RV Camping Mag. Jul. 2021 Issue by RVCampingMagazine

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EXPLORING MICHIGAN JUNE 2021

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103 STATE PARKS IN 10 MONTHS

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

Meet

JUL. ISSU1 E

from Ludington

State Park, M I

MAGAZINE

Peter& John

P ___ 1

FROM THE RVGEEKS!

FUEL EFFICIENT

RVS & TRAVEL TRAILERS Main photo by Tom Morton

RV RENOVATION

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MEET PETER & JOHN

FUEL EFFICIENT

SIMPLE STEPS

From the RVgeeks!

RVs and Travel Trailers

To Improve RV Fuel Economy

by Brian Newman

by Mark Polk

EDITOR'S

NUTS AND

RV GEAR

RV KITCHEN

ARE WE

RENOVATE

NOTEWORTHY

LETTER

BOLTS

New RV Gear

Easy,

THERE YET?

YOUR RV

NEWS

Letters from

Tips &

& Gadgets

Delicious

Interesting

Updates To

The latest

the Editor

Reviews

Recipes

Locations

Transform

updates are

Your RV

found here.

on the cover

Main Photo by Tom Morton

VOL.1, ISSUE 2

CONTENTS JULY 2021

departments

features

CONTENTS

RVBLOGGER.COM

EDITOR'S LETTER

Welcome TO RV

RV CAMPING

i, I’m Mike from RVBlogger and the creator of RV Camping Magazine! We have a great lineup of interesting and helpful articles this month!

In this issue, we meet Peter Knize and John Sullivan, the RVgeeks. Peter and John have been full-time RVers for almost 20 years now! They have a great YouTube channel with lots of “How To” videos, and their website is full of helpful content too! We had the chance to meet and interview them in this month’s issue! Their Q&A is really a great read! We also feature an article about the best types of RVs for fuel-efficiency. It seems like every summer, gas prices increase, and we expect the same this year, but for very different reasons. Brian Newman does a great job exploring each type of RV to maximize your gas mileage! Along the same vein, we have an excellent article from Mark Polk at RV Education 101! Mark is an RV industry expert with years of experience. His article and YouTube video show you how to drive and maintain your rig to maximize your MPG.

CAMPING MAGAZINE!

Our “Are WE There Yet” department features a terrific article about the State Parks in Michigan. Is there a more beautiful place to retreat from the summer heat than Michigan? Ari and Jessi Adler of Trekers.org visited all 103 State Parks in Michigan. In their article, you will find the perfect parks to enjoy, from beach locations to amazing waterfalls. In our Nuts and Bolts section, the National RV Training Academy provides some beneficial tips for maintaining your RV batteries! NRVTA is an excellent resource for all RVers. These guys are real pros, and they are committed to training people how to service their RVs properly! We also have an RV Renovation article from RV Inspiration. You’ll see how a couple renovated a 2015 Highland Open Range 319RLS from beginning to end. The renovation completely changed this 5th wheel, and the pictures are gorgeous! And finally, we will feature some delicious dessert 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 at RVBlogger

CONNECT WITH US AT RV CAMPING MAGAZINE DISCOVER EVERYTHING RV ON THE RVBLOGGER WEBSITE EMAIL RVBLOGGER LEARN SOMETHING NEW WEEKLY ON OUR RVBLOGGER CHANNEL SEE WHAT WE’RE DOING ON FACEBOOK CHECK OUT OUR RV CAMPING FOR NEWBIES GROUP FIND US ON INSTAGRAM J U LY 2 0 2 1

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

MAGAZINE

JULY, 2001 VOL.1, ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

SR. ART DIRECTOR

Susan McDonald Mike Scarpignato

DESIGN

Kelly Y. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Brian Newman, Ashley Mann, NRVTA, Mark Polk, Ari and Jessi Adler ADVERTISING

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

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NUTS AND BOLTS

RV CAMPING

f there is one thing all RVs have in common, it is more batteries than a typical car.

With the exception of a pop-up trailer, most RVs will have at least two batteries to power everything inside the rig when it is not plugged into shore power. Motorhomes will have an additional battery to provide power to the engine.

TIPS FOR

All RV batteries should be serviced at least once a month, said Todd Henson, an instructor at the National RV Training Academy. He provides some tips to keep batteries in good shape to deliver power whenever you need it.

MAINTAINING

RV BATTERIES

All batteries are designed to deliver 12.7 volts of electricity. But, if the batteries aren’t used, they will naturally discharge their power. “The old adage is true; if you don’t use it, you lose it,” Todd explained. “If the RV just sits without being used, you will typically lose one volt of battery power per month. So, it’s really important to help a battery maintain its charge.” When winterizing an RV, it’s best to keep it hooked up to a power source so the rig’s onboard charging system will keep all batteries fully charged. But, what if that isn’t possible because the RV is parked in a storage lot, or you don’t really want to keep it plugged into your house when you’re not using it for several months? In that case, you must remove the battery from the RV and store it where it can be connected to a trickle charger, said Todd. “Trickle chargers deliver no more than 2 amps of power to a connected battery, and you can pick them up at any hardware or automotive store,” he explained. “However, it is important that you set the charger to match the voltage of your battery. Most batteries require 12-volts, so look for a 12-volt charger or ensure the charger is set to work on 12-volt batteries.” The worst thing RV owners can do is to simply remove

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NUTS AND BOLTS

a battery and pop it on a shelf somewhere.

It’s vitally important to ensure the metal plates remain covered in water. So, once a month, you need to remove the remove the plastic caps on top of the battery in order to add more distilled water.

“Once a battery is no longer fully charged, the electrolyte inside will begin to crystalize and break down, which significantly reduces the battery’s life,” Todd said.

“I highly recommend wearing gloves and safety goggles whenever removing a battery cap because you don’t want battery fluid to splash into your eyes, nor do you want to get that liquid on your skin,” he explained. “It is very corrosive and will cause a burn.

CHECK FLUIDS MONTHLY Once a battery has been in storage, and even if it has been plugged into power for quite some time, it is important to check the fluid level. Battery fluid is a mixture of distilled water and sulfuric acid. However, over time, the water can evaporate. If a battery is overcharged, the water can be split back into hydrogen and oxygen. As the water level decreases, it exposes the metal plates that are essential for storing power. Once the plates are exposed to oxygen, they can corrode and the only solution is to replace the battery, said Todd.

“I also recommend using a battery filler. It’s an inexpensive rubber bulb that looks like a turkey baster.

“Once a battery is no longer fully charged, the electrolyte inside will begin to crystalize and break down, which significantly reduces the battery’s life.” RVBLOGGER.COM

RV CAMPING The device can safely add water to batteries instead of pouring water directly into the holes where it can splash and make a mess with the highly-corrosive liquid.”

system. That’s okay, said Todd. Simply put the caps back on and hook up the battery to a trickle charger for a while to bring it back to full power. Whenever you add water to the battery, it’s also a good time to clean the connectors and remove any gunk that may be on top the top or sides.

With goggles and gloves on, use a flathead screwdriver to slowly pry the caps off the battery. “You will know the battery is self-serviceable because it has caps on the top,” said Todd. “If there aren’t caps on top, then you have a gel-type, leadacid or absorbed glass material (AGM) battery that doesn’t require any regular maintenance.” With the caps off, squeeze the battery filler’s bulb, stick the hose into distilled water and release the bulb. That will suck water out of the container into the bulb. Then, position the hose over the circular opening to the battery and gently squeeze water into the chamber. “You don’t want to fill the battery to the top of the cap,” he explained. “You want water to just cover cells inside the battery.”

“If there aren’t caps on top, then you have a gel-type, lead-acid or absorbed glass material (AGM) battery that doesn’t require any regular maintenance.”

Repeat the process for every cell in the battery. Once the fluid levels have been maintained, the battery may show a slight decrease in power capacity due to the introduction of new water to the

If there is any visible corrosion, you can loosen it by covering it with baking soda and pouring vinegar on top. It will bubble and fizz for a while, then just rinse it off with water or wipe it off with a rag.

GO SOLAR Rather than plug the RV into your house for months on end, new technology makes it easy to charge a battery with solar power. If the RV will be parked where it will be exposed to sun several hours a day, then attach the solar panel to a BatteryMINDer, which works to limit power going into the battery. It’s not advised to connect a solar panel directly to a battery because there isn’t any way to stop power from going into the battery once it is fully charged. It’s just as easy to blow up a battery with too much power as it is to drain it by not supplying enough power to it, said Todd. “Here’s a good rule of thumb to follow in battery maintenance,” Todd explained. “The more you use

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RV CAMPING an RV’s batteries, the more you want to check fluid levels. The less you use a battery, the more you want to keep it attached to a trickle charger. “If you keep the batteries charged when not in use, and regularly add water to them when they are being used, you will significantly extend the life of your batteries and ensure you have power whenever you need it,” he added. If you want to learn more about how RV electricity works and how to fix the majority of problems you’ll encounter on your rig, check out the programs offered by the National RV Training Academy. You can even find information about becoming a certified RV technician or inspector by visiting www.nrvta.com.

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.

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RV CAMPING

AQUA HOT LONG SHOWERS AND MORE!

f you walk around a diesel Class A motorhome, like the new Fleetwood Frontier, you'll notice it's missing that familiar square-shaped panel on the lower door side. Rest assured, Fleetwood isn't trying to sell their diesel without water heaters. If you check the outdoor bay near the driver's seat, you'll find a white metal box about the size of a large suitcase with the brand label, Aqua-Hot. We'll show you how the leading hydronic heating system brand replaces conventional systems, why you'll love it, and how it works. By the end, you'll understand why the first rule and the second rule of the Aqua-Hot is, don't touch the hoses bare-handed.

WHAT IS THE AQUA-HOT HEATING SYSTEM? The Aqua-Hot system is a hydronic heating system that's kept top-end luxury motorhomes heated for years. While the technology has been around since 1984, it's relatively new to the mid-level and under million-dollar diesel RV sub-categories. In 2019, the company joined the Airxcel family, makers of products like the Coleman Mach air conditioner. The new parent company used its resources to help the Aqua-Hot reach its full potential.

BY RVBLOGGER

HOW HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEMS WORK Interior Heating Hydronic systems, at their core, are an update on old technology. It’s a boiler heating system that does three jobs in one device. First, for your heating needs, a heated propylene glycol antifreeze runs through a closed-loop tube system around the coach section of the motorhome, providing moisturized heat. This type of green or pink antifreeze is the same version you use for your engine’s radiator and RV winterization. It’s also referred to as “non-toxic” antifreeze. The heated antifreeze tubing runs through up to five exchanger zones. A quiet fan gently blows the heat from the heated tube out of the heat register. J U LY 2 0 2 1

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Other options include in-floor heating or radiators. Instead of conventional forced-air heating that pushes the air, hydronic heating utilizes versions of radiated heat. As the hot air rises, the cold air falls, becomes heated, and elevates. This method creates a circulating motion that minimizes air leakage through your slideout and window seams.

“Hydronic

Engine Heating

technology.

Second, a second tubing loop runs to your engine. As diesel fuel gets closer to -40°F/-40°C, the liquid fuel turns gelatinous and freezes. Hydronic systems keep the engine block heated, preventing the fuel from solidifying. That way, when you’re ready to leave, your diesel motorhome starts on the first try. Although we will not dissuade you from your anti-RV gremlin totem ritual, you don’t want to jinx your trip.

It’s a

systems, at their core, are an update on old

boiler heating system that does three jobs in one device.”

AQUA-HOT’S FUEL EFFICIENCY The Aqua-Hot comes in six diesel versions and two propane models. The fuel burners ignite when the system detects a significant temperature loss and needs rapid heating back to its 190°F baseline. You can adjust your water temperature and furnace temperature to whatever’s comfortable, but the antifreeze needs to stay at a high level like this to do its job. Once the antifreeze is at the optimum temperature, it uses secondary sources to maintain the heat level. If the heating system is lightly active, the secondary sources may keep the temperature without igniting the fuel burner. There is an electric element that takes over for the burner. The great thing about the element is that it doesn’t decay like conventional water heaters.

Tankless Water Heating While you’re driving, the closed-loop tubing that heats your engine in cold weather returns the favor. The engine heats the antifreeze in the tubing and returns it to the Aqua-Hot, maintaining the boiler’s temperature as well. Why not take advantage of another heat source? This way, you can run your coach section’s heat and dashboard heat, keeping the entire interior comfortable. Hopefully, the fourlegged fur-babies will be comfortable enough to lay

Lastly, the coiled pipes that wrap around the boiler draw from either your city water or fresh water tank like a tankless water heater. So say goodbye to that rinse-and-scrub five-minute showers. If you’re the type of person that wants to enjoy the tension-easing benefits of a long shower, the Aqua-Hot system will supply you with plenty of hot water. Make sure your grey water tank has enough room in it to avoid interrupting your zen time.

RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING system itself. A frosted plastic reservoir maintains the antifreeze level, and a black electric box with LED lights is the system’s brain. If the panel shows all green lights, the hydronic heating system is functioning optimally. If one of the lights turns red, you’ll know what needs attention.

down and let you drive in peace (it could happen). Theoretically, if the fuel burner were to run consistently, one gallon of fuel would last eight hours. When you have a 100-200 gallon diesel tank, unless you’re running low, you’ll barely notice the difference. As a safety feature, like your diesel generator, if you are running on less than a quarter tank, the burner won’t activate.

“Aqua-Hot recommends that you check the

Aqua-Hot recommends that you check the antifreeze level monthly. You can pick up the green or pink non-toxic antifreeze wherever you usually buy it. The company also asks you to give the system an annual maintenance check. Aqua-Hot goes a step further by providing a kit with everything you need on their website. The kits come with either a quart of green or pink antifreeze, gaskets, and filters.

antifreeze

WHAT ABOUT GASSERS AND TOWABLES?

level

Some luxury full-profile fifth wheels have the Aqua-Hot installed. Hydronic heating systems are the future for luxury towables and diesel Class A and B motorhomes. As far as fully disseminating them through all the RV categories, there’s no credible information on that yet. The propane models would be a viable option for gassers and towables, but this would counter the RV Industry’s goal of phasing out propane.

monthly.”

TROUBLESHOOTING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FOR YOUR AQUA-HOT SYSTEM There are three main components to the AquaHot System: The white metal case contains the

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The one thing we do know is that we are in a time of significant change and innovation. In this Modern Era (2008- Present), we saw the RV industry almost wiped out with the 2008 Financial Crisis. Twelve years later, motorhomes and travel trailers became personal protection equipment during the pandemic, which started the biggest RV Boom in history. In the next few years, we’ll see electric trucks towing travel trailers and see all-electric Class E motorhomes. We’ll continue to stay on top of the evolution of hydronic heating systems in the RV World and other innovations.

We have done all the homework for you >>>

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RV CAMPING

KITCHEN

1. Molten Brownie Pudding

Amazing RV CAMPING DESSERTS! BY RVBLOGGER

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This mouth-watering instant cooker molten brownie pudding will surely exceed your expectations. It is truly irresistible with oozing fudge and a chocolate crunch. Finish it off with vanilla bean ice cream for the best experience. Start by adding water to your instant pot. Then, butter the desired baking dish. Beat together the sugar and eggs until soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix the cocoa, flour, and salt. Combine this mixture with the eggs and sugar, then add the butter. Pour it into the baking dish and top with chocolate chips. Cook on high pressure for thirty minutes. Check out the full recipe here!

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RV KITCHEN

2. No-Bake Nutella S’Mores Granola Bars These No-Bake Nutella S’Mores Granola Bars aren’t just for kids! Adults will love munching on these yummy, homemade granola bars, as well. Perfect for a campfire treat or a pick me up on a long hike, these granola bars are tasty and a very easy camping recipe to make. As an added bonus, they are also much cheaper than buying store-bought granola bars. This recipe is perfect for RV living as you only need six ingredients. You will need to melt the butter and honey in a saucepan, but there is nothing to bake! The recipe makes 10 bars total, which is perfect for a trip for two. Chocolate chips and marshmallows make these bars delicious, while the oats and Nutella provide fiber and protein. We love these bars for snacks and treats around the campfire. They are also great for a road trip snack, so be sure to have a few on hand during your drive. In a pinch, they can also serve as quick on the go breakfast. Check out the full recipe here!

“These No-Bake Nutella S’Mores Granola Bars aren’t just for kids!” RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING

3. Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler We love this apple cobbler recipe that is perfect for fall camping. If you’ve got a campfire going, then you can use the embers from the fire, or you can use charcoal. This Dutch Oven recipe is a quick, simple, and easy camping recipe that is sure to be a favorite. If you are fall camping, pick up some apples at a local orchard or farm stand. Grab some ice cream as well because you know you want it! You will need basic baking ingredients as well as a small amount of heavy cream. If you are concerned about storage space in your RV, you can prep the ingredients required ahead of time. Gather the amount of each ingredient you will need in a small container or Ziploc bags and bring them with you instead of the full-size containers. The dish itself is easy to prepare and cook in your Lodge Dutch Oven Combo. After about 20 minutes the apples should be soft, the topping fully cooked, and all the brown sugar and bourbon melted into a beautiful gooey sauce. Once they are done, let them cool for a few minutes then add the ice cream. Voila! A delicious campfire dessert! Check out the full recipe here!

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MEET

022

RV CAMPING

our Popular RVer

Meet

Peter & John FROM THE RVGEEKS! BY BRIAN NEWMAN

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MEET JOHN AND PETER

RVBLOGGER.COM

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MEET JOHN AND PETER

RVgeeksMotorhome

f you’re a Baby Boomer or Generation Xer, the World War II Generation told you that the ideal life includes a 40-hour workweek where you’re in by 9 am and out by 5 pm. You work at a desk, for someone else. If you take over the family business, you’ll make it better as long as you run it their way. Meanwhile, you’ll marry well (a.k.a. Someone they approve of) and have your 2.3 kids filling the white picket fence house that you’re going to buy three houses down from them. For Peter Knize and John Sullivan, known as the RVgeeks, before 2003, they had the house, and many of the other material items that define success. After winning a battle with cancer, they reevaluated their goals in life, sold everything, and bought their first RV, ready to face the unknown as full-time RVers. At that time, social media was still young, and limited information existed on the internet about the RV lifestyle. John and Peter had to learn things the hard way. In early

RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING

2005, a new social media website started called YouTube where you could upload videos. Once the guys started making videos in August 2011, their popularity took off. Due to a TV producer’s quick Google search on the harsh reality of RV ownership in 2018, they became internationally known on a popular TV show seen in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the U.K. Today, they have:

• Over 175,000 subscribers on YouTube • More than 20,000 followers on Instagram • Thousands of dedicated subscribers to their RVing blog We had the opportunity to speak with Peter and John from RVgeeks to learn how they started their fulltime RV adventure and picked up some excellent advice from them. We also saw how they support themselves, keep the full-time RV J U LY 2 0 2 1

RVgeeks-Banffhiking

lifestyle fresh after nearly 20 years on the road, and what the future holds. Finally, we found out how the RVgeeks became co-hosts and co- executive producers of The RVers TV show.

Tips for New RV Owners When did you begin full-time RVing, and why did you become full-timers?

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MEET JOHN AND PETER

“Due to a TV producer’s quick Google search on the harsh reality of RV ownership in 2018, they became internationally known on a popular TV show seen in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the U.K. ” sight unseen from a dealer on the opposite side of the continent. We drove it literally from one coast to the other in four days, parked it in front of our house, and promptly posted a “For Sale” sign out in front (of the house, not the RV)! As is probably typical with major life changes, many factors led to our decision: The realization that living in any particular place might not be right for us just because our parents chose it; Dissatisfaction with working corporate nine-tofives, simply because we didn’t know anything else; The yearning for travel and exploration; and the ability to change the seasons simply by changing locations.

The day we became full-time RVers was the very same day we became RVers. When we hit the road on April 11, 2003, neither of us had ever RVed before. We just jumped right into this life with all four feet. The only RVing experience either of us had ever had before was driving our first rig home from the dealership the previous Fall.

Our jobs were fairly demanding and didn’t allow us much time for the “life” side of that elusive worklife balance. While we had built a nice home, took nice vacations (during the only two weeks we had off each year), and even owned an airplane (Peter is a pilot), we realized that none of that was making us happy (okay, the plane was an awful lot of fun). It was mostly just “golden handcuffs” that tied us to careers and schedules that kept us apart most of the time. What we really wanted was to be able to be together.

We bought our first RV, a leftover 2002 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel,

We’d also experience our fair share of another factor that’s likely RVBLOGGER.COM

a key driver of major life change for many people - crisis. Just a few months after we’d met in 1996, Peter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at only 37 years old. Rare for men anyway breast cancer. Rather than emerge from something as significant as mastectomy surgery and 6 months of chemo with the realization that life really can be short, we went with the “I beat it!” attitude and got right back to life and work, as usual. We just wanted everything to be “normal” again after a lifethreatening experience. When you’re young, you don’t necessarily recognize your mortality, even after a close brush with it. Then, in late 1999, Peter’s younger brother died after a long battle with a rare genetic disease, coincidentally at only 37 years old. But even after this second upclose-and-personal experience with the “life is short” adage, we made no fundamental changes, and life went on mostly as usual. The final wake-up call that life really can be shorter than we hope or expect was Peter’s second health scare in 2002. After finding a second lump on the other side, the surgeon’s admonition from 1996 played over and over in our heads. “We think we got it, but if it does come back, it’s very serious.”

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RV CAMPING Luckily this time was benign, but the time between finding that lump and getting the results of the pathology was torture. It finally made us realize that life really is short. Our future, and how much of it we have, are far from certain. If we were going to live life, we’d better stop planning for retirement and get to it already, or at least something resembling it. So buying an RV, selling our house, our plane (not gonna lie - we still miss it sometimes), and virtually everything we owned was our way of shrugging off what we considered to be “the rat race.” It’s enabled us to pursue a life of travel, exploration, freedom and to experience it together all the time. If anything else dire like cancer ever crossed our paths again, we didn’t want to regret not having lived life as fully as possible while we’d have the chance. As we approach two decades on the road, we’re confident we’re not in any danger of that, whatever happens.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began RVing?

We wish we’d known we were going to love it so much! If we had known we’d get hooked; we’d have planned a whole lot more, especially financially. When we hit the road, we honestly thought we’d only be out here for a couple of years and that we’d find “that perfect place” to settle down. If we’d known that we would fall in love with the journey as much as any destination, we’d have planned things a bit differently. That includes saving up more money before hitting the road, and choosing a different RV. That surely accounts for the purchase of our current rig only two years into our travels.

How did you start RVgeeks, and what’s your favorite thing about being YouTubers? RVgeeks started in 2007 as a way to earn a living. But not from YouTube, rather a website business. Our “day job,” as we call it, is designing websites for RV parks. Once we decided to stay mobile, we had to face the fact that we hadn’t planned or saved enough money to stay on the road.

RVgeeks Yosemite Half Dome backpacking

We realized that we needed to learn how to earn a mobile living. With neither of us having created a website before, we combined our various skills and created RVgeeks Website Design. We’ve now launched more than a hundred websites for RV parks all over the country. RVgeeks, the YouTubers, started entirely by accident. Unlike many people on YouTube today, we

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MEET JOHN AND PETER

had no intention of our videos becoming “a thing” when we started our channel. Friends of ours had expressed an interest in RVing, which really resonated with us because most of our friends and family were baffled by how we lived and worked together on the road 24/7. We assume they probably viewed us more as indolent bums rather than the smart, mobile entrepreneurs we were sure we must be!

So we invited our friends to join us on an epic road trip, as much to share our enthusiasm as to prove to someone we knew that we weren’t trailer trash after all! We pulled out all the stops to showcase every aspect of how great RVing is, all jammed into a 10-day adventure. Between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, we experienced motorcoach resorts, four of Utah’s magnificent National Parks, Walmart lots, RVBLOGGER.COM

RVgeeks-Italy

BLM boondocking, commercial RV parks, and everything else. Apparently, we sold the life sufficiently that they were hooked, as it wasn’t long before they bought their first RV. And then came their follow-up questions about how to dump tanks, hook up, and manage systems in general. Rather than reply by email, we thought it would be easier to show them in a few

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short videos. And rather than help just them, why not make those videos public? We figured if we were going to the effort to make videos, maybe a few other people might appreciate the information. Since we were already RVgeeks as website designers, why not just be RVgeeks on YouTube, too. In retrospect, the confusion between those two identities might have led us to choose a different name the second time around. Our favorite thing about being on YouTube is the comments we get on our videos when we’ve helped a fellow RVer in need. There’s

nothing more rewarding than hearing that one of our tips has saved someone the aggravation and/or expense that so often comes with trying to solve a tricky problem.

You guys have had only 2 rigs over the years, both Class A’s. How did you go about choosing your 2005 43-foot Newmar Mountain Aire, and what are some of the features you love most about it? We loved our first RV and felt really lucky we’d managed to buy a rig that checked so many of the boxes J U LY 2 0 2 1

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right out of the gate. Once we decided that we wanted to stay on the road, that altered our calculus. We’d learned enough in those first two years to have made a list of the things we’d change if we were ever to buy a new rig. A good example is the fully enclosed private bathroom our Bounder floorplan featured. We’d originally thought that a private bath would be great when guests were on board. It was but didn’t fit our preferences during the 99.9% of the time it was just us. The split bath in our current rig is 100% perfect for us and still works just fine for those

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rare times we have overnight guests visiting. There were other details on our wish list as well: power basement locks so we wouldn’t always have to have the key on hand when opening compartments, a separate washer and dryer instead of the tiny combo unit we had, and a king-size bed. Having the list was great because it really helped us know what we wanted in our next RV. We visited several dealers to look at new rigs and found the Newmar Essex, which had a fantastic floorplan and more luxuries than we’d ever seen before. We fell in love with it but couldn’t afford the Essex, not even with a mortgage (still can’t)! When we discovered that the same floorplan was available on the more affordable Mountain Aire, we really started looking at it seriously. And because it checked

off about 90-95% of our list, it was (obviously) impossible to ignore. We still couldn’t afford to buy it, but we could afford the mortgage payments. We’re still making those payments 16 years later, but we have no regrets.

any states in the US you have not visited yet?

Between the standard features, available options, and custom modifications Newmar allowed us to include, we picked up our justoff-the-assembly-line customordered new RV on May 17, 2005, and haven’t looked back since. We LOVE our Newmar, and it has held up incredibly well for us all these years. Our fairly obsessive attention to detail certainly hasn’t hurt in that regard, nor have the wide range of custom upgrades we’ve installed over the years, from solar to lithium batteries to connectivity gear to a water purification system.

Having grown up in a 4-season climate, we both came to hate cold weather. So, we see one of the primary benefits of fulltiming as the ability to chase good weather as much of the year as possible. We’re very happy snowbirds, spending most of our winters in the Desert Southwest. We’ve also wintered in Florida, Texas, and even Mexico, but the temperatures, open landscape, and lack of bugs in the desert are perfect for us. Also, having lived in the East all our lives, we’re enamored with the dramatic natural beauty of the West.

What’s your favorite RV camping location, and why? Are there

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Honestly, we don’t have one single location that’s our favorite because we enjoy finding new places all the time.

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We’ve been to 49 out of 50 states. The one we’ve missed isn’t one

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of the ones most people would guess: it’s not Alaska or Hawaii. We’ve been to both, although not in an RV. Of all places, it’s Oklahoma, right smack dab in the middle of it all! We almost made it there about 10 years ago, but a winter storm pushing through the middle of the country pushed us down into south Texas to avoid it. At this point, it’s

almost a game not to check off that 50th state, although we’d love to visit the Newell Motorcoach factory in Miami, OK. We’ve also RVed through much of Canada. We’ve traveled through all of the Provinces from BC to NS and ferried up to Newfoundland.

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How has full-time RVing changed you and your perspective of the world? RVing has taken us from the view that you’re supposed to work 9-5 for 40 years, take your 2 weeks vacation each year, then retire at 65. There’s so much more available in life, and we’re grateful

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we took the lemons that were thrown at us two decades ago and made lemonade. It’s super sweet, and life can be, too.

Do you live by any piece of advice or motto? We face challenges and can get stressed out, just like everyone else. But we always try to remind ourselves that through a combination of our own determination and some luck thrown in, we have things pretty good. When talking about “firstworld problems,” we generally have even fewer of those than many people. We feel fortunate, but when challenges inevitably do come up, we try to remind ourselves once again that life is short, and we need to appreciate it as much as we can every day.

What’s your best advice for newbie RVers?

“There’s so much more available in life, and we’re grateful we took the lemons that were thrown at us two decades ago and made lemonade.”

Slow down! When we first hit the road, we were on the move virtually all the time. And we see some new RVers (whether they’re full-time, part-time, seasonal, or weekenders) rushing around at a frenetic pace, covering TONS of miles each year, tagging everything they possibly can. But what we’ve found to be one of the biggest benefits of traveling by RV is enjoying the whole trip. Don’t go so fast, or you won’t see what’s in between Point A and Point B. And even once you get where you’re heading, stay longer if you can. Some of the best experiences we’ve had in a place have come from lingering, really RVBLOGGER.COM

getting to know an area. Of course, we understand that most RVers aren’t full-timers and may not be retired yet. That may put them in the same position we were in, with work-related constraints limiting vacation time. While those kinds of time limits can absolutely affect your RVing style, we still suggest aiming for quality vs. quantity when planning an RV trip, if you possibly can. We’ve RVed in Australia, England, Italy, and New Zealand, all in timelimited situations. So we know what it’s like to try to see an entire country in just a few weeks. Our other advice would be to buy the smallest RV you think you can be comfortable in. It’s always tempting to get a big RV. They show well on the dealer lot, and they can feel so much more like a sticks & bricks house on the inside. But all that size comes at a cost. It’s a lot harder to get them into some of the most beautiful places – State Park, National Park, and National Forest campgrounds; remote boondocking locations, and other places of dramatic natural beauty.

What are the best resources that have helped you along the way? Google and YouTube are our friends. Whenever we’re looking for something or can’t quite figure out how something works (or why it isn’t), we turn to them first. But when they haven’t provided the answers we’ve needed, it’s often the other RVers who come to the rescue. Whether it’s talking to

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“The RVers is educational, documentary-style, and authentic.” them one-on-one or harnessing their collective knowledge in online forums like iRV2, we’re constantly reminded about how knowledgeable and helpful our fellow RVers can be.

The RVgeeks Become International TV Celebrities How and when did you get involved with the series, The RVers? What’s it like co-producing and starring in a TV show about RVing? In preparation for an RV trip across England, we were staying at an Airbnb in London. Out of the blue, we received an e-mail from Anthony Nalli, creator of the long-running PBS TV series, The Aviators. He had the idea to start The RVers because of his passion for RVing; a love that we had (unknowingly) helped him get started. Anthony and his wife, Lisa, were getting serious about buying their first RV. They’d come around to the realization that instead of flying to and from locations to shoot The Aviators and staying in hotels, an RV would be ideal for transporting themselves and their camera gear all over North America. Anthony had one big reservation about becoming an RVer — dumping the tanks. If his imagination was

right about how bad it could be, he wasn’t interested. So, Anthony Googled. The very first video he found and watched happened to be one of our very first: How To Dump & Clean an RV Black Tank. It’s ten years old now, created long before we learned how to up our production quality. But it did the job for Anthony, as it had for more than 1.6 million people who’ve watched it so far. He could see from the video that dumping and flushing the black tank is really no big deal when done right. As a result of his becoming an RVer himself, Anthony hatched the idea for The RVers. Since we were his very first RVing YouTube hosts, he reached out to us to see if we’d be interested in hosting his new TV show too. Sitting on a bench in a quiet English garden off a side street in London, we had our very first phone call with Anthony and clicked immediately. What he didn’t know at the time is that Peter is a pilot and we had owned a plane, so of course we knew who he was. The date of that call was October 3, 2018. We remember the date without looking it up because it was a big birthday for Peter, which is why we were in London - to celebrate it. What a great birthday present it was to connect with Anthony.

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Shortly after that fateful call, we signed on to co-host the show. It didn’t take long for us to become so deeply involved that we were named Co-Executive Producers, and Peter has directed many of The RVers’ segments. For us, one of the most important aspects of the show is that it’s not a reality show. In the same vein as The RVers is educational, documentary-style, and authentic. It’s been gratifying for us that our videos help fellow RVers become more competent and confident. The RVers now allows us to take the skills we’ve developed on YouTube to a whole new level and reach a wider audience. With the show being a small independent production, the cast and crew are tightly knit. The primary hosts are Anthony, Tom & Cait Morton of Mortons on the Move and ourselves. They’re like family to us, and we love that we get to work and travel with such dear friends. We’re comfortable on camera in any combination of hosts, which we think is helping to make the show better and better each year. We’re aided in no small part by learning many new production techniques for television and adding lots of new high-end camera gear!

What are you most proud of in the last year? Both the evolution and success of The RVers. We’re thrilled by how well it’s doing and how it’s been received. Since we never worked in TV before, there was a big learning RVBLOGGER.COM

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curve for us, but Anthony has been a great mentor, along with Tom being generous about sharing his awesome cinematography skills. Over the past three seasons, we’ve learned enough about television production that we can clearly see the continual improvements as the seasons have progressed. We’re very proud of Season 3 and hope that our fellow RVers (and prospective RVers) love it, too.

Future Plans and How to Connect With John and Peter What’s on your bucket list? Spending more time RVing abroad. We’ve absolutely loved the international RV trips we’ve taken. All of the benefits of RVing in North America carry over - not living out of a suitcase as you J U LY 2 0 2 1

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travel, exploring remote places in comfort, and making food for ourselves instead of always eating out - but with fantastic new places to explore. We want to RV in as many countries where it’s “a thing” as we can. We’ve even been talking about RVing in Japan!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

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Geeking Out with the RVgeeks While the premiere 2021 Discovery Channel run of The RVers Season 3 recently completed airing, the show is still available on demand on Discovery GO. Other ways to watch the show in the U.S. include streaming it on demand on iTunes/ AppleTV, Amazon Video, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store, The show also airs at various times around the country on local PBS stations. All of these ways to watch the show are commercial-free, and include bonus content not aired on Discovery! The RVers also airs at various times around the U.S. on Fun Roads TV, and is available internationally on iTunes in English-speaking countries such as Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

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X-ray vision! That would really come in handy when working on our RV or even looking for an elusive tool, or part we know is hidden somewhere in the basement. In the meantime, we’ll have to rely on more mortal X-ray techniques, like our borescope.

What’s the best way for our viewers to connect with and learn from you?

The main place for information about everything we do related to RVing is our website and blog. Then there’s our YouTube Channel, Instagram, and the website for The RVers. Of course, if someone owns an RV park (or sees an RV park website that’s sorely in need of a makeover), RVgeeks Website Design is the place to go. RVBLOGGER.COM

Prefer DVDs for off-grid watching? Check out The RVers online shop. If you’d like a little more information about each episode, check out the episode guide.

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Changing your perspective on life can be a scary endeavor. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging the core ideas on how you live your life, and possibly self-imposed guilt of letting loved ones down by not living up to their expectations. When you read about pursuing the full-time RV lifestyle, there aren’t too many who talk about

these issues because they’re too personal. Yet, the RVgeeks did it and beat cancer. Today, they run a successful business, are internet influencers in the RV World, and are on a successful TV show. They do all this from their dream luxury Class A motorhome. The best part; John and Peter are happy, healthy, and relatively stress-free compared to their former lives.

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Zion West Rim Trail backpacking 01. NZ Peter bungee jump 02. Xscapers 2019 Battery seminar 03. Mortons New Zealand

When the RVgeeks put their foot on their Fleetwood Bounder’s gas pedal, starting their new fulltime RV lifestyle, they began their new life living by their own rules. They overcame the challenging obstacles and had adventures they would never have dreamed up when they first started. It was all completed within a home on wheels.

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RVS AND TRAVEL TRAILERS BY BRIAN NEWMAN

RVBLOGGER.COM

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he most expensive part of RVing is the monthly payment if you’re financing your RV. The second most expensive cost is fuel. To help you reduce your gas bill, we’re going to show you the most fuel-efficient coaches in every RV category. We’ll show you how towable building techniques assist in reducing fuel costs. Some motorhomes do better with gas than their contemporaries. You’ll also learn about what’s going on with the fuel industry that’s making gas prices so high and why there are shortages in some areas.

The Gas is There, But There’s a Distribution Problem 2021 is shaping up to be another challenging camping year. Buyers of new RVs deal with 4-month manufacturer backlogs, and campgrounds are booking up weeks in advance. But another issue has to do with fuel. Fuel prices are at shortage prices when oil companies are producing at normal levels. Check AAA for today's per gallon fuel price nationally and per state. According to some major

“A significant point of interest, besides weight, is the sidewalls themselves.” media sources, this shortage is a by-product of the 2020 Global Shutdown. When the U.S. shut down due to stay-at-home mandates and other restrictions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, certified tanker truck drivers moved on to different types of transportation jobs to make ends meet since gas wasn’t flowing. As the economy opened up, most didn’t return to fuel distribution. As a result, the distribution of gas and diesel to consumer-level gas stations became a problem.

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2021 Forest River-Grey Wolf V2184 6704209R59199

Trucking companies that transport fuel are doing their best to hire new drivers, but the process is slow. Once a driver has their commercial driver’s license, they must then train to obtain the proper hazardous materials certification (HAZMAT), which can take weeks. Qualified candidates for HAZMAT training must have clean backgrounds and other prerequisites to begin training. Experts predict that fuel prices will continue to stay high throughout the summer of 2021, and gas shortages will occur. The hardest-hit areas most likely will

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be vacation destinations. In other words, the fuel is there, but there aren’t enough truck drivers to keep gas stations supplied. For those living the RV lifestyle, gas and diesel are the lifeblood of our community. If you’re in the market for a new or used RV, there are plenty of motorhomes and travel trailers out there that are more fuel-efficient than others.

Laminated Sidewall Panels Vs Conventional

Sidewalls: Which Travel Trailer is More FuelEfficient? If you’re a friend of RVBlogger, you’ve read about many lightweight and ultra-lite travel trailers and motorhomes on our blog. There’s also a difference in the building methods used for travel trailers and fifth wheels. For a complete discussion on comparisons, read our article on laminated sidewalls versus conventional building methods.

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A significant point of interest, besides weight, is the sidewalls themselves. RVs with laminated fiberglass sidewalls have flat panels. Aluminum-framed coaches use these side panels. The exterior wall, interior support (many use Azdel), rigid foam insulation, and aluminum framing are pressure sealed together during construction. After that, the whole one-piece wall, with its various parts, is laminated on all sides to protect them from contamination. In a conventional travel trailer, treated 2 x 4 beams make up

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the wood frame. Corrugated aluminum slats make up the outer skin, and rolls of fiberglass batt are the primary insulation. Forest River’s Grey Wolf Black Label has an option where you can hybridize the coach’s building method. It’s a conventional frame and insulation, but you can choose laminated sidewalls instead of corrugated aluminum. When you’re traveling, the flat sidewall panels are more fuelefficient than the corrugated aluminum because the aluminum creates more drag. As you drive,

the air has to fill into every nook and cranny of the slats. If you were to roll the aluminum into flat sheets, you would see how the surface area doubles in size. The aerodynamic difference of corrugated aluminum versus the flat laminated sidewalls isn’t big enough to measure in a one-mile test. However, if you and a friend were to travel to the same destination, using the same route, with evenly matched travel trailers, and the exact tow vehicle, you would notice a difference in your fuel economies. The one J U LY 2 0 2 1

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towing the laminated travel trailer would experience better gas mileage than the conventional travel trailer.

The Best RVs and Camper Trailers for Fuel-Efficiency When people think of RVs that impact fuel efficiency the least, the first thought always points to the teardrop category. In most cases, this is true. That’s why we’re going to show you the best fuel-efficient RVs in every

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Droplet Trailer

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•LENGTH: 13 FEET/ CABIN LENGTH: 8 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 950 POUNDS •AXLE WEIGHT: 1,400 POUNDS •SLEEP: 2 •TOW VEHICLE: MAZDA CX5- 2,000 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 25 CITY / 31 HWY

category and significant subcategories. When we researched these RVs, our focus was to balance fuel efficiency and overall comfort. You can have fuel efficiency, comfort, and an active outdoor adventure. For the towables, we’ll match up the coach with a tow vehicle with the best miles per gallon in its class that can tow or haul the trailer based on its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). You’ll see examples of motorhomes that stretch the most miles out of

their fuel tanks in the drivable categories. One thing you can’t avoid is one of the basic tenets of RVing: the heavier the RV, the more fuel is consumed to move it. Droplet Trailer The Droplet Trailer was the brainchild of 20-year engineering veteran Pascal Pillon. When he decided to leave the #TentLife, he couldn’t find a comfortable camper for his over 6-foot frame. Like many RV innovators, he decided to build a teardrop trailer that gave him some travel trailer amenities, kept to the overall RVBLOGGER.COM

essential basic lifestyle, but was light enough to tow with his midsize car. The Q1 Droplet Trailer has a dry weight of less than 1,000 pounds. The aluminum composite flat sidewalls skin a conventional wood frame. Customers can choose to keep the steel chassis or upgrade to the lighter aluminum version. Pillon installs a 2.6-gallon fresh water tank, extra-wide doors on both sides, and a six-inch mattress, making it easy to transfer in and out of the sleeping space.

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His innovations continue with a removable 500-watt battery pack and an optional cheststyle refrigerator. Combine that with the additional 150-watt solar panel, and you’re ready to enjoy on or off-grid camping. After partnering with a mobilitychallenged organization, Pillon learned the full potential of his

teardrop camper, discovering that it’s a wheelchair-friendly RV. Ranger 10 by ALiner ALiner is one of the top names in hardshell A-frame pop-up campers. Surprisingly, the heaviest pop-ups are softshells. The Ranger 10 is one of their ultra-lite models. While it’s J U LY 2 0 2 1

Ranger 10 by ALiner

heavier than the Scout-Lite, we thought the cost of 45 pounds was worth a built-in 2-burner stove and front roof dormer. The Ranger 10 comes in either a front kitchen or bunk floorplan. The bunk layout adds two twin bunk beds in the front cap and moves the kitchenette to the mid-

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coach. With the extra headspace the dormer allows, sleeping a family of four won’t be a problem. The convertible rear dinette gives adult sleepers plenty of space to rest well in this rigid foam insulated pop-up. The aerodynamics of the camper use flat laminated sidewalls, and

the RV rides low to the ground. Couples using the new Ford Bronco with the 4-cylinder engine will want to pack smartly to avoid max weight concerns. To use less fuel when towing, especially when traveling with a family, we’d recommend the V6 Bronco or something similar.

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Ranger 10 by ALiner

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•LENGTH: 12.8 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 1,225 POUNDS •GVWR: 3,000 POUNDS •SLEEP: 2-4 •TOW VEHICLE: FORD BRONCO- 3,5004,000 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 2.3L I4- 20 CITY / 22 HWY OR 2.7L V6- 18 CITY / 20 HWY

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Scout Campers Olympic Truck Camper

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•LENGTH: 10.6 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 1,161 POUNDS •GVWR: 1,712 POUNDS •SLEEP: 4-6 •HAUL VEHICLE: CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT 2.7L 4WD DOUBLE CAB- 2,080 LBS. •HAUL VEHICLE MPG: 19 CITY / 22 HWY

Scout Campers Olympic Truck Camper

Scout Campers Olympic Truck Camper The Scout Camper Olympic may have a dry weight for a quarterton truck, but you’ll need the wheelbase and dimensions of a half-ton pickup truck bed. The Olympic fits well in a regular (6.5-foot) or a short bed (5.5-foot). Hybrid pickups barely have the hauling capacity needed to carry this fuel-efficient truck camper safely, but it will match well with

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the upcoming all-electric trucks coming out in the next few years. Check out our feature article in our June edition of the RVBlogger Magazine on EV trucks. The Olympic’s aerodynamic gelcoat fiberglass paneling keeps the truck camper light and minimizes air turbulence as you travel. The overall weight won’t hinder your gas mileage too much while you’re climbing that mountain

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amenities of a travel trailer, but the sleeping spaces use popup tent material that folds out (instead of slide-out). These coaches either come with two or three foldouts.

If you have guests joining you, the pop-up roof loft sleeps two adults and a child while you enjoy the 54 x 80-inch main bed. The camper comes with a fresh and grey tank, but a Dometic 2.6 cassette commode is available through the company. Currently, the Olympic is in production, but there is a waiting list like the rest of the industry. You can reserve yours with a $500 deposit and customize yours with the features you want.

Of the few models that are still in production, the Jay Feather X17Z is a great fuel-saving option. The laminated shell, fold-out beds, and overall weight are full-size SUV-friendly in many ways. As a low-rider, it minimizes air from lifting the RV from the ground, making the coach more stable to tow. You’ll spend less fuel on towing issues than traditional trailers that ride higher.

Jayco Jay Feather X17Z Hybrid Trailer Hybrid RVs entered the industry around the turn of the Millenium. The sub-category of travel trailers was one of the many solutions designers created to solve the space versus weight problem. The central area has all of the

The X17Z comes with all of the best features Jayco has to offer. The beds hold over 1,000 pounds, so you won’t have to worry about adult sleepers and their gear. If you enjoy early spring or late fall camping, you’ll enjoy the optional heated mattresses that plug into the 30-amp electric service. Weather issues won’t be much of

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a problem with the DuraTek tent material that’s water and scratchresistant. When you pull into your campsite in the rain, you’ll love the fact that you can run into the RV without having to crank up the roof like you used to with your previous pop-up.

Jayco Jay Feather X17Z Hybrid Trailer

or making that long trek to your destination. The standard 175watt solar panel recharges the removable Goal Zero Yeti 1500X solar generator, saving you fuel on a gas generator.

•LENGTH: 18.9 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 3,400 POUNDS •GVWR: 4,175 POUNDS •SLEEP: 6-8 •TOW VEHICLE: KIA SORENTO 3.3L S AWD- 5,000 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 18 CITY / 24 HWY

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Forest River R-Pod RP-193 Yes, hybrid SUVs can tow travel trailers. The gas engine is the same as the conventional Ford Explorer. Once you reach cruising speed in a towing scenario, the electric motor kicks in, maintaining your speed on the highway. The gas engine will be utilized more often for acceleration since there’s more weight to move. While cruising, the gas engine may turn on for a bit to recharge the battery. The R-Pod is one of Forest River’s best sellers in the small travel trailer category. Its ultra-lite weight makes it about 1,000 pounds lighter than the heaviest

pop-up camper (Flagstaff HW29SC), and the coach is very spacious for a 23-foot RV. A significant portion has to do with the aluminum frame and laminated sidewalls. The slideout opens up the front space giving a lot of room to walk around. The murphy bed up front maximizes seating during the day and offers parents a comfortable queen-size bed at night. Kids will enjoy having their own twin-size bunks. The space-saving features allow for a full galley-style kitchen and dry bathroom. The built-in central vacuum opens up storage space since you won’t need to bring your device.

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Forest River R-Pod RP-193

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•LENGTH: 22.11 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 3,654 POUNDS •GVWR: 4,835 POUNDS •SLEEP: 5-6 •TOW VEHICLE: FORD EXPLORER 3.3L V6 HYBRID 4WD- 5,300 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 23 CITY / 26 HWY

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“The R-Pod is one of Forest River’s best sellers in the small travel trailer category.”

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KZ Sportsmen Classic 180TH

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•LENGTH: 21.8 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 3,280 POUNDS •GVWR: 5,000 POUNDS •SLEEP: 3-4 •TOW VEHICLE: JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SRT 6.4L V8 QUADRATRAC- 7,200 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 19 CITY / 26 HWY

KZ Sportsmen Classic 180TH Toy hauler RVs and gas go hand-in-hand, especially if you’re bringing an ATV or other motorized toy with you. Generally, this sub-class of the travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome is heavier than its counterparts due to the heavy-duty reinforcements needed to carry the extra weight. KZ’s Sportsmen Classic series

is known for its lightweight and versatility. You’ll see floorplans that branch into the teardrop realm, hybrid trailer, murphy bed, non-permanent bed style, traditional couple coaches, and family-friendly bunk bed layouts. The 180TH is a conventional build toy hauler with a 9-foot garage. What you lose in outer skin aerodynamics, you make up in structural weight, garage length, and other interior features. J U LY 2 0 2 1

KZ Sportsmen Classic 180TH

The front three-quarter size queen bunks sleep four people, and the rear flip-out sofa adds space for one or two more. The water closet separates the commode and shower, so you have plenty of room to wash the day’s adventure off. The kitchen appliances and counter allow you to prepare hearty meals for everyone with you. You can make big plans with this small toy hauler.

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Escape Trailer 5.0 Fiberglass Fifth Wheel Since the late 1960s, fiberglass travel trailers have traveled the American and Canadian highways. These dye-cast doublehulled “eggs on wheels” were the original ultra-lite travel trailers at the dawn of the Classic Era (19711989). Due to their shapes and construction, they slip through the wind and give RVers some of the best fuel efficiencies. Have you ever imagined pulling a fifth wheel with a quarter-ton truck? The Escape 5.0 is a dye-cast fiberglass fifth wheel that weighs under 4,000 pounds. Even when

it’s loaded up, a Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, or Chevrolet Colorado can connect this RV’s kingpin in the bed hitch. The 15inch tires and torsion axles make the coach another low-rider. You’ll enjoy the front 8-inch mattress, rear U-shaped dinette, and complete door side kitchen. The wet bath, opposite the kitchen, draws from the 30-gallon fresh water tank, using the 28-gallon grey and 28-gallon black tanks. The many standard and optional features dress the fifth wheel up, allowing you to live the RV lifestyle as luxurious as you want.

Escape Trailer 5.0 Fiberglass Fifth Wheel

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•LENGTH: 21.2 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 3,910 POUNDS •GVWR: 5,500 POUNDS •SLEEP: 4 •TOW VEHICLE: NISSAN FRONTIER KING CAB 3.8L V6- 6,720 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 17 CITY / 23 HWY

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“The Cougar Half-Ton is one of their best-selling mid-profile fifth wheel series due to their balance of weight, aesthetics, and plethora of features.”

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•LENGTH: 26.10 FEET •DRY WEIGHT: 7,107 POUNDS •GVWR: 10,000 POUNDS •SLEEP: 6 •TOW VEHICLE: DODGE RAM 1500 3.0L V6 QUAD CAB 2WD12,560 LBS. •TOW VEHICLE MPG: 22 CITY / 32 HWY

Keystone Cougar HalfTon 23MLS Fifth Wheel Since 1996, Keystone has made its reputation as the light and ultra-lite brand in the RV World. The Cougar Half-Ton is one of their best-selling mid-profile fifth wheel series due to their balance of weight, aesthetics, and plethora of features. Generally, when towing a mid-profile fiver, it’s always better to use a 250/2500 series truck. Yet the Cougar Halfton has a GVWR that allows for a half-ton pickup with a heavy-duty tow package. When towing the Cougar HalfTon, the laminated sidewalls, aerodynamic front cap, and low riding suspension will aid in keeping your fuel expenditure as low as possible when you compare it to many other midprofile fifth wheels. Also, look into a quality fifth wheel hitch that reduces the bucking and chucking. It will reduce the extra effort your engine will have to use

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to get the RV rolling. The 23MLS is a rear kitchen floor plan that has two slideouts. The refrigerator and sofa sit on the main slide, adding space in the central area. The dinette can be swapped out for a freestanding table and chairs if you prefer. Keystone solves the closet storage space and bed walkaround problem by putting a long closet on a slideout in the bedroom. There are also wardrobe closets and nightstands on each side of the queen-size bed, making this RV perfect for couples. RVBlogger Tip on Heavy Duty Tow Packages: Truck manufacturers produce a small percentage of pickups with heavy tow packages. When they do, they add it to the trucks with the strongest V8 engines. If you want a V6 with a heavy tow package, you may end up special ordering it.

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RV CAMPING Sportsmobile Class B Campervan Sportsmobile is one of the few companies in the U.S. that’s kept the candle burning on Class B campervans since 1961. Before the Modern Era’s (2008- present) popularity, the company continued evolving Class B RVs throughout the late 20th century. Today’s Sportsmobile Campervans are still custom vehicles. Of the 3 popular van chassis, the Ford Transit or the Ram Promaster, the Mercedes Sprinter has the best MPG. The Sprinter comes in either a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel or a 3.0L V6 in either gas or diesel. The company prefers the V6, but customers can choose the 2.0L diesel for fuel savings. Not all standard floorplan options are available for the reduced torque, but there are still enough to make it appealing. The 4-cylinder engine restricts buyers to the regular length body and doesn’t allow for the pop-top loft. The floorplans focus on what’s most important

“Of the 3 popular van chassis, the Ford Transit or the Ram Promaster, the Mercedes Sprinter has the best MPG. ”

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Sportsmobile Class B Campervan

to you and what you’re willing to sacrifice. You can choose the size of the sleeping space, kitchen, bathroom, and seating, but you must be ready to minimize one or two of them to make everything fit.

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•LENGTH: 10.25 FEET •CHASSIS: MERCEDES SPRINTER •FRAME CONFIGURATION: REGULAR BODY, LOW ROOF •ENGINE: 2.0L 4-CYLINDER GAS188 HP @ 258 LB./ FT. TORQUE •SLEEP: 2 •MPG: 18 CITY/ 21 HIGHWAY (WITH RV FEATURES BUILT-IN)

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Winnebago Ekko 22 A Class C Ever since Winnebago rebranded itself after the 2008 Financial Crisis, the RV media and experts have maintained their caffeine levels, trying to keep pace with the legendary RV brand. The next evolution in their Class C category is the Ekko. The RV could fall under the B plus category because it doesn’t

have the sleeper loft above the driver’s area, but the enormous square coach section and other features peg it as a Class C RV with a nose job. The Ford Transit 350 all-wheeldrive chassis adds an off-road element to the coach and a fuel efficiency higher than a Class C should have. Like most of Winnie’s campervans, it’s a J U LY 2 0 2 1

Polydrop P17A Teardrop

four-seater with a multipurpose table. The bathroom has a moveable wall creating a wet bath where the commode doesn’t get in the way of your shower. Move the wall one way; you have your commode and sink. Pull the wall another way; you have your shower space. The rear dual twin beds have a bridge to make it a king. The

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Winnebago Ekko 22 A Class C

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•LENGTH:23.2 FEET •CHASSIS: FORD TRANSIT 350 AWD •ENGINE: FORD 3.5L V6 ECOBOOST- 310 HP @ 400 LB./FT. TORQUE •SLEEP: 4 •MPG: 14 CITY / 19 HIGHWAY

long shirt closets exist under the twin beds. Since it’s an elevated bed space, the designers maximized the under space. The outdoor storage bay rivals the storage bays of other full-profile fifth wheels. It has bay doors on both sides and the rear. There are modified pegboards and other storage devices to keep your gear from sliding around.

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The Truth About Gas and Diesel Class A Motorhomes Most people don’t equate Class A RVs with fuel efficiency. When you compare them to the Toyota Prius, Class A motorhomes can look like factory smokestacks. Yet a comparison like that is comparing an apple to kale. Even though

apples and kale are both planttype foods, their differences far outweigh their similarities. The average gas Class A motorhome has a fuel tank of 80 gallons and has a fuel efficiency between 6-10 miles per gallon. Today’s gassers use Ford’s 7.3L V8 Godzilla engine. It cranks out 430 horsepower and 475 foot/pounds of torque. Gassers need this type of J U LY 2 0 2 1

Scout Campers Olympic Truck Camper

power to move the weight. Diesel Class A RVs have fuel tanks from 100-200 gallons and get between 9-12 MPG. The Cummins engines are inline 6-cylinder engines with turbos. Newer diesel motorhomes now have a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank that the law requires. Before being released through the tailpipe, a sprayer adds the fluid to the exhaust breaking

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About the Author “the RV World will see a transition of EV trucks and SUVs towing travel trailers.” it down. The nitrogen-oxide (the harmful chemical) turns into harmless water before exposed to the open air.

What’s on the Horizon? If you read our article last month on Electric Trucks, you know that in the next few years, the RV World will see a transition of EV

Winnebago Ekko 22 A Class C

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 full-time 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.

trucks and SUVs towing travel trailers. Consumers may start to see Class E motorhomes on RV dealership lots. Currently, RV sales have increased in smaller, more fuel-efficient travel trailers and motorhomes in the younger and family consumer segments. The full profile fifth wheel and Class A RV segment is still selling well with full-timers and empty nesters. RVBLOGGER.COM

Make sure you keep up with the latest news and trends with RVBlogger through our magazine, website, YouTube channel, and many social media groups. Don’t forget to check out our many reviews on our website for the best RVs, RV rentals, campgrounds, and other moneysaving ways to start or continue your RV adventures.

HOT, STICKY & SWEATY IN YOUR RV? YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE. You have boondocked, guest-docked, or lot-docked on hot, humid nights. And before now, to stay cool, you needed a big, noisy gas generator (that kept you awake all night) to reliably activate your RV’s A/C units. Those days (and nights) are over! Now, you can start up your RV air conditioning easily, consistently and quietly with a SoftStartRV™ soft starter! Typically, a 2200-2500 series gas generator puts out 2.2-2.5 kilowatts of power and runs small and medium-sized appliances like dorm-style refrigerators, coffee makers, and small microwaves. With the SoftStartRV A/C power management system, you can use small gas generators like the Honda 2200i to power an RV’s A/C unit when you directly plug in your travel trailer.

Will SoftStartRV run my RV A/C on low power? Yes. A SoftStartRV high-performance soft starter powers up all RV A/Cs with smaller gensets – meaning less cost and less weight for your RV travels.

Key SoftStartRV advantages: • Start two A/Cs* on one 30-amp hook-up • Start one A/C with a small generator • Start your A/C on a 20-amp house circuit • Start your A/C with an onboard inverter * Requires one SoftStartRV unit per air conditioner.

The SoftStartRV is a smart, effective, lightweight, low-cost solution that keeps you cool and reduces the “clunking” compressor start-up noise. Its energy management technology reduces air conditioner start-up power demands by an amazing 70%. Since your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) is always an issue, the SoftStartRV measures 6”x3”x3” and only weighs 2 pounds.

The best SoftStartRV features based on customer reviews • Starts RV A/Cs with a small generator (2200 series generators) • “Best In Industry” warranty included in the price • Small and light, barely affecting your CCC • FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the USA & Canada • Complete installation kit with all needed parts to fully integrate the product • Free online installation videos, guides and directions • LIVE tech support, real-time installation, and tech install ticket support • LED status lights: start, run, and fault • Built-In start capacitor • Waterproof case

Can I use SoftStartRV on my Motorhome or Travel Trailer?

huge energy spike required to activate the compressor.

may see a reduction in your A/C power shedding too.

The SoftStartRV works on any rooftop RV air conditioner. You could have a teardrop camper with a single 11,000 BTU air conditioner, a luxury Class A diesel motorhome with three 15,000 BTU A/C units, or anything in-between. The SoftStartRV power management system makes cooling your coach easy, allowing you to run more appliances.

Typical 13.5 or 15K BTU RV air conditioners can jump to 52 amps at activation. The massive amount of power is like flooring your gas pedal on your motorhome. Doing this to the A/C snaps the compressor awake, kick starts the fan and other A/C components. That’s why you hear “thumps” and feel the trailer “shake” when the unit starts.

The SoftStartRV comes with a RiskFree 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee of Satisfaction. It also comes with a 1-year Manufacturer’s Warranty.

Why RV Air Conditioners Need So Much Power Mike Sokol of RVelectricity.com, a long-time electric specialist in the RV world, compared a typical RV air conditioner start-up to an A/C unit with the SoftStartRV. He proved that the product drastically reduces the

By registering your SoftStartRV product online, the warranty can be extended for an additional year. The second year of warranty protection gives you the same manufacturer’s warranty protection during the first year.

With SoftStartRV, the power management technology gradually increases power, peaking around 24 amps. Then the compressor wakes up gently, the fan activates at its mid-cycle amperage, ultimately reducing power usage up to 65-70%. You

Learn more about the SoftStartRV and other exclusive offers today by clicking this link: softstartrv.com/rvcamper

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Economy

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Simple Steps TO IMPROVE RV FUEL ECONOMY BY MARK POLK

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everal years ago, when fuel prices were on the rise, I researched and wrote a short article discussing different ways to improve RV fuel economy. It does not matter if you are towing a travel trailer, 5th wheel trailer, or driving a motorhome; we all know and agree there is room for improvement when it comes to fuel economy. The topics I discussed years ago still apply, but I want to expand on that discussion. So, with no further ado here are some simple steps to improve RV fuel economy.

RV 101 Tip:

Every time I change the motorhome’s engine oil, I inspect the air filter and if it is dirty, I replace it. During my research I found results that say a dirty or clogged air filter reduces fuel efficiency by 1 to 2-percent, and other studies stated as high as 14 percent. The bottom line is that engine’s need clean air to operate properly. Checking your engine’s

TIRE MANUFACTURERS PUBLISH LOAD AND INFLATION TABLES FOR CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE BASED ON LOADS.

01.

02. air filter is easy to do, so whether it reduces fuel efficiency by 2 or 14-percent I say inspect it and replace it if it is dirty. This applies to all vehicles. In another study, I read that checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendation can increase fuel economy by 3-percent. Running the proper tire pressure also helps prevent premature tire wear and tire failure caused by under-inflated tires. It is J U LY 2 0 2 1

01. Dirty air filter 02. Adjusting MH tire pressure

important to understand tires can look normal when they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air pressure gauge and check your tires when they are cold, before traveling more than one mile. Another interesting discovery was for each 5mph you travel over 60mph it is equivalent to paying 10-cents more per gallon at the pump. So, if you are traveling down the Interstate at 70 mph add 20-cents to the price on the

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“The bottom line is that engine’s need clean air to operate properly.”

03.

04. pump! The EPA uses figures comparable to this, but there are lots of variables involved. You need to consider the size and weight of the vehicle, the terrain you are traveling in, and the speed you are traveling. But it is probably safe to say the faster you drive over 60 miles per hour the more it will cost you in fuel. Keeping any vehicle in top running condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy, and it is said poor

emissions, or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40-percent reduction in fuel economy. That is a major reduction! Following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance schedules will save fuel. (pic 3 change oil soon here) Changing oil and using synthetic oil increases fuel economy. I tested this theory on our Jeep Wrangler JL. The average fuel economy prior to changing the oil RVBLOGGER.COM

03. Change oil soon message. 04.Speedometer 60 mph

was 22.8 mph. After the synthetic oil change, and driving far enough to get reliable information, the average fuel economy increased to 23.5 mph. That is a 3% increase, but you need to consider fresh oil alone lubricates better which contributes to increased fuel economy. Adding weight that you do not need reduces fuel economy significantly. I always tell RV owners to only take the amount of fresh water they need to get to their destination. I also tell them if there is something in the RV, they have not used in the last 6 months take it out, because you probably don’t need it. Anything you can do to decrease weight is helpful. The lighter the RV is the better.

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“The lighter the RV is the better.” When you drive at a constant speed in overdrive the engine’s RPMs are lowered. This results in an increase in fuel efficiency. But if you are driving in an area where the transmission keeps shifting in and out of overdrive its best not to use overdrive or cruise control. Read your owner’s manual for information about tow/haul mode and proper transmission shifting. Motorhomes are big and heavy, and towing combinations are big and heavy so reduced fuel economy is a given. But following a few simple steps can help improve our fuel economy.

About the Author

RV expert Mark Polk coowns and operates RV Education 101, an RV video and information company that produces and sells RV online video and e-book training courses. Since 1999, RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners on how to safely and properly use and maintain their RVs.

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n 2019, we pursued what seemed like a crazy idea: visiting all 103 state parks in Michigan during the park system’s centennial year and documenting our visits to share publicly. Michigan is not a small state, with two peninsulas to traverse. We knew it would be a lot of work, but it could be a lot of fun, too.

103 STATE PARKS IN 10 MONTHS:

We created a plan and even landed an RV manufacturer as a sponsor to help offset some travel expenses. But then that deal fell through when the company ran into severe financial difficulty. At that point, we had already created and announced a YouTube channel (Trekers) and Instagram account (@trekersorg); plus, we had been talking about the surprise announcement on our website (trekers.org). We decided to commit to the project and push ahead anyway. Now, when we receive comments from viewers on YouTube or visitors to our blog about how we have helped them plan a trip, we know it was all worth it.

Crazy or Committed? BY ARI AND JESSI ADLER | TREKERS.ORG

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MICHIGAN STATE PARKS HISTORY The state established the park system in 1919 with the creation of the Michigan State Parks Commission. The state acquired most early parkland through donations of private individuals and has continued to add acreage over the years to expand the size and number of parks. Today, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources oversees the parks. According to the DNR, Michigan’s population exploded in the 1900s, coinciding with the growth of the automobile industry. Henry Ford made the automobile affordable for “everyman,” and the need for a state-level system of public recreational areas became apparent. Urbanites could now drive to the country and lakeshores, but few public destinations existed to enjoy these settings.

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“That’s right; we visited all 103 state parks in Michigan in just 10 months.” Many people don’t realize there are Michigan state parks open for camping year-round. At Tahquamenon Falls, camping in the winter requires additional planning and a few extra layers of clothing, but the crowds and the mosquitoes are non-existent! In all seriousness, it is a magical place to see when the waterfalls are freezing over, and you can snowshoe to areas of the forest not usually accessible by hiking trails. If you alert the DNR with a campsite reservation, they’ll even plow your site and make sure it’s accessible and relatively level.

The state’s first park superintendent, P.J. Hoffmaster, lamented about the need back when the system was still in its infancy.

crisscrossing the state of Michigan in our Class B RV, a 2008 Roadtrek 190 Popular 4x4. We visited the 103rd park on our list in late October.

“The appearance of ‘No Trespassing’ and ‘Private Property, Keep Out’ signs has been a growing one, all trending toward an approaching era of exclusion of the great mass of our residents and visitors from wonderful recreational advantages offered by the state,” Hoffmaster is quoted as saying. “Through this, if nothing else, has come the setting aside of tracts of land and water by the people for the use and enjoyment of all.”

That’s right; we visited all 103 state parks in Michigan in just 10 months. We encourage people across the country to visit every state park in Michigan, but we also caution them to pace themselves!

BEGINNING OUR ADVENTURE Starting in mid-January 2019, we spent nearly every weekend

We started our project during an annual winter camping trip to Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula in January. It’s a beautiful area with multiple waterfalls and great hiking trails, plus it’s near Whitefish Point on Lake Superior. (Cue the song, “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”)

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Michigan-StateParks-Map

After visiting Tahquamenon Falls, we planned to head home and pack up for the road, intending to travel full time throughout the year in a strategic, mileage-efficient, mapped-out route. But working remotely turned out not to be an option for Jessi at the time as we had hoped. So, we completed the project by heading out from our house near Lansing in mid-Michigan on Fridays after work, often not returning until late on Sunday nights. The only exceptions were when we took two weeks off in September to travel the entire Upper Peninsula and a few three-day weekends sprinkled throughout the year. We put a lot more miles on the Roadtrek than anticipated and chose our destinations based on weather and proximity to family events we already had to attend.

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About 75 percent of Michigan’s state parks offer camping, and we stayed at as many as we could, given the time constraints. We also found our timing was off for several popular state parks where getting a campsite during the busy season requires booking several months in advance.

That’s tough when you’re shooting videos along the way, and we have several bloopers with one of us saying the wrong park or stopping to ask which park we’re in! It would have been nice to spend more time at many of the parks because each one offers something unique.

we knew why it existed, who it was named for, or what had happened there in the past 100 years. Now it’s something we encourage others to do whenever they can. For example, our research helped us understand the importance of the only known petroglyphs in Michigan, which we found at Sanilac Petroglyphs State Park.

DOING OUR HOMEWORK Sometimes we camped at one park but visited a few others in the area over the same weekend because there was no other way to fit them all in. The busiest time was when we visited the parks in Southeast Michigan. Because many of them are so close together, we once ended up doing five parks in a single day.

Shooting and editing videos for the YouTube channel meant we also needed to do a lot of research. Jessi worked hard to determine the history of each park, and we think that’s what makes our videos and blog posts more interesting. Researching its history helped us connect with a place more because

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fountain at Belle Isle State Park Detroit

And at the Meridian-Baseline State Park, there are surveying medallions that marks the point from which all land surveys in Michigan originate. That may seem mundane, but every legal property description within the state is referenced starting from that point!

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People need to be better about being a tourist in their backyard. We have said that for years, and this project helped us prove why that can be a fascinating endeavor. It is how we learned a lot of state park property in Michigan remains undeveloped because it once belonged to lumber barons or auto magnates whose families ultimately donated the land. For example, there are 2,400 acres of woods for people to enjoy in one of the most heavily developed counties in Southeast Michigan because it used to be the weekend estate of Edsel Ford. And in northern Michigan, there are stands of original, old-growth forest that we can still enjoy today

because, ironically, they were preserved by lumber barons whose companies didn’t harvest them for one reason or another in the 1800s. Michigan is a beautiful state that offers something for everyone. It has metropolitan areas but also huge forests, tons of rivers and inland lakes, four of the five Great Lakes, fantastic beaches, and spectacular lighthouses. And the state parks reflect that environmental and geological diversity. We also cannot stress enough the importance of talking with locals, especially the camp hosts. They can provide terrific tips on lesser-known sites to see, which J U LY 2 0 2 1

lake of the clouds_ porcupine mountains wilderness state park

in Michigan include great hiking trails near beautiful rivers and remarkable waterfalls, as well as places to go kayaking or do some rockhounding. Of course, they also know where to find the best treats! At some point during the year, Ari started joking about us being on more of an ice cream tour than a state park tour because of how often Jessi made us stop at local ice cream stores.

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“Michigan is a beautiful state that offers something for everyone.” OUR FAVORITE PARK(S) Because we visited every state park in Michigan, we often are asked if we have a favorite. We do, but we also remind folks that it’s a very subjective question. The Upper Peninsula is fantastic for us because we prefer quieter, lessdeveloped areas. So, our favorite is Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the western U.P. We love exploring the many trails and waterfalls deep in the peaceful woods and enjoying the dark sky at night that is free from light pollution. But if you prefer places closer to metropolitan areas, you can find

those, too. And if you’re a history buff, many of Michigan’s state parks are a treasure trove. For example, Fayette Historic State Park and Fort Wilkins State Park both offer restored buildings from the 1800s that document the harsh way of life for those in the iron ore industry and those serving in the military at the time. Often, it’s what happens to you personally or maybe your family history that makes a park special for you. Jessi’s family often spent time on the beach at Hoffmaster State Park on Lake Michigan in the summer. That’s why returning there as an adult was special to her. We ran into numerous families during

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our trip who told us they chose a particular park because it was their “family’s park”. They often could share stories of camping there going back several generations. We ended up remembering Wilderness State Park more than some others because Jessi injured her foot there. And by our next stop -- at Petoskey State Park -- we realized her foot needed medical attention. So, Jessi remembers the local hospital more than the park itself!

our rig at campsite_ tahquamenon falls state park

That incident led to a different perspective on some of our videos because Jessi had to get around on crutches for a bit. We ended up looking at the next few parks based on the perspective of accessibility for people with disabilities. That experience opened our eyes to the

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RV CAMPING challenges some people face trying to visit Michigan’s state parks. It also highlighted what the state has done to help or how it could be doing more in some places.

Hiking at Pinckney Recreation Area

When we are persuaded to narrow down parks for folks to try out, we tend to do so based on their interests. If you’re into hiking and want to travel to the Upper Peninsula, we recommend Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This park boasts over 90 miles of trails on nearly 60,000 acres of land in historic lumber and copper-mining country. Plus, it sits on Lake Superior and has numerous inland lakes, including the stunning Lake of the Clouds.

Jessi not letting crutches stop her at Fishermans Island State Park

If you want to hike but are looking to stay in the Lower Peninsula, then Pinckney State Recreation Area is for you. This park has 40 miles of multi-use trails on 11,000 acres of land in southern lower Michigan. It’s also known for a chain of excellent fishing lakes. Want to spend an entire day on the beach? You really can’t go wrong with any of the state parks on Michigan’s west coast, like Grand Haven or Mears state parks. The white sandy beaches along Lake Michigan are a sun-seeker’s paradise. But Warren Dunes State Park has the bonus of giant sand

“If you’re into hiking and want to travel to the Upper Peninsula, we recommend Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.” J U LY 2 0 2 1

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dunes that you can climb up and run down before hitting the water. For families, Van Riper State Park in the Upper Peninsula offers a beach and waterfront along 1.5 miles of a large inland lake and 1.5 miles of frontage along a beautiful river. Plus, there’s a massive playground and a bicycle pump track. As a bonus, the area is known for moose sightings. If you are traveling as a family or with a group of friends that have varying interests, then check out Ludington State Park. You’ll soon see why it is the most popular

state park in Michigan based on attendance. The park is home to three campgrounds, sandy beaches, scenic sand dunes, an iconic lighthouse, wetlands, marshlands, and forests. The park is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan, with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes.

WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? With 103 parks to choose from, there is probably at least one where anyone can find something to enjoy. From Belle Isle State Park in Detroit to Kitch-iti-Kipi / Palms Book State Park in the Upper

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Tahquamenon Falls State Park in winter

Peninsula, you can find everything from urban settings to giant natural springs on undeveloped land. Bucket-list travel often is a motivation for folks with RVs, but keep in mind that those lists don’t have to involve trips across the country.

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“If you are traveling as a family or with a group of friends that have varying interests, then check out Ludington State Park.” We encourage you to start small and do what you can. Maybe you can’t afford the money or the time to visit all the national parks. But you can probably find a way to visit all the state parks in your home state, so start with that and see where it leads you!

About the Author Ari and Jessi Adler are public relations professionals who transitioned to remote work, bringing them one step closer to more extended travel in their Class B RV and their goal to hike, camp, and boldly go to all 50 states. SOCIAL/ONLINE CHANNELS www.trekers.org www.youtube.com/trekers www.instagram.com/trekersorg www.facebook.com/trekersorg

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RENOVATE YOUR RV

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RV RENO

boho-modern

farmhouse BY ASHLEY MANN

f you've been part of the RV community for a while, you may know that the last few years has seen a huge trend toward people renovating the interiors of trailers and motorhomes to update the usually brown, often dated factory-original interior to resemble a stylish modern home. One couple who has been part of this trend is Dan and Samantha Mathews, known on Instagram as @WeAreDanAndSam. Dan and Sam did their first RV makeover in 2019, when they turned their 2002 Jayco Jayflight travel trailer into a tiny home for themselves and their two young children. Even though they only ended up living in their camper for a few months due to a job change that required a move to a different state, the Mathews family has continued to live a minimalist lifestyle. Currently they live in a friend's 650-square foot "barndominium" guest house. Although they've since sold their travel trailer, Dan and Sam have remained active in the RV community. In 2020 they took on their first professional RV renovation project when a friend, impressed with the Jayco renovation, asked them

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“If you've been part of the RV community for a while, you may know that the last few years has seen a huge trend toward people renovating the interiors of trailers and motorhomes to update the usually brown, often dated factory-original interior to resemble a stylish modern home.” RVBLOGGER.COM

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RV CAMPING travel usually stash loose items into boxes or bins while the camper is in motion, and may use museum putty or acrylic mounting tape to stick decorative items to shelves, but the owners of this fifth wheel won't have to worry about items falling off shelves since they intend to keep their camper parked in one place. A particularly unique part of the renovation is the fireplace area, which Sam and Dan completely reimagined. Since their clients are avid readers and didn't want a TV in their living room, Dan built a decorative archway with shelving to take its place.

“Three months of hard work later, it had been completely transformed into a bright, boho-modern farmhouse-on-wheels.” to renovate a 2015 Keystone Summerland Series travel trailer to help it sell. The project for their friend was the official launch of Dan and Sam's RV renovation business, which includes remote RV renovation consultation services in addition to complete renovations. They recently completed their second client renovation, a 2015 Highland Open Range 319RLS. They purchased the fifth wheel in Missouri on behalf of their client, renovated it, and shipped it to their clients in Pennsylvania, who intend to live in it full time parked on a piece of land.

After Photo of Kitchen

When Dan and Sam first hauled the Open Range home to begin work on it, the interior had the typical brown cabinets with beige walls that have been the industry standard for decades. Three months of hard work later, it had been completely transformed into a bright, bohomodern farmhouse-on-wheels. To create a more open feel, Dan and Sam replaced many of the overhead cabinets with open shelving, a look that's currently popular among people renovating RV's. RVers with open shelving who J U LY 2 0 2 1

As part of the construction process, they removed the electric fireplace, a fortunate decision since they ended up uncovering some water damage that needed repair. They decided to go ahead and rebuild the fireplace housing to get rid of the empty space just above the fireplace. They replaced the faux stone with faux brick paneling, painted the whole thing, and finally added a "mantle" made from a pine board which Sam stained and distressed. In the dining area, they gave the RV's built-in table a makeover by refinishing the top and painting the base. They replaced the original dining chairs with a builtin storage bench and two woven chairs. The clients requested that the toilet be replaced with a Nature's Head composting toilet, a change that involved not only altering the existing plumbing, but also tearing

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into a bathroom wall to connect the composting toilet's ventilation system to the camper's plumbing vent pipe. The clients asked Dan and Sam to remove the entrance to the bathroom from the master bedroom, so in addition to adding a wall, they took the opportunity to add extra storage by creating an inset shelf. To make the bedroom feel more spacious, Dan and Sam removed the sliding closet doors and moved the built-in drawers from the right side of the closet to the center, creating "his" and "hers" sections within the closet. If the RV owners want to "hide" their clothes, they may choose to hang a curtain in place of the doors, but Sam prefers an open closet look because it encourages minimalism.

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Once the RV was prepped for painting, Dan sprayed the whole interior with Sherwin Williams Extreme Bond primer followed by Sherwin Williams Cashmere acrylic latex paint.

“If the RV owners want to "hide" their clothes, they may choose to hang a curtain in place of the doors.” RVBLOGGER.COM

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For flooring they chose Matrix brand luxury vinyl plank flooring in a color called "Toffee Elm", which they purchased at Home Depot. In the bathroom, Dan and Sam gave the shower a makeover by replacing the shower pan and installing waterproof vinyl wall tile and new fixtures. They also added a new porcelain sink and replaced the countertop with the same butcher block used in the kitchen. After adding finishing touches like white tab curtains, new light fixtures, and new cabinet hardware, the camper was finally ready for its cross-country trip to its new home. Check out the video below for a full tour of the renovated RV.

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About the Author Inspired by her experiences living in a fifth wheel full time, Ashley Mann started her website RVinspiration.com in 2017 as a place to share ideas for RV living, organization, and decor. She also runs a popular Instagram account featuring follower-submitted photos of RV makeovers, and last year she launched RenovatedRVsForSale.com, a marketplace website for buying and selling beautifully renovated trailers and motorhomes.

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NOTEWORTHY

NEWS

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THIS DEAL MAKES HARVEST HOSTS THE LARGEST PROVIDER OF UNIQUE RV CAMPING OPTIONS AROUND THE WORLD WITH MORE THAN 5,000 LOCATIONS IN ITS NETWORK

HARVEST HOSTS AQUIRES BOONDOCKERS WELCOME

NEWS PROVIDED BY HARVEST HOSTS

arvest Hosts, a membership program giving RVers access to unique RV camping options, announces today its acquisition of Boondockers Welcome, a community of RVers helping other RVers where hosts allow guests to stay overnight on their property for free. Built by RVers for RVers, the companies share a mission of giving travelers opportunities to make memories while camping in unforgettable locations. There are 2,900 hosts in the Boondockers Welcome network, and 2,420 in the Harvest Hosts network, for a combined 5,320 locations--with hundreds more being added each month. This news follows Harvest Hosts' 200% membership increase last year and comes at a critical moment as 61 million Americans plan to take an RV trip this year.

HARVEST HOSTS "Road travel exploded in 2020, and our goal at Harvest Hosts is to be the go-to source for amazing RV camping experiences," says Joel Holland, CEO of Harvest Hosts. "We have always been huge fans J U LY 2 0 2 1

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of what Marianne Edwards and Anna Maste have built with Boondockers Welcome, and we are excited to bring Boondockers Welcome into the Harvest Hosts family. While Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome members won't see or feel immediate changes, our future vision is to create bundled options that give members access to more than 5,000 locations through one simple platform. As a natural pairing, these two programs will create an even stronger network to help RVers enjoy road travel no matter where it takes them." Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts will continue to operate independently, with separate membership plans. Travelers can choose to be a member of one or both programs, and existing rates will remain unchanged. In the coming months, the companies will merge, allowing the company to

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invest in more product features and functions that enhance the experience for guests and hosts of both programs. "Over the last nine years, we have loved building Boondockers Welcome and becoming ingrained in the RV community. We are excited for the next step in our journey and look forward to seeing Boondockers Welcome become part of the Harvest Hosts family. Joel has grown the Harvest Hosts network by leaps and bounds, and we know that he and his team will grow Boondockers Welcome as well while staying true to its roots," says Boondockers Welcome cofounder Marianne Edwards.

"Over the last nine years, we have loved building Boondockers Welcome and becoming ingrained in the RV community."

Harvest Hosts has more than 2,400 host partners – including wineries, breweries, farms, museums, and more – across the United States and Canada where members can stay overnight as part of their membership. While the majority of Harvest Hosts locations are family-owned businesses, Boondockers Welcome is a network that connects individuals in the RV community and lists their properties as sites to host fellow RV travelers. There are more than 2,900 host locations in the Boondockers Welcome community across North America, and many offer electrical/water hookups.

ABOUT HARVEST HOSTS Harvest Hosts is a membership club for RVers offering unique overnight stays at more than 2,400 farms, wineries, breweries, distilleries, golf courses, museums and other scenic small businesses all over North America. The company's mission is to help people live happier lives through road travel, while supporting wonderful small businesses along the way. To learn more, visit: www.harvesthosts. com.

ABOUT BOONDOCKERS WELCOME Boondockers Welcome is a community of RVers helping other RVers by allowing guests to stay on their property for free. It provides a great way to meet other RVers and gives travelers the opportunity to stay with locals when traveling. The Boondockers Welcome network includes more than 2,900 locations. More information can be found at www.

boondockerswelcome.com.

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