RV Camping – Slide Out Water Pooling

by Laura Weaver

We have a large living room/dining area slide-out in our motorhome.  Though we love the extra space it offers on the inside of our coach, we have found a problem with it on the outside.  The awning covering the slide-out seems to collect a large amount of water when it rains or from heavy dew, which eventually runs down our windows, streaking them, and occasionally leaking through the slide-out seam, getting our carpet and couch wet. The weight of the water has also caused the awning to stretch out and flap in the wind.  We’re fearful that if left this way, the awning will eventually tear away from the motorhome frame, leaving the entire top of the slide-out exposed to the elements, causing even worse leakage problems.

We tried several ways to alleviate this problem.  We would often climb to the top rung of our step ladder, use a pole or broom between the top of the slide-out and under the awning and raise up, forcing the water to roll off.  Standing on the top rung is not only dangerous, but inconvenient having to keep setting up the ladder and putting it away.  The process was also very uncomfortable, often causing us to get soaking wet in the process.  The chore of doing this proved to be never-ending…ultimately, not a good solution.

We also tried using a squeegee on a daily basis to try to absorb the moisture.  We still had the issue of ladder-climbing to deal with.  Using a squeegee proved to be time consuming and not effective enough because we couldn’t reach the entire surface.

Friends suggested putting a large piece of foam between the surfaces, but this became saturated, smelly, and posed a mold threat.  Yuck!


After much thought and discussion, we finally came up with a solution.  We decided to build a contraption to fit snugly between the top of the slide-out and the awning; giving support to the awning so it doesn’t sag in the center.  Using 1/2-inch PVC pipe, we designed a 3-D framework structure to not only support the awning, but to hold it at an angle where the water drains off naturally with no collection pools.  The different lengths of PVC pipe fit together snugly and are connected to each other with PVC joint sleeves.  It took several attempts of trial and error, as well as several re-measurements for cutting and splicing, but we finally succeeded.

After our project was successfully put together and tested to our satisfaction, we climbed the ladder one final time, and slid the framework between the slide-out and awning.  What a relief to not have to worry about checking the water collection on top of the awning…there is none!

When we’re ready to leave, we simply pull the framework out, and take it apart.  It stores easily in our basement compartment.  Labeling the joints makes it easy to reassemble; otherwise, it would be like a puzzle to put back together again.

We’re so pleased with our PVC framework design that when we shared this idea with our neighbor, she stated “Hmmm…That’s an interesting concept.  We just use the cheap blow-up swimming pool floats and stuff them under our slide-out awning.”

WHY DIDN’T WE THINK OF THAT?!?!      Regardless, we’re extremely pleased and satisfied with our slide-out awning frame which has proven to be the solution to our water pooling problem.  It should last us the lifetime of our motorhome.  Besides, we wouldn’t trade this cooperative building experience for anything…motorhome living is a continuous cycle of learning lessons.

The Three C’s of Motorhome Living: Communication, Cooperation, and Consideration

by Laura Weaver

When we decided to “motorhome it”, we weren’t quite sure what we were getting ourselves into.  Of course, the allure of traveling and the excitement of our adventures were first and foremost in our minds.  However, we had never camped before and weren’t quite sure of what to expect during our first extended road trip.  In fact, we had a “Plan B” to fall back on just in case things didn’t work out for us.

I guess first and foremost, the thing you need to keep in mind when spending so much time in a motorhome is the fact that you are sharing this experience, as well as the limited space, with your traveling companion.  It is imperative that you are able to communicate, cooperate, and consider this person.

Our morning routine is a “song and dance” of sorts; taking turns using the water, the facilities and the space.  Our movements and habits need to be carefully choreographed in order to stay in sync with each other.  I carefully time turning on the water in the sink to put in my contact lenses while he lathers in the shower with the water off.  He opens the medicine chest for his grooming items as I brush my teeth, leaning over the bathroom sink.  He reaches up to get his clothing out of the overhead cupboards while I bend low, retrieving mine from the bottom ones. We have everything timed perfectly.

However, there have been times when things didn’t run as smoothly…especially in the beginning when we were still learning how to communicate, cooperate, and coordinate our actions.  One particular event stands out in my mind (and probably always will).  Just about everything that could possibly go wrong, did.

We had been on the road for several days before staying at a beautiful campground in upstate New York.  Even though there were not many campers that night because of freezing weather conditions, we were all given sites in the same area, so were camping side-by-side.

My husband arose early, choosing to use the campground’s heated shower/bathhouse in order to not disturb me and let me sleep a little longer.  Besides, because it was literally freezing, our water supply source froze overnight, so he was waiting for the weather to heat up so we could use our own water.  Unfortunately, the weather didn’t heat up quickly enough.

When I awoke, I decided to bathe in our own shower because our little dog badly needed a bath and it’s easier for me to bathe her in our shower at the same time I’m bathing.  I flipped the water pump switch on so I could use our reserve tank, as well as the water heater switch.  My husband informed me that we needed to dump after my shower because our tanks were pretty full and we weren’t certain we’d be at a campground that had the sewer hook-up at our next stop.


As I finish bathing our little dog, I noticed water not going down the shower drain, covering my ankles.  I call to my husband to 1) grab a towel and start drying off our wet dog, and 2) release a little of the gray water into the sewer drain because the gray water tank is too full and I still need to bathe.  Since my husband doesn’t answer me, I step outside the shower stall, grab a towel for the dog and walk into the living area, dripping wet.  To my surprise, my husband had opened all of our shades and blinds, including the drapes which cover our windshield.  Then I see him, animatedly talking with our neighbor.  He happens to look up into our motorhome via the windshield, as does our neighbor.  Imagine my humiliation as our neighbor starts to wave to me, realizes I’m totally naked, then pretends he doesn’t see me.  YIKES!

Needless to say, my husband quickly comes to my rescue, apologizing profusely and promising to never open the window coverings again without my knowledge.  As he goes outside to take care of our overflowing gray tank, I hop back into the shower only to run out of water…our freshwater tank is empty.  I trek to the shower house, literally shaking from the cold, to complete my shower.  Realizing I left the water heater turned on in the motorhome without any water, I race back as quickly as I can.  Luckily, no damage there was done, although I’m surprised considering the way the morning has gone so far.

After this disastrous event, my husband and I had our “talk”.  It was from this mishap that we set up the three “C’s”:  communication, cooperation, and consideration.  Motorhome living has been smooth sailing ever since!

Related articles:

• RV Smelly “Stuff” (seattlepi.com)
• Record visitation at SD state parks in 2009 (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

RV Set Up At The Campsite

by Laura Weaver

Traveling in a motorhome is agreeably a very affordable and comfortable mode of travel.  Staying in a campground or RV Resort is enjoyable and relaxing.  Following are suggestions on how to set up your coach at the campsite.

1)  Parking.  First of all, you need to carefully check out the campsite, locating the hook-ups, the patio, the picnic table and fire ring before parking, either by backing into the site or pulling through. It’s a good idea to do a “walk around” after parking to double check these things, as well as investigating the ground conditions: hard surface, sand, mud, gravel, grass.

2)  Leveling.  After parking your motorhome, the leveling jacks can be lowered to level and stabilize the coach as well as taking pressure and weight off the tires.  Extra boards may need to be placed under the jacks, depending on the ground conditions.  Wheel chocks are also recommended in order to prevent the wheels from shifting.

3)  Slide-outs.  During your “walk-around”, also pay attention to make certain tree limbs or other structures are not in the way of extending your slide-outs.  It’s a good idea to re-check whether you’re still level once the slide-outs are extended.  One way to do this is to use a level with a center bubble, along several hard surfaces throughout the motorhome.  A quick, yet simple test is using a marble on the floor…if it rolls to one side or the other, that side is low.


Now it’s time to hook up:

1)  Electric.  Our motorhome uses a heavy 50-amp electric cord.  Most campgrounds have 50-amp service, but some only have 30-amp.  Not to worry.  Simply connect the “dog bone”…a 30-amp adapter. Once the electric power source is on, plug an electric meter into an outlet inside the coach to check to see if the ampage is within the “safe range”.   If it is not, do not use the electricity in order to prevent permanent damage to your appliances.  (You can use your generator for power, if needed.)

2)  Water.  Attach your white drinking water hose to the water supply.  A water pressure valve is highly recommended in order to not risk blowing out your water lines because of forceful fluctuations.  Inside the motorhome, turn on the faucets until you have a strong, steady stream to allow the air to escape.

3)  Cable/Satellite TV.  For entertainment purposes, many campgrounds offer television services.  After attaching the cable/satellite wire, the televisions need to be reprogrammed to use this service to the full extent.

4)  Sewer.  I highly recommend attaching the sewer hose last, using rubber gloves, because of sanitary conditions.  Unless your black tank is full, you only need to open the gray water valve for it to dispose down into the sewer.

Setting up your motorhome at a campsite is easy if you follow a few simple steps.  It gets easier the more times you do it.  The best way to set up requires you to take your time, think it through, check and re-check.  After setting up, it’s time to enjoy.

RV Camping In Florida

RV camping in Florida is a great idea at any time of the year. It is for good reason that Florida attracts millions of domestic and international tourists each year. The state is blessed with countless attractions and has a climate that is appealing to visitors of any age.

RV camping is always a fun and exciting experience. Why be tied down to a small hotel room when you can have the freedom of the open road. Whenever you feel like a change you can just hitch up trailer and head off to a new destination.


Of course Florida is a big state. There are lots of options when it comes to RV camping. You could head far south to the magnificent beauty of the Keys, or park up close to Orlando so your kids can experience the excitement of Disney World. It is important to plan your vacation carefully as you do not want to spend half your trip sat behind the wheel.

Many families choose a destination that offers a combination of appealing attractions. You could enjoy a scenic drive through the Florida Keys and then pitch camp and make the best use of the pristine golden beaches and warm water. Many days can easily be spent rollicking in the surf and taking diving trips to see the colorful marine life.

The facilities on offer in various camps will differ considerably. You could choose to base yourself in a location that provides excellent service with wonderful restaurants, libraries, bars, and gyms or choose a remote stop where you can have peace and privacy. This is the great aspect of RV camping – you can socialize or get off the beaten trail.

You can take a vacation in Florida every year and still not see everything that the state has to offer. If you plan the timing of your trip correctly it may be possible for you to drive to Kennedy Space Center and watch a space shuttle launch. You will find you won’t be the only family watching the spectacle from the luxury of their own vehicle. Staying close to Universal Studios has also become popular over the last ten years. There are a number of camps in the area that can offer you discounted tours of the studios

Every RV camp in Florida takes security incredibly seriously. Whichever location you choose you can be sure that your family will be safe at all times. Your only worry will be how to cram so much in to the time that you have.

RV Camping: Little Comforts Can Enhance Enjoyment

by Laura Weaver

Camping in an RV is one of the most enjoyable experiences we have ever done.  Surrounding ourselves with spectacular views, breathing lungfuls of fresh air, and listening to birds chirping and brooks babbling all contribute to a fulfilling camping experience.  Being able to appreciate these things in the comforts of our RV only enhance this experience.  It’s the little things that make camping comfortable, and give us the feeling that it’s just like home.

Acquaintances from neighboring campsites are welcomed with a sincere smile and a hearty handshake.  A sign placed in front of our RV with our names and home state printed across it offers a great way to introduce ourselves.  A couple of glowing garden lamps light the way to our front door where our guests notice a welcoming doormat.


Our patio is covered by our RV’s ample awning, which shades us from direct sunlight during the day and keeps debris from nearby trees from falling on top of us.  It also allows us to be able to stay outdoors in a gentle rain without getting wet.  A set of de-flappers are attached at the edges to prevent the awning from becoming damaged if the wind kicks up.

A vinyl map of the United States is clearly visible on our door, with the states where we’ve camped colored in…offering the chance to open a conversation.  We can reminisce about all the places we’ve already been and discuss future plans for all of the places we’d like to visit, but haven’t yet.  It gives us tremendous satisfaction to see all we’ve accomplished through our RV travels.

Inside, battery-powered flameless candles flicker, emitting a pleasant scent and giving our RV a “homey” feel.  A small vase holding seasonal flowers sits in the center of our banquette table.  Framed pictures of our family line the shelf behind our pillow-covered sofa.  A small lamp glows warmly from its perch on our built-in nightstand.

We show off the most recent addition to our array of personal comforts…a hand-held shower wand made specifically for RV-ers.  It has the convenient on-off switch which allows the user to limit the flow of the water; thus, not using up all of the hot water or filling up the gray water holding tank.  It has several nozzle selections ranging from a hard, pulsating spray to a gentle, constant stream.  Our new friends are happy to learn that even something as personal as a shower can be very comfortable and enjoyable with a simple change of the showerhead.

Light refreshments are served on a couple of handy trays, which we carry outdoors to the picnic table that we’ve covered in a colorful tablecloth.  Our camping neighbors feel welcomed and appreciate our sincere hospitality.  We are pleased to have made more friends…fellow campers who enjoy the same things we enjoy…camping comrades, per se.

Camping in an RV is a wonderful way to vacation and travel.  It’s a great way to meet people who share our interests.  It creates the opportunity for us to make lasting friendships.  The little “comforts of home” continue to make our RV camping experience very enjoyable.

Campgrounds Offer a Variety of Amenities

by Laura Weaver

The amenities a campground offers can be the deciding factor for RV-ers in selecting a place to camp.  Following are some common-sense tactics that prove to be very beneficial when attracting RV-ers.

1.  Easy In/Easy Out.  It is important for weary travelers to have easy access to campgrounds.  Campgrounds need to be well marked with easy-to-read signs directing the RV-er which way to turn. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find a campground on a narrow roadway after driving all day with nowhere to turn around if you happen to get lost.  The campground entrance needs to be wide enough to accommodate the wide turns RVs need to make.  There should be ample room for several RVs to park near the office at once because, often, more than one coach checks in at the same time.  The campsite must be marked clearly for the RV-er to find, so as not to occupy the wrong site by mistake.  By the same token, campgrounds need to have arrows directing traffic out; especially if there are one-way roads, as many campgrounds have.

2.  Pull-Through Sites.  These sites are becoming the popular option which most RV-ers prefer.  Pull-through sites are great for over-nighters because of the ease in parking…simply pull in.  They are not only easier to park in than the back-in site, but the locations of the hook-ups are easier to see, too.  RV-ers who are towing a vehicle appreciate the convenience of the pull-through campsite, as well.  Because backing a towed vehicle is impossible, the RV-er would need to unhook their tow-car in order to use the back-in site; find a place to park their tow dolly and car; and then re-hook the tow vehicle before continuing their trip.  What a hassle!  The pull-through campsites are definitely more preferable than the back-in slots.


3.  Full Hook-Up Campsites. The convenience of having full hook-ups (including sewer) makes a very comfortable stay.  Not having to use the dump station for gray or black water tanks is not only a time-saver, but a desirable amenity because of the ease they create in dumping right at your site.  Being able to use the campground’s water source instead of your rig’s on-board supply gives the RV-er peace of mind about not running out of water.  Having electricity handy allows the use of all appliances without the need for running the generator.  Full hook-up sites usually include television and internet service, too…a welcome and widely used amenity.

4.  Laundry Facilities.  Just because we travel doesn’t mean we don’t have to clean our clothes.  In fact, because we don’t have a lot of room for clothing in our RVs, we probably need to do laundry more often than if we were in one place all the time.  We typically do laundry about every five days; more frequently if we have wet weather.  The convenience of having a washer and dryer at the campground is a huge amenity.

5.  RV Wash.  Though most campgrounds don’t allow the washing of vehicles at the campsite, some do.  We try to take advantage of this amenity every time we have it.  Afterall, our motorhome gets quite dirty and muddy from road grime and wind debris.  Once in a while, we find a campground that has an actual RV Wash Bay, which is wonderful, because this allows us to power-spray everything from the roof to the undercarriage.

The amenities a campground offers can make your RV-ing experience quite comfortable, indeed.  Careful comparisons of the amenities can help you choose the campground that’s most comfortable for you.

RV Mistakes: They’re Gonna Happen

by Laura Weaver

We often learn our greatest lessons in life by making mistakes.  For some reason, correcting those mistakes make a very memorable impression.  Some mistakes are comparatively easy to fix, while others are quite difficult.

As in everyday living, there are a lot of opportunities to make mistakes when RV-ing, as well…and we’ve made some doozies!  We’ve also witnessed quite a few errors made by fellow RV-ers.  Following are some of the more common ones.

One of our most common mistakes happens when extending or retracting the slide-outs.  There is nothing that gives your stomach that sinking feeling more than hearing “c-r-u-n-c-h” while doing so.  The obvious solution is making sure items are out of the way, both inside the rig and out, BEFORE you extend or retract.  Hand-written notes can be taped directly to the control panel reminding you to do so.  Inside, the damage can cosmetically be fixed by popping the broken trim back into place, or reattaching a seat.  Outside, the damage may consist of simply popping out the dent; or in more serious instances, body shop work may be required.

Another mistake that is often made, though not always admitted, is leaving the television antenna up when leaving a campground.  It’s not until you hear the “thwack” at the first overpass you drive under that you remember you forgot to crank it down.  Though not overly expensive to replace, the inconvenience of not being able to watch your favorite show or sporting event on TV leaves a lasting impression.  That, and the fact that in order to replace it, you have to climb up on the rooftop to do so; a task that is not an easy feat in our family.


One of the worst mistakes that we witnessed recently was made by a neighboring camper when he pulled out of his campsite without disconnecting, causing extensive damage to his RV as well as the campground hook-ups.  Sparks were flying when the power supply tower was bent in half and the rig’s power cord was ripped from its permanent connection in the RV, itself.  Water was spraying when the freshwater hose was broken at the connector.  The leveling jacks left deep scrape marks in the driveway pavement, outlining the route driven.  What was he thinking…Obviously, he wasn’t.  Although I’m sure this doesn’t happen often, observing this first-hand left an unforgettable impression on us.

Though not as serious, other mistakes may consist of leaving overhead vents open, not securing the awning tightly, or forgetting to stock up on supplies.  Each of these can be easily prevented, as well as easily fixed.

While mistakes are going to happen at one time or another, hopefully by sharing our experiences with you, it will help prevent you from making some of them.  The bottom line in preventing mistakes is take the time to visually inspect your RV and its surroundings.  Making a check list and following it upon arrival and departure is also a good way to prevent mistakes from occurring.  Lastly, t-h-i-n-k before you act.

Camping In California

Camping in California can be quite a thrill. Because many parts of California are lovely all
year round, campers can enjoy a pleasant experience. California has many camping sites that
offer scenic beauty and fun-filled activities. It is a state that is known for its national
and state parks.

Lots Of Activities

Take your family horse-back riding, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and more. There is something
for every body! Whether it is a family vacation, a group retreat, or a couple get-away,
camping in California is like nothing else you will experience. You will have an experience
to remember. And there is always something fun to do in California. There are beaches
everywhere, looking over the Pacific Ocean. If you love the water, you might even consider
going camping at the beach! The coastal campgrounds are just beautiful.

Diversity

The wonderful thing about camping in California is that it is so diverse. You can go camping
at not just the beach, but the mountains, the parks, lakes, deserts, or even the city. And
you will have a fabulous time and create a memory that lasts.

In northern California, you can also enjoy the famous Golden Gate Park, the Napa Vineyards,
and more. If you are visiting the southern California, the local attractions are unending. On
some crazy days, you may even find the local natives wearing shorts and tank tops in the
middle of October! Where else in the world can you see that?

While many parts of the world have four seasons, California is famous for its beautiful sunny
weather all year round. And that applies mainly to southern California. Campers can enjoy
many of the same activities even in winter. Okay, maybe not swimming in the lake. If you are
looking for a place to go swimming in the winter, the local deserts are famous for their
semi-heated pools and Jacuzzis.

In the summer, you may experience triple digit weather (in southern California). On days like
this, you might want to consider driving a few hours up north. The summer weather in northern
California is gorgeous. The climate still gets warm, but less so than down south. In some
places, such as the San Francisco bay area, people wear thick pea coats in the middle of
July! But it is still gorgeous. During the day, it can get quite foggy.

RV Camping

Campers with RVs can enjoy their experience at RV parks and meet other fellow campers. If you
really want to rough it, you can put out a tent and get the full experience.

RV-ing is as much Fun for your Pets as it is for You

by Laura Weaver

I often accuse my husband of buying our motorhome for the “other woman” in his life…our 8-pound Maltese-Shih Tzu mix. Our furry little bundle of joy came into our lives at a time when I felt particularly lonely because all of our children had become adults and were involved in lives of their own. I desperately needed to mother something. After years of coaxing (nagging?), my husband finally agreed to visit a breeder just to look at the puppies. Once there, he was hooked! We selected the calmest, quietest, most adorable puppy there…the one whose eyes pleaded with us to choose her.

Since our puppy was too young for us to bring her home with us that day, we paid a deposit for the breeder to hold her for us until she was able to join us two weeks later. This gave us time to pick up all of the necessary doggy supplies, find a reputable veterinarian, and decide on a name. Because we were hoping to travel extensively in the near future and not really have any permanent home, “Gypsy” was the most appropriate choice.

Shortly after Gypsy came to live with us, we found a very comfortable, affordable used motorhome to use for our travels. Gypsy immediately adapted to these new surroundings. Her favorite hiding place is under the passenger captain’s chair. Her doggy bed fits comfortably beside the bathroom door. Her food and water bowls are handily placed below the refrigerator. Numerous doggy toys collect under the banquette table. She even has her own cubby for keeping her grooming supplies and treats. The size of our motorhome gives Gypsy ample room to walk, roam, and play.

RV-ing is a wonderful travel option for pets. Gypsy is a great little traveler and is used to this routine. While on the road, we stop at grassy rest areas in order to exercise Gypsy, as well as give her ample opportunity to answer “nature’s call”.

Since we have the ability to prepare lunch in our motorhome, we do. We usually try to find a quiet location with a scenic view in which to enjoy our meal. By doing this, it gives Gypsy ample time to eat and drink, too. Gypsy is also secure in the fact that she won’t be left alone in a vehicle that is either too hot or too cold, like so many other traveling pets, while their owners go into a restaurant for meals.

Overnight camping in our motorhome is very comfortable for Gypsy, as well. Unlike motel stays, many of which do not allow pets or charge an extra fee, almost all campgrounds accept friendly breeds of dogs. When we check into a campground, we simply request a site with grass or one near the Pet Area…a place Gypsy would enjoy. Some campgrounds are so accommodating that they have treats on hand and even provide the “doggy-doo” clean-up bags.


Of course, once we are set up at our campsite, Gypsy is eager to explore the campground, as are we; so we take her on a walk to acquaint her with her surroundings. Instead of feeling insecure in a strange place, Gypsy has learned to accept that even though the scenery changes, our RV is her motor-”home”. She is comfortable in it. In fact, we can even leave her unattended for a while in order to go sight-seeing, shop, or eat dinner at a restaurant without her feeling abandoned.

Like us, pets enjoy traveling in an RV. They appreciate the relaxed pace. They feel secure because their surroundings are familiar. They are comfortable because all of their needs are met. Most importantly, traveling in an RV allows them to be with their owners on trips of a lifetime. Gypsy can vouch for that…just ask her.

Luxuries to Make Your Camping Experience Comfortable

by Laura Weaver

We absolutely love camping in our motorhome.  The opportunity to travel and explore different areas of our country is a blessing.  We take pleasure in communing with nature and appreciate the simple things in life.

As much as we enjoy camping, we have found a number of must-have “luxury” items.  Though these are not absolutely necessary to have an enjoyable time, they enhance our camping experience very comfortably.

Patio mats come in very handy at a campsite which doesn’t have a concrete patio.  They help prevent dirt from being tracked into your clean motorhome.  They also are a means to keep your feet dry in wet, dewy grassy areas.  They are made of a special mesh material which dries quickly, doesn’t mold or mildew, and doesn’t kill the grass.  They come in a variety of colorful patterns to fit your personal style.

Outdoor chairs are essential for comfortable camping.  They range from fold-out canvas types to the director-style with attached tray to simple webbed folding chairs.  The most comfortable is the zero-gravity recliner which has a built-in headrest pillow and conforms to your body shape.  This chair is so relaxing that we have actually fallen asleep in it.

Outdoor lighting gives a comfortable glow to your campsite after dark.  Patio lights which connect to your awning are very festive and colorful.  Track/rope lighting used to outline the ground of your patio area gives enough illumination to prevent you from tripping over obstacles.  Solar garden lanterns provide ample light during the darkest of nights when they are placed strategically around your RV.  For more direct lighting, a gas lantern or rechargeable spotlight is beneficial.


No camping excursion is complete without the ability to cook your meals outdoors.  A portable grill is perfect for this.  Portable grills can be placed on top of a picnic table, be free-standing with built-in cart, or simply be placed on the ground.  They can be fueled by charcoal or propane, depending on your preference.  Whichever type of portable grill you choose, rest assured the meal will taste delicious, as nothing stimulates the appetite more than food being grilled outdoors.

These are just a few of the “tried and true” luxuries we enjoy on our camping trips.  Each excursion, we add to these items in order to make our experience as comfortable as we want it to be.

Our Maiden RV Adventure

Being new to the RV choice of travel, we were honestly quite overwhelmed and frightened at the thought of camping in our new motorhome. Even though the salesman was very helpful and informative when we purchased our motorhome, we had doubts that we were competent enough to know what to do. Afterall, neither one of us had ever gone camping in our lives! We weren’t sure we would remember all of the instructions. We were fearful that something in the rig wouldn’t work right. And, most importantly, we didn’t want to cause irreparable damage to our brand new investment.

Because of these fears, we actually owned our RV for several months before we took the plunge. We drove the RV, but didn’t camp in it or use any of the facilities. It was more or less a means of transportation for us to get from one destination to the other. In fact, we were so fearful of our lack of experience that I’m embarrassed to admit we actually parked the RV in motel parking lots and proceeded to stay in the rooms of motels!

After months of procrastination and second-guessing our decision to be RV-ers, we shared our anxieties with our dear friends, who just happen to live in their RV full-time. They were actually both horrified and amused that we were so afraid to use our motorhome in the way for which it was designed. Luckily, they offered to accompany us on our very first camping excursion. What a relief and a blessing that turned out to be!

We followed them, caravan-style, to a State Park a couple of hours away. Upon arriving at the gate house, they led us through the ropes of registering, selecting a campsite, and setting up. They directed and guided us through the back-in process. After parking our rig, they patiently stood beside us as we proceeded to hook our rig up, answering our questions and dealing with our concerns as we went.


Prior to setting out on this excursion, our friends designed a “check list” of supplies for us to fill. In addition to the supplies to have on hand, they advised us to fill our water reservoir tank. This turned out to be very helpful, because as hard as we looked, we just couldn’t find a water supply. That’s because there wasn’t one. We would need to rely on our on-board water tank using our water pump. We also realized there was not a sewer hook-up at our campsite, either, but were assured by our friends that on this short camping trip, we wouldn’t need one. We were actually quite surprised to find out that many State and National Campgrounds do not have full hook-ups available.

After lowering the leveling jacks, extending our slide-outs, and adjusting our awning with the aid of our friends, we were finally able to relax and enjoy ourselves. We took a hike so that we could explore our surroundings and appreciate nature. We lit a campfire with the firewood provided by the Park and had a picnic supper. We listened to our friends’ recollections of their personal camping experiences and thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.

Because of our friends’ encouragement and assistance on our first camping adventure, we gained the knowledge and the confidence we needed. In fact, we learned so well that we put this new-found knowledge to practice by going camping by ourselves the very next weekend and have been enjoying traveling and camping in our motorhome ever since. In fact, we have quite a few RV adventures to share, as well.

by Laura Weaver

Motorhome Styles…Easy as A, B+, C

The decision to purchase a Motorhome excited and elated both my husband and me. There are three distinct styles of Motorhomes from which to choose: Class A, Class B+, and Class C. Following is a description of each type.

Usually, the Class C Motorhome is in the middle in size; between the Class A and Class B+; although occasionally a Class A is shorter in length. The Class C Motorhome is one which has the van-type driving cockpit with an overhead compartment. The overhead compartment can be a large, open storage area; house an entertainment system including television, VCR/DVD, and stereo; or serve as a bunk bed. The living area of the Class C is compact, yet functional. The bathroom is small, but useful. Often, the Class C has a separate bedroom, but not always, depending on the floor plan.

The Class C Motorhome is perfect for weekend get-aways and tail-gating at football games. It is also a wonderful size in which to travel to destinations with questionable roadway conditions; i.e. winding, narrow, mountainous roads. The only downside I see in owning the Class C motorhome is the difficulty in leveling because it does not have automatic leveling jacks. One way to overcome this obstacle is to make certain your campsite is level or use leveling devices to drive the wheels onto when parking at an unlevel campsite.

The Class B+ Motorhome is the smallest of the three styles of Motorhomes…think over-sized van. Its sleek style and versatility more than make up for its compact size. Within a few short steps, everything you would ever need is within easy reach. Almost everything inside has a double use. The sofa/dinette makes into a very comfortable bed. The small cooktop range has a cover for extra counter space. The cute little sink is ideal for storing, as well as washing, a few dishes at a time. The bathroom consists of a basin, toilet bowl, and hand-held shower hose and everything can be wiped down efficiently for convenience.

Like the Class C, the Class B+ is very comfortable for your shorter excursions. It is aerodynamically designed to drive through the roughest terrain and the heaviest of traffic with the most comfort and ease. Because of this design, as well as the modern conveniences, it is typically a bit more expensive than its Class C counterpart; and sometimes costs more than its Class A competitors.

The Class A Motorhome is typically the largest of these three styles. It has ample headroom and a huge windshield, offering a bird’s-eye view of panoramic scenes, glimpses of wildlife, and unobstructed views of traffic ahead. It is roomier than the other two styles, and often has slide-outs to increase the size of the living space when camping. The Class A Motorhome is a virtual “condo on wheels”. Automatic jacks stabilize and level this RV with ease. Ample space under the floor for storage is accessible through lockable “basement doors” which are easily accessible from ground-level outside of the RV.

Although a little more difficult to maneuver, safe driving habits and a well-planned route which is RV-friendly create a very comfortable and enjoyable trip. In fact, driving this size Motorhome can be compared to driving a school bus: If a school bus can do it, so can we. Prices of The Class A Motorhome range from just a little more than a well-equipped van or truck to quite expensive, indeed, depending on the make, model, size, and floor plan you choose.

No matter which type of Motorhome fits your personal needs and style, they are all a comfortable way to travel and camp. Now that we own our Class A, we wouldn’t want to travel any other way!

By Laura Weaver

How to Choose the Right RV for You

Three years ago, my husband and I made the ever-important decision to purchase an RV. Once we made this decision, we had the overwhelming task of deciding what kind of RV to purchase. Luckily, we had several friends who already owned RVs helping us by offering their knowledgeable experience. However, we had a very difficult choice in spite of their advice and opinions since there are so many different styles of RVs from which to choose, and we became quite confused.

There are actually two types of RV categories. The first category I will address are Towables. Towable RVs are, just as the name indicates, those which you tow behind your vehicle. They include travel trailers and fifth wheels. Both of these types of RVs have their pros and cons.

Good points in selecting a towable RV include:
1. Interior is divided into actual, more private rooms; bedroom and bathroom are upstairs in a fifth wheel.
2. Easy to maneuver (back, turn, and park).
3. Your driving vehicle is always with you.

Disadvantages in selecting a towable RV are:
1. Can be difficult to level.
2. Very little basement storage area.
3. Traveling to and from destinations may cause damage to items that aren’t secured properly, and you have no way of knowing the damage occurred until you arrive at your destination.

The second category of RV type is the Motorhome. Motorhomes are all-in-one, drivable RVs. They consist of a cockpit area for the driver and passenger; a living/kitchen/dinette area; a bathroom and a bedroom area. These, too, have pros and cons to consider.

Pros of selecting a Motorhome:
1. Convenience of having everything at your fingertips while on the road. (Can also investigate noises and fix items that need securing during travel.)
2. Lots of basement storage
3. Easy leveling with automatic jacks.

Cons of a Motorhome:
1. Noisy ride.
2. Have to tow your extra vehicle, so can’t back up without unhooking tow vehicle.
3. Maneuverability can sometimes prove difficult.

After considering these RV choices, and weighing in on the pros and cons of each, we decided to select a Motorhome as our Recreational Vehicle. The main contributing factor in this decision was the fact that we didn’t already have a truck/heavy-duty vehicle in which to pull the Towable RV. Although it was a thought-provoking decision to make, we are pleased with our choice.

By Laura Weaver