RV Camping Mag - June 2021 issue by RVCampingMagazine

EXPLORING UTAH JUNE 2021

ARCHES AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS

S H I F T, C O N T R O L & E S CA P E TO RV L I F E

Meet

POSTCA

RVBLOGGER.COM

202

JUN. ISSU1

from Zion Nati

onal

Park, Utah

MAGAZINE 2016

Phil & Stacy

35-f

RUB

oot T

iffin

Alleg

ro R

ed.

P ___ 1

FROM YOU, ME AND THE RV!

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

CAN THEY REALLY TOW RVS?

5 COZY RV UPDATES FROM FIFTH WHEELS TO MOTORHOMES, THESE TIPS ARE WORTHY OF ATTENTION.

5 EASY INSTANT POT RECIPES FOR RV CAMPING

www.RVBlogger.com

MEET PHIL & STACY

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

5 COZY RV UPDATES

From You, Me and the RV!

Can They Really Tow RVs?

From fifth wheels to

by Brian Newman

motorhomes, these kitchens are worthy of attention. by Katie Nathey

VOL.1, ISSUE 1

CONTENTS JUNE 2021

departments

features

CONTENTS

EDITOR'S

NUTS AND

RV GEAR

RV KITCHEN

ARE WE

NOTEWORTHY

LETTER

BOLTS

New RV Gear &

Easy, Delicious

THERE YET?

NEWS

Letters from

Tips & Reviews

Gadgets

Recipes

Interesting

The latest

Locations

updates are

the Editor

found here.

RVBLOGGER.COM

EDITOR'S LETTER

RV CAMPING

s the 2021 Camping season gets into full swing Susan and I are excited to launch our brand new digital/video publication called RV Camping Magazine! And best of all, a subscription to our monthly magazine is completely free!

Welcome TO RV

Each month we will feature a very popular personality in the RV world for you to meet and get to know! And we will also feature articles about great places to camp and explore, RV maintenance and care, awesome camping recipes, RV related news and current topics that impact the RV camping world. This month we get to meet Phil and Stacy from You, Me and the RV. Phil and Stacy are an incredibly likable couple who have spent the last 3 years on the road as full time RVers. They have a great YouTube channel and a huge following! We had the chance to meet them and interview them in this month’s issue!

CAMPING MAGAZINE!

We also have a futuristic article about all electric pickup trucks and campers! But the future is now because many of these trucks are available for sale today! Even Tesla is getting into the game with an EV truck and camper that look like they are out of a science fiction movie! And we have a terrific article that will inspire you to explore some of the Big 5 National Parks in Utah! We discovered a new blogger who is an excellent writer and he shares his RV camping experience in a unique way that will make you want to get out and explore the great outdoors! We have also teamed up with the National RV Training Academy to provide you with great information about how to maintain and make repairs on your RV! NRVTA is a great resource for all RVers and who better to learn from than the experts in training people how to service RVs! We also have a fantastic article with some great tips to spruce up your RV from our friends at MountainModrenLife.com! Why not give your camper a quick and easy refresh and make it unique! And finally, we will feature some delicious recipes you can make while camping in your RV! We invite you to dive into the Magazine, take it all in, and share it with your friends! Welcome to RV Camping Magazine! Mike and Susan Contact RV Camping Magazine at mike@rvblogger.com

JUNE 2021

S H I F T, C O N T R O L & ES CA P E TO RV L I F E

MAGAZINE

JUNE, 2001 VOL.1, ISSUE 1

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

SR. ART DIRECTOR

Susan McDonald Mike Scarpignato

DESIGN

Kelly Y. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Newman, Stu Gold, National RV Training Academy ADVERTISING

Mike Scarpignato 443-699-6556, mike@rvblogger.com EDITORIAL mike@rvblogger.com

Join FMCA Today... Make your RV adventures even better with peace-of-mind protection and money-saving programs. FMCAssist

All members receive emergency medical evacuation coverage at no additional cost – Over $200+ value!

Roadside Rescue®

FMCA members can purchase roadside assistance at a discounted group rate.

ADVERTISING SALES

RV Camping Magazine is a free monthly publication and is a division of RVBlogger.

FMCA’s Tire Savings Program

Save hundreds of dollars on name-brand RV, light truck, and passenger car tires.

Tech Connect Plus

Travel-friendly internet hotspot offer – Save nearly $1,000 per year!

Education & Advocacy © 2021 RVBlogger. RV Camping Magazine (aka RV Camping Mag) is a registered trademark of RVBlogger. Unauthorized use of any of RVBlogger’s trademarks is expressly prohibited. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Privacy Promise RV Camping Magazine will never intentionally share subscribers’ names, addresses or other personal information with other companies when requested not to do so. If you do want to opt out from receiving marketing offers from other reputable companies, or you opt out and subsequently desire to opt back in, contact by email at: info@RVCampingMag.com

FMCA members have access to limitless opportunities for education – Priceless!

PLUS

so much

MORE!

Call 800-543-3622 or visit join.fmca.com/rvcampingmag/

NUTS AND BOLTS

RV CAMPING

PROPANE NOT WORKING? IT’S PROBABLY PROPANE LOCKOUT! JUNE 2021

hat is propane lockout? Several of our appliances require propane. Appliances like our furnace, refrigerator, oven and of course our water heater. If you ever noticed that none of your propane appliances are working, you may be experiencing a propane lockout. When you go to the online forums someone may tell you to turn on your stove and purge the system. It’s likely not a purge but more of a lockout. A propane lockout is due to a safety device called an excess flow valve. The excess flow valve is designed to prevent propane from releasing, at full pressure, in the event the line breaks off. There’s a small ball bearing that will move back and forth opening the valve and closing the valve, only this one is designed to open only if there is some back pressure. No back pressure, no full flow of propane. For example: A propane lockout can happen if you open your propane tanks while all of your appliances are already calling for propane. The excess flow valve assumes there’s a leak, due to no back pressure, and the small ball bearing blocks the line. Not completely, but enough to not allow your appliances to work. Ever have a small flame on your cooktop? Seems like there’s not enough gas?

NUTS AND BOLTS

It’s probably the excess flow valve. Here’s what you need to do if you have a propane lockout.

STEP ONE

“If you ever noticed that none of your propane appliances are working, you may be experiencing a propane lockout. ”

Go over to your propane tank and turn it off.

STEP TWO You’re gonna hear a click after a few seconds from this excess flow valve. Once it clicks, then you’ve reset it. Don’t worry, if you don’t hear a click after 30 seconds you may have missed it. Move on to Step three

STEP THREE Turn off all the appliances that require propane. We don’t want to turn the propane back on until everything else is turned off. RVBLOGGER.COM

RV CAMPING

“Ever have a small flame on your cooktop? Seems like there’s not enough gas? It’s probably the excess flow valve.” STEP FOUR Turn the propane tank back on by turning the knob three full turns but turn the knob very slowly. Three full turns will allow for full pressure.

STEP FIVE Turn on your appliances and enjoy.

The National RV Training Academy

The National RV Training Academy is the premier licensed career school for RV Technicians and RV Inspectors and provide training for RV Owners. For more information about the National RV Training Academy, Call (903) 386-0444 or visit www.nrvta.com.

JUNE 2021

Your Adventures Matter Protect Them with Us!

RV Protection You Need, Customer Service you Deserve 800.939.2806 Peace of Mind for the Road Ahead

RV GEAR

010

RV CAMPING

RVER'S ESSENTIALS BY RVBLOGGER

The Rhino Blaster with Gate Valve If you have an older RV, rinsing and flushing your black water tank after dumping can be a hassle. It takes forever to fill the black tank with water to flush it out. You might have to hold the toilet valve open or drag a hose through the RV window to fill the black tank with a wand through the toilet. But now flushing the black (and gray) water tanks is super easy. Just use the Rhino Blaster and connect a garden hose to quickly and easily fill the black water tank. Even though there is a built-in back flow preventer we recommend you do not use your freshwater hose. Instead, keep a separate green garden hose on board for flushing your tanks. The key is to buy the Rhino Blaster with the Gate Valve. RhinoFlex sells the Rhino Blaster without the gate valve for less money, but without it, you can’t fill your black tank because the water is pouring down the sewer hose at the same time you are shooting water into the black tank. The Rhino Blaster with Gate Valve will make maintaining your black and gray tanks much easier!

We have done all the homework for you >>> JUNE 2021

012

RV CAMPING

KITCHEN

5 EASY

asy instant pot meals make all the difference when camping. These convenient cookers combine all the great features of a slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté pan, and warmer.

Instant Pot Recipes

There’s nothing better than mixing a few ingredients and letting the pot do its magic. Following a long day of exploring, you can enjoy a warm, delicious meal. Slow cookers also give you the chance to try many cuisines and combinations.

FOR RV CAMPING BY RVBLOGGER

You can make a unique creation or follow one of the many recipes from experienced campers. If you’re searching for quick and easy ideas, look no further to find 10 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for RV Camping. Instant pot recipes allow you to explore your food preferences. You can choose from traditional American, Italian, Asian, or Mexican fares. Discover amazing recipes anywhere from pulled pork to spaghetti to stir fry. There are even yummy dessert ideas for those with a sweet tooth. And the list goes on from there! Whatever you decide, these 5 easy and delicious instant pot RV camping recipes will not disappoint. You will impress any crowd and keep them coming back for more!

“Slow cookers also give you the chance to try many cuisines and combinations.” JUNE 2021

013

RV KITCHEN

1. Instant Pot French Toast Casserole If you need a recipe with short cook times, then choose the Instant Pot French Toast Casserole. Most casseroles take up to an hour to cook, and even longer to prepare. But, with this recipe, you’ll have a meal whipped up in half the time. Plus, it is just as enjoyable as the oven method. Begin making this yummy breakfast by putting water to the instant pot. In another bowl, stir the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and spices. Then, add cut up pieces of bread and stir. Cover with foil and put in the pot. Switch the setting to pressure cooker and set it on high for thirty minutes. Let it rest for ten more minutes. Top with powdered sugar, fruit, or maple syrup. Cut and serve! Visit Delish.com for the full recipe!

2. Instant Pot Taco Soup Taco soup is a filling, nutrient-packed lunch that the whole family will enjoy. This Mexican-style dish has a ton of flavor between the beef, veggies, and seasonings. Plus, you can add delicious garnishes to spruce it up. This recipe uses mostly canned and packet ingredients, making it an easy on-the-go dinner. Switch your Instant Pot to “sauté.” Then, add the ground beef and onions. When finished cooking, drain the excess fat. Now, throw in the beans, veggies, seasoning, and beef broth. Cook on the “soup” mode for twenty minutes. And there’s dinner! Top with desired toppings, like Fritos, cheese, avocado, and sour cream. Visit Ohsweetbasil.com for full recipe!

RVBLOGGER.COM

014

RV CAMPING

3. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork If you enjoy pot camping, then you must try this BBQ pulled pork recipe. With coca-cola as its secret ingredient, it has a unique and exquisite flavor. Toast up some buns and stack it up with some juicy BBQ pulled pork. Serve it with chips, and you have a quick and easy meal. Grease your instant cooker and add the pork shoulder. Pour the coke on top. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Turn on the instant pot and set it for a cook time of forty-five minutes. Top it with anything you like, such as coleslaw, mayonnaise, or extra barbecue sauce. Visit lecremedelacrumb.com for the full recipe!

4. Instant Pot Texas Chili Chili is another heavenly camping recipe. As a bonus, making it takes only a little bit of effort. Your family can crowd around the fire and enjoy this delicious meal. You can also toast up some bread, so everyone can dip and scoop it. If not, chips work just as well. Switch the Instant Pot to “sauté,” then cook the onions, garlic, tomato paste, and beef. When it finishes cooking, drain the fat. Then, add the broth, beans, diced tomatoes, and spices. Stir and pressure cook on high for fourteen minutes. Visit delish.com for the full recipe!

JUNE 2021

015

RV KITCHEN

5. Instant Pot Apple Crisp Camping trips don’t feel right without a little bit of sweetness. Apple crisp has just the right amount of sweet and tart to satisfy that craving. With its fruity inside and crunchy outside, you’ll keep wanting more. And of course, you can’t forget to add vanilla bean ice cream on top. First, remove the apple skins and dice them into thick cubes or slices. Place them in the instant pot and add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and water. Cook on high pressure for a minute. Combine the oats, cinnamon, butter, flour, and brown sugar, then add to the pot. Stir then cook for another one or two minutes. Take it out and enjoy it! If you want to try this delicious recipe, it is just a click below! Visit temeculablogs.com for the complete recipe!

Make

Million$ from Your

Driveway! Delivery

Instant Booking

Family Friendly

Pet Friendly

Budget Friendly

Priceless Memories

How much

Can You Earn?

MEET

018

RV CAMPING

our Popular RVer

Meet

Phil & Stacy FROM YOU, ME AND THE RV! BY BRIAN NEWMAN

JUNE 2021

019

MEET PHIL AND STACY

RVBLOGGER.COM

020

RV CAMPING

“As empty-nesters, Phil and Stacy Farley decided to leave the stick and brick tradition for the full-time RV lifestyle.” JUNE 2021

021

MEET PHIL AND STACY

They travel the country in their 2016 35-foot Tiffin Allegro Red, named Ruby.

s empty-nesters, Phil and Stacy Farley decided to leave the stick and brick tradition for the full-time RV lifestyle. Their loyal YouTube fans get to join them on their adventures as they travel the country in their 2016 35-foot Tiffin Allegro Red, named Ruby. You’ll see them on YouTube and other social media sources recommending essential accessories, campgrounds, and RVs. They’ve also spent time learning more about RV repair and giving back to the community through volunteering for many charities. Phil served for 27-year as a Master-at-Arms in the U.S. Navy, starting as an entry E-1 Seaman Recruit. He earned his

RVBLOGGER.COM

022

RV CAMPING

commission the hard way as a Mustang Lt. Commander. Stacy served our country honorably for 5 years before pursuing her Nurse Practitioner License. They’ll stop for a spell throughout their travels so she can roll up her sleeves to continue her nursing work from time to time.

less than 3 years, they’ve become major online influencers with over 200 videos, 11 million views, thousands of social media posts, and a high level of interaction with their followers, it’s easy to see why so many RVers invite Phil and Stacy into their home on wheels virtually.

The Farleys started their YouTube Channel, You, Me, & the RV, to connect with friends and family. In

We had the opportunity to speak with Stacy and Phil about when they started, advice for RV JUNE 2021

Less than 3 years, they’ve become major online influencers with over 200 videos, 11 million views, thousands of social media posts, and a high level of interaction with their followers.

Camping for Newbies, the charity work they participate in, and other things that give us insight into who they are.

Tips for New RV Owners When did you begin full-time RVing? We marked our first day on Monday, May 13, 2018. That was the day we left our physical address and began our journey.

023

MEET PHIL AND STACY

“We had never owned an RV before, so once we moved in, there was some serious on-thejob training that happened - and is still happening.” What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began RVing? This is a tough question to answer because even after all our research, there was still so much we didn’t know. We had never owned an RV before, so once we moved in, there was some serious on-the-job training that happened - and is still happening. That being said, Phil does wish

he knew more about the RV systems, especially electrical. He also wishes he had taken the tech course before we hit the road.

How did you start the You, Me, and the RV Channel, and what’s your favorite thing about being YouTubers? Our channel started as a way for me (Stacy) to be creative and to stay busy. We also planned to show our friends and family our RVBLOGGER.COM

new life on the road. Our favorite thing about our channel is our community. We have met so many amazing people and hear so many amazing stories. It really is the best thing about RV life.

Belonging to a community of RVers isn’t easy when on the road. How have you found ways to connect with other RVers, and how are you helping other RVers to join as well?

024

RV CAMPING

We have met many of our closest friends at rallies and through RVillage before our channel had 500 subscribers. Finding community on the road is not only possible, we feel it is easier than when we lived in our sticks and bricks home. We encourage people to reach out to each other on RVillage (we have a huge community there), attend rallies, meetups and of course, don’t be afraid to say

hello to your neighbor. Connect with You, Me, & the RV through RVillage today.

What’s your favorite RV camping location, and why? Our favorite location is our last location. Actually, there are so many amazing places, it is hard to pick just one because they are so different. We loved traveling through the New England area because of the history, the people, JUNE 2021

Less than 3 years, they’ve become major online influencers with over 200 videos, 11 million views, thousands of social media posts, and a high level of interaction with their followers.

the food, and the laid-back feel. We also completely enjoyed Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons for the beauty of the landscape, the animals, and the peace it provided. One thing we have learned is your view may be desert, mountains, meadows, or your neighbor’s RV beside you. They are all beautiful, unique and you can learn from each of these locations and the experiences they offer you.

025

MEET PHIL AND STACY

“You may not dream of living full-time in an RV, but you should always be working to make your dreams a reality.”

Start now. Make a list of what would be your dream life. It might be traveling, volunteering, changing careers, or just working fewer hours for more family time. Now that you see it written down on paper make a list of all the things you can do to make that dream happen and then start doing them.

What’s your best advice for newbie RVers?

How has full-time RVing changed you and your perspective of the world?

see we really are more alike than different.

When you leave your small corner of the world and visit other communities and meet other people, you realize how narrow your perspective of the world can be. Travel does this to everyone. You learn about different cultures, different groups of people, and the communities where they live. It opens your mind and helps you to

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?

Do not be afraid to jump in! It is so rewarding! If you are nervous, do a few shakedown trips close to home to learn your RV and to practice driving. Jump into groups on social media that have your RV. You will learn so much by just reading the questions of others. There are so many blogs and videos out there that can help you in many situations.

I think our biggest piece of advice would be do not be afraid to live your dream. Do not let the fear of what others will think or the fear of living a nontraditional life hold you back. You may not dream of living full-time in an RV, but you should always be working to make your dreams a reality.

Of course, do not be afraid to ask your neighbor if you are having trouble. RVers are the friendliest, most helpful people on the planet! Someone around you will be more than willing to share their knowledge and answer your questions.

RVBLOGGER.COM

026

RV CAMPING

What are the best resources that have helped you along the way? There are so many resources out there for RVers, and we have so many favorites! A few of the ones we use all the time are Allstays, RV Trip Wizard, RV Life Magazine, and Camper Report. If you do not mind going old school, we also have several books we use all the time. The Wright Guide to Free and LowCost Campgrounds has been a resource for Forestry Land and epic boondocking locations. The RV Camping and Getaways Guide by Military Living is an excellent

resource for everything you want to know about camping on military installations.

Volunteer Opportunities While RVing What is Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), and how did you get involved? We found this charity when I was researching veteran charities. We wanted to use our platform to give back. Once I learned about them, I fell in love with their mission and what they do for our Vets and their families. JUNE 2021

Less than 3 years, they’ve become major online influencers with over 200 videos, 11 million views, thousands of social media posts, and a high level of interaction with their followers.

HFOT is a nonprofit that provides completely adapted homes for veterans who have suffered severe injuries. They provide custom homes that allow more independence and freedom for the veteran. This new independence eases the caregiver’s burden and changes the lives of the entire family. 90 cents from every dollar donated goes directly to the building of the home and other programs they provide the veteran and their family. We were lucky enough to attend a key ceremony for a recipient and meet prior home recipients. It

027

MEET PHIL AND STACY

was an amazing experience that we will never forget.

What are you most proud of in the last year?

channel. We are both Navy veterans, so giving back to those who sacrifice so much is very important to us. Over the last 3 years, we have helped to raise over $43,000 for our military charities with a goal of $100,000. I know with the help of our community, we will accomplish this goal.

We are most proud of how we have been able to give back since we started our YouTube channel. We have been a cheerleader for our veterans on our YouTube

We have also volunteered with A Year to Volunteer (Y2V) for three different projects. A Year to Volunteer is an organization

Visit our Home for Our Troops Donation Page to join in on our efforts to achieve our donation goal.

Less than 3 years, they’ve become major online influencers with over 200 videos, 11 million views, thousands of social media posts, and a high level of interaction with their followers.

“HFOT provide custom homes that allow more independence and freedom for the veteran.”

RVBLOGGER.COM

founded by RVers with a goal of volunteering in every state. We were at the very first project at Florida Caverns State Park. The park was hit hard by Hurricane Michael, and the campground was destroyed. We went in with Y2V and rebuilt the campground. It was hard work but so worth it. We met amazing people, and there is nothing like the feeling of giving back. If you are interested in volunteering, you can find their project schedule on our Today Is Someday website. We also give back to many military charities we support. You can donate traditionally or buy your RV gear through the Amazon Smile program, so part of your purchase benefits the organization of your choice.

028

RV CAMPING

Someday is Still Happening: Future Plans and How to Connect with Phil and Stacy What’s on your bucket list? That is a funny question because our bucket list keeps getting longer instead of shorter! Some of the places that we dream of visiting are Acadia National Park, Zion, Michigan, all of the Northwest, New Zealand, Europe, and so much more! I could go on and on here.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Phil said he would like X-ray vision. That way, he could look behind walls and be able to diagnose a problem with the rig easier. I think I would choose time travel. How amazing would it be to go back in time and meet some of the amazing people in our history and to witness events that changed the world.

What’s the best way for our JUNE 2021

Less than 3 years, they’ve become major online influencers with over 200 videos, 11 million views, thousands of social media posts, and a high level of interaction with their followers.

viewers to connect with and learn from you? Of course, they can find us on our YouTube channel, website, RVillage, Patreon, Instagram, and Facebook. We love our growing community. It is the best part of our new life.

Keeping the Adventure Going! Too often, full-time RVers make finite bucket lists that end within the first few years. After they’ve “been there, done that,” they

029

MEET PHIL AND STACY

fall into a snowbird-like pattern where they set roots in 2 or 3 familiar campgrounds. The urge to travel is there, but there’s no purpose to it. Phil and Stacy Farley give us a great example of how to stay on the road with a purpose in the best way. Their desire to give back through military and civilian charities always provides a destination. The couple also remembers to take the time to enjoy the full-time lifestyle by hitting those bucket list destinations and adding new locations they come across. Even if you’re not a fulltimer, you’ll learn a lot from them and get some excellent recommendations for destinations and do-it-yourself projects. Make sure you subscribe to the You, Me, & the RV YouTube channel.

RVBLOGGER.COM

Electric

030

RV CAMPING

Trucks

JUNE 2021

031

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

Electric Trucks CAN THEY REALLY TOW RVS? BY BRIAN NEWMAN

RVBLOGGER.COM

032

RV CAMPING

ccording to the 1950s innovators, we should be using jet packs for commuting and Rosie the Robot (From the cartoon “The Jetsons”) keeping our house together. We may not have jetpacks and robots, but the evolution from gas-powered vehicles to electric-powered vehicles is taking a big step forward with pickup trucks. Our curiosity piqued as we started seeing news coverage about the EV pickup trucks. Can they really tow RVs? How’s the RV Industry going to adapt to these new trucks? What potential problems EV truck owners may face as campgrounds and other essential services adjust to the new technology? We’ve dug into this brave new world of electric trucks and allelectric RVs to see what the next few years will look like in the RV lifestyle. We’ll show you some history and how an electric motor works in an electric vehicle. You’ll see some great examples of what Motown’s Big 3 and independents are coming out within the next three years. Finally, we’ll discuss some working theories and models the RV Industry has to offer.

An Explanation of How Electric Vehicle Motors Work When you talk to someone who knows how to strip a gas or diesel motor, they can talk to you all day about compression ratios, common rail injection, and piston slap (yes, that’s a real thing). Over the past one hundred plus JUNE 2021

Cybertruck pulling Polydrop P17A

years, a language developed as the technology evolved and people became knowledgeable in fossil fuel engine operation. If you pick up an owner’s manual of a Tesla Vehicle or other pure electric vehicles (EV), you’ll see that the section that talks about how the motor works would fill less than a page. It’s vague and leaves more questions than answers.

033

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

“What potential problems EV truck owners may face as campgrounds and other essential services adjust to the new technology? ”

RVBLOGGER.COM

034

RV CAMPING

The earliest creation of gas engines dates back to 1791 as a turbine. William Sturgeon holds the title for inventing the first successful electric motor in 1832. George Brayton created the first liquid-fueled internal combustion engine in 1872 (an American). Nicolaus Otto, Gottlieb Daimler, and Wilhelm Maybach were the ones that made the first 4-cylinder engine in 1876 (Germans). So the question is, why did the horseless carriage use internal combustion instead of electric? Horsepower and torque. Nikola

Tesla (1856-1943) argued that the electric motor could have the same or better power as gas engines with the proper development. At the time, gas engines had immediate value. Tesla (known as the “Mad Russian” even though he was Serbian) talked about years of further research. It’s only in recent years that the world is catching up to his theories. For almost 200 years, experts pigeonholed electric motors in the toy, appliance, and industrial machinery fields. It would take modern-day JUNE 2021

Canoo PickupTruck

daredevils to realize Tesla wasn’t so mad after all.

TILTING AT WINDMILLS There are many different types of electric motors. The one we’re going to focus on is the brushless DC electric motor. Understanding all of this in detail requires advanced degrees in engineering and physics, but we’ll give you the basic concepts. We’d like to thank the undergraduate, graduate, and working professionals that helped us double-check our facts. All electric motors start with the same basic structures: two

035

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

side has a south pole. There’s a magnetic field amplified due to the electricity coursing through the magnets between the two. The magnetic field makes the windmill blades spin, producing usable energy. On a brushed DC motor, the metal brush wires control the speed of the spinning blades. The problem is, the brushes wear out over time. EV engineers realized the average consumer would have to bring in their car to replace these brushes like an oil change maintenance regularly. The cost of this would be prohibitive, so the brushless is preferred. Other factors are involved, but again, we’re not in physics class. The issue with the brushless version is the speed of the blade. Without proper control, the blades spin at unmanageable speeds, making the motor inefficient. That’s why EV companies use a computer to control the spin. magnets, a central rotor that spins, and something connected to the central rotor that needs to turn. In our case, think of a windmill, but the four blades have copper wiring wrapped around them. Some type of securing component suspends a magnet on both sides a quarter-inch from the blades. When you were young, you probably played with magnets in science class. You learned the north pole attracts the south pole, but the north pole reflects another north pole. For our windmill example, the left magnet has a north pole, and the right

Before any of you street racers get any ideas, this isn’t like messing with your current car’s computer for that extra horsepower or torque. Think of it like water going through a pipe. If the water pressure goes too fast, the water backs up; too slowly, and you lose pressure. There’s a sweet spot that balances power and longevity. This information is proprietary, so don’t try doing anything that will get the authorities knocking on your door.

Will One of These Truck Companies RVBLOGGER.COM

Retain or Replace a Seat at the Detroit Big 3 Table? The eight electric pickups below will hit the market between September 2021 through 2024. Their towing, payload and other specs don’t line up with gaspowered trucks, but we’ll use the quarter classification to give you an idea of their overall dimensions. The auto-makers are taking a different approach with the motors. Instead of one big front motor, they’re putting the smaller electric motors in the center of the axles. Most use a dual-motor configuration where one motor powers the front wheels and the rear motor powers the back. The vehicle’s central computer takes care of the timing, so both motors keep up with each other. Some electric truck brands are placing motors at the individual wheels in a quad-motor setup. In 2002, GM introduced a “Skateboard Chassis” at the Detroit Auto Show.” The chassis had a quad-motor design, and the designers filled the midchassis space with hydrogen cell chambers. The idea allowed consumers to purchase one chassis and replace the body multiple times based on their needs. As a young person, after the initial purchase of the skateboard chassis, you could purchase that affordable four-door sedan. Later, the minivan body could be attached. As an empty-

036

Atlis XL

RV CAMPING

•TRUCK CATEGORY: ¾ OR ONE TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 300-500 MILES •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: TT 6,000-17,000/ 5TH 20,000-35,000/ PAYLOAD 1,000-5,000 •DRIVETRAIN: AWD WITH DUAL MOTORS •0 TO 60 MPH: 5 SECONDS •CARGO BED: STANDARD BED, FLAT BED, DUALLY BED, SERVICE BODY (UTILITY STORAGE BAYS) •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: $45,000

nester (using their examples), you could float on your favorite Cadillac. Nothing ever went into production, but the quad-motor EV pickups, getting ready to launch, draw inspiration from that Chassis concept.

designs are the increased payload specs. The dual motors give half-ton-sized EV trucks near one-ton payload capacities. The quad-motor versions are showing payload numbers equal to the towing capabilities.

What’s truly fascinating about these dual and quad-motor

Electric trucks will pull a trailer since most have a towing capacity JUNE 2021

of 7,500 pounds or more. When you tow or haul at the maximum capabilities, the driving distance on a single charge will reduce up to 50%. Many of these EV pickup trucks have ports to add additional batteries for increased power needs. We’ll show you how these electric

037

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

pickup trucks fit in the RV world throughout our examples. Most are partnering with other companies for tailor-made caps that have rooftop tents and other features. Here are some great choices coming soon to a dealership near you for those who want to live the RV lifestyle in traditional categories.

Atlis XL The Atlis XL electric truck has its sights set on playing with the big boys. In a few years, you’ll start seeing one of these EV pickups parked next to the heavy/superduty Chevrolet 2500 Silverado and Ford F-350. Since it has a flatbed and dually 8-foot bed option, RVers who enjoy truck campers RVBLOGGER.COM

can continue to enjoy their long bed campers. This heavy EV pickup will also make fulltime RVers happy when they’re pulling their luxury fifth-wheel by knocking out that colossal fuel bill. Canoo Electric Pickup The Canoo electric truck’s snub-

038

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

039

Canoo Electric Pickup

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

•TRUCK CATEGORY: QUARTER-TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 200 MILES •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 1,800 PAYLOAD POUNDS/ UNKNOWN TOWING POUNDS •DRIVETRAIN: AWD WITH DUAL MOTORS OR RWD WITH A SINGLE MOTOR

nose design isn’t new. If you look back to the Antique Era (19101944) and early Vintage Era (19451970), cargo-hauling trucks had the driver sitting above the engine rather than behind. We suspect this truck’s towing capabilities aren’t going to be too high, so teardrop enthusiasts might find this truck handy. Canoo added front and side storage areas with

•0 TO 60 MPH: UNKNOWN •CARGO BED: STANDARD AND LONG BED •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: UNKNOWN (VAN AROUND $33,000)

RVBLOGGER.COM

weight-bearing surfaces as lids. Another nickname for this truck may be the “Swiss-Army Knife” EV pickup truck. Ford F-150 Electric The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling half-ton trucks on the market, and the blue oval isn’t going to let these young “whippersnappers” take that away

040

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

041

Ford F-150 Electric

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

•TRUCK CATEGORY: HALF-TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 300 MILES •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: UNKNOWN •DRIVETRAIN: AWD WITH DUAL MOTORS •0 TO 60 MPH: UNKNOWN •CARGO BED: SHORT, STANDARD, AND LONG BASED ON EXPERT OPINION •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: $70,000

from them. Once the company releases the full specifications, experts assume the EV model will be Ford-Tough. The truck will compete well with its gaspowered sibling and the outside competition. There’s speculation that the electric pickup will come in the Lariat and King Ranch trim to justify the high price. RVers shouldn’t be nervous about losing towing or payload capacities.

GMC Hummer EV GMC’s launching four different versions of the Hummer EV. It’s already so popular, the first generation of the electric truck for 2021 has sold out on the reservation list. The generations afterward have launch dates between Spring 2022 through Fall 2024. The first and second generations will have three electric motors,

“The Ford F-150 is one of the bestselling half-ton trucks on the market, and the blue oval isn’t going to let these young “whipper-snappers” take that away from them.”

RVBLOGGER.COM

042

GMC Hummer EV

RV CAMPING

•TRUCK CATEGORY: HALF-TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 250-300 MILES •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 7,500-11,000 TOWING POUNDS/ 1,500-3,500 PAYLOAD POUNDS •DRIVETRAIN: AWD WITH 3 OR 2 MOTORS •0 TO 60 MPH: 3 SECONDS •CARGO BED: SHORT BED •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: $112,595- $79,995

JUNE 2021

043

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

RVBLOGGER.COM

044

Lordstown Endurance

RV CAMPING

•TRUCK CATEGORY: HALF-TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 250+ MILES •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 7,500 TOWING POUNDS/ 7,500 PAYLOAD POUNDS •DRIVETRAIN: AWD WITH FOUR HUB ELECTRIC MOTORS •0 TO 60 MPH: 5.5 SECONDS •CARGO BED: SHORT BED AND STANDARD BED •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: $52,500

while the future versions trim it down to a dual configuration. Its design makes it ideal for offroading, including the crab-walk feature and rear tag-axle. The cargo bed has high walls, so truck campers and fifth wheels won’t work for this truck. The Hummer EV will pair nicely with an off-road travel trailer with off-grid living features. Lordstown Endurance Many people are looking forward

to the day the Endurance comes out of the production line. That includes their partners at Camping World and the many NASDAQ investors. The truck sets an excellent baseline comparison for all of its competitors. The specs fall middle-of-the-road, but it should make those who fall short worry about low sales performance. The half-ton trucks are the first stage of their plans. The companies partnership with Camping World includes creating JUNE 2021

an all-electric RV in the drivable category. We’ll discuss this later. Magna’s eBeam Gas to Electric Conversion Technology Magna began in 1957 by supplying GM as a parts supplier. Today, they’re focusing on EV technologies that fit most brands. In March of 2021, the company announced its eBeam technology. Instead of buying a new truck, you can convert your favorite

045

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

gas-powered truck into an EV or hybrid. The eBeam comes with either a single or dual motor. Magna supplies all the components necessary except the batteries. You replace the rear differential with the eBeam. If you fully convert to EV, you can wire Lithium-Ion batteries under

RVBLOGGER.COM

the hood to fill the space and add the needed weight to keep your truck balanced. When you pair the eBeam with Magna’s front wheel motors, your truck becomes an all-wheel-drive EV. Magna isn’t ready to announce towing and payload specs, but your modified truck should line up with factorybuilt EV models.

046

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

047

Rivian R1T Rivian was one of the first to announce their R1T back in 2018. During that announcement, they promised a 400+ mile battery life. Pre-ordering is available for the 300-mile version, but they’ll fulfill that 400-mile promise by January 2022. To prove their truck, they hid their technology under the guise of a gas-powered Big 3 model, complete with a fake exhaust pipe, and drove it from South America to Los Angeles, California. The short bed and front hood storage won’t work for truck campers, but

the 11,000-pound towing capacity will give you a lot of variety in the travel trailer category. Tesla Cybertruck The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it came out of a 1980s video game, but the tri-motor version has the highest payload and towing specs available. This EV truck won’t be on any truck camper’s shortlist, but the best travel trailers under 35 feet look hopeful. The truck has a built-in expanding bed cover and loading ramp that save you from common cargo

RVBLOGGER.COM

Rivian R1T

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

•TRUCK CATEGORY: HALF-TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 300+ MILES (JANUARY 2022 400+) •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 11,000 TOWING POUNDS •DRIVETRAIN: AWD WITH QUAD-MOTOR DRIVE •0 TO 60 MPH: 3 SECONDS •CARGO BED: SHORT BED •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: $67,500- $75,000

048

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

049

Tesla Cybertruck

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

•TRUCK CATEGORY: HALF-TON •EXPECTED DRIVING DISTANCE PER CHARGE: 250-500 MILES •TOWING/PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 7,50014,000 TOWING POUNDS/7,500-14,000 PAYLOAD POUNDS •DRIVETRAIN: RWD SINGLE MOTOR, AWD DUAL-MOTOR, AWD TRIPLE-MOTOR •0 TO 60 MPH: 2.9 SECONDS •CARGO BED: SHORT BED •EXPECTED STARTING PRICE: $39,000

RVBLOGGER.COM

050

RV CAMPING bed problems. Tesla’s taking a page out of Steve Job’s book by creating their RVs in most towable categories that precisely fit their truck. Honorable Mentions We can’t list all of the contenders entering the EV pickup truck market or say which is the best electric truck. You can’t buy an electric truck yet, but many prototypes and production models are coming out soon. Bollinger’s B2, Nikola’s Badger, and Neuron’s EV T One are some of the trucks on expert watchlists that will be defining EV trucks shortly.

Ideas the RV Industry Are Kicking Around RVs Becoming Symbiotes Many RV companies are thinking of what their towables can do to aid traveling distance. One of the best answers relies on the electrical umbilical cord. Currently, the umbilical cord that plugs into your tow vehicle and RV operates your coach’s DOT lights, clearance lights, and brakes. What if the RV could send power back to your EV truck to keep the batteries charged longer? The idea starts with adding a secondary battery bay. Your primary bay would still house the house batteries that run the RV. The batteries in the second bay would stay isolated from your coach. The isolated batteries would feed your EV pickup through the umbilical into the truck’s energy storage system. JUNE 2021

051

Polydrop P17A Teardrop

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

•LENGTH: •AXLE WEIGHT: •SLEEP: •POWER SOURCE: DUAL 260-WATT SOLAR PANELS (520 TOTAL WATTS) •HOLDING TANKS: FRESH- 1.6 GALLONS, GREY- 1.6 GALLONS

A significant portion of RVs comes with solar panels as standard features. Coaches with this secondary bay would have additional panels to aid in refilling the symbiote batteries. As the RV Industry slowly moves away from propane, the symbiote batteries may fill that space. Polydrop P17A Teardrop: An AllElectric RV Trailer The RV Industry jumped into the all-electric field. The Polydrop P17 A is a teardrop that draws its inspiration from Tesla. The 5,000 BTU air conditioner, kitchenette, and other features draw power from the Lithium-Ion batteries. The hand pump sink helps you use water efficiently. The company towed their teardrop from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Los Angeles, California, using a Tesla 3 four-door sedan to prove themselves. They made three stops for quick charges that added up to about an hour but had a successful 10-hour trip. Australian company ERV made headlines with their 25-30 foot all-electric trailer this year. While they beat the American market in the travel trailer category, expect to see many familiar manufacturers ditching the LP tank for bigger house batteries and solar systems. The Tesla RV concepts released to the media show travel trailers, fifth wheels, and short bed truck campers. We are interested to see what the prototypes and production models look like,

RVBLOGGER.COM

052

RV CAMPING

but we wonder about the future success of these RVs that only fit the Cybertruck. While it was a different time, Glenn Curtiss’ Aerocar had a similar situation where the fifth wheel would only fit the hitch of the specially designed coupe or roadster intended for each other. If Curtiss introduced his Land Yacht in the 1950s, how successful would he have been? Curtiss eventually sold his company to pursue other ventures due to lack of sales, even though his luxury liner was affordable to those that had the money to spend. Much of his target audience chose other RV brands.

There’s a New RV Category in TownWhat is a Class E RV?

There were times when the RV Industry and the auto-makers were at odds with each other and periods when they played well. For the EV (r)evolution, both sides of the fence are talking to each other. The partnership between Lordstown and Camping World was a game-changer. When Ray Franks formed his relationship with Dodge in the fourth year of the Travco Motorhome’s production, it was the first time an RV manufacturer had a direct relationship with an auto producer. That deal only dealt with a chassis, engine, transmission, and other essential components. Camping World and Lordstown plan on building a whole new RV together. The primary focus on the Camping World and Lordstown JUNE 2021

Polydrop P17A Teardrop

partnership deals with creating a brand new RV category. Class E RVs will be a drivable category using the European-styled van chassis like the Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster. What we know so far is the chassis won't include the cargo box. Propulsion will rely on electric motors, and the motor coach will only use electricity for all of the features. The roof will hold multiple solar panels to keep all the batteries charged when not plugged into shore power. Forest River also partnered with Canadian company GreenPower to make 15,000 all-electric vehicles in their bus division. No one outside the company knows if this is a precursor to their Class E motorhomes.

053

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

Potential Problems RVing With EV Trucks and Motorhomes Charging Up There are several ways electric vehicles recharge the batteries. One of the first technologies developed with hybrids comes from the kinetic energy that builds when applying the brakes. When you press the service brake, the energy transfers to the batteries, giving them a short boost. That's why the Toyota Prius has better city MPG than the highway. The first level is trickle charge. Once you get home for the evening, you'd plug your EV into your garage’s regular 110v outlet. If the batteries were bone dry, it’d take 24 hours to complete the charging cycle.

Realistically, with a half charge, 1012 hours should top you off. You gain 3-5 miles of distance for every hour the vehicle is recharging. Level 2 uses a 220v line. As an RVer, you know that the round threeprong version is a 30-amp line, and the four-prong is a 50-amp. Clothes dryers use 30-amp outlets, and ovens may use 50. Once you have one of these installed professionally in your garage, EVs take 8 hours to charge from empty at a rate of 2030 miles per hour of charge. Level 3 uses direct current (DC) power in the charging process. EV power stations can complete a charge in under 90 minutes. Manufacturers set limits on how much DC power comes into the vehicle for safety. Some power stations can deliver up to 200-kiloWatts (kW), but most EV RVBLOGGER.COM

all-electricmotorhome

cars, SUVs, and upcoming trucks allow 50-100kW. It’s not as fast as the 5-minute fill-up at your local gas station, but grocery stores, office buildings, and other locations people spend time are starting to look at adding charging stations to their parking lots. Can Campgrounds Handle the Increased Power Usage? As the EV revolution hits American highways and byways, campgrounds, gas stations, and other RV essential locations are still trying to figure out how to adapt. Many campgrounds have electric systems that date back as far as the 1960s or 1970s. One shore power box may take the load of your 50 amp travel trailer, and you could trickle charge your

054

RV CAMPING

“When solar panel technology can keep up with EV usage, we’re sure the manufacturers will find ways to add them to their vehicles.” electric vehicle on the 110v outlet, but imagine everybody doing the same thing. It will take a while for everyone to update their electric wiring to support increased electric usage. Until then, keep yourself current on the latest news through RVBlogger on what campgrounds are doing to resolve the potential issue. Once you have your EV truck, SUV, or car, check with the campground ahead of time. We always encourage our RVBlogger friends to read the campground rules ahead of time so they know what to expect before making a reservation. You don’t want any surprises if they

Meanwhile, when your electric car dies, call your tow service provider and have them take you on a flatbed to the closest EV power station.

Dead Battery On The Road If you’ve ever run out of gas on the road, you know how frustrating and scary it can get. The RVer’s rule of thumb is always to refuel when you hit a quarter tank. EV trucks and other vehicles will probably follow the same rule.

Worst Case Scenario Issues When hybrids first hit the roads, we saw news articles about firefighters getting injured while trying to rescue people in car accidents. The problem had to do with the wiring. As the fire crews used their pneumatic tools to open the car, the equipment would hit a high-powered electric line in the car, resulting in their electrocution.

Some of the EV pickup truck manufacturers advertise auxiliary ports within the truck to add additional batteries. When solar panel technology can keep up with EV usage, we’re sure the manufacturers will find ways to add them to their vehicles.

Car companies quickly fixed the problem by rerouting the wiring. Electric vehicles, regardless of the category, don’t have that issue. All of the electronics and automotive components exist at the chassis level. Wiring to the dashboard or other areas

create any new regulations about electric usage.

JUNE 2021

Tesla Cybertruck

055

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

comes from the bottom instead of through the body frame. The wiring design leaves the way clear for rescue teams to do their work without thinking about their safety regarding the vehicle’s electronics.

line will have 4-5 owners before heading to the junkyard. We’re not talking about classic cars that went through restoration; instead, the 1990s Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and other used vehicles on the road.

Conclusion- What’s Going To Happen to My Cummins X15 605 HP Inline 6 Diesel?

Next time you pull into a campground, take a good look at the various RVs in the campground (assuming you’re at a location that doesn’t have the 10-year rule). You’ll see RVs from the 1990s and maybe even the late 1980s.

All-electric trucks, SUVs, and cars are still in the beginning stages of assimilation into American society. The motors are great on torque and acceleration, but heavy vehicles still need fossil fuel. Class A and C motorhomes aren’t going anywhere. They’re too popular, and they serve a large group of RVers. The current electric motor technology isn’t at the level needed for large motorhomes. To settle your fears, look at the cars on the road today. Today, a vehicle leaving the production

If you consider getting into an EV pickup truck or putting your name on the reservation list for the upcoming Class E RVs, do your research and ask the appropriate sales representatives many questions. Some of the EV vehicles have upgradable software that will keep your truck up-to-date as the technology advances. After all, who wants to drive the EV truck version of the Commodore 64 while you’re still making payments?.

RVBLOGGER.COM

About the Author

Canoo electric pickup truck

Although Brian Newman is from Motown, Brian Newman is a legacy RVer that grew up on I-75. He, his wife, and two working-class fur-babies have enjoyed the fulltime RV lifestyle since 2017. Like John Madden, he hasn’t “worked” in years because he gets to write about his passion. When he’s not working, he supports his daughter’s dog rescue efforts and disability causes.

❝One suggestion is to take a few minutes and think about why you are considering full time RV life.❞

Read more about full time RVing on our website: www.RVBlogger.com

FIVE

058

RV CAMPING

cozy RV Updates

JUNE 2021

059

5 COZY RV UPDATES

5 COZY

RV Updates TO TRANSFORM YOUR RV INTO A COZY HOME ON WHEELS BY KATIE NATHEY

RVBLOGGER.COM

060

RV CAMPING

believe any space you live in, even if just temporarily, is more than just a shelter. It's an opportunity to share your personal aesthetics, your journey, and create a meaningful interior that supports and inspires you. Whether you're planning a fullon renovation or are looking for a refresh, here are five updates that will transform your RV into a cozy home on wheels.

1. Paint

Let me guess, your RV is covered with beige walls, funky wallpaper, and feels dark, outdated, and maybe even a

little icky? The good news is there's one product that can transform the way your RV looks... paint! While I admit painting the interior of an RV can be tedious and tiring, it's also an affordable way to change the overall feel of the space. In other words, it's worth it! Most RV interior walls are constructed from lauan plywood sheets with a wallpaper texture adhered to them, which you don't want to remove, but you can paint right over it. However, your kitchen or bathroom walls may have an additional JUNE 2021

The black metal elements compliment rustic woods.

wallpaper border added on top of this, which can be removed. This seems to be the case in most RV's, especially older models. My advice for painting the walls in your RV is to take time to prep thoroughly to ensure a quality paint job that will last. Be sure to make any repairs beforehand, and then clean all surfaces with a degreaser such as TSP or Simple Green, which may help eliminate the need for scuff sanding. And because your RV walls are likely made of vinyl-covered plywood or wood veneer, using a bonding primer, such as PPG

061

5 COZY RV UPDATES

RVBLOGGER.COM

062

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

063

5 COZY RV UPDATES

“ The good news is there's one product that can transform the way your RV looks... paint ! ” Gripper, before you paint is highly recommended. Afterward, you can add your final paint color. I recommend two coats for the best results. This same process can be followed for your cabinets, though you will want to lightly sand them first to help the paint adhere to the surface. You can also research alternative options such as chalk paint or all-in-one paints that may eliminate some prep work. You can also use paint to update vents and hardware or create a design focal point, such as a painted arch headboard or faux shiplap.

2. Furniture

One of the easiest ways to make your RV feel more residential is to replace existing furniture with residential alternatives. While you can add a slipcover or have your furniture reupholstered, you may want to consider replacing it with something else entirely or create a custom build. RVBLOGGER.COM

064

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

065

5 COZY RV UPDATES

“The good news is you can use any residential light fixture for your RV as long as the bulb matches the power supply in your RV.” Before purchasing something new, consider any furniture you currently own to determine if it could work or be modified to work inside your RV, such as an existing sofa, dining table, dining chairs, dresser, or desk. Also consider how you can incorporate dual-purpose furniture to serve the space better while taking up less space. Understanding your needs before buying something new

can help you make a purchase you'll appreciate for years to come vs. an impulse buy you'll later regret or need to replace. For example, if you plan to replace the sofa, consider who will be using it and how. Do you want additional built-in storage or need a sofa that can transform into a bed? Will it need to be kid or pet-friendly and therefore be durable and easy to clean? Don't forget to double-check RVBLOGGER.COM

Darker color, wooden elements, and bold wallpaper are in trend.

the measurements of any furniture you plan to bring into the RV to make sure it will fit in the allocated space. And it’s important to figure out if it can fit through an RV door or window or have the ability to be disassembled to some capacity so that it will fit. You'd be amazed how small something looks in the store only to appear massive once inside your RV. This is especially true for depth, something

066

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

067

5 COZY RV UPDATES

you have to be mindful of in a small space, which is why double or even triple-checking the dimensions is essential. Weight is another factor to keep in mind, though in my experience, most of the furniture we removed from our RV was heavier than its replacements. If you need help removing the existing dinette booth or sofa from your RV, these tips may help.

3. Fixtures

Chances are, the faucets and sinks in your RV are cheap and made of plastic. Not to mention the faucet may be using more water than necessary. Give your kitchen or bathroom a quick facelift by updating these fixtures to a style you love that will help conserve water at the same time. While you can purchase these fixtures from any online retailer or home improvement store, some slight modifications may be necessary to connect the residential fittings to those in your RV. I highly recommend looking into SharkBite products to make this easier. To help conserve water, look for a faucet that uses no more than 2.2 GPM, or consider purchasing a lowflow aerator. Another way to elevate your RV is to swap out the light fixtures. RVBLOGGER.COM

068

RV CAMPING

“Swapping out the hardware in your RV is a simple change that can instantly elevate your space.”

OPPOSITE: Bold wallpaper and patterned tiles, and the fixtures are one of the main elements when you renovate the bathroom.

While you can replace the original dome lights and scones with alternative RV options, you can also swap them out with more stylish designs. The good news is you can use any residential light fixture for your RV as long as the bulb matches the power supply in your RV. For example, if you have a 12v light fixture in your RV that you want to replace, you can use any light fixture as long as you can screw in a 12v light bulb and have a switch either on the wall or the fixture itself to control it. If you're nervous or unsure how to go about this, be sure to reach out to a licensed electrician. JUNE 2021

4. Hardware

Swapping out the hardware in your RV is a simple change that can instantly elevate your space. This includes knobs, pulls, and hinges used on cabinets, furniture, and built-ins. Think of the hardware as the jewelry of the space. Your light fixtures and faucets fall into this category too. Updating the hardware is an opportunity to add character or change the tone in your RV to something more modern, whimsical, traditional, or rustic. Unfortunately, the cost to replace the hardware in an RV can add up quickly, but there

069

5 COZY RV UPDATES

RVBLOGGER.COM

070

RV CAMPING

are ways to save cash and stay within budget. I recommend spray painting any hinges, knobs, and pulls you can reuse and splurge on areas you want to highlight or will use most often. This can give your hardware a quick refresh while keeping a consistent flow throughout your RV. If you need to purchase several knobs and pulls, you can save money with contractor or bundle packs. Even if you have to spray paint the new hardware, it may be less expensive than buying the actual finish you want. With that said, installing highquality hardware in areas

you will touch daily, such as doorknobs, will make them feel more luxurious and special. If you're looking to save money or find unique pieces, consider buying second-hand from antique stores or architectural salvage shops. While highquality hardware tends to be heavier, a few splurges shouldn't make that much of a difference, though it's important to be aware of your weight limits and choose where you want to splurge on heavier items.

5. Decorative Accessories

Adding your favorite decor is a fun way to transform your RV JUNE 2021

Rustic wooden elements goes well with the trendy yet comfortable living space for RV,

and create a space that reflects your style and interests. You'll be amazed at how different your RV looks and feels once you swap out the wall decor, throw pillows, bedding, and rugs. Not to mention replacing those hideous valences with curtains or woven shades. Unsure how to hang decorative items in your RV? We've used various methods depending on the situation, from using screws with hollow door anchors (when there wasn't a stud) to simple solutions like sliding S hooks over our slide-out to hang plants. However, some of my favorite drill-free methods

RVBLOGGER.COM

072

RV CAMPING

include stylish adhesive hooks and industrial strength Velcro. Museum putty and Velcro can help keep decor in place while traveling down the road. Keep in mind that transforming your RV doesn't happen overnight, so enjoy the process, which is part of the journey. While it's easy to get lost in what other people are doing or how many likes a photo gets, there's no one to impress but yourself. So be grateful for the space you have, who you share it with, the memories you're creating, and where you're at in this season of life.

About the Author

Katie Nathey is the blogger behind MountainModernLife.com, where she shares tips and inspiration for creating a home you love regardless of square feet. She and her husband, Eric, spent 4 years traveling in their renovated RV along with their 3 pets and are currently planning their next camper remodel.

JUNE 2021

Free

Subscription! »

10 CLEA

ST LAKES MUST SEE LAKRE ES IN THE UNITE D STATES JUNE 2021

S H I F T, C O N T R O L & ES CA P E TO RV L I F E

POSTCA

RVBLOGGER.C

2021

DEMO

from Flathe Lake, Montaad na

ISSUE

JUN

E 20 2

Meet RVBLOGGER Mee t SHI

PLZO MRA A INE CHGEA S AN RING D ZIO N NA UTAH TION AL PA RKS

F T,

NTR

P ___ 1

GET TO KNOW& OUR NEW MAGAZINE WI TH RVBLOGGER, MIKE & SUSAN

ESC

APE

Phil & S tacy

LIFE

MAG

FRO ANDM YOU, THE ME RV!

NUTS & BOLTS

STC AR

RVB

AZIN 35-

foot

RUB

Tif

fin

Alle

RV KITCHEN

RECIPES FROM MELIS A KENNEDY’S THE RV TABLE COOK BOOK

ELEC T

RIC CAN T TRU HEY R CK EALLY S TOW RVS?

UPDA TES 5E POTASY INST RE AN CAMP CIPE ING S T

FOR R V

now!

gro

___ P 1

TRAILER

5 COZ Y RV

www.RVBlogger.com

GER

.CO

JUN202 . ISS 1

from

S WITH OUTDOOR KITCH EN

FROM THES FIFTH WH E TIPS E ARE WELS TO MO TORH ORTH OM Y OF AT TENT ES, ION.

LOG

Park, Zion Natio nal Utah

2016

7 BEST

UPGRADE YOUR R FILTRATION SYSTWATE EM

Red

074

RV CAMPING

❝We also want to share how we are shifting control in our lives so we can escape the world of conformity to live the life

choose to live.❞

RVBLOGGER

JUNE 2021

075

5 COZY RV UPDATES

rvblogger.com RVBLOGGER.COM

ARE WE THERE YET?

076

RV CAMPING

EXPLORING ARCHES AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS IN

Utah

t was a steamy April day in Gainesville, just one month before I would walk across the stage and receive my law degree from the University of Florida. I had already secured a job in a fancy New York law firm and I was thinking about anything other than sitting in the Intellectual Property Law class that was now dragging into its second hour (which, coincidentally, turned out to be the only “C” I received in law school). I skimmed through my normal rotation of websites - ESPN, Yahoo, Wall Street Journal before finally landing on the New York Times. Actively searching for an adventurous post-graduation getaway, I clicked through to the Travel section where I was lured in by an other-wordly image of a dusty, red Martian-like landscape. The title of the piece read: “36 Hours In Moab, Utah”. Forgetting about the drudgery of class, I eagerly lapped up the information on my screen. Moab seemed to check off all my boxes for the perfect travel destination: ✔ Cheap ✔ Less than a few hours drive to Utah’s best parks; and (most importantly) ✔ Not a beach. My buddy Jim was sitting to the right of me - furiously jotting down notes like he was defense counsel in a capital murder trial. I jabbed him with a sharp elbow to the ribs and eagerly pointed to my screen. He leaned in close to see what I was pointing to:

BY STU GOLD

“Moab”, I whispered.

JUNE 2021

077

ARE WE THERE YET?

RVBLOGGER.COM

078

RV CAMPING peak season. Due to a combination of our youthful naivety and our inexperience in the RV world, none of us considered just how impossible it would be to secure a 6-person RV for 2 weeks during the height camping season. Our original plan was to start our trip in Utah and head west out to Northern California. We called every last RV rental agency across the state with no luck. Besides it being peak season, many companies at that time had a hard rule that they wouldn’t rent to any driver under 25 years of age. This was before the time of Outdoorsy and RVShare - so peer-to-peer rentals were simply not an option.

01. “Who cares?” he whispered back, before returning to his notes. Two months Jim and I would be standing together under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park … just a few minutes outside Moab.

Go West, Young Men Just over two months later, five newly-minted law school graduates and a dentist-to-be stepped off the plane and into the Denver airport. Unshaven and sun-deprived, we looked like we had recently escaped captivity from a dark, underground basement. That’s what three years of law school will do to you. Jim was right by my side as we shuffled to baggage claim. His ribs healed since my vicious jab months earlier, he joyfully whistled “Bohemian Rhapsody” while waiting for our bags. To my own surprise, I had manifested this trip from my

02. 01. First day on the road 02. Road trip map‑

computer screen to real life with five of my closest brothers by my side. In the short two-month sprint leading up to the trip, I must have said the word “Yooouuuu-tah” no less than three-thousand times … I’m not sure if I was really obsessed with Utah or it just felt pleasing rolling off the tongue. The crazy thing? It wasn’t that we were in the Denver airport just an hour away from picking up our rental RV ... it was the fact that this trip happened at all.

Young, Stupid … and Lucky It turns out that it is not so easy for six, twenty-four-year-olds to rent an RV just a month before JUNE 2021

We spent weeks calling close to a hundred RV rental companies in California, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado until we finally found a site in Denver with a last-minute cancellation. Since we were all under 25 they extorted us for a deposit fee double the typical payment, but we were just so damn excited to find an RV that we happily paid - no further questions asked. With this wrinkle in our plans, we’d now start our trip in Colorado and traverse our way west from Rocky Mountain National Park through Utah and end with the glittering lights of Las Vegas. Along the way, we’d stop at Utah’s Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park. Six guys. No RV experience. Fueled by coffee and the occasional cigarette. We were ready to rock.

079

ARE WE THERE YET?

Arches National Park We cruised through Colorado in a few days stopping for a day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The highlight of this first leg of the trip was not the park but was catching a concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater - which is said to be “acoustically perfect” by many performers. As we left Colorado and crossed the border into Utah, the jagged peaks of Colorado drifted away into the distance. The landscape gradually transformed into the sea of clay-colored plateaus and basins that I had seen in the New York Times article. The first stop on our Utah trip was Arches National Park. A quick 5

mile sprint north of Moab, Arches is famous for being home to the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. In total, there are over 2,000 towering arches located within the park’s 76,518 acres - a true gift from nature.

in under an hour, but it is not necessarily an “easy” hike. With an elevation gain of 480 feet, the hike presents a challenge particularly in the middle parts which will require you to tough-it-up a steep section of slick rock. Arriving late to the park, we made the mistake of doing the hike midday, with throngs of other visitors clogging the path. The other issue with the midday trek is the unforgiving heat. The average high temperature in Arches during the summer months can range from 92-97 degrees Fahrenheit - and we felt every degree as we marched onward.

Delicate Arch Arches is too large to hike in one day, so we decided to take the 3-mile round trip hike to get a glimpse of the famous Delicate Arch. Delicate Arch is the 52-foottall freestanding natural arch that is depicted on the Utah license plates, postage stamps and was a part of the 2008 Olympic torch relay. Intermediate-level hikers should be able to complete the hike

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch itself is simply unforgettable. It is impossible to

“Delicate Arch is the 52-foot-tall freestanding natural arch that is depicted on the Utah license plates, postage stamps and was a part of the 2008 Olympic torch relay.”

RVBLOGGER.COM

080

RV CAMPING

appreciate just how massive it is until you are standing directly under it. It is one of those experiences in life that makes you feel small - but in a good way. When looking on at the grandeur of nature, your own problems seem insignificant in comparison.

saw huge fins of red, sandstone rock that only seem to get more impressive the longer you look at them. Coming from Florida where our biggest mountain is a trash dump, we weren’t fully prepared for the awesome beauty of this park.

Moab If you have time to explore other parts of Arches, I recommend checking out Devil’s Garden. Devil’s Garden is a nearly 8-mile loop that contains 8 arches along the trail. As we were already baked from a day in the sun, we decided to take the short half-mile hike to the Pinetree and Tunnel Arches.

Arches National Park was the highlight of our Moab Trip, but the town of Moab is hands-down one of the most unforgettable towns I’ve ever traveled to. The startling beauty combined with the off-beat, almost magical desert vibe make you feel something deep inside your bones.

The views on this short hike were nothing short of breathtaking. We

If you have a day or two in Moab, the one thing any outdoorsman can JUNE 2021

Double-O-Arch

miss is the slick rock biking. The Slickrock Bike Trail is a 12-mile long trail of petrified sand dunes and eroded remnants of ancient sea beds that dates back to the Jurassic period. As first-timers to the area, we rented bikes and hired a tour guide to take us on a half-day tour of the area. The trail is a series of short but ridiculously steep climbs and descents on the smooth, but incredibly sticky slickrock. Although some of the steeper inclines appear unrideable at first, soon we realized that the bit of muscle it takes to get up the hills was worth the joy of riding down. The slickrock biking was a day

081

ARE WE THERE YET?

Moab

we’ll never forget - the ebb and flow of the trail is almost meditative. It was also memorable as one of our crew members flipped head-over-handlebars and broke his wrist. He was a real

On our way West from Arches, we made a day stop at Bryce Canyon National Park which is highly recommended for a day hiking trip. Bryce Canyon is known for its imposing natural rock amphitheaters with thousands of multi-colored peaks called “hoodoos.” I’d recommend getting to the park in the early hours of the morning where you can see these incredible rock formations glow under the soft light of the rising sun.

trooper, getting back on to his bike and finishing off the day before we brought him to the local hospital to get bandaged up (shoutout to the Moab hospital staff who were the nicest people on the planet).

We didn’t stay long at Bryce because we were excited for what would be the second big highlight of our trip - Zion National Park and its death-defying “Angel’s Landing” hike.

“The slickrock biking was a day we’ll never forget - the ebb and flow of the trail is almost meditative.”

The Narrows Zion National Park

RVBLOGGER.COM

Zion National Park: The Narrows and Angels Landing

Zion is Utah’s oldest and most visited national park and one of the most popular tourist parks in

082

RV CAMPING

JUNE 2021

083

ARE WE THERE YET?

RVBLOGGER.COM

084

RV CAMPING the United States. With its steep red cliffs and narrow slot canyons, the geography is like nothing else you’ll find in other parts of the country. We started our first day exploring the Narrows - a narrow gorge of Zion Canyon with towering rock walls over a thousand feet tall. The hike through the Narrows goes through the Virgin River - there is no designated “hiking” trail. Most of our day was spent carefully navigating slippery rocks in shindeep water.

Zion-basecamp

Being the novices we were, we did not come prepared and spent the afternoon slogging around in boots full of water. It’s best to find (or bring) a walking stick to help you navigate some of the more slippery areas of this hike. We hiked the Narrows upstream from Temple Sinawava which offers stunning views of the narrowest parts of the canyon. There is no one landmark destination to see in the Narrows, the hike itself is the special part. It’s one of the more fun hikes I’ve ever been on, offering both challenging water terrain and a spectacular sense of grandness. If you only have a day or two in Zion, this hike needs to be on your list.

Angels Landing Zion’s Angels Landing is a bucket-list hike for adventurous campers. We were all brimming with excitement as we rose well before the sun, sipping coffee and speculating about the adventure that lay ahead of us. Having learned from our Arches JUNE 2021

085

ARE WE THERE YET?

mistake of getting stuck out in the midday heat, we started off on our Angel’s Landing hike just as the sun rose. I would highly recommend that you do this hike as early in the morning as possible. It is extremely crowded for such a technically difficult hike - which can become quite dangerous when you get to the chain-assist climb at the top. The first two miles of Angels Landing is a steady, uphill climb on a paved trail. Not easy, but nothing out of the ordinary. As we climbed we were treated to the glorious spectacle of the rising sun

hitting the fin-like monolith in the distance. After the two mile opening salvo, you soon will get to Walter’s Wiggles - a set of twenty-one short, steep switchbacks that present a demanding uphill climb. With an elevation gain of 250 feet in a very short distance, this is where you begin to feel the burn and question whether you made the right decision embarking on this hike. By the time our group reached the last switchback, we needed to take a 15-minute break just to catch our breath.

“The spectacular 360-view is worth the terrifying hike up and will rival any lookout you will experience in your life.”

RVBLOGGER.COM

After a short break, we were ready to take on the final 500-foot climb to the top. This was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life as I clutched on tightly to the thick, steel chain that is the only thing keeping you steady from a 1,000+ foot dropoff on either side. The exposure on both sides of the narrow trail is dizzying and despite my friends’ goading, I never looked down until we reached the top. Once you scramble up the chainassisted path, you will make it to the spectacular Angels Landing. The spectacular 360-view is worth the terrifying hike up and will rival any lookout you will experience in your life. This is a time to take a moment for yourself and embrace just how beautiful our natural world can be. My suggestion is to put down your phone for 5 minutes and just appreciate your surroundings.

086

RV CAMPING After a tough 1.5 hour hike up, we sat and ate our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on what felt like the top of the world. You will find adorable chipmunks lurking all around you ready to snatch your food. Just be careful … these tiny suckers aren’t afraid of anything!

The Trip of a Lifetime We spent the last two days of our trip doing what any good, single 25-year olds would do: we partied our faces off in Vegas. Even though we had a blast sipping mojitos and hanging out by the pool, we all agreed we missed the magic of Utah. Since that trip, I’ve felt a kinship with Utah that has caused me to return time after time. I’ve been skiing in Park City, visited Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and made a brief stop at Strawberry Bay Campground in Heber City. The people, the geography, and the little surprises I find each time I go there have made it one of my favorite spots in the world.

“Utah is mystical and magical in all the right ways - there lies the possibility of adventure around every corner.”

I’ve been camping many times since that first trip, but never have quite felt the same thrill and excitement that I felt exploring Utah with my closest buddies. Utah is mystical and magical in all the right ways - there lies the possibility of adventure around every corner. As I look back at my life and think of all the traveling I’ve done, I don’t think of grand vacations to Europe or days roasting on a beach in the Bahamas. I think of Utah. Maybe it makes me simple, but I’m just fine with that.

About the Author

Stu Gold is an avid outdoorsman and the Editor of the road travel website, BeginRV. He loves to hike, spend time with his family and play with his son’s Legos.

JUNE 2021

Free

Subscription! »

10 CLEA

ST LAKES MUST SEE LAKRE ES IN THE UNITE D STATES JUNE 2021

S H I F T, C O N T R O L & ES CA P E TO RV L I F E

POSTCA

RVBLOGGER.C

2021

DEMO

from Flathe Lake, Montaad na

ISSUE

JUN

E 20 2

Meet RVBLOGGER Mee t SHI

PLZO MRA A INE CHGEA S AN RING D ZIO N NA UTAH TION AL PA RKS

F T,

NTR

P ___ 1

GET TO KNOW& OUR NEW MAGAZINE WI TH RVBLOGGER, MIKE & SUSAN

ESC

APE

Phil & S tacy

LIFE

MAG

FRO ANDM YOU, THE ME RV!

NUTS & BOLTS

STC AR

RVB

AZIN 35-

foot

RUB

Tif

fin

Alle

RV KITCHEN

RECIPES FROM MELIS A KENNEDY’S THE RV TABLE COOK BOOK

ELEC T

RIC CAN T TRU HEY R CK EALLY S TOW RVS?

UPDA TES 5E POTASY INST RE AN CAMP CIPE ING S T

FOR R V

now!

gro

___ P 1

TRAILER

5 COZ Y RV

www.RVBlogger.com

GER

.CO

JUN202 . ISS 1

from

S WITH OUTDOOR KITCH EN

FROM THES FIFTH WH E TIPS E ARE WELS TO MO TORH ORTH OM Y OF AT TENT ES, ION.

LOG

Park, Zion Natio nal Utah

2016

7 BEST

UPGRADE YOUR R FILTRATION SYSTWATE EM

Red

NOTEWORTHY

NEWS

088

RV CAMPING

SEASON 3 OF ‘THE RVERS’ TELEVISION SERIES RETURNS TO THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL! BY RVBUSINESS

he RVing television show that has swept the nation is back on May 15, according to a release. In two short seasons The RVers has captured the hearts of adventurers and RV enthusiasts with its upbeat style and informative storytelling. Airing Saturday mornings on The Discovery Channel, ‘The RVers’ covers all things related to the burgeoning recreational vehicle genre. Well-known industry hosts The RV Geeks, Mortons on the Move, and The RVers Family share stories from the road and how-to demonstrations designed to entertain while educating – a unique combination in today’s television world of sensationalism. “We’re most definitely not a ‘reality’ show in the commonly understood sense, with false drama and staged conflict,” clarifies Anthony Nalli, the show’s creator, producer, and host, ” Instead, ‘The RVers’ is, in fact, real TV – where actual RVers much loved and respected by their fans share their insights and adventures with viewers. “RVing in all its forms has undergone explosive growth in the past year with manufacturers working frantically to keep up with increased demand, RV dealers with near-empty lots, and RV rental inquiries increasing by over 700%." “Seasons 3 comes at a time when COVID-19 has changed the needs of families, couples, and individuals” continues Nalli. “People are considering new travel and recreation options. But it’s not only retirees. Even those with the newly found freedom made available from working remotely are looking for ways to increase their enjoyment of life. RVing has proven to be the golden tickets for all of them!” Season three features segments on such diverse topics as family RVing, towing, cooking in an RV, US National Parks and even RVing in New Zealand. A new twist this season introduces short stories and helpful tips called, “Now What?” designed to help

JUNE 2021

090

RV CAMPING

problem-solve unique challenges RVers may face. Season three of The RVers premieres on The Discovery Channel at 8AM EST/PST, Saturday, May 15. Produced by the same award-winning team that created The Aviators, the most-watched aviation show in history, The RVers can be seen on The Discovery Channel, PBS and Fun Roads TV in the US. The show can also be streamed on Amazon Prime, Apple TV/iTunes, Google Play, Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox. Learn more about the RV Geeks when we interview them in the July Issue of RV Camping Magazine!

"RVing in all its forms has undergone explosive growth in the past year with manufacturers working frantically to keep up with increased demand, RV dealers with near-empty lots, and RV rental inquiries increasing by over 700%."

JUNE 2021

Ten wineries where you can camp in your RV

Best RV towing for

Navigate safely with Togo RV GPS

Find free, convenient RV parking

On-the-go repair and safety

Tools to plan your next adventure

Turn-by-turn routes and navigation customized to your RV size and weight.

Find mobile technicians and service help, get vehicle recall alerts, and track maintenance.

Access over 15,000 free overnight RV Parking locations with

Roadtrippers Plus trip planning and discounts on campsite booking, tires, and outdoor gear.

❝RVLife is much more than just how to live in an RV.

freedom

It’s also about the to live the life you want to live.❞ RVBLOGGER

rvblogger.com