mascot of the Good Sam Club — one of the largest and most recognized RV membership organizations in the world.

The halo isn't just decoration. It's the whole point. Good Samaritan. Sam. A friendly face with a hand outstretched and a halo overhead — designed to represent the kind of community that looks out for fellow travelers, offers a helping hand on the road, and makes sure no RVer ever feels alone out there.

Sam has been showing up at rallies, campgrounds, and Camping World locations for decades — one of the most recognizable faces in the entire RV industry. And yet somehow, most RVers have seen him a thousand times without ever knowing his name.

Now you know. Wave next time. ��

Brinkley doesn't have an animal mascot — but their story is a good one.

��️ The name "Brinkley" came from a movie — You've Got Mail — suggested by one of the founder's wives during a brainstorming session. It was the name of the dog in the film. They wanted something that felt classic, luxury, and high-end. It stuck.

Their logo is five mountain peaks actually carries a double meaning that says everything about who they are. The peaks represent "Faith Over Faith," a phrase deeply personal to co-founder Micah Staley and his sister, meaningful enough that they both wear it as a tattoo.

And those same five peaks? They mirror the five co-founders who left the comfort of the industry's biggest brands to build something they believed in from the ground up.

No frog. No turtle. No bear. Just five mountains and the kind of founding story that makes you root for a company.That same meaning is stitched into every RV they build.

No animal mascot. But a dog name, a mountain logo, and a founding story rooted in faith and family? That's honestly pretty interesting all by itself.

Why Do These Traditions Matter?

It would be easy to look at turtles and frogs and rubber ducks and think — what does any of this have to do with RVing?

Everything, actually.

RV life is about more than the vehicle. It's about the community that forms around it. The traditions, the inside jokes, the symbols that say I know what you know and I live what you live — those are the things that turn a parking lot full of strangers into a campground full of friends.

The mascots and symbols of the RV world are a language. And once you learn to speak it, you'll never pull into a campground the same way again.

Tell Us Your Story

Are you a Tiffin Turtle? A Forest River Frog? A Grand Design Bear?

Do you have a mascot, a tradition, or a community symbol we didn't mention?

Have you ever been duck ducked — or done the ducking yourself? Or do you belong to a community we haven't discovered yet? Drop it in the comments and let's keep this conversation going around the campfire and help us grow this list into the most complete guide to RV mascots and community traditions on the internet, around here, we already know that the community often knows best.

Because at Learn to RV, we believe the best stories come from the community itself.

Loved this post? Share it with your RV crew and subscribe to Learn to RV The Podcast for more stories, tips, and laughs from the road.

Join the Learn to RV Community Group today . It's fun & FREE!

Other Mascots Worth a Mention

The RV world is full of brand loyalty expressed through symbols, mascots, and community traditions. A few other notables:

Airstream has long been associated with the silver bullet aesthetic and a fiercely devoted community that needs no mascot — the gleaming aluminum shell says everything. Airstream owners have their own rallies, their own culture, and their own unmistakable identity on any campground.

�� The Airstream Connection — "Flocking" Airstream owners have a beloved tradition of gifting pink flamingos to fellow Airstreamers as a way to say hi. It's done quietly — you try not to be noticed — and it's known as "flocking" or "flamingo'ing" another Airstreamer. There's even a dedicated Facebook page for it. It's the Airstream community's version of duck ducking.

What We Learned About RV Life, Multiple Sclerosis, and Figuring It Out as You Go

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:58:24 GMT

None of This Was Planned

We are Kreg and Charlene, and we live in a 2022 Entegra Vision XL 36A. Behind us, we flat-tow a 2023 Ford Ranger 4x4 Sport for the roads the motorhome cannot handle. We have been full-timing since April 2022, and January 2026 marks twenty years since Charlene was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

If you are reading this because you or someone you love has MS, a disability, or a chronic illness, and you are wondering whether RV life is even possible, we want to answer that question directly.

It is. And here is what nobody told us: we did not need a roadmap. We did not even know we were doing it right.

It Started With a Hurricane

August 13, 2004. Hurricane Charley makes landfall in Charlotte County, Florida. Our houses were in North Port, right on the border. Close, but not too close. When the storm passes, the neighbors come out to check on each other. I pulled lawn chairs into my driveway, mixed up a batch of margaritas, and broke out the red Solo cups. Somehow it turned into a party. That is what you do in Florida.

Charlene was one of those neighbors. We had lived next door to each other for two and a half years and had never actually met. The hurricane introduced us.

We became a couple in 2005 and got married in 2006. And in January of that same year, Charlene was diagnosed with MS. At the same time, she was let go from her job. Her symptoms had been affecting her work, and now there was a name for why. Same moment. Crappy, perfect timing.

We did not sit down and make a plan for how to handle MS. We just started handling it.

Daily injections became part of the routine. Life continued. We went to Disney. We had annual passes to Busch Gardens. We traveled to Germany to visit family. MS was part of the picture. It was always part of the picture. But here is the thing we did not fully understand until much later: it was also pointing us somewhere. Every adjustment we made, every time we asked how instead of whether, it was moving us in a direction we never would have chosen on our own. As crazy as it sounds, in a way, it was a blessing.

The Question Changed

By 2014, the drive from North Port to Tampa was already taking too much out of Charlene before we even got through the gates at Busch Gardens. We were not facing the end of something. We were facing a question we did not know how to answer yet.

We stopped asking how to keep doing things the same way. We started asking how to do them differently.

That shift matters. It did not feel like a breakthrough at the time. It felt like necessity. But looking back, it was the most important turn we made.

In 2018, we bought our first RV. A humble Class C. We had no idea what we were doing. We just knew that if we could bring the home with us, we could control the pace. We could stop when we needed to. We could skip the part where Charlene arrived somewhere already exhausted.

We upgraded to a Class A in 2021. And then on February 28, 2022, someone called and asked if we wanted to sell the house. We said yes before we thought about it. Papers signed March 3. House closed April 13. On the road full-time. I was still working, but I retired in October of 2022.

What We Did Not Know We Were Building

Here is the thing about the system we built. We did not build it consciously. We built it by paying attention.

MS affects energy. Not just physically, but the whole calculation of a day. Heat makes it worse. Big events cost more than they appear to on the front end. You cannot simply rest your way back to full. You have to manage what you have with intention, and you have to start managing it before the warning signs show up.

Part of my job became learning to read those signs. Watching. Adjusting the plan, before Charlene had to ask me to. Not because she cannot advocate for herself, but because the earlier you catch it, the less it costs.

We did not have a name for any of this for a long time. We just lived it. And when we started explaining it to fellow RVers, something clicked. They already understood the language. When your rig runs on solar and batteries, you know exactly what it means to manage capacity, watch for drain, and protect the system from overload. The RV community did not need a lot of explaining. They just nodded.

That nod matters more than it might seem.

Here is something we have noticed. The RV community and the chronic illness community have more in common than most people realize. Both are widely misunderstood by the outside world. People look at Charlene and say she looks fine. People look at our rig and say it must be nice to be on a permanent vacation. Neither one of those people is seeing what is actually there.

Living with MS means carrying something invisible that shapes every decision, every day, every plan. Full-time RV life means carrying a reality that most people cannot picture from the outside. Both of these communities know what it is to be looked at and not quite seen.

So when an RVer hears our story, there is no flash of pity and no polite smile that moves on by tomorrow. There is recognition. They carry their own version of it. They get the weight of keeping a complicated system moving through the world with grace, day after day, without needing anyone to fully understand it.

They do not see a disabled person. They see a fellow traveler doing the work to keep moving.

You Do Not Have to Go as Far as We Did

Here is something else nobody said to us, and we want to say it clearly.

You do not have to sell everything and go full-time. That was our path. It is not the only one.

Start small. Rent an RV for a weekend and see how it feels. Borrow a friend's camper. Plan a two-night trip an hour from home. Become a weekend warrior. Become a some-timer. Do what you can, at the scale that makes sense for where you are right now.

The point is not the size of the rig or the number of miles. The point is that you do not exclude yourself from this life because of a diagnosis. MS changes the how. It does not have to change the whether.

Force nothing. Do it small if small is what you have. Just do it.

A Diagnosis Is Not the End of the Road

March is MS Awareness Month. This March marks twenty years since that MRI showed 24 lesions and a doctor handed us a word we had to learn how to carry.

We are not telling this story because everything is easy or because the road fixed everything. It did not. Some days are hard. Some miles cost more than others. Charlene still feels guilty when her needs slow things down. She still asks me if it is OK before she takes a nap. Twenty years in.

But a diagnosis is not the end of the world. It is not the end of the road. It is a recalibration. The question is not whether you can still have a life. The question is what that life looks like now, and whether you are willing to build it a little differently than you planned.

We figured it out by living it. We did not know we were doing it right. We just kept going.

You can too.

Let's see the world, one charge cycle at a time. ��⚡

Our Voyage With MS

Follow Kreg & Charlene on YouTube

Spring Guide to Cherry Blossom Season: Chasing the Bloom by RV

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:30:01 GMT

There Is Nothing Quite Like Chasing the Spring Bloom

There are moments on the road that stop you in your tracks. That make you pull over, turn off the engine, and just sit in the middle of what you're looking at because moving feels wrong.

Cherry blossom season is full of those moments.

Every spring, for a window of time that feels almost unfairly short, parts of this country transform into something that looks more like a painting than a place. Pink and white blossoms against blue skies. Petals drifting across walking paths. Entire landscapes softened by color that wasn't there last week and won't be there next week.

And the beautiful thing about chasing cherry blossom season by RV? You can follow the bloom. You're not locked into one destination on one date hoping the timing works out. You can move with the season as it travels north and find it over and over again across multiple states and multiple weeks.

Here's your guide to doing it right.

Understanding the Bloom: Timing Is Everything

Cherry blossoms are famously fleeting. Peak bloom is the window when the trees are at their fullest and most spectacular which typically lasts only one to two weeks at any given location. Before peak bloom the buds are building. After peak bloom the petals begin to fall — which is beautiful in its own right but different from the full canopy experience.

The bloom follows temperature and moves north as spring progresses. In the deep south and along the mid-Atlantic coast peak bloom can arrive as early as late February or early March in a warm year. In the Pacific Northwest and the northern states it may not arrive until late April or early May. The Rocky Mountain states and higher elevations run even later.

This northward progression is exactly what makes RV travel the ideal way to experience cherry blossom season. You can start in the south in early March and follow the bloom all the way north through April — experiencing peak bloom at multiple destinations along the way rather than catching it once and watching it end.

The National Park Service tracks and publishes bloom predictions for Washington DC each year and their forecasts are a reliable starting point for planning. For other destinations local botanical gardens, parks departments, and travel bureaus often publish their own bloom predictions in late winter. Following a few of these sources starting in February will help you build a flexible itinerary around real time conditions.

The Big Destinations Worth Planning Around

Washington DC This is the one everyone knows — and for good reason. The Tidal Basin lined with Japanese cherry trees in full bloom is one of the most iconic spring scenes in the entire country. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs for several weeks in late March and early April and draws visitors from around the world.

A word of honest advice for RVers: Washington DC during peak cherry blossom season is one of the most crowded and logistically complex destinations you will encounter.

Campground availability in the DC metro area fills up fast — book as early as possible. Driving a large rig into the city is not practical and parking near the Tidal Basin during festival season is essentially impossible. Plan to park your rig at your campsite and use public transit or a toad vehicle to get into the city. The experience is absolutely worth the logistical effort — just go in with a plan.

Macon, Georgia Macon calls itself the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World and the claim is hard to argue with. The city has over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees — more than Washington DC — and the International Cherry Blossom Festival typically runs in mid-March when the bloom is at its peak. Macon is significantly easier to navigate by RV than DC and the festival atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and deeply southern in the best possible way. This one is worth adding to your March route.

Portland, Oregon The Pacific Northwest has its own spectacular cherry blossom season, typically running from late March through April depending on the year. Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Japanese Garden are among the most beautiful spots in the city during bloom season and Portland's campground options give RVers reasonable access to the city without the parking nightmares of the east coast.

Seattle, Washington The University of Washington quad in Seattle is one of the most photographed cherry blossom locations in the country — rows of trees arching over the historic campus buildings create a tunnel of pink bloom that is genuinely breathtaking. Seattle's bloom typically peaks in late March to early April. The city's campground options require some planning for larger rigs but the experience is worth it.

The Skagit Valley, Washington While not technically cherry blossoms the tulip fields of the Skagit Valley in April deserve a place on any spring bloom itinerary in the Pacific Northwest. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs through most of April and the combination of tulip fields against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains is one of the most spectacular agricultural landscapes in the country. Pair it with Seattle's cherry blossoms for a Pacific Northwest spring bloom route that is hard to beat.

Traverse City, Michigan Known primarily for its cherry harvest in summer, Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula put on a remarkable show in spring when the cherry orchards bloom. The timing is typically mid to late May in this northern location making it a perfect later season stop as the bloom moves north. The setting along Lake Michigan adds a dimension that the urban blossom destinations can't match.

The Shenandoah Valley, Virginia The Shenandoah Valley and surrounding Blue Ridge region offer a more dispersed and pastoral cherry blossom experience than the urban festivals — orchards in bloom against mountain backdrops, small towns celebrating the season quietly, and Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park running through landscapes that are genuinely stunning in early spring. This one is for the RVers who want the beauty without the crowd.

Building Your Cherry Blossom RV Route

The key to a successful cherry blossom RV trip is flexibility built around real time bloom tracking. Here's how to approach it:

Star t with a loose framework that moves generally from south to north between late February and early May. Identify two or three anchor destinations you most want to hit and book those campgrounds as early as possible — popular spots near major blossom destinations fill up fast in spring. Leave the days between anchor stops open for flexibility so you can adjust timing based on actual bloom conditions rather than a rigid schedule.

Follow bloom tracking resources in the weeks leading up to your trip. The NPS cherry blossom forecast for DC, local park department updates for regional destinations, and community groups dedicated to bloom tracking on social media all provide real time information that can help you time your arrivals for peak conditions.

Build extra days into your itinerary at destinations you love. Cherry blossom season has a way of making you want to stay longer than planned and having that flexibility in your schedule is one of the great gifts of RV travel.

RV Logistics for Blossom Season

A few practical notes worth knowing before you go:

Urban destinations during festival season require advance planning for large rigs. Research campground options early, understand the transit or toad vehicle options for getting into city centers, and have a backup plan for campgrounds in case your first choice fills up.

Spring weather at blossom destinations can be variable. Pack for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional rain shower — all of which are likely at some point during a multi-week spring trip. Rain on cherry blossoms is actually beautiful in its own right and some photographers prefer overcast blossom days to bright sunshine — so don't let a gray forecast ruin your plans.

Bloom timing varies by year depending on winter temperatures and early spring weather patterns. A warm winter can push peak bloom two weeks earlier than average. A cold snap in early spring can delay it. Staying flexible and following real time forecasts is the only reliable strategy for catching peak bloom.

Beyond the Blossoms: Making the Most of Spring Destinations

Cherry blossom destinations are almost universally worth visiting beyond the bloom itself. Washington DC has the monuments, the museums, and the history. Macon has a remarkable music heritage and an approachable southern food scene. Portland and Seattle offer Pacific Northwest culture, food, and outdoor access that extends well beyond the blossom season. The Shenandoah Valley has some of the best hiking, overlooks, and small town charm in the eastern United States.

Building your cherry blossom route around destinations with depth means that even if your timing is slightly off for peak bloom you still have a spectacular trip. The blossoms are the headline but they're rarely the whole story.

The Chase Is the Point

Here's the thing about chasing cherry blossom season by RV that you only fully understand once you've done it: the chase itself is part of the experience.

Watching the forecast. Moving your rig north as the bloom progresses. Arriving somewhere just as the trees reach their peak and knowing that your timing — your flexibility, your willingness to adjust the plan — made that moment possible. That feeling is very specifically an RV travel feeling and it doesn't happen any other way.

The bloom is fleeting. The road is long. And somewhere between late February and early May the two of them meet in a way that is worth chasing every single year.

Quick Reference: Cherry Blossom Season by Region

Late February to mid March covers the deep south and Gulf Coast.
Mid March to early April covers the mid-Atlantic including Washington DC & Virginia.
Late March to mid April covers the Carolinas, Tennessee, and lower midwest.
Mid April to early May covers the Great Lakes region, Pacific NW, & New England.
Late April to mid May covers northern states, higher elevations, & the Upper Midwest.

Bloom timing varies by year and location. Always check current forecast information from local parks departments and botanical gardens before planning around specific peak bloom dates.

How Hearing Impairment Affects RV Living: Ashley Gallaher's Personal Journey on the Road

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:00:01 GMT

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have hearing impairment? Or perhaps the feeling of being off balance, dizzy, or even motion/sea sickness? Well, you’re in the right place to learn just enough to understand all the above based on personal experience. But first we need to jump into how the ear works and what causes the impairment to begin with. So, let’s jump into it with a simple background on the ears themselves.

The Ears

The ears are very complex organs that we need for hearing and balance. They are divided into three parts: outer, middle, and inner. Each part is dependent on the other and it only takes one part to throw everything with our hearing completely off.

The Outer Ear collects the sounds and sends it the eardrum, moving the hammer in the Middle Ear where it vibrates amongst tiny bones in Inner Ear and the noise is converted to nerve signals for the brain, while small canals manage the balance.

So basically, whenever we are moving our head the fluid inside the canals sloshes around like a washing machine and moves the hair-like sensors within, which transmit info to the brain and the muscles keep everything balanced

The Four Types of Hearing loss

First, we must understand the definition of what hearing impairment is; any hearing loss that stops a person from being able to hear all the sounds through the ear that they normally would. The loss can be anywhere from mild to severe depending on the type of hearing loss, which leads us to the four types of hearing impairment: conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and auditory.

Conductive hearing loss is often the one that most people are familiar with. It is caused by disease or an obstruction in the outer or middle ear. This affects all frequencies of hearing. Some can be chronic or long term, but most are usually temporary. Treatment for this type of hearing loss can range from medication to surgery and can often lead to a permanent solution with hearing aids solving the problem.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear. This loss is often referred to as nerve-related hearing loss or nerve deafness. The loss range can be mild to profound and can only be fixed with hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss is a mixture of the first two and is very rare.

Auditory Processing Disorder is basically when someone has normal audiogram, but they have lost the ability to her speech in noise.

Conditions and Disorders: What could cause hearing loss?

There are many conditions and disorders that cause hearing impairment, many of which can be prevented and treated. Everything from ear infections to work related injuries can cause hearing impairment.

Ear infections usually affect the middle ear and can be caused by bacteria and viruses trapped within. Treatment is usually antibiotic drops but may also include tube insertion into the ear itself. This condition is one of the most common ways hearing impairment is caused.

We have these tubes that connect our middle ears to our throats. These tubes are called eustachian tubes which open to allow equal pressure inside the ears as we yawn, sneeze, or swallow. When the tubes become clogged, Eustachian tube dysfunction happens.

Another common condition is the swimmer’s ear . Often found in those who do a lot of swimming, this is caused by bacteria or fungi. It is an inner ear canal infection that also can be caused by using Q-Tip’s. If not used correctly, Q-Tips can be inserted into the ear canal causing soreness. This condition can also be caused by hair spay if it was to get into the ear canal.

A ruptured eardrum which is a hole in the tympanic membrane or eardrum is a serious condition. This happens a lot with military personnel, mining personnel, or any other type

work that requires loud noises. It can also happen from a simple infection. The eardrum will usually heal on its own but sometimes surgery is required.

When the vestibular nerve, which is in the inner ear, becomes inflamed, Vestibular neuritis occurs. Often vertigo attacks, along with nausea and vomiting happen in people who have this condition. Medication and physical therapy are common treatments.

These are only some of what can cause hearing impairment. It is very important to take good care of your ears and follow your doctor's instructions when having to deal with any type of ear problems.

How does hearing loss affect RV living?

Driving across country or even across town is a tricky task when it comes to RVing. We often tend to focus more on the roads, bridges, other drivers, and everything else that comes naturally. And for most of us it all comes naturally as we just get in the drivers’ seat and go. But for those who have any kind of impairment, especially hearing impairment, many tasks are often different.

Hearing is one of the six senses and like all the other senses, once it becomes impaired it creates new challenges. It requires more thorough safety checks, communication, and even social interaction. Everything from the slightest small noise to the loudest noise becomes a bigger awareness which causes bigger driving challenges because it takes longer to process what the noises that are being heard are. Are they normal or is it a sign of something going wrong. Also, when driving a diesel truck the engine is louder, which can make driving more challenging due to the constant noise.

For many communicating and socializing with others becomes harder because they feel that the impairment is too much. Not being able to hear conversations and asking people to repeat things often leads to withdrawing from social interactions. Fortunately, there are ways to help improve hearing with hearing aids and cochlear implants (surgical implanted electronic device) making socialization and communication easier.

Ashley's Personal Experience

As someone who has conductive hearing loss all the information above is nothing I haven’t heard before because I have experienced some of it. For as long as I can remember, my ear problems were caused by constant ear infections. So naturally, dr’s visits, hearing tests, ear cleanings, infections, antibiotic drops, and surgeries were part of my life. I had my first surgery or skin graphing done when I was two, I believe.

I used to wear hearing aids in elementary and middle school. I would get pulled from class to go to speech therapy. I had another skin graphing done in fifth grade followed by another in sixth grade. And through it all I guess I was fine, even through the denial.

I went swimming, was in choir, did sports, made it into the Nurse Tech program in high school, got my Certified Nursing Assistant Certification and so on. And back then nothing other than some high elevation would bother my ears.

As time went by and the denial grew, taking care of my ears did not exist. So of course they got worse. It wasn’t until 2009 that I had a wake-up call on how bad my ears were, which changed everything. I ended up getting surgery on the right ear, while we were stationed in South Korea. And then my left ear in 2011 while in Tennessee. Because of those surgeries my hearing is way better. In fact, it surprised the doctor with how well the hearing was.

But none of it comes without the side effects. Having titanium in one ear and the other ear unrecognizable on the inside and noticeable on the outside was only the beginning.

The ears are way more sensitive, especially to sounds. I get constant ringing in my ears. Loud noises are not always nice. Driving my husband’s diesel truck scares the crap out of me because of the noise and it makes it harder to focus when driving with the RV connected. I cannot go swimming without ear plugs, which tends to take the fun out it because I get so worried that water will get in my ears that I don’t go under or allow myself to have fun. And let’s not forget the constant repeat button with some conversations or the dizziness. But the biggest thing for me recently is motion sickness.

I had it a little when we were in Texas at the space the center on the simulator ride, they had, but nothing like just recently. What I thought was going to be a great four-hour trip on a fishing charter turned into an unpleasant one for myself. I was completely fine until the boat stopped in semi choppy water and then the stomach started churning, the head started feeling weird and the right ear began to bother me. And before we all knew it, I was leaning over the boat. I could barely keep my head up sitting down, but a few times throughout the trip I peaked up to see the fun I was missing and managed to reel in two different fish, one which happened to be the biggest of them all.

Even after getting off the boat, I felt horrible. All I wanted to do was shower, rest, and eat crackers. I felt very out of the norm the entire next day and every time I went over by the water, whether on the concrete walkway around the marina or out on the pier I felt moving and wanted to throw up. I was much slower moving, less hungry, and more regretful for going out on the water. And as I typed this up on the third day, I felt the same. My walking had to slow down to a slower pace to not feel so nauseous, going into the water at the beach area was limited due to the motion, and over all I just kept feeling uncomfortable and not myself. This is not a normal thing for me so trying to deal with it is not easy. For myself the hearing is fine, but the dizziness and balance are completely off.

So yes, hearing impairment does affect RV living. Everything from the way we process the noises to the way we move makes normal life a little bit more challenging. Driving the truck or RV itself is way harder but totally do able with patience. And just like any other impairment, taking it one day at a time is the best way to handle any changes that come along. That and making sure those regularly scheduled doctor’s visits are kept up with.

A Personal Note Before You Read

This is Ashley's story — shared from the heart, with the kind of honesty that makes this community so special.

Ashley's experience with hearing loss is deeply personal and entirely her own. This is not medical advice — it is a human story. If something in Ashley's journey resonates with you or someone you love, please reach out to a qualified medical professional who can guide you on your own path.

We share stories here because connection matters. Because sometimes hearing someone else's experience is exactly what you needed to feel less alone.

Ashley Gallaher

Camfires & Motors

Ashley Gallaher is a full-time RVer, content writer, and co-creator of the Campfires & Motors YouTube channel.

Traveling the country with her family, Ashley brings honest, real-world experience to every post. She covers RV safety, trip planning, and the day-to-day realities of life on the road. Her mission is simple: to help RVers feel more confident, more prepared, and less overwhelmed.

Festival Frenzy: Your 2026 RV Bucket List Just Got Weird

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:09:58 GMT

America's Quirkiest Events Are Calling. Is Your RV Ready?

We Came Back. And We Brought Our Husbands.

Season 2 of Learn to RV The Podcast kicked off exactly the way it should — with Jennifer, Tasha, and their husbands Frank and Matthew around the virtual campfire, playing a game that somehow turned into the most accidentally useful travel planning session we've ever done.

The premise was simple: quirky American festivals, a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of "wait, that's a REAL thing?" energy. What came out of it was something better ... a legitimate 2026 RV travel bucket list built entirely around events most people have never heard of but absolutely need to experience.

Deep fried asparagus. The National Hollering Contest. UFOs in Roswell. Butterfly migrations. Salmon runs. Bologna. Yes, bologna. & Mike.

America is a LOT. And we are so glad it is.

Quirky Festivals Are the Best Reason to Point Your RV Somewhere New

Here's what nobody tells you about quirky festivals: they are some of the most genuinely community-driven, affordable, and flat-out memorable experiences the road has to offer. While everyone else is fighting for a campsite near a national park, you could be rolling into a small town that transforms completely for one weekend a year & where the locals are fiercely proud, the food is sometimes ridiculous, and the stories you bring home are the ones you're still telling a decade later.

They also solve one of the most common problems RVers face: where do we go next?

Most travel planning starts with geography "we want to see the Southwest" or "let's do the coast." But festival planning starts with an experience and lets the map figure itself out. You find out the National Hollering Contest is in Spivey's Corner, North Carolina, and suddenly you have a destination, a date, a route, and a reason. That's how the best RV trips actually happen ... not from a spreadsheet, but from a moment where someone says "we HAVE to go to THAT."

A Few Favorites From the Episode

We covered a wild range in this one — and we're not going to spoil all of it because you really need to hear the game format for yourself. But here's a taste of what made the list:

�� Asparagus Festival — Stockton, California Deep fried asparagus is everything you think it is and more. This is a legitimate California institution and the perfect excuse to route through the Central Valley in spring. Come hungry.

�� Roswell UFO Festival — Roswell, New Mexico If you haven't been, put it on the list right now. The entire town leans completely into the mythology and the result is one of the most enthusiastically weird weekends in the American Southwest. Camp nearby, come in for the chaos, leave with stories and probably an alien-themed souvenir you didn't need but absolutely bought.

�� National Hollering Contest — Spivey's Corner, North Carolina This is real. People train for this. There are categories. The dedication of the competitors is something to behold & we are not exaggerating when we say this might be the most uniquely American event on the entire list.

�� Butterfly Migrations & Salmon Runs Nature puts on its own festivals — and they run on a schedule. Timing your travel around a monarch butterfly migration or a salmon run adds something to a trip that no theme park can replicate. Free, spectacular, and completely unforgettable.

�� Bologna Festival We're not going to say too much here. You need to listen to the episode. Just know that bologna is more serious than you think & someone in this country has dedicated an entire festival to proving it.

�� Mike the Headless Chicken Festival — Fruita, Colorado Let's talk about Mike. In 1945, a Colorado farmer named Lloyd Olsen went out to chop a chicken's head off for dinner. The chicken — Mike — did not cooperate with this plan. Mike survived. For eighteen months. Without a head. He toured the country. He was featured in Life magazine. He became a legend.

And now every May, the town of Fruita, Colorado throws a full festival in his honor. There are games. There are activities. There is a 5K run called the "Run Like a Headless Chicken Race." There is a competition to see who can keep a live chicken under control the longest. The entire town shows up to celebrate a rooster who simply refused to accept his fate.

Does Mike deserve his own festival? We would argue Mike deserves a national holiday. The sheer audacity of that chicken is the most American thing we have ever heard and Fruita, Colorado, absolutely understood the assignment.

How to Use This Episode to Plan Your 2026 Routes

Pull up a map. Pull up this episode. Hit play. Every time something sounds interesting, drop a pin. By the time the episode wraps, you'll have a scattering of pins across the country that tell you exactly where the road wants to take you this year.

The best part? Most of these festivals happen in smaller towns, which means less crowded campgrounds, lower nightly rates, friendlier locals, and the kind of off-the-beaten-path experience that makes you feel like you actually found something instead of just following the tourist trail.

And honestly? Some of the best RV trips we've ever heard about from this community didn't start with a grand plan. They started with someone saying "you know what, let's just go see the thing."

Go see all the things.

�� You Need to Hear This Episode. Like, Right Now.

2026 Festival Frenzy: A Wild Ride Through America's Quirkiest Events

Season 2 Premiere | Learn to RV The Podcast

We haven't even told you half of what's in this episode. Jennifer, Tasha, Frank, and Matthew play a game that gets progressively more chaotic, more competitive, and more hilarious with every round... and somewhere in the middle of the side-splitting laughs and the absolutely unhinged festival discoveries, you're going to realize you're also building your entire 2026 travel calendar.

That's the magic of this one. You'll laugh until you cry.

You'll pause it to Google something.

You'll text someone "YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS."

Find out who won the sasquatches that round.

And then you'll open your map app and start dropping pins.

The Season 2 premiere of Learn to RV The Podcast did not disappoint. Pure fun, completely unscripted, and exactly the kind of real community energy that makes this show different from everything else in your podcast feed. The laughs are genuine, the competition gets surprisingly intense, and the travel bucket list that comes out of it is so weird and so wonderful it could only have been born inside the Learn to RV universe. Oh & let's just say this episode gives a whole new meaning to winner winner chicken dinner. ��

If you miss this one, you'll know it. Your RV friends will be talking about it. Your travel plans will be missing something incredible. And you will spend the rest of 2026 wishing you had dropped those pins when you had the chance. Hit play.

�� learntorvthepodcast.com

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and everywhere you listen.

Finding Your Tribe on the Road: Friends & Campfire Chemistry

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:55:06 GMT

The RV Travel Buddy Checklist: Avoid Caravan Drama & Keep the Journey Fun

There’s something about RV life that makes people feel both wildly free and strangely tender. You can wake up with a new view every few days, but you can also feel untethered in a way that hits hard at sunset, when everyone else seems to have “their people” parked three sites over with the string lights and the easy laughter.

The good news is this: the road is full of community.

The tricky part is learning how to find it, nurture it, and sometimes step away from it without setting the bridge on fire.

Whether you’re looking for road friends, a travel buddy, or you’re dating (that's probably another blog entirely!) and wondering if you should roll the dice on traveling together, this is your reminder that you can build a connection out here without losing yourself.

Some of our best seasons on the road have started with us driving away with friends.

Sometimes it turns into months of shared plans and matching routes. Other times it is a few weeks of ebbing and flowing along the same general path, meeting up, splitting off, and circling back when it works.

There is no wrong way to do it.

But traveling with new road friends before you really know them can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Especially when you start learning the details along the way and realize you do not align quite the way you thought you did back when the idea sounded perfect over a few beers.

Why RV Friendships Feel Different (and Sometimes Faster)

In regular life, friendships can take months to build. You meet someone, you see them occasionally, you make plans, you cancel, you try again. On the road, you might spend three nights parked next to someone and end up sharing more life stories than you have with people back home.

That’s not weird. That’s proximity and simplicity.

RV life strips things down. You’re outside more. People are walking dogs, fixing water hoses, asking if anyone has an extra adapter. Conversations start naturally.

Plus, there’s a shared understanding: you chose this life, and that choice is its own kind of bond. But fast friendship can be confusing. It can feel like finding your tribe after one good campfire talk. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s just a beautiful “road chapter” friendship.

Both are real.

How to Actually Make Friends With RV’ers (Without Feeling too Awkward)

You don’t have to be the most outgoing person in the campground to find your people. You just need repeatable, low-pressure ways to connect.

Here are a few that work almost everywhere....

Be visible. Sit outside. Take a walk. Wave. RV life is “porch life.” If you’re always inside, people assume you want privacy.
Use micro-openers. Compliment something specific:
“That’s a great setup.”
“Your rig is beautiful, what model is it?”
“How do you like that solar setup?”
Offer help or ask for advice. RV’ers love sharing what they’ve learned (often the hard way).
“Have you found a good dump station nearby?”
“Do you know if the wind gets bad here?”
Join the temporary community hubs.
campground events, potlucks, laundry rooms (seriously), dog parks, trailheads, visitor centers
Say yes once. Not forever. Just once.
If someone invites you to a walk, a campfire, or coffee, try saying yes one time. You can always return to your own space after.

Most importantly: don’t assume everyone already has their group. A lot of people are quietly hoping someone will talk to them first.

Finding Your Tribe

Not every friendly conversation has to turn into friendship, and not every friendship turns into your tribe.

Your tribe is the group where you can exhale. Where you can be your full self without performing. Where your travel style and values don’t constantly clash.

Here are a few “tribe signals” worth paying attention to:

Similar pace: Are they “drive every day” people or “stay a month” people?
Similar budget: Do they like free camping, bougie resorts, or a blend?
Similar energy: Are they constant socializers or do they value quiet?
Similar lifestyle boundaries: Drinking culture, noise, pets, kids, politics, faith, etc.
Similar conflict style: When things get weird, do they communicate kindly or get passive and dramatic?

You can like someone and still not travel well with them. That’s not a failure.

The “Travel Buddy Dating” Mindset (Friends Edition)

Committing to a long route with someone you barely know is like signing a lease together after one coffee. It can be amazing, but it deserves a slower ramp.

Think of it like:

Match (you meet and vibe)
Screen (you compare travel styles)
Trial run (you do a short trip)
Commit (you book the big route)
Exit plan (you agree how to split if needed)

The Travel Buddy “Application” (Questions That Save the Trip)

These are the questions that matter before you say “Let’s do the whole Route 66 together.”

Pace + style

How many drive days per week feels good?
Do you like early starts or slow mornings?
Are you a planner or spontaneous?

Money + budget comfort

What’s your nightly budget range?
Do you prefer RV parks, state parks, or boondocking?
Are you okay splitting costs, or do you prefer “everyone pays their own”?

Togetherness expectations

Are we traveling “together together” (same campground, same days), or more like “same general route, meet up sometimes”?
How much solo time do you need?

Rules + boundaries

Quiet hours, guests, drinking, pets, smoking, music volume.
What’s a hard no for you on the road?
Are you a night owl & your travel buddies.... are not?

Stress behavior

What happens when you’re tired, lost, or something breaks?
Are you direct, avoidant, snappy, problem-solver?

Must-sees vs must-avoids

What are your “non-negotiable” stops on the journey?
What kinds of places do you hate?

If someone gets defensive about basic questions, that’s useful information.

The “Date” Phase: Low-Stakes Trials Before a Big Commitment

Before a full iconic route, do these in order:

One campground weekend See how communication feels.
A 3–5 day mini-route Includes at least one driving day and one decision day.
A 2-week stretch Long enough for real habits to show up.

During the trial, there are some things to watch for.

Do they make decisions with you or at you?
Do they respect your downtime?
Do you feel more relaxed or more on edge?

Compatibility is less about being “nice” and more about being easy to travel with .

Define the Commitment (So Nobody Assumes)

A lot of travel-friend breakups happen because one person thought:

“We’re doing this whole thing together.”

…and the other person thought:

“We’re loosely caravanning.”

Before you commit, agree on:

What “together” means (same sites or just same route)
How far you’re committing (full route, one state, two weeks)
Decision rules (how you choose stops, pace, rest days)
Communication cadence (daily check-in, weekly planning session)

You Can Do This (and Keep the Friendship)

Yes, you can absolutely find your people on the road and pull off a big trip together, like Route 66, without it turning into a weird, tense reality show where someone “accidentally” leaves someone else at a Love’s in Oklahoma.

But here’s the truth that makes it work: friendship is an investment , not just a shared playlist and a mutual love of vintage roadside signs. Investing in a travel friendship looks like asking the un-fun questions early, doing a short “trial run,” and being brave enough to say, “Hey, I need a little alone time today,” before it becomes, “I’m going to ‘run to the store’ and never return.”

The Best Part: A “Breakup Plan” That Protects the Friendship

This is the secret sauce. Normalize it like adults:

“If one of us wants to change pace, we say it early.”
“Either person can call for a split with 48 hours notice.”
“We part with appreciation and no trash talk.”
“We agree on how shared reservations or costs get handled.”

And honestly, the things that derail a caravan are rarely the “big” things people think to discuss. It’s usually the small stuff you only discover after day five when everyone’s hungry, it’s 97 degrees, and the GPS just rerouted you onto a road that absolutely does not want your rig.

Like:

The social battery mismatch. One person is a total extrovert who thinks “traveling together” means every meal, every stop, every night around the fire. Another person is an introvert who needs quiet mornings and a little space to recharge. Nobody’s wrong, but if you do not talk about it, somebody ends up feeling rejected and somebody else ends up feeling smothered.

The snack situation. It sounds ridiculous until it isn’t. Maybe someone is allergic to peanut butter and another person treats peanut butter like an essential RV supply, right up there with sewer hoses and leveling blocks. Or someone is gluten-free. Or someone cooks with strong smells in a tiny shared space. These are easy fixes when they’re discussed early, and unnecessary drama when they’re discovered mid-trip.

This is why I like to think of it as “travel buddy dating” . Not romance. Not commitment-phobia. Just a smart, friendly process of getting to know how people actually travel before you sign up for months of decisions, schedules, and side-by-side living.

The goal is not to interrogate people or “screen them out.” The goal is to set everyone up to win.

On the road, you don’t get the luxury of shallow connections — every shared meal, every late-night troubleshooting session, every “hey, we’re headed that way too” becomes part of a long-term emotional portfolio.

Friends who show up when the roof leaks or the plans fall apart are the ones who make this life feel steady. They’re the people who sit with you in the lonely moments and celebrate the good ones too. With them, belonging isn’t tied to a place , it travels with you from state to state

You’re investing time, trust, flexibility, and a whole lot of shared miles. The better you communicate up front, the more likely you are to end up with the best kind of RV friendship: the kind where you can laugh about the hard parts later, share the good stuff in real time, and still wave excitedly when you cross paths again—whether it’s next week or next year.

Must-Have RV Tools: The Complete Toolkit for Every RV Owner

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:35:12 GMT

Everyday tools for RV Safety, Upkeep, Emergency RV Repairs and Roadside Fixes

Planning your RV adventure means more than mapping routes and booking campsites.

Whether you're a first-time RVer or a seasoned road warrior, having the right tools on

hand can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a trip-ending

breakdown.

Before we dive into the essentials, there are three things you should know to keep in

mind:

Your personal mechanical skill level,
Your available storage space
The weight capacity of your rig. These are big considerations when building your own toolkit.

Don't think you're mechanically inclined? Don’t worry — many RV repairs are simpler than

you think, and the RV community is incredibly helpful. Fellow RVers have helped us

more times than I can count.

Your toolkit will likely evolve as you gain experience. Many RVers start with extensive

collections and pare down to what they actually use on the road. We did it quite the

opposite way — the Martin way. Even after all our pre-launch research, we still hit the

road missing some key tools that we’ve added to our kit over the years.

Essential RV Maintenance Tools

Many of the essentials can be found in a good mechanic’s tool set. The best set will

include everything from wrenches and sockets to screwdrivers and pliers in both

standard and metric tools. Pick one that’s good durability (so they can handle the

toughest jobs) and stored in a sturdy case to keep you organized on the road. If you

don’t have the space or budget for a set, you can piece together some necessities to

help keep you traveling safely down the road.

Screwdriver Collection

A ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver handles most jobs and saves space, as well as time for the user. And it’s just easier on your screw and wrist when you don’t have to lift and reposition the tool after every turn. My favorite screwdriver in our box is a ratcheting, multi-bit, magnetic-tip screwdriver that not only gives me many different screwdriver heads to choose from but also keeps me from dropping and losing the screw — as I always inevitably do. You'll also want standard flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, plus a precision screwdriver set to work on your electronics, appliances, and battery compartments.

Socket Wrench Sets

Both 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch drive sockets are great to have for RV

maintenance and repairs. Here's the challenge: RVs often mix metric and imperial

fasteners. So, investing in a quality six-point socket set that works for both is a good

idea. Also pack a reliable ratchet with multiple extension lengths.

Pliers and Hand Tools

Stock regular pliers, adjustable pliers, and locking pliers. Two

useful pliers to have on-hand are needle-nose and channel locks (also called slip joint

pliers). Add an adjustable wrench and a hammer or rubber mallet to round out your

basics.

Beyond the Mechanic’s Toolkit: Essential Add-Ons

Specialty, Multi-Tools, and Pocket Knives A quality multi-tool is arguably the most-

used item in any toolkit. A mini hacksaw blade, small plane, and sandpaper are nice to

have on hand for any DIY carpentry repairs. It’s also handy to keep a pocketknife on

hand for everyday tasks in and out of the RV. One of the first specialty tools we bought

was a foldable hand shovel, great for helping dig out tires, leveling uneven ground, or

clearing brush.

Electrical Diagnostics A basic multimeter and non-contact voltage tester are game-

changers for troubleshooting electrical issues. And if you’re unsure of how to use them,

there are plenty of instructional videos online that can walk you through the money- and

time-saving steps. Trust me. The time spent learning will be better than money spent on

future service calls.

Adhesives

Grab some heavy-duty tape for on-the-go repairs. We keep duct tape,

electrical tape, and Teflon tape in a small bucket inside our front door. If you have a roof

leak, EternaBond can be a temporary Band-Aid until you can get to an RV roofing

specialist, but you should always check with your insurance, the company doing the

repair, and the manufacturer to make sure this temporary solution does not void your

warranty or insurance claim. And on the topic of roofs, caulk may be essential for roof

maintenance depending on the type of roof you have.

Tire Essentials

Our Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) offers superior

monitoring of our tires while we’re on the road. It’s a peace of mind I wouldn’t go

without. And when the alarm rings, a portable air compressor with tire pressure gauge

saves the day.

Lighting

Nothing is worse than breaking down on the side of the road in the dark.

Except breaking down on the side of the road in the dark without a light. We have SO

many flashlights and so many different kinds. Headlamps are super helpful because

they keep your hands free to manage the work. It’s important to store them in locations

you can reach whether your RV is packed up and rolling down the road or set up to

camp. And make sure to check the batteries regularly.

Safety and Emergency Equipment

Roadside Emergency Kit

Above all, preparation is key. A quality bottle jack is essential to have on hand, and you should always have quality spare tires. Always carry regular- sized tires for spares rather than donut spares because the weight of an RV is significant.

Tire plugs on an RV are only a short‑term solution to a bigger problem. We don’t recommend using plugs as a long‑term fix, but in a pinch, it’s certainly better than being stuck with a flat.

Hazard triangles, flares, and reflective neon vests are important for roadside safety and visibility. You might also consider including tire chains, a tire plug kit, a portable jump starter or jumper cables, traction mats, and other items depending on the terrain and environment in which you’ll be RVing.

Fire Safety

You’ve probably heard RVs referred to as tinderboxes. There’s a reason for

that — they are highly flammable. That’s why it is so important to take every fire safety

precaution you can in your RV.

We’ve placed fire extinguishers strategically throughout our rig and tow vehicle for easy access. Consider a fire blanket for the kitchen and pay close attention to the types of fires your extinguishers treat when purchasing them.

Place additional extinguishers in storage areas and outdoor kitchens. You may also

consider investing in a Proteng Fire Suppression System to protect your RV.

Roadside Assistance

Research and invest in a roadside assistance plan designed for your RV. Some RV memberships already include discounts for roadside assistance plans, like FRVA’s Roadside Rescue®, so check to see what is already available to you through the memberships you have. While no plan is perfect, having one can be invaluable when you're stranded.

First Aid Kit

A comprehensive first aid kit handles minor injuries and medical situations

on the road. Our new favorite kit, thanks to an introduction by fellow RVers this fall, is

My Medic First Aid. We keep one kit in our RV and one in our tow rig, just so we’re

prepared at all times. They come in convenient backpacks, so if we’re hiking or out

exploring, we can easily take one with us without additional packing.

Communication Devices

While smartphones are convenient, they're useless without tower coverage. An emergency radio keeps you informed when cell service fails. We have a hand-crank, solar-powered radio to ensure we have information anywhere.

We also use walkie talkies to communicate when parking our rig or caravaning with others.

Food and Water Keep backup clean water options, like a LifeStraw or water purification

tablets, as well as at least three days of shelf-sustainable, non-perishable foods in your

emergency supplies.

Building Your Perfect RV Toolkit

Building your own RV toolkit doesn’t have to be daunting. Start with the basics and add

tools as you identify your needs. Your toolkit should reflect your travel style. Full-timers

need more comprehensive setups than weekend warriors. Whatever your approach,

proper preparation will ensure that you're ready to manage common on-the-road issues so you can enjoy your adventures with confidence.

Visit a Piece of Presidential History

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:36:28 GMT

America is full of historical sites, parks, homes, and museums.

Over the past few years, we have enjoyed visiting the presidential museums of five former presidents.

Note: The links on the first four are to theramblingquilter.com where I have information on admission, camping, and more about each location.

Abraham Lincoln

If you ever find yourself in Springfield, Illinois, along Route 66, be sure to check out the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Here you will find the wonderfully preserved home where our 16th president and his family lived prior to and while he was running for president. Walk the streets where he walked on his way to work in his law office and go through his home and the neighboring homes with more artifacts about his life before he became president.

When you are finished there, head to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, which tells of his time as president.

You can also visit the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery (a short drive from the museum).

Ronald Reagan

On top of a mountain overlooking Simi Valley near Los Angeles, California, is the very impressive Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

The museum chronicles the late president’s life from early radio, through television and movies, his time as Governor of California, President of the United States and culminating in his later years and subsequent passing at the age of 93.

Along with many artifacts, there is also a wonderful display of his presidential vehicles, including Air Force One, Marine One, and Secret Service motorcade vehicles.

George W. Bush

Dallas, Texas, is steeped in presidential history. It is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Situated on the campus of Southern Methodist University, this museum is spectacular. There is a full-size replica of the Oval office, displays of gifts presented to the president and first lady, clothing worn by the first lady, and many other artifacts.

One of the most moving for us was the 9/11 section. Along with countless newspaper articles and the president’s schedule on that day, there was also a piece of the World Trade Center.

While in Dallas be sure to check out Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Sixth Floor Museum is inside the Texas School Book Depository and chronicles the life and tragic death of President John F. Kennedy.

As you can see from this Google image, there are two Xs on Elm Street marking the two spots where President Kennedy was hit as his motorcade progressed along Elm Street from right to left in the picture.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Known as the Texas White House, the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park is located in Fredericksburg, Texas, on his ranch.

Be sure to begin your day at the LBJ State Park and Historic Site visitor center. If you are driving, you will need a free permit to be on the grounds, which you can get there.

You can take a driving tour around the complex and walk among the buildings. “Air Force One-Half” is also located in a hanger at the end of the runway he had constructed on the property.

There are also buildings on the property that tell more of his life, as well as the family cemetery.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Abilene, Kansas is home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home . We made a stop here on our way through and were glad we did. While not as grand as some of the other presidential museums and libraries, this one is just as informative. Definitely worth a stop if you are on your way through the area.

The Place of Meditation is a beautiful chapel and final resting place for the late president.

If you are a homeschooler (or just a lifelong learner), these stops are wonderful educational opportunities. There are so many interesting and historical spots, so get out there and explore.

Note: The links on the first four are to theramblingquilter.com where I have information on admission, camping, and more about each location.

Jennifer Skinnell is a Learn to RV contributing author specializing in practical RV living. She brings real world experience & wisdom and approachable advice to RVers at every stage of the journey.

Random Acts of Kindness Day - RV Life Edition

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:54:29 GMT

Mindful Ways to Bless Others While You Travel

Random Acts of Kindness Day is coming, and RVers are uniquely positioned to spread joy everywhere we go. We roll into new towns, meet new people, share spaces with strangers, and cross paths with travelers who might be having the best day of their trip… or the worst.

Kindness on the road doesn’t have to be big or complicated. It just has to be intentional.

Here’s a version of ROAK Day made just for RV life — full of simple gestures, travel‑smart tips, and ways to bless others while you wander.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is officially on February 17, 2026 (always celebrated on February 17th). There's also Random Acts of Kindness Week , which in 2026 runs from February 16-22, 2026 (the week that includes February 17th).

Be the Calm Voice During Someone’s Setup Stress

We’ve all watched someone back into a site with the intensity of a NASA launch.

A gentle, “You’re doing great,” or “Want a spotter?” can turn a tense moment into a win.

Travel Tip:

If you’re the one offering help, keep it kind and non‑intrusive. Some folks want assistance; others just want space.

Share Your Extras — RVers Always Have Extras

That spare sewer gasket, extra leveling block, or leftover firewood might be exactly what someone else needs.

Kind Gesture:

Create a tiny “free box” outside your rig for the day — fuses, clothespins, a couple of bottled waters, dog treats.

It’s simple and surprisingly impactful.

Leave a Campsite Better Than You Found It

Pick up trash, clean out a fire ring, or straighten a picnic table.

Travel Tip:

Carry a small collapsible trash grabber and a spare ba g in your outside bin.

It takes seconds and blesses the next camper.

Offer Local Tips to New Arrivals

You know the best coffee shop, the easiest fuel station, or the prettiest sunset spot.

Kind Gesture:

Share a quick list with your neighbors or leave a handwritten note on the campground bulletin board.

Pay It Forward at the Dump Station

Dump stations are the great equalizer — everyone ends up there eventually.

Kind Gesture:

Let someone with a small rig go ahead of you.

Or offer a spare pair of gloves to the person who clearly forgot theirs.

Bless a Solo Traveler or a Single Parent

Solo RVers carry the weight of every task.

Offer to help with:

• Lifting a heavy grill

• Checking brake lights

• Guiding a hitch hookup

• Carrying laundry

A few minutes of your time can ease hours of their stress.

Share Your Campfire

Campfires are community builders.

Travel Tip:

Invite a neighbor to join you — especially someone traveling alone or a family new to RVing.

You never know what stories you’ll hear.

Leave a Kindness Note in a Surprising Place

Slip a note into:

• A campground laundry machine

• A bathroom mirror

• A picnic table

• A dog‑walking station

Something simple like:

“You’re doing better than you think.”

Offer a Travel‑Day Blessing

When you see someone packing up to leave, wish them safe travels.

Kind Gesture: If you’ve been to their next destination, share a quick tip — a good fuel stop, a scenic overlook, or a road to avoid.

While blessings never have to be monetary, sometimes a small gift speaks volumes. A tip for the campground host who’s been running around all day, a gas card for the gate guard who greets every rig with a smile, or even a simple Starbucks card slipped into someone’s hand can brighten a long shift more than you’ll ever know.

These folks keep campgrounds running smoothly, often in the background, often without thanks. A tiny token of appreciation isn’t about the dollar amount—it’s about saying, “I see you. I value what you do.” And on Random Acts of Kindness Day, that kind of acknowledgment can be the biggest blessing of all.

Be Kind to Yourself, Too

RV life can be beautiful… and exhausting.

Travel Tip:

Give yourself a slow morning, a quiet walk, or a break from the to‑do list.

Kindness starts with the person behind the wheel.

Kindness Travels Farther Than We Do

The beauty of RV life is that every mile gives us a new chance to make someone’s day a little lighter.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a reminder — but the truth is, RVers practice this all year long.

A shared tool.

A friendly wave.

A warm fire.

A moment of patience.

A little generosity at just the right time.

These are the things people remember long after the trip is over.

So wherever your wheels take you this week, sprinkle a little kindness along the way.

It’s the easiest thing to pack and the most meaningful thing to leave behind.

Do you travel with kids? Random Acts of Kindness Day is one of the most meaningful opportunities to teach them what RV life is really about—connection, community, and seeing beyond our own little world. Life on the road gives children a front‑row seat to people from every background, every age, and every walk of life.

When we invite our kids to participate in kindness, we’re helping them notice others, understand needs, and practice generosity in simple, powerful ways.

Kindness becomes a family culture when kids get to be part of it. Let them choose a neighbor to surprise with cookies, help pick up trash on a trail, hand a treat to a campground pet, or draw a picture for the camp host.

These small acts teach them that they have the ability to brighten someone’s day—no matter their age, no matter where the wheels are parked.

And the beautiful thing about RV life is that kindness travels with you. Every campground, every fuel stop, every hiking trail becomes a chance to plant a seed of goodness that your kids will carry long after the trip ends.

To all the RV camping families out there: This ROAK Day, invite your kids into the adventure of giving.

Let them lead.

Let them dream.

Let them see how even the smallest gesture can ripple outward in ways they may never fully know.

Because raising kind kids on the road doesn’t just bless others—it shapes the kind of travelers, neighbors, and humans they’ll become.

Roadschooling in Action :

Foster a spirit of Giving

Learn to RV The Podcast Season 2 is Coming!

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:24:13 GMT

Join the voices shaping Season 2 of Learn to RV The Podcast

Season 2 is almost here, and the whole Learn to RV community is buzzing. This year feels bigger, brighter, and a whole lot more us with more stories, more laughter, more “oh wow, that happened to you too?” moments. If you love real RV life, real people, and real conversations, you’re in the right place.

We’re leaning all the way into what makes this community special: the families, the dreamers, the creators, the roadschoolers, the retirees, the weekend warriors, and everyone who’s ever said, “Let’s just go see what’s out there.”

The Monday lineup for Season 2 is absolutely incredible… but our lips are sealed for now.

You’ll have to tune in to see what we’ve been cooking up behind the scenes and how the podcast is shifting in all the best ways.

• Season 2 is moving with intention and a whole lot of heart

• The community is showing up in ways that surprise us every week

• And yes… we’re finding new ways to get the guys even more involved this season

• Fresh Community Spotlight episodes every Thursday

• New voices from every corner of the RV world

• Stories that make you laugh, nod, and maybe tear up a little

• Even more tips, lessons learned, and those “wish I’d known that sooner” gems

Season 2 of Learn to RV The Podcast isn’t just a podcast... It’s a campfire conversation with friends you haven’t met yet. Episode 1 of Season 2 of Learn to RV the Podcast drops on Monday February 16th! We're exploring all the quirky festivals and hidden gems you didn't know existed — and you'll definitely want to add a few to your travel calendar. Expect tons of fun with LOTS of laughs. Don't miss it!

We are SO excited!

Because this community keeps growing, and keeps proving that RV life is about so much more than miles and campgrounds. It’s about the people. It’s about your stories. It’s about learning from each other and cheering each other on from across the miles.

Whether you stay on the free tier or choose a membership, you’re part of the Learn to RV community either way.

Join the Ride!

New episodes drop every Monday, and our Community Spotlight Series lights up your Thursdays. You're going to LOVE the incredible guests we've lined up for this season — their stories are wild, inspiring, and totally relatable.

NEW This Season: Business Spotlight Feature!

We're launching a brand-new segment where RV industry businesses get to tell their story. This isn't just about what you sell — it's about the people behind the brand. Your journey, your "why," and what makes your business tick. Our listeners want to know the faces and stories behind the products and services they use. Let's give them that connection!

Here's the thing: We only have a few Community Spotlight spots left for Season 2, and one of them has YOUR name on it. Seriously. Whether you're an RVer with an amazing story or a business owner ready to share your journey, now's the time to stop thinking and start doing.

Click the button, grab your spot on the schedule, and let's tell your story together. We can't wait to feature you and your RV journey this season! ��️

We've Got Our Own Corner of the Internet!

Learn to RV The Podcast has its very own dedicated space on the web with an entire community waiting for you! Stop by, leave a comment, or drop us a voice message.

Seriously, we'd LOVE to start reading and playing more messages from our fans on air.

Your voice could be featured on the next episode. How cool is that? Come say hi!

Find Your Tribe!

The Learn to RV Podcast Facebook group is a dedicated community where real RVers share real advice, answer your burning questions, and celebrate the wins (and laugh about the fails). Whether you're brand new to RVing or a seasoned road warrior, this is where you'll find your people.

Join today , ask questions, share your journey, and connect with fellow adventurers who just get it. Your tribe is waiting!

The Learn to RV Patreon community is FREE for your first 7 days — and it's always free to join. The free tier is really just a way for you to stay in the loop. It lets you know when new podcast episodes drop, when we release community spotlights, and when there are things you might want to check out or buy that you won't want to miss.

Patreon Exclusives for Supporters

When you support Learn to RV the Podcast on Patreon, you're not just getting early access — you're getting so much more :

��️ Early podcast drops (1 week before everyone else)
�� Bonus episodes & blooper reels
��️ VIP access to live shows, meet-and-greets, and rally meetups
�� Exclusive swag like membership kits, stickers, mugs, and annual gifts

The higher your tier, the bigger the perks. From Spark Starters to Bonfire Builders, there's a level for every kind of supporter — and we can't wait to welcome you to the campfire!

But here's where it gets even better: On February 16th, if you're a Patreon member, you'll ALSO have access to Episode 2 of Season 2. That's right — every week our Patreon supporters get an early drop before anyone else.

If you ever want to support t he podcast beyond that, we also offer tiered membership subscriptions. Those paid tiers are completely optional, but they help us keep the podcast going and come with extra perks for members.

We're Everywhere You Are!

Not only can you catch Learn to RV the Podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and more — but you can also follow along on Buy Me a Coffee .

Wait, what's Buy Me a Coffee? And why should you care?

Think of it as a laid-back way to support creators you love while staying connected. You can leave tips, get exclusive updates, and join a community of fellow RV enthusiasts who are all about the journey. It's like Patreon's chill cousin — low pressure, high connection.

And that's not all! Follow us on all social media platforms, AND you can watch every single episode on YouTube. Whether you're listening on the road or watching from the comfort of your RV (or couch), we've got you covered.

Pick your platform and let's hit the road together!

Roadschooling Resources: Discovering Leaders, Landmarks & Legacies During Black History Month

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:26:16 GMT

Educational RV Travel for Black History Month: Worksheets, Historic Trails, & Family Learning Activities

February is one of the most meaningful months to be a roadschooling family — at any age, and at any stage of life. Whether you're a family on the road, a retiree exploring at your own pace, or simply someone who believes that history is worth understanding deeply, this month is an invitation to slow down and pay attention. The open road becomes a classroom, the places you visit become the teachers, and the stories you uncover become part of your family's shared history.

The open road has a way of making history feel alive. But you don't have to be traveling to take a deep dive. Black History Month is for every lifelong learner — the curious, the reflective, the ones who know that understanding where we've been is the only way to make sense of where we're going.

Black History Month invites us to look closer and connect with the leaders, landmarks, and legacies that shaped our country — not just through textbooks, but through lived experience. Whether you're rolling down the highway, sitting in your favorite chair, or planning your next adventure, this challenge meets you where you are.

Whether you're traveling this month, parked at a favorite campground, or planning your 2026 adventures, this challenge turns learning into an adventure. It's hands-on, curiosity-driven, and flexible enough for every kind of RVer: families, retirees, solo travelers, and anyone who believes learning should last all year long.

Why Roadschooling Makes Black History Month Come Alive

Roadschooling gives us something traditional classrooms can’t: the ability to stand where history happened. To walk across bridges where people marched for justice. To visit museums that preserve stories of courage. To hear music in the places it was born. To support communities whose contributions shaped our nation.

And even if you’re not traveling this month, virtual tours, books, music, and conversations can bring these stories right into your RV or living room.

Walk in History: The 8-Activity RV Challenge

Whether you're parked roadside or pulling into a new destination, these eight activities turn every stop into a living history lesson. Pick one, pick all eight, or let curiosity be your guide.

1. Find a Historic Marker

Every town has a story — even the small ones. Seek out a historic marker, statue, mural, or memorial connected to Black history. Reflect on where you found it, who or what it honors, and one new thing you learned. This simple activity teaches kids (and adults) that history isn't just in big cities — it's woven into everyday places.

2. Library or Bookstore Quest

Visit a local library or bookstore or even a thrift store & find a book written by a Black author, or a book about a Black historical figure. Choose one to read aloud this week — a picture book, a biography, a novel, or a memoir. Whatever sparks curiosity. Books open doors to conversations that last long after the last page.

3. Music on the Move

Turn your next travel day into a musical journey. Pick a genre — Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Motown, or Hip-hop — and listen together. Talk about the artist, how the music made you feel, and what themes or emotions you noticed. Music is history you can hear, and it's one of the most powerful ways to connect with culture.

4. Map It Out

Choose an influential Black leader — past or present. Find their birthplace and a major place connected to their work, then compare it to where you are today. This helps kids visualize distance, geography, and the idea that leaders come from everywhere.

5. Museum or Virtual Tour

Stop If you're near a major city, visit a museum. If not, take a virtual tour from your RV — the National Civil Rights Museum, The Legacy Museum, or the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. Record one powerful moment or exhibit. Draw a picture of something that stood out. These museums are deeply moving and worth adding to your 2026 travel plans if you can't visit this year.

6. Support a Black-Owned Business

Food, art, books, handmade goods — supporting Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to honor the month. Find a restaurant, shop, or maker near your route. Take a photo or write about what you tried or bought. It's a small act with big impact.

7. Roadside Reflection

During your next drive, talk about: "What does courage look like?" Tie it to someone you learned about this week. These conversations build empathy, understanding, and critical thinking — all from the passenger seat.

8. Creative Challenge

Create something inspired by your learning. It can be anything.... a drawing, a poem, a timeline, a mini-poster. Share it with the Roadschooling Resources community. Creativity helps cement learning in a way worksheets never could

Take time to Reflect

What surprised you? What inspired you? What you want to learn more about?

Reflection turns activities into understanding.

This Matters Well Beyond February

Black History Month is just a starting point — not a finish line. These stories deserve space in our travels, our conversations, and our learning all year long.

Maybe this month you explore virtually. Maybe you visit a local museum. Maybe you add Selma, Memphis, Montgomery, or Atlanta to your 2026 route. Maybe you simply start noticing the markers and stories hidden in the places you already visit.

Every step counts. Every conversation matters. Every mile teaches something new.

Black History Month Is Bigger Than One Story

Black History Month is about so much more than memorizing a single name, a single moment, or a single "famous first." It's an invitation to slow down, look deeper, and recognize that history is built from countless small acts of courage — many of them carried out by people whose names never made it into textbooks.

It's easy to focus on one well-known figure who sparked change, but the truth is that progress has always been a collective effort. Every march, every invention, every song, every classroom, every quiet act of resistance shaped the world we live in today. When we explore these stories, big and small, we start to see how deeply they've influenced our communities, our rights, our culture, and even the roads we travel.

Black History Month asks us to be reflective. To notice the connections. To understand how the bravery of one person can ripple outward and impact millions. And as roadschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to explore those ripples in real places, through real stories, and in ways that stay with us long after February ends.

Our Emergency Vet Visit for Tango on the Road

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:09:58 GMT

Emergency Vet Care on the Road: What to Do When Your Pet Is Suddenly Injured

One of the biggest lessons we have learned living full time on the road is that emergencies do not care about your plans. When you travel with pets, especially full time, they are part of every decision you make. Recently, while staying at a campground in central Florida, we were reminded of that in a very real way.

Tango was at the campground dog park when it happened. We are not exactly sure how or what caused it, but he ended up with a long cut along his side behind his right shoulder, from the fence. At first, he was acting normal and there was not much bleeding. But the cut was four to five inches long and clearly not something minor. Even though it looked like a surface injury at first, we knew right away this was an emergency.

Being on the road makes moments like this more stressful. You are not near your regular vet. You do not know the area well. You are trying to stay calm while making quick decisions. It was a Friday morning, which helped, but we still had to drop everything and focus on getting Tango help as fast as possible.

We did not already have a vet saved for that area, so we had to search on Google in the moment. Thankfully, we were lucky. An emergency vet was only about fifteen minutes away. That short drive felt much longer when you are worried about your dog and trying to keep him comfortable and calm.

Once Tango was examined, we realized how serious the injury actually was. What looked like a surface cut ended up requiring two layers of stitches, twenty stitches total, plus

about ten staples. It was a clear reminder that injuries can be worse than they first appear, especially with dogs whose fur can hide damage underneath.

The visit went well, and Tango was taken care of, but the experience changed how we think about traveling with pets. One of the biggest takeaways for us is the importance of planning ahead for emergencies, even if you hope you never need that plan. Now, once we settle into a new area, we take time to look up local vets and after hours emergency clinics and save them on our phones. In my opinion, this is one of the simplest and most important things RV’ers with pets can do.

Another lesson is to trust your gut. Tango was acting normal. The bleeding was minimal. But the length of the cut told us enough to know it needed professional care. On the road, it is easy to second guess yourself and try to downplay a situation. When it comes to your pets, it is always better to be cautious.

RV life is about freedom, but it also requires flexibility. That day, filming stopped. Plans changed. The schedule no longer mattered. What mattered was taking care of a member of our family. This is something every full time RVer eventually faces, whether it involves a breakdown, a weather event, or a pet emergency.

If you travel with pets, our advice is simple. Take a few minutes when you arrive somewhere new to note vet locations. Be prepared to pivot when plans fall apart. And never feel guilty for choosing your pet over content or timelines. That is part of real RV life.

If you want to see how this experience played out for us, we shared the full story on our YouTube channel, Campfires and Motors . And if you travel with pets, we would love to hear your tips for handling emergencies on the road. https://youtu.be/69d7zIsUWzQ

Groundhog Day Is Here… Is Your RV Ready for Spring?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:13:01 GMT

Groundhog Day: The RV Owner’s Secret New Year

Every February 2nd, the world pauses to watch a small, slightly bewildered groundhog waddle out, blink at the sky, and—this year—promptly see his shadow.

So… six more weeks of winter.

Because of course he did.

Will spring arrive fashionably late?

Will winter hang around like that one guest who won’t take the hint and go home?

Maybe.

But RVers know better: spring camping doesn’t wait for a rodent’s weather report.

Rallies are already revving up across the South, snowbirds are inching their way north, and campgrounds from Texas to Tennessee are stretching, yawning, and flipping their “Open” signs back around.

So while half the country is still buried under snowdrifts tall enough to qualify as national landmarks, this is the perfect moment to ask yourself...

Is your RV actually ready to roll the moment the groundhog finally gives us the all‑clear?

Let’s dive into the top 10 real, practical, absolutely‑worth‑doing tasks to get your rig road‑ready for spring.

1. Check Your Batteries (House + Chassis)

Cold weather is brutal on batteries. Before spring hits, make sure yours are:

• Holding charge

• Free of corrosion

• Topped off (for lead‑acid)

• Secure and clean

A weak battery in March can easily become a dead battery in April.

Your RV’s batteries are the heartbeat of your entire rig, and winter is when they take the hardest hit. Cold temperatures slow chemical reactions inside the battery, which means they lose capacity faster and recover more slowly. If corrosion builds up, water levels drop, or connections loosen during storage, your RV can struggle to power even the basics when spring rolls around.

That’s why this simple mid‑winter check matters so much: catching a weak battery now prevents electrical failures later, protects your converter and charging system from strain, and ensures your RV is ready to fire up the moment you’re ready to roll. A healthy battery bank is the difference between a smooth first trip and a frustrating, expensive delay.

2. Inspect Your Roof & Sealant

Even if your rig is still under snow, a quick visual check matters. Look for:

• Cracked sealant

• Loose lap seal

• Debris or branches

• Obvious p unctures

This is the season when small winter issues turn into spring leaks.

Your RV roof is the single largest, most exposed surface on your entire rig — and it’s the one component (other than your suspension) where shortcuts always come back to bite you. Winter storms, freeze–thaw cycles, debris, and UV exposure all work quietly and steadily against your roof. A tiny crack in sealant in February becomes a soft spot in April, and by June it can turn into structural damage that spreads far beyond the original leak.

Water doesn’t stay where it enters; it travels, it hides, and it destroys from the inside out. That’s why we harp on roof checks so often: because the roof is the difference between a safe, dry RV and a costly, trip‑ruining repair.

And here’s the truth RV owners learn the hard way — sealant is not a forever fix. It ages, it shrinks, it cracks, and it needs constant attention. If you’re tired of chasing leaks or wondering what’s happening under that caulk line, this is the moment to plan ahead.

RV Roofing Solutions offers a maintenance‑free roofing system that eliminates the endless cycle of scraping, resealing, and hoping for the best. It’s low‑VOC, professionally installed, and designed to protect your RV for the long haul.

Summer install schedules fill fast every year, especially once spring inspections start revealing hidden winter damage. If you want peace of mind before your big trips, get on the schedule now at rvroofingsolutions.com and lock in your spot before the rush hit

3. Test Your Propane System

Before you fire up the furnace or stove on your first trip:

• Check propane levels

• Inspect pigtails and regulators

• Test appliances for proper ignition

Propane issues are far easier to fix in February than on your first night out.

Propane is one of the most powerful—and potentially dangerous—systems on your RV, and problems often stay hidden until they become emergencies. Cold weather can stiffen hoses, weaken regulators, and cause small leaks that go unnoticed without proper testing. That’s why functioning propane detectors are non‑negotiable.

They’re your early‑warning system, designed to alert you long before you can smell or sense a problem. A detector that’s expired, unplugged, or ignored can’t protect you. And when it comes to repairs or adjustments, propane work should always be handled by a certified technician.

You can’t see internal regulator failures, micro‑leaks, or pressure imbalances with the naked eye—those issues only show up when a trained tech performs proper testing. Taking these steps now prevents fires, carbon monoxide exposure, appliance failures, and trip‑ending emergencies. A little attention in winter is what keeps your family safe and your RV adventure‑ready when spring arrives.

4. Flush & Sanitize Your Fresh Water System

If you winterized, great. But before spring camping:

• Flush antifreeze

• Sanitize the fresh tank

• Check for leaks at fittings and valves

• Inspect the water pump

Nothing says “welcome back to camping” like cle an, fresh water.

Properly flushing and sanitizing your fresh water system is one of the most important spring‑prep steps you can take, because whatever sits in those lines all winter is exactly what you’ll be drinking, cooking with, and showering in come spring. Antifreeze residue, stagnant water, and bacteria can linger in fittings, pumps, and low points if you don’t flush thoroughly.

A good sanitizing cycle not only protects your health but also helps you spot leaks early—before pressure builds and turns a tiny drip into a mid‑season repair. And if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your filtration setup, this is the perfect moment to add a Blu Technology water system to your RV. Their ultra‑fine filtration gives you clean, fresh‑tasting water at every campground, no matter what comes out of the spigot.

With RV show season in full swing, you might even catch a Blu Tech system on sale, making it an ideal time to invest in safer, better‑tasting water for the entire camping season.

5. Tires, Tires, Tires

Winter storage can cause flat spots and pressure loss.

Check:

• PSI

• Sidewall cracking

• Tread wear

• Date codes

If your tires are aging out, spring is the safest time to replace them.

Your tires are the only thing between your RV and the pavement, and they quietly take more abuse than almost any other component on your rig. Even if they “look fine,” age, UV exposure, under‑inflation, and winter storage can weaken the internal structure long before you see visible damage.

That’s why knowing when they were last replaced matters just as much as checking PSI or tread depth. A tired tire doesn’t always announce itself—it simply fails. And when an RV tire blows, it’s not just inconvenient; it can rip apart wheel wells, destroy plumbing and wiring, shred slide floors, and cause thousands of dollars in damage in seconds.

Managing tire health now—before your first spring trip—means you’re preventing the kind of catastrophic failure that ruins vacations and endangers your family. Replacing aging tires in spring isn’t overkill; it’s smart, proactive safety that keeps you rolling confidently into the new season.

6. Test All Safety Gear

This is the unglamorous but essential part of RV life.

• Smoke detectors

• CO detectors

• Fire extinguishers

• LP detectors

Replace batteries, te st alarms, and make sure extinguishers are charged.

Your safety gear is the quiet guardian of your RV, and it only matters when you need it most—so spring is the perfect time to make sure every device is ready to do its job.

Smoke, CO, and LP detectors all have expiration dates, and their sensors weaken long before they stop chirping. A detector that doesn’t alarm when it should is just a piece of plastic on the wall. Fire extinguishers can lose pressure over time, especially after winter storage, and a half‑charged extinguisher is as useless as having none at all.

This is also the moment to refresh your first‑aid kit and emergency supplies: check expiration dates, replace used or missing items, and make sure you have essentials like bandages, antiseptics, gloves, and any personal medications your family relies on.

Emergencies don’t wait for convenience, and the middle of a campground is the worst place to discover that something you thought would protect you… won’t. A few minutes of attention now gives you peace of mind all season long.

7. Give Your Awning a Look

Awnings take a beating in storage.

Check for:

• Tears

• Mold

• Sticking arms

• Loose hardware

A little silicone spray now saves a lot of frustration later.

Your awnings and slide toppers work harder than most people realize, and winter is when they quietly take the most damage. Fabric that sits rolled up for months can trap moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and dry rot.

UV exposure weakens the material over time, even when the awning is retracted, and wind can loosen hardware or stress the arms without you ever seeing it happen. Slide toppers are especially vulnerable because they collect debris—sticks, leaves, acorns—that can puncture or stretch the fabric when the slide moves.

A quick spring inspection helps you catch tears before they spread, remove buildup that strains the roller, and make sure the arms and springs move freely. A little silicone spray on the moving parts keeps everything gliding smoothly and prevents binding or premature wear.

Taking a few minutes now protects your awning from costly mid‑season failures and keeps your slide toppers doing their job: shielding your rig from water, debris, and the kind of hidden damage that only shows up when it’s too late.

8. Run Your Generator

Generators hate sitting still.

• Check oil

• Run under load

• Listen for surging

• Inspect the exhaust

A monthly exercise cycle keeps it healthy.

Your generator is a critical system on your RV, especially if you travel long distances, boondock, or rely on it for air conditioning during hot travel days. But generators absolutely hate sitting still.

When they go unused, fuel can varnish, moisture can build up, and internal components can stiffen—making it harder for the generator to start when you finally need it. That’s why a monthly exercise cycle is so important. Running your generator under load warms the oil, burns off moisture, circulates fuel, and keeps the carburetor and brushes healthy.

Think of it as “waking up” the generator so it remembers how to work. A neglected generator might crank endlessly, surge, or fail completely at the worst possible moment—like when you’re rolling down the highway in summer heat and need the roof AC to keep the family comfortable. A few minutes of maintenance now ensures your generator fires up confidently when you hit the road this spring.

9. Update Your Emergency & Tool Kits

Spring is the season of “I forgot that was in here.”

Refresh:

• First aid supplies

• Fuses

• Tools

• Flashlights

• Roadside gear

This is al so a great time to add anything you wished you had last season.

Updating your emergency and tool kits is one of those unglamorous tasks that pays off the moment something goes sideways. Spring is when most RVers discover half‑used first‑aid kits, dead flashlights, missing fuses, and tools that somehow migrated to the wrong compartment. This is a great time to restock bandages, antiseptics, gloves, and medications, replace every battery in every flashlight, and make sure your roadside gear is complete and functional.

Add in the items you wish you’d had last season—like a USB‑rechargeable camping light with long battery life, an emergency weather radio, or a compact jump pack. A fire‑safe envelope or pouch for your important documents is another smart addition; if you ever have to leave quickly, you’ll be grateful everything is in one protected place.

When the power goes out, the generator runs dry, or you find yourself pulled over on a dark shoulder, these are the tools that turn a crisis into an inconvenience. A well‑stocked emergency kit isn’t just preparedness—it’s peace of mind for every mile ahead.

10. Start Planning Your First Spring Trip

This is where the fun begins.

• Early‑spring rallies are already posting dates

• Southern states are buzzing with events

• Snowbirds heading north bring life back to the highways

• Campgrounds fill fast once March hits

Planning your first spring trip is where the excitement really kicks in, but it’s also the moment to get your digital life and memberships in order. Update your travel apps, campground apps, and navigation tools so nothing glitches when you’re on the road.

Make sure your memberships are current—especially programs like Family RV Association, where the included travel & medical assist program is something you never think about… until the day you desperately need it.

This is also the perfect time to review your RV insurance policy, confirm coverage details, and make sure everything matches how you actually travel.

Campgrounds start filling fast as early‑spring rallies launch and snowbirds begin their migration north, so booking ahead gives you the best spots and the least stress. And don’t forget to browse the rally calendars—spring is packed with events, meetups, and community gatherings that can shape your entire travel season. Dreaming is the first step, but a little planning now makes those dreams a whole lot smoother once the wheels start rolling.

Even if the groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter, your RV season starts the moment you start dreaming.

Spring Starts When You Decide It Does

Groundhog Day isn’t really about a shadow — it’s about momentum.

It’s the moment RVers shake off the winter slump and start imagining sunshine, campfires, and the first warm breeze through an open RV window.

Whether you’re heading south for early‑season rallies or prepping for that first spring weekend close to home, these ten tasks will make sure your RV is ready to roll the moment the weather cooperates.

Pro Tip: While bearing repacks didn’t make the official top‑10 list, they’re one of the most overlooked maintenance items that can save you from a highway disaster.

For most RVers, bearings should be repacked about once a year or roughly every 10,000–12,000 miles—but that timing shifts depending on how you camp.

Seasonal campers who park their rig for long stretches may go a bit longer, while full‑timers or frequent travelers should stay on the annual schedule.

Bearings don’t give much warning before they fail, and once they overheat, the damage is immediate and severe. A smoking bearing on the highway can seize an axle, shred a hub, or leave you stranded in a dangerous spot. Pairing regular maintenance with a reliable TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) adds another layer of protection.

A good TPMS can alert you to rising temperatures or pressure changes long before you feel something wrong behind the wheel. Staying ahead of these issues keeps your RV safe, your travels smooth, and your repair bills far lower than they would be after a roadside failure.

As winter slowly loosens its grip after the groundhog makes his grand appearance, RVers everywhere start feeling that familiar itch—the one that whispers, “It’s almost time.”

Maybe it’s the first day you notice the sun hanging around a little longer, or the moment you catch yourself scrolling rally calendars instead of finishing the task you were supposed to be doing. It’s the season of anticipation, of possibility, of dusting off dreams that have been parked for a few months.

I always think back to one early‑spring trip our family last spring. The snow was still melting in the ditches, the air had that crisp bite, and we weren’t entirely sure the campground would even be open. But we went anyway. The kids piled into the truck with their blankets, the generator coughed awake like it was stretching after a long nap, and the tires hummed their way toward the first adventure of the year.

When we pulled in, the place was nearly empty—just us, a couple of friends and 8000 ft in elevation in beautiful, but brisk, South Fork Colorado, and the promise of a new season.

We made hot cocoa, watched our breath float in the air, and laughed at how unprepared we were… but we were together, and we were rolling. That’s what mattered.

That’s the magic of spring RVing. It’s not about perfection. It’s about readiness, confidence, and the thrill of knowing the road is waking up right along with you.

Every checklist item you tackle now—every battery checked, every seal inspected, every kit refreshed—isn’t just maintenance. It’s preparation for the memories waiting just around the bend.

The Pirate's Takeover Tampa: The Gasparilla Experience

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:10:16 GMT

Pirate Takeover in Tampa: An RVer’s Guide to Gasparilla

If you’ve never been to Tampa during Gasparilla season, imagine this: pirates everywhere, beads flying through the air, music echoing down Bayshore, and a city that transforms into one giant, joyful, slightly chaotic celebration. Whether you’re a family with kids, a retired couple chasing sunshine, or just someone who loves a good pirate party, Gasparilla is one of those bucket‑list events you have to experience at least once.

And the best part? You can do it as an RVer — comfortably, affordably, and without getting swallowed by the crowds.

What Exactly Is Gasparilla?

Gasparilla is Tampa’s legendary pirate festival, inspired by the mythical pirate José Gaspar. Every year, the city hosts a massive “invasion,” complete with a full pirate ship sailing into the bay, a parade that rivals Mardi Gras, and weeks of events ranging from kid‑friendly to full‑on party mode.

It’s loud, it’s colorful, it’s quirky, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

If you’ve never experienced Tampa during Gasparilla, buckle up — because this isn’t just a parade, it’s a full‑blown pirate invasion.

The city transforms into a sea of swashbucklers, glittering beads, booming cannons, and enough pirate energy to make even the shyest landlubber shout “Arrr!” Whether you’re rolling in with kids, cruising in as retirees, or just someone who loves a good excuse to wear a pirate hat, Gasparilla is one of the most electric events you can experience as an RVer.

Gasparilla is Tampa’s claim to fame — a legendary celebration inspired by the mythical pirate José Gaspar. Picture a massive pirate ship sailing into the bay, thousands of costumed pirates lining Bayshore Boulevard, and a parade that feels like Mardi Gras collided with a Renaissance fair and decided to throw the biggest party of the year. It’s loud, it’s colorful, it’s chaotic in the best way, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

One of the best parts of doing Gasparilla as an RVer is that you get to enjoy the madness and retreat to your own cozy home on wheels when you’re done. Families love having a quiet place to decompress after the Children’s Parade. Retirees appreciate having their own chairs, shade, and snacks ready to go. And the pirate‑loving adults? Well, they love having a place to stash their beads and boots before heading back out for round two.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest (Main Invasion + Parade)

Saturday, January 31, 2026

This is the big one — the full pirate ship invasion at 11:30 a.m. and the massive Parade of Pirates in the afternoon.

Where Does Gasparilla Happen?

Gasparilla takes place in downtown Tampa, centered around:

• Hillsborough Bay (where the pirate ship sails in)

• Tampa Convention Center (docking point at 1 p.m.)

• Bayshore Boulevard (the 4.5‑mile parade route)

Parade day is an adventure all its own. The Children’s Gasparilla Parade is perfect for families — tons of beads, friendly crowds, and all the fun without the late‑night rowdiness. The main parade? That’s where the pirates come out in full force. Expect dancing, music, cannon blasts, and more pirate costumes than you’ve ever seen in your life. If you want to blend in, trust me — dress up. This is not the day to be shy.

RV‑friendly campgrounds around Tampa make it easy to join the fun without getting swallowed by the crowds. Whether you’re staying at Bay Bayou, E.G. Simmons, Lazy Days, or anywhere in between, you’re close enough to dive into the action but far enough to escape when you need a breather. Pack like you’re tailgating, arrive early, and bring your sense of humor — Gasparilla has a way of turning even the most organized traveler into a bead‑covered pirate by noon.

Where to Stay: RV‑Friendly Spots Near the Action

• MacDill AFB FamCamp (military families)

• Bay Bayou RV Resort

• Tampa East KOA

• E.G. Simmons Park (close to Ruskin, waterfront, affordable)

• Lazy Days RV Resort (a bit farther but full amenities)

Book early — Gasparilla fills up fast.

What to Expect on Parade Day
Whether you’re bringing kids, grandkids, or just your inner pirate spirit, here’s the deal.

For Families

• The Children’s Gasparilla Parade is the best bet — fun, safe, and bead‑heavy without the rowdy crowds.

• Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and a wagon if you have littles.

• Ear protection is smart for kids (and honestly, adults too).

For Retirees

• Find a comfortable viewing spot early.

• Bring chairs, shade, and plenty of water.

• The energy is high, but you can enjoy it at your own pace.

For Pirate‑Loving Adults

• The main parade is wild in the best way.

• Expect beads, music, dancing, and a whole lot of pirate swagger.

• If you want the full experience, dress up — everyone else does.

Best Tips for RVer s at Gasparilla

• Arrive early — traffic can get intense. There are various road closures .

• Use rideshare or park farther out and walk.

• Pack like you’re tailgating: chairs, coolers, snacks, sunscreen.

• Dress the part — pirate hats, boots, beads, and all.

• Have a meetup plan — cell service gets spotty.

• Don’t bring glass — it’s not allowed.

• Keep valuables in the RV — crowds get tight.

And when you’re not chasing beads or cheering on the floats, Tampa has plenty to explore. Grab a bite at Sparkman Wharf, wander the Riverwalk, check out Ybor City’s history, or cool off at the Florida Aquarium. Gasparilla weekend is the perfect mix of chaos and charm, and Tampa knows how to keep the fun going long after the parade ends.

Food, Fun, and Hidden Gems

Between events, explore Tampa’s gems:

• Sparkman Wharf for food + waterfront views

• Armature Works for indoor dining and shade

• Ybor City for history, cigars, and Cuban sandwiches

• The Florida Aquarium for a quieter day with kids

• Riverwalk for a scenic stroll

Gasparilla is more than a festival — it’s a rite of passage. It’s families making memories, retirees soaking up the sunshine, and pirate lovers of all ages letting loose for a day of pure, joyful nonsense. And as RVers, we get to experience it all with the comfort of home right behind us. That’s the magic of this lifestyle — we can chase the adventure, join the party, and still come back to our own little oasis at the end of the day.

So Why is Gasp arilla Worth It?

Gasparilla isn’t just a parade — it’s a tradition. It’s a city coming alive. It’s families making memories, retirees enjoying the sunshine, and pirate lovers of all ages letting loose for a day.

As RVers, we get to experience it with the comfort of home right behind us. That’s the magic of this lifestyle — we can chase the fun, join the adventure, and still come back to our own cozy space at the end of the day.

Ready to Join the Pirate Takeover?

Whether you’re rolling in with kids, cruising in as retirees, or showing up with your pirate crew, Gasparilla is one of those events you’ll talk about for years.

If Gasparilla is on your bucket list — or if you’ve been before — we’d love to hear your story. Every pirate has a tale, and every RVer has their own twist on the adventure.

Share your photos, your tips, your favorite moments… we might just feature your pirate crew next. And if you’re simply looking for something fun to do this weekend, well, Tampa’s pirate takeover might be exactly the kind of wild, unforgettable chaos you’ve been craving.

How to Set Up Your RV Kitchen: Essential Tools, Space‑Saving Tips, and Smart Storage Ideas

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:11:32 GMT

What to pack and how to maximize space, weight, and efficiency in a small RV kitchen.

Setting up your RV kitchen is like setting up your garage toolbox.

If you do not have the right tools, the job is not as pleasant and easy to do as when you have everything you need. And since RV kitchens are smaller than your home kitchen, everything is about at arms reach. While it may seem hard to decide exactly what you will need, keep in mind that space and weight are always a factor when setting up any room in your RV.

The kitchen is especially prone to overpacking and being overweight. That is why it is important to think about what you are bringing with you and how you will use it.

I have broken down my kitchen into two categories:

1. Use every day

2. Use weekly

Keep in mind that these categories are more for long-term camping or full-timing than they are for a weekend camping trip. However, if you are keeping duplicates (one in your home and one in your camper) than these categories would apply.

Everyday use Dishes, silverware, water bottles, favorite coffee mugs, and wine glasses If you can find plastic wine glasses, that would be best. Think of all the shaking that goes on in your RV. If you prefer glass, be sure to wrap them in dish towels for travel. This also applies to dishes that are not plastic. I have my favorite Corelle, and I line each stack of dishes with something in between so they do not rattle or move around during travel.

As for coffee mugs, find a plastic bin that fits your cabinet and put them in there. They will not move around so no need to do anything on travel day. As for those water bottles, Amazon has several different racks for storing them. Measure your cabinet width and depth before buying to make sure they’ll fit where you want them to.

ractical.

Small Appliances, cookware & cooking utensils

Think about where you will be storing these items in your RV. If you are going to keep that coffeemaker on your counter all the ti me, make sure you have the space for it without taking up valuable counter space. My Keurig is on the counter all the time when we are stationary, but I store it under the kitchen table for travel. I know that some use earthquake putty (on Amazon) to secure their coffeemaker on the counter and leave it there for travel, but I have not tried that.

I have a set of stackable pots and pans with removable handles, so they nest easily and take up less space. They are a little pricy, but we have been full-time for seven years and the finish is still like new. I got mine from Camping World, but they are also available on Amazon.

If you are like me, you love cooking utensils.

Since we are full-time, I have a drawer and a container on my counter with every kitchen utensil I might need. (Now I sound like my husband and his toolbox!)

If you are not full-time, chances are you are not going to need a lemon grater or three assorted sizes of whisks, so your drawer might not be as full as mine.

Try this: As you are cooking and baking at your house, make a list of each item you use often. This will help you when you start setting up your RV kitchen to see what you would miss if you did not have it with you.

Use weekly (or 2-3 times a week) Bakeware, toaster, electric skillet, hand mixer, blender, crockpot, instant pot I love to bake and have found a way to bake just about anything in my convection/microwave combo. However, glass bakeware was just too heavy.

I opted for metal lasagna pans in two sizes that I can use to bake a cake, as well as a couple of round cake pans, and a pie pan. I do line all these with shelf liner for storage, so they do not rub together during travel. This protects the finish. Full disclosure: I do have my glass 9x9 baking dish because I just could not part with it. I also line this, so it is safe for travel. I use my toaster several times a week, so I keep it in a cabinet and pull it out when I need it.

The same goes for my electric skillet, which is another handy small appliance because it can do so many things. I say hand mixer, because as much as I would have liked to bring my large stand mixer, it was just to big and heavy. I have found that I can mix up a batch of chocolate chip cookies just as easy with a good hand mixer.

As for the blender, I do not use one, but I do have a portable smoothie maker. If you use your blender at home and think you would miss it, bring it on a trip or two. If you do not use it like you thought you would, leave it at home and free up that space for something else.

I use my crockpot several times a week. It is great for putting together something for dinner in the morning and then going out on an adventure. When we come home, dinner is al most ready. I have a 3- quart pot since it is just the two of us. I also like putting together dump-and-go meals and freezing them. They are so easy! Just drop them in the crockpot and go. Pinterest is my resource for these recipes.

I have done so many things in my Instant Pot. My favorite is making hardboiled eggs. Using the 5-5-5 method, they come out perfect every time.

1. Put eggs in the basket and add a cup of water. Set the timer for 5 minutes on high.

2. At the end of 5 minutes, let it slow release for 5 minutes.

3. Release leftover steam, take eggs out and place them in an ice bath for 5 minutes. Then peel. That's it. So easy & perfect eggs every time!

Along with cupboard/pantry storage, keep in mind there is limited refrigerator/freezer space. Plastic bins are great for keeping items from sliding around in the refrigerator and can also make moving from your home refrigerator to your rv refrigerator easier. As for the freezer, anytime you can freeze items in bags that are flat is best. I do this a lot with sauces, fresh meats, and crockpot meals.

Of course, your version of a great kitchen set up may be different from mine. Have fun setting up your kitchen, but remember space and weight are at a premium. Items that can have multiple uses are best, but that is not always practical.

Jennifer Skinnell is an author who chose life on the road after her cancer journey, embracing travel, freedom, and the beauty of living fully.

We’re grateful to have her as part of the Learn to RV writers team. Her voice adds depth, heart, and a unique perspective to our community.

Jennifer and her husband are retired and happily wandering the country, discovering new places, meeting new people, and reminding us all that RV life is experienced differently by everyone who chooses it.

Check out her website here & grab a copy of her newest book Death on the Pickleball Court today!

Gameschooling on the Road

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:28:58 GMT

Making Roadschooling Fun Again: How Games Bring Learning to Life

Kids can learn so much on the road. Every place we stop is an opportunity to visit different museums, historic sites, or national parks. Then there are all the practical skills like budgeting, route planning , and vehicle maintenance. Although there is all this natural learning, some of us still want our kids learning more, but we want it to be fun.

The solution? Gameschooling!

Games are chock-full of educational opportunities, from math and strategy to spelling and soft skills. However, most of us don’t have the space to travel with a full game room and game-stocked shelves. This is where gameschooling on the road can take a bit of extra creativity.

My Top Three Tips

Play Games that are Easy to DIY

There are so many games you can play with just a deck of cards, a handful of assorted dice, paper, a pencil, and some small markers (small Legos work; I don’t judge!). If you add in a book of card or dice games, you’ll have even more from which to work. (A digital book can be easy to access without taking up more space or weight!)

Still other games are simple to DIY, like Mancala . Or they naturally only use paper and pencil. By reusing game pieces and DIYing games, you can play a lot with only a few supplies.

Hang Games!

So many games have a lot of wasted space in the box. Unboxing these games can save so much space. We stack the boards separately and everything else gets hung in a relatively small bag. Then, we use shower curtain rings to hang them from a sturdy bolt in a cabinet.

Do keep in mind that, as my family travels in a skoolie, we have a lot of solid wood we can hang things from. You might need to get a bit more creative with the flimsy walls of a commercial RV.

By hanging many of our games, we are able to bring probably four times the number of games we’d have room for otherwise.

Schedule Game Time

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of travel or the need to work to pay for said travel. This means that playing board, card, or dice games as a family can fall by the wayside. However, this regular family time is really good for reinforcing relationships and challenging our kids.

We have had several different routines over the years. We used to play a game first thing in the morning; before, after, or even during breakfast. I’ve heard of families who play games every Friday for their homeschool lessons. Lately, what has been working is playing a game as a family after dinner. It doesn’t matter when, as long as it works for your family and you’re able to stick to it, at least most of the time.

Playing Games for Specific Subjects

Math

The easiest subject to gameschool is math, particularly elementary math. Many games include math in the scorekeeping. A number of card and dice games include basic arithmetic just as part of the gameplay. (And I don’t care for most of the obviously educational games!) My kids have learned so much from gameschooling math .

I remember reading about a study in which researchers had kids play Chutes and Ladders , counting on as they go. (If a child’s marker starts at 13 and needs to move 4 spaces, they count “14, 15, 16, 17” instead of “1, 2, 3, 4.”) However, in looking for that study, I found so many that I could not locate the exact one! What I did learn was that the evidence linking playing board games to numeracy is overwhelming. And if your kids are beyond Chutes and Ladders ? No worries; a wide variety of other games will still help them.

English/Language Arts

I usually break ELA down into reading, writing, spelling, and storytelling. There are other aspects, but it’s easy to learn grammar through reading and writing, for example. (And you want parts of speech? Nothing beats Mad Libs !)

Spelling games abound. My family has tried many, and while I love the feel of Bananagrams in my hand, Scrabble is probably the most versatile. You don’t need them all, though; one is plenty. Just choose what you think your kids will enjoy the most.

Storytelling games are a favorite of mine, and often really easy to do with minimal supplies! Plus, writing out the wacky stories you come up with can be very fun and motivating for some students. Some games include a small amount of writing in the game play, too.

Reading game instructions has been really good at improving my kids’ comprehension and scanning skills. Try handing the instructions for a new game to your child and ask them to find how many cards to deal out and the hand limit. These can be so difficult to find in instructions, that my family has taken to highlighting them!

Science

There are many science games available, from general science like in Totally Gross! to subject-specific games or games that happen to incorporate a scientific principle. Some games are made to teach a concept or skill, while others do it by accident. However, we always have fun with these games.

History

I have noticed three different types of history games . There are the games that cover a specific aspect of history, like Axis and Allies . Games like Mancala are really old and can be a way to access and approach history. Finally, there are a few games that cover history more generally, like Timeline . We have enjoyed some of each and they have been a great supplement to the history we learn through traveling and our homeschooling.

Soft Skills

Every game works on at least some soft skills. Soft skills are things like leadership, communication, executive functioning, empathy, or strategic thinking. You can’t really place them in a specific subject and they’re hard to quantify, but they’re often the most important factors to determining success. When your kids are applying for jobs as adults, it’ll be soft skills that make the difference. Playing board games can help them get there.

My family loves to pull out cooperative games, so we have quite a few to choose from. Cooperative games are great when stress levels are high (long drive day?), communication has been a challenge (anyone have teenagers?), or big changes have made emotions fragile (the travel life is wonderful, but it’s full of changes!). Playing a cooperative game helps us slow down, relax, and reconnect as a family.

At the end of the day, gameschooling can be a great addition to roadschooling. The flexibility of both complement each other to help students have a well-rounded education.

Learn to RV

Writer Spotlight

Ashley Wright

Ashley Wright is our resident expert on gameschooling from GypsyGameschooler.com , and we absolutely love having her share her knowledge and experience with the Learn to RV community.

Her creativity, practicality, and passion for learning on the road make her insights a gift to every traveling family.

If You Only Do One Thing This Week…

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:01:01 GMT

The Great January Reset: Getting Your RV Adventures Ready for Spring Travel

January is a weird month in the RV world. Half the country is buried under a blanket of snow, the other half is pretending it’s “light jacket weather,” and all of us are counting down the days until that first warm weekend when we can finally roll out again.

At Learn to RV, we’ve decided to focus on the positives.

Yes, the world is icy. Yes, your RV might currently be a frozen lawn ornament. But spring is coming, and there’s something energizing about doing one small thing each week to get ready for it.

So here it is — your “If you only do one thing this week…” guide to the Great January Reset.

If you only do one thing this week… check your batteries.

Winter is rough on RV batteries, even when you think you’ve prepped well.

A quick mid‑winter check keeps you from discovering a sad, lifeless battery bank on the first warm weekend of the year.

• Make sure they’re holding charge

• Look for corrosion

• Top off water levels if you’re running lead‑acid

This one tiny task saves you from a whole world of springtime frustration.

If you only do one thing this week… give your roof a quick visual check .

Yes, even in winter. Yes, even if it’s cold.

Now, I’m not suggesting you should climb onto a snowy or icy roof — please don’t audition for a winter‑themed stunt show. But I am suggesting you take a moment to check for anything that hints at a leak. A quick walk‑around from the ground or a peek from a safe vantage point can tell you a lot.

• Stains or discoloration on the ceiling

• Soft spots around vents or skylights

• Drips or moisture where there shouldn’t be any

• Debris or branches sitting on top that could cause damage once everything thaws

You don’t need a ladder to stay ahead of problems. A simple mid‑winter glance

You don’t need a full inspection — just a peek for can save you from a springtime surprise, the kind no RVer wants.

When the roof is dry and the sun is out, that’s the time to give things a closer look. Winter isn’t the season for climbing around on icy surfaces — nobody needs a surprise slip‑and‑slide moment. But on those rare bright days when everything has thawed and dried, a quick, safe walk‑around or gentle check from a stable ladder can tell you a lot.

• Branches or debris

• Obvious tears

• Pooling water

• Sealant that looks cracked or tired

It’s the RV equivalent of checking your smoke detectors: fast, simple, and wildly effective.

If you only do one thing this week… declutter one cabinet.

Just one.

Pick the cabinet that haunts you — the one with the mystery Tupperware lids, the 17 half‑used spice bottles, or that random collection of “I might need this someday” gadgets you haven’t touched since 2022.

Clearing a single space creates momentum. It makes your RV feel a little more “spring‑ready,” even if it’s still hibernating under a blanket of snow.

And if you’re feeling ambitious, here are a few tiny bonus tasks that pair perfectly with a cabinet clean‑out:

• Toss expired pantry items. Winter is the perfect time to rediscover that can of beans from the last presidential administration.

• Create a “donate” bin. RVers love swapping gear — pass along what you don’t use.

• Refresh your first‑aid kit. Replace anything used, expired, or mysteriously missing.

• Check your junk drawer. Yes, the one with 14 pens and only one that works.

• Wipe down the inside of the cabinet. A quick clean makes everything feel new again.

These tiny wins add up. Before you know it, your RV feels lighter, fresher, and ready for the adventures waiting just around the corner.... even if it's still in "hibernation mode"

If you only do one thing this week… choose your first spring destination.

Planning is half the fun and January is prime dreaming season.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• A favorite campground you haven’t visited in years

• Book the Family RV Association Rally in Perry, GA

• A new state park within a few hours of your home

• Book a bucket‑list trip you’ve been putting off

• A family meetup or caravan adventure

Whether you’re a full‑timer, a weekend warrior, or a “we’ll go when the snow melts” seasonal traveler, picking that first trip gives you something warm to look forward to.

Bonus points if you actually book it — campgrounds fill fast once February hits.

If you only do one thing this week… do something that makes RV life feel hopeful again.

January has felt heavy this year — a whole lot of weather, a whole lot of cold, and a whole lot of “is the sun ever coming back.” It’s the kind of month that makes even the most seasoned RVer want to curl up under a blanket and wait it out. But that’s exactly why these tiny, simple reset moments matter. They give you something warm to look toward when everything outside feels frozen and gray.

Watch a travel vlog.

Scroll campground photos.

Make a new playlist for your next drive.

Dream a little.

January is for planting seeds — even if the ground is frozen solid.

The Great January Reset isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing one thing that nudges you closer to spring. One thing that makes RV life feel alive again. One thing that reminds you why you fell in love with the RV lifestyle in the first place.

Even if your rig is covered in snow, you can still get ready for sunshine, road trips, and the adventures waiting just around the corner. And honestly… You might want to skip the news about a certain groundhog making his grand appearance next week. We’re choosing optimism over folklore this year.

At Learn to RV, we’re officially rooting for an early spring... or at least for the hope that keeps us warm until it arrives.

Ministry Without Walls: Serving From the Road

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:55:28 GMT

Giving Back on the Road: Our Heart for Community and Calling

At Blue Jay Ministries, we believe that community isn’t defined by a permanent address. It’s defined by people, presence, and purpose. Whether we are serving for a season or simply passing through, our calling remains the same: to love, serve, and reflect Christ wherever He leads us.

Living and serving within the RV lifestyle has shown us something powerful. It has shown us that ministry doesn’t require four walls. It requires open hands, willing hearts, and obedience to God’s direction. Every campground, town, and community we enter becomes an opportunity to serve and to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

What Giving Back Looks Like for Us

Giving back on the road often looks simple, but its impact is eternal.

At Blue Jay Ministries, service may take the form of

Meeting practical needs within local communities
Offering support, encouragement, and prayer
Partnering with local organizations and individuals
Showing up consistently, even when our stay is temporary

We are reminded daily that faith is meant to be lived out, not just spoken. God places people directly in our path, and we strive to respond with compassion, humility, and love.

Ministry Without Borders

Our RV lifestyle allows us to be flexible and responsive to where God is working. We don’t see ourselves as “just passing through”... we see ourselves as sent.

Blue Jay Ministries exists to meet people where they are, both physically and spiritually. We believe that when believers step out in faith, God multiplies the impact far beyond what we can see. Our role is simply to say “yes” and trust Him with the outcome.

The RV lifestyle naturally encourages simplicity and dependence on God. When distractions are stripped away, what remains is purpose. We have seen firsthand how small acts of obedience can bring hope, restoration, and connection within communities that may otherwise be overlooked.

Giving back isn’t something we do alongside our travels — it is the reason for them.

A Call to Partner With Us

We cannot do this work alone & we were never meant to.

We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with Blue Jay Ministries as we continue serving communities on the road.

Partnership is different for everyone.

Prayer support
Financial giving
Sharing our mission with others
Coming alongside us in service

When you partner with Blue Jay Ministries, you become part of every life touched, every prayer offered, and every act of service given in Jesus’ name. Together, we can bring light, hope, and love into communities near and far — wherever God calls.

If you feel led to partner with us, we would be honored to walk this journey together.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

— Ephesians 2:10

Please note: Blue Jay Ministries is not currently a 501(c)(3), though the process is underway. Contributions are not tax‑deductible at this time, but every dollar goes directly toward the ministry work they’re actively doing on the road and in the communities they serve.

Last fall, we invited Dani to write a blog post about Blue Jay Ministries — a piece that was originally meant to go live before her podcast debut on Learn to RV The Podcast Community Spotlight. If you’ve listened to her episode, you already know her story is a powerful testament to how beauty can rise from the ashes, even in life’s hardest seasons. Somewhere in the holiday shuffle, that blog slipped through the cracks… but it deserves its moment. So today, we’re sharing it at last — Dani’s first blog for Learn to RV.

ABOUT Blue Jay Ministries

Blue Jay Ministries is led by credentialed minister Danielle ” Dani” Deuter and her son Kyle Deuter. They are dedicated to sharing the message of Jesus Christ and fostering spiritual growth in diverse communities.

Their mission is deeply rooted in the legacy of Ethan Lee, Dani’s son, who tragically lost his life in a car accident, one year after declaring his faith to Jesus.

Ethan’s desire was for everyone to know Christ, and we aim to honor his memory through our ministry.

A Reflection

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:57:09 GMT

The Moment Everything Connected.

You may have noticed things have been a little quieter on the blog lately. Learn to RV hasn’t gone silent, we’ve just been fully immersed in the whirlwind of the Tampa Supershow and navigating a few seasons of change behind the scenes. It’s been a stretch of growth, transition, and a whole lot of real‑life happening all at once. And honestly, stepping back for a moment reminded me that sometimes the quiet isn’t a pause… it’s preparation for what comes next.

I’ve been sitting with something since wrapping up the Tampa Supershow — one of those quiet, unexpected ah‑ha moments that hits only after the dust settles.

Learn to RV has always been hard to describe in a single sentence. It’s education, yes. It’s community, yes. It’s roadschooling, how‑to’s, gear, places to go, things to do, and all the weird, wonderful stops along the way.... But this week, I finally understood why it feels different.

Most influencers pick a lane.

I realized I’ve been building a crossroads since taking on this brand.

Learn to RV is the rare space where all the pieces of the RV world collide, but not in a messy way, but in a way that actually makes sense. Real RV owners, families, creators, dreamers, explorers, small businesses, industry folks, retirees, educators, and curious travelers all meet here.

It’s where practical know‑how sits next to real‑life stories, where community and industry talk to each other, where learning and adventure share the same table.

That’s the gravitational pull I’ve been feeling but couldn’t quite name until now.

Learn to RV isn’t just one thing.

Learn to RV is THE place where everything in the RV world connects. Learn to RV is more than just a website, blog or podcast, it's a reminder that the road is wide enough for all of us and we go farther when we travel it together.

How‑to content that’s honest, not performative

I stopped trying to make RV life look flawless a long time ago. It isn’t... and neither am I. Somewhere in that imperfection, it seems, I found my strength. The more honest I became about the mess, the learning curves, and the real work behind the scenes, the more people seemed to exhale and say, “Oh… so it’s not just me.”

I’ve also learned that teaching isn’t just about steps and instructions. When I share the why behind the how, something shifts. That's always what I loved about Learn to RV. If you are new here, you might not know I was not always the voice behind the brand. You can hear more of that story by clicking the button below.

I love it when people stop feeling intimidated and start feeling capable. It turns information into empowerment.

Somewhere along this journey, I realized Learn to RV had bec ome a kind of bridge. I was starting to realize that Learn to RV was connecting DIYers with first‑timers, the curious with the confident, and the “I have no idea what I’m doing” crowd with the “I think I can actually handle this” crew.

And honestly, that space in the middle… that’s where I feel most at home.

Support that feels like community, not an audience

This week in Tampa reminded me of something I sometimes forget in the rush of creating: people don’t come to Learn to RV just to watch, they come to belong. I’ve never wanted a “fanbase”; I have always wanted a circle where everyone gets a seat, a voice, and a chance to learn shoulder‑to‑shoulder and there's always room for more.

The Supershow made that clearer than ever.

It wasn’t the content or the gear or the spectacle that stayed with me — it was the conversations, the hugs, the “I’ve been following you since…” moments that felt like old friends finding each other again.

That’s the heartbeat of this whole thing.

And at my core, I’m a connector. People feel seen in these spaces because I don’t center everything on myself. I constantly try to lift up other voices, creators, families, and small businesses so the community becomes richer, more honest, and more human than anything I could build alone

A crossroads where the RV world actually meets

I used to think I needed to pick a lane, but the longer I do this, the more I realize the magic has always been in the intersection. Learn to RV is where families, full‑timers, weekenders, creators, small businesses, and industry folks all bump into each other and suddenly recognize they’re traveling the same road. That collision is a blend of education, community, gear, stories, and real‑life experience. It is what gives this space its gravitational pull. And honestly, we’ve been living at the crossroads long before it was cool.

When we hit the road in 2013, we were the crazy ones, the outliers, the OGs of this lifestyle before Instagram made it aspirational. So when we took over Learn to RV last year, my goal wasn’t just to keep the mission of educating new RVers alive — it was to take it further, to build something that honors where this community came from and pushes it into what it can become next.

A journey that feels real

I’ve always shared the wins, the messes, the pivots, and the leaps of faith because RV life isn’t just a checklist of tasks — it’s a full‑body, full‑ heart experience. It’s emotional and practical, exhilarating and humbling, often in the same afternoon. Pretending otherwise would miss the whole point. The real story lives in the in‑between moments, the ones that remind us we’re all figuring this out as we go.

Over time, I’ve learned that people aren’t just searching for information; they’re searching for connection. They want reassurance, a sense of belonging, and someone who understands the chaos and the beauty of this lifestyle. They want to feel seen, not lectured. Supported, not sold to.

And somewhere along the way, I realized that’s exactly what I’ve been building — a space where learning feels human. A place where education comes with empathy, where community matters as much as the content, and where no one has to pretend they have it all together to be welcomed. That’s the purpose that keeps me showing up, and the passion that keeps this whole thing alive.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea of community and industry in the same room.... because after the Tampa Supershow, it finally clicked that this is my actual superpower.

Most influencers stay in the “fun lifestyle” lane & that's totally ok.

They show the pretty parts, the highlight reel, the curated version of RV life.

But I’ve never lived in just one lane.

I am sitting at the intersection of something so much bigger than I ever imagined.

• real RV owners

• the RV industry

• educators

• families

• travelers

• small businesses

• creators

And that intersection, that crossroads, is what makes Learn to RV so different.

It’s not a lifestyle brand.

It’s not a tech channel.

It’s not a family vlog.

It’s not an official industry news outlet.

It’s not a gear review page.

It’s not a roadschooling account.

It’s all of those things, woven together with a bigger purpose.

Learn to RV is the place where the RV world actually talks to itself.

Where the people who use RVs and the people who build RVs and the people who teach RVers and the people who dream about RV life all meet in one space and feel welcome there.

That’s rare & it’s powerful.

So how is it different?

Because it’s not built around just me.

It’s built around connection & collaboration.

Because it’s not about chasing trends.

It’s about elevating real stories, real education, and real community.

Because it’s not a single voice.

It’s a platform, a collaborative space where creators, families, experts, and small businesses all get to contribute in a fair way.

Because it’s not just content. It’s a bridge.

And where are we going?

We’re building something bigger than a brand.

We’re building a hub. A crossroads for the entire RV ecosystem.

A place where:

• education becomes accessible

• families feel supported

• retirees find real connections

• working RVers have a voice

• solo RVers feel seen

• creators feel valued

• small businesses get visibility

• the industry gets honest feedback

• travelers find inspiration

• and real RV owners feel heard, not just sold to

We’re heading toward a future where Learn to RV becomes the go‑to space for anyone who wants to understand & embrace RV life, not just watch it.

A place where learning, community, and adventure meet.

A place where people come to grow, not just scroll.

A place you can find new and well-established influencers & clubs

A place where we don't tell you that it's all about one idea or brand

A place where your questions and your voice matters.

A place that feels like home, even when home has wheels.

And honestly, after this week, I finally see it more clearly.

This crossroads isn’t an accident.

I am realizing it’s been the whole point all along.

This season of change has been hitting a little differently. A new year always brings s hifts, but life on the road has a way of magnifying them.... the highs feel higher, the lows feel lonelier, and the in‑between moments stretch you in ways you don’t expect.

But here’s the part that keeps settling deeper into me: when we’re in it together, none of us are ever truly alone.

The road teaches you that community isn’t about proximity. It’s about connection. It’s the people who show up in your DMs, the ones you bump into at rallies, the families you caravan with for a week, the strangers who become friends over a shared campsite or a shared story.

Change is easier to carry when the load is shared.

The journey feels steadier when someone else is walking it with you.

And the road, with all its twists, turns, breakdowns, and breakthroughs, feels a whole lot less intimidating when you know you’ve got people in your corner.

This year is already shaping up to be one of transition, growth, and new direction. But I’m not facing it alone. None of us are. That’s the beauty of this community we’re building. It's a place where every traveler, every family, every dreamer finds a little bit of home, even when home has wheels.

If you made it all the way to the end, thank you. Truly.

You’re the reason I keep showing up here. This might be my “side gig” on paper, not the thing that pays the bills or fits neatly into a job title, but at its core, it’s the work that keeps pulling me back. It’s why I keep connecting, keep sharing, keep trying, even when it would be easier to step back as so many others do. This community makes the effort worth it, every single day.

Mike’s Mission: Supporting the Autism Community From the Road

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:26:31 GMT

Some people travel to sightsee. Mike travels with purpose.

Across RV shows, campgrounds, and communities nationwide, Mike’s Mission is making an impact, raising awareness, building understanding, and supporting the autism community one conversation at a time. His journey is not just personal; it’s a calling.

A Voice for Autism Advocacy

Mike lives in Orlando, Florida, but he has traveled extensively with his parents and sister, bringing his mission and advocacy work to communities all across the country. Whether he’s at a major RV show or a small local event, Mike shows up with heart, courage, and a desire to make a difference.

He also serves as an advocate with Autism Speaks in Washington, D.C., lending his voice to a cause that deeply matters to him and to countless families. His passion for advocacy doesn’t stop when he leaves the Capitol, he brings that same heart to the RV community.

From the Tampa RV SuperShow to the Massachusetts RV Show, Mike and his family show up year after year to shine a light on the autism community, raise awareness, and offer support to individuals who deserve to be understood and included.

“People with autism may think and do things differently… but we can do so much more than people expect.”

This is Mike’s message — simple, powerful, and true.

He knows firsthand that meet‑and‑greets, crowds, and networking can be challenging. But he also knows that showing up matters. And Mike shows up with courage, consistency, and a heart for others.

He wants people to understand that autism doesn’t limit his ability to contribute, connect, or make a difference. As he often says, “My limitations don’t define me.” Too often, he feels overlooked — but his mission is proof that he is anything but.

A Podcast With Purpose

Mike also shares his story and advocacy work through his podcast, Mike’s Mission, available on Spotify. It’s a space where he talks openly about autism, travel, challenges, victories, and the importance of being understood.

His voice is honest, brave, and needed.

Mike has included a flyer with his message so supporters can have all the details ready.

Get your Printed Red Robin page at The RV Roofing Solutions / Learn to RV booth at B125 at The 2026 Tampa Supershow

Everyone has to grab dinner anyway, so why not turn your meal into a moment of impact by supporting Mike and his mission?

An Overcomer With a Calling

Mike is not just raising money, he’s raising awareness.

He’s not just traveling, he’s connecting & bridging the gap

He’s not just showing up, he’s overcoming every hurdle.

And this week at the Tampa RV SuperShow, you have the chance to meet him in person.

How You Can Support Mike

Even though the give‑back event at Red Robin will run all day, most people will be heading over after the show on January 15, which is why Mike is sharing it as an “after‑the‑show dinner” opportunity.

The funds raised during this event will support Autism Speaks and help make it possible for advocates like Mike to attend the 2026 Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum, taking place April 20–22, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This forum gives individuals with disabilities the chance to meet with members of Congress and work toward a more accessible, inclusive future for people across the country.

Here’s how you can show your support Mike

• Head to Red Robin in Brandon FL to support his efforts on January 15th

• Head to Red Robin in Massachusetts to support his efforts in February

• Take a moment to say hello & let Mike know you care

• Take the time to listen to his story

• Share his mission with others

• Support his advocacy work however you feel led

Your encouragement means more than you know.

Visit Mike at LinkTree to learn all about his projects.

Mike is proof that purpose travels — and that one person’s courage can inspire an entire community. If you’re at the Tampa SuperShow this week, take a moment to meet him. You might be surprised by how much we all overlook those with autism — and Mike will show you just how incredible, capable, and inspiring he truly is.

The Ultimate Guide to the Tampa RV Supershow

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:02:03 GMT

Inside the Tampa RV Supershow: Sixteen Years Strong and Showing Up Bigger Than Ever

In just one week, the gates to the Tampa RV Show will be open!

Industry Day kicks things off on Tuesday, followed by special days for seniors, veterans, and discounted tickets on specific days throughout the week. Be sure to pay for parking before you arrive and plan for at least two days — there’s simply too much to see, learn, and explore in one.

And when the sun goes down, don’t miss the after‑hours fun, including creator events with Charlie Grace Adventures & Nomadic Influence after hours. It’s going to be an unforgettable week of RV community, education, and adventure.

There’s nothing quite like the Tampa RV Supershow ..... the energy, the crowds, the rigs, the conversations, and the chance to meet the RV community face‑to‑face. This year, Learn to RV is showing up bigger than ever with boots on the ground, cameras in hand for the Podcast , and a front‑row seat to everything happening across the fairgrounds.

And if you’re looking for us, you’ll find our team in two places that mean a whole lot to us.

�� Booth B125 — at the RV Roofing Solutions x Learn to RV

This is where the action is for creators, conversations, and community. We’re partnering with RV Roofing Solutions at Booth B125, bringing together education, storytelling, and real‑world RV experience.

Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by:

• Learn to RV creator coverage and interviews

• Booking for Season 2 of Learn to RV The Podcast

• Real talk about RV ownership, maintenance, and life on the road

• Meet‑and‑greets with the Learn to RV team & other creators

• Step into a one‑on‑one conversation and learn how you can get involved with Learn to RV as a featured creator.

• Stop by & see why a maintenance‑free roofing system from RV Roofing Solutions changes everything for an RVer of ANY experience level. Yes. Even before you have a leak!

• An opportunity to chat about becoming an RV Roofing Solutions Installer

If you’ve followed our content, listened to the podcast, or connected with us online, this is your chance to say hello in person.

If you’re not able to make it to the Tampa SuperShow this year, you can still request an estimate for your RV roof. While the exclusive Tampa Show specials are only available on‑site, we always take care of our community.

As a veteran‑owned company, we proudly offer ongoing discounts for:

• Veterans, First Responders & Teachers

We also provide special savings for members of:

• Family RV Association, Tiffin Allegro Club & Escapees RV Club

No matter where you are, you can still protect your RV with a maintenance‑free roofing system and you can take advantage of the benefits available to you.

RV Roofing Solutions is a sponsor to Learn to RV The Podcast

As creators, Learn to RV will be there to capture the real stories. From the families walking the aisles, the first‑time buyers, the seasoned full‑timers, the vendors who’ve become friends, and the innovations shaping the future of RV life.

What can you expect?

• Daily recaps

• Interviews with brands, families, & fellow creators

• Honest insights from the show floor

• A look at what’s worth your time

This is Learn to RV at its best — boots on the ground, heart in the community, and a commitment to helping RVers make informed, confident decisions.

�� Creators in the Wild

Learn to RV

�� Booth A105 — Our "Home" for 16 Years

Just a short walk away is Booth A105, the long‑standing RV Roofing Solutions booth — the one that’s been part of the Tampa RV Supershow for 16 years.

This booth is a piece of our history. It’s where thousands of RVers have learned:

• What’s really happening on their roof

• How to protect their investment

• Why quality materials and installation matter

• What a truly maintenance‑free roofing system actually means

It’s the booth that built trust, one conversation at a time — and it’s still going strong.

While you can get a quote at either of our booths, A105 is the place we’ve proudly called home for over a decade and a half. Stop by for one‑on‑one consultations, on‑site estimates, and our exclusive Tampa Show discount. You can also simply sign up for our mailing list to stay connected.

We’ll have daily prize drawings, special show‑only offers, and some incredible deals you won’t want to miss.

Skip the new rigs this year — and come protect the RV you already love with a maintenance‑free RV Roofing System from RV Roofing Solutions.

Opportunity for RV Technicians

Tuesday is Industry Day, and if you’re an RV technician looking to add additional income to your business, this is your moment to explore a new path.

Train with us in Florida and open the door to opportunities across the country. We prioritize quality over speed, and our technicians enjoy a more‑than‑fair payscale that reflects the skill and craftsmanship this work deserves.

If you’re ready to expand your services, travel, and grow your business with a system that puts integrity first, come talk to us on Industry Day.

Learn Your Roof, Protect Your Investment

RV Roofing Solutions Seminars

RV Roofing Solutions will be hosting two educational seminars at the Tampa RV Supershow:

• Thursday at 2:00 PM

• Saturday at 12:00 PM

These sessions are designed for every type of RV enthusiast, whether you are a brand‑new owner or seasoned DIY enthusiest.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening on your roof, this is your chance to learn directly from industry experts.

• The history of RV roofing

• The structure and components that keep your rig protected

• What “maintenance‑free” truly means

• How to avoid costly mistakes and extend the life of your RV

Whether you’re curious, concerned, or simply want to be a more informed RV owner, these seminars cover it all. It’s one of the most valuable hours you can spend at the show & it could save you thousands down the road.

Download & customize the FREE Learn to RV Tampa SuperShow Planning Pages — your must‑have guide to staying organized, saving time, and making the most of every booth, seminar, and creator event.

It’s a fully customizable worksheet designed to fit the way you plan to explore the fairgrounds.

List the vendors you want to see, the seminars you don’t want to miss, your RV budget and non‑negotiables, notes for dealers, meet‑ups, and so much more. Get organized before you walk through the gates — and build the exact planning form you need for the Tampa SuperShow.

Learn to RV

The Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa is hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association, is almost here & honestly there’s a lot to know before you go.

Whether you’re attending this show or any other RV event around the country, these tips will help you make the most of your experience.

RV shows tend to be a love‑it‑or‑hate‑it situation, and honestly, both sides make sense. With so much to see, learn, and explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Having a plan, pacing yourself, and setting a budget can make all the difference. If possible, take advantage of the two‑day admission so you can use one day to wander and plan, and the second day to make decisions and complete transactions.

Don’t Forget Your Planning Guide

To help you navigate the show with confidence, don’t forget to download our Learn to RV Planning Guide.

It’s packed with tips, checklists, and strategies to help you get the most out of your time at the Florida RV SuperShow.

Dates: January 14–18

Location: Florida State Fairgrounds

Address: 4800 US Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610

Traffic can back up on both US‑301 and I‑4, so plan ahead and know your exit and lane before you get close.

Buy your Tickets HERE !

Buying them online will save you $2.00 per ticket

Get your parking pass online.

Click Here to get it!

Pets: They’re welcome, but the show can get crowded and overstimulating. Bring what your pet needs to stay comfortable.

Mobility: The show covers a large area with lots of walking. If mobility is a concern, check the show’s website for scooter rental information.

You can find all official details on the 2026 Florida RV SuperShow website.

How to Enjoy the Tampa Supershow

There’s just so much to see and do at the Tampa SuperShow, and it can feel like a lot if you’re not prepared. Getting things ready before you go and have a simple plan. This makes the whole experience easier and way more enjoyable.

The weather in Tampa can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so dress in layers and plan for anything. Comfortable shoes are a must, and bringing a small backpack for water, snacks, and brochures will save you throughout the day.

Throughout the week, many vendors run giveaways and prize drawings, so keep an eye out as you walk the show. Just make sure to check whether you need to be present to win — some do, some don’t, and you don’t want to miss out.

Download the App!

At Learn to RV, we’re all about making your Tampa SuperShow experience smoother, easier, and way more fun. With so much to see, navigation truly matters. That’s why we always recommend downloading the FRVTA mobile app before you go.

Just search FRVTA or Florida RV Trade Association in your app store. or grab the link HERE on the FRVTA blog. Inside, you’ll find maps, exhibitor listings, seminar schedules, reminders, and planning tools that help you make the most of every minute.

Take a few minutes to explore the app ahead of time — it’s one of the simplest ways to maximize your visit and ensure you don’t miss any of the must‑see displays or events.

Content Creators & More

Many social media creators and influencers attend the show, and some host meet‑ups throughout the week.

We will have Towed You So & Campfire & Motors at the RV Roofing Solutions booth at B125 that week!

Don't miss the meet & Greet with Campfire & Motors on Thursday, January 15th at 11 AM in the RV Influencer building next to Brinkley!

RV Education

If information is what you’re after, the SuperShow offers daily seminars covering:

• RV tours

• Maintenance

• Travel resources

• How‑to sessions

• General RV education

Check the seminar schedule in advance — not all sessions repeat each day.

Vendors

With over 450 vendors at the Tampa SuperShow, the experience can vary wildly — and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Every aisle brings something different to discover, from must‑have gear to unexpected gems you didn’t even know you needed.

You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry to RV roofing systems, tech upgrades, heaters, gadgets, gear, memberships, wine slushies and so much more.

Whether you’re looking to accessorize your rig, improve your setup, invest in long‑term protection, or just browse the latest innovations, or buy a membership to save some money this year the vendor halls are packed with options for every type of RVer.

So make sure you bring the credit card that earns you the most points! You’re definately going to find plenty of things you’ll want to take home.

Fun SWAG to Grab Along the Way

Lots of vendors come stocked with fun SWAG, everything from pens and chapstick to tote bags and day packs, all while supplies last. It’s a great way to pick up useful little goodies as you explore the show, and some booths even offer limited‑edition items or daily giveaways. Keep your eyes open and your hands free… you never know what you’ll walk away with.

Vendors We Love at the Tampa SuperShow

We know a lot — and I mean a lot — of vendors with truly great gear, smart upgrades, and products that actually make RV life easier. The Tampa SuperShow is packed with incredible companies, and here are just a few of my friends who I know will be there or have teams on site this year.

Most of the RV‑related products, upgrades, and accessories are located in the A & B Buildings or out on the midway. If you’re hunting for parts, tech, tools, or must‑have gear, those are the areas you’ll want to explore first.

A Building

RV Roofing Solutions

Meet Our RV Roofing Solutions Technicians

Some of our amazing technicians will be back in the RV Roofing Solutions booths this year.

• Jim Shutt – U.S. Air Force Veteran and owner of SA Mobile Repair, serving Central Florida and one of our senior trainers.

• Allen Cook – Former firefighter and owner of Cook’s Mobile RV Repair, returning to support our booth team again.

• Mark Bowers– Owner of From the Narrow Road Mobile RV Repair located in central Florida. Mark is a Navy Veteran.

These are just a few of the real pros who bring our roofing systems to life with skill, integrity, and real‑world experience. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

Alaska Excursion Caravan - A96 & A97

If Alaska is on your bucket list, don’t miss Alaska Excursion Caravan in the Supplier Building. They specialize exclusively in Alaska, offering small‑group RV caravans and fully planned fly‑in adventures led by seasoned guides. Their trips are crafted to reveal hidden gems, stunning landscapes, and real Alaskan culture. They do all with stress‑free planning and provide expert support. A true once‑in‑a‑lifetime way to experience the Last Frontier.

Techno RV - A332

TechnoRV is rolling into the Tampa SuperShow with their full lineup of must‑have RV tech, safety gear, and show‑only deals. If you’re looking to upgrade your setup or finally understand which gadgets are actually worth it, their booth is a can’t‑miss stop

Wandering Gypsy RV Life – Stan Cromlish

In addition to the full TechnoRV lineup at the Tampa SuperShow, you can also meet Stan Cromlish at the TechnoRV booth. He is an adventurer, author, and the voice behind the Wandering Gypsy RV Life podcast. He brings stories from the road, practical wisdom, and a passion for helping RVers explore with confidence.

Wacko A/C Silencer A106 & 107

It’s not every day you get to meet the mastermind behind true RV ingenuity, but at the Tampa SuperShow, you can. Darrel Abts of Wacko Products has been our neighbor at the show for years, and his creations are the kind you have to experience to believe. His products solve real problems in simple, clever ways — the kind that make you say, “Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?”

Thousand Trails A43 & B114

RVers of all kinds rely on their Thousand Trails membership to help offset the cost of RV travel, making adventures more affordable than ever. You’ll find them in both the A & B buildings — stop by, chat with their amazing teams, and be sure to tell them Learn to RV sent you.

Faithful Journey Solar Solutions - A3

Andrew is exactly the kind of professional you want handling your RV solar & specializes in systems for off grid living. Based in Central Florida, he brings honesty, skill, and true care to every installation.

Utility Bodywerks - A building

Got big trucks and we cannot lie — if you want to see what a real hauler looks like, stop by Utility Bodywerks. Their custom‑built trucks are absolute showstoppers, engineered for serious towing and designed to be downright dreamy.

RV Overnights - A34

RV Overnights will be in Tampa again this year. RVO gives you access to safe, vetted, affordable overnight parking—perfect for travel days when you just need a reliable place to stop. It’s easy to use, saves time and money, and is a great membership for anyone who’s on the move often.

Kitchencraft - A & B Buildings

It’s always fun to stop by the KitchenCraft booth and see what’s cooking. Grab a seat for one of their live cooking shows and discover the ultimate cookware — you can even cook without water, and the food tastes incredible.

B Building

That Mobile RV Guy - B304

That Mobile RV Guy, Kyle, truly knows his stuff. With a hub based in Wauchula, Florida, Kyle has built a reputation as one of the most trusted and well‑loved mobile RV technicians in the state. His customers appreciate his honesty, deep technical knowledge, and the dependable service he’s known for. Kyle has also completed partnership installs with RV Roofing Solutions, bringing his skill and attention to detail to our maintenance‑free roofing systems.

Family RV Association - B203

The Family RV Association (FRVA) — formerly FMCA — will be at the Tampa SuperShow, and it’s the perfect time to get signed up for a membership that saves you money and helps you stay safer on the road. FRVA is the oldest RV club in the industry, and there are so many ways to get involved, from education and community events to discounts and roadside benefits.

If you stop by their booth, be sure to tell them Learn to RV sent you.

Rivet Supply Co . - B102

Rivet Sticker Boards are in back in Tampa again this year, and they’re the add‑on everyone needs. This is the fun, high‑quality gear that lets you proudly display all the places you’ve explored — without sticking decals directly on your RV. Durable, beautifully made, and designed for real travelers, Rivet boards turn your adventures into a visual story you can hang, show off, or keep adding to as you roam.

My RV Inspection & Go RV Solar - B420-B422

If you’re shopping for an RV, new or used, one of the smartest decisions you can make is investing in a quality pre‑purchase inspection, and that’s exactly where Lisa & Jason Carletti of My RV Inspections shine. They are known for their thoroughness, integrity, and ability to spot issues most buyers would never think to look for

At Go RV Solar Lisa and Jason take the time to educate RV owners on what they really need, from battery capacity to inverter sizing to panel placement. Whether you’re boondocking full‑time or just want more independence on the road, their systems are designed for real‑world use, long‑term reliability, and safe installation.

Passport America - (location coming soon!)

RV life gets a whole lot more affordable with memberships like Passport America. Their fantastic team partners with campgrounds all over the country to help you save real money as you explore. If stretching your travel budget matters, this membership is a smart stop on your journey.

Stone VOS Awnings (B 303)

Stone Vos stands out for premium, long‑lasting materials, expert guidance, and U.S.‑made craftsmanship. They manufacture their own awnings, keep quality tight, and back it all with a reputation RVers trust.

And that’s just the beginning…

These are only a handful of the amazing products and vendors you’ll find at the Tampa SuperShow, and I’m sure I’ve missed more than a few gems. Take your time, walk the grounds, and explore — there’s so much great gear, innovation, and inspiration waiting for you out there.

Eating at the Show

If fair‑style food is your love language, the Tampa RV SuperShow will not disappoint. From classic corn dogs and giant pizza slices to fresh‑pressed Cuban sandwiches, the food vendors bring all the crowd‑pleasing favorites. You’ll find everything from quick snacks to full meals scattered throughout the fairgrounds, making it easy to refuel between rigs, seminars, and vendor halls.

Prices are typical for fair food, and most vendors take both cash and cards. Just keep an eye on those “refillable cup” deals, but some are only valid at the booth where you bought them.

Whether you’re grabbing something fast or treating yourself to a show‑day indulgence, there’s plenty to choose from as you explore the SuperShow.

Entertainment

The show is full of roaming entertainment.

Musicians, performers, & sometimes even animals. It adds to the fun and energy of the event… unless clowns aren’t your thing, in which case, consider this your friendly warning.

The Tampa Supershow claims representation from every RV manufacturer

This means you can walk through the rigs in person — and that’s always better than any virtual tour. Step inside, open cabinets, sit on the furniture, stand in the shower, and really feel the space.

Plan to spend time inside the floor plans you’re seriously considering. Take plenty of pictures and videos so you can compare later, especially if you’re looking at multiple models. And if you’re thinking about buying, take full advantage of that two‑day ticket. Use day one to explore and gather information, and day two to review your notes, revisit your favorites, and make confident decisions.

Shopping for an RV? Here Are Some Smart Tips

• Know your must‑haves vs. nice‑to‑haves.

This keeps you focused when the options get overwhelming.

• Check storage — everywhere.

Inside cabinets, under beds, exterior bays. Storage can make or break a floor plan.

• Sit in the space like you live there.

Can you cook comfortably?

Work?

Relax?

Move around without bumping into each other?

• Test the bathroom.

Close the door. Stand in the shower. Make sure it’s functional for real life.

• Look underneath and behind things.

Construction quality matters. Check fit, finish, and how components are installed.

• Ask about weight, towing, and cargo capacity.

Make sure your current or future tow vehicle can safely handle the rig.

• Don’t let show pricing rush you.

Deals are great, but clarity is better. Take your time.

• Get everything in writing.

If you’re buying, make sure every promise, upgrade, and detail is documented.

• Walk away if you feel pressured.

A good deal will still be a good deal after you’ve had time to think.

Get The FREE Learn to RV Printable Guide Today

Community Spotlight: Teal Albert - From Sugar Beet Harvests to SeRV Ambassadors

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:13:36 GMT

Meet the Albert Family: Full-Time Nomads, Roadschoolers & Adventure Seekers

What happens when you trade the white picket fence life for 42 feet of freedom? For Teal Albert and her family, it meant upgrading from a tiny 24-foot travel trailer to a fifth wheel mansion, working the sugar beet harvest in freezing temperatures, becoming SeRV ambassadors, and visiting 25 states in just three and a half years.

In this Community Spotlight, Teal shares even more!

Why they ditched successful businesses for life on the road—and never looked back
The REAL truth about working the sugar beet harvest (Tune in to find out how much they made in just 2 and a half weeks!)
How they manage 12-hour overnight shifts with their kids in tow
Their approach to roadschooling (do their kids really do their schoolwork at 3 AM?)
How serving others became part of their family's RV lifestyle
Why upgrading to a 42-foot rig OPENED doors instead of closing them

The most surprising part? Teal admits she started as a Type-A planner. Tune in to find out how she's learned to roll with it—and her family's adaptability has been the biggest lesson of all.

From piling beets in muddy Minnesota fields to organizing SeRV volunteer events across the country, the Alberts are redefining what full-time family RV life can look like.

Listen to the full Community Spotlight to hear:

How they picked their sugar beet harvest crew
Why their kids begged to go BACK to the RV after living in a house
The unexpected friendships formed at 2 AM on a piling ground
Teal's best advice for families considering the beet harvest
How to find SeRV volunteer opportunities near you

Want to follow along on the Alberts' adventures?
�� Instagram: @towedyouso
�� Facebook: TowedYouSo
�� YouTube: TowedYouSo

Gap Year Opportunities for Teens: Workcamping, Housing, and Life Skills on the Road

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:02:06 GMT

A practical guide to helping teens build confidence, independence, and real‑world skills & explore the country.

A gap year is a purposeful break from the traditional school‑to‑college pipeline—a year where teens step out of the classroom and into real‑world experiences that help them grow, explore, and discover who they’re becoming. It’s not a year “off.” It’s a year on—a season of learning through travel, work, service, and hands‑on life skills that simply don’t fit inside a textbook.

For many teens, a gap year becomes the first time they get to make decisions based on curiosity rather than pressure. When they’re out on the road, workcamping at a campground, volunteering, learning to manage their own schedules, or navigating new places, they start to see themselves differently. They build confidence. They learn what they enjoy—and what they don’t. They discover strengths they didn’t know they had. And they begin to understand how they want to show up in the world.

A gap year can also give teens the breathing room they rarely get in a fast‑paced, achievement‑focused culture. That space often leads to clarity: What kind of work feels meaningful? What environments help them thrive? What goals feel like theirs, not someone else’s expectations? Whether they spend the year traveling, working seasonal jobs, or learning life skills on the road, the experience helps them step into adulthood with a stronger sense of direction and a deeper understanding of themselves.

A gap year can be more than just time off, it can be a launchpad into independence, adventure & yes.... even adulthood. For teens, workcamping offers a unique way to gain independence, earn money, and build life skills while exploring new places. With housing options often included, it’s a safe and structured way to step into the world beyond home.

Why Workcamping Is a Great Idea for Teens

Safe Transition Away from Home: With housing often included, teens can ease into independence without the stress of finding accommodations.
Hands‑On Experience: Real jobs in campgrounds, RV parks, and seasonal businesses teach responsibility and accountability.
Life Skills Development: From budgeting to teamwork, problem‑solving to customer service, teens gain skills that last a lifetime.
Adventure & Exploration: Whether it’s a national park, a resort, or a new town, workcamping turns work into travel and discovery.
Community Connection: Teens build friendships with other seasonal workers, creating a supportive network and shared memories.
Resume Building: Real‑world experience stands out on college and job applications, showing initiative and adaptability.

How to Find Workcamping Jobs

Job Boards: Websites like Workamper News, CoolWorks, and seasonal job boards list opportunities nationwide.
National & State Parks: Many parks hire seasonal staff for maintenance, hospitality, or visitor services.
Campgrounds & Resorts: RV parks often need help with guest services, landscaping, or cleaning.
Networking: RV communities and forums are great places to hear about openings.

Plan Logistics Together

Discuss housing, transportation, and budgeting before they leave. Clear planning helps teens feel supported while stepping into independence.

Creating a Resume

Highlight Transferable Skills: Even if your teen hasn’t worked before, list volunteer work, school projects, or extracurriculars.
Keep It Simple: One page is enough—focus on reliability, willingness to learn, and adaptability.
Tailor to the Role: Emphasize customer service for campground jobs, or physical stamina for maintenance roles.

Preparing for an Interview

Practice Common Questions: “Why do you want this job?” or “How will you handle responsibility away from home?”
Dress Neatly: Even for casual roles, presentation matters.
Show Enthusiasm: Employers value teens who are eager to learn and contribute.
Discuss Housing & Logistics: Be ready to talk about living arrangements and how your teen will manage independence.

As teens step into adulthood, a gap year or seasonal job can be more than just work—it can be their next adventure. Platforms like CoolWorks can help connect young people with workcamping opportunities that provide housing, income, and life skills, all while letting them explore new places. For older teens, it’s a chance to “choose their own adventure” and discover independence in a safe, structured way.

Application Timeline for Teen Summer Adventures

If your teen is considering a summer adventure through workcamping, start looking at opportunities on CoolWorks by December and January. Early applications secure the best jobs, housing options, and locations, turning a gap year or summer break into a safe, skill‑building adventure.

Late Fall (November–December): Many employers post summer positions for the upcoming year. For example, seasonal jobs at national parks and lodges often open around December 1.

Winter (January–March): This is the prime application window. Teens who apply early have the best chance of securing housing‑included roles and preferred locations.

Spring (April–May): Some last‑minute opportunities appear, but housing and popular destinations may already be filled.

Summer Start Dates: Most jobs begin between May and June, aligning with school breaks, and run through August or September.

Here's a Tip: Apply to More Than One Position

Encourage your teen to apply for multiple workcamping roles. This not only increases their chances of being hired but also gives them options to choose from once offers come in. Having choices allows them to compare housing, location, and job responsibilities—ensuring they find the opportunity that best fits their goals and comfort level.

The truth is that multiple applications = more flexibility, more confidence, and the ability to shape their own adventure.

Tips for Parents & Teens

Check CoolWorks Regularly: New listings are added throughout the year, but the bulk of summer jobs appear in winter.
Prepare Early: Encourage your teen to build a simple resume highlighting volunteer work, school projects, or extracurriculars.
Housing Options: Many workcamping roles include dorms, cabins, or RV sites—ideal for teens launching into independence.

Is My Teen Ready for a Gap Year?

The truth is, ready or not, a gap year is one of the best ways for teens to test their wings. Even if they’re still building confidence, the structure of workcamping provides housing, community, and guidance that makes the leap manageable.

Test Their Independence: A gap year gives teens the chance to live away from home, make decisions, and learn responsibility in a safe environment.
Save Money: With housing often included and steady seasonal work, teens can earn income while keeping expenses low.
Experience Life on Their Own: From managing schedules to exploring new places, they gain real‑world skills that prepare them for college, careers, and adulthood.

Whether your teen feels fully prepared or still a little hesitant, a gap year through workcamping is a powerful way to grow. It’s not just about the job—it’s about building resilience, confidence, and independence while creating memories that will shape their future.

For older teens, these opportunities open doors to new places, new people, and new skills that will serve them well in college, careers, and beyond. Most importantly, they get to choose their own adventure, shaping a gap year that reflects their passions and goals.

A season of workcamping also offers more than work experience—it builds resilience, responsibility, and a sense of direction. Teens return home not only with stronger life skills but also with stories that shape their future. For parents, it’s a reassuring way to support growth while knowing their child has structure, housing, and community along the way.

Workcamping is a safe, adventurous, and skill‑building gap year option. With the right preparation—finding jobs, crafting a resume, and practicing interviews—your teen can step confidently into the world, ready for whatever comes next.

Even if your teen isn’t fully ready for a gap year, that doesn’t mean they won’t get there. Here are some signs they may need more preparation—along with supportive ways parents can help.

Signs Your Teen May Not Be Ready

Struggles with Basic Responsibility
Forgetting commitments, chores, or deadlines regularly.
Low Comfort with Change
Anxiety or resistance when routines shift or new situations arise.
Limited Social Confidence
Difficulty communicating with adults or peers outside their usual circle.
Avoidance of Problem‑Solving
Tends to shut down instead of working through challenges.
Financial Inexperience
No practice with budgeting, saving, or managing money.

Tips to Build Readiness

Practice Responsibility at Home: Give them small, consistent tasks (like managing their own laundry or cooking a meal once a week) to build confidence.
Introduce Change Gradually: Encourage new experiences—joining a club, volunteering, or trying a short trip away from home.
Boost Social Skills: Role‑play conversations with adults, or encourage part‑time work/volunteering where they interact with new people.
Teach Problem‑Solving: Talk through challenges together, modeling how to break problems into manageable steps.
Start Financial Basics: Open a savings account, set a small budget, or let them manage a portion of their spending money.

If your teen shows some “not quite ready” signs, don’t worry. With gentle guidance and practice, they can build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a gap year adventure. One way our family did that was we took on a workcamping position where our teens would also be hired as staff in 2022. This could be an alternative way to approach this type of opportunity if you're family is open to the idea.

Readiness Roadmap for Roadschooling Teens

For families already living the roadschooling lifestyle, a gap year through workcamping is a natural next step. Your teen is used to life on the move, but stepping into structured seasonal work adds new layers of independence and growth.

Stage 1: Building Basics on the Road

Daily Responsibility: Encourage your teen to manage chores in the RV or campsite—cooking, cleaning, or planning travel days.
Money Management: Let them track fuel costs, grocery budgets, or their own spending money.
Social Confidence: Practice engaging with campground staff, fellow travelers, or local communities.

Stage 2: Testing Independence Beyond the Family

Short Stints Away: Try letting your teen volunteer at a local festival, help with campground projects, or do some short term pet sitting.
Problem‑Solving: Involve them in handling travel hiccups—like rerouting after a detour or managing a repair.
Decision‑Making: Give them a voice in choosing destinations or activities, building confidence in their judgment.

Stage 3: Expanding Horizons

Seasonal Work: Encourage part‑time or short‑term volunteer positions at campgrounds, parks, or local businesses along your route.
Community Engagement: Have them join youth programs, outdoor clubs, or service projects in towns you visit.
Budget Goals: Help them save toward something meaningful—like gear, a trip, or future schooling.

Stage 4: Gap Year Ready

Independent Routines: They can manage daily life without constant reminders.
Adaptability: Comfortable with change, whether it’s a new job, new town, or new coworkers.
Excitement for Adventure: Motivated to take on seasonal workcamping as a way to grow, earn, and explore.

Roadschooling teens already know how to adapt to life on the move.

As parents, we’re never truly ready for our kids to grow up… or maybe, in some ways, we are. Watching them step into independence can feel bittersweet, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences we’ll ever have.

By equipping our teens with the tools to thrive, grow, and explore, we give them the confidence to face the world on their own terms. Whether it’s through workcamping, a gap year, or simply taking on new responsibilities, these experiences help them build resilience, discover passions, and create memories that will shape their future.

Supporting our teens in this journey isn’t about letting go—it’s about cheering them on as they spread their wings, knowing we’ve helped prepare them for the adventure ahead.

Is It Better When Friends Workcamp Together?

Yes, in many ways it can be. While solo adventures build independence, doing workcamping with a friend adds extra layers of support and fun.

The Benefits of Workcamping with Friends

Built‑In Support System: Teens feel more confident stepping away from home when they know a friend is by their side.
Shared Housing & Logistics: Friends can room together, share rides, and split costs, making the transition smoother.
Motivation & Accountability: Having a buddy helps teens stay on track with responsibilities and encourages them to push through challenges.
Shared Memories: Exploring new places, tackling jobs, and enjoying downtime together creates lasting stories they’ll carry into adulthood.
Social Confidence: Teens who might be shy or hesitant often thrive when they have a familiar face to lean on.

Both solo and friend‑based workcamping have unique benefits. Solo adventures build independence and resilience , while going with friends adds comfort, support, and shared fun. Families can decide based on their teen’s personality, readiness, and goals—either way, workcamping is a growth‑filled adventure.

Workcamping with friends can make the leap into independence a bit less intimidating and more joyful. It turns the experience into a shared adventure, while still giving each teen the chance to grow, learn, and discover themselves.

Decision‑Making Checklist: Solo vs. With Friends

Questions to Ask Together

Independence Readiness

Is your teen excited to test their independence, or do they feel more secure with a friend nearby?

Social Comfort

Does your teen thrive in meeting new people, or would they benefit from having a familiar face to ease the transition?

Conflict Potential

Can your teen and their friend handle disagreements about schedules, housing, or responsibilities without it affecting the experience?

Flexibility in Opportunities

Is your teen open to choosing jobs and locations individually, or do they want to stick with a friend even if it limits options?

Support System

Will your teen feel supported by coworkers and supervisors if they go solo, or do they prefer the built‑in encouragement of a friend?

Solo Workcamping is often best for teens ready to build independence, resilience, and confidence on their own.

With Friends can be an ideal situation for teens who want companionship, shared memories, and a smoother transition away from home.

Either path offers growth, adventure, and valuable life skills—the choice depends on your teen’s personality, comfort level, and goals.

Does My Teen Need a Car or License for Workcamping?

The answer is yes… and no.

No, not always: Many workcamping opportunities—especially those found through platforms like CoolWorks—include housing and are located in places where meals, supplies, and community are provided. In these settings, a car isn’t essential, and teens can rely on the employer or shared resources.

Yes, sometimes: In more remote locations, having a car or at least a driver’s license can make life easier. It allows teens to pick up personal supplies, explore nearby towns, or enjoy independence without being solely reliant on coworkers for rides.

Middle ground: Even without a car, teens can thrive if they’re comfortable with communal living, willing to share rides, and open to the adventure of limited mobility. Parents should weigh the location and logistics when helping their teen choose a position.

A car or license isn’t required for every workcamping job, but in remote areas it can be a valuable tool for independence. The key is matching the opportunity to your teen’s comfort level and readiness for adventure.

Letting your teen take a gap year to workcamp is more than just giving them time off—it’s giving them space to grow. In structured seasonal jobs, they learn responsibility, build confidence, and discover independence in a safe environment. With housing, community, and support built into many opportunities, parents can feel reassured that their child is stepping into adulthood with guidance and guardrails.

At the same time, a gap year through workcamping offers adventure, exploration, and memories that last a lifetime. Teens return home with stronger life skills, clearer direction, and stories that shape their future.

For parents, it’s a chance to watch their child spread their wings while knowing they’ve helped equip them with the tools to thrive. In the end, it’s not just a job—it’s the start of a journey into adulthood.

RV Adventures: Trip Planning Into the New Year

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:52:10 GMT

Relax, RV Shows. Rallies. & Resources to plan the journey that's right for you.

As we wind down the year, it’s the perfect time to reset, reflect, and start planning your 2026 RV adventures. Whether you’re a full‑timer, a weekend wanderer, or a seasonal traveler, thoughtful trip planning helps you hit the road with confidence, clarity, and excitement.

Looking Back to Move Forward

As I look back on this past year, I’m reminded how much movement shaped it in both the miles we logged and the growth that happened along the way. We traveled, and those months on the road filled me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I slowed down to reflect. Each destination had its own energy, its own lesson, its own moment that reminded me why this lifestyle still feels like home.

Of course, like every year, December 2025 pulled us back to Florida. That stretch has become its own season for us...part tradition, part necessity, part reunion. With the Tampa Supershow marking our sixteenth year for RV Roofing Solutions and now the Learn to RV team, Florida has become a winter anchor. It’s where business, community, and preparation all converge. It’s where the team comes together, where the work deepens, sometimes shifts and where we often find ourselves in a different kind of rhythm. We always expect this season to slow down but it almost passes in a blink.

But outside of that winter window, we were moving to new places and even some familiar ones. We explored. We connected. We found new places that surprised us (like FINALLY visiting Devils Tower) and returned to familiar ones that felt like exhaling. Rallies introduced Learn to RV to hundreds of new people across the country as we introduced new groups for additional ways to connect.

Those travels reminded me that even in a year full of business transitions and rebranding, there was still room for joy, discovery, and the kind of clarity that only comes from changing your scenery.

This year wasn’t without its challenges. Rebranding Learn to RV while balancing the demands of a family-owned business stretched me in ways I didn’t always expect.

Some moments required resilience, honesty, and a willingness to grow through the discomfort. But every challenge also sharpened my vision. It reminded me why transparency matters, why integrity matters, and why showing up for our community with heart matters.

Now, as I look toward 2026, I’m choosing to let those lessons guide my travel goals. This year will still have us chasing rallies and continuing to fill our map, but we will never let that guide us just to say "we did it". It is always about intentional movement and choosing destinations that nourish us, support our work, and refill our creative and emotional wells.

It will be about honoring the commitments that anchor our business, like Tampa, FRVA International and Chapter events, Escapade, Brand Rallies like FROG, Grand Design, Montana & even adding some new ones to the calendar while also carving out space for the adventures that remind me why I fell in love with RV life in the first place.

I’m not starting from scratch. We are building from experience, clarity, and a renewed sense of direction. And honestly, that feels like the best kind of beginning.

As you map out your travels for the year ahead, having the right tools in your corner can make all the difference. Digital maps and RV-specific apps have become essential companions on the road, helping you plan routes, locate campgrounds, and track fuel stops without the guesswork.

Pair those with a solid maintenance checklist—especially at the start of the year—and you’ll set yourself up for smoother travels. A quick roof inspection, a look at your tires, and a systems check can prevent the kinds of surprises no RVer wants to deal with mid‑trip. And, of course, keeping an eye on your budget is also important. Whether you prefer apps or a simple spreadsheet, tracking your fuel, campground fees, and those fun extras helps you stay balanced while still enjoying the journey.

A few simple strategies can also elevate your travel experience.

Planning around the seasons is one of the easiest ways to make the most of your destinations—think desert warmth in the winter and cool mountain air in the summer. If you have your heart set on popular campgrounds or major events, booking early is key, as spots fill up faster every year.

But even with a solid plan, it’s important to leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best memories come from unexpected detours, local festivals, or hidden gems you stumble upon along the way. And through it all, don’t forget your wellness routines. Packing a yoga mat, comfortable walking shoes, or your favorite journaling supplies helps you stay grounded no matter where the road leads.

Tools for Every RVer

Digital Maps & Apps

Use route planners, campground finders, and fuel trackers to simplify logistics.

Maintenance Checklists

Start the year with a roof, tire, and system inspection to avoid surprises.

Budgeting Tools

Track expenses with apps or spreadsheets to track fuel, campground fees, & fun extras.

Tips & Tricks

Plan Around Seasons

Desert escapes in winter, mountain retreats in summer—match destinations to weather.

Book Early

Popular campgrounds and events fill fast, so secure reservations ahead of time.

Leave Room for Spontaneity

Build flexibility into your schedule for detours, festivals, or hidden gems.

Wellness on the Road

Pack routines that keep you grounded—yoga mats, walking shoes, or journaling supplies.

As you look ahead to 2026, remember that there’s no single “right” way to RV—there’s only the way that fits your life, your rhythm, and your season. Full‑timers often thrive on long, intentional routes that balance work, play, and rest. Weekend warriors recharge with quick escapes that don’t require weeks of planning. Seasonal travelers build their adventures around school breaks, holidays, and the annual events they look forward to year after year. Every style is valid, and every journey counts.

That’s where seasonal trip planning becomes such a powerful tool. Winter invites desert warmth, Florida beaches, and mild southern skies. Spring opens the door to national parks before the crowds arrive, wildflowers in full bloom, and festivals that bring small towns to life. Summer calls you toward Rallies, mountains, lakes, and the cooler corners of the country where long days stretch into golden evenings. And fall—well, fall is pure magic, with leaf‑peeping routes, harvest festivals, and crisp air that makes every hike feel like a fresh start.

When you match your travels to the seasons, the weather, and your personal goals, the entire year becomes easier, more intentional, and far more enjoyable. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about crafting a year that supports your energy, your curiosity, and your desire to explore. It’s about choosing joy on purpose.

So as you map out your 2026 adventures, give yourself permission to dream big and plan smart. Use the tools that simplify your life, build in the flexibility that keeps the journey fun, and let each season guide you toward the places that fill you up. The road is wide open, the possibilities are endless, and your next great story is waiting just around the bend.

Here’s to a year of connection, discovery, and unforgettable miles.

Be sure to check out our Podcast where Jenn, Frank and Matt talk about RV Trip Planning.

Workamping: Real Stories from Sugar Beet Harvests, State Parks & Private Resorts

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:34:37 GMT

Workcamping with Kids

Workamping is loosely defined as camping while you work. Over the years, my family has had a few different workamping gigs. What we have learned is that each workamping gig is different, so it’s important that you carefully evaluate your offers to make sure they work for you. Some are volunteer positions and offer only a site, while others are paid. Some you have to pay for your site, while others the site is free. Some sites come with FHU that you don’t have to pay for, others have you pay for electricity, and still others may have only partial or even no hookups.

Workamping with kids adds another layer of complication to the mix. First of all, does the campground even allow kids? Not all do. Even if they allow kids, are they really welcome? Does the campground charge extra for kids to stay there? If they do, that’s a sign that the campground might not be very welcoming. What are the rules like? Some campgrounds have curfews for kids or require supervision at all times. Are you comfortable with their rules?

If you’re both working, will the campground allow you to take opposite shifts? If not, or if you’re a single parent, will the campground allow you to bring your kids with you, or are they old enough to stay home (or explore the campground) alone? I have found it best to disclose our pets, kids, rig, and how many adults can work in my first email to a campground. We don’t always hear back, but I’d rather not waste my time with a situation that wouldn’t be welcoming to us.

Sugar Beet Harvest

Our first gig was the sugar beet harvest with Express Employment. It’s supposed to be a great way to make a bunch of money, but I would urge caution. If you’re already going to be in the area, and if you have multiple adults working? Yes, absolutely. However, we were not in the area (and definitely weren’t staying in the area for winter!), and I was the only one working, so I’m pretty sure it cost us more to get to and from the harvest than I made while there. However, it’s a short-term gig that many people love and return to every year.

Another thing to consider is the hours. Shifts are 12 hours long, every day with good weather until the harvest is done. Express Employment requires a commitment for the month of October. This means that if the harvest goes late, you don’t have to stay past October 31st (they appreciate it, though!). Our harvest was rather short and we left by the middle of October. Even then, we were uncomfortably cold by the time we left.

One of the best parts of the sugar beet harvest is the pay. Since the shifts are 12 hours each, 4 hours of every day is paid time and a half. Saturdays are all time and a half, and Sundays were double time. In addition, if the weather is not conducive to bringing in the beets, we were paid 4 hours of “stay pay” each day we couldn’t work. Do check your specific harvest’s pay rates, though, as they’re not all the same.

Volunteering at a State Park

Our second gig was volunteering at a state park in Texas . At the time, it was only 24 hours of volunteering for our site and we loved it. In fact, we loved it so much that we planned to return for the winter of ’25-’26, until we found out that the hour requirement had been increased to 32 hours a week. That’s almost a full-time job just for a site. While I loved the work, the location, and the people, I couldn’t work so much without making any money at all. This particular state park is a day-use-only state park, so our kids got lonely that first year. We promised we wouldn’t go back unless another family was going with us.

Our most recent workamping gig was at another state park, this time in Washington. We chose that position because it was near where we launched from, so we had many family and friends in the area that we wanted to spend time with. However, this time, my husband joined me in working for the park. Again, as a state park gig, it was a volunteer position; we had to work 28 hours between the two of us for our site and FHUs.

This position was unique for us in that it was the first we’ve ever worked without specific hours. As long as we worked on our assigned days and at least 28 hours a week, the rangers didn’t seem to care. We didn’t get much in the way of training, so my husband and I ended up picking litter most of the time. This meant a fair amount of walking, which was great at first. However, as the summer wore on, we found we couldn’t get any paid work in. Between our hours for the state, homeschooling our kids, and social obligations, we didn’t have any time for remote work. Also, our aging bodies did not appreciate the daily demands we made of them, and it took us a couple of months to recover physically.

Camphosting at a state park is a popular workamping gig. These almost never pay, but the required hours or duties may be less. Make sure to get specifics on your expectations before you commit, as every park is different.

Workcamping at a Private Resort

From Texas, we went to the historic triangle of Virginia and I worked the front desk at a family-oriented park . This was a very peopley position because not only did I have to interact with people all day at work, but then, as an RV park, everyone was packed in pretty close together. For my introvert self, this was difficult and I needed a lot of time to recover. However, my kids loved the freedom, activities, and friends. This particular position required me to work 15 hours a week for my site, and the rest were paid (somewhere around $11 or $12 per hour; workamping doesn’t tend to pay a lot). We went there for the location and thoroughly enjoyed all the historic sites nearby.

KOA s are popular campgrounds to workcamp at (and they have their own application and reward system). However, most require you to pay for your site. It is usually a discounted rate, though. Personally, I have chosen not to go that route. Why? Because if a workplace requires you to be on-site for a job, the value of your site cannot be taxed. However, if you’re getting paid for all hours worked AND having to pay for your site? Then you’re getting taxed for that amount.

Other Popular Workamping Gigs

Other short-term gigs include the potato harvest, digikeys, gate guarding, and selling various commodities throughout the year. Fireworks in July, pumpkins in October, and Christmas trees in December are all popular. Again, you can theoretically make a fair amount of money, but my family has not worked any of these gigs.

I am in several workamping groups on Facebook and keep an eye on positions available. I have seen tons of variety in what is offered. Farms, animal shelters, construction sites, oil fields, and even circuses offer workamping opportunities! Some places want you to work 40 hours a week, while others only ask for you to be on-site a few days a month. There’s even a campground in Tok, Alaska that has you work every other week and expects you to leave during your weeks off!

At the end of the day, workamping can be a great way to see the country and save a little money. There certainly are ways you can even make a lot of money, but most positions seem to only be supplemental. Make sure you carefully evaluate the campground, their expectations, your finances, and your schedule to ensure you have a satisfactory workamping experience. And remember: Your house has wheels for a reason. If things get too bad, use them.

Be sure to tune into one of our recent Podcasts where Jennifer and Jenn discussed how to land your workcamping position! Join as a FREE Subscriber to listen!

Christmas Baking in Your RV: Festive Recipes & Cozy Tips from the Road

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:11:53 GMT

Sweet Traditions on the Road

I’m often considered a crazy baker at the holidays—whipping up a dozen different kinds of cookies in one season. And while we may scale back a little this year, one question always comes up: can holiday baking really be done in an RV? The answer is a resounding yes!

For 13 Christmas seasons, our RV oven has turned out trays of Italian cookies, peanut butter kiss cookies, and peppermint brownie bites—staples of our family tradition. The space may be smaller, but the joy is just as big. Baking in an RV is about creativity, flexibility, and savoring the cozy charm of holiday treats made on the road.

This year, we’re adding a new twist: modifying some of our favorite recipes to adapt them for our gluten‑free kiddo. It’s proof that traditions can evolve while still keeping their heart. Whether it’s swapping flours, adjusting bake times, or experimenting with new ingredients, the spirit of holiday baking remains the same—love, laughter, and cookies shared together.

Want to make your holiday cookies truly shine?

Follow along to the end of this post where I’ve shared some of my very best gluten‑free baking tips—tested in our RV kitchen and perfected with family favorites like pizzelles and peppermint brownie bites. These little adjustments can help your cookies keep their shape, stay moist, and taste just as festive as the classics.

Baking in an RV isn’t just possible—it’s magical. With a little planning and a lot of heart, you can keep your holiday traditions alive no matter where the road takes you.

RV Baking Tips: Christmas Edition

Space‑Saving Strategies

Mix Smart: Use collapsible bowls or stainless steel nesting bowls and measuring cups to save storage space.
Batch Prep: Mix doughs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze so you can bake in smaller batches.
One Pan Wonders: Line trays with parchment paper to reuse pans quickly without extra washing.

Oven & Equipment Tricks

Know Your Oven: RV ovens often run hotter or cooler than expected, which can make holiday baking a little bit tricky. An oven thermometer is a must‑have tool to keep recipes consistent and avoid burnt bottoms or undercooked centers.

For us, the solution has been our Breville countertop oven —and after nearly six years, it’s still going strong. It’s a fantastic option if you’re thinking about ditching the traditional RV oven. Compact yet powerful, it handles cookies, brownies, and even small casseroles with ease, making it a reliable partner for holiday baking on the road.

Why A Pizza Stones Help in RV Ovens

A pizza stone works in an RV oven because it absorbs, stores, and redistributes heat evenly, helping to balance out the hot and cold spots that older RV ovens are notorious for.

Heat Absorption & Retention : Pizza stones are made of ceramic or cordierite, materials that absorb heat during preheating. Once hot, they act like a thermal battery, holding onto that heat.
Even Heat Distribution : RV ovens often have uneven heating—hot spots near the flame and cooler spots elsewhere. The stone evens this out by radiating heat across its surface, reducing burnt bottoms and undercooked tops.
Temperature Regulation : By buffering the direct flame or heating element, the stone prevents sudden spikes in temperature. This creates a more stable baking environment, closer to what you’d expect in a home oven.
Moisture Control : Pizza stones can also absorb small amounts of moisture from dough, helping cookies, breads, and pizzas bake with crisp bottoms and tender interiors.

Practical RV Baking Tip

Place the pizza stone on the lowest rack of your RV oven and preheat it thoroughly before baking. Once hot, it acts as a stabilizer, making your oven more predictable and your holiday cookies more consistent. Many RVers leave the stone in permanently because it improves nearly every baking session.

In an older RV oven, a pizza stone is like a secret weapon—it transforms inconsistent heat into steady, reliable baking power, so your Christmas cookies come out golden instead of scorched.

Tools & Ingredients for Better Tasting Gluten-Free Baking

We may go big on baking at Christmas—sometimes a dozen different kinds of cookies—but the truth is, the tools don’t change much. A good oven (or countertop Breville), mixing bowls, baking sheets, and a few space‑saving gadgets are all you really need to keep traditions alive on the road.

Where things do get tricky is with the ingredients. Not all stores are created equal, especially if you’re baking with allergies or dietary needs in mind. Flour blends, specialty chocolates, or gluten‑free staples aren’t always easy to find in small towns or along travel routes.

The past two Christmas seasons we have learned a few things.

Stock Up Early: Buy specialty items before hitting the road whenever we have access.
Shop Smart: Larger chains often carry allergy‑friendly brands, while local shops may surprise you with unique finds.
Plan Ahead: Keep a running list of “must‑have” ingredients so you don’t forget essentials.
Stay Flexible: If you can’t find one item, adapt—swap flours, change toppings, or try a new recipe.

Why Gluten-Free Flour Blends may not Work

Different purposes: Gluten-free blends are usually made from a mix of rice flour, starches (like tapioca or potato), and binders (like xanthan gum). But each blend is formulated differently, so one might give you crisp cookies while another fails in yeast breads.
Texture challenges: Some blends can be gritty, overly starchy, or crumbly if they don’t have the right balance of ingredients.
Gluten’s role: In wheat baking, gluten provides elasticity and structure. Without it, blends must mimic that role. If the blend isn’t balanced, baked goods can turn out dry or flat.

Some additional Gluten Free Baking Tips

Adjust the Mixing Technique: Unlike wheat-based doughs, gluten-free batters benefit from longer mixing. This builds structure and helps cookies rise evenly.

Measure Flour by Weight: Gluten-free flours are finer and pack inconsistently. Weighing flour with a kitchen scale ensures accuracy and prevents dry, crumbly cookies.

Retain Moisture: Add ingredients that keep cookies soft: brown sugar, honey, or applesauce can help. Chill dough & let sit for at least 30-45 minutes before baking to improve consistency and flavor.

Gluten-free mixes really can be a gamechanger—brands like Miss Jones and King Arthur have done a lot to take the guesswork out of holiday baking. Our peppermint kiss brownie cookie adaptation has been both festive and clever, turning it into a mini brownie so it holds its shape and moisture, then we add the peppermint kiss on top at the end.

The “flattened flop” with the cookie version is a common gluten-free challenge.

Tips to Prevent Gluten-Free Cookies from Flattening

Chill the dough: Gluten-free batters often spread more quickly. Refrigerating for 30–60 minutes helps them hold shape.
Add structure: A tablespoon of cornstarch or oat flour can give cookies more body.
Use parchment or silicone mats: They help distribute heat evenly and prevent overspreading.
Adjust fat balance: Butter can cause spreading; try half butter, half shortening or coconut oil for stability.
Egg reinforcement: Adding an extra egg yolk (not white) can improve richness and structure.

The joy of Christmas baking in an RV isn’t about having every tool or ingredient—it’s about creativity, tradition, and making sweet memories wherever the road takes you.

Every December, our little RV kitchen fills with the scent of tradition. For our Italian family, that tradition has always meant including pizzelles—those delicate, lacy cookies pressed in a treasured pizzelle maker that has traveled with us through generations. Baking them isn’t just about the cookies themselves; it’s about the stories told while the iron warms, the laughter shared as the first batch inevitably disappears before cooling, and the way each crisp bite connects us back to our family roots.

This year, we’re navigating something new: baking all our favorite recipes gluten-free. At first, it felt daunting—how could we possibly recreate the flavors and textures we love without wheat flour? But we quickly discovered that gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up tradition. It simply means adapting, experimenting, and finding joy in the process. Our new mini pizzelle maker has become a symbol of that flexibility. Compact enough for our RV kitchen, it turns out perfect little cookies that are just right for sharing, sampling, and savoring.

The gluten-free pizzelles have been a revelation. Using a 1:1 flour blend with a touch of cornstarch gives them the crispness we crave, while the flavors—classic anise, bright citrus zest, or even a hint of cocoa—make each batch feel festive and fresh. The mini size adds a playful twist, perfect for sandwiching with Nutella or mascarpone cream, or simply stacking into a cheerful holiday platter.

Of course, pizzelles aren’t the only stars of our Christmas baking. We’ve been reimagining other classics too: almond biscotti studded with cranberries, flourless chocolate cookies that melt in your mouth, and amaretti that remind us that our home oon wheels can still enjoy the flavors of the holiday season while being naturally gluten-free. Each recipe is a reminder that tradition can bend without breaking, and this ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy the treats, which, for our family, is the sweetest gift of all.

As we bake, we’re not just filling tins with cookies. We’re filling our RV with memories, weaving together heritage in a new way, and proving that even when recipes evolve, the heart of Christmas baking remains the same.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe are useful for RV living and holiday baking. Your support helps us keep sharing tips, recipes, and resources with the RV community.

What’s baking in your RV kitchen this Christmas?

This season, we’re bringing the warmth of holiday baking recipe exchange into our Facebook RV community! From Italian pizzelles to gingerbread & every cookie tells a story. We want you to take a moment & share your favorite recipe, your tradition, or your creative twist, and let’s build a virtual cookie platter together in Learn to RV, the friendly informative group .

While cookie exchanges bring joy and connection, it’s essential to remember that not everyone can safely participate. Labeling cookies clearly—especially when they contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten—helps families feel seen and included. Still, for many navigating food allergies, the risk of cross-contamination can make exchanges feel unsafe, and their choice to abstain isn’t personal. Respecting those boundaries is part of the holiday spirit too, ensuring that kindness and care are baked into every tradition, whether shared through cookies or simply through community

As the last crumbs are shared and the plates find their way home, to neighbors, campground staff, or someone spending the season alone, it’s clear that holiday baking in an RV isn’t about the size of the kitchen or the number of cookies—it’s about the spirit of giving. Even a few treats passed hand to hand carry the sweetness of connection, reminding us that community is built in small gestures. This season, the aroma of cookies drifting from an RV oven can become more than a tradition—it’s a way of saying, “You matter, and you’re not forgotten.”

Beating Holiday Burnout & Finding Connection on the Road

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:58:38 GMT

Navigating Overwhelm on the Road

Holiday burnout is real, especially for RVers juggling traditions with travel. The crowded stores, the endless to‑do lists, and the pressure to make everything picture‑perfect can leave us drained instead of joyful. And while “less is more” sounds simple, it can feel complicated when we worry about being judged for what we do, or don’t buy.

But here’s the reminder we all need: the holidays aren’t measured in gifts or perfection. They’re measured in memories. Whether it’s baking cookies in a mini pizzelle maker, joining a campground gift exchange, or simply slowing down to watch the lights twinkle, the season is about connection. On the road, that connection might look different, but it’s no less meaningful.

When we rolled into Florida two weeks ago, I thought it would be nothing but amazing—sunshine, holiday vibes, and the joy of finally having all three Learn to RV The Podcast hosts together in real life. But the truth is, it’s been hard, schedules are busy and don't always align, and we have been doing normal everyday things while we are here - like dental appointments and trips to the VA. Campgrounds in December are busy, full of families, activities, and sometimes even drama. Instead of feeling festive, I’ve found myself feeling a little overwhelmed.

RV life teaches us that joy and chaos can often travel side by side. The trick isn’t to avoid the chaos—it’s to find ways to anchor ourselves in the middle of it. For me, sometimes that looks like carving out quiet moments in the rig, remembering why we’re here, sometimes even just accepting and embracing the chaos, and leaning into the small joys: a shared meal, a walk under the lights, or even laughing about the mishaps that come with crowded campgrounds.

If you’re feeling the same this season, know you’re not alone. Overwhelm is part of the journey, but so is resilience. Sometimes the best memories come not from the perfect plan, but from the imperfect, messy moments we learn to embrace.

Finding People on the Road

RV travel has always been about freedom and community, but the culture really did shift after COVID. Before, rec centers, potlucks, and campground events were bustling with activity—easy places to meet fellow travelers. Now, many RVers are more cautious, some prefer smaller gatherings, and others simply haven’t returned to those communal routines. As you’ve noticed, spaces like rec centers can feel quieter than ever, even during the holidays.

That doesn’t mean the connection is gone - it just may look different.

RVers are finding new ways to build community.

Smaller, intentional meetups rather than large campground parties.
Outdoor gatherings like firepit circles, cookie swaps, or ornament exchanges where people feel more comfortable.
Digital communities—Facebook groups, RV forums, and apps—where travelers coordinate meetups or caravans before arriving.

One of the best antidotes to holiday burnout is connection. RV travel makes it possible to meet others who understand the lifestyle and share in the season’s spirit. Here are ways to find community while traveling.

Campground Festivities : Many RV parks host potlucks, cookie exchanges, ornament swaps, or even Secret Santa gift exchanges. These simple traditions bring travelers together in warm, memorable ways.

Local Events : From light‑up parades to holiday markets, small towns often welcome RVers into their celebrations. Attending these events can help you feel part of something bigger.

Faith & Cultural Gatherings : Live Bethlehem experiences, holiday concerts, or candlelight services offer meaningful ways to connect with others and celebrate traditions.

Snowbird Destinations : Warm‑weather hubs in Florida, Arizona, and Texas are filled with fellow travelers during December. These communities are ideal for meeting new friends and sharing holiday cheer.

Online RV Groups : Social media groups like Learn to RV the friendly informative RVing Group and RV forums often list meetups or caravan opportunities, making it easier to find people nearby.

It may seem a bit harder to make spontaneous connections than it used to be, but the spirit of RV community is still alive—it just requires a little more effort and creativity to tap into.

Reframing The Season

Holiday traditions in an RV may look different when you travel in an RV, but they can be just as magical. Decorating your rig, sharing cookies with neighbors, or watching a boat parade from the shoreline can create lasting memories. What's neat is that often every year can even be different than the last. By taking the time to let go of perfection and embracing connection, RVers can turn holiday burnout into holiday joy.

The holidays aren’t about doing it all—they’re about finding light, laughter, and community wherever you are. On the road, that might mean swapping cookies with a stranger who becomes a friend, or simply enjoying the glow of Christmas lights from the comfort of your rig.

Recognizing Holiday Burnout

Holiday burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion—it can show up as:

Feeling drained by constant activity and social obligations.
Missing family traditions while traveling.
Stress from planning routes, campground reservations, or holiday meals.
A sense of isolation, especially if you’re far from home.

Acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward reclaiming the joy of the season.

RV life can feel like a perpetual vacation, but the reality is that everyday responsibilities still follow you down the road. Tasks like doing laundry, managing bills, keeping up with work deadlines, or running a business doesn’t pause just because you’re parked under palm trees or beside a snowy mountain.

When Overwhelm Meets Extroversion on the Road

As an extreme extrovert, overwhelm doesn’t stop me, it pushes me to take on even more. I say yes to the cookie swap, yes to the campground drama, yes to recording another podcast episode, yes to every chance to connect. But sometimes, that “yes” pile grows taller than I can manage, and the joy of community starts to feel like chaos.

RV life magnifies this tension. Campgrounds are full of opportunities to connect, but they’re also full of noise, schedules, and surprises. For extroverts, the challenge isn’t isolation, it’s learning when to pause, when to protect our energy, and when to let go of the pressure to be everywhere at once.

The truth is, overwhelm doesn’t mean failure. It means we’re human, navigating the balance between our love of people and our need for peace. And sometimes, the best memories come not from doing it all, but from choosing the moments that matter most.

In fact, many RVers balance the romance of travel with the routine of daily life. Remote workers and business owners often set up mobile offices inside their rigs, carving out time for Zoom calls or client work between adventures. And yes, laundry day becomes part of the rhythm, whether it’s hauling a basket to the campground laundromat or finding a local wash‑and‑fold service in town.

The beauty of RV living is that these “ordinary” tasks happen in extraordinary settings. Folding clothes while chatting with neighbors at the campground, answering emails with a view of the desert, or cooking dinner after a day exploring a holiday market—all of it blends the practical with the magical. That balance is what makes RV life sustainable, not just a getaway.

Where to Turn When Holiday Burnout Hits

Even the brightest lights can feel dim when you’re in a slump. The holidays bring joy, but they also bring pressure—and sometimes, that pressure leaves us drained instead of festive. If you find yourself overwhelmed this season, here are a few ways to reset and reconnect.

Find a friend : Reach out to someone you trust. A simple conversation, a shared laugh, or even baking cookies together can remind you that you’re not alone. Connection is often the best antidote to burnout.

Give yourself permission to reset : Step back from the to‑do list. Take a walk, watch the lights, or enjoy a quiet evening in your RV. Small pauses can restore perspective and energy.

Seek professional support if needed : If the overwhelm feels bigger than you can manage, talking with a counselor or therapist can provide tools and reassurance. There’s no shame in asking for help, it’s a sign of strength.

Here are places to turn for support if you need it this holiday season.

Professional Help :

Call your primary care provider or a licensed therapist for guidance.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988 if you’re in emotional distress.
SAMHSA Helpline – 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) for free, confidential support and referrals.

Remember, the holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence. Whether you’re sharing traditions with family, joining campground festivities, or simply savoring a quiet moment, the memories you create will matter far more than the checklist you complete.

Disclaimer: These tips are based on personal experience and community wisdom.

They are not medical advice. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a qualified professional.

Be sure to tune into our Christmas Podcast where we get real about celebrating Christmas on the road — from tacos instead of turkey to dealing with loneliness during the holidays.

Community Spotlight: Campfires & Motors, RV Life YouTubers Ashley & Steve Gallaher

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:42:36 GMT

We recently had the chance to sit down with Jennifer, one of the hosts of the Learn to RV Podcast, and it was a great conversation that took us back to the very beginning of our full-time RV journey. In the podcast, we shared who we are as a family, why we chose to sell the house, get rid of (most of) our stuff, and hit the road. We talked about what life really looks like when your home has wheels. It was less about highlight reels and more about honest moments, learning as we go, and figuring things out one mile at a time

We also talked about how Campfires and Motors came to be, starting as a simple idea to document our travels and slowly growing into a way to connect with others who dream of a different kind of life. The road has taught us patience, flexibility, and the value of time together, and we enjoyed sharing those lessons with listeners who may be thinking about RV life themselves.

One of the things we appreciated most about the conversation was the chance to encourage others who feel stuck or unsure about taking a big step. We shared that you do not need everything figured out to begin, just a willingness to start and adapt along the way. Our hope is that this episode helps listeners feel a little more confident, inspired, and excited about what is possible when you choose a life driven by experiences instead of routines. Be sure to check out the podcast to hear the full story and discussion!

We have documented our journey from the beginning, and it’s been a fun, educational and interesting ride! You can follow along on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@CampfiresAndMotors or check out our website https://campfiresandmotors.com/ and connect with us.

RV Christmas Adventures: Unique December Experiences on the Road

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:04:30 GMT

Celebrating the Holiday Season with Cookies, Campfires & Christmas Lights

The holiday season is a magical time to hit the road in your RV. December offers countless opportunities to create lasting memories, from faith-filled traditions to dazzling light displays. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a community of RVers, the open road becomes a gateway to unforgettable Christmas adventures.

Just because Christmas traditions in an RV look a little different doesn’t mean they lose any of their magic—in fact, they often become even more memorable. Decorating a smaller space encourages creativity, whether it’s stringing lights across your awning, hanging stockings on cabinet doors, or setting up a tabletop tree that glows warmly against the winter night.

The joy of RV Christmas comes from the experiences: sipping cocoa while watching a drive‑through light show, swapping cookies or gifts with fellow travelers at a campground, or waking up to a snowy mountain view one year and a sunny beach sunrise the next. These traditions may not match the “classic” living‑room holiday, but they carry the same heart—connection, joy, and celebration—wrapped in the adventure of the open road.

Live Bethlehem Experiences Across the U.S.

Many towns across the U.S. host live nativity scenes and Bethlehem villages, complete with actors, animals, and storytelling. These immersive events bring the Christmas story to life and offer a meaningful way to celebrate faith while traveling. Here are several standout events where you can step back in time and walk the streets of Bethlehem this holiday season:

Bethlehem Revisited – Waxahachie, Texas Dates: Dec 5–7 & Dec 12–14, 2025 (6–9 PM)

Features : Entire replication of Bethlehem with innkeepers, merchants, craftsmen, clergy, and live animals (sheep, camels, donkeys). Includes Herod’s Court, nightly parade of the Three Kings, and caroling light shows.

Admission : Free, donations welcome.

Journey to Bethlehem – Thomasville, North Carolina Dates: Dec 3–7, 2025 (6–9:30 PM)

Features : A walk‑through or hayride adventure with scenes of Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels, and the manger. Rain or shine, with trolleys and hayrides available.

Admission : Free.

Live Nativity Program – Utah (Temple Grounds) Dates: December 2025 (multiple evenings)

Features : Outdoor scenes set in ancient Bethlehem with actors, narration, and inspiring music. Visitors journey through three main scenes: bustling marketplace, shepherds in the fields, and the stable with Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. Hot chocolate and tours of the grounds follow.

Holidays at Theme Parks

Theme parks transform into winter wonderlands with festive parades, holiday shows, and millions of twinkling lights. RV-friendly destinations like Disney World, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City offer special Christmas events perfect for families.

Holiday Markets, Galleries, and Zoos

Explore European-style Christmas markets with artisan crafts, festive foods, and live music. Many zoos and galleries host seasonal light displays, blending art, wildlife, and holiday cheer. RVers can park nearby and enjoy these cultural experiences without the rush of city hotels.

Parades and Light-Up Celebrations

Small towns and big cities alike host Christmas parades, often featuring marching bands, floats, and Santa himself. Light-up nights and boat parades along coastal towns provide unique waterfront holiday magic.

Light‑up boat parades are a beloved U.S. holiday tradition too, especially in coastal and riverside towns. From Florida to California, decorated vessels cruise waterways at night, dazzling spectators with festive lights, music, and Santa appearances.

Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays

Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, FL) – Magic of Lights with over 2 million lights, themed tunnels, and festive stops.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas, NV) – Glittering Lights is Nevada’s largest holiday drive‑through, featuring more than 5 million lights across a 2.5‑mile course. Highlights include the Tunnel of Lights, animated displays, and a Santa photo stop. Proceeds benefit local charities, making it both magical and meaningful.

Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) – Magic of Lights featuring massive tunnels, themed displays like Barbie and Bigfoot.

Forest Park (Springfield, MA) – Bright Nights with 3 miles of lights and Santa’s Magical Forest.

Aurora Festival of Lights (Aurora, IL) – Free drive‑through with animal‑themed displays and synchronized music.

Santa’s Village (East Dundee, IL) – Magical Christmas Drive‑Thru with 3 million lights synced to holiday music.

Confreda Farms (Hope, RI) – Rhode Island Holiday Light Show, one of the state’s longest‑running drive‑throughs.

North Stonington, CT – Holiday Light Show with expanded displays and festive music sync.

Louisville Mega Cavern (Louisville, KY) – Lights Under Louisville, the only underground drive‑through light show in the world.

Hebron Lions Fairgrounds (Hebron, CT) – Lights in Motion with over 1 million animated lights synchronized to music.

Lighthouse Point Park (New Haven, CT) – Fantasy of Lights with 60+ displays and proceeds benefiting Goodwill.

Unique Holiday Experiences

Besides Celebration, Florida’s famous Now Snowing Nightly, you can find similar “snow every evening” holiday events in places like Las Vegas, Texas, California, and Colorado—where towns and attractions create magical snowfall experiences even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Celebration, Florida – Now Snowing Nightly (Nov 29 – Dec 31, 2025) with hourly snowfalls, ice skating, carriage rides, train rides, carolers, and Santa photos.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Town Square Las Vegas Snow in the Square features nightly “snowstorms” set to holiday music, creating a winter wonderland in the desert.

Grapevine, Texas – Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine hosts Parade of Lights and nightly snowfalls along Main Street, plus the ICE! exhibit at Gaylord Texan Resort.

Frisco, Texas – Snowmazing at KidZania and Christmas in the Square includes nightly snow flurries, synchronized lights, and family activities.

Denver, Colorado (Downtown & Zoo Lights) – While Denver often gets real snow, many attractions add guaranteed nightly snow effects at Zoo Lights and outdoor holiday markets.

Carlsbad, California (LEGOLAND) – Holiday Snow Nights bring artificial snowfalls to Southern California, complete with themed LEGO displays and festive parades.

Orlando, Florida (Universal CityWalk & Disney Springs) – Both host nightly “snowfalls” during December, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment with magical flurries.

Branson, Missouri – Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas includes snowfalls, 6.5 million lights, and live shows in a mountain town setting.

Experience family-friendly warm weather magic in destinations like Florida, Texas, and California that will let you enjoy “snow” without the freezing temperatures.

Get Involved at your Local Campground

Many RVers choose to head home for the holidays or spend time reconnecting with friends and family, but for those who stay on the road, snowbird destinations become a natural gathering point. Warm‑weather hubs in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Southern California are filled with fellow travelers seeking sunshine and community during December. These locations often host campground potlucks, ornament exchanges, and festive activities, making it easy to meet others who share the RV lifestyle.

Snowbird towns and resorts are especially welcoming during the holiday season, offering both the comfort of tradition and the excitement of new friendships. Whether it’s joining a cookie swap at a campground, strolling through a local holiday market, or simply sharing stories around a fire pit, RVers find that these destinations provide a sense of belonging. For many, snowbird locations are not just a winter escape—they’re a chance to celebrate the season surrounded by a community of travelers who understand the joy of life on the road.

Campgrounds often host potlucks, ornament exchanges, and community celebrations, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers.

Cookie exchanges bring sweet holiday cheer as RVers swap homemade treats and recipes.

Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchanges add laughter and surprise to campground gatherings, creating fun traditions on the road.

Winter festivals in mountain towns offer snow tubing, sleigh rides, and cozy fireside gatherings. A lot of these don't even start until January or February.

As RVers, we know that the holidays aren’t just about the places we visit—they’re about the memories we create along the way. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on the most festive events, but leaving room for flexibility allows those magical, unexpected moments to unfold. And when you embrace community, whether it’s joining a campground cookie swap or sharing a gift exchange under twinkling lights, you weave your own traditions into the larger tapestry of RV life.

December is a season of light, joy, and connection. From wandering through a holiday market to experiencing a live Bethlehem, or simply savoring cookies baked in your RV kitchen, these experiences remind us that Christmas on the road can be just as meaningful—if not more—than celebrating at home. The laughter, the shared meals, and the stories told around the fire become the gifts we carry long after the season ends.

So this year, lean into the adventure. Book those sites early, pack your favorite recipes, and say yes to the spontaneous detours that make RV travel unforgettable. Most of all, invite others into your journey—because the best holiday memories are the ones we create together.

Are you ready to make this season magical? Take a moment to share your favorite RV holiday traditions or cookie recipes in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to celebrate Christmas on the road with joy, creativity, and connection.

Why Experiences Beat Toys: The Gift Your Teen Will Actually Remember

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:59:41 GMT

Picture this: Ask your teenager what gifts they received last Christmas. Now ask them about their most memorable adventure. Which question sparks more enthusiasm and detailed stories?

The truth is, most physical gifts—even those met with initial excitement—often end up collecting dust, breaking, or being outgrown as interests change. But experiences? They become part of who we are, weaving themselves into the fabric of our memories and shaping our character in lasting ways.

The Power of Experiential Gifts

When you give the gift of an experience, you’re offering something far more valuable than a material possession. You’re providing:

Opportunities for personal growth
Challenges that build confidence and resilience
Memories that last a lifetime
Stories that become part of their life narrative
Real connections with peers and the natural world

As a parent, I’ve seen this firsthand. When my son turned 18, I gave him a hot air balloon ride over the city at dawn. Years later, we still talk about watching the sun paint the sky as we floated above the world. It wasn’t just a gift—it was a transformative moment we shared together.

Another year, my son received a monthly STEM project subscription. Each box brought new engineering challenges, complete with supplies and instructions. This wasn’t just a one-and-done gift; it provided a year of discovery, learning, and achievement. The pride in his eyes as he completed each project was worth far more than any single toy could have provided.

Adventures: The Ultimate Experiential Gift

At Teen Connect Adventures, we believe that adventure camps represent one of the most powerful experiential gifts you can give your teenager. Think about what your teen receives:

The thrill of rappelling down cliff faces
The joy of swimming in natural waterfalls
The triumph of hiking up a mountain to witness a sunrise with friends
The confidence that comes from pushing personal boundaries
The formation of deep friendships forged through shared challenges

Unlike a new device that might isolate them behind a screen, adventure camps offer real connection, genuine challenges, and transformative experiences. They provide the kind of stories your teenager will tell for years to come—the kind that shape who they become.

Creative Ways to Gift Experiences

The possibilities for experiential gifts are endless:

Travel opportunities (like my son’s solo trip to visit family in California)
Subscription services for activities or projects
Adventure sports lessons
Cultural experiences
Outdoor expeditions

These gifts do more than entertain—they help young people develop independence, build confidence, and learn to navigate the world on their own terms.

If you are ready to give your teen a gift they will remember for the rest of their lives, check out our Teen Connect adventure camps for 2026!

Menopause on the Road: RV Life, Family, and Finally Talking About It

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:46:07 GMT

Surprising Symptoms, Honest Conversations, and Life on Wheels

Life on the road is full of adventure—new places, new people, and new challenges & lots of change.

For many RVing families, one of those challenges is navigating peri-menopause & menopause while living in close quarters with a spouse and kids. It’s not always easy, but it’s also an opportunity to grow together with honesty, humor, and compassion.

Menopause is also a season of change.

Hot flashes, mood swings, and shifting energy levels can feel magnified when you’re sharing a small space. In an RV, there’s no “other room” to retreat to, and that makes grace and understanding essential. It’s about recognizing that this isn’t just a physical transition—it’s emotional, relational, and deeply human.

What makes this moment different from when our mothers went through it is the conversation. My mom’s generation often endured menopause silently, with little support or open dialogue. Today, we’re better at talking about it. We’re naming the challenges, sharing stories, and inviting our families into the process. That openness makes all the difference.

Practical Tips for RV Life + Menopause

Cooling Hacks : Keep a small fan by the bed, invest in breathable bedding, and use reflective shades to keep the RV cooler during hot flashes.

Flexible Travel Plans : Build downtime into your schedule. If energy levels dip, don’t feel pressured to keep moving—sometimes staying put is the best gift.

Privacy Strategies : Create small rituals that signal “me time,” like morning walks, journaling, or a solo coffee outside. Even in tight quarters, boundaries matter.

Healthy Habits : Stock the RV pantry with snacks that stabilize energy (nuts, fruit, yogurt) and stay hydrated—especially important during hormonal shifts.

Communication Tips With Family

With Your Spouse : Be clear about what you need in the moment—whether it’s space, patience, or a laugh. Encourage them to ask questions instead of making assumptions.

With Your Kids : Use this as a teaching moment. Explain that bodies change, emotions shift, and that it’s all part of life. It builds empathy and normalizes conversations about health.

With Yourself : Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that menopause is not a weakness—it’s a transition, and you deserve grace.

Menopause can bring some truly surprising symptoms beyond the “usual suspects” like hot flashes and mood swings. These lesser-known changes often catch women off guard, but they’re real and linked to hormonal shifts.

Unexpected Menopause Symptoms

Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations in hands, feet, or extremities due to changes in circulation and nerve function.
Electric shock feelings — brief zaps or jolts under the skin, sometimes right before a hot flash.
Burning mouth syndrome, with sensations of heat or discomfort in the tongue or lips.
Metallic taste in the mouth, altering how food and drinks taste.
Changes in body odor, as hormone fluctuations affect sweat composition.
Itchy or dry skin, sometimes intense enough to feel like a rash even without visible irritation.
Voice changes, where vocal cords thicken and the voice becomes deeper or hoarser.
New allergies or sensitivities, including reactions to foods or environmental triggers that never bothered you before.
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), linked to estrogen’s role in circulation and auditory health.
Unexpected hair growth (like facial hair or hair in unusual places) due to shifts in androgen levels.
Breast tenderness from hormonal fluctuations and changes in body composition.
Digestive issues such as bloating, discomfort, or gastrointestinal upsets.

When the Guys Took the Mic: Talking Marriage, RV Life, and Menopause

Listen to the Episode Here

Recently, the guys snuck onto Learn to RV The Podcast . What started as a casual chat quickly turned into something deeper: an honest conversation about what it’s like to be the spouse of a woman navigating perimenopause or menopause while living life on the road.

They talked about the years of marriage behind them, the miles traveled in an RV, and the unique challenges that come with sharing such close quarters during a season of change. From hot flashes to mood swings, from shifting energy to the need for patience, they admitted that it’s not always easy. But they also shared how much stronger their relationships have become because of it.

What stood out most was their willingness to talk openly. For so long, menopause was often something whispered about, endured silently, or brushed aside. Hearing the guys acknowledge the realities — and the growth that comes from facing them together — was refreshing. It reminded us that this journey isn’t just about one person’s body; it’s about the whole family learning grace, humor, and sometimes a lot of resilience.

RV life magnifies everything: the joys, the frustrations, the intimacy. And menopause is no exception. But as the guys reminded us, it also magnifies love. When you’re willing to laugh together, listen deeply, and give each other space when needed, you discover that the road ahead can be navigated with compassion.

Their conversation was a reminder that we’re better at talking about this now than our mothers were. Back then, menopause was treated like a secret club with no handbook—just whispered warnings and raised eyebrows (literally). I mean, I had no idea my own eyebrows would eventually turn grey, or why Aunt Ruth suddenly sported a beard like she was auditioning for a ZZ Top tribute band. At least now we can laugh about it, share the surprises, and admit that menopause comes with quirks no one warned us about.

RV life teaches us flexibility, and menopause asks for the same. Together, they remind us that family isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up for each other with grace.

Disclaimer : I’m not a medical professional—just a mom who’s lived through menopause, RV life, and all the surprises that come with it. I’m still here to tell the tale, share the laughs, and remind you that you’re not alone. If you have medical concerns, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.

Winter Wellness for RVers Using Homeopathy: Natural Options for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:40:25 GMT

How Homeopathy Supports the Body During Colds and Flus

Winter travel in your RV can be beautiful. Crisp mornings, clear skies, and quiet campgrounds. Or maybe your style is warm sandy beaches in The Keys. Either way, wintertime can also bring a familiar challenge. You set up camp on a chilly afternoon, the kids run around in the cold air, and the temperature drops fast overnight. By morning, someone wakes up with a sore throat, a heavy head, or a general sense of coming down with something.

Being far from town or in an unfamiliar area means a quick doctor visit may not be an option, and most of us prefer to avoid unnecessary urgent care trips for seasonal sniffles. This is where homeopathy can offer simple and natural support for cold and flu symptoms, especially when you want something gentle, safe, and easy to take with you wherever your travels take you.

Homeopathy works with your body’s innate ability to heal itself and return to a balanced state. Instead of suppressing symptoms the way some conventional medications do, homeopathy encourages the body’s own efforts so you can recover in a more complete and natural way.

Many people find that homeopathic remedies shorten the duration or lessen the intensity of symptoms. Because homeopathy is natural and safe for all ages, it can be a helpful option for families on the road who want to feel prepared without carrying a large medicine cabinet.

Using Homeopathy for Winter Wellness Support

There are many methods of using homeopathy. For those who are new to homeopathy or short on space, here are your best starting points.

Combination Remedies: Simple and Easy to Find

One of the easiest places to start is with combination remedies from brands like Boiron or Hyland’s. These are often available in local pharmacies, big box stores, and online retailers like Amazon, which makes them extremely convenient for RVers.

These combination remedies are typically formulated with low potency homeopathic remedy combinations and named for the symptoms you are likely to encounter with typical cold and flu concerns, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing. Look for options like Boiron’s ColdCalm or Chestal or Hyland’s Cold and Cough. Follow the dosing instructions on the box.

Banerji Protocol Approach: Aconite and Bryonia

Another simple and accessible option for RVers is the Banerji Protocol approach. This method was developed by a team of homeopaths in India and this protocol pairs two commonly used remedies that match early-stage cold or flu type symptoms.

Aconite 200C is often used when symptoms begin suddenly, especially after being exposed to cold air or when a low fever starts.
Bryonia 30C is commonly used when symptoms are worse from motion, with achy soreness or a dry cough.

In this protocol, the Banerjis recommend these two remedies mixed together. You are not likely to find this as a premixed combination on the road. Your next best option is to get single tubes of each remedy. Many natural stores like Sprouts, Natural Grocer, Fresh Thyme, and small health food stores are likely to carry these two single tube remedies. Boiron’s store finder can also help in the search for single remedies: https://www.boironusa.com/store-locator/ .

Aconite 200C mixed with Bryonia 30C is a great pairing to take at the first sign of any yuck coming on. If you are using the two single remedies, you can take a dose of one and then the other in the mouth at the same time. The Banerjis suggest dosing this combo every 3 to 12 hours as needed.

Cell Salts: Everyday Support with Ferrum Phos

Cell salts are another natural option that travel well. One of the most helpful during the first signs of illness is Ferrum phos 6X .

Ferrum phos is known for supporting the body’s natural defenses. It can be taken at the very beginning of cold or flu type symptoms, especially when someone feels warm, tired, flushed, or run down. It is particularly helpful when symptoms like a low fever seem non-descript with no other clues. Cell salts like Ferrum phos can be taken 3-4 times a day as needed.

Cell salts, often Hyland’s brand, can be found in most of the same regional natural chain stores or local health food stores.

Supporting Yourself Naturally This Winter

Whether you are camping in snow covered mountains, traveling through windy states, visiting family in colder climates, or trying to stay warm on a southern beach, homeopathy offers simple and accessible ways to support your family during cold and flu season. With a few easy to find homeopathic remedies and a basic understanding of how to use them, you can feel prepared wherever your travels take you.

If you would like to learn more about choosing the right remedy for specific symptoms like congestion, sore throats, coughs, fevers, and more, take the next step in your homeopathic educational journey with my winter wellness workshop.

Conquering Cold and Flu Symptoms: The Mom’s Guide to Winter Wellness Confidence Workshop is available on demand at Rooted Homeopathy and will help you feel confident and equipped to support your family naturally throughout the winter season. Visit RootedHomeopathy.com/LearnToRV to learn more and enroll.

Medical Disclaimer and Bio:

Disclaimer: Please note that Amanda Pelser is not a licensed medical professional and the information that she is sharing with you is educational and not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Amanda Pelser is a certified practical and clinical homeopath. Homeopathy supports the whole person and stimulates the God given ability within the body to heal itself through the use of presenting symptoms. Please consult your medical provider for medical advice.

Amanda Pelser is a wife, a homeschooling mom of four boys, and an aspiring homesteader. After finding herself bedridden with chronic pain, fatigue, and autoimmune conditions, Amanda was left hopeless by the conventional medical community. Desperate for a change, she used her background as a seminary-trained researcher to integrate her Christian faith with the practice of homeopathy and reclaim her health. With 10+ years of experience using homeopathy, now, as a certified homeopath, Amanda gives hope to Christian moms who are ready to find biblically aligned, hope-filled health for themselves and their families. Connect with Amanda at RootedHomeopathy.com for personalized wellness consults and homeopathic educational opportunities.

Professional RV Tank Cleaning: Why Tank Rangers Is Essential for Black & Gray Tank Maintenance

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:11:00 GMT

Let's talk about the thing nobody wants to talk about—but every RVer deals with: RV tank problems .

Foul odors. Clogged black tanks. Inaccurate sensors. Slow drainage. The dreaded poop pyramid. Sound familiar?

Here's what most RVers don't realize: your onboard tank flush system isn't enough . Those built-in sprayers don't penetrate buildup, remove struvite stones, or scrub away mold and sludge that accumulates over time.

That's where professional RV tank cleaning comes in—and that's where Tank Rangers steps up.

Tank Rangers is a nationwide RV tank cleaning service with nearly three dozen locations across the country, offering professional hydro-jetting for both black tanks and gray tanks. Whether you're dealing with sensor issues, stubborn odors, or just want preventative maintenance, Tank Rangers provides mess-free, thorough cleaning that gets your tanks back to factory condition.

In this guide, we're covering why professional tank cleaning matters, what happens during service, common RV tank myths, DIY maintenance tips, and how to find Tank Rangers near you.

Want to hear the full story? We sat down with founder Gabe on our Community Spotlight podcast episode!

Why Your RV Tanks Need More Than Just a Rinse

Why Professional RV Tank Cleaning Matters

Most RVers don't think about their tanks until there's a problem. But by the time you're dealing with stubborn odors, sensor failures, or a clogged black tank, the damage is already done.

Professional RV tank cleaning isn't just for emergencies—it's preventative maintenance that protects your investment and keeps your RV livable.

What Happens Inside RV Tanks Over Time

Your RV holding tanks aren't self-cleaning. Even with regular dumping, buildup accumulates on tank walls, sensors, and pipes. Here's what's hiding inside:

Struvite Stones – When urine isn't diluted with enough water, it bonds with bio-waste and forms hard, kidney stone-like deposits. These reduce tank capacity and create clogs.

Sludge and Buildup – Paper, waste, and additives layer on tank walls, trapping odors and blocking sensors.

Mold Growth – Gray tanks are humid breeding grounds for mold, causing respiratory issues and foul odors.

Sensor Failure – Debris coats sensors, giving false readings. Your tank says "full" when it's empty—or worse, "empty" when it's overflowing.

Why DIY Methods Aren't Enough

Your onboard tank flush sprayer is helpful, but it's not a deep clean because it has:

Low pressure from campground water can't remove hardened buildup
No penetration —it's a spot-free rinse, not a scrub
No gray tank coverage —most RVs don't have sprayers in gray tanks at all

The Health Risks

Tank issues aren't just annoying, plus they can make you sick. One of Tank Rangers customer's doctor prescribed a professional tank cleaning, tune into the Podcast to hear that full story and find out if the tank cleaning helped.

What Happens If You Skip Maintenance

Neglected tanks lead to expensive problems:

Gate valve failure (sticking, cracking, leaking)
Structural damage from excessive sludge weight
Replacement costs ($500-$2,000+ for new tanks)
Health issues from mold and bacteria
Reduced resale value

Professional Cleaning Gets You Back to Factory Condition

Tank Rangers uses high-pressure hydro-jetting (1,500-1,600 PSI) to scrub tanks from the inside, removing years of buildup. Clean tanks mean accurate sensors, no odors, proper drainage, and a healthier RV.

Bottom Line: Professional RV tank cleaning isn't a luxury—it's essential maintenance. Tank Rangers gives you factory-clean tanks and peace of mind.

Want to hear the full story? Gabe shares more on our podcast!

Common RV Tank Myths—Busted

There's a lot of bad advice floating around about RV tank maintenance. Let's set the record straight on some myths that keep circulating in the RV community.

Myth #1: Bleach or Vinegar Will Clean Your Tanks

The Truth: These can actually damage your tanks.

Bleach and vinegar are harsh on rubber seals, gaskets, and tank materials. While they might temporarily mask odors, they don't break down solids or remove buildup. Worse, bleach can dry out and crack seals over time, leading to leaks. Use enzyme-based treatments designed specifically for RV tanks—they're safer and actually work.

Myth #2: Dish Soap is a Great Tank Treatment

The Truth: Dish soap creates excessive suds and doesn't break down waste.

Dawn and other dish soaps might seem like cheap alternatives to RV treatments, but they create foam that can back up into your RV and don't contain the enzymes needed to break down solids. Stick with proper RV tank treatments.

Myth #3: You Should Use Minimum Water to "Save Weight and Last Longer"

The Truth: Water is your best friend for healthy tanks.

Many RVers—especially boondockers—try to conserve water by using as little as possible when flushing. This actually creates more problems. Without enough water to dilute waste and urine, you get struvite stones, clogs, and buildup.

The golden rule: Use plenty of water. It keeps everything flowing and prevents expensive tank problems.

Myth #4: Gray Tanks Don't Need Maintenance

The Truth: Gray tanks are often dirtier than black tanks.

Gray tanks collect grease, food particles, soap scum, hair, and mold. Without sprayers or proper flushing, they become breeding grounds for bacteria and odors. Many RVers only focus on black tank maintenance and completely neglect their gray tanks—until they smell something awful.

Professional cleaning should include both black and gray tanks.

Myth #5: If Sensors Say "Empty," Your Tank is Clean

The Truth: Sensors only measure liquid level, not cleanliness.

Your sensors can read "empty" while inches of sludge sit at the bottom of your tank. Or they read "full" because they're coated in debris. Sensors lie. Regular maintenance and professional cleaning keep tanks truly clean—not just empty.

Bottom Line: Don't trust RV tank myths. Follow proven maintenance practices and schedule professional cleanings to avoid costly problems.

Want to hear even more tank myths debunked? Gabe shares insider tips on our podc ast!

What Actually Happens During a Tank Rangers Service

Wondering what professional RV tank cleaning actually involves? Here's exactly what happens when Tank Rangers services your rig.

The Hydro-Jetting Process

Tank Rangers uses high-pressure hydro-jetting (1,500-1,600 PSI) to clean your tanks from the outside. A specialized nozzle enters your tanks through existing access points and scrubs the interior walls, removing buildup, sludge, and debris that regular flushing can't touch.

This isn't a quick rinse—it's a deep, thorough cleaning that gets your tanks as close to factory condition as possible.

Both Black and Gray Tanks

Most RVers focus on black tank maintenance and forget about gray tanks. Big mistake. Gray tanks collect grease, food particles, soap scum, and mold—often making them dirtier than black tanks.

Since most RVs don't have sprayers in gray tanks, they rarely get properly cleaned. Tank Rangers services both black and gray tanks , ensuring your entire waste system is clean and healthy.

Camera Inspections

Tank Rangers doesn't just clean—they inspect. Using specialized cameras, technicians look inside your tanks to check for:

Damaged or failing seals
Cracks or structural issues
Gate valve condition
Hidden clogs or problems

If they spot an issue, they'll let you know so you can address it before it becomes a costly repair.

What To Expect During Service

Time: About 2 hours

Requirements: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)

Location: Everything is done from outside—mess-free

Your involvement: You're welcome (and encouraged!) to watch the process

Tank Rangers respects your RV and the campground. All waste goes directly into the campground sewer system—they don't haul bio-waste.

What Comes Out

You'd be surprised what Tank Rangers removes: toilet paper buildup, grease layers, struvite stones, mold, and debris you didn't even know was there. Some customers are fascinated watching the process—one customer compared it to "pimple popping videos." Oddly satisfying? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

The Result

After service, your tanks are factory-clean. Sensors give accurate readings. Odors disappear. Drainage improves. You get a fresh start and a new canvas to maintain properly.

Bottom Line: Tank Rangers provides thorough, mess-free tank cleaning that resets your entire waste system. It's professional maintenance you can see—and smell—the difference from.

Curious what wild things Gabe's seen come out of RV tanks? He shares some jaw-dropping stories on our podcast!

Tank Rangers makes professional RV tank cleaning accessible nationwide with nearly three dozen authorized service providers and mobile units that come directly to your location.

How to Find Tank Rangers Near You

Regional and Mobile Service Providers

Regional Service Providers serve specific geographic areas and come to your campground or location. They cover territories like Houston, Central New Mexico, Denver, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, and many more regions across the country.

Mobile Units are full-time RVers who travel nationwide with their equipment, moving seasonally to cover different regions. Tank Rangers currently has 8 mobile units plus ambassadors who travel extensively—perfect if you're on the road and want service scheduled along your route.

Both come to YOU —you don't go to them. Service happens right at your campsite.

How To Find A Service Provider

Visit www.tankrangers.com/our-locations
Check the locations page showing all authorized service providers. Click on any location to see their service area, contact information, and booking details.

Call Central Dispatch
Not sure who covers your area or when mobile units will be nearby? Call 844-RVTanks (844-788-2657) and dispatch will connect you with the nearest available provider.

Plan Ahead for Mobile Units
Mobile providers travel seasonally, so book in advance. Let them know where you'll be and when—many RVers coordinate service around rallies, events, or extended stays.

Service Requirements

Full hookups (water, electric, sewer) at your campsite
About 2 hours for complete service
Mess-free service done entirely from outside your RV
All waste goes directly into campground sewer system

Booking Your Service

To schedule:

Visit tankrangers.com/our-locations
Find your region and click for provider details
Contact them directly via phone or email
Or call 844-RVTanks for scheduling assistance

Pricing is standardized based on typical RV setup (2 gray tanks, 1 black tank). Service area and travel distance may affect final cost.

Stay Connected

Website: tankrangers.com
Phone: 844-RVTanks (844-788-2657)
Social Media: Facebook , Instagram , TikTok

Bottom Line: Tank Rangers comes to you—whether you're at a campground, rally, or boondocking spot. With nationwide coverage, professional service is just a phone call away.

Want to hear what it's like running a mobile RV service? Gabe shares his story on our podcast!

Keep Your Tanks Happy—Your Nose Will Thank You

Let's be real : nobody dreams of spending their RV adventures worrying about tank problems. You didn't buy an RV to deal with clogged black tanks, mystery odors, or sensors that lie to your face.

You bought it for freedom . For sunsets at new campgrounds. For waking up in places that take your breath away. For memories with the people you love.

And the last thing you need is a poop pyramid ruining the vibe.

The Bottom Line: Professional RV tank cleaning with Tank Rangers isn't just about getting rid of buildup—it's about peace of mind . It's knowing your tanks are factory-clean, your sensors actually work, and you won't be "that RVer" at the dump station with a clog and a prayer.

Whether you're dealing with problems now or just want to prevent them (smart move, by the way), Tank Rangers has you covered with:

Nationwide coverage—regional providers and mobile units
Professional hydro-jetting that actually works
Mess-free service done right at your campsite
Camera inspections to catch issues before they're expensive
Education on how to keep your tanks healthy between cleanings

Ready To Schedule?

Don't wait until you're Googling "emergency RV tank service near me" at 10 PM on a Saturday. (Trust us, that's not a fun night.)

�� Call 844-RVTanks (844-788-2657)
�� Visit tankrangers.com/
�� Use promo code TANKRANGERS at Liquified for a discount on tank treatments

Want the Full Story?

We sat down with Tank Rangers founder Gabe to talk about his RV journey, how he started the business, wild tank stories (seriously, you won't believe some of them), and insider tips you won't find anywhere else.

Listen to the exclusive podcast episode on our Patreon—100% FREE to join!

�� Join Patreon and listen now

Now go enjoy your RV adventures—and let Tank Rangers worry about what's in your tanks. You've got better things to do.

RV Road Trip Ideas: Touring Iconic Football Stadiums Across the Country

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:25:02 GMT

AT&T Stadium

Did you know you can tour different sports stadiums around the country—not just go to a game? When we realized we could do this, we made it a point to add this to our travel list. Here are the stadiums we’ve toured so far.

Even if you aren’t a Dallas Cowboys fan, you should check out AT&T Stadium. Tours are available daily (unless it’s game day). You’ll get a great behind-the-scenes tour including locker rooms for the players and cheerleaders as well as access to the field. Tour information can be found here .

PARKING NOTE: There is plenty of parking for your RV and easy access from the highway.

Rose Bowl

When we were planning our trip for the Escapees Tournament of Roses HOP, we found out they were offering tours of the Rose Bowl. To be able to tour this iconic stadium was amazing. While not as grand as NFL stadiums, this historic stadium is worth the tour. For information on booking your own tour, click here .

PARKING NOTE : There is a large parking lot that may be able to accommodate and RV, but you are traveling around Pasadena and may not want to bring your rig through the neighborhood streets to get there.

Kansas City GEHA Stadium

Home to the Kansas City Chiefs, this stadium is one of the oldest in the country. We had access to the field, locker room, press box, and VIP lounge. For information on the different tour packages and available dates, click here .

PARKING NOTE : There is plenty of parking and easy access from the highway, so driving your home on wheels there shouldn’t be a problem.

SoFi Stadium

We thought AT&T was amazing—until we went to SoFi in Los Angeles. This stadium blew us away! Our tour took us all around the stadium, and the tour guide told us about the environmentally conscious aspects of the facility. And besides, it was beautiful! This stadium will also be an integral part of the 2028 Summer Olympics. Head to LA and book your tour here before you go.

PARKING NOTE : While there is a large parking area, remember that you are in LA and have to go down neighborhood streets to get to the stadium.

Ohio State Stadium “The Shoe”

This iconic stadium is definitely worth the trip to Columbus, even if you aren’t a Buckeye fan. This tour takes you to all the places you’d expect to go and gives you the history along the way. As with all the other tours on our list, the guide was very knowledgeable and made it an enjoyable experience. Once you’re done with the tour, head over to the Woody Hayes Center to see all the trophies and awards the football program has won over the years. For information on the tours and when they are available click here .

PARKING NOTE : The stadium is on a college campus. Parking for the tour is not large enough to accommodate an RV.

As you can see, this is just a small sample of the many stadiums around the country. Check your travel itinerary and see if you can add a stadium tour to your list of must-dos.

Giving Tuesday with Learn to RV

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:43:56 GMT

Escapee's C.A.R.E. Program, Traveling with a Purpose & Lasagna Love

Giving Tuesday is more than a day—it’s a movement. For RVers, it’s a chance to reflect on the road we’ve traveled, the communities we’ve touched, and the ways we can give back while living life on wheels.

Escapees CARE: Compassion On the Road

Escapees CARE (Continuing Assistance for Retired Escapees) is a nonprofit that provides a safety net for RVers who need extra support. Whether it’s medical recovery, respite care, or simply a helping hand, CARE ensures that the RV lifestyle remains accessible even when challenges arise.

Escapees CARE embodies this spirit of giving beautifully. Based in Livingston, Texas, CARE provides a lifeline for RVers who want to continue living in their rigs while facing challenges such as illness, recovery, or aging. Residents receive meals, transportation, housekeeping, and companionship, all while remaining part of the RV lifestyle they love. Volunteers and donors make this possible, proving that the open road is best traveled together.

The Gift of Time

Not only can you donate money to CARE, but you can also give the gift of your time. For residents who find themselves needing to stay at the CARE Center, volunteers are often the heartbeat of daily life. From driving to appointments, helping with meals, or simply offering companionship, your presence makes a tangible difference.

Volunteering at CARE isn’t just service- it’s a deeper sense of community. It’s a chance to connect with fellow RVers, to share stories, and to ensure that no one has to journey alone. If you’re ready to make an impact, you can learn more about volunteer opportunities on their website.

Traveling With a Purpose : A Different Kind of Journey This Year

For years, Traveling With a Purpose has invited RVers and volunteers to Jamaica, offering opportunities to both learn and grow while serving communities in need. It’s a tradition rooted in connection, compassion, and the belief that travel is most meaningful when it leaves the world better than we found it.

But this year is different.

While Hurricane Melissa may feel like it’s in the rearview mirror for many of us, that’s certainly not true in Jamaica. Communities there are still rebuilding homes, restoring schools, and repairing the rhythms of daily life. The storm’s impact lingers, and so does the need for support.

Both Robin's Nest Children's Home & Melody House still need your continued support. You can sign up for more information about a future community trip HERE

How Can Stand With Jamaica Right Now?

Even if we can’t physically be there this year, here are some ways we can still support Traveling with A Purpose

Donating to relief and recovery efforts through trusted partners like TAP .
Sharing stories that keep Jamaica’s needs visible long after the headlines fade.
Offering skills remotely — from fundraising to awareness campaigns — that strengthen recovery.

Lasagna Love : Comfort Shared

Giving Tuesday is also about small acts of kindness. What began as one neighbor cooking for another has grown into a nationwide movement of kindness, delivering warm meals to families in need. It’s a simple act, but one that carries immense meaning. Just as lasagna layers pasta, sauce, and cheese, Lasagna Love layers compassion, nourishment, and connection.

This Giving Tuesday, Lasagna Love is cooking up something special. They’re hosting a virtual lasagna-making event... and it’s not just about the pasta. For those who may not want to make a physical lasagna, there’s another way to join in: you can donate to support the ingredients our volunteers use to serve families in communities across the country.

And they’ve just launched their brand-new volunteer portal, making it easier than ever to get involved. Whether you’re ready to roll up your sleeves in the kitchen or prefer to support behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in this movement of kindness.

Here’s how you can help this holiday season:

Volunteer: Sign up through our new portal to be matched with neighbors in need.
Donate: Support the cost of ingredients so volunteers can keep delivering yummy goodness
Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family to multiply the impact.

The Pasta For a Purpose campaign runs through December 31, 2025. Every lasagna, every donation, and every act of kindness brings us closer to ensuring no family feels alone this holiday season.

Learn more and get involved here Pasta For a Purpose | Lasagna Love Giving Campaign

Together, these efforts remind us that Giving Tuesday is not just about writing a check—it’s about traveling with a purpose, sharing comfort, and building community wherever we are.

Carrying Kay Peterson’s Legacy Forward

When Kay Peterson founded Escapees CARE in Livingston, Texas, she envisioned a place where RVers could continue living the lifestyle they loved even when age, illness, or recovery made travel difficult. CARE has become that lifeline, offering meals, transportation, and community support to residents who need it most.

Now, after the recent acquisition of Escapees RV Club by Harvest Hosts, CARE stands independently as its own nonprofit. That independence is powerful—but it also means CARE relies entirely on us, the RV community, to carry Kay’s legacy forward. Donations, volunteer service, and advocacy are what keep the doors open and the mission alive.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to layer your compassion in three ways:

Support Escapees CARE, ensuring RVers can continue their journeys with dignity.
Stand with Traveling With a Purpose, helping Jamaica rebuild after Hurricane Melissa.
Share comfort through Lasagna Love, reminding families everywhere that they are not alone.

Together, these efforts form a tapestry of care, purpose, and love. Kay’s vision was never just about one facility—it was about the heartbeat of the community. And now, it’s up to us to keep that vision alive.

This Giving Tuesday, let’s commit to keeping the road open for everyone, ensuring no one journeys alone.

New Chapter, Same Mission: Is Family RV Association the RV Community You’ve Been Looking For?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:12:17 GMT

From Motorhomes to Movement: How FMCA’s Quiet Shift and FRVA’s Bold Vision Are Reshaping The RV Community

The Family RV Association (FRVA), formerly FMCA, is a nationwide RV club offering community, resources, and exclusive perks for RV owners. Joining gives you access to discounts, emergency support, education, and a vibrant network of fellow travelers.

What FMCA Used to Be vs. What It Is Now

Back in the early days of RV travel, before every brand had its own rally and influencer-led caravan, there was FMCA—the Family Motor Coach Association. Founded in 1963, it was the first real club in the industry, built for families and retirees traveling in motorhomes. It wasn’t just about discounts or roadside assistance. It was about connection. Campfire stories. Shared maps. A sense of belonging.

But as the RV landscape evolved, so did the rigs—and the people inside them. In 2017, FMCA made a quiet but significant change: they opened membership to towables. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers. The whole spectrum. And yet… almost nobody knew. The shift was barely marketed, and the perception lingered: FMCA was still “for motorhomes.”

Towables Welcome… But Did Anyone Hear?

This is the kind of story we unpack on the Learn to RV podcast. The 2017 policy change should’ve been a rallying cry for inclusivity. Instead, it felt like a whisper. Many towable owners still assume FMCA isn’t for them. And many motorhome owners still see FMCA as a retiree-only club.

So many people have asked.... What does it take to truly welcome someone?

Is it enough to change the rules, or do you have to change the culture? The branding? The outreach? We talk about what inclusivity really looks like in RV life—and how newer organizations are doing it differently.

Why Community Still Matters More Than Membership Type

This is where FRVA (Family RVing Association) enters the story. Born from the desire to create something more inclusive, more transparent, and more joyful, FRVA isn’t just a club—it’s a movement. It now welcomes all rigs, all ages, all backgrounds. It’s built on shared values, not vehicle specs.

FRVA rallies feel different. They’re not just about who you park next to—they’re about who you connect with. Whether you’re a solo traveler in a teardrop or a multigenerational crew in a fifth wheel, you belong. And that belonging is what makes RV life magical.

Two years ago, I had an idea with my friends Lisa & Bill: what if there was a dedicated chapter under the Family RV Association (FRVA) banner just for families? Not just full-timers. Not just retirees. But any family—weekenders, roadschoolers, grandparents traveling with grandkids—who wanted to camp, connect, and create lasting memories together.

Today, that idea is finally becoming a reality.

Let me introduce you to the FRVA Rolling Roots Chapter.

This chapter is a dedicated space for all families.

Families who travel with kids
Grandparents who RV during school breaks
Anyone who wants a kid-friendly, community-driven experience
Events with dedicated kids’ programming, camp-style fun, and inclusive vibes

The FRVA Rolling Roots Chapter is exactly what the RV world needs: a space where families of all kinds can travel with their kids, not just around them. A space where grandparents, weekend warriors, roadschoolers, and full-timers alike can find connection, campfire joy, and a dedicated kids’ camp-style experience.

Let’s be honest: FRVA is still primarily known as an older person’s club. But real change doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from stepping into the gap and making it happen. That’s what Rolling Roots is all about.

How to Join Rolling Roots

1. Become a member of FRVA

You can join at www.frva.com (formerly FMCA). Membership is just $99/year and includes incredible benefits like FRVA Assist, which provides emergency medical evacuation, RV return, and family travel support if something happens on the road. That alone is worth the cost.

2. Join the Rolling Roots Chapter

Once you're a member, you can add chapter membership. Chapters ofen have chapter dues but to establish this community we are offering the 1st year THROUGH December 2026 will be FREE to join. At events we will change a fee for supplies per child or per family, but the plan is to keep it affordble for anyone.

Details will be posted soon on our chapter page, or reach out directly for help joining. We will have a Facebook page for members of FRVA to stay connected.

This isn’t just a chapter—it’s a movement. A place where kids are welcome, families are celebrated, and RV life feels like home.

Is Rolling Roots just for families?

Yes—and no.

Yes, it was created with families in mind. With kids’ programming, multigenerational travel support, and a vision for camp-style connection, it’s a space where parents, grandparents, and caregivers can RV with their kids, not just around them.

But no, it’s not only for families.

The older generation will absolutely still be at rallies. In fact, they’re a vital part of what makes this chapter special. What better place to build a family-friendly, inclusive community than one where wisdom meets wonder? Where seasoned RVers share stories around the fire, and kids learn what it means to wander with purpose?

Maybe you’re a former camp counselor. Or a retired schoolteacher. Or just someone who still lights up when they see kids learning, laughing, and exploring.

Yes! Even you can join the chapter.

You don’t need to be a full-time RVer or a social media pro. You just need heart. A willingness to show up. To be hands-on. To help create moments of wonder and connection for the next generation of travelers. Whether it’s leading a geocaching hike, reading stories around the campfire, or helping with crafts at a rally—your presence matters. And your experience? It’s a gift this community needs.

Rolling Roots is about bridging gaps—not building walls. It’s about embracing differences, honoring every stage of life, and creating a space where we all learn from each other.

Whether you’re a retiree who loves mentoring young families, a solo traveler who finds joy in community, or a grandparent who RVs during school breaks—you belong here.

This chapter isn’t just a new name. It’s a new way forward.

We’re in the early stages—building momentum, gathering families, and laying the foundation for something truly special.

But yes, in time, there may need to be modest “club dues.” Not to pad pockets or complicate things—but to offset rally costs and ensure our hosts are supported.

Cover the cost of a free campsite for the rally host
Provide a small budget for activities, supplies, and programming
Keep events affordable and accessible for all families

We’re intentionally keeping events small: 18 to 25 families max—to invite real connection. No giant crowds. No overstimulation. Just campfires, crafts, shared meals, and space for kids to be kids and grownups to breathe.

Doug Uhlebrock, the new CEO of FRVA, has officially allotted 25 dedicated spaces for families at the upcoming 112th International Convention. This marks the first time we’re bringing families back into the heart of FRVA, and it’s a milestone worth celebrating.

There will be a small fee for Kids Camp, which promises hands-on fun, learning, and connection for younger RVers. Space is limited, so early registration is key—these 25 spots are a bold step toward rebuilding a family presence within the association.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there. FRVA will continue this family-forward focus at the 113th International Convention in Missouri, expanding opportunities for connection, play, and legacy-building across generations.

This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about values. We believe in supporting our hosts, honoring their time, and creating events that feel like home.

So while dues may come later, the heart of Rolling Roots is already here. And it’s built on community, care, and connection.

Introducing Rolling Roots- A new Chapter in Family RV Association

Why Aren’t More Influencers Rallying Under the FRVA Banner?

The Family RVing Association (FRVA) isn’t just a club—it’s a framework for connection. With regions spanning from international chapters to intimate local crews, there’s truly space for everyone. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a multigenerational family, or a full-time roadschooler, FRVA was built to include you.

And yet… more and more influencers are hosting their own rallies, independently branded and often disconnected from larger community networks. It’s not that they’re opposed to collaboration—it’s that many simply don’t know FRVA exists.

FRVA is a Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

Family RV Association offers real, tangible perks

FRVA Assist for emergency support
Discounts from RV-friendly businesses
Access to vetted chapters and regional events
A built-in community infrastructure that supports growth, safety, and sustainability

For many members, the savings alone cover the cost of membership. But the real value? It’s in the banner. When you host under FRVA, you’re not just throwing an event—you’re building something bigger. Something lasting.

Kevin and Patrice McCabe, hosts of the popular Discovery Channel series RV There Yet? , have partnered with FRVA to spotlight its inclusive mission and upcoming events.

This past week, I watched Kevin get introduced to a friend’s mom—and the interaction was… interesting. As she heard, “This is Kevin and Patrice McCabe from the hit TV show RV There Yet? on Discovery Channel,” her response was a mix of sweet and skeptical: “Oh, good for you. That’s cute, dear.”

Now, Kevin might not be Gene Autry or one of the Beach Boys, but let me tell you—he’s the real deal. Down-to-earth, generous with his time, and deeply invested in the Family RV Association community. Fame aside, what stands out is his heart. He shows up. He listens. He cares. And in a world full of polished bios and highlight reels, that kind of authenticity is why FRVA is worth fighting for.

Kevin and Patrice care deeply about this community and it shows in everything they do. Beyond their hit show RV There Yet? and their presence at rallies, they’re now starting their own FRVA chapter focused on Geocaching. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, connection, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a seasoned cacher or just curious about the hunt, this new chapter invites RVers to explore the outdoors in a whole new way—one hidden treasure at a time.

Kevin & Patrice will be covering FRVA’s 112th International Convention & RV Expo— Changes in Latitudes The RV Beach Party at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. This collaboration is more than just a cameo; it’s a celebration of RV community, education, and shared adventure.

Who Are Kevin and Patrice?

Kevin and Patrice McCabe are the heart behind RV There Yet?, a travel series now in its fifth season that follows their road trips across America. Their show blends wild detours, campfire stories, and real RV life—making them perfect ambassadors for FRVA’s evolving identity.

Could Kevin and Patrice hurt the brand if they pulled out? Sure—any influencer could.

But that’s not the story we’re seeing. They’re not here for a season; they’re here for the mission. From launching a geocaching chapter to showing up at other rallies like GEAR, they’ve proven they care about the heart of this community. And when creators lead with service, not spotlight, the impact lasts—even if their role evolves.

What Kevin & Patrice of RV There Yet Bring to FRVA

Seminars
Product demos
An interactive RV marketplace
They’ll be engaging with attendees, sharing stories, and possibly even feature a few members in future episodes.

Patrice shared, “We’re so excited to share our passion for RVing with FRVA members and to welcome new RVers to the club.”

Why does a Partnership with RV There Yet Matter?

This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment as FMCA transitions to FRVA—a name that better reflects its inclusive approach to all RV types. Kevin McCabe noted that the rebrand itself inspired the partnership: “We could dive into the history of one of the oldest RV clubs in North America, showcase their success, and explore their exciting future plans.”

This is a visibility boost FRVA deserves. With Kevin and Patrice on board, the message is clear: RVing is for everyone—and so is FRVA.

If you know anything about me at all, you know that community matters. It’s not just a perk of RV life—it’s the glue that holds it all together.

Back in 2013, our family scrimped and saved to join Fulltime Families as charter member #36. We were out here RVing as a family before it was trendy, before the hashtags, before the influencer rallies. We didn’t have a roadmap—we had each other.

A few years later, we joined Escapees . Sure, their mail service was a lifesaver, but what really stuck was the community. The potlucks, the parking lot conversations, the feeling of being seen. We still love our Escapee's community.

Then came The Republic of Nomads —started by friends of ours—an inclusive camping club for families. And Gathering of Nomads, a Christian organization where believers often find themselves wandering together, spiritually and literally.

We joined FRVA (formerly FMCA) in 2017. And while we love what it stands for, we joined for one very specific reason: FRVA Assist.

We’re not just in the RV industry—we’re knee-deep in this community. As a business owner with RV Roofing Solutions , creator, and advocate, I’ve always believed in showing up with heart and purpose. And as of last month, I’m honored to share that I’ve been invited to join the Family RV Association’s Commercial Council.

This isn’t just a title—it’s a responsibility. A chance to help shape the future of FRVA from the inside out. To advocate for transparency, inclusion, and real value for both members and industry partners. I’m proud to represent the voices of families, creators, and small businesses who believe in what this community stands for.

What Is FRVA Assist—and Why is that alone worth joining Family RV Association?

FRVA Assist is a medical emergency and travel assistance program included with your membership. If something happens to you or a family member while you're on the road—whether you're 100 miles from home or 1,000—FRVA Assist steps in.

Here’s what it covers:

Emergency medical evacuation
Transportation home for your family
Return of your RV if you’re unable to drive it
Help coordinate care and travel logistics

It’s peace of mind in the purest form. If one of us gets hurt or sick, we know our family will be taken care of—and our RV won’t be stranded in the middle of nowhere.

And the truth is, if that were the only reason to join FRVA, it would still be worth the $99 a year. That kind of security is priceless.

We’ve been part of a lot of communities over the years. Some big, some small. Some faith-based, some family-focused. But the thread that runs through all of them is this: belonging.

FRVA isn’t just a club—it’s a safety net. And when you combine that with the kind of inclusive, values-driven community we’ve always sought out, it’s a no-brainer.

If you’re out here RVing—especially with kids, elders, or loved ones—don’t wait until something goes wrong. Join for the peace of mind. Stay for the people.

So why aren’t more people doing it?

Honestly? I think it's the lack of visibility.

FRVA isn’t splashed across Instagram reels or TikTok stories. It’s not a hashtag—it’s a legacy. And in an age of personal branding, that legacy can get lost in the noise.

But here’s the truth: legacy doesn’t trend—it endures. FRVA isn’t just another creator brand. It’s a network built on decades of connection, service, and shared roadmaps. The challenge isn’t relevance—it’s reach.

But imagine what could happen if more creators knew:

That they could host rallies with built-in support
That they could tap into a network of chapters and volunteers
That they could offer their followers more than merch—they could offer membership

If you’re an influencer, a content creator, or just someone who loves bringing people together, ask yourself: What could your rally look like under the FRVA banner?

You don’t have to give up your voice—you just gain a bigger village.

If you ever needed proof that FRVA is more than just a membership—it’s right here. FRVA is a community that can bridge generations, welcomes families, and redefines what RV community can look like.

Grand Design has already stepped up with its own chapter, showing what’s possible when a brand embraces community under the FRVA banner.

Is the investment to Family RV Association worth it?

Absolutely. Especially because it’s being done with intention. FRVA isn’t a fad. It’s not a flash-in-the-pan influencer brand. It’s a platform for retirees, families, creators, and seasoned travelers to build something lasting. But like any legacy, it needs stewards. People who will amplify the message, protect the values, and invite others in.

FRVA can’t endure without new members. After a slow but steady decline—exacerbated by a necessary price hike—the Family RV Association needs you. Not just as a name on a roster, but as a heartbeat in the community. Because the only way others will find value in an organization like this is if they see people who love it. And that’s not up to the leadership—it’s up to the members.

FRVA is run by its members. The club members are the voice, the vote, and the future. When you show up, share your story, and invite others in, you’re not just preserving a legacy—you’re building one. This isn’t about dues. It’s about belonging. And that starts with you & me.

The truth is, many people still don’t even know FRVA is open to them. They still associate it with retirees and motorhomes & while there will ALWAYS be a place for the retiree community in FRVA the community is changing—and we are the ones changing it.

We could build something that honors the FMCA legacy and welcomes the future of Family RV Association. We could turn FRVA into the most inclusive, vibrant, and supportive RV network in North America.

Let’s rally the brands. Let’s invite the influencers. Let’s show them what’s possible when we come under the same banner.

Rolling Roots isn’t just a chapter; it’s a heartbeat. Let's keep adding chapters.

Family RV Association isn’t just a club—it’s a place where people show up for each other. The legacy of the Family RV Association isn’t just about rallies or membership—it’s about generations of travelers who chose connection over isolation, service over self, and tradition over trend.

It’s the campfire stories passed down, the friendships forged across state lines, and the quiet belief that RVing is more than a lifestyle—it’s a way to belong. FRVA has always been about families showing up for each other, whether through mentorship, shared meals, or roadside help.

Today, as new voices rise and platforms evolve, it’s time to carry that legacy forward. Not by reinventing it—but by amplifying it. By tying together the wisdom of the past with the energy of the present, we ensure that FRVA remains not just relevant, but radiant.

🎄 The Learn to RV Christmas Wishlist 🎁

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:12:26 GMT

What RVers Really Want for Christmas

Because let’s be honest — socks are great, but nobody’s waking up on Christmas morning hoping for a new rv roof. But if you’re an RVer, you know the best gifts don’t always come with bows and batteries. Whether you’re parked for the holidays, roadschooling under the stars, or dreaming of your next big adventure, this wishlist is your go-to guide for what RVers really want this season.

From practical upgrades to heartfelt gestures, here’s how to make this holiday season even more unforgettable. This guide was created to help you drop the right hints to your family or treat yourself to something that truly fits your lifestyle. From tech tools to experience gifts, roadschooling resources to rig upgrades, we’re diving into the ULTIMATE RV Christmas wishlist.

Because the truth is: this season isn’t just about giving — it’s about saving, and sometimes saving BIG. With holiday promotions, bonus gifts, and end-of-year pricing, now’s the time to invest in gear that makes your travels smoother, safer, and more joyful.

So go ahead — forward this to your kids, your spouse, or your favorite campground Santa. Let’s unwrap the gifts that keep on giving, mile after mile.

The Learn to RV Christmas Wishlist does include affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through these links, Learn to RV may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the Learn to RV podcast, blog, and community projects, allowing us to continue sharing resources, stories, and tips for RV families everywhere.

For Him

Multi-tool with RV-specific functions — because he’s always fixing something
ViAir tire inflator — compact, powerful, and oddly satisfying
Campfire cooking gear — cast iron, skewers, and a meat thermometer he’ll actually use. Loghook, marshmallow sticks, pie iron, dutch oven
Portable hammock — for those rare moments he actually sits down
Portable Fire Pit - A place to hang out and relax
Small comfortable camp chairs & Table
A mini leaf blower
A Portable Outdoor Structure with a quickset design to add extra bug protection
An inflatable or foldable Kayak
High Quality Binoculars
A New Fishing pole
A New Yeti Cooler

For Her

Heated throw blanket or chair — cozy on the couch, a perfect space for cool nights.
A gift certificate for a massage or A chiropractor visit at The Joint
A mini watercolor art set
A new pair of Earth Runners
A tool kit or tool bracelet ! Yes. It exists.
An extra power bank for her devices
A NEW E-Bike & Bike Rack
An Inflatable Paddleboard
A membership to Girl Camper
Essential oil diffuser for RVs — spa vibes, yes... even in a Walmart parking lot
Stylish yet functional hiking daypack .. Don't forget the hydration, snacks, and a little flair
Some of our favorite RV-themed jewelry or charm bracelet Pickleball Themed too! wanderlust looks good on her

For the Kids

Walkie-talkies — for campsite adventures and sibling negotiations
National Parks Passport — stamp their way across the country
Did you know 4th graders can get a FREE National Park Pass?
Road trip scavenger hunt cards for screen-free fun on travel days
LEGO camper van set — build it, break it, repeat
Amazon Gift Card to get a new roadschooling game & book, or Outschool Classes!
Theme Park Tickets. We will be watching Coaster 101 for the best deals!
Camping-themed toys & Games
A telescope
A rock tumbler & grit
A Stryder Bike
A new kindle -Don't forget to install Messenger Kids so they can stay connected to friends they meet traveling!
Handheld Game Device like a Switch or a SteamDeck
A Curiousity Box Subscription - New subscribers get a second Curiosity Box completely FREE when you sign up. Claim your free box before the promo ends!

For Your Parents - if they are avid RV'ers

RV Travel Logbook – Let them document memories, favorite campgrounds, and hidden gems along the way.
Portable Generator & Solar Panel Kit
Great for boondocking and reducing generator use.
RV-Themed Wine Glasses or Cutting Boards – Fun and functional gifts with personality.
A membership to RV Overnights or Family RV Association
Kindle with a kindle unlimited membership
Back up Camera or Dash Cam
An Experience Adventure
A fun Welcome Mat
A Camping Themed Tshirt or sweatshirt
Foldable Camping Table
Dual Breakfast Sandwich maker
A slushie machine
A puzzle
A Digital Photo Frame so you can easily upload photos as they travel!

If your parents are planning upgrades, consider going in on a bigger gift with siblings

For the Rig

A maintenance-free roof from RV Roofing Solutions , because peace of mind beats duct tape
Wash Wax ALL Kit — for that holiday sparkle, inside and out USE CODE - RVRS
Portable solar panel kit — freedom to boondock and recharge anywhere
Upgraded surge protector — because Santa doesn’t cover electrical mishaps
Tire pressure monitoring system — safety wrapped in tech
Proteng Fire Suppression System — silent protection, always on guard
A Blu Water Filtration System
Tankless Water Heater
A NEW Mattress - They are up to 35% off at Wilderness Mattress this weekend!!!

Experience Gifts

Zoo Membership - Omaha Zoo has a GREAT black Friday offer!
ASTC Membership from Boonshoft
RV driving course or safety training — confidence is a gift, too

Guided Adventure Tours

Options like kayaking, hiking, or wildlife tours near popular RV destinations.

Adventure Caravans , Yankee RV Tour s, & Alaska Excursion Caravan

A rolling rally is a fun RV travel concept where a group of RVers caravan together from one destination to the next, enjoying shared activities along the way. Unlike a stationary rally at a single campground, a rolling rally keeps the adventure moving—participants might stop for local tours, scenic drives, or special events at each stop. It blends the camaraderie of a rally with the excitement of a road trip, making the journey itself part of the celebration.

Don’t forget to tune in to Learn to RV, the podcast that brings you the Ultimate Gift Giving Guide for RVers. We’ve got gifts for every RVer — from practical essentials to fun surprises. And while you’re at it, become a free subscriber on Patreon to get notified when new episodes drop and to enter our exclusive giveaway! Tune into the Podcast to find out details on our giveaway!

Thinking about starting a podcast in 2026? Learn to RV The Podcast uses Riverside and through Black Friday they are offering 35% off all NEW Subscriptions on annual plans

Be sure to use code BF2025 at checkout.

For the Heart

• TrailerMade RV offers the perfect blend of products shaped by real RV living—small-space friendly, functional, and meaningful, all infused with the humor, grit, and beauty of life on the move. The Giving Plate is such a beautiful tradition—gifting doesn’t get any easier or more heartfelt. Simply pass along a custom-made plate filled with delicious treats, and let it carry the reminder to give, share, and spread joy wherever it goes.

Bonus: End-of-Year Savings from RV Roofing Solutions

This is the season to save — and sometimes save BIG. Lock in 2025 pricing before rates go up in January, and get a FREE Wash Wax ALL Kit when you approve your estimate and pay your deposit by December 15th. It’s our gift to you — because the best presents don’t always fit under the tree.

Gifting for RV owners isn’t about flashy gadgets or oversized boxes.

It’s often about thoughtfulness, usefulness, and freedom. Whether you’re shopping for full-timers, weekend warriors, or retired road trippers, the best gifts are ones that fit their lifestyle and their limited space.

Space is precious & weight matters
It is important to choose compact, consumable, or experience-based gifts.
Gift cards and memberships are always a win — they give RVers the power to choose.

At the end of the day, the best gift you can give an RVer is peace of mind, adventure, and connection—whether it’s a roof that won’t leak, a pass to explore new places, or a heartfelt note tucked into their stocking, your gift can help them roll into the new year with joy.

So go ahead and give the gift of freedom, comfort, and community, and if you’re still unsure, just ask them what they need most—because chances are, it’s not another mug, but a new adventure with a memory waiting to be made.

For the Pets

A cooling camp chair for the dog
An Adventure leash
A subscription to Furbo (interact with your pets while you are away)
A portable water bottle
Or better yet a subscription to Waggle

Christmas pet presents can make RV life feel even more joyful and connected! Pets are part of the RV family, and giving your pet thoughtful gifts adds a level of comfort, fun, and a sense of celebration to their journey too.

RV Getting There

RVGettingThere.com offers a treasure trove of affordable self-guided audio tours that make road trips richer and more memorable. These tours are designed to be flexible, inexpensive, and easy to add onto any RV journey, whether you’re planning a big cross-country adventure or just looking for a fun detour.

Why Self-Guided Audio Tours Are Perfect for RVers

Affordable & Accessible: With over 1,000 audio tours and 21,000+ local activities across the U.S. and Canada, there’s something for every budget.
Flexible Travel: No need to book in advance or stick to rigid schedules — you can explore at your own pace.
Local Flavor: Tours highlight hidden gems, quirky roadside attractions, and authentic local dining spots.
Family-Friendly: Great for RV families who want to keep kids engaged with stories and history while traveling.
No Extra Gear Needed: Just play the audio on your phone or RV sound system and enjoy.

If your budget is tight , here are a few more ideas!
• A playlist of road-trip songs curated for them.

• A handwritten travel journal starter with prompts.

• Offering to cook a campsite meal or share a campfire treat.

These personal touches often mean a lot to RVers who value experiences over getting more things.

A handwritten thank-you note to your RV neighbor who helped you back into your campsite is a generous way to bring some Holiday cheer to your community.

Please consider a donation to a family-friendly nonprofit like Escapee's C.A.R.E , Traveling With a Purpose or Lasagna Love . See the full feature on these 3 organizations on the Learn to RV Giving Tuesday blog.

For the Journey

National Parks Pass for unlimited adventure!
Custom campsite sign — make your spot feel like home
Roadschooling travel journal — learning on the go, memories that last
Starlink or mobile hotspot upgrade — reliable internet, even off-grid

Are you looking for fun, engaging gifts for RVers?

Think beyond the usual gadgets and give them experiences that make life on the road unforgettable. Scenic train or boat excursions add a touch of adventure without the hassle of planning, while tickets to concerts or local festivals give couples and families a night out to remember. Cooking or outdoor skills classes, like campfire cooking, photography, or survival training can blend practicality with fun, and thrill‑seekers will love adventure sports like zip‑lining, rock climbing, or even hot‑air balloon rides.

You can also give the gift of community events by covering RV rally or festival registration, which helps them connect with fellow travelers. And for something simple yet invaluable, gas or grocery gift cards ease everyday costs and free up their budget for more adventures. These gifts aren’t just things, they’re memories waiting to be made.

State Park Passes

• Covers entry fees for state parks in their home state or region.

This is a great gift for RV'ers that love nature!

RV Campground & Camping Memberships

• Programs like Thousand Trails , Passport America or KOA Value Kard Rewards.

This gift will help any RVer save money on stays and open up new destinations.

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed: Finding the Silver Lining on the Road

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:31:03 GMT

Cultivating a Heart of Thankfulness in a Hard Year

RV life has a way of testing us. Things break, plans shift, and sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. But every challenge carries a hidden gift—a silver lining that reminds us why we chose this journey in the first place.

When I started writing the first Giving Back blog, I never imagined it would become a thread—quietly weaving its way through each weekly November post. But the more I reflected, the more I saw how gratitude, generosity, and resilience are all connected. Giving back isn’t just about service—it’s about perspective. It’s about choosing thankfulness even when things feel cracked or uncertain.

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul reminds us that “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” The image of cracked pots—or fragile clay jars—speaks to our humanity.

We are imperfect, we break, and life leaves marks on us. Yet it is through those very cracks that God’s light shines most brightly.

RV life, much like faith, teaches us that the hard seasons don’t disqualify us—they shape us. A leaky roof, a canceled trip, or a tight budget can feel like cracks in our plans. But those cracks can also become places where gratitude flows in. They remind us that strength isn’t found in perfection, but in perspective.

When we choose thankfulness in the midst of difficulty, we begin to see the silver linings: the lessons learned, the community that shows up, the beauty of slowing down. Just as a cracked pot still carries water, our lives—though imperfect—carry blessings.

And sometimes, it’s the very cracks that make us more compassionate, more resilient, and more aware of the light within us.

Grateful for the Lessons

• Roof leaks remind us to invest in quality and care for our homes-on-wheels.

• Internet hiccups push us to unplug and be present with family.

• Budget squeezes inspire creativity—potluck dinners, free museums, and simple joys.

Blessed by the Community

• Fellow RVers step in with advice, tools, or just a listening ear.

• Kids find friends at rallies, proving that belonging can happen anywhere.

• Generations gather around campfires, sharing stories that bridge past and future.

In one of my favorite films, Joshua, there’s a moment when a woman shatters a delicate glass figure. Later, Joshua—who represents Jesus—returns to her with something new. It isn’t the same as before; it carries small marks of what was broken, yet it has been reshaped into something beautiful.

That moment in the movie often reminds me that when we walk through the fire, we do change. And that’s okay. The cracks and scars don’t diminish us—they become part of the story of renewal. Just as Joshua gave back a new creation, God often takes our broken pieces and reshapes them into something stronger, more meaningful, and more beautiful than before.

But you don’t have to be a believer to find a beautiful message in this scene. Our attitude—and simply choosing to be thankful—can and often does shape our perspective. Gratitude reframes the hard seasons, helping us see silver linings where we once only saw setbacks. It’s a great reminder for all of us: brokenness can lead to breakthrough, and change can be good for us.

So here’s to being thankful for the detours, grateful for the lessons, and blessed by the people who walk (or roll) beside us. RV life isn’t about perfection—it’s about perspective.

When we choose to see the silver lining, every mile becomes a memory worth keeping. As we step into this season of gratitude, I challenge you to embrace the glimmers in your own journey. Take a moment to notice the small joys, honor the hidden blessings, and let thankfulness turn even the hardest roads into stories worth telling.

Gratitude as a Daily Practice

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a discipline.

It’s waking up and naming one good thing, even when the list of worries feels longer. It’s teaching our kids to see beauty in small moments: a sunrise, a shared laugh, a helping hand from a neighbor.

The words Thankful, Grateful, Blessed aren’t just spiritual phrases—they’re postures of the heart.

Gratitude is universal. It’s a choice we make, especially when life feels uncertain or heavy. Being grateful doesn’t mean we ignore the hard stuff—it means we honor the growth that comes through it.

Being thankful doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means we’ve chosen to notice what’s good.

Feeling blessed isn’t about luck or ease—it’s about recognizing the beauty in what we have, even if it’s different than what we expected. Blessing isn’t necessarily about everything going right, either. It’s about recognizing that even in the hard years, we are not alone. We are part of a community that shows up, a family that grows stronger together, and a journey that continues to shape us.

Whether you’re walking through a season of faith, doubt, rebuilding, or rediscovery, these words can still shape your journey. Gratitude shifts our perspective. It helps us see silver linings in breakdowns, lessons in delays, and joy in the small moments.

So wherever you are, on the road, in a campground, or navigating life’s twists

This season is an invitation. To pause. To reflect. To be thankful for the things we have.

Thanksgiving Week Gratitude Challenge

This year, let’s take seven days to pause and cultivate thankfulness together. Whether you’re parked at a campground, visiting family, or rolling down the highway, these prompts will help you find the silver lining in everyday moments.

Day 1 – Thankful for the Journey

Write down one lesson RV life has taught you that you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

Day 2 – Grateful for Community

Reach out to a fellow RVer, neighbor, or friend and tell them one thing you appreciate about them.

Day 3 – Blessed by Family

Share around the table (or campfire) one memory from this year that made you laugh.

Day 4 – Thankful for Challenges

Think of a hard moment from this year. What hidden blessing or silver lining came from it?

Day 5 – Grateful for Nature

Spend 15 minutes outside—watch the sunrise, stargaze, or walk a trail—and note what beauty you noticed.

Day 6 – Blessed by Tradition

Cook or share a favorite holiday recipe, even in a tiny RV kitchen, and talk about why it matters to you.

Day 7 – Overflowing Gratitude

List three things you’re thankful for today, no matter how small

Thankful for the Detours

• A wrong turn becomes a chance to discover a hidden trail or a small-town diner.

• A canceled plan opens the door to rest, reflection, or unexpected connection.

• Even the frustrating repair days teach us patience and resourcefulness.

A Thankful Tree is a simple, visual way to cultivate gratitude and remind ourselves of the blessings—even in hard seasons. It works beautifully for families, small groups, or community gatherings, and you don’t have to be a kid to participate.

Gratitude is for all of us—whether you’re a parent juggling repairs, a teen navigating change, or a grandparent reflecting on the journey. Writing down what we’re thankful for helps shift our perspective, especially when life feels heavy.

So grab some paper leaves, a marker, and a branch or board. Each day, add a new leaf with a note of thankfulness. By the end of the week, you’ll have a tree full of reminders that even in the cracks, blessings grow.

How to Create Your Thankful Tree

Step 1: Choose Your Tree Base

• Use a poster board, corkboard, or even a bare branch placed in a vase.

• If you’re traveling, painter’s tape on an RV wall works just fine!

Step 2: Make the Leaves

•Cut out paper leaves in fall colors (orange, red, yellow, brown).

•Keep a stack nearby with pens or markers.

Step 3: Write Gratitude Notes

•Each day, invite family members (or rally participants) to write one thing they’re thankful for.

•Encourage honesty—big or small blessings count: “a working water pump,” “a kind neighbor,” “sunset at the campground.”

Step 4: Add to the Tree

•Tape or pin the leaves onto the branches or board.

•Watch the tree “grow” with gratitude throughout the week.

Step 5: Share the Silver Linings

•At the end of the week, gather together and read the leaves aloud.

•Celebrate how even the hard moments carried hidden blessings.

Each leaf can carry a simple prompt to spark reflection and sharing:

• Thankful for… • Grateful for…• Blessed by…• Silver lining…• Joy in…• Lesson learned…

• Memory treasured…

Cut out paper leaves, and let family members or participants write their responses.

By the end of the week, your tree will be full of gratitude “leaves” that tell the story of blessings, lessons, and silver linings.

The Thankful Tree is more than decoration—it’s a practice. It reminds us that gratitude shifts perspective, helping us see the silver linings in detours, breakdowns, and everyday challenges. It’s a way to live out Thankful, Grateful, Blessed in a tangible way.

Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard seasons, but it transforms them. It helps us see beauty in the cracks, strength in the struggle, and hope in the waiting. So let’s fill our trees with thankfulness, one leaf at a time, and watch how even the smallest glimmers grow into something beautiful.

The Road to Better RVing: Mistakes We Made & Lessons We Have Learned

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:37:09 GMT

No Clickbait. Just Real Talk & Stories from the Road

After 12+ years on the road, we’ve made our fair share of mistakes. Some were small—like forgetting to latch a cabinet and watching our spice rack become a confetti cannon. Others? Not so small. (Ask us about the time we lost our brakes going down a mountain. Actually… maybe wait until we’ve had coffee.)

But every misstep has taught us something. And that’s what Learn To RV is all about.

This isn’t a list designed to scare you or rack up views. It’s a reflection from a family who’s lived the lifestyle, learned the lessons, and wants to help you skip the stress. Because RVing isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And if we can help you avoid even one headache, then sharing these stories is worth it.

On a recent episode of Learn To RV The Podcast , Tasha, Jenn, and Jennifer get real about the unpredictable—and very unglamorous—sides of life on the road. Mishaps happen. Sometimes it’s a tire. Sometimes it’s a roof. Sometimes it’s a whole series of wild events that leave you wondering if Mercury is in retrograde again.

It hit me recently—we’ve never actually made a list of the pitfalls to avoid. And after 12+ years on the road, we’ve got plenty to share. It’s a reflection from a family who’s lived the lifestyle, learned the hard lessons, and wants to help you skip the stress. Because RVing isn’t about getting it all right—it’s about growing through the mess.

Skipping the Walkaround Before Departure

The Mistake: Forgetting to check slides, hookups, or storage bays before driving

It’s one of the simplest habits—and one of the easiest to skip when you’re in a rush: the walk-around.

Slides, hookups, storage bays, antennas, jacks… there’s a lot to double-check before you hit the road. And forgetting even one thing can lead to damage, lost gear, or a very awkward stop on the highway.

We always do a walk-around. But let’s be honest—there have been more than a few times when we were in a hurry and skipped a step. We often travel with a chase vehicle, which helps us catch things like open bay doors before we lose something… but not always. We’ve definitely left items behind at campsites, and we still have no idea where our outdoor rug went a month ago. (If you find it somewhere between Hershey and Virginia Beach, let us know.)

Create a departure checklist and stick to it.

Even if you’ve done this a hundred times, even if you’re just moving sites, even if it’s raining—walk around your rig. Every time. Your gear, your safety, and your sanity will thank you.

Overloading the RV

The Mistake: Packing like you’re moving into a house.

We talk about this all the time—but the real question is… do we actually practice it?

Overloading your RV is one of the most common and costly mistakes out there. It’s easy to grab “just one more thing”—a sweater, a spare part, a favorite mug—and before you know it, your rig is pushing its limits. Do you have an “item in, item out” policy? Yeah… us too..... unless it's my favorite sweater! What’s one more?

And let’s be honest—rv roof people (you know who you are) are notorious for carrying all the tools. Especially full-time RVers, like us. We’ve got bins of spare parts “just in case.” And while yes, you may never know when you’ll need that extra water pump or fuse kit… the truth is, everything weighs something.

Know your rig’s weight limits—GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity), GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). Weigh your RV at a CAT scale.

Understand your tow capacity and payload. Because many people are towing with trucks that are too small or campers that are way overweight—and they have no idea.

While we seem to talk about this all the time we have written more than one in-depth article for the blog on this important topic.

Less is more—especially when it comes to safety. Prioritize essentials. Reevaluate often. And remember: the lighter your load, the smoother your ride.

Ignoring Tire Maintenance

The Mistake: Assuming tires are fine because they “look okay.”

Tire maintenance is one of those things that’s easy to overlook—until it’s not. Just because your tires look okay doesn’t mean they’re safe. Cracks, dry rot, low pressure, and age-related wear can all lead to blowouts, and trust me, you don’t want to experience a “China bomb” on the highway.

TPMS Saved Our Bacon—Again

We’ve had our TST tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for a while now, and let me tell you—it’s earned its keep more than once this year.

This spring, on our way to Asheville, Frank and I both heard a faint hissing sound. You know that moment when you lock eyes and ask, “Do you hear that?”—well, right then, the TPMS alarm went off. The passenger front tire was losing air fast.

Thanks to that early alert, we were able to pull over immediately. Time was critical. That tire was deflating rapidly, and with a big fifth wheel behind us, we knew jacking it up was going to be a whole lot more complicated if it went fully flat.

But here’s the thing: because we caught it so early, Frank was able to get the truck jacked up before the tire gave out completely. Crisis averted.

Some days, I joke that I travel with a United States Marine—not just because Frank’s calm under pressure, but because his response time is lightning-fast. Whether it’s a tire, a tech issue, he’s already on it before I finish saying, “Uh-oh.”

We’ve seen it happen. And we’ve learned the hard way that tire care isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Here’s what we do

Check tire pressure before every trip.

Not once a month. Not “when it feels right.” Every time.

Inspect for cracks, bulges, and wear.

Especially if your rig sits for long periods.

Know your tire ratings.

What’s the max load? What’s the top speed? Are you towing within spec?

Replace tires regularly.

Even if the tread looks good, age matters. Most RV tires should be replaced every 3–5 years. Fulltime RV'ers even more often

Invest in a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). We use a TST system & it’s worth every penny for our peace of mind.
Include tires in your walkaround.

It’s not just about bay doors and jacks— your tires are your foundation.

Schedule annual bearing repacks. It’s part of overall chassis health, and skipping it can lead to costly damage.
Understand your GCWR, payload, and tow ratings. Many RVers are unknowingly overloaded or towing with underpowered trucks—and that puts stress on tires, brakes, and suspension.

RVing is about freedom, but safety is what makes that freedom sustainable.

Don’t let tire neglect be the thing that derails your adventure.

Not Booking Ahead (Especially in Peak Season)

The Mistake: Assuming you’ll “just find a spot.”

We love the freedom of RV life—the open road, spontaneous detours, and the joy of waking up somewhere new. But here’s the truth: not booking ahead, especially during peak season, can turn adventure into stress.

Since COVID, popular destinations have become harder to access. Some places—like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta or the Fulltime Families rally in Madison, FL—can book out a year in advance. National parks like Zion, Yellowstone, and Yosemite? You’ll need reservations months ahead. And don’t even try leaf-peeping in the Smoky Mountains without a plan.

We’ve done the Hail Mary pass travel. It’s not fun. It’s hard on your vehicle, your nerves, and your family. Driving too far, too fast, hoping for a last-minute site—it’s the opposite

of what RV life is supposed to feel like.

That’s why we follow the 3-3-3 rule :

Drive no more than 300 miles in a day
Arrive by 3 PM
Stay at least 3 nights (usually it's a minimum of 7 for us)

It keeps travel manageable, gives us time to settle in, and helps us actually enjoy the places we visit.

Use apps like Campendium, RV Life Trip Wizard, or The Dyrt to plan ahead.
Book early for holidays, rallies, and bucket-list destinations.
Keep a flexible backup plan—but don’t rely on luck alone.
Know your travel rhythm and honor it.
And if planning feels overwhelming, try the concierge service from RV Trip Makers. They’ll help you map out your route, book sites, and take the stress out of travel logistics—so you can focus on the fun.

RV life is about freedom—but smart planning makes that freedom sustainable.

Plan ahead—especially for national parks, holiday weekends, and popular destinations. Apps like Campendium or RV Life Trip Wizard can help.

Forgetting to Level the RV

The Mistake: Sleeping on a slant or stressing your fridge.

“Who cares if the RV is tilted?” Actually… you should.

It might seem harmless—just a little slant, right? But over time, an unlevel RV can cause real problems. Sleeping on a slope isn’t just uncomfortable—it can mess with your posture, strain your back, and make you feel off-balance. But the bigger issue? Your appliances.

RV refrigerators are designed to operate best when level. Tilted operation can stress the cooling system, reduce efficiency, and in some cases, even cause permanent damage. And that’s not all—slides can bind, doors may swing open unexpectedly, and tanks might not drain properly.

We’ve learned this the hard way. A small bubble level and a set of leveling blocks (or an auto-leveling system if you’ve got one) can save you from a lot of headaches. It’s part of our walkaround every time—and yes, even then, we’ve had moments where we thought we were level… until the fridge started acting up or someone rolled out of bed.

The Fix:

Use leveling blocks or an auto-leveling system.
Keep a bubble level handy for quick checks.
Make leveling part of your arrival routine—before slides go out or tanks get filled.

Leveling isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your rig, your gear, and your body. So yes, it matters.

Neglecting Tank Etiquette

The Mistake: Dumping tanks improperly or letting sensors get gunked up.

Let’s be honest—RV tank maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential. One of the biggest mistakes new RVers make is dumping tanks improperly or assuming their sensors are telling the truth. Spoiler alert: they’re probably not.

In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever had an RV where the tank sensors worked consistently. And we’ve tried it all—ice and Dawn (which, by the way, can slowly destroy your seals if overused), enzyme treatments, fancy cleaners, and every “miracle” product on the shelf.

But here’s what we’ve learned: nothing beats the basics.

Use plenty of water. Like, more than you think. My friend Wendy from Kleen Tank says it best: “Water, water, water.” It’s the key to keeping things flowing and sensors cleaner.
Dump black before gray. Always. It helps rinse out your hose and keeps things a little less… unpleasant.
Clean tanks regularly. Don’t wait until there’s a smell or a clog. Preventative care is everything.
Choose treatments wisely. Some products mask odors but silently eat away at your seals. Look for sensor-safe, eco-friendly options—and if you’re not sure, Kleen Tank offers a free DIY recipe that actually works.
Know your system. Learn how your valves, vents, and flush systems work. A little knowledge goes a long way in avoiding big messes.

There are tons of products out there, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But the truth is, no product replaces good habits. Tank care isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your rig and your sanity.

It doesn’t take much wind to wreck an RV awning.

The Mistake: Leaving the Awning Out Unattended

Leaving it extended while you’re away from camp is one of the most expensive mistakes new RVers make—and we have learned that the hard way....more than once. In our first year on the road, a sudden Florida storm ripped our awning clean off one side broken in the center. Hundreds of dollars in damage, and a whole lot of regret.

Ever since, We have been consistent about retracting the awning—even for a short hike or a grocery run. It takes less than a minute, and it’s a small habit that can save you from a major repair. When we’re parked for multiple days, I add tie-downs and motion sensors for extra peace of mind.

Another year, another awning debacle.

This summer, we had a shiny new motorized awning installed from Shade Pro on our RV while at a Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming—aka the unofficial wind tunnel of the West. (Seriously, if Wyoming had a state bird, it’d be a flying lawn chair.)

Fast forward to Gillette, where Frank just wanted a little shade after we parked. We left the awning out just a smidge… and wouldn’t you know it, a gust of wind came barreling through like it had a personal vendetta. The RV rocked, the awning flailed, and we held our breath.

Thankfully, we were at an event in Gillette, and—miracle of miracles—the guy who installed the awning was there too. He helped us get it fixed, but let’s just say… it wasn’t cheap. Lesson reinforced: retract the awning. Always. Even if it’s just a little. Even if the sky looks calm. Especially in Wyoming

Not Asking for Help

The Mistake: Feeling like you have to figure it all out alone.

One of the biggest mistakes new RVers make? Thinking they have to figure it all out by themselves.

RV life is full of adventure—but it’s also full of questions. From black tank mysteries to solar setups, unexpected repairs to campground etiquette, there’s a lot to learn. And trying to do it all solo can lead to burnout, costly mistakes, and missed opportunities for connection.

We’ve been there. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do this alone.

Join communities like Learn to RV, FRVA, Fulltime Families, or your local RV club. Ask questions. Share stories. Celebrate wins and talk through the tough stuff. We’ve all been there—and we’re better together.

And know when to call a professional. Community wisdom is powerful, but some problems need expert hands. There’s no shame in asking for help—only strength in knowing when to.

Forgetting to Check Campground Amenities

The Mistake: not all campgrounds or sites are created equal.

Early in our RV journey, I made the rookie mistake of assuming full hookups were standard. I booked a site that didn’t have water or sewer—and didn’t realize it until we arrived with barely any fresh water in the tank. Let’s just say… it was a pretty uncomfortable couple of days.

Now, I usually double-check the amenities before confirming a stay. I look for power options, water and sewer access, Wi-Fi, and whether there’s a dump station nearby. If the listing isn’t clear, I call. It only takes a minute, and it saves a ton of hassle. Knowing what’s available helps me prep ahead, fill tanks if needed, and pack only what we’ll actually use.

Recently, in the chaos of prepping for the Hershey RV Show, I rushed through booking our stay and accidentally reserved a W/E site—water and electric only, in case you’re new to the lingo. With five of us living in the RV and a full week of be a vendor for the 1st time at the Hershey RV Show, that little oversight added a whole lot of stress to an already packed schedule.

No sewer hookup meant daily trips to the bathhouse for showers (not exactly relaxing), and I couldn’t run the washer—so laundry piled up fast. To top it off, we had to call in the honey wagon every three days to empty the tanks, which was one more thing to coordinate during an already hectic event.

Lesson learned: when booking during busy weeks, double-check the site details. Full hookups aren’t just a luxury—sometimes they’re a lifeline when your RV is your home base and your work zone.

What's that Smell???

The Mistake: Forgetting to Latch the Fridge or Cupboards (or re-latch them)

A few years ago, we were headed to Salida, Colorado for a 10-day Xscapers boondocking convergence… and the unthinkable happened.

We USED to brew our own kombucha. We had a thriving sourdough starter. Our fridge was a little ecosystem of living, bubbling goodness. And yes—we had a lock on the fridge. And no—it didn’t fail. In fact, the kid in charge had made sure it was latched.

But then Frank needed a snack before we hit the road.

Between mountain passes and what felt like a rolling earthquake, the fridge door must have swung open mid-drive. When we finally opened the camper, it was a scene. Kombucha everywhere. Sourdough starter smeared across the walls. A giant, smelly mess of fermented chaos.

Lesson learned: always double-check your fridge and cupboard latches before departure—and re-check if anyone opens them after the walkaround.

Even the best systems can’t save you from a hungry driver and a bumpy road.

What I Wish I Knew Before My First Night in an RV

The Mistake: Not Knowing Your RV Systems

Confession time: the first night I ever spent in an RV… was also my first day on the road.

When I say I jumped into RV life headfirst, I mean it. The very first night I ever spent in an RV was also my first night living in one. No test run. No trial weekend. Just me, a packed rig, Frank, the kids & the cats and a whole lot of “we’ll figure it out.” And while we did—eventually—it came with a steep learning curve, a few tears, and more than one “what does that button do?” moment.

It’s tempting to dive into RV life and figure things out as you go—but trust me, not knowing how your systems work can lead to trouble fast. Plumbing, electrical, propane, and battery setups all have their quirks, and skipping the manuals is a mistake many new RVers make.

We learned that firsthand early on. We often spent hours watching tutorials, reading every page of the manuals, and chatting with seasoned RVers around campfires. That knowledge helped us fix water heater (who knew you actually had to change out the anode rod!?), troubleshoot power outages, and help us avoid rookie mistakes—like leaving the black tank valve open.

And let’s be honest—we started doing this in 2013, long before it was trendy or before influencers and YouTubers made it look easy. Back then, we were the ones with the learning curve. The ones figuring it out in real time, with real consequences.

If you’re curious about RV life, do yourself a favor and take a test run. Many rental companies offer extended trip options, and it’s a great way to see if the lifestyle fits before diving in headfirst. You’ll get a feel for the space, the systems, and the rhythm of life on the road—without the pressure of long-term commitment.

RVing can be magical, freeing, and deeply rewarding—but it’s also a big shift & a small space. A little trial run can go a long way in helping you start with confidence instead of chaos.

That’s why Learn to RV exists—to help you skip the stress and start with confidence.

We’re here to offer free, practical education for all RVers, whether you’re just starting out or deep into the journey. Because when you understand your rig, you’re not just traveling—you’re thriving.

RVing Isn’t necessarily Cheap.

The Mistake: Failing to Budget for Ongoing Costs

One of the biggest financial mistakes many new RVers make is assuming the lifestyle is low-cost or even “free.” The truth? RVing comes with ongoing expenses that can sneak up fast. Campsite fees, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and upgrades all add up over time—and if you’re not prepared, it can take the joy right out of the journey.

Since the COVID surge, RVing has only gotten more expensive. With more people hitting the road, demand for campsites skyrocketed—and so did prices. What used to be a $35-a-night stay can now run $100–$150 at premium resorts or national parks like Yellowstone. And that’s before you factor in rising fuel costs, insurance hikes, and the occasional surprise repair.

Early on, we built a basic travel budget that included fuel estimates, nightly stays, groceries, and a repair/emergency fund. That monthly snapshot helps us travel long-term especially when something unexpected occurs. Yes, RVing can still be cost-effective—but only if you plan carefully.

And let’s be honest: RVing isn’t all that fun if you don’t have the funds to actually experience the places you’re visiting. We stretch our budget by using tools like Atlas Obscura to find quirky, free attractions, and we lean on museum and science center memberships to cut costs. We also have memberships with Thousand Trails, Coast to Coast, RV Overnights, & Passport America. While those do cost some money upfront, they can make stays more affordable.

But food and fuel prices vary wildly—especially in remote areas—and even groceries can be a shock if you’re not prepared.

So before you hit the road, take a moment to map out your financial reality. It’s not about limiting the adventure—it’s about making sure you can actually enjoy it.

But the campground has Wifi

The Mistake: Relying on Campground Wi-Fi for Internet

It’s a common rookie move: assuming the campground’s Wi-Fi will be good enough for streaming, Zoom calls, or remote work. Spoiler alert—it usually isn’t.

Campground internet is often shared across dozens (or hundreds) of rigs, throttled during peak hours, and spotty at best. We’ve seen everything from painfully slow speeds to total outages—right when we needed to upload a podcast or hop on a meeting.

If you’re working from the road, homeschooling, or just want reliable connectivity, you need your own setup.

Smarter Alternatives:

Cellular hotspots (like a Jetpack or Home Internet option)
Data-only SIMs in a dedicated router (Pepwave or Winegard setups)
Signal boosters to strengthen weak campground or remote signals
Starlink for high-speed satellite internet in rural areas

We also have an entire Blog on Internet & Connectivity on the road!

As well as a side by side comparison blog on all the ways to stay connected.

RV Life: Lessons Learned, Miles Earned

The RV lifestyle is packed with adventure, freedom, and unforgettable moments. But like anything worth doing, it comes with a learning curve. Most of the mistakes new RVers make come from excitement, inexperience, or simply not knowing what to look out for.

The good news? Every misstep is a chance to grow.

We’ve been there. From packing too much to forgetting to check the black tank valve, we’ve learned through trial, error, and a whole lot of grace. By practicing with your rig, packing smart, checking weights, and doing regular pre-trip inspections, you set yourself up for smoother travels. Booking sites in advance, learning your systems, and respecting your RV’s limits keep you safe and comfortable. And keeping an eye on expenses ensures your travels stay sustainable—especially in today’s post-COVID RV economy.

We believe in learning by doing—but also in learning before doing. That’s why we created Learn to RV and share our journey at Narrow Road Schoolers. We want every RVer—new or seasoned—to feel equipped, encouraged, and empowered.

So let the road teach you, but if you're a beginner, maybe start here with some of the basics. Don’t be afraid to ask questions & study ahead of time.

Safe travels out there—and may your RV always be level, your tanks always empty (when they should be), and your awning never caught in the wind.

Healthcare on the Road

The Mistake: Not Planning for Appointments (and Prescriptions) on the Road

One of the most overlooked challenges of RV life? Appointments—and prescriptions.

It’s easy to assume you’ll just “figure it out,” but life doesn’t pause when you travel. Doctor visits, dental cleanings, eye exams, haircuts, massages, physicals—they all still need to happen. And not all appointments are created equal. Some can be rescheduled or skipped. Others, like VA check-ins or specialist visits, are non-negotiable.

While we do practice quite a bit of homeopathy on the road—and it’s been a wonderful way to support our health naturally—there are still times when conventional care is necessary. Frank goes to the VA, and while telehealth has come a long way since 2020, there are appointments he simply can’t miss.

And then there’s prescription management, which is a whole other layer. If you rely on regular medications, make sure your pharmacy can ship or transfer refills to wherever you are. National chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart make this easier, but it still takes planning. We keep a running list of refill dates, dosage needs, and pharmacy contact info so nothing slips through the cracks.

Here’s how we manage it:

Map out essential appointments quarterly—especially for things like VA visits or dental cleanings.
Use telehealth when possible—it’s surprisingly effective for routine check-ins and follow-ups.
Find national chains for routine care and prescriptions—consistency matters when you’re mobile.
Keep a shared calendar with reminders and location notes so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
Build in buffer days around events or travel days in case something urgent pops up.

RV life is flexible—but your health and wellbeing still need some structure. A little planning goes a long way in keeping you (and your crew) cared for while you chase the horizon. If you need a little help it's open enrollment season... let's get you connected with Dealora!

Neglecting your RV Roof

The Mistake: RV Roofs Don't Need Regular Maintenance

Out of sight, out of mind—until it leaks.

One of the most expensive mistakes RVers make is assuming the roof is fine because it “looks okay” from the ground. But your RV roof is constantly exposed to sun, rain, wind, and debris. Over time, seals crack, caulking wears down, and tiny gaps become big problems.

Roof maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential.

I struggle every time I write a blog post about roofs—because by now, most of you know Frank and I own RV Roofing Solutions . It’s hard not to feel like we’re selling something. But the truth is, we care deeply about our community and the lack of education around roof care. So even if you’re not ready to invest in a seamless system that eliminates the need for annual maintenance, we’d be remiss not to talk about how to protect what you’ve got.

Inspect your roof regularly. At least once a quarter & always before and after a big trip.
Check seals and caulking. Look for cracks, gaps, or peeling. Reapply as needed.
Clean off debris. Leaves, branches, and buildup can trap moisture and accelerate wear.
Know your roof type. EPDM, TPO, fiberglass—they all have different care needs.
Schedule annual professional inspections. Especially if you’re full-time or travel often.

If you are ever at a rally we are attending RV Roofing Solutions does offer on-site roof inspections. Your roof is your first line of defense. Treat it like the critical system it is—and your RV will thank you.

Check your Brakes

The Mistake: Forgetting How Weight Impacts Safety—Especially in the Mountains

Our first year on the road, we found ourselves in Yosemite—one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever camped. We were planning to boondock on the eastern side of the park, so we filled everything: 25 gallons of fuel, 110 gallons of freshwater, fully loaded for another week of off-grid living.

Then came the twist: the ranger told us we were first in line for a site if someone didn’t show up. Every RV showed up that day.

So we had to leave.

We didn’t even think about the fact that our tanks were full. We had a 1-ton E350 van with a V10 Triton engine, six tired kids, and waning daylight. We exited via Tioga Pass—10,000 feet of elevation and steep grades that demand respect.

Let’s just say… this is not my favorite campfire story.

We are still here to tell the tale, but we took BIG risks that day—risks we should have never taken. I still look back and believe angels were stopping our vehicle. Because the truth is, weight matters. And in the mountains, it matters even more.

Why This Matters:Why This Matters:

Water weighs 8.34 lbs per gallon. That’s over 900 lbs of freshwater alone.
Fuel adds weight too. Plus gear, passengers, food, and supplies.
Brakes, transmissions, and suspension systems are under extreme stress on steep grades.
Overloading can lead to brake failure, overheating, and loss of control.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of hitting the road—especially when you’re packed, fueled, and ready to roll. But skipping a brake check or failing to test your hitch, tow bar, tow vehicle, or electrical connections? That’s a mistake that can cost you more than just time.

Brakes and connections aren’t just technical details—they’re your safety net.

We’ve seen it happen: a trailer that wasn’t fully latched, a brake controller that wasn’t calibrated, a tow vehicle that didn’t respond the way it should. And when you’re hauling thousands of pounds down a mountain pass, there’s no room for “oops.”

Brake controllers need calibration.

Especially if you’ve switched tow vehicles or adjusted your load.

Hitch pins, safety chains, and sway bars can shift.

A quick tug test and visual inspection can prevent disaster.

Electrical connections power your lights and brake signals.

If they’re loose or corroded, you’re invisible—and unsafe..

Breakaway cables save lives. But only if they’re properly attached and functional.
RV brakes wear down over time. Especially on older rigs or after long trips.

Test them before every departure.

Make it part of your walk-around. Don’t just glance—test, tug, and verify. Your rig, your passengers, and everyone else on the road are counting on it.

Don’t let urgency override safety. If you’re tired, overloaded, or unsure—pause and reassess. RV life is full of surprises. Some are magical. Some are humbling.

This one was both.

Water Water Everywhere!

The Mistake: Not turning the water off when leaving your RV

This is commonly overlooked, especially if you have never had an issue. Let me save you the hassle and cost of repairs... turn your water off anytime you leave your RV! One of our other writers, Jennifer Aggio, told me about how they flooded their RV in the first week of ownership because the black tank flush got left on and they headed down the road to visit family. The result was over $9,000 of damage. For them thankfully they had the right insurance and they picked up the tab but you won't always be that lucky.

After that they became habitual at turning off their water, 6 years later they decided to relax just a little. They were doing a camphosting position and needed to make a lap around the campground, unfortunately the laundry was running. So they decided they've never had an issue with their washer, it was safe, it was calculated, it was good to leave the water on while they made a lap. Nothing could go wrong!

Wrong! That ONE TIME the washing machine decided to act up and overflowed the grey tank in that one little lap around the campground. Another mess, at least not as big as the first time.

The solution, make it a habit to always turn your water off, because you just never know when a faucet gets left on, a toilet decides to keep 'running', or who knows what but theres lots of ways water can become a big issue, don't let that be you!

Thinking About Buying an RV? Here’s How to Decide What’s Right for You

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:10:18 GMT

Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels

Have you ever dreamed of hitting the open road in an RV? Maybe you’ve wanted to travel with friends, relax outdoors, and enjoy all the comforts of home, without sleeping in a tent or cabin. The good news is, you can! The RV world has something for everyone, from truck bed campers and small travel vans, to travel trailers, fifth wheels, to drivable Class A motorhomes and even custom-built big rigs.

Travel trailers are recreational vehicles on wheels and are used as a dwelling option while traveling. They come in various lengths: 10-40 feet and offer different options depending on the make and model along with size. These can be towed with smaller trucks and even SUVs.

Fifth Wheels offer more with stability and towing ease, have spacious multi-level living areas, and way more storage. These RVs are good for a family with no kids or a weekend getaway with the family as they only have one bedroom (usually) but can sleep up to about 8 depending on the furniture features. However, these require a heavy-duty pick-up to tow.

Motorhomes (Class A, B & C)

A motorhome combines a vehicle and living space into a single, self-propelled unit, or “home on wheels.” Most people consider a motorhome as the Class A , which is your highly expensive drivable home on wheels (think bus). But they are not the only motorhomes out there. You also have your Class C motorhome, which is much smaller Think van or truck front with a box). Each range in different sizes, sleeps anywhere from six to eight people, and include different features, all of which will determine the price. Class B are your camper vans and are easily accessible, can carry your basic day-to-day storage, and have the luxury of a kitchen, bath, and daily living space.

Truck Bed & Pop-Up RVs

Sometimes starting out small is the way to go. You can travel and camp but not have to take a whole lot with you. Truck Bed campers give you the space you need without the bath & and kitchen, but you can unhook and still be able to utilize your truck unlike the van where unhooking is a constant chore if you want to go somewhere. Pop-Ups are small trailers that you open up once stationary. They are lightweight with a collapsible roof, usually made of canvas or other flexible material, that once opened provide more interior space and amenities.

So, how do you decide if buying an RV is the right move for you? My best advice is to start by experiencing RV life in one of three ways: go to an RV show, talk to someone who already owns one (or camp with them for the weekend), or rent an RV. Each of these options can help you get a real feel for what RV ownership is like-and what fits your comfort level and budget.

Talk to RV Owners or Camp With Friends

Two of the easiest and most helpful ways to learn about RV life are talking with someone who owns an RV or camping alongside them. Both will give you a firsthand look at what owning an RV truly involves.

Talking to someone who is an experienced RVer will give you the opportunity to ask questions about waste tanks, water, storage, setting up and tearing down, along with towing and maintenance.

Camping with someone goes a step further. You will get to see everything in action from the arrival, hooking up, leveling, to tear down and storage.

There’s no better way to learn than by doing it side by side with someone who has been there before.

Attend an RV Show

If you’re even a little bit serious about buying an RV, visiting an RV show is a great idea. These shows can feel overwhelming at first, imagine hundreds or even thousands of RVs of every size, shape, and style, all in one place. But once you start walking around, you’ll realize how much you can learn just by looking.

Take your time exploring the options available. Step inside the RVs that catch your eye, check out the storage compartments, compare the layout options, and look at the price tags. Don’t hesitate to ask those questions you may have - sales reps are there to help, and they’re used to talking with first-timers (but don’t get “talked into” anything you're not comfortable with).

Walking around an RV show gives you valuable perspective. You will see just how many options exist, from towable trailers to large Class A motorhomes; and you will get a sense of how much space and comfort each size offers. You can also learn about tow ratings and vehicle compatibility, which is essential if you plan to pull your RV rather than drive it.

Try Renting

Renting an RV is another great option before buying one. Companies like Cruise America offer Class C motorhomes for families, and many private RV owners rent out their rigs for short trips as well. You can learn all about hooking up and tearing down, tank flows, navigating while traveling, all while having an adventure together with the family. It’s an affordable way to test whether RV travel fits your lifestyle before making a major investment.

Stay Within Your Budget

One of the biggest challenges when buying an RV is setting your budget. Staying within budget is very important and it is very easy to fall in love with something bigger, fancier, or more luxurious, but those upgrades can quickly push you over your comfort zone.

The truth is, every RV, no matter the price; comes with trade-offs. Higher-end brands may have more storage or better finishes, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for you. Focus on what fits your needs and budget, not just what looks impressive on the lot. Remember, the best RV is the one that gets you out there enjoying the journey, not stressing over the payment.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to buy an RV can feel very stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Take it step by step: talk with current owners, camp with friends, visit an RV show, or rent one to see what it’s like. Each experience gives you a clear idea of what you want and what you can live without. Also, research online to see reviews of the various RV brands.

Owning an RV is a mix of work, learning, and fun, and the more you know before buying, the better your decision will be. No matter which route you take, always remember to stay within your budget and focus on enjoying the adventure. After all, that's what RV life is all about.

RV Life: Giving & Thankful on the Road

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:50:52 GMT

Ways You Can Show up this Holiday Season

We’re thankful for the journey, grateful for the people, blessed by the stories & ready to serve. At Learn to RV, this season isn’t about clicks or clout. It’s about showing up with purpose, wherever you’re parked.

Whether you’re still home for the holidays or prepping to head south, there’s always room to connect, uplift, and give back.

From campground potlucks to roadside kindness, RVers know that service isn’t a destination, it's a way of life.

At Learn to RV, we’re not just here to talk about giving back - and we’re certainly not here just for the clicks. We’re here for real opportunities for connection. We want to help you live it out, wherever you are.

Anybody can write a feel-good list of donation ideas, and many blogs will this month, but we know that real impact starts with authentic connections. Whether you’re parked in your hometown, visiting family, or still waiting to head south after the holidays, this season is full of opportunities to show up with purpose.

November is a season of reflection—a time to pause, take stock, and ask ourselves what giving back really looks like. Not just in theory, but in practice. Not just in grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday ways we show up for others.

Maybe it’s assembling blessing bags. Maybe it’s checking in on an older neighbor. Maybe it’s donating to a cause close to your heart or simply offering your time to someone who needs it.

Giving back doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. It just has to be intentional. So as the leaves fall and the year winds down, take a moment to ask: What does generosity look like for me this season? And then—go live it.

Maybe that looks like helping a neighbor winterize, organizing a campground food drive, or simply inviting someone to your table. You don’t have to be in motion to make a difference. You just have to be present & willing to say, “I’m here. How can I help?”

2025 has been HARD. For so many families, it’s been a year of unexpected diagnoses, financial strain, loss, and quiet battles behind closed doors. And chances are you might even know someone who could use a little help as we round out this year.

Maybe it’s a neighbor in your RV park. A friend back home. A fellow traveler who’s been quieter than usual. This post is your invitation to jump in. To give what you can. To remind someone they’re not alone. Because even in the hardest years, kindness still counts.

Sometimes it's the smallest gesture of just one meal, one message, one moment that can carry someone through.

New Title

Helping The Homeless during the Holidays

Creating a blessing bag for someone experiencing homelessness isn’t just about meeting physical needs—it’s about sparking hope. These simple, thoughtful packages remind people they’re seen, valued, and not forgotten.

And when our community comes together—whether it’s a community event in an RV park or a group of roadschoolers assembling bags around the picnic table—that spark grows. It's also a reminder that even small acts can light up someone’s darkest day.

So let's grab those ziplocks, gather your crew, and start packing. Because compassion travels well—and it always makes room for one more.

Most people don’t realize that socks are one of the most requested and least donated items among the homeless. Many individuals go days, even weeks, wearing the same pair, which can lead to discomfort, infections, and a deep sense of invisibility. Including several pairs of clean, warm socks in a blessing bags is more than practical—it’s a gesture of dignity. It says, “You deserve comfort. You deserve care.” Something as simple as fresh socks can restore a bit of humanity and hope.

What to Include in a Blessing Bag

Warm socks & gloves, mittens & Handwarmers
A beanie or hat
Chap Stick & Hand Lotion (think dry cracked lips and cold hands)
Tissues & feminine Hygiene products, hairbrush, comb & a wash cloth or two.
Diapers, baby wipes & Formula for babies
A bus pass to help with mobility
Small First Aid Kit with antibiotic ointment
Nail Clippers & safety pins
Candies and Mints
Sunscreen or sunglasses
Travel-size hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant)
A full pack of dude wipes (they are bigger and smell good)
Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, trail mix, jerky, fruit cups, protein bars)
Water bottles, shelf-stable protein drinks, or juice box (instant coffee packs)
Handwritten note or encouragement card & local resource information.
$5-$10 gift card (optional, for food or a hot coffee) or cash

You can assemble a few as a family, involve your kids in writing notes, or invite your campground neighbors to join in. It’s a tangible way to say, “I see you. You matter.”

We usually include cash in our blessing bags, whenever we can afford to.

Not everyone does, and we understand why—but here’s the truth: gift cards can be limiting. A Wendy’s card doesn’t help if the nearest location is three miles away. That's just a long walk. But $10 in cash? That can mean a hot cup of coffee, a warm place to sit, and a moment of dignity.

Some people worry the money might be misused, but that’s not ours to control. What is ours is the chance to offer kindness without conditions. Because without the ability to be a paying customer, even stepping inside for warmth becomes harder. And sometimes, that small act—a warm drink, a quiet booth, a clean restroom—is the first step toward hope.

How to Package a Blessing Bag

We recommend using a clear gallon-sized ziplock bag—they’re pretty sturdy, sealable, and easy to tuck into a backpack or carry by hand. Here’s how to make yours practical, respectful, and let someone know you care.

1. Start with the essentials

Place hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant) in a smaller sandwich bag to keep them clean and separate.
Add several pairs of clean socks—these are gold. Most people experiencing homelessness wear the same pair for days, so fresh socks are a true gift.

2. Layer in nourishment

Include non-perishable snacks like granola bars, trail mix, crackers, or jerky, even small canned goods with a pull top lid and plastic cutlery.
Add a small water bottle, juice box, or better yet a shelf stable protein drink.

3. Include warmth and comfort

Gloves, hand warmers, or a beanie if you have them.
A handwritten note or encouragement card—something that says, “You matter.”

4. Add cash if you’re comfortable

We include $5–$10 in cash. It’s more flexible than a gift card, which might require a long walk or be hard to redeem. Cash can mean warmth, food, or simply a moment of dignity. A bus pass is another practical gift. This can help them get to a shelter for a warm meal.

5. Seal and store

Zip the bag closed and keep a few in your rig, truck, or daypack. You never know when you’ll meet someone who needs it.

The more people you have helping, the more you can do. Imagine 10 families coming together—each one bringing just 10 items. One brings wipes, another brings socks, another granola bars. Suddenly, you’ve got the makings of 100 blessing bags.

A little goes a long way when it’s multiplied by community.

Now imagine 15 or 20 families joining in. That’s not just generosity—it’s momentum.

It’s a movement of RVers showing up with heart, turning small contributions into massive impact.

This is how we build hope: one bag, one family, one act of kindness at a time.

One of the most powerful examples of giving back comes from my friend Dani, who founded Blue Jay Ministries in honor of her son Ethan.

What began as a personal journey of grief and healing has blossomed into a ministry of hope, service, and connection.

Through Blue Jay Ministries, Dani uplifts others with compassion and purpose and reminds us that even in sorrow, we can choose to show up, give back, and build something beautiful. Her story is a testament to the kind of quiet strength that transforms lives.

There’s no shortage of families needing assistance this year.

2025 has tested so many , whether it's through illness, loss,

financial strain, or the quiet battles most of us never see.

So instead of taking your family out to eat this week or grabbing that extra pumpkin spice latte, please consider giving to this beautiful cause.

This November, Blue Jay Ministries is actively supporting families in both Texas and Florida—and every dollar makes a difference.

If just 200 members of the Learn to RV community each gave $5, Ethan’s Giving Tree would meet its $1000 goal.

That’s the power of small acts multiplied. You don’t have to give big—just give together. Every dollar helps bring warmth, joy, and relief to families who need it most this season.

The more you can give, the more families can be impacted this Holiday Season. Let’s turn small sacrifices into lasting blessings. Because when RVers show up with heart, communities heal.

RV families can be nominated in either state, and any amount helps.

The Blue Jay Ministries Giving Tree in Honor of Ethan

While The Giving Tree is not yet a registered 501(c)(3), they’ve submitted their application and are actively working toward that status. Rest assured—every dollar you give may not be tax-deductible, but it will go directly to a child or family in need this season.

This is grassroots giving at its finest: real people helping real families through hard times. Your generosity becomes groceries, winter coats, toys, and hope. And in a year like 2025, that kind of impact matters more than ever

Giving Back to Seniors

Generations apart, but connection is just one moment away.

Sometimes giving happens right next door.

Many RV parks and campgrounds are home to older couples who may be full-timers, snowbirds, or long-term residents. Others live in nearby nursing homes or assisted living centers. This fall, consider ways to serve those who’ve paved the way before us:

RVers Showing Up with Heart

Invite older RVers to share their travel stories, life lessons, or favorite destinations. Record them if you can (with permission!) for your podcast or blog. It’s a gift of legacy—and a way to honor voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Deliver a Fall Care Basket

Put together a small seasonal basket with cozy socks, snacks, crossword puzzles, lotion, maybe a few different tea bags and handwritten notes. We have even dropped them off at a nearby nursing home or offered them to older couples in your park. It’s a simple way to say, “You’re seen. You’re valued.”

Bring the Joy

Organize a mini concert, singalong, or game night at the clubhouse or community room. Invite kids to join in or bring instruments if you travel with them. Music and laughter are powerful connectors.

Offer Help with Chores

Ask if anyone needs help with RV maintenance, grocery runs, or tech support. Even small tasks—like cleaning out a storage bay or setting up a phone—can be overwhelming for someone with limited mobility.

Our time is one of the most valuable things we have—and how we spend it speaks volumes. In a world full of digital noise and quick clicks, real-world, face-to-face connection matters even more. Whether it’s sitting with an older neighbor at the RV park, helping a fellow traveler troubleshoot a repair, or simply showing up with a warm meal and a listening ear, these moments of presence are where true impact lives. Giving back isn’t always about money or supplies—it’s about being there.

We know not all older couples love being around kids—but maybe that’s because they haven’t met families who truly want to engage with them in positive, uplifting ways.

Sometimes all it takes is a little time, a little kindness, and a willingness to listen.

RV parks are full of opportunities for connection across generations, and when families take the time to show up with respect and warmth, something beautiful happens. A shared meal, learning how to play a new (to you) card game, a simple conversation on the porch—these moments can shift perspectives and build bridges.

So take the time. You might just change someone’s day… or their heart.

How can I help?

When health scares hit—whether it’s a sudden diagnosis, a surgery, the loss of a job, a death in the family or a tough season for someone in your park—it’s easy to feel helpless.

But RVers are resourceful, & compassion doesn’t need a prescription.

I know several families walking through these storms right now—an unexpected cancer diagnosis, a new heart condition, a tragic and sudden loss. These moments are heavy, and they can feel isolating. But this is exactly when community matters most. RVers don’t just travel—we rally. We show up. We make space for grief, for healing, for hope.

So how can you help?

Drop off a care basket with soup, tea, cozy socks, and a handwritten note.
Offer to run errands or pick up prescriptions for someone who’s overwhelmed.
Create a meal train or coordinate porch deliveries with others in your park.
Check in regularly—even a simple “thinking of you” text can mean the world.
Respect boundaries while still offering presence. Sometimes just knowing someone is nearby is enough.

If you’re healthy and able, this is your moment to lean in. Because kindness doesn’t cure—but it can help bring some comfort in times of uncertainty, & that's really when it matters most.

You don’t have to do it all. You don’t need a nonprofit, a big budget, or a perfect plan. Just helping one person or family—showing up with kindness, listening without judgment, offering what you can—is enough to be the change.

That’s how movements start. That’s how hope spreads. Whether it’s a blessing bag, a warm meal, a porch visit, or a quiet prayer, your small act might be the moment someone remembers forever.

So lean in. Start small. And trust that your ripple matters.

In the end, it’s not the dates on the calendar or the miles on the odometer that define us—it’s the moments between the dash that matter.

The quiet kindness. The shared laughter.

The time we took to show up, even when it wasn’t convenient or easy.

Whether you’re parked for a season or you're just passing through, your presence can be a gift. Make the dash count.

Pet Essentials for RV Life: Smart Picks from 6 Innovative Brands

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:45:17 GMT

Travel-Ready Pet Products To Keep your pets' Tail Wagging

Whether you're full-time on the road or weekend camping with your furry companion, having the right pet gear makes all the difference. RV life comes with unique challenges—limited space, changing climates, and the need for portable, durable supplies. That’s why RV-friendly pet gear should blend comfort, wellness, and portability.

From collapsible crates and orthopedic travel beds to subscription-based flea protection and fresh food delivery, today’s pet brands are designing smart solutions for nomadic families. These products help keep your pets safe, relaxed, and healthy, without taking up precious space in your rig.

Innovative Pet Lab – Gut Health on the Go

When you're traveling full-time or even just for the season, getting to a vet can be tricky—especially if your pet starts showing signs of digestive distress, skin irritation, or unexplained fatigue. That’s where Innovative Pet Lab comes in.

Their at-home stool tests for dogs and cats are designed to uncover the root causes of gut imbalances, inflammation, and immune issues—all without a clinic visit. You simply collect a sample, mail it in, and receive digital results within 10–14 days. It’s a game-changer for RVers who want to stay proactive about their pet’s health while avoiding the stress and unpredictability of finding a vet on the road.

What makes their offering truly unique is the convenience and depth of insight. These aren’t just basic tests—they provide a full gut health report that can help you make informed decisions about diet, supplements, and care. And because the kits are compact and easy to store, they’re perfect to keep on hand in your RV for those “just in case” moments.

Petcosset – Travel-Ready Gear for Life on the Move

Petcosset stands out by designing smart, space-saving gear specifically for pet parents on the go. Their lineup includes collapsible crates, bowls, and containment systems that are easy to store and quick to set up—perfect for RVers who need every inch of space to count.

What truly sets them apart is the blend of quality, portability, and thoughtful design. Their gear isn’t just compact—it’s built to last, with durable materials that hold up to life on the road. From adjustable pet barriers that fit a variety of RV layouts to pop-up playpens and orthopedic travel beds, Petcosset makes it easier to keep your pets safe, comfortable, and contained—without sacrificing your storage space or style.

Paw.com – Stylish Comfort for Small Spaces

Paw.com is a favorite among RVers who want their pets to feel at home—without sacrificing style or space. Their orthopedic memory foam beds are uniquely designed to double as elegant area rugs, blending seamlessly into your RV’s interior while offering joint support and cozy rest for your pet.

What sets Paw.com apart is their focus on multi-functional, travel-friendly design. Their waterproof blankets, cooling mats, and car seat beds are not only high-quality and durable—they’re also easy to pack, clean, and move around your rig. Whether you're dealing with muddy paws, shedding fur, or hot summer days, their products help keep your space clean and your pet comfortable.

PetFriendly – Simple, Reliable Flea & Tick Protection on the Road

When you're living life on the move, keeping up with your pet’s flea and tick prevention can be a challenge. PetFriendly makes it effortless with a monthly subscription that delivers parasite protection right to your door—or wherever your travels take you. You do not need a prescription to use PetFriendly’s flea and tick prevention products.

Their treatments are vet-quality and developed by veterinary experts, but they’re available over the counter which means when you subscribe, you receive them without a vet visit. This makes PetFriendly especially convenient for RVers and travelers who want reliable protection without the hassle of scheduling appointments or stopping at a pharmacy.

Each shipment is tailored to your pet’s weight, breed, and needs, so you get exactly what’s right for them—no guesswork, no last-minute vet visits, and no pharmacy runs. It’s a game-changer for RVers who want to stay on schedule without the hassle.

What sets PetFriendly apart is its ease of use and flexibility. You can update your shipping address anytime, making it perfect for those using mail forwarding services or bouncing between campgrounds. Plus, their products are vet-quality, made in the USA, and backed by a team that truly cares about your pet’s well-being..

Yum Pup – Fresh Dog Food, No Commitment

Yum Pup is a standout choice for RVers who want to feed their dogs fresh, nutritious meals without the hassle of a subscription. Their food is made in small batches using human-grade ingredients—think ground turkey, sweet potatoes, spinach, and fish oil—with no fillers, preservatives, or mystery meat. It’s real food designed to support your dog’s energy, digestion, and overall health.

What makes Yum Pup especially RV-friendly?

No subscription required: Order when you need it, perfect for unpredictable travel schedules.
Flexible delivery: Use a trusted address to receive your order on the road.
Shelf life: Meals arrive fresh and should be refrigerated upon arrival. Once opened, they typically last up to 7 days in the fridge or longer if frozen.
Supports rescues: Every purchase helps fund dog rescue organizations, so your pup’s meals give back.

Why is it better for your pet? Because fresh food made with real ingredients is easier to digest, supports a shinier coat, and can reduce allergies, inflammation, and tummy troubles—especially important when your dog is adjusting to new environments on the road.

Rocco & Roxie – Clean-Up and Wellness Must-Haves for RV Life

When you’re living in a small space with pets, every product you use matters. Rocco & Roxie delivers high-quality, pet-safe solutions that help RVers keep their rigs clean, calm, and comfortable—without harsh chemicals or overpowering scents.

Their enzymatic stain and odor removers are a game-changer for accidents on rugs, upholstery, or RV flooring. Unlike basic cleaners, these formulas break down organic messes at the source, eliminating odors rather than masking them. That’s essential when you’re sharing tight quarters with your furry friends.

They also offer anti-chew sprays to protect furniture and gear, and calming supplements that support anxious pets during travel days, storms, or campground transitions. All products are alcohol-free, made in the USA, and designed with your pet’s safety in mind.

For RVers, this means fewer messes, less stress, and more peace of mind—whether you’re parked for the season or chasing sunsets across the country.

Thoughtful Pet Gear for Life on the Road

No matter how you travel—full-time, seasonal, or weekend warrior—choosing the right pet essentials is key to a smooth and joyful journey. Sure, Amazon makes it easy to grab a quick order, but the brands featured here go beyond convenience. They’re built around quality, wellness, and the realities of RV life.

From gut health kits and fresh food to collapsible crates, calming sprays, and stylish travel beds, these companies understand what it means to care for pets on the move. Their products are designed to support your lifestyle, protect your space, and make life better for your four-legged companions—wherever the road takes you.

Affiliate Disclosure:

Learn to RV may earn a small commission from some of the affiliate links in this post. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our mission to share helpful, honest resources for RVers and roadschooling families. We only recommend products we believe in and that align with the RV lifestyle.

Petcosset for Homesteaders, Too

Petcosset isn’t just for RVers—it’s also a hidden gem for homesteaders and off-grid families. In addition to their travel-ready pet gear, they offer a growing selection of supplies for chickens, small livestock, and backyard animals. From portable coops to feeding systems and containment solutions, their products are designed with flexibility and durability in mind.

Whether you're parked on a homestead, managing a mobile farm setup, or just blending RV life with backyard chickens, Petcosset helps you care for your animals with gear that’s easy to store, clean, and move.

Walmart Overnight Parking & Beyond: Complete Etiquette Guide for RVers

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:50:36 GMT

Parking Lot Camping: Quick Reference Guide

Always call ahead the day of - Apps aren't guarantees. Get permission directly.
Have a backup plan - Know your Plan B location before you leave.
Arrive late (7-9 PM), leave early (7-8 AM) - Be invisible and respectful.
Park away from building entrances - Give customers easy access.
Minimal setup only - No awnings, no chairs, no outdoor camping gear.
Slides only if necessary - And only if you can park where they overhang grass/curb.
Generator quiet hours: OFF 10 PM - 7 AM - No exceptions.
NEVER dump tanks - This is illegal and ruins it for everyone.
Support the business - Shop, eat, or buy something to show appreciation.
Leave no trace - Pick up trash and depart quietly in the morning.

Bottom Line: You're a guest, not a camper. Follow these rules or risk losing this privilege for everyone.

It's 11:30 PM. You're sound asleep in the Walmart parking lot after a long day of driving. Suddenly, there's a sharp knock on your RV door. You stumble out of bed, heart pounding, to find a police officer or security guard standing outside.

"You can't park here overnight. You need to move. Now."

You're groggy, confused, and now scrambling to pack up and find somewhere else to go in the middle of the night. Your kids are awake and cranky. Your spouse is frustrated. And you're thinking, "But I've stayed at Walmarts before! What happened?"

Welcome to the world of parking lot camping—where the rules aren't always clear, etiquette matters more than you think, and one bad experience can ruin it for every RVer who comes after you.

Parking lot camping (or "boondocking" in commercial lots) is a lifesaver for RVers. It's free, convenient, and allows you to break up long travel days without the hassle of setting up at a campground for just one night. But it's also a privilege, not a right—and it's disappearing fast in many places because too many RVers have treated parking lots like campgrounds.

If you want to keep this option available, you need to know the unspoken rules. This isn't just about where you can park—it's about HOW you park, what you can and can't do, and why respecting businesses and communities matters.

Let's break down everything you need to know about parking lot etiquette so you can stay the night without getting kicked out, banned, or making life harder for the next RVer.

Let's Dive Deeper!

Before You Arrive - Do Your Homework

The biggest mistake RVers make with parking lot camping? Assuming it's okay without doing any research. Just because you've stayed somewhere before doesn't mean the rules haven't changed. And just because an app says it's allowed doesn't mean it's actually true.

Here's what you need to do BEFORE you pull into any parking lot:

1. Research the Specific Location

Not all Walmarts allow overnight parking. Not all Cracker Barrels welcome RVers. Corporate policy might say yes, but local ordinances, city laws, or individual store managers can override that.

What to check:

City ordinances - Some cities have banned overnight RV parking in commercial lots entirely
Store-specific policies - Individual locations can opt out even if the chain generally allows it
Recent reviews or reports - Check if other RVers have stayed there recently

2. Use Apps as a Starting Point, NOT a Guarantee

Apps like AllStays, iOverlander, Campendium , and RV Parky are helpful for finding potential overnight spots. Other RVers share their experiences, and you can see where people have successfully stayed.

But here's the critical part: these apps are NOT guarantees.

Information can be outdated (a location that allowed RVs last year might have changed policy)
One person's positive experience doesn't mean you'll have the same
Policies can change overnight based on complaints, local laws, or new management

Use apps to build a list of potential spots, but ALWAYS verify before you go.

3. ALWAYS Call Ahead the Day You Plan to Stay

This is non-negotiable. Even if you've stayed at this exact location before. Even if the app says it's fine. Even if you're 100% sure it's allowed.

Call the specific store/location and ask:

"Hi, I'm traveling in an RV and wondering if overnight parking is allowed in your parking lot tonight?"
Ask if they have a preferred area for RVs to park - Many stores have specific spots they'd rather you use (back of the lot, away from entrances, etc.)
Be polite, be brief, and respect whatever answer they give you

If you can't get approval over the phone (no answer, unclear response, or you just want to be extra sure):

Go inside and speak to a manager in person once you arrive
Introduce yourself politely: "Hi, I called earlier about parking overnight in my RV. Is that still okay? And is there a preferred area you'd like me to park?"
This face-to-face interaction shows respect and often results in more helpful guidance about where to park

Why calling (or asking in person) matters:

Policies change constantly
Managers change, and new managers may have different rules
Local events, construction, or temporary restrictions might make parking unavailable
It shows respect and gives the business a heads-up that you'll be there
Asking about preferred parking spots demonstrates courtesy and often gets you better directions

Pro tip: Call the day of, ideally in the afternoon. Don't call a week in advance—policies can change, and managers may not remember the conversation.

4. Have a Backup Plan (Always)

Never assume your first choice will work out. ALWAYS have a Plan B (and ideally a Plan C) before you start driving.

Your backup plan should include:

A second parking lot option nearby
A paid campground or RV park within 30 minutes
A rest area or truck stop (last resort) if absolutely necessary

Why this matters: Getting turned away at 10 PM with no backup plan means scrambling to find somewhere safe to park in the dark, in an unfamiliar area, with tired kids and frustrated spouses. Don't put yourself in that position.

Bottom Line:

Parking lot camping isn't a "pull in and hope for the best" situation. A little research, a quick phone call (or in-person chat with a manager), and asking about preferred parking spots will save you from midnight knocks, angry managers, and scrambling for somewhere else to stay.

Do your homework. Make the call. Ask politely where they'd prefer you park. Have a Plan B. And you'll be set up for a smooth, stress-free overnight stop.

Choosing Your Spot & Arriving

You've done your research, made the call, and gotten approval. Now where you park and how you arrive matters just as much.

Timing: Arrive Late, Leave Early

Arrive: 7-9 PM after dinner rush when parking lots are less crowded.

Leave: 7-8 AM before morning shoppers arrive.

You're minimally disruptive, respectful of business operations, and far less likely to get complaints.

Check for Posted Signs

Even after getting approval, look for signs when you pull in:

"No Overnight Parking"
"No RV Parking"
"Tow-Away Zone"
"Fire Lane"

If you see these, go inside and clarify with a manager or move to your backup location. Better safe than towed.

Where to Park

Park away from building entrances. Give customers easy access. Choose back corners or far sides of the lot where you're out of the way.

Exception: If the manager directed you to a specific spot for security reasons, follow their instructions.

Never Park In:

Fire lanes (illegal, you WILL get towed)
Handicap spots
Cart return areas
Delivery/loading zones
Drive-thru lanes
Directly in front of entrances

Consider Lighting

Near lights: Better security, deters theft, but harder to sleep.

Away from lights: Darker and quieter, but less secure.

Sweet spot: Park near (not directly under) lights for ambient security without the spotlight effect.

Give Other RVers Space

If other RVers are already there, don't park right next to them unless space is limited. Everyone appreciates breathing room and privacy.

Don't Block Traffic or Other RVs

Make sure you're not:

Blocking other RVers from exiting
Preventing delivery truck access
Obstructing traffic lanes

Park nose-out if possible for easier morning departure.

Tow Vehicles: Stay Connected

Keep your tow vehicle or toad attached if possible. Disconnecting signals you're "setting up camp."

If you must disconnect: Park it immediately next to your RV, not in a separate spot.

Trust Your Gut on Safety

If the parking lot feels unsafe—poorly lit, suspicious activity, sketchy vibe— leave. No free parking is worth risking your safety. Move to your backup location or pay for a campground.

Bottom Line: Park in the back, check for signs, avoid blocking anyone, and trust your instincts. Do it right, and you'll have a peaceful night without issues.

Setup & Conduct - Remember, This Isn't a Campground

Once you're parked, what you do next determines whether you're a welcome guest or the reason businesses ban RVers.

Minimal Setup is Key

Set up as little as possible to comfortably stay the night. If you look like you're camping, you're doing it wrong.

What minimal setup means: Park, turn off the engine, settle in. Use what's already inside your RV. Keep everything contained.

Slides: Only If Absolutely Necessary

If your RV requires slides to access bathrooms or bedrooms, that's acceptable—but be thoughtful.

If you need slides:

Park along the lot edge where slides overhang grass or unused areas—NOT the middle of the parking lot
Only extend the slides you actually need
Be mindful of blocking walkways, other RVs, or parking spaces

If you can manage without slides, don't extend them.

NO Awnings, Chairs, Tables, or Grills

Do not set up anything outside your RV:

No awnings (ever)
No camp chairs or tables
No outdoor rugs
No grills or cooking equipment
No decorations or string lights

This is not a campsite. Everything stays inside.

Generator Usage: Follow The Unwritten Quiet Hours Rule

NO generators after 10 PM. NO generators before 7 AM.

Better yet, skip the generator entirely if you can. Use batteries and inverters for essentials overnight. Run the generator briefly before 10 PM if needed, then shut it down.

Why this matters: Generators are LOUD and the #1 complaint. Don't be the reason parking lot camping disappears.

Pets: Leash, Clean Up, Keep Close

Always leash your pets
Walk them away from the building and other RVs
Pick up after them immediately
Don't let them bark excessively

One irresponsible pet owner ruins it for everyone.

Bottom Line: No awnings, no outdoor setups, no loud generators after 10 PM, and absolutely no dumping tanks. Keep everything inside, keep noise down, and be invisible. Follow these rules and you'll never have a problem. Break them and you ruin it for everyone.

Where You CAN Park (With Permission)

Not every business welcomes overnight RVers, but some have built their reputation on being RV-friendly. Here are the most common options, and what you need to know about each.

Walmart

The classic parking lot camping destination. Walmart has long been known as RV-friendly, but that's changing in many locations.

What you need to know:

Corporate policy allows it, but individual stores can opt out - Always call the specific location
City ordinances trump corporate policy - Many cities have banned overnight RV parking in Walmart lots
Hundreds of Walmarts have closed to RVers - Due to complaints, local laws, or bad RVer behavior
If allowed, it's typically FREE - No hookups, no amenities, just a place to park overnight

Best practices:

Call ahead the day you plan to stay
Ask where they prefer RVs to park (often the back corner or far side of the lot)
Shop at Walmart while you're there—buy groceries, supplies, or necessities to show appreciation
Follow all etiquette rules (minimal setup, quiet hours, leave early)

Why Walmart works: Huge parking lots, well-lit, often 24-hour stores, easy in/out access for big rigs.

Cracker Barrel

Another RV-friendly favorite, Cracker Barrel has a long tradition of welcoming RVers for overnight stays.

What you need to know:

Most locations allow overnight parking - But always call to confirm
They WANT you to eat there - Patronize the restaurant for breakfast or dinner
Smaller parking lots than Walmart - Space can be tighter, so arrive early if possible
Family-friendly atmosphere - Generally safe, well-lit, and located near highways

Best practices:

Call ahead to confirm and ask where to park
Eat at Cracker Barrel (breakfast and/or dinner) to support the business
Park away from the building entrance so customers have easy access
Be extra mindful of space—these lots fill up during meal times

Why Cracker Barrel works: Conveniently located near highways, welcoming to travelers, and you get a good meal out of it.

Cabela's / Bass Pro Shops

Outdoor retailers that cater to RVers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Many locations explicitly welcome RVers.

What you need to know:

Most are RV-friendly - Some even have dedicated RV parking areas
Large parking lots - Easier to find space for big rigs
Great for stocking up on outdoor gear - Browse fishing, camping, or hunting supplies while you're there
Typically located near highways - Easy access for travelers

Best practices:

Call ahead to confirm
Shop at the store or at least browse—they're welcoming RVers as potential customers
Use designated RV parking if available

Why Cabela's/Bass Pro works: They understand the RV lifestyle and actively welcome travelers.

Other Potential Options (Always Call First)

Some other businesses occasionally allow overnight RV parking, but policies vary widely:

Casinos (particularly in the western U.S.) - Many welcome RVers and hope you'll gamble
Home Depot / Lowe's - Some locations allow it, many don't—always call
24-hour grocery stores (Kroger, Fred Meyer, etc.) - Rare, but some allow it
Truck stops & Rest Areas - We'll cover this separately (see next section)

Bottom line on "other options": Never assume. Always call. And be prepared for a "no."

Why These Businesses Allow Overnight Parking:

It's not purely altruistic—there's a business reason:

You're a potential customer - They hope you'll shop, eat, or spend money
Goodwill and brand loyalty - RVers remember who welcomed them and return
Minimal cost to them - Empty parking spaces at night cost them nothing

But this privilege can disappear instantly if RVers abuse it. Bad behavior, complaints, and disrespect lead to bans. Follow the rules, support the businesses, and protect this option for future RVers.

Rest Areas & Truck Stops - Use as a Last Resort

While rest areas and truck stops technically allow overnight parking, they should be your last resort , not your first choice.

Truck Stops: Respect the Truckers

Truck stops exist primarily for commercial drivers who are legally required to take rest breaks. Unlike RVers who have alternatives, truckers often don't have other choices.

Why they should be your last option:

Truckers need these spaces for work - You're taking a spot from someone who relies on it to do their job safely
Designed for semi-trucks, not RVs - Maneuvering can be difficult and dangerous
Constant noise - Diesel engines idling 24/7, air brakes, trucks coming and going all night
Safety concerns - Higher risk for theft and less secure environments

If you must use a truck stop: Park in designated RV areas if available, avoid trucker spots, keep your stay SHORT, and leave early.

Rest Areas: Know the Rules

Rest areas seem convenient, but they come with strict limitations.

Key issues:

State laws vary widely - Some allow overnight stays, others prohibit it entirely
Time limits are enforced - Most allow 2-4 hours, some up to 8. Overstay and you risk fines
No amenities - No hookups, no dump stations
Safety varies - Some are well-lit and patrolled; others are isolated and sketchy
Better for quick naps than full overnight stays

The Bottom Line

Prioritize Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's (with permission) first. Use paid options like Harvest Hosts second. Save rest areas and truck stops for emergencies when you truly have no other choice.

Better Alternatives - Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, RV Overnights & Passport America

Tired of parking lot camping? Want to stay somewhere you're actually invited rather than tolerated? There are better options—and they're not as expensive as you might think.

Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome & RV Overnights

These are paid membership programs (~$39-$135/year) that connect RVers with hosts who explicitly welcome you to stay on their property overnight.

Harvest Hosts connects you with farms, wineries, breweries, museums, and attractions. You stay for free in exchange for patronizing the business.

Boondockers Welcome (now part of Harvest Hosts) connects you with individual hosts—everyday people who have property and welcome RVers to park overnight.

RV Overnights connects you with businesses, attractions, and hosts specifically set up for RVers.

Why These Are Better Than Walmart

You're explicitly invited. There's no gray area.

At Walmart, you're hoping they say yes and minimizing setup. With these memberships, hosts are expecting you and want you there. You can put out slides, disconnect your tow vehicle, set up a chair, and actually relax. No risk of the midnight knock.

"But I have to pay AND spend money at the business?"

Here's the reality : Even at "free" Walmart stops, you should be spending money to support the business. With these memberships, you're getting a better experience for the same money you'd spend anyway.

What you get:

Unique, beautiful locations (vineyards, farms, ranches, museums)
Full setup allowed—slides out, chairs out, enjoy the outdoors
Friendly hosts who often offer tours, tastings, or great conversation
No stress about breaking rules or getting kicked out
Supporting small businesses, not mega-corporations

Each host sets their own rules (nights allowed, generator use, pet policies, purchase expectations), so read descriptions carefully. Book ahead, communicate with your host, and be a good guest.

Passport America - Discount Camping for Quick Stops

If you prefer actual campgrounds with hookups, Passport America ($44/year) gets you 50% off at over 1,900 participating campgrounds.

Why it's great:

Cheap camping - Often $15-25/night after discount
Full hookups - Electric, water, sewer
Big rig friendly - Many have easy pull-through sites
Legitimate camping - Full setup is expected and welcomed

Limitations: Some parks restrict Passport America to off-peak days (weekdays, off-season), and you're still paying $15-30/night versus free parking lot camping.

But for the price of dinner at Cracker Barrel, you get full hookups, a real campsite, and zero stress.

Is It Worth the Cost?

If you're parking lot camping regularly, absolutely yes.

You're already spending money at Walmart and Cracker Barrel. These memberships pay for themselves quickly while offering infinitely better experiences—unique locations, full setup, no stress, and often hookups.

Would you rather spend a night in a Walmart parking lot trying to be invisible, or at a beautiful vineyard with your slides out? Or at a campground with full hookups for $20?

For many RVers, that's an easy choice.

Why Etiquette Matters - The Bigger Picture

Parking lot etiquette isn't just about following rules—it's about protecting a privilege that's disappearing fast.

Bad Behavior Ruins It for Everyone

Every year, more businesses ban overnight RV parking. Hundreds of Walmart locations have closed to RVers. Cracker Barrels are tightening restrictions. Even truck stops are cracking down.

Why?

Because too many RVers have treated parking lots like campgrounds—staying for days, setting up awnings and chairs, running generators all night, leaving trash, and even dumping tanks in parking lots (yes, really).

One bad RVer ruins it for thousands who come after them.

When a business gets complaints from customers, deals with trash left behind, or has to clean up after someone dumped their tanks, they don't just ban that RVer—they ban all RVers.

Your behavior today determines whether parking lot camping exists tomorrow.

Businesses Are Doing YOU a Favor

Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's don't have to allow overnight parking. They're not legally required to welcome RVers. They do it as a courtesy—and because they hope you'll be a customer.

But it's not unconditional.

When RVers abuse the privilege, businesses have every right to say "no more." And they are. Rapidly.

Show gratitude by:

Following all etiquette rules (minimal setup, quiet hours, leave early)
Supporting the business (shop there, eat there, spend money)
Leaving no trace (pick up trash, even if it's not yours)
Being respectful to staff, customers, and other RVers
Treat parking lot camping like the privilege it is—not an entitlement.
Your Reputation Reflects on All RVers

When you park at Walmart, you're not just representing yourself—you're representing the entire RV community.

Customers and employees see you and form opinions:

"That RVer was so polite and quiet—nice people!"

OR: "That RVer was loud, messy, and rude—let's ban them all."

Community reputation matters. The more respectful RVers are, the more businesses stay open to us. The more disrespectful we are, the faster this option disappears.

You want parking lot camping to remain available? Be the RVer that makes businesses want to keep welcoming us.

The Future of Parking Lot Camping Depends on Us

Parking lot camping isn't guaranteed. It's fragile. And it's disappearing.

But it doesn't have to.

If every RVer followed proper etiquette—minimal setup, quiet hours, supporting businesses, leaving no trace—this option would thrive for decades.

The choice is ours:

Respect the rules and preserve parking lot camping for future RVers

OR ignore etiquette and watch it disappear entirely.

What kind of RVer do you want to be?

Be the RVer Who Protects This Privilege

Parking lot camping is a lifesaver for RVers—convenient, free, and perfect for breaking up long travel days. But it's disappearing fast, and we're the reason why.

The rules aren't complicated:

Always call ahead and get permission
Park respectfully (away from entrances, minimal setup)
No awnings, no outdoor furniture, no dumping tanks
Generator off after 10 PM and before 7 AM
Support the business that's hosting you
Leave no trace and depart early

Follow these rules, and you'll never have a problem. Break them, and you're not just ruining your own experience—you're destroying this option for every RVer who comes after you.

Remember: You're a Guest, Not a Camper

Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's are doing you a favor by allowing overnight parking. They don't have to. Show gratitude by being respectful, spending money, and following their rules.

And when you're ready for a better experience? Try Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, RV Overnights, or Passport America. You'll get unique locations, full setup privileges, and the peace of mind that comes with being explicitly welcomed.

The Future of Parking Lot Camping is in Your Hands

Every time you park overnight, you're either protecting this privilege or contributing to its extinction.

Choose wisely. Be respectful. Support the businesses. Leave no trace.

Because the midnight knock isn't just about you getting kicked out—it's about all of us losing this option forever.

Be the RVer who makes businesses want to keep their doors (and parking lots) open to us.

Safe travels, and park responsibly.

November Specials for Veterans: Learn to RV Edition

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:05:43 GMT

Honoring Veterans: November Savings & Support for RVing Families

At Learn to RV, we’re proud to stand with those who’ve served. This November, we’re spotlighting exclusive savings, heartfelt travel tips, and trusted resources to help veterans and their families make the most of RV life.

From discounted campground stays and free national park access to special offers from veteran-friendly businesses—including a seasonal promotion from RV Roofing Solutions—this guide is packed with ways to stretch your budget and celebrate the journey.

Whether you're full-timing, weekend adventuring, or planning your next rally, we’re here to help you travel smarter, safer, and with a whole lot of heart.

Veterans Day 2025: Free Meals & Discounts for RVers

Whether you're parked near a city or traveling through small towns, here are some of the top places offering free meals and perks to veterans and active-duty military

Free Meals at Restaurants

Applebee’s – Free entrée from a select menu for veterans and active-duty military (dine-in only)
Chili’s – Free meal from a special menu at participating locations
Denny’s – Free Original Grand Slam breakfast until noon
IHOP – Free pancake combo with eggs, hash browns, and meat
Golden Corral – Free buffet meal with beverage
Outback Steakhouse – Free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage with entrée purchase
Texas Roadhouse – Free meal or voucher for future use
White Castle – Free combo or breakfast meal
Fogo de Chão – 50% off meals for veterans, plus 10% off for guests (Nov 7–11)

Several restaurants offer significant discounts rather than completely free meals:

Buffalo Wild Wings: Provides 10 free boneless wings and fries (dine-in only) for veterans and active-duty military.
Buffalo's Cafe (Georgia): Offers 25% off meals for veterans and service members.
Burger Republic (Tennessee): Provides a free burger or meal for veterans and service members.
Burntwood Tavern (Ohio, Florida): Offers vary by location but may include a free or discounted meal for veterans.
Carrabba's Italian Grill: Offers a complimentary appetizer or other menu item for veterans and active-duty military (call ahead to verify). The restaurant also provides a 10% year-round discount for service members and first responders.
Ahipoki Bowl (Arizona, California): Usually offers 50% off poke bowls for veterans.
Andy's Frozen Custard (Missouri, Arkansas): Typically offers a free regular, one-topping sundae for veterans.

Retail Discounts

Home Depot & Lowe’s – 10% off eligible purchases with verified military ID
Kohl’s – 30% off in-store purchases Nov 10–11
Big Lots! – 10% discount year-round for veterans enrolled in Big Rewards
AT&T – 25% off unlimited plans for military families
Under Armour – 40% off for military and spouses

In Honor of Veterans Day, TARGET is Offering a Special Military Discount October 27-November 11, 2025! This offer is available to active duty military, veterans and their spouse and/or dependent children. You will need to sign up for a free Target Circle account, verify eligibility & receive a special coupon that can be used up to 2 times.

Michaels – Military members can recieve 15% off your purchase including sale items.

Visit Military Bridge & Retail Salute for even more places you can SAVE!

Travel & Services

Amtrak – 10% off train travel for veterans and active-duty personnel
Fox Nation – One-year free subscription for military members
Eat’n Park – 10% off meals all November + free Smiley Cookie on Veterans Day (PA, OH, WV)

Amusement Parks & Zoos

Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Provides free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, with discounted tickets for family members.
Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Offers free admission during Veterans Day weekend, Friday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 11, to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen and their immediate dependents.
Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Provides free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop, on November 10-11 and other "Military Mondays."
Knott's Berry Farm (California): Offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, November 3–20 and December 1–18. Other discounts are offered year-round.
Louisville Zoo (Kentucky): Provides free admission for veterans, active military, and families, along with discounts on concessions and the gift shop.
Montgomery Zoo (Alabama): Offers a 50% discount on daytime admission for veterans, active military, and families during Veterans Appreciation Week, November 9-15.
Nashville Zoo (Tennessee): Provides free admission for active military personnel, military veterans, and immediate families on Military Appreciation Day, Sunday, November 9.

Celebrate 250 Years of the USMC with Pride

November 10, 2025 marks a monumental milestone: 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment from the United States Marine Corps. Whether you're a Marine, a proud family member, or simply someone who admires their legacy, this is the year to celebrate in style.

The Marine Corps Gift Shop has released a commemorative collection that’s packed with Semper Fi spirit and as a USMC family we thought you'd want to see these.... if you are a Marine

250th Birthday T-Shirts - Featuring designs like “Born in a Bar,” “Tun Tavern,” and “First to Fight”
Embroidered Hats & Snapbacks – Flexible fit and classic USMC style
Hoodies & Sweatshirts – Cozy, bold, and perfect for some Semper Fi Pride

Veterans Day Discounts from RV-Specific Companies

RV Roofing Solutions honors Veterans Day by spotlighting its owner, a United States Marine Corps veteran, his family, and offering high-integrity service to fellow RVers.

RV Roofing Solutions doesn’t just repair roofs—they raise the standard. Family Owned and operated by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, the company is built on values like integrity, transparency, and craftsmanship. Their mission is clear: protect RVers with high-quality service and honor the spirit of those who’ve served.

If you’re ready to stop caulking & patching your RV and protect your rig for the long haul, now’s the time to act. Spots fill fast—don’t wait to lock in your savings and peace of mind

Their November blog post, “Built to Protect,” shares how military principles have shaped everything from customer care to the company's RV roofing system installation standards. It’s more than a business, it’s a legacy of service.

And this November, that legacy comes with a powerful thank-you.

RV Roofing Solutions honors veterans year-round, but in November, they go even further.

Veterans Save $10 per foot on this seamless RV roofing system
Plus an additional $250 off your total install

Veterans Get the Biggest Sale of the Year.

Whether you’re full-timing, snowbirding somewhere warmer, or just prepping for winter storage, you can plan for a 2026 installation and lock in significant savings and 2025 pricing. This is the perfect time to invest in long-term protection for your RV and support a veteran-owned business that truly understands what it means to serve.

If you are ready to upgrade your roof with a seamless maintenance-free RV roofing system that no longer needs to be caulked year after year visit

www.rvroofingsolutions.com to get a quote.

RV Maintenance & Gear

Camping World – Historically offers up to 10% off for veterans and active-duty military on gear, accessories, and service packages

Lippert Components – Through their seRV With Purpose platform, Lippert supports veterans with volunteer opportunities and may offer product discounts around Veterans Day

Harvest Hosts – Occasionally offers membership discounts to veterans; check their site or email promotions

Escapees RV Club – Offers discounted membership rates for veterans and active-duty military

Campgrounds & Parks

KOA (Kampgrounds of America) – Select locations offer free or discounted stays for veterans on Veterans Day weekend

Thousand Trails – May offer special promotions or waived fees for veterans during November

Free National Parks Passes for Military Families and Veterans

Did you know that U.S. military members, veterans, and Gold Star families can explore America’s most breathtaking landscapes—for free?

Through the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program, eligible individuals can receive special access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

So Who Qualifies?

Active-duty U.S. Armed Forces members and their dependents can receive a free Interagency Military Annual Pass
U.S. Military Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free lifetime Military Pass

These passes are a heartfelt way to honor service and sacrifice—while encouraging families to connect with nature, history, and each other.

Whether you’re hiking in Zion, camping in Shenandoah, or simply passing through a scenic overlook, these passes make it easier to enjoy the beauty of our public lands without added cost.

Year-Round Military Savings at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s

If you’re an outdoor-loving veteran or active-duty service member, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have your six. These adventure hubs are packed with camping gear, fishing supplies, and boating essentials and they proudly offer a 10% military discount every day of the year.

Here’s the scoop:

The 10% discount applies to most merchandise, from tents and tackle to hiking boots and hunting gear.
Firearms and ammo? You can still save 5% off those items.
A few exclusions apply: boats, trailers, alcohol, gift cards, and non-merchandise services aren’t eligible.

Who Qualifies?

Active-duty military
Veterans
Retirees
National Guard and Reservists

Overland Solar, TechnoRV, and RV Upgrades – These retailers often run seasonal promotions; veterans should check for coupon codes or email offers

Tire and battery shops near popular RV routes may offer service discounts with military ID

You can download a full alphabetical listing for all 50 states HERE to see what discounts, if any, are offered to veterans and/or the disabled and what the requirements are to get the discount applied.

To take advantage of these discounts, you’ll usually need to show proof of eligibility—like a VA disability letter, discharge papers (DD214), or other official documentation. Each state park or governing agency may have slightly different requirements, so it’s a good idea to reach out directly and ask what they need. A quick call or email can save time and make sure you’re all set to enjoy the benefits you’ve earned.

Veterans Day 2025 presents numerous opportunities for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to receive free meals, discounts, and special offers across various categories. From complimentary meals at national restaurant chains to discounts on retail purchases and free admission to entertainment venues, these offers serve as small tokens of appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

As with any promotional offer, it's important to verify specific requirements and participation details with individual locations, as offers may vary by franchise or region. Planning ahead, bringing proper identification, and being aware of any restrictions can help ensure a smooth experience when using these benefits.

Your selfless sacrifice to our nation is worth honoring, so don’t be shy about asking companies if they have a military discount!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available sources at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. Always verify details directly with the relevant companies or organizations.

Tongue Weight — The Hidden Half of Safe Towing

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:07:15 GMT

A Nomadic Hawks guide to real-world balance

Let’s be honest—tow ratings, payload charts, and axle limits can feel like alphabet soup.

Safe towing isn’t about memorizing specs—it’s about knowing where the weight really lands.

A stable tow starts with balance. Tongue weight—the load your trailer puts on the hitch—decides how the whole rig behaves.

Tongue weight is the portion of the trailer’s weight that presses down on the tow vehicle’s hitch. For bumper-pull trailers, it usually runs 10–15% of total trailer weight; for fifth wheels, 15–20% is the sweet spot. The goal is simple—enough weight on the hitch to stay stable, but not so much that it overloads the truck’s rear axle.

Too light, and the trailer sways. Too heavy, and the truck squats, steering fades, and braking stretches out.

The stickers—on the driver’s door, door pillar, and the trailer’s roadside—give numbers as built, not where your weight really lands with your gear, fuel, and people aboard.

So, we put our one-ton truck and 40-foot fifth wheel on the scale to find out what the numbers actually mean—and how close “within limits” really gets in the real world.

Our one-ton is rated for 4,116 lb of payload and an 11,800-lb GVWR. The 40-foot fifth wheel carries a 16,130-lb GVWR on twin 7,000-lb axles, leaving 2,130 lb on the hitch by design—the factory pin weight before fuel, water, or gear change the picture. The next step is finding out what it really weighs.

Two weigh-ins tell the truth.

Truck only – 8,420 lb total

Steer axle: 5,040 lb
Drive axle: 3,380 lb
(Baseline with full fuel, passengers, and normal cargo.)

Truck + trailer – 23,900 lb total

Steer axle: 4,840 lb
Drive axle: 6,440 lb
Trailer axles: 12,620 lb
(Loaded, ready-to-tow setup.)

Now run the math:

23,900 − 8,420 = 15,480 lb → trailer gross weight
15,480 − 12,620 = 2,860 lb → pin (hitch) weight

What it means:

Sticker vs remaining payload: The door sticker lists 4,116 lb, but the scale shows 11,800 − 8,420 = 3,380 lb of remaining payload.
Rear axle: 6,440 lb on a 7,000-lb rating → 560 lb of headroom.
Trailer axles: 12,620 lb on 14,000-lb rating → 1,380 lb of margin.
Total trailer: 15,480 lb on 16,130-lb GVWR → 650 lb under max.

That 2,860-lb pin is about 18 % of the trailer’s 15,480-lb weight—right where stability lives. Less, and sway starts. More, and steering fades.

The truck’s rear axle at 6,440 lb sits 560 lb under its 7,000-lb limit—safe, but nearly full. Add more cargo, and the margin’s gone.

The trailer rides light but solid: 12,620 lb on 14,000-lb axles, below its 16,130-lb GVWR.

That’s a lot of numbers—but here’s the bottom line: the only way to know is to weigh it. The scale shows balance, not guesses. If your numbers don’t line up cleanly, you may need to adjust your cargo.

Giving Back on the Road: A Learn to RV Guide for Local Impact

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:19:34 GMT

How to Make a Difference on the Road This Thanksgiving

RV life isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s also about showing up with purpose.

Whether you're parked for a weekend, gathered with family & friends, or settled in for the season this November, there are powerful ways to give back right where you are. As we reflect on gratitude and community, here’s your Learn to RV guide to making a difference from wherever your wheels land.

Make a Turkey for Another Family

If you’re cooking a holiday meal, consider doubling it. Many campgrounds and local churches welcome donated dishes for families in need. You can also ask your campground host if they know of a nearby family who could use a warm meal. A simple turkey dinner can go a long way in making someone feel seen and supported.

Or join Operation Turkey , a nationwide volunteer movement that delivers hot Thanksgiving meals to people in need. You can help cook, package, or deliver meals—many locations welcome RVers and traveling volunteers.

What Is Operation Turkey?

Operation Turkey is a nationwide movement that began with one man sharing leftovers with a person experiencing homelessness. Today, it’s grown into a fully volunteer-run organization that serves thousands of warm Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, elderly, and less fortunate in cities across the country—including Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

OperationTurkey.com is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that delivers hot Thanksgiving meals to people in need across the U.S. You can get involved by signing up to cook, package, or deliver meals—no matter where you’re traveling.

Operation Turkey makes it easy for RVers to serve others this Thanksgiving—no matter where you’re parked. With events in cities across the U.S., this grassroots movement mobilizes volunteers to prepare and deliver hot meals to people experiencing homelessness or hardship.

To get started, simply visit operationturkey.com/volunteer and fill out the intake form. You’ll choose your preferred location and role—whether it’s cooking, packaging, or delivering meals. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and kids can join in by decorating boxes or helping with deliveries.

There are two main ways to serve: On Thanksgiving Day (November 28), volunteers gather at 8 AM to cook, plate, and deliver meals. The day before, Turkey Tailgate (November 27) offers a chance to help prep food and organize supplies. Both events are hands-on, heart-centered, and perfect for RVers who want to make a direct impact.

When you show up to serve, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Bring your family or travel crew—this is a beautiful way to teach kids about compassion and community care. Operation Turkey will send email updates with location-specific instructions, so you’ll know exactly where to go and what to expect.

Operation Turkey has active hubs in dozens of cities. If you’re RVing near:

Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio (TX)
Fayetteville, Raleigh, Wilmington (NC)
Philadelphia (PA) …you’re likely near a volunteer site.

If you're on the road or not near a participating city, you can still help by donating. Operation Turkey is 100% volunteer-run, so every dollar goes directly toward feeding people in need.

Donate Online: Visit operationturkey.com/donate to make a one-time or recurring donation.
Sponsor a Meal: Just $5 feeds one person a full Thanksgiving meal. You can sponsor as many meals as you’d like. A $7 donation feeds 2 people! ALL the money that is donated goes directly to purchasing food and supplies for Thanksgiving Day.
Fundraise as a Family or Group: Set a goal with your RV club, chapter, or travel crew and raise some funds together.
Spread the Word: Share Operation Turkey on social media or in your campground community to inspire others to give.

Whether you're delivering meals in person or donating from a quiet boondocking spot, your support helps ensure no one is left behind this Thanksgiving. Operation Turkey offers a meaningful way to give back this holiday season. It’s not just about the meals—it’s about showing up with kindness, wherever you are.

Their mission is simple: “To deliver meals, care, and compassion to those who need it most.”

Lasagna Love: Serving Kindness & a Hearty Meal Wherever You Roam

In a recent segment on Learn to RV: The Podcast , we spotlighted Lasagna Love, a grassroots movement that’s feeding families and spreading kindness—one homemade meal at a time.

Whether you’re parked for the season or rolling through a new town, you can join the mission by donating a home-cooked lasagna this November—and all year long. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to give back to your “local-to-you” community wherever you are parked

Sign up at lasagnalove.org
Get matched with a nearby family in need
Cook and deliver a lasagna with love and care
Repeat as often as you’d like—flexible for RVers and travelers

Lasagna Love is perfect for RVers who want to serve locally, connect with real families, and make a tangible impact from the road. It’s not just about food—it’s about showing up with compassion.

Here are a few inspiring snapshots from volunteers across the country:

Jacqueline’s Journey: “You don’t need a big kitchen to do big things.” Since 2021, Jacqueline has delivered homemade lasagna to neighbors facing grief, illness, and financial hardship. Her RV-sized kitchen didn’t stop her from making a big impact.

Rhiannon’s Mission: Founder Rhiannon Menn started Lasagna Love during the pandemic, cooking in her own messy kitchen to help families in crisis. “It’s not just the meal—it’s that a stranger would provide that random act of kindness. It gives them a feeling of love and hope,” she said.

Zoe’s Local Impact: In Baltimore, volunteer Zoe Feldman shared how delivering lasagna helped her reconnect with her community. “It’s more than food—it’s a way to say ‘you matter’ without needing the perfect words”.

Volunteer Wins: In July 2024 alone, over 5,000 volunteer chefs delivered nearly 40,000 meals. That’s 40,000 moments of kindness, comfort, and connection.

Want to hear more? Catch the full segment on Learn to RV: The Podcast and explore how RVers across the country are turning meals into moments of hope.

Donate to a Food Pantry: Campground Canned Food Drive

Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the easiest and most impactful ways RVers can serve their “local-to-you” community is by donating shelf-stable food to a nearby pantry. And if you’re staying at a campground this November, why not turn it into a group effort?

How to Start a Campground Canned Food Drive:

Set up a donation bin near the office, laundry room, or community space
Spread the word with a simple flyer or group post—invite fellow campers to contribute
Suggest easy items like canned vegetables, soups, pasta, peanut butter, and boxed meals
Partner with a local pantry or outreach group to arrange drop-off or pickup
Ask campground staff if they already support a local nonprofit
Use sites like feedingamerica.org or foodpantries.org to find nearby locations

Include a note station where donors can write short messages of encouragement to go with the food, especially meaningful for families receiving holiday support.

Canned goods with pop-top lids are better than those requiring a can opener
Avoid foods packaged in glass
Don't donate foods that are past the expiration date

Whether you donate a single can or rally your whole campground, your kindness travels farther than you think.

Hospitality on the Road

The holidays can be joyful—but for many RVers, they can also feel isolating. Whether someone’s far from family, traveling solo, or new to the lifestyle, a little connection goes a long way.

One of the most meaningful ways to give back this season is to invite your neighbors over. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a shared dinner, a dessert potluck, or even a cozy campfire chat can make someone feel seen and supported.

Simple Ways to Host:

Cook a favorite meal and invite nearby campers to join you
Dessert & Drinks: Share pie, cocoa, or s’mores around the fire
Bring a Dish: Host a casual potluck where everyone contributes something small
Music or Story Night: Invite folks to share songs, travel stories, or holiday traditions

You never know who might need a little extra kindness this season. And in RV life, those small moments often turn into lasting friendships.

Traveling with Purpose: Giving Back to Jamaica This November

RV life is about freedom—but for many families, it’s also about purpose. This November, we’re spotlighting Tonja and Troy, two RVers with deep roots in Jamaica and a powerful mission to give back.

After Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the island, Tonja and Troy felt called to act. Their connection runs deep—not just through travel, but through family. They’ve adopted children from Jamaica and built lasting relationships with local communities. They have also been featured on Learn to RV The Podcast.

Every winter, Tonja and Troy lead a group of RVers and travelers to Jamaica—a journey rooted in connection, culture, and deep family ties. But this year, their plans are shifting. After Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the island, including beloved outreach centers and children’s homes, they’re turning their focus to rebuilding and relief.

Instead of hosting their usual travel experience, Tonja and Troy are rallying support for Melody House & Robin's Nest, Jamaican organizations that were ravaged by the storm. These centers serve vulnerable children and families—many of whom have lost shelter, supplies, and access to basic care.

How You Can Help:

Donate directly to Tonja and Troy’s fundraiser supporting Melody House and Robin's Nest at Traveling With A Purpose
Follow & share the story of what's happening in Jamaica in your RV group, podcast, or social media feed. You can support by liking and following them as well as financial support on their Facebook Page
Host a campground fundraiser—a bake sale, raffle, or donation jar can go a long way

Giving back isn’t just about where you’re parked—it’s about who you’re connected to. Tonja and Troy remind us that RVers can be global neighbors, showing up with compassion and action wherever it’s needed, and this year, Jamaica needs our help.

Let’s rally together to support families in Jamaica and honor the deep ties that make RV life so rich.

Weaving Service Into Your Travels—All Year Long

Giving back as you RV isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up with kindness, wherever you are. Whether you’re cooking, volunteering, or simply offering a smile, your impact travels with you.

Having a heart to serve, and the willingness to show up, is one of the most beautiful things about this lifestyle. Whether you're delivering a meal, lending a hand, participating in a beach clean-up or inviting someone to share dessert, you're choosing to be part of something bigger than yourself. And that choice matters more than you may ever know.

In a world that often feels disconnected, RVers have a unique opportunity to bring kindness wherever they go. Every campground, every community, every conversation is a chance to serve with purpose and leave a trail of compassion behind.

You have the power to help others feel connected and well-fed this November... but don’t stop there. Service doesn’t need a season. From roadside kindness to campground potlucks, from food drives to shared stories, every mile is a chance to make someone’s day a little brighter. Take the moment to stap and say hello & simply spread kindness.

Random Acts of Kindness Day (ROAK) began in 1995 in Colorado and has since grown into a global movement. While it's officially celebrated on February 17th you certainly can participate all year long. Science shows that kindness boosts happiness, lowers stress, and strengthens community bonds—for both the giver and the receiver.

Easy Ways RVers Can Celebrate

Leave a kind note on a neighbor’s picnic table or RV door
Pay for someone’s coffee or propane refill at a nearby shop
Offer help with setup or repairs to a fellow traveler
Share a homemade treat or invite someone for dessert
Donate gently used gear to a local shelter or outreach group
Smile and greet everyone you pass—it’s simple, but powerful

Get your kids involved by creating a “Kindness Bingo” or crafting compliment cards. You can even host a mini kindness challenge at your campground or rally.

Giving back doesn’t require a fixed address, just a generous spirit and a little creativity.

Let’s make this season—and every season—one of service, gratitude, and heart. One campsite at a time.

Lippert’s seRV With Purpose: November Highlights

Lippert’s seRV With Purpose initiative connects RVers with volunteer opportunities that make a real impact in the communities they visit. Powered by Lippert Cares, the platform helps travelers serve locally while building connection and purpose into their journey.

Here are a few ways you can get involved this November with seRV

• Veterans Day Event – Belville, NC

�� 580 River Road Southeast November 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Join fellow RVers in honoring veterans through service and celebration.

Food Distribution – New Braunfels, TX

�� Tree of Life Church, Family Life Center December 18, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Help pack and distribute food to families in need—perfect for RVers passing through Texas.

Wreaths Across America – New Bern, NC

�� 1711 National Avenue December 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Volunteer to honor fallen heroes by placing wreaths at veterans’ gravesites.

How to Get Started

Visit servwithpurpose.com to explore events and sign up
Filter opportunities by location, category, or family-friendly options
Connect with seRV Ambassadors for guidance and community support

Lippert encourages RVers to “adventure with purpose”—and this November, there are more ways than ever to turn your travels into meaningful service.

More Ways to Serve

Partner with local nonprofits through the seRV platform—options include food pantries, animal shelters, thrift stores, and landscaping projects
Volunteer at RV parks that host service events, like Champions Run (FL), Lake Osprey (AL), and Talona Ridge (GA)
Explore monthly nonprofit spotlights, such as Blessings & Hope Food Pantry and Give Kids the World Village in Florida

Cards with Heart: Creative Ways RVers Can Serve This November

Sometimes, the simplest gestures carry the most meaning. With a little creativity and a big heart, making cards can be a beautiful way to share love with your “local-to-you” community—or even with those serving far from home.

Every November, we take time to gather around picnic tables and RV dinettes, crafting handmade cards and coloring pages for nursing homes and military troops. These small acts of kindness remind people they’re not forgotten, especially during the holidays.

For nursing home residents, a cheerful card can brighten a quiet day.
For deployed service members, a handwritten note offers comfort, gratitude, and connection
For RVers, it’s another hands-on way to learn empathy and practice giving back

The best part is, you don’t need fancy supplies—just paper, markers, and a few heartfelt words. You can even invite your campground neighbors to join in, or make it a family tradition. Many organizations accept mailed cards for distribution, including Operation Gratitude and Love for Our Elders or Making Card for Our Troops

Easy Ways to Impact your Community

Host a card-making afternoon at your RV park or rally
Include coloring pages for kids to decorate and sign
Drop off finished cards to a local nursing home or military outreach group
Add a note station to your food drive or donation table for extra impact

Whether you’re parked for a week or just passing through, your creativity can travel far. Let’s go the extra mile this season and spread more kindness, connection, and handmade hope—one card at a time.

Deschooling isn't Doing Nothing - It's doing everything differently

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:29:05 GMT

............ Especially when you're roadschooling

When families hit the road in an RV, they often imagine freedom: open skies, flexible schedules, and learning that flows with life. But when it comes to education, many feel pressure to replicate "school at home" with rigid schedules, worksheets, and standardized benchmarks.

That’s where deschooling comes in. Both kids & parents have to unlearn those rigid expectations and rediscover curiosity, adventure and embrace the freedom of life on the road. It's not being lazy. It's not lost time. It's building a cornerstone for a foundation of lifelong learning.

So What Is Deschooling?

Deschooling is the intentional process of stepping away from traditional school structures — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It’s about unlearning the habits, expectations, and assumptions that school systems imprint on kids and parents alike.

It’s not a curriculum. It’s not a break. It’s a recalibration.

How Does Deschooling Help?

• Rebuild trust in their children’s natural curiosity

• Shift from compliance-based learning to interest-led exploration

• Heal from academic burnout or anxiety

• Discover new rhythms that fit RV life, travel, and family values

• Create space for lifelong learning instead of short-term performance

RV life is the perfect setting for deschooling.

• Learning is everywhere: From national parks to local museums, every stop is a classroom.

• Schedules are often more flexible: You can follow the weather, the seasons, or your child’s passions.

• Family connection deepens: Without the rush of drop-offs and homework, relationships flourish.

• Real-world skills emerge: Budgeting, route planning, repairs, and community-building become part of the learning journey.

Debunking Some Deschooling Myths

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:

"Deschooling is lazy.” - It’s an intentional choice and often more work than traditional schooling, both emotionally and relationally.

"Kids will fall behind" - Behind what? Deschooling helps kids move at their own pace, often accelerating once they reconnect with joy.

"It’s just unschooling.” - Deschooling is a transitional phase. Some families move into unschooling, others choose eclectic or structured homeschooling.

"It’s only for kids." - Parents need deschooling too — to let go of control, fear, and comparison.

You Don’t Have to Be an Unschooler to Deschool

Let’s clear something up: deschooling isn’t just for unschoolers. You don’t have to ditch structure entirely or embrace radical freedom to benefit from deschooling. It’s not about labels — it’s about letting go of rigid expectations that no longer serve your family.

Often, the pressure comes from us — not the system. We carry assumptions like:

• “Learning must happen between 8 AM and 3 PM.”

• “Kids need to study for X hours a day.”

• “Schoolwork should be done before play.”

But, the truth is, RV life invites a different rhythm. Our kids are night owls, so we let them sleep in and wake naturally. On days with planned activities, they set alarms just like we do for work. That’s not laziness... it’s self-regulation. It’s learning to manage time in a way that fits real life.

Deschooling Starter Kit for RV Families

Are you struggling to balance road life, work, and your kids’ education?

Are you feeling like you’re herding cats while trying to keep up with lesson plans and expectations?

Maybe it’s time to take a step back — and deschool.

Deschooling isn’t giving up on learning. It’s unlearning what traditional school told us learning should look like. It’s embracing the organized chaos of RV life and trusting that growth happens in unexpected places. Sometimes it's even around campfires, at rest stops, during setup and teardown, and in quiet moments between destinations.

How to Embrace Your Child’s Learning Style

Every child learns differently — and RV life gives you the freedom to honor that.

Here’s how to start:

• Observe, don’t assume: Watch what sparks their curiosity. Is it bugs, baking, building, or storytelling?

• Let go of the clock: If your child is a night owl, let them sleep in. Learning doesn’t have to start at 8 AM. If they are an early bird and you're not - find some middle ground.

• Use real-life moments: Show weeks, travel days, and campground chores are full of lessons in logistics, teamwork, and adaptability.

• Offer choices: Let them pick between reading, audio, hands-on projects, or videos. Autonomy builds engagement.

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes: Growth isn’t always measurable — sometimes it’s a question asked, a skill attempted, or a moment of reflection.

Got Questions About Roadschooling or Deschooling? Let’s Connect!

If you and your children are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Roadschooling and deschooling can be beautiful, but they can also feel messy, uncertain, and exhausting — especially when you're juggling travel, work, and learning all at once.

That’s why connection matters.

Whether you're just starting your journey or deep in the rhythm of RV life, you're not alone.

Or maybe you're just curious about deschooling, wondering how to support your child's learning style, or looking for real-world tips on roadschooling — I’d love to chat.

Drop a comment, send a message, or reach out through our absolutely FREE Community Group Roadschooling Resources. You can even email me directly at Roadschoolingresources@gmail.com

This is a safe, supportive space for roadschooling families and dreamers to gather information, spark ideas, and build real-life connections. Because we prioritize the safety and privacy of traveling families, this is a closed group.

This group is a safe space for roadschooling families—and anyone dreaming of learning beyond the classroom.

• �� A curiosity seeker exploring alternative education

• �� A full-time roadschooling family living the RV life

• �� A stationary homeschool family always chasing adventure

• �� A grandparent bringing grandkids along for summer travels

To join, you will need:

• A real profile photo

• Answers to the membership questions & agree to the group rules

These steps help us ensure that every member is here with genuine intent and respect for the community. Thank you for helping us keep this space welcoming, secure, and full of possibility.

Let’s build a community where questions are welcome, creativity thrives, and every family finds their own path to lifelong learning.

Playing Games During the Deschooling Phase

Games aren’t just a way to pass the time — they’re one of the most powerful tools for learning, especially during the deschooling phase. When families step away from traditional school structures, games offer a low-pressure, high-engagement way to rebuild curiosity, connection, and confidence. Whether it’s a board game around the picnic table, a card game during a rainy afternoon, or a digital adventure on a travel day, play becomes a bridge back to joyful learning.

Through games, kids naturally practice problem-solving, math, reading, logic, and even emotional regulation. They learn to take turns, strategize, collaborate, and navigate both victory and disappointment. These are real-life skills, wrapped in fun.

For RV families, games are especially valuable. They’re compact, portable, and easy to pull out during downtime or long drives. Many games double as family bonding time, sparking laughter, storytelling, and shared memories. And because roadschooling is rooted in flexibility, games can fill the gaps when formal lessons take a backseat to travel or work.

You don’t need a curriculum to justify game time. A round of Yahtzee builds math fluency. Story Cubes fuel creative writing. Ticket to Ride teaches geography and planning. Even cooperative games like Outfoxed or Pandemic help kids develop empathy and teamwork.

During deschooling, games remind us that learning doesn’t have to look like school. It can look like joy, connection, and discovery — one roll of the dice at a time.

One of the most unexpected joys this year has come through online games — specifically, Dungeon & Dragons sessions on Outschool.

My kids play with other children in a virtual campaign led by Rachel, a phenomenal Dungeon Master whose passion for teaching shines through every interaction. She doesn’t just guide the game — she empowers the players.

Whenever the kids have questions, Rachel is patient, engaging, and encouraging. Through character creation, world-building, and collaborative storytelling, my children have embraced a completely different way to learn. They’re practicing writing, math, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills — all while immersed in a world of imagination and teamwork. It’s proof that learning doesn’t have to look like school to be meaningful.

Play isn’t a break from learning — I think we often forget it is learning.

Children process the world through movement, imagination, and experimentation. Whether they’re building forts, inventing games, or narrating stories with action figures, they’re developing critical skills: problem-solving, emotional regulation, collaboration, and creativity.

In RV life, play becomes even more powerful:

• Nature is the playground: Sticks become tools, trails become quests, and puddles spark scientific curiosity.

• Space is flexible: A picnic table can be a lab, a bunk can be a reading nook, and a campground can host a scavenger hunt.

• Schedules can breathe: You don’t have to rush recess — you can let play unfold naturally.

When we give kids time to play, we’re saying: “Your ideas matter. Your curiosity is valid. Your joy is enough.”

So if your child wants to spend the morning building with LEGOs or sketching in a notebook instead of doing a worksheet — that’s not a detour. That’s the path.

Let them play. Let them discover. That’s how lifelong learners are made.

Deschooling is a mindset shift. It’s trusting that your child is learning — even when it doesn’t look like school. It’s giving yourself permission to pause, pivot, and play. Roadschooling works best when it’s personalized, playful, and rooted in real life. Deschooling can be an invitation to learn, grow, and thrive wherever the road takes you.

Creating Lifelong Learners

Deschooling isn’t about abandoning education — it’s about reclaiming it. When kids learn to learn for themselves, they become resilient, curious, and self-directed. That’s the heart of roadschooling: learning that lasts beyond the test, the grade, or the classroom.

Deschooling doesn’t mean rejecting structure forever.

In fact, one of the most empowering parts of roadschooling is watching your kids ask for more — more challenge, more structure, more opportunity.

Some kids thrive with a daily checklist or a structured curriculum. Others may want to take college courses through dual enrollment, dive into online classes, or pursue certifications in areas they love. That’s the beauty of life on the road: you can do all of it — and your children can help navigate the journey.

Let them research programs, compare options, and set their own goals. Whether it’s choosing a curriculum, managing deadlines, or logging into a college portal, they’re building real-world skills alongside academic ones.

Roadschooling isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a flexible framework where your child’s voice matters. You can blend play-based learning, project-based exploration, and formal academics — all while traveling, working, and growing together.

So if your child says, “I want more structure,” or “Can I take a college class?” celebrate it. That’s self-awareness. That’s ownership. That’s lifelong learning in motion.

Deschooling isn’t mandatory for roadschooling, but it’s often a powerful and helpful transition, especially if your child has spent time in traditional school.

Deschooling is the intentional pause between leaving formal schooling and beginning a more flexible, interest-led learning journey. For roadschooling families—who often blend travel, real-world experiences, and personalized education—it can be a crucial reset.

What Deschooling Offers Roadschooling Families

• Emotional decompression: Kids (and parents!) need time to shed school-based expectations like grades, rigid schedules, and performance anxiety.

• Mindset shift: Deschooling helps families embrace learning as a lifestyle, not just a curriculum. This is especially important when your classroom is a national park, museum, or roadside diner.

• Curiosity reignited: Without the pressure of worksheets and tests, kids often rediscover their natural interests—whether that’s geology in Utah or history along the Erie Canal.

• Relationship repair: Many families find that deschooling strengthens bonds, especially if school was a source of stress or conflict.

�� Do All Roadschoolers Need to Deschool?

Not necessarily. If your child has never attended traditional school, or if your family already embraces flexible learning, you may not need a formal deschooling phase. But if your child is transitioning from public or private school, deschooling can make roadschooling more joyful and sustainable.

Running a business on the road means our kids see the full picture: setup, teardown, customer service, and event logistics. During show weeks, learning shifts toward teamwork, responsibility, and adaptability. That’s deschooling in action — recognizing that education doesn’t only happen at a desk.

Deschooling helps you reframe what counts as learning. It’s not about doing nothing. It’s about doing everything differently — with intention, flexibility, and trust.

Helpful Tips for Deschooling on the Road

Start with connection : Prioritize play, conversation, and shared experiences.
Observe, don’t direct : Watch what your kids gravitate toward — bugs, books, baking, or building.
Document the journey : Use journals, photos, or podcasts to reflect on growth.
Limit formal academics : Give space for natural learning to emerge before reintroducing structure.
Join RV learning communities : Connect with other roadschoolers for support and inspiration.

Starter Tools for the Journey

Here’s a simple toolkit to help you deschool with confidence:

A Journal - Track interests, questions, and discoveries — no grades needed.

Podcas ts & Audiobooks - Great for travel days and auditory learners.

A Libby Account - This can be acquired through many local libraries and it is FREE

Field Guides & Maps - Turn hikes and drives into geography and science lessons.

Physical Education - Hiking, biking, swimming & so much more are a part of this lifestyle

Open-ended Kits - STEM, art, and nature kits that invite exploration.

Explore- Take the time to explore where you are. There are lots of hidden gems.

Atlas Obscura - a fun website to find unique things near you

Geocache- an interesting way to earn navigation and have some fun!

Educational Apps - Duolingo, Khan Academy, Prodigy, and BrainPOP offer flexible

learning on the go.

YouTube Playlists - science experiments, DIY projects, or travel documentaries.

*great for travel days!

Community - Join roadschooling groups like Roadschooling Resources , attend rallies, and share stories.

Traveling With Pets

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:41:04 GMT

Traveling with a Dog

My family launched from western WA where we had a large garden and a small farm. We used to have chickens, ducks, guineas, goats, alpacas, and a miniature horse. However, we had a lot of pets, too. A dog, a cat, birds, a fish tank, tarantulas, and a rabbit. Needless to say, we downsized quite a bit when we moved into our bus, but we still kept our dog, cat, and rabbit.

When traveling with pets, there are a number of considerations you need to keep in mind.

Vet care : How will they receive regular vet care? Do your pets require more consistent care, or is a yearly visit enough for them?

Temperature regulation : RVs of all types can get very hot very quickly. How will you keep things at a reasonable temperature for your pets so they don’t overheat?

Traveling : How will your pets travel? Is it safe for them, you, and other people on the road? Do your pets tolerate traveling? How can you make it more tolerable for them?

Food : Do you feed a national brand that you can reliably get anywhere? Do you make your pet’s food, and if you do, will you be able to keep making their food while on the road?

Each of our pets have different difficulties and special needs. However, they all are mostly healthy, which certainly makes things easier for us.

Dogs are very popular to travel with. Their barking can help people feel safer in their rigs. Our dog, Bella, is a German Shepherd. She’s a great dog, except she has separation anxiety. When we leave her in our rig, we have to make sure that anything remotely edible is put up. Over the years, she has eaten a large box of cookies (I think this is what started off her anxiety), several packs of tortillas and ramen when her harness got caught on and opened up a drawer, 5 pounds of raw potatoes (yes, at once!), my purse, several other buckskin items, loaves of bread, apples, and more.

Early on, we figured out that if we left our bedroom windows open, the crossbreeze would keep things cool. However, we worry about our anxious dog bust through our flimsy window screens. So, we closed the door to our bedroom and left the pets in the main part of our bus with the A/C. Well, I think it’s safe to say that our dog did not appreciate this. When we came home, not only had she gotten into and eaten quite a few of my dried herbs, but there was blood everywhere! In attempting to get into our bedroom, she apparently tore one of her nails, then kept trying. It looked like a crime scene. So, we’ve learned that she needs access to our bed while we’re gone. We keep the windows closed and turn on the A/C.

The legalization of marijuana in many states has made acquiring CBD tinctures much easier, so we gave that a try a couple of years ago. I think it helps her. Just if you try it with your pet, make sure it’s pet safe. To my knowledge, THC is toxic to pets, so we’re careful to get CBD-only, pet-safe tinctures. These are oil-based and our dog LOVES her “gravy.” Granted, she’s been known to eat wood filler and rocks, so she might not be the best judge. It does seem to make her calmer, but we still make sure all food is inaccessible.

Traveling with a Cat

When we started traveling, our cat was not a fan. Our vet gave us some calming treats for both the cat and the dog, but unfortunately, our cat decided they were clearly poison (and they didn’t do a ton for our dog). However, once we park, she’s fine. So, we always have 3 sets of blankets for her crate so we can change them if she gets sick. It probably took her about a year to decide that drive days were okay. Not great (she is SO HAPPY when we stop!), but tolerable.

I always try to minimize how much time my pets spend in their travel crates. (At least, for the cat and the rabbit. The dog loves her crate and asks to spend extra time in it.) So one day, we started driving and had forgotten to put our cat in her crate. It was only a few minutes before I heard her crying and went back to retrieve her. Ever since then, when the bus gets turned on, she asks for her crate. She’s figured out that while she doesn’t love it, it’s much better than being loose in the back!

Traveling with a Rabbit

My rabbit is a special case. He’s an angora rabbit, which is a type that has been bred in captivity for a really long time (reports are conflicting and lack evidence, sadly). What we do know is that they are incredibly docile and calm breeds. My particular bun has a lot of attitude, and is really more like two rabbits. When he’s freshly sheared, he is energetic and acrobatic. When he is in full fluff mode, he spends nearly all his time laying down. Because he is an angora, though, we have to be very careful of temperatures. Anything over 85F can be deadly to a rabbit, more so to an angora in full fluff.

To moderate our bus’s temperature, we try to stay in moderate temps. This doesn’t always work out, but we’re usually able to do a pretty good job of it. We also have 2 A/C units, a bunch of solar, and good batteries. While we can’t run our A/Cs overnight while boondocking, we can run them all day if need be. We have also been known to hang up a wet (not dripping) towel with a fan blowing on it as a DIY swamp cooler. This works best in the desert. Finally, we can freeze water bottles and add them to our rabbit’s cage so he can lay down next to them to cool off. If it’s really hot, I will also shear him early so he can be cooler, even though that means I can’t use his fiber. (Be warned, however, that this isn’t good for all animals; German Shepherds are not supposed to be shorn and it can damage their coats and skin.)

One final thing of note about rabbits is that we have to be extremely careful with cords. Rabbits love chewing cords! When we had our bus made, we made sure that all outlets would be located above table or counter level so that we could keep them out of his reach. However, my kids have still lost several charging cables and pairs of headphones to the ravages of the rabbit.

Temperature Control

If your pet only needs a yearly checkup to get more dewormer and updates on vaccines, then PetCo’s VetCo has worked well for us. They’re nationwide, somewhat reasonably priced, and we can usually get an appointment quickly.

Since we’re always somewhere new, we’re careful to keep our pets up-to-date on all vaccines and dewormer. Some areas (like where we launched from in Western WA) don’t have heartworm, so we didn’t have to deal with it before. But now, we’re most likely going to be in and out of places that do have heartworm. We already have to figure out new laundromats, campgrounds, and grocery stores everywhere we park; we don’t want to also have to research what diseases or parasites are prevalent. So, we just make sure they’re fully covered.

One important note about regional health concerns: Be careful in the southwest. There is a fungus, Coccidiodes immitis , or more commonly Valley Fever. I thought it was just in the Sonoran desert, but on further research, it seems to be all over the southwest. This fungus can make pretty much anyone very ill, but dogs seem to be especially susceptible. So, if you can, feed and water your dog inside your rig. We always have our dog’s water outside (if it were in, the mess would be unmanageable!), so after she’s had her fill, we turn the water dish over. Before she gets a fresh bowl, we rinse it out again, just to make sure. So far, this has worked well for us.

Health Care

Travel Safety

While you are hauling your house down the road, hurtling 60+ mph, the safest place for your pets is confined to a crate, in the same space as the humans in your family. Some dogs do well with being buckled in with a harness. At any rate, it’s important that they’re contained.

Loose animals can be a danger to passengers, the driver, other people on the road, and in the case of an accident, anyone who tries to help. If our dog wasn’t crated for the drive, she’d spend the whole time trying to get into my husband’s lap, nevermind that he’s driving and she’d have to go over me to do it. Just like people, pets vary, but you never really know how your pet will react. It’s safest for them to be crated.

It’s also unsafe to have your pet(s) in a hauled RV. Travel trailers and fifth wheels can get pretty tumbled around back there. Also, they get VERY hot during drives. Generally, A/Cs are not designed to be run while the rig is in motion. In our rig, we have minisplits that are designed for stationary use. We want them to last as long as possible, so we make sure they’re off during drives.

Since my family has a skoolie (converted school bus), we had a separate driving compartment made with a reinforced wall behind the passenger seats and the door is solid wood. All of our possessions are secured in the back, not potential missiles to hurt us. Our pets are in their individual crates on the floor. The dog’s is bungied in as it is quite large and would be dangerous in an accident. Ideally, we’d bungie in the cat and rabbit crates, too. This arrangement is safe and comfortable, and we can keep an eye on our pets during the drive, too.

Traveling with pets takes some extra work, no doubt about it. However, it’s very rewarding. If we’d had to get rid of our three pets when we moved into our bus, it would have been a more difficult transition. As it is, they help calm us, provide company and affection, and usually seem to enjoy the experience.

Winter RV Living: How To Stay Warm!

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:38:04 GMT

Protecting Your RV Systems

Winter RV living in cold climates! Is that even a thing? Don't all RV owners simply go south for the winter?

Unfortunately, not as many as you might think, as many RV owners don't have a choice where they spend the winter due to work or family situations. As much as we tried to avoid the cold weather as full-time RVers in the early years, it simply didn’t work out for us, and we suffered through some deep freezes, snow, and ice in our RV.

Preparing to spend the winter in your RV in a cold climate is quite different than winterizing an RV, but most of the videos on YouTube are focused on winterizing, which is what you need to do before you park it and forget about it for the next 6 months. Like us in the early years, though, there are a lot of you planning to tough it out and actually live in your RV through these cold winter months, with many of you doing it for the very first time.

In this post, we’re going to show you all of the basic stuff we do to get ready for those cold and nasty winter days and nights. Preparing for winter RV living isn’t as hard as you might think, but there are some basic things you need to do and understand before those temps start to drop, so stick with us here…you won’t regret it.

The Amazon links on this page are affiliate links, which means we will earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using our link. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.

The first thing we should talk about here is that it’s not just about keeping YOU warm this winter, it’s also about protecting your RIG. The last thing you need is a busted water line, or worse yet…one of your holding tanks…because that will be both disgusting AND expensive to fix.

You can always put on more clothes or turn up the heat to keep yourself warm, but if left unprotected, your plumbing and septic systems WILL fail, leaving you in full panic mode as you work to get them fixed quickly.

Skirting your RV should be at the very top of your list and will quite possibly be where you’ll get the most bang for your buck! This is the number one tip because following the rest of the tips below will be a constant uphill battle without a skirt.

The ducting that comes from your furnace not only provides heat to the inside of your rig, but also provides some radiant heat to the underbelly, which is where all of your tanks and much of your plumbing is located. You need to retain as much of that heat as possible, and skirting will have a huge impact on your ability to do so by keeping that frigid winter wind from whisking the heat right out from under your rig.

Note: Even if you have free electric and don't want to run your propane furnace, you should at least keep it around 45 degrees minimum (when outside temps drop below freezing) to protect your tanks and plumbing.

There are several options for skirting depending on how much money you want to spend, with the cheapest being the DIY option. You can easily make your own skirting from foam boards, heavy-duty canvas, or sheets of vinyl. DIY options are nearly endless, and you can be as creative as you want.

Alternatively, you can buy either an “off-the-shelf” skirt from companies like EZ Snap or AirSkirt , or have a custom-made skirt precisely measured and fitted for your specific rig (the most expensive option).

We won’t dive deep into any of these options because you can do a simple Google search for RV skirting options, and you’ll get plenty of hits. The real point here is that a skirt is absolutely a must-have item if you’re planning to winter somewhere that consistently gets below freezing weather. The skirt will not only help keep your underbelly warm, but it will also help retain heat inside your rig, which means you’ll spend less time and money getting those propane tanks filled.

Before you decide which skirt to use, though, check with your campground to verify their rules on skirting.

Heat Lamps

Below Freezing: Remember, it doesn’t need to be a sauna under there, you just need to keep your hoses, water filters, water softeners…anything with water in it…from freezing. Unless you’re sitting in below zero temps for days on end, it really doesn’t take much to do that, so the addition of one or two heat lamps will likely still be necessary on those extremely cold days, but there’s no need to go overboard.

Note: Use caution when placing them and keep them well away from anything flammable.

Freshwater Hose

Next, let’s talk about protecting your freshwater hose. You have two simple options here: prevent the hose from freezing or COMPLETELY drain the hose every time the temps are expected to drop below freezing.

The easiest solution is to buy a heated hose . Now, these things aren’t so powerful that they’ll actually provide hot water, but they will keep the water inside the hose from freezing. They’re also not cheap, but they will provide peace of mind, which is well worth the money. The blue Camco heated water hose is effective down to -20F and is an excellent option. We used ours for three winters and never had a single issue. The hose is thermostatically controlled, so you can leave it plugged in all the time, and it will cycle on and off as necessary.

If you don’t want to get a heated freshwater hose, then the only real alternative is to use your onboard freshwater tanks when temps fall below freezing, which means filling them every couple of days and draining the hose completely when you’re done.

This isn’t a terrible option, but it comes down to how much effort you want to expend. Just keep in mind that your freshwater tank may not be heated so check your owner's manual to be sure. However, if you have a skirt and keep the tank relatively full, you shouldn’t have issues with freezing.

Water Filters & Softeners

If you have an external water filter or softener, you’ll need to keep those from freezing as well. The easiest solution here is to put them inside your pass-through. If you don’t have the room, you’ll likely need at least one heat lamp pointed at them to keep them from freezing.

Septic System

Next is the septic system, and there are a couple of things you need to be concerned about here: the septic tanks (black and grey) and the septic hoses outside. Let’s talk about the tanks first.

Septic Tanks

Many RVs come with tank heaters for both the grey and black tanks. If you have these, make sure you turn them on well before freezing temps creep in. Like heated hoses, tank heaters are not super powerful, so if you don’t get them turned on in advance, it may be too late. Whenever outside temps are predicted to fall below freezing, we turn ours on and set them at about 45F. This just helps to jumpstart the process. If your RV didn’t come with tank heaters , you might want to consider installing them yourself. This could be a little difficult because you’ll likely need to remove part of your underbelly to attach them to the tanks and make the electrical connections.

The least favorable option for the septic tanks is to completely drain them before temps fall below freezing and then simply not use them until it warms up again.

Septic Hoses

For the septic hoses, our recommendation is to make sure they’re completely drained after each use in freezing temps. You can keep them connected, but you need to ensure there’s no water in them after you dump your tanks. This means fully walking down the line to ensure all water drains out.

Another alternative is to install heat tape on the septic hoses. For us, the risk of the heat tape failing is too great, and we didn’t want to chance having a busted septic line and then having to deal with the cleanup.

Propane Tanks

Propane tanks may also need a little extra love to ensure proper operation. The propane in your tanks will be good down to about -44°F, when the propane gas will start to convert to liquid form. For most people, -44°F isn’t a concern.

However, as temperatures approach single-digits and below, the tank pressure will start to drop low enough that it may cause problems for your propane appliances, especially your furnace. If propane pressure gets too low, those appliances can be starved of fuel and may not operate properly.

The two best ways to combat this issue are to keep your propane tanks as full as possible and keep them warm. Now, you probably don’t need to get them filled every day, but you’ll definitely want to get them filled a little sooner than you would otherwise. Generally, the more liquid volume in the tank, the higher the pressure will be.

Keeping the tanks warm will help keep that pressure up as well. One option is to place your tanks somewhere they can be warmed by heat lamps. You may need to install longer hoses to do this. Just be aware that the National Fire Protection Association has code requirements you need to meet if you do this. We following video shows how we did this, so we won’t get into the details here.

Another option to keep your propane tanks warm is to use a heated propane blanket . However, these are not cheap, running at least $200 for a good one. This is a good option, however, if you have consistent or prolonged single-digit or below zero temps.

Inside the RV

Let’s shift gears now and talk about the inside of your RV. For the most part now, we’re just talking about how to stay comfortably warm in the winter, and there are several things you can do.

Bundle Up!

This is kind of a no-brainer, but you can simply wear more clothing. Many people don’t like to do this, but wearing more clothing allows you to lower your thermostat, which will save you a ton of money. The lower you set your thermostat, the less propane you use, which equals more money in your pocket. One of the biggest pieces of advice here is to wear slippers. Not only is it scientifically proven that wearing slippers can help avoid colds and the flu, but it also helps keep the entire body warm.

Beyond more clothing, there are several things you can do to keep warm:

Fireplaces & Space Heaters

If you have one, use your fireplace as an additional (not primary) heat source. This is an especially good idea if your electricity usage isn’t metered. Alternatively, you can use space heaters in combination with a fireplace.

A few points of caution here:

NEVER leave your fireplace or space heaters unattended and make sure they can’t be accessed by small children or knocked over by pets. Starting an actual fire in your rig is NOT the best option to stay warm!

NEVER plug your space heater into a power strip. Power strips can be easily overloaded and can become fire hazards.

NEVER coil up the space heater power cord. It’s tempting to do this to get it out of the way, but a coiled-up power cord can become very hot, and again, a fire hazard.

ALWAYS make sure your space heater has a safety switch on the bottom that shuts the heater off if it gets tipped over.

Rugs will not only keep your feet off the cold floor, but they also help insulate the floor, keeping more heat inside your rig. These are especially nice in the bedroom if you don’t have carpet. Area rugs are relatively cheap, so you get a lot of bang for your buck on this one.

Roof Vent Pillows

If possible, put something in your roof vents inside your rig. If you don’t have any small couch pillows lying around, you can purchase vent pillows pre-made for your vents on Amazon for about $15. A lot of heat escapes through those vents, and additionally, those vents let in a lot of heat in the summer, even when they’re closed, so you can use these pillows year-round.

Window Insulation

Windows, windows, windows. The best option here is to install dual-pane windows, but that’s super expensive, especially after-market. Short of that, Reflectix insulation , or another similar window insulating material, is an absolute must for the inside of your rig and will help with two different issues.

First, it helps retain heat in the rig by insulating the windows. Second, it reduces the amount of condensation that forms on the windows, which can become menacing and potentially harmful to your rig. Rolls of insulation material can be purchased on Amazon or many hardware stores and then cut down to fit your windows. The window insulation can be removed on sunny days to let the sunlight provide some heat.

Note: We highly recommend labeling your Reflectix after you get it cut down to size so you won’t have to play the guessing game (like we did) when you go to put them back up the following year. We also use Reflectix in some of our windows during the heat of summer to block the sun’s rays from turning our RV into a sweat lodge.

Another option that many people swear by is using thermal shrink window insulation film. This somewhat mimics the effects of dual pane by providing insulation, reducing condensation, and still allowing you to see out.

Check Windows for Leaks

In addition to insulation, you should also check your windows for leaks. We know from experience that RV windows are NOT airtight. You can easily find gaps and fill them with bits of cloth or foam. The same goes for your slide-outs. Our bedroom slide has quarter-size gaps on each side, and we just shove one of Jeremy’s folded crew socks into each gap as part of our set-up process year-round.

Dehumidifier

Get a dehumidifier! A dehumidifier will do two things for you. First, it will keep the condensation on the windows and walls to a minimum. You’ll still get some condensation that should be wiped up every few days, but it’ll be way more manageable. Second, in cold environments, high humidity makes you feel even colder. We recommend a humidity level of 40-50% inside your rig all year round for maximum comfort.

Even with a dehumidifier, we recommend checking your slides daily where wall meets wall and wall meets ceiling for any moisture accumulation. RV slides have the least amount of insulation and don’t have furnace ducting running through them, so this is also an area you’re likely to see condensation.

If your bed is in a slide and you have underbed storage, it’s highly recommended to either find a way to vent that area into your bedroom or use something like Damp Rid hanging bags or a Damp Rid Drop system.

Misc. Tips

BONUS TIP #1 - Another more in-depth thing you can do is to check/replace the insulation in your underbelly. This isn’t an easy task, and it’s way easier if you have two people, but it can be done. This requires removing the corrugated plastic sheeting that protects the underbelly to access the insulation. Again…not an easy task, but it’s a good idea to at least check this.

Things to look for are:

Missing insulation. Make sure every square inch of underbelly is protected with insulation, especially around your tanks.

Wet insulation, which reduces effectiveness AND promotes mold and mildew.

Thickness of insulation. We recommend about 6 inches of thickness.

R-Value. We recommend an R-Value of at least 19. The higher the R-Value, the better.

Burned insulation. Burned insulation could be an indication of a potential electrical issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

BONUS TIP #2 – Use temperature sensors to monitor the areas of most concern. Many portable weather stations come with multiple temperature sensors that can be displayed on a single screen. We use the Newentor Weather Station and have it mounted on the wall next to our thermostat where it’s easily viewable.

For more functionality, including remote monitoring and the ability to automate tasks, you can opt for a smart temperature monitoring system like the Govee temperature monitoring pack . We also use the Govee water sensors , so they’re already a trusted brand for us.

Conclusion

Living in an RV during the cold winter months can be a challenge, but it’s certainly manageable. The RV life, whether full time, part time, or as a weekend warrior, is something that should be enjoyed and there’s no reason to let bad or freezing weather ruin this experience. The recommendations we’ve made here are all relatively simple and will help you enjoy your RV all year long.

If you won't be living in your RV, check out our guide to Winterizing your RV

If you are hoping to migrate South for the winter, check out our Southern Migration Planning Guide.

Also tune into our RV Winterization Podcast for even more information!

If you won't be living in your RV, check out our guide to Winterizing your RV

If you are hoping to migrate South for the winter, check out our Southern Migration Planning Guide.

Also tune into our RV Winterization Podcast for even more information!

Homeopathy 101 for RVers: What You Need to Know

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:11:37 GMT

Your RV is parked in the campground in a beautiful national park, miles and miles from the nearest town. You and your family are out for a long hike. The kids are running ahead, and suddenly one of them takes a tumble over a tree root. Nothing major, but there’s a scraped knee and a sore ankle. And of course, one of the other kids freaks out at the sight of blood. Everyone seems to be fine. The nearest urgent care is an hour away, and you’d rather not pack up the rig and drive there for something minor.

What if you had a simple, natural way to help your child feel better right where you are, without needing to find a clinic or pharmacy to use while on the way to the hospital for more serious issues?

That’s where homeopathy comes in.

Homeopathy is a natural system of health and wellness care that works with your body’s innate ability to heal and return to balance. It can be used alongside other natural modalities like herbs, essential oils, or even conventional pharmaceuticals.

To define homeopathy, it’s easier to start with what it is not. Homeopathy is not home remedies, not herbs, not vitamins or supplements, and not a term for general natural health modalities. It’s based on the principle of similimum or, as Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, said, “like cures like.” In other words, a substance that could cause certain symptoms in its gross natural form can, when prepared in a highly diluted and potentized form, nudge the body back to homeostasis.

I learned about homeopathy well over ten years ago, and by the time my family was RVing full time, it had already become our preferred way to care for our health and wellness, with other natural options sprinkled in as needed.

Here are a few reasons why homeopathy is an excellent choice for RVers:

Cost-effective: Remedies are affordable. A small kit typically breaks down to a few dollars per remedy and can last for years with proper care. Single remedies in larger bottles are often around $10 each.

Perfect for remote locations: You may find yourself in places without traditional healthcare options, but your homeopathic kit can go anywhere with you. Toss it in your backpack or purse.

Continuity of care: If you need assistance, you can easily meet with a certified homeopath via Zoom, no matter where you’re parked.

Safe and natural: Homeopathy is non-toxic, non-addictive, and has no harmful side effects.

Compact and lightweight: Remedies come in small vials that don’t take up much space in your RV. We all know that conserving that cargo capacity is always a high priority.

Versatile: Homeopathy can be used for everything from bumps and bruises to stress and sleepless nights, and so much more.

If you’re new to homeopathy and wondering where to start, I suggest beginning with three of my favorite remedies for RVers: Arnica , Aconite , and Ledum . These three cover many of the common bumps, bruises, shocks, early stages of illness, and bug bites that happen while traveling or exploring.

For a compact beginner setup, consider investing in a kit like the Helios 36 Remedy Kit . Filled with 36 remedies in 30C, it’s small, versatile, and ready to help you tackle many of the symptoms you may encounter while on the road.

I was a full-time RVer for five years and now live as a homesteader in a rural area. As a certified homeopath, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it is to have safe, natural options at your fingertips for both people and pets, no matter where life takes you.

Learn more about the 3 remedies you need to have in your RV by grabbing my free cheat sheet: Top 3 Homeopathic Remedies for RVers. It’s a tip sheet to help you feel confident and prepared to care for your family naturally, whether you’re deep in the forest, on the coast, or parked under the desert stars.

Also be sure to check out our recent podcast where we had a chance to interview Amanda and discuss Homeopathy further!

How to Find a Qualified RV Tech on the Road

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:32:52 GMT

How to Find Trustworthy RV Techs on the Road

My friend, Christine’s wheel bearing caught fire on the road recently. This can be a terrifying moment that too many RVers know all too well. We’ve been there too, and it’s not just scary—it’s overwhelming. Thankfully, she pulled over safely, got immediate help, and found a local repair shop that not only fixed the issue quickly but also gave her a place to stay during the repairs. In many ways, she got lucky. Most RVers in similar situations face long waits, limited options, and little support. That’s why knowing how to find a reliable RV tech before disaster strikes can make all the difference.

RV repairs don’t care where you are. Whether you’re boondocking in the boonies or parked at a resort with full hookups and a view.... and when something goes wrong—a slide that won’t retract, a fridge that won’t cool, a clogged black tank, a leaking roof, or a water heater that’s suddenly gone rogue—you need help. Fast.

Are All Certified RV Techs Created Equal?

The short answer? No.

Even if someone holds a certification, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re the right fit for your repair. Think of it like hiring for a job—you’re the interviewer, and your rig is the position to fill. You wouldn’t hire a plumber to install a solar array, and you wouldn’t call a solar specialist to unclog your black tank. It’s all about matching skill to need.

How to Weed Out the Right Tech

So how do you find someone who won’t just “give it a go,” but actually knows what they’re doing?

Ask for Certification
Look for RVTI Level 2 or RVTAA Certified/Master Certified techs. These credentials show they’ve completed rigorous, RV-specific training.

Check Reviews & Ask for References
Use trusted directories like FindAnRVTech.com or RVTAA’s locator to read real feedback from fellow RVers.

Ask About Specialties
Need help with Aqua-Hot, solar, rv roofs, bearings or slide-outs?
Ask if they’ve worked on that exact system before. Many techs have niche expertise — and that’s a good thing.

Confirm Insurance
A professional tech should carry liability insurance. It protects both of you and signals that they take their work seriously.

Get a Written Estimate
Even for mobile service, transparency matters. A clear quote helps avoid surprises and sets expectations.

Treat the Call Like an Interview

When you call a tech, don’t just ask “Can you fix this?” Ask:

“What’s your experience with this system?”
“Do you carry parts for this brand?”
“How do you typically diagnose this issue?”

Their answers will often tell you everything you need to know.

Why RV Roof Repair Requires Specialized Skill

Not every technician is qualified to do RV roof repair—and choosing the wrong one can lead to costly leaks, structural damage, or warranty issues.

RV roofs aren’t just flat surfaces, they’re layered systems involving:

Membranes (EPDM, TPO, PVC, fiberglass, or aluminum)
Sealants around vents, skylights, and AC units
Structural decking that may need reinforcement or replacement
Protective coatings to prevent UV damage and leaks

If a technician tells you that Eternabond tape is more than a band-aid, or casually layers fresh caulk over old, cracked sealant without addressing the soft spot underneath, it’s probably time to keep looking. Quick fixes might hold for a season, but they won’t protect your rig long-term. A qualified RV tech should diagnose the root cause, not just mask the symptoms. Your RV deserves more than surface-level solutions—and so do you. Ask questions, trust your gut, and don’t settle for shortcuts when it comes to your home on wheels.

RV Roof Patches: Why They’re Not a Long-Term Fix

RV roof patches might seem like a quick and budget friendly solution, but they’re rarely a permanent one, and will end up costing you way more in the long run. Whether it’s a dab of sealant, a square of Eternabond, or a DIY coating, these fixes often:

Mask deeper issues like soft spots, water intrusion, or membrane separation
Fail under movement and weather — heat, cold, flexing, and vibration all wear them down

While some mobile techs offer patch jobs or sealant touch-ups, nationwide specialists like RV Roofing Solutions focus exclusively on RV roof systems & complete RV roof repairs.

What Sets RV Roofing Solutions Apart

Preventive Maintenance Systems:
An RV Roofing Solutions System protects your roof from the top down from leaks and UV protection to extend your rv roofs life. An RV Roofing Solutions Standard system is a maintenance free seamless system that no longer needs to be caulked year after year.

Full Roof Replacements (when needed):
Whether it’s EPDM, TPO, fiberglass, or metal, they handle it all from standard systems to complete tear-offs and installs.

Warranty-Backed Work:
RV Roofing Solutions offers a 10-year transferable Labor & Material warranty on every roof they professionally install & they use premium materials that meet or exceed OEM standards.

Mobile Service Across the U.S.:
Their technicians are not only certified techs & RV Roof Specialists that travel to campgrounds, rallies, and even your driveway — no need to move your rig.

RV Roofing Solutions Techs are trained by their own team and each technician stands behind their work for 1 full year after the installation has been completed.

Why This Matters

Not every certified RV tech is trained in roof systems. Some specialize in electrical, plumbing, or appliances—and that’s great when your fridge fails or your slide jams.

For RV roof work, you want someone who is well versed in RV roofing.

Knows how to diagnose hidden leaks and soft spots & repair those issues
Uses the right products for your roof type
Understands structural integrity and weight distribution
Offers long-term solutions, not just quick fixes

Ask These Questions Before Booking RV Roof Work

“Do you specialize in RV roof systems?”
“What types of roofs have you worked on?”
“Do you offer a warranty?”
“Can I see photos or reviews from past roof jobs?”
“How much does your product weigh?”
“Do you work with insurance?”
“Is your product low VOC? & How long does it off-gas while it cures?”
“How long have you been in business?”
“Do you have to replace a gasket on my Air conditioner if you loosen it?”

Here’s the truth: once you lift an RV roof air conditioner, the gasket seal is compromised. period. That gasket was designed to compress and seal once. If you break that seal, it’s no longer reliable, and reusing it can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold.

Gaskets are compression seals, not reusable parts.
Reusing a gasket can cause water intrusion, especially during rain or travel.
A proper tech will always replace the gasket when lifting the unit — no exceptions.

So if a tech tells you, “We can reuse the gasket,” or casually brushes off the need to replace it, that’s a red flag. They shouldn’t be on your roof—or anywhere near your A/C.

Don't forget to join the FREE Facebook group RV Roof Advice .

Finding the Right Mobile RV Tech — No Matter Where You Roam

When you’re parked near home or staying put for a while, it’s easy to spot mobile techs advertised in campground maps, local Facebook groups, or even flyers in the laundry room. But when you’re traveling — especially in unfamiliar states — repairs come with a whole new set of challenges.

Prices can vary wildly (a $150 job in one state might be $500 in another)
Availability is unpredictable
Not all techs are certified or insured
Some may not specialize in the issue you’re facing

So how do you find someone who’ll do the job right the first time?

Trusted Tools for Finding Mobile RV Techs

✅ RV Help Pro Membership

Connects you with RVTAA-certified mobile techs across 48 states
Lets you message techs directly through the platform
Offers remote tech support and inspection services
Partners with NRVIA and RVTAA for quality assurance
RV Help isn’t just for emergencies - it’s a planning tool too
Build a service map along your travel route
Save tech contacts near rally sites or seasonal stops
Track maintenance history and upcoming service needs

✅ RVTAA Technician Locator

Filter by Registered, Certified, or Master Certified techs
Search by specialty: Aqua-Hot, Lippert, Dometic, solar, and more
Ideal for emergency roadside repairs or campground service

✅ In a world full of options, FindAnRVTech.com stands out by doing the vetting for you. This isn’t just a directory—it’s a curated network of certified, insured, and trusted RV technicians who know their stuff. Whether you're stuck in the desert or parked at a luxury resort, FindAnRVTech.com helps you connect with pros who are trained, reviewed, and ready to roll.

Campground Maps: More Than Just Directions

Campground maps aren’t just for finding your site—they’re a goldmine for discovering local businesses that care enough to invest in their reputation. From mobile RV techs to repair shops and service providers, the ones advertising on campground maps are often nearby and ready to help. But proximity doesn’t guarantee quality. Even if they’re listed, you still need to ask the right questions—about certifications, insurance, warranties, and experience with your specific issue.

Local vs. On-the-Road Repairs

Campground techs may be great for quick fixes, but for major repairs — especially roof work, electrical diagnostics, or appliance replacements — consider calling a specialist like RV Roofing Solutions or a certified mobile tech with proven experience & expertise.

Why Facebook Groups Are Gold for RV Tech Recommendations

Local RVers know the real scoop - who shows up on time, who overcharges or undercharges, and who leaves you with the dreaded “taillight guarantee.”
You’ll get both praise and warnings - not just polished reviews, but real stories from people who’ve been there.
You can ask specific questions like “Has anyone used {a mobile tech} near {town} to unclog my black tank?” and get answers within hours.

Are you a member of our Facebook group of Learn to RV, The Friendly Informative Group ?

Are You a DIY’er and Up to the Challenge?

Many RVers find themselves in a familiar spot: something breaks, you’re miles from a service center, and the repair bill might rival your monthly campground fees. Whether it’s budget constraints or your inner MacGyver itching to solve the problem, sometimes you just have to fix it yourself.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone.

�� Phone-a-Friend for RV Repairs? Yes, Please.

RV Diagnostics is a game-changing service for DIY-minded RVers. Founded by U.S. Army veteran and ASE-certified mechanic Jeffery V. Malatesta, this platform offers audio/video diagnostic support tailored specifically for RV owners.

For a low annual membership fee, you get:

• Real-time help from certified experts

• Step-by-step guidance for troubleshooting and repairs

• Support that’s available wherever you’re parked — no shop required

Whether you’re tackling a water heater issue, chasing down a battery drain, or wondering why your slide won’t budge, RV Diagnostics gives you the confidence to say, “I’ve got this — with backup.”

RV Body Work on the Road: What You Need to Know

When your RV suffers exterior damage—whether you have been assaulted by a tree limb, a fender bender, or a surprise hailstorm—finding a trusted repair shop can feel overwhelming. And while some mobile techs offer patch jobs, true body work often requires specialized facilities and a willingness to leave your rig behind for a few days.

Trusted Names in RV Body Repair

If you're willing to drop off your RV, these companies are known for quality work and customer care.

When it comes to RV bodywork, trust isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you're willing to drop off your rig, these companies stand out for their craftsmanship, integrity, and genuine care for customers. We don’t just recommend them—we know them personally and have seen their work firsthand. Whether you're dealing with collision damage, paint restoration, or structural fixes, these teams deliver quality you can count on.

CDI (Collision Damage Industries): Specializes in RV collision repair, fiberglass restoration, and paint matching. Known for working with insurance and offering detailed estimates.

CDI recently brought patriotic flair to the open road by custom painting Kevin and Patrice McCabe’s Winnebago, yes, the beloved rig from RV There Yet? in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026. This one-of-a-kind design isn’t just eye-catching; it’s a moving tribute to the spirit of adventure, freedom, and the American road trip legacy. With stars, stripes, and storytelling in every detail, the McCabes are now rolling across the country in a rig that’s as bold and unforgettable as the milestone it honors. Keep an eye out—you won’t want to miss this piece of history in motion.

Utility Bodywerks : Offers full-service RV body repair, custom fabrication, and paint services. They’re especially popular among Class A and Super C owners.

If you’ve ever seen Cory and James roll into a show, you know Utility Bodywerks doesn’t do anything halfway. From custom haulers to jaw-dropping upgrades, their rigs are built to impress—and perform. Whether you're looking to upgrade all the things or you’ve got a heavy hauler that needs serious outfitting, this is the stop that turns utility into artistry.

What makes them truly special? They don’t just showcase incredible trucks—they build them, drive them, and yes, even sell them. That show-stopping rig you saw at the last rally? It might just be available. Utility Bodywerks blends craftsmanship, innovation, and real-world road testing to deliver gear that’s as functional as it is unforgettable.

S&S Automotive Restoration & Collision (Wakarusa, IN): Located near the RV capital of the world, S&S provides fiberglass, gel coat, roof, and sidewall replacements. They offer customer accommodations like 50-amp hookups, water, and a lounge.

Ask These Questions Before You Drop Off Your Rig

“Do you specialize in RV body work or just general collision?”
“Can I see photos of similar repairs you’ve done?”
“Do you work with my insurance provider?”
“What’s your estimated timeline — and do you offer hookups if I stay?”

Whether you're parked at a resort or boondocking off-grid, RV repairs are part of the journey-and finding the right technician can make all the difference. This means vetting certifications to asking the right questions, knowing who to trust (and when to DIY) empowers you to protect your rig, your budget, and your peace of mind.

With tools like RV Help , RV Diagnostics , and trusted directories like RVTAA and FindAnRVTech.com , you’re never truly alone on the road. The key is preparation, curiosity, and a little confidence — because when you know what to ask and where to look, even breakdowns become part of the adventure.

Handyman vs. Skilled RV Tech: Is there a Difference?

Handyman Services

May offer general repair help

Often lack RV-specific certifications

Might not carry insurance or warranties

Can be hit-or-miss for complex issues

Skilled RV Technicians

Trained specifically in RV systems

Certified by RVTI or RVTAA

Typically insured and warranty-aware

Equipped for diagnostics & specialty systems

Handymen (and handywomen!) can be lifesavers for quick fixes — think loose cabinet hinges, leaky faucets, or replacing a vent cover. They often cost less, and many are incredibly resourceful. But when it comes to diagnosing a slide motor issue, rewiring a converter, or troubleshooting a fridge that’s acting up in 90-degree heat, you want someone who’s not just guessing.... you want someone who’s trained.

Still, some handypeople have years of RV experience and can absolutely do the job right the first time. So how do you know if they’re the right fit for your repair?

7 Questions to Help You Vet Their Skill Set

“Have you worked on this exact issue before?”
Experience with your specific problem — like a Norcold fridge or Lippert slide — matters more than general know-how.
“Do you have any RV-specific training or certifications?”
Look for RVTI, RVTAA, or manufacturer training (e.g., Aqua-Hot, Dometic, Victron.)
“Can you walk me through what you’d check first?”
A confident tech will outline their diagnostic approach without hesitation.
“Do you carry insurance?”
It’s not just about liability, it shows professionalism and accountability.
“Do you offer any kind of warranty or guarantee?”
Even a 30-day verbal guarantee shows they stand behind their work.
“Can I see reviews or references from other RVers?”
Word-of-mouth is gold in the RV world. Facebook groups, campground hosts, and rally chats are great places to ask.
“What’s your hourly rate — and do you charge for travel?”
Transparency upfront avoids surprises later.

Trust Your Gut

If someone seems evasive, vague, or dismissive of your questions, that’s a red flag. But if they’re clear, confident, and respectful of your rig and your concerns, even without formal certification, they might be just the right fit.

The “taillight guarantee” is one of those industry phrases that sounds a bit cheeky, but it’s actually a red flag. In RV repair (and other contractor work), it often means that once the tech leaves, you're on your own. If something goes wrong with the repair—whether it’s a leak, a faulty install, or a missed diagnosis—there’s no follow-up, no accountability, and no warranty to protect you. In fact, there's a good chance you'll be ghosted.

Ask Before You Book

“Do you offer a warranty on your work, and what happens if something goes wrong after you leave?”

If they hesitate or deflect, that’s your cue to keep looking.

But here’s the catch: not all RV techs are created equal.

Open Enrollment 2026: What Full-Time RVers Need to Know About Health Insurance on the Road

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:18:31 GMT

Important Open Enrollment Dates

It’s that time of year again— Open Enrollment for 2026 health coverage is right around the corner! For those of us living life full-time on the road in an RV, this isn’t just another bureaucratic season—it’s one of the most important times of the year to make sure your lifestyle is protected with the right health insurance coverage.

Whether you're chasing warm weather, working remotely from national parks, or living the digital nomad dream, being a full-time RVer adds unique challenges to choosing the right health plan. From needing nationwide provider access to ensuring coverage in multiple states , Open Enrollment is your best opportunity to lock in the protection you need for the coming year.

Here’s what every RVer needs to know to navigate Open Enrollment for 2026:

Open Enrollment Period: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Coverage Starting January 1, 2026: Must enroll and pay first month’s premium by December 15, 2025
Coverage Starting February 1, 2026: Enroll between December 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026

If you miss this window, you won’t be eligible for Marketplace coverage unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event (like a move, marriage, or job loss). And for RVers, missing out could mean being uninsured on the road for an entire year.

Why Open Enrollment Matters More for RVers

Health insurance is tricky enough when you live in one place. For RVers, things get even more complicated. Here’s why this season is so important:

You’re constantly crossing state lines: Many plans have local-only networks , meaning if you're outside your home state, you may be paying out-of-network prices (or worse, not covered at all).
You need true nationwide access: Plans with nationwide PPO networks are essential for RVers who want the freedom to access care wherever they are.
You can’t rely on urgent care alone: Emergency-only coverage or bare-bones plans may leave you with massive bills for anything more serious than a cut or cold.

Stability in uncertain situations: Accidents and health issues can happen anywhere, and with RV living comes added unpredictability. Comprehensive, flexible coverage is key.

Choosing the Right Plan: Questions Every RVer Should Ask

Before diving into plan comparisons, take a moment to reflect on your 2025 coverage. What worked? What didn’t? What kind of care did you need, and how easy was it to access that care from the road?

Here are the top considerations when choosing a plan as a full-time traveler:

1) Does the plan offer nationwide coverage?

Look for PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) networks or plans specifically offering multi-state access .

2) Can I keep seeing my current doctors?

If you’re managing chronic conditions or prefer continuity of care, provider access matters more than ever.

3) Are my medications covered?

Make a list of prescriptions you regularly take and make sure they’re covered affordably in the new plan.

4) What are the out-of-pocket costs?

Premiums aren’t the only cost. Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums vary widely.

5) Does it cover preventive and urgent care?

Look for plans that include preventive care at no cost and have solid coverage for urgent care visits while traveling.

Subsidies Are Still Available (But Enhanced Subsidies Are Going Away)

If you qualify based on income, the Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) still offers premium subsidies to help lower your monthly cost. However, the enhanced subsidies introduced during the COVID-19 relief packages are expiring , which means you may notice a price increase this year.

For low-income RVers—especially those who work seasonal jobs or rely on fixed retirement income—subsidies may still help you get low-cost or even free health coverage through the Marketplace. But make sure to apply early , verify income documentation, and watch those deadlines closely.

What About Private Plans?

Here’s some good news for the healthier, self-reliant RV crowd: Private health insurance options are still available and may be a better fit than Marketplace plans—especially if:

You don’t qualify for subsidies
You’re generally healthy
You want nationwide PPO networks
You want the flexibility to enroll any time of year

Private plans aren’t based on income, so your premium doesn’t change with how much you earn. And unlike Marketplace coverage, you don’t have to wait until Open Enrollment—you can sign up today with a start date that works for you.

But a word of caution: These plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, and they’re not ideal for everyone. It’s best to consult with a licensed advisor to compare options side by side. And even if you’re leaning private, don’t delay—if you realize the Marketplace is the better route for your situation, you’ll need to act before January 15 .

Don’t Miss the Deadline — Especially with Pre-Existing Conditions

Marketplace coverage is the only place that guarantees benefits for pre-existing conditions without charging you more. If you’re in the middle of ongoing treatment—or might be in 2026—it’s critical that you’re covered through a Marketplace-compliant plan.

Missing the deadline could mean no coverage options for the entire year, leaving you exposed to massive medical bills or forced to take subpar short-term plans that don’t meet federal standards.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Choosing a health plan while juggling life on the road is no small task. And every year, RVers face confusion over coverage options, state laws, and provider networks. If you're unsure where to begin, now is the time to get guidance.

Whether you're looking for:

A nationwide PPO plan that fits your nomadic lifestyle
Help understanding if you qualify for subsidies
Side-by-side comparisons of Marketplace vs. private coverage
A plan that covers you in every state you visit

...you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Let’s get you on the calendar now —Open Enrollment is the busiest time of the year, and my schedule is already filling up fast.

Key Takeaways for RVers

Open Enrollment: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Marketplace deadline for January 1 start: December 15, 2025
Private plans are available year-round , often with nationwide networks
Subsidies are still available , but enhanced COVID-era subsidies are expiring
Don’t wait until the last minute —especially if you have a pre-existing condition

Health insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—especially not when your home has wheels. Make sure you’re covered wherever the road takes you in 2026.

Want to hear more about Health Insurance Options?

Check out our Podcast where we discuss this topic!

Health on the Highway: Coverage, Choices & Conversations

This episode is currently available on Patreon.

This episode will be released publicly, anywhere you listen to Podcasts , on Monday October 27th.

What Is the Curiosity Box — and Who’s It For?

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:54:19 GMT

Explore, Experiment, and Learn—Anywhere You Roam

If you love science, puzzles, and quirky collectibles, the Curiosity Box might be your new favorite subscription. Created by the team behind Vsauce, it’s designed for curious minds who crave hands-on learning and brainy fun. But is it right for you, or your family, on the road?

The Curiosity Box is geared toward teens and adults, typically ages 14 and up. It’s perfect for:

Roadschooling families with older kids who love STEM
Parents and grandparents who want to spark curiosity across generations
Solo RVers or couples looking for engaging, screen-free entertainment
Educators and creators who enjoy science toys, puzzles, and teaching tools

While younger kids might enjoy some items with supervision, the contents in a Curiosity Box lean toward mature learners who enjoy critical thinking and scientific wonder.

Whether you're a full-time traveler or a seasonal adventurer, the Curiosity Box adds a spark of intellectual excitement to life on the road. Designed by the team behind Vsauce, each quarterly box is packed with compact, travel-friendly STEM toys, puzzles, and brainy collectibles that make learning fun and accessible—no matter where you park your rig.

It's perfect for rainy days, quiet evenings, or spontaneous campground get togethers.

Roadschooling families love it for hands-on science projects, while solo RVers and couples enjoy the screen-free entertainment and mental stimulation. Plus, every box supports Alzheimer’s research, so your curiosity fuels a cause that matters.

Even if you're constantly on the move, staying subscribed is easy. All you need is a trusted address to receive your box each quarter—no need to miss out on the fun.

You can even update your shipping address as a Curiosity Box subscriber if you are more nomadic. It's actually pretty easy!

To change your address:

Log into your Curiosity Box account on their website
Navigate to your subscription settings or profile
Update your shipping address before the next box ships
Save your changes and confirm the update

If you run into any issues or need help timing the change with your travel schedule, you can simply reach out to their customer support directly through your portal at CuriosityBox.com .

Your next adventure could start with a new puzzle.

The Curiosity Box can be a powerful addition to your roadschooling toolkit, especially if you're looking to make STEM learning more hands-on, engaging, and portable.

Each quarterly box is packed with science experiments, puzzles, books, and brainy collectibles designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking. These aren’t just toys—they’re carefully curated tools that encourage exploration of real-world concepts in physics, biology, math, and engineering.

Built-in science labs: No need to pack a full curriculum—each box delivers ready-to-go experiments and activities that can be done at the picnic table or inside your rig on a rainy day.

Critical thinking on the move: Puzzles and challenges help kids (and adults!) develop problem-solving skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

Cross-curricular learning: Many boxes include books or historical tie-ins, making it easy to blend science with reading, history, or art.

Minimal prep, maximum impact: Everything is designed to be self-contained and travel-friendly, perfect for RV life.

Community connection: You’re not just getting a box, you’re joining a community of curious learners who love to share discoveries and ideas.

Whether you're parked in the desert or camped by a lake, the Curiosity Box turns your RV into a mobile science lab and sparks meaningful learning moments wherever you go.

Built-in Brain Fuel for Roadschooling or Downtime

Whether you're roadschooling kids or just love learning yourself, Curiosity Boxes are packed with science experiments, puzzles, and thought-provoking gadgets that spark curiosity and critical thinking—perfect for rainy days, quiet evenings, or long travel breaks.

Compact, Curated, and Travel-Friendly

Each box is curated to deliver maximum engagement in a small footprint. That means no clutter, just clever tools and activities that fit easily into your RV storage. It’s like bringing a mini science museum on the road.

Family Bonding Without Screens

Tired of everyone retreating to their devices? These boxes offer hands-on, screen-free fun that brings the whole family together, whether you're parked in the desert or cozied up at a campground.

Rotating Themes Keep It Fresh

Each box has a new theme, so it never gets stale. From physics to illusions to brain teasers, it’s a great way to keep learning alive and exciting wherever you travel.

Exploring Big Cities with a Big Truck: How We Use Public Transportation While RVing

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 16:40:46 GMT

Washington D.C.

One of the things we learned early on in our full-time RV life is that it is almost impossible to find parking in a major city for a dually. Okay, so maybe not impossible, but it is certainly challenging. That is why we have begun using public transportation to go exploring. Here are three cities we’ve visited that have great public transportation.

If you’ve ever tried to drive in DC traffic, you know it can be a nightmare. However, the Metro system is one of the easiest to navigate. With it’s color-coded rail system and ample signage at the stations, it is a great way to see the city.

We stayed at Cherry Hill RV Resort near Greenbelt, Maryland, and drove to the Greenbelt Station on the Green line to park. The parking garage is high enough for a dually.

Many stations also have open parking lots, so parking shouldn’t be an issue.

You might not think of Houston as having public transportation, but they do. While not as extensive as Washington DC, Houston’s light rail system is also easy to navigate.

We stayed at the Medical Center RV Resort on the south side and parked at the Fannin South Station. This was a large open parking lot, and we had no trouble parking our dually there. We hopped on the Red Line and explored the city.

Houston, TX

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is another great place to use public transportation. We actually stayed at Riverside RV Resort in South Weber which is just south of Ogden. We drove over to Roy and caught the FrontRunner down to Salt Lake Central Transfer. If you’re heading to the airport like we did one time, this is a great way to go. Transfer to the TRAX line and it drops you right at the terminal. Otherwise, get off the FrontRunner here and explore downtown Salt Lake City.

These are cities that don’t have the extensive metro rail system of the others, but you can get around using public transportation.

San Antonio

While there is no rail system here, depending on where you stay there is a bus system. We stayed at the San Antonio/Alamo KOA and there was a bus stop right in front of the park. It dropped us off at the Alamo and we explored from there.

Seattle

We stayed at the Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell, Washington. From there we drove over to Lynnwood City Center and picked up the light rail into Seattle.

Boston

This one was a little different. We were staying south of Portland, Maine, and wanted to go to Boston for the day. However, driving over two hours didn’t appeal to us. We went to Portland, caught the Amtrak Downeaster, and had a pleasant ride all the way to Boston. In fact, it dropped us at TDGardens in the middle of everything.

As you can see, there are ways to explore cities without having to drive. Check out public transportation on your travels and see if it will work for you.

Honorable Mention

Undiscovered Treasure: Camping Near the Erie Canal

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:53:57 GMT

From Towpaths to Timeless Tales—Explore the Erie Canal’s Living Story

I grew up in Upstate New York, not far from the Erie Canal. Back then, I didn’t see it as anything special. It was just… there. A quiet waterway with a few old locks and bike paths. Something adults talked about in history class or pointed out on field trips. I never imagined it would become a place I’d return to with my own family—this time, with fresh eyes.

Recently, we traveled from Massachusetts back to Upstate NY to visit family, and on our way, we stopped at a sweet little campground tucked along the Erie Canal. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t crowded. But it was peaceful, welcoming hosts, and full of quiet charm. And something about that stop made me pause & reflect.

The Chapters of the Erie Canal

A Bold Beginning

In 1825, the Erie Canal opened with fanfare and fireworks. It was a marvel—40 feet wide, 4 feet deep, stretching from Albany to Buffalo. It connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and turned New York into a commercial powerhouse.

But the canal couldn’t stay small for long. Boats lined up at locks. Traffic bottlenecked. So in 1836, the first enlargement began. Over the next two decades, engineers widened the canal to 70 feet and deepened it to 7. They lengthened locks, rerouted sections, and doubled capacity. It was a massive undertaking. It was a sign that the canal was more than just a waterway.

A Modern Makeover

By the early 1900s, the world had changed again. Steam engines replaced mules. Motorized boats needed deeper channels. So New York launched the Barge Canal project, an even bigger transformation.

From 1907 to 1918, the canal was widened to 125 feet and deepened to 12. Towpaths were removed. Locks were modernized. Entire sections were relocated into rivers and lakes. Some towns lost their original canal routes. Others gained new ones. Rochester even turned its old canal into a subway.

It wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a reinvention.

The Future of the Erie Canal

Two hundred years ago, the Erie Canal was a bold experiment—a manmade waterway carved through wilderness, connecting the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and transforming New York into a commercial titan.

Today, it’s writing its next chapter.

The groundwork for the future of the New York State Canal System is being laid right now. What was once a linear recreation way—a path for boats, bikers, and history buffs—is evolving into something bigger: a vibrant collection of parks, trails, and community spaces.

Rediscovering the Canal’s Legacy

The Erie Canal isn’t just a waterway, it’s a thread that helped stitch together the fabric of New York State. It shaped towns, trade routes, and generations of travel. It connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and turned sleepy villages into bustling hubs. And even now, its impact lingers in the rhythm of small towns and the stories etched into lock walls.

For those of us traveling by RV, this evolution is a gift. It means more places to camp, more trails to explore, and more opportunities to teach our kids about the ingenuity that shaped our country. It means small towns with big stories, and quiet mornings by the water that feel like home.

As we camped near Saint Johnsville, I saw it differently. The Erie Canal isn't just a relic.

I saw the canal as a living legacy. A place where families can bike the towpath, watch boats pass through locks, and learn about the ingenuity that carved this route through the heart of the state. The future of the Erie Canal is being written by communities just like ours, families, and travelers who believe in connection.

10 Unforgettable Ways to Experience the Erie Canal’s 200th Anniversary

Step Aboard the Seneca Chief Replica

A handcrafted replica of the original 1825 canal boat is sailing across New York, stopping at historic ports like Baldwinsville, Rome, Utica, and Little Falls. Visitors can tour the boat, explore recreated cabins, and engage with interactive exhibits.

Attend a Bicentennial Festival

2025 was a celebration of the Erie Canal. From Rochester’s “ROC the Riverway” to Buffalo’s “Summer Send-Off,” towns along the canal are hosting concerts, fireworks, and family-friendly events that celebrate the canal’s legacy.

Bike the Erie Canalway Trail

Stretching over 360 miles, this scenic trail follows the canal’s original towpath. It’s perfect for families, roadschoolers, and history lovers looking to explore at their own pace.

Paddle Through Locks and Lift Bridges

Rent a kayak or canoe and experience the canal from water level. Paddle through historic locks and under lift bridges for a hands-on adventure.

Visit Erie Canal Museums

Explore places like the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse or the Camillus Erie Canal Park to dive into the canal’s economic, cultural, and environmental impact.

Watch “America’s Stairway” Documentary

This film about Lockport’s Flight of Five premiered to sold-out crowds and showcases the canal’s engineering marvels and community pride.

Join a “Gathering of the Waters” Ceremony

Inspired by the original “Wedding of the Waters,” these ceremonies include planting eastern white pine trees at each port to honor history and community.

Take a Guided Canal Cruise

In Albany, Buffalo, and other canal towns, you can hop aboard narrated cruises that blend history, nature, and local flavor.

Chase a Waterfall

Many of New York's best falls are in the area! Find them in Cohoes, Rochester (High Falls), Holly, and Medina or discover them thoughout the area like Watkins Glen

Slow Down in a Canal Town

Visit the "100 Must See Miles" from Medina to Clyde, hunt for antiques in the Mohawk Valley, or experience the history and culture in canal towns like Syracuse, Albany, Rochester or Buffalo

The Erie Canal isn’t just old—it’s legendary. And its 200th birthday is the perfect time to rediscover its magic. Whether you’re camping nearby, roadschooling through New York, or just craving a slower pace, the canal offers something for everyone.

Tucked along the canal, you’ll find small, family-run campgrounds that offer more than just a place to park—they offer peace, heart, and a chance to slow down. These welcoming spots are perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.

History comes alive here. From hands-on lock stations to charming canal museums and walking trails that trace the original towpath, every step invites you to explore the past in a way that’s tangible and engaging.

For families, it’s a haven of simple joys. Kids can bike along the water, cast a line, or enjoy a canal-side picnic while parents soak in the scenery and serenity.

And don’t miss the local flavor—farm stands bursting with seasonal produce, antique shops full of character, and diners where the pie is homemade and the smiles are real.

Canal Boating Basics

Season & Hours: The canal is open mid-May through mid-October, daily from 7am to 5pm. Many locks and lift bridges operate on demand until 10pm.

• Permits: No boating permit is required, and lock passage is free.

• Launch Points: There are over 80 public boat ramps along the canal for short or multi-day trips.

Lock Navigation Basics

• Contacting the Lock: Use Marine Channel 13 or sound three horn blasts to request entry.

• Entering: Wait for a green light, then proceed slowly. Use fenders to protect your boat.

• Securing Your Vessel: Tie off mid-ship using ropes or cables provided inside the lock.

• During the Lock Cycle: Hold your lines as water levels change. It takes about 15–20 minutes to pass through.

• Exiting: Wait for gates to fully open and the operator’s signal before departing.

Safety & Etiquette

• Life Jackets: Must be worn in locks. One PFD per person is required.

• Speed Limits: Follow posted limits to avoid shoreline erosion and fines.

• Clean Boating: Practice CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY to prevent invasive species spread.

Amenities & Communities

• Canal Amenity Centers: Offer restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, and more.

This varies by location.

• Scenic Stops: Explore over 200 unique communities, from historic towns like Seneca Falls to quirky gems like Phoenix, where local kids (the “Bridge House Brats”) help boaters with lines and errands.

Beyond Boating

• The Erie Canal is part of America’s Great Loop and the Triangle Loop, connecting to Lake Ontario, Lake Champlain, and the Hudson River.

• You can rent canal boats with sleeping quarters and kitchens for a self-sufficient adventure.

Lock Facts & Engineering Marvels

There are 35 Locks on the Erie Canal: These help boats rise 566 feet from the Hudson River to Lake Erie.

Lockport’s “Flight of Five” : Historic stone locks sit beside modern Locks E34 and E35, showcasing 19th-century ingenuity.

Lift Bridges : 15 still operate in western New York, raising 15 feet to let boats pass while halting road traffic.

Movable Dams : 8 regulate water flow on the Mohawk River, pulled out in winter to prevent ice damage.

Historic Structures & Innovations

• Aqueducts: In the 1800s, 32 aqueducts carried canal boats over rivers—some remnants still stand, like at Schoharie Crossing.

• Weighlock Building in Syracuse: From 1850–1882, boats were weighed here to calculate tolls—up to four boats per hour, 24/7.

• Hydroelectric Power: Water from the canal powers facilities like the Mechanicville Hydroelectric Plant on the Champlain Canal.

A Hidden Chapter in RV Life

This wasn’t a bucket-list destination. It wasn’t a flashy resort. But it was a definately a treasure, undiscovered by many, unforgettable for us.

It reminded me that sometimes the places we overlook as kids become the ones we cherish most as adults.

If you’re traveling through New York, don’t skip the Erie Canal. Stop. Camp. Reflect. You might just find your own piece of history waiting for you.

A Hidden Gem on the Erie Canal: St. Johnsville Marina & Campsite

Tucked along the quiet curves of the Erie Canal, in the heart of Upstate New York, lies a little treasure you might miss if you’re not looking for it— St. Johnsville Marina and Campsite. Open through the fall (into November), right in the middle of prime leaf-peeping season, it’s the kind of place that feels like a secret worth sharing.

We stumbled upon it during a recent trip to visit our family, and it quickly became one of those stops that lingers in our memory—not just for the views, but for the people.

Meet Franny: The Heart of the Campground

Franny and her husband, an Army veteran, don’t just run St. Johnsville Marina and Campsite, they pour heart into every inch of it. Before we even arrived, Franny called to make sure we could find the place. And sure enough, there she was, standing by a traffic cone like a one-woman welcome committee, waving us down with a smile that said, “You’re gonna love it here.”

She personally guided us to our site, made sure we fit with ease, and then—rather than handing us a map and sending us off—she launched into her favorite local gems. Canal-side bike paths, cozy diners, weekend food delivery right to your rig, and even a snack for our dogs… Franny’s enthusiasm is downright infectious. By the time she finished, we weren’t just excited to explore—we wanted to see it all through her eyes.

• Canal-side bike paths perfect for fall foliage

• Quiet spots to paddle or fish

• Hometown favorites that make you feel like a local

Her excitement for the region is contagious. You’ll find yourself wanting to explore every corner, not because it’s on a brochure—but because Franny made it feel like your story.

Why It’s Worth the Stop

• Peaceful canal views

• Small-town charm with big hospitality

• Perfect base for fall adventures and Erie Canal history

• A chance to slow down and connect - with nature and with each other

Comforts and Community

• Well-kept bathrooms and a clean, cozy laundry room

• Local restaurants deliver right to the campground on weekends

• Canal views and quiet mornings perfect for reflection or family time

• A true hometown feel, where you’re not just a guest—you’re part of the story

• Affordable seasonal and nightly rates

• Big Rig Friendly FHU pull through sites

If you're planning a fall RV trip or scouting a rally spot that blends history, heart, and hospitality, St. Johnsville Marina and Campsite is a must.

It’s not just a place to park, it’s a place to belong. From the moment Franny greets you at the traffic cone, you’ll feel the warmth of a true hometown welcome. She’ll share stories, local gems, and her contagious love for the Erie Canal region. And when you meet her, don’t forget to say we said hello. We’re still smiling from our stay, and we know you will be too.

One Vehicle or Two? The Real Costs and Realities of Full-Time RV Life with a Family

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:05:25 GMT

Our Journey - From One Vehicle to Two

Can a family of six really travel full-time with just one vehicle?

The short answer: Yes, we did it for years. But should you? That's much more complicated.

When we first started full-time RVing, having two vehicles seemed ridiculous—an unnecessary expense we couldn't justify. We squeezed our family of six into a 13-passenger van towing a 37-foot travel trailer, after that followed a 38-foot motorhome with a flat-towed Ford Flex.

Then came a fifth wheel.

Today, we travel in a 42-foot fifth wheel pulled by an F350 dually with a 7.3L gas engine. We also have a second vehicle—our Ford Expedition. The setup I swore we'd never need has become our daily reality.

What changed? The impracticality of driving a dually to the grocery store, Philip, my husband’s, concerns about preserving our expensive truck, and our growing family needs. But here's the truth: we could absolutely survive with just our truck. It seats six with a bench seat up front.

The question isn't "Can you full-time RV with one vehicle?" It's "Should you add the expense, complexity, and logistics of a second vehicle to your life?" That answer depends entirely on your budget, your family dynamics, and your priorities.

In this guide, I'm breaking down the real costs—not just purchase price, but insurance, fuel, maintenance, and hidden expenses. We'll walk through the genuine pros and honest cons, share what worked when we had one vehicle, why we added a second, and whether it's worth it.

Wondering about other aspects of full-time RV family life? Check out our podcast and join the Learn to RV community where lots of families share their experiences!

The One-Vehicle Years: When It Actually Worked

For years, we traveled full-time with one vehicle, and it genuinely worked well. The van seated everyone comfortably, got decent fuel economy for its size, and parking was manageable. We never once thought, "We need another vehicle."

A few years into our journey we upgraded to a 38-foot motorhome + flat-towed a Ford Flex. The Flex was our toad. Unhook at the campground, instant transportation. It seated all six of us comfortably and served as our daily driver while the motorhome stayed parked. This worked beautifully.

We never considered adding a separate second vehicle. Why would we? We had everything we needed.

Why We Switched to Two Vehicles: The Fifth Wheel Changed Everything

When we started looking at fifth wheels, the second vehicle conversation became unavoidable.

The reality of the F350 dually:

Our new towing vehicle is incredible for towing our 42-foot fifth wheel. But it's terrible for everything else. Parking? Forget it. Fuel economy for errands? Not happening. This expensive truck has a very specific, hard-to-find configuration. Replacing it wouldn't be simple or cheap.

The debate:

Philip didn't want to drive the dually everywhere. He worried about wear and tear and didn't want unnecessary miles on something irreplaceable. He was right.

I resisted for months. "We got a bench seat specifically so all six of us could fit. We can do this with one vehicle." And I was right too—we could survive with just the truck.

But "possible" and "practical" aren't the same thing.

The transition:

We bought the truck while still having the motorhome and Flex—we wanted to be ready if we found the perfect fifth wheel deal. For a year, we had all three vehicles. On travel days, I didn't like being separated from the family.

Once we transitioned to the fifth wheel, keeping the Flex made sense. Let's try it and see. Much to my dismay, there were lots of benefits. As time passed, our kids grew, we added a dog, and we outgrew the Flex. Decision time: drop to one vehicle or upgrade the second? We chose a Ford Expedition—seats everyone comfortably, easy to drive, and it’s not embarrassingly huge.

Our Current Reality

Could we survive with just the truck? Absolutely. We even take it out sometimes—like heading to the lake to kayak.

Do we appreciate the Expedition? Also, yes. Daily life is easier, less stressful, more comfortable.

It's not about need. It's about lifestyle preferences and budget. For us, the second vehicle falls somewhere between necessity and luxury.

The Financial Reality - What Two Vehicles Actually Costs

Let's talk real numbers. Adding a second vehicle isn't just about purchase price, it's about ongoing costs that add up month after month.

One-Time/Upfront Costs

Purchasing the Second Vehicle:

Used vehicle: $10,000-40,000+
New vehicle: $35,000-70,000+

We chose a Ford Expedition: seats our family of six comfortably, known for reliability, parts are easy to find, and enough cargo space without being oversized.

Don't forget financing costs: A $40,000 vehicle at 6% interest over 5 years means paying nearly $47,000 total—that's $7,000 just in interest.

Initial Setup:

Registration and title fees: $200-800
Sales tax: Can be thousands (some states charge 7-10%)
Immediate maintenance if buying used: $500-2,000

Total upfront investment: $10,000-70,000+

Ongoing Monthly/Annual Costs

Insurance: $800-2,400/year ($65-200/month)

Rates vary based on your state, driving record, vehicle value, and insurance company. Shop around, rates can vary by hundreds annually. For full-time RVers, make sure your insurer understands your living situation.

Fuel: $150-400/month

Your second vehicle likely gets much better fuel economy than your towing vehicle.

Real calculation: 500 miles every 2 weeks for errands and exploring:

Second vehicle (20 MPG): 25 gallons = $87.50 (at $3.50/gallon)
Dually (10 MPG): 50 gallons = $175

Fuel savings: ~$176/month by using the more efficient vehicle.

While you're spending $150-400/month on fuel for the second vehicle, you're saving money by not putting those miles on your gas-guzzling tow vehicle. This partially offsets the cost.

Maintenance: $800-1,500/year ($65-125/month)

Oil changes: 2-4 per year at $50-80 each
Tire rotations: $50-100/year
Tire replacement: $600-1,200 every 3-5 years
Brakes: $300-800 every few years
Unexpected repairs: Budget $500/year minimum

Two vehicles mean double the maintenance schedule, double the shop visits, double the problems.

Registration/Tags: $100-500/year

Varies dramatically by state. Full-time RVers need to be especially aware of their domicile state's requirements.

Depreciation: The Silent Budget Killer

New vehicles lose 20-30% value in the first year, continuing at 10-15% annually. A $50,000 Expedition is worth roughly $35,000-40,000 after one year. That's $10,000-15,000 in lost value in year one alone.

Total Annual Cost: $3,000-6,000+/year

Mid-range scenario:

Insurance: $1,200/year
Fuel: $2,112/year ($176/month average)
Maintenance: $1,000/year
Registration: $300/year
Total: $4,612/year

Monthly reality: $200-380+ every single month to own and operate that second vehicle.

The Break-Even Analysis

If your second vehicle costs $4,612/year and you keep it 15 years, that's $69,180 spent. If it helps your truck last 5 extra years and avoids one $80,000 truck replacement, you roughly break even. You're adding it for convenience, comfort, and peace of mind. And that's okay! Just be honest about it.

But here's the reality: This is a lifestyle choice, not a money-saving decision.

The Pros of Having Two Vehicles

Despite the expense, there are legitimate benefits—some practical, some quality-of-life, and some that might save money long-term.

1. Saves Wear and Tear on Your Towing Vehicle

Our F350 dually isn't just expensive, it's hard to replace. The specific configuration (crew cab with bench seat, 7.3L gas engine, 4.30 axle ratio, dually) took months for us to find.

Every mile driven is wear on the transmission, engine, tires, and suspension. If having a second vehicle extends your truck's life by 3-5 years, you're delaying a $60,000-80,000 replacement. Lower mileage also means fewer major repairs—transmissions, engines, and differentials last longer.

2. Daily Driving Comfort and Practicality

Driving a dually to Target is miserable.

Parking: You're taking up two spaces or hanging over lines. Downtown areas? Forget it. Parking garages? Most have height restrictions.

Fuel efficiency: Our Expedition gets 20+ MPG. Our dually? Maybe 8 MPG when towing, 12-15 MPG empty. For a 50-mile round trip, we burn nearly twice as much fuel in the truck.

Maneuverability: Drive-thrus, tight parking lots, narrow streets—all exponentially easier in a normal-sized vehicle.

Stress reduction: Quick pharmacy run in the Expedition? Ten minutes. Same errand in the dually? Twenty minutes of stress-parking and hoping nobody parks too close.

Bonus : If you caravan the chase vehicle can be your gate to changing lanes when in heavy traffic. Having that vehicle behind you helping watch out for others can be a major stress relief. P.S. Make sure you use walkie talkies!

3. Family Comfort and Flexibility

For a family of six, this is huge.

Bench seat reality: All six of us fit in the truck, but three adults and teens crammed shoulder-to-shoulder isn't comfortable.

Expedition comfort: Individual seats, actual space between people, separate climate zones, room for the dog.

Split-up capability: Philip can take older kids to an activity while I stay back with younger ones and still have transportation. Someone can run errands without the entire family. Teens can visit friends without requiring a full family expedition.

4. Peace of Mind, Redundancy, and Lifestyle Benefits

Having backup transportation is security. If the truck breaks down, we're not stranded. If the second vehicle has issues, we can still move the RV. Emergency situations with sick kids? We can go two directions. A second vehicle relieves decision fatigue.

Exploration freedom: We can take the Expedition on rough forest service roads or tight mountain roads we'd never attempt with the dually.

Spontaneous day trips: A 50-mile exploration doesn't require planning around the dually's fuel consumption or parking limitations.

Easy errands: Just hop in and go. No mental friction of "should we really take the dually for this?"

5. Resale Value Protection

Lower mileage equals higher resale value. Having 80,000 miles instead of 150,000 miles means thousands more when selling. Specialized trucks hold value better with lower miles. When upgrade time comes, we'll have more equity to put toward the next truck.

The Cons of Having Two Vehicles

Let's be honest about the downsides.

1. Significantly More Expensive

$4,000-7,000+ per year means $350-580+ every month locked into vehicle ownership. That money could go toward campground fees, emergency funds, or debt payoff. Only you can decide if convenience is worth the cost but be honest about what you're giving up.

Let’s also not forget that travel days now have higher gas expenses, as you are paying for two cars to get from point A to point B.

2. Increased Risk of Breakdowns and Repairs

Two vehicles mean double the chances something goes wrong. Tires, batteries, brakes, check engine lights—now multiply by two.

3. Logistical Challenges

Moving day complications: Who drives what? Coordinating arrival times. Parking two vehicles at tight campsites. Some campgrounds charge $5-10/night extra ($150-300/month if moving weekly).

Maintenance doubles: Two vehicles needing oil changes, inspections, repairs. Finding mechanics twice. Tracking maintenance schedules for both.

State-specific headaches: Extra registration fees, insurance variations for full-timers, emissions testing for both vehicles.

4. Space and Parking Considerations

Not every campsite can accommodate an RV, truck, AND second vehicle. Some boondocking spots don't have room. Urban camping at Walmart? Two vehicles makes you more noticeable—potentially getting asked to leave. Extra vehicle fees add up fast.

5. Environmental Impact

Two vehicles mean double emissions, more tires in landfills, more oil changes, and a larger carbon footprint. If environmental impact matters to you, one vehicle or supplementing with e-bikes significantly reduces your footprint.

When One Vehicle Makes Sense

You Should Stick with One Vehicle If:

Your budget is tight: If $4,000-7,000/year feels significant, don't add a second vehicle. Choose financial stability over convenience every time.

Your RV setup allows it: Motorhome with a toad that seats everyone, truck/van reasonable for daily driving, or small enough RV that your towing vehicle is practical.

You're minimalists: You value simplicity over convenience, enjoy the challenge of making one work, and feel burdened by too much stuff.

Your travel style supports it: You use bikes/e-bikes for local transportation, or you're not driving dozens of miles daily.

Your family size supports it: Smaller families (2-4 people) fit comfortably without feeling cramped.

Bottom line: If one vehicle works financially, practically, and emotionally, stick with it. Don't add a second just because other RVers have one.

When Two Vehicles Make Sense

You Should Consider Two Vehicles If:

Your budget comfortably supports it: Can you afford $350-580/month without stress? Have an emergency fund? Not sacrificing other financial goals? The key word is "comfortably."

Your towing vehicle is impractical: Wide dually, terrible fuel economy, expensive and specialized, diesel overkill for errands. If daily driving is miserable, a second vehicle transforms your experience.

Your family size requires it: Large families (5+) feel cramped. Teens appreciate personal space. Family dynamics benefit from splitting up occasionally.

Your lifestyle demands flexibility: Lots of exploring, work camping where someone needs daily transportation, medical needs requiring reliable access, active family with different schedules.

Peace of mind matters: You value backup plans, feel anxiety about being stranded, want transportation if RV is in the shop.

Long-term financial thinking: Planning to keep expensive truck 10+ years. Lower miles mean higher resale value, fewer major repairs, longer time before replacement.

Bottom line: If your budget supports it, your towing vehicle is impractical, and your family genuinely benefits from flexibility, a second vehicle can be worth every penny. Just make sure it's a choice, not a financial burden.

Alternative Solutions

Not ready to commit? There are middle-ground options.

E-bikes or Electric Scooters ($500-3,000 per bike): Great for campground areas and nearby towns. Can carry groceries. Limitations: weather-dependent, limited range, can't transport whole family. Best for couples or small families in good climates.

Uber/Lyft and Rentals (variable, $50-400+/week): If you rarely leave campsite area, occasional rides or rentals might be more economical. Best for RVers who stay put long periods.

Golf Carts ($5,000-15,000): Some RV resorts allow golf carts. Very limited range, only practical in specific resort environments. Best for long-term stays at golf cart-friendly resorts.

Motorcycles or Scooters ($2,000-15,000): Fuel-efficient, easy to store. Limitations: weather-dependent, limited cargo, not suitable for families. Best for solo travelers or couples who enjoy riding.

The takeaway: You don't have to jump straight to a full second vehicle. Test alternatives first.

Making Your Decision

Questions to Ask Yourself

Financial: Can we comfortably afford $4,000-7,000/year extra? Do we have an emergency fund first? Are we sacrificing other financial goals?

Practical: How often do we wish we had a second vehicle? Is our towing vehicle practical for daily driving? Do we explore a lot or stay at campgrounds?

Lifestyle: Do we value convenience over simplicity? Do we need flexibility for family to split up? Are we working while traveling?

Long-term: How long do we plan to full-time RV? Will family size/dynamics change? What's our 5-year plan?

My Honest Recommendation

Start with one vehicle if: You're new to full-time RV life, budget is uncertain, your towing vehicle is reasonable, you're not sure how long you'll RV.

Add second vehicle when: You've been full-timing 1+ years and consistently wish you had one, budget is solid, towing vehicle is impractical, family dynamics clearly need it, or you already have that second vehicle and it's paid off.

Remember

This isn't permanent. Your needs will change. There's no "right" answer for everyone. Financial stability matters more than convenience. Trust yourself to make the decision that feels right for YOUR life.

What's Right for Your Family?

Our Family's Bottom Line

We resisted a second vehicle for a long time. Since we already had the smaller vehicle, we gave it a try and discovered the benefits far outweighed the negatives.

Do we regret it? No. The convenience is real, and Philip's concerns were valid.

Would we do it differently? Maybe. It's comforting to know that if our finances got worse, we could drop that second vehicle for instant financial relief.

The Real Answer

One vehicle versus two isn't about right or wrong. It's about budget, lifestyle, and personal preference. Your situation is unique, honor that instead of comparing yourself to other RVers.

What Matters Most

Financial stability comes first. Don't go into debt for a second vehicle. Family harmony matters—make family life better, not harder. You can change your mind. Make decisions based on YOUR priorities.

Take Action

Considering a second vehicle? Rent one for a month first. Track how often you use it.

Happy with one vehicle? Don't feel pressured to add another.

Struggling with one? Run the numbers. Would alternatives work better?

Join the Learn to RV community to discuss with other families navigating these same decisions.

Final Thought

Whether you choose one vehicle or two, you're living an incredible adventure as a full-time RV family. The goal isn't perfection—it's finding what works best for YOUR family, YOUR budget, and YOUR lifestyle.

There's no universal right answer. Just the right answer for you.

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