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30Parks
BEST RV BUNKHOUSES FOR
YOUR SUMMER VACATION
PORTABLE SOLAR POWER
IS HOTTER THAN EVER
3 RV MAINTENANCE MUSTS
BEFORE YOU HIT THE ROAD

Top-Rated

{ }
A SELECTION OF OUR FAVORITE
CAMPGROUNDS AND RESORTS
FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA

Enjoy SoCal
sunshine at
Pechanga RV
Resort.

Yellowstone!
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MAXIMUM FUN AND
ADVENTURE AT OUR FIRST NATIONAL PARK

JULY 2021 | RV.COM

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Lance Campers, social distancing since 1965. Visit lancecamper.com to locate your nearest Lance dealer and the RV of your dreams.
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Contents J U LY 2 0 2 1

National Park Pride

Yellowstone is consistently one of the most-visited
national parks in the country. Make the most of your
adventures with these insider tips (see page 30).

20
FEATURES
42
18 PACK THE PERFECT PICNIC
The sun is shining, laughter’s in the
air, and all you need are the fixin’s
for a fabulous outdoor meal.
38 GO
TOP REASONS TO
RVING NOW

20 GREAT ESCAPES
Touring the best of the best
luxurious Good Sam Parks.
RVing has something for everyone,
from marveling at nature’s wonders
to disconnecting from devices to
bonding over new experiences with

30 INSIDER’S GUIDE family and friends.

38 TO YELLOWSTONE
Expert insight into how to best
enjoy our first national park. 42 BEST BUNKHOUSES
With the latest in technology and
comfort—not to mention indoor

34 COOL IT DOWN
A full-timer’s advice on how to beat
the heat in your RV this summer.
plumbing—today’s RV bunkhouses
are quite a departure from the
famed dorms of the Old West.

TO SUBSCRIBE, GO TO RV.COM/SUBSCRIBE

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Contents J U LY 2 0 2 1

DEPARTMENTS 52
7 MESSAGE FROM MARCUS
Let Freedom Ring

10 THE BUZZ
Here’s what our readers are saying.

Foodie
12 CAMP CUISINE
Chef Robert Irvine’s grilled Cuban
steak with a zesty chimichurri sauce
will have your taste buds doing a
happy dance.

14 LOCAL FLAVORS
Maryland’s buttery-tasting steamed
blue crabs smothered in Old Bay
Seasoning make for a delicious—and
delightfully messy—seafood feast.

15 PATRIOTIC BEERS
Raise your glass and toast one of
these brews to freedom … it’s your
constitutional right.

15 57 BIG IMPROVEMENTS,
SMALL BUDGET
Five simple and wallet-friendly ideas
72 SUMMER COMFORTS
Campground noises,
fireworks, and other
to help personalize your RV’s interior. distractions may
stress or over-
60 CLOSE INSPECTION whelm your dogs.
Three of the top preventive measures Here’s how to deal
for RV maintenance that pay off in with them.
the long run.
76 SOUNDS OF

Life on the Road THE ROAD

What is your go-to
playlist when you’re
65 SAFE SUMMER TRAVELS
traveling in your RV?
Many of us are heeding the call of the
great outdoors, especially with the
78 THE RV WORKOUT
growing list of world-class locations
You’ll have fun and your body will
in the US that are open for business.
thank you with these no-equipment-
In the Know 70 ROAD SODA
What do you get when you mix
needed simple workouts.

48 BACK IN THE GROOVE! 80 FUN + GAMES

high-quality custom drinks, an
As state and national parks reopen, Celebrate your independence while
Airstream trailer, and an energetic
Parks Project encourages you to get solving this month’s brain buster by
rock ‘n’ roll vibe? Road Soda Mobile
out and explore. the light of a fireworks display.
Cocktails, which brings the bar to
your event.
82 SNAPSHOTS
Rigs + Gear So, where to next?
50 COOKING WITH SOLAR
New Go solar oven from GoSun uses
the sun’s rays to cook the perfect
meal for one.
MORE ONLINE @ RV.COM
52 STAND-ALONE POWER
Powered by the sun: The technology Oceanfront Campgrounds to Stay at This Summer.
behind portable solar panels and How to Protect Your RV From Sun Damage.
what you need to know. RV Hacks for Keeping Your Camper Cool.

4 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
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ROADMASTER, INC., CIRCLE 123 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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PUBLISHER, CEO, & CHAIRMAN

MARCUS LEMONIS

EDI T ORI A L
Managing Editor Kristopher Bunker
Features Editor Donya Carlson
Art Director Rick Damien
Production Manager Kath Cunningham
Consulting Tech Editor Jeff Johnston

Contributors
Stefany and James Adinaro, Lisa Ballard,
Brennen Charles, Ray Diehr, Ann and Eric Eichenmuller,
Emily and Mark Fagan, Robert Irvine, Rachael Johnson,
Lindsay Lane, Tom Morr, Erin Peters, Sean Pierce,
Abbey Robertson, John Sullaway, Wade Thiel

ADMINISTRATIVE
Chief Operating Officer Tamara Ward

$ 399 processing
President – GS Media & Events Vilma Fraguada
Vice President – Media Services Pete Fikis
Marketing Director Amber Kansou
Director of Operations Lori Guiang

fee waived!
Business Manager Katey Purgatorio

ADVERTISING
West Region Scott Oakes
847-229-6758, scott.oakes@goodsam.com
when you apply to refinance by July 31, 2021!1
Midwest/North-East Region Ryan Reinke
612-695-3219, ryan.reinke@goodsam.com

Now may be a great time to refinance your current RV loan to lower

your monthly payments! You can also finance a 2010 model year2 or CUSTOMER SERVICE
newer RV when you purchase from a dealer or a private party seller. Print Subscriptions 800-825-6861,
rvmagazine@cdsfulfillment.com
Editorial info-rvmagazine@rv.com
Recreational use APRs2 as low as Website RV.com
Digital Subscriptions 866-799-4084

4.29
on loan amounts
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on loan amounts of
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of $50k+ $25k to $49,999 $15k to $24,999
APR is fixed for the life of the loan. Other rates with different loan terms are available.
Rates are accurate as of April 26, 2021. See our website for current rates and terms, as
well as financing for Full-Timers and loan amounts below $15,000 RV Magazine (ISSN 2693-9673) is published monthly by GS Media
& Events (a division of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC), 250 Parkway
Dr., Ste 270, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Periodicals postage paid at
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Estimated APR (Annual Percentage Rate) based on 5 year loan term; individual rate may vary by loan amount, loan term, vehicle
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use, model year and type of RV. Subject to consumer loan program requirements and credit approval. Certain fees, closing costs, and
restrictions may apply. Rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions and borrower eligibility. APR applied to the Printed in the United States.
loan is the APR in effect on the date the application is received and is valid for 60 days. Full-Timers do not qualify for this offer; see website
for Full-Timer rates and terms. RV must be 2010 model year or newer; for RV model year 2010 to 2011, add .25% to above rates. Add 1.00% © 2021 Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. RV Magazine is a registered Trade-
to above rates for truck campers, folding camping trailers and horse trailers with living quarters (listed in NADA guides). Reduce .25% from mark of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC. Unauthorized use of any of Good
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by 110%. Refinance example of a recreational use RV loan: A $60,000 loan for 5 years with a fixed interest rate of 4.29% would have an subscribers’ names, addresses or other personal information with
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WELCOME

LET
FREEDOM
RING
When I think of RVing, the first things that
come to mind are freedom and independence.
As Independence Day approaches, it’s the
perfect time to reflect on the importance of our
country’s freedom as well as our own personal
freedom.
The freedom of the open road allows us to
explore this magnificent country with the peace
of mind that everything we need is within arm’s
length. We’re able to create lifetime memories
with our children and grandchildren while
keeping them in a safe If festive firework displays are your type of cele-
environment. This Camping has bration, then head west to Newport Dunes Waterfront
opportunity is priceless.
Camping has always
always been Resort & Marina in California. It is the place to watch
fireworks burst over the beach. With more than 2,100
been a great way to a great way to Good Sam parks nationwide, you can rest assured that
celebrate the Fourth of
July. With flags flying,
celebrate the there will be something for everyone.
Whatever you do, don’t ever take the freedom we
sparklers sparkling, Fourth of July. are afforded for granted; be thankful for it and take ad-
and a sea of red, white, vantage. While you’re at it, please celebrate Good Sam
and blue, it’s a time Parks month with us. Get out there and be reminded of
when family and friends enjoy barbecues, parades, and what truly makes America (the) beautiful.
fireworks. No matter how you celebrate there’s surely a
Good Sam Park nearby.
Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland, is a
fantastic option if you want to be near Washington,
D.C.’s best monuments. This top-rated Good Sam Park
is the closest campground to Washington, D.C., and it
Marcus Lemonis
celebrates 100 years of camping and five generations of
Publisher
family ownership this year. @marcuslemonis

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THE BUZZ

EARLY BIRDS here have gone to permanent

We live in northern Colorado
and do most of our camping
in National Forest Service
campgrounds within 100 miles
of our home. Each year it be-
comes more difficult to reserve
a campsite.
We start about 180 days
from the reservation date
and nowadays look for any
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS available campsite that will
My husband and I got a big kick out of the “Where No One accommodate a 30-foot Class
Has Gone Before” in the May issue. The writer enjoys “being C motorhome. It’s almost im-
able to skip the port-a-john lines” at bicycling events, and so possible to reserve our favorite
do we. Yet, had one of us skipped that line 26 years ago, we sites. We go online at 8 a.m.
wouldn’t be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary this on the opening date and find
month. We met while standing in one of those infamous lines that most sites have already
at the Mount Dora, Florida, Bicycle Festival. Striking up a been taken. It doesn’t help that
conversation led to riding together the next day, then to a the recreation.gov website is
dinner date, and ultimately, wedding bells. We were married finicky and will toss you out
in Mount Dora and left the reception on our tandem bicycle. if you do something wrong.
We’ve returned to Mount Dora every year since to celebrate Based on my experience, all I
our anniversary. Now, when the conversation turns to stories can say is start making your
of “how we met,” we’re always on a roll! reservations early.
Sandy and Roy Walters, Enterprise, Florida Louis Rubel
Fort Collins, Colorado
lot sales. We tried for more
than a month to schedule a
trip out west, wanting to be
flexible enough to extend a
stay in one area longer than
planned. Couldn’t do it. Like
Eric mentioned, weather and
whims play a big part in RV
travel and sightseeing. We live
in Florida and want to RV west
on a 4–5-week trip in a 36-foot
fifth-wheel. We’ve now decided
to “motel it,” wherein we can
be more flexible to sightsee,
but we would much rather be
in our traveling bed.
Bobby Gardner
St. Augustine, Florida

FROM TWITTER RV TOILETS TRIP SCHEDULING

I love RVing because
@Lilje55
I can take my family
to remote places they
have never been before
... away from the daily
stress of life to explore
our beautiful planet.
@KurtMuller20
Because it’s your own
little house wherever you
take it!
@bdday610
It helps my son who
suffers from homesick-
ness feel comfortable
wherever we go!
@Rockabettyyogi
I was blown away when reading
the “They Stand Alone” sidebar
in the May issue. There was no
mention of perhaps the greatest
advancement in RV toilets: The
Laveo Dry Flush Toilet. It uses
no water, is not messy whether
using or emptying, and is fairly
inexpensive to use. You never
need to wait in line or pay a
fee at a dump facility. After less
than a year with my Roadtrek I
had the black tank removed and
the Dry Flush installed. I have
more legroom than before and
I’m not using up my freshwater
supply for “that” purpose.
Steve Marcus, via email
After reading Eric Diehl’s
“Wait-Listed” letter in the May CUSTOM INTERIOR
issue, I have to say my wife The “Ciao Bella” article in the
and I couldn’t agree more. May issue motivated me to
We’ve been RVing for more customize our trailer. When
than 35 years and are now finished I will share pictures
finding it very difficult to plan to you. In the meantime, I
trips. The industry did a fine thought it might be interesting
job in promoting the sale of for other readers to see some
RVs, but campgrounds can’t of my decorating ideas. I enjoy
accommodate the additional the variety of your magazine.
RVers. A lot of parks around Craig Henry, via email
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Does your RV feature a custom decor that you’re oh-so-
proud of? Send us quality, high-resolution images and
we may feature them in the magazine!
PHOTOS: MASHASTARUS - GETTY IMAGES; CRAIG HENRY

I can take my party on

the road!

RV Quick Tips is a popular department where we take

HAVE your real-word solutions and share them with our
CONNECT WITH US
info-rvmagazine@rv.com AN RV readers. To submit your best RV tip, trick, or time-saving
RVdotCom QUICK hack, please send it to info-rvmagazine@rv.com. Be
RV.com
RV_com
TIP? sure to include a quality, high-resolution photo of your
tip. We may publish it in an upcoming issue!

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Squat Happens

You don’t need a bigger truck...

You need Air Lift®
You may not know it, but that bounce, sway and squat you
experience when towing or hauling is an easy fix. Adding an
air suspension from Air Lift will bring your truck back to level,
providing a safer and more comfortable ride. You don’t need
a bigger truck, you need Air Lift.

Check out our fun new commercial and

get acquainted with the Lumberman.
Go to: airliftcompany.com/squathappens

©2021 Air Lift Company

AIR LIFT COMPANY, CIRCLE 101 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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GRILLED CUBAN stEAK

WITH CHIMICHURRI SERVES 4 PREP TIME 20 MINUTES COOK TIME ABOUT 10 MINUTES

S
o much of grilling a great steak isn’t about what
you do, but what you don’t. So, while this seems
like an obvious thing to mention, it bears repeating:
Don’t overcook it! A barber can’t put hair back on your
head, and a chef can’t turn a well-done steak into medium-
rare. You can always throw it back on the grill if need be.
Second: Flip it only once. Don’t fidget with it, press it, or do
anything else. Third: Let it rest five minutes before slicing
or serving, lest all the juices run onto the plate. Just follow
these tips and let my take on a Cuban rub and the chimich-
urri sauce do the rest. Enjoy! — ROBERT IRVINE

You’ll Need
• 4 New York strip steaks
(or any other cut of steak)
Rub
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 dash red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
Chimichurri
• ½ bunch fresh cilantro
• ½ bunch fresh parsley
• 1 dash red pepper flakes
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup grapeseed oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Make It
1 Preheat the grill on medium-high heat.

2 In a mixing bowl, mix the cumin,

smoked paprika, garlic powder, one
dash red pepper flakes, and kosher
salt.

3 Rub the raw steaks with the season-

ing mix and set aside while making the
chimichurri sauce.

4 In a blender, combine the cilantro,

parsley, one dash red pepper flakes,
garlic clove, lime juice, oil, and red
wine vinegar. Blend until smooth.

THE BOLD FLAVOR OF 5 Place the rubbed steaks on the grill

THE CHIMICHURRI IS A
PERFECT COMPLEMENT
TO A JUICY stEAK.
and cook on both sides until they
reach desired temperature (130° F for
medium-rare). Set the cooked steaks
aside on a cutting board and allow to
rest.

6 Serve the chimichurri sauce with the

grilled Cuban rubbed steaks along
with choice of potato or rice.

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OWN THE OUTDOORS

TRAVEL TRAILERS

FIFTH WHEELS

EXPLORE OUR BRANDS AT

HIGHLANDRIDGERV.COM
HIGHLAND RIDGE RV, INC., CIRCLE 110 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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FOODIE

On the Menu
Maryland
Blue Crabs
LOCAL FLAVORS
This is one food Baltimoreans consider
quintessentially theirs. Steamed and

BETTER IN smothered in Old Bay Seasoning, picking

these crabs is not just a meal—it’s an

BALTIMORE
eating marathon! For crab newbies, get
a tutorial on how to pick the sweet meat
by A N N E I C H E N M U L L E R at southbaltimore.com/steamedcrabs/
pickcrabs.html.
OF COURSE
 Known affectionately as Charm City to locals, Baltimore has YOU SHOULD
USE OLD BAY
something for everyone. Its crown jewel is the Inner Harbor, one of SEASONING!
America’s oldest seaports, where you can visit 16,000 species of
marine life at the National Aquarium, learn something new at the
Maryland Science Center, and climb aboard a 19th-century U.S.
Navy tall ship—and that’s just the beginning. The waterfront is alive
with music, art, restaurants, and summertime festivals. History
buffs will want to tour Fort McHenry, a pentagonal bastion fortress
whose role in the War of 1812 inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Baseball fans can catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards, and
boating enthusiasts can book a day cruise on the Chesapeake Bay.
After all that excitement, return to camp at Patapsco Valley State
Park, just 16 miles (and a world) away. Home to Cascade Falls and
some of the best hiking trails in the state, it’s a quiet oasis where
YOU’LL NEED
you can rest, relax, and recharge. Go to dnr.maryland.gov to learn 
more. For Baltimore vacation info, visit baltimore.org. A steaming pot with steam tray or
basket big enough to fit the crabs
4–6 12 oz cans/bottles of beer (or water)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
Old Bay Seasoning
Tongs

Note: Cook outdoors. For best results use a

portable propane cooker or induction plate.

MAKE IT

1) Pour 1 cup vinegar in bottom of pot.
Add ¼ cup Old Bay Seasoning and
enough beer or water to cover bottom
to just below level of steam tray.
Inner Harbor is absolutely the place to be
when visiting Baltimore, Maryland. 2) Bring to a simmer.

3) Put in steam tray or basket. Add

crabs, sprinkling Old Bay Seasoning
over each layer. Cover with lid.
FINE PAIRINGS
4) Simmer 20–35 minutes or until
As a Baltimore girl myself, I can tell you steamed crabs are crabs are bright red without any
not Date Night fare. The drink of choice is beer, and not some blue or green splotches. Cook time
fancy IPA, but a good, thirst-quenching American lager. If will vary based on number of crabs,
you insist on wine, we recommend an inexpensive Riesling size of pot, and heat source.
like Josef Weinberg’s 2019 Radiance. The lightly sweet, crisp
PHOTOS: ERIC EICHENMULLER

5) Remove with tongs. Serve on a

taste is a perfect balance for the crabs’ spicy heat. $9
picnic table covered with newspaper
Or, if you’re like me, you’ll want to pair your crab feast
or heavy brown paper. If desired,
with a lager like Miller High Life. For about $3, you can   have cups of vinegar, melted butter,
experience the champagne of beers. HIGH LOW
and extra Old Bay Seasoning on
hand for dipping.

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ON TAP THIS MONTH

PATRIOTIC
BEERS Boulder Beer updated its popular
Celebrate Independence Day with one of Buffalo Gold to SKO, employing
these delicious American-made brews. a lager yeast strain that gives it a
crisp, clean, and refreshing taste.
by E R I N P E T E R S @ T H E B E E R G O D D E S S

B
udweiser has long Liberty Ale, Anchor Brewing, SKO, Boulder Beer, Brew Free! Or Die IPA, 21st
claimed to be the San Francisco, California Boulder, Colorado Amendment Brewery, San
national beer of the The Northern California A Colorado favorite since Francisco, California
US, most notably in 2016, brewery first debuted this 1989, Buffalo Gold Beer has Coming in at 7% ABV, this
when it renamed its flagship American IPA in 1975 to com- always been a beer tasting golden West Coast IPA is
beer “America.” Remember memorate the bicentennial of like beer meant to fuel beer- perfectly balanced with a
that? I couldn’t have rolled Paul Revere’s ride, the start of soaked celebrations. With solid malt backbone. Some
my eyes in the back of a revolution. The yeast used a new name, SKO is here to beer drinkers are not meant
my head any farther. The during fermentation produces bring the noise and still packs to drink the watered-down
brewery has been owned many of Liberty Ale’s subtle a stampede of flavor. Whether beers. We believe in freedom.
by a Belgian-Brazilian flavors and characteristics. As or not you see deer and So, put on some Bob Marley,
conglomerate since 2008. the first modern American IPA antelope play, SKO is perfect fire up the BBQ and relish
When shopping for your brewed after prohibition and to unwind with after a long each sip knowing you have
summertime Fourth of the first modern American trail ride or a spirited hike. the right to choose your craft.
July camping trip, it’s wiser single-hop and dry-hopped
to grab e pluribus unum ale, Anchor’s Liberty Ale is
of the following beers if the original craft brewed ale
you’re looking to celebrate and appropriately, the historic
democracy. beer that started a revolution.

Brew Free! Or Die

IPA is available
year-round in
6- and 12-packs
of cans, plus
draft. It’s a well-
brewed take on
an IPA showing
off earthy hop
PHOTOS: TRISTAN CHAN, COURTESY THE BREWERIES

bitterness and
floral fun.

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FOODIE | on tap this month

Hoponius Union, Jack’s

Abby, Framingham,
Massachusetts
While it may not ensure
domestic tranquility or
secure the blessings of
liberty, this unique brew
promises to impress as it
harmoniously combines
lager yeast fermentation and West Coast
IPA hops. It has also taken home two
gold medals from RateBeer in the “Bock,
Strong Lager” category, and a bronze in
the “India Pale Ale” category from the
Great American Beer Festival.
BRAZEL’S RV PERFORMANCE, CIRCLE 104 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Wisconsin Amber, Capital Brewery,

Middleton, Wisconsin
Not to be confused with the US Capitol,
the popular Capital beer has become
synonymous with all things Wisconsin.
The rich, amber lager is the perfect
balance of roasted caramel malts and
clean hop flavors, making it a staple for
any beer cooler. Known as “Middleton’s
Backyard,” the Capital Brewery Bier Garten
is open April through October.

This is the last roof your Summer Ale, Samuel Adams, Boston,
Massachusetts
RV will ever need! Named for one of the Sons of Liberty,
we couldn’t leave off Samuel Adams’s
popular summer classic. The American
Want to see what the fuss is about? wheat ale has a citrus blend of orange,
Contact us today for your lime, and lemon peels, and subtle grains
of paradise spice.

FREE Stonington Glory, Cottrell Brewing Co.,

SAMPLE! Pawcatuck, Connecticut

This Czech-style pilsner celebrates the
town’s victory against the British in the
With Caulk = Leaks No Caulk = No Leaks
Unmatched thickness! 1814 Battle of Stonington, when we
turned away a British fleet’s 160 guns
with a mere three cannons. Enjoy with
chicken, salads, salmon, or bratwurst.
Victory never tasted so good.
3x THICKER than the Custom Colors and Roof lines
RVROOF.COM, CIRCLE 108 ON READER SERVICE CARD

competition Rise, Revolution Brewing, Chicago, Illinois

This 2012 World Beer Cup gold medal
187 mils winner utilizes pale ale malt as the base.
60 mils This hoppy American stout is rich and
complex with notes of dark roasted coffee
and baker’s chocolate. One of the hops
The ORIGINAL Sprayed on RV Roof used is Warrior. Coincidence? Probably.
Rise to the Fourth of July occasion and pair
Since 2005 • (904) 830-5445 • TheRVRoof.com it with pork tenderloin and cheesecake.

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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Coverage features subject to policy terms, and may not
be available in all states or for all vehicles. Deductible applies. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Translation: Your RV has a brand-new skylight

thanks to an age-old tree branch.

But no matter the diagnosis, we’re here to help

with Comprehensive and Collision coverage.
Get protection you can really see with Progressive.

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PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, CIRCLE 121 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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FOODIE

SUMMER EATS

Pack the
Perfect
Picnic
Here’s what you should
bring along for a blissful
meal out in the sun.
BY BRENNEN CHARLES

A
brown wicker basket. A red-and-white
gingham blanket. Juicy slices of watermelon.
With just those few, simple items, the “pic-
ture-perfect picnic” has likely popped up in your cookies are a perfect picnic (ants and bees) from diving
head—one seen in cartoons and film, in paintings treat because they’re easy to in. Everyone in your party can
and on the pages of children’s books. As the weather pack and store and can be eaten choose to bring along their own
gets warmer and the days stretch longer, the urge with your hands. Also, consider reusable water bottles for even
to venture outside the RV for a lazy afternoon picnic skipping condiment containers more of a cut-down on weight
gets even stronger. But, preparing for a picnic is, well, for individual packages (like in space in the picnic basket. If
no picnic; you’ll need some things to ensure your the kind you get from fast-food you’d like a little wine with your
experience isn’t a bust. restaurants). You’ll cut down on meal, canned wine is a great
weight and space in your basket. option to save space.
Food for Thought
Because you’ll be outside in warm weather, consider Refreshments, Anyone? Don’t Mess Around
packing food that is both easy to eat and best at room Between the sandwiches and As you’ll likely be outside where
temperature or slightly chilled. Think sandwiches and snacks, you’ll need something faucets and sinks aren’t in
salads, chips and pretzels, cheeses, and cured meats. to wash all that down. Again, abundance, you’ll want to skip
Veggies and fruit are great options. Make sure to treat lighter is better, so consider any sort of food item that is prone
yourself, and your fellow picnic-goers with a dessert; packaged beverages as opposed to being messy. But, because a
to packing drinking glasses and little mess is always inevitable
the beverage in a container. with food, pack along some
PHOTOS: JAYSI, BOONCHUAY1970 - GETTY IMAGES

You’ll also want to bring drinks wet wipes. They’re lightweight,

that come in containers with lids convenient, and don’t require you
to prevent unwanted friends to trek back into the RV every five
minutes for cleanup. Along with
There are many picnic kits available that include wet wipes, pack paper towels
flatware, napkins, cups, and the like so you can and a couple of trash bags. This
concentrate on perfecting the menu rather than will make cleanup, much like the
sweating the small stuff. weather, a breeze.

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Get in Gear
Naturally, you’ll need
something to pack
everything in. But, the
iconic brown wicker basket
isn’t necessary. You can A juicy slice of watermelon
upgrade to a modern, is a great way to beat the
insulated (and collapsible) heat on a hot summer day.
picnic basket like the ones
available from ALLCAMP (all-camp.com).
Additional options are also available
at campingworld.com. And you’ll want
a large blanket to stretch out on while
you enjoy your alfresco meal in the sun
or shade. Along with these two musts,
consider getting blanket weights (the
wind can sometimes be an issue) as well
as utensils, plates, and a bottle opener/
corkscrew. And, if you’re opting for the
traditional basket, definitely consider
throwing in an ice pack or two, because
a few cold drinks aren’t enough to keep
your world-famous potato salad chilled.
OLUTION
A New Generation of
LE STEP S
STAB
PHOTOS: JAYSI, BOONCHUAY1970 - GETTY IMAGES
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Make a Game Plan
A picnic, in and of itself,
is a fun activity, but you
should still bring some
activities to do, especially
if you’re picnicking with
kids. Packing something
as light and simple as a
deck of cards can bring
about hours of entertainment and fun.
You can also pack some bubbles, a
perfect outdoor activity for kids, or even
larger items like Hula-Hoops and jump
ropes. They’ll keep your kids entertained
post-meal as you continue to enjoy the
sunshine and clear skies.
M4 RESALE, CIRCLE 115 ON READER SERVICE CARD
By following these guidelines, and adding
your own personal spin, you can rest
assured that you’ll pack the perfect
picnic. The only other thing you need is
the perfect group to picnic with ... but
that’s up to you.
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with our innovative StepAbove
step system to give you
bounce-free, wobble-free stability.
• Safe, secure entry to
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F E A T U R E S
• Quick release leg adjustment
• Wide top step
• Gradual step slope for easier usage
• Easy removal in tight spaces
• Lightweight
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INDUSTRY-LEADING 500lb
PATENT PENDING
WEIGHT CAPACITY
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
MORryde.com | 574-293-1581
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TRAVEL | GOOD SAM PARKS

Great
ULTIMATE
RV PARK

Escapes
GUIDE

BY D O N YA C A R L S O N

PHOTOS: COURTESY RV PARKS; 4NADIA - GETTY IMAGES

SUMMER’S HERE
AND IT’S TIME TO o many places, so little time.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine and to
HIT THE CAMP- let another day or week go by without getting your
GROUNDS TO RV out and settling in at a lovely campground or
RV park and enjoying the finer things in life. Here’s a smidgen
ENJOY FAMILY AND of the more than 2,100 Good Sam parks across the US and
“ME” TIME! WHAT Canada that have gotten the Good Sam seal of approval, and
a little bit about the surrounding attractions to help you plan
BETTER WAY TO your vacation. To find one of these featured Good Sam parks
RECHARGE THAN TO and other RV parks and campgrounds, visit goodsam.com and
go to “Find a campground.” From there you can search by state,
VISIT ONE OF THE city, and name of campground among the parks listed, with
30 PARKS the Good Sam parks offering discounts to members. Many of
these RV parks are rated by Good Sam representatives who
HIGHLIGHTED HERE? visit the parks in person and evaluate them according to Facility,
PLUS WE’VE TOSSED Restrooms, and Appeal, with 10/10*/10 being the coveted
highest rating. The sun is shining, your RV is calling, and it’s time
IN A FEW POPULAR to get out there and enjoy the fresh air in style!

WEST
AREA ATTRACTIONS
TO PIQUE YOUR
INTEREST.
PA L M D E S E R T, C A L I F O R N I A

Emerald Desert RV Resort

Looking for sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine? You’ll find it at Emerald Desert’s 33-acre luxury RV resort with its 255 full-hookup
sites, family and adult pools and hot tubs, tennis and pickleball courts, Bocce, cornhole, giant Connect Four, pool tables, gym, and
putting green. Did we mention that this desert jewel even offers on-site RV cleaning? A short distance from the resort you can catch the
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, claimed to be the world’s largest rotating tramcar, for breathtaking views at more than 8,500 feet.

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MORGAN HILL, CALIFORNIA

Coyote Valley RV Resort
Set in the magnificent rolling hills of the Silicon Valley, Coyote
Fun + Sun
Valley RV Resort has a saltwater pool and spa, fitness center, dog
park, clubhouse and entertainment center with a full kitchen, and
horseshoe pits. Wi-Fi and satellite TV are included. Right behind
the resort is Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve with multiuse
trails for every hiking level, mountain bikers, and equestrians. A
dozen miles from the RV park is Gilroy, nicknamed the “Garlic Capi- NONSTOP
tal of the World” and known for its annual Garlic Festival in July. ADVENTURE
Located just a 10-minute
RICHLAND, WASHINGTON drive from Horn Rapids
Horn Rapids RV Park RV Resort, the Columbia
A few miles from open-year-round Horn Rapids, the Columbia and and Yakima rivers beckon
to water lovers to join in
Yakima rivers meet. The resort offers boat parking, some right at
on any water sport under
the 225 full-hookup sites, and pull-through sites that accommo-
the sun. If you prefer to
date the largest RVs. Dessert socials, potlucks, and weekly craft stay on dry land, head
days are planned for a wonderful way to get to know your neigh- to nearby scenic Badger
bors. Throughout the resort are game areas for shuffleboard, Mountain Centennial
volleyball, and horseshoes; playgrounds; and a pool and jacuzzi. Preserve for hiking,
The fenced pet run has a self-serve dog-wash station. biking, and bird-watch-
ing. Boasting 300 days
PHOTOS: COURTESY RV PARKS; 4NADIA - GETTY IMAGES

TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA of sunshine a year, the

Pechanga RV Resort & Casino area is home to open-air
The fun never stops at Pechanga, where 200-plus large RV markets, dozens of
wineries and distilleries,
sites are set in a beautifully landscaped resort with rolling hills
and the annual Tri-City
as a backdrop. Buddy sites with shared gazebos are available,
Water Follies with hy-
and a shuttle runs 24/7 to the adjacent casino with 200,000 droplanes that zip across
square feet of gaming space. Book a round of golf or slip on the water at 200 mph.
your bathing suit and head to The Cove, Pechanga’s 4.5-acre visittri-cities.com
pool oasis. The area is home to dozens of wineries—some with
sunrise hot-air balloon rides—and trails for hiking and biking.
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GREAT ESCAPES

SOUTHWEST BRYAN, TEXAS

Hidden Creek
TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA

RV Resort
With premium pull-through sites
for big-boy RVs, resort-style
pools, curbside propane and trash
service, and a gated community,
RVers will be living in luxury at
Hidden Creek. The resort is a
15-minute drive from many at-
tractions, including Texas A&M
University. Football fans can opt
for a season pass (September–
November) for a discounted price.
“We hope you’ll come check us out. Who
knows? Once you get here, you may never
want to leave!” - Janice and Rick Van Ryn, Tombstone RV Park owners
Tombstone
RV Park
Family-friendly Tombstone RV
Park, with its sparkling pool,
laundry facilities, and two dog
runs, is just 1 mile from the
blast-from-the-past National
Historic District. Most RV sites
are pull-through and include
a picnic table and fire ring. If
you need a grill, one will be
delivered right to your site. The
RV park has four corrals for
equestrians bringing their large
four-legged friends. There are
trails out the RV park’s back
gate for riding horses, bicycles,
and motorized off-road
vehicles. You can even walk to
check out some petroglyphs.

PHOTOS: TOMBSTONE: JON DONAHUE; TEXAS PARKS: SALLY HARMON; COURTESY RV PARKS

Western Flair
Step back in time to the Old West where
silver was discovered in 1877 and Wyatt
TOMBSTONE: Earp and Doc Holliday once roamed the
THE TOWN streets. Today, this National Historic
Landmark District enthralls the whole
TOO TOUGH family with museums, paranormal and sil-
TO DIE ver-mine tours, reenactments, and history
tours via walking, stagecoach, or trolley.
While wandering the streets, indulge in
a treat from “U Scream 4 Ice Cream” or
“Fallen Angel Sweet Sin Parlor.” Because
Tombstone has had inhabitants throughout
its history, it has been called “The town too
tough to die.” tombstoneweb.com

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ARDMORE, OKLAHOMA
By the Lake RV Resort
How does an RV park surrounded by ranch
land with a nature trail running around the
perimeter, all 70-foot-long pull-through
sites, and indoor and outdoor games to
keep you occupied from sunup to sundown
sound? By the Lake is set on 80 acres with
its own stocked catch-and-release pond
where you can net a 4-pound fish, and has
all kinds of sports equipment for guests,
from basketballs to Hula-Hoops. Close to
the resort, Lake Murray State Park has
miles of diverse trails and historic sites.
PHOTOS: TOMBSTONE: JON DONAHUE; TEXAS PARKS: SALLY HARMON; COURTESY RV PARKS
CONCAN, TEXAS
Parkview Riverside RV Park
Smack dab in the middle of Texas Hill
Country, scenic Parkview Riverside RV Park
has sunny and shaded campsites along the
Frio River. There’s “always something going
on” in the area, from country jam sessions
on the courthouse lawn to local fairs and
festivals. A championship golf course is 5
minutes from the RV park, or stay on-site
and kick back at your site with plenty of
space between fellow RVers, or gather
your neighbors and family together for a
barbecue at the outdoor pavilion.
LARGE PULL-THROUGH SITES
MISSION, TEXAS
Seven Oaks Resort
If you’re on a mission to relax, sit under
blue skies, lounge by a sparkling heated
pool, and watch palm trees sway, Seven
Oaks is just the place to be. Surrounded
by immaculate grounds, you can join in
DEMING, NEW MEXICO
on potlucks and ice cream socials, dance
LITTLE VINEYARD
lessons, bingo, golf, shuffleboard, and card
RV RESORT
games. Open year-round, the resort has Convenience and fun are the
30-by-60-foot big-rig RV sites. Mission, name of the game at Little
dubbed “the butterfly capital of the USA,” Vineyard, with its all pull-
celebrates Community Day at the Texas through sites long enough that
even the largest RV-and-dinghy
Butterfly Festival on October 30 this year.
combo doesn’t have to be dis-
connected, indoor heated pool
(90ºF in the winter!), zip line,
new playground, and communal
firepits with Adirondack chairs.
Little Vineyard is celebrating 35
years as a Good Sam Park by
offering two free nights when
you pay for five in 2021. Nearby
are three state parks, including
Rockhound, with opportunities
for mountain biking, hiking,
birding, stargazing, and—you
guessed it—rock collecting.
TERRELL, TEXAS
BLUEBONNET RIDGE
RV PARK
& COTTAGES
Thirty-five miles east of Dallas,
KERRVILLE, TEXAS Bluebonnet Ridge’s relaxed
country setting encompasses
Take-it-Easy RV Resort 64 acres with 90-foot-long
This 55-and-better RV resort is open pull-through sites. The full-
year-round and—as the name implies—is hookup sites are a minimum
laid-back. Pull-through and back-in sites of 33 feet wide, each with a
include full hookups, but bring your own picnic table and a shade tree.
Onsite are a 5.5-acre catch-
table and chairs for lounging. The pet-
and-release fishing pond, play
friendly park has an indoor heated pool and area, basketball, adult fitness
hot tub, billiard room with two pool tables, room, tennis and pickleball
shuffleboard, and behind the resort is Kerr- court, horseshoe pits, and pet
ville-Schreiner Park, where you can beat the area. To chill out, take a dip in
heat in the summer months by cooling off the resort’s family swimming
pool or do the 20-minute drive
in the Guadalupe River. And you’re minutes to Canton to Splash Kingdom
from shopping, museums, and art galleries. Waterpark to up the fun.
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GREAT ESCAPES

MIDWEST REMINGTON, INDIANA

Caboose Lake Campground

If you and your kiddos like
splashing around, head to
Caboose Lake Campground’s
“Summer Beach Family Fun
Zone,” with its water trampo-
line, jungle gym, swim platform,
bumper boats, and dunk tank.
Big-rig-friendly and open year-
round, the RV park is located in
a small agricultural community
halfway between Chicago and
Indianapolis (90 miles) and
about 65 miles from Indiana
Dunes National Park that hugs
the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
Choose a grassy site from 115
designated areas for fishing and
swimming, pet-friendly Caboose
Lake offers planned activities
for all ages and all the amenities
you need. Carpenter Creek Cel-
lars, the county’s original winery
that’s housed in a beautifully
restored horse-barn-turned-
winery, is less than 10 miles
from the RV park. The dog-
friendly winery is open daily for
tastings of its Hoosier wines,
and hosts monthly outdoor
music during the summer.
“My dad and I built this RV park from the

PHOTOS: @JORGEGARZONG
with full hookups or rent out the
Little Caboose that sleeps three
or an Amish-built cabin. Situat-
ground up 22 years ago. We now see the next
ed on 38 acres with a 20-acre generation of families camping with us.”
spring-fed stocked lake with - Christiane Palladino, Caboose Lake Campground owner and director

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FROM RUSTIC TO CENTER STAGE

DELAWARE, OHIO
Cross Creek
Camping Resort
Scoring a perfect
10/10*/10 rating,
Cross Creek is 20
minutes north of
Columbus, where
visitors can enjoy miles
of multiuse trails and
a world-class zoo housing more than 900 animals.
A 3,000-acre lake with a marina and beach is across
the street from the family-oriented camping resort.
Open year-round, Cross Creek has planned activities
and themed weekends from May–October (like the
H I L L C I T Y, S O U T H D A K O TA
“Star Wars”-themed “May the Fourth be With You!”)
with food trucks. Each Fourth of July the party starts Rafter J Bar Ranch Camping Resort
with a 50-foot banana split that’s served up to park Surrounded by woods and located in the center of the Black
guests. Located in the center of the resort is a pool
Hills, Rafter J is a true get-away-from-it-all camping resort
with a full-time lifeguard; pavilion for crafts; and
volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts. that offers everything you need for convenience. Sectioned
into five camping areas with a mix of shaded and open sites,
the rustic resort has three bathhouses with laundromats; a
ranch store stocked with souvenirs, groceries, and camping
supplies; and an activity center with a pool. Mickelson Trail,
“where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane
TOPEKA, KANSAS still roam,” runs right by the resort where you can catch one
Deer Creek of the 15 trailheads. Along the trail you’ll find more than 100
Valley RV Park converted railroad bridges and hard-rock tunnels from its
PHOTOS: @JORGEGARZONG

Surrounded by trees heyday as the Burlington Northern line.

and landscaped
with bright flowers,
top-rated Deer Creek
Valley RV Park is

Tour de Force
located within a
fenced property with
a security gate and is centrally located to shopping
and restaurants. Walk to Lonnie Q’s BBQ, the
number-one-rated restaurant in Topeka, for large EVEL
portions of down-home finger-licking fare. Less
than 2 miles from the resort with a swimming pool, KNIEVEL
laundry facilities, pet play area, and its concrete RV
pads separated by grass, is Lake Shawnee, offering
MUSEUM
AN INCREDIBLE
fishing and boating, and an 8-mile bicycling and
COLLECTION
walking trail. OF ARTIFACTS
FROM THE MOST
LEGENDARY
DAREDEVIL OF
ALL TIME.

AMANA, IOWA
Amana RV Park
& Event Center Daredevils—and wannabe daredevils—can up the thrills
Located in the “Heart at the Evel Knievel Museum within Topeka’s Historic
of History,” Amana RV Harley-Davidson Dealership. The legendary stuntman,
PHOTOS: COURTESY EVEL KNIEVEL MUSEUM AND RV PARKS

Park sits on 26,000 who performed numerous death-defying feats that

acres of the original included jumping 14 Greyhound buses on a Harley
communal land from XR-750, lives on in the collection of his “Big Red” 1974
1855. From the RV Mack truck and trailer, motorcycles, battered-and-beaten
park you can catch
the 17-mile wooded trail for walking or bicycling
star-spangled helmets, and other paraphernalia. For
through the historic Amana colonies. The RV park, some heart-pumping fun, take “The Jump” virtual-
with 450 sites, is known for hosting rallies and reality experience to soar over 16 cars on a motorcycle.
festivals and has buildings to hold from 12–1,200 evelknievelmuseum.com
guests. The park’s annual July Firecracker 4th
Antique Show culminates with a fireworks display
over the large lily pond.

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GREAT ESCAPES
SOUTHEAST
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
Candy Hill Campground
Open year-round, family-run Candy Hill
has shaded and non-shaded sites that can
accommodate the largest rigs. There’s a
pool, mini-mart with RV supplies, mini-
golf, dog park, big and small playgrounds,
and a rental trolley that can accommodate
20 people. For some real treats, check
out nearby Shenandoah Fine Chocolates’
snickerdoodle cake and Sweettooth
Bakery with its cases of treats.
HENDERSON, LOUISIANA
Cajun Palms RV Resort
With the motto “We will show you a good
time!” and boasting all 10s from Good
Sam’s rating, plus 400 deluxe RV sites with
digital cable, Cajun Palms has fun written
all over it. Events are planned every
Saturday during the summer months, from
luaus to Mardi Gras to evenings dancing
to a DJ. There are four pools—one is an
over-21 pool with swim-up bar, while
another one sports a waterslide. Game on!
MARATHON, FLORIDA
Jolly Roger RV Resort
Eleven-acre Jolly Roger, located in the Florida Keys,
has spacious, grassy, and shaded sites with 50-amp
electric. All sites are within a five-minute walk to
snorkeling, swimming, and basking in the sun on
the white-sand beach. Boat docks and boat harbor
sites are available for rental, and free HD cable TV
and Wi-Fi are included. Next door is the Dolphin
Research Center where you can swim with dolphins!
26 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA
Road Runner Travel
Resort
If outdoor activities are on your
agenda, Road Runner Resort,
about 10 miles from the Atlantic,
is just the place to set up camp.
The resort has a heated swimming
pool; tennis, pickleball, basketball,
shuffleboard, and pétanque courts;
a three-hole golf course; and
planned events during the winter
season. A catch-and-release pond
with an island is set in the center
of the resort. Fort Pierce does a
waterfront farmers market every
Saturday, and is home to the
National Navy SEAL Museum.
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA
River’s End Campground
Half a mile from Tybee Island’s
white-sand beaches and shimmering
blue ocean, River’s End is an RV
resort for all seasons. The charming
Southern “Green Commitment” park
has full-hookup sites that include
standard cable. The pool is open
during the summer, and next door
are two dog parks. A 15-mile drive
will get you to historic Savannah,
where you can explore Victorian
architecture, book a ghost tour, hop
aboard a riverboat, or sink your teeth
into delicious fried chicken.
LABELLE, FLORIDA
Whisper Creek RV
Resort
A mile north of the friendly historic
town of LaBelle—once a center
for cattle raising and popular with
Florida cowboys—is serene Whisper
Creek RV Resort. Centrally located
in south Florida, the well-lit, upscale
RV community has 68 super sites,
each with a minimum of 50-by-
60-foot-wide lots with 50-amp
service and internet. The RV park
has an indoor pool, fitness center,
horseshoe pits, game room, and
laundry facilities. Check out the
LaBelle Nature Park nestled along
the Caloosahatchee River.
Spo
MIRAMAR BEACH, FLORIDA
Camp Gulf
Step out of your RV and onto white
sand at Camp Gulf in Florida’s
Panhandle, a.k.a. the Emerald Coast.
Make a splash in the ocean where
water temperatures peak into the
80s in July, or take a dip in one of the
resort’s two solar-heated pools, one
with a Super Water Slide. Or Roast
marshmallows over a bonfire on the
PHOTOS: COURTESY RV PARKS
beach. With basketball and shuffle-
board courts, carpetball, scheduled
activities and events, you’re sure to
keep busy at Camp Gulf, or simply kick
back on the beach for some R & R.
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NORTHEAST

WOODBINE, MARYLAND

Ramblin’ Pines Family Campground & RV Park

“Ramblin’ Pines”—the name says it all, although the family-oriented RV park has
tons of other trees as well. Pick from full-hookup sites that are heavily wooded for
shade or request one with full sun. This RV park caters to all ages and keeps guests
busy on weekends with craft activities, karaoke and bingo, Christmas in July, and
PG-13-rated “drive-in” movie nights with popcorn. Enjoy hay rides on Saturdays
(weather permitting) and free mini-golf. Ramblin’ Pines’ annual Father’s Day celebra-
tion includes a fishing tournament where kids can win fishing rods and tackle boxes.

Spooky Fun BELLINGHAM,

MASSACHUSETTS

Circle CG Farm
Campground
Tucked away in a beautifully
wooded area with adjacent
open fields about an hour
from Boston and Cape Cod,
family-run Circle CG offers a little piece of the Old West.
The country-western-themed farm has a petting zoo
to get up close to four-legged friends; shuffleboard,
basketball, and tennis courts; mini-golf; horseshoes; a
PHOTOS: COURTESY RV PARKS

IT’S ALIVE!
For classic old-school
heart-pounding fun, the
House of Frankenstein
Wax Museum in Lake
George, New York, brings
to life some of the most
famous horror stories.
From the moment you
climb the haunted stairs
in the two-story house
you’ll get one chill after
another as dozens of
scenes with moving and
play area; and pools. Most of the 150 sites have a picnic
table and fire ring. For another slice of history, head to
Old Sturbridge Village, about 45 miles west of Circle CG,
New England’s largest outdoor living-history museum.
LAKE GEORGE,
NEW YORK
King Phillips
Campground
Located in Adirondack
State Park, King Phillips
Campground accommodates
all outdoor enthusiasts, from
those with tents to those with the largest rigs. The
PARK IT 360, CIRCLE 119 ON READER SERVICE CARD

talking monsters appear
in the dim lighting.
Visitors are left on edge
with who-knows-what
around the next turn.
Youths under 18 must be
accompanied by an adult.
frankenstein
waxmuseum.com
family-run resort has an arcade with a billiard table,
badminton, ping-pong, horseshoe pits, and a pool. From
the property you can catch the trolley into Lake George
Village for shopping, or the Great Escape amusement
park with more than 100 rides and shows. Or if you
prefer to hit the “downtown” on two wheels or on foot,
take the bike path right from the campground.

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GREAT ESCAPES

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

Cherry Hill Park

Open all year and the closest campground
to Washington, D.C., family-owned Cherry
Hill Park is celebrating its 100th anniver-
HENSLEY MANUFACTURING INC., CIRCLE 109 ON READER SERVICE CAR

sary this year. The park has two huge life-

guard-monitored solar-warmed pools, one
with a beach walk-in; tractor rides; summer
movie nights; 18-hole miniature golf; three
playgrounds; gem mining; a campground
shuttle; and 40-plus miles of off-road trails
right from the park’s entrance.

CANADA
These top-rated RV parks offer a home-away-
from-home experience in a beautiful setting,
activities for the entire family, and are close to
major attractions.

B U R N A B Y, B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A
BURNABY CARIBOO RV PARK
AND CAMPGROUND
Surrounded by 400-acre Burnaby Lake
Regional Park with level walking trails
through forest, this beautiful RV park has a
fitness room, heated indoor pool, hot tub,
arcade, and playground with basketball and
horseshoe pits. Relax on Burnaby Cariboo’s
central sundeck or on the patio at your full-
hookup site with privacy hedge. If you don’t
want to drive into nearby Vancouver, catch
the bus right from the resort’s access road
and then transfer to the Skytrain.

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO

MAGNE SHADE, CIRCLE 116 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CAMPARK RESORTS FAMILY

CAMPING & RV RESORT
Open May 1–October 31 this year,
Campark has everything you need and
activities galore. From an outdoor cinema,
to daily hayrides, to a huge bouncy
pillow, to a heated pool and splash zone,
to karaoke and dances every Saturday
night, you can fill your day with fun and
recreation. The on-site shuttle will take
you the 3 miles to Niagara Falls.

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REWARDS
FOR ROAMING
M A K E MONEY RV ING FOR G O OD SA M .
BY J O H N S U L L AWAY
4 Carey and Julia Bryant couldn’t ignore
the call of the highway.
Sure, the West Texas couple were
doing just fine staying in one place.
Carey sold membership-based group
buying programs; she was an executive
director of a chamber of commerce and
part-time actress in TV and movies.
But they couldn’t overcome their
desire to see “this beautiful country
that God created,” explains Julia. So the
couple loaded up their motorhome and
hit the road well before their retirement
ages. In short order, the pair found
work as Good Sam reps. The job entails
carrying out inspections and developing
market plans for parks promoted online,
on social media, and in the Good Sam
Campground & Coupon Guide.
For the Bryants, the job combines
their love of seeing the country with the
freedom that comes only from RVing.
“Having the opportunity to travel
“Having the opportunity to travel
PHOTOS: CAREY AND JULIA BRYANT
while working is the biggest perk
we can think of.”
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while working is the biggest perk we
can think of,” explains Julia. “Working
together and being together all day,
every day, is something we weren’t used
to previously with our jobs.”
Deep Roots on the Road
From the beginning, both Julia and Carey
seemed destined for life on the highway.
Carey worked his first job starting at age
13 at his family-owned RV Park, and the
family frequently traveled in their Travco
motorhome. Julia traveled across the
country with her military father, catching
the travel bug along the way.
Fast forward through their
meeting, marriage, and EXCITING
PLACES
successful careers, and the WHILE ON
couple began looking into the pos- THE JOB!
sibility of RV park ownership.
“Carey just so happened to come
across an RV park that was for sale and
thought that was the answer, so he
contacted Good Sam to see what it would
take to make it a member park and boost
visibility,” says Julia. “Long story short,
the Good Sam reps that Carey connected
with were old customers and friends
from 20 years prior!”
It didn’t take long to convince the
Bryants to ditch the ownership plan and
represent Good Sam on the Road. Within
the year, the couple began traversing
their sales territory of North Dakota,
South Dakota and Nebraska.
Using their sales background, the
rep team gives each park the best
possible chance to reach out to potential
customers through Good Sam’s presence
in print, online, and on social media.
Putting Skills Into Practice
Strong sales experience is a must for reps
who meet Good Sam customers.
A rep needs to have a high comfort
level of presenting our programs, getting
the RV park on board, and the knowledge
of entering the material into the
company’s online directory tool to fulfill
their order or update their information.
Big Payoffs, Amazing Adventure
While traveling, the Bryants find plenty of
time to indulge in fun and sightseeing.
“For the first time ever, we took the
time to go bike riding, learned how to
play disc golf, go grocery shopping and
cooking together,” says Julia. They also
enjoy being part of a greater team.
“It’s really fun to go into one of those
stores and know that we’re all part of one
big team,” says Julia. “I have friends
who are jealous that I got to meet
VISIT our CEO, Marcus Lemonis.”
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INSPIRATION | YELLOWSTONE
Yellowstone
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
From the best places
to view wildlife and
otherworldly wonders
to where to stay and
play, here’s a run-
down on the finest
that America’s first
national park offers.
BY LISA
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In 1872, Yellowstone
became the first national park in the
world, which, according to the United
States Congress, was “…dedicated
and set apart as a public park or plea-
suring-ground for the benefit and
enjoyment of the people.” It is a rare
person, indeed, who doesn’t have this
iconic park, located in the northwest
corner of Wyoming but overlapping into
Montana and Idaho, on their life-list of
American destinations. But how to best
enjoy a visit to this hydrothermal and
BALLARD geological marvel?
Yellowstone National Park is a
big place, encompassing just under
3,500 square miles. It’s also excep-
tionally diverse. Wildlife watching and
geothermal features are certainly
among its more famous draws. In
addition, the mountains, lakes, and
streams within the park are an outdoor
PHOTOS: LISA BALLARD; FYLETTO, BRITTANY LIMBERAKIS - GETTY IMAGES
playground for hikers, cross-country
skiers, anglers, and paddlers. There’s
much to experience in this impressive,
expansive preserve.
Planning a visit to Yellowstone is
best boiled down into two decisions:
What you most want to do and whether
you’re willing to walk a few steps off
the main park roads or not. To help you
narrow down the possibilities into an
ideal itinerary, here’s how locals cherry-
pick the park:
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ne
60,000 465 94
Gallons per second Average number of Number of wolves
that gush over active geysers that as of January 2020,
Lower Falls during erupt at least once 25 years after they
spring runoff. per year. were reintroduced.

If You Want To See
Wildlife
Bison: The Lamar Valley, often called
America’s Serengeti, used to be the
premiere place to see bison, but
PHOTOS: LISA BALLARD; FYLETTO, BRITTANY LIMBERAKIS - GETTY IMAGES
the edge of airier timber, and around
the sagebrush flats. You might spot a
mule deer, too.
Wolf Packs: There are at least 10
established wolf packs in Yellowstone,
mainly in the northern part of the park
yards away from any bears you spot.
Pronghorn: Able to reach running
speeds up to 55 mph, they love to
graze on the hillside on a small sliver
of the park near the Roosevelt Arch.
Instead of going through the North

nowadays, the Hayden Valley in Central
Yellowstone is the more likely plain
where herds of these huge animals
gather and graze.
Elk: One of the largest of the
deer-family species, they congregate
around Mammoth Hot Springs,
especially during the fall. That’s also
the time to look for elk elsewhere in the
park if you want to see majestic bulls
with their fully developed antlers. Scan
the smaller hillside “parks” (meadows),
and particularly in the Lamar Valley.
Winter is a good time to wolf-watch.
You may hear them first.
Grizzly Bear: For the best chance
of seeing a bear, especially a grizzly,
visit the park during the spring when
they emerge from hibernation. You
might spot a sow nursing her cubs in
the sunshine on a hillside, or a big boar
turning over rocks in search of grubs.
Once a bear gets on a food source, it
tends to stay there for several days.
Friendly rangers readily reveal these
spots. In general, bears are typically
found in the Lamar Valley, Swan Lake
Flats, and the Hayden Valley, though
they might be anywhere in the park.
Always carry pepper spray when you
leave your vehicle and stay at least 100
Entrance, turn onto Old Yellowstone
Trail, a minor road that parallels US
Route 89 on the opposite side of the
Gardner River.
Bighorn Sheep: These are often
grazing and bedding down beside the
footpath (dirt road, really), up Mount
Washburn on Dunraven Pass.
If You Want To See
Geological Wonders
Yellowstone National Park is atop a
massive super-volcano that provides
the heat and energy for its 10,000
geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and
other fascinating geothermal features.
An eruption about 630,000 years ago
created the massive caldera in which
most of the park is contained. Don’t

“Mammoth Hot Springs is one of

the few active travertine terraces
on the planet.”

SENSATIONAL SCENERY
From steaming geysers and
moonscape-looking wonders to
meadows and sweeping valleys
with grazing bison, Yellowstone
National Park should be on every
RVer’s bucket list.

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YELLOWSTONE
worry. The last time an eruption of
any size took place was approximately
70,000 years ago. Scientists don’t
anticipate another one for another
10,000 years. In the meantime, don’t
miss these geothermal hotspots:
Old Faithful Geyser: Half of the
world’s geysers, 500 total, are in
Yellowstone. Old Faithful is the most
famous, though it’s not exactly regular,
erupting every one-to-two hours. Inside
the education center by the geyser you
can find out when the next eruption is
predicted. While you’re waiting, follow
the boardwalks along numerous other
geothermal features. There are no
benches on this side of Old Faithful, but
the view is just as good and there’s a lot
less competition for the photo opp.
Steamboat Geyser: Located in
Norris Geyser Basin, Steamboat Geyser
is the tallest active geyser in the world,
sending a fountain of boiling water an
average of 300 feet into the air during
a major eruption. Unpredictable but
violent, it also spews mud and debris
skyward amidst a roar that will awaken
you at Norris Campground, a mile away.
Mammoth Hot Springs: One of
the few active travertine terraces
on the planet, the multiple levels of
white limestone “shelves” and the
glistening, steaming water are mes-
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merizing. After you get a good look,
continue upward along the boardwalks
for a superb view over the terraces
toward the original Fort Yellowstone
encampment, which is now the park’s
headquarters, and the surrounding
countryside.
Biscuit Basin: Visitors love to
photograph the Grand Prismatic Pool
due to its vibrant hues and large size,
but the brilliant blue Sapphire Pool at
Biscuit Basin is equally eye-catching.
The half-mile boardwalk around this
geothermal area is filled with other
colorful, bubbling features, including
several geysers, and it’s usually less
crowded.
If You Want To See
Waterfalls
Yellowstone’s waterfalls wow visitors
as much as its geysers. Of the park’s
45 or so named waterfalls, these two
are special:
Lower Falls: Artist’s Point, on the
southern rim of the Grand Canyon of
the Yellowstone, provides the best
view of the park’s most impressive
cascade, the 308-foot torrent known
as Lower Falls, which is the lower tier
of Yellowstone Falls. In 1883, Frank Jay
Haynes, a professional photographer
who documented much of the north-
TIPS FOR SEEING
THE MOST WILDLIFE
(AND STAYING SAFE
WHILE DOING IT)
Go at dawn or dusk: That’s
when animals are the most
active.
Bring binoculars or a spot-
ting scope: Many animals are
not close to the road.
Key on other people, espe-
cially photographers: If you
see a number of people with
big camera lenses, there’s
likely an interesting animal
close by.
Use the pullouts: If you block
traffic, a park ranger will
make you move along.
Keep your distance: Animals
in Yellowstone are wild. A
placidly grazing bull elk can
turn aggressive without
warning, and a 2,000-pound
bison can move surprisingly
fast, up to 35 miles per hour.
Be quiet: Trying to attract an
animal’s attention by yelling,
whistling, or in other ways
is stressful to the animal and
may cause it to move away or
turn on you.
western United States, falsely believed
Thomas Moran, one of the great 19th-
century American landscape artists,
painted Lower Falls from this spot, but
the name stuck.
Fairy Falls: It’s a flat 1.6-mile hike
to this 200-foot cascade, located in
Midway Geyser Basin. Add another
1.2 miles, and you can also see Spray
and Imperial geysers. The waterfall
suddenly appears in a clearing beyond a
jumble of downed timber. It resembles
delicate, white strands of fairy hair
tumbling off a tall rock cliff. Beware,
entertaining ground squirrels or cheeky
ravens will try to steal your lunch as
you marvel at the flowing water.
Lower Falls, part of the two-tier Yellowstone
Falls, gushes into the Grand Canyon of the
Yellowstone. This famous waterfall has been
painted and photographed since the 1800s.
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If You Want To
Be Active
While most people drive
around Yellowstone, if
you’re willing to step off the
road, you may see a lot more
wildlife and unique views
while getting some exercise.
Hiking: With more than
900 miles of trails, Yellow-
stone is a hiker’s park, but if
you can only pick one route,
consider Mount Washburn
(10,243 feet). Both routes—
from Dunraven Pass and
up Chittenden Road Trail—
climb 1,400 feet in three
miles. It’s one of the more
popular hikes in the park
with good reason. You’ll  cutthroat trout, hike 0.3 Paddling: Lewis Lake
Backcountry skiers climb
likely see bighorn sheep mile to Trout Lake. If you’re and Shoshone Lake are
out of Sylvan Pass hoping
mid-trail and endangered for first tracks. fit, trek down to Seven Mile good places to paddle a
pikas among the rocks near A couple enjoys the mist Hole in the Grand Canyon canoe, kayak, or SUP. Avoid
the summit. The observa- off Fairy Falls after the of the Yellowstone, where Yellowstone Lake unless
short hike to see it.
tory on top is an active fire you’ll find good fishing in a you’re an experienced
tower with an interpretive Bottom: Anglers try their dramatic setting. Note: A paddler, and it’s a calm day.
center. In July, the mountain luck at Seven Mile Hole on fishing license issued by the Yellowstone Lake is very
is a wildflower garden. the Yellowstone River. park is required, available at cold and deep. If you do
Inset: Yellowstone
Bring lots of layers, a hat all ranger stations, visitor put-in, go near West Thumb
cutthroat trout are in the
and gloves, as it can snow salmon family. centers, and general stores. and stay close to shore.
any month of the year.
Carry bear spray, as bears
frequent Mount Washburn,
especially during the fall GET IN FREE!
when they gorge on white “A fishing license
bark pine nuts here. issued by the park is All national parks, including
Fishing: Anglers tend required and available Yellowstone, waive the entrance
fee on these dates in 2021:
to stick to the park’s rivers, at all ranger stations August 4: One year anniver-
but if you want to catch big and general stores.” sary of the Great American
Outdoors Act
August 25: National Park
Service Birthday
September 25: National
Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day

Otherwise, the best deal is to

purchase an annual America
the Beautiful-The National
Parks and Federal Recreational
Lands Pass ($80; $20 for
seniors), either online or at
any park entrance, which gives
the driver and all passengers
in a vehicle entry into not only
Yellowstone National Park but
also 2,000 federal recreation
areas across the country,
including all national parks
and wildlife refuges.

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T O P T I P S | B E AT T H E H E AT

COOL IT
DOWN into the mountains because the higher
in elevation we go, the lower the tem-
peratures will be where we’re camping.

I
The Rocky Mountains in the western
CHECK OUT t’s SUMMERTIME! states and provinces, and the Appala-
THESE TOP It’s time to hit the open road chians, Green, and White Mountains in
with our cozy homes on wheels the eastern states offer endless possi-
T I P S T O B E AT and go have some fun in the sun. bilities for camping at a higher altitude.
T H E H E AT T H I S When the temperatures rise and the Best of all, the views and scenery are
mercury spikes, though, here’s how to sublime. Likewise, shoreline camping
SUMMER IN

PHOTOS: EMILY AND MARK FAGAN, JAYSI, JENIFOTO - GETTY IMAGES

Y O U R R V.
BY E M I LY FA G A N
beat the heat in your RV.
H E A D TO TH E M O U NTAINS !
If you don’t want to overheat in
midsummer, choose a destination that
is naturally cool. Our favorite is to head
by the ocean or a lake or finding a
campsite near a rushing stream offers
the pleasures of playing at the water’s
edge, taking a dip in the water, floating
about on a boat, and basking in a gentle
breeze with a sundowner at day’s end.

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A IR CON D I T I O N I NG W I T H be generating your own electricity either

E L ECT R ICA L H OO KU P S
No matter where you go, the RV may
become uncomfortably hot inside at
some point. Staying at an RV park or
campground with electric hookups so you
can run the air conditioner and choosing
a campsite that has afternoon shade will
make a big difference.
A IR CON D I T I O N I NG W I T H A
PORTABL E G E N E R ATO R
Our personal preference, though, is to
dry camp in nature. If you’re like us, you’ll
AIR CONDIT IONING
AND BOONDOCKING
PHOTOS: EMILY AND MARK FAGAN, JAYSI, JENIFOTO - GETTY IMAGES
from solar panels or a portable generator,
and when it comes time to turn on the
RV’s air conditioner, you may decide to rely
on a generator like we do.
A 3,000-watt generator could run our STAY
fifth-wheel’s 15,000-Btu air conditioner
easily, but our smaller (and more portable) COOL
Yamaha 2400i gas generator gets the job 1. INDOOR FUN
done if we give it some TLC. The initial In the heat of the day,
power surge from the air conditioner’s find somewhere air
compressor can be enough to overpower conditioned to spend
the afternoon. Souvenir
the generator, so we start by making sure shopping, grocery
the generator is fully warmed up. Then shopping, or going to
we turn the air conditioner to the “Fan” the movies are all great
setting. Once that is running well, we ways to get a break from
the heat.
slide the switch to “Cool.” Usually, after a
groan, the compressor starts, and the RV
begins to cool down as the air conditioner 2. WATER ACTIVITIES

Air conditioning requires a lot of begins to hum. The fastest way to cool
power, so if you are boondocking you off? Go jump in a lake—
will need to bring along a portable or in a river, a stream,
generator. The size of the generator S U N B L O CK FO R TH E RV WINDOWS or the ocean! Stay at an
you’ll need depends on the size of the Whether you run the air conditioner or RV park with a pool, or
air conditioner. A soft-starter (see not, you can dramatically cool the inside find a forest camp-
below) makes it easier to run your ground with shore-
of the RV by orienting the wall with the
RV’s air conditioner on a generator. side camping. Rent a
largest windows toward the north and/ paddleboard or kayak,
or the wall with the smallest and least or float downstream in
windows to the west. RV windows have an inner tube.
an R-value of only 1 (single pane) or
2 (double pane), so when those huge, 3. CATCH A FEW
beautiful windows are baking in the sun, WINKS
the whole interior of the RV bakes in the Who doesn’t love a
summer afternoon nap
sun right along with them. in a cool spot? Find two
The RV awning can help with this. trees, string up a ham-
We aim our awning down at a steep mock between them and
angle so it shades the entire wall of the rock yourself to sleep in
the shade. If the RV is
RV. This blocks the view when looking too hot, busy, or crowded
out the windows behind it but it reduces at night, get your Zzz’s
the inside temperature of the RV a lot. under the stars!

SOFT STARTERS

W
We run our RV’s air condi-
tioner so rarely that we are
content with coaxing it to
run our generator. Howev-
er, if you will be using the
air conditioner frequently,
there are two wonderful and
similar products that make
it possible to run a single air
conditioner on either a smaller
portable generator or on an
inverter connected to a large
RV battery bank (for a brief
period of time). You can even
run two air conditioners on
a 30-amp shorepower con-
nection. These products are
the EasyStart Soft Starter by
Micro-Air (microair.net) and
the SoftStart RV by Network
RV (softstartrv.com).
These soft-starting units
cost a few hundred dollars
and must be wired into the
RV’s electrical system. Once
installed, you “train” them
by turning the air conditioner
on a few times while the RV
is connected to shorepower.
Once they have “learned” the
power characteristics of your
RV’s air conditioner, you can
disconnect from shorepower
and operate the air condi-
tioner from battery power
or a generator. These units
will reduce the compressor’s
startup current by 50% or
more when the air condition-
er springs to life, allowing
it to get up and running in a
gentle manner and then start
purring once it reaches a
steady state.

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BEAT THE HEAT

RV windows let

in a lot of heat.
Block the heat
with pieces of
bubble foil cut to
fit each window.
Slide each piece in
between the shade
and the glass.

Along the same lines, when you are WAT C H A M ATINEE M OVIE O R GO
choosing which way to orient the S H OPPING
RV, consider how the shade from the If we aren’t in a place where we can
awning will travel across the wall of enjoy the beach or sit outside in the
the RV as the sun moves throughout shade of a big tree taking in mountain
the day (facing toward the sun, it views, we look for an afternoon activity
always moves from left to right unless that will put us in a cool, air-condi-

you’re reading this in a location south tioned space. Some of our most fun If the sun is blasting in the windows
of the equator). Installing window times have been visiting ice-skating on one side, lower the RV awning to
awnings helps, too. rinks in places like Wyoming and Idaho. a steep angle to shade the window as
well as the whole wall of the RV.
We also make liberal use of bubble Another option is to take in a matinee
foil in the windows. Reflectix brand at the local theater. Or, on a more
foil (reflectixinc.com) comes in a roll, mundane note, we’ll spend some time
and we used scissors to cut custom- shopping at the supermarket.
sized pieces for each window in the
BL OWIN ’ IN
RV. We have day/night shades that
FA N S THE WIND
Back in the RV, we use several different
raise and lower on strings, and after
kinds of fans to keep the air moving
closing the shades we slide the foil Keep the air moving in the RV
when we aren’t using the air condi-
behind the shade so it is wedged with fans. A residential ceiling
fan provides a continuous
tioner. We have big exhaust vent fans
between the glass and the shade breeze. Set up portable fans
installed in the ceilings above the living
fabric. It is astonishing how effective to blow directly on you, or to
area and bedroom, and we turn these
this method is for blocking out the blow on a wall to dissipate the
on high to blow the hot air out of the
heat, but it does make the RV quite heat blast. An RV roof vent ex-
haust fan helps blow the heat
RV. Dometic (FanTastic Vent; dometic
dark inside. On the other hand, who out of the rig.
.com) and MaxxAir (airxcel.com)
stays inside on a hot sunny day?
make excellent fans
“IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, with long blades that
HEAD SOMEWHERE COOL. HIT move a tremendous
THE MOUNTAINS OR THE BEACH amount of air, and
FOR SOME SUMMERTIME FUN!” models are available

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SOURCE ENGINEERING, CIRCLE 124 ON READER SERVICE CARD

at campingworld.com. Replacing Is your coach running hot?
a smaller, standard vent fan with
one of these big exhaust fans is a Let the experts at SEI diagnose and repair your coach the right way!
great upgrade that is an easy DIY Full hydraulic diagnosis and repair • OEM radiators in stock
project. The best way to use these 100% dedicated to RV chassis repair • Chronic RV overheating is our specialty
powerful exhaust fans is to close All aspects of chassis repair • Ask about our special winter drop-off rates
all the windows except the ones
Located in the heart of Willamette Valley wine country
on the shady side of the RV and
then turn the fans on high. This
We service chassis for Roadmaster, Freightliner, Spartan, Ford, Workhorse, Oshkosh, Prevost, Foretravel and Newell
draws in the cooler outdoor air and For more info – 458.201.9442 / sourcerv.com
exhausts the hotter indoor air to
the outdoors.
We also have a traditional
ceiling fan, and we keep that
running on low pretty much all
the time so the air keeps moving
in the RV. Unfortunately, there is
a trade-off between having high
ceilings in the RV slideouts versus
having a ceiling fan installed along
the centerline of the RV. It is not
possible to have both, as the high
ceiling slideouts can’t come in all
the way if there is a ceiling fan
in the way. However, if your RV
is equipped with a ceiling fan or
you have room to install one, they
provide a silent, gentle breeze
without making you feel like you’re
in a tornado.
We also use a small portable
fan a lot. We put it on high and
angle it slightly toward a wall to
dissipate the blast of air.

M A K E ICY
D R IN K S
Last, but not
least, we try to
get creative when
sweat begins
to form on our
foreheads. There’s
nothing like
blending up some ice-cold berry
and banana smoothies for the crew
at the campsite on a hot afternoon.
XANTREX, CIRCLE 128 ON READER SERVICE CARD

If we have a hankering to explore,

we love taking a stroll around a
new-to-us town while sipping
an ice-filled drink or licking an ice
cream cone or Popsicle.
Isn’t that one of summer’s
greatest delights?!

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I N S P I R AT I O N | W H Y W E R V

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO LOAD UP THE

RIG AND HIT THE ROAD TO ADVENTURE AND EXCITEMENT.

BY WADE THIEL

ILLUSTRATIONS: TARRAS79, MACROVECTOR/GETTY IMAGES

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IT MIGHT SEEM
OBVIOUS TO GET
OUTSIDE THIS
YEAR.
We’ve all been so
cooped up due to the
pandemic, and now
that the weather has Family Fun
turned nice in many First for me is family fun.
There’s something special about
areas of the country, a activities that the whole family can

Food just tastes better when it’s eaten
lot of people have the enjoy and RVing is definitely one of outside. Family mealtime provides the
itch to get outdoors them. From the moment you pull into perfect opportunity for meaningful con-
versation ... no smart devices necessary.
and go for a walk, a the campground to set up camp to
the last roasted marshmallow over
bicycle ride, or just the campfire, each RVing experience in most cases, you’re far safer
ILLUSTRATIONS: TARRAS79, MACROVECTOR/GETTY IMAGES

plain sit and enjoy the
sunshine. Still, you can
and should take this
further. That’s where
camping in an RV
comes in.
RV camping is one
of those activities that
comes with all sorts of
benefits, and it’s not
just about getting out
of the house. To prove
it, I wanted to take a
closer look at the top
reasons to get out
there and go RVing this
summer season.
is one that you can do with your
entire family, no matter the age of
your kids.
A Bonding Experience
Akin to the point about family fun,
RVing is one of those things that
works wonders to bring a family
together. When you’re home, it can
seem like everyone is off doing their
own thing, but at the campsite—
whether it’s setting up camp,
cooking a meal, or playing an outdoor
game—you’re likely to do things as
a unit, and that means you’ll grow
closer to one another with each and
every activity.
A Safe Trip
Outdoor activities can become
dangerous in some instances, but
on an RV camping trip and doing
outdoor activities than you would be
traipsing around busy city streets.
With COVID-19 still a concern for
many travelers, getting away from
crowds is a smart move, and there’s
no better way to do that than
camping in an RV. The more secluded
the better. Look for campgrounds
that won’t be wildly busy or consider
boondocking on some Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) land.
Nature’s Wonder and
Destressing
According to the Yale School of the
Environment, various studies have
shown that getting out in nature
is one of the best natural ways to
relieve stress. It can lower blood
pressure, reduce nervous system
arousal, and enhance your immune
system. It’s clear that getting out in

“There’s something special about nature is good for you, plus you’ll see
new plants and landscapes that you
activities that the whole family can enjoy, wouldn’t otherwise. In certain areas
of the country, these sights can be
and RVing is definitely one of them.” unforgettable experiences that stick
with you for decades or longer.

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WHY WE RV
I still remember seeing the Grand
Canyon for the first time as a kid, and
the image of Devils Tower in Wyoming
looming above me will never leave
my mind. The wonder of nature has
important effects on people of all
ages, and it’s a compelling justification
for taking the family out to see all that
nature offers.
Wildlife Viewing
Nature isn’t just about landscapes
and plants. RVing provides you with
ample opportunity to view all sorts
of wildlife. The number of animals
you come across while camping or
hiking might surprise you. At state
and national parks you’re bound
to see something unique, and
those sightings can be educational
moments for adults and kids alike.
Also, getting in touch with nature
and viewing wildlife helps remind
you that we’re all part of the same
ecosystem, and what we do on a
daily basis will impact the wildlife
around us.
Disconnecting
We all know that we spend too much
time on our phones and computers.
That can have an impact on your
“Going RVing is a fantastic way to
disconnect from your smart devices
and recenter yourself.”
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ability to focus and your level of
patience. Going RVing is a fantastic
way to disconnect from your smart
devices and recenter yourself.
In the past, I’ve made rules on
RV camping trips that once we get
to the campsite you can’t check your
phone, or if you can, it has to be
during a designated time. This might
seem silly, but it’s a great way to still
provide your family access to their
devices while ensuring they don’t
spend too much time on them.
Affordability
I’ll be frank about this: You can spend
a lot of money RV camping. Luxury
RVs, tons of gear, and some re-
sort-style campgrounds are pricey.
148,507
The record-breaking amount of RVs
shipped to dealerships in the first
quarter of 2021.
33%
Approximately one-third of all RV
owners use RVing/camping to bond
with family members.
22%
Nearly one-fourth of all RV owners
are between the ages of 18 and 34.
Data courtesy the RV Industry Association, rvia.org.
However, you certainly don’t have
to go that route. Camping in an RV
doesn’t have to be expensive. The
used market is full of affordable
options and RV insurance is usually
quite reasonable.
Also, many RV manufacturers
are coming out with smaller, less-
expensive options you can tow with
a regular family SUV. This opens
the door for affordable camping. As
for campgrounds, if you avoid the
resort-style options, you’ll find most
are much cheaper than the average
hotel room, and if you’re in an area
with BLM land, the campsite you set
up at could be free.
Learning Experience
Camping and RVing are full of
learning experiences. Not only will
you learn, but your family will, too.
There’s plenty to learn about RVs
and about camping in general—how
to make a fire, how to set up camp,
how to read a map, etc. There’s also
a lot to learn at the places in which
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you camp. Every state has a unique

history, and each of the parks or areas
you visit will have its own story. Also,
the animals, plants, and landscapes
change. Instead of reading all of
this in a book, you’re experiencing it
firsthand, and firsthand knowledge
always trumps what you’ll pick up
from a book or video.

Broaden Your Mind

New experiences open your mind
and allow you to live a much more
accepting life. Whenever you
travel, especially with your RV, you
encounter different types of people,
new situations, different cultures,
and more. As Mark Twain once said,

THE GAS ENGINE

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry,
and narrow-mindedness, and
many of our people need it sorely
on these accounts.” I’m not saying
that everybody is narrow-minded or
prejudiced, but I will say that traveling
has helped me realize some of my
preconceived notions about certain
GAME CHANGER
states or areas of the country. That
better understanding has helped me
become a more open and welcoming
person all around.
It’s opened my eyes and broadened
my mind even on quick or local trips
THE REVOLUTIONARY
that I never would have guessed would
have that kind of impact. RVing does LIQUIDSPRING®
this better than other forms of travel SMART SUSPENSION
because it lets you slow down and
JUST GOT SMARTER
really take things in. In essence, you’ll
learn more and broaden your mind
A Gas Coach equipped with
TOTAL
more while RVing than you would by COMFORT & CONTROL
flying somewhere. So, this year, don’t
a Four-Corner Solution from
LiquidSpring will rival the • Luxury Car Ride
just get outside, go RVing!
driving experience historically • Sports Car Handling
reserved for a diesel pusher. • Instantaneous Response

WHY DO
LIQUIDSPRING LLC, CIRCLE 114 ON READER SERVICE CARD

YOU RV?
What is your inspiration for
RVing? Whether it’s for family
time or outdoor adventure, or
anything in between, we’d love
Get smarter and learn more at: liquidspring.com
to hear from you.
info-rvmagazine@rv.com. or call us at: (765) 474-7816
©2021 LiquidSpring, LLC

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NEW RVS | BUNKHOUSES

RVS THAT
OFFER PLENTY
OF SLEEPING
SPACE!

B E S T
B U N K H O U S E S
Comfy mattresses, electronics, and easy snack access highlight
today’s much-evolved counterparts to the old western ranch staple.
Oh, and did we mention indoor plumbing? B Y K R I S T O P H E R B U N K E R

The term bunkhouse may stir romantic visions of convenience-forward RVs available, mainly because
the Old West. After a long day on the ranch, cowboys manufacturers know their target market: families.
would retire to the bunkhouse to relax, recharge, and When you’re designing a rig specifically for a multigen-
maybe even swap stories and tall tales. But in reality erational group, you have to balance between classic
the typical bunkhouse was often little more than a comforts and the cutting edge. That’s why we’ve
shanty stuffed to the gills with lumpy cots. And with selected the following RVs for this month’s roundup—
water access a scarcity, those cowboys would often the features are all adult- and kid-approved.
go weeks or months at a
time without bathing.
It’s a good thing that
RV bunkhouses share only Forest River GEORGE TOWN SERIES 7 36K 7
their name with those old
hovels of yesteryear. THE MOTORHOME has included most features as
In fact, today’s With a full rear bathroom suite, the standard on the 36K7, including
bunkhouses are among gas-powered GT7 has the feeling things like a Chrome Package,
the most technology- and of a diesel pusher. Georgetown exterior entertainment center,
full-body paint, farm sink,
solid-surface counters, and,
well you get the idea.

THE BUNKHOUSE
How do you solve the bathroom
backlog in the mornings? You add
a second full bathroom. The bunks
in the 36K7 are located just steps
from the amidships bathroom. Also
PHOTOS: COURTESY THE MANUFACTURERS

practically at arm’s reach from the

bunks is the 18-cubic-foot refrig-
erator. Need some extra wardrobe
space? The bunks easily convert to
an enclosed storage space when
not in use. Base MSRP: $204,075.
forestriverinc.com

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Winnebago V I S TA 3 1 B
THE MOTORHOME
Bunkhouses are primarily
family-oriented, something
that’s not lost on Winnebago.
The Vista 31B is loaded with
family-friendly features,
including an exterior en-
tertainment center, large
power awning, and Tailgate
Package that includes an
exterior kitchen and propane
quick-disconnect for a
barbecue grill. The interior
features Winnebago’s quality
cabinetry, solid-surface
countertops, a queen bed,
and a convertible dinette
and jackknife sofa. The Vista
is equipped with electronic
stability control, a 7-inch
touch screen media center in
the cab, a rearview camera
system, and an option for
side-view cameras.
THE BUNKHOUSE
Located in the streetside
full-wall slide, two 30-by-
73-inch bunk beds have their
own TV/DVD players, so
everybody can watch their
favorite movie. A privacy
curtain keeps things separate,
and there’s a drop-down
clothing rod so you can utilize
the area as a closet. You The Vista’s
can opt to add another bunk optional Powered
above the cockpit by selecting StudioLoft bed
expands bunk-
the Powered StudioLoft bed
house capabilities
with ladder. and adds a couple
Base MSRP: $156,786. of sleeping spaces.
winnebago.com

Renegade Fleetwood S O U T H W I N D 3 7 F
VA L E N C I A 3 8 B B

THE MOTORHOME THE MOTORHOME

This 37-foot Class A features two full
Built on the rugged
bathrooms and a wide-open floorplan
Freightliner S2RV thanks to the streetside full-wall slide,
chassis and featuring plus the king-bed slide in the main bed-
a tow rating of 12,000 room. Three TVs inside, as well as one
outside in the exterior entertainment
pounds, the Renegade
center, should please kids of all ages.
Valencia 38BB Built on Fleetwood’s exclusive Power-
combines brute force Platform foundation, the Southwind
with superb handling is powered by Ford’s 7.3-liter V-8 and
can sleep up to eight happy campers.
and upscale living. Inside, cabinets are all solid hardwood and counter-
A 100-watt solar package is standard
tops all solid-surface, the flooring is premium vinyl, the appliances are all (optional 265-watt), and a WiFi Ranger
high-quality, and the electronics all deliver. The king bed, water-filtration and cell booster are nice additions, as is
system, and LED lighting add a touch of class. Popular options include the 5.5 kW genset—with an option to go
even larger.
solar panels, a brake controller, and diamond-shield paint protection.

THE BUNKHOUSE
THE BUNKHOUSE
When the sun comes up, the 26-by-74-
Located across from the bathroom and kept private using solid-wood inch bunks convert into a wardrobe and
pocket doors, the 38BB’s bunks are an adult-sized 30-by-77 inches, so gaming area, offering a perfect view of the
no gymnastics are required for our, ahem, 24-inch LED TV with flip-down storage
PHOTOS: COURTESY THE MANUFACTURERS

located on the linen closet across the aisle.

older overnight guests. And, of course, the And, the full bathroom being just steps
massive 60-by-80-inch over-cab bunk area from the bunk area helps with late-night
is another “bunkhouse” sleeping arrange- bathroom breaks. Base MSRP: $227,289.
ment—one that can be outfitted to include fleetwoodrv.com
its own 19-inch LED TV and DVD player.
Base MSRP: $264,810.
renegaderv.com

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BUNKHOUSES

Open Range R O A M E R 3 5 4 M B H
THE TRAILER
Highland Ridge RV’s mid-profile
fiver offers several distinct areas
with plenty of dining, enter-
tainment, seating, and sleeping
options, the latter of which include
a queen bed with adjustable power
base and tinted automotive front
window in the main bedroom. The
100-inch-wide frame makes a
real difference on the inside, and
the flush-floor slides help take full
advantage of every square inch.
The amidships bath allows access
from the bedroom or the living
area(s), and the fully equipped
Residential appointments include an ad-
justable power queen bed and an open island
kitchen floorplan.
kitchen is highlighted by hardwood
cabinetry, a residential fridge, a
kitchen island, and solid-surface
countertops. If all that prep space
just isn’t enough, head outside to
the exterior kitchen. Also of note is
that the doors and storage areas
are keyed the same, which is a
huge convenience.
THE BUNKHOUSE
With its solid walls and door, the
bunkhouse area in the 354MBH
becomes a private retreat,
complete with its own entertain-
ment center and bathroom access.
That means the kiddos (or guests)
can watch their endless animated
flicks while the adults can enjoy
their own entertainment options
in an entirely different location.
The top bunk folds up to allow
for daytime access to the bottom
bunk—which is actually a convert-
ible dinette.
Base MSRP: $62,760.
highlandridgerv.com

Northwood N A S H 2 4 B
THE TRAILER
The rugged off-road chassis of Northwood’s trailers allow access
to more off-the-grid locations. The Nash 24B includes a 12-volt
power tongue jack, hardwood cabinets and drawer fronts, a
Furrion cooking suite, custom counters in the kitchen, and stain-
less-steel sinks all around. Opt for the OTG package, which ups
the propane and solar capacities, adds off-road tires and upgraded
suspension, and includes things like a 12-volt awning with LED
lights and a power-saver air conditioner.

THE BUNKHOUSE
The double-over-double beds are located at the rear of the trailer,
just across from the bathroom and right next to the refrigerator.
And, the lower bunk is hinged and can be flipped up, revealing a
storage area for larger items made
accessible by Northwood’s exclusive
StorMor door on the outside.
Base MSRP: $29,180.
northwoodmfg.com

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BUNKHOUSES

 BAUER
PRODUCTS
Prime Time CRUS A DER L I T E 3 3BH
 THE TRAILER
The Crusader Lite offers something
 for everyone—from the peninsula
 kitchen to the separate bathroom
 for the main bedroom to the large
dinette to the exterior kitchen.
Furrion appliances adorn the galley,
and hardwood cabinets, seamless
countertops, and residential vinyl/
carpeting provide the decor. The
Universal Docking Center makes

 setup and breakdown a breeze, while


 the Thermal Package Plus includes

 a heated and enclosed underbelly
and basement storage, plus heated
holding tanks and enclosed and
heated dump valves.

THE BUNKHOUSE it’s all the way at the other end of the
With a separate entry into the rear main bedroom, so the kids can play
 
 bunkhouse, kids get their own space, while mom and dad blissfully sleep
plus their own bathroom and storage the night away.
 cabinet. The bunkhouse “suite” can Base MSRP: $42,993.
 be closed off for extra privacy, and primetimerv.com

  

  
  Lance 2 1 8 5
 THE TRAILER
    It’s not often that
   a trailer weighing

  less than 5,000

 pounds can
 sleep as many as
 seven, let alone
  offer enough seating space come mealtime. Weighing just Weighing
  over 4,500 pounds and featuring a “Super Slide” dinette approximately
4,565 pounds, the
that can easily seat five, the Lance 2185 does both. The 2185 can likely
 standard queen bed can be replaced by a sofa bed for even be towed by the
  more seating versatility. LED lighting, Euro cabinetry, a truck or SUV that’s
fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, and plenty of storage already in your
driveway.
options all help up the livability factor, as do options for
lithium batteries
and solar power.
BAUER PRODUCTS, CIRCLE 103 ON READER SERVICE CARD

THE BUNKHOUSE
The three bunks measure an adult-
sized 29-by-75-inches. They run
the width of the rear of the trailer,
just steps away from the bathroom.
The bunks fold up and the area can
866-682-2837 be used as a “garage” during travel.
bauerproducts.com/bluetooth Base MSRP: $44,036.
lancecamper.com

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More time for

what matters

It’s all about time

Time to explore. Time to laugh.
Time to do nothing. Your time is precious.
Learn more at
You can trust Un-Duz-It™ professional solutions
CLPRO.COM/RV
to save time for the most important things in life!
UN-DUZ-IT, CIRCLE 112 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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rk s
PaProject
BACK IN THE GROOVE!
Many national parks As vaccines become more readily available and the highs
and lows of spring weather give way to summertime, now is the
have reopened, so make
perfect time to step away from your house and spend some time
a plan to get out and in the great outdoors. Here at Parks Project, we’re challenging
enjoy them. nature lovers everywhere to find their outdoors—whether near
or far, there’s no bad way to explore our public lands.
BY ABBEY ROBERTSON If you’re looking to kick off your summer in a national park,
here are a few that make a great destination for exploring,
relaxing, and giving yourself a well-deserved vacation.

Badlands National Joshua Tree Guadalupe

Park, South Dakota
If you’re looking for a sweet stay
at a cabin, here’s some great
news—Cedar Pass Lodge has
officially reopened! The lodge
manages the adjacent camp-
ground with 96 level sites, some
with electric hookups, and all with
shaded picnic tables, open until
October 25 for the 2021 season.
Spend a rough-and-tumble day
at this park that’s best known for
National Park,
California
Miss camping in the desert?
Joshua Tree National Park,
famous for its twisted, spiky
trees, massive boulders, and dark
skies for stargazing, canceled
many camping reservations last
year, but the park is now open for
your next adventure and sleeping
under the stars. There are five
campgrounds (no hookups) with-
Mountains National
Park, Texas
A place of natural beauty and
extremes in West Texas, this park
has the ruins of The Pinery (a
station along the old Butterfield
Overland Mail route), plus the
white sands of Salt Basin Dunes
to explore. Two campgrounds—
Dog Canyon and Pine Springs—
can accommodate RVs (size
restrictions and no hookups), and

PHOTO: KWIKTOR/GETTY IMAGES

the geologic deposits containing
one of the world’s richest fossil
beds. Its 244,000 acres are also
home to diverse wildlife. At press
time, all roads and trails in the
North Unit were open.
nps.gov/badl
in the park requiring reservations
September to May that range in
elevation from 3,000–4,400 feet.
Three other first-come, first-
serve campgrounds fill up fast so
make sure to plan in advance!
nps.gov/jotr
hiking trails are plentiful right
from the campsites. Birders can
catch glimpses of roadrunners
and calliope hummingbirds, as
well as the park’s other unique
feathered residents.
nps.gov/gumo

Check, Please!
When planning your trip to these parks (or any others you have
on your bucket list), be sure to visit the appropriate National Park
Service website for the park for the most up-to-date information
on visitation, programming, and travel tips.

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Adventure
IS CALLING

#TOWINGADVENTURE
B&W TRAILER HITCHES, CIRCLE 102 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Rigs + Gear
Cooking with Solar

M
by K R I S T O P H E R B U N K E R
INNOVATION
Most RVs are outfitted with a fully
equipped kitchen; it’s one of the con-
veniences that sets RVing apart from
camping. But taking food along with you
on a hike, while sightseeing, or even on a
bicycle ride usually means granola, fruit,
or cold cuts are on the menu. Those are
great, but sometimes you’d like a little
more. How about baked chicken breast, a
GOSUN GO flaky salmon fillet, or a juicy steak?
PRICE With the GoSun Go portable stove, you
$139.99 can have all that and more, without the
need for fire or fuel. That’s because the Go
MATERIALS uses the power of the sun to cook your food.
EVA frame, stainless- The Go utilizes a sturdy frame, stain-
steel cooking tray,
glass vacuum tube less-steel cooking tray, and a vacuum
tube to harvest the sun’s rays and cook a
CAPACITY meal in as little as 20–30 minutes.
13.5 ounces
Simply unzip the rugged case, load in
your meal, and aim the Go at the sun. The
solar vacuum tube acts as an insulator,
trapping food’s moisture and flavor,
resulting in perfectly cooked vittles for
one wherever you are.
Extremely lightweight and just a little
larger than the average notebook, the Go
is easy to take with you, and even works
on cloudy days. Not hungry? The Go can
be used to boil water for a cup of tea, or
even to sterilize pond or lake water in a
pinch. Maximum temperature inside the
tube can reach 550 degrees F, though
the outside remains cool to the touch—
which is fitting because the whole thing
is about as cool as it gets.
Available at campingworld.com

WEIGHT
2 pounds Inside the Box Each GoSun Go portable stove comes with four silicone cook pans, a univer-
sal action mount, cleaning brush, solar dial, cookbook, and a drawstring carrying case.
CIRCLE 150 ON READER SERVICE CARD
Outside the Box GoSun is a small business that gives back by supporting the efforts of
multiple causes, including the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen.

HUNGRY FOR
MORE? CHECK
OUT GOSUN’S
TOP 10 SOLAR
COOKER RECIPES
AT GOSUN.CO.
PHOTOS: COURTESY GOSUN

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RVIBRAKE BY DANKO MANUFACTURING, CIRCLE 106 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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RIGS + GEAR

SOLAR TECHNOLOGY Styles

Durability is a concern for portable panels.

STAND-ALONE
This narrows the viable choice to the more
expensive styles. Crystalline panels are the

POWER
Portable solar panels provide boondock-
prolonging juice for your RV adventures.
by T O M M O R R
Good things often come in briefcases. While most of us would
prefer a satchel of cash in unmarked bills, people who enjoy extended
off-grid RV exploration can improve their remote comfort level with a
portable solar-panel system. Although RV owners who want to power
all their appliances with solar are likely better off opting for a perma-
nently mounted system, people who want extra juice for powering
electronics and starting-battery charging might find portable panels a
viable option. Plus, portable panels can also be used for backup power
at home or on a boat.
most popular for RV use. They’re made with
crystalline-silicon semiconductor wafers and
combine durability and efficiency. Monocrys-
talline panels use a single crystal of silicone
per wafer and offer the best combination of
efficiency—typically 20%–23% of the incoming
energy is converted to DC power—and longe-
vity/warranty. Polycrystalline uses a cheaper
manufacturing process that melts smaller
silicone crystals together for each wafer. Their
efficiencies typically range between 15%–20%.
A third style is thin-film. Cadmium
Telluride (CdTe) technology isn’t flexible and
has an efficiency of 16%–18% but offers decent
longevity. Thin, flexible styles are Amor-
phous Silicon (cost-effective but only about
11%–15% efficient and a short lifespan) and
“As with most consumer
products, you’re taking a
risk if you buy the absolute
cheapest product you can
find.”

Goal Zero Boulder Briefcase

Kits are available in 100- and
200-watt versions and include
a canvas carrying bag. Available
options include water-resistant
charge controllers in 10-and
20-amp versions, cables, con-
nectors, and portable power
stations.

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12-VOLT DC ESTIMATED AMP RATINGS

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Output INCANDESCENT LIGHT (15W) 1.25
(CIGS), which are expensive and Portable solar systems normally LED LIGHT (3W) .25
have about a 21% efficiency. The combine two panels, although some FURNACE FAN 8–12
thin styles are lighter than crystal- accordion more. Individual panel REFRIGERATOR (LP-GAS MODE) 2
line panels and are well-suited for output typically ranges between TV 4–5
permanent mounting over curved 30–100 watts. So, two 50-watt panels WATER PUMP 4
surfaces. Trade-offs are lower unfold to create a 100-watt system.
STEREO 4
durability/service lives and less Portable 100- to 150-watt
efficiency. Most solar manufactur- systems are popular for RV use.
120-VOLT AC ESTIMATED AMP RATINGS
ers list panels’ efficiencies. Available kits range from 60–400
AIR CONDITIONER (13,500 BTU) 10.8
For portable panels, watts (at which point a permanent
COFFEE MAKER 5–8
monocrystalline produce the system might be a more viable
most power in the least amount of option). To determine your needs, LAPTOP COMPUTER 2–3
space—and often have the longest begin by adding the combined POWER CONVERTER (780W) 6.5
warranties. Monocrystalline power draws of the appliances and CROCK-POT 1–2
panels can cost 30%–50% more devices you’d like to run with solar MICROWAVE 8–13
than polycrystalline, and their power. Panels are typically rated REFRIGERATOR (AC MODE) 5–8
10%–15% advantage in efficien- in amperes (amps), which can be TV 1.5–4
cy can translate to a few more determined by dividing watts by DC FAN 4
minutes of lights and electronics 12. The chart on the right includes
per charge cycle. Also, people who ballpark power draws for popular Watts / Volts = Amps; Amps X Volts = Watts
explore wetter climates or plan to 12-volt accessories.
also use their portable panels on
boats should look for systems that
carry IP65 or IP67 waterproof rat-
ings. (Water can cause the panel
to delaminate from the aluminum
frame, shortening its service life.)

Zamp It Up
Zamp Solar’s portable Obsidian line is available in 45-, 100-, and combo 145-watt (pictured) versions. Features include an all-weather nylon
carrying case that deploys into an adjustable stand. A magnetically mounted 15-amp charge controller is included, as are cables, clamps,
and adapters.

To estimate power needs, multiply combined accessory amps by the

hours of daily use to get your total amp/hour (Ah) demands. A 100-watt
panel generally produces around 6 amps of power during peak sunlight
hours (about 30 amps per day). Some solar manufacturers’ websites, like
the one from Go Power!, include a calculator to help determine panel
requirements based on RV and usage.

Renogy’s line of solar products and acces-

sories includes the Phoenix Elite portable
briefcase generator kit. Weighing less than 12
PHOTOS: COURTESY THE MANUFACTURERS

pounds, this 20-watt system can take up to 100

additional watts of solar power through its DC
input port. Its included 300Wh lithium battery
can also be charged through the included
cigarette vehicle adapter, AC cord, or USB, in
addition to solar power.

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RIGS + GEAR | portable power

Accessories Jackery’s foldable monocrys-

talline SolarSaga panels are
To produce usable power, solar
available in 60- , 100- , and
panels need a charge controller to 200-watt versions. The kit in-
convert their output—normally cludes tilting legs, a carrying
around 21 volts DC—to standard bag, and a charge controller
12 volts. Although some portable with USB ports. Jackery claims
panels are available a la carte, up to 23% solar conversion
efficiency for SolarSaga sys-
many portable systems include a
tems. The 200-watt version is
charge controller pre-wired in the IP67 waterproof-rated.
system with the kit.
Controllers come in a choice of Many manufacturers offer
two styles. Pulse Width Modula- portable power stations
tion (PWM) is the most cost-effec- that convert solar energy to
usable DC and AC power and
tive and can generally handle up contain a variety of outlets.
to a 200-watt system. Maximum Jackery has several models
Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is with a range of watt-hour
higher-tech and is generally rec- ratings (1,800-watt Explorer
ommended for systems that exceed 1500 model shown).
400 watts. Although more expen-
sive than PWM, MPPT charge ports, and a built-in inverter to
controllers normally have longer service lives. convert DC from the solar panels
As with most consumer products, you’re tak- to 120-volt AC to run household
ing a risk if you buy the absolute cheapest product appliances through the generator’s
you can find. It pays to stick with a name brand. outlets. These generators can often
also be charged by household AC
Power Storage or an automotive cigarette-lighter
Some portable panels offer a controller with USB plug in addition to solar panels.
ports, designed for charging personal electronics. For Most RV owners opt to use their
larger demands such as appliances, batteries are needed vehicle’s standard battery setup for solar
to store energy from the panels. Some briefcase-kit manufacturers power storage. Solar manufacturers offer
such as Jackery offer portable “green” generators that have a battery, USB wiring options, typically using battery or alli-
gator clamps to connect to the vehicle battery

Cheat Sheet
along with the hardware needed for a more
permanent connection option.
Standard lead-acid batteries offer proven,
The Go Power! website includes an invaluable and intuitive calculator cost-effective performance. Deep-cycle styles
tool that allows users to determine the amount of solar power needed and AGM (absorbed glass mat) endure dis-
based on their particular setup and preferences. charge/recharge cycling better than “wet” batter-
ies. Even better are lithium-ion. These batteries
are on/off, producing full voltage until they’re
The DuraLite kit from discharged and they have significantly longer
Go Power! is a 100- service lives. Better performance and longer
watt monocrystalline service life come at a considerably higher
system that weighs only 9
price, although the cost of lithium battery
pounds. It comes with in-
tegrated kickstands, fold- systems has been coming down.
ing legs, a 30-amp PWM Some later-model RVs are factory-
charge controller that has wired for fixed-mount solar panels. Some
built-in USB ports, 12 feet pre-wired RVs have an onboard charge
of cable, and a variety controller wired into the vehicle’s charging
of plugs and connectors,
system but most have a convenient spot for
including battery clamps,
and a carrying case. Up to mounting the correct charge controller for
three DuraLite panels can the system the customer has in mind. These
be linked together. pre-wired rigs also have an entry plate/plug

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ALWAYS BE READY
FOR THE ROAD.

TIRE LINC® TIRE PRESSURE AND

TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEM
Always be ready for the road. Upgrade your
RV with the tire pressure and temperature
monitoring system (TPMS), that sends you
tire notifications directly to your phone.

• Monitors and alerts drivers of high

or low tire pressure and temperature
• Easy, do-it-yourself installation
• Works with OneControl ® app
on iOS and Android devices
• Kit includes 4 sensors and can also
monitor up to 20 tires simultaneously

Download the Lippert OneControl app via the Apple App Store
or Google Play and take control of Tire Linc technology.

Apple and App Store are Google Play and the Google
registered trademarks Play logo are trademarks
of Apple Inc. of Google LLC.

WHENEVER, WHEREVER, WE MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BETTER. | lippert.com

LIPPERT COMPONENTS, CIRCLE 113 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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RIGS + GEAR | portable power

Xantrex Solar 100-watt

Portable Flex Kit includes a
FREEDOM HAULER, CIRCLE 126 ON READER SERVICE CARD

charge controller and hard-

ware designed to be plug-
and-play. Tilting legs allow
for angling toward the sun,
and the lightweight kit
folds up for storage.

somewhere on the RV roof. Many RVs

also have a “solar on the side” feature
that’s a pre-wired plug receptacle that
MADE IN All products featured are accommodates the standard charging

USA manufactured in plugs used by the portable solar panel

industry. The user simply plugs in the
Greensboro, portable system, which normally has a
charge controller built into the panels.
North Carolina, USA To run household 120-volt appliances
and electronics, an inverter is needed to
convert the solar panels’ direct current
Rhino Tote Tank RhinoEXTREME 20' Sewer Hose Kit to alternating current. The two styles are
modified sine wave and pure sine wave,
ETE
BLE
STEERA LS COMPL which is the same as household 12-volt
KIT
WHEE
AC utility electricity and is better for
sensitive electronics. Output needs can
Part # Description be narrowed by totaling the wattage of
39000 Standard, 15 gal accessories you’d likely run at once and
39002 Standard, 21 gal
39004 Standard, 28 gal adding a 15% margin for error.
39005 w/ Front Wheels, 28 gal
39006
39007
Standard, 36 gal
w/ Front Wheels, 36 gal
Part # Description
39867 20' Sewer Hose Kit w/ 4n1, Elbow, Caps
Setup
Portable solar systems usually include
TastePURE Water Filter w/ Flexible Hose Protector Wild Thing Toilet Treatment Drop-INs
stands. Basic stands angle the panels at
3
45 degrees, while more refined systems
LASTS S
MONTH (like the Flex Kit from Xantrex) have
adjustable legs for tilting the panels for
maximum solar collection.
Portable panels are a low-commit-
ment way to add solar power for off-grid
Part # Description
41471 10/bag, Log Dropper exploration. Storage space, amount of time
Part # Description 41472 10/bag, #2 on the Charts spent camping away from shorepower, and
40043 Water Filter w/ Flexible Hose Protector 53322 10/bag, Saddle Up
budget will help narrow the options.
Floral Flush Toilet Treatment

LE OR
1 SING P-IN SOURCES
1 DRO 40
TRE TS NK
A
ACOPower, acopower.com
CAMCO, INC., CIRCLE 105 ON READER SERVICE CARD

GAL TA
Bluetti, bluetti.com
Part # Description For more information, please visit Goal Zero, goalzero.com
41480 Singles, 6-4 oz Bottles, Lavender Vanilla www.camco.net Go Power!, gpelectric.com
41481 Singles, 6-4 oz Bottles, Orange Blossom Jackery, jackery.com
41482 Singles, 6-4 oz Bottles, Eucalyptus Mint Nature Power, naturepowerproducts.com
41490 Drop-Ins, 10/bag, Lavender Vanilla Renogy, renogy.com
41491 Drop-Ins, 10/bag, Orange Blossom Rockpals, rockpals.com
41492 Drop-Ins, 10/bag, Eucalyptus Mint
WindyNation, windynation.com
Xantrex, xantrex.com
Zamp Solar, zampsolar.com

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DECOR MAKEOVER

BIG
IMPROVEMENTS
SMALL
BUDGET

SIMPLE RV DECORATING CHANGES THAT

FIVE PROVIDE THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

by L I N D S A Y L A N E

Living in a space where you one has a huge budget to spend

feel comfortable and cozy is super
important to many of us. Whether
you’re there full time, part time,
or just on the weekends, making
PHOTOS: LINDSAY LANE
on updating, changing, or
renovating their home on wheels.
However, even simple, budget-
friendly changes can make a

sure your space feels like home big difference on whether your

2
can mean the difference between tiny house feels like home. Here
enjoying your time on the open are our top five budget-friendly
road or not. After making the changes that will result in big
investment in an RV, not every- improvements in your rig.
Upgrade the Drawer and
Cabinet Hardware
So many people walk into their
new rigs and, in an effort to
ADD A RUG AND
1
make things brighter or updated,
MATCHING contemplate the job of painting
all the cabinetry. But that is a BIG
THROW PILLOWS job to undertake. Between mak-
An area rug can be a big statement ing sure the cabinets are primed
piece for your home. The rug can properly and selecting the right
define the colors and style and, in paint and color, you are looking
turn, help decide the rest of the decor
at a labor- and time-intensive
pieces you choose to use. So many
rug options are readily available to job. Instead of a complete cabinet
complement any style or color scheme overhaul why not simply update,
you’re going for. Once you make the or switch out, the hardware on
decision on a rug start looking for throw pillows to match.
New couches are a huge investment and one that not everyone can make. Simply
adding new throw pillows to the existing couch can change the entire look of the space.
Selecting colors in your rug and finding throw pillows (or blankets) to match is a per- Above) Be sure to select cabinet
fect way to begin tying in the look of your space. hardware that fits the same configu-
You can find unique throw-pillow options from creators on Etsy or storefronts on ration as the old. Left) Using an area
Amazon. Even Target has great, aesthetically pleasing throw pillows. rug as your base, select accessories
that pull colors from the pattern,
including curtains, throw pillows,
and even blankets.

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RIGS + GEAR | decor makeover

the cabinets and drawers? Since all the hardware is standard and
the same in every model of the rig you own making the change
in the drawer and door pulls is a fantastic and simple way to
personalize and customize your rig.
Searching your local brick-and-mortar hardware store is a
great way to start looking. Another alternative source would be
Amazon, Ikea, and even Hobby Lobby, all of which provide a
vast array of options for whatever style you envision.

4 New Light Fixtures

Did you know you can change the light fixtures
in your rig? People may be hesitant to switch
from stock lighting to fixtures that add their own
personal style, but it can be an easy swap. There
are typically three different types of lighting
in RVs: Hardwired lights that are switched on
and off on a wall switch; battery-operated lights
that are switched on and off on the fixtures; and
hardwired lights that are switched on and off on
the fixture. Determining which type your RV has

Hang Curtains
Whether you decide to remove the stock blinds or shades, removing the
window boxes and installing curtains allows you to introduce texture and
to tie in to the room’s color palette.
first is a must, then you can make the decision on
the replacement fixture. You don’t need to select
RV-specific fixtures for them to work in your rig.
If you are the least bit in doubt about work-
ing with 120-volt AC house current, select your
new fixtures and hire a certified professional

3
Who says your rig can’t
simply be a mini version of
a stationary house? So why
not hang curtains to update
your windows? If you’ve ever
priced new blinds for your
RV you know that making
such a change can be a costly
investment. Deciding to keep
the stock blinds is often a
very budget-friendly choice.
But that doesn’t mean you
have to compromise style in
your space simply because
you decide to keep the stock
blinds. An attractive change
can be made by removing the
boxes around the window
and hanging curtains.
Oftentimes, removing
the box around the window
58 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
provides enough space to hang
a rod. And the rod itself is
another way to bring personal
style into your space. Matching
the rod color to the drawer
pulls, or the light fixtures, can
really help pull the style togeth-
er. Your biggest challenge will
be ensuring you have a solid
backer of some kind to secure
the rod mounting hardware.
Once you’ve selected a
rug with the color palette
you’ve chosen (as previously
discussed) pull a color out of
the rug for the curtains. Make
sure the curtain color won’t
clash with the blinds and is
contrasting enough from the
walls to be a complementing
statement.
electrician to handle the work for you.
The biggest details to make note of are the
position of the fixtures on the walls or ceiling,
and ensuring that the slides can still close once
you’ve made the switch. You’ll also need to
make note of the type of bulbs the stock light-
ing takes and purchase the same-voltage bulbs
for your new fixtures. Also make sure that the
bulbs are the same power source as the stock
lighting. If the stock fixtures run on 12 volts
DC, make sure you purchase the appropriate
bulbs so that the new fixtures will also run on
the battery. Most light fixtures in RVs run on
12-volt DC power, so you’ll want to use the
appropriate bulbs. This is also an excellent
time to replace the old incandescent bulbs
with LED bulbs that burn less power and don’t
add as much heat to the space.
“Simple, budget-friendly
changes can make a big
difference on whether your
tiny house feels like a home .”
RVM2107 - Big Improvements.indd 5/20/21 9:56 AM - 59 -
5
Replace the Trim
Another big and bold change
you can make is to replace
the trim around the slideouts.
Neutral colors are back in a
big way and since some RV
walls are some shade of beige
or other neutral colors, skip
the desire (and hassle) of
painting the walls and instead
simply change the trim.
Choose a contrasting wood
stain or a shade of white that
goes well with the wall color.
Don’t worry if you don’t own
a saw to cut the wood. Simply
measure the existing trim
pieces, take those measure-
ments to your local hardware
store and most places, like
Home Depot or Lowe’s, will
cut the wood to your mea-
surements. Keep in mind that
you have far more flexibility
when you measure and cut
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the trim yourself because
you will likely find the Home
Depot or Lowe’s cuts aren’t
in precisely the right spots
although the are cut exactly
as you requested. That’s the
nature of woodworking. Once
the trim pieces are cut to the
appropriate sizes, paint or
stain the trim, and hang it up.
Adding a strong wood glue
and choosing the correct size
and length of wood screws, or
screws designed to work with
the aluminum framing in
your RV walls, will help make
sure the pieces stay secure
throughout your travels.
Once you have the new slide
trim up, you’ll see what a
refreshing change it makes in
the small space.
Each of these budget-friendly changes adds its own
characteristics to the overall vibe in your home on
wheels. You’ll transform your RV from one like every
other found on the lot to your own personal oasis where
you can retreat as you travel the country. There’s really
no need for a huge investment of time or money when
simple and dramatic changes to your RV’s interior can
be made that are actually quite easy on your wallet.
NEW TOW-PRO LIBERTY
BRAKE CONTROLLER
The REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty is the
ultimate on-road brake controller.
Tested on the most brutal tarmac
in the Outback, the Liberty is
a proven evolution of braking
technology to give you absolute
confidence. We’re more than just
a team of engineers and electrical
experts. We get out there and
put miles on the pavement, and
REDARC CORPORATION, CIRCLE 122 ON READER SERVICE CARD
we refuse to build anything we
wouldn’t trust on our own rigs.
Every REDARC component is
proudly built right here in the
rough-road capital of the world.
Haul with Australian confidence
at redarcelectronics.com
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RIGS + GEAR

MAINTENANCE

Preventive measures to help you stay on

top of your RV maintenance schedule. Tire Inspection Checking the tire
Motorized or towable, pressure is one of
the easiest—and
the one thing most RVs most important—
by J A M E S A D I N A R O have in common is that RV maintenance
they have tires. Nothing tasks. Make sure
ends a vacation quicker to inflate the tires
Ask any veteran RVer, and they’ll tell you: Things can go wrong than an RV that won’t while they’re cold.
with your RV. The problems are usually minor, especially once you roll where you want to
consider that you’re basically bouncing a house down the road. The go, so checking the tires should be at the top
key to enjoying your RV for years to come is to catch these problems, of your list. Rolling on poorly maintained tires
and deal with them, while they’re small. After all, it’s a lot easier to is unsafe, and can lead to blowouts and tread
deal with a 15-minute maintenance task in your driveway than it is to separation, which are far too common on RVs.
deal with a heavy-duty problem in a remote campsite. So, what do we want to check?
In that spirit, here are three easy inspection and maintenance The first thing to check is that the tires are
tasks, based on some of the most common issues we’ve encountered. properly inflated. You’ll need a tire pressure
The good news is none of them are difficult. I’d recommend tack- gauge to do this, and most people know how
ling this set of inspections a couple days before you’re scheduled to
depart on your RV adventure, so that you’ve got the time to fix any
issues you uncover.

An Ounce of Prevention
It’s a lot easier to apply a little sealant on a mild sunny day than it is to deal with a leaking skylight during a thunder-
storm. Periodic inspection of the sealant on your RV’s roof will let you find those minor problems with roof seals before
they turn into much larger headaches.

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to use one. Your RV’s manufacturer
should have put a label with the rec-
ommended tire pressures in your RV.
You’ll need to make sure the
tires are inflated to those specifi-
cations, and—this is key—inflate
them while they’re COLD! That
means they haven’t been driven
for several hours. Why is that? The
pressure in tires increases with
heat. You don’t want to inflate tires
while they’re hot because they will
cool down and the pressure will
drop, leaving them underinflated.
While you’re checking the tire
pressure, do a visual inspection of
the tires. Obvious problems like
sidewall bubbles or tread sepa-
ration are easy enough to spot
and need to be attended to before
travel. But be alert to more subtle
problems as well. Do the tires seem
to be wearing evenly across the
tread? Are the sidewalls checked or
cracking? These could be signs of
a looming problem and should be
evaluated and dealt with.
The final thing you’ll want to
check on the tires are their date
codes. You see, here’s the funny
thing about RV tires. Most of them
don’t wear out—they AGE out.
Many RVs travel only sporadically
and spend most of their time out-
side. Age and prolonged exposure
to the sun’s UV rays causes the
rubber compounds in tires to dete-
riorate over time, regardless of the
miles driven.
Fortunately, it’s easy to check
the age of the tires. There’s a DOT
code stamped into each one. It
should be four digits: the first two
represent the week the tire was
made, and the last two represent
the year. So, a tire with a DOT
code of 0716 would have been
made during the 7th week of 2016.
How old is too old to be safe?
PHOTOS: JAMES ADINARO
The general consensus is that
after seven years, tires should be
replaced, regardless of the tread
left or the mileage on them. Tire
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companies vary on this, some say
six years, some say eight, so don’t
be surprised if your brand suggests
a different figure than the average
seven years. It might be hard to
part with a tire that still looks good
on account of its age, but it’s the
safe thing to do. Just like a rubber
band that’s gotten too old, you
don’t want your RV’s tires failing
when you try to use them.
AC Power Cord Inspection
Your rig’s alternating current
(AC) power cord is its electrical
lifeline. This cord is responsible
for bringing AC power (normal
household current) into your rig.
But unlike your house, which is
permanently connected to the elec-
trical grid, your RV is designed to
IS IT
A MINOR
PROBLEM? OR
TIME FOR A NEW
SHOREPOWER
CORD?
1 that you need to have it installed.
2 Open Ground, Open Neutral, and Reverse
1) Your RV’s shorepower cord
can see its fair share of abuse.
Inspecting it just takes a few
moments, and can be incorporated
into your camp-breaking routine.
2) Minor problems, like a bent
neutral prong, can often be
corrected with simple hand tools.
More major problems likely
warrant replacement.
RV SURGE PROTECTORS
HAVE YOU COVERED
A QUALITY RV
SURGE PROTECTOR
IS A GOOD IDEA
WHEREVER YOU
PLUG IN.
Frayed wires and scorched connectors are
easy electrical problems to see. But what
about the electrical problems you can’t
see, like mis-wired park power pedestals or
electrical surges?
You can’t diagnose either of these
scenarios by inspection, but today’s RV surge
protectors can safely handle these conditions
and more, depending on the model. When you
think about the problems a faulty electrical
connection could cause, a surge protector is
cheap insurance.
RV surge protectors can be hardwired or
portable. Hardwired units are wired directly
into the power system of your RV. Their
advantage is that you don’t have to remem-
ber, store, or even think about them. They’re
always there. The disadvantage, of course, is
Portable surge protectors look like a
short extension cord with a box on them. You
simply plug them into the power pedestal,
and then plug the RV into the surge protector.
They’re simple, convenient, and don’t require
a permanent installation. A lockable security
cord will help keep your surge suppressor
from going missing.
Regardless of which type you select, here
are a few features to look for:
Polarity Protection: Protects against faulty
park power pedestals.
Over/Under Voltage Protection: Shuts down
power to protect equipment if the voltage
from the pedestal is too high or too low.
Joule Rating for Surge Suppression: The
higher this number, the larger the power
spike it can protect the RV from.
Bluetooth Monitoring: This will probably give
you more information than you really wanted
to know about your RV’s power consumption,
but hey ... it’s cool!
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RIGS + GEAR | preventive maintenance

3) Keeping water out is the main objective behind inspecting your RV’s seal-
ants. Smaller cracks or gaps, like the one shown here, can usually be fixed by
applying new sealant directly over the old. You’ll need to use a sealant that is
compatible with the existing sealant, so that you can get a good bond. Don’t
forget to inspect the sealants on your rig’s exterior walls as well.

be connected and disconnected to the grid via er damaged the

the campsite power pedestal. That makes the
power cord a moving, working part. And one
that sees its fair share of abuse and exposure to
the elements.
It might seem like a simple thing, but
routinely checking your rig’s AC power cord
can keep you from encountering a number of
issues, ranging from the simply annoying to
the downright dangerous.
With the power cord unplugged at both
ends, inspect the length of the cord for cuts or
scrapes that penetrate through the outer layer
of insulation. Even if you’re certain you’ve nev-
cord, can you say 3
the same for the
mowers and weed whackers of the RV park landscaping crews? Minor
cuts and scrapes are OK, but anything that exposes the wires inside the
cord likely calls for a new power cord.
Next, you’ll want to check that your RV’s power cord can make and
maintain a proper connection at both ends. Loose connections, par-
ticularly at the ends of the power cord, are dangerous because a poor
electrical connection will heat up, and can lead to melted wiring, or in
the worst case, a fire.
So, you’ll want to pay close attention to the prongs and the sockets
of the electrical cord. The prongs on the male end of the cord should be
straight, and able to maintain a tight connection. A prong that’s slightly

Inspecting your RV’s electrical cord doesn’t have to be a separate task. You can incorporate it right into your “break-
MIN U T E ing camp” routine. After you’ve unplugged, grab a damp rag and wipe the cord down from one end to the other, inspecting
TECH it along the way. Not only will you put the cord away clean, you’ll have a head start on your next pre-trip inspection.

AMAZING FOOD,
Wherever
YOU ARE

WEBER TRAVELER AND WEBER

Q 1200 AVAILABLE WITH RV HOSE
RVM2107 - Preventative Maintenance.indd 5/20/21 10:54 AM - 63 -
bent can often be straightened with a pair
of pliers. But a prong that’s bent to the
point of separating isn’t worth trying to
save, and it’s time to just get a new cord.
If the prongs look OK, but are cov-
ered with corrosion, use some extra-fine-
grit sandpaper or steel wool to gently
clean them off to ensure a good con-
nection. Take it easy with this—you’re
not trying to remove material from the
prong, just to clean off the surface gunk.
The female ends of the power cord
are more difficult to inspect, but the
main thing you’re looking for is evi-
dence of a bad connection or short.
Burn marks, scorching, or melted plastic
should be giant red flags. If you find any
of these, it’s time to discard that cord,
and have the other end of that connec-
tion (your RV’s electrical input) evaluat-
ed by a qualified technician.
Sealant Inspection
Water intrusion in your RV can cause a
lot of damage in a short amount of time.
When you discover a leak, you need to
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address it right away. I’ve had it happen
while we were on the road, and trust me,
a window leaking onto your bed, at mid-
night, in a Texas-sized rainstorm is NOT
something you want to deal with on the
road. Taking a few minutes to inspect
the sealants on your RV before hitting
the road is a very smart move.
Most of these sealants can be found
on your RV’s roof, but first make sure
you can get onto the roof SAFELY. If you
can’t complete this inspection without
risking a fall, take your RV to an appro-
priate repair facility.
Your RV may have a metal, rubber, or
even a fiberglass roof. But the one thing
all RVs have in common is that there are
things mounted to the roof that are sealed
up with lap sealant. You’ll want to inspect
all the seals on the roof: Around the edges,
around the vent covers, TV antennae,
every place you see sealant, have a look.
If water can find a way to get into your
RV, it will. So, what you’re looking for are
cracks and separation in the old sealant.
These are places where water can get in.
Fortunately, in many cases, you can
apply new sealant directly over the old.
You’ll need to select a product that is
compatible with both your roof surface
and the existing sealant. Simply clean off
the old sealant (soap and water works
here; be sure to give the water time to
dry completely so you don’t lock it into
the crack you’re repairing) so that you
can get a good seal. Once it’s thoroughly
dry, use a caulking gun to apply a bead
of new sealant over the old, sealing any
gaps or cracks you’ve found.
If there’s sealant around the windows,
you’ll want to check those as well. (That’s
what got me in Texas!) Also take a few
minutes to look at any penetrations on
the side walls of your RV (hose ends,
power outlets, etc.)—those also likely
have sealant. A few minutes with a caulk-
ing gun may just save your vacation!
It may seem like a lot, but these few extra
minutes of inspection and maintenance
tasks will make sure minor problems
stay just that: minor.
NORTHWOOD MFG., CIRCLE 118 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Enhance your RV
entertainment experience
with live TV and Netflix!

Get the ultimate, all-in-one entertainment experience

wherever your travels take you.
Access On Demand movies and shows, and Enjoy entertainment when Mother Nature doesn’t
streaming from apps like Netflix, when connected cooperate. You can watch live TV or bring your
to Wi-Fi.* DVR with you, loaded with movies and shows.

RVers stay connected to live local news and weather Never miss a moment of the big game, even
updates wherever they are traveling. when you’re traveling off the grid.

Seamlessly connect to your Bluetooth® speakers

to listen to your favorite tunes with Pandora or
SiriusXM built-in.*

*Access to built-in apps requires Wi-Fi network connection and Wally Wi-Fi Adapter Accessory. Netflix access
requires active streaming membership.

Wi-Fi Adapter Digital TV Tuner DVR Upgrade (1 TB) Bluetooth Adapter

Access all your favorite apps, Integrate local channels right Record up to 100 hours of your Connect Bluetooth devices,
like Netflix over Wi-Fi.* into your channel menu. favorite shows in HD with DVR like speakers or headphones.
capabilities.

Visit your local Camping World store or visit: CampingWorld.com/DISH

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Life
on the
Road
Safe Travels 66 | Road Soda 70 | Pets 72 | Sounds of the Road 76 | Health + Fitness 78

FAMILY TRAVEL

Safe Summer Travels

Experience Class II–IV
white-water rafting in the
heart of Oklahoma City at
RIVERSPORT Rapids.

As we settle in to the new normal of RVing, many locations are

open for business and offer endless adventure.
BY ERIN PETERS

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | safe travel
Basking in the
warm sunshine,
barbecuing with
family and friends and
road-tripping to outdoor
events are staples of
summertime. And many
are heeding the call
of the great outdoors,
especially as tempera-
tures continue to climb. If
we’ve learned one thing
from the pandemic, it’s
how to pivot and plan. As
we continue to crawl out
the COVID cloud, it’s still
important to understand
how to safely venture out
to your favorite (or new!)
destinations and events.
I hear the sweet call of
expert RV travel desti-
nation tips. Let’s answer
that call!
False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach is located on the
Currituck Banks Peninsula and offers an opportunity to
experience nature in a unique, primitive setting.
66 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
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Fourth of July in Virginia Beach, Virginia:
The long Independence Day weekend is
tailor-made for a quintessential all-Ameri-
can summer getaway. Outdoor lovers flock
to the waterfront stages to see marching
bands and other local musicians, followed
by spectacular fireworks over the ocean.
And your four-legged family members are
always welcome in Virginia Beach. The
boardwalk is a 28-foot-wide marvel that
stretches 3 miles and features a separate
bike path. While you’re there, check out
Tula Adventure Sports (tulasports.com)
to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards
for an afternoon From the waters and
spent exploring the woods to the
Blue Ridge Moun-
the waterways of tains of Virginia,
Broad Bay. Unplug Smith Mountain Lake
allows vacationers to
at the secluded
beach hideaway enjoy their very own
of Sandbridge and
style of fun.
ride a fat-tire (not to be confused with the
beer) bike along the water’s edge. Then
enjoy the beautiful views of the Rudee
Inlet at dusk at Rudee’s Restaurant &
Cabana Bar (rudees.com). They take pride
in serving the freshest seafood obtainable.
And it’s a perfect time to dine alfresco as
PHOTOS: VIRGINIA BEACH CVB; SEAN PAVONE - GETTY IMAGES
we wade our way through the end of the
pandemic.
Head about 240 miles east to the “Jewel
of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Smith
Mountain Lake is a popular local lakeside
retreat located in central Virginia, along
the Blue Ridge Mountains. Synonymous
with sunshine and scenery, SML—as the
locals call it—is the second-largest body
of freshwater in Virginia. SML attracts
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vacationers from all over to fish and

play in the water along the 500 miles
of shoreline. Bridgewater Marina offers
everything you’ll need for a water-
loving vacation. Anglers can expect to
catch largemouth bass, striped bass,
crappie, rock bass, redbreast sunfish,
or bluegill. Enjoy events like the Antique
& Classic Boat Festival, the SML
Wine Festival, and SML Chili Festival.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is now open (at the
time of writing this article) in the Phase
Three stage of the Commonwealth’s
Forward Virginia plan. For details, visit
visitroanokeva.com/covid19/phase-
three-guidelines.

Craving some
southern
comfort with
a hint of the stunning Rogue River, and the Oregon Caves
pioneer spirit? and vineyards. Formed in a volcano caldera
According to a after the volcano collapsed 7,700 years
study done by
WHILE ago, the lake shows off pristine waters and

Travel + Leisure
magazine, Oklahoma City has been
ranked among its list of “America’s
Photo ID
PHOTOS: VIRGINIA BEACH CVB; SEAN PAVONE - GETTY IMAGES
YOU’RE
bedazzling shades of blue. The most popular
months to visit Crater Lake are July, August,
THERE and September, when the park’s roads,

Friendliest Cities.” With Americana trails, and facilities tend to be fully open.
Check out OKC’s
culture and western heritage, history Comprised of 183,224 acres of mountains,
industrial-chic area
is alive in Oklahoma. And did you know chock-full of neighbor- peaks, evergreen forests, and turquoise
Oklahoma has more man-made lakes hood eateries, shops, waters, Crater Lake offers plenty to do. Take
than any other state? If you can’t make and cafés. And they a boat to Wizard Island, where you can see
are open with safety
it to one of their many lakes, make a volcano within a volcano. The trip includes
practices in place and
a splash at RIVERSPORT Adventure expanded outdoor three hours on Wizard Island for hiking,
Parks (riversportokc.org). Oklahoma seating options that exploring, and swimming. And don’t miss
City’s Boathouse District is located provide extra space for a hike up Garfield Peak, home to about 90
you and your family to
minutes from downtown OKC. During miles of gorgeous trails.
social distance while
the warmer months, RIVERSPORT is a you dine. The Brick-
must-visit for adventurous water fun town Water Taxi takes
for the whole family. With whitewater riders along the Brick- Whatever activity you decide to embark upon
town Canal for tours in the Crater Lake area, it’s important to plan
rafting, flatwater kayaking, stand-up
and dinner cruises. ahead. Do your research on the local area. Every
paddleboarding, high-speed slides, and Think urban enter- trail has its risks, whether it’s advanced terrain or
a youth zone, summertime in OKC will tainment center in the wildlife. But you can help ensure a safe, fun, and
be a family vacation to remember. heart of OKC. Famous rewarding outing by preparing and hiking smart.
for its dog-friendly
parks, restaurants,
For something closer to nature and and events, OKC is
on the slower side, let’s take it to the doggone fun for your
West Coast to Crater Lake, Oregon. furry friend, too. And
exploring OKC with
Experience the beauty and wonder
pets is even easier
of the deepest lake in America. when you’re camping
Surrounded by cliffs almost 2,000 at pet-friendly
feet high, Crater Lake also sits within Rockwell RV Park
(rockwellrvpark.com) in
striking distance of the Oregon Shake-
Oklahoma City.
speare Festival in nearby Ashland, the

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | safe travel

Now imagine a place that offers one-
of-a-kind, magical accommodations
high among Oregon’s forest, filling you
with wonder and joy. Well, imagine
no more, because it exists! About
three hours southwest of Crater Lake,
you’ll come across the only place in
the world that offers avocational
instruction in basic engineering,
design, and construction methods for
building treehouses. The Out ’n’ About
Treehouse Treesort (treehouses
.com) will bring out your inner child.
The treehouses are only part of the 36
private acres of pasture and woods,
adjacent to Siskiyou National Forest.
THE
MAJESTREE
Each treehouse is a IS 47 FEET
OFF THE
one-of-a-kind master- GROUND!
piece of carpentry. To get to
the tallest treehouses, you’ll
need to climb spiral staircases,
then traverse suspension or sky
bridges. Most of these living spaces
have private balconies with great views.
Horseback riding is a popular thing
to do in the area. And if you and your
family are ready to uproot out of your
comfort zone and branch out into the
wilderness, then check out Treehouse
Ziplines (treehouseziplines.com). Start
with the Mountain View Zipway (MVZ)
for an adventure you won’t soon forget.

MLB The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our national pastime. And summer
wouldn’t be summer without the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. There are not

ALL-STAR
many other sports that offer you so many games in a single season. The planning, strate-
gizing, and calculating plays make baseball a magical game. The Colorado Rockies will host

GAME
the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game (mlb.com/all-star) on July 13. The 91st
Midsummer Classic will mark the second time Coors Field has held the event. Still on the
fence? Well, Denver is on the short list of cities to drink a great craft beer outside.

Now thru June 30th!

INSTANT REWARD From summer getaways to fun-filled ski

trips, the Centennial State is filled with
on your first purchase over $20 great spots that are perfect for families.
when you open and use your Good Sam Colorado Springs boasts attractions
Rewards Credit Card1
like Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain
Zoo, and the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.

Plus!
The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
DOUBLE POINTS (glenwoodcaverns.com) is America’s
only mountaintop theme park and
earn 5 10 points for every $1 spent at our
family of brands when you use your western Colorado’s number-one
Good Sam Rewards Credit Card2 must-see attraction. Take the scenic
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CLIFFHANGER PHOTO: TODD PATRICK

1
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amount after discount must be placed on the Good Sam Rewards or Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card.
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2
10 points/$1 spent. Offer is exclusive to Good Sam Rewards or Good Sam Rewards Visa® credit card holders
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Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.

68 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
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venturous day, rest up at Glenwood
Canyon Resort (glenwoodcanyonresort
.com), where Hanging Lake resides
and the mighty Colorado River flows.
Guests enjoy on-site rafting, zip-lining,
and fly-fishing. Ask for package deals
with Glenwood Hot Springs and Iron
Mountain Hot Springs or deals for
skiing and snowboarding at Sunlight
Mountain Resort in the winter.
Grand Canyon, Arizona: Just because
it’s one of the most popular and
well-known destinations doesn’t make
it somewhere you shouldn’t visit at
least once in your life. Millions of years
in the making, outdoor lovers will be
inspired by its incredible and timeless
beauty. The South Kaibab offers a
wealth of panoramic views as it hugs
the ridgeline on its descent toward
the Colorado River. The overlook on
Toroweap Point offers visitors an
expansive view of the canyon. Hike or
white-water raft your way through the
psychedelic-colored canyon walls.
If you want to witness views of the
canyon you’ll never see from
the ground, then a helicopter
tour of the Grand Canyon is
Choose your own
adventure, away from
the crowds, with
Papillon Grand Canyon
Helicopter Tours
(papillon.com). The
North Canyon Family
Flight is recommended
if you’d prefer to re-
serve the entire aircraft.
CLIFFHANGER PHOTO: TODD PATRICK
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something your kids will surely never
forget. There are a ton of options to
choose from; explore the North and
East Rim, the deepest section of the
canyon, boasting the oldest geology
known to mankind. You can even board
a chopper to descend to the canyon
floor. It takes about three to four hours
and is good for avoiding crowds.
Looking for a bucket list item that
the whole family will appreciate? Sign
up for a mule ride through the Grand
Canyon. Learn about the canyon’s
great history along the way. Only 10
riders per day are allowed to descend
to the bottom of the canyon for an
overnight stay at Phantom Ranch
before ascending to the rim the next
day. Who knows, you just might catch
a glimpse of a condor, bighorn sheep,
and elk. Pro Tip: Wear a good pair of
well-padded bike shorts under your
jeans or hiking pants. For more infor-
mation about how they are committed
to maintaining an environment that
helps keep visitors safe, visit visitgrand
canyon.com/covid-19-updates.
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BIZ RV
Airstreams
with Spirits
Road Soda’s custom cocktail bar on wheels
blends delicious drink creations with fresh
ingredients and a vintage vibe.
BY D O N YA C A R L S O N
W
hen they were teens growing up in
England, Mark Wiseberg and Ben Scorah talked
about going into business together. Fast forward
about 20 years, and in 2013 they founded Road Soda with a
mobile cocktail bar created from a 1967 28-foot Airstream
travel trailer. They’ve since added a 1968 23-foot Airstream
and a 1964 Volkswagen single cab that pops up on both
sides to accommodate smaller events.
These “Speakeasy” trailers are moved around the
70 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
country via their three Sprinter vans doubling as giant
refrigerators. It took them a year to perfect the high-end
drinks for the specially engineered bars with frozen-drink
machines and dispensers for on-tap artisan cocktails.
Mixologists create the custom cocktails by using fresh-
squeezed juices, seasonal infusions, homemade syrups,
fresh garnishes, and top-shelf liquor. And they are all
served up by top-notch bartenders. Road Soda has served
as few as 20 people in a weekend up to a crowd of 20,000.
Bartender Ben
Ben, an award-winning bartender whose innovative
cocktails have been featured in The New York Times
and The Wall Street Journal, was being hired by liquor
companies that brought in famous bartenders to serve
drinks at music festivals. It occurred to him that he
wasn’t making drinks to the level he was used to doing in
high-end bars as they were being served from a 6-foot
pop-up table inside a tent. He could do this job better if
the drinks were served in a place that was on par with
cocktail bars. And wouldn’t it be great to make it mobile
… but how to do that?
Engineer Mark
And that’s where Mark stepped in. Mark had been an
engineer for Aston Martin, then ran music festivals, and
next built large art cars for the Burning Man Festival. Of
course he could build a mobile bar, Mark told his friend,
“That’s all the skills and jobs I’ve had rolled into one!”
Choosing an Airstream was a no-brainer since “Airstreams
are the coolest trailers and have an Americana vibe.”
PHOTOS: COURTESY ROAD SODA
“It took them a year to perfect the high-
end drinks for the specially engineered
bars with frozen-drink machines and
dispensers for on-tap artisan cocktails.”
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Airstream. Says Mark, “It’s of people a lot of cocktails, and

Chef Haru Kishi waits for a drink during an event at Summit
Powder Mountain, Utah, where Road Soda hauled its cocktail bar
on wheels up one of the steepest grades in America.
Build It and They
Will Come
Starting with an original
1967 Airstream, they took
the chassis off, rebuilt a
new 10,000-pound one to
accommodate the weight
of the fridges, bottles, and
BLUEBERRY filled 5-gallon kegs, and
MINT then put the Airstream
MARGARITA body back onto the new
Just in time for chassis. The windows from
Fourth of July, a one side were removed and
modified version of
one of Road Soda’s
made into a large serving
window. On each side of
PHOTOS: COURTESY ROAD SODA
designed to work ergo-
nomically to be the best for
the bartenders so they can
serve as fast as possible.”
Shortly after the first
Airstream cocktail bar was
built, a representative from
Don Julio Tequila overheard
Mark talking about Road
Soda and asked them to
come to Manhattan for a PR
event. “So Ben and I drove
the trailer in a New York
snowstorm from Brooklyn,
somehow managed to find
a place to park it, turned on
the generator, and started
making cocktails!” That
clearly was a success, as
from May 5–December
10 they “were prepping,
serving, cleaning, or driving
to the next festival every
single day.”
Here, There, Everywhere
With canceled music
festivals and other events
last year due to COVID-19,
Mark and Ben got into
the business of creating
we have a lot of fun!”
Their jobs are also hard work
and they’ve had some crazy
experiences. A couple of years
ago, after catering cocktails for a
Memorial Day weekend in Napa,
California, three of them drove
straight-through to New York
towing one of the Airstreams to
serve 20,000 cocktails at The
Governors Ball Music Festival
the next weekend. “That means
making 200 gallons of lime juice,
which is all fresh pressed. One
person’s full-time job for an
event like this is juicing limes.”
At one event where Road
Soda had their Airstreams and
three other “satellite” bars set
up serving 400–800 cocktails
an hour, Mark says “I was
rolling around on this electric
hoverboard either pulling a
dolly with five cases of tequila
or carrying two five-gallon
kegs with cocktails through
crowds of people delivering
these batches to the bars!”
From childhood friends
with a dream, to successful
entrepreneurs, Mark and Ben

cocktails!
the serving window is an more cocktails on draft for have good reason to raise a
2 oz Don Julio LCD TV screen with curved restaurants and bars, all glass for a toast.
Reposado Tequila two-way glass windows so made from scratch, selling roadsodabar.com
• when the TV is off, it blends kegs and draft systems
0.75 oz lime juice into the mirrored side of to them.
•
the Airstream. When it’s Road Soda has done CHEERS TO
0.75 oz blueberry CUSTOM
simple syrup on, you can see through events at the top of a COCKTAILS
AT 8,000
• the two-way mirror, where mountain next to a ski lift FEET IN
Fresh mint leaves cocktails or menus can be in Utah; at the end of a pier ASPEN!

displayed. in San Diego, California,

To make the simple
To design the inside next to a naval base;
syrup, bring equal
parts sugar and of Ben’s “dream bar,” inside Oracle Park in San
water to a boil. Add Mark got input from other Francisco, California; and in
desired amount bartender friends about a tiny town with 50 inhabi-
of blueberries their likes and dislikes. He tants. They have squeezed
and simmer for 10
looked at everything that the mobile cocktail bars into
minutes. Cool and
strain. Combine had to be included and some pretty tight spots.
all ingredients in figured out where it all Mark says, “We get the
a shaker, shake would be located inside the trailer in, we serve a bunch
vigorously, and
serve over ice.
Garnish with three
blueberries and a
mint sprig.

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PEACEFUL PETS

Summer Comforts
How to deal with dogs and fireworks … and other campground sounds of the season.
BY R A C H A E L J O H N S O N @2 T R AV E L I N G D O G S

We wouldn’t think of Brickle, we thought he would Massage

camping without our dogs. No
matter the destination, our dogs
have a way of helping us live in
the moment. But what if their
moments are interrupted by
stress or anxiety when camping?
Is there a way we can help them
deal with noise from fireworks,
thunderstorms, or other stress
love to watch the fireworks from
our window. We could not have
been more wrong. Fireworks,
thunderstorms, and other loud
noises are stressful for Brickle.
We also discovered his aversion
to loud noises related to the
RV, like the sounds of leveling
the RV and the cycling water
Did you know that most dogs dislike being
touched on top of the head and on their ears,
legs, paws, and tail? It’s all about where we
pet them. As our dogs have aged, massage has
been one of their favorite ways to calm down. I
like to check out books on dog acupuncture and
massage. Do I mind the odd looks from other
campers or requests to give them a massage?
Perhaps.

triggers at the campground?
Absolutely. Although every
dog is different and you should
consult your veterinarian for
advice, we have methods we
like to use when traveling.
Campground noises may be
overwhelming to some dogs at
first—loud engines, children,
people talking, and other dogs
barking may all be of concern.
But if we can do it, you can, too!
The first step in helping our
dogs is knowing what bothers
them. When we first adopted
PHOTOS: RACHAEL JOHNSON; SERHII SOBOLEVSKYI, JESS WEALLEANS, TATYANAGL - GETTY IMAGES
pump. Digby is afraid of loud
noises like gunshots (which
we hear in rural areas). So, we
have tried every method to help
them deal with many noises and
fireworks. What has worked for
us? Peanut Butter Brickle and
Digby Pancake have been our
full-time traveling companions
for five years. And as much as
they help us enjoy the RV life, it’s
our responsibility to make sure
they are comfortable, content
and happy, no matter what is
happening outside.

“Although every dog is different and you should consult

your veterinarian for advice, we have methods we like to
use while traveling.”

EXERCISE
Extra energy often turns into anxiety or stress. When
we are fortunate to know when to expect fireworks
or an oncoming storm, we take an extra-long walk
or hike and then make sure the dogs are comfort-
able inside. They are more likely to sleep or relax
easier when they are tired.

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CALMING Weighted Blankets

SHIRTS
Much like the idea
behind a weighted
blanket, a calming shirt
or vest hugs tightly to
the animal, mimicking
a comforting, soothing
embrace. There are
a number of differ-
ent products on the
market, but the most
popular is the Thunder-
Works ThunderShirt.
The company claims
its shirts have proven
Weighted blankets or weighted jackets for
dogs have similar effects on dogs as they do on
people. The extra weight mimics the comfort
of being hugged, which may be soothing to
your dog. The goal of a weighted blanket is to
decrease anxiety and stress. It can also help
your dog sleep better. This can help dogs during
bad weather and fireworks. I even borrow one
from our dogs from time to time!
CRUISERLIFTS.COM
Safe Place 866-794-8357
What are your coping mechanisms during
stressful times? Maybe you have a favorite
place to go—your dog is no different. Each dog

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to be more than 80%
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thundershirt.com
PHOTOS: RACHAEL JOHNSON; SERHII SOBOLEVSKYI, JESS WEALLEANS, TATYANAGL - GETTY IMAGES
will pick a safe place. Digby Pancake heads to
his bed or the couch and lays down. Peanut
Butter Brickle’s go-to place is a dark closet
where he can feel secure and not see the
flashing lights of lightning or fireworks.

Essential Oils
Just like aromatherapy works for relaxing
people, the right diffused oils can make a
SWIVELWHEEL.COM
big difference for your RV environment. The
important thing about essential oils is that you
866-794-8357

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• 40 gal. heated fresh water tank
• True four season
• Private wet bath / gear locker www.pleasureway.com

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | summer comforts

FREE INFORMATION
Mail the attached postage-paid card to find
out more about these products and services.
READER SERVICE
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
RS # ADVERTISER PAGE #
101 Air Lift Company ................................. 11
102 B&W Trailer Hitches ........................... 49
103 Bauer Products ................................... 46
BrakeBuddy ........................................ 45
104 Brazel’s RV Performance ..................... 16
105 Camco, Inc. ......................................... 56
Camping World ................................... 77
DISH Network ..................................... 64
107 Fast Master Products .......................... 73
126 Freedom Hauler .................................. 56
Good Sam Rewards Credit Card .......... 68
Good Sam RV Loans ............................. 6
109 Hensley Manufacturing Inc. ................ 28
110 Highland Ridge RV, Inc. ....................... 13
know which ones are safe, and also
know the appropriate dilution. Consult
a homeopathic vet for guidance. Do not
use oils made for people on your pets
and be sure and purchase species-
appropriate oils. What works for dogs
can be toxic to cats, and vice versa.
Food
We all have our comfort foods, and
you probably already know your dog’s
favorite treats. Reward your dog during
new activities and situations. However,
resist the urge to overfeed before long
days of travel or situations your dog
may be prone to getting a sick stomach.
Food can also be a distraction at the
campground for some dogs. For dogs
who like to resource guard, feeding them
in a private place from other dogs and
people may be a good idea.
them. Peanut Butter Brickle had
separation anxiety. Digby Pancake got car
sick just going down the road. If we would
not have given them the chance to travel,
we would have never seen their true
potentials. I would have never imagined
we would be full-time RV travelers as
a family. Now I can’t imagine what life
would be like without travel. I see my
dogs’ true personalities emerge as they
learn and explore, even 12 years later.
And as they turn into what others call
seniors (and I call “older puppies”), I just
know adjustment will be needed to keep
them aiming for their utmost confidence.
Because it is only with this confidence
that I see their anxieties and stress
triggers diminish. Give your dog a chance
to travel, no matter what anxieties they
may face. And together, make it work in
any situation!

111 Lance .................................................... 2
113 Lippert Components ............................ 55
114 LiquidSpring LLC ................................. 41
115 M4 Resale ........................................... 19
116 Magne Shade ...................................... 28
117 MOR/ryde ........................................... 19
118 Northwood Mfg. ................................. 63
119 Park It 360 .......................................... 27
120 Pleasure Way ...................................... 73
121 Progressive Insurance Company ......... 17
122 Redarc Corporation ............................. 59
123 Roadmaster, Inc. ................................... 5
108 RVRoof.com ........................................ 16
106 RViBrake by Danko Manufacturing ..... 51
124 Source Engineering ............................. 37
125 Steele Rubber Products ...................... 83
Thetford .............................................. 81
112 Un-Duz-It ............................................. 47
vueSMART by Hopkins ....................... 45
Weber ................................................. 62
Winegard ............................................ 75
127 Winnebago Industries ......................... 84
128 Xantrex ............................................... 37
EDITORIAL PRODUCT INDEX
RS # ADVERTISER PAGE #
150 GoSun Go ............................................ 50
While every effort is made to maintain accuracy and completeness,
last-minute changes may occasionally result in omissions or errors.
Music
Did you know that you can use music to help your
dog feel more relaxed and calmer? Certain music
genres like reggae and soft rock are our dogs’
favorites. Classical music can help calm dogs
during stressful situations, like thunderstorms
and, as our dogs get older, the screams and noises
of playing children and barking dogs. There are
even music options made specifically for dogs. Yes,
dogs have preferences.
Alternative Medicines Will your dog adjust to camping or “grow
Many dog parents sing the praises of CBD out” of certain stress triggers? Maybe.
for dogs. We did not use CBD when we As Digby has aged, he has become less
first started traveling, but after looking concerned with gun-shot noises. Instead
for a way to calm Brickle down in the of trying to run away, he wants to go
motorhome, we tried it. For Brickle, it in the RV. He has learned what makes
makes a big difference in how high his him feel better. And since Brickle never
anxiety level reaches, but it doesn’t take it embraced our motorhome, we made the
completely away. We believe every bit helps change to a fifth-wheel. Now he can travel
and now we wouldn’t travel without it. to the campground in a separate vehicle
he is used to, with less loud noises. If we
Confidence can change a situation after repeatedly
This may be an often-overlooked way trying to make it work, that’s OK. Every
for your dog to handle stress, and if you dog is different, and that’s OK, too.
are already taking your dog camping, That doesn’t mean you should expose
you are already a step ahead of most your dogs to unnecessary stress when
dog parents. you can avoid it. But preparing ahead of
time will make the journey possible while
Learning Experience camping to a confident and relaxed dog.
Our rescue dogs were not who we Then you all can enjoy every adventure
thought they were when we adopted together, no matter where you are.

74 R V M A G A Z I N E | J U LY 2 0 2 1
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DISH is a registered trademark of DISH Network L.L.C. © 2021 Winegard Company
RVM2107 - Perfect Playlist.indd 5/20/21 10:48 AM - 76 - (Cyan)
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RV TUNES

Sounds
of the Road SHARE YOUR
Building the perfect playlist for your next RV trip. PLAYLIST
Agree with our list? Or,
are there some songs
BY ERIN PETERS 5. “ROAD TO NOWHERE,” you think we should
have included? Either

I
TALKING HEADS
way, we’d love to hear
n today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to Celebrating the journey over
from you. Please send
the destination in a darker sort
create your own music playlists. Personally, I’m proud of your comments or,
of way, this is an awesome
my “Cool” list of 873 songs (and counting), curated since better yet, your own
addition to any playlist. This personal playlist, to
2013 with more than 60 hours of listening pleasure. deceptively upbeat pop-rock info-rvmagazine@rv.com
Whether you’re driving for a few hours, or a few days, tune got some help from
Jimmy Macdonell of the Cajun
these road-trip songs will be the perfect partner for your
group, Loup Garou, who played
next RV adventure. the accordion. Along with
real gospel backing vocalists, 8. “RUNNIN’ DOWN A
it takes the song to another DREAM,” TOM PETTY
level. “It was a beautiful day, the
1. “DRIVE MY CAR,” THE 3. “EVERYTHING GOES,” sun beat down. I had the radio
BEATLES POOLSIDE 6. “GO YOUR OWN WAY,” on, I was drivin’.” We’ve all had
The expression “drive my car’ The Los Angeles-based duo FLEETWOOD MAC that feeling of freedom, flying
was an old blues euphemism released this instrumental song in A road trip must-have, “Go down the highway. RVers have
for sex. While this Beatles hit 2017. They worked with a cellist on Your Own Way” is actually a a keen sense of this awareness
is laden with innuendo, it’s also the song—it sounds like a perfect breakup song but is beautifully with the great wide open, and
rich with bluesy flavor with a backdrop to sit by the pool with a overpowered with a sense of nothing but glorious possibility
real rock feel. Maybe the star in cocktail. Poolside created this love adventure and individualism. in their path. Pro Tip: When you
the song is looking for a driver poem video to Havana as an ode to This was the first single from settle into your destination,
because she doesn’t have a enchanting Cuba and the desire to the “Rumours” album, which make it a movie night with the
valid license? Whatever the embrace life’s amazing moments. became one of the best-selling documentary of the same name,
backstory, this song is undeni- So, “Let’s go, get out of here now.” of all time. Go ahead, make it “Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom
ably easy to groove and dance your theme song for your next Petty and the Heartbreakers.”
to in any seat. 4. “THE PASSENGER,” IGGY POP RV trip.
RVers have a lust for life. And 9. “NO ROOTS,” ALICE MERTON
2. “KEEP THE CAR RUNNING,” this song is on the album 7. “THE DISTANCE,” CAKE Do you travel like gypsies in the
ARCADE FIRE bearing the punk hit of the same Cake, which is also one of my night? Despite the sad story
The surreal indie rock band from name. The song lyrics reflect favorite desserts, knows how of Merton moving around a
Montreal remains one of the the nomadic, loner spirit of an to do playful and satirical funk lot when she was young, the
most extraordinary, visceral live outcast. According to Pop, “’The rock. Is “The Distance” about an song is undeniably buoyant and
bands in the world. You might Passenger’ was partly written obsessive race-car driver or an “dance in your seat” groove-
feel a sense of urgency, or that about the fact I’d been riding office worker who yearns to es- able. And we all know home
it’s time to move on to the next around North America and cape the mundane? Either way, is where you park it. Perhaps
destination. Careful, the speed- Europe in David’s [Bowie] car ad I always thought they should she’s the perfect person to
ometer might creep up while infinitum. I didn’t have a driver’s add a tagline to their albums: consider RVing?
listening to this tune. license or a vehicle.” Everybody likes cake.
10. “WHERE THE STREETS
HAVE NO NAME,” U2
PHOTOS: IAKOVKALININ, NIKOLAY LAPSHIN - GETTY IMAGES

As an Irish girl, I’m partial to a

song that’s about Ireland. From
the Grammy award-winning
album, “The Joshua Tree” (the
trees synonymous with the
California desert), “Where the
Streets Have No Name” is a song
that will help you tear down the
walls that hold you inside.

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There’s no limits on adventure this

summer! Find great savings on RVs,
motorsports, watersports and more for
a limited time at Camping World and
Gander RV & Outdoors – your destination
for everything outdoors!

NEW 2021 R VS

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added (except in AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, LA, MS, OH, OK, OR, TX, TN, WA, or UT). Monthly payment of $104/mo based on 15% down, 6.74% APR & 180 Months. Daily
value is calculated by monthly payment $104 multiplied by 12 months divided by 365 days to equal $3.42 / day. Subject to lender terms. Advertised inventory
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prior sales. See dealer for details. © 2021 FreedomRoads, LLC. The CAMPING WORLD, Good Sam and Gander RV & Outdoors logos are a registered trademark
of CWI, Inc. and used with permission. Unauthorized use of any of CWI, Inc.’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All rights reserved. Offers expire 06/30/2021.
RVM2107 - Health and Fitness.indd 5/21/21 8:09 AM - 78 - (Cyan)
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LIFE ON THE ROAD

L
HEALTH + FITNESS ook, I get it. RVing has a way of messing with your
healthy habits and good intentions. We’re out of our
routine, distracted by our travels, and strength training
easily gets pushed to the back of the brain. Even me ... I’m an

The RV
RVing fitness pro, and I struggle with this, too! Want to know
my secret to making it happen? Each Sunday, I choose three
days in the next week that I’ll make strength training a non-
negotiable priority, and I schedule them in my calendar. Getting

Workout
them out of my head and onto the calendar does something to
the psyche, making it more of a commitment. Then, when my
scheduled days roll around, I exercise early in the day, so the
day can’t get away from me and the excuses can’t start piling
Want to get fitter on your RV up. And I try to keep the workouts FUN. Like this one! Hope
you’ll give it a try!
trip? Try this no-equipment-
needed body-weight workout

PHOTOS: STEFANY ADINARO

DIRECTIONS: Do this workout three
routine by Trainer Stef. times a week, and make sure to go through
each exercise three times. Your body will
BY STEFANY ADINARO love it, and so will you!

A MORNING
WORKOUT
WILL GET YOU
READY FOR
THE DAY!

1 SIDEWAYS SHUFFLE
Get your heart rate up and your body warmed up with this fun move! Start at one end of
your RV, and then quickly side shuffle (or sideways step for beginners) the entire length
of your RV. Return to start to complete one repetition. Do this 5–15 times, depending on
your fitness level (and the length of your RV!).

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2
ROW SQUATS
Your galley sink or any railing works
great for this fantastic full-body move.
Grasp the sink, and perform a squat
driving your hips back as far as you can
ensuring you’re bending your knees
as you drive back, with your weight
on your heels. Use your arms to pull
you back up to standing, squeezing
your shoulder blades together as you
return to start. Do 12–20 reps.

3
YOGA PUSHUPS
PHOTOS: STEFANY ADINARO

Lie on your bed, or a yoga mat on the

floor, with your palms planted flat on
the bed to the sides of your chest.
Push up to your knees and without
pausing, move back to Child’s
Pose, where you’re sitting on your
heels with your arms outstretched
over your head. Continue moving
between Child’s Pose and lying flat
on the bed, for 12–20 reps.

4 STEP-UP HIP EXTENSIONS

Using your RV steps, or any raised step you have, plant your left foot
on the step keeping your right foot on the ground. Straighten your left
leg as you slowly lift (not kick!) your right leg up behind you. Use good
posture and stay upright. Slowly return your right leg back to the ground
to complete one rep. Do all reps on this side before switching feet and
repeating on the other side. Do 8–20 reps per side.

SIDE-PLANK KNEE CRUNCH

Get in a side-plank against a wall,
with your forearm on the wall and

5
your feet as far out from the wall
as you can safely go. Ensure your
body remains in a straight line from
ankles to shoulders. Tighten your
core. Reach your outer arm up, and
then drive your outer knee and
outer elbow together as you exhale
and contract the muscles on the
side of your trunk. Return to start to
complete one rep. Do all reps on this
side before switching to the other.
Do 8–20 reps.

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | health + fitness

6HIP HINGE
Facing a chair, stand with your feet hip width
apart. Keeping your legs mostly straight with
just a slight knee bend, hinge at the hips by
driving your hips backward. Your back stays
neutral and do not allow it to round at all. As
you hinge, reach for the chair seat with your
hands (if you need to bend your knees more to
reach it, do so). Once you’ve touched it, raise
back up, again without allowing any rounding
of your spine. Do 8–20 reps.

7SINGLE KNEE HUGS

Lie on your back on your bed, or a yoga mat.
Round your spine up and tighten your core. Hold
your trunk like that throughout the whole set.
Slowly drive one knee into your chest and grasp
it with both hands to pull it in even tighter, while
the other leg remains straight and lifted up off
the floor (beginners should lift the straightened
leg up higher). Simultaneously (and very slowly)
switch legs and then hug the other knee into
your chest to complete one rep. Continue alter-
nating knee hugs and do 8–20 reps.

FUN + GAMES

1 2
ACROSS
3 1. A frequent sight at Yellowstone
National Park.
4 5
8. Something to celebrate in July.
6 10. The kind of power provided by
the sun.
7
11. Displaying a love or devotion to
8 9 one’s country.
10
12. A favorite for summer barbecues.
13. A basket, a nice meal, and the
great outdoors.
14. The US flag has 50 of them.
11
15. A spending limit for your next
RV renovation project.

DOWN
12 13 2. The US flag has 13 of them.
14 3. The perfect family-friendly RV.
4. An RVer’s best friend (two words).
5. A 10/10*/10 rating.
15 6. A structure that goes out on a
limb (two words).
All American 7. ’Tis the season for this display.
Like the grand finale at your local fireworks show, this month’s 9. Site of the 2021 MLB All-Star
brain buster is bursting with pride and opportunity. Good luck! Game (two words).

Down 2: Stripes, 3: Bunkhouse, 4: Good Sam, 5: Perfect, 6: Tree house, 7: Fireworks, 9: Coors Field
Across 1: Bears, 8: Independence, 10: Solar, 11: Patriotism, 12: Steak, 13: Picnic, 15: Budget
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A3333_Thetford_RV Care_CWIFullPageAd_FINAL_REVISED2_5_3_21 copy.pdf 1 5/3/21 3:42 PM

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LIFE ON THE ROAD | snapshots

Freedom to Roam
Named for the nearby tributary of the San Juan River, Wolf Creek
Pass is a steep mountain road in southwest Colorado. Amanda
and David Boles, @TheRollinBoles, are experienced RVers who
were able to make the trip in their Class A motorhome. It is
important to heed the speed limit, and don’t ride the brakes. Take
your time, and anticipate tight turns. The views are well worth it!

Share your photo with us: info-rvmagazine@rv.com

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STEELE RUBBER PRODUCTS, CIRCLE 125 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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©2021 Winnebago

TURN EVERY ROAD INTO EASY STREET WITH

THE AWARD-WINNING MICRO MINNIE

With its long list of standard features, it’s no surprise the easy-towing Micro Minnie
was named the RV News Lightweight Travel Trailer of the Year. At seven feet wide with
multiple open floorplans to choose from, there’s a Micro Minnie that’s just right for you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL OUR NEW MODELS AT WINNEBAGO.COM

OR SEE YOUR NEARBY WINNEBAGO DEALER.

WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, CIRCLE 127 ON READER SERVICE CARD